THE history of the Church tells the sad story of extremes having existed in the Church through all our wearisome labors and fierce conflicts with the powers of darkness. And, doubtless, a departure on both sides from the plain declarations of the word of God has been the great cause of these unhappy extremes.
Popery is a dreadful extreme. Its spirit is diffused through all our churches. The creed power binds the conscience, puts a veto upon investigation, and shuts up the mind to some narrow channel of sectarian bigotry, where men's souls grow small. It shuts out the free light of heaven which makes men benevolent and noble in their feelings and acts. Add to the influence of the creed power, wealth, pride and fashion, and you have a Christless church, such as is described by St. Paul.
"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce-breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof; from such turn away." 2 Tim. iii, 1-5.
Narrow-souled sectarianism, with its doctrine of eternal torments, has disgusted very many benevolent, noble, kind-hearted men, and has driven them to the ranks of sceptics, until in their ranks may be found the greatest proportion of (naturally) best men. But we will not be tedious on this extreme.
There is another extreme far more dangerous to the peace of society, and the salvation of men, than that we have mentioned. It may be termed extreme Come-out-ism.
We solemnly believe the announcement, "Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen," &c., and the call, "Come out of her, my people," have their application to the sectarian churches, and the duty of God's people to leave them. But why leave Babylon? Answer. To be free from her sins, and escape her plagues.
Babylon, signifies confusion. When God calls his people from Babylon, it is that they may leave confusion, with all its deathly influences, and embrace that system of discipline, harmony and love from heaven, found in the Book of God, that they may under its hallowed influence learn the way of holiness and everlasting life.
But who has not been disgusted with the conduct of many Come-outers? Who has not been grieved with many of those who embraced the doctrine of the soon coming of Christ and left the churches? Some of them neglect christian discipline, and trample upon the means which God placed in the church to secure her unity. These talk loudly of Popery—Sectarianism—Creeds—Babylon.
But it is a fact too plain for any one to deny, that they themselves constitute the veriest Babylon on earth. Their extreme views of free investigation, discussion, and freedom of speech lead them to form their notions of divine truth independent of the experience and judgment of others, and, perhaps, advance them without regard to the occasion, or the feelings of others. Such a course genders strife, debate, confusion, Babylon. Yet these very persons talk of Babylon in the most severe manner, and build themselves up in their confusion by dwelling upon the faults of others. Here is an extreme without the least shade of consistency in it.
Look at that class who have embraced what is called the Age to Come. Under the cry, "Free investigation of all Bible subjects!" they have followed their leaders in all conceivable fancies and fooleries relative to unfulfilled prophecy. And no two of these can be found to agree in all these particulars touching the future, which each makes very prominent. These generally reject the Spirit, and in its stead, drink in a spirit of debate and contention as bitter as wormwood and gall.
Look again at that class who are perpetually pulling on their India-rubber chronology, and proclaiming definite time for the Lord to come. About ten different times have been set, and proclaimed, for the Lord to come, since the prophetic periods terminated in 1844. This class generally think it not worth while to attend to gospel order, the Lord is coming so soon; many even think it wrong, patterning after the churches, a sign of backsliding, and call it Babylon. Yes, call order, Babylon! As well call light, darkness, or sweet, bitter. We read of some who do these things. And so these friends of confusion move on, and while they themselves are Babylon to perfection, they regard Bible order and discipline as going back to Babylon.
There are, indeed, some honorable exceptions; but it is a mournful fact that very many of those who come out of the churches in the great movement in 1843 and 1844, who still stand aloof from the third message, are in a worse condition than they were before. Help them if you can! But it will be found to be a task to help men who feel no need of help, and who, at the same time view you as going back to Babylon, Sectarianism, Popery, because you plead for Bible order. Fanatics, who regard themselves as reformers, are the very hardest cases to reform.
Between these two extremes—popery and anarchy—may be found the way of truth and holiness. Here we find order and discipline which rebukes the unruly, and binds his unhallowed desires to trample upon the authority of God, and the rights of men, while at the same time it is in sweet accordance with the spirit of the gospel which reigns in the heart of the humble christian. It is a yoke which fits well every true christian's neck, while it chafes the wilful bigot's, and he cries out, Popery! Sectarianism! Babylon! We want no better evidence of an uncircumcised heart and stiff neck, than to hear one crying out against order and Bible discipline in the church of Christ.
