Earlier text: The Communion Question AgainOur Thoughts.
By M. E. McKee
How little do we realize that they are all known and read. Even as the pages of an open book are free to the inspection of all, so the imagination of the heart and every secret thought are plainly visible to the eyes of Him “who sitteth in the heavens and looketh down and beholdeth the hearts of the children of men.” And do we ever think what a strange mixture is there to behold? Some good thoughts, many vain thoughts, idle, foolish, unprofitable thoughts, what an array of these! Can we bear to look calmly at them and remember that the great God of Heaven, who desireth truth in the inward parts, is taking note of all that comes crowding into the mind, and is cherished there? We may not prevent the intrusion of forbidden thoughts; but, by the grace of God, we may cast them aside and give no place to them. But surely, those who have tried, find this no easy task; it is one requiring perseverance and constant watchfulness and prayer. How prone are we to desire more to appear right before others than to really be pure before God. The old, carnal nature will rise and try to assert its power. Yet there is consolation in the thought that our kind Heavenly Father will not laugh at our follies, nor scorn our efforts to get free from every besetting sin. Unlike a human being, his tender compassion pities our weakness, and a struggling soul will not be left alone with the burden of unholy thoughts, for quickly will ministering angels be sent to his relief. It is blessed to realize this on the Sabbath day, when the business of the week comes crowding into the mind. With Paul, we may say, ‘For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh. (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing, that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” 2 Cor. 10:5. What a promise is this! The weapons of the Christian, mighty to accomplish that which the world calls impossible—the controlling of the thoughts! Then take courage, children of toil, perplexity, and trial, whose brains are sometimes wild with anxiety and care, remember the remedy for distracting thoughts. The psalmist David seems to have found the key to this great attainment, and the 119th Psalm furnishes some proof of it, as, “Oh! how love I thy law; it is my meditation all the day. “Thy testimonies are my meditation.” “I hate vain thoughts, but thy law do I love.” “I will meditate in thy statutes.” “I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.” “Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee.” Verses 97, 99, 113, 48, 59, also verses 15, 16, 20, 23, and many others. From this we may infer that those who make the word of God their counsel, and hide its precepts deep in the heart, shall have their meditation sweet and in accordance with that in which they delight. May this be our prayer: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my thoughts, and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Ps. 139: 23, 24. When foolish lambs forsake the fold,
Through thorny ways to wander wide,
In noontide’s heat and darkness cold
To stray upon the mountain’s side,
Does not the faithful shepherd then
With tireless feet those lambs pursue,
O’er rocky heights, through darksome glen,
To bring them to the fold anew? Great Shepherd! let thy watchful eye
With vigilance thy flock survey,
And by thy presence, ever nigh,
Restrain those lambs that else would stray.
But if, despite thy warning voice,
One willful lamb from thee should roam,
Ah! overrule his fatal choice;
Pursue, reclaim, and bring him home. The Prevailing Spirit of the Times.
By James Sawyer
“The prevailing spirit of the times is one of infidelity and apostasy, one of the most superficial and haughty, a spirit of contradiction against the word of God, a spirit which of itself would know and decide what is good and evil—a presumptuous spirit of reason—idolatry which, in a most unbecoming manner, places little account in the revealed will of God. In the great hopes of mankind, not only among the educated, but also the uneducated, has it long ago been their decision that the doctrine of man’s depravity is only a dark imagination, and the story about the cross and Christ an old fable. It is commonly received as something indisputable, that the doctrine of eternal righteousness or the atonement—sprung from vulgar egotism and low private interest—is necessary to appease God, and that, for attaining salvation, a mediator is as little needed as the fifth wheel to a wagon. Mankind long ago agreed that what was once said by a few bigoted philosophers, deserved much greater confidence than what the Holy One of Nazareth or any of his apostles have said, and that the faith of a Paul, a Peter, or a John, as something overstrained, mysterious, and to educate men, improper, and it not only should be rejected, but also opposed, persecuted, and, if possible, altogether exterminated. Such is the prevailing spirit of the times throughout Christendom—a spirit which, although it attempts to exhibit Christian manners with a coarse, impudent sincerity in all places, yet station and character expose that spirit’s mischief when enough of his mother’s milk has been imbibed. Millions who are baptized in the name of Christ, bow themselves unto this spirit of falsehood. If you enter upon a journey, in every tavern you will be able to see this spirit sneaking about. If you enter the social circles, in almost every society you will hear that spirit’s voice. Take a view of the churches in foreign lands, and in the most of them is this spirit both preacher and interpreter. Cast a look into most of our modern text books and, instead of the Lord’s Spirit, this spirit of darkness in the form of religion will meet you. Even in our schools, this Moloch counsels, and upon his altar our children are sacrificed. Yes, my brother! look over the entire Christianity of our times, and we find it chilled through by a sad, shivering disease. It is in fact mournful to relate. The spirit of Antichrist rules in the world as it never did before; and the time is come when one can in reason agree with that lamentation of David: ‘Help, Lord, for the godly man ceaseth, and the faithful fail from among the children of men.’” The above was translated from the Swedish. It came this week from an aged man in Sweden. It was sent to his son, who is a printer in Chicago, desiring that it might be republished in a Swedish journal. We conclude that the times are as ominous of the last days in Sweden as in our own land. JAMES SAWYER. Shall I Be There?
