IT is often quite perplexing to business men to know how they can keep the Sabbath and carry on their business. A case of this kind occurred while I was urging an aged father, of some eighty-five winters, to keep a few of God's holy Sabbaths, before he should go hence. He had given up business generally, yet felt an interest for his son, who owned a saw-mill. While I was urging the observance of all the commandments, his inquiry was, What shall we do with the mill? My reply was, Shut down the gate. In various ways I would bring his mind to the question of keeping the Sabbath, as a few, at most, was all he could keep. Each time he would ask, What shall we do with the mill? Customers will come and want work, &c. Each time I would say, Shut down the gate.
Well, father and son commenced about that time to remember the Lord's rest-day, and to do no manner of work on sacred time. I saw the son some six or eight months after. I asked him how he got along with the mill, and keeping the Sabbath. His ready reply was, Just as well as when I kept Sunday. We have no more trouble or difficulty.
He saw the difficulty, and arranged for it. He told his numerous customers, living from one to twenty miles around, that the seventh day was the Sabbath, and he was going to keep it; and after they once knew it, they must not expect to do business with him on that day. He told them kindly, gave his reasons, and the difficulty was over. A few might have come, having forgotten, or thinking they could turn him. All such had their trouble for their pains, grew wiser, and the next time came on another day.
To all that see lions in the way, I would say they are chained. Shut down the gate. Trust in God. Give him a chance to work for you. Do your duty. Do what your Maker tells you to do. He will take care of the rest. Nothing shall harm you. It is a want of faith on your part; that is all. You have not learned to trust God as you should, nor as Daniel did. Dan., chaps. 3 and 6. Venture right out. Obey God. Keep his commandments, and live.
C. O. TAYLOR.
Jesus is Coming.
By M. E. Williams
Yes, and who of us does not believe that his coming is near? This being the case, how strange that we are not every moment engaged in the service of our Master, and that the truth is not in our hearts as a burning fire shut up in our bones; so that we could not keep still if we would; but be always ready for every good word and work.
But how is it with most of us? Sometimes pressing forward with eagerness, then sinking down in stupidity and indifference, or in gloom and despondency. At times patiently toiling on under heavy burdens, because God wills it thus, at others, ready to sink beneath them. Like the tide ebbing and flowing. At one time all zeal in the Master's service, and for the salvation of souls, and then seemingly forgetting that we even have a soul of our own to save. Why is this? Ah! we lose our hold of the arm of Omnipotence. Were it not so, he would surely keep us.
But there are so many difficulties in the way. Yes, indeed, more than we fully realize. The strength of that wily foe, who is described as a roaring lion going about seeking whom he may devour, his sleepless vigilance and earnestness in his work of destruction, we realize in a very small degree. When our minds are caught away from God by worldly objects, and cares of this life; then Satan is at hand to bind us in his net, and we soon find we have done something to displease God, and perhaps reproach the cause we profess to love. And must it be always thus with us? No; neither will it be; for unless we get so awake that we shall keep awake, we shall soon be left to ourselves.
But Jesus is soon coming. Are we ready to meet him? Are our hearts and hands clean? Are there no stains of sin remaining upon us? Who can say he is ready? And if not, how dare we lose a moment of the short, preparing hour which is left us? Oh! how great the work before us. Let us not sleep, then, but redeem the time because the days are evil.
Are we earnestly asking, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” what cross to bear? what idols to give up? what sacrifices to make for him? what words to speak? how we shall order our ways, that we shall best please him?
God wants laborers, not idlers; workers, not drones; and, shall I say, livers of the truth and not talkers? True the talking of the truth is all right, providing it is not done in the rough, harsh spirit of the bigot, but in a Christ-like spirit of meekness and humility. If our lives correspond with our talk, those that hear will be the more favorably impressed. Worldlings know how those should live who are looking and waiting for their Lord; and they are watching us closely. Souls for whom Christ died are precious; and they are perishing all around us. If we are but stumbling-blocks in their way, will not their blood be required at our hands?
