Earlier text: ON KEEPING THE HEART. No. 11.A DISCOURSE BY E. MILLER, JR., REVIEWED.
THE point which next claims our attention is the manner in which Eld. Miller carries out the instructions which Paul gave to Timothy, as found in 2 Tim. ii, 15: "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." He first laid down as a substratum of his whole discourse, the proposition that we were to judge of the intent of any portion of the Bible, by considering to whom it was addressed. With this preparation he proceeded to "divide" the word of truth as follows: The first books of the Bible are historical, containing accounts of events more or less minute from the beginning, to the latest date of which they treat; but they are purely historical, and therefore do not particularly concern us, so far as regards instruction how to regulate our lives. Therefore he slashed off these, and threw them away. Thus the first "division" was effected. The Psalms, he told us, were divine songs, given under the Jewish dispensation, and for those who then lived. The Proverbs were axioms, and the remaining portions of the Old Testament were mainly prophecies; but the main fact he wished to impress upon the mind was that it was all given to the Jews, and we had nothing to do with it as far as moral obligation was concerned, whatever. Thus the Old Testament was "divided" and thrown away. But doubtless being instinctively admonished that he had thus done violence to the word of truth, he endeavored to palliate his position by admitting that the Old Testament nevertheless contains some good things! Poor subterfuge! That would indeed be a strange book that did not contain some good things. Doubtless the Koran and the Book of Mormon could sustain a good claim to as much credit as this. Having thus disposed of the Old Testament, those scriptures in which Paul told Timothy to continue, as they were able to make him wise unto salvation, [2 Tim. iii, 14, 15.] the New Testament comes next in order. The four Gospels he tells us are biographical sketches; and therefore we are not to look to them for a rule of duty. Christ's memorable sermon on the mount, and all his instructions to those who were, or should ever after be his disciples, are thus conveniently disposed of. The Acts, he continued, is the only place in the Bible where we learn how to make a Christian; and there never was a Christian made, till Peter's sermon on the day of Pentecost. As the definition of Christian, is, one who is a disciple of Christ, we had supposed that all who followed him while on earth, and Peter among the rest, were Christians; but it appears they were not; that is, E. Miller, jr., says so. We now come to the epistles, that part of the Bible which, according to M.'s theory, really has claims upon us, and places us under moral restraint. There, exclaimed the speaker, holding up his Bible and embracing with thumb and finger the epistles from Romans to Revelation, "these are addressed to Christians, and tell them how they ought to do. The Epistles are the whole rule of Christian life." Thus rightly(!) dividing the word, we find nothing left to direct our conduct, but a few epistles. Is this the work of a workman "that needeth not to be ashamed?" Verily the epistles themselves would do us but little good if we were to act upon all their instructions as M. acts upon 2 Tim. ii, 15. The reader will here perceive that the view that the epistles were given for a new rule of duty for Christians, presupposes another view; namely, that every rule of life in force previous to that time, had been abolished. For this position M. delights to contend. His language is that all law of every kind, ten commandments and all "went by the board" at the death of Christ. This point demands a word. And first we are led to wonder at the views which such must entertain of the plan of Salvation! Why was it necessary that Christ should die? To make a way of escape for man. But what is the trouble with men. They have transgressed God's law; not a few, but all; for says Paul, "ALL have sinned and come short of the glory of God; and again," "that every mouth may be stopped and ALL THE WORLD may become guilty before God." Rom. iii, 19, 23. Sin is the transgression of the law. [1 John iii, 4:] all have sinned; and the law demands the death of its transgressors; for the just sentence is, The soul that sinneth it shall die. Man being in this condition, one of three things must follow: they must all die, or the law must be taken back, and they thus released from it, or a ransom must be paid. It was God's purpose to devise means whereby man might live. But he could not take back his law, as that would be to deny his own moral character as expressed in that law; therefore he gave his beloved Son a ransom for them. Hence the Saviour says in the very commencement of his ministry, "I came not to destroy the law, but to fulfill." He fulfilled it by rendering perfect obedience to all its