Earlier text: CHRISTIAN DUTIESLIFE INCIDENTS.
By James White
Advent Camp-meeting at Exeter, Me.—Prepared Lectures and left Home on horseback.—One week at Burnham.—A Reformation followed.—Invitation to visit Brunswick.—Labors at Augusta.—Lectures at Sidney.—The Presiding Elder.—Universalists and Methodists.—Impressed to call at a House.—Found a Believer reading the Signs of the Times.—Conversation.—Make Myself known.—Give Lectures in the Reed Meeting-house. On returning from the meeting in Exeter, Me., where I heard with deepest interest such men as Miller, Himes and Preble, I found myself happy in the faith that Christ would come in the year 1843. I had given up all to teach the doctrine to others, and to prepare myself to do this was the great object before me. I had purchased the chart illustrating the prophecies of Daniel and John, used by lecturers at that time, and had a good assortment of publications upon the manner, object, and time of the second advent. And with this chart hung before me, and these books and the Bible in my hand, I spent several weeks in close study, which gave me a clearer view of the subject. In October, 1842, an Advent camp-meeting was held in Exeter, Me., which I attended. The meeting was large, tents numerous, preaching clear and powerful, and the singing of second advent melodies, possessed such a power as I never witnessed. My second advent experience was greatly deepened at this meeting, and at its close I felt that I must immediately go out into the great harvest-field, and do what I could in sounding the warning. I therefore prepared three lectures, one to remove such objections as the time of the advent not to be known, the temporal millennium, &c., one on the signs of the times, and one on the prophecy of Daniel. I had neither horse, saddle, bridle, nor money, yet felt that I must go. I had used my past winter's earnings in necessary clothing, in attending meetings, and in the purchase of books and the chart. But my father offered me the use of a horse for the winter, and Elder Polly gave me a saddle with both pads torn off, and several pieces of an old bridle. I gladly accepted these, and cheerfully placed the saddle on a beach log and nailed on the pads, fastened the pieces of the bridle together with malleable nails, folded my chart, with a few pamphlets on the subject of the advent, over my breast, snugly buttoned up in my coat, and left my father's house on horseback. I gave from three to six lectures in four different towns around Palmyra. Speaking, with the blessing of God, gave me freedom and confidence, and as the subject opened to me by study, reflection, and in speaking, I found it necessary to divide subjects, so that I added one discourse at least to the little series at each place. I had a good hearing at all these places, but saw no special results. A schoolmate of mine, Samuel Lang, now a Methodist minister in Wisconsin, had engaged a school in the town of Burnham; but by accident had lost an eye, and was told by his physician that he should rest at least one week before teaching. Mr. Lang urged me to teach for him one week. I consented, and the first day of school gave an appointment for evening lectures. The school-house was crowded. I gave seven lectures. Sixty arose for prayers. I sent for my brother who had been in the ministry five years before me, and was favorable to the advent doctrine. He came and labored six weeks, baptized, and organized a large church, for which they paid him sixty dollars. I paid, at the close of my week's teaching and lecturing, one dollar for horse-keeping, and left for the Kennebec. My brother afterward told me that every one he baptized dated their experience from my lectures. At one of the places where I had given lectures, I met a gentleman who seemed very much interested in the soon coming of the Lord, who gave me an urgent invitation to visit Brunswick, Me. He stated that there had been no preaching on the subject in that part of the State, and that the Freewill Baptists, who were very numerous on the west side of the Kennebec river, from Augusta to Brunswick, would willingly give me a hearing. From that moment I felt inclined to make my course toward Brunswick. So in January, 1843, I left on horseback, thinly clad, and without money, to go more than a hundred miles among strangers. Night came on as I drew near Augusta, the capital of the State, and I inquired at a humble cottage for entertainment, stating that I was a penniless preacher, and wished to find rest with some Christian who would willingly care for me and my tired horse without charge. “I am a member of the Christian church of this place,” said he, “please stop with me.” I gladly accepted the cordial invitation. During the evening my friend stated that Elder Pearl, a Christian minister, was to preach on the next Sunday, and invited me to stop and give evening lectures in the school-house, and spend the Sunday with my old friend and acquaintance, Elder Pearl. I did so, and had a good hearing, and was kindly received by Elder Pearl, who loved the doctrine of Christ's soon coming. I was also invited to speak in the school district east of that, near the Kennebec river. The house was filled, and many stood outside at the open windows. A Universalist opposed, and finding that he could prevail nothing, brought a Mr. W., the editor of the Augusta Age, a noted Universalist, to oppose me, and, at the close of my lecture, introduced him to the people, and invited them to stop and hear what he had to say. I was too hoarse to reply, and stated that I had no further claims on the congregation. A dozen voices cried, “Clear