ACCORDING to notice in last week's REVIEW we resume our examination of this subject. The next passage that calls for dissection in the work under review is the convenient way the author has of disposing of testimony that is not agreeable to him. Referring to those passages in the Old Testament which plainly declare to us the state of the dead, Mr. Warren says: "Let it be remembered that every thing is not the word of God which is found on the pages of the sacred volume. Vast numbers of persons are mentioned there, together with the words they uttered, or sentiments they held, which are not pretended to have come from God." Mr. W. occupies three pages in expatiating upon this idea, and cautioning the reader to be careful and not take as inspiration what is not so, evidently designing to leave the impression that these passages which speak so plainly on the state of the dead are not inspiration. Let us look at this. While we admit that there are some things introduced into the Bible from other authors, the sentiment of which the Bible does not endorse, let us see if the passages in question are of that sort. The reader is referred to Job xiv, 12; Ps. vi, 5; lxxxviii, 10; cxlvi, 4; Eccl. iii, 19; ix, 5, 6; Isa. xxxviii, 18, 19. These are the passages, with the exception of Ps. cxlvi, 4, which Mr. W. quotes. On the last passage referred to he comments to show that the testimony is merely the song of Hezekiah, and not Bible-truth. He does not go into a particular examination of the other passages to show that they are not the words of inspiration, but contents himself with indulging in general declamation, as already observed. As for the testimony of Job, the Lord said that he had spoken what was right, [see chap. xlii, 7,] and we know of no reason to suppose that David and Solomon spoke out of their own heart and not as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. We can but regard this method of treating the subject as a very reprehensible effort to evade plain and pointed testimony.
Another argument urged in the tract under notice is this: The Bible uses language according to the appearance of things, as the sun's rising and setting, the firmament, the earth founded upon the floods, &c. And of the same kind it is claimed are the declarations concerning the dead: they are spoken not according to matter of fact, but according to the appearance of things. We reply that there is a vast difference between the language of the Bible as applied to the appearance of things, and the language which it uses in speaking of the dead. In the former case it only falls in with the common usage, and does not see fit to correct the notions of astronomy which people have in past ages entertained. And yet there is no declaration in the Bible concerning the earth or heavenly bodies which the most scrutinizing skepticism can find to conflict with the more recent discoveries of science. While in the latter case when the Bible speaks of the dead it uses assertions of the most positive and unequivocal character. There is therefore no parallel between the two. And moreover, if we can show that the language of scripture concerning the dead goes beyond appearances, it will be a further refutation of the claim of Mr. Warren. And we have only to say that the Bible does so use language. Says Job, "Till the heavens be no more they shall not awake nor be raised out of their sleep." Is there anything in appearance to indicate this? Is it the language of appearance to say that they will sleep till such a time? Not at all. Then we may set it down as a fact that the Bible is not governed by appearances in its language concerning the dead. Other texts might be adduced, but this is sufficient for the purpose.
The next claim is that the Old Testament writers did not have clear views of things. To use the language of the book, "No doubt many of them had almost no idea of any future existence at all, and all spoke of the grave as a place of darkness, and silence, and gloom. Is it wise, then, is it in accordance with common sense to go back to them, and in the very twilight of revelation find authoritative declarations of the future non-existence of man?" We answer: If those ancient writers spoke according to their own knowledge, and out of their own heart, from mere worldly wisdom, then there would be some force to Mr. Warren's position; but we believe that those men spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost; and that the Holy Ghost knew as much about man then as now, and that whatever it uttered we are bound to regard not as a declaration of ignorance, but as the word of God.
On Acts ii, 34, which says, "David is not yet ascended into the heavens," our author remarks: "Obviously the reference is to the body only of the Psalmist. Nothing whatever is affirmed of the soul in this passage." Another convenient way of disposing of a hard point. Compare this with what he says two pages further on: "The I that thinks, the I that makes up my manhood is not my body." The query will at once arise, Of what part of David did the apostle speak? Was it of the body? or was it of the I of David that used to think, the I that constituted his manhood. The apostle says David, not his body. To say that this means his body merely, and that his soul went off to heaven in conscious existence is the merest quibbling.
