The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 21, 1866
Sermon, Number Five.
By John Matteson
Evidences of the Inspiration of the Holy Scriptures.
BY JOHN MATTESON.
“ALL scripture is given by inspiration of God.” 2 Tim. iii, 16.
A number of able works treat largely on this subject, and even “The Bible from Heaven,” though its author has apostatized from the faith, is still a strong defense of the truth, as a compilation of evidences showing that the originator of the Bible can be none other than the great and eternal God, the Creator of heaven and earth. But many of our brethren, as well as others, cannot appreciate such works, not being able to understand or remember the arguments and facts stated. Yet, as we base our faith and hope entirely on the Bible, we ought all of us to be able to present plain evidences why we believe the Bible to be the inspired word of God.
This would both strengthen our own faith, and help us to lead others to a saving knowledge of the truth. In the following remarks we trust you will find a few arguments plain enough for all to understand and remember, if they will take pains to do so. Please therefore give this subject your undivided attention while we shall endeavor to present:
SIX EVIDENCES OF THE INSPIRATION OF “ALL SCRIPTURE.”
And may the Lord assist by his Holy Spirit and bless the word upon the hearts, that your whole spirit, and soul, and body, may be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
1. It is a true record. This is a characteristic of the greatest importance. Where there is any deviation from the truth in persons or records we can put no trust in them. But what a beautiful and connected chain of truth shines forth from the pages of the Bible; as well from its history as from its doctrines and exhortations.
1. The testimonies of all the different writers of the Bible agree. They lived in different ages and countries. Though Isaiah lived above 700 years before the apostles, yet he tells us of the “man of sorrows and acquainted with grief,” who “was wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities,” who “is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.” He tells us that “he made his grave [or made ready for his grave] with the wicked, and with the rich in his death.” In perfect harmony with this, Paul declares that he “was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin;” and John, “he came unto his own, and his own received him not.” He wept with those that wept and shared in their sorrow. “Jesus wept.” He suffered agony in the garden, and when the officers “struck Jesus” he answered mildly, “Why smitest thou me?” On Golgotha “they crucified him, and two other (thieves) with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst.” According to Matthew “There came a rich man of Arimathæa named Joseph, who laid it (the body of Jesus) in his own new tomb.”
Of Jesus, Paul testifies that after his death, burial, and resurrection on the third day according to the Scriptures, “he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve. After that he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present; but some are fallen asleep. . . . And last of all he was seen of me also.” And the voice of John joins in perfect harmony, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life. . . . declare we unto you.” David, “the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel” said, “The assembly of the wicked have inclosed me (speaking of Christ); they pierced my hands and my feet, . . . they part my garment among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.” And more than 1000 years after, John beautifully responds, “Then the soldiers, when they crucified Jesus, took his garments and made four parts, to every soldier a part.” But his coat was without seam, wherefore they said, “Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be.”
The same morals and principles of religion are taught throughout. “The faith once delivered to the saints” is not changed nor altered from Genesis to Revelation. Ezekiel cries out to a rebellious generation, “Turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?” And 600 years later James lifts up his voice like a trumpet and proclaims the same gospel. “Draw nigh unto God and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts ye doubleminded.” And the perfect and royal law is everywhere made the standard and lifted up like a banner on high, while Jesus is the Saviour, the Advocate with the Father, and Prince of peace, to whose glorious reign all eyes are anxiously turned, while all hearts in unison beat with expectation of joy and glory in the coming kingdom of God.
2. The times and countries in which the sacred writers lived, together with many events then transpiring, and surrounding circumstances, are so minutely described as not to leave a shadow of doubt. This opens a large field of investigation, in which you may work at leisure while we only point out one instance. Luke iii, 1, 2. In these two verses no less than eight persons are mentioned who were in prominent offices at the time. The time is given definitely, “the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Cæsar,” while five countries or regions are named. This shows plainly that they had no fraud to cover up, and that they knew well the things whereof they assert.
3. Profane writers testify to the same facts. They tell us of one Jesus who went about doing good, and finally was crucified. They speak of the Apostles and first Christians, and Jews, with their temple, and law, and prophets, thus corroborating the record of the apostles.
4. Infidels themselves admit that the record as a mere history is true. Then all, both friends and foes, testify that the Bible is a true record.
