A correspondent having asked for an explanation of the 31st chapter of Jeremiah entire, it was thought best to take it up in Bible Class; and it was accordingly made the lesson for Feb. 22.
Verse 1. At the same time, saith the Lord, will I be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be my people.
This first verse is evidently a continuation of the prophecy of the preceding chapter. The closing portion of that chapter relates to the scenes of the last days, to which time this verse also evidently applies. The division of the chapters should have been at verse 2.
Verse 2. Thus saith the Lord, The people which were left of the sword, found grace in the wilderness; even Israel, when I went to cause him to rest.
A new series of events seems to be here introduced, the prophet referring to Israel in their Babylonish captivity, a little previous to which time he wrote. See chap. xxv. “The wilderness,” the state of their captivity. At the same time, the prophecy seems to be one of that class which have a double application, referring primarily to the literal redemption of Israel from temporal captivity, and secondarily to the final redemption of all the people of God.
Verses 3-6. The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love; therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee. Again I will build thee, and thou shalt be built, O virgin of Israel; thou shalt again be adorned with thy tabrets, and shalt go forth in the dances of them that make merry. Thou shalt yet plant vines upon the mountains of Samaria; the planters shall plant, and shall eat them as common things.
Here the Lord expresses his love for his people, and the fact of their return from bondage, with some of the circumstances attending it. Samaria was noted for its vineyards. Eating them as common things was a prophecy of the rapid maturity of the fruit, it having been formerly a regulation that the fruit should not be eaten before the fifth year, the first three years, it being immature, and the fourth year, devoted to God. Lev. xix, 23-25. The expression, “O virgin of Israel,” verse 4, denotes a state of purity on the part of the people never attained in the past, and only to be accomplished in the future redeemed state. Rev. xiv, 4.
Verses 6-9. For there shall be a day that the watchmen upon the mount Ephraim shall cry, Arise ye, and let us go up to Zion unto the Lord our God. For thus saith the Lord: Sing with gladness for Jacob, and shout among the chief of the nations; publish ye, praise ye, and say, O Lord, save thy people, the remnant of Israel. Behold, I will bring them from the north country, and gather them from the coasts of the earth, and with them the blind and the lame, the woman with child and her that travaileth with child together; a great company shall return thither. They shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them; I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble; for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn.
Much of this language can appropriately have an application to the immortal state; while some must seemingly refer only to Israel’s return from Babylon. The mention of Ephraim in verse 9, has been taken by some as representing the ten tribes who were carried into captivity, and has hence led them into the error of supposing that a return was promised to them. The facts in the case seem rather to be as follows: When the ten tribes revolted from Rehoboam, some out of all the tribes whose hearts were true to God, joined themselves to Judah and Benjamin. 2 Chron. xi, 13-17. So here was a representation from all the tribes; and these ever after constituted Israel. Those of the ten tribes who adhered to their rebellion and did evil in the sight of God, he cast off, and put out of his sight forever. 2 Kings xvii, 18-23. They were scattered, dispersed, lost, ceased to be a distinct people, and have no promise of a restoration. But the twelve tribes were in existence and serving God in Paul’s day. Acts xxvi, 7.
Verses 10-14. Hear the word of the Lord, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock. For the Lord hath redeemed Jacob, and ransomed him from the hand of him that was stronger than he. Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the goodness of the Lord, for wheat, and for wine, and for oil, and for the young of the flock and of the herd: and their soul shall be as a watered garden; and they shall not sorrow any more at all. Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, both young men and old together: for I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow. I will satiate the soul of the priests with fatness, and my people shall be satisfied with my goodness, saith the Lord.
This language is all appropriate to the immortal state, and some of it such that it can have its application nowhere else. Many parallels might be drawn between this and other scriptures setting forth the joys of the kingdom. We will call attention, however, to only two expressions which cannot well be applied elsewhere. “They shall not sorrow any more at all.” What the sorrowless state is, and when it is introduced, it is not difficult to tell. Such language can never have its fulfillment this side of the final redemption. The other expression is, “My people shall be satisfied with my goodness.” The word of God promises satisfaction in an absolute sense to the saints when they are clothed with immortality, and not before. David says, “I shall be satisfied when I awake with thy likeness.” Ps. xvii, 15. Again he says, or the Lord through him, “With long life will I satisfy him.” Indeed, we cannot conceive of the perfect satisfaction here promised embracing anything less than immortality.
