THE evidence is accumulating to confirm the view that the Scape Goat, (called in the margin, Azazel), which was sent away with the sins of the people at the close of the day of atonement, was a type of the Devil. And as we are now in the antitypical day of atonement, and near its close, the question is one of vital interest to the people of God, at the present time. The following testimony on this subject, I find in a work by Charles Beecher, entitled "Redeemer and Redeemed," pp. 66-69. This same Mr. Beecher is the author of the best thoughts on Sectarianism and Creeds, we have seen. He is one of the most independent thinkers and writers of the age, and having both the means and ability for collecting evidence on such a subject, his thoughts will be appreciated by our people.117M. E. CORNELL.
"Placing these goats before him, the High Priest put both hands into an urn containing two golden lots, and drew them out, one in each hand. On the one was engraved LA-YEHOVAH (for Jehovah), on the other, LA-AZAZEL (for AZAZEL.) The same preposition is used on both lots, La-Yehovah, and La-Azazel, and if the one indicates a person, it seems natural the other should. Especially, considering the act of casting lots. If one is for Jehovah, the other would seem for some other person or being; not one for Jehovah, and the other for the goat itself.
"What goes to confirm this is, that the most ancient paraphrases and translations, treat Azazel as a proper name. The Chaldee paraphrase, and the targums of Onkelos and Jonathan, would certainly have translated it if it was not a proper name, but they do not. The Septuagint, or oldest Greek version, renders it by ἀποπομπαῖος (apopompaios), a word applied by the Greeks to a malign deity, sometimes appeased by sacrifices. Another confirmation is found in the book of Enoch where the name Azalzel, evidently a corruption of Azazel, is given to one of the fallen angels, thus plainly showing what was the prevalent understanding of the Jews at that day.
"Still another evidence is found in the Arabic, where Azazel is employed as the name of the Evil Spirit. In addition to these, we have the evidence of the Jewish work Zohar, and of the Cabalistic and Rabinical writers. They tell us that the following proverb was current among the Jews: 'On the day of atonement, a gift to Sammael.' Hence, Moses Gerundinensis feels called to say that it is not a sacrifice, but only done because commanded by God.
"Another step in the evidence is, when we find this same opinion passing from the Jewish to the early Christian church. Origen was the most learned of the Fathers, and on such a point as this, the meaning of a Hebrew word, his testimony is reliable. Says Origen: 'He who is called in the Septuagint ἀποπομπαῖος, and in the Hebrew Azazel, is no other than the Devil.'
"Lastly, a circumstance is mentioned of the Emperor Julian, the apostate, that confirms the argument. He brought, as an objection against the Bible, that Moses commanded a sacrifice to the evil spirit. An objection he never could have thought of, had not Azazel been generally regarded as a proper name.
"In view, then, of the difficulties attending any other meaning, and the accumulated evidence in favor of this, Hengstenberg affirms with great confidence, that Azazel cannot be anything else but another name for Satan.
"If it should be objected that God would not sanction a sacrifice to Satan, even in appearance, and that therefore this view cannot be true, we reply, that it is not necessary to regard the goat as a sacrifice to Azazel; and there is not even an appearance of it, but a studied prohibition.
"A sacrifice, as has been well shown by the English author Outram, implies the taking of life. His words are: 'Offerings which were put to death, divided, consumed, were sacrifices in the vocabulary of the Jews. . . . This would exclude certain things sometimes called sacrifices; for example, the bird used in cleansing the leper, the scape-goat, &c.'
"Hence, not only was there no sacrifice, but there was a studied negation of the idea. It is known that the Egyptians offered such sacrifices to the evil one, under the name Typhon; and that the practice was almost universal. Now, by sacrificing the first goat to Jehovah, and letting the second go alive, and both by casting lots, i. e., by an appeal to God, there was a direct contradiction of the Gentile practice. It said, virtually, this sacrifice is to God alone, and not at all to Satan. There is a relation to Satan, but not a sacrificial one. Hence, in the next chapter, it says, 'And they shall no more offer their sacrifices unto demons.'
