p. 112 | Review and Herald, Vol. 32, No. 7. (8/4/1868)

Treading Under Foot the Son of God

By Dr. Guthrie

Disheartened by the extraordinary dangers and difficulties of their enterprise, a Roman army lost courage, and resolved on a retreat. The general reasoned with his soldiers. Expostulating with them, he appealed to their love of country, to their honor, and to their oaths. By all that could revive a fainting heart he sought to animate their courage and shake their resolution. Much they trusted, they admired, they loved him, but his appeals were all in vain. They were not to be moved; and carried away, as if by panic, they faced round to retreat. At this juncture they were forcing a mountain pass and had just cleared a gorge where the road between two stupendous rocks on one side and the foaming river on the other, was but a foot-path—broad enough for the step of a single man. As a last resort he laid himself down there, saying, “If you will retreat, it is over this body you go, trampling me to death beneath your feet.” No foot advanced. The flight was arrested. His soldiers could face the foe, but not mangle beneath their feet one who loved them, and had often led their ranks to victory—sharing like a common soldier all the hardships of the campaign, and ever foremost in the fight. The sight was one to inspire them with decision. Hesitating no longer to advance, they wheeled round to resume their march; deeming it better to meet sufferings, and endure even death itself, than trample under foot their devoted and patriotic leader. Their hearts recoiled from such an outrage. But for such as have named the name of Christ not to depart from iniquity, for such as have enlisted under his banner to go back to the world, for such as have renounced sin to return to its pleasures, involve a greater crime. A more touching spectacle bars our return. Jesus, as it were, lays himself down on our path; nor can any become backsliders, and return to the practice and pleasures of sin without trampling him under their feet. These, Paul's very words, call up a spectacle from which every lover of Christ should recoil with horror: “If he,” says that apostle, “who despised Moses' law died without mercy, of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy who hath trodden under foot the Son of God?”—Dr. Guthrie.

“GOD KNOWS!”

When heavy clouds o’ercast my sky, When fierce and strong the storm-wind blows, Out of the depths I look on high, And say, “God knows.”

He spreads the dark and threatening veil, He shuts my sun away from sight, He will not let my courage fail In darkest night.

This is my strength when ills increase; My shield against my stoutest foes; Oh! sweet it is within His peace To say, “God knows.”

He, in the sharpest pangs I bear, Remembers that I am but dust; Therefore I say, beneath His care, “God knows; I trust.”

Even my tears by love divine Are measured; every drop that flows Is needful for this soul of mine; Wherefore, “God knows.”

The bitterest doubt, the deepest dread, Are cradled here to calm repose; For all my bliss is sealed and sure In this—“God knows.”

—Boston Recorder.

CONVERTED SCOUNDRELS.

The late Prof. Shepherd of Bangor Theological Seminary used to say to his pupils, when they were about to leave the Institution, “Young men, preach the duties. Often recur to the tables of the law, and dwell upon, Thou shalt and thou shalt not, lest you fill the churches with converted scoundrels.” This may seem strong language, but it is to the point, and specially appropriate to our times. Of course, it does not mean that the worst of men, bearing the worst of names, may not be truly converted, and justly admitted to membership of a church, but it signifies the imminent danger under a defective style of preaching and teaching, of introducing unregenerate and self-deceived souls into the “household of faith.” It is a sharp thrust at that shallow sort of preaching which fails to proclaim, as well the law of God, as the grace of the Divine; as well the terrors of Sinai, as the hopes of Calvary.

It is a skillful blow at that superficial theory of conversion, which essays to reform men and save souls, chiefly upon aesthetic principles, or with little practical reliance upon the work of the Holy Spirit in the heart.

There is an intimate relation between right views of the law of God and thorough reformation—between God’s truth and men’s morality.

A plain “Thus saith the Lord,” “thou shalt, and thou shalt not,” comes with an authority to the conscience, which attaches to no other words falling from men’s lips.

Genuine conversion without lively perception of the justice and verity of God’s holy commandments, is not to be expected. The law is “our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ.” “I had not known sin but by the law,” saith the apostle. “For I was alive without the law once, but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.”

Has the prevalent style of preaching in these years past, partaken sufficiently of the apostolic quality of setting forth the Divine, “Thou shalt, and thou shalt not?”

Let the recent developments of immorality and crime in our land, some of which appear even among those who have stood high in religious positions, and in the very churches, move to serious reflection.

Have “converted scoundrels,” in the sense of the Professor, been finding their way into Christian churches? Is there any culpable deficiency in ministers or people in setting forth the claims of the immutable law of God?—Vermont Chronicle.

Obituary Notices.

By James G. Sterling; S. N. Haskell

Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.

DIED, of dysentery, June 27, 1868, at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. Green, in Oswego, Allegan Co., Mich., Mrs. Mary Crofoot, formerly of Roosevelt, N. Y. Sister Crofoot had long been engaged in the service of the Lord. She was first connected with the Free Will Baptists, but for 24 years has been an ardent believer in the near personal coming of the Lord. She has been an observer of the Sabbath of the Lord for 15 years past. During her last sickness, which lasted about a week, she did not at all times have the use of her reasoning faculties, but for some months before her sickness she gave evidence of especial interest in regard to her eternal welfare, appearing like one doing up her last work. Funeral discourse by the writer, from Eccl. ix, 5. JAMES G. STERLING.