One extreme would make popes of ministers; the other would trample the position and influence which God's word gives them, in the very dust. How precious is plain Bible testimony on this point. It points out distinctly the true position lying between the two extremes.
Says Peter, "Feed [not fleece] the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away." 1 Pet. v, 2-4.
Says Paul, "For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood." Acts xx, 27, 28.141
Again, "Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation: Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever." Heb. xiii, 7, 8.
And again, "But to do good, and to communicate, forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account; that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you." Verses 16, 17.
One extreme binds a church up to a man-made creed, to follow the leadings of a Protestant pope; the other breaks down all order and discipline, and gives license to confusion, and all the notions of interpreting the Bible that Satan is capable of putting into men's brains. But between them is the true Bible position. It may be seen in that agonizing prayer of Jesus for his dear church.
"I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; that they ALL MAY BE ONE; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me." John xvii, 15-21.
Says Paul, "Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be like-minded one toward another, according to Christ Jesus: that ye may with ONE MIND and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." Rom. xv, 5, 6.
Again the Apostle says, "Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the SAME MIND, and in the SAME JUDGMENT." 1 Cor. i, 10.
Hear Paul again: "If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, fulfill ye my joy, that ye be like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of ONE MIND. Let nothing be done through strife or vain glory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves." Philip. ii, 1-3.
The impetuous Peter agrees perfectly with his beloved Bro. Paul. He says, "Finally, be ye all of ONE MIND, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous." 1 Pet. iii, 8.
Is it possible, Peter, for the church to come to such a state of unity, perfection and love? if so, by what means?
"Yea, ALL OF YOU BE SUBJECT ONE TO ANOTHER, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time." 1 Pet. v, 5, 6.
The above thoughts have been called out by a communication from Templeton, Mass., in which the writer says, "In a recent No. of the Review the idea is advanced by one that it is a safer course to go with the body, than to follow one's own judgment. 'This is a safe course for us all.' Perhaps I take a wrong view of this; but I have seen nothing in the paper that looked so much like Catholicism."
No doubt Satan has patterned after Christ's church as near as possible in the formation of a corrupt system and church. But it is not wisdom in our good brother because he thinks he sees a defect in one side of the bridge to run off the other. No: better keep on the bridge of Bible truth. God has a people, and a present truth, and it is our privilege and duty to find them. But to say that the individual members of Christ's church are safer to go with the body, than to follow their own judgment, is in harmony with the foregoing texts. To take the position that each individual is safest following his own judgment instead of that of the body who are seeking to serve God fully, is not only unscriptural, but is to stand on the very pinnacle of fanaticism. A church united without a human creed, built on Bible discipline and Bible union, will be a glorious edifice indeed. Such a church will Christ find at his second coming, built upon the rock of eternal truth. Let the rubbish which extremists have strewed in the way be removed, that this building may go up. The means provided are ample, and it is safest to be in harmony with God's plan. It is very unsafe to meddle with his arrangements. Read Paul's statement of the work of Christ for the perfecting of the church.
"Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, [margin, a multitude of captives,] and gave gifts unto men. . . . And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." Eph. iv, 8, 11-13.
May the Lord open the eyes of the blind, and lead all his humble, truth-seeking children to see the beauty and importance of Bible union. J. W.
RIGHTEOUSNESS BY THE LAW.
By Editor
A FRIEND who takes some exceptions to our views of the Law of God, and its perpetuity, quotes the following sentiment from John Wesley for our consideration: 'I will close by quoting Paul once, and giving Wesley's note on the place, 'I do not make void the grace of God; for if righteousness is by the law then Christ is dead in vain. Gal. ii, 21. John Wesley. I do not make void the grace of God—the free love of God in Christ; but they do who seek justification by the law; for if righteousness is by the law—if men might be justified by their obedience to the law, moral or ceremonial, then Christ died in vain—without any necessity for it, since men might have been saved without his death.''