"To this rite, then, we may attribute the disappearance of all sacrifices to evil deities, as such, forever after in Israel. They, indeed, worshiped idols, but always under the theory of their representing the good, not the evil power.
"Do any object at finding the idea of Satan so prominent in the focal center of all sacrificial analysis?
"Why should it not be prominent, if to destroy him was the very object of Christ's death? He was God's chosen champion; ordained to avenge the cause of God, on man's behalf, against the enemy of God and the seducer of man. . . . Would it not be strange, if in all the symbols of the sacrificial system, there were not a single intimation of the serpent's existence? and where should we expect to see his baleful shadow, if not here, on the great day of atonement."
More about Old and New Style.
By John Nevins Andrews
Since writing the article on this question, which appeared in No. 4, present volume, Bro. J. H. Waggoner has called my attention to two facts worthy of notice. They are sufficient of themselves to silence every cavil.
Let it be borne in mind that the objection that is here raised against our view of the Sabbath, is, that in consequence of the change from Old to New Style, there was such a "loss of time," or disarrangement of dates, that it is now impossible to determine with any certainty the right day of the week for the Sabbath. This objection—if it may be called an objection—vanishes at once in the light of the facts which I now present.
1. In Hill's perpetual or Scientific Calendar, which I have before me, in which is shown the day of the week of any given date for twenty centuries after Christ, in both Old and New Style, we find in the explanatory remarks the following words: "For instance, Washington was born Feb. 11, Old Style, or Feb. 22, New Style, 1732. It being a leap year, the Dominical letter for February, Old Style, was B, and for New Style, it was F. The table being entered with the former letter, shows the 11th to be Friday, and being entered with the latter, shows the 22d to be on the same day of the week." Of course the same result is found in any other date, as any one can ascertain by referring to this ingenious Calendar.
2. The Russian empire never adopted the New Style, but still reckons by the Old Style. Consequently there is a discrepancy between them and other nations on the day of the month, but not on the day of the week. Now if the Russians count by Old Style, and the English by New Style, and yet all agree upon the days of the week, where is the difficulty? This was illustrated during the past year. A letter was written by our Consul at St. Petersburg, endorsed by C. M. Clay, our Minister to Russia, which was dated both in Old and New Style. Possibly our objectors will insist that this letter must therefore have been written on different days of the week! People should be careful how they urge their ignorance for argument.
J. M. A.
Communication from Bro. Bourdeau.
By D. T. Bourdeau
BRO WHITE: I would gratefully acknowledge through the Review that in endeavoring to carry out the principles of the health reform under the blessing of the Lord, my health has been gradually improving. Since leaving Dansville, I have gained sixteen pounds in weight, and am much stronger than I was when I reached home. I expect to be in a condition to commence laboring, with temperance and care, in about three months from this time.
I trust I appreciate this sweet privilege of resting, and am trying to improve it in drawing nearer the Lord. As I examine myself, I see there is room for growth on every trait in my Christian character. I hunger and thirst after righteousness, and reach out by faith after the living God, for grace and strength to overcome. He fills me with his rich blessing at times, which encourages me to live and seek for more. If at times darkness hovers over me, I call to mind past blessings, and believing that God changeth not, I try to trust in him.
I earnestly desire more power from on high, as well as light and wisdom, that my future labors may be more effectual than my past labors have been. I feel incompetent to move out in my own strength. It is my duty and privilege to be strong in God and in the power of his might. God has strength in store, and is willing to bestow it upon his humble and obedient children who have his glory in view.
To me the thought that we are living in the shaking time, is very solemn. I would learn from the faults and fall of others, and avoid the snares that they have fallen into, and escape the awful fate that awaits them.
The afflicted preachers among us, still have my sympathies and feeble prayers. I expect they will come up speedily in health, and soon be out in the field again, to engage in the work which they love.
Brethren and sisters, the prospects before us are encouraging. God is with us. I am with you to believe, labor, suffer, and hope, till the final victory is gained, we reach the haven of rest, and our blissful happy home.