Verses 15-17. Thus saith the Lord; A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation and bitter weeping; Rachel weeping for her children, refused to be comforted for her children, because they were not. Thus saith the Lord: Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears; for thy work shall be rewarded, saith the Lord; and they shall come again from the land of the enemy. And there is hope in thine end, saith the Lord, that thy children shall come again to their own border.
A very remarkable prophecy is here introduced. Concerning its application we have the aid of inspiration itself. Says Matthew, when speaking of the slaughter of the innocents by Herod, “Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, In Ramah was there a voice heard, lamentation and weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and would not be comforted because they are not.” Matt. ii, 17, 18. Rachel, the wife of Jacob, and mother of Joseph and Benjamin, here stands as the representative of those Jewish mothers whose tender infants were mercilessly torn from their bosoms and slain in their presence. They mourned, not because their children were in Heaven, as modern divines would tell us; but because they were not; that is, did not, for the time being, exist. They were in the power of death, the land of the enemy. Then the promise looks over to the future where a great portion of the chapter applies, and declares that they should come again from the land of the enemy to their own border. In the resurrection they shall be restored to them again; and to that event mourning mothers look for consolation. Then their work shall be rewarded. The work of pious mothers in training their children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, shall be rewarded in their salvation.
Time having expired, the remainder of the chapter was deferred till next week.
The Commentary.
Tell me the meaning of Scriptures. One gem from that ocean is worth all the pebbles of earthly streams.—M'Cheyne.
PSALM XVII IN METER.
By E. O. L.
1. Hear Lord the right and to my cry attend,
Regard my prayer as words unfeigned ascend.
2. Oh! let my sentence from thy court be told,
Whilst things that equal are, thou dost behold.
3. Thou'st proved mine heart, and sought me out
at night,
Tried me and found my purposes were right.
4. Thy word hath kept me from the walks of sin.
5. In paths of thine my feet uphold therein.
6. I've called on thee, O God, for thou wilt hear,
And to my speech incline thy gracious ear.
7. Thy loving kindness and thy saving hand,
Show unto those that 'gainst thee take a stand.
8. Lord, keep me as the apple of thine eye,
When to the shadow of thy wings I fly,
9. Hide me from men who wickedly oppress,
And from my foes who do my soul distress.
10. They have what they desire, and proudly speak,
11. They compass those who now are poor and weak.
12. A lion that is greedy of his prey,
They much resemble—lurking in the way.
13. To disappoint him sore, Arise, O Lord:
Save me from wicked men which are thy sword:
14. From men who love the world with all its strife,
And have their portion only in this life.
Their “good things” here from choice they will
receive,
And then their substance to their children leave.
15. But as for me, if thou wilt give me grace,
In righteousness I will behold thy face:
If with thy likeness thou dost waken me,
Then, if not now, I satisfied shall be.
E. O. L.
Mag. Co., N. Y.
QUESTION.
By Editor
The question before the class for consideration was this: “Was provision made for man’s redemption before the fall?” On this it was remarked that we have no positive information in the Bible on the point. There are some expressions from which an inference might perhaps be drawn that such provision was made; while from Spiritual Gifts, Vol. ii, p. 28, and onward, it might be inferred that the plan of salvation was devised after the fall, to meet the necessity arising from that event. Some thought it would be better for correspondents to confine their questions to matters more clearly revealed. But as this might be raised with some as an objection to Spiritual Gifts, it was considered a practical question, and one worthy of examination. No decision, however, being arrived at in the discussion, the question was left open till next week.
Ed.
REPORT FROM OHIO.
By I. D. VAN HORN
My last report closed with the meeting at Bellville. Thursday, Jan. 30, I went to Appleton. The brethren and sisters here gave me a hearty welcome, and I felt cheered to learn that they still had a love for the truth. I stayed with them thirteen days, during which time I gave thirteen discourses, held one inquiry meeting, and one meeting for organization, besides some time that was profitably spent in social meetings.
