Our course of lectures in this place closed Sunday evening, Oct. 2. We have labored with diligence and faithfulness, and have spared no pains to preach the truths of God’s word, which are specially addressed to this generation. We have found this a remarkably hard field of labor. Those who were interested at the camp-meeting, and who expressed so strong a desire to hear further on the present truth, have, with scarcely an exception, refrained from coming to our meetings, so much as one time. And it has been thus with the people of the country, who have never taken interest to come out at all. We have been therefore wholly dependent upon the village of Oneida for our congregation.133
Our success has been small. We do not know of but eight who have decided that they will begin now to keep the commandments of God. Quite a large number promise that they will do this hereafter. Some of these we hope will fulfill their promise. But the people who have heard, are, so far as we know, almost unanimous in acknowledging that we have proved our positions by the plain testimony of the Bible.
We took an expression of the congregation at the close of our last meeting, to know how many acknowledged the authority of the commandments, when nearly every one arose. When the congregation was asked to show, by rising, how many believed that the keeping of the seventh day was requisite to the observance of the fourth commandment, the larger part of the congregation arose. And when those were asked to arise who believed that Sunday observance would answer the claims of the commandment, only four arose.
During the meetings we were favored with a short visit from Bro. and Sr. White, who spoke to the people two evenings, which added considerably to the interest.
The Presbyterian minister preached against us twice; once on the immortality subject, and once in behalf of Sunday observance. These discourses were answered by us, we think to the satisfaction of nearly all present. We then tendered our stand to any of the ministers of the place to preach against what we have been presenting to the people. This offer we renewed from time to time, but it was never accepted.
Our congregation was larger at the close of our meetings than when we began our series of lectures. But we found what is generally true of thriving railroad towns, that the world holds the people of these places with such strong hands that few will break them and obey the truth.
J. N. ANDREWS,
W. H. LITTLEJOHN.
Oneida, N. Y., Oct. 3, 1870.
Contradictions Considered.
“SUBSCRIBER,” of Boston, wishes an explanation of the seeming contradictions in the following texts:
The first two of these texts speak of the number of Israel, one giving the whole number as eleven hundred thousand, the other as eight hundred thousand; one stating the number of Judah to be five hundred thousand, the other four hundred and seventy thousand. On this point Dr. Clarke remarks that there is more corruption in the numbers of the historical books of the Old Testament than in any other portion of the Bible; and such discrepancies as these must be attributed to the mistakes of transcribers.
The second texts refer to the purchase which David made of Araunah, one saying that he gave fifty shekels of silver for the threshing-floor and oxen, and the other saying that he gave for the place six hundred shekels of gold by weight. It must be supposed, in this instance, that the “place” included more than simply the “threshing-floor,” and hence called for a larger sum. See on this point “A question,” page 72, present volume of REVIEW.
The third pair of texts speak of the number of the horsemen taken by David from Hadadezer. One says seven hundred, the other seven thousand. Matthew Henry says it was customary to divide horsemen up into companies of ten; and he thinks these companies are referred to by the seven hundred, which would be seven thousand individuals, as stated in the other text. Otherwise, this discrepancy also must be placed to the charge of careless transcribers.
The fourth texts speak of the age of Jehoiachin when he began to reign. One says he was eight years old, and the other eighteen. The reading in Kings which gives his age as eighteen, is doubtless the correct one, as, after a reign of three months, this king was carried to Babylon, and there had wives, which could hardly be supposed even of one of the royal family, at the age of eight years. Clarke. Bagster. Mr. Bagster further says that the Syriac and Arabic have eighteen in 2 Chron. 36: 9, the same as in 2 Kings 24: 8. This shows that the reading in Chron. in our version is a corruption of the original text.
The last texts referred to speak of the age of Ahaziah when he began to reign. One says twenty-two, the other forty-two. This last is the reading in Chronicles, and is evidently incorrect, as it makes the son two years older than his father. See 2 Chron. 21: 20. According to Bagster, the Syriac, Arabic, one Hebrew Ms., and the Aldine copy of the LXX., read twenty-two in Chronicles, the same as in Kings. The copyist who first penned it forty-two, made a blunder which seems the least excusable of any that we find in these numerical records.