DIED, in South Lancaster, Mass., July 15, 1868, Bro. Lewis Priest, aged 81 years and 8 months. His disease was a cancer, commencing on his ear and working into his head. His sufferings, for the last few months of his life, much of the time, were intense; yet he bore it with Christian resignation. Many times his mind was so lifted above his sufferings, that with a joyful countenance, and uplifted hands, he would exclaim, “Oh! how light, how light,” and other expressions similar.

Bro. Priest was converted in 1816, and joined the Methodists. In 1842, he came into the Advent faith, and was one that had an experience in living out his faith in ’43 and ’44. His standing crops, in the autumn of ’44, until after the tenth day of the seventh month, testified that he believed what he professed. He had eight children: most of them were with him in the faith at that time. In 1851, he embraced the Sabbath and message, with a portion of his children. His wife had commenced observing it before. He has continued to observe the Sabbath ever since.

His death was, the first to break the family circle, except a little one, who died many years ago. He leaves an affectionate wife to mourn her loss, with whom he had lived over half a century.

All of his children, and their companions (except the wife of one, who was detained at home on account of sickness), also his own brothers and sisters, were present at the funeral. The deep grief manifested as they took their last leave, spoke louder than words, that an affectionate husband, a kind brother, and a beloved father, had fallen asleep, not to awake until the trump of God awakes the righteous dead. No one saw him in his last hours but what would feel to exclaim, “Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his.”

An instructive and comforting discourse was delivered by Eld. D. M. Canright, from 1 Cor. xv, 21.

“Peaceful thy slumber! oh! sweet thy repose! Safe from life's turmoils, its cares and its woes. Short is the silent embrace of the tomb; Hope, pointing upward, disperses its gloom.”

“Soon will the King in his glory descend, Triumph o’er death, and the grave’s fetters rend; Kindred and friends shall we meet as they rise, Bright and immortal, ascending the skies.”

S. N. HASKELL.

LIFE INCIDENTS.

By James White

This book is nearly ready. It will contain 376 pages. The chapters which appeared in the REVIEW were written hastily, most of them without reference to a book. They give no just idea of the work. The reader can judge of its value after reading it.

Do you want your friends to know why you are a Seventh-day Adventist? Let them have this book to read. Do you wish them impressed with the great fact that God has been in the great Advent movement? Then let them have an opportunity of reading the book.

In this work I have connected experience with theory, showing that the position of Seventh-day Adventists is based upon the word of God, and is also sustained by the deepest and most valuable Christian experience.

I invite every reader of the REVIEW to obtain a copy. I ask my friends to assist me in putting this book into the hands of all who will read it. It is free to the poor. I expect that thousands of copies will be given to those who have not sufficient interest in the subject to purchase, or money to pay for the book. In either case they must have it, if they can be induced to read it.

Friends, will you help me to circulate this book? You who are able and willing to work without pay, come forward, and you shall have any of the following chances:

1. You can receive it by mail, postpaid, for $1.12.

2. You can receive a quantity by express, to sell to those who are able to pay the same, for $1.00.

3. You can have the book to give to your friends for 75 cts.

4. You can have all you wish to give to the Lord's poor, free of charge. The book fund will be charged 60 cts. for every copy so disposed of. You can then deduct from the amount, express or freight bills, and send me the balance no faster than the books are sold.

Those who send for a quantity should be sure to make their orders sufficiently large. The present edition is nearly 6000. Let these be distributed, and another edition printed.

Scattered brethren, who are not able to pay for the work, can have it sent them through the mail by sending 12 cts. postage.

Orders can be sent to the Review Office, or to my address, Greenville, Montcalm Co., Mich.

JAMES WHITE.

Definite Time.

THE World's Crisis, and the Voice of the West, have both advocated the definite year of 1868 for the coming of the Lord. They have of late very quietly and coolly ceased the advocacy of that time. How shall we account for this procedure? If the time is correct, why are they not advocating it with all their energy? And the more so as it is nearly closed, and the danger to the careless world imminent. This was not the case in 1844—the warning increased in power as the close of the time approached. Have they real confidence in their position? If it is not correct, having once committed themselves to it, why do they not come out frankly and acknowledge their error?

Meeting-house in Ithaca Burned.

We find the following in the Detroit Tribune of July 25:

“The Advent Church in Ithaca was destroyed by fire on the 14th. The building was erected three years ago, and was at that time the only church edifice in the county. It cost $1,700, and was insured for $1,300. Steps will soon be taken to rebuild it.”

The friends in Ithaca manifested a commendable spirit of enterprising interest in the cause, to build so fine a house in their new country. We are sure that all will sympathize with them in their loss, and hope they may be blessed in their efforts to rebuild it.

