Earlier text: THE PERPETUITY OF GOD'S COMMANDED COVENANT OF TEN COMMANDMENTSWHERE WAS THE SABBATH OBSERVED IN PAUL'S DAY?
One of the most common objections to the Sabbath is, that it cannot be kept, because the sun does not set at the same moment all around the world, and hence there is a difference in time at points situated east and west from each other. This difference of time, of course, we admit; but that it affects in any degree the observance of the Sabbath, we deny. The issue between us and our opponents on this point is this. We claim that the Sabbath was made for all mankind, and hence can be observed in all the habitable portions of the globe; so that the objection that it cannot be thus kept, impeaches the wisdom of God. They claim that it was only given to the Jews, who were so situated that the objection in their case does not apply. We now undertake to show that the facts in the case are fatal to their theory, even granting them the utmost that they can claim. The Jews, by the express direction of God were located in Canaan. It was incumbent on them to observe the Sabbath, under penalty of death, and to commence the day at the setting of the sun. Canaan, although lying principally north and south, had an average width, east and west, of sixty-five miles, a little more than a degree, involving a difference of time between its eastern and western limits of about five minutes. This, it may be said, is a small matter; so it is, yet it is a very appreciable difference in time, and is sufficient for our purpose. In the regions beyond Jordan, the sun set five minutes earlier than it did on the shores of the Mediterranean. Now what did the Jews do under these circumstances? Did those living by the sea commence the Sabbath five minutes before sundown, in order to commence it at the same time, absolutely, with those on the eastern borders of Canaan? Certainly not. Sunset marked the beginning of the Sabbath wherever they were in that land; yet there was a difference of time, absolutely, of five minutes. And did they all keep the Sabbath equally according to the commandment? They certainly did. Now suppose the assumption of our opponents to be true, that the Sabbath could not be kept unless commenced at the same absolute point of time in every place, what time should it have been in Canaan? sunset on the eastern border? or sunset on the western? Suppose it to have been when the sun set at Jerusalem, which was about midway east and west. Then those on the eastern borders of Canaan should have commenced the Sabbath two and a half minutes after sundown, and those on the west two and a half minutes before sundown. Will any man, however much committed to a theory, accuse the Jews of such a practice as this? He knows better. No; according to the position under notice, those who were to keep the Sabbath, should have been placed single file on some particular meridian, and warned not to leave it, under all the penalties that pertain to Sabbath breaking. If this is not so, then the claim of our opponents is an utter fallacy. But further, we read in Acts xviii, that Paul reasoned in the synagogue in Corinth every Sabbath for a year and six months. Corinth is about fifteen degrees west from Jerusalem, making a difference in time of nearly one hour. Now, according to our opponents, the Sabbath could not be kept in Jerusalem and in Corinth, also, because the sun sets one hour later at Corinth than at Jerusalem. But the record is that it was kept in both places; and the facts must stand, let what will, become of theories. Again, we read, “For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath.” Acts xv, 21. This language was used by James when speaking of certain things which were to be recommended to the Gentiles, and proves that the Jews were scattered outside of the land of Judea, among the Gentiles, and had synagogues, and kept the Sabbath. There were synagogues in Damascus. Acts ix, 2. This was still further east than Jerusalem. There were also, without doubt, synagogues in Rome; for when Paul, having appealed to Caesar, went to that city, he called “the chief of the Jews together,” and told them why he had been sent to that place. These, says Dr. Clarke, were probably “chiefs of synagogues.” Then we have synagogues, or, at any rate, Jews, keeping the Sabbath, in Damascus and in Rome, the distance between these places being about twenty-four degrees of longitude, involving a difference of time of about one hour and thirty-six minutes. But we find the Sabbath kept still further east than Damascus. On the day of Pentecost, Acts ii, there were at Jerusalem, “Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.” Mesopotamia is mentioned as one of the countries. Bishop Pearce shows that great numbers of Jews were settled in this country; and Philo says: “Not only the continents and provinces are full of Jewish colonies, but the most celebrated isles also, Eubœa, Cyprus, and Crete, not to mention the countries beyond the Euphrates.” Thus we find Jews, keeping the Sabbath of course, in Rome and in the countries beyond the Euphrates, the distance between them being nearly forty-five degrees, and the difference in time nearly three hours, or about the same as between New York and San Francisco. Here were Jews scattered all over these countries, and keeping the Sabbath in them all; and although the Sabbath commenced in Rome some three hours later than it did in the countries beyond the Euphrates, the Jew could keep the Sabbath in the former place, as well as in the latter. In view of these facts, it is useless for men to assert that the Sabbath cannot be kept except in those countries where there is no variation in the time of the sun's setting. These facts we have repeatedly urged upon the attention of our opponents, but have never succeeded in getting them to notice them. Their success in this line of argument depends upon their keeping them from the people. BEHIND THE TIMES.