requirements. "I have kept my Father's commandments." John xv, 10. "Who did no sin." 1 Pet. ii, 22. He fulfilled it by meeting the demand which it had upon mankind as transgressors, by dying, the just for the unjust. Now can we suppose that by giving his life to meet the demands of the law he abolished the law? It is the height of absurdity to suppose this. We might just as well say that every time a man is hung he abolishes capital punishment. It would be an exact parallel. Further, all can see that if the law could have been abolished, the Saviour need not have died; and we may be assured that it was no trivial demand that called the Saviour from glory to give his life a ransom for man. Christ died. We avail ourselves of the merits of his sacrifice by faith in him. When we exercise that faith in him, his righteousness is imputed unto us; [Rom. iii, 22; 2 Cor. v, 21:] and thus we are freed from the claims which the law has upon us for past transgressions. And here, Paul, as if anticipating the attack which some would make upon the law of God, puts the question direct: Do we through this faith which we exercise in Christ, make void the law, that law from which Christ died to redeem us? God forbid! exclaims he in reply; and by this answer annihilates all the theories which all the law abolishers in the land have ever been able to rear. Yea we establish the law. Rom. iii, 31. The mass of testimony on this point we have not space to present, but refer the reader to our numerous publications. Look again at the scene which took place, according to Eld. M.'s theory, at the cross of Christ. 1. God lost his only and beloved Son. 2. He lost his perfect and holy law. 3. By abolishing his law he denied his own moral character, and abolished the principles of his own moral government. They all went down in a crash together! But what is now to be done? The Saviour is dead, the law is abolished, and the disciples, scattered like sheep without a shepherd, have repaired to their sorrowful abodes. The field is now open to all intents and purposes for Eld. Miller to tell us how to make Christians. O, he will tell us, the apostles, being instructed by the Lord while alive, immediately set about repairing the ruin which God wrought at the crucifixion, by promulgating a new law. But how do you know? Who says this? Where is it written? Where is the first inch of firm footing for such a position? Where is the first glimmer of light to show us where to tread? Thus stands the anxious inquirer, under such teaching as this, wildly reaching forth in fruitless efforts to find something tangible, and gazing bewildered into utter emptiness blacker than the shades of Erebus. It may be answered, that they have given us the new law in their epistles. But we find that nearly all of the epistles were written between the years 54 and 66, A. D., in the neighborhood of 30 years this side of the crucifixion. What were men to do during all that time? Were they left to live by guess? and form a kind of chance morality? We have now arrived, in the course of our inquiries, to the time when it is proper to seek an answer to the question at first proposed; namely, What must I do to be saved? for we have now reached the gospel dispensation; and this question was proposed by many in the commencement of this dispensation, and to those, too, whom Eld. Miller himself will acknowledge to be divinely authorized to make Christians. Said Peter to the inquiring multitude, [Acts ii, 38,] "Repent and be baptized." Now might they not have asked with astonishment, Why, sir, we understand you that the law "all went by the board," some fifty days ago; now, pray, what are we to repent of? for a dead law can have no claims upon us. Thus Peter's exhortation to repentance would have been detected as untimely and useless, and all his efforts to make Christians, proved a failure. Then one of two things must here be true: either Peter exhorted them to repent when they had nothing to repent of, or he believed the law of God was still binding and held them to obedience. Those who are prepared to take so absurd a position as the former, are at liberty to do so: we have nothing to say. But if the latter be true, which alone accords with reason and revelation, it follows that the law was not abolished at the death of Christ. Christ died to redeem men from the curse of a law which existed previous to his death. The first victim that was offered this side the gates of paradise, pointed to him who was to die for the transgression of a law which had then been committed. Every one will admit that the merits of Christ's sacrifice, reach as far back as to the time when offerings were instituted in view of his death. But immediately after man's fall we find offerings instituted; and in view of this fact what becomes of Eld. M.'s assertion that no sin was imputed till Moses? Why do we find them continually offering up sacrifices, and thus signifying their faith in a coming Saviour who