Apology and Information.

By J. H. W.

I do not fulfill my promise to examine certain texts this week for the following reasons:

1. The abundance of matter in before I could get mine ready, made it inconvenient.

2. The state of my health would not justify my adding this to my constant labor in other directions.

3. And principally, I have concluded to change the form of the argument, and prepare it for the sermon department. I state this for the information of our ministers, because our stock of sermons is exhausted, and the prospect is, that this department will soon have to be filled in some other manner. J. H. W.

Loughborough and Bourdeau Arrive Safely

By letter received this morning, Sunday, Aug. 2, we learn that Brn. Loughborough and Bourdeau arrived safely in San Francisco, Cal., July 19, thus having accomplished the trip from New York City in a few hours less than 24 days. The entire party are in good health and spirits.

Books and Bibles at Bordoville

NOTICE.—For the accommodation of N. E. States, a general assortment of our books and publications can be found at Bro. L. Bean's, Bordoville, Vt. Also American, English, and family Bibles, from 30 cents to $3.00.

Correction Regarding Dobney

The excellent article in last week's Review, on the use of the word life, in the New Testament, was from Dobney, on Future Punishment. The omission of the credit was an oversight.

Back Numbers of the Reformer

By Editor

We printed a large number of extra copies of the Health Reformer for July, to be used as specimen numbers. These we shall be happy to send to our friends everywhere. It is just the thing to induce others to subscribe. We hope our ministers, especially, will take hold of this matter at once, and do what they can in the way of getting new subscribers, and also in seeing that old patrons renew promptly. Read again the favorable terms in last week's Review, by Bro. White, which are extended to the poor. Don't let this matter dally along, brethren, but let these specimen copies be used in increasing the list of the Reformer, which we modestly think is altogether the best, most practical, and cheapest health journal in the world.

Quarterly Reports Due

By W. C. Gage

NOTICE.—The clerks of churches, and ministers in the Michigan Conference, are reminded that their quarterly reports are now due. Please forward them at once, that they may be filed in due season, and the accounts of the Conference be properly kept. W. C. GAGE, Sec. Mich. Conf.

Meetings in Prospect.

By J. H. W.

It will be pleasing to all to learn that Bro. White sends word that soon they will be able to make arrangements for meetings, and give appointments. The calls are urgent from every direction; and it will be impossible to meet them all immediately.

Brethren, pray that the Lord may direct, and then in patience submit to his direction. J. H. W.

The Atonement.

By JOS. CLARKE

This is the title of a new work just published by the Association; it is written by Bro. Waggoner.

The subject is one which we should fully and clearly understand and appreciate; but with our erroneous education on this theme, our former views formed with only a partial view of the subject, having heard from the ministers of different sects, various contradictory ideas advanced, it is not strange that much error exists in the public mind on this subject.

It is only justice to say that this new work is the very thing needed now; that we may understandingly approach our Creator for the blessings we daily need.

This tract should be immediately read by all; especially by us as a people. It is a practical work, and is replete with instruction and interest, and no one who has a spark of sanctified intellect, can fail to be charmed and improved by a perusal and study of its pages. It is deep and thorough in its reasoning, yet so divided and classified in arrangement that a child can, with care, understand it. Send for it immediately, if you have not got it already.

JOS. CLARKE.

Quarterly Meeting at Little Prairie.

By Wm. Carthy

The Quarterly Meeting at Little Prairie, of July 4, was one of the best we have had for a long time. There was no minister present, and but a few from other places; but the Lord's spirit was with us, and his angels were sent to minister to our wants, to revive us in our spirits, and strengthen our faith and hope.

While attending to the ordinances instituted by our Lord in the 13th chapter of John, we realized his words as true: "If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them."

There were two received into church fellowship. After the forenoon meeting we repaired to the water, where the solemn ordinance of baptism was administered to one brother, by our elder, Bro. C. W. Olds.

The following resolution was passed at our business meeting:

Resolved, That we invite Bro. M. G. Kellogg, M. D., whenever he shall visit our State, to come and give us a course of lectures on health, &c.

Wm. Carthy.

England Accepts American Naturalization View

—LORD STANLY, in the name of the English Government, has made the important announcement that England is ready to accept the American view of naturalization. Heretofore England, like all the European monarchies, has refused to recognize the citizenship of naturalized Americans, and maintained that one born within the limits of the realm remained subject to its laws forever. Hereafter England is willing to abandon, as Prussia and the South-German States have just done, in the treaties concluded with the United States, all claims upon Englishmen who have become American citizens.

Appointments.

By G. L. HOLIDAY

And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand.

The next Quarterly Meeting of the Seventh-day Adventist church at Albany, Green Co., Wis., will be held August 15, 16. Is it convenient for Bro. T. M. Steward to meet with us? G. L. HOLIDAY.

Business Department.

Not Slothful in Business. Rom. xii, 11.

A Complete Catalogue of all our Publications, with Prices, &c., will be found on pages 110 and 111 of this Paper.

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