May God forgive us our past unfaithfulness, and help us hereafter to be diligent in his service, helps instead of hindrances to his cause, and so humble ourselves before him that he can work for us, and through us.
M. E. WILLIAMS.
Erie Co., N. Y.
D. H. LAMSON
By D. H. Lamson
Implacable.
The definition of this term as given by Webster is, “Not to be appeased; that cannot be pacified; constant in enmity.” The apostle in his letter to the Romans, chap. 1:31, gives this among many other things as a characteristic disposition of the ungodly, and furthermore declares that its possessor is worthy of death. The true Christian is said by the Scriptures to be conformed to the image of God’s Son by the renewing of the mind. The works of the flesh are no more manifest. Rom. 8:21; 12:2. Thus is the tree become good and the fruit good. This transforming process, however, is often a slow work and is too seldom fully accomplished for want of care and watchfulness and complete submission to God’s will.
Implacability is so tenacious of life, so hard to root out of the heart, that it has been necessary for the Saviour to give special directions and warnings in regard to it. “For if ye forgive men their trespasses your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Matt. 6:14, 15.
Peter asked the Lord, “How oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?” Jesus answered, “I say not unto thee, until seven times: but, until seventy times seven. Matt. 18:21, 22. God is merciful to us. While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Could we call to mind our iniquities and number all our transgressions we would not dare to so much as lift our eyes toward Heaven, yet God’s blessings distill upon us like the dew. May the Lord help us to deal as gently with our fellows as he has in all the past dealt with us. He maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. If we love those that love us we do no more than others. We are to love our enemies and lend, hoping for nothing again. By doing this our reward is to be great, even to be called the children of the Highest; for he is kind to the unthankful and to the evil. But what does this mean, To lend, hoping for nothing again? Simply that to receive as much again should not be our object in lending, but to do good, not hoping for reward; and let love to all be the mainspring of our action. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day and seven times in a day turn again to thee saying, I repent, thou shalt forgive him. Well, says one, if my brother will do this, I will forgive; but if not, what then? Then the Saviour’s example makes duty plain; and surely we ought not to pray the Father for what we are unwilling to do ourselves. Luke 23:34.
D. H. LAMSON
Patience in Trouble.
By P. L. Cornell
The past year has been the most trying one to myself and family I think we have ever seen. One misfortune after another, in quick succession and unexpectedly, has come, until we have lost nearly all we possessed; then came sickness from which we have suffered for nearly six months, and are still enduring, without a home of our own. Yet I think I have never realized so much my own unworthiness and have never felt more like resigning all into the hands of my Heavenly Father; and I feel confident that nothing can befall me without his permission. The language of my heart still is, Let me remain in the crucible until I reflect more perfectly the image of my divine Lord. I am aware that I need every trial that I am called to endure, and if I may but be purified and fitted for the society of the pure and holy in my Father's kingdom, it is enough. Soon the chilling winds and the poisonous atmosphere will be passed, and if faithful to God, I shall be freed from sin and all its consequences, and with those whose society I would gladly enjoy, bask forever in the light of my Saviour's countenance.
P. L. CORNELL.
Kent Co., Mich.
Prayer for our Preachers.
By F. A. Buzzell
PAUL, so highly inspired, so wonderfully endowed with power divine, with the glory, of the resurrection, and ascension of our Lord Jesus, still lingering upon him, even Paul with all these powerful agents, these incentives to godliness, these inspirers of faith, felt the need of the prayers of God's people, those who did not follow cunningly devised fables, but loved, cherished, and strove to live out unpopular truths. Paul writes to the Thessalonians, 2 Thess. 3:1, 12. Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord, may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you, and that we may be delivered from unreasonable (absurd, margin) “and wicked men.”
Again, Paul desires the prayers of the church of Ephesus, and writes to them, Ephesians 6:18, 19: “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; and for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel.” By this we see that Paul knew his work, and that his ability to perform it rested upon divine power. He knew the efficacy of the prayers of the saints. He foresaw trials and persecutions, knew the influence of those in high places, saw them leading the ignorant rabble, witnessed their fury and blind hatred, received their jeers and personal abuse, yet was patient in tribulation. What a lesson to us of the present!