would redeem them from sin? To limit their transgressions to a few independent personal commands given as occasion might require, notwithstanding God declares that he had during those days, statutes and laws, [Gen. xxvi, 5.] is taking a position which there is no necessity for taking, and which is both antiscriptural and absurd. But Christ died not only for transgressions that were then past, but to provide a way of escape for those who should sin or transgress the law in the future. What law? That law, of course, which caused his death. And here we would remark that no circumstance could be more calculated to impress men with the immutability and perpetuity of God's holy law, than the fact that the Son of God himself had to die in order to open a way whereby men might be released from its inflexible grasp. Those who can see no force in this, must be callous to all impression. But if it was left to the apostles to promulgate a law among men as fast as they could after the Saviour's death, it follows that Christ died to redeem men from the transgression of a law which had not then been enacted! This would be about equal to the idea of granting pardon for sins before they are committed—a favor which none but the popes and their legates have ever presumed to dispense. There is one Lawgiver, [Jas. iv, 12,] and there is one sacrifice to cover all transgression from beginning to end. Heb. vii, 27; ix, 26, 28. Now to say that this Lawgiver let the world for a while run at large without law, that he then enacted one, but found it "weak" and "unprofitable," so that he had to abolish it, and in abolishing it put to death his only and beloved Son, and then, after suffering another break in the divine government, that he left it to men to enact a law which should be suited to the condition of mankind in the future;—to say this, is casting the foulest imputations upon the wisdom and justice of the Ruler of the universe; and "shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?" Gen. xviii, 25. Surely the mind that can see light in all this, must be darker than ten thousand midnights. But, says one, Christ abolished some law? To be sure, he did; but he did not come to abolish it. It was first a fact that he was coming to die; and in view of this fact, a law of types and shadows was instituted. When he came therefore this law would of course cease, and be nailed to the cross, as the shadow had then reached the substance. Of this the Apostle speaks in the following instances: Eph. ii, 14-16; Col. ii, 14-17; Heb. vii, 18. On the other hand the moral law has run parallel with the existence of man. By it the world has been required to develop moral character. By its principles all are to be judged; and transgressors, either side of the crucifixion, are to look to Christ for justification; to avail themselves of the merit of his shed blood by faith in him. What then are we to do to be saved? Repent, (of our transgressions of God's law,) believe, (that the blood of Christ can cleanse from all sin,) and be baptized. So said Paul and Silas to the jailer, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ." Acts xvi, 31. Said Christ to the young man, "if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments." Matt. xix, 17. Says James, "If ye fulfill the Royal Law, &c., ye do well?" and that we may know what he means by the royal law, he proceeds to specify69 some of the ten commandments. Jas. ii, 8-12. And in Matt. xxiv, 20, and all through the book of Acts, the Sabbath is recognized as an institution fully binding in this dispensation. M. tells us that by keeping the commandments we are going about to establish our own righteousness; [see Rom. x, 2-4;] and he reads verse 4, as though it said, Christ is the end of the law, and nothing more; but Paul adds an important specification. In what respect is Christ the end of the law? Ans. FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS; that is, Christ having by his death satisfied the claims of the law, when we avail ourselves of his righteousness by faith in him, the law ceases its claims upon us; we are made free from its sentence. Thus Christ is the end of the law for righteousness. But are at we liberty on this account to continue to transgress the law? Hear Paul again: "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid!" Rom. vi, 1. Now if keeping the commandments, which we have shown to be binding, is going about to establish our own righteousness, any act of obedience is equally so; and consequently we may not do anything but continue in all sorts of disobedience and transgression, relying upon the righteousness of Christ, lest we be accused of doing something to establish our own righteousness. This is the very idea that Paul, with abhorrence, forbids. As often therefore as Eld. Miller accuses commandment-keepers of laboring to establish their own righteousness, Paul in Rom. vii, 1, rebukes him. Thus rebuked we leave him. WE HAVE A MESSAGE.