On the subject of Moses and Elias he says, page 42, "It is said, however, that the body of Moses had now been raised, and that it was this which appeared talking with Jesus. It is enough to reply, this is pure assumption. Not a hint of any such thing is given in the narrative, and nobody would ever have dreamed of such an idea but in the desperation of indefensible error." We have only to reply that we are not aware that the celebrated Dr. Clarke was in any such predicament when he wrote as follows: "The body of Moses was probably raised as a pledge of the resurrection." See comment on Matt. xvii, 3. As this testimony of Dr. Clarke is probably as impartial as Mr. Warren's, and certainly of as great weight, we dismiss them both without further comment.
A remark on the closing sentence of the work under consideration and we have done. To prove that man does not die, these words of Christ are quoted: "He that liveth and believeth on me shall NEVER DIE." But Mr. Warren has all along been laboring to prove that men would never die whether they believed on Christ or not. Adopting his style of argument we might inquire, What force is there in Christ's saying, He that believeth on me shall never die, if those who did not believe on him also should never die? And if this expression proves that some part of men will never die, it can have reference to only the righteous, for the promise is to those who believe on Christ. The wicked are still left to the death threatened them. And thus at best Mr. W. is obliged to let his theory hobble off upon one leg.
(Concluded.)
But another question arises here, Have the predicted signs of this prophecy and other portions of the word of God in harmony with it been fulfilled? The popular churches may and will answer in the negative; but Adventists of all shades of opinion will admit that they have. The unbelief of the churches in regard to our true position is beyond correction; for should the past signs be repeated it would produce no faith in them; for a repetition would but confirm their unbelief.
But another question, one which is important to all who believe that the signs to precede the final closing up of the dispensation have been given, and the last days have come, is, Are we now to look for the remnant people according to the prophecy, and how may we know them? What are their characteristics?
Rev. xii, 17. John saw the remnant mentioned in this prophecy, and he states their peculiar characteristics so that they need not be mistaken amid the multitude of nominal Christians. "And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed which keep the commandments and have the testimony of Jesus Christ." The woman mentioned here by universal admission is the true church of Christ as distinguished from Rome, the Mother of harlots, the persecutor of the saints; and from the persecution of corrupt anti-christian Rome she had166fled into the wilderness for a time, and times, and half a time, or 1260 years, and the remnant of her seed is the last of the true church, which being the remnant or last must be in existence as a people when the dispensation closes, else it is not the remnant or last of the seed of the woman.
How is this remnant characterized? By keeping the commandments of God and having the testimony of Jesus Christ. In Rev. xix, 10, we read, "The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." Paul in 1 Cor. i, 6, 7, says, "Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: so that ye come behind in no gift, waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." These passages harmonize with the third angel's message in its effect. Rev. xiv, 12. Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.
Here it is evident that the remnant mentioned in Joel's prophecy are those who obey the third angel's message and refuse to worship the beast or his image (a corrupt nominal Christianity), or to receive his mark in their foreheads or in their hands. With them in due time will the testimony of Jesus be confirmed so that they will come behind in no gift; all the gifts of the first age of the dispensation will be among them while waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Sabbath command is the test of the age. Nothing except looking for Jesus is more unpopular. And while a popular Christianity dispenses and disregards the fourth command, it cannot claim to be keeping the commandments of God. Even the Seventh-day Baptists, both ministers and people, while nominally professing obedience to the Sabbath command, place so little value upon it that they neglect to urge its claims upon the people, because it would subject them to the penalty of becoming unpopular in the estimation of the popular church. At least it is so in the circle of my acquaintance.
The remnant, then, will be distinguished from all others by a conscientious regard for the fourth command, and by faithful labor and effort to urge the claims of a holy and perfect law to the obedience of all, though in the discharge of this high trust, like Paul, they may suffer the loss of all things.
But another characteristic of this remnant is, they keep the faith of Jesus. This is as distinguishing a characteristic as the other, and need not be mistaken. I am aware that the professed Christianity of this age claims to possess the faith of Jesus; but their claim will not bear investigation in the light of the written word. It looks more like the traditions of men.
Death by sin, life through Jesus, is certainly the faith of Jesus. "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Rom. vi, 23; John x, 28. "And I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish," &c. Rom. ii, 7. "To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory, and honor, and immortality, eternal life." Col. iii, 3, 4. "For ye are dead and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life shall appear then shall ye also appear with him in glory." 1 John ii, 25. "And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life." But while life and immortality is the promised gift in the word of God to the faithful, is it the faith of Jesus to claim the possession of both as inherent in our nature?