The Lord gave us a good degree of freedom in speaking, and the principal part of our testimony was of a practical nature, for the edifying of those that love the truth. We tried in weakness to show them the high moral standard that we as a people are taking, and how necessary it was for us to keep pace with the message. Our congregations were not large, owing to a protracted meeting carried on by the Christian society at the same time. But there were a few, besides our people, that attended our meeting and listened with good attention, and we trust with some profit. We all felt the importance of a deeper work of grace in our hearts, and a more full consecration to God.
Our inquiry meeting was one of the best we had. It was truly a blessing to us all, which gave us much strength. This was held preparatory to our meeting for organization. All the brethren and sisters expressed, with firmness and decision, their determinations to do all in their power to go on with the people of God and gain the victory.
The meeting for organization was characterized by a deep feeling of solemnity, and we believe that all felt the responsibility they were taking upon themselves. The blessing of the Lord rested upon us on this occasion. The work moved forward in perfect harmony. A church was completely organized of thirteen members; but four of them (Bro. and Sr. Rigby, and Bro. and Sr. Francis) live about twenty-five miles from the place of meeting. Bro. Wm. F. Crous was unanimously chosen for their Elder. He embraced the truth some six years ago in Iowa, and soon after came back to this State among his friends that they might also learn the truth and go with him to Mount Zion. Some of them are almost persuaded to accept the truth, and may the Lord help them to make a full start in the way of life. We have reason to believe that others will join the little band here before long.
With a unanimous vote they adopted the plan of Systematic Benevolence, and the manner in which they entered into it showed their interest in the work. Though they are few in number and not very well off in this world's goods, yet their figures amount to within a few cents of $160 per year. May the Lord bless them in their efforts to help advance this glorious cause.
At the close of this good meeting we remembered the suffering and death of our Lord by celebrating the ordinances. It was a refreshing season to us all. We always, in such seasons, find the truth verified, that those who wait upon the Lord renew their strength.
Dear brethren and sisters at Appleton, let your hearts ever be engaged in the work of the Lord, and may your earnest zeal and upright life be the means of turning many others into the way of truth, and all be taken at last to dwell in the home of the saints above. I. D. VAN HORN.
Bowersville, O., Feb. 20, 1868.
MEETING AT IOWA CITY.
By Henry Nicola
THE Iowa City church is small, the members very much scattered, and their situation such that we have considered it almost imprudent to undertake to have a Monthly Meeting there. But as the majority of the members are so situated that they scarcely ever get away from home to meeting, thus being deprived of all our good Quarterly and Monthly Meetings, we thought for their sakes we would appoint a Monthly Meeting there, and only those of us go who could cheerfully take care of ourselves. They took it as a great treat to have a meeting there, and did all in their power to provide for those that came in to the meeting. By the help of Bro. Hildreth of the Lisbon church, who is living in the city at this time, ample arrangements were made for teams, and all that came to the meeting.
At the beginning of the Sabbath, nearly all the members of the City church, and a goodly number from Pilot Grove and Washington, together with Bro. Doreas from Tipton, and Bro. Morton from Fairview, convened at the house of Bro. Hildreth and enjoyed a good prayer-meeting season. Here we were led to contemplate the goodness of God in giving us the truth, and the power the truth has to keep us in the love of God and the fellowship of the saints, thus bringing us together from different parts to mingle together in the worship of the true God, and uniting our hearts closer in the bonds of Christian love and affection. But this is not all that the truth is to do for us. It is to have a sanctifying influence upon all our hearts, and all our acts. Our daily walk and conversation must accord with the solemn truth we profess.
The entire time during these meetings, which closed with a meeting on the evening after the Sabbath, was all taken up with fervent prayers and earnest exhortations and testimonies from brethren and sisters, thus all bearing some humble part in the worship.
The principal burden in the meeting was that we might have a better knowledge of our own hearts, and that we might fully realize that we are the ones that are neither cold nor hot, and that we are the ones that are in danger of being spewed out of the mouth of the Lord, and that we are the ones that need the gold, the white raiment, and the eyesalve, that we may see.
It is one thing to receive this scripture as applying to the present stage of the church in which we live, and another thing to fully realize that we are the very ones that are lukewarm; and that the true Witness calls upon us now to repent.
Near the close of this good meeting some heartfelt testimonies were given in, and some of those who had been well nigh discouraged, renewed their covenant and took new courage. Many expressed good desires. This is good as far as it goes; but if we stop at good desires, we never shall get through to that heavenly land. We must act, we must work. While Christ, and good angels, and all Heaven, are interested in our salvation, shall we not be interested for ourselves?