Most of the readers of the REVIEW will recognize in the above extract a plain statement of one item of our faith. It is a sentiment with every word of which we are still happy, as we ever have been, perfectly to agree. But our friend was serious, no doubt, in quoting it as the belief of a great and good man, diametrically opposed, in his opinion, to what we now teach; and if he was thus serious in applying it, we must be equally serious in correcting the misapprehension. So long as our position is not understood, so long we must calmly and patiently explain.
There is no necessity for the misunderstanding that seems to exist on this point. The dispensation under which we are now placed is neither all law nor all gospel, but a due admixture of the two. Let us go back to the condition in which man was placed at first; let us look at the proposed ground of his justification then; let us trace the steps by which he descended to his present deplorable state, and inquire for the ground and hope of his justification now. Here, beneath the broad blaze of reason and revelation, we need not stumble nor stray.
Adam was placed in Paradise on probation. Now had he not sinned, but his probation ended and he been saved, what would have been the ground of his justification? Would it not have been obedience? Most certainly. Here then righteousness or justification, would have been by the law, and in this case Christ need not, and would not, have died. But man sinned and fell. If now he is ever justified and redeemed, will it be by the law? No; because he has broken it; and future obedience cannot atone for past transgression. It was man's duty to keep the whole law in all its perfection. When then he transgressed, he found himself staggering under a burden, which of himself he could never remove. Now Christ comes in a ransom to cover by his righteousness the transgressions of all those who will have faith in him. Thus man, through Christ, is imputed righteous, and saved from the fearful consequences of his sin.
So far then all is clear. We understand how we are justified. But it is at this point that many run into a great mistake. They seem to think that when we are justified by faith in Christ, we have nothing more to do with the law; that obedience is no longer necessary. A greater mistake than this could hardly be made, nor one more fatal if persisted in. But we ask, What is to be done when our sins are covered, and we, through the righteousness of Christ, are accepted of God, and placed in the same relation to him that we should have been in had we never sinned? Shall we then sin again—again transgress the law? Shall we take ourselves out of this relation again by disobedience? Shall we eject ourselves from this Paradise of God's grace, by going on in the transgression of his commands? God forbid! says the Apostle. Rom. vi, 1. Know then that we do not seek justification by the law, nor expect it on this ground; for we have all sinned, and our justification must come through Christ. But know also, that this does not release us from future obedience, and that those only who do the law shall be justified. Rom. ii, 13. Nor are we dependent on him for justification of our past transgressions only; but having inherited a carnal heart, a fallen nature, we must look to him for grace to enable us to keep the law in the future. We are, in our present state, disqualified even for rendering acceptable obedience except through faith in Christ. There is therefore no making void of the law through faith, nor of the grace of God through obedience to the law. But if we think to be justified by faith in Christ, while continuing in sin, we make him the minister of sin.
That Wesley did not understand Gal. ii, 21, as granting us any release from the moral law is evident from his discourse on our Lord's sermon on the mount, a sentence or two of which we here transcribe: 'But the moral law, contained in the ten commandments, and enforced by the prophets, he [Christ] did not take away. The moral stands on an entirely different foundation, from the ceremonial or ritual law. Every part of this [the moral] law must remain in force upon all mankind and in all ages.'
MEETINGS IN RUSSIAVILLE, IND.
By J. H. Waggoner
I COMMENCED holding meetings in the above place as noticed in my last. The roads were very muddy, but the attendance was good throughout. Eld. Thompson, of the Disciple church, commenced meetings in the same place on the 17th ult. He had been preaching several weeks at Kokomo, the county seat of Howard Co., where a great excitement had been raised by himself and the Methodist ministers on the subject of baptism. He informed me that he had twice debated with presiding Eld. Cooper on that subject, and though they did not regularly discuss at Kokomo, the excitement in the community was very great. It was expected at Russiaville that he would vigorously assail our views, and from what we had heard of him, and of the position he occupied in his denomination, and of the feelings of that body toward our faith, we expected to be put on the defense.