I still ask to be remembered by you in your prayers.
D. T. BOURDEAU.
West Enosburg, Vt., Feb. 25, 1866.
Report from Bro. Matteson.
By John Matteson
JANUARY 27th I had the privilege once more to see and stay with my family, after an absence of about six months. I found them all well, for which I feel thankful to the Lord, and kind friends, who, in my absence, lent them a helping hand.
We met on Sabbath and the following nights, with the church here at Oakland, and were refreshed. February 2, went to Hundred Mile Grove, where we had Quarterly Meeting on the 3d and 4th. It was very cold, which kept some away from meeting, yet a goodly number assembled, and we were encouraged to go on in the good old paths. One brother was received into fellowship, and one dropped. There are many dear brethren and sisters here, who try to come up to the standard of holiness, and have an experience in present truth. They felt the necessity of laboring with those who were backward or out of the way, and their efforts in this respect are worthy of imitation. It is impossible for a church to enjoy much of God's presence, and be very active, when they are divided, or have Achans in the camp. But it is the duty of each individual church to look to this, themselves. And they should not throw the whole burden of this work upon the Elder, but each member should be willing to do their best. Much wisdom from on high is needed in such a work, but this can also be had. Some churches are too slack in this work, and others, perhaps, a little too fast. Some men have a party spirit. They will get the sympathy of a part of the church, and then be down on others with a crushing spirit. What we should look after, is not so much a single action of an individual, but their general conduct and dispositon. Meekness and honesty are two necessary elements in a Christian character. As long as a man is proud and dishonest, he is carnally minded. The sooner we can cease to fellowship such, the better. A man may understand every theory in the third angel's message, but if he is not honest, he ought not to be called a Seventh-day Adventist.
Our church records ought to be a true representation of the realities existing. Now if the book says, such a member is in good standing, but most of the members of the church say, "We have no fellowship with him, we do not think he is a Christian," then there is something wrong. My brethren, why will you say, We do not believe such a brother is keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, but still you want to retain his name on the church-book? This ought not so to be. Let our actions and profession correspond, then God can bless us.
On the other hand, when a brother or sister is weak in the faith, but yet, are struggling to overcome their besetments, and are willing to be corrected, and listen to the counsel of their brethren, and the word of God, it seems to me we may forgive such an one, not until seven times, but until seventy times seven. Our Saviour has borne long with us, and should not also we bear long? He has forgiven our many sins, and should not we forgive some small offense in our brother?
But those who are against us, we should much rather meet in the ranks of our enemies. One traitor in the camp, is more dangerous than a hundred enemies without. May our churches awake to feel the responsibility that is resting upon them in this respect, and exercise properly, the authority which Christ has given to his church.
Give not heed to the slanderous reports of dissatisfied or disconnected members; for such will always try to gain sympathy. If they slander your brother, consider it an attack upon your own honor; for we are members of the same body. Then go to the brother against whom the charge was made, and be determined to find out the truth in the matter. Speak in the spirit of love, and good results will always follow.
February 9-20, held meetings in the vicinity of Poy Sippi. Our Quarterly Meeting was not so well attended, on account of the previous storm and cold weather. Will the brethren and sisters living at a distance, please send their reports to the clerk, N. Petersen?
This church has been severely attacked by the enemy, and I had no freedom at first. But the Lord sent help, and his Spirit moved kindly on our hearts. Love and union revived. Four had been dropped before I came. The rest were firm. Others around us are trying to keep the commandments, and meet with us. While the heart is bleeding for lost souls, the rays of hope shine from another quarter, and so we still toil on in hope.
February 24, we had Quarterly Meeting in Oakland, and again we had stormy and cold weather. We were anticipating to see some of our friends from abroad, but were disappointed. We had a good meeting, and two brethren were received into fellowship. They both testified that they had been watching the state of our church for years, and were now satisfied that we were the people of God, and the only people, who were truly striving to keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. This church is still firm in the third angel's message, and their desire is to go with the body, and to meet Jesus in peace.
JOHN MATTESON.
