WE SAY, YES; others say, NO; and so the subject is fairly open for investigation. Looking at this question outside of the Bible, there is certainly nothing in the nature of things to militate against the idea of angels' having wings; wings, in themselves considered, would not detract from, but rather add to, the dignity and majesty of angelic beings, so far as we are able to conceive of them. There is therefore no objection to angels' having wings, unless the Bible itself furnishes such objection. Let us then look at its testimony on this point.
It has been asserted by some, both papers and individuals, who have of late seemed quite interested on this question, that the Bible furnishes no evidence that angels have wings, but that the ideas in regard to them, so current in the religious world at the present time, have been derived instead from the imagination of artists, and the representations of picture books. Such is the position of the "Millennial Harbinger," which in a recent issue vehemently argued against the idea that angels are winged beings; and yet the very paper containing said article, bore over its editorial head, a representation of an angel flying through the midst of heaven, as liberally endowed with wings, as is usual in such illustrations.
It may be that our impressions on this point are derived somewhat, or at any rate are rendered more deep and vivid by the pictures that we almost everywhere meet, of angels with wings. But there is a question lying back of this; namely, Where did the picture books get their ideas on the subject; for it cannot be supposed that any person, however imaginative, would think of such a thing as adding wings to his representations of angels, unless he had received the impression from some source higher than his imagination merely, that they were actually in possession of such members. Where then, again we ask, did he get the impression? The answer is, From the Bible, as the following considerations will show:
1. Angels are represented in the Bible as flying. But, says one, are not the clouds and other things represented as flying, when we know that there are no wings employed in the case? Yes. But between angels and clouds there is just this difference: When we speak of clouds, &c., flying, we all understand the figure at once, and are in no danger of being misled; but when angels are spoken of as flying, we have no evidence that it is a figure, and if it is, we are in danger of receiving wrong impressions. Unless, therefore, angels have wings, such language used in reference to them is not appropriate. But that no figure is employed, when angels are spoken of as flying, may be determined from this consideration, that living, animate objects are never, in the Bible, represented as flying above the earth, through the midst of heaven, and in the air, unless this is accomplished by means of wings. So when we read of angels flying, it is good proof that they have wings. We are now prepared to read intelligently some testimony of scripture. Isaiah speaking of angels that he saw, says that they did fly. Isa. vi, 2. Daniel says, "While I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation." Dan. ix, 21. John says, "I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabitants of the earth," &c. Rev. viii, 13. Again he says, "And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven," &c. No further comment is necessary on this point.
2. The symbolic representations of the angelic orders were made according to divine direction with wings. Moses, when commanded to make the ark, received instruction as follows: "And thou shalt make two cherubim of gold, of beaten work shalt thou make them in the two ends of the mercy-seat; and the cherubim shall stretch forth their wings on high, covering the mercy-seat with their wings." Ex. xxv, 18, 20. According to this direction the cherubim were made, Chap. xxxvii, 7–9. When the tabernacle gave place to the temple, in addition to the cherubim on the mercy-seat, there were two large cherubim made, of ten cubits hight, and stationed, one at each end of the ark in the most holy place. These also were furnished with wings. "And he set the cherubim within the inner house; and they stretched forth the wings of the cherubim, so that the wing of the one touched the one wall, and the wing of the other cherub touched the other wall; and their wings touched one another in the midst of the house." 1 Kings, vi, 27. See also chap. viii, 7, and 2 Chron. iii, 11–13.
What were these cherubim? The word cherub, of which cherubim is the plural, is defined by Webster as follows: "In the celestial hierarchy cherubs are represented as spirits next in order to seraphs." What then were these figures which were made upon the ark and in the inner house of the temple, by Moses and Solomon? They were representatives of this order of angelic beings. Why were they made with wings? Simply because the angels themselves have them. No other reason in the wide world can be assigned for so constructing them. Would God, in the most holy place of his earthly temple, and over the mercy seat, the very center of that typical system, and the place where he chose to take up his abode, and manifest his presence,—would he, we say, in such a place have images of cherubim erected and give them wings, while the angels of which they were the symbols had no wings? Believe it who can.
3. The Bible expressly declares that angels, some of them at least, have wings. Hear Isaiah's testimony: "In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphim: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly." Isa. vi, 2. John, in his gospel, chap. xii, 40, refers to this language of Isaiah, and says that he spoke it while he had a view of the glory of Christ.
