Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, who ministered in the holy office of priesthood, partook freely of wine, and, as was their usual custom, went in to minister before the Lord. The priests who burned incense before the Lord were required to use the fire of God's kindling, which burned day and night, and was never extinguished. God gave explicit directions how every part of his service should be conducted, that all connected with his sacred worship might be in accordance with his holy character. And any deviation from the express directions of God in connection with his holy service was punishable with death. No sacrifice would be acceptable to God which was not salted nor seasoned with divine fire, which represented the communication between God and man that was opened through Jesus Christ alone. The holy fire which was to be put upon the censer was kept burning perpetually. And while the people of God were without, earnestly praying, the incense kindled by the holy fire was to arise before God, mingled with their prayers. This incense was an emblem of the mediation of Christ.
Aaron's sons took the common fire which God did not accept, and they offered insult to the infinite God by presenting this strange fire before him. God consumed them by fire for their positive disregard of his express directions. All their works were as the offering of Cain. There was no divine Saviour represented. Had these sons of Aaron been in full command of their reasoning faculties they would have discerned the difference between the common and sacred fire. The gratification of appetite debased their faculties and so beclouded their intellect that their power of discernment was gone. They fully understood the holy character of the typical service, and the awful solemnity and responsibility assumed of presenting themselves before God to minister in sacred service.
Some may inquire, How could the sons of Aaron have been accountable when their intellects were so far paralyzed by intoxication that they were not able to discern the difference between sacred and common fire? It was when they put the cup to their lips that they made themselves responsible for all their acts committed while under the influence of wine. The indulgence of appetite cost those priests their lives. God expressly forbade the use of wine that would have an influence to becloud the intellect.
“And the Lord spake unto Aaron, saying, Do not drink wine nor strong drink, thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go into the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die; it shall be a statute forever throughout your generations; and that ye may put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean; and that ye may teach the children of Israel all the statutes which the Lord hath spoken unto them by the hand of Moses.”
The special injunction of God to the Hebrews in reference to the use of intoxicating liquors should be regarded in this dispensation. But many who are holding the highest responsibilities in our country are, in too many cases, liquor-and-tobacco slaves.
Jurors in our courts, by whose verdict the innocence or guilt of their fellow-men is decided, are many of them liquor-drinkers and tobacco-inebriates. And, while under the influence of these, which becloud the intellect and debase the soul, judgment is given upon the liberty and life of their fellow-men.
Perverted judgment in many cases clears from all punishment the greatest criminals, when the safety of society demands they should receive the full penalty of the law which they have violated.
The men who are legislating, and those who are executing the laws of our government, while they are violating the laws of their being in debasing appetites, which stupefy and paralyze the intellect, are not fitted to decide the destiny of their fellow-men. Those only who feel the necessity of keeping soul, body, and spirit, in conformity to natural law, to the end that they may preserve the right balance of their mental powers, are fitted to decide important questions in reference to the execution of the law of our land. This was the mind of God by decrees to the Hebrews that wine should not be used by those who ministered in holy office.
Here we have the most plain directions of God, and his reasons for prohibiting the use of wine; that their power of discrimination and discernment might be clear, and in no way confused; that their judgment might be correct, and they be ever able to discern between the clean and unclean. Another reason of weighty importance why they should abstain from anything which would intoxicat[e], is also given. It would require the full use of unclouded reason to present to the children of Israel all the statutes which God had spoken to them.
Anything in eating and drinking which disqualifies the mental powers for healthful and active exercise is an aggravating sin in the sight of God. Especially is this the case with those who minister in holy things, who should at all times be examples to the people, and be in a condition to properly instruct them.
Notwithstanding they have this striking example before them, some professed Christians will desecrate the house of God with breaths polluted with the fumes of liquor and tobacco. And the spittoons are sometimes filled with the ejected spittle and quids of tobacco. The effluvia is constantly arising from these receptables, polluting the atmosphere. Men professing to be Christians bow to worship God, and dare to pray to him, with their lips stained by tobacco, while their half-paralyzed nerves tremble from the exhaustive use of this powerful narcotic. And this is the devotion they offer to a holy, and sin-hating God. Ministers in the sacred desk, with mouth and lips defiled, dare to take the sacred word of God in their polluted lips. They think God does not notice their sinful indulgence. “Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.” God will no more receive a sacrifice from the hands of those who thus pollute themselves, and offer with their service the incense of tobacco and liquor, than he would receive the offering of the sons of Aaron, who offered incense with strange fire.