By Myron A. Winchell
When the trials and tribulations, the cares and sorrows, of this dark world are all over, and God’s own children are all gathered home, never to suffer or sorrow any more, and shall behold their blessed Redeemer face to face, shall I be there? When dear friends, whom I have known and loved here in this vale of tears, forever free from the temptations of the cruel adversary, shall gather around the tree of life, and and listen to the gentle murmur of that beautiful river, “the streams whereof shall make glad the city of our God,” shall I join that happy company, and greet the friends rescued from the land of the enemy? O, blissful meeting! Oh, glorious prospect that awaits the Christian! And is it possible that I, a poor, erring creature, may gain a home on that beautiful shore? Yes, whosoever will, may come. Jesus has purchased a possession for us, and he bids us come and accept it, without money and without price. O brother pilgrim, let us toil on a little longer. Let us stand boldly for God’s truth, and fight bravely the battle, of Him who offers us such a glorious reward. I will try to overcome. I must gain a home on that happy shore. Dear friends, will you meet me there? Objections to Fashionable Children's Evening Parties
INDECENT, immoral, imprudent, and almost everything else that is bad, are the children's parties which are so fashionable in some circles at this season. There is no objection to an old-style children's party in the afternoon and very early in the evening, but when it comes to dressing boys and girls up in the last styles from Paris, keeping them out till near midnight, and putting them through a regular course of two or three hours' dancing, with a hot supper at ten, it is time for a protest from all who are interested in the preservation of public health and public virtue. We wish fathers and mothers who put their children up to this sort of thing could now see what will come of it by and by.—Congregationalist. Many people complain of their bad luck, when they ought to blame their own want of wisdom and action. Cobden, a distinguished writer in England, thus wrote about luck and labor:— “Luck is always waiting for something to turn up. Labor, with keen eyes and strong will, will turn up something. Luck lies in bed and wishes the postman would bring him the news of a legacy. Labor turns out at six o’clock, and with busy pen or ringing hammer lays the foundation of a competence. Luck whines. Labor whistles. Luck relies on chances. Labor, on character. Luck slips down to indigence. Labor strikes upward to independence.” Obituary Notices.
By H. Nicola
“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.” Died, at our residence near Pilot Grove, Iowa, October 18, 1873, of bronchial consumption, Bro. I. N. Matthews, aged thirty-six years and fifteen days. Bro. Matthews embraced the third angel's message about ten years ago under the labors of Eld. J. H. Waggoner. Since then, has been a consistent member of the Pilot Grove church. The last two years of his life were marked with severe affliction and peculiar trials; but it all tended to drive him near the Lord, and the burden of his mind seemed to be to search up his past sins and confess them. And when he found there was no hope of his recovery (which was a number of days before his death), he calmly submitted, and deliberately arranged all his temporal matters, and longed for a release of suffering. We have reason to believe he sleeps in Jesus. He leaves a wife and seven children and many friends to mourn their loss. May this sad affliction be sanctified to the bereaved and scattered family, and may the Lord open the hearts of his people to the homeless children, that they may all finally be gathered when the Life-giver comes. Funeral discourse by Bro. R. M. Kilgore, to a very large audience, from Rev. 14:13. H. NICOLA. “Can ye not discern the signs of the times?” The Bazaine trial is still going on. The Count de Chambord has assured the foreign powers that his policy will not be aggressive, and that he will not attempt to reinstate the Pope in his temporal possessions. Monseigneur Dupanloup, Bishop of Orleans, has charged the curés of his diocese to pray for the restoration of the Monarchy. The Left has resolved to propose Jules Grévy as their candidate for the presidency of the Assembly. At a cabinet council on last Thursday it was resolved that the state of the country did not require an early meeting of the Assembly , but that the ministry was ready to accept the decision of the Permanent Committee. MONTGOMERY, Oct. 25. In consequence of the heavy rains and the destitution of the cotton crops by the army worm, great destitution exists in several counties in this State, especially in Sumter and Marengo. In some places there is actual starvation, and unless help is rendered during the winter months, many persons must perish for want of food. A CORRESPONDENT writes to The Christian at Work, asking about the proper posture in prayer. The answer is: “The only posture he has to guard against is imposture. Let the heart be in the service, as well as the lips, and a prayer on the back, or the head, or the feet, or the side, is all the same.” THE English infidel, Mr. Bradlaugh, at the conclusion of a recent lecture, called upon any person to reply to his argument. An English paper thus tells what resulted from the invitation. “A collier rose, and spoke somewhat as follows: ‘Maister Bradlaugh, me and my mate Jim were both Methodys, till one of these infidel chaps cam’ this way. Jim turned infidel, and used to badger me about attending the prayer-meetings; but one day in the pit a large corb of coal cam’ down upon Jim’s head. Jim thought he was killed, and ah! mon, but he did holler and cry to God!’ Then turning to Mr. Bradlaugh, with a knowing look, he said: ‘Young man, there’s nowt like cobs of coal for knocking the infidelity out of a man.’” And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand ** Services in Chicago, every Sabbath (seventh day), at 269 West Erie St. All Sabbath-keepers spending a Sabbath in Chicago, are invited to attend. Providence permitting, the twelfth annual meeting of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists will be held at Battle Creek, Mich., Friday, Nov. 14, 1873, at 9 o’clock A. M., for the purpose of considering such matters pertaining to the general prosperity of the cause as may properly come before this body. Geo. I. Butler, Gen. Conf. Com.
S. N. Haskell,
H. Lindsay, The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association will hold its fourteenth Annual Session at Battle Creek, Mich., Monday, Nov. 17, at 9 o’clock A. M., for the election of officers, and for the transaction of any business that may come before the meeting. James White
Harmon Lindsay
A. P. Van Horn
C. W. Comings
M. S. Merriam
Geo. I. Butler
S. N. Haskell, Trustees. In connection with a general quarterly meeting with the church of Alto, Indiana, Sabbath and first-day, Nov. 22, 23, 1873. Wm. Covert. Monthly meeting for Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., the third Sabbath and first-day in November 15 and 16. The quarterly meeting for Dist. No. 11 will be held in connection with this meeting. We hope every member will get his report made out in time so that a full report may be had at this meeting, and that all who can will attend. D. B. Welch, Director. Quarterly meeting for Sand Prairie church, Wis., Sabbath and first-day, Nov. 29 and 30. Sister churches are invited. Thomas Demmon, Clerk. Vergennes, Sabbath, Nov. 15; Orange, 29. A. S. Hutchins. There will be a quarterly meeting of the T. and M. Society for the 10th Mich. District held in connection with the church quarterly meeting to be held at Memphis, Nov. 22 and 23. There is important business to come before this meeting. Let the churches in this district be well represented; also, be prepared to send their quarterly reports to me, at least one week before this meeting, to Memphis, Mich. I will meet with the church at Almont, Dec. 6 and 7, to organize a T. and M. Society in that church. R. McConnell, Director. Quarterly meeting of S. D. Adventists at Mt. Hope, Grant Co., Wis., will be held on Sabbath and first-day, Nov. 15 and 16, 1873. All the brethren and sisters of adjoining churches are cordially invited. Wm. Proctor. The next monthly meeting for Western New York will be held at Lancaster, Erie Co., Nov. 8 and 9. In connection with this meeting the quarterly meeting for District No. 1 of the N. Y. and Pa. T. and M. Society will be held. Let there be a general gathering, and bring or send in all your reports. T. H. Lindsay, Director. The next quarterly meeting of the churches of Saginaw Co. will be held at Chesaning, Sabbath, Nov. 8, and T. and M. S. quarterly meeting for District No. 8 will be held the 9th. Come, brethren and sisters, to these meetings prepared to take hold of the work of the Lord in earnest; also prepared to pay your pledges as far as possible. John McGregor, Director. Providence permitting, there will be meetings in District No. 4, of Michigan T. and M. Society, at Otsego, Nov. 2, 10 A. M.; Allegan, 6.30 P. M.; Leighton, Nov. 9, 10 A. M. Hope all the members will come prepared to report. The next quarterly meeting for Allegan Co., Mich., will be held at Otsego, Dec. 6 and 7. The quarterly meeting of the T. and M. Society, Dist. No. 4, will be held in connection with this meeting. J. L. Rumery, Director. The next quarterly meeting of the church in Vernon will be held the 8th and 9th of November. Theo. Phinsey. No providence preventing, I will meet with the church at: Sigourney, “ ” 8. Soldier Valley, “ ” 15, 16. Onawa, “ ” 22, 23. Decatur, Neb. “ ” 29, 30. H. Nicola. There will be a quarterly meeting of the T. and M. Society for District No. 3, Michigan, in connection with the quarterly meeting to be held at Newton, Nov. 8 and 9. All members are requested to bring their quarterly reports. L. A. Olmstead, Director. The next quarterly meeting for Newton and Burlington will be held in Newton, Nov. 8 and 9—a two days’ meeting. The churches of Convis and Dover are invited to meet with us. A minister is expected to attend. Ambrose White. The Review and Herald.