We may be sure that Isaiah saw nothing here that was not, or will not be, true in fact. He says of the seraphim plainly and positively that they each had six wings. Seventh-day Adventists are not the persons, who, in view of this testimony feel disposed to say that Isaiah mistook in the matter, and that the seraphim have no wings. Seraphim, according to Webster, are angels of the highest order; and if angels of the highest order have wings, there is nothing inconsistent in the idea that lower orders may also have them: this being the case with the next lower order, or cherubim, as we have already seen.
The prophet Ezekiel, also, in his sublime vision by the river of Chebar, bears testimony concerning the wings of the angelic beings. See his language in chap. i, 6, 9, 24; iii, 13; x, 5, 16–21.
In view of this testimony of the Scriptures, we marvel greatly how any one can affirm that the Bible gives us no evidence that angels have wings. And would it not be well for those who do thus affirm, to remain a while longer under the rudimentary teaching of the primer and "picture books," before essaying to advance to the higher branches?
U. S.
THE OVERCOMER'S REWARD.
By A. S. Hutchins
“And this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” The greatest possible inducements are held out before us to encourage us in the important work of overcoming. “Exceeding great and precious promises” are made to him who shall finally have obtained the victory over the world, the flesh, and the Devil.
But faith in these promises and in the willingness of God to help us in obtaining victory, must be kept in lively exercise, or141we grow weary and faint in the heavenly race, and lose the glorious reward of immortality and eternal life.
Said the compassionate Redeemer, “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John xvi, 33. The life of toil, anxiety, and suffering of the dear Son of God, with the heavy load of sin that he bore for the world in the garden, and his dying agonies upon the cross, enable him to sympathize with every tempted, tried, and suffering saint.
“For we have not an high Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Heb. iv, 15, 16. Let our hearts then be encouraged to press on in the way of life, as we reflect upon the unparalleled mercy and love of Jesus toward us, of his sympathy for us, and matchless power to save all that come unto him.
“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world, If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” 1 John ii, 15, 16.
Through the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, the woman was deceived. She yielded to the suggestions of Satan, and partook of the forbidden fruit. “And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her, and he did eat.” Gen. iii, 6. Here disobedience to God commenced. Here man rose in rebellion to his Maker. Here the ruinous fall mars the whole works of creation, and man sinks under condemnation, and the sentence of death. “The whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.” “But thanks be to God which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” God can be just, and the justifier of him that believeth. The Lamb of God appeared in due time to take away the sin of the world. As he entered upon his ministry, Satan met him while in a hungering, suffering condition, with the same kind of temptation with which he beguiled and overthrew Eve, scattering misery and death everywhere. His satanic hatred to God and to the happiness of man, filled his revengeful heart with the deepest anxiety to hear the hungering Son of God command the stones to be made bread, or to see him cast himself down from the pinnacle of the temple, or that he might fall down at his feet and worship him, that the plan of salvation might prove a total failure.
But each of these foul flatteries and artful temptations, is met with the word of God, “It is written,” &c. The Saviour of lost man is victorious. “Then the Devil leaveth him, and behold angels came and ministered unto him.” Matt. iv, 11. “For in that he himself hath suffered, being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted.”
“To him,” says he, “that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.” All heaven is interested in our overcoming. The Father, the Son, and holy angels beckon us away from this blighted, groaning earth, to unpeakable joy and endless bliss. The Spirit and the bride say come. The promise to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God, and of the hidden manna, and of receiving the palm, the robe, and the crown of life, shine forth in the word of God, to the overcomer. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God and he shall be my son. Rev. xxi, 7.
Ye poor, sorrowing, weary, wayworn pilgrims, bound to mount Zion, look up, and take fresh courage! Jesus, the blessed Saviour, will quickly come to take his people home. The warfare of life will soon cease, and the victor's song will be sung. Immortality and eternal life are about to be given. Faith will be lost in sight and prayer in praise. O blessed be the Lord forever and ever. Amen.
“Then on let us press, for Jesus is near,
And strengthen each other with words of good cheer;
With zeal ever buoyant and courage ne'er slack,
Let's be true to our King and never draw back.”
A. S. HITCHINS.
A COMFORTING PROMISE.
