Review and Herald, Vol. 28, No. 10.
Faith, Presumption, and Spiritual GiftsPage 1
Earlier text: Faith, Presumption, and Spiritual GiftsEvening Meetings.
By D. T. Bourdeau
WHEN duty requires to hold evening meetings, they should be held sufficiently early to give all who attend them an opportunity to get that amount of rest that nature requires to replenish her wasted energies. Nature demands a certain amount of sleep during the night, in order to renew the strength expended in wakefulness, and lay up a fresh store of energy for future uses. And unless this demand of nature can be satisfied, she must break down sooner or later, according to the amount of vitality that she possesses. But notwithstanding this physiological law, which is as fixed and irrevocable as the laws that govern the material universe, it is astonishing to see with what stupid indifference and seeming impunity professed Christians will deprive themselves of the rest they need, by holding late evening meetings, and thereby abuse their health and shorten their lives. In conscientiously endeavoring to heed the injunction of the apostle, to not forsake the assembling of yourselves together, they violate a law of their being which is as important in its place as the injunction of the apostle; for without the energies derived from sleep, the best of meetings cannot be appreciated and enjoyed. This is by no means necessary. God does not want us to violate his laws to heed the above injunction, or any other duty enjoined in his word. If on certain uncommon occasions God will add to our vitality, that we may perform important duties without overdoing and violating physical law, we have no reason to expect that on common occasions we can presumptuously disregard the laws of our being, without incurring guilt, and reaping the penalty consequent on disobedience. Many and great are the evils resulting from these late evening meetings. Many weak persons have been made sick, and many healthy persons have lost their health in attending such meetings. And they are thereby not only unqualified to enjoy the meetings, but they are also unfitted to attend to important duties outside of the meetings. But especially do preachers have to suffer in consequence of these meetings. While the congregation can rest at their pleasant homes at the close of the meetings, the preacher must go on in the same manner to another place, and then to another, losing rest at every place, and suffering the inconvenience of changing beds, and feeling that, perhaps, his hearers may be dissatisfied with his feeble efforts in presenting the truth. Besides this, at the close of the meeting it is natural for good brethren living at a distance to invite the preacher from his resting place, or to want to have a good talk with the preacher, who has, perhaps, nearly talked his life away, while his hearers have only had to listen, and back up his discourse by giving in a short testimony. And if it is at a general gathering, it is not uncommon for the brethren to crowd in where the preacher is; and unless the preacher is decided, he perhaps will linger until after midnight to not hurt the feelings of his good brethren; and what is he good for the next day? Brethren, there is evidently a lack among us here, and the need of a thorough and immediate reform. A reform on this point can be easily effected. Let the meetings be appointed early, and let the people be on hand at the time appointed. Then the preacher will have time to do his subject justice, and the discourse can be backed up by good testimonies from the brethren and sisters; the objects of the meeting will be gained; and the preacher and people will retire with that calmness and satisfaction that greatly enhance sleep. They will, other things being favorable, enjoy refreshing sleep, and in the morning will arise with the sun, feeling invigorated, and, like giants, will be prepared to run their race, and perform the duties of the day. D. T. BOURDEAU. Present Truth.