Ft. Atkinson, Wis., Feb. 26, 1866.
Crossing the River Jordan.
By J. Clarke
There is no period in the history of the Israelites, more interesting, than when they entered the land of Canaan.
The older and most rebellious of the people had perished in the wilderness, and the younger portion of the people had witnessed the great and wonderful works of God; had been trained under Moses' supervision, aided by able and devoted assistants. They had witnessed for forty years, the constant visible presence of God, in the pillar of cloud by day, and of the pillar of fire by night. Their strong and healthy persons had been nourished all this time, upon bread furnished from the direct ministration of angels. They had witnessed the persistent murmurings of their fathers, and had felt and seen the consequences of their course.
They had for forty years almost daily heard the voice of Moses, the man of God, as he eloquently addressed the congregation, or interceded for them in prayer, or as he gave words of instruction or reproof.
The murmurings of their fathers had caused Moses to sin, and for this they were deprived of the very man whose experience and abilities rendered him every way the fittest person to lead them into Canaan. But it could not be; and they were forced to part with their loved commander, Moses the man of God. To them he had been a king, an intercessor, a mediator, and a true and tender-hearted friend; and when they wept his loss, and sadly lamented his death, they keenly felt that rebellion and murmuring had weakened the strong man, and brought him where he in his weakness had sinned against God.
They knew that their rebellion and murmuring had brought Moses to the brink of despair; and that for the same cause, their stay in the wilderness had been prolonged for many long years; and, benefited by past experience, they resolve that their present leader Joshua, shall not be called to such trials and discouragements as Moses was called to undergo; hence they thus addressed him: "All that thou commandest us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us we will go: only be strong and of good courage." Had Israel done the same to Moses upon their first leaving Egypt, a few months might have sufficed to have passed the dreary desert, and to have entered upon the land of Canaan.
But now this severe lesson produced a good effect; and for the lifetime of Joshua, and that generation, the Bible records no stain, or blot upon that people.118But we may suppose, that a deep and sincere love for God, pervaded almost the entire nation; and simplicity and purity of manners prevailed.
From the example of Israel at this time of favor with God, we may learn that it is fitting, proper, and necessary, for God's people in times of danger and trial, to inspirit and encourage their leaders, and to testify to them by our confidence and esteem, so expressed in word and deed, as the people did to Joshua: thus lightening their burdens, and cheering their hearts.
J. Clarke.
Our Hope.
By MARY J. COTTRELL
WHAT a glorious hope! reaching far up above earth, and centering in bright Heaven. It is the hope of soon leaving this earth where we often meet frowns, instead of smiles; where those we have loved, turn coldly away; where the flowers we have cared for so tenderly, fade and die; where temptations oft assail us ; where, in short, the blighting effects of sin are all around us; and going to live with Jesus and angels, where all is love, peace, and fadeless beauty. The hope of seeing him who left his home in glory, came down to earth, and suffered untold agony, then died upon the cross, while blood trickled from those torn hands, and feet, pierced by the cruel nails. The hope of seeing him—our Saviour—in all his glory, crowned with such a crown of glory as mortal never conceived, of receiving from his hand those robes of spotless white, and such a white! I fancy it will be unlike the white of earth, so pure and glittering, and crowns of gold; just think of it, that you and I, poor sinning mortals, may be thus exalted. This is the honor to which our hope points us, and what is earth's honor to compare with it? Nothing, nothing. And then, too, if we realize our hope, we shall see Jesus open those pearly gates, and hear his lovely voice, far sweeter than any music, saying to us, even to us, "Enter in, ye that have come up through great tribulation." Great tribulation! Yes, 'tis thus that we must be purified if we see the fruition of our hope. But we need not shrink from the trial, for we have the sweet promise, "my grace is sufficient," and then, our hope. Is it not enough to cheer us amid all trials? Yes; if this hope is indeed ours, and we cling to it with firm faith, we shall be enabled to stand every trial.