Here amid all these scenes, Paul asks for the prayers of those who embraced his teachings. They were offered and answered; and Paul and his fellow-laborers were delivered from abuse, and wicked men, until—when? until Paul could say, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” Until his mouth had been opened and he had spoken what the Lord had purposed to have him speak; until he had made known the mystery of the gospel.
The “third angel's message” is being proclaimed. It is full of unpopular truths. It is the last solemn warning to a “wicked and perverse generation.” Where are the leaders, and where the supporters of this thrilling proclamation? God has chosen his instruments.
The proclamation will bring out supporters. Do we who have embraced the present truth hear the call, “Pray for us brethren”? How often do we hear these earnest entreaties? Do we appreciate the labors of those who have sacrificed for us? Yes; yet how faintly. Who knows how much comfort is derived by those who know somewhat of Paul's afflictions, will know still more, from the thought, that they, in their afflictions, temptations, calumny, false accusations, weariness, discouragements, buffetings, &c., &c., are often remembered in the closet, and around the family altar, in Sabbath devotions, and in private worship; and that the fervent, effectual prayer goes up to the throne of grace, that He who rules the universe, will still strengthen, guide, bless and assist them, that they “may make known the mystery of the gospel.”
Who knows but what every earnest, heartfelt prayer to God for those who are “fighting the good fight of faith,” sends a good angel to the relief of some harassed soul just in time of sorest need? Let us who are not called to the “front,” to stand the fiercest onslaughts of the infuriated enemy, not think when we are shot at by some skirmisher of Satan, perhaps some deserter from the “royal army,” that Satan has ordered all his forces against us. Let us hold the shield of faith a little higher, and press the helmet of salvation more firmly upon our heads, and press on, praying for those who are at the front in the thickest of the fray, that they may have on the whole armor, and constantly use that ever victorious weapon, the sword of the Spirit.
Satan is a shrewd commander. He will not order a regiment to capture a “corporal's guard,” or a division to storm a battery of “quaker guns.” 'Tis around a “Richmond” or “Paris” he concentrates his forces, and lays siege.
Let us pray for the besieged. Minutes spent in prayer that those who have, under God, won brilliant victories in the past, are faithfully fighting for the truth to-day, minutes in prayer that they may stand in the counsel of God, are better than years spent in murmuring, or wondering if they will do the best thing for the cause, or fearing that they will not. To the winds with our fears and fault-finding; to Heaven with our prayers. Satan would never be so foolish as to raise up such powerful defenders of God's word. God's hand is in this work. His instruments are his choice; if we are not suited with them, we can carry our complaint to him. Do we trust in him? Let us bide his choice. May the Lord help us who love the “present truth,” to adopt the language of Paul to the Thessalonians: “And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.” 1 Thess. 5:12, 13. F. A. BUZZELL.
Power of Example.
But few realize the power of example. An act, a word, or even a laugh, at the wrong time or in the wrong place, may make a wrong impression on the mind of some one, never to be erased.
A few months ago, while in conversation with a young man who had become a little interested in present truth, he told me he had intended, at his first opportunity, to go and hear a certain minister preach, who was laboring in his neighborhood; but, said he, one day, when this minister was discussing privately with another minister, he became angry; so I concluded if he was that kind of a man, I did not want to hear him preach.
This man, by speaking a few words unbecoming a minister of Christ, made an impression on the mind of the young man which may never be erased, and which may cause his damnation. Paul has said, “The servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves.” Oh! how important it is that we guard well our words and our actions, especially ministers of Jesus Christ! They wield an influence that none others can. Many things which are passed over in a lay member as unworthy of notice, are, in a minister, carefully noted. The greater influence we have, the greater is our responsibility.
When I think of this, I almost shrink from the great work in which I have but just engaged. But the Saviour has taught that if we have a talent and do not use it, we are as responsible as though we had used it and acquired others. How responsible the position! How great the work! Yet the grace of God is sufficient, if we keep in memory these words of Jesus: “Without me ye can do nothing.” If we abide in him, then we may exert an influence, and set an example, that will tell upon those surrounding us, to the honor and glory of God.