By J. H. WAGGONER
No more joyful sound has saluted our ears for years than is contained in this expression—present truth. Present truth is a present test; an indication of present duty, and an assurance of a present blessing. How comforting to read our present experience in the unfolding light of prophecy, and to know in all our trials and toils for the truth's sake, we are walking in the way specially marked out for us by the God of truth. The word of the Lord says: "Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings." Isa. li, 7. It seems astonishing that in this age of Bible reading and Bible profession the reproach of men, and their revilings, should be heaped upon us because we desire to know righteousness, and have God's law in our hearts. This is reckoned as one of the "Christian nations" of the earth, but well is its action characterized by the words of the prophet: "They seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God." Isa. lviii, 2. By reading the chapter, it will be seen that their humility is feigned, and the fear of God is taught by the precepts of man—not by the commandments of God. The professing church, and the non-professing world have joined hands in covetousness, in pride, in festivities, and love of pleasures. Rejecting the first principles of God's government, they run to "confusion and every evil work." With so much evidence of their carnality we cannot longer wonder that they revile those who keep God's law. "Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be." Rom. viii, 7. "The law and the testimony" are revealed as the criterion of judgment in those days of deception and delusion. See Isa. viii, 16, 19, 20; 2 Thess. ii, 9–12. To John it was shown that the dragon would make war on the remnant who keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. Rev. xii, 17. It is not necessary for any one, in order to develop a rebellious character in the sight of God, to fight against all the truth, even as it is not necessary to break all the commandments to be a transgressor of the law. We find some who would accept the scriptural argument on the gifts of the Spirit of God, and would therefore be ready to accept the testimony of Jesus, did not their opposition to the law of God forbid it. Others profess great reverence for the commandments of God, but show untiring opposition to the testimony of Jesus, which is the spirit of prophecy. Rev. xix, 10. Both classes err in rejecting truth, and disregarding the authority of God; for when part of God's word is rejected, obedience to the remainder is not obedience to God, but mere conformity to self-will. Worship, under such circumstances, is a human arrangement, being a modification of God's appointment.77 Though the past year has had dark clouds, and sore perplexities for the remnant, the prospect before us is, to my mind, exceedingly cheering. Prayer has been heard and answered; and the Lord is sending out a testimony exactly fitted to revive his work, and make his people strong to overcome. In view of these facts, how idle seem the efforts put forth of late to destroy the efficiency of the spirit of prophecy so kindly granted to the remnant. It is truly a gift of the Spirit. It is not what is preached to them merely, nor what they believe, nor what the apostles and the early church had, but what they have in their midst. The remnant "keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ." Considering this, I feel that we all might adopt the words of Cuyler, "I must praise more;" or say with the Psalmist, "Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!" Psa. cvii, 8. I esteem it a privilege to say to all the scattered ones, through the Review, that, since hearing sister White's testimony on the health reform at the Conference, my heart has continually rejoiced that God has granted us this precious gift, "for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ." Eph. iv, 12. Sometimes lukewarmness and formality have taken possession of my heart, and then I accepted the Lord's appointed means as a necessity; sometimes the cutting reproof seemed to bow me to the earth, and I trembled before it as something to be feared; but of late, I have looked upon it only as a precious blessing sent by a loving Father, to be embraced with thankful joy. I have often felt that an attack on that point, backed up by the prejudice of the world and churches united, might wound us most deeply, but that feeling, I trust, is forever laid aside. Never have I felt that abiding confidence in the complete triumph over all opposition of this branch of present truth, that I have felt since the war has been waged in Iowa against the visions given through sister White. We do not profess to be pioneers in the general principles of the health reform. The facts on which this movement is based have been elaborated, in a great measure, by reformers, physicians, and writers on physiology and hygiene, and so may be found scattered through the land. But we do claim that by the method of God's choice it has been more clearly and powerfully unfolded, and is thereby producing an effect which we could not have looked for from any other means. As mere physiological and hygienic truths, they might be studied by some at their leisure, and by others laid aside as of little consequence; but when placed on a level with the great truths of the third angel's message by the sanction and authority of God's Spirit, and so declared to be the means whereby a weak people may be made strong to overcome, and our diseased bodies cleansed and fitted for translation, then it comes to us as an essential part of present truth, to be received with the blessing of God, or rejected at our peril. Since we could have been aroused to the importance of this movement only by the teachings of God's Spirit, so can no one so clearly and strongly impress it on the minds and hearts of God's people as our beloved sister through whom this testimony has been given. Never was there a time (so to me it appears) when her presence and testimony were so much needed in the churches as now; and may the time soon come when all the saints will be privileged to hear it and to rejoice in the light. If any are tried over it now, let them study it, pray over it, and they will soon love it. N. Bloomfield, O., July 20. THE "Short Sermon" from Bro. Gurney, in another column is as much to the point as it is short. The quotation he gives from Spiritual Gifts is plain and unmistakable; and the testimony is such as must commend itself to the good judgment of every one. There are those who have been in the habit of spending from $25,00 to $50,00 or more a year, for tea, coffee, and tobacco, and who managed in some way to get along with these worse than unnecessary expenses. They embrace the truth, which leads them at once to renounce these habits, gives them so far a retrenchment of their expenses, with better powers of body and mind to gain a livelihood. Now can they not devote to some good purpose the same amount which in times past they devoted to an evil one, and get along just as well? And could any thing be more reasonable than that they should take the amount which they once sacrificed to the lusts of the flesh, and now sacrifice it to the Lord? Here is a point for all to consider, and not only to consider, but to act upon. Now shall we look upon the truth, as a certain Methodist is reported to have looked upon religion, when he thanked God for a good religion that had never cost him a cent? Shall we allow the truth to be a source of income to us, and secretly congratulate ourselves over the "good thing" we are making of it, while we complacently pocket the proceeds? Or, in other words, shall we be less liberal with the Lord than we have heretofore been with the Devil? An enlightened reason answers, No; every true religious emotion answers, No; and the Testimonies answer, No. Of the $50,00 which Bro. Gurney devotes to the cause, as set forth in his article, $10,00 were receipted in last week's Review, and the remaining $40,00 will be found in this number. We commend his example to all those who have ever cherished false habits which the present truth has led them to abandon, or who have indulged in unnecessary expenses, which the same means has led them to retrench. A Proposition.
