The Advent doctrine is a practical doctrine. While signs clearly show that the great day of God is very near, and that Jesus is about to return to take his people to himself, and to reward every man according to his work, those who bear the Advent name should live as though they really believed these things. They should act very differently from the world around them, very differently from what they did before they embraced the doctrine, and in some respects differently from what Christians were required to act in times past.
All wise men can see readily that when a man has arrived to the age of seventy or eighty years it is no proper time to launch out extensively in the business of this life, as it was in early manhood; but the time has now come for him to make a disposal of his property, and prepare to die. So when we have come to the latest period of probationary time, how inconsistent it is for us to act as though we expected time to continue for many generations to come!
There are some duties incumbent on men and Christians in all ages, times, and places, and there are others that grow out of the peculiarities of the age in which men live. In writing with regard to our conduct in these times, I shall speak of some things which have always been duties; for these become, if possible, more important than ever as “the end of all things” approaches. The behaviour of those who believe in the speedy advent of Christ should be marked with great solemnity in word and deed. This is a “grand and awful time.” Men are now being tested. A little while and the decision of each person for life or death will be made. The multitude are on the road to perdition. Satan is working “with all power and signs and lying wonders” to deceive and to destroy. Now the last call of mercy is being given. This is no time for sport or idleness, no time for jesting or foolish talking, or light reading. No! these are the times that are to try men’s souls. Ministers must not preach their chaffy productions, or cause their wit to sparkle, so as to excite mirth. No! they must be in earnest to warn the people to “flee from the wrath to come.” And private members must not be light and trifling. If they do, lookers-on will think they do not believe the doctrine.
Again, we should use money or property speedily, wisely, not in extravagance, not to get more with, but as stewards of God, we should so use it that the cause of truth may be helped forward, that the warning message may speed its way to the inhabitants of the earth. Those who look for the appearing of Christ ought to be very honest, truthful, just, and benevolent. Eagerness to get rich is not becoming Christians now if it ever was. What a scandal to the precious Advent doctrine are the penurious, hard dealers, those who are always striving to get the best end of the bargain. These things show where the treasure and the heart are. Indulged in, they will shut the gates of the Holy City against them. By the grace of God we must come to regard our neighbors’ interests as sacredly as our own. Said Jesus, “Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.”
Our tempers, too, ought to be regulated. This is the period of the “patience of the saints.” Now it is that we are to “seek meekness that we may be hid in the day of the Lord’s anger.” With some, sour tempers are constitutional; with some, they result from wrong training or wrong habits; and others are indebted to a dyspeptic stomach for them; but the cure is the grace of God, which can enable us to rejoice in tribulation, “in hope of the glory of God.” Jesus said when he came to earth before, “I am meek and lowly in heart.” “Learn of me.” “He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.” He patiently “endured the contradiction of sinners against himself.” He overcame and has set down on his Father’s throne, and if we overcome we shall also sit down with him in his throne.
Those who are seeking the better country, an eternal home, should not be disconcerted by the trials incident to the present life. These will not last long, but the joy of the overcomer in the new world will never end. Those who believe the third angel’s message should set the Sabbath up on high. During the days of the week it should be on the mind. All secular labor should be finished up before the sacred hour arrives, and then we should be prepared to engage in solemn, joyful worship—the worship of the great Creator. How much better is this than to have many chores undone, or to be off a number of miles from home traveling, when the Sabbath commences. This slackness about getting ready for the Sabbath is just the same as to say to beholders, “I don’t care much for the Sabbath. I think more of my business.” Truly sacred is God’s day of rest. We must take great pains to keep it holy; “call it a delight, the holy of the Lord and honorable; not doing our own way, nor finding our own pleasure, nor speaking our own words.” Then will the Lord bless us when we make the Sabbath a day of religious rejoicing, and then will people around us see that we highly prize this institution of the Lord, when we throw the secular business of the world out of our hands and hearts, till the sacred hours are over. Then shall we be in truth of those who “keep the commandments of God.”