II. The effect or fruits of the Bible are good. A tree is known by its fruit. Therefore if we can ascertain that the influence of the Bible has tended to make men wiser, better, and happier, we also prove that the Bible itself is good, and has sprung from the source of all good, the great Jehovah.
1. Effects in the world in general. From a small beginning, being deposited with a few poor and unlearned men, the principles of this sacred volume have withstood more than eighteen centuries of hatred, rage, persecution, and calumny of the whole heathen and Catholic world, with a host of infidels and atheists, all inspired and led on by the infernal powers of darkness. Why do they thus rage against the Bible, if it had not come from God whom they hate? But have they succeeded in undermining its authority and reputation? Are there now less Bibles, and is it less read and appealed to than centuries ago? No. Triumphantly the sacred volume lifts up its head and still presses the battle against the raging powers of darkness.
What multitudes are these marching up with great rapidity, swelling like a torrent from the mountains when the spring rains are melting the snow, eagerly rushing foremost in the battle, and fighting fiercely under the lewd banner of the libertines? They rap, and tip tables, and work wonders. Communicating with devils (pretending to be departed spirits,) they trample proudly on the sacred volume, and threaten boastfully to extirpate the same. But Michael, the prince of God’s people, stands on the side of the Bible, and his strong arm brings confusion to the ranks of its enemies, while his mighty voice, clothed with authority from the throne of Heaven, clear as a silver trumpet,90is heard above the bustle and din of the battle; “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my word shall not pass away.”
Now please look for a moment at the different countries where Bible knowledge has been spread. When Asia and Africa stretched out their hands toward God, knowledge and civilization, industry and economy, progressed in those regions. But since they have departed from the Bible, how deep have they sunk into ignorance and barbarism. When the countries of southern Europe were filled with Christians how did those States flourish. Not only did believers receive the benefit of the gospel light, but the influence on others around them was such that agriculture, manufactories, arts, and sciences flourished, while principles of truth and honesty made people happy. But now go to Spain, Portugal and Italy, those countries that have sunk deepest into papal darkness and superstition, and departed furthest from the gospel, and behold a lazy, good-for-nothing race.
What was America before the gospel light shone upon its woods and prairies? A wilderness. But now behold the change. And where did the infidels of America learn those principles of right and wrong which even they consider sacred? Ah, from their grandmothers’ and grandfathers’ Bibles.
Compare with this, countries where other revelations are received, in opposition to the Bible, such as Turkey, Persia, China, India. What a vast difference. How far behind they are in every thing useful and commendable. Do you not see then the great superiority of the Bible over all other systems of religion? As much so as the living God is superior to dumb idols; or the mild and lovely Jesus to the fierce Mohammed.
2. In believers in particular. This is the best evidence that a follower of Jesus can have. What has the Bible done for you individually? Can you not tell, brother or sister? It found you in the miry clay, helped you out, placed your feet upon the rock, and established your going. It plucked you as a brand from the burning. Translated you from darkness to God’s marvelous light. Before, you loved the world, and its fashions and lusts, but now, those bonds are broken asunder, and you love Jesus above all others. You love to sit quietly at his feet, and listen to his sweet counsels. You love to hear of Heaven, and meditate on the glories of the promised land. Instead of cursing and murmuring, blessing and praise proceed from your mouth. Instead of anger and strife, you are developing patience and love. Instead of boasting and scoffing, you humbly bow your knee at the family altar. In short, you are being transformed by the renewing of your mind, instead of being conformed to this world.
Could the works of Voltaire or Shakspeare do this? Could skepticism or Spiritualism do it? Could any other system of religion in the world do this, except the religion of the Bible? No! But through the word of God you were convinced of sin, and found yourself to be a transgressor of God’s holy law. And by the same word you were led to the bleeding side of Jesus, to our Advocate on high, and you now rejoice that your sins are all forgiven. And not only so, but the exceeding great and precious promises of God’s word cause a living hope to spring forth, which you would not give up for all the treasures of the world. Oh, blessed hope! Soon we shall rejoice in its consummation, when death shall be swallowed up in victory, and this mortal put on immortality.
Then we know that the Bible has come from God, because it makes us more like him, and leads us home to our Father’s house.