“Yea, thou castest off fear, and restrainest prayer before God.”
No one ever left off praying to God, and thus forsook the path of light, who did not first set aside the fear of God; first, he casts off fear, then restrains prayer. This is not at first intentional, nor willful; but as the cares and pleasures of life come in, the Spirit of God withdraws, and a carnal, worldly temper of mind sets in, until, by degrees, the fear of God is entirely set aside; then prayer is restrained.
It is a dreadful thing thus to cease to pray. But, bad as it is, every one who becomes lukewarm in the service of God, does first lay the foundation of his indifference by ceasing to pray. At least the spirit of prayer is lost, and only the form of prayer is left. And this state of things is caused by setting aside the fear of God. Not that any sober man would profanely deny the Lord, and at once discard his fear; but unwittingly, carelessly, he does this, in effect, by allowing the world to come in and engross his attention, to the greater or less neglect of divine things. This state of things proceeds from day to day, and from month to month, until he almost forgets God, or remembers his obligations to God with coldness and apathy; or perhaps with some regret, or, in time, with dislike.
He is generally passive in this. He has only to neglect to cultivate, assiduously, the fear of God, and Satan, and the world, and his corrupt propensities, will do the rest. Thus the fear of God being set aside, the strivings of God’s Spirit are resisted by refusing to hearken to its dictates. Thus prayer is restrained; for the Spirit of God first prompts the back-slider to prayer, as the only means of return to God. Thus we see that every back-slider, every apostate, has traveled unwittingly this strange path of contempt and ingratitude to God. This, being the work of Satan, is none the less work of the deceived victim, for the warning has been given, with no uncertain sound.
Jos. Clarke.
The Camp-meeting in Ohio.
By Jos. Clarke
EVERYTHING was favorable, the weather, and the roads; still only about one-half of our brethren attended who should have been present. Last year, nineteen tents were pitched upon the camp-ground; this year, only nine were pitched upon this place. We confess our backsliding and coldness; and it certainly is an aggravation of the case, that this year is one of much greater plenty than the last.
But, undeserving as we are, the Lord condescended to bless us, and the brethren, most of them, opened their hearts, and contributed liberally to the good cause.
Some eleven repaired to the water side, and put on Christ by baptism. It was an affecting scene, and all felt that the Lord was with his people in this sacred ceremony. Some of us felt more deeply than at any like previous occasion. Angels made their presence felt among us. It was a scene to be remembered always.
The testimony of Bro. and Sr. White, and that of Bro. Van Horn and Lane, was plain and powerful. Brethren, let us heed it. On Monday eve, Sr. White (by special invitation) addressed a large congregation in the Methodist meeting-house in Clyde. All was solemnity and attention. Much good must result from this meeting.
We hope our repentance was sincere and deep, and that it will be lasting. A general disposition to put away our sins, was manifested. Still our work is but partially done. May the Lord help us to be thorough.
It is a very marked favor of God that the equinoctial storm has been held back for this meeting. Although it was due about the time of this camp-meeting (from the 22d to the 25th of September), yet it was detained until all had time to get home safely; and yesterday it set in in good earnest. To-day (Sept. 30), it is raining almost constantly.
Many, no doubt, prayed for this. Such should now acknowledge the favor. It seems a blessing to be devoutly prayed for—good weather in time of camp-meeting. Let us always ask for, and expect, this great favor. But we greatly need, at such times, refreshing showers of divine grace; and we expect them, hope for, and pray for them.
Should God grant us another such opportunity, let us be prepared with plenty of tents of good, prepared duck, each family who can do this. Bro. Irwin Edgerton, of Strongsville, Cuyahoga Co., had one of the best material, 12x17, the cloth of which cost only $27.00 in Cleveland. He made it himself. I would advise brethren in this vicinity, who want a good tent, to employ this brother to buy the material in Cleveland for this purpose.