Our hope is full of glory, it points to a land where friends are never untrue, where flowers bloom in fadeless beauty, where no cold wintry winds can come, where no tempter will mar our harmony, where death can have no foothold. This, and much more, may be ours to enjoy, if "by patient continuance in well doing" we seek for it.
Then onward, upward let us press,
Until the pearly gates unfold;
Until we see our Jesus crowned,
And with him walk the streets of gold.
Let not earth-frowns daunt us, earth-music charm us, or earth-pleasures allure us from the Heavenward path, rough and thorny though it be, the end is very near, and soon we shall see all the Lord has prepared for those that love him. MARY J. COTTRELL.
A Few Thoughts on the Gifts.
By E. B. Saunders
LEARNING from the Review, that some in Iowa make the Gifts an excuse for their disaffection, I have been led to the following thoughts: Visions must proceed from one of three sources: 1. From God; or 2. From Satan; or 3. From a human source.
The test our Saviour gave by which to try false prophets, is very simple. "Ye shall know them by their fruits." Matt. vii, 16. But let us simplify the question by showing first of all, that the Gifts received by the S. D. Adventist people, are not from a human source.
1. They sometimes correct the previous teaching of the one through whom the visions are given.
2. They often correct, or reprove persons whose conduct and even name had been previously entirely unknown to the one having the vision.
3. Individuals have been reproved by them, for thoughts or deeds known only to themselves, but which were afterward acknowledged. Either one of the above tests show that the source of the visions is beyond human knowledge or foresight. Hence we are shut up to one of two positions, either that they are from the Lord, or from Satan.
The simple test is to try them by their fruits; if the fruit is bad, they are from an evil source; if good, they must be from a good source. The Gifts acknowledged by S. D. Adventists, have stood in the forefront of the message since its rise; and many disaffected spirits are ready to admit that the message is from God, and that they have confidence in the work. But the work in all its symmetry and beauty, is the result of having, though not based upon, the spirit of prophecy in the church, to correct errors and purge out the false-hearted. Therefore, if the Gifts in the church are from an evil source, then the work of God has been influenced by Satan from its commencement; which is absurd. And even some of those who dislike the visions, would be unwilling to admit that Satan has had so much to do with the glorious present truth.
The Gifts have led very many, who had begun to go astray from God, to return and love him and his law. On the contrary, none have ever been led to forsake the law of God by the influence of the gifts. Thus far the fruit has been good. Isa. viii, 20.
Again, the testimonies exalt Jesus and make him the only hope of salvation; and in reading them we are often admonished to follow him as our great Pattern. Though we may have a lofty conception of the beauty of the character or person of our Lord, yet a perusal of the testimonies will make him appear as altogether lovely, and worthy of our highest notes of praise. Thus the fruit is good, for they do not deny Jesus. 1 John iv, 1-6.
The Gifts nowhere teach contrary to the word of God, nor lead us to forsake the Bible, like the teachings of Spiritualism. But the Bible is often referred to, as the Book of books—the word of God; and we are entreated to receive it as the word of God. In this we discover only good fruit.
Thousands will testify that they have been led to make a more perfect consecration of themselves to God, by the teaching of the testimonies; and that much rubbish has been removed from their hearts, and in consequence they have drawn much nearer to God. Here good fruit is also seen. While those who have openly denounced the visions, have generally taken such a course as to disgust even the wicked, by manifesting a corrupt spirit, and at last made shipwreck of their faith altogether. A corrupt tree cannot bring forth good fruit." The fruit of the testimonies is good, hence, the source from which they spring is good.
E. B. SAUNDERS.
Penfield, N. Y.
He Leads Us On.
By A. M. A. Cornell
"O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps." Jer. x, 23.
THIS language has often recurred to my mind in connection with the manner in which I, with many others, have been led to see and embrace the present truth. Truly it was by a way that we knew not. Many times in reviewing the past we have felt to exclaim, It is the Lord's doings. It certainly was not the way we should have chosen for ourselves. We should never have looked for light from such a source. It seemed so unlikely that the despised little company of Advent Sabbath-keepers should be right in their views of Bible truth. But we were led, (oh how mysteriously) to hear before judging; and to hear was to believe, and believing, we must obey. We felt that the message was a compelling one, and oh, how blessed we found it to yield obedience to God's holy law! It was not a yoke of bondage, but a delight. Having love to God it was not hard to keep his commandments.