III. Fulfillment of Prophecy. To write history correctly after the events have transpired is truly a great task, but to write history in advance is an utter impossibility for man. The knowledge of man with respect to the past and present time is very limited. But the veil of futurity makes the coming days dark as darkness itself. But the prophetic word shines as a light in a dark place. And as on its pages the future is pointed out so definitely and minutely with a never-erring hand, declaring events, and recording the history of kings and kingdoms and individuals, we cry out with wonder and admiration, “There is a God in Heaven that revealeth secrets,” and this book is none other than the word of God.
Fifteen hundred years the record of the destruction of the Jewish nation existed, and then it was fulfilled as literally as it was recorded. See Deut. xxviii, 49–65. Consider how minutely the kingdoms of this world have been described, remember the signs of the times, and see the fulfillment of prophecy before your eyes daily. Does not this strengthen your faith, and encourage you to lean with still more confidence on the arm of Him whose never-failing counsels have existed unshaken by the most terrible revolutions, untouched by the most cunning plots of an ever-planning and active enemy?
IV. Internal evidences. These consist in the excellent qualities of the divine word itself. These are more numerous than we can here present, but we will try to point out seven very prominent characteristics.
1. Simplicity. How this beautifies every book of the Bible. There is no studied art, no endeavor to make a show. “God said, Let there be light, and there was light,” is the exceeding brief and simple story of a most glorious work. If man had brought forth anything one-thousandth part as great and excellent, how many volumes they would have filled with all the particulars. But the work of God needs no recommendation. It speaks for itself. With this compare the language of Spiritualists (rather of devils): “In the beginning God, the Life in God, the Lord in God, the Holy Procedure inhabited the dome, which burning in magnificence primeval, and revolving in prismatic and undulating spiral, appeared, and was the pavilion of the Spirit; in glory inexhaustible and inconceivable, in movement spherical, unfolded in harmonious procedure disclosive.”
2. Honesty. How men in their writings will cover up everything that is bad, and exalt every little good act. But the Bible tells of the bad as well as the good. It presents a David, a Peter, in their true light, covering up nothing, taking no honor to itself, nor ascribing it to man, but giving God the glory and praise. It claims no more for itself, nor for any one than justice demands.
3. Authority. There is nothing creeping, or begging about the word of God. It does not court the friendship of the mighty, nor flatter the rich and the proud. It does not make apologies, and then ask men if they will be so kind as to obey. The Bible speaks with divine authority. “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” “If any man worship the beast . . . the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God.” And when men have sometimes tried to imitate this style, how far have they come short. Read for instance the letter which the pope pretended came down from Heaven, commanding to keep Sunday.
4. Sublimity. Nowhere can you find such elevated conception, such morals, and heaven-born principles, such pure, holy, and consistent views of a coming kingdom, a world to come, a new earth robed in Eden glory, except in the Bible. Compare with this the spheres of Spiritualists, or seven heavens of Mohammed, or three spheres of Mormon. How inconsistent with itself, how gross and sensual is each of these views. With their spirit dogs, and spirit drunkards, and spirit harlots, with their carnal pleasures, or eternal torment. While the word of God brings to view a state where there shall be no more sin, or sorrow, or pain, where all intelligent creatures, and the whole creation with one accord will praise God.
5. Excellency of language. Milton has been justly celebrated as a poet; but where did he get his sublimest ideas and loftiest language? From the Bible. The poet has never lived who could compare with Moses in authority, David in sweetness, Isaiah in sublimity, Daniel and John in depth, both of wisdom and knowledge, and Paul in logic and holy zeal. “Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the Lord hath spoken.” “Look unto me, and be ye saved all the ends of the earth: for I am God and there is none else.” “Behold I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. But be ye glad and rejoice forever in that which I create: for behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.” “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits; who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with loving kindness and tender mercies.”
“Holy Bible! book divine!
Precious treasure, thou art mine!”
6. Conciseness. The Bible contains much in little. More so than any other book. We get more knowledge from the Bible than from all other books combined. Especially where it is studied and compared with nature, passing events, signs of the times, and the human disposition and character. The more you study it, the more you see the need of learning more. It is an inexhaustible fountain of knowledge and truth.
