Earlier text: BIBLE DOCTRINE OF THE DIVINITY OF CHRISTA WORD WITH THOSE WHO BELIEVE THE LAW ABOLISHED.*
By M. Hull
THOSE who believe the law is abolished, seem to have a very faint idea of the work that devolves upon them. Many of them think that there is nothing for them to do, but to object to our positions; hence they fire in at us from every quarter. At one time they will discharge at us the idea that the law was abolished by John the Baptist; but when the smoke of that shot has cleared away, they find us sailing on, "clothed and in our right mind," as though there was nobody under heaven who dared to "make war with the remnant of the woman's seed, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus." Next you will find them under full sail bound for the next point from which to assail the law of God. Soon you will see them standing upon the supposed rock, teaching that Christ raised his arm against the law of God by breaking the least of these "commandments, and teaching men so." But soon they discern that their supposed rock is nothing but "rolling sand," and finding that the law of God is yet unhurt—that the commandment-keepers yet have a sure foundation, they make haste to the death of Christ, hoping to be able to fire from thence and kill the law. But alas! when they get there they find that that event above all others, vindicates God's holy law. They can stand here but a moment; for the voice of inspiration salutes their ears, much to their discomfiture, declaring the work of Christ to be, to "magnify the law, and make it honorable." Isa. xliii, 21. Finding their craft certain to founder here, they resolve to make for some other point; but what can they do? They must either make for that dangerous headland, that "the law was abolished by the apostles," or get upon the rock inscribed, "Here are they that keep the commandments of God and faith of Jesus." The latter they have resolved not to do. So they set sail for the apostolic council [Acts xv], hoping to find a weapon there with which to wound commandment-keepers. But when they get there they find not a weapon whose handle is not in the hands of those who keep the commandments of God. Hence, all they can do is to seize the blade, and thus wound themselves. Since those who would "make void the law through (pretended) faith," find us fortified on every side; since they find that the commandments are in the ark, which is in the Sanctuary in heaven; that although they have the disposition, their hands cannot tear them thence; we entreat them to cease to drink of that turbid stream which flows from under the dragon's throne, which intoxicates them with the baleful idea, that those who pray, "Let me not wander from thy commandments [Ps. cxix, 10], whose daily prayer is, "Make me to go in the way of thy commandments, for therein do I delight [vs. 35], whose watch-word is, "I will delight myself in thy commandments which I have loved," [vs. 47], who make haste and delay not to keep all the commandments [vs. 60], whose daily prayer is, Give me understanding that I may learn thy commandments [vs. 73], who say to the fighters of God's law, "Depart from me, ye evil doers, for I will keep the commandments of my God" [vs. 115], who love the commandments more than fine gold [vs. 127], who affirm that the commandments are truth [vs. 151]; that they are all "sure and stand fast for ever and ever" [Ps. cxi, 7], that God through his commandments makes his children wise [v. 98];—that all such have fallen from grace. We say, Cease to drink of this filthy stream. Ground the weapons of your rebellion. Desert the sinking ship. Break the four-fold cord of prejudice, ignorance, bigotry and popularity, which binds you to your position. Keep the commandments of God, "and enter in through the gates into the city." But if you are bound to persist in the warfare upon God's law, we will give you something to do. We ask you who believe that the ten commandments are abolished to answer a few questions: 1. If the moral principles which God gave for the government of the universe, have been overthrown, there is a reason why it has been done; and that reason must be found in a necessity for the abolition of the law. Can you show a necessity for it? Why was it necessary for God to abolish the ten commandments? Is not human nature the same everywhere and under every dispensation? and is not God the same in every age? See Mal. iii, 6. If human nature and God are the same, then do they not sustain the same relation to each other that they ever did? If they do, how can that law which regulates that relation be changed? 