In his first sermon he plead strong for peace, yet some of his expressions were clearly aimed at us. In his second he was more bold, and quite decided in his opposition. But in his third discourse, on First-day morning, he came out very decided, warning the people against those who spread division, preachers of the law, followers of Moses, &c. In the afternoon I had the privilege of showing, to a large congregation, the injustice of these remarks, the harmony of the law and gospel, and the profitableness of "all scripture." From this time the spirit of controversy was quieted, and Eld. T. carefully avoided all disputed points. Beyond this, our intercourse was friendly and kind. By his invitation I spoke at the waterside on the occasion of his baptizing a believer, and again at his closing meeting, where mutual explanations were made, and the most friendly feelings prevailed. Being naturally averse to controversial meetings, I regarded this as a happy issue, as a discussion was, at first, looked for as a matter of course by many in the community. I had the pleasure of furnishing Eld. Thompson with our publications, which he expressed a desire to read, and thereby become acquainted with our faith. May the Lord enable him to see what a precious, glorious truth he has hitherto neglected, and to some extent opposed.
Being strongly urged to remain in that section of country some time, we concluded to see what openings might be offered, though our own minds were directed northward. We accordingly addressed a letter to the Christian (Disciple) church at Kokomo, requesting the use of their house for lectures. That all may see the bigotry manifested by our opponents, even those who profess to be the most liberal in the investigation and discussion of Bible subjects, we copy the letter and reply.
"Russiaville, Ind., Feb. 21st, 1859.
"To the Trustees of the Christian church, Kokomo:
"We wish to obtain the use of your church building for the purpose of giving a course of lectures on various Bible subjects. We would be pleased to occupy it about two weeks, when not used for the stated meetings of the church. Our subjects will be principally on the fulfillment of prophecy, and the principles of morality taught in the word of God.
"If granted we would like to commence on Thursday evening, March 3d.
"Please return answer by the bearer and oblige.
"Yours Respectfully,
J. H. WAGGONER.
M. HULL."
REPLY.
"Kokomo, Ind., Feb. 21st, 1859.
"We must decline granting the use of our house to you.
"We think we should avoid questions to no profit, calculated only to engender strife and divisions, and of no profit or advantage to any one. Anything calculated to pull down and destroy, not build up the cause of Christ, should be discountenanced among us. If men will preach the gospel that Paul preached, and point sinners the way into Christ's kingdom, and teach christians their duty to God and to one another, they will then be accomplishing some good.
"Respectfully yours,
A. H. PLOUGHE."
The inference is clear. The preaching of "the fulfillment of prophecy and of the principles of morality as taught in the word of God," would be fatal to the standing of the Christian church of Kokomo! What they consider right and proper to have preached in their church is a matter of query. Of this we have had good proof that the main body of the Disciple (in this country called Christian) church is as rigidly sectarian as any sect in [nominal] christendom. They seem to regard themselves as the exclusive followers of Peter and Paul, and I fear many of them never think of going so far back as to the faith of Abraham. But we had the privilege of testifying our faith in "the gospel that Paul preached," to the conviction of some. And here I would remark that I do not know of a single fact or duty of the gospel believed or taught by the sect of Disciples, but what we also believe and teach. The difference is, we believe "all scripture" is profitable, while they take only a small part.
On the 27th of Feb. we had the pleasure of immersing four believers in the likeness of Christ's death. A large concourse of people was present. It was an interesting and solemn time. One was baptized on the 28th, and two in the morning of the 1st of March, and one near the close of the same day—eight in all.
If any of our brethren pass through that country we hope they will call on the friends at Russiaville. It is about eleven miles from Kokomo, [on Penn. and Ind. R. R.] in the N. E. corner of Clinton Co. Inquire for Dr. Shirley.
On the 2d inst. we bid farewell to the friends there, and started for the North. To accomplish our journey we were obliged to go west six miles, to an old worn out plank road, on which toll is paid because it passes through a country impassable without its feeble aid. The state of the roads has somewhat diverted us from our course. We go where we can, and cannot go where we would. I feared this state of things when I left home. Some places I desire to visit which I shall not be able to.
We are now near Plymouth, Marshall Co. How long we shall remain we know not yet. We would submissively pray, "Thy will be done." J. H. W.
MEETINGS AMONG THE FRENCH.