HENRY NICOLA.
Pilot Grove, Iowa.
LABORS IN SOUTHERN VERMONT.
By A. C. Bourdeau; N. Orcutt
On Wednesday, Jan. 29, we reached the residence of Mr. H. Everts in Waltham, where we were cordially entertained, and enjoyed a pleasant visit. These friends seemed especially near to us on account of the happy and friendly acquaintance that Mrs. B. and we had formed with sister Everts for a few years in the past.
We spent two days in visiting a few families in Weybridge and Bristol, and on Sabbath, Feb. 1, held two meetings in the house of Bro. A. Prescott. In both meetings we dwelt quite at length, and with good freedom, on holding fast the profession of our faith. Text, “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for he is faithful that promised; and let us consider one another, to provoke unto love, and to good works:” etc. Heb. x, 23–25. In the social meeting which followed, we were happy to hear all the brethren and sisters present endorse the truth spoken. Some remarked with much earnestness, “We have never heard on this wise before.” We think that some in this place have learned from past experience that it is better to stick by the old, tried friends of the cause, than to follow after novices, and fault-finders, who have repeatedly made shipwreck of their faith.
On Sunday we held two meetings in a school-house, which is also used for a meeting-house. Several of the neighbors came in, and gave good attention to the word spoken. At this meeting sixty dollars were pledged on Systematic Benevolence, five dollars on Book and Tract Fund, and two subscribed for the Reformer.
From Bristol we traveled seventy-two miles, and on Wednesday, Feb. 5, met with the few at Andover. We both enjoyed usual freedom in preaching. At the close of the afternoon meeting we gave liberty to the brethren and friends to give in their testimonies. The Lord met with us by his Spirit, and nearly all the outsiders present testified in favor of the truths that they had heard. During our stay here we found a pleasant home at Bro. R. Pierce’s residence. Bro. and Sr. P. have ever proved themselves to be true to the cause they love; and it seems that way-worn pilgrims always feel encouraged, and are made the better for having had an interview with these liberal souls under their hospitable roof. They both suffer in consequence of ill health. We hope that they will make it convenient, as soon as possible, to spend a few months at the Health Institute.
At Jamaica we held fourteen meetings, commencing Sabbath, Feb. 8, and continuing till Sunday afternoon, Feb. 16. The brethren and sisters in the place spared no pains in attending these meetings, and quite a number of those from without manifested an increasing interest in the meetings till the close. We have reason to believe that some will decide to keep all the commandments as the result of some of the efforts that we made in Jamaica. In connection with our arduous labors in this place we visited quite extensively, made a special effort for backsliders and the young, and Sabbath, the 15th, baptized seven. Besides these, four united with the church, one of whom was a reclaimed backslider. Two of those that were baptized were young converts, who also were received into the church. Others made a start in these meetings, and it is expected that several will yet go forward in the ordinance of baptism.
This church have become so numerous that they cannot easily hold their meetings in a private house. When we came among them they felt desirous to build a house of worship for their benefit; but they were not agreed as to the location. The brethren live in two settlements nearly three miles apart, and some wanted to have the house built in one settlement and others in the other. A brother had sold his farm and was hoping that we could direct him to a farm, perhaps, among a large church in Northern Vermont. But we soon convinced him that the church in Jamaica needed his help, and advised him to buy a farm in a central place where a house of worship could be built to accommodate all the brethren. Our horses were made ready, this brother got into our sleigh, and we went to see about his buying what was said to be the best farm in the neighborhood, which was also in a central place. The purchase afterward was made, and measures taken towards erecting a meeting-house, which evinced to all present, that God had set his hand to the work, and that a great victory was gained. To God be all the praise.
A. C. BOURDEAU,
N. ORCUTT.
Braintree, Vt., Feb. 1868.
HAPPINESS must arise from our temper and actions, and not immediately from any external conditions.
The table robs more than the thief.
TRICHINÆ.
By John Norton Loughborough
The following statement concerning this dread disease, was read before the “Farmers’ Agricultural Club,” of New York, and reported in the Tribune of Dec. 25th, 1867, and presents some facts concerning the workings of trichinæ.