The second coming of Christ, and life from the dead in the resurrection of the just, is a cardinal point in the faith of Jesus. John vi, 40. "And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son and believeth on him may have everlasting life and I will raise him up at the last day." 1 Thess. iv, 14-16. "For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also that sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God, and the dead in Christ shall rise first." 2 Tim. iv, 8. "Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord the righteous Judge shall give me at that day, and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."
Now is that the faith of Jesus which expects its reward when the immortal part leaves its temporary dwelling place here and enters immediately another in heaven, aside from a resurrection or the coming of the Life-giver? In such a faith both are of no consequence, and neither to be desired.
The faith of Jesus expects a glorious reality, a new heavens and a new earth, a city which hath foundations, the Jerusalem above which is the mother of us all. Can that faith be the faith of Jesus which is based only upon immateriality, a mere shadow, a mere nothing?
Thus unmistakably clear are the distinguishing characteristics of the remnant or last church brought to view in this prophecy, and reader, do you and I recognize a people bearing these distinguishing characteristics? Then have we found the remnant of Joel and John, the last church with whom is deliverance as the Lord hath said, and the last days are come and the end is near. Clear as a sunbeam shines the light of the sure word of prophecy upon us, enlightening our minds in regard to present duty. If at the sacrifice of everything, let us be ready for the coming of the Master, that with his remnant people who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus we may find deliverance when "there shall come out of Zion the Deliverer."
B. F. ROBBINS.
Friendship, N. Y.
LETTER FROM BRO. WAGGONER.
By Ellet Joseph Waggoner
Bro. Smith: On my arrival in Wood Co., the roads being very bad, I concluded to stop a few days, and prepare for the re-publication of the tract on Spiritualism.
After spending the Sabbath at Lovett's Grove I went to Portage, and while writing there gave eight lectures in the school-house. The interest proved better than I expected, and I hope some may take hold of the truth they acknowledge.
At Cass, Hancock Co., I held two evening meetings. The attendance was better than at previous meetings there, and such as to encourage the brethren to labor for their neighbors. Bro. Holt joined me at Cass and we went to Gilboa, and spent last Sabbath and first-day with that church. Bro. H. spoke to them once, and I four times; but my lungs entirely failed, so that I was obliged to cease speaking. We are now on our way to Ayersville, to visit the little flock, after which we shall go north, to Green Spring, &c.
I have sometimes feared that I should have to give up lecturing entirely; of this I am certain, that I must cease laboring in this low, wet, miasmatic district of North-western Ohio. Those who have never been through it can form no just idea of the face of this country; at least I find it far worse than I had supposed from any description I had ever had. I have no choice of fields wherein to labor, but think it is duty to turn my course to the eastern part of the State. I expect my labors in this State hereafter will be in that part.
Of the state of the cause I scarcely know what to say. There is considerable interest manifested in the prosperity of the Review, and this, to me, is highly gratifying. There are some self-denying, sacrificing souls in Ohio, whose hearts are in the truth, who would resign the necessaries of life to help on the cause. But they are mostly poor in this world's goods, yet I trust they have an interest in a rich inheritance. There are others who are abundantly able to sustain the message with their means, who do little more than to tell how highly they prize the truth. It seems singular that while those who work by the day to support their families, make weekly contributions to the cause, as the Bible enjoins, those who are large property holders refuse to join in a systematic effort to advance the work. I have no confidence to believe that such will go far in this work. In fact, they are not going at all. They are self-deceived. Unless they take some steps to show their faith by their works, the Lord will doubtless soon set them aside, and raise up more faithful servants in their places.
I am led to these reflections by the Ohio Committee authorizing me to borrow money (which could be done) to buy a tent for this State. But I have not felt it duty to do so. There are yet unpaid pledges of past years in the churches, and I do not feel like increasing the debt. There are those in Ohio professing present truth, who could, singly, buy a tent, and pay all its expenses, without sacrificing any of the comforts of life. I expect to get the means to buy a tent without borrowing any.
I was surprised to find the (self-styled) Disciples at Gilboa, claiming that I had denied our faith in my articles on the prophecies, in saying that the old covenant was abolished! It was hard to believe that they were so ignorant of our faith as not to know that we always made a distinction between the "first covenant" made with Israel, and the ten commandments. I can only account for it with the reason that blindness increases with a persistent rejection of the truth. The wise man said, "The law is light," [Prov. vi, 23,] but the Disciples, with many others, choose darkness in its stead.