2. If the perfect law [Ps. xix, 7] which embraces man's whole duty [Eccl. xii, 13] has been abolished, and another perfect law embracing man's whole duty, instituted, where are the points of dissimilarity in the two laws? 3. Was not holiness required of men in the former dispensation? Lev. xix, 2. And was there not enough in the ten commandments, (if strictly obeyed) to render a person holy? Ex. xix, 5, 6. Is not holiness required of men in this dispensation? 1 Pet. i, 15, 16. If principles of holiness were ever contained in the ten commandments, are they not now? If they are, when those ten commandments were abolished, were not the principles by which God designed to develop a holy people abolished? If so, and God saves men in this dispensation, does he not save unholy men? But if God saves one unholy man, will he not save another? If so, Universalism is true; hence the controversy is between those who delight in the law of God, and Universalists. 4. But if the ten commandments are abolished, why does Paul quote [Eph. vi, 2] the fifth commandment, by virtue of its original authority, holding out the original promise as an inducement to obedience? Did205 Paul quote from an obsolete law, and then hold out a dead promise as the reward of obedience? Is it possible that Paul commanded obedience to a dead commandment? If he enjoins obedience to one dead commandment, why not to all, and thus have the whole law binding notwithstanding its death? 5. "Oh," say our opponents, "we have a law of liberty." But is the boasted "law of liberty" of this dispensation, liberty to have other gods? to make and worship graven images? to take the name of God in vain? break the Sabbath? dishonor parents? kill? commit adultery? steal? bear false witness, and covet your neighbor's goods? Is this the result of the great sacrifice which God made in giving up his Son? Is it possible that the superior light and privileges of the Christian dispensation are based upon, or consist in, the destruction of God's ten words, all that is dear and valuable to man? Has God overthrown the moral government of the universe for the sake of bringing man out from under bondage? Friends, the above is the legitimate result of your teaching; and I venture the assertion that a worse system of morals cannot be found anywhere. But says the objector, "The apostles have given us a new code, embracing nine of the ten commandments." But if that position be true, are there not twelve law-givers in the Christian dispensation, instead of one? Jas. iv, 12. But if the twelve apostles are law-givers, who is the mediator between the twelve law-givers and the criminal who has broken their laws? Why did not Paul preach repentance towards the apostles [Acts xx, 21] and not towards God? But if the ten commandments are abolished, why have the apostles never enumerated one of them among the ordinances which perished at the cross? To save further questions which are resting upon my mind, I will ask, If God has abolished his ten commandments, why has he not placed the matter beyond dispute, by giving us as clear and unquestionable evidence of their repeal, as he gave of their first enactment on Sinai? Is it just to give a law in such a solemn and public manner, and then leave us to infer its repeal from a few obscure and doubtful sentences which are much more applicable to something else, and do not necessarily include one of the ten commandments? Again, would not the same kind of evidence which proves the re-enactment of nine of the ten commandments prove the re-enactment of the fourth also? If the mere mention of them proves their re-enactment, will not the mention of the fourth prove the same for it? Reader, I have thrown out these few thoughts for your benefit. Time and space would fail me to write all the questions which might be put to those who believe the law is abolished; but if the above can be answered, any amount of such can, and then what becomes of the ark? Note from Bro. Sperry.
By C. W. Sperry
DEAR BRO. SMITH: I have not been silent many weeks in the past because of no interest in this last great work. Where I have labored the Lord has blessed. Since the conference at Berkshire, I joined Bro. Evans at Wolcott, Vt., where he had had some meetings previous to the conference, and three embraced the truth. During our meetings which continued over two Sabbaths, nine decided to obey God by keeping his holy Sabbath, and others see that we have the truth, but the one objection, the cross, lies in the way. I believe prejudice is being removed in the East, and the truth is searching many hearts. In places where they would not hear a few years ago, now they are requesting me to come, and new fields are opening, and the truth is gaining new victories. May the church arise and gird on the armor, and be ready to strengthen those that shall receive the truth. Note from Bro. Robbins.