Peoria, Co., Ill.
A Comforting Interpretation.
THE following narrative shows how a Dutchman became puzzled over a popular attempt to uphold a popular error. The reader will excuse the style, for the service it will do in the cause of correct interpretation. The argument in favor of a false mode of baptism stands fatally transfixed as with a spear of polished steel, on the Dutchman’s keen, yet apparently unconscious, logic. The Advent Herald introduces it with this fitting note:
The following article has appeared in several of our exchanges, and we cut it out some time ago, thinking we might publish it; but not being exactly of the style we like, it has thus far lain “shust close py or near to” the paper—that is to say, in “the pigeon hole,”—but at the repeated request of a subscriber it now goes “into” it:
One who does not believe in immersion for baptism was holding a protracted meeting, and one night preached on the subject of baptism. In the course of his remarks, he said some believe it necessary to go down into the water, and come up out of it, to be baptized. But this he claimed to be a fallacy; for the proposition “into” of the Scriptures, should be rendered differently, as it does not mean into at all times. “Moses,” he said, “we are told went up into the mountain, and the Saviour was taken into a high mountain, etc. Now we do not suppose that either went into the mountain, but upon it. So with going down into the water, it means simply going down close by or near to the water, and being baptized in the ordinary way, by sprinkling or pouring.”
He carried this idea out fully, and in due season and style closed his discourse, when an invitation was given for any one so disposed to arise and express his thoughts. Quite a number of the brethren arose and said they were glad they had been present on this occasion, that they were well pleased with the sound sermon they had just heard, and felt their souls greatly blessed. Finally, a corpulent gentleman of Teutonic extraction, a stranger to all, arose and broke a silence that was almost painful, as follows:
“Mr. Breacher, I ish so glad I vash here to-night, for I has had explained to my mint some tings dat I never could belief before. Oh! I ish so glad’t that into does not mean into at all, but shust close py, or near to; for now I can pelieve manish tings vot I could not pelieve pefore. We read, Mister Breacher, that Taniel vash cast into the ten of lions, and came out alife! Now I neber could pelieve that; for de vilt beasts would shust eat hem right off; put now it ish ferry clear to my mint. He vash shust close py or near to, and tid not get into the ten at all. Oh, I ish so glad I vash here to-night.”
“Again, we read dat the Hebrew children vas cast into de firish furnace, and dat air alwish look’t like a peeg story, too; for they would have been purmt up; put it ish all plain to my mint now; for they were shust cast near py, or close to, the firish furnace. Oh! I vas so glad I vas here to-night!”
“And den, Mr. Breacher, it ish said dat Jonah vash cast into de wale’sh pelly, and taken into de wale’sh pelly. Now I never could pelieve that. It always seemed to me to be a peeg feesh story, put it ish all plain to my mint now. He vash not taken into the wale’sh pelly at all, put shust shwampt onto his pack and rode ashore. Oh, I vash so glad I vash here to-night!”
“And now, Mister Breacher, if you will shust explain two more hashages of Scriptures I shall pe, O, so happy dat I vash here to-night! One of them is vere it saish de wicked shall be cast into a lake that burns with fire and primstone always. O! Mister Breacher, shall I pe cast into that lake if I am wicked! or shust near enough to pe comfortable? Oh! I hope you tell me I shall pe cast only shust py, a good vay off, and I vill pe so glad I vash here to-night! The other hashage is that vich saish, blessed are they who do thees commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life and enter in through the gates into the city. Oh! tell me I shall get into the city, and not shust close py, or near to, shust near enough to see vat I have lost, and I shall be so glad I vash here to-night!”
A Great Favorite.
By C. P. A. W.
What a favorite is found in one's own self. If we are sinned against, if unjust words are spoken concerning us, what an intensity of feeling is aroused within. And yet, calmly and quietly we can see our fellow-beings sinning against Christ. We can see him so neglected that it seems as if all thought of him had passed away; and we—do we never join in the neglect of him?