J. H. W.
Ridgeland, Ohio, March 29th, 1860.
LETTER FROM BRO. ANDREWS.
By John Nevins Andrews
DEAR BRO. SMITH: In the good providence of God I have reached this place, and have entered upon the work for which I came. I found strength from God to perform the labor necessarily devolving upon me on my way here, and would offer sincere thanks to him. In this tour I have been permitted to meet once more with many old friends whom I had not expected to see again until the people of God shall be gathered home. I have been reminded also by the absence of familiar faces that others have been consigned to the grave. However, we are getting, as I trust, near to the time when death shall be vanquished and the people of God taken to himself.
At Olcott and Somerset the Lord met with his people, and it seemed that his word did take effect upon some hearts. The Wesleyan minister at O. attended the meetings held in that place. At the close of the last one he told me the great things he should next day prove in behalf of Sunday. I suggested that he should also prove to his congregation that there was a commandment for keeping it. "No," said he, "I shall not undertake that." I feel a great interest in the people at Somerset where the meetings were held on Sunday, and would suggest that perhaps this would be a very favorable location for a tent-meeting in western N. Y. I hoped to see Bro. Cottrell at this place, but was disappointed.
In Rochester did not attempt to hold any meetings. Found sister Seely a very great sufferer; the greater part of her body being entirely paralyzed, and yet alive to exquisite pain. I hope that she will be remembered in the prayers of the people of God, that the light of heaven may shine upon her in the dark valley of conflict and suffering through which she is now passing. I hope also that in her present state of want she will be remembered by the stewards of the Lord. Matt. xxv, 34–40.
At Mannsville I was happy to meet Bro. Wheeler and to find him still engaged in the work of the Lord. I trust that our meetings in that place will be blessed of God to the good of his people and to the advancement of his cause. Such will be the case if each will strive to excel in likeness to Christ. Had the privilege of calling at Buck's Bridge, Malone and Perry's Mills. My spirit was refreshed in meeting with old friends. At Malone was happy to form the acquaintance of Bro. S. B. Whitney and his mother. Bro. Whitney has given himself to God from childhood, to labor in his cause. In accordance with his own and his mother's views of duty he has designed to labor as a foreign missionary, but now wishes to enter the work of God to preach the present truth. I trust that the good providence of God will open the way before him, and that the blessing of God will make him an instrument of much good.
At Roxbury, Vt., I was privileged to meet with quite a number of those who have long been in the cause of God, and also to meet with others for the first time. Was painfully reminded that death had seized as his victims several of those who formerly mingled with us in the worship of God. But the hope of the Christian is full of consolation and encouragement. Our brethren seem to be steadfast, and to be pressing onward toward the kingdom of God. From Roxbury came directly to this place and have commenced the investigation of the history of the Sabbath. I am encouraged to hope that I shall meet with good success in this undertaking. Shall remain here for the present. I hope for the blessing of God in this investigation.
BRO. SMITH: I have examined the question to you by Bro. S., concerning my use of 1 Chron. xvii, 11, 12, as follows:
“What right has Bro. Waggoner in his piece on, Who are Israel? to quote 1 Chron. xvii, 11, 12, and apply it to Christ? I think it is a mistake, and ought to be corrected. It reads, ‘And it shall come to pass when thy days be expired that thou must go to be with thy fathers, that I will raise up thy seed after thee, which shall be of thy sons; and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build me an house, and I will establish his throne forever.’ Also verse 13. Now read the same promise in 2 Sam. vii, 12–17, and you will see it cannot refer to Christ, but to Solomon.
I am far from agreeing with Bro. S., that a correction is needed; and if, as he says, the enemies of the truth will use it as an argument against us, I shall feel no concern, but only hope that they will find nothing more objectionable in the whole work of which that is a part. I see no difficulty in referring it to Christ, but I do in referring it to Solomon.
1. Christ is David's son as well as Solomon.
2. Christ's throne will be established forever: Solomon's was not.
3. Christ as the branch is said to build the house of the Lord. See Zech. vi, 12, 13.
4. The Lord said he would not take his mercy from him [1 Chron. xvii, 13]; but to Christ are promised the “sure mercies of David.” Acts xiii, 34.