The prospect of the near approach of the day of God should excite us to “be diligent that we may be found of the Lord in peace, without spot and blameless.” How much is implied in this! Let us seek God night and day for enlightening grace that we may see our faults; and also for grace to help us to overcome them all. We have so much to overcome we must be diligent. There is not a moment to lose. We can well afford to lose the approbation of the gay, rich, and fashionable, of our neighbors, if we may finally become faultless “before the throne of God.” The nearness of the great events connected with the day of God, should urge us forward to labor faithfully and without delay for the instruction and salvation of our friends, children, and fellow-men generally. They must be saved soon if ever. May God by his Holy Spirit prepare us so to labor in his vineyard that we may finally hear the words, “Well done,” said to us, and that some now in the way to death may turn to God and gain eternal life. C. A. OSGOOD.
Scatter- the Tracts.
By A. S. Hutchins
“THERE is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.” Why should not the people of God share in some measure the same joy here on earth when men turn from darkness and error to the light and truth of divine revelation? And why not rejoice if in turning souls to a knowledge of the truth we can suffer with Christ? “If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he will also deny us.”
The religion of the Bible calls for laborers, not idlers. In the parable of the vineyard, in the 20th chapter of Matthew, when the hour of settlement came, the Lord of the vineyard bade the steward “call the laborers and give them their hire.”
Under the preaching of Paul and Silas, at Thessalonica, Jews, and “devout Greeks, a great multitude, and chief women not a few,” received the gospel under a great pressure of opposition and persecution. Yet they were a working people. Says the apostle, “We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labor of love, and patience of hope, in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father.”
Respecting this church, inspiration bears the following testimony: “From you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not speak anything.” Has not the time come for the remnant church, with a world-wide message, to copy the holy zeal and activity, of this primitive church? The way is fully open for effectual missionary labor. The spirit of entire consecration to God is needful to energize the church, needful to awaken us to the shortness of time, and the importance of the work; then there will be no lack of means, nor laborers to push this great work ahead to every part of the far-ripening harvest field. Eternity only will reveal the good accomplished by sometimes judiciously and prayerfully distributing reading matter on present truth.
In one church in Montcalm Co., in this State, where vigorous missionary efforts were put forth last winter, five have embraced the Bible Sabbath by reading. An old friend of mine in Vermont State, who was a worthy and active deacon of the F. W. Baptist church with which I united some thirty years since, had his attention called to the Sabbath question last winter by reading the REVIEW and tracts on the Sabbath. In a few weeks with a joyful heart he commenced the observance of God’s holy rest-day. He acknowledges with devout gratitude that he has received much instruction since he began to read the REVIEW. He says, “I should not know how to do without it. I feel like obeying my Saviour in all things come life or death. I have come to the point where one spark of truth is worth more than all the error that ever floated upon the tide of public opinion.” With us, this dear brother is looking for immortality when the Saviour comes. Devout men and women, sending out to perishing souls saving truth by scattering tracts, may take courage in the work. A. S. HUTCHINS.
Lapeer, Mich., June, 1874.
A Tobacco-Chewing Mule
ACCORDING to the Norfolk Journal, tobacco-chewers have one imitator among the lower animals that is willing to chew the vile weed—the only instance that we remember to have seen recorded: There is a mule owned by a Mrs. Cotton, a lady living within a mile or two of Portsmouth, and driven to market every day, that has been an inveterate chewer of tobacco for many years. Whenever the mule becomes obstinate, it is only necessary to give him a chew, when he becomes perfectly kind and gentle. The lady purchases tobacco for him regularly, and always keeps it on hand.
Luck and Labor
LUCK is ever waiting for something to turn up. Labor, with keen eyes and strong will, will turn something up. Luck lies in bed and wishes the post-man would bring him news of a legacy. Labor turns out at six o'clock, and with busy pen or ringing hammer, lays the foundation of a competence. Luck whines. Labor whistles. Luck relies on chances; labor, on character. Luck slips downward to indolence. Labor strides upward to independence.