7. Sympathy. There never was a better comforter, nor friend more faithful, than the Bible. It weeps with you in your sorrow, and rejoices with you in your joy. Here you can find a healing balm for every wound. Are you secure and lukewarm? It thunders forth from the trembling top of a smoking mountain the perfect law of God, while the lightning blazes from the thick cloud, and the thunder roars. And above all, there the voice of the terrible trumpet waxes louder and louder. It points to the last plagues, the great and terrible day of the Lord, everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power. Do you tremble and fear, and want your sins forgiven? “The Spirit and bride say, Come, . . . and whosoever will, let him take of the water of life freely.” “Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Are you poor? Is it not yet a very little while, . . . and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.” Are you sick and weighed down with grief? Let not your hearts be troubled. Jesus comes quickly. Then you shall eat from the tree of life, whose leaves are for the healing of the nations. Are you tempted and tried sorely? Fear not. Trust in God. “For he hath said, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.” Are you persecuted for righteousness’ sake? “Rejoice and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in heaven.” Oh, how well adapted the Holy Scriptures are to inspire with patience, hope, and love.
“Thou truest friend man ever knew,
Thy constancy I’ve tried;
Where all were false, I found thee true,
My counselor and guide.”
V. Evidence of comparison with nature. All nature around us, as well as our own frame, speaks of the great Creator. This mighty God who hath formed us is the God we ought and desire to worship. Now if the same God has revealed himself in the Bible, then the Bible is indeed the book of nature’s God.
1. The same attributes which the Bible ascribes to God, we find revealed in nature. The Bible declares that he is an almighty God, full of wisdom and love. The same we find clearly manifested in nature. The sun which goes forth every morning in majesty, the stars without number, the earth in its course, the mighty ocean and towering mountain, yea, every spire of grass, tell of the unlimited power of the great Creator. His wisdom is manifested throughout creation. Every organ of the human body, every vein and sinew, and motion of the heart and lungs, declare that man is fearfully and wonderfully made, that God is a God of infinite wisdom. Have you not heard how day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge? Do not seed-time and harvest, summer and winter, declare his loving kindness? Does he not cause the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man? Yea, all wait upon the Lord. He openeth his hand, they are filled with good. “O Lord, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.”
2. The same harmony and order which are manifested in nature, we also find in the Bible. None can better realize this than those who have embraced present truth. What harmony, what consistency, what oneness and union, we behold throughout the Bible. And where the principles of the Bible are lived up to, we find the same union, harmony, and order, as well in churches as in families. Do you not admire the same union, harmony, and order in nature? Behold the planets in their orbits, how they move in perfect order. And though they roll forth with more than lightning speed, yet thousands of years gone by have not diminished their velocity, nor disturbed the harmony91and order of these heavenly bodies. On the earth the clouds that water the ground, the rivers in their course, the birds in the air, fishes in the sea, thousands of animals on hill and in valley, every plant, from the mighty oak to the tender and beautiful flower, prove and declare the order and harmony of nature. Everything is adapted to the other, so as to form link after link in the perfect, unbroken chain of creation. The God of nature is truly the God of the Bible, for the same divine mind, order, and harmony, run through both.
VI. The manifestations of the Holy Spirit follow the preaching of the word of God. This was eminently the case in the days of Christ and the apostles. How many hearts were made glad as the deaf heard, the blind saw, the lame walked, and the dead were raised unto life. But the Lord promised to be with his people, even unto the end of the world. And he has proved true to his word. Still many hearts are made glad as the Lord is raising up the sick, and the church is purified through the gift of prophecy.
Besides this we have also individual experience of the manifestations of the Holy Spirit in our own hearts. How often as we pray, or listen to the truth, or try to comfort others, does the Spirit gently work and soften our hearts, and give us a foretaste of the joys of the world to come, a sweet assurance and blessed earnest of a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
And now, my brethren, as the pillars of truth look mighty, and its foundations indeed are seen to rest upon the eternal Rock of Ages, let us praise God for his blessed truth, and try to live it out, and have it interwoven from day to day in our personal experience. Let the Bible be the man of your counsel. Oh, despise it not. Turn not away from the kind voice of your Heavenly Father. Hearken to the gentle call of the lovely Jesus. Wash in his blood. Sup with him, and he with you. He will lead us on to glory, peace and immortality. Then we shall more perfectly ascribe all blessing, and honor, and glory, unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb, forever and ever.