By B. F. Robbins
Bro. SMITH: I forwarded a report of our conference in Willing, N. Y., but presume the letter was not received, as I have seen no notice of it in the Review. We had a very interesting meeting, and quite a good attendance both of the brethren and sisters in the region around us and the people in the neighborhood. Brethren Burr and Fuller labored acceptably in word and doctrine. It was a season of interest to our brethren and sisters in Willing, who are recent converts to our faith. They were strengthened and encouraged. The report referred to has never reached us.—Ed. DEAR BRO. SMITH; A question or two in relation to fairs. Is there good in them? If so will it outbalance the evil. Should the Lord's host attend them? A brother thought he would attend the late one in Battle Creek, and then said he would spend the day in helping a poor widow. Was this a wise choice in the use of time? Fairs are getting numerous. Should we not have one mind about them? Will the leaders of God's Israel speak out? If these questions are proper I hope they will be answered in the Review. LIsTEN, dear fellow-sinner. How kind, how wonderful an invitation is this! God speaks, and speaks to thee. The Father says, "Come." The Son says, "Come." The Holy Spirit says, "Come." The blessed angels echo the cry, "Come." Many poor sinners who have accepted the call, join their voices in the appeal, and say, "Come to Jesus." This little book unites in the entreaty, poor sinner, and with all earnestness, plainness and affection, implores thee to "come to Jesus." When he was himself on earth, well knowing and full of pity for the sufferings and sins of men, as he looked around on the crowd which one day surrounded him, he tenderly said, "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matt. xi, 28-30. What he said then, he says now. The invitation he gave to the men of that day, he gives to thee, my fellow-sinner: "Come unto me." Art thou not heavy laden with guilt? O then come to Jesus, and thou shalt find rest. Come to Jesus; come to Jesus. He promises rest. But far better than rest of body is rest of soul. It is wretched to be a slave, to groan, bleed, toil; but far worse to be Satan's bondman, dragging about an evil conscience and an aching heart. Rest from this cannot be had but by coming to Jesus. And if we come, he will lighten every other load. Are you poor? Come, and he will make you rich for ever. Are you sick? Come, and he will cure your worst disease. Are you sad? Come, and he will wipe away your tears. Are you bereaved? Come, and he will be to you a brother in adversity, who changes not, and never dies. Is sin a burden? O then come to Jesus, and he will take it all away. Do you dread the day of judgment? Come, and that day will be the dawn of life and glory. O then come. To be merely called by such a person should be enough to make us glad. Of a stranger we might say, "Perhaps he intends me no good!" of a poor man, "He cannot assist me, however willing;" of a selfish rich man, "Who can expect aught from him?" But if a Howard or a Wilberforce said to a mourner, "Come," he might feel quite sure some kindness was intended. Now He who invites thee, sinner, is both able and willing to help! He has clothes for the naked, food for the hungry, wealth for the poor, eternal life for all. His very word, "Come," is enough to make thee glad. A blind beggar by the way-side, hearing he was passing, cried out, "Mercy, mercy!" The people told him to be quiet; but he shouted the louder, "Have mercy on me!" Jesus invited him; and then some said, as though he might now be quite sure of a blessing, "Be of good comfort; rise, he calleth thee." They knew Jesus never called and then refused; and so they told him to rejoice. Sinner, be you of good cheer; the same Jesus calleth thee. As the blind man threw off his cloak lest it should hinder him, do you cast off every sin that would stop you—rush through every crowd of difficulties, and, falling at the feet of Jesus, say, "Have mercy on me! I am blind, I am lost; save, or I perish." Are you too great a sinner? The more need to come. Have you a guilty conscience? With that guilty conscience come. Have you a wicked heart? With that wicked heart come. Have you nothing with which to purchase his favor? "Without money" come. Rich and poor, masters and servants, old and young, white man and black, sinners of every class, come. The Bible, the precious Bible! Who can fully estimate its value? That blessed boon, the greatest gift of God to man, revealing the will of the Great Eternal, our Father in heaven: and the great and glorious plan of salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of God, our blessed Saviour, Redeemer, Mediator and Intercessor. It is a mine of inexhaustible treasure, a source of boundless wealth, the pearl of great price. It is the word of God, a well of living water, springing up unto everlasting life. It reveals the great fountain of salvation, from which proceeds the river of life which is in the midst of the paradise of God: and the tree of life whose leaves are for the healing of the nations. The Bible reveals our lost condition by sin and transgression against the holy law of God, and also the great remedy provided in the gospel; that full and free salvation, redemption from sin, and redemption from death, through the death and sufferings and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is freely offered to all who will believe, accept and obey its teachings; and also the lost and deplorable condition of the sinner, the finally impenitent, who rejects the invitations of the