By D. Hildreth
HERE we are on the verge of the perils of the last days. A few more conflicts and all will be over. A few more struggles between the flesh and the Spirit, and the dividing line which separates the righteous from the wicked of Adam's race, will be finished, the last hour of probation passed, the goal reached, and the doors of every individual of a fallen race sealed forever. This being the case, the people of God who understand these things should be making all preparation to bid a final adieu to a sinful world, which has afforded them a sort of home for the time being, they should be constantly absorbed in the theme of the coming of their glorious Redeemer, they should be cutting loose from the world and be fully awake.
We ought to avail ourselves of every portion of the word of God, and manifestation of his Spirit that will benefit us at this time. We are wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked. We must examine ourselves and prove our own selves. 2 Cor. xiii, 5; Ps. xxvi, 2. Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest, says Jesus. Although this language is addressed particularly to the convicted sinner we can avail ourselves of it. Do we not labor and strive, watch and pray? Are we not sorely pressed by the powers of darkness? Do we not feel burdened many times? If so Jesus says to us, 'Come to me.' We then resolve anew to call on the Lord, and strive with all our powers. Day after day we wrestle and strive without much success. We go to the Lord in our distress, and ask, why is this? Perhaps the Lord then shows us that we have been relying too much on our own strength. We cannot do it all, neither will he do it all for us, and happy is that man who finds the exact place where he and the Spirit can labor harmoniously together, for the result will certainly be victory over every foe, and freedom in Christ. John viii, 36.
We have now reached the place where we find ourselves poor and needy; in the greatest need of effectual and immediate aid. Now what shall we do, shall we cry mightily to God? Yes, but how, with our own strength? No; thank the Lord, a most precious promise here meets our case. 'And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem the spirit of grace, and of supplications.' Zech. xii, 10. The Lord even helps us to supplicate a throne of grace. What more can we ask? Paul speaks of this in Rom. viii, 26, 'Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities; for we know not what we should pray for as we ought; but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us;' that is, the Spirit prays through us. This reflects upon the benevolence, love, and condescension of God in the highest degree. What more can be done than has been done for us. Isa. v, 4. But there is a principle which underlies the whole of this which must not be passed over, and that principle is faith. The church in the wilderness fell, through unbelief (Heb. iii, 19), and this has always been its besetting sin. Chap. xii, 1. Three prominent virtues of the Christian are faith, hope, and love. Paul says the greatest of these is love. 1 Cor. xiii, 13. The superiority of love may be explained in this manner. Faith reaches up and fastens upon a single object, that object being God. Love fastens with equal strength upon the same object, but at the same time runs out upon a thousand objects on the earth. Here it is superior. Again, faith commences about the time of conversion, reaches to the resurrection, and there ceases. Love commences with faith, runs parallel with it to the resurrection, and there instead of ceasing, expands and continues throughout eternity. Here again it is superior. But in the single relation the creature sustains to the Creator in the mortal state, which is greatest, love, or faith? Which is the greatest to love God with all the heart, or to remove mountains by faith? Hope is limited in duration the same as faith. Love was the favorite theme of the apostle John, but in his writings is the following remarkable expression, 'And this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.' 1 John v, 4. Faith is the foundation upon which hope and love rest, for it is impossible to hope or love till we believe. Faith is the main pillar in the temple of love, and whenever a spiritual Samson succeeds in pulling it down, the edifice is in ruins. We must have faith then. Can we believe in our own strength? We cannot.
But some man will say faith is the act of the creature. So is prayer. We can do one in our own strength just as well as the other. The disciples prayed142the Lord to increase their faith. Luke xvii, 5. Jesus says, "Without me ye can do nothing." John xv, 5. As faith is an act it is comprehended in this saying of Christ. It is said to be the gift of God. Eph. ii, 8. "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith." Heb. xii, 2. This is conclusive. Man is feeble and helpless and cannot take a single step in his own strength. If he could he would have whereof to glory. God forbid that we should take the glory that belongs to him and give it to the creature, for the glory all belongs to God. The Lord helps us to believe, helps us to love, helps us to hope, helps us to pray, and helps us to overcome. Praise his holy name; he has not left us to do anything alone, but helps us to do it all. Then let us pray to the Lord not only to increase our faith, but to pour upon us the spirit of grace and of supplications. See Jer. xxxi, 9.
D. HILDRETH.
MODEST APPAREL.
By Albert Stone
"In like manner also that women adorn themselves in modest apparel with shamefacedness and sobriety, not with broidered hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works." 1 Tim. ii, 9, 10.