The apparent difficulty in 2 Sam. 7, is no difficulty in fact; and to refer it to Christ though there may be some things in it which refer only to Solomon is according to usage, which the scriptures themselves establish. See the following cases in point, which will not be denied in their application.
Isa. vii, 14, is a prophecy of Christ; but the birth of this Son is given to Ahaz as a sign concerning the overthrow of his enemies, the kings of Israel and Assyria. Psa. xl, 6–10, is quoted by the apostle Paul and applied to Christ. “Then said I, Lo I come,” &c. But in the same connection, [verse 12,] it says, “Mine iniquities have taken hold on me, so that I am not able to look up.” Will this psalm apply to Christ?
Psa. lxix, 9, is applied to Christ in John ii, 17, and Romans xv; but verse 5, apparently the same speaker, says, “O God, thou knowest my foolishness, and my sins are hid from thee.” Many other passages might be given to the same effect, but it is unnecessary. By reading these scriptures in their connection it will be seen that they are as difficult in their application as the promise in 2 Sam. vii. With this usage before me I feel no hesitation in retaining the quotation as given in my work on the promises to Israel.
J. H. W.
L E T T E R S.
By W. M. Allen
“Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another.”
From Bro. Allen.
BRO. SMITH: I feel as though it would not be amiss for me to say a few words through the Review to the saints scattered abroad.
For the last few weeks I have had the privilege of accompanying Bro. W. S. Ingraham in different places where he has borne the last message of mercy to dying men. I have seen him reviled and illy treated because he was bold in defense of the truth; yet the Lord was with him and assisted him to bear all with meekness and Christian fortitude. I feel to thank the Lord that I have had the privilege of being with him. My mind has been enlightened in regard to the third angel's message, and I have been led to glorify God for the beauty and harmony there exists in his sacred word. I feel to say, Whereas I was blind, I now see.
I accompanied Bro. Ingraham on his way home as far as Round Grove, Ills., and had the privilege of167meeting with the dear children of promise in that place, and also of baptizing one of the lambs of the flock.
My soul was cheered and strengthened. I feel to thank God that he has yet a remnant that is pure and unselfish in this lower world. I desire to be with them come life or death. I have been giving up by degrees one thing after another until I was led to behold the purity and unselfishness of God's children. I was then constrained to say, Here, Lord, I am; all that I have and am is thine; make me to feel sure of the kingdom, and I ask no more.
Since then my peace has been like a river. I feel to say, Praise the Lord, O my soul! let all that I have praise him. I have laid all upon the altar, and am ready to go into the field and labor for the Lord. I know there are trials in store for God's dear children; for Satan is working with all power, and signs, and lying wonders. Nevertheless if we are the children of the light and the day, we shall not stumble. Jesus our Redeemer, who has all power in heaven and in earth for our redemption, will carry us safely through the impending storm; and though tempests may rage around us, if Jesus is formed within the hope of glory, all will be calmness and joy in the heart. I desire to be remembered in the prayers of God's children.
W. M. ALLEN.
Galva, Ills.
MEETINGS IN PA.
By John L. Baker
Bro. Smith: I returned a few days since from Farmington, Tioga Co., Pa., where Bro. Fuller and myself have been holding meetings. This is a new field. The interest in our meetings increased to the close. Fifteen have decided to keep the Sabbath of the Lord, and about forty others arose in favor of the truth. To the Lord be all the praise! May he help them to live it out.
We had invitations from three or four different directions to come and preach to them. The Lord is moving, perhaps for the last time, upon the people to hear. How solemn to think that the world is now on the brink of destruction. When they have stepped one step beyond probation's line, too late then to retrace. O, how solemn!
Dear brethren and sisters, are we living where we should? Do our ways please God? Now is the time to buy the gold that is tried in the fire. Watchfulness and prayer are the two leading oars with which to work. Watch and pray lest ye enter into temptation. If we hunger and thirst for righteousness we shall be filled. Let us gird on the whole armor. Without it we shall fall.
Rev. xxi, 6. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. Again, verse
7. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my Son.
Blessed promise! Who would not try hard to overcome when God has done so much for us, and left so many promises on record for our support. As the hart panteth after the water-brook, so my soul pants after thee, O God.
JOHN L. BAKER.
Ulysses, Potter Co., Pa.
MEETINGS IN FAIRVIEW, IOWA.