By Editor
We are accused of being behind the times. We receive the charge with the utmost composure considering the source from which it comes. A late Banner of Light quotes from the Youth’s Department of the REVIEW, the following lines, making thereon the accompanying remarks: “One who does not occasionally read the religious papers can hardly conceive how far behind the intelligence of the age these people drag along. It is interesting to occasionally look them up as a curiosity. We cut the following lines from the ADVENT REVIEW AND SABBATH HERALD: THOU GOD SEEST ME.
Among the deepest shades of night,
Can there be one who sees my way?
Yes; God is as a shining light,
That turns the darkness into day.
When every eye around me sleeps,
May I not sin without control?
No; for a constant watch he keeps
On every thought of every soul.
If I could find some cave unknown,
Where human feet have never trod,
Yet there I could not be alone—
On every side there would be God.
But I must flee; he tells me where;
To Jesus Christ he bids me fly;
And while I seek for pardon there,
There’s only mercy in his eye. “Who ever saw any god but the sun (which was a god) ‘turn the darkness into day?’ Could not God see as well in the darkness as in the light? If thoughts are sins, what is the necessity of being out of sight of other persons to sin? Could not God be in better business than watching ignorant mortals? “Flee” to Jesus Christ. Where is the place to find him and get these smiles of mercy? To us it seems nonsense.” The participants in a noisy religious meeting once earnestly exhorted a certain individual to join them in their fervor, saying, “Come, brother, go with us.” His response was, “Where are you going? Tell me that first.” In like manner we, before we can acknowledge it to be to our discredit to be behind the times, must know what kind of times we are behind. With Spiritualists, their own principles are of course the standard. Then we have only to say that when the times demand that we deny the sovereignty of God, the accountability of man, and all distinction between right and wrong, thus opening the flood gates of immortality of every description; when to keep up with the times we must virtually deny the existence of God, and make light of the work of the Redeemer; when the times get beyond reason, revelation, and common sense, then we prefer to be behind the times. We deem it no discredit to fall behind times like these. And if men will not receive the truth, but persist in rushing on with lightning speed to perdition, all we can say is, Pass on, friends, we prefer to stay behind. IDLENESS
By Dudley Marvin Canright
IDLENESS is a shame and a sin in any one. Paul very justly commanded “that, if any would not work, neither should he eat.” 2 Thess. iii, 10. Time should no more be thrown away than money or any thing else valuable; yet many professed Christians can idle it away without seeming to feel that it is wrong. This looks bad to me, in young men and women especially. Many spare moments and hours, and even days, slip away unimproved. How much better it would be for them if they would use them in useful reading or study. They might be of much more use in the world and in the church, if they would do so. But especially is idleness wrong and wicked in ministers of Christ. Who has so important a work to do as they? Who needs more wisdom and ability? Who can make a better use of knowledge than they? Who ought to improve every moment more than they? Yet we sometimes see even Advent ministers idling away their minutes and hours and whole days in useless chit-chat, and lounging! They will get up late in the morning, and sit around most of the day as though time hung heavily on their hands, or, at least, were of no account. They neither labor with hands nor brain. No wonder they are weak and can stand but little. They need something to give them life. Yet they expect to be supported well and liberally. The Lord pity such ministers and the churches that are dependent on them for labor. Look at the faithful Paul, how he labored, not for a salary nor for wages, but for Christ and for perishing souls. See that man who works by the month. He has to be up early and improve all his time. See that hired girl who works for $1.00 per week. She cannot idle away her time. Every moment must be employed. Her mistress’ eyes are upon her. But not so with the minister. He is his own master. He comes and goes, works or lounges, improves his time or trifles it away, just as he pleases, and none say, Why do you so? If a minister is inclined to be lazy and idle, he will always find silly women enough to pet him, and feed him, and tell how hard he is working, and how they pity him. After a few years of experience, I am satisfied that there is no calling so dangerous as that of a minister. Of all men, a minister ought to be a man of common sense and sound integrity. If not, he will soon be spoiled by the praises of inconsiderate brethren and sisters. Brethren who are preaching this solemn message, let us be men—industrious, faithful, working men. Let us improve our minutes; let us post up, read up, study up, and make ourselves as useful as we can. God wants men who feel the burden of the work, and are willing to help lift. We should not let so many of these little moments slip away unimproved. I am satisfied that some ministers could do three times as much as they do, if they only had a little more life and energy. Some, I hope many, are not so. They are working too hard, wearing themselves out, and going prematurely into their graves. They have to bear a double burden, their own and others’, too. But God will reward them if they do not work too hard, and ruin themselves. D. M. CANRIGHT. “SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES.”