Do we have to give up our friends and worldly prospects? love will sweeten all our sacrifices: and the reward at the end of our pilgrimage will amply repay for all we may endure for Jesus' sake.
With the assurance that the Lord is leading us, we can joyously submit to his guiding hand, and with childlike confidence move on in the humble, self-denying119pathway that is sure to end in peace and rest at last.
"He leads us on,
By paths we did not know.
Upward he leads us, though our steps be slow
Though oft we faint and falter on the way,
Though storms and darkness oft obscure the day;—
Yet when the clouds are gone
We know He leads us on.
"He leads us on
Through the unquiet years;
Past all our dream-lands, hopes, and doubts and fears
He guides our steps. Through all the tangled maze
Of sin, of sorrow, and o'er clouded days
We know His will is done,
And still He leads us on.
"And He at last,
After the weary strife,—
After the restless fever we call life,—
After the dreariness, the aching pain,—
The wayward struggles which have proved in vain,
After all our toils are past,—
Will give us rest at last."
A. M. A. CORNELL.
Norridgewock, Me.
The Beggar's Petition.
By C. M. Willis
ROLLING through the vaults of Heaven,
Circling round the dazzling throne,
Burst the songs of praises given
By the bright admiring throng;
Notes of joy from Heaven's orchestral,
Make the glorious arches ring;
Songs of praise from lips celestial—
'Tis the song the angels sing.
Higher still the anthem rises,
Louder still its volumes swell,
Hallelujahs, shouts of praises,
From their golden harp-strings fell.
Cast their glittering crowns before him,
Veil their faces with their wings,
All the shining hosts adore him,
All the court of Heaven rings.
But alone and unattended,
Came a low, a plaintive strain,
With the angels' song it blended,
Echoed back their sweet refrain.
Silent grew the harps in Heaven,
Silent grew the radiant throng,
As they list with rapture riven,
To the beggar's humble song.
It ascended up in meekness,
Mixed with bitter tears and shame,
Telling of his great unfitness,
But to speak his Father's name:
Father, be my sins forgiven,
All my life could not atone,
Let my name be marked in Heaven,
For the sake of thy dear Son.
Sighings deep marked his contrition,—
But with joy the shining host
Gathered up his meek petition,
Not a single groan was lost.
Joyed with thrilling rapture o'er it,
Mingled with it, incense sweet,
To the dazzling throne they bore it,
Laid it at the Father's feet.
Long they wondered at salvation,
At the Lamb's redeeming power,
Then in notes of exultation,
Burst their swelling strains once more.
Music shook bright Heaven's portals,
Made its gorgeous arches ring;
For a song was sung by mortals,
Which the angels could not sing.
C. M. WILLIS.
Fifty Times in the Bible.
By H. F. Phelps
So said a neighbor the other day, in reference to the word, immortal. We were conversing upon some points of present truth; after a little, the conversation turned upon the natural immortality of the soul. After asserting himself very positively on the subject, I asked for one text as strong in favor of his theory as the one where it says, "the soul that sinneth it shall die," was against it. He said he could not then think of one, but knew there were many. Friend, said I, as you are so positive on this point, will you tell me how many times the word "immortal," is found in the Bible? He seemed to query a little as though "the thing was gone from him," and then answered, "I don't know exactly. I did know, but guess it is about fifty times or more?"
His surprise was so great, when I told him it was found but once, that he seemed unwilling to believe me.
And the conversation immediately took a turn, by his saying, "It is of no use for us to talk on this subject." Ah, thought I, truly consistency is a rare jewel; but a knowledge of the Bible, how very rare! And ignorance of the Bible, is often, I fear, to be found among commandment-keepers. As an instance of this, I not long ago saw a sister who had been a Sabbath-keeper for several years, trying to find one of the books near the close of the Old Testament. She began at Genesis and turned to Revelation, and did not find it!