War Preparations.
By S. H. Lane
NEVER was there a period in the history of our world when there has been such an active and general preparation for war, as at the present time. Notwithstanding this, many are looking forward to a “good time coming” when the world shall be converted and nations learn war no more. From the stump, rostrum, and the pulpit, we hear the cry of “Peace and safety.” In the meantime constant efforts are put forth to increase the armies and strengthen the navies of the leading nations of earth. Especially is this true of the European nations.
That this is the case, let the following facts, which appeared in a recent issue of the London Times, testify. These facts show the increase of the armies of the different nations of Europe from 1859 to 1874.
“Russia has increased her armies, which now number 1,519,810 men, by 295,660. Germany, whose army now numbers 1,261,160, has augmented her armies by 424,360. The French army at present numbers 977,660, increase 437,100, and is greater by 337,100 than that maintained by Louis Napoleon, and under the new army organization, is steadily increasing. Great Britain has added to her army 233,020, which now numbers 478,820. Italy has augmented her armies until at present she numbers 605,000 soldiers, an increase of 69,610. The Belgian army of 93,590 has been increased by 13,340. The Dutch army of 64,320, by 5,770.
“The armies of the different European nations at the present time number 6,110,490. Total increase since 1859, 1,980,140.”
Thus it will be seen that the war cloud which has been overspreading the horizon of Europe is growing darker, and that it will soon burst with irresistible fury is the opinion of not a few who have been closely observing the general tenor of events. The following selection from the London correspondent of the New York World seems to indicate that such will be the case:
“A MIGHTY WAR IMMINENT.
“London, May 28.—The leading article in The Times of yesterday is one well worthy of the attention which it will everywhere receive. It was a plain warning that Europe is on the eve of a mighty war. Affairs have come to such a pass that the burden of maintaining the armies which all the nations have prepared for the coming war is too great long to be endured. But still these armies are constantly increased. ‘The process of turning citizens into soldiers,’ says The Times, ‘goes on all over Europe without any apparent limit.’ The German army is more than half as large again as it was fifteen years ago, but still is not large enough to satisfy Bismarck and Moltke. France, Austria, Italy, Russia, Belgium, and Sweden, are each following Germany’s example, and are increasing their armies. Each is afraid of all the others, and ‘Europe is returning to the traditions of an earlier age, when every free man was a soldier, and the pursuits of industry were wholly subordinated to the claims of military service.’ Each nation says it is arming only for defense—but some of them have already armies of defense more numerous than any offensive army that can be brought against them.”
“England, for every 1000 of her population, maintains only three soldiers for offensive purposes. Italy and Belgium maintain twelve; France and Austria, fifteen; Germany, twenty-one. It is in vain for Germany to pretend that she wishes only to defend herself—the means mischief, and the gun which will be the signal of the next great war will be fired by her.”
S. H. LANE.
Among the Swedes.
By Charles Lee
I LEFT Lansing the 13th of May, and arrived at Hook’s Point, Hamilton Co., Iowa, the 16th, where I have been laboring for three weeks. Here I found one Swedish brother keeping the Lord’s holy Sabbath in a colony of about four thousand Swedes. With his wife and neighbors against him, he has struggled on in hope that others about him might see and love the truth. The Lord has blessed us greatly together since I came here. Six more have decided to obey the truth. Among these are our brother’s wife and the leader of the Lutheran church and his wife. They were buried with Christ in baptism on Sunday, the 31st of May. The Lutheran priest has become very much offended at this strange action of his deacon and fellow-servant, and has strictly forbidden his audience to receive this “apostate,” “soul-sleeper,” &c., into their houses or salute him on the street. I am in hopes that this kind of treatment will open the eyes of truth-lovers among his congregation.
