Earlier text: MORTAL OR IMMORTAL? WHICH?The world is my home;
My brethren all mankind. The committee who have organized this meeting have immortalized themselves. They should be known as the immortal ninety-nine, and—think the comparison far-fetched if you please—their object is only second in importance to that achieved and worked out by that band of moral heroes whose signatures will be handed down to the remotest posterity as protesters against the servitude imposed upon this country during its existence as a colony. Our Christian brethren—for as they call themselves, par excellence—have mistaken the genius of the Gospel. They have imbibed it by intuition; they have absorbed certain vague impressions with their mother's milk; and, though unable to fortify themselves with truths as arguments, seek to compel all others to think, feel and act precisely as they think, feel and act themselves. (Cries of "true," and cheers.) For this, gentlemen, we cannot blame them, any more than we blame an infant for wearing long clothes. We only protest against that sort of coercion which would compel us to see through the particular kind of spectacles which suit their eyes. (Laughter.) When we come to compare the doctrines of Christianity, as it is understood or professed to be understood, by the Pharisees who wrest from us our rights, it is wonderfully inconsistent. If they carried out the doctrines of the Old Testament, they found that the seventh day of the week was consecrated as a day of rest. When we take the Christian dispensation, we are told that the Man of Nazareth came to originate a new order of things. Christ healed the leper at the pool of Bethesda upon the Sabbath-day, and justified himself before the people. He plucked the ears of corn upon the Sabbath-day, and ate them as he walked, while David fed, when hungered, upon the shew-bread that lay upon the holy altar. Instead of respecting the Sabbath on the seventh day, the churches of the present day ignore its sanctity, and observe as sacred the first day of the week instead. This they have a right to do, but to coerce an imitation of their example they have no right. The only argument within their entire magazine of opposition is prejudice. They fulminate upon us the terrors of proscription, and will endeavor to ruin what they cannot rule. I have no enmities to gratify—no passions to subserve. We want only the truth, and "he whom the truth makes free is free indeed." Here the free air of heaven is virtually shut out from our toiling myriads. To Almighty God they cannot lift up their hearts in his fields, and by the brooks where ripple his waters, and where the pure air is uncontaminated by the pent up odors of a large city. The ministers raise their hands against this. They say, "Here is a church—you must worship God here or he won't listen to you." What blasphemy! (Applause.) The minister is idle six days in the week. He wears a white necktie, lives in the lap of luxury, and is pampered into arrogance by his people. (Cheers.) He forgets that, to support him in indolence, to keep his hands soft, his person attired in broadcloth, and his table laden with all the luxuries of the season, the rest of the world are toiling to support him. (Applause.) That the temples erected for him are erected by money wrung from the hard hand of labor, and by sweat from the brows of men of toil—for your capitalists who grow rich, grow rich upon the profits of the poor man's time. (Applause.) We may yet retaliate upon them. Suppose we were to tax their churches, what would then be the result? At the present they escape free from taxation. All the millions invested in church property rest unproductive, and, so much more, gentlemen, must you and I pay toward the expenses of the government. Introduce an act into the Legislature to tax the property, and thus reduce the salaries of the ministers, and what a whining there would be! We should find no more aggression upon our rights, for they know that capitalists would cease to build expensive churches, and the panoply of their mummeries would pale into insignificance. If they oppress us I say, let them in return be taxed. When this is done you will find equity instead of tyranny, tolerance instead of bigotry. When the shoe pinches you will find where the sore corn is. When they pay for the maintenance of their avowed principles, you will find a scattering among them and a rattling among the dry bones. I remember117 a case in point. A man of small brain and large wealth, who occupied the position of member in a Methodist church, was once exhorting in a love-feast about the freedom of the gospel, and the particular abundance of that kind of bread known in camp-meeting parlance as the "bread of life." The brother went on something in this way: "Brethren, I'宁 bin a Methodist for more than twenty year. I've enjoyed all the privileges o' the blessed gospel ah, and I've sot at the Lord's table ah, and I've been at the love-feasts ah, and I've had the witness of the sperrit within me that I've been sealed a child of the covenant ah. And brethren, the hull o' these blessed privileges never cost me a red cent ah!" There