BRO. SMITH: The 28th ult. Bro. Czechowski and myself left Mooers to hold meetings among the French in Constable, Bangor, etc. The same day we visited Bro. Joseph Roberge, who formerly belonged to the Grand Ligne Church, and who of late embraced the truth under Bro. C.'s labors. This brother had for142a long time been convinced of the truth that the churches are fallen. He could not see in the churches that union and love that must characterize the people of God, and therefore decided to separate himself from the church to which he belonged, and join that people where love would reign. The Lord, who has a care for his children, soon opened his eyes, and he gladly embraced the truth. His wife has also fallen in love with the truth.
The 1st inst. we arrived at Bro. Day's, in Chateaugay, where we met our dear Brn. Hilliard and Lawrence, who had prepared the way for us to hold meetings among the French. We gave eight lectures in the French chapel in Constable; and four honest souls promised that they would strive to walk in the way of truth. Among those who gave in their testimonies in our meetings was a very intelligent and informed Frenchman. He arose when we had delivered our last discourse, and, to our great astonishment, gave a rich and instructive testimony in favor of the Sabbath. Thus we see the wisdom of God in moving on the hearts of those who can be an honor to his glorious cause. The Lord is working for the honest, and he will have the praise.
Said a certain French sister, "It is about a year since my husband and myself were compelled to leave the churches, because we saw in them so much darkness and confusion; and we have prayed our good Father to enlighten us, and he has heard our prayers. He has sent you unto us to teach us the truth; and with the help of God we will receive it. We will walk in the light, and suffer for Christ."
But we were not without meeting opposition in Constable. Eld. La Clair, a French pastor in that place, would not meet with us, although we had written him a very kind letter, requesting him to assist us; and he called us false prophets, &c., without stopping to answer the questions we proposed him. Some of Eld. L.'s adherents joined with him in speaking against us, and told that they wanted to be true Protestants, and that if we would not leave the place they would tar and feather us. Here we could not help comparing Eld. L.'s spirit with the spirit that most of Catholics manifest when their religion is attacked; and we concluded that it would be more agreeable for us to discuss with a Catholic priest, than with Eld. L.
Yesterday, the 7th inst., we met with the French Protestants in Bangor, and found that Eld. L. had warned them against us, and advised them to turn us out of doors. But the Lord did prevail. We were blessed in speaking, and our hearers were very attentive, and manifested a disposition to walk in the light. Our prayer is that we may have heavenly wisdom and more than mortal energy, to faithfully accomplish the great work that the Lord has committed to our care. Truly our field of labor is extensive, and our conflicts are severe and numerous; but we are encouraged by the thought that God is for us, and that those who are faithful in this warfare shall receive a rich reward.
D. T. BOURDEAU.
M. B. CZECHOWSKI.
West Bangor, N. Y., March 9th, 1859.
An Aged Believer’s Testimony
By H. C. Crumb
"Beloved friends and fellow travelers to the bar of God: I stand before you a pilgrim on this earth. I have seen more than four score years. I feel that the mercy and goodness of God have followed me all my days. I rejoice in my soul for the blessed Comforter that Christ has sent into the world, even the Spirit of truth, which will lead into all truth. God's word is truth. I rejoice to-day that I have been led by this Spirit of truth to think on my ways, and turn my feet unto God's testimonies, and that I made haste and delayed not to keep his commandments. And I can say with the Psalmist, that all God's commandments are faithful, that all of them are truth, and that God has founded them forever. Great peace have they that love his law, and nothing shall offend them. I feel that this peace is mine, for his law do I love. 'The law of the Lord is perfect converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple: the statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes: the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honey comb. Moreover, by them is thy servant warned, and in keeping of them there is great reward.' 'Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have a right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.' Thus have I been led to put away the traditions of men for the truth of God; and I feel a joy in my soul for thus doing. I have looked forward to this time with joyful anticipation, when I could show to the world my anxiety and determination to follow my Lord and Master instead of the traditions of men. I would be buried with Christ by baptism. Like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so would I be raised up from this liquid grave to walk in newness of life; and the life that I now would live, is by faith on the Son of God, and by every word that precedeth out of the mouth of God. I want that true and living faith which father Abraham had. I would, like him, look for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
"I have great confidence in God, in his word, and in Jesus Christ; and I would take up with the admonition of Paul, and not cast away my confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. But we have need of patience, that after we have done the will of God we might receive the promise; and this promise is near at hand. The time has nearly come for the saints to possess the kingdom. Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us, and he told us that if he went away, he would come again. I believe that he went away, for he told us that he was going, the apostles said that he went, and I do not see him in the world; hence, I believe that he has gone, and just so true will he come again. Signs speak him near. 'For yet a (very) little while, and he that shall come will come and will not tarry.'