gospel, and slights offered mercy and salvation; when the summer is past and gone, and the harvest is ended, and they are not saved. The Bible is our chart and compass, the only sure and infallible guide which leads from earth to heaven. It ought to be our daily, our bosom companion. It reveals the kind care and ever-watchful providence of a merciful God over all his creatures, so that his children are not left to the freaks of blind chance; but the very hairs of their heads are all numbered, and not one shall fall to the ground without his notice; and that he is a prayer-hearing and a prayer-answering and sin-pardoning God to all who truly repent of their sins and believe in Jesus Christ; and that he is more ready to give the Holy Spirit to those that ask him in faith and humble reliance, than earthly parents are to give good gifts to their children. It reveals to us the duty that we owe to our God, to our fellow-creatures and to ourselves, while sojourning here on earth. The Bible also reveals a blesssed future to all who believe and obey the gospel, who keep the commands of God and the faith of Jesus, who are redeemed by the precious blood of Christ: a glorious resurrection morn to all the redeemed, when the Lord himself shall descend from heaven, with the voice of the archangel and with the trump of God; and all that sleep in Jesus shall hear the voice of the Son of God and leave their dusty bed, the grave, and come forth into life and immortal vigor; their vile bodies changed and fashioned like unto his glorious body, and be received by him into those blessed mansions that he promised his disciples he would go away and prepare for them, and come again and receive them to himself—that where he is they should be also. This blessed Bible is the Book of books. Who would not prefer it to worldly wisdom, blind human reason, vain traditions and superstitions of men, broken cisterns that can hold no water? Give me the consolation that the Bible imparts to live by, or to die by, and I trust all will be well. Alfred Center, Nov. 1st, 1859. And careful in all our words and actions, and to avoid mistakes in both principle and practice, in the pursuits of religion and of business, should be the aim of all who desire success. Observe the young scholar with disappointment depicted in his countenance. What is the matter? On inquiry you discover that the sole cause of his trouble is the misplacing of a single figure; and often a like mistake may wreck the palace-like ship, richly laden with life and treasure; or such mistakes may ruin the business of the proud merchant. The engineer and accountant must be exact and precise, or lose reputation and business. So in the commonest movements of the mind, mistakes and errors are injurious, and often may be fatal. Oh, could we see, as God and holy beings see, the terrible effects of mental errors, slips of the tongue, evils of unholy conversation and life, how would the disposal of our time and energies, appear to us? The indulgence of a single evil thought, may end in the loss of eternal life. Witness the confusion following the misplacement of a single figure in an arithmetical calculation; and is it less important in morals, to be exact? Could the vail that Satan has woven be taken from our eyes, what confusion should we see in our moralities! O let us remember that every act with its motive and consequence is inscribed upon the record, and what a day will that be, when the vail of forgetfulness will be rent away! How astounding when the history of life shall come rushing up from the past! How blotted and blackened the page! How will the heart sicken at the sight! O, to have these pages blotted out now before it is too late! Will he—will Jesus be so forgiving? Will the Father so condescend, and may we have grace to live free from sin and error? O, happy state of holiness, strict and exact! Lord help us. DRAW near, my soul, look up and take a full view of yonder city of thy God. And what is it I see, whose glory shines so beautifully, but obscurely, by reason of the mists between? O it is thy Jesus. He is looking forth at the lattice. Altogether lovely, altogether lovely. The chiefest among ten thousand. O how does he eclipse every other object! See him with outstretched arms, every day and hour, ready to receive us, poor rebels. Vanish ye terrestrial scenes. Fly away ye vain objects of sense. Long, long enough, have ye been as the rivals of my God. Long enough have ye embittered my chief joys. O that blessed song. Unto him that loved us and washed us—dominion for ever, Amen. When shall I sing it above? O my Redeemer, when will thou come to take me into the haven of rest? Then farewell storms—farewell this tempestuous ocean, upon which I have been shipwrecked so many times. There the haven is calm. Blessed, peaceful haven! No tempest there: no sorrow, nor tears, nor sin, nor pain. No enemy of souls, neither the world nor the flesh there. O what transport will seize my admiring soul when I find myself safe on the shores of the heavenly Canaan, without a possibility of being lost! O my ingratitude, my ingratitude! to remember my chief Friend, my Jesus no more. Ah my soul, if there is a being in the universe who ought to be ashamed, it is thyself. What! forget, even for a moment, thy Jesus, who quenched his Father's wrath, that wrath that was kindled against thee, poor rebel, in his own most precious blood; thy Jesus, who died that thou mightest live; thy Jesus, who is at this moment engaged in preparing a place for thee in his Father's mansions, and who is waiting to have thee with him? TRUTH APPRECIATED.