The year passes quickly by. Another camp-meeting season will soon come around. Let us be ready, in every respect, to receive a blessing.
Jos. CLARKE.
RULES FOR MOTHERS.
1. First give yourself, then your child, to God. It is not giving him his own.
2. Always prefer virtue to wealth—the honor that comes from God to the honor that comes from men. Do this for yourself; do it for your child.
3. Let your whole course be to raise your child to a high standard. Do not sink into childishness yourself.
4. Give not needless commands; but when you command, require prompt obedience.
5. Never indulge a child in cruelty, even to an insect.
6. Cultivate sympathy with your child in all lawful joys and sorrows.
7. Be sure you never correct your child until you know it deserves correction. Hear it first and fully.
8. The knowledge and fear of the Lord are the beginning of wisdom.
9. Never mortify the feelings of your child by upbraiding it with dullness; but do not inspire it with self-conceit.
10. Pray with and for your child often and heartily.
11. Encourage all attempts at self-improvement.
12. Never deceive, nor break a promise to a child.
RULES FOR HOME EDUCATION.
1. From your children's earliest infancy inculcate the necessity of instant obedience.
2. Unite firmness with gentleness. Let your children always understand that you mean exactly what you say.
3. Never promise them anything unless you are sure you can give them what you promise.
4. If you tell a child to do anything, tell him how to do it, and see that it is done.
5. Always punish your children for willfully disobeying134you, but never punish them when you are angry.
6. Never let them see that they can vex you, or make you lose your self-command.
7. Never smile at any of their actions of which you do not approve, even though they are somewhat amusing.
8. If they give way to fretfulness and temper, wait till they are calm, and then quietly reason with them on the impropriety of their conduct.
9. Remember that a little present punishment when the occasion arises, is much more effectual than the threatening of a much greater punishment should the fault be renewed.
10. Never give your children anything because they cry for it.
11. On no account allow them to do at one time what you have forbidden under the same circumstances at another.
12. Teach them that the only sure and easy way to appear good, is to be good.
13. Accustom them to make their little recitals the perfect truth.
14. Never allow of talebearing.
15. Teach them that self-denial, not self-indulgence, is the appointed and sure method of securing happiness.
16. Above all things instruct them from the word of God, taking Jesus for their example of patience, meekness, and love, teaching them to pray as they grow up as the only preservative against error, weakness, and sin.
Our Quarterly Meeting.
By N. M. Jordon
Our quarterly meeting in this place, held Oct. 1 and 2, was blessed of the Lord. There was quite a large attendance of the church. Bro. and Sr. Chase from Fall River, added much to the interest of the meeting by their presence, their testimonies, their prayers, and their singing. In our season of prayer, the brethren and sisters humbly asked the Lord for the blessing to rest upon the meeting. As the blessed influence of the Holy Spirit hovered around us, we felt the love of God in our hearts, and that our divine Master was in our midst, and that to bless.
After the season of prayer came the heart-cheering testimonies from those who were looking for the blessed hope, the glorious appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ. Unity and love seemed to pervade the meeting. The church was much encouraged and strengthened by this meeting, to persevere in the service of God.
In the afternoon of the Sabbath, we attended to the ordinances of the Lord’s house. It was good to be there. In the evening of first-day, we had a business session for the transaction of such business as pertained to this church. One brother was disfellowshiped for disorderly work. Thus closed a good meeting.
N. M. Jordon.
Columbia Co., Wis.
Preserve Integrity and Act on Principle
BASE all your actions upon the principle of right. Preserve your integrity of character, and never reckon the cost.
Report From Bro. St. John.
By H. A. St. John
Held twenty-one meetings altogether with the friends in Ridgeland, which had the effect to greatly strengthen believers, and leave a strong conviction in the minds of some, that we had the truth. Several gave assurance that they would obey. The last Sabbath meeting held here was indeed a good one. Some made a start for the first time to serve the Lord. Children and youth were deeply affected, and expressed a desire to be saved when Jesus comes. There are some here that are anxious for baptism. They have regular Sabbath meetings and Bible-class. May they come up to the help of the Lord against the mighty.