happened to be a liberal sort of a person among the crowd, and he responded, "I'm glad to hear it, brother. God bless your stingy soul!" (Great laughter.) This is the sort of liberality you will find among the Pharisees of Philadelphia, and among Pharisees in general. As Southey justly said, "What damned error is there, that some simple soul will not espouse it, and sustain it by a text?" These laymen who follow in the wake of their canting shepherds are but the blind led by the blind. They are religious Rip Van Winkles. This sea of heads will wake them up, if I mistake not. We shall see. Mr. John O'Byrne said, where myriads assembled it indicated a revolution at hand. The people were anxious to have a repeal of the crushing law of 1794. (Cries of "That's so," and cheers.) There must be no beating around the bush. (Cheers.) Mr. O'Byrne gave a history of the institution of the Sabbath. There was not a line of scripture enjoining the cessation of the cars running on the first day of the week. Constantine was the author of the sacred character of Sunday 321 years after Christ, but then it was left optional with people whether to work or not on that day. It was long subsequent that a suspension of one's favorite pursuit, and a virtual transfer of the Sabbath day to Sunday was enacted by law. Unfortunately for us, we are suffering from a requirement even more odious, and have to battle with the chief ecclesiastical powers of the day. Mr. O'Byrne elaborated at considerable length his views as to the course to be pursued, but after so many able efforts already made, there remained little more to be said. He was very warmly applauded at the close of, and at intervals between his remarks. THE SUNDAY QUESTION—FROM THE QUINCY, (ILLS.,) HERALD.
One of the most exciting questions that has ever yet disturbed the politics of this country is yet to be decided. At present it cuts but a small figure in deciding election contests, but it is gradually assuming a shape that is destined to give it consequence and importance. It is a question that will have to be met by men and parties. It is neither a local nor a sectional question. It will have its two sides in all parts of the country. At present it is confined to the cities, but it is gradually becoming a theme of absorbing interest, and will not be set aside until it shall have engrossed the attention and interest, and received the judgment, whatever it may be, of the people of country and town alike. We refer to the Sunday question, in which are involved the constitutionality, the policy and the expediency of laws enforcing a religious observance of the Sabbath. Sooner or later, every citizen will be required to array himself upon one side or the other of this question. The real question will be whether it is proper to enact, or to continue in existence laws that require, at the hands of all the citizens, a religious observance of any one day of the week in preference to any other. If it is determined that one day of the week shall thus be set apart, then it will have to be determined what day of the week it shall be. The constitutions of all the States guarantee equal rights to all the citizens, so far as their religions are concerned. To the Jew who observes Saturday as the day of rest and as a Sabbath, and to the Presbyterian who observes Sunday as the Sabbath, equal rights are guaranteed. Shall the Jew be compelled to observe Sunday? Or shall the Presbyterian be compelled to observe Saturday? Or shall both be permitted to do just as they please on Saturday and Sunday? And if so, shall the Germans also be permitted to observe either or both days as to them shall seem best? These are some of the phases that this question is destined to assume. And the question will have to be met. Those who dodge it now will be forced to take a position. There will be no escaping, no dodging it. It will turn the tide of elections. There will be a large party on both sides. Which party will prevail, it is now impossible to tell. Although Sunday laws are not now enforced in any of the cities—although there are in most of them theatres, and concerts, and balls, and open beer houses and saloons, on Sunday, it cannot be disguised that a large and respectable portion of every community are opposed to what they regard as a desecration of a day which they have been educated to believe was designed to be respected and observed in a far different way. At present they are quiet, making no public opposition to these Sunday amusements. But they will not remain so very long. They will rouse themselves for battle, in their own good time. Then will come the struggle. Then—we shall see—what we shall see. These suggestions are not made at this time for the purpose of influencing anybody upon one side or the other of this question. They are made because the signs of the times justify them. Men in office, or men out of office who would rather be in, may dodge and temporize with the issue, for a time, as they please. But the fact stands out, that the Sunday question is destined inevitably to become the great absorbing question of political agitation. Mark well the prediction. EASTERN TOUR.