By Editor
THOSE who are occasionally sending donations that we may be enabled to send the REVIEW to some free, may be assured that their liberality is not in vain, if we may judge from the following letter from Mrs. E. Ireland of Wayne Co. N. Y.—ED. "Never before having embraced the opportunity to express my gratitude and thanks to you and the committe for sending to me as you have gratis, that weekly messenger, the Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, I would now say that it is the only preacher I have on the present truth, and consequently it is doubly valuable. It is as it were a stay and staff in my declining years, and leads me by its truths to try by God's grace to keep my lamp trimmed and burning, ready to receive the call of the Bridegroom. I long to see some of like faith in the good cause, and hear from their lips the words of life. I try what I can to spread the truth of the advent near by circulating my papers and tracts among those with whom I associate. "We appear to be living under the immediate influence of the two-horned beast and the false prophet. There never was a time in my remembrance when the churches of Christ, so-called, were more in sound slumber than now. Oh, the necessity of some one to wake them from their sleep before it is too late! Oh, that they could be reminded of the call, 'Come out of her my people.'" Bro. Wm. P. Hall writes from Sullivan, Ind.: "It is with pleasure that I now pen you a few lines for the purpose of informing you that I am one among the few of this vicinity, that have come out on the side of the Lord. As it regards the Sabbath, I was firmly convinced by Bro. Cornell when he was here about eighteen months ago, and have been keeping it ever since; but at that time there were some points in the third angel's message that did not look clear. What I heard, however, planted in me a determination to search and see if these things were so. We have the promise that he that seeketh shall find, and I believe that I have received that reward so far as the truth is concerned. It would give me and I presume many others much satisfaction, to have Bro. Cornell come this way again. I believe he has planted the true seed in the hearts of many, which by timely cultivation would yield much good and lasting fruit." Do you think that your sins are washed away in Christ's blood, when they are here still, and you are committing them? Would they be here and you doing them, if they were put away? Do you think that your sins can be put away out of God's sight, if they are not even put out of your own sight? If you are doing wrong, do you think that God will treat you as if you were doing right? Cannot God see in you what you can see yourselves? Do you think a man can be clothed in Christ's righteousness at the very same time that he is clothed in his own unrighteousness? Can he be good and bad at once? Do you think a man can be converted—that is, turned round—when he is going on his old road the whole week? Do you think a man has repented—that is, changed his mind—when he is in the same mind as ever as to how he shall behave to his family, his customers, and every body with whom he has to do? Do you think that a man is renewed by God's Spirit, when, except for a few religious phrases, and a little more outside respectability, he is just the same old man, the same character at heart he ever was? Do you think that there is any use in a man's belonging to the number of believers, if he does not do what he believes; or any use in thinking that God has elected and chosen him, when he chooses not to do what God has chosen that every man must do or die?—Kingsley. “Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another.” Bro. Smith: We feel as though we could sympathize with the afflicted, ourselves being afflicted. Death for the fourth time has entered our little circle, and we have been caused to mourn, but not without hope. We feel truly thankful for the consolation there is in the hope of the Christian. Death may triumph for a while, but our children will come again to their own border. Jer. xxxi, 17. We know what it is to feel the utter desolation of that heart that is afflicted, and is without hope and without God in the world. The first child we lost was before we embraced present truth. We could not then feel that it was right, or just, but when the heart became subdued by grace, we could say, Our heavenly Father doeth all things well. As one tie after another is severed that binds to this dark world, we are reminded that it is not our home. O we want to get where we can endure hardness as good soldiers of Jesus Christ, and overcome, and meet those sleeping ones. As the poet has said, “The thoughts of such amazing bliss
Should constant joys impart.”
Yes, we may be comforted by the thought of spending a never-ending eternity with the loved and the lost where death cannot enter, where there is no fear of being separated. In the new earth the inhabitants will not say I am sick. The fond parent will not bend with restless anxiety over the couch of the sick one, watching its failing strength and fluttering pulse. We shall not weep any more over the sufferings and death of the loved. Death will be swallowed up in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away all tears from off all207 faces. Isa. xxv. 8. All cause of weeping will be removed. The tree of life will be there with its leaves for the healing of the nations: and its fruit to give immortal vigor to its inhabitants. Yours in hope, WM. W. MILLER.