Wednesday evening, Aug. 24, went to the village of Belmore, seven miles from Ridgeland, to take the cars. Before getting out of the wagon, had a strong invitation to speak to the villagers. It was nearly sunset when I reached the place; yet, upon a few minutes notice, a large school-house was nearly full of attentive hearers. I was solicited to return.
Thursday, Aug. 25, went to Bowling Green. Meeting in the evening. It gave me pleasure to meet with old friends. May we meet in the immortal kingdom.
Sabbath, Aug. 27, had two meetings with the church in Hillsdale. Reached home Sunday, Aug. 28, after an absence of a little more than two months, having held about fifty meetings. I have the assurance that God has blessed my poor labors to a certain extent, and it is my earnest desire to be of some little use in my Master's vineyard till the vintage is ripe, and have part with the well-doers when the Master shall come. Pray for me. H. A. ST. JOHN.
Ransom Center, Mich.
On the Training of Children.
By George I. Butler
I SEND the following excellent rules on this subject to the REVIEW for publication. I copied them from the Practical Cyclopedia. I think them most worthy of not only a careful perusal, but of being placed in some position to be read every day. It seems to me that if parents would strive conscientiously to carry all these rules into practice in their family government, it would result in great good to themselves and their children. It would result in making home a place of peace and love where angels would delight to dwell. It is a sad sight to see the condition of many families at the present day. In many of them there is no parental authority, no order, no reverence for anything sacred. In short, the spirit of Satan bears sway, and jealousy, hatred, insubordination, deceit, lust, and all kinds of depravity, follow in the train. This is an age when parental authority is at a discount; when “disobedience to parents” is the rule in the world, and good, wholesome discipline is the exception.
Many of our sisters would be glad to do right, and train their children properly; but not having had proper training themselves in their youth, and being burdened with many cares, and not knowing how to set about the work, they make poor progress. If such will carefully study these rules, and prayerfully try to put them in practice, they will find them of real benefit. Some will try to do this. Others, I fear, and the very ones most needing them, will perhaps read them over once and never think of them again.
What a fearful responsibility such parents take upon themselves in bringing children into the world, to grow up lawless and wicked, because of the want of proper training and instruction from their parents, to be a curse to the world, and to go to eternal ruin. Can such parents expect to have it said to themselves, “Well done, good and faithful servant”? How fearful will be their own fate. Here all parents can be workers, with an excellent opportunity placed before them to be the means of saving precious souls.
But I did not intend to write an article on this subject; yet it is very suggestive of thought. Let all of us who are parents read these rules, and strive to practice them. GEO. I. BUTLER.
Plain Preaching.
ECCENTRIC preachers are not unknown in our day, but they are exceptions to the general law. Preaching is generally very decorous, conformed to the rules of strict propriety; and we suspect it sometimes loses in practical power from this very formalism and starchiness. The following anecdote of an old Welsh preacher illustrates the pungency and direct thrusts which in other days were deemed lawful, even at a sacrifice of dignity:
The Rev. John Jones, formerly vicar of Llansoy, was an eccentric but an earnest preacher. After ministering many years among his parishioners, he was impressed with the idea that they made little way in spiritual life; so one morning he opened his discourse to them in the following fashion: “My friends, I have been so many years your minister, with the awful reflection at this moment that were I to ask my heart the question, Have I been the means of converting a single soul, I could not answer to my satisfaction. See, then, how either I or you shall stand in the great day of account—I, if I have not done my duty by you—you, if you have not profited by my advice. For myself, unless you show more signs of spiritual life, I shall disown you on that great day. When the books are opened, and the Archangel calls out in the face of the countless multitude, ‘John Jones,’ I shall not answer, for there are many John Joneses. He will then call out, ‘the Rev. John Jones,’ but still I shall not answer, for there are many more Rev. John Joneses than me. He will then the third time cry out, ‘John Jones, vicar of Llansoy,’ and then, my friends, I can not help answering, and I will reply, ‘Here am I.’ And then the question will be put to me, ‘John Jones, where are the sheep that I gave you to tend?’ and then I fear I must reply, ‘Sheep I have none, Lord, for all proved to be goats.’”