On the above passage two things are enjoined upon women professing godliness. These are modesty and economy in attire. Convenience may speak indeed, but let modesty that sits so gracefully on the female character, speak first. Whatever else claims to speak here, let these speak first, because the apostle has put them first. Especially let no claims be permitted to interfere with the first of these. Christianity and the reverse of modesty can not possibly join hands.
Matthew Henry in commenting on the above passage says, "They must be modest in their apparel, not affecting gaudiness, gaiety, or costliness." "Good works are the best ornaments; these are, in the sight of God, of great price. Those that profess godliness should in their dress, as well as other things, act as becomes their profession."
Whitby on the same passage says, "The apostle enjoined in the most decided manner, that the women should adorn themselves with modest apparel, suited to their station in life, and learning that bashfulness and sobriety of manner which would be expected from them, not copying the vain fashions of those women, whose attire was intended to render their persons attractive to beholders, and was an indication of the levity of their own minds."
Any material departure from the commonly approved method of female attire, whether it be an approximation toward the attire of the other sex, or a deviation in any other respect that would cause one to appear singular and attract attention and remark, is also to be avoided as opposed to the spirit and genius of Christianity.
I pray not that thou shouldst take them out of the world, but that thou shouldst keep them from the evil. They are not of the world even as I am not of the world. John xvii, 15, 16. ALBERT STONE.
RESPONSIBILITIES TO BE MET.
By John Norton Loughborough
Such is the caption to an article in the United Presbyterian on the subject of the present crisis of our country, but as it winds up with an earnest appeal for something that looks to me like a call for an image to the beast, I will give that clause:
"Other grave responsibilities are growing out of our national conflict. Whatever may be the issue, there must be to some extent a re-construction of the government. This will be especially necessary if the rebellion be quelled. It will be necessary to put the disturbing element, or what may remain of it, in its proper place; and that will be, at least, in such subordination as will prevent it from ever again becoming a ruling power in the government. And if the ordeal through which we are now passing as a nation, have the effect upon our national character which it should have; if we are made, as we should be, a purer, better, more God-fearing people, we will be prepared for, and we will seek such improvement of the constitution as will make it embody a more distinct recognition of the sovereignty of God and the supremacy of his laws. For this the popular mind should be prepared. In favor of this the Christian voice of the land should make itself heard and felt."
Of course they will regard the Sunday institution as a part of the law of God, and will call for that to be enforced. And as may be seen by Bro. Smith's article in Review No. 15, the Sunday institution is about to become the most important subject. It is an old adage that straws tell which way the wind blows; and it seems to me these and other features indicate the direction in which Babylon is drifting with the unerring certainty of the mariner's compass.
May the Lord rouse his people for the conflict with the image beast, for it is surely coming.
J. N. LoUGHBOROUGH.
Christ Invites the Wanting
"I want" then Christ invites you to come and receive.
SOUTHERN IOWA CONFERENCE.
PURSUANT to appointment the Southern Iowa Conference convened at Knoxville, first-day, March 16, 1862, H. C. Whitney in the chair, R. S. Patterson, secretary. Prayer by Eld. W. H. Brinkerhoof. On calling the several churches they responded as follows:
Decatur, A. B. Hanner, Jas. Fletcher; Knoxville, H. C. Whitney, W. McPheter; Osceola, Wm. Heaton, H. J. Bonifield; Afton, Jacob Brinkerhoof; Pleasantville, Chas. Smith, B. Sutton; Ruseau, Josiah Wilbur, Jesse H. Kent; Fairfield, J. W. Landes, D. W. Hull; Newbern, not represented; Oskaloosa, not represented; Eddyville, not represented; Vernon, not represented. On motion of Bro. W. H. Brinkerhoof,
Resolved, That the following committees be raised:
1. Committee on business: Brn. Landes, Hanner, and Sutton.
2. Committee on finance: Brn. Bonifield, J. Brinkerhoof, and Wilbur.
3. Committee on organization: Brn. W. H. Brinkerhoof, Heaton, and McPheter.
The committee on business, by their chairman, submitted the following propositions for the consideration of the Conference:
1. Shall the tent be run during the coming season?
2. Can means be furnished to run the tent? If so, How?
3. Can messengers be furnished to run the tent?
4. Shall we organize a Conference?
On motion of Bro. Brinkerhoof it was
Resolved, That the proposition referring to organization be referred to committee on organization, and that the second proposition be referred to committee on finance.