By Isaac Sanborn
In view of the Convocation Meetings appointed in Iowa and Wisconsin, would it not be well for those who are expecting to attend these meetings, and are able to do so, to purchase cotton cloth and make tents large enough for from one to three families to tent in? The cloth could be used afterward for other purposes, just as well as before; but as these yearly convocations will most likely continue to the close of the message, why not keep the tents when made, for the special purpose of attending these meetings? On this plan, we can go and take care of ourselves, and not burden the church where these meetings may be, with the care which they otherwise must have for us, even if we take food and bedding with us. Not only so, but instead of spending time and strength in traveling from one to three miles back and forth from our stopping places to the meeting, we can use that time to rest, and thus, I think, all enjoy these meetings much better. Let us try it.
ISAAC SANBORN. Report from the Wis. Tent.
By Isaac Sanborn; John Matteson
July 11 to 16, we finished our labors at Utter's Corners for the present. On Sunday we expected to hear another essay from the Methodist Elder. But he had cooled down, and instead of his learned essay, he preached a sermon in plain English, which lasted 30 minutes. We thought the Elder had improved some under the Advent teaching. Yet he tried to prove the immortality of the soul from his text, Rev. ii, 10. He was reviewed in the afternoon before an attentive congregation. After this the Elder made no more attempts to blow, and his misrepresentations of our people are played out, at least in that community. A few were interested to hear the truth, but we did not think the interest great enough to demand a continuation of our labors, therefore we took down the tent. We have had an invitation of long standing to come to Whitewater, and we came to the conclusion that it was the will of the Lord that we should go there. We did not expect to see a great interest in this place, but believed this would be the best opportunity to test it. July 20, we pitched the tent near the center of the village. We have now given thirteen lectures in this place. The congregation has varied from fifty to two hundred. The interest has not been such as we should wish. Yet we find a few honest inquirers after truth here. We have taken down the tent to-day, but will continue the meetings in a hall, which we think will be more expedient at present. Pray for us, that the Lord may lead on in this good work, and strengthen us to patiently proclaim the truth, whether men will hear or forbear. ISAAC SANBORN.
JOHN MATTESON. P. S. We would say to our friends west, that we will visit you as soon as providence permits, and hope that you will meanwhile exercise the patience of the saints. Any Day? or No Day?