By request of the friends, I organized a church, known as the Hook’s Point church. Systematic Benevolence pledged for the year, amounts to $25. May God strengthen and lead these friends on in the light of his precious truth, that they may exemplify by a living practice what they believe in their hearts. CHARLES LEE.
Missouri and Kansas Conference.
By J. H. ROGERS; CHAS. F. STEVENS
FIFTH ANNUAL SESSION.
CONFERENCE convened according to appointment at Lee’s Summit, Jackson Co., Mo., May 29, 1874. The President in the chair. Prayer by Eld. Geo. I. Butler.
Call being made for delegates to present their credentials, ten delegates responded, representing eight churches.
Call made for new churches that wished to join the Conference. Twelve new churches were admitted with their respective delegates.
Moved and carried that Brn. Butler and Haskell be invited to take part in the proceedings of this Conference. The usual invitation was given to all the brethren present in good standing to participate in the deliberations.
Adjourned to call of the Chair.
Conference called at 4 P. M. Prayer by L. R. Long.
Moved and carried that the committees be appointed by the President; whereupon the following committees were appointed:—
On Auditing, Eli Wick, Chas. F. Stevens, J. A. O’Bryan, J. H. Lewis, J. N. Ayers, and D. K. Mitchell.
On Nominations, Smith Sharp, C. H. Chaffee, and L. R. Long.
On Credentials and Licenses, Chas. F. Stevens, Wesley Hoff, and Eli Wick.
On Resolutions, T. J. Butler, J. H. Cook, and J. G. Wood.
Adjourned.
Conference called Sunday, May 30, at 10 A. M. Prayer by Bro. C. H. Chaffee.
Committee on Nominations reported as follows: for President, J. H. Rogers, Hamilton, Mo.; Executive Committee, C. H. Chaffee, Chas. F. Stevens; Secretary, Smith Sharp, Centerville, Linn Co., Kan.; Treasurer, J. N. Ayers, Farlinville, Linn Co., Kan. Report accepted, and officers elected as nominated by committee.
Adjourned.
Conference called at 5 P. M., Monday, June 1. Prayer by Eld. Geo. I. Butler.
Committee on Credentials and Licenses reported by recommending that Brn. T. J. Butler and L. R. Long receive credentials, that Bro. J. H. Rogers be ordained and receive credentials, and that license be granted to the following persons: J. H. Cook, C. H. Chaffee, Smith Sharp, J. G. Wood, and Joseph Lamont. All others were referred to the Executive Committee. Report accepted. Conference then voted credentials and licenses as recommended by committee by voting on each one separately.
Adjourned till 8 o’clock.
Conference assembled pursuant to adjournment. Prayer by Bro. J. H. Cook.
Moved and carried, that the name of the Big Springs church be changed to Belvoir, Douglass Co., Kan.
Voted, That all organized or partially organized bodies of S. D. Adventists that are not admitted be taken under the watchcare of this Conference.
Voted, That we purchase two new tents for the use of this Conference. Subscriptions were then called for to carry forward this enterprise. The sum of $823 was immediately pledged for that purpose, $215 of it being paid in.
Treasurer’s report called for, which was as follows:—
Cash on hand at beginning of year, $ 96.04
Amount received during the year, 723.83
Total, $819.87
Paid on orders from Conf. Com., $796.05
Cash on hand June 1, 1874, 23.82
Total, $819.87
J. N. AYERS, Treas.
Committee on Resolutions reported the following, which were unanimously adopted:—
1. That we as Seventh-day Adventists take this method of expressing our gratitude to Almighty God for the meeting just enjoyed, for the close, practical testimony borne, the indications of the Spirit’s presence, and the unanimity and hearty co-operation of all our brethren in the various measures introduced.
2. That the Systematic Benevolence pledges be all paid into the Conference Treasury and paid out only on the orders of the Executive Committee.