A Sublime Passage.
“Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance? Who hath directed the spirit of the Lord, or being his counselor hath taught him? With whom took he counsel, and who instructed him, and taught him in the path of judgment, and taught him knowledge, and shewed to him the way of understanding? Behold the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance; behold he taketh up the isles as a very little thing. And Lebanon is not sufficient to burn, nor the beasts thereof sufficient for a burnt-offering. All nations before him are as nothing; and they are counted to him less than nothing, and vanity.” Isa. 40:12–17.
The grandeur of this passage in sentiment and expression as much exceeds all the admired sublimity of uninspired writers, as the light of the sun does that of a taper; and we should consider it not only in the sublimity of a poet, but also of a prophet, speaking of the infinite God in language worthy of his subject, as far as human language possibly can be so. No representations of this kind in the writings of men, which have not evidently been taken from the Scriptures, give satisfaction to the reflecting mind, but always appear to degrade the subject. But here the mind grasps the majestic sentiments, yet cannot contain them; and the reflecting reader is satisfied that thus it becomes JEHOVAH to speak of himself, if he would convey any ideas of his incomprehensible perfections to our narrow and clouded understanding. Scott.
As we cannot comprehend the mysterious nature and majesty of the Lord our God; let us learn to admire and adore those displays of perfections which are made in his works and in his word. Let us abase ourselves before him, deeply sensible of our meanness as creatures, and our vileness as sinners; and let us never presume to object to his appointments, or decisions, as if we were qualified to “teach him knowledge,” before whom “all nations are as nothing and vanity.” And what are all man’s attempts to expiate his own sins, and merit an eternal inheritance? It costs more than the whole creation to ransom our souls; and “must have been let alone forever,” if “the only begotten of the Father” had not given himself for us, a sacrifice of infinite value. With this God is well pleased; but all the power, wisdom, pride, and ostentations of sinful creatures, are with him “less than nothing,” abominable as well as vain. Surely fallen man’s boasted reason is a blind guide in religion, when he has always been prone to represent God by images made like to corruptible man or the inferior creatures.—Scott’s Practical Observations.
J. C. & S. M. TOMLINSON
By J. C. Tomlinson; S. M. Tomlinson
From Bro. and Sr. Tomlinson.
BRO SMITH: As we have removed from Iowa, where we embraced the truth and kept the commandments with many friends and acquaintances for about ten years, and have located in Southern Kansas, we thought it might be of interest to some to hear from us. We have not many brethren to meet with on the Sabbath, but we think we have the evidence that the Lord has a care for us, for which we ever try to feel thankful. When we consider that the God that made the heavens and the earth is willing to meet with us, and bless such poor mortals as we are, it gives us courage in the Lord; and to-day our love to him is as strong as it ever has been. Ten years have elapsed since we were impressed with the duty to turn to the Lord with our whole hearts. We resolved in the strength of Jesus to do so; but how far from the Lord have we lived; I look back on my life with regret that I have not consecrated myself more fully to him, I can see places in my experience where self would arise, and I was afterward wrought upon by the Spirit of God, and have yielded to his counsels.
There are five here that remember the Sabbath-day to keep it holy; and we meet to worship God and study his word. At times it seems a cross to us to go through with the regular form of meeting where there are so few; but we are thankful for the promise to the few who meet in the name of the Lord, and while the Sabbath hours pass away, we feel in our hearts that it is good to wait upon the Lord.
As a general thing, people in this locality have never heard of the seventh day being kept, except by the Jews; but now it is known that there is a body of Christians who keep it, they seem to be surprised at this. We are careful not to agitate the subject unduly, for fear of causing some to be prejudiced toward us as a people. We want to have wisdom to move just135right in this community. We hope the time will soon come when there can be a preacher spared to come here and give a course of lectures. This is the county-seat, and there are three churches, and about 500 inhabitants, mostly Eastern and Northern people, intelligent and enterprising. We think this a good place to present the truth. Our house is open to any one who can come to preach the truths of the third angel's message, and we will do all in our power to sustain such as may come here in the name of the Lord to work for perishing souls. We hope to be remembered by the brethren and sisters that we may ever prove faithful over the little that is intrusted to our care, and at last have a home with the righteous of all ages.