By Dudley Marvin Canright
THE fourth commandment plainly enjoins the keeping of the seventh day as the Sabbath of the Lord. The majority of professors are keeping the first day instead of the seventh. But God has nowhere said plainly that we need not longer keep the seventh day, but must keep the first. Sunday-keepers therefore are found sadly in want of some scripture by which to justify themselves. In lack of better testimony, they think they find at least a sufficiently plain permission to keep Sunday, in Rom. xiv, 5. ‘One man esteemeth one day above another; another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.’ ‘That is, say they, ‘Sabbatarians regard Saturday above the other days of the week; Sunday-keepers esteem Sunday above the other days of the week. Now ‘let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.’ If the seventh-day man thinks he is right, well. If the first-day man honestly thinks the first day is right, it is just as well. No matter what day you keep, if you only keep one day in seven.’ Now supposing this to be true, would it be just as well to keep no day at all, but work all the time? Would they fellowship him as a Christian who would disregard both Sunday, Saturday, and every other day? Oh, no. We must keep some day. But if the text proves anything about the Sabbath, it proves that you need keep no day at all! Read it again. ‘One man esteemeth one day above another.’ ‘Oh, yes, that is just what I believe,’ says the Sunday-keeper. But again: ‘Another esteemeth EVERY DAY ALIKE.’ Here is a man who works on Sunday, Saturday, and every other day. He esteems every day alike, and works every day. Is that all right? Certainly it must be, for Paul says of them, ‘Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.’ Thus the Sunday-keeper in his endeavors to destroy the seventh-day Sabbath, has unwittingly destroyed Sunday also! Hence, we now have no Sabbath at all. Those who claim that there is any holy day to be kept, should know better than to quote this text as applying to the Sabbath. The three churches of Windsor, Oneida, and Charlotte, Mich., met according to appointment July 21, at the house of Bro. Carman, each church being well represented, the majority of all the members in attendance. A great disappointment was felt in not meeting with Bro. and Sr. White. Yet we felt to lean entirely on the arm of the Lord and were not disappointed of the blessing. While engaged in prayer the sweet, melting, tender spirit of the Lord rested upon us. We found indeed that in drawing nigh to God, he did draw nigh to us, and is truly a present help in every time of need. When we rose to speak of the goodness of God in leading us into the truth, and in reviewing the past, saw his guiding and protecting hand from the rise of the message to the present, we could but render thanksgiving and praise, and rejoice in the prospect before us. While speaking of the glories of the coming kingdom, the evidence of its near approach, and trying to consider our ways and the necessary preparation of heart in order to be found spotless, the pearly gates of the city of God seemed very near, the golden streets shone with a brighter luster, and our dear Saviour revealed himself to us by his Spirit in all his loveliness. Many hearts will not soon forget the meeting at Windsor. Numerous testimonies were given designed to encourage and strengthen, and especially one from Bro. Richmond, of Leslie, connecting the health reform with the message, showing the work to be accomplished by it and that with a sound mind in a sound body we shall be able to serve God with acceptance; that the Lord wants a prepared, and not a preparing, people, and that the latter rain cannot come till God's people are ready for it. Oh for a willing mind and heart to keep pace with the message, to always be ready to take a step forward in the right direction. This seems to be just the thing we need. Our meeting was specially blessed, and we feel to rejoice that these Monthly Meetings have been arranged. One person, a young lady, expressed for the first time her determinations to keep henceforth all the commandments of God, and try to obtain an entrance into the everlasting city. Thus closed one of the best meetings I ever attended. May we ever remember the source from which our blessings flow, and keep our eyes fixed on that dazzling crown that shines with more than earthly splendor, reserved in Heaven for those who hold fast the profession of their faith firm unto the end. A Word to the Cook.
By H. C. Miller.
In a back number of the Review, are recorded these words: “Don’t salt and pepper your minister.” This is good as far as it goes; but why are the ministers to escape these things, and the laymen be compelled to suffer? Now I move to amend the above motion by striking out the words “your minister,” and inserting the word “anybody;” thus, “Don’t salt or pepper any body.” How often have I sat down to a meal with a sharpened appetite, hoping to appease it by partaking of some wholesome bread and potatoes; and at the table of a Seventh-day Adventist sister, at this time, why should we be disappointed? But nearly always it is a fact that the potatoes are mashed and served up with several small lakes of melted butter, dotting the surface of the otherwise healthful mass, and sprinkled with pepper sufficient to make a strong stomach groan for two days, while underneath is a salt mine of no small dimensions. It is hard to wage war against the morbid appetite for such things, until the victory is ours, and the natural taste is satisfied with the delicious flavor of simply boiled and mashed potatoes with perhaps milk or cream added, without having to continually renew the struggle. It is not my purpose to object to any one's eating salt and pepper, if they choose, though I wish that all might abstain from their use; but my object is simply to ask if these things could not be put on in separate dishes, so that those who desire to eat them can do so, without compelling those of more temperate appetites and tastes to partake of them also. Will the sisters who prepare the food for us, think of these things. A word to the wise is sufficient. The Western Health Reform Institute.