Adjourned to meet at 2 P. M.
Convened according to adjournment. Prayer by Bro. Hull. Committee on organization reported as follows:
For several good reasons, which we deem unnecessary to introduce at this time, your committee believes the cause of truth in Southern Iowa demands a more thorough organization, therefore
Resolved, That we now form an independent Conference, with the name of the Southern Iowa Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, with the following boundaries, beginning at Council Bluffs, and running on a direct line to Des Moines city, including said city, thence east to Montezuma, thence to Sigourney, thence east to the Mississippi river, including all the State of Iowa south of said line.
Resolved, That this Conference be composed of ministers and delegates from the churches.
Resolved, That the bases of representation shall be as follows: Two delegates from each church, and one additional member for each twenty, or fraction of twenty, church members.
Resolved, That the officers of this Conference consist of a chairman, secretary, and standing committee of three.
Resolved, That the next session of this Conference be held at Knoxville, commencing on the 24th day of October, 1862.
All of which was unanimously adopted.
The following report from the committee on finance was received and adopted:
Your committee would report that they have examined with some care the pecuniary circumstances of the different churches so far as represented, and find them all firmly united on the plan of Systematic Benevolence, but fear many of the brethren do not feel a sufficient burden for the cause, and the spread of present truth. We also fear many do not properly understand the principles of Systematic Benevolence. We believe the Bible teaches that all, (every brother and sister) should contribute. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store as God hath prospered him, &c. 2 Cor. xvi, 2.
We also find the available tent fund for the next six months to be $205,75, together with about $140 unpaid pledges of last year, $35 of which we think good, and will be paid; and we recommend the adoption of the following resolution:
Resolved, That those brethren who have not yet redeemed their tent pledges for last year be requested to forward the same to Bro. A. B. Hanner, at Decatur, as soon as convenient.
Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Conference that the brethren should embrace in their S. B. all the means they design to contribute to the cause of truth.
Resolved, That it is the design of this Conference to run the tent the coming season, provided competent messengers can be procured to labor with it.
Resolved, That we invite Brn. J. H. Waggoner and W. H. Brinkerhoof to labor with the tent this season, and that this Conference be pledged for their support.
The following brethren were chosen to compose the standing committee of this Conference: Brn. B. Auten, Knoxville, A. Caldwell, Decatur, and C. H. T. St. Clair, Fairfield.
The following named brethren were chosen for tent committee for the coming year: N. Hodges, Sandyville, H. J. Bonifield, Osceola, Wm. McPheter, Knoxville, J. W. Landis, Fairfield, A. B. Hanner, Decatur.
Resolved, That this Conference recommend the adoption of the following covenant for organization by the different churches:
We, the undersigned, hereby associate ourselves together as a church, taking the name, Seventh-day Adventists, covenanting to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus Christ.
Resolved, That ministers laboring in this Conference are required to have a certificate, signed by the secretary, and that such paper shall be a certificate of ordination and good standing.
Resolved, That Bro. W. H. Brinkerhoof is entitled to receive such a certificate.
Resolved, That a committee of two be appointed to confer with the churches at Dayton and Richmond, as well as the Conference in Northern Iowa at its next session, upon the expediency of said churches' being included in this Conference, with instructions to report at its next meeting.
Brn. W. H. Brinkerhoof and R. S. Patterson, of Knoxville were appointed said committee.
Resolved, That Bro. W. H. Brinkerhoof be requested to address the different churches in this Conference on the state of the church, and such other matter as may seem needful.
Resolved, That a copy of the proceedings of this Conference be sent to the Review and Herald for publication.
H. C. WHITNEY, Chairman.
R. S. PATTERSON, Secretary.
TO THE BRETHREN.
By T. M. Steward
DEAR BRETHREN : Duty demands of me a more full and explicit retraction of my past course. I thank God for the gifts of the Spirit he has placed in the church to cleanse and purge it. Through the gift of prophecy already in the church he has shown me some of the corruptions of my own heart, and the wrongs of the past. I thank him for this testimony, and shall try to profit by it.