3. That we would hereby express our thanks for the Christian sympathy and material aid bestowed upon us in the past by the General Conference.
4. That we hail the organization of the Tract and Missionary Society as calculated to open a field for efficient labor and usefulness to all possessed of a spirit of sacrifice and missionary zeal.
5. That we are in hearty sympathy with all the missions and enterprises set on foot by S. D. Adventists for the spread of present truth, and will extend our material aid to support them, so far as we may be blessed of the Lord with ability thus to do.
6. That we appreciate and hereby extend our thanks to the Lee Summit church for their Christian hospitality during this camp-meeting.
Adjourned sine die.
J. H. ROGERS, Pres.
CHAS. F. STEVENS, Sec.
Iowa and Nebraska Conference.
By H. Nicola; L. McCoy
The Iowa and Nebraska Conference of Seventh-day Adventists held its twelfth annual session at Newton, Jasper Co., Iowa, in connection with their camp-meeting, commencing June 5, 1874.
Conference convened at 9 o’clock A. M., and was called to order by the President, Eld. H. Nicola. Prayer by Eld. Geo. I. Butler.
The Committee on Credentials reported twenty-six churches represented by twenty-nine delegates.
The following churches made application, and were received into the Conference as follows:—
Church at Victor, Iowa Co., Iowa, twenty-five members, F. Barlow, delegate.
Church at Belvidere, Monroe Co., Iowa, fifteen members, C. E. Hathaway, delegate.
Church at Hooper, Dodge Co., Nebraska, with fifteen members, C. L. Boyd, delegate.
Church in Sanders Co., Neb., twenty members, C. L. Boyd, delegate.
Church of Danes at Elkhorn, Shelby Co., Iowa, with thirty-seven members, James Sorenson, delegate.
Church at Winterset, Madison Co., Iowa, with eight members, A. J. Stifler, delegate.
Church at Bradford, Chickasaw Co., Iowa, with thirty members, A. H. Fleisher, delegate.
Church of Swedes at Village Creek, near Lansing, Alamakee Co., Iowa, with thirteen members, C. A. Washburn, delegate.
Church at Crescent City, Pottawatomie Co., Iowa, with thirteen members, J. F. Hansen, delegate.
Brethren present in good standing were invited to participate in the deliberations of the Conference.
Adjourned to meet at call of Chair.
SECOND SESSION.
Conference convened at 5 o’clock A. M., June 8. Prayer by Eld. Kilgore.
Committee on Nominations made the following report:—
For President, Eld. H. Nicola, Richmond, Iowa; Secretary, L. McCoy, Sigourney, Iowa; Treasurer, John Auten, Knoxville, Iowa; Conf. Committee, Eld. J. H. Morrison, Schonberg, Iowa; Eld. R. M. Kilgore, Washington, Iowa. And on motion, they were declared to be the officers of this Conference for the ensuing year.
Committee on Credentials and Licenses reported,
Recommending that the credentials of Geo. I. Butler, D. M. Canright, Henry Nicola, J. T. Mitchell, Squire Osborn, R. M. Kilgore, and J. H. Morrison, be renewed, and that C. A. Washburn and C. L. Boyd be ordained and set apart to the ministry and receive credentials; and that the license of Jefferson Bartlett be renewed. That license be granted H. G. Buxton, J. W. McWilliams, Minos Miller, Russell A. Hart, Alex. Caldwell, and E. W. Farnsworth.
On motion, report read and adopted.
Remarks by Elds. Butler and Haskell on the subject of granting licenses and of the importance of the work of the ministry.
The question of the distribution of ministerial labor throughout the Conference was considered. Many calls were made and good fields reported.
On motion, it was decided to purchase another tent, and a call for $250 was made, when $500 were promptly pledged.
On motion, $600 were appropriated from the Conference fund to be equally divided between the General Conference and the Pacific Mission.
REPORT OF CONFERENCE TREASURER.
CONFERENCE FUND.