May God help us to search the Scriptures, that "they may truly be a lamp to our feet," to guide us safely through to an eternal day.
H. F. PHELPS.
Pine Island, Minn.
Letters.
“Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another.”
This department of the paper is designed for the brethren and sisters to freely and fully communicate with each other respecting their hopes and determinations, conflicts and victories, attainments and desires, in the heavenly journey. Seek first a living experience and then record it, carefully and prayerfully, for the comfort and encouragement of the other members of the household of faith.
From Sister Cole.
Bro. WHITE: I want to be one of the number that fear the Lord and speak often one to another; for we are taught that the Lord hearkens and hears it, and a book of remembrance is written for them that fear the Lord and that think upon his name. “And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.”
How solemn the thought that the day for the Lord to make up his jewels is just before us!
And how good the Lord is to give us such a flood of heavenly light, in this solemn time, that we be not hindered in our work of preparing him an acceptable jewel. Truly the Lord is good to his people in these last days. I thank him for preparing my heart to receive his truth. I thank him that he has given me faith to believe his testimonies with my whole heart. His promises look large and free, all-sufficient help in every time of need.
That was a blessed day to me when I heard Bro. Bourdeau's remarks on the subject of overcoming. It began to work on my heart like leaven, that worketh until all is leavened. Why, I have not a discouraging word to bring. I do not see as the Lord requires any thing of us but what we can easily perform with willing minds.
When I am tempted to think it is hard to deny self, hard to suffer for Christ, I have only to think of the eternal weight of glory and the immortal inheritance just before us, and I feel willing to suffer on, to crucify self, in whatever way the Lord pleases.
How good it is to be reconciled to God. In times past I have found him as good as his word; and I will put my trust in him.
“Lead me, O Lord, in thy righteousness; make thy way straight before my face.” C. E. COLE.
Marshall, Mich.
Bro. J. H. Cook writes from Mound City, Kansas: There are in these parts six of us who are trying to live in obedience to the requirements of the third angel's message. Here is a wide field of labor for those who have the cause at heart.
There are a number of chances here for the homeless to help themselves to the benefits of the Homestead law, and good chances for those who have capital, to invest in improved lands. At present we feel somewhat lonesome being so far separated from the people of God, and the endearing associations connected therewith. Yet we are not without hope, for we realize even here, that God is the portion of all those who put their trust in him. We prize here more highly than ever the weekly visits of the Review, and read its pages as the hungry would partake of food, and feel to take fresh courage again to combat the apostasies of the age, and the darkness by which we are surrounded.
Bro. C. Monroe writes from Waldo, Me.: Could I speak to your correspondents, I would say to every one of them, Be just, and fear not; have that charity, that love, that beareth all things, and never faileth. 1 Cor. xiii, 7, 8. Till we reach this point, we are wanting and incomplete; but when we do, God's will is our will. We have nothing to fear, the king of terrors not excepted; Job xviii, 14; for this places us out of harm's way. 1 Pet. iii, 13.
Suppose we are neglected, injured, or abused, by any one. What then? Better suffer a thousand wrongs than do one? When our enemies, or even our friends, injure us, they give us the golden opportunity of returning good for evil, and showing our superiority by forgiveness and kindness. This is all the revenge allowed by our good Master; and having his blessed Spirit, it is all we feel disposed to show, bearing all, as he bore, meekly, submissively.
Such is my love to my dear Saviour, that my greatest trial, if I mistake not, is injury, or supposed injury, done to him in the house of his friends, or out of it, especially the former. Hence my tears, as I read the story of his passion—the injury that was done him, and is still done him, by our sins! How can we so often thus crucify our greatest, dearest, best Friend? This is not done by a deeply broken, contrite heart; but the reverse. I could lay down my life for him, I think, sooner than knowingly injure or abuse him, or see him abused, with a heart not deeply pained, or bleeding with anguish.