Yours striving for the victory.
J. C. & S. M. TOMLINSON
Greenwood Co., Kan.
Little Things in Religious Life.
LITTLE words, not eloquent speeches nor sermons; little deeds, not miracles nor battles, nor one great act or mighty martyrdom, make up the true Christian life. The little, constant sunbeam, not the lightning; the waters of Siloam, “that go softly” on their meek mission of refreshment, not “the waters of the river great and mighty,” rushing down in torrent, noise, and force, are the true symbols of a holy life.
The avoidance of little evils, little sins, little inconsistencies, little weaknesses, little follies, little indiscretions and imprudences, little foibles, little indulgences of self and the flesh, little acts of indolence or indecision, of slovenliness or indecision, little equivocations or aberrations from high integrity, little bits of worldliness and gayety, little indifferences to the feelings or wishes of others, little outbreaks of temper and crossness, or selfishness, or vanity; the avoidance of such little things go far to make up at least the negative beauty of a holy life.
And then attention to the little duties of the day and hour, in public transactions, or private dealings, or family arrangements; to the little words and tones; little benevolences, or forbearances, or tendernesses; little self-denials, self-restraints, and self-thoughtfulness, little plans of quiet kindness and thoughtful consideration for others; punctuality and method, and true aim, in the ordering of each day—these are the active developments of holy life, the rich and divine mosaics of which it is composed.
What makes yon green hill so beautiful? Not the outstanding peak or stately elm, but the bright sward which clothes its slopes, composed of innumerable blades of grass. It is of small things that a great life is made up; and he who will acknowledge no life as great, save that which is built up of great things, will find little in Bible characters to admire or copy.
Afflictions and the Hidden Design of Providence
Afflictions.
HELP 7. It may stay thine heart, if thou consider that in these troubles God is about that work in which, if thou didst see its design, thy soul would rejoice.
We poor creatures are beclouded with much ignorance, and are not able to discern how particular providences work toward God’s ends; and therefore, like Israel in the wilderness, are often murmuring because Providence leads us about in a howling desert, where we are exposed to straits, though he then led them, and is now leading us “by the right way to a city of habitations.” If you could but see how God, in his secret counsel, hath exactly laid the whole plan and design of thy salvation, even to the smallest means and circumstances; this way, and by these means, such a one shall be saved, and by no other; such a number of afflictions I appoint for this man, at this time, and in this order; they shall befall him thus, and thus shall they work for him;—could you, I say, but discern the admirable harmony of divine dispensations, their mutual relations to each other, together with the general respect and influence they all have to the last end, of all conditions you would choose that you are now in, had you liberty to make your own choice.
Providence is like a curious piece of needle-work, made up of a thousand shreds, which singly we know not what to make of, but put together in order, they represent a beautiful history to the eye. As God works all things according to the counsel of his own will, so that counsel of God hath ordained this as the best way to bring about thy salvation.
Such a one hath a proud heart; so many humbling providences I appoint for him. Such an one hath an earthly heart; so many impoverishing providences for him. Did you but see this, I need say no more to support the most dejected heart.—Selected for REVIEW from Rev. John Flavel, written A. D. 1667.
From Bro. White.
By M. W. White
DEAR BRN. AND SISTERS: About twenty-five years ago, I embraced the Free-will Baptist doctrine, in which I continued until about eighteen months ago, when Elder R. F. Andrews came to this place, Alida, to preach what I thought was a new doctrine. But I made up my mind that I would hear, and see if it would stand the test of the Bible. With this determination I searched the Bible for myself, believing that if I was after truth, the Lord would open my mind and let me see it. And I feel to praise the God of Heaven, that he by his Spirit led me to the light. I see things now as I never saw them before. I see now that God’s revealed word is a storehouse of knowledge, and is calculated to make every one wise unto salvation, that will obey the precepts therein given. But it has pleased the Lord to hide these things from what men call the wise and great. See Luke 10: 21; Matt. 13: 44.