By M. E. Cornell
THIS series of meetings closed last evening, twenty-six days from the beginning. The interest continued to the last. Last evening several had to stand up for nearly two hours, while listening to the subject of the gifts of the church. The testimony was acknowledged by the candid, but others denied, and said it was not for us. Thus they would not only do away with the Old Testament, but also reject all of the New which does not agree with their notions. As usual, the truth was embraced by the "common people," both in and out of the church. Many are still investigating. But there is a prospect that from thirty to forty will keep the Sabbath. Fourteen subscribed for the Review, and several sets of books were taken. Books were taken into other towns, and have done and will do their work. I believe this has been a profitable meeting. Many interesting incidents have transpired in connection with it, but I do not feel able now to record them. I am worn down, physically and mentally, and must be content with a brief statement. I must also abandon some of my engagements for correspondence, and those friends will please accept this excuse. It is important now to raise up churches, for thus the cause is strengthened and the way opened into new fields. While giving lectures I cannot avoid conversing about half the time, and the remainder occupied in necessary study and writing, is all I can endure. I expect to go to Marion next.
M. E. CORNELL.
Fairview, March 27th.
MEETINGS IN WISCONSIN.
By Isaac Sanborn
BRO. SMITH: The work of the Lord is still onward in Wisconsin. I continued lecturing at Little Prairie, till I had given thirty-seven lectures. Between thirty and forty have decided to keep all the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus. At our last Sabbath meeting, after I had spoken a short time, there were testimonies borne in favor of the truth, causing us all much joy. The next day (first day) at 12½ o'clock I preached at the Baptist church in Palmyra four miles north of Little Prairie, after which we repaired to the water where between four and five hundred people beheld five persons follow their Lord in the sacred ordinance of baptism. Truly it was a time which many of that congregation will remember. Quite a number expressed a desire to take the paper; but times are hard, and money scarce, therefore they cannot send immediately, but will as soon as they can. May the Lord lead them and sanctify them through his truth. ISAAC SANBORN.
THE MARK IN THE HAND.
By Jos. Clarke
Believers in the message of the third angel are not ashamed of their faith; yet I am sorry to say that it is probable that there is here and there a weak brother who is ashamed to work on Sunday. To such I would present the fact, that (according to prophecy) when the decree shall go forth enforcing the mark, he who through modesty, fear, or favor refrains from work on the Papal Sabbath, will receive the mark in the hand, while the devout advocate of that Sabbath, will have the mark in the forehead.
Although this decree is (chiefly) yet future, still if we have not courage enough to face a corrupt public opinion now, and boldly stand for the truth now, while we enjoy a good degree of freedom, what shall we do when public opinion and law are all arrayed against us? when the crushing arm of the law shall settle down upon us?
Now is the time to resist the decree; to gather strength for the day of battle, to manifest our zeal and let our light shine; not to take unusual pains to enrage the enemy but be sure we do not act the part of the fearful; let us show our partiality for God and his law and his Sabbath; and if we are ashamed at all, let it be for those who bow in low obedience to corrupt public opinion. Here is room, plenty of room for shame to exercise herself; and while we avoid all wanton breaches of the public peace, let us be fearless of man in the prosecution of our lawful business, any where, on any working day, ignoring the Sabbath of Mahomet and that of the Pope alike.
What saint is ashamed to honor God and his law? Who has trampled for 1000 years upon our kind Father's law? Who has broken down his Sabbath, the good Sabbath of Eden, of Sinai, the Sabbath of the old and new dispensation? The Pope. Who has also worn out the saints in every possible way, at the same time he has had his foot upon the Sabbath? The Pope. Brethren let us discard wholly this pet Sabbath of error, and honor God by keeping the true Sabbath holy.
Jos. CLARKE.