Dr.
June 10, 1873, to bal. on hand, $1081.38
“ 9, 1874, to cash received
during the year, 3420.31
————
$4501.69
Cr.
June 9, 1874, by cash paid during
the year, $3443.24
June 9, 1874, by cash on hand to
balance, 1058.45
————
$4501.69
TENT AND CAMP-MEETING FUND.
Dr.
June 10, 1873, to balance on hand, $62.90
“ 9, 1874, to cash received
during the year, 165.65
————
$228.55
Cr.
June 9, 1874, by cash paid out dur-
ing the year, $67.90
June 9, 1874, by cash on hand to
balance, 160.65
————
$228.55
The church and financial reports of the churches show the following: No. of churches at beginning of year, 27; No. of churches admitted, 9; whole No. of church members, 850; increase during the year, 219; No. of Sabbath-school scholars, 638; amount of S. S. pledged, $4287.60; amount of S. D. pledged to Conference, 3690.72.
There was pledged for the support of the Pacific Mission including the sum of $300 donated by this Conference, $3,100.
There was pledged to aid the Health Institute at Battle Creek, Mich., the sum of $2,550.
Total amount pledged by those in attendance at the camp-meeting for all objects, over $6,500.
On motion, it was resolved that the question of the location of the camp-ground at some central point and the practicability of the same be referred to the Executive Committee, and they are hereby instructed to report at the next annual Conference their views on this question.
Resolved, That the thanks of this Conference be tendered the Camp-meeting Committee for their very efficient labors in preparing the grounds and preserving good order on same; and for the abundant provision made for the comfort of both man and beast during their stay on the grounds.
Resolved, That a copy of the proceedings of this Conference be furnished the REVIEW AND HERALD for publication.
H. Nicola, Pres.
L. McCoy, Sec.
The Atonement.—No. 19.
By John Harvey Waggoner
Here a question naturally arises in regard to the present justification of the believer. If the blotting out of sin is the work of the Judgment in the cleansing of the sanctuary, which is certainly the last work of the priest, then the sins of the saints must stand on record until that time. And then it may be asked, In what sense are believers now justified? And the answer is, By faith, and this faith necessarily looks to a future fact.
It has been shown that justification and salvation are not identical. And here it will be necessary to examine the relation that the duties of the gospel sustain to the work of the atonement. “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins,” is the commandment of inspiration. From this it has been inferred that sin is remitted in the act of baptism, for which I can see no warrant; certainly no such thing is there expressed. That the terms signify in order to the remission of sin, we admit; but it is too much to claim that in laboring in order to gain a certain object, that object must be obtained in the very act of laboring.
God told his people that they should have life—eternal life—if they kept his commandments, which, to the faithful, will be fulfilled “when Christ who is our life shall appear,” and not till then, for we are yet in hope of it. Titus 1:2. While it is said that he that is baptized shall be saved, it is on a further condition that he endures unto the end. Matt. 24:13; Rom. 2:7; Heb. 3:6. The declaration above quoted from the apostle Peter, in Acts 2:38, points to the same fact as that in chapter 3:19. The remission of sin is the work of the Judgment; and the believer must stand justified by faith, looking to the priest for the accomplishment of his hope. But that the sin is not really blotted out, or atonement made at baptism, or at any other period in probation15is proved by the word of the Lord to Ezekiel, 18:26: “When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done he shall die.” Again, in chapter 32:13: “All his righteousness shall not be remembered.” That is, he shall be treated as though he had never been righteous. Now the righteousness of the righteous is by faith; therefore if he turn and commit iniquity he shall be treated as if he never had faith; his justification is annulled—he falls from grace.