the way, and let us pass out.” Only about twenty-five, and those of the baser sort, remained to hear Mr. W. They were, of course, ready to receive what the speaker chose to say, who, being grieved and angry with me for leaving, and with the people for following me, was in a state of mind to excite in them a mob spirit. I will not blame the reader for thinking me rash, in depriving the editor of the Age of a hearing. But I was an inexperienced youth, and feared a battle, and took this course to avoid it. But a battle came the next evening of a different kind. Mr. W.'s hearers decided before leaving the school-house to get all to join them who would, and on the next evening break up the meeting. As I was about to go to the house the next evening, several of my friends came to me and stated that a mob of at least three hundred was around the school-house, and they warned me, as I regarded my life, to remain away from the meeting. I went before the Lord with the matter, then told my friends that I should go to the school-house trusting in God to defend me. As I drew near the house I heard the shouting of the mob, and was again warned by the friends who accompanied me to take their advice, and go no farther lest I lose my life. I stated to them that I believed the Lord would in some way defend me, and pressed forward. They had resolved that if I went to the place of meeting they would go with me, and stand by me to the last. We found the school-house filled with women, all the windows taken out, and the house surrounded by men enough to fill three such houses. I pressed through the crowd and made my way to the desk. The greatest fear prevailed within the house, while unearthly yells seemed to be the delight of the mob without. The Universalist, who had taken the trouble to get Mr. W. to the place to oppose me, stood close to the desk, and, as I entered it, said to me, “This, sir, is the result of your conduct last evening in refusing to hear Mr. W. Your meetings will be broken up.” I replied, Very well, sir, if it is the will of God, let it be so. I then called the meeting to order, and prayed, standing upon my feet. This I did for two reasons. First, want of room to kneel, and, second, it was safer for me to stand with my eyes open and watch this infuriated Universalist who seemed to have all he could do to keep from striking me. While praying, a snowball whistled by my head and struck on the ceiling behind me. I read my text from Peter, relative to the burning day of God, and commenced commenting upon it, but could be heard by only a few near me, in consequence of the shouting of the mob. Many snow-balls were thrown at me through the open windows, but none hit me. I raised my voice above the noise of the mob, but while turning for my proof-texts they seemed to gain advantage over me. And there was too much excitement and fear for my proofs to tell on any mind. My clothing and also my Bible were wet from the melting fragments of a hundred snow-balls which had broken upon the ceiling behind me, and had sputtered over me and it. That was no time nor place for logic, so I closed my Bible, and entered into a description of the terrors of the day of God, and the awful end of the ungodly. These opened before me wonderfully. Language and power of voice seemed to be given me for the occasion. I was nearly lost to all around me, while the naked glare of the fires of the day of God seemed to light up the field of slaughter of the ungodly men before me. I cried, Repent, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, or you will drink of the wrath of God. Repent, and call on God for mercy and pardon. Turn to Christ and get ready for his coming, or in a little from him, on rocks and mountains you will call in vain. You scoff now, but you will pray then. The mob seemed more quiet. The night before, a spike was thrown at me and hit me on the forehead, and fell into my Bible, and I put it into my pocket. Inexpressible pity and love for the crowd came over me, and as I was expressing it with tears, I held up the spike, saying, “Some poor sinner cast this spike at me last evening, God pity him. The worst wish I have for him is that he was this moment as happy as I am. Why should I resent his insult when my Master had them driven through his hands,” and at the moment raising my arms and placing my hands upon the ceiling behind me in the position of Christ on the cross. The Spirit of God accompanied the words and the gesture to the hearts of the crowd. Some shrieked, and a general groan was heard. “Hark! hark!” cried a score of voices. In a moment all was silent. In tears I was calling on sinners to turn and live. I spoke of the love of God, the sacrifice of Christ, his undying pity for vile sinners. I then spoke of his coming in glory to save all who would seek him now. More than a hundred were in tears. Do you want to see a happy man, said I, please look at me. Many were weeping aloud, and I was getting so hoarse that I could hardly be heard for the penitent cries and sobs around me. Who are willing to seek Christ, said I, and with me suffer persecution, and be ready for his coming? Who in this crowd wish me to pray for them that this may be their happy portion? As many as do, please rise up. Nearly one hundred arose. It was nine in the evening and I was hoarse and weary. I closed with benediction, took my chart and Bible, and made my way out through the subdued crowd. Some one locked arms with me to assist and guard me. His countenance seemed impressively familiar, yet I did not know him. When I had passed the crowd, I missed him, and, from that evening, who he was, or how