Our standard of Christianity is too low. We need to elevate it in order to gain a height where we can suffer for well-doing, and endure in patience for Christ's sake; where, for his sake, we can do anything that the Father requires of us.
It is worse than useless to profess to follow him, if we do not cultivate within ourselves a Christian spirit. If we cannot, in fact, understand the nobleness of soul that caused him to exclaim, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” His delight did not consist in dwelling upon his grievances and his afflictions, but in doing the will of his Father.
C. P. A. W.
New Bedford, Mass.
The Image.
By J. P. Chamberlain
Bro. Canright, in Review, Vol. 36, No. 11, in his article headed, The Image, concludes that man, made of the dust of the ground, constitutes the image of God. He says, “Here we have the very thing made that God before mentioned, viz., man.” Again he says, “Hence that which was made in the image of God is the physical man.” Does not the image of God as represented by man at his creation, embrace a more comprehensive nature than physical man? Paul says, Col. 3:10, “And have put on the new man which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him.” I understand Paul here to say that man was created after the image of God, and that he is renewed in knowledge. Can physical man be renewed in knowledge after the image of God? God is a spirit. John 4:24. How can the very thing made—physical man, be the image of a spirit?
J. P. Chamberlain.
ANSWER
By Dudley Marvin Canright
I understand the writer to hold that it is man's spirit which was created in the image of God, and renewed at conversion, which he thinks is proved by Col. 3:10, and John 4:24. But in Eph. 4:23, 24, Paul says this new man is not simply renewed at conversion, but is “created.” Did man lose his spirit at the fall; then remain without one till conversion? Then does God create one for him for the first time? The manifest truth is, that when Paul says, “Ye have put off the old man,” “and have put on the new man,” &c., Col. 3:9, 10, he is using an illustration—figurative language. They had not actually put off nor on any old or new man. The terms old and new man are both figurative. So is the image. Just as the physical man resembles God, so should our deeds, thoughts, &c., be like the Lord’s.
Because God is a spirit, it is asserted that he can have no body, parts, &c. This is all assumption. Angels are spirits, and yet have bodies. The same will be true of the saints. 1 Cor. 15:44. D. M. CARRINGHT.
CHRYSOSTOM'S ELOQUENCE.—
The following burst of eloquence from Chrysostom, when he was sentenced to banishment, is a good specimen of the style of this “silver-tongue” preacher:—
“What can I fear? Will it be death? But you know that Christ is my life, and that I shall gain by death. Will it be exile? But the earth and all its fullness is the Lord’s. Will it be the loss of wealth? But we brought nothing into the world, and can carry nothing out. Thus all the terrors of the world are contemptible in my eyes, and I smile at all its good things. Poverty I do not fear. Riches I do not sigh for. Death I do not shrink from, and life I do not desire, save only for the progress of your souls. But you know, my friends, the true cause of my fall. It is that I have not lined my house with rich tapestry. It is that I have not clothed me in robes of silk. It is that I have not flattered the effeminacy and sensuality of certain men, nor laid gold and silver at their feet. But why need I say more? Jezebel is raising her persecution, and Elijah must fly. Herodias is taking her pleasure, and John must be bound in chains. The Egyptian wife tells her lie, and Joseph must be thrust into prison. And so if they banish me I shall be like Elias; if they throw me into the mire, like Jeremiah; if they plunge me into the sea, like the prophet Jonah; if into the pit, like Daniel; if they stone me, it is Stephen that I shall resemble; John, the forerunner, if they cut off my head; Paul, if they beat me with stripes; Isaiah, if they saw me asunder.”
Business Is the Salt of Life
BUSINESS is the salt of life.
Obituary Notices.
By J. H. Waggoner
Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.
FELL asleep in Athens, Me., on Sabbath, Dec. 17, 1870, Lydia S. Welch, aged nearly 24 years. Sister Lydia was born Feb. 1, 1847. In a severe sickness at the age of eight months, she was struck with palsy on one side, and again at the age of twenty months. At the age of fifteen years she was attacked with fits with which she continued to be afflicted the remainder of her life. With one side shrunken and nearly helpless from infancy, and fits of frequent occurrence, she suffered greatly most of her life.