God has not changed. He is as particular and exact in his requirements now as he was in the days of Moses. But in the sanctuaries of worship in our day, with the songs of praise, the prayers, and the teaching from the pulpit, there is not merely strange fire, but positive defilement. Instead of truth's being preached with holy unction from God, it is sometimes spoken under the influence of tobacco and brandy. Strange fire indeed! Bible truth and Bible holiness are presented to the people, and prayers are offered to God, mingled with the stench of tobacco! Such incense is most acceptable to Satan! A terrible deception is this! What an offense in the sight of God! What an insult to him who is holy, dwelling in light unapproachable!
If the faculties of the mind were in healthful vigor, professed Chrristians would discern the inconsistency of such worship. Like Nadab and Abihu, their sensibilities are so blunted that they make no difference between the sacred and common. Holy and sacred things are brought down upon a level with their tobaccoized breaths, benumbed brains, and their polluted souls, defiled through indulgence of appetite and passion. Professed Christians eat and drink, smoke and chew tobacco, and become gluttons and drunkards, to gratify appetite, and still talk of overcoming as Christ overcame!!
(To be Continued.)
An Interesting Letter.
By Editor
THE following letter from a friend in Madison Co., Ohio, has just been received at this Office. Although a private letter, it will be of so much interest to our readers that we decide to make it public. First, because the writer, confused by the errors and superstitions which he everywhere discovers around him, and seeking earnestly the right way, deserves the sympathy and prayers of God's people. Secondly, because, having an experimental knowledge of the principles and ceremonies of popery, he is prepared to testify that the Protestant churches have each retained more or less of the relics of that unscriptural system. Thirdly, because he has been providentially set upon the track of truth, by finding one of our pamphlets, in a way to greatly encourage, and stimulate the zeal of those who are engaged in the good work of scattering our publications over the land. His letter is dated Jan. 28, 1875; and he says:—
"I am a seeker after the truth, but am confused. I want to become a member of the little church that is marching on to victory. But where is this conquering band, God's army, to be found? I have long attended the Catholic church, used holy water, and knelt down at the sound of the little bell, crossed myself and repeated Hail Marys, creeds, &c. I have invoked patron saints. I have read Catholic books. And at last I have read and re-read the Holy Bible, to see whether these things are true. After faithfully perusing the Scriptures, I find it out of the question for me to believe in the power of the priests, bishops, and their head, the pope of Rome.
"But I am now worse lost than ever. I have attended many Protestant churches, and am grieved to find in them all some part of popery. They claim to be Protestants, but they seem to me to be only very poor Catholics; for they condemn the pope, yet they hang fast to many of the very rottenest threads of popery.
"Who and what are the Seventh-day Adventists? I picked up a tract the other day, entitled, 'Who Changed the Sabbath?' and I am so interested in it that I have had to read it every day since. And, in fact, I am so completely absorbed in it that I want to, and must, know more of a doctrine that seems to me to be teaching people to turn from the errors of popery. Will you kindly tell me of this religion that teaches man to hold fast to the commandments of God, condemning the false power of the Antichrist, the pope of Rome? I do believe in obeying the divine commandments of God, in keeping holy his Sabbath day.
"Please answer this or hand it to some one who will take an interest in giving light to one who stands in a dark place. I feel like a lost sailor tossing about in the furious waves of mid ocean. Can you reach forth your spiritual hand and lift me from my dangerous situation? Help me, or I shall sink in despair. What am I to do to be saved?"—Review.
UNION and love, founded upon the principles of justice, holiness, and truth, constitute Bible religion. It was sin that marred the harmony that originally existed between the heavenly beings and those upon the earth. Christ, who did no sin, became sin for us, that this union might be restored, and man again be enabled to hold communion with his Creator. But this work is not accomplished without the co-operation of the sinner, and even angels take part in the same work. "Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?" Heb. 1:14. "Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth," yea, there is more joy in Heaven "than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance." Yet man must come to Christ, and yield his heart to those heavenly principles which are designed to elevate him, that he may become an heir of God and a joint heir with Christ. He that receives these principles, and connects himself with the family of Heaven, places himself under obligation to reach forth his hand and seek to save others. "I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the barbarians; both to the wise and to the unwise," are the words of Paul when he had embraced Christianity.