he left me, and where he went, have been mysterious. Was it an angel of God, sent to stand by me in the perils of that evening? Who can say it was not? My lectures continued in this place three or four evenings without the least opposition, and a general reformation followed. In about eight weeks I returned to the place again, and as I entered the door of an especial friend, near the old scene of battle, I recognized my Universalist friend. He had been driving some exciting conversation with the lady of the house about me. Both appeared greatly agitated as I entered. The lady greeted me cordially, but with expressions of astonishment that I was in her house again. The Universalist made for the door, and left in a most abrupt manner. The lady then stated that this man had been talking of me to her in a most abusive manner, and that the last statement he made as I came to her door was as follows: “White is a rascal. He has been overtaken in crime, and is safe in jail. One of my neighbors told me that he saw him yesterday in Augusta jail.” This man was overtaken in his guilty folly in a manner he little expected. He had certainly succeeded poorly in his war against me. I did not see him, nor hear of him, after his hasty retreat homeward, showing as much shame as the face of a guilty man is capable. But let the reader go back with me over these eight weeks to the time I closed my labors in this place.165 An invitation came for me to visit Sidney, and lecture in the Methodist meeting-house. Cheerfully I accepted, and found a large house filled with attentive hearers. The first evening, I spoke on the millennium with freedom. And as I entered the house the second evening, I was told that Elder Nicherson, the presiding elder, would be present that evening. I felt my youth, my lack of general knowledge of the Scriptures, and my brief experience in the things of God. I trembled for the result of that meeting, as I learned that he was opposed to the doctrine I was teaching. I was on Methodist ground. This led me to pray most earnestly to God for help. My confidence that the Lord would be with me grew firm as I entered the pulpit. I learn, said I, that Elder Nicherson is in the congregation; will he please take a seat with me, and join in the services of the evening. He cheerfully came forward, and I gave him an advent hymn from the Methodist book to read, and found him willing to pray. I then sung an advent melody, and took this text, But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of Heaven, but my Father only. Matt. xxiv, 36. I stated first, that the subject was the Second Advent. Second, that God had not revealed the day nor the hour of that event. Third, that Christ did say in this connection that when his people should see the signs in the sun, moon, and stars, that they should know that his coming was near, even at the doors, as truly as men know that summer is near when they see the trees of the field send forth their buds and unfold their leaves. Fourth, that as it was in the days of Noah, so should it be at the coming of the Son of man. The work of warning the people of the coming flood was given to righteous Noah. And in order for him to know when to build the ark, and when to raise his warning voice, the year of the flood was given to him. So shall it be at the coming of the Son of man. The world is to be warned of its approaching doom. And to this end the prophecies of Daniel and John especially point to this time. The signs in the heavens, on earth, in the church, and a wicked world, all show that Christ and the day of vengeance are at hand. The people of that place were divided between Methodism and Universalism, and it appeared to me a favorable time to show up from Matt. xxiv, the view held by Universalists that Christ came at the destruction of Jerusalem. In this I had had some experience, and succeeded in pleasing Eld. Nicherson, who made a few general remarks, not directly opposing me, for fear, as I supposed, of pleasing the Universalists, who evidently felt stirred at my discourse. The meeting closed with good feelings between us. But as I left the house, I received an urgent request by several gentlemen to call at the hotel the next morning at nine, to answer some questions relative to what I had said of Universalism. At the hour appointed, I found myself surrounded by several Universalists who were evidently in an unfriendly mood, and as many Methodists, who had come to see that the young stripling should be well treated. This was kind in my Methodist friends. The interview lasted till the clock struck twelve. My Methodist friends expressed themselves satisfied with my answers. The landlord, who was the leading spirit among those professing Universalism then arose and said to me, “Mr. White, please walk out to dinner. This afternoon I wish to show you that there is no connection between the Old and New Testaments.” I was surprised to find that this professed champion of Universalism was really an infidel. I declined dining with him, stating that my mission was to those who receive the sacred Scriptures of both Testaments as a harmonious revelation from God. This closed our interview. My Methodist friends charged me to be on my guard lest the Universalists take advantage of some unguarded expression, and hurt my influence. This was indeed kind in them, and for which I have ever felt to respect them. I gave a few more lectures, and parted with the Christian people of that place, with their thanks for my labors among them, and their expressions of joy that Universalism had been fearlessly exposed without giving its adherents chance to hurt me. My