ITS CHARACTER AND OBJECT.
THIS Institution, as indicated by its name, has been established with a two-fold object; First, as a place where disease will be treated on HYGIENIC PRINCIPLES; and second, as a place where instruction will be imparted both Theoretically and Practically, to patients and boarders, on the important subject of so caring for both body and mind, as to preserve health, or to secure the largest immunity from sickness and premature death. The Health-Reform Movement, as we view it, contemplates the preservation of health, no less than the recovery from disease. In the treatment of the sick at this Institution, no drugs whatever, will be administered, but only such means employed as NATURE can best use in her recuperative work, such as Water, Air, Light, Heat, Food, Sleep, Rest, Recreation, &c. Our tables will be furnished with a strictly healthful diet, consisting of Vegetables, Grains, and Fruits, which are found in great abundance and variety in this State. And it will be the aim of the Faculty, that all who spend any length of time at this Institute shall go to their homes instructed as to the right mode of living, and the best methods of home treatment. Our Institution will be open for the reception of Patients and Hygienic Boarders, on the 5th day of September, 1866. We shall be able to accommodate from the commencement, from 40 to 50 patients, and shall increase the number and size of our buildings as occasion may require. . . . We have in this respect all that could be desired. FIRST. We are in a State which has chosen as its most appropriate motto, 'If you seek a beautiful peninsula, behold it here.' SECOND. We are situated about midway between the East and West, and patients from either section can reach us with equal facility. THIRD. Our City is easily accessible from all parts of the country, being an important station on the Michigan Central R. R., the Great Thoroughfare between the celebrated cities of Detroit and Chicago, and one of the main arteries of travel between the East and West. The cars running upon this road are the stillest, best ventilated, and nicest to be found in the country; the Superintendent, Conductors, and Employes, are gentlemanly and accommodating; and a traveling public give this road the reputation of being the best managed of any in the United States. FOURTH. Our Buildings are located on a site of nearly six acres, in the highest and dryest part of the city, commanding a fine prospect of city and country, within a few minutes' ride of the depot, from which conveyance can be had by omnibus on the arrival of all trains. Persons arriving in the night, will stop at the Hotel until morning, and thereby avoid disturbing patients during their sleeping hours. Our buildings are separated from the street by a spacious and beautiful grove, while the rear is diversified with fruit trees, hills, and stream. It will thus be seen that both the buildings and the grounds afford ample facilities for REST, QUIET, and RETIREMENT. All the surroundings contiguous to our premises are neat and tasty. Our own grounds, and the streets which traverse the adjacent rural districts, afford abundant opportunities for pleasant walks, for exercise and recreation. We are also within thirty minutes' ride of the noted GOGAC LAKE, with its clear water and shady beach, a charming resort where our patients and guests can find ample means for recreation in boat-riding, sporting, &c. Battle Creek is a manufacturing town, situated at the junction of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo rivers. For half a mile above us, and a mile and a half below, the stream is so rapid, that mills could be located along its banks, and be driven by current wheels. Nature has been lavish of her bounties, and art is fast securing the benefits of them. This is a neat, clean, enterprising and thrifty place, of about 5000 inhabitants, and rapidly growing. Our Establishment will have plenty of Pure, Soft Water, pure air, good moral influences, and a greater amount of sunshine than any other part of the country can ordinarily boast. DR. H. S. LAY, with a number of competent Assistants for the Male and Female Departments, will constitute the Faculty of the Institute. Of the qualifications of Dr. Lay to manage such an establishment, it will be sufficient to say that he has had seventeen years' extensive medical practice, the latter portion of which he has been employed as a physician in one of the best Health Institutions in the United States, by which he has become thoroughly conversant with the latest and most approved Hygienic Methods of Treating Disease. To those who may see fit to come to this Institute as patients, we can say with feelings of confidence, that WHATEVER MAY BE THE NATURE OF THEIR DISEASE, IF CURABLE, THEY CAN BE CURED HERE. Those coming as patients, should bring with them the following articles, to be used in their treatment: 2 Sheets, (linen or cotton, linen preferred). 