By James White
BRO. SMITH: We are now at Bro. Buckland's in Carlton, N. Y., where we find a good home for pilgrims. When we arrived here last evening it seemed hardly possible that we had left our brethren in Jackson, Mich., only sixteen hours before. We were hurried over the roads, through the dust, and from one train to another, with such speed that we seemed to forget headaches, and other ills, and we feel much refreshed with the night's sleep, and the cool breeze of this morning. The tent is going up just over in the field, and notice of the meeting given in the region round about. Hope to have a good meeting. One object of this tour is to awaken interest in behalf of missions in those parts of our own country which seem to be waiting for the word of God, where there are but very few if any friends of the cause. The time has come to increase our efforts, let our light shine, and sound the alarm abroad. We shall also call the attention of the Sisterhood to the wants of widows and orphans among us, and introduce a system of action in accordance with suggestions of "The Good Samaritan." Hope the brethren will cheerfully open their hands wide, especially those who can give for these good objects without embarrassing themselves. One thousand dollars should be raised this fall to be sent to our missionaries in books, for them to give where they cannot sell. What they sell will help them to pay other expenses. The Office can furnish books in such cases at 40 per cent discount. We think Eastern brethren will raise half this sum, and we shall expect that Western brethren will raise the other $500. If any brethren wish to help, and have no present means, but expect means within a year, they may send their notes and we will hire the money. The work must go ahead. May the Lord bless our efforts. Amen. Aug. 22d. Our tent-meeting in this place is closed, and the tent on its way to the place of N. Y. Central conference. There was a general gathering of the brethren in Western N. Y. at this tent-meeting, yet the number present was small compared with such meetings in Michigan, and some other parts of the country. On Sabbath-day the people in the vicinity came out to hear, and made up about two-thirds of the congregation. On first-day there was a large assembly out at half past ten, two, and five, who appeared as candid and gave as good attention as any assembly we ever spoke to, and quite a number came forward and bought our books. We felt distressed to leave this people. Could the tent remain three or four weeks, and the people hear the truth from such brethren as are constantly laboring with our tents, we have no doubt but a good church would be raised up in the vicinity of Carlton. But our appointments are ahead, and we must hasten on to meet the brethren in other places. We doubt not the way is preparing for successful labor in this State. The cause has long languished for want of united action. The numerous friends can fully sustain the cause and not feel it. Our preachers will labor where the way is opened for them, unless especially impressed to labor in some particular location. The brethren in Michigan have raised from one to four thousand dollars yearly to advance the cause in that State, and their numbers and strength have increased twenty fold within four years, while New York, without united, energetic action, has made but very little progress in numbers and in strength. The people of the Empire State are waiting for the word of God, and will not the church arise, and let her light shine? United action is indispensable to the progress of this cause—every brother and every sister must raise the helping hand. Bro. R. F. Cottrell is laboring in Western New York with good acceptance, and some success. He, being stripped of his property by unjust hands, now lives as did Paul, in his own hired house. We are glad to see a degree of interest awakening to sustain him in his labors. "THE SUNDAY QUESTION."