I have conversed with a great many unconverted people about religion. They say that there are so many different doctrines taught at the present time, that they do not know which is right. All take the Bible for their faith. I have searched for an answer for this thing. There are, according to history, about six hundred different doctrines in the world to-day. Men profess to have a call to preach. Then they go to college, to learn—what? The doctrines and commandments of men. Then they go out to preach, and preach any and everything but the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ; and if they get some Bible with it, it is so adulterated with the commandments and doctrines of men that there is no food for the poor soul that is hungering and thirsting after righteousness. Now, if none had attempted to preach but those who were called of God, and instructed by the Holy Ghost sent down from Heaven, there would have been but one doctrine preached in the world. God grant that his Spirit may enlighten the understanding of honest hearts to see the danger of heeding the doctrines and commandments of men, is my prayer. Yours in the love of truth. M. W. WHITE.
Illinois.
Sister Vedder's Testimony of Gratitude and Renewed Faith
By S. H. Vedder
— SISTER S. H. VEDDER writes from Grant Co., Wis.: Sometimes while reading in the Conference department of the REVIEW, I drink so into the spirit of it, that tears flow like rain, and I feel to exclaim from the heart, O Lord, I thank thee for this one great blessing. It comes to me like water to the thirsty traveler in a destitute land, or as an oasis in the desert. It strengthens me much, and gives me much light. I thank my blessed Saviour that I have lived to see this day; and while the third angel’s message is sounding through the land, and so much light seems to be shining out so clear, I feel to thank the Lord that I was not cut down while transgressing his holy law. I have felt so much of his presence within the last year, that I have almost thought that I never knew what conversion was till now. If I did, I can say that I have been converted anew, and have found a more excellent way. Thank his blessed name! I feel to give him all the glory. Brethren and sisters, while you have my feeble prayers, please remember me.
I am in a neighborhood where there is but one Adventist besides myself, and people generally are too prejudiced to read our books or papers. We need your prayers that we may so live out the truth that our example may preach to others.
G. DOUGLASS
By G. Douglass
From Bro. Douglass.
I TAKE my pen to write a short letter for the perusal of the dear commandment-keeping people of God. About five years since, Bro. Cornell put up his tent in Brunswick, and I heard two lectures, which convinced me that the first day was not the Sabbath. It was also quite plain that the seventh day was the Sabbath of the Lord, and I thought, with the light I had, I should observe it.
Before commencing to keep the Sabbath, I met with some head-winds, which caused me to read the arguments of the first-day Adventists against the Sabbath. Not having the light as I have it now, I became tangled with their views of the two laws, and remained so until about four weeks ago. In the month of August, Bro. Cornell erected the tent in Richmond, about four miles from my residence. My wife, who has been keeping the Sabbath for the last five years, was anxious that I should go and hear the preaching. After listening to the lectures two or three weeks, the Sabbath shone out with great brilliancy. I felt that I could not enjoy religion unless I kept all of God's commandments. Since I have commenced to keep the Sabbath, I see beauties in Bible truths that I never saw before. While reading Life Incidents, by Bro. White, and the Spirit of Prophecy, by Sr. White, I felt that God had raised them up to be a light and guide to his people in these last days. I never felt such a love for the truth as I do now.
I close by wishing the richest of Heaven's blessings to rest upon the dear commandment-keeping people of God. Your brother in hope,
G. DOUGLASS
Sagadahoc Co., Me.
Sister J. Mott on Living Out the Truth
By Sister J. Mott
SISTER J. MOTT writes from Peoria Co., Ill.: I am still trying to live out the truth, and to keep all the commandments of God, although often when I think I have gained the mastery, I am soon reminded that my strength is weakness, and that it is only by being humble, and clinging to my Saviour, that I can be saved.