About ten years ago, she was brought under deep conviction for sin, and continued so for two years, when she was set free in a full and powerful conversion. From that time she had but one object before her; to love and serve God, the thought of which she never lost for a single hour.
In all my observations of religious life I think I never saw the power of the gospel so wondrously manifested as in her experience. A pattern of devotion and patient resignation, she did not even ask for freedom from pain, because, she said, if it would be best for her, God would so order it, and if she should be at ease and in bodily comfort she might become careless and proud. Her simple, child-like trust in God was a lesson never to be forgotten by those who had the privilege of conversing with her, and whose hearts were trained by experience to appreciate her quiet submission in deep affliction.
A few months since her sufferings seemed to have an unusual effect upon her mind, so as to produce, at times, partial derangement. But toward the close of her life her mind became clear, and so continued to the close. During this time she said she had received assurance from the Saviour of her final salvation, after which she strongly desired to rest in death. When told that she was dying, a smile of joy lit up her countenance, and she calmly and quietly fell “asleep in Jesus.” To few, probably, will the resurrection morning present a stronger contrast with the past than to her. The past all the way marked with affliction; the future all light and glory.
Funeral sermon from 1 Thess. 4: 13–18. “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord.” J. H. WAGGONER.
The Future.
By James White
As we look into the future, we see toils, trials, and conflicts for those who shall battle for truth, and for the right. But these are not to be feared and dreaded by those who work in God. But with the growth of the cause, there are now openings for successful labor, and much more work to be done than there are qualified and active men among us to perform.
There are books, pamphlets, and tracts, to write and to print in English. And there should be prepared at once, a series of tracts, containing not less than 160 pp., and translated, and printed, in the German, French, Danish, and other languages. There is another office building to be erected next summer. And then our people are calling for twenty camp-meetings the next season. And, again, there are a hundred young men and young women who should attend a thorough course of lectures at Battle Creek immediately after our General Conference, to qualify them to teach the word to others. In all parts of the country, there are men among our people who are being moved upon to dedicate themselves to the work of the ministry. These need encouragement and help. They need to attend a thorough course of lectures, and to pursue a thorough course of study, upon the prophecies, the signs of the times, the law, the gospel, the judgment, and man's nature and destiny.
God's providential hand is opening doors for successful labors before us everywhere. But where are the working men among us, who, in the strength of God, will lay hold of the work? It is a painful fact, that from want of faith, or, from want of consecration to God and his cause, several of the standard bearers among us are fainting, and the battle is going hard with those that remain.
In this cause we have labored from the first. August 15, 1865, we fell with a stroke of paralysis, brought on by continued physical and mental strain, without the least relaxation from labor for more than ten years. God has raised us up again to bear some part in the great work; but not to labor as we did before our severe and protracted sickness. The same course will bring the same results. If we continue to labor as we were laboring when we fell, we shall certainly fall again, without hope of recovery.
When we see so much to be done, we are inclined to undertake more than we can consistently accomplish. The increasing camp-meeting interest among our people, east and west, has led us to give encouragement to brethren in Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Vermont, and Maine, of labor that we fear we shall not be able to perform. The almost inactive condition of some of our ablest men, not only leaves us too much to do, but also causes great uncertainty as to the future.
When we returned from the West in November we found a month's work waiting our return. A month's rest, at least, was our due. But the editor of the REVIEW was in Western New York recovering from fever, Bro. Gage was down sick, and Sr. Van Horn, Secretary of the S. D. A. Publishing Association was at home recovering from fever. And, at this very time, when their help was so much needed, Eld. J. N. Andrews reported himself at Rochester unable to labor, and Eld. J. H. Waggoner gave the same report of himself from Maine; therefore these brethren, with whom we are associated in General Conference, and Publishing committee, could not be called to our help.