By James White
BRO. SMITH: I have seen several newspaper notices of the Anti-Sunday demonstration in Philadelphia. To-day I am able to send you a paper containing a full report of the proceedings. Pennsylvania has very stringent Sunday laws, and it will be seen that a determination exists with many of her citizens to have them modified. Will they succeed? is an interesting question. The speech of Mr. O'Byrne, though not given at length, possesses much interest as setting forth facts which the other speakers entirely overlooked, though a part of the speech of Mr. De Wolfe, an Israelite, was pointed and truthful. The remarks of the Quincy, Ills., Herald speak the opinions, and doubtless shadow forth the hopes, of a very large class in all parts of the country. The determination is openly avowed on both sides to make this a leading political question, and it would seem by the expressions of the Philadelphia Mass-meeting that they think the "Pharisees" of the age will tremble in view of such an issue. To me it looks entirely different. For this they have been striving for many years. Knowing well that they have no scripture ground to rest on, their only hope is to throw it in the arena of politics. Here they will readily unite: Methodists, Baptists, Catholics, Presbyterians, Disciples, Episcopalians, and so on to the end of the family. Indeed, they are already uniting, wherever the Message is preached, and the question—the only question that will be asked by the candidates for political honors will be, Where is the balance of power? If the churches can carry enough with them to maintain their popularity, of course politicians will seek their favor. Another class, both powerful and assuming, stand ready to interfere whenever expediency calls for their exertions, to wit, the Spiritualists. Bible truth has already driven many prejudiced professors to sympathize with the Spiritualists, and a compromise for the sake of power would be easy to effect between the two parties. Indeed, a compromise would scarcely be necessary, for neither party would have much to compromise to fellowship the other; and Spiritualists have as little sympathy for commandment-keepers as Presbyterians, Disciples or Catholics. This movement, like the war in Europe, may temporarily assume various and perplexing phases, but the ultimate issue is certain. But before that issue comes, this strife and commotion among the theological and political elements of the land will prepare and open the way for a thorough investigation of the relative claims of the Sabbath and first day of the week. The work opens before us. We must gird on the armor. Different papers throughout the country have had more or less discussion on the subject of the Sabbath for some time past; but the churches are strenuous to maintain and exercise their power. A member of Dr. Cheever's church, in New York, was recently expelled for denying that there was divine authority for keeping Sunday! (Dr. C. is an earnest advocate of civil and religious liberty.) He was not permitted to defend himself, and others denounced the action as an outrage. "Lord, send out thy light and thy truth." J. H. W. We give below the speeches referred to in the above, and the remarks from the Quincy, (Ills.,) Herald. ED. SPEECH OF CHAS. H. DE WOLFE.
Dr. Chas. H. De Wolfe, an Israelite, then gave his views on the Sunday question. Notwithstanding, he said, the stigma that will be thrown on this meeting to-night, notwithstanding the odium that will be cast upon you who listen and upon us who speak, I feel proud at standing before this vast sea of upturned faces, and proud that I have the honor to appear before so unexceptionable an assemblage in a cause whose justice and purity none but a fanatic could say aught against. Let interested parties do what they can; the tide has been taken at the flood, and will lead on to an entire and perfect success. (Cheers, "it will; it will.") He could not but say with the Bard of Avon, "There is a tide in the affairs of men which, taken at its height, leads on to fortune." He could give his political and religious creed in a few words, and he requested that, as Captain Cuttle says, they would make a note of it. Bound to no party,
To no sect confined; COMMUNING WITH ONE ANOTHER.