“Having had trichinæ in my family last Spring, and knowing its terrible effects (having lost my wife and one child with it), I thought to write an account of the workings of that disease in its early stages, thinking, perhaps, others may be profited by a knowledge of it, for, if taken in time, it may be cured by active cathartics, often repeated, so as to carry them out of the stomach. I purchased, on the 1st of March, a ham of a grocer, of which we all ate raw. I ate a piece about as large as an old-fashioned coat. The first effects were felt in four or five days, in soreness in the muscles, with no pain, except when we moved, then nausea and vomiting, with some diarrhea. These are the first symptoms; after these, in the course of as many more days, the eyes will become much swelled and sore, and painful upon coming to the light. My wife lived only two weeks after the swelling of the eyes; a son 4 years old lived a day or two longer; another son, 8 years old, began to recover at the end of about four weeks, and is now nearly well. My soreness left me in about 40 days, and now I am nearly well. Another son of 15 years has been exceedingly sore for two months; it has not entirely left him yet, and he is very weak and emaciated, but is better. Cooked meat will not give the trichinæ, as our school teacher ate of it four or five times, and was not affected, for it was cooked.”
On the last statement in the above, as to cooked meat not giving the trichinæ, there is considerable doubt in the minds of scientific men. From a celebrated Michigan physician, who has been engaged for some time past, with others, in making examinations concerning the workings of this dread disease, I learn the following facts: That boiling and frying will not in all cases kill the trichinæ, for the following reasons: It has been ascertained, that, when the trichinæ are introduced into the stomach of animals or men, they are by the acid of the stomach relieved of an encasement of an investing substance which surrounds the little worm. Immediately on being relieved of this, they commence to multiply by millions, at a rapid rate, and are distributed to all the tissues of the body. As the trichinæ are smaller than the smallest component part of the blood, they will penetrate every place that the blood visits. To just what number the trichinæ multiply is not known, but they become imbedded in all the lean portions of the body, and as they become thus imbedded, and their multiplication ceases, the outer coating is formed on them. This coating, boiling or frying will not affect, but the acids of the stomach will remove it. An animal may be killed, and its flesh eaten while the trichinæ are multiplying, and the outer coat therefore not formed on them. In this case, of course, it would only affect the person while the meat was raw; but when the outer coat is formed, cooking will not affect them.
When this coating is formed on the worm it multiplies no more until this is removed. The acids of the stomach will remove it the quickest of any thing, and its operations commence very soon after being received into the stomach, causing nausea.
As stated above, the only remedy, after a person becomes conscious of having eaten trichinæ, is violent, thorough, and repeated purging, to carry them out of the stomach.
This same physician states that the first stages of trichinæ and typhoid fever are so nearly alike that one may easily be mistaken for the other. He has no doubt in his mind, that very many cases called “fatal cases of typhoid fever,” were nothing else but trichinæ. He is now engaged moreover in making investigations to satisfy his mind fully on this point.
As we regard life and health, let us avoid the use of the animal, or any of that pertaining to it, which is liable to be diseased, as studiously as we would a deadly serpent.
J. N. Loughborough.
Orange, Mich., Feb., 1867.
THE VALLEY OF DECISION.
By Mrs. Hattie L. Drew
“Multitude, multitudes in the valley of decision; for the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision.” Joel iii, 14. We cannot apply this to the time in which the prophet lived, from the fact that the great day of the Lord was to be near, at the time of its fulfillment, and he evidently was looking far down the stream of time, through the dark mist of ages, and saw just what would be the state and condition of the world at, or near, the closing up of all things; for, alas! says he, the day of the Lord is at hand, and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come; a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of cloud and thick darkness; the earth shall quake before them, the heavens shall tremble, the sun, moon, and stars shall withdraw their shining; for the day of the Lord is great and very terrible, and who shall abide it.
Multitudes there are in this great valley of decision, and do they realize the solemn moments in which we are living? Ah, no! Darkness covers the land, and gross darkness the people. Eyes have they, but they see not. They have ears, but they hear not, neither do they understand. A little sleep, and a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep; so shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man. Prov. xxiv, 33, 34.