2 Woolen Blankets, and 1 Comfortable, or 2 Comfortables and 1 Woolen Blanket. Whatever may be the number of patients, the utmost care and attention will be given to each one to make conditions favorable to the speediest possible recovery. Those contemplating coming, would do well to first correspond with the Managing Physician in regard to the matter. For Board alone, with the privilege of the Lectures, and instructions of the Institution, $4 per week, Boarders finding their own rooms and lodging. For Board and Treatment, from $8 to $14 per week, according to room occupied, and amount of attention required. Personal examination $5, whether the person remains or not. First prescription by letter for persons who do not come to the Institute $5; each subsequent letter of instruction $1. Wood and lights, meals and baths, in private rooms, all, and always extra. At the opening of an account with a patient, he will be required to pay in advance the balance of the week on which he arrives; after that he will settle his bills on each Friday morning. Banking facilities for exchange and deposit, are here ample. For visiting patients at a distance, $10 per day for the time the Physician is absent, and his traveling expenses. This is the title of a Health Journal, 16 pp. magazine form, issued monthly at the Health Reform Institute. H. S. Lay, M. D., Editor. It is devoted to an exposition of the Laws of our Being, and the right application of those laws in the Treatment of Disease. We design to make it a model Health Journal, interesting in its variety, sound and valuable in its instructions, and beautiful in its typographical execution. Everybody should have it. Price $1.00 per year, INVARIABLY IN ADVANCE. All letters for The Health Reformer, Books, Circulars, advice or information, should be addressed to Dr. H. S. Lay, Battle Creek, Mich., and where an answer is required, should invariably contain stamp to prepay postage on the same. NOTE. The foregoing is the substance of a Circular which has just been issued by The Western Health Reform Institute, neatly executed on fine paper. Those who have friends who are, or should be, interested in the subject of treating disease hygienically, are requested to scatter these circulars among them, or send in their names and address to Dr. H. S. Lay, Battle Creek, Mich. The circulars will be sent free, post-paid. “Not that
By A. S. Hutchins
Which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.” Matt. xv, 11. This declaration was made by the Saviour, to the Pharisees, who found fault with his disciples for eating bread with unwashed hands. They had thereby transgressed the tradition of the elders, which was a matter of uneasiness to the Pharisees. The Saviour took this occasion to impress upon their minds, the infinite superiority of his Father’s commandments, over the traditions of men. He therefore directs their attention to the heart, the fountain of all good or evil; for which they had much less care than for external things. He enumerates a class of sins proceeding from the heart, and says, “All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.” But is it possible that the Son of God here intended to teach that nothing could be taken into the mouth or stomach, which would or could defile us? Had the people of God then reached the time when the text “Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man,” would vindicate them against the charge of defilement, let them eat whatsoever they might? If so, then truly, the tobacco chewer and pork eater, has at least one favorite text of Scripture to the point. But let us bear in mind that Jesus was instructing a people that drew nigh unto him with their “mouth,” and honored him with their “lips,” “but their heart” says he, “is far from me.” They laid aside the commandments of God for the tradition of men; they made more of external washing than of inward purity and of a clean heart. The Saviour aims to correct this error, this dark and destructive hypocrisy. Yet we are of the decided opinion that the great Teacher of truth and purity believed in eating with clean hands, though they were not washed out of respect to Jewish superstition, or Pharisaical tradition. Said the Lord to his people anciently, “That which dieth of itself, or is torn of beasts, he shall not eat to defile himself therewith.” Lev. xxii, 8. Again, we learn that Daniel would not “defile” himself with the king’s meat, Dan. i, but chose rather a vegetable diet. By which means he had a clear conscience, a countenance fairer, and more flesh (that lawful too) than all the children which did eat of the portion of the king’s meat. Let us then cease to gratify a perverted and vitiated appetite, let us not foster sinful habits or indulge ourselves in the use of those things which we know are injurious to health and prejudicial to our spirituality. And above all cease to justify, or attempt to justify a course from the word of God which leads to death. A clear mind and communion with God will ten thousand times pay for all the sacrifice we make. In the day when the Lord shall gather his saints unto him, who have “made a covenant with him by sacrifice,” we shall then know that our sacrifices have proved sacrifices for gain and great glory. THE following is an extract from an English tract, we received recently, entitled, ‐The Second Death.