“Blessed Are They That Mourn.”
By W. H. Burleigh
Oh, deem not that earth's crowning bliss
Is found in joy alone;
For sorrow, bitter though it be,
Hath blessings all its own;
From lips divine, like healing balm
To hearts oppressed and torn,
This heavenly consolation fell—
“Blessed are they who mourn?”
As blossoms smitten by the rain,
Their sweetest odors yield—
As where the plowshare deepest strikes,
Rich harvests crown the field;
So, to the hopes by sorrow crushed,
A nobler faith succeeds;
And life by trials furrowed, bears
The fruit of loving deeds.
Who never mourned, hath never known
What treasures grief reveals—
The sympathies that humanize—
The tenderness that heals—
The power to look within the veil
And learn the heavenly lore—
The key-word of life's mysteries,
So dark to us before.
How rich and sweet, and full of strength
Our human spirits are,
Baptized into the sanctities
Of suffering, and of prayer!
Supernal wisdom, love divine,
Breathed through the lips which said,
*“Oh, blessed are the souls that mourn—
They shall be comforted!”*
[ W. H. Burleigh.
Calls for Preaching.
By H. C. MILLER
Never, perhaps, has there been more urgent calls for men to preach the word of the Lord than at the present time. Never was there more necessity for heeding the words of our Saviour: “Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest.”
But while the harvest is so great and the laborers so few, there is still no need of any one thinking that the work cannot go on in their place or town, without the aid of a preacher. No, brethren, instead of being discouraged because no one from abroad comes to help you, lift up your eyes to the Lord in prayer. We do not feel the power of prayer. Says James: “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain.” If the occasion for such a request should come upon us, would our faith stand? Should we not begin to doubt? Should we not reason like this: Now will God stop the course of nature? will he stay the flood, and dry up the rain, because such a poor worm as I shall ask it? Ah yes, if for his glory we ask. Is there one single soul in all the earth upright before God, him will God hear, though there be millions of wicked men, who all desire the contrary. Such is God’s love for them that serve him. He has given us ample proof of this.
Now brethren, let us make application of this fact. Here is a town of two or three hundred souls, or more. In that town are two or three believers—righteous ones—and they long to have the word of truth spoken to their neighbors. Now remembering the words of Jesus, “Where two of you shall agree as touching anything ye shall ask of my Father it shall be given you,” let them begin to pray. Let them erect an altar and appoint stated seasons for prayer. Let them erect the standard, and pray God to draw all in the place who will be saved, to it. God has a Holy Spirit that works upon the heart, and leads it to examine his word, and convinces it of sin, of righteousness, of truth. And if there are two or more praying ones in that town on the Lord’s side, God can bring others who will believe, to them. There is a secret influence which attracts as the magnet, unseen, yet doing its work thoroughly. Let your light so shine that it may be seen in the town where you reside. Pray often, earnestly, faithfully. It may be you will not have occasion to call so loudly for laborers. Call upon Jesus, the Lord of the harvest.
“And it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit,” is the result recorded of Elias’ praying.
H. C. MILLER.
Whitewater, Wis.
An Exhortation.
By R. F. Cottrell
The position we occupy in the closing hours of probationary time, is made clear by the sure word of prophecy. All that is necessary to satisfy ourselves that we are in the time of the last message of probation, is to examine the plain, unmistakable prophecies of the Bible—the conclusion is inevitable. But when all this is acknowledged, the work of preparation for the events that lie before us, is but just begun. The Son of God will soon come in the glory of his Father, in his own glory, and that of all the holy angels—he will come to save his people and clothe them with immortality, and bring them home to his Father's house—but who shall abide the day of his coming, and who shall stand when he appeareth? It is well to ask the question now, while there is time given in which to prepare for this event of events. A little in the future it will be said by those who seek a hiding-place from the presence of the Coming One, The great day of his wrath is come, and who shall be able to stand? Wisdom dictates that we make the inquiry now while there is a little space left in which to prepare.
The events of the day of the Lord are no common events; and it will need a special preparation of heart and life to meet them. The people that pass through the time of trouble, and are translated into the kingdom of God, changed to immortality without tasting of death, will be no ordinary people. They will be a peculiar people, zealous of good works. They will be a people that rise above the prevailing wickedness of the times, when iniquity abounds and the love of many has grown cold. As the tares of the field are ripened in wickedness, a wickedness that exceeds that of all time since the flood; so the people that enjoy the light to prepare them for translation, must excel in holiness, having all the light of the past and present to aid them in becoming ripe for the heavenly granary.