"And now let me say to you in the language of Paul, let every one of you that has named the name of Christ, be careful to depart from iniquity, which is sin, the transgression of God's law. And to you who have not named the name of Christ, be admonished by one who loves you, to flee to Christ who stands waiting, yea, anxious to receive you. He has died that you might live, and he has given the most lovely invitations for you to come and live. I would not be understood to say that there is no sorrow here, that the christian sheds no tears here; far otherwise than this. When I look around upon the human family, I can say with the Psalmist that I am grieved because they keep not thy word. Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law. It is time for thee Lord, to work, for they have made void thy law.
"My prayer is that God would still deal bountifully with me, that I might keep his word, and that he wou'd open your eyes to behold wondrous things out of his law, even his holy Sabbath, that we may be prepared to meet at God's right hand."
WM. RUSSELL
By Wm. Russell
From Bro. Russell.
Bro. Smith: It is with gratitude to my heavenly Father that I take my pen in hand to say a few words to the dear saints scattered abroad. I feel very thankful for the refreshing season we have enjoyed here for a few weeks past. We were favored lately with a visit from Bro. Phelps, who labored with us for about one week, and strengthened the church very much. It was really meat in due season to the household of faith. After attending to the ordinance of the Lord's house in breaking bread, he went on his way rejoicing. May the Lord bless him abundantly.
The brethren in this place are getting on higher ground; they have renewed their covenant with God, and feel determined to be among the redeemed saints. There seems to be a great desire in almost every place to hear the present truth; but there is no one to give them the glad tidings of the gospel of the kingdom. The harvest is plenteous, but the laborers are few, very few, compared with the greatness of the field.
I have recently read an article from the pen of Bro. White, in Vol. ix, No. 7, of the Review, headed, "Get Them to Reading;" which plan, if fully carried into effect, would be the means of bringing many souls to a saving knowledge of the truth. But in many places those that are the most willing to hear have not the means to pay for books; consequently they must do without them. Those that are called into the field to lecture are not able to purchase books to give away, as they do not receive enough for their support; neither are those who have the immediate charge of the Office able, I presume, to supply one tenth of those that are honestly searching for truth. How many are there that are professing to keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus, and believe that the Saviour is soon coming, that are hoarding up riches for the last days! To advance the cause of present truth? No. For charitable purposes? No. It is, that they may live in opulence, be called wealthy, honorable men; the first men of the place, in point of eminence, in which they live, while many thousands of their fellow-men are perishing for want of the truth. A little of their abundance might relieve their suffering condition, and save many poor sinners from everlasting destruction,143and the givers receive a blessing, and make themselves friends with the unrighteous mammon, that when they fail, will receive them into everlasting habitations.
O, dear brethren, let us be willing, if need be, to give up all for Christ. If we are not willing to give up all, we are not worthy to be called his disciples. "Sell that ye have and give alms." Let us strive to keep all the commandments.
Yours striving for eternal life.
WM. RUSSELL
Mauston, Wis., March, 1859.
Letters.
By Elizer Goodrich
“Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another.”
From Eld. E. Goodrich.
Bro. Smith: The Review and Herald is before me, and I am right glad that I have it to read. It indeed encourages and strengthens me in my rather lone condition, as there are but a few here who sympathize with the sentiments which it advocates. I have been a reader of the Review nearly two years; and cannot help saying that my heart is with the people of God, and that I love those who love present truth.
I am doing what I can to declare the whole counsel of God; the law, the prophets, and the gospel. With what success, the day of God must declare. I have long wished to meet with the people of God, of like precious faith; but let God's time be my time, and God's ways my ways. Brethren and sisters, pray for me that my faith fail not.
Your brother in tribulation, yet waiting for redemption when Jesus comes. ELIZER GOODRICH.