It has ever been our plan, when strong or weak, weary or rested, to lift most when the load was heaviest. So we took hold of the work as we found it on our return from the West, and have done all that was in our power to do. The REVIEW was issued regularly during the sickness of the editor, Bro. Gage, and Sr. Van Horn, by the efforts of Bro. J. W. Bacheller, besides acting as press-man, and foreman of the compositors' room. During this time we filled the editor's pages with articles written upon camp grounds, and at other meetings, while Mrs. White was speaking, or on long journeys upon the cars when trains were in motion.
Since our return the pressure of business has stimulated the mind to rapid action, and in this condition we have labored eight weeks, from five in the morning till nine in the evening, six days in each week, besides speaking to the people on the Sabbath. Practically we have no day of rest. A portion of this time we have filled, imperfectly, of course, the places of two business men, two editors, one minister, besides having the care of a family of fourteen, including our helpless mother aged eighty-two, and father aged eighty-five. Some things of course have been done imperfectly, and many have been wholly neglected. But the things which have suffered most, have been our own business matters, and our own family. We have made no preparations for winter only as driven by stern necessity. And we now suffer for preparations that should have been made when we were in Missouri. Our attention was first called to the importance of banking cellar windows by frost in the cellar, and these we hastily closed with snow.
Life, under the circumstances of the present time, as far as this world is concerned, is not worth a groat. But this we can cheerfully sacrifice if God requires it. But at our age of life, after passing through what we have, and having been warned as we have been, not to labor imprudently, we, without a murmuring feeling, decide to lay our numerous burdens down at the feet of our brethren, and request them not to ask us to carry all of them any longer.
We plead that we may not be asked to labor only in one department of the work. If that be to take charge of the publishing interests, we must be released from all others. If it be to preach the word, attend State conferences, and hold camp-meetings, this is the labor of our choice. But let us be free from all others. And if editing be our portion of the work, we do not object, if we are not required to fill also the places of the business man, and the minister.
As we have paused in our work, long enough to take a view of the amount now suffering to be done, and have taken a look to the future prospect of increasing labor, and then have realized that there are but very few men among us who are willing to take burdens upon them, feelings of the saddest depression came upon us. But from this, thank God, we are finding relief, in following clear light. We have the sweet assurance that God has raised us up from a terrible sickness to act some part in his cause; but, not to take burdens such as we were bearing at the time we fell. At present our cares and labors are much greater than at any former time. We confess that we have yielded to the temptation to labor until our present course is in direct violation of the clearest light. And with returning premonitions of paralysis we hasten to lay our burdens down. We look forward to General Conference, which is called early this year for the immediate proper distribution of labor, as the period of our relief.
The foregoing frank statement of facts in the case is made under the clearest sense of duty, without the least feeling of discouragement. We have very much to be grateful for. The Lord has been very good and gracious to us, and to ours. Within the two past years we have been able, by the blessing of God, to accomplish more than in any three previous years. And, until the last eight weeks, have been continually increasing in strength and freedom in the Lord. Since we returned to the work of the Lord in 1867, we have gradually gathered strength and weight from one hundred thirty-four, to nearly one hundred eighty. And we feel anxious to preserve this new lease of life, and this strength which God has given in answer to the prayers of his people, to be of some service to them, if it please God, all the way through to the celestial city. Mrs. W. has been wonderfully sustained in her labors. And God has a care for our dear children. Willie who has been our companion, though but a child, in the cares, travels, labors, and hardships of camp-meeting life, and was in consequence reduced by fever to seventy-six pounds in weight, has recovered, and reached one hundred and eight. And, thank God, that which seems to make the family complete, and crown the entire household, our venerable, godly, Sabbath-keeping parents, both advancing toward ninety years of age, are with us, softening in spirit, and ripening for immortality. God grant them a smooth passage to the grave.
Dear brethren, God lives and reigns. The world is his. The cause of truth is the Lord's. Duty, duty! shall be our study, and work to perform, and the result must be left with him. No man can be safer than when following clear light from Heaven. If we follow carefully in the path of duty, God will take care of us, and also his work in our hands.
J. W.