By H. C. MILLER
One peculiarity of the beauties of Scripture doctrine over the teachings of infidelity is that in tearing away old, rotten structures, or in commanding the giving up of long-established forms, customs, habits, and usages, it always seeks to establish a better in their place. Thus, when we are told to “be not conformed to this world,” it is immediately added, as pointing to the better, “But be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.” Rom. xii, 2. And it always points out the sure road to the end sought. Now as all conforming to the world is to be avoided, and as all the example and doctrines of the world are useless and utterly incompetent in the transforming work, it is well that we understand, and diligently make use of, those means which are adapted to the work of renewing the mind. Now we will suppose ourselves ignorant of the science of astronomy, anatomy, or any other branch of knowledge, and our minds conformed to the superstitions of the ignorant, and wishing to be transformed into the freedom of the learned. It is plain that our minds can be renewed only by diligent study of sound works on those branches in regard to which we wish to be informed. So in being transformed by the renewing of our mind, that we may prove what is the will of God, we must diligently study the word of God which contains the revelation of his will. Now, why we are so “wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked,” is because we fail to behold constantly, and so become changed. How we grew in grace and in the knowledge of God when we first entered upon the study of the principles of the doctrines of Christ. The reason we are so poverty-stricken, so barren and unfruitful in the knowledge of God, is found in our neglect to make faithful use of the means provided, and of which the constant reading of the Bible is not the least important; for how can our minds be renewed, and we know how to act at all times unless we diligently study the rules by which we are to perform. Children at school do not succeed in performing examples in mathematics until the rule by which they are to work, is memorized. So the apostle, after commanding us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, follows it with some of the rules with which we are to renew our minds, and by which we are to work to be transformed. It was this, perhaps, in the mind of the apostle which led him to speak as follows: “Therefore, leaving the principles of the doctrines of Christ, let us go on unto perfection, not laying again the foundation of [for] repentance from dead works,” &c. And our Lord in his prayer to the Father for us shows how this “perfection” is to be reached: “Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth.” John xvii, 17. “Now ye are clean [transformed] through the word which I have spoken unto you.” xv, 3. Conversing with many brethren, the invariable complaint is, old sins to be repented of, leanness, darkness of mind, &c. And I almost invariably find that reading the word of God is with them only occasionally performed, if at all. Here, then, is the secret of the effect, the cause of it all. What a scholar would he be who seldom, or never, studied his books? Paul says, “Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind,” and then he lays down in the following verse rules by which to work. Our duty is to memorize them so that we shall know how to work, and not at random, nor uncertainly. The Bible, brethren, the Bible! let it be the man of our counsel, then we shall not need to be inquiring so much of each other, What is the will of God? What ought I to do in this case or that? The Devil is wiser here than we, and well he knows our great need of this “sword of the spirit, which is the word of God,” and his efforts are constant to get us to leave this our defense behind when we go out to fight him. What! do we expect to cope with our enemy, he clad in armor and armed capapie, and we without any sword? He knows our needs, and his arts to deceive us are many. Happening to take up “Life of Trust,” by Muller, my eyes rested on words something like these: “And here I fell into the error Satan leads many a young convert to commit—that of substituting lives of good men, biographies of Christians, and such like religious reading in the place of the Bible.” The words made a deep impression upon my mind, because I remembered how he had led me to commit this very error from my first conversion. Brethren, nothing is able to do the work of a sword but the “Sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;” therefore let not the REVIEW or the Reformer, or anything, take its place. Put it first, foremost, and longest. Let us drink direct from the fountain where others drink, rather than always through other men’s mouths. “Search the Scriptures, for in them ye think ye have eternal life.” “These were more noble than those of Thessalonica, in that they * * searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” And, my young brother and sister, the Lord is testifying that herein we especially lack. We love other reading better than the word of God. Let us repent. And of those who have told me that they have failed here, I would inquire if you are bringing forth fruits in this matter meet for repentance? “Oh! may these heavenly pages be
My ever dear delight;
And still new beauties may I see,
And still increasing light.