In carrying forward the work of God upon the earth, a hearty co-operation will exist among the friends of our Lord Jesus Christ; not in one point or principle only, but in every principle of the religion of the Bible, and in every effort that is put forth for the building up of the cause upon the earth. The sympathy, prayers, and personal efforts, of all should be blended together in perfect harmony. Nationalities do not draw a dividing line in this cause. Sectarianism finds no place here.
Christ, the leader, set the example of self-denial and sacrifice. And if any man would be his disciple, he must deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow him. He must be a partaker of the same spirit, have fellowship with his sufferings, and become conformable to his death. "If they have called the Master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?" Those who live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution; and if we suffer with him we shall reign with him; but if we deny him he will deny us.
Justice, mercy, and humility, are among the first requirements of Heaven. These principles are enforced by certain duties enjoined; such as manner of worship, outward acts of kindness, and the sacrificing of worldly goods, to carry forward this work upon the earth. Man is a steward of all that which the providence of God has committed to him, including the things of the world. The object is that he may use his possessions for the building up of the cause of God. A faithful steward will regard the interest of Christ's work upon the earth. It will be dearer to him than his personal interests. The human heart is tested by its willingness to contribute for the support of the cause of Christ. Upon one occasion, when there was a general interest taken in the building of the temple, and the precious stones were gathered by the families of Israel, and willingly donated to the treasury of the Lord with a perfect heart, God blessed them in a wonderful manner. Then David beautifully expressed the following true sentiment: "O Lord our God, all this store that we have prepared to build thee an house for thine holy name cometh of thine hand, and it is all thine own. I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of my heart, I have willingly offered all these things; and now I have seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee." 1 Chron. 29:17, 18.
The giving of a tithe of a man's increase was ordained of God, that there might be uniformity and equality in supporting the cause of God. By this system, the rich and the poor would give in the same proportion, and none would be distressed. While the man with his thousands and tens of thousands would make large donations, it would really cost him no more than did the small pittance of the widow whose bread was earned by her daily toil. Then, as the heart would swell with gratitude for the light of truth and the rich blessings received, they would offer their thank-offerings. Some would have such a realizing sense of the moral corruption into which sin had plunged them, and the preciousness of the blood of Christ in redeeming them, that they would make donations as a sin-offering; while others, under different circumstances, would bring their peace-offerings to the precious cause of their divine Lord. Thus, by a cheerful co-operation, would the tithes and offerings be brought in, and the treasury of the Lord's house be filled. See Malachi 3:10.
In the early history of this cause, when the friends were few, some made large donations and great sacrifices that the work might move forward. And since that time, when the state of the cause has been presented and appeals have been made, some have taken more stock in these institutions than they were actually able, or, at least, more than was consistent with the principle of equality. Friends to this cause are being raised up everywhere, who will want a share in these various enterprises. All should have an opportunity to help in the cause of Christ; but equality should be established in every branch of this work.
Now is the time to make a transfer of a portion, at least, of that which we here have to that immortal shore. The time will come when to the rich it will be said: "Go to now, ye rich men; weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. Your riches are corrupted and your garments are moth-eaten; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days." James 5:1-3.
Often adverse circumstances beyond the control of men make men poor. The present situation of Kansas, Nebraska and some parts of Minnesota, where the grasshoppers have destroyed every green thing that the inhabitants were to subsist upon, furnishes a striking example. When distress and suffering come upon people in one section of the country, as well as in cases of want of individuals directly in our midst, opportunities present themselves to help forward the cause of God by relieving the afflicted as well as by directly supporting the institutions among us. It is such cases that give an opportunity to empty the wardrobe of extra clothing, and to donate the surplus means on hand. Those who are ready to distribute at such times, and in such cases as we have here alluded to, will find in the day of Judgment that "he hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor; his righteousness remaineth forever." The apostle adds, "Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness." 2 Cor. 9:9, 10. Yet the apostle would have none distressed by doing beyond their ability. He says, "If there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened; but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance also may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want; that there may be equality; as it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack." 2 Cor. 8:12-15.
This is gospel equality. But the best of it all is the commendation of the Saviour in the day of reckoning to those who have thus operated with him! "Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." Matt. 25:23.
These principles should be perfected among the remnant of God's people. The Christian religion is not that ill-proportioned, one-sided, selfish affair that some would have us believe; but it consists in "warning every man, in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Jesus Christ." Col. 1:28. The union commenced in this life is perfected in the kingdom of God. The co-operation in the labor is here, the suffering is here, the sacrificing is here; but the common eternal joy is on the other shore.