Testimony of Conversion and Faithful Obedience
Sister Mary E. Cahoon writes from Portage City, Wis. My dear brethren and sisters: “For many years I have lived in the bond of sin, and with eyes resolutely closed against the truth, I walked the downward road to destruction. But it pleased God in his infinite mercy to call after me and bring me home, as the lost sheep, to the fold. Since about five months ago, I have been striving to enter in at the strait gate. I can truly say the way is delightful. I have no desire to turn back; my only regret is that I did not start sooner, and that I can do no more for the cause of Christ. Yet I am determined God, helping me, to keep all the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. I know that God will help me because he is ever willing to help those who lean on him for support. My prayer is daily that I may not trust in my own strength, which is perfect weakness, but rely upon the strong arm of Jehovah. If we do so, and perform every known duty we shall have the approving smile of the God of the universe. O, what joy is in the thought! If He is for us who can be against us? Through his assisting grace we shall be able to overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil; and O what precious promises are written in God's word for those who overcome. When our hearts are cleansed and made pure by the blood of Jesus, there is written upon them such love to God and man that it cannot be expressed; no man knoweth it saving he that receiveth it. We can just begin to realize here below, how delightful a life of love is. How sweet is the love of brethren and sisters in Christ! How delightful the communion with each other! And it is sweet to know we shall soon meet where parting will be no more. Soon the kind Shepherd will come and gather his scattered flock within the fold to go out no more. O let us be ready to hail the glad day. I for one desire to be found having on a wedding garment. I wish to be a faithful servant here, and to join with you all in singing praises to the Lamb forever.”
Extracts from Letters.
Bro. J. Fishell jr., writes from Grand Ledge, Mich.: "We feel like trying to be more faithful to him who has called us from darkness to light, and has shown us the strait and narrow path, and has told us to walk therein, for strait is the gate and narrow is the way that leadeth unto life. The enemy of all righteousness is continually trying to make us think that we are too weak to go through, and trying to lead us into the broad road that leads to death; but bless the Lord, he has promised that his grace shall be sufficient for us. We praise the Lord that he has led us on thus far, and has kept us from the destructive power of the enemy and adversary of our souls; and he has said, Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Yes, he will take it from the enemy and give it to the saints of the Most High. O blessed hope! of being heirs together with Abraham of the whole world.
"Dear brethren and sisters, let us return unto the Lord with the whole heart, that he may return unto us and heal us of all our backslidings. Let us draw near unto the Lord and be followers of God as dear children; and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ. While I write I feel to praise God for the blessed hope of the glorious appearing of Jesus with all his holy angels to gather his children and take them home to the heavenly mansions which he has gone to prepare for them that love him. In view of this let us be faithful a little longer, for soon he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Our prayer is, Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly."
Striving to Make Heaven Home
By Sarah Lane
From Sister Lane.
Bro. Smith: I am still striving to make heaven my home. I want that rest that remains for the people of God. For twelve years I have been striving to live and be a Christian. Two years ago last Fall I commenced keeping God's holy Sabbath, the day which he set apart, blest and sanctified. But alas! how slow my progress, and how many times I have been in by and forbidden paths. How often I have done that which was contrary to the will of my kind heavenly Father. When I think on these things they cause grief and trouble within; but Jesus has died, and died for me. Yes, God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life. And if we confess our sins God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Precious promises! Again my drooping spirits revive, and I say with David, "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me?" Hope thou in God, for thou shalt yet see him whom thy soul loveth. Yes, brethren and sisters, if faithful we shall soon see our blessed Redeemer. Yet a little while and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. O for a deeper work of grace in my heart, that will enable me not only to confess, but also to forsake all sin. I want to be an overcomer and get on the wedding garment, the robe of righteousness, and have my lamp trimmed and burning, adding to faith all those christian graces which are necessary for an abundant entrance into the glorious kingdom of our blessed Lord.
Should any read these lines who are yet trampling on God's holy law, I would say to them, Disobey no longer, but come to Jesus, and now while yet there is room, seek a shelter from the seven last plagues. Where will the sinner hide in that day? O come! The Spirit and the bride say, Come; and let him that heareth say, Come; and let him that is athirst come; and whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. Soon the door of mercy will close, and then it will be too late.
Your unworthy sister striving for eternal life. SARAH LANE. Convis, Mich.
Revival and Systematic Benevolence in Catlin
Bro. P. Robinson writes from Catlin, N. Y.: "I feel that we are living in a solemn time, while the last work is being done for the remnant. I feel like girding on the armor anew. The church here approve of systematic benevolence, and have adopted the plan. Brn. Wheeler, Barr and Fuller held a conference with us last fall, which was the best that we ever had in Catlin. The best attention was paid to the word spoken. One young man decided to keep all the commandments and go with the remnant to mount Zion.
"It is time that we arise and trim our lamps, that the world may see that we are just what we profess to be. Let us bid adieu to the fashions of the world, and press towards the prize as it is in Christ Jesus. I feel that it is time to repent and buy that gold that is tried in the fire, and the white raiment, and the eye-salve that we may see our hearts just as God sees them."