“Divine Instructor, gracious Lord,
Be thou forever near;
Teach me to love thy sacred word,
And view my Saviour there.”
Help me to love the Bible more,
And take a fresh delight;
To read by day these wonders o’er,
And meditate by night. THE MAINE STATE CONFERENCE.
By H. C. Winslow
This was an important meeting for the cause in Maine, and we trust the commencement of better days. It was attended by about two hundred Sabbath-keepers, and a goodly number of friends living in the vicinity of Norridgewock. All our business transactions passed off pleasantly, and without a dissenting voice. The preaching of Elders Canright, Rodman, and Howard, portraying the besetting sins of the people of God, the signs of the times, the perils of the last days, and what we must be to escape all these things which are coming to pass, and to be able to stand before the Son of Man, seemed to make a very strong impression upon all, which was manifested by many groans and tears. All our social meetings were characterized with deep feelings of humility before God. Confessions were freely made, and determinations expressed to be more faithful in the future. God grant that these impressions may be lasting, and that we may be careful to perform our many solemn vows. We were very glad to hear confessions from some who have, during the past year, been a great hindrance to the prosperity of the cause in this section. Some have wondered why the cause in Maine has seemed to be paralyzed, and that spiritual dearth has prevailed during the past year. But we think the reasons are very apparent. If we take into account the bitter spirit manifested by many toward Bro. and Sr. White, during their last visit to this State, and the cruel words that have been spoken against these faithful servants of God, we shall see that we have reaped the legitimate fruits of our own wicked course. We shall also see the reason why the blessing of God did not attend their labors among us as it has in other places. Still we have great reasons to be thankful that God's mercy and forbearance is still extended to us, and that he has enabled us in some measure to see the wrongs that have been committed, and given a disposition to confess and forsake them. This is plainly indicated by the following resolution which was unanimously passed, and voted upon by the whole congregation: Resolved, That we regret our past course toward Bro. and Sr. White, and our backwardness in coming up to the work of the Lord in all its branches, and that we ask God, and our brethren and sisters, to forgive us for these wrongs, and that we pledge ourselves to do better in future. We raised about three hundred and fifty dollars at this meeting, for the Benevolent Association, and to help circulate Life Incidents among the poor. On the whole it was one of the best meetings we have ever attended in this State. BUSINESS PROCEEDINGS
By L. L. Howard; H. C. Winslow
Of the Second Annual Session of the Seventh-day Adventists' Conference of the State of Maine. THIS meeting was convened with the church at Norridgewock, Oct. 8, 1868, in their house of worship. The meeting was opened with prayer by Eld. P. C. Rodman, of Rhode Island. It was then voted that Elders D. M. Canright and P. C. Rodman be invited to participate in the business of this Conference. Voted, That all brethren present, who are in good standing with their respective churches, be invited to take part in the discussion of business. Minutes of the last annual meeting were then read by the secretary, and approved by the Conference. Ministers and licentiates belonging to the Conference were then called for, and the following names responded to: Eld. L. L. Howard, Eld. J. B. Goodrich, Eld. Charles Stratton, Abram