By G. W. Amadon
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: As a free interchange of thoughts and feelings tends to keep alive the flame of Christian love, and as we are commanded to exhort one another as we see the day approaching, I most cheerfully take this method of expressing my heart to you. I love God's cause, his truth and his people; and if anything builds up my faith, it is to hear of the increased piety and enlargement of his church. I exceedingly rejoice that God's children are one—their hope, their faith, and their sympathy are the same—and what a powerful argument is this in favor of their being the true remnant church. I feel to rejoice in view of the unity and love which seem to pervade our ranks; the spirit of teachability also among us indicates that Bible truth is having a good effect upon all. Of late I have felt an increased desire to draw near to God. I most fully believe it is the privilege of his people to live very near him. For one I want to come up to my privilege, and daily partake of that bread which comes down from heaven. I am glad that the attention of the brethren and sisters is being called to practical subjects. This is just what we want—every day, practical religion—religion that will comfort and direct amid the trials and duties of this vacillating life. The Lord directed the attention of us all to a great and practical subject some time since, in the affectionate call to the Laodicean church. O how deplorably weak and poor and naked were we then, but it did prove an effectual antidote to all those who received it, and opened the door of their hearts and let the Saviour in. I am glad and thankful for the jealous care that the Lord exercises towards his people; and shall we be slow to bring in all our tithes, spiritual and temporal, in return for his paternal love and care? I hope not, but pray that each of us may esteem it a privilege to lay our all upon the altar of truth, which is but a reasonable service. Now is a good time, rather the only time, to prove the Lord and see if he will not pour us out a blessing. I believe he will when we reconsecrate ourselves and begin to sacrifice to God. And all have a share in this matter; it is a company concern, and the more freely we invest now, the greater our reward in heaven. There is not much danger in this covetous, tight-fisted age of going too far—of being too free. The danger is right opposite. In a great majority of cases the spiritual barometer is the wallet, and the vulnerable point is not the heart, but the purse; but thanks be to God, a plan has been devised (systematic benevolence) which will show whether our faith is mixed with works, and who is on the Lord's side—in this particular at least. I have often felt grieved that the young in our ranks did not fully lay themselves out for the work and sacrifice for God. Does God excuse young men blessed with health and means of livelihood, from bearing burdens in this cause? I don't believe he does, though their actions would too often say that this is the case. I am acquainted with some (and there are probably hundreds of others), who do not give enough yearly to pay for a copy of the Review and Instructor, and they never think of buying tracts, &c., to help advance the third angel's message. Such things ought not so to be; and I most ardently pray that these delinquent youth will remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how that it is more blessed to give than to receive. God will hold us all responsible for the health he kindly gives us. We are not our own, but we are bought with a price, therefore let us honor the Lord with the reward of our hands as well as the fruit of our lips. I hope none will find fault with the plan lately devised, which is so well calculated to equalize certain burdens necessary to be borne in the church. One might think it wrong in this particular, and another in that, while neither could suggest a better plan. The course of such would remind me very much of a little incident in the life of bishop Hall. One of his neighbors called upon him to have a conversation upon a certain doctrine about which they differed. The bishop produced very strong reasons, and cited many scriptures in favor of his view, but all seemingly to no purpose. "Mr. Hall, I don't see it, I don't see it," said the man. The good bishop then took his pen and wrote a word on a piece of paper. "There," said he to his friend, "do you see that word?" "O yes," he replied. Mr. Hall then took from his pocket a piece of money and laid it on the word which he had written, and said to him, "Do you see it now?" "O no, for you have covered it over," said the other. "That is your trouble," said the bishop. "You have covered your eyes. There is the truth in the Bible, in plain English, and if you don't see it, it must be your own fault." Let those who can't see the propriety of systematic benevolence think of this anecdote, and see if there is any analogy in the two cases. But I am greatly digressing from my intention when I began to