Sister E. M. Hicks on Renewed Blessing at Oneida
By Sister E. M. Hicks
SISTER E. M. HICKS writes from Cortland Co., N. Y.: It is with much pleasure that I read your communications in our precious paper. I would say that the Lord has abundantly refreshed my soul, and I feel that it is but just to acknowledge his love and compassion to one so unworthy. Especially since the Oneida camp-meeting have I felt the rich blessing of the Lord, and by his grace I hope to retain it. I never loved the present truth as I now love it. I never felt that nearness to those who are striving to yield obedience to God's commandments, that I now feel. I want on the whole armor of God, that I may work in his vineyard, and be of some use, that I may hear the “Well done.” We are all alone, but we hope to have a part with the people of God. Pray for us, that we may have grace to stand, having done all.
Sister C. M. Shepard's Letter from Wisconsin
SISTER C. M. SHEPARD writes from Wisconsin: Through sore trials and discouragements I am striving to press on to the kingdom. I was in hopes that through sister Gates’ instrumentality, some of the inhabitants of this place would be led to embrace the truth and go with us. But we must lay her in the grave and pursue our lonely way, more lonely than before. Oh! how strange that any one can love such a world as this. How little there is of joy, or even of comfort, except that which comes from Heaven. I feel deeply impressed with the shortness of this life, and the necessity of improving it well. If we can only do this, soon we shall enter upon an endless life that will be exempt from sin and sorrow and death, and have pleasure forevermore.
Interest in Preaching Requested from Oceana County
Sr. E. L. Bascom writes from Oceana Co., Mich.: There seems to be something of an interest manifested by some to read our papers, but more anxiety to hear preaching. Very many have said, Why don’t your preachers come up this way, so we can hear them? I believe there are some here that would embrace the truth, could they hear it preached. Could some one come this way, we would be glad to entertain them, and help all we could in paying for their time, and expenses in coming.
Brother H. W. Lawrence on Loyalty and Faithful Service
By H. W. Lawrence
BRO. H. W. LAWRENCE writes from Franklin Co., N. Y.: After a long silence, I would like to say that I am determined to be loyal and true in the work allotted God's people for this time—according to my measure. I see the importance of obeying the straight testimony given us, without selfishness. More faith and freedom should mark our experience. I am convinced that those of few talents ought not to wait for those of more to bear all the burden required in James 1: 27. It would be sad for any to deserve the denunciation of James 5: 1-7.
Bro. I. L. Myers on Keeping the Sabbath
Bro. I. L. MYERS writes: I have been keeping the Sabbath for five years, and I find in keeping the commandments of God, no burden; for all the ways of obedience are pleasantness, and all its paths are peace. Although at times people try to persecute me by calling me a Jew, &c., it does not annoy me; for I try to banish the love of this corrupt world from my mind. I regret that I am such an unfaithful servant of Jesus. Pray for me, that I may be faithful to the end, and that we may meet and know each other in the kingdom.
Letter from Brother F. J. Otis, Santa Clara
Bro. F. J. Otis writes from Santa Clara Co., Cal.: Although I know of no other in the county of our faith, I feel stronger and stronger in the truth, and notwithstanding my own short-comings, more fully established in my desire to keep all the commandments of God.
Young and Old
In the first years of a church, its members are willing to endure hardships and to make great exertions; but when once it is prosperous, they desire to take their ease. As one who builds a ship is willing to work all the way from keel to deck until she is launched; thenceforward he expects the ocean to buoy him up, and the winds to bear him on. The youth time of churches produces enterprise; their age, indolence. But even this might be borne, did not these dead men sit in the door of their sepulchers, crying out against every living man who refuses to wear the livery of death.—Henry Ward Beecher.
Christian Perfection as Perfection of Love
PERFECTION.—Christian perfection is the perfection of love, of desire, of effort,—not the climax of attainment. A man can never be too righteous to grow,—not until a cedar can be too healthy and strong to grow,—too full of sap to put forth a new bud, expand a new leaf, start out a new bough, fashion a new cone, and enlarge its own trunk.—The Gospel in the Trees, by Alex. Clarke.