Barnes, W. W. Putnam, and W. H. Blaisdell. Credentials and reports of delegates were then called for, and read before the Conference, showing the following churches to be represented: Norridgewock, Woodstock, Athens, Cornville, Canaan, Hartland, Clinton, China, Portland, Falmouth, and Topsham. Brn. Canright, Haynes, and Morton, were then appointed by the chair to act as a Committee on Nominations. Voted, That the chair be empowered to appoint an Auditing Committee of six lay members to assist in settling with ministers. Prayer by Eld. D. M. Canright. Ministers' reports, relative to their receipts, expenditures, and labors, were then read and accepted by the Conference. The chair then proceeded to appoint the following brethren to act on the Auditing Committee: J. S. Rogers, of Athens, Charles Davis, of Woodstock, W. J. Haynes, of Norridgewock, Snow Salisbury, of Canaan, and H. C. Winslow, of Topsham. Adjourned till sixth-day, 10½, A. M. The Committee on Nominations presented the names of the following brethren, who were unanimously elected as officers of the Conference for the ensuing year: L. L. Howard, President, H. C. Winslow, Secretary, W. J. Haynes, Treasurer, J. B. Goodrich and Charles Stratton to act with the President as Executive Committee. The Auditing Committee then brought in their report, which was accepted. The secretary's and treasurer's reports were then called for, which showed the standing of the Conference as follows: Number of churches, 11. Number of church members added during the year, 62. Number of losses, 12. Gained, 50. Present number, 230. Amount of s. B. pledged to the Conference, $1138.22. Paid out to ministers $909.30. Balance due and in the treasury, $228.92. The following resolutions were unanimously adopted: Resolved, That we donate one hundred dollars of our funds on hand to the General Conference Missionary Fund, fifty dollars to the Publishing Association, and fifty dollars to the California Mission. Resolved, That we pledge ourselves to continue our efforts in behalf of the Book and Tract Fund, that we may circulate our publications generally, according to the wants of the people, and especially that we may place the Spiritual Gifts in every family where they will be candidly read. Resolved, That our preachers, elders, and deacons, be requested to stir up our brethren to pay their s. B. pledges promptly, that order may be established, and confusion avoided. Resolved, That we hereby express our gratitude to222 God for the faithful labors of Bro. and Sr. White, and Bro. Andrews, in the past, and that we extend an urgent invitation to them to visit us again, at their earliest convenience. Resolved, That we regret our past course toward Bro. and Sr. White, and our backwardness in coming up to the work of the Lord in all its branches, and that we ask God, and our brethren, to forgive us for these wrongs, and that we pledge ourselves to do better in future. Resolved, That we request those churches who can, to transfer the full amount of their s. B. to the Conference fund. Resolved, That we request all our churches to begin their s. B. year at the first of October. Resolved, That we express our thanks to Bro. Canright and Rodman for their timely visit and services in this Conference, and that we authorize the Executive Committee to pay their expenses out of the Conference fund. Resolved, That we express our thanks to the church and friends of the cause at Norridgewock, for cheerfully and liberally entertaining the many brethren and sisters who have attended this meeting. Resolved, That the doings of this Conference be sent to the ADVENT REVIEW for publication. The Conference then adjourned to the call of the Executive Committee. L. L. HOWARD, Pres.