Norfolk, N. Y. P. S. I would say to those formerly acquainted in Norfolk, that Spiritualism is rapidly increasing here. A trance medium has lately moved into the place. Spirits have lectured through her three times. I was told that the town hall was full to-day (Sunday), to hear her. Spirits have raised up two bed-ridden women, though one of them has gone back again. They tried to work a miracle on a boy five or six years old, who never had walked. The doctor, as he is called, set him on his feet, and while the child was under his influence he would walk; but he has relapsed into his former decrepitude.
W. W. M. Note.—Satan may have great power; but it is limited. The magicians of Egypt could go a certain way with Moses in working miracles. But they came to a point beyond which they could not go. God went on with his wonders, and the magicians had to acknowledge his power. Their folly was manifest. Now we have the divine assurance that as their folly was manifest, so shall it be with those who resist the truth in these last days. Their power will fail before the mighty works which God by his Spirit will perform. Would that his people were in a place where he could safely and consistently work through them now.—Ed. HOW BEAUTIFUL EARTH WILL BE.
By B. F. Robbins
WHAT a beautiful world the earth will be
When sin and the curse are no more,
When from sorrow and death it for ever is free,
Then a lovely world our eyes shall see,
When Jesus all things shall restore.
Our Saviour once said I now go away,
But I surely will come again;
We believe that his promise will not long delay,
And hasteneth greatly the blest coming day,
When Jesus in glory shall reign. What a beautiful world the earth will be,
When the City of God comes down;
New Salem, our Mother, so glorious and free,
Her golden mansions our eyes shall see,
With her King in his beauty crowned.
On David's throne in that City so bright,
The heir of David shall reign;
And the saints will walk in its glorious light,
All the blissful days that shall know no night,
And they never shall sorrow again. What a beautiful world the earth shall be,
When again to an Eden restored;
When the saints of all ages each other will see,
And walk in the shadow of life's fair tree,
In the presence of Jesus their Lord.
'Tis a blessed hope, soon the Master will come,
For the day of his coming is near;
We soon shall possess our beautiful home,
O'er the blissful fields of Eden to roam,
And the holy alone will be there.
B. F. ROBBINS. Works of Faith and Patience
The works of faith and patience will soon be over; this is an encouragement to work with vigor and courage; yet a little while, and you shall enter into rest. age. Yet a little while, and you shall enter the rest. A holy heart labors to exalt Christ in the whole life. I come to thee, to-night,
In my lone closet where no eye can see,
And dare to crave an interview with thee,
Father of love and light! 'Tis Nature's time for prayer:
The silent praises of the glorious sky,
And the earth's orisons, profound and high,
To heaven their breathings bear. With them my soul would bend
In humble reverence at thy holy throne,
Trusting the merits of thy Son alone
Thy scepter to extend. If I this day have striven
With thy blest Spirit, or have bowed the knee
To aught of earth, in weak idolatry,
I pray to be forgiven. If in my heart has been
An unforgiving thought, or word, or look,
Though deep the malice which I scarce could brook,
Wash me from the dark sin. If I have turned away
From grief or suffering which I might relieve,
Careless the cup of water e'en to give,
Forgive me, Lord, I pray. And teach me how to feel
My sinful wanderings with a deeper smart,
And more of mercy and of grace impart,
My sinfulness to heal. Father! my soul would be
Pure as the drops of eve's unsullied dew,
And as the stars whose nightly course is true,
So would I be to thee. Not for myself alone
Would I these blessings of thy love implore,
But for each penitent the wide earth o'er,
Whom thou hast called thine own. And for my heart's best friends,
Whose steadfast kindness o'er my painful years,
Has watched to soothe afflictions, griefs and tears,
My warmest prayer ascends. Should o'er their path decline
The light of gladness, or of hope, or health,
Be thou their solace, and their joy and wealth,
As they have long been mine. And now, O Father, take
The heart I cast with humble faith on thee,
And cleanse its depths from each impurity,