By Editor
Battle Creek, Mich., Third-day, Nov. 4, 1873. The present number of the Review is, “42-21.” By comparing with these the figures on your paper, you can tell when your subscription will expire. My P. O. address for the present is Ransom, Hillsdale Co., Mich. H. A. St. John. Bro. McCoy, of Iowa, sent to the Office the interesting article in this paper on the spread of Mahometanism; also an article, as curious as interesting, giving the opinions of scientific men at the meeting in Portland, Me., in regard to direful catastrophes in the sun and earth, which they say are impending. The Evangelical Alliance.
THE Christian at Work sees “visions of peace” in the late meeting of the Alliance. The following extract is a bold prophecy of the “good time coming,” the current song of the present age—in Scripture language marked as a cry of “peace and safety,” just before “sudden destruction”:— “When pastor Fische of France and Doctor Christlieb of Prussia shook hands in the presence of the Evangelical Alliance, we saw a lion come in from one side of the platform, and a lamb from the other side of the platform, and lie down together, shaggy mane and white fleece intermingling. We see one wing of the angel of the Apocalypse. The great flight is about to begin. Let earth and Heaven lift now a great shout anticipative. The tide is rising. Let the owls of the night drop with leaden wing into the caverns. The day breaketh.” It might not be amiss for the editor to read the third chapter of Joel, and then note the present state of the nations, and see if he could not find a remarkable fulfilling of that prophecy. But as long as religious editors and teachers ignore the study of the “sure word of prophecy,” so long will they make such misapplications of facts. And so “the day of the Lord” approaches, the watchmen sleep, the alarm is feebly sounded, and the terrible day comes as a “thief in the night.” Who properly feels the burden of the world’s condition? Still the question comes, “Who is on the Lord’s side?” Church Property in the United States.
The N. Y. Independent strongly advocates the taxation of church property, which is now exempt. It gives some very interesting figures of the increase of that class of property, often held by rich congregations, but not liable to tax. In 1850, church property in the United States amounted to $87,328,801. In 1860, it amounted to $171,397,932, having nearly doubled in ten years. In 1870, it had increased to $354,483,581; a little more than double in ten years! At this rate it would very soon amount to an enormous sum; and doubtless there will be a strong demand for its taxation, and thus increase the revenues of the government. To Correspondents.
By J. H. W.
L. R. Long: We have delayed a reply to your question in hope to find time to give it proper attention. “WILL you please give your opinion of Ecclesiasticus 26:29 (Apocrypha)? I run a produce wagon.” The verse reads: “A merchant shall hardly keep himself from doing wrong; and an huckster shall not be free from sin.” It is not impossible for a rich man to be saved: but knowing the heart of man, and the seductive nature of earthly possessions, the Saviour taught that it was dangerous to be rich. It is, however, a danger which few care to shun. Even so, a merchant may be an honorable man; but the “tricks of trade” are so numerous, that it is exceedingly difficult to carry on such a business, and resist the innumerable temptations to follow in the wake of that which is called honorable by the business world, but is dishonorable according to the standard of Bible Christianity. A huckster, or peddler, is even worse situated than a settled merchant. It is needless to particularize, but if a man is not strictly honest, and conscientious, distrustful of self, and ready to take the advice of prudent brethren, even to being thankful for cautions and admonitions, he had better lay aside the business of peddling, or resign all hope of a place in the kingdom of God. To “love thy neighbor as thyself” is a great attainment, and to fulfill the obligation needs a happy natural endowment, or more favorable surroundings than a huckster generally finds. Special Notice to Subscribers.
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