H. C. WINSLOW, Sec. ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE LONELY ONES.
By M. E. Williams
I have thought that perhaps it might encourage some of the lonely ones to know what the Lord hath wrought here. We moved to this place last fall, and through the winter were very lonely, as there were none of like faith anywhere in this vicinity. My health was poor, and symptoms were such that I felt that, in all probability, I had but a short time to live, and what I had to do, must be done quickly. I found our neighbors willing to listen to the evidences of our faith, and willing to read. So I sent to the Office, to replenish my stock of books, which, together with our papers, we circulated freely among them, imploring God to bless these silent messengers to their good, and cause an interest in their minds which would eventually lead them into the truth. Soon some began to express a desire to hear a course of lectures. As Bro. Cottrell had told me previous to our coming here, that his mind had been led to Cattaraugus Co., as a field of labor, I wrote for him to come. Twice was he obliged to disappoint us on account of his health; but as the people expressed so much disappointment, I felt that I could not give up. It seemed to me that then was the time while there was an interest to hear. So I again wrote to Bro. Cottrell, asking him to come and labor as his strength would permit. This time my efforts were crowned with success. The Lord sent Bro. Cottrell here in answer to earnest prayer and blessed his labors, and now there are six families of Sabbath-keepers here besides ourselves. There were so many calls for labor, and so few laborers, that I hardly dared to hope that we should be so highly favored as to obtain one; but I felt that I would do all in my power to obtain one, and leave it with God. I feel very grateful to the Lord for what he has done here. I believe the work is not yet finished. I think there are others who will yet be added to our number. We have meetings on the Sabbath, and on Wednesday evening, and though it has been unpleasant weather most of the time since our evening meetings were established, yet they have been quite well attended, some going a mile through a drizzling rain. This shows that their hearts are in the work. Some have had quite a struggle with the idol, tobacco, and are gaining the victory. I think all mean to press forward in the good way, though there seems to be a greater degree of earnestness with some than others. I hope none will fall back, but may all be of that number that shall be saved. In the meantime, Satan has not been asleep nor idle, but has tried his best to overthrow the work here in various ways, and has caused some very evil reports to be circulated in the community, concerning Adventists, our preachers coming in for their full share. The enemy is strong; but I am thankful that there is One mightier than he, whose hand is over us for good, and who will take care of his own cause, and get glory to his great name. To the lonely ones, I would say, Take courage, live out the truth, do all you can to spread the truth about you with an earnest zeal, yet with that true humility which will show that you have learned of Jesus, and that his Spirit dwelleth in you. And may God grant that in that last great day of accounts, we may have something besides leaves to lay at the Master's feet. He has seen fit to restore me to a good degree of health, and I desire so to spend my time and strength as shall best glorify him. M. E. WILLIAMS. WHO WILL BE A JEWEL?
By M. P. Stiles
The Lord is about making up his jewels. Oh! who will be a gem in the Master's casket? Who will be so adorned with Christian graces that they can bear the cleansing, hewing and polishing it will require to fit us to become companions for Jesus and the pure and holy angels? Oh! how unworthy I feel, and the tears flow as I realize the weakness of sinful flesh, and the many times "when I would do good, evil is present with me," and I feel that if Jesus should to-day come to my name in the grand review, I should be pronounced "wanting." Painfully do I realize that I am not ready. But thank God! I am hungering and thirsting, and I have the promise that I shall be filled. This evening, while meditating on the great work of preparation to meet our Lord in peace, my thoughts took this form: If I receive a telegram that a cherished friend will arrive on the next train, I immediately apply myself to finding what preparation is necessary, what change in wardrobe and household affairs is desirable for the proper reception of such an esteemed guest. Now, while I am washing and dusting, changing apparel, &c., it is evident that I am not waiting; but when all is accomplished, and as I cast my eyes about and feel that all is done that I can do, then am I waiting for the train and my coming friend. This seems to me to be the position we must occupy with our coming Saviour. We must get into this waiting position and then we shall be ready to work for Jesus successfully, and to receive the blessing when God pours it upon his people. May he in his great and tender mercy, and by his Holy Spirit, help us to so hasten our work of preparation that we can say when Jesus comes, "Lo, this is our God, we have waited for him, and he will save us." Poor and unworthy as this is, it is written in the fear of God, and with an increasing