For my Redeemer's sake. Some people possess an evenness of temperament, and a patient endurance of good or evil fortune, which is truly admirable. Whether storms rage or clear skies prevail, whether in sickness or health, these maintain a constant equilibrium of mind. With some this is a constitutional tendency to quiet; with others, education has done much to modify the stormy passions. Others are calm from mere dullness and apathy of mind, and the North American Indians of early times were taught to suppress all visible signs of emotion. But these are not the characters we most admire. No: it is the individual who, sustained by a higher power, and confident in the justice of the principles he advocates, stands boldly forth, prepared to bear the consequences, while he contends manfully for the cause of truth. Jesus is the most eminent instance of fortitude and loving patience under the greatest trials. He was never moved by passion, never swayed by prejudice. Always composed, collected and tranquil in all emergencies, he was ever prepared to encounter difficulties. Ever watchful, he could not be surprised. Jesus Christ was a sublime example of all the graces of the Spirit; always appropriate to time and circumstances; equally distant from fanaticism on the one hand, and from conservatism on the other. Since his advent, millions of faithful disciples have tried to imitate his example, and have followed in his steps. Some of these have arrived at great proficiency in so doing, and have made good progress in these holy pursuits and attainments. Paul, the other apostles, and the first Christians, were eminent in their day for their Christian moderation, and patience, and evenness; and since their day, in every age, God has had a people who have shone as a light in these sublime virtues. But now as the key-stone is being fitted to the arch, God is preparing a people who will manifest to the wicked world, to angels and men, the same evenness and patience, combined with enlightened zeal, which Christ, and the apostles, and prophets, and martyrs, have shown before. Oh, may we be a pure, a holy people. Joy in the Midst of Temptations
By Sibyl Whitney
“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be entire, wanting nothing.” But O, how often when we are in heaviness do we cry out in the bitterness (almost) of despair, “Lord, what shall I do?” and according to his promise, he giveth liberally and upbraideth not. Tried one! do you want to know how to be joyful in the midst of temptations? Enter into his closet, and say, “Our Father, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven.” Repeat it again and again, and if you do not begin to give glory to God before you can offer the remainder of the petition, your experience will be different from mine. In proportion to the heaviness, will be the joy, when we heartily submit to God as our Father. Glory to God! who is more willing to give the Holy Spirit to those that ask, than earthly parents are to give good gifts to their children. About two months since I made up my mind that though I should go with the multitude in the way of transgression, when the question shall be asked, “Friend, how camest thou in hither, not having a wedding garment?” and I am speechless, not one of all the multitude will be able to answer for me; but if I am alone in the way of God’s commands, I shall be able to stand, and give an account of my stewardship, and shall not be ashamed. Then said I, “Thou art my portion, O Lord; I have said that I would keep thy words. I thought on my ways, and turned my feet into thy testimonies.” Henceforth “I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.” In pursuance of this resolution need I say that I meet with difficulties? that at times it seems that I shall be overcome? and were it not that “the name of the Lord is a strong tower into which the righteous runneth and is safe,” surely “the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul.” But he who said, “When these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads, for your redemption draweth nigh,” is “a friend that sticketh closer than a brother,” a husband, a son, a father or a mother; and when all these forsake us, then the Lord will take us up. His arm is everlasting strength. His truth and his mercy endureth forever. I experience, from day to day, that to hearken unto the Lord is to dwell safely, and to be quiet from the fear of evil. Lord grant us all a listening ear, and feet to run in the way of thy commandments, and hands to do thy will, and hearts to trust in thee, and all is well. — SIBYL WHITNEY. BRO. SMITH: It is with pleasure that I inform you of the great light I have received through the books and publications from the Review Office, though it is pronounced false by all who will not give it a fair investigation. Truly these are perilous times. How much patience we need! but the crown is at the end of the race. I feel that truly I am a stranger and pilgrim here, but I seek a city out of sight, whose maker and builder is God. O may I always have this hope, until hope is lost in sight. I long to see some of the messengers of truth this way; for I believe some honest ones will have an ear to hear, and are ready to come out and keep the Sabbath of the Lord if the way could only be opened. What joy and comfort there is in the present truth! What a thick and heavy cloud of superstition it removes! How loving, how compassionate and tender is our God! The Bible, of all books, is a priceless treasure. When I hear of the lonely ones scattered through the length and breadth of our land, I can sympathize with them in their lonely situation; and I would say to them, Hold fast; soon the time of weeping will be over. Soon the chief Shepherd will appear, and we shall be gathered to one fold to sing the song of Moses and of the Lamb. In view of this we can truly say, These light afflictions will work out for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.