write this letter. Brethren and sisters, one and all, old and young, all together, let us come up to the help of the Lord in the third angel's message, and get where salvation freely flows. Let us move forward as we are moved upon by the Spirit of God, and leave the event with him. My heart dilates with joy that we have got the truth, truth that is far more dear that gold, precious stones or rubies, truth that will stand when every thing else will fall. How thankful we all ought to be that we have the truth—truth that will at last procure for us an abundant entrance into the city of God. Praise the Lord, truth endureth for ever. O I am thankful for the truth—the present truth. Now there are a great many different kinds of truth in the scriptures, some relating to one period and some to another, but the truth that we want, and which is most adapted to our case, is the truth for 1859. I hope God will fill all our hearts brim full, with the power and love of present truth. Brethren, let us wake up in the cause of God. While God is evidently waking up the mighty ones of earth, we ought not to be asleep. Let us not sleep as do others, but watch and be sober. The times are growing perilous. We already feel the thrilling force of Paul's words. Systems are being undermined, creeds are exploding, thrones are being shaken, men's hearts are failing them through fear, and soon every man's work will be tried of what sort it is. I am glad that the Christian's hope is immovable; for it is founded on the Bible. It will stand the fiery ordeal just ahead. And while some build on philosophy, nature and human reason, let us be thankful that our foundation is that of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone. Come, brethren let us come up to the help of the Lord against the mighty, and fight the spiritual battles of the Captain of our salvation. Who is really on the Lord's side, as our faith and works will readily show, is the great question with us now. In the patience of the saints. Waukon, Iowa, Aug. 20th., 1859. The Envy of Those God Honors
Those whom God honors, men generally envy; and very frequently oppose and persecute. "Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another." BRO. SMITH: I wish through the Review once more to relate a little of the goodness of God to unworthy me. It is now a little more than six and a half years since I first heard the blessed sound of the third angel's message, under the preaching of Brn. Ingraham and Rhodes, and embraced with joy the soul-stirring truths which they were enabled to set forth so clearly at that time in Brookfield, N. Y. I believe the sweet, heavenly influence of the Holy Spirit attended their preaching, while they zealously and faithfully labored for the salvation of precious souls in that place. I feel that I have great cause of gratitude and love to Him who led me by strong convictions of his Holy Spirit at that time to set out in this good way of striving to keep his holy Sabbath, as well as the rest of his just commandments. For days I experienced that joy and peace in believing which the world knows not of, feeling the sweet assurance within, that God for Christ's sake had forgiven all my sins. But, dear brethren, notwithstanding the sweet consolation I then enjoyed through trying to obey and follow our dear Saviour, and in the blessed anticipation of his glorious appearing and the glory then to be revealed, I can say with you that I am not a stranger to trials, though my trials no doubt are very light to many of yours. I have passed through some sore conflicts of mind in my short experience in the Christian warfare; but I feel to praise God that he has given me grace hitherto to hold on to his strong arm, although at times it has been with a trembling hand. I can say in honor of his exalted name, that when my steps had well nigh slipped, he faithfully verified to me that comforting promise of his word to all the tempted and tried ones in this vale of sorrow, "But God is faithful who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able, but will with the temptation also make a way of escape, that ye may be able to bear it." 1 Cor. x, 13. Should any dear brother or sister chance to read these lines, who may be halting between two opinions, whether to give up the truth or hold on, let me kindly exhort you to give earnest heed to that word by which all mankind will very soon be judged, which says: "Be patient therefore brethren unto the coming of the Lord. Behold the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient, establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh." James v, 7, 8. And again to the profitable instruction given by Peter in his second epistle, chap. i, 12: "Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things though ye know them, and be established in the present truth." I have thought of late, if it was of so much importance for the followers of Christ in the apostle's day to be established in what was then termed present truth, certainly it can be of no less importance for