conviction that he will have no drones in his service. Yours, hoping to meet my Saviour with joy. O ETERNITY! eternity! How are our noblest, our strongest thoughts lost and overwhelmed in thee! Who can set landmarks to limit thy dimensions, or find plummets to fathom thy depths! Mathematicians have figures to compute all the progressions of time; astronomers have instruments to calculate the distances of the planets; but what numbers can state, what lines can gauge the length and breadth of eternity! “It is higher than heaven, what canst thou do? deeper than hell, what canst thou know? The measure thereof is longer than the earth, broader than the sea.” Mysterious, mighty existence! A sum not to be lessened by the largest deductions; an extent not to be contracted by all possible diminutions. None can truly say, after the most prodigious waste of ages, “So much of eternity is gone.” For when millions of centuries are passed it223 is but just commencing, and when millions more have run their ample round it will be no nearer ending. Yes, when ages, numerous as the bloom of spring increased by the herbage of summer, both augmented by the leaves of autumn, and all multiplied by the drops of rain which drown the winter—when these and ten thousand times ten thousand more, more than can be represented by any similitude, or imagined by any conception, when all these are revolved and finished, eternity, vast, boundless eternity, will only be commencing.—Hervey. IF WE KNEW
By Mrs. Ellen H. Gates
If we knew, when walking thoughtless
Through the crowded, noisy way,
That some pearl of wondrous whiteness
Close beside our pathway lay,
We would pause, when now we hasten;
We would often look around,
Lest our careless feet should trample
Some rare jewel in the ground. If we knew what forms are fainting
For the shade that we should fling;
If we knew what lips are parching
For the water we should bring;
We would haste, with eager footsteps,
We would work with willing hands,
Bearing cups of cooling water,
Planting rows of shading palms. If we knew, when friends around us
Closely press, to say, Good bye,
Which among the lips that kiss us,
First should 'neath the daisies lie,
We would clasp our arms around them,
Looking on them through our tears;
Tender words of love eternal
We would whisper in their ears. If we knew what lives were darkened
By some thoughtless word of ours,
Which had ever lain upon them
Like the frost upon the flowers;
Oh! with what sincere repentings,
With what anguish of regret,
While our eyes were overflowing,
We would cry, Forgive, forget. IF WE KNEW! Alas! and do we
Ever care or seek to know
Whether bitter herbs or roses
In our neighbors’ gardens grow?
God forgive us! lest hereafter
Our hearts break to hear him say,
Careless child, I never knew you;
From my presence flee away. IT LOOKS STRANGE.
By M. J. Cottrell
Yes, it looks strange; but shall we condemn because we cannot understand? Because things look strange to us shall we censure and pass harsh judgment? If we knew all, how different things might appear. If we had stood at the side of that erring one, and seen all the influences which bore upon the untrained mind, and pushed the trembling judgment into shrinking compliance, we might, perhaps, sympathize with instead of coldly condemning. Yes, if we knew all, instead of turning away with a chilling bow, we might feel to pity, and speak kind, encouraging words. Perhaps we think we have had the same trials, and passed it unstained; but we do not know. It may not have been the same, and even if it were, there may have been opposing influences which although unseen by us, were, nevertheless, great helps in the struggle. Perhaps we do not condemn; but, It looks strange! Ah! yes; it looks strange! Well, is there not somewhere in our lives, things that look strange to others? Then let us be very careful how we speak such words. They may do an incalculable amount of injury. “Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips. M. J. COTTRELL. WORKS OF A DISCIPLE.
By F. C. Castle
The children of this world appear to love and enjoy the things of this world. They mingle together, and time swiftly hurries them on. The present is their enjoyment, the future is little cared for or thought of. The solemn truths of the Bible are considered of but little account. But how is it with the professed children of God? Do we not see many that have but little love to God or man? How weak is the faith of such in the word of God. Small indeed is the nourishment that is drawn from the living Vine. But what are some of the more marked characteristics of the disciples of Christ? The affections go out for the things of God. They are pilgrims and strangers here. They are in a strange land, traveling to one that is to appear. But though they may lodge in the wilderness, with a stone for a pillow, they can lift up their prayer to God with the blessed assurance of a hearing in the court of Heaven, and the promise of the Comforter, and a bodyguard of angels to attend them on their journey. But are there not some wild storms to encounter? Yes, many; but how bright will the morning be, when their elder brother shall return with the keys to unlock the gates of death, and call forth the sleeping ones, and welcome home the weary child of God. Oh! blessed morning! we look for thy dawn, and we sigh, and mourn, and weep, until thou dost appear.