New enterprises are also being entered upon, which demand the united interest of God's people. The cause is one common cause. Its interest is one common interest. Each individual is made responsible for the talent God has committed to him. The day of Judgment reveals the use that has been made of the talent, whether it has been put out to usury, or hid in a napkin and buried in the earth. If put out to usury, with joy the possessor will say, Here, Lord, is the talent which thou gavest me, and I have gained others beside. It is this class only who are called faithful. Those who took no interest in this work, felt no burden for the salvation of others, those whose hearts were so benumbed with the spirit of the world that they were unmoved when the Macedonian call came from every part of this land, and also from other portions of the world, "Give us the light and truth you so richly enjoy;" and those who, when called upon to aid in filling these calls—and bearing burdens in this work, would excuse themselves, feeling it was hard to be disturbed in their selfish quietness, are described in the following words: "Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strewed; thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him who hath ten talents. For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away, even that which he hath. And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth." Matt. 25:26-30.
Shall not these principles of hearty co-operation stir the hearts of all those who believe present truth, more than it has in the past? Plans are laid, and by the time they are matured they have to be enlarged. Scores of souls on the right hand and on the left are embracing the truth. Willing, cheerful hearts take the place of those murmuring ones that fall out by the way. The Lord of hosts is at the head of his army, and our watchword is, Onward to victory. Love and Union is the motto inscribed on the banner. It is a battle and a march while in the enemy's land, but rest and joy when the victory is gained.
Children should be so educated that they also can have a part to act in the cause of Christ. They should be taught to feel an interest in Zion, pray for its prosperity, and feel for the salvation of others. Thus, old and young, middle-aged and children, should become active members of the family of Christ, and unite their interest to advance the cause of God upon the earth.
S. N. HASKELL.
Christian Laborers.
By Home Guardian
RISE and, labor for the Master;
Work while it is called to-day;
For our time seems flying faster
Every year that rolls away.
Be not idle nor half-hearted;
Up, and do with all your might;
Grace and strength will be imparted,
Making all thy burdens light.
Far and near, in every land,
Look! the fields are white already;
Reap, and gather for the Lord,
Come, be earnest, firm and steady.
Use, not hide, the talents given,
Only try; do what you're able;
When the Lord will be thy strength,
Say not I am weak and feeble.
'Tis no matter-- precious saying--
What the talents, great or small;
Just improve them, no delaying,
This is all the Lord requires of all.
Cease ye, then, such vain excuses,
There's no time nor place for these;
They are only self-abuses,
View them in what light you please.
You can go through streets and alleys,
Lanes and hedges, by-ways, all;
Over hills and through the valleys,
Seeking for the poor and lost.
You can give to feed the hungry,
Clothe and shelter those who need;
Comfort mourners, calm the angry,
Help the weak, and cheer the sad.
You can seek, in dark, vile places,
To reclaim the fallen there;
Tell them, though of different races,
Jesus came to seek and save.
Thousands thus for Jesus labor;
You can do as well as they;
Every one can help his neighbor
In the straight and narrow way.
Rouse ye, then, the world is calling;
Sleep no longer by the way;
Thousands into line are falling,
Join the host while now you may.
--Home Guardian.
FASHION.
"I have seen a woman," said a late preacher, "professing to love Christ more than the world, clad in a silk dress costing $75; making up and trimming of the same, $40; bonnet (or apology for one), $35; velvet mantle, $150; diamond ring, $500; watch, chain, pin, and other trappings, $450; total, $1,250; all hung upon one frail, dying woman. I have seen her, at a meeting in behalf of homeless wanderers in New York, wipe her eyes upon an expensive embroidered handkerchief at the story of their sufferings, and, when the contribution box came around, take from a well filled portemonie of costly workmanship, twenty-five cents, to aid the society formed to promote their welfare. Ah! thought I, dollars for ribbons, and pennies for Christ."
A Short Address to the Seventh-day Baptists.
By ONE WHO BELIEVES IN CONSISTENCY.
[A BROTHER has sent us the following printed circular, which he says is extensively circulated through the mails, in the section where he lives, in Rhode Island. The inquiries are certainly pertinent, and deserve consideration by any whom they may concern.]