Bro. L. W. Morrison writes from Daviess Co., Mo.: I would say that there are a few of us here trying to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Although many obstacles are thrown in the way, yet we have been able to overcome them so far, and still feel like pressing our way to Mount Zion.
We have occasionally been blest with words of encouragement from brethren traveling this way to look at our country, and some have settled among us; still there is room for others. We would be happy indeed to have some of the messengers come this way. It would be encouraging to us all, and no doubt result in good.
Bro. W. Sutliff writes from Falls City, Dunn Co., Wis.: I have been reading Vol. iii, of Spiritual Gifts. I am satisfied that we have the gift of prophecy in the church. I always, before, supposed that the acts of the patriarchs were all ordered by God. I now plainly see that it was man's interference with God's plans that caused all the confusion and wickedness which was connected with the lives of those good men. This removes the last doubt from my mind that the Bible is the book of God. It also shows me that God will not permit even his saints to deviate from the way which he has marked out for them, without chastising them.
This is far different from the course of a Methodist preacher who called on me a few days ago. He said we had better drop these little differences and attend to the weightier matters. I proposed to attend to both. He said it made no difference about the Sabbath. I suggested that if God was not particular about his Sabbath he might then occasionally permit us to swear! or now and then to steal!
We are sadly in want of some one to come here who is able to proclaim with power, the third angel's message to a slumbering community. I am satisfied that great good can be done here. The people are anxious to hear lectures on present truth. One wealthy man says he will give forty dollars if we will get a preacher to come and give a course of lectures. Will some one come? If so, please write and let us know.
Quarterly Meeting in Minn.
By H. F. Phelps
THE Quarterly Meeting of the S. D. Adventists of this place has just closed. We were very much disappointed in not meeting with a messenger; and for a little time it seemed as though we could not rise above our disappointment; but we did, in a measure, get the victory. The attendance was rather small, partly on account, perhaps, of drifted roads. Taken all in all, it was a good meeting. There seemed to be a disposition on the part of some to get into good working order, and strive to rise higher.
At a business meeting of the S. D. A. church at Oronoco, the following resolution was passed unanimously:
Resolved, That it is the duty of every member of this church to report themselves, by person or by letter, at their Quarterly Meetings, and especially at their business meetings.
In behalf of the church.
H. F. PHELPS, Clerk.
Pine Island, Minn.
A Voice from Knoxville, Iowa.
BRO. WHITE: As we profess to be lovers of the present truth, as advocated by the S. D. A. church, and are trying to magnify our faith by corresponding action, we are free to express ourselves in relation to the present rebellion of Elders Snook and Brinkerhoff. We cannot bid these men God speed in their present work. Neither shall we bear the responsibility of opening our house of prayer for the advocacy of their confusion. And furthermore, we have no ears to hear them whilst engaged in the work of tearing down the work they have once labored to build up.
This is not the first time these ministers have been engaged in scattering seeds of discord among the churches in Iowa. But after their confessions in the Review, that they were blind, crazy, mad, and under the influence of Satan, and that such a course would result in anarchy and universal confusion, we were in hopes this would be the end of their opposition to the truth. We wish to have it understood, once for all, that we have no appetite for their heresy, and no disposition to sacrifice old tried friends for rebels against the work of God.
Knoxville, Feb. 25th, 1866.
The above comes to us, signed by thirty members of the Knoxville church, besides four who have not yet joined, with a request that it be published in the Review.
Action of the Church in Fairfield, Iowa.
The following action was taken at a meeting of the church at Fairfield, Iowa, Feb. 18, 1866:
Whereas, Elders Snook and Brinkerhoff have rebelled from the cause of S. D. Adventists, and given up most all the fundamental doctrines of the same, and
Whereas, They design to visit all the churches in Iowa, and
Whereas, We believe that the course these men are taking will surely "result in anarchy and universal disorder," therefore
Resolved, That we do not wish Elders Snook and Brinkerhoff to come here with their scattering and distracting influences.
Resolved, That if they do come, we will not go to hear their confusion.
J. A. Smith, Church Clerk.
Signed by all the members of the church present when the action was taken.