mind was still on the field of labor farther down the river toward Brunswick. My labors thus far in Augusta and Sidney seemed more accidental, or providential, than in accordance with my design when I left home. And now, with the peace of God ruling in my heart, I journeyed on. As I passed a neat cottage in the town of Richmond, the impression came upon me powerfully, as distinctly as if a voice said to me, “Call into this house.” I obeyed, and asked for a drink of water. A middle-aged lady laid down the paper she was reading, and upon it placed her glasses, and gravely said to me, “Please be seated.” As she stepped to another room to wait upon me, I took up her paper, and, to my joyful surprise, saw that it was the “Signs of the Times, Published by J. V. Himes, No. 14 Devonshire Street, Boston.” As I took the water, the following conversation, in substance, commenced. I see you have the Signs of the Times, which teaches the peculiar sentiments of one Wm. Miller. Are you a subscriber for it? I am, and think it an excellent periodical. Would you like to read it? I took the paper from her hand, and enjoyed reading several stirring articles from able pens, then passed it to her, and, with an air of indifference, asked, What do you do with the long-cherished opinion of nearly all great and good men of all the sects, that the temporal millennium, in which the conversion of the whole world and the complete triumph of the church is to take place prior to the second advent? I reject the doctrine. You are mistaken, sir, as to the millennium being a long-cherished sentiment. It is an unscriptural fable of recent date. It has not been the faith of the church until the last century. The parable of the wheat and tares, as explained by our Lord, and his declaration that as it was in the days of Noah so should it be at the coming of the Son of man, forbids the idea. In fact, the prophets of the Old Testament, and the apostles of the New, describe the last days as dark, gloomy and perilous, with the church fallen, and far from God, and the world filled with crime and violence. Admitting that you are right on this point, is it not very wrong to set the time, as Mr. Miller has done? Bro. Miller, in searching the Scriptures, has found by the prophetic periods, as he thinks, the time of the end, and, as an honest man, has taken the cross to teach it to the world. He also sees by the signs of the times that Christ's coming is near, even at the doors, and takes the safe side of the question to be ready, and to warn others to get ready. And all those texts usually quoted to show that men are to know nothing of the period of the second advent do not prove what they are said to prove. I saw that she was mistress of the subject, and as she proceeded to give the proofs in support of definite time, I interrupted her, stating that I would no longer conceal from her my faith and mission. I am a full believer in the second advent of Christ, as taught by Wm. Miller, and have left all to proclaim it. Thank the Lord, she exclaimed, my prayer is answered in sending you here. My husband is a Free-will Baptist minister, and will be glad to have you speak to the people of his charge here upon the coming of Christ. Let me have your coat and hat. I will send for some one to care for your horse, and will send an appointment to the school for you to lecture this evening. What is your husband's name? I inquired. Andrew Rollins, was the reply. Is he a believer in the advent doctrine? He does not oppose, and is favorable. Soon Elder Rollins came in, and his wife introduced me to him as a second advent lecturer. He asked me a few questions in a grave manner, and looked me over closely, as much as to say, You are a young stripling to go abroad to lecture upon the prophecies. I saw that he was a strong man, watching all my words, therefore thought it best for me to be guarded. The appointment flew through that portion of the town, and, at the time appointed, what has ever been called the Reed meeting-house, was filled with both the pious and the curious. And as I sung an advent melody, all listened with solemn silence, and some wept. Elder Rollins then prayed in a most solemn and fervent manner for the blessing of God to rest upon the youthful stranger who was about to speak to the people. This prayer drew me nearer to him, and I began to feel that in this minister I had found a true friend. And so it proved. At the close of my lectures there was a general interest, and deep conviction upon all minds. The school children committed to memory all my texts, and almost everywhere you might hear them repeating this one from Dan. viii: “Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain saint which spake, How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot? And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days, then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.” As I was about to leave, Andrew Rollins said to me, “In two weeks our Quarterly Meeting, embracing about thirty churches in this locality, will hold its session at Richmond village. I would like to have you give some lectures before the preachers, delegates, and brethren who will be present. I will call the matter up in a business session, and they will probably vote you room, if you will decide to be present and speak to us.” Certainly I shall be glad of the opportunity to speak what I regard important truth to the heads of your denomination in this part of the State, and will, Providence permitting, be at the meeting in season. This said, I rode off on horseback to fill appointments in Gardner and Bowdoinham: GOD'S JUDGMENTS.