all the people of God to be as thoroughly established in the present truth applicable to this generation, where our lot has fallen amid the "perils of the last days." I know by sad experience that it is a miserable state of mind to be in, sometimes just ready to give up trying to serve the Lord when little trials arise. In that unhappy state of mind we can neither enjoy the society of God's people, nor that of the wicked. But thanks be to God I can say that about three years since I came to the fixed resolution, that come life or death, joy or sorrow, I would still try and persevere in that straight and narrow path which leads to everlasting life; and I still feel by the help of God that if I fail I fall in the ranks of God's dear people, and not in the enemy's. No; I prize my Saviour and eternal life too highly to voluntarily give up striving for the kingdom. Bro Bennett and myself have just returned from our little meeting on the Sabbath at Bro. Charles Andrews, in Brooklyn. It was indeed a precious season to my soul, for Jesus was there in our midst to cheer and comfort our hearts by his sweet Spirit. I doubt not that all felt more or less its melting influence, although there were but seven of us in all, some of our band being detained at home by sickness. I feel an increasing interest for the welfare and prosperity of the cause of present truth, especially in the far West, where the people manifest such an interest to hear on the second coming of Christ. I have heartily adopted the plan of systematic benevolence, as set forth in the Review for some weeks past, because it is scriptural, reasonable, and just. I can truly say that my desires for holiness of heart and life are increasing. I feel that I have many besetments yet to overcome, but I believe the grace of God will be sufficient. I feel the need of a deeper work in my heart in order to stand against the wiles of the Devil, and also be fitted up to receive a share in the latter rain, and pass safely through the time of trouble. The wicked are waxing worse and worse, and the perils of the last days are thickening on every hand. The awful tide of iniquity seems to be sweeping over the land with dreadful rapidity. We all need to awaken and put on the whole armor of God. While walking around the streets of this large, wicked city, beholding the sin and misery that everywhere exist, and the extreme objects of pity, of suffering humanity which I often meet, my mind is often carried away to the celestial city above, and I am led to think of the contrast. No such unpleasant sights will greet our enraptured eyes there in the streets of gold, no locking and bolting doors there to keep out thieves, no drunkards nor murderers there, filling the air with their hideous noises in the stillness of midnight. The inhabitants of that fair capital will all be peaceful orderly citizens, and every face we meet will be the face of a friend. Your brother in Christ, hoping to obtain an entrance there when Jesus comes. New York, Aug. 13th, 1859. BRO. SMITH: I rejoice in the Lord that my eyes were ever opened to see the truth, and prejudice removed from my mind, so that I could feel the love of it in my119heart. I first heard the present message proclaimed by Brn. Cornell and Holt at Gilboa, and under the sound of their preaching, myself and scores of others decided to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and thus help repair the breach that was made in God's holy law; in doing which we have been greatly blessed. I left Gilboa last fall, and moved to Licking Co., O., where myself and companion found none of like precious faith. But we thank the Lord that Bro. Cornell was sent this way last winter. He labored with us four weeks, and laid the truth clearly before the people, by the help of the Lord, and there were some hearts that found a place for it, and now rejoice in the truth, and are striving to overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony. But there are some that have turned their ears from the truth and have been turned unto fables. Their cry is, Peace and safety, and I fear that sudden destruction will come upon them, and they will not escape. But while they are crying, Peace, when there is no peace, and are rejecting the commandments of God and trampling his holy law under foot, we are striving to live by every word that proceeds out of his mouth. I desire to be entirely consecrated to his will. I want on the whole armor that I may stand all the trials and persecutions that will be heaped upon me, and bear all with patience. My desire is to go through to mount Zion with the remnant of God's people. Tobeso, Licking Co., Ohio. P. S. There are many here that are very anxious to have the tent come this way this summer. They had not the chance of hearing much of the truth, but some of them have been investigating, and one or two have decided that the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord. Some have offered ground on which to pitch the tent. I think that it would do good. J. I. EVIL SURMISING.