Will our S. D. Baptist friends permit one who entertains a high regard for their piety and conscientiousness to call their attention to some points that I have observed in their practice, which are not deemed quite consistent with their belief, which I will illustrate by the following proposition, viz.: You believe the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord our God, and, consequently, that all who refuse to keep it, whether ministers or laymen, professors or non-professors, are living in violation of the law of God, and therefore are sinners; which fact you prove by the following text of Scripture, "Whosoever sinneth transgresseth also the law; for sin is the transgression of the law." 1 John 3 : 4.
And, whereas other denominations are guilty of the above sin, you refuse to commune with them, which is strictly consistent on your part, so far; nevertheless you invite those Sabbath-breaking ministers into your churches to preach, and treat them as good Christians, never reproving them for Sabbath-breaking, and you carefully avoid saying anything to them about the Sabbath or the law of God, and by your silence lead them to believe you esteem the matter of small importance yourselves. It is believed your inconsistency in this matter has cost you the loss of many of your young people, who take it for granted from your practice that you believe Sabbath-breakers of other denominations are good Christians, which encourages them to abandon the Sabbath themselves.
Again, you would not invite a Roman Catholic priest into one of your churches, nor recognize him as a Christian minister, because he breaks the second command by paying adoration to images. Now I would like to know what the difference is between the Catholic who breaks the second, and the Protestant who breaks the fourth, command. Are they not equally guilty, in proportion to the knowledge they possess? But, say you, the former violates two commands, the second and fourth, while the latter violates the fourth. But what says the apostle James of such? Whosoever shall "offend in one point, he is guilty of all" (Jas. 2 : 10,) notwithstanding he may keep every other command of the law.
But you say, We must exercise charity toward our Protestant friends; perhaps they have not been enlightened on the Sabbath question. But how is that? Have they not the same Bible that you have? and if ignorant of the claims of God's upon them, is it not their own fault? The Saviour said of such, "This is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil." John 3 : 19. And, although you doubtless should extend Christian charity to the errors of thousands of Christian people in various parts of our country, who have never had their attention called to the claims of the Bible Sabbath, yet such apology will not apply in the case of the people here, whose attention is called to the subject every week by seeing the seventh-day people close their places of business on the Sabbath, and go to church. The Saviour said; "That servant, which knew his Lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes." Luke 12 : 47, 48.
But I must not neglect to call the attention of Seventh-day Baptists to the charge that is sometimes brought against them, of not setting a proper example of Sabbath-keeping before others, in that some have employed men to work for them on the Sabbath, and allowed their business to go on on that day. This is looked upon as a great inconsistency, inasmuch as the fourth command prohibits the labor by your employes as much as by yourselves on the Sabbath. In view of the above, if Seventh-day Baptists have the truth in relation to the Sabbath, will not God hold them accountable for the way they keep it, and also for any failure on their part in teaching it to others?
If, on the other hand, the keeping of the seventh day is not a matter of any account, why not abandon it, and cease to divide the church by keeping a different day from the one kept by the majority?
All of which is respectfully submitted for your consideration, by ONE WHO BELIEVES IN CONSISTENCY.
"I'm a Stiff Methodist."
By D. H. Lamson
It is not uncommon to hear expressions like this in character from the lips of those who lay claim to a deeply religious sentiment. Nothing is more evident than that the ism is regarded as of far more importance than the truth. "Rise," said a modern teacher of this class, "and tell what Methodism has done for you." Not seldom are testimonies given in the social meeting inspired by such appeals as this. Often it may be they are the old, old story of Christ, and his love, of salvation full and free, yet unconsciously multitudes are wedded, not to Christ the head of the church, but to party names. Thus the spirit of investigation is crushed out of the heart, and the command, "Try the spirits whether they are of God," becomes a dead letter.
A lady said but a few days since in private conversation, "I do not easily change my mind, and am not to be turned by every wind of doctrine. When my mind is made up, it takes something to move me." This was said apparently to close up the discussion of an important truth, and with an evident desire to hear no more of it. The answer was made that individuals who never change their minds are generally such as never stop to reason. When the reformers arose, a Luther, a Calvin, or Wesley, bringing out the burning truths of the gospel, step by step, justification by faith, and free grace; had they been met by all with the statement, I am a Catholic, or, I am an Episcopalian, would there have been such glorious results from the dissemination of Bibles and the agitation of Bible truths? or would the sentiments that now have become as household words have been hidden by those who would too gladly take away the key of knowledge?