By H. C. MILLER
In “Facts of Faith,” in the description of the causes of volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, &c., Spiritual Gifts, Vol. iii, p. 80, we read, “The earth quickly opens, and I saw villages, cities, and burning mountains carried down together into the earth. God controls all these elements; they are his instruments to do his will; he calls them into action, to serve his purpose. These fiery issues have been, and will be his agents to blot out from this earth very wicked cities.” History gives account of many cities being destroyed in this way. Men attribute it, generally, to chance, fate, or a mysterious Providence. But sometimes the course of events demonstrates the fact of a direct visitation of God’s judgments upon them. The cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum at the foot of Mt. Vesuvius, many years ago were covered in a fiery grave by an eruption of that volcano. The following may be taken as convincing proof of the justness of their fate. OBSCENITY IN THE RUINS OF POMPEII
There is one matter in relation to Pompeii that is seldom touched on by writers, and which I dare not approach too closely, to-wit: the horrible depravity of the Pompeians, as illustrated by the frescoes, mosaics, sculptures, and bronze statues that are found. Hundreds of these vile objects have been carried away to the museum in Naples, and put in a room which no woman is allowed to visit; but there are still houses in Pompeii that are kept locked, and others that have such sculptures over the doors on the outsides that the guides hurry past them when there are women in the party. Even in private houses there are many scores of frescoes magnificently executed, too, which no one would dare to visit only in company with his nearest and dearest friends, if ladies, and in other houses pictures and statues than which none can imagine any thing worse. I cannot understand why writers on these subjects have been so anxious to conceal the faults of the ancients. It is a fact that deserves to be generally known. Great God! what a picture of corruption in imperial Rome is revealed to one who looks into Pompeii with anything like thoroughness. The very stone of the door-posts tells a tale more damnable than ever was invented by modern thought. Sodom was clean and Gomorrah was pure, compared with Pompeii. Where was there ever a people on earth, before or since Pompeii, that advertised “the ways that lead down to hell” by sculptures placed in the open light of the street! “Out, damned spot!” cried the still infant genius of modern civilization and Christianity, as it looked in upon Pompeii, and Vesuvius responded to the command, and sent his consuming fires to do the work. PRESERVE self-possession, and do not be talked out of conviction. CHURCH MEMBERSHIP.