God has a few watchmen who are faithfully proclaiming these great truths among the Gentiles. They stand upon the walls of Zion, warning the world of its approaching doom, and that there is a sword hanging over the inhabitants of the land. Eze. xxxiii. Yet notwithstanding all these warnings, the multitude rush blindly on in the broad road to destruction, hardening their hearts as they did in the days before the flood, rejecting the truth, for which they will stand condemned, as in the antediluvian world. But so says the sure word of prophecy it shall be done here in the days of the Son of man. The false prophets will continue to cry, Peace and safety, preach smooth things to please the people, and daub with untempered mortar, having the form of godliness, but denying the power thereof, lulling the world to sleep on the very brink of destruction. These are some of the characteristics of the preaching of these last days. And so they will continue to cry, Peace, when there is no peace, when sudden destruction shall come upon them and they shall not escape, and Jesus shall be seen coming in the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory to all those who are watching for, and loving his appearing. Unto such, he says, I will appear without sin the second time unto salvation. Ye brethren are not in darkness that that day should overtake you as a thief. Why? Because they are the children of the day, and not of the night.
The ministers of the Lord, are duly warning the world of the Saviour’s coming, and their work is nearly done. The message is fast closing up. The scoffing multitude will soon cry for rocks and mountains to fall upon them and hide them from the presence of Him that sitteth upon the throne, and from the glory of his majesty. The angel is about to thrust in his sickle to reap, for the harvest of the earth is nearly ripe, and their wickedness is very great.
Here they stand, multitudes in the great valley of decision, and they are deciding every day, for or against the truth. The mass scoffed in Noah’s day, laughed and made sport, until the thunder-bolts of heaven were discharged, and the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the rains began to descend upon their guilty heads. Why? Simply because they loved darkness rather than light, and would not believe No. 1. So it is now. Warning after warning is being given; line upon line, and precept upon precept; but they will not obey. Oh! sinner, and worldly professor, haste thee, haste thee! Tarry not in all the plain, lest thou be consumed. Oh! let us who profess to be looking for Jesus’ coming, adorn our profession by well ordered lives and godly conversations, keeping before our eyes the Judgment of the great day. And may we cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, that we may be able to stand in the great day of trouble which is fast approaching, a holy people before the Lord at his coming.
Mrs. Hattie L. Drew.
South Poultney, N. Y.
LABORS IN N. Y.
By C. O. TAYLOR
My labors for the last four months have been in Jefferson and Oswego counties. Quite a spirit of revival has followed our State Conference, and Bro. White's appointments, which I have endeavored to follow up. We have had some very interesting and profitable meetings. The churches have been encouraged. Individual members have taken good advance steps in the work. Backsliders have been reclaimed, and sinners converted. We have been much hindered by bad weather, so that the Monthly Meetings, where we expected to do a large amount of good, have proved nearly failures. I was at the Monthly Meeting for Oswego Co., the first Sabbath in this month. Several were forward for prayers. Three or four gave good evidence of conversion. One was the teacher in that district. This case is very promising for future good, if she will be a Bible Christian.
We had seasons of prayer for Bro. Goodwin, which were very encouraging. The Lord gave good evidence of his willingness to hear prayer. At our second season, the Spirit did not lead us at first. On inquiring the cause, we found some things in the way. At our third season of prayer, we became satisfied that the Lord would have some things different in the family, and that if all moved in his order, he would do a greater work than we at first expected. He would not only bring Bro. G. from the dark place where he has been for the last 15 months, but would take from him and others the spirit so common, “You must think and act as I do, or I have no fellowship with you.” It is a spirit the opposite of love, compassion and mercy. It drives one to the Lord, if they get there at all, by hard arguments, hard words, bordering some on the stoning system, instead of warning by plain pointed testimonies and entreaty, often wet down by tears, and a deep sense and feeling that the person will be ruined and lost forever if he does not change his course of conduct. The right feeling is expressed in the life of our divine Lord as recorded in Matt. xxiii, 37, compassion, pity, tender, loving, forgiving, such as our Heavenly Father possessed when he “so loved the world as to give his Son.”
We called on Bro. Edson. Found his health poor. He has been running down for some weeks. Over-tasking body and mind, has left his system in a condition to take on colds, and set his old disease to work. Some signs of typhoid fever set in. He was confined to his bed, and quite helpless. It seemed as though the earthly toil and labor of this dear brother was almost over, and his work about done. How this may be, the Lord knoweth. And He in whom his servant trusted, will do all things right.