I would first say that Bro. and sister White have faithfully and fearlessly discharged their duty as the servants of God. May the Lord reward them an hundred fold for their holy boldness and courage to face wrong and contend for the right. I accept the testimony as a message from heaven, and may the Lord help me to profit by it. But, my dear brethren, what can I say for myself? I have no excuse to plead. Instead of promptly and thoroughly righting my wrongs, I have tried to excuse myself by palming it off on others. I have tried to find some way to get out of this matter without reproach. But the Lord would have me come out as effectually as I went in. Amen. I can see, as I professed to be a watchman, it was my duty to see the danger. Had it not been that prejudice blinded my eyes, and my self-righteousness and143stubborn will kept me from the hearts and sympathies of God's true people, so that his pavilion could not cover me, the cause and I might have been saved from this disgrace. But the scripture is true yet, "Every one that exalteth himself shall be abased, and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted." Luke xviii, 14.
What a contrast! O, may I ever be willing to submit myself to the judgment and experience of God's chosen people. I would with shame and sorrow confess that I have tried to screen myself by censuring alternately Brn. White, Sanborn, Ingraham, and Loughborough, and many of my brethren besides. But viewing it from a new stand-point I acknowledge I have followed an underhanded course against the movements of the body, for which I have no apology to make, only my willful self-justification. May the Lord forgive me. My course, from the time I became connected with the Messenger party, is all wrong. May the Lord help me to mend in the future by a well-devoted life of sacrifice and faithful service with God's dear people.
I would say to the brethren who have been under my influence, that for six or seven years past I have had a very unchristian spirit in cherishing hard feelings, and throwing out hints, from time to time, against the leading brethren in this cause, to build myself up on what I supposed their failings, to give people to understand that I was a little in advance of all the rest. I was too much of a novice, and consequently fell into the snare of the Devil.
But, my dear brethren, what can I say to you. I fear I have led you further off than I shall ever be able to bring you back. May the Lord help and save you. But the sheep and lambs! O, how they have been torn, just because of an unfaithful shepherd! May the Lord save you. I am willing to acknowledge that God is in this work, and that he has chosen Bro. and sister White to lead out in the work, and that he is leading his people onward and upward to mount Zion.
O, when shall I be able to counteract the influence of my past course! May the Lord help me to take my proper place in the cause of present truth, and for the future to keep myself in the love of God and fellowship of my brethren. I want to get right, and keep right, that with the 144000 I may stand at last on mount Zion with the Lamb, having no guile in my mouth. I much regret the influence of my past course. May the Lord check the tide of evil, and dispel the darkness. Amen.
Yours in hope of eternal life.
T. M. STEWARD.
COME TO JESUS.
By R. C. FARRAR
Come, fainting soul, here's hope for you
Here's a strong arm to lean upon;
Here's love that's boundless brought to view,
In God's beloved Son.
Here's comfort for the broken heart,
Rest for the weary and the tried,
Love that no languor knows, from which
E'en death cannot divide.
Weary, desponding, care-worn soul,
To Jesus come, O, tarry not;
Come, find that rest and comfort here
Thou hast so vainly sought.
Come with your torn and bleeding heart,
Here's precious balm for every wound,
Here's joy for pain, for which in vain
You've searched creation round.
O come! trust not in human strength,
'Twill fail thee in the trying hour;
Jesus alone can strengthen us
For the day of Satan's power.
Lean then upon that mighty arm,
In the impending, fearful strife,
Till thou hast won the priceless boon
Of everlasting life.
R. C. FARRAR.
Kingston, Wis.
"PARENTS, BE PITIFUL, BE COURTEOUS."
By L.
Be pitiful and courteous because it is right and God requires it of you. Be kind and courteous to all, but especially to each other, for the happy effect it will have upon your children. It would seem in a household where parents were united in serving the Lord there would be no lack of kindly attentions to each other, but that the husband would not only love his wife but manifest the same by his courteous attentions, while her conduct would show to all that she reverenced her husband. But parents are too thoughtless, too forgetful; they do not realize as they should the influence their daily acts have on those about them. Oh, mother, be careful; let nothing detrimental to the father escape your lips, and when he may correct or do anything to cross the wills of your children, do not let them find in you a sympathizer. Father be watchful; do not speak in a disrespectful way of the mother, unless you wish your children to do so too. Who is it that rises up before the hoary head? It is those who have been thus taught by their parents. Who is it who says kindly to mother or sister, Take this rocking chair or this easy seat? Is it not he who has formed the habit of being kind and courteous by following the example of a christian father? and the daughter who rises so cheerfully from her work to give her father a comfortable seat and warm corner, is one who has many times had it suggested to her by a kind hearted mother.