By A. H. Hulbert
Permit me to say that among the many indications or rather proofs of our Christian growth, there are none which are more encouraging than the fact that members are so constantly being added to our churches. We hear the cheering intelligence, almost every week, that new members have been received by baptism, and the right hand of fellowship. Not that the simple act of uniting with the church in and of itself is of vital importance, but because it assures us of the sincerity and faith of those who make the public declaration of a determined purpose to serve the living God. It is a lamentable fact that so many of the reliable Seventh-day Adventists of our country are not members of our churches; that while they are ready to co-operate in all the movements of a denominational nature, so few come up to celebrate those ordinances which commemorate Him who is our only hope of salvation and happiness in time and in eternity. The loose bands of society organization do not draw us together with that living sympathy which should bind Christians to each other. They do not furnish that spiritual nearness to each other and to God which should be the band of vital union in the church. They do not curb passion, and call forth the soul's purest love in humble, trusting prayer, like that sacred influence which springs from the souls of those who surround the communion table in memory of Jesus. Our denomination needs to clothe itself with the garment of devotion, earnest, Christian devotion, and so much the more as we see the day approaching. The names of those who are faithful to our cause, should be enrolled upon our church records as certainly as the names of soldiers are recorded on the muster roll; then our army would be in the ranks, and when the roll is called they would promptly answer. I have frequently thought that those who dispense the word of life should give this subject their earnest attention, for the good which would result therefrom would be manifest in countless ways. The individuals themselves would feel an interest and freedom in religion which they never felt before, and if they live in accordance with their desires and promises, they will enjoy communion which will environ their lives with a sacred trust and unspeakable joy which the world cannot give nor take away. This blessed influence will be felt in the church, strengthening others; in the community, by their example of earnest Christian endeavor; in the entire denomination, by helping to quicken our religious life. Our brethren and sisters in the faith should feel that it is the noblest work of youth's bright morning, or of manhood's vigor, or of age's declining years, to consecrate every faculty of their being to the service of almighty God. Every true pleasure, every real joy, will become a more prolific source of enjoyment when we behold them in the true spiritual light of divine beneficence. As it adds to the happiness of the family to have all of its members share mutually the blessings of domestic reunion, so it adds to the glory of the church to have all of like-precious faith join in the spiritual family and share together the unspeakable gifts of spiritual communion with Jesus. We want our men and women, whom we know to be good and true, to come to the front. Our forces should be armed with the sword of the Spirit, and shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; and if there is any one condition in which we can the best become clothed with the panoply of salvation, it is in the membership of a church of true, prayerful Christians. Yes, blessed Jesus, clothe us with salvation as with a garment, and grant that the time may speedily arrive when all of the scattered and lonely ones, who are waiting and watching for thy coming, may be gathered and become one body in Christ Jesus. And it is the earnest desire and prayer of your unworthy brother, that he may with you all be enabled by the assistance of God's Holy Spirit to overcome the world, and at last stand with you on Mount Zion with God's remnant people. And may the God of peace that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant make us all perfect in every good work to do his will, working in us that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ. A. H. Hulbert.
Clayton Co., Minn. IN ANSWER TO OUR PRAYERS.
By M. J. COTRELL.
WHILE perusing a letter from sister L. I. Belknap, in Review, No. 3, present Vol., my attention was arrested by these words, “In answer to our prayers,” and glancing back I read again; “I know it is a step, dear sisters, calculated to humble us, but is not this in answer to our prayers? (She is speaking of the dress reform.) “In answer to our prayers!” Yes, truly. I had not thought of it in this light before. But is it not so? How often have we prayed for humility; and shall we not “live our prayers?” Now that God has seen fit to answer them, and point out a duty, the performance of which requires humility, shall we start back and exclaim, It is too much, too humiliating? Can anything which will sever the cords that have bound us to the lovers of pleasure, require too much humility? My sisters, if we are unwilling to comply with the requirements of the test God sees fit to send, if we jump from the crucible as soon as we begin to feel what the effect of the flames will be, can we still have confidence to present a petition, and that too, to the King of Heaven, which our very actions have proven we are unwilling to have answered? No, no! we dare not thus mock God. But if we are willing to perform what is required, only feeling too weak, then may we with confidence pray, Help me, O my Father, help me to be humble. Give me strength to perform all thou dost require. And God will hear and answer. If we really desire to wear the robe of humility, he will help us; but he will never force us to put it on, even though we have been praying for it for many years. Yes, truly the dress reform is calculated to humble us. Oh! how rebellious our proud hearts are; how long we have striven to find some way around the cross. The cry of our hearts has been “Some other time, and some other place. Oh! not to-day, not here.” And too many times when we resolve to act, and say,
“I will boldly take my stand;
This terrible demon stays the hand,
Oh! not to-day, not now.” For a long time I yielded to this not-to-day plea; and some-other-time promise, but there stood the cross, I could not advance without lifting it. And what was the virtue of promising to do a thing at some other time, which might be just as well done now. Then I began to realize that I had grown to love the approbation of the world, for I saw that I dreaded to meet its frowns. With sister S. E. Lindsay I can say, that “numerous friends and acquaintances who have no relish for the truth of God, have been extremely kind to me in temporal things,” and what these friends would think and say of me, should they meet me in this strange dress, seemed an insurmountable barrier, or rather what I feared they would say. I have hoped to be the means of bringing some of them to see and love the truth so dear to me, but fear that I too have “lowered the standard to avoid giving offense,” and I realize to my sorrow that I “cannot point to one soul thus saved.” I have made the resolve to “turn to a new course of action,” and already I feel that bearing the cross is easier than trying to get around it. Is there any enjoyment in this halting, and putting off? I found none; and have now gone at the work of making over dresses, with my heart as well as my hands. Sisters, who of us will put our hand to the plow and then look back. I have not yet met those worldly friends in my reform dress, and I know not how my strength will hold out, but trusting in God, and feeling that security which a knowledge that we are in the path of duty gives, I hope to be able to endure even their frowns. I can say to them, It is the most convenient, and comfortable dress that I ever have worn, and certainly it is modest, and healthful, by no means minor considerations. I know that we must meet scornful smiles, and taunting words; but shall we expect anything less, when we enter the path our Saviour trod? If the world turned in derision from him, shall we seek their esteem?167 Go for a moment to Calvary, where Jesus suffered untold agony for you and me. Listen to those cruel, taunting words, and then decide whether you are willing to suffer that you may also reign with him. THE GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM.