Since writing the above I have heard from him by183letter. He is no better. He has no regular run of the fever, yet has some; coughs hard, raises considerably, is very weak and helpless.
During this Monthly Meeting, in all our special seasons of labor and prayer, we found good help in Brn. Wheeler, Ross, Treadwell and others. These brethren came nobly to the work.
The Monthly Meeting for Jefferson county, last Sabbath, was nearly a failure, on account of a severe storm. This is the fifth day since we have had any mail. The R. R. is all blocked up. I expect to leave and visit another church as soon as the roads are opened. The Lord willing, I will be at Genoa with Bro. Whitney, at Kirkville, Brookfield, Middle Grove, Whitehall, Champlain, Bangor, Norfolk and Bucks Bridge. Shall be from home, two or three months. My address as ever will be Adams Center, Jefferson Co., N. Y. I will let the friends know by letter when I will be at the places named. We hope to have the help of all the churches where we shall labor. We shall labor to build up the church in the light and truth of the third angel's message, and to gather in others. The day of the Lord is at hand.
C. O. TAYLOR.
Adams Center, N. Y., Feb. 1863.
PRAYER MAKETH TRIALS LIGHT.
By M. H. Luke
When trials there oppress us,
We know not how to bear;
What balm can give such sweet relief
As we can find in prayer?
When Satan seems o'er us to throw,
His ever ready snare;
And say we never can be good,
Oh! then let's kneel in prayer.
Nothing to our poor weary hearts,
When torn by grief and care;
Can give us that sweet grace we need,
Like fervent, constant prayer.
Though the dark storms of sorrow
Oft here fall to our share;
Then on our bended knees we find
Such sweet relief in prayer.
Oh! weary, heavy-laden ones,
Cast down with many a care;
Look up by faith to Heaven's fair dome;
Jesus will answer prayer.
When far from our dear native land,
'Mid strangers, doomed to bear
Burdens we ne'er knew before,
We find our needed help in prayer.
We'll take new courage on the way,
Ne'er give up to despair;
For Jesus waiting stands to hear
His faithful children's prayer.
M. H. LUKE.
Allegan Co., Mich.
COME UNTO ME.
By A. M. A. Cornell
“Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Luke xi, 28-30.
I have been thinking much of late of this remarkable passage of scripture. Naturally one would not expect to obtain rest by wearing a yoke, or bearing a burden; but our Saviour assures us that such is the case; for, saith he, my yoke is easy, and my burden is light, wholly unlike that imposed upon the people by the scribes and Pharisees, not such as the apostles spoke of, that they were not able to bear. No, this yoke rests lightly upon the necks that are cheerfully bowed to receive it. This burden is no incumbrance to the traveler journeying Zionward. So far from it, those who heed this gracious invitation of the Saviour find rest to their souls. Yes, if we only love God, we shall ever find his service delightful, and labor for him no hard wearisome task. But in order to obtain this rest, the conditions must be faithfully complied with. We must be learners of Jesus in all things, and like him be meek and lowly in heart. I have been reminded of the importance of this, especially of late, as I have heard some confess with tears their lack in this respect, and resolve to cultivate the excellent graces of meekness and humility.
By nature the human heart is inclined to be the opposite of all that is amiable and lovely, but by the grace of God the evil traits may be subdued, and we may have our characters adorned with the precious graces described by the apostle. But we must realize that to overcome our evil habits and passions, we must put forth an earnest, persevering effort. It will cost a severe struggle perhaps; but resolve not to yield the contest; for defeat in this warfare will be certain ruin, and victory sweet, even though it be obtained at the loss of all that the world regards as desirable. Let us immediately engage in this work of seeking the Lord anew, and strive for a more thorough and entire consecration to God. The Lord has not forgotten his people, nor forsaken his inheritance, but is now “binding up,” “healing” and “reviving” them.
Let our motto be “Courage in the Lord,” and let us gird the Christian armor tightly about us, having over all the shield of faith, that we may be protected from Satan’s fiery darts. Oh! may every one of God’s dear children know from experience what this scripture meaneth. “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the Lord forever; for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength.” Isa. xxvi, 4, 5.
May the tried gold be ours, and the faith that works by love be in lively exercise. Let the words of our Saviour sound continually in our ears, and find a response in all our hearts. Have faith in God.