I think many desire a different state of things in their families, who from their long neglect of courteous behavior, do not know how to obtain it. To such, and to all, I would say, There are almost daily occurrences in every family where kind feelings may be cultivated in children by their parents. Father, when those children come into your presence with some new or well patched garment just from the mother's hand, do not fail to mention her kindness in thus bestowing time and labor upon them, reminding them they should ever be attentive and obedient to all her requirements, then on the other hand when the new book, cap, or shoes are brought home, how easy for the mother to remind them how good they should be to a father who provides so many things for their comfort, in every instance directing their thoughts to him who is the Author of every good and perfect gift. Such a course will tend to cultivate that kindness of heart and courtesy of manner which the apostle recommends, and which is far more lovely than the superficial politeness of the present day.
L.
Extracts from Letters.
Bro. R. O'Brien writes from Walton, Hants Co., Nova Scotia: "Having been taught that the first day of the week is the Christian Sabbath, and never having examined the subject, nor the time to commence the Sabbath, I supposed it was immaterial what day was kept; but lately I received the History of the Sabbath by J. N. Andrews, and after perusing it and examining the Scriptures, I am fully persuaded that the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord our God. As I disregard what mankind teach in opposition to the Scriptures, I can no longer regard the first day as sacred, because the Scriptures nowhere teach it; but I regard the seventh day as God's holy Sabbath. God himself has taught it, and Jesus Christ and his apostles have confirmed it."
Bro. R. J. Davis writes from Marengo, Iowa: "I am trying to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. I have found that there is much to do in order to live a Christian life. I have many things to overcome. It needs constant watchfulness and prayer to save us from being overcome by temptation. I am glad that I have heard the third message, and had a disposition to lay hold upon it. I am glad the Lord has sent the light this way, and I am determined by the assisting grace of God to walk therein. We do not have the privilege of meeting with the brethren and sisters to join with them in the worship of God; but I would say to all who are deprived of this privilege, Let us be faithful, and look to God for help in these days of peril. O, how much we need to watch and pray while we are surrounded by so much evil. I feel to praise the Lord for the hope of meeting God's people in a better land than this."
Unity and Preparation for Christ’s Coming
By Jno. Clarke
From Bro. Clarke.
DEAR BRO. WHITE: Since Bro. and sister Cornell were here we seem to get a glimpse of light. We rejoice with trembling. O that God would fully unite his people, then the truth will prosper. The prayers and exhortations of Bro. Phillips will not be forgotten by the brethren here. May God in his mercy give us grace and strength here in Ohio to arouse, awake, brighten the gospel armor, trim our dying lamps, get a good supply of oil, shake off our sins by hearty repentance, and with the helmet of salvation, and our feet well shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, stand like good soldiers and faithful servants, waiting for our Lord.
Dear brethren, let us lay aside, settle and forgive, all personal animosities. Let us be one in Christ, that he may recognize us as his faithful ones when he comes in the clouds of heaven. That I may be found prepared, and having on the wedding garment, is the prayer of
Your unworthy brother.
Jno. Clarke.
Lovett's Grove, Ohio.
SUBJECT TO THE POWERS THAT BE.
By A. P. Lawton
Rom. xiii, 1, 2, 3. Let every soul be subject to the higher powers; for there are no powers but of God; the powers that be are ordained of God, &c. Titus iii, 1. Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, &c. 1 Pet. ii, 13. Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake; whether it be to the king as supreme, or unto governors as them that are sent by him for the punishment of evil doers, and for the praise of them that do well
These texts are quoted in defense of Sunday. If we have no higher authority then it is our duty to submit; but if subordinate officers rebel against laws of their king, we are not under obligation to obey, but refer them to their king as supreme. God says the seventh day is the Sabbath. We are to obey the powers that be, or the law giver until it is shown that the power that made the law has abrogated or changed it. This no one has yet been able to do. It is the officers that are not subject to the powers that be.
There are no powers but of God. Sunday keeping is not of God, hence it is not to be recognized as a power. Rulers of different grades are ordained of God. Men abuse or pervert this power and are rebels to government. Rulers are to be a terror to those who do evil, and a praise to them that do well. Those who keep the laws of the king, not those who break them, are those that do well. If the laws of these rulers interfere with the laws of God we are to obey God rather than man, and fear not those who kill the body; &c. The time doubtless is near when we shall be obliged to look this subject in the face, and decide whether it is right to obey God or man.