‐ We are glad to learn that light on this important subject is spreading in Christian churches in all countries. The following are the first three pages: ‐There are so many theories extant on this subject, held by religious men of all denominations, that it will surprise most people when they hear only a brief recapitulation of them. Some hold and teach that as God is eternal, that is, without beginning or end, so the human soul is eternal, having neither beginning or end. There are others who hold that whatever has had a beginning may have an end; and they believe that while the righteous have ‘eternal life,’ as God’s ‘gift,’ the wicked after punishment, according to their works, (see Matt. xi, 24,) shall be utterly destroyed, or annihilated, according to Matt. x, 28. There are others who hold that though the soul of man was created, and therefore had a beginning, yet that it shall exist ‘as long as God exists,’ that is, to all eternity, both in the case of righteous and wicked. There are others who hold that the soul shall be destroyed, and the body exist as a memento of God’s wrath to all eternity. And there are others who think the body shall be destroyed, and the soul exist everlastingly. Some think the fire of hell is literal, and will destroy both body and soul, Matt. x, 28; and others that the fire is figurative. Some think that all the demons and bad men shall be ultimately saved, and thus God be ‘all in all;’ and others that they shall be punished and destroyed, (see Mark i, 24,) and then when all things are made new, (Rev. xxi,) that God shall be all in all. (1 Cor. xv.) Others that they all shall exist to all eternity in ever-burning fire and brimstone. Some, again, think the entire brute creation immortal; others that an election among them (as in Noah’s ark,) may be preserved; and others that they shall all perish. And now, ‘What is truth?’ Let us wait for God’s answer; and not ask the question and then go away as Pilate did. It would be too long, in a mere pamphlet like this, to take up the subject in all its bearings from Genesis to Revelation. But yet we must glance at it thus, if we would hear the ‘whole counsel of God.’ God told Adam that, if he ate of the forbidden tree, ‘dying he should die.’ And when he did eat and expose himself to the penalty of death, God placed cherubim before the tree of life, ‘lest he put forth his hand, and take, and eat, and live forever.’ . . . Was not that mercy? Did not God in grace prevent him from immortalising himself and his seed as he, no doubt, would have done? And when Moses said (in Exodus) ‘Blot me out of thy book,’ because of his great love to Israel, like Paul, in Rom. ix, 3; did either of them mean that they would willingly endure unending misery in ever-burning fire? And when God said by his prophets, ‘All souls are mine, . . . the soul that sinneth it shall die.’ . . . ‘Hear, and your soul shall live,’ . . . did he not make a plain declaration of eternal life to the righteous, and death to the wicked? And when, all through the Psalms, we are told that God will ‘destroy’ the wicked; is that merely temporal, or eternal? I believe eternal. They shall be destroyed—consumed—forever. See Psa. xxxvii, 20; cxii, 10. And when we come to the brighter light of the New Testament (or Covenant) Scriptures, what do we find in the very first pages? See Matt. iii, 12. ‘He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire;’ i. e., the fire is not quenched till everything is consumed. (See 2 Kings xxii, 17.) Again, ‘Broad is the way that leadeth to destruction.’ Chap. vii, 13. ‘Fear not them that kill the body, but are not able to kill, or annihilate the soul; but fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell,’—gehenna, or ‘the lake of fire.’ Chap. x, 28, and Rev. xx, 13, 14. And then, how many times we are told, in the other gospels, that unbelievers shall ‘perish,’ or be destroyed, for it is the same word in the original. ‘Except ye repent ye shall perish.’ But ‘whosoever believeth in Him shall NOT PERISH,’ but have everlasting life. ‘I give unto my sheep eternal life, and they shall never PERISH.’ Then look at the Epistles. Peter and Paul alike preach ‘destruction,’ as did Jesus in Matt. x, 28. ‘Vessels of wrath fitted for ‘destruction,’ Rom. ix, 22. ‘The day of judgment and perdition (literally, destruction) of ungodly men.’ 2 Pet. iii, 7. And, lastly, John in the closing book of Scripture (Rev. xx,) speaks of the great white throne, after the thousand years are finished,—the wicked dead raised and judged, and cast into the lake of fire. ‘This is the second death,’ of the destruction of ‘soul and body’ in gehenna, according to our Lord’s words, Matt. x, 28.”