It will not be hard for us, if we will, to profit by the lessons of the past; and the spirit that might be freely condemned, that has actuated men in the ages gone by, will no less certainly be condemned in us, should their example be followed. It is a trite saying that actions speak louder than words; and though there are few, comparatively, who are so outspoken as the parties mentioned above, yet others have all the glory to be derived from such a state of mind, without giving expression to it in the same words.
Another person said but recently that the women of a certain locality ought to turn out and stone Bro. Waggoner and myself from the place, because we had preached obedience to the precepts of the decalogue, and the nearness of the coming of the Lord; and, moreover, she expressed her willingness to do her part. It is doubtful if she would be satisfied to hold the clothes simply of those she would urge to such work, but she would only be contented when using her own muscle. What is remarkable about this circumstance is, that this woman, so far as we know, never heard from us a single discourse, nor ever met us personally. She, too, is a "stiff Methodist," and the only reason for her rising ire was the fact that several of her friends had learned to love the coming of the Lord, and had begun to observe all the commandments of God.
There are many persons in these days who say much about the witness of the Spirit, and are satisfied only with what they call "Holy Ghost religion;" and this witness within is the ultimatum of every argument. It matters not how pointed a truth that condemns their course, they are always capable of finding the evidence of acceptance in their own heart. Much is it to be feared that such are walking in the light of sparks they themselves have kindled.
A circumstance that clearly illustrates this state of self-deception occurred but a short time since in connection with our labor at Grant Center, Mich. After several spirited testimonies had been given in favor of the truth, a lady arose and said that, for her part, she was satisfied with the Sunday. She had always observed these days to which her memory clung, she had been many, many times so happy that she could neither sit nor stand. This, to her, was far more satisfactory evidence than all the arguments we could bring; her feet would joyfully tap the floor, and her hands rub together in an ecstasy of delight. Yet a few days later, when the law chart was displayed, she remarked to some young friends who were seated near, Oh, see! he is getting out his fiddle. Who is going to dance? and some announced themselves ready to take the floor.
It is to be regretted that the minds of the young are so often leavened with such inconsistencies, and it is no wonder that purely religious sentiments are to an alarming extent losing their hold upon the public mind. It does certainly require no little discrimination to discern between truth and error, between the operations of the Spirit of God, and the vain deceivings of the heart. The unnatural and the unnecesary blindness of the minds of men is a source of constant grief. Vain imaginings, fond anticipations that will never be realized, and hopes that only bud to be blasted, constitute the fleeting, shadowy joy of the world. Like the ephemera that flit in the sunbeams for but a few short hours, and perish, so the "false raptures of the mind" end in disappointment and death.
It would be a glad day indeed could men understand that the revelation of the will of God first appeals to our reason and better judgment, and that it is a most dangerous experiment to yield to impulse alone. It is too true that much of the religion of the day is lived by impulse only, and is fickle as the wind.
A man stated but a little time ago that the gift of sanctification had been conferred upon him eight years before, and he testified in public that nothing kept him from the joys of Heaven but the brittle thread of life; and the very evidence he had of this has been sufficient to close his ears and heart to the solemn work of the Judgment. Wonderful as it may seem, that soul-hardening, nerve-destroying, devitalizing narcotic of soul and body,—tobacco!—has been to him during all these years a chief joy. Some parts of the Bible must have been, in his case, written in vain as a rule of life; but certainly they will not be as a rule of judgment; for his claims to entire holiness are too high to ignore the command to keep the body blameless, as well as soul and spirit.
It is not too much to expect that the church militant, just before the final triumph, will consider unnecesary filthiness of the flesh as a mortal sin; for they shall not only be without guile in their mouth, but without fault before the throne of God.
This same individual only recently came into the field of a brother, saying, "I have left my religion at home this morning, and have come to whip you," and seemed to be determined to do it. He failed in his object, but not because his will was not sanctified to perform the act. The evidence of sanctification was here. It was the sin set apart, but not by the Lord. Strange as it may appear, this man is regarded by some as a sound Christian, and his claim is respected.
Errors in faith, that are errors simply, may give place to truth when properly presented, and often do; but bigotry and superstition are often too deeply laid in human folly to recognize a remedy. Prejudices in favor of preconceived opinions, whether of birth or education, should not hinder in the examination of truth. Position in life, association, or church relations, must not stand between us and our duty; and a hope, to be of any real value, must be based upon the living out of the pure principles of the gospel. It is not enough to be a Methodist, a Baptist, or an Adventist. To be a Christian requires more than either, as to name, at least; and they only can be Christ's who partake of, and retain, his Spirit.