By James White
Bro. Smith:—We have a message for God’s people that will move them. The holy Spirit witnesseth. The subject of the Seven Churches is deeply interesting, and most clearly gives an outline of the Christian Church from its origin to its close. The testimony to the Laodiceans, with its most cutting reproof, its affectionate counsel, its touching entreaties and its blessed promises, will reach the heart of every Sabbath-keeper that can feel. Only those whose consciences are seared as with a hot iron will remain unmoved, after the subject is fully set before them. Christ is without, knocking. Our lack of faith, lack of consecration, lack of humility, lack of zeal and courage to fight the battles of the Lord, and lack of the spirit of sacrifice has shut Jesus out. For a few years past the glory has been departing from the remnant, and Jesus has been without, knocking till his locks are wet with the dews of night. The remnant will hear his voice, and open the door and let the Saviour in. But, dear brother, it is of the greatest importance that all should understand what it is to prepare the way for the dear Saviour. He will not come into that heart where pride dwells. He will not dwell where the love of the world is. Where the love of the world is, there the love of the Father is not. And where is the brother or sister who has not more or less of the love of this world? There may be a few; but the eagerness with which very many strive to get more of this world, shows their love for it. This love for the world must die, before Jesus will come in. The hands must be clean and the heart pure before Jesus will dwell with any one. A great work is to be done right here for those who profess the Third Message. But those for whom this work is to be accomplished evidently do not realize it. O Lord, let thy word wake them up to see that their condition is as described, “wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.” Some will say that this description of the Laodiceans is too bad for the Sabbath-keepers. The reason is, because they are still saying in their hearts, “I am rich and increased with goods, and have need of nothing.” Others acknowledge the application of this testimony, talk and write about it, who have hardly begun to feel over it, and to see what it is to be zealous and repent, and to buy gold tried in the fire, white raiment and eye-salve. True repentance is not only a sorrow for past wrongs, but a change of future course. The command to the Laodiceans is to be zealous and repent; or as A. Campbell translates, “be zealous and reform.” An entire change is here required. Now to acknowledge the testimony, and talk of reforming, and still go on denying faith by works, will certainly render one’s case doubly offensive in the sight of Heaven. Such a course will add sin to sin. There has already been so much talking and so little living the truth, that our position is disgusting, nauseous, to the Lord, and unless we repent, he will spue us out of his mouth. And now to talk the solemn testimony to the Laodiceans, and still go on loving the world, its treasures, its pride and customs, is adding double insult to the dear Saviour who stands at the door knocking, pleading, counseling. Let those who have the message, talk it; but those who have not, let them first get it in their hearts, and be ready to live it, as well as to talk it. WESTERN TOUR.
By James White
BRO. SMITH:—We are now with the brethren at Green Vale, blocked up by snow-drifts. We hope to be able to break through, and pursue our journey toward Wawkau, Iowa, in a few days. Brn. Hart and Everts are with us, taking us through with their team. Our Conference near Round Grove was not attended by any from a distance, in consequence of storm, yet the house was filled on First-day with very attentive hearers. Our meetings with the Brn. there, we hope, will result in much good. We trust they will speedily deliver themselves out of the snare of this world in which they have become entangled. Our last meeting with them was a searching time. God manifested his power, and searched out and exposed the condition of those whose works deny their profession of faith. On our way to this place we put up for the night at Bro. Mitchell's, at Genesee Grove. They are believers of the Lord's make. One copy of the "Midnight Cry" was sent to sister Mitchell's father, who was then Post Master. He read and believed. Took it to Bro. and Sr. M., who also read and believed, and have since advocated the faith and hope of the gospel. About two years since, they embraced and confessed the Lord's Sabbath: before their neighbors, at the close of the first discourse they heard on the subject. Bro. Mitchell has been prospered for a few years in cultivating the soil. May God give him success in preparing for the work, and entering the gospel field. Man-made teachers almost destitute of experience, can do but little in these perilous times. The battle is coming, and the contest demands God-made soldiers, humble, sacrificing, yet bold and unyielding on the field of battle. The Lord is giving us a testimony for this people, which seems to be taking a deep hold of them. But the inquiry comes up, Will they continue? If they fully obey the testimony to the Laodiceans, they will hold on their way, and grow stronger and stronger. There are young men and women in this church who may be pillars in the church if they will die to this world and follow Jesus Christ. Our greatest fears for them are that they will not fully see their condition, and repent zealously, and hold their consecration. An entire change must be made, or the Lord will spue them out of his mouth. But those whom God loves will be zealous and repent, and receive the Saviour into their hearts, Jesus will sup with them and they with him. For the past year we have greatly desired health sufficient to enter this Western field which indeed seems white for the harvest. God has been answering prayer. We endure the exposures of the season on this journey much better than we had dared to hope. Glory to God, for what he has done. We are able to preach much without injury. It is good to trust in the Lord. If the brethren in Illinois wake fully up to the work, we shall endeavor to join them with a tent next Summer. It is fully time for the remnant to awake to the great work before them. We fully believe that all that is necessary to introduce the loud cry of the Third Angel, is for the remnant to arouse and perfect their faith by corresponding works. Then Jesus (who is now without, knocking) will come in. The gifts will revive in the church, and the mighty truths of the Third Message will be set home to the honest in heart by the power of the Holy Ghost. With this hope growing and burning within, we remain yours for the whole truth, and its sanctifying power.