For a demonstration of the truthfulness of this view, we look to the cases of the faithful who lived before the time of Christ. Were it admitted that the atonement was made at the death of Christ, it would still remain a fact in the cases of the patriarchs and prophets that their sins were not atoned for, not actually blotted out till the blood was shed by which they are blotted out. But they were justified by faith, and died in that justified state, looking forward to the work of Christ when the object of their faith should be realized; when his blood should take away the sins of which they had already repented; or, in other words, when the atonement should be made. And his blood may be said to be a deposit in our behalf from which we may draw if we fulfill certain conditions. But if we refuse or fail to fulfill those conditions, we cannot draw from the deposit, and have no more benefit from it in the Judgment than though it had never been made.
That justification by faith, or the pardon we receive while on probation, is a conditional pardon, is not a matter of mere inference, but it is most clearly proved by our Saviour’s words in Matt. 18:23–35. Here is presented the case of a servant who owed his lord ten thousand talents; but having nothing to pay, and manifesting honesty of intention, “the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.” But this servant met his fellow-servant, who owed him the trifling sum of two hundred pence, and who pleaded for mercy in the same terms in which the first had so successfully pleaded before his lord. But this servant would not show mercy; he thrust his fellow-servant into prison till he should pay the debt. Hearing of this, his lord called him, and said unto him, “O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me. Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellow-servant, even as I had pity on thee?” And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormenters, till he should pay all that was due unto him.” This we say is the Bible view of forgiveness in the gospel, or justification by faith, while we are waiting for the decisions of the Judgment. And on this plain case we are not left to merely draw a conclusion; the Saviour has made the application for us, and from this application there can be no appeal. He says: “So likewise shall my Heavenly Father do unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.”
Having traced this subject thus far; having found what the atonement is; by whom and where it is made; and also for whom; we may turn back to “first principles” and again consider the law of God, and the position it occupies under the gospel. In the type, the testimony—the law—was put into the ark, in the most holy place; and it was over the law that the blood of the covenant was sprinkled by the high priest on the day of atonement. The glory of God was above the cherubim; these were upon the mercy-seat, and this was upon the ark in which was the law. As God looked down upon his law, the very basis of his government, his justice was aroused, for his law was violated. But mercy interposed; the high priest entered with the blood that brings remission, that had been offered to vindicate the majesty of the law. The blood was sprinkled “upon the mercy-seat and before the mercy-seat.” Again the Lord looks down upon his law, but between him and the law is the mercy-seat sprinkled with the blood of the victim; the law is honored; its penalty has been enforced; a substitute has been accepted; and the penitent sinner is pardoned.
We notice that here was a real law, taking hold of the moral relations of God’s creatures; that here was actual transgression on the part of the creatures, a disregard of moral obligations. But under the Aaronic priesthood there was no actual taking away of that sin; it remained to be taken away by the blood of Christ. Therefore Christ officiates in behalf of that same law, as Paul shows in Heb. 9:15; and therefore the ark of his testament in Heaven contains that same law, where Jesus offers his own blood. Our High Priest has declared that he delighted to do the will of God, yea, the law was in his heart; he magnified the law and made it honorable; he upheld it in his life; he honored it in his death by suffering its penalty to vindicate its justice; he pleads his blood in Heaven in behalf of those who have broken it.
You who claim that God’s law is abolished, look to his heavenly temple where Jesus our great High Priest is, and behold it there safely lodged in the ark. You who say that the law is changed, behold the original in Heaven, of which a copy only was given to Israel. Did not God speak it with his own voice? Did he not write it with his own finger? Did he not give it as a rule of holiness of life? Was it not perfect? Did it not contain the whole duty of man? Yes; and by it God will bring every work into judgment. Here is that justice and judgment which are the habitation of his throne. Ps. 89:14.
There is the same evidence in the Scriptures of the immutability of God’s law that there is of its perpetuity. The moral law of God as has been observed, must be a revelation of his own character as it is a transcript of his divine mind. But in him is neither variableness nor shadow of turning. And what is true of the law as a whole must be true of all its parts. In that law which he spake with his own voice, and wrote with his own finger, he said, “The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God; in it thou shalt not do any work.” This institution is based upon his own work of creation. Its obligation is found in his own act of blessing, and commanding its observance. Man may mutilate or change the copy which God has put into his hands; but the original in the ark of his testimony in Heaven is the copy by which we shall be judged, and before which Jesus, our High Priest, pleads for us.