Edinboro, Pa., Feb., 1859.
THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT.
By J. Naramore
The seventh day, God's day of rest,
Of all the week I love it best;
He made it sacred and divine,
On it his glorious truth doth shine.
That perfect charge, the fourth command,
With all the rest shall firmly stand;
For it is holy, just and good,
It doth unite the brotherhood.
It makes us humble, mild and meek,
And fits us for the coming week;
Through all of which we watch and pray,
Then holy keep the Sabbath-day.
Though all the world God's law assail,
One jot or tittle shall not fail;
Till sin shall cease, with groans and pains,
And Christ on earth in glory reigns.
J. Naramore.
Rochester, N. Y.
God Honors His Appointments
God honors his own appointments, because they are all intended to show forth his praise.
Address at the Water-side.
By H. C. Crumb
Bro. SMITH: Last August brother Poole came into this neighborhood, and preached from Ps. cxix, 6, at which time he baptized an old lady 84 years old, who had embraced the Sabbath, and is looking for and loving the appearing of Jesus. At the water-side, sister Tripp, the old lady of 84, referred to, made the following address, which I send you for publication if you think best.
H. C. Crumb.
A. GLEASON
By A. Gleason
From Bro. Gleason.
BRO. SMITH: It has been about six or seven months since I commenced to keep the commandments of God. I left my business in Toledo, Ohio, and moved to Hillsdale that I might enjoy the society of commandment-keepers. I have been at work in Adrian this Winter in the midst of Spiritualists and scoffers of the last days. It buoys my spirits up to meet with the Lord's dear people now and then, and it increases my hope that Jesus soon is coming, when I see the powerful workings of Satan.
Last First-day a man from Boston, a trance-speaker, spoke in the Odd Fellows' hall, in Adrian, and is to speak there to-day. He advertises to heal the sick, &c., &c., and many wonders they are performing in that place.
O brethren, should not these things cause us to make a desperate struggle to overcome Satan and his charms, and get ready to meet our King, soon to come. O, it can't be long! Time's wasting sands are almost run, and Satan's kingdom will soon come to an end. "Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. But they shall proceed no further, for their folly shall be manifest unto all men as theirs also was."
The Spiritualists say, Lo, here is Christ, he has come through the mysterious rappings, &c.; but says Paul, Ye, brethren, are not in darkness that that day should overtake you as a thief. In Acts i, 10, 11, we are told the manner in which we are to look for him. I desire to make no greater effort than to get ready for what is soon to come on this people. Let us plead constantly with the Lord that our faith and strength fail not. "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame and am set down with my Father in his throne." Rev. iii, 21.
I desire an interest in the prayers of the saints that I may be counted worthy to have a shelter under the covering that the Lord is preparing for his people in the day of his fierce wrath; and that I may stand on the sea of glass with the 144000 that shall be redeemed from among men. "They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes."
Yours striving for an immortal crown.
A. GLEASON
Hillsdale, Mich., March, 1859.
A Call for Laborers in Ohio
By Samuel Haskell
From Bro. Haskell.
Bro. Smith: Myself and family are still looking for the coming of our blessed Saviour, and striving for the crown at the end of the race. Our lot is lonely. Four years ago we commenced keeping the commandments, alone. There was not one of our brethren or sisters within fifty miles of us. We gave to those around us what light we could, with our books and papers, until the Lord saw fit to send the tent; and many were permitted to see the true light. Some of my neighbors joined with us. Brn. Holt, Rhodes and Butler visited us, and we had some good times; but I have removed into another lonely place—Washington township, Lucas Co., Ohio. I believe the Lord has sent me here to make a home for some of our way-worn preachers, who have the word to leave in this place. There are none of like faith within twenty-five miles. I live six miles north-west of Toledo. Inquire for Joel Marsh. The people have never heard the present truth, and I think here is a great field for labor. It is my earnest prayer that the Lord will direct some of our brethren this way. My house shall be their home. The Lord has not given me the gift of speaking like some, but I believe it is my duty to provide a home for those whom he will send here to give the word. It is my duty to raise the cry for help.
In hope of a crown of glory, and a country free from the cares of life.