Are we making advancement in the life which is by faith in the Son of God? Are we striving to let our light shine, that we may save our fellow men? Are we recommending the truth to them by word and deed? Oh, let us be stirred to zealous action in the cause of God. Let us gird ourselves anew for the closing conflict with the powers of darkness, putting on all the armor of light. And let us feel the spirit of labor to save souls, realizing our responsibility as the light of the world. In due season we shall reap if we faint not. Let us then be always abounding in the work of the Lord, since we know that our labor will not be in vain in the Lord. There is but little time to labor. Shall it not be all diligently improved? May we realize these things as we ought, and so take heed to ourselves as to be finally prepared to hear our Master say, Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of thy Lord.
My dear brethren, I am fully persuaded that the faithful will soon be saved with an everlasting salvation. I want to be one among the number. I want to meet you in glory. Pray for me that I may be faithful, and finally be found an overcomer. My heart's desire and prayer to God for you is that you may be saved. Let us be faithful. Eternal life is worth all it costs. It has cost the life's blood of the Son of God; and it will cost us something. If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him. It will be cheap enough to us—the free gift of God. Christ will see of the travail of his soul and be satisfied. The saints will be satisfied too, when they awake with his likeness. Brother, sister, will you make the sacrifice? I will try.
R. F. COTTRELL.
God is With Us.
By Mary J. Cottrell
Surely God is with this people. Thus I exclaimed while reading the reports in last week's Review from the servants of Christ who are bearing to the world the warning message. Yes the God who rules the universe, whose law is love, who delights in right, the God of the Bible is with this people. He is at work for them, and through them is accomplishing a work for himself, and oh! I must share with them, share in their labors, their trials, and sorrows, that I may also share their reward. I would not be an idler. 'Tis a great thing to work for Jesus, but I will try to do the little I see in my pathway faithfully, and it may be God will assign me more. It seems to me that the privilege of seeing Jesus, and receiving his smile will fully repay me for all I can suffer here, to say nothing of hearing his sweet voice say “Well done” and of receiving from his hand the robes of silvery white, the crowns of shining gold, the palms of victory, of meeting angels, and the saints where we can ever have their society, of sitting down to the marriage supper, of seeing the city of wondrous beauty and grandeur, to which the Bible tells us the saints will be welcomed, and of having an eternal home in the earth, when restored to its Eden beauty. Oh! what a reward is waiting for those who patiently endure the sorrows and trials of this fleeting earth, and with humble trust in God resigning their whole will to his will, and do all they can find to do in his fear. And shall I reach the golden city, and there meet none who will greet me, and say, You helped me to gain this home? Shall I see others thus greeted, while all pass me by? O God, help me to be of some service to souls around me. Heaven would be no Heaven at all, were I to just save myself, as it were, and not lend a helping hand to others.
Dear reader, let us try to do all we do to the honor and glory of God. In this we shall help others. And I know from sweet experience that we shall find our greatest pleasure in working for others. But let us remember the man who was “Cut off from his base;” remember our own weakness, and be very careful to get frequent supplies from the fountain which never fails. The faithful soon will win.
MARY J. COTTRELL.
Rochester, N. Y.
The Situation.
DURING the struggle for our nation's life, the great mass of our people felt that we were dependent on God for success in preserving our institutions. God prospered us, we were successful, our armies conquered the armies of the rebellion, and then many of our citizens forgot that God had helped us, and felt like shouting, “Our mountain stands strong; we can not be moved.” Our republic has exhibited its strength, there is now no danger.
But God in his providence is again reminding us that we are not independent of his help. We find that there are still shoals and rocks ahead of our good ship, and the pilots need wisdom from God to direct them. We have been painfully reminded of this fact by reading the proceedings of the Union caucus held at Washington, 11th inst. At that meeting Gov. Boutwell of Massachusetts is reported as saying:
“He believed it to be beyond all doubt that a conspiracy was on foot to put the government into the hands of rebels. He had no doubt they contemplated a resort to force, because it was in the logic of events that they should do so, and that nothing could save the country from destruction but the most prompt and effective preparations for every emergency. He believed an attempt would be made to force the rebels into Congress, and the Philadelphia Convention was part of the scheme. The battle, in effect, had already begun, and if resistance was not made, the President would take possession of the Capitol. Any such attempt must and would be resisted by force. (Mr. Boutwell's remarks were loudly applauded.)”