By P. H. Oderkirk
[Bro. Smith: The following lines were written for the Advent Harbinger, in 1845. I now send them for the Review. P. H. Oderkirk.] How fleet the precious moments roll!
How soon the harvest will be o’er!
The watchmen have their final rest,
And lift a warning voice no more.
The fullness of the gospel shines
With glorious and resplendent rays,
The earth and heaven show forth their signs,
As tokens of the latter days. Ye faithful men, to you are given,
The keys of this last ministry,
To every nation under heaven,
From land to land, from sea to sea.
First to the Gentiles sound the news;
Throughout Columbia’s happy land,
And tell the unbelieving Jews,
Prepare before their Lord to stand. Haste to each nation and proclaim;
Those joyful tidings, let them roll
Where darkness, death, and sorrow reign,
And tyranny holds stern control.
Let every nation hear the sound,
And Jew and Gentile swell the strain,
Hosannah o’er the earth resound,
Messiah soon will come to reign. KEEP AWAKE.
By R. F. COTTRELL
[BRO. SMITH: I don't know how long since the following excellent little piece appeared in the Review, but I think it good enough to be read every week. It is some time since I cut it out, and placed it in my Bible, and I think I have read it about every week since, and always with a desire that all who are not firmly established and settled in the faith could read it too. If you think best, please give it another insertion.
M. P. STILES.] To the traveler struggling with the snow and cold, wearied with toil, and feeling an almost irresistible drowsiness coming over him, it is necessary to make the greatest efforts, to keep awake. If he sink down and fall asleep, he will never awake; but the benumbing cold will still creep on, chilling the blood, till the heart shall cease to beat and life become extinct. So it is with us, brethren and sisters in the Lord. If we do not strive against the chilling, freezing influence of this evil world, we shall be overcome and sink down to spiritual sleep, never more to awake. We are looking for the outpouring of the Spirit, and for the closing work of the last message. It will surely come—the word of God will not fail. But let us not rest from our exertions and fall asleep. Now is the time to strive against drowsiness; now is the time to labor. Now is the time to prepare ourselves to share the blessing of God, that we may be so highly honored and promoted of Heaven as to share in the closing work of probation, and then be translated to Mount Zion, to take a part in the song of triumph. Now is the most favorable time we shall have; now is the only time. The chilling blasts of this arctic region will not abate—the times will be more and more perilous—all is depending on keeping awake now, a daily victory over sin; else what ground have we to hope that we shall finally overcome? If we are making no progress in the journey, how can we hope ever to see the end? The drifting snow is deep, the winds are chilling, the night is dark, the way is rough, and the labor demands all our strength. But take courage; there is a light ahead! Struggle on. Keep awake one hour. In a little while the toils of the way will be forgotten in the sweet rest that awaits us at the end of the journey. The stormy blasts and the piercing cold will be superseded by the gentle, balmy breezes, and the genial clime of Paradise. “No chilling winds nor poisonous breath
Can reach that healthful shore,
Sickness and sorrow, pain and death,
Are felt and feared no more.” “Awake, O awake! now to life and to duty,
Faint not by the way till our labor is done;
For quickly the King will descend in his beauty,
The warfare be ended, the victory won.”