J. H. WAGGONER.
EVER LOOK TO JESUS.
By L. R. Carr
Child of God, why droop in sadness,
Pining at thy lot so sore?
For the humble, trusting pilgrim,
There is help divine in store.
Dost thou feel the cross is heavy,
And beneath it thou must fall?
Look above to Christ, thy Saviour;
There is strength in him for all.
When thick clouds around thee gather,
And thy way seems dark as night,
Oh! remember in thy sadness,
In none else but Christ is light.
Jesus knows thy trials better
Than thyself can ever know;
For he drank this cup of sorrow,
And the bitter dregs of woe.
Oh! what humble condescension
In the blessed Son of God,
Come to die for sinful mortals,
And thus check the chastening rod.
But the grave could not retain him;
Thus he's vanquished every foe.
If we trust this risen Saviour
God's own hand will lead us through.
L. R. CARR.
Braddyville, Iowa.
D. DOWNER
By D. Downer
Wisconsin.
SINCE my last report, I have tried to build up the work here. There is strong opposition against our faith. I feel pained to leave this field, where I have toiled and wept before God. I leave very many warm friends to the truth. There are now two churches organized here; one of twenty-one members, and one of twenty-seven members; with each a Sabbath-school and Bible-class. Twenty-five dollars were given toward tent expenses. Systematic Benevolence was organized amounting to about $200.
Most of our people are earnestly engaged in the good work. $500 have been offered toward building a meeting-house. May the Lord prosper the work here, and those who have become dear by their works of love. They have our earnest prayers for their prosperity. We say to the dear friends at Burnside and Modena, Go on.
D. DOWNER
June 11, 1874.
New England.
By P. C. Rodman
JUNE 23–28, in Boston. Met with church five times. Tried to impress upon them the importance of heeding the counsel of the faithful and True Witness, and make diligent use of all the help the Lord is affording us to be prepared to meet him.
May 29 to June 10, in Woodstock, N. H. Found those who had embraced the message here holding on. Held twelve meetings with them. They are improving some. Left them decided to press forward more diligently.
There are others interested there. May they make haste and delay not to keep all God’s holy law. Ps. 119:59, 60; Rom. 7:12. P. C. RODMAN.
Ohio.
By E. B. Lane
May 30 and 31, 1874, were good days to the Bowling Green church. Sabbath, their house of worship was well filled. After a discourse on baptism, nearly all took part in bearing testimony, following each other in quick succession. Quite a company arose for baptism. Early Sunday morning, loaded teams from all directions were on their way to Maumee River to attend the ordinance near Waterville. Some came ten miles. We gathered and held services in a beautiful grove on the river bank, took refreshments, and then repaired to the water where fifty-four willing candidates found a watery grave, and arose, we trust, to walk in newness of life. Hundreds were collected to witness the scene. On the opposite side, just above, the Baptists from Haskins also attended baptism at the same time.
It was a joyful and solemn sight to witness fathers, mothers, and children's children, going forward unitedly together. There are still others there who will go forward at a future opportunity.
The Monday following, we started for Morrow Co., to commence labors with the tent. We are pitched in a country place by a group of houses called Pulaskiville, dependent on the country for our congregations. It is thickly settled for miles around, and we hope it is a good opening. If not, we shall probably go to a village near, by the name of Mt. Gilead. Our appointment is just getting fairly circulated, and our congregation numbers between one and two hundred. Our tent company comprises our tent master, Mrs. Lane, and myself. We solicit the prayers of our brethren for prosperity in this good cause. Our P. O. address for the present is Pulaskiville, Morrow Co., Ohio.