Green Vale, Ills. Dec. 15th, 1856. HOW SHALL WE RISE?
By M. E. Cornell
HAS been the language of many hearts, since the true condition of the Laodiceans was made manifest. Many have realized their lost condition, and have made some effort to extricate themselves from the darkness, but have failed, and some are now sinking in discouragement; how to rise they know not. Darkness prevails. O how sad is the condition of many at the present time. After all that has been written concerning our forlorn state, some among us receive no burden, and do not seem to be in the least troubled. As the prophet says, “Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall,” &c. Jer. vi, 15. There are others that have mourned over their wretched condition, but have made only very faint efforts to rise; have not heeded the admonition to “be zealous and repent.” Some have manifested much zeal and have moved out earnestly, but not in the right direction; they have a zeal without knowledge. How exceedingly mortifying and discouraging it is to us when we have made a zealous effort to get into the light, to find, alas, that our move was entirely wrong. It is important that we should have humility enough to begin in the right place, when we commence to remove stumbling-blocks; lest we sink into worse confusion, and greater darkness. “Be zealous and repent,” is an individual work; our attention is directed homeward. “Thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.” The beam is in our own eye, and we should not be looking at the faults of others, before our own eyes are anointed. By looking in the gospel glass we may see how we stand and by continuing therein may be blessed in the deed. The glass is “exceeding broad,” comprising all that God has revealed for the remnant, first and last. “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another that ye may be healed.” This requires humility and meekness, therefore the Prophet says: “Before the decree bring forth, seek meekness,” &c. If we would rise, we must begin in the right place, and in the right manner, and then persevere with all diligence until we have gained the victory. My past experience in some of these things has been sad indeed. I desire henceforth to move in the light or not at all. I would not try to steady the ark without directions, or in my zeal overlook the weightier matters. I am glad the Lord is still giving his servants the burden to write out our present condition in the Review. Its result will soon be told, and it will be known who are on the Lord’s side, “O spare thy people, Lord,
And give them full salvation.”
M. E. CORNELL. If you do not keep pride out of your souls and your souls out of pride, God will keep your souls out of heaven.—Dyer. Divisions Are Satan’s Powder-Plots
By Watson
DIVISIONS are Satan’s powder-plots, to blow up religion.—Watson. Every one has of course a right to express their own feelings; but we would make a few suggestions to the writer of the above, and to any others (if there are any such) who may entertain similar views and feelings. It is certain that God has a church on the earth; he always has had, and he always will have. It is certain also that his church will, as a body, go through to the kingdom. "Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." Now when we look abroad, suppose we do not find any church which appears to be perfect, which we think appears to deserve the name of the church of God; what is our next duty? It is to see who are striving to become such. Now we as a body do not claim to be perfect, but we are striving to become so; we do not claim that we have yet come into the unity of the faith, but we are laboring for that object; and what are the means that God has appointed to this end? The Apostle tells us: "Prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, [Eph. iv, 11,] and other gifts of the church, [1 Cor. xii, 7-12, 28,] for the perfecting of the saints, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come into the unity of the faith," &c. It is true we have the Bible in our hands in language that we can understand; but we presume that Sr. S. would not abolish the office of teachers which Christ has instituted in his church; and this teaching is to edify the body of Christ. Now we must not be so afraid of being led by men, and adopting the opinion of others, as to reject the good and correct teaching which is in accordance with God's word; and all