Such words, from such a man, should be heeded, and should lead Christians and patriots not only to watch, but also to pray that God would save us again from civil strife.—Christian Press.
Theoretical, Practical, Experimental.
By Roswell F. Cottrell
When the beautiful and harmonious theory of present-prophetic truth is presented to the people, they are disposed to oppose practice to theory, and think we would do better to attend to the practical part of religion, and let the prophecies alone. They do not seem to see that the fulfillment of the prophecies and the present signs of the times have any bearing upon our duty. If we are only living right, say they, we are prepared for death, the advent of Christ, or any event whatever.
But when we advance a little further, and show that the light of prophecy exposes the apostacies and corruptions of the professed church, and their departure from the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and that a real reform in these things is demanded, they can but see that our preaching is practical in the highest degree, and now they ardently desire good, experimental preaching, such as their souls can feast upon. The urging upon them of duties they are unwilling to perform, is dry and irksome. They long for experimental preaching—they are hungry, and want food.
But if perchance theoretical preaching produces faith, a faith so strong that the practical is received by willing obedience, there is no longer a drouth of the experimental, but, on the contrary, a rejoicing with joy unspeakable and full of glory. To such the truth is glorious, the obedience delightful, and the joy inexpressible.
The preaching of the first apostles is a model for all others. If we carefully inquire after their manner, we shall find that they presented the great facts of the gospel—the then present truth, that God had fulfilled his promise in sending the Messiah, that he died for our sins, was buried, rose again and ascended to Heaven, and that there he is a merciful High Priest before the throne of God, to make reconciliation for those that come to God by him. They sustained these facts by proofs and arguments from the Scriptures; and when the truth was received by faith, obedience followed, and there is no doubt that experimental religion was the result. We hear them speak of this to the brethren; but they do not tell unbelievers how happy their religion makes them feel, nor how happy their hearers will feel if they receive it; neither do they ask them, when they come forward to obey the gospel and unite with the church, whether they have experienced religion. The best test of true religion is such faith in the truth as leads to willing and hearty obedience. Consequently the apostles asked no one to relate his experience, when he presented himself for baptism and church membership.
In stating this fact, I do not disparage experimental religion. The experience of the love of God shed abroad in the heart by his Spirit which is given us, must be had if we would enter Heaven. “If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” And if we have the Spirit, the fruit of the Spirit will be enjoyed and manifested. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, temperance; against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” Gal. v, 22-24. If we lack these fruits, and are not crucified to the world and the world to us, we need not hope that we are approved of God, or shall finally be saved.
But the reason, doubtless, why the apostles preached facts instead of feelings to the unconverted, was that other religionists, whether Jewish or Pagan, could oppose feeling to feeling as an offset against the truth. It is not to be supposed that those who sacrificed their children and even themselves to the gods of the heathens, did so without feeling, and that of the most intense kind too, though it differed widely from the enlightened and serene joy of the Christian. The heathen could claim to have experienced religion; hence they needed first to be enlightened with the truth, and this, rather than the experimental, would show them that their religion was not of the right kind.
Even at the present time, truth and duty are opposed by what claims to be experimental religion. They tell us that God blesses them and they feel his approving smiles, and reason hence that they are right and safe, though evidently disregarding the claims of the letter of the word of God. There is no abuse greater than this, and no deception is sweeping greater numbers of professed Christians down to the gates of death! The idea of being led by the Spirit contrary to the word is a delusion so self-evident that it ought not to have the least credence. And the fact of so many discordant and conflicting sects all claiming to be led by the Spirit of God, has made many infidels in regard to the operations of the Spirit of God. The Spirit of God does not lead in different and opposing ways.
The lesson then which I wish to inculcate is this: First learn the truth, next heartily obey it, and then reap a harvest of joy and peace. True religion is theoretical, practical, and experimental. A religion that claims God’s Spirit and tramples on his truth is spurious.
R. F. COTTRELL.