By J. Clarke
This is a mischievous evil, deeply rooted in many hearts. It is like the upas, an air poisoner, it pollutes the very atmosphere; and wo to the poor victim of its power. It invades the neighborhood and the family; it attacks the holiest saint; and were an angel to descend to earth, with the light and glory of heaven upon him, he also would undergo the scrutiny of these surmisers. Satan wields an immense power, by fanning up the coals of jealousy and suspicion, and often no doubt, he whispers his foul slanders to one already tempted by this habit of surmising, and thus proves himself the accuser of the brethren. I have discovered that many of God's dear people are troubled by this evil, though some there are who are almost entirely free from it, and I discover that those who are confiding and unsuspecting, are more free and confident in God, more even in their deportment, have a holier, purer influence, are happier, and they avoid many of the troubles, and vexations and snares to which surmising people are subject. But I am sorry for the afflicted saint, or sinner, who is subject to this propensity of surmising. And not less am I sorry for the person who feels the weight of the surmising eye, or heart, or tongue; for I do believe, that the more innocent and pure the object of surmising, the more cruel the rage of the surmiser. Satan is the accuser and hater of good, and heartily will he second every motion of the carnal heart towards the discouragement of good; and nothing is more to the discouragement of the good man, than to have his actions and motives misunderstood, misrepresented, misconstrued, even by the very ones who should be the last to do so. Let every one who would overcome the world, every one who is troubled by this evil habit of evil surmising, arraign this intruder for a breach of the ninth commandment, prove him a false witness, a malicious slanderer, a viperous enemy, an evil bird, with as many eyes as feathers, and not one of them single. Mr—, was a farmer in rather straitened circumstances, but addicted to liquor drinking. He had a family, a virtuous, industrious companion, and four or five young children. All at once, to the surprise of his neighbors, Mr—, leaves the State, no one knows why. Soon after his departure, the following conversation takes place between two of the neighbors: A. Can you tell me, B., why Mr—, left his family in this way? B. Well sir, he got in the habit of surmising things, and he got so at last that he believed himself, and really came to believe things for which he had no foundation or evidence but his own surmisings. A. Can it be possible that he would leave his family so? B. Well sir, I can tell you of a case in —, Co., Ohio, of a man who was an atheist, who would make up a tale, and tell it for the fun of the thing, and after often relating it, would finally come to fully believe it, and would swear to it in open court. Sir, it is wonderful what a man may come to by practice. A. Indeed! such instances of human depravity and weakness remind us of the danger of giving loose to the imagination, and thus allowing Satan to paint for us, to poison our cup for us, and then to laugh as we drink it. Don't you think neighbor B., that Satan helps people to surmise evil? B. Not a doubt of it, sir.
J. CLARKE. As we reflect upon the crimes
Committed in these modern times,
With longing hearts we hail the day,
When all these ills shall pass away. No tidings then shall come from far,
Of bloody strife or din of war;
The murderer lift his hand no more,
And leave his victim stained with gore. No more be heard the bitter wail,
That floats along the southern gale;
The widow's sigh, the orphan's moan,
The sound of lash, the captive's groan. No more be watched with dread amaze,
The gathering storm, the lightning's blaze;
Nor changes shall we e'er behold,
From summer's heat to winter's cold. No breath of pestilential air,
No sorrow or corroding care;
No judgments there shall stalk abroad,
No sin to mar the works of God. Not long as pilgrims here we roam,
As weary exiles sigh for home;
For soon to greet our joyful eyes,
Returns our long-lost Paradise. "God is Love."
By S. Elmer
So said a beloved disciple, and so has my soul been made to respond of late. I had been sorely tried by the enemy, and the trial was so peculiar that I thought, How shall I be delivered? But I knew that the Lord had often delivered me, and still I committed the case into his hands by prayer, and sooner than I was aware I received strength to wait upon him; and on the day following I had an uncommon sense of the love of God, and how we should love one another. As I repeated these words "God is love," I felt that if I could be heard I would sound it forth even to the ends of the earth. God is love! Yes, and I can witness to his long-suffering to me, unworthy as I am. At times I have been so overwhelmed with sorrow that like David I have cried, "the proud waters have gone over my soul." "I sink in deep mire when there is no standing." But I have often found that the Lord was a present help in time of trouble, and that it is much better to look up than to keep our eyes on the roaring billows as they dash around us. O for a heart to bless his name,
A heart to sing his praise,
And all his goodness to proclaim
Throughout my remnant days. A heart that's free from self and pride,
And each corroding care;
Doth ever in the truth abide,
And watches unto prayer. A heart that's washed in Jesus' blood,
And trusting every hour
Upon the promises of God,
Nor fears the tempter's power.
S. ELMER.