true teaching and every true gift of the church, is, and will be, in accordance with that Word. But if Sr. S. would attribute to those who are connected with the Review, the desire to lead any by our own authority, and have them adopt opinions merely because they are ours, she misconstrues our motives entirely; we do not so understand our mission. Is it not almost a standing declaration of the Review that we claim no infallibility, that we ask no one to take our "ipse dixit" for any thing, but to cling to the Word, and by that try and determine all questions? If we can aid any in arriving at truth, and progressing in spirituality, our object will be accomplished. The idea of going to heaven alone cannot be sustained. No one need think that he can make such progress as to leave every body else far behind. It reminds us of an anecdote which we will here mention: "Col. Blair told us at the commencement of the battle of Waterloo there was some trouble to prevent the men from breaking their ranks. He expostulated with one man: 'Why, my good fellow, you cannot propose to beat the French alone? You had better keep your ranks.' The man returned to his place, saying, 'I believe you are right, sir, but I am a man of a very hot temper.'" It is some so in religious matters. We must not cherish such a hot temper in spiritual things, as to think individually to outstrip the church at large. We are all members of one body. Then we had better keep our ranks. The enemy will have far less opportunity to sow discord and distraction among us, if we stand shoulder to shoulder, laboring together for that great object, unity and perfection. We would not here convey the idea that belonging to the church alone will save any one. We are sorry the Review has retrograded so far that our sister does not peruse it with the same interest as formerly; though we may judge from the testimony we are frequently receiving, that many will be disposed to consider that the change has taken place in her, instead of the paper. If she thinks we demand the adoration and worship of any, she misapprehends again; these are not embraced in the catalogue of our requirements. Again we would recommend for her consideration the people who are making the greatest efforts to conform to the Bible pattern of the true church. Such are certainly entitled to present consideration. And we are firm in the belief that the Lord's people, whether we are the ones or not, will soon emerge from the shadows that now hover around them, and come forth clear as the sun, and fair as the moon.—Ed. Encouragement to Commandment Keepers
By John Wilson
Bro. Smith: I would say to the brethren and sisters that there is a small number of us trying to keep the Commandments of God, and the Faith and testimony of Jesus. We feel somewhat encouraged when we read the testimony of God's children who are scattered over the land. Though we have been in a lukewarm state for some time, God has been with us of late. We have had some good meetings. The Spirit of God has been poured out upon us, and I trust we all feel like pressing on to the end; for he who bears the cross shall wear the crown. My prayer is that we with all those who keep the commandments of God may be kept faithful until death or till Jesus comes; for I feel that the time is fast approaching. Brethren and sisters, are we getting ready? are we trying to follow Jesus? are we laying up our treasure in heaven? If we are all is well; but if we are laying it up on earth, it will condemn us at the last day. I feel that we are the Lord's stewards, and if we squander the means that God has put into our hands, we shall have to give an account of it. Let us do what we can for the spread of the truth among poor perishing sinners. I feel that he is sifting his people, and will continue to sift them till he shall have a people zealous of good works. And though we are surrounded by enemies on every side, and tempted, and tried, and persecuted, let us rejoice. I feel that we live in perilous times, and need to heed the Saviour's warning, "Watch and pray lest ye enter into temptation;" for the Devil is going about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Let us seek to know and do our duty that we be not found sleeping. I trust that by the grace of God I may hold out to the end, and have a right to the tree of life and enter in through the gates into the city. Yours in hope of eternal life.
JOHN WILSON.
Bowne, Mich., Dec., 1856. Alone in the Faith
By C. Boomhour
Bro. Smith: I am often cheered with the communications from the brethren and sisters. It is almost three years since I heard those truths which the Review advocates. Then Bro. Cornell came here and presented them under the sound of the Third Angel's Message. I received it gladly. I have kept the Sabbath for twelve years. I had felt for a long time as though I must leave the church. I acted accordingly, so I am alone, having no one of like precious faith to associate with. Bro. C. told us something about the little book's being eaten in 1844; but I thought it was not all eaten; for I think that I have had a taste of it. I am willing to take the bitter with the sweet. I have had many trials, perplexities and temptations, but my prayer is, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? O for that wisdom that comes from above! O that the Lord would give me his Holy Spirit to guide me into all truth! I want that meek and quiet spirit which Peter said was in the sight of God of great price. There is one thing that I do covet, which is that kind of riches that James speaks of, Rich in faith, heirs of the kingdom, which God has promised to those who love him. I am one of those who are looking for the blessed hope, the glorious appearing of the great God and Jesus Christ who has given himself for us that he might present unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. The Laodicean State of the Church
By Olive M. Patten
BRO. SMITH: I have been deeply interested in what I have seen in the Review on the subject of the Laodicean state of the church. I believe it to be the truth, "meat in due season" for the remnant. I have long felt that something was wanting. While I read the cutting testimony to the Laodiceans, I will try to take it to myself. The truth is too plain that we have suffered cares and trials to shut Jesus out, and have not had that sweet communion with him that we once had. O that we may heartily repent of our lukewarmness, put away everything that shuts Jesus from our hearts, and make speedy and thorough preparation for the coming of the Lord! I want my heart clean and filled with the love of God. My prayer is, Create in me a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within me. I do believe that we must make haste or it will be too late! I am alone here, and have not seen a Sabbath-keeper since the Princeton tent-meeting, and may not see one again for many months; but I am thankful for the Review to read, and know not how I could do without it.71 I love the prospect of the saints' home. My heart and my treasure are there, and I cannot be left with those who love this world. I realize more than ever that it is through much tribulation that we shall enter the kingdom of God. Great trials await the remnant, but the grace of God is sufficient, and I desire strength and a willing heart that I may endure to the end and be saved. I choose rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. I mean to be an overcomer and meet all who are redeemed from among men, in whose mouth is found no guile, on mount Zion with the Lamb. Yours in the patience of the saints.
OLIVE M. PATTEN.
Groton, Mass., Dec. 6th, 1856. COMMUNICATIONS.
By N. G. Sanders
"Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another." BRO. SMITH:—I read the Review with interest; but I cannot say that I do with the same interest that I did two years ago. I am striving to overcome through the blood of the Lamb and the word of my testimony. The evidences of the near coming Saviour, remain the same; the evidences of life through Jesus, the same; the obligation to remember the Sabbath to keep it holy, and the necessity of the transgressor's having also the Faith of Jesus. But when I look for a people whom I think worthy to be called the church of God, I do not find any. I see inconsistencies in the faith and practice of both branches of the Advent people, and I thank God that salvation or his favor, does not depend on believing whatever peculiar ideas either of them may hold; that his word is in our hands in language that we can read and understand for ourselves. I dare not be led by man; neither dare I trust to visions which I honestly think contradict the word of God. I have been severely tried by the bickering strife and disunion among Adventists, and I cannot see that it looks any better in one branch of the church than the other. Politicians assail the personal character of members of the opposite party; so do professed ministers of the gospel. Well, so far they are not like their Master; but I suppose they are but men and must be saved or lost on the same conditions as the flock over whom they would bear rule. O how earnestly I wish I could find a body of Christians where the love of God would run from heart to heart, subduing pride and vain glorying, and bringing every thought into subjection to the will of God. But alas for earth's inhabitants, I never expect to see them thus obedient to the King of heaven. It does seem to me now that true Christians are few, and like to be more so still. The Review has been very irregular the past volume. Several times I have concluded it was stopped. I enclose one dollar for the past. You may for the present discontinue it. I would like it, for I wish to hear what they are doing; besides, there is much in Review which I deem profitable to read; but I cannot fall down and worship, or say that I could not live without it. It sometimes looks to me as though God had let darkness upon the people that they might learn not to worship men or papers. I may send for it again; but for the present I cast myself at Jesus' feet, and ask to be saved from error in every form. And if it is possible that any body of professors are owned of God, I hope in time that they may shine forth, so that I may recognize them. If each must stand alone, God's strength is sufficient for all. Your sister in the hope of the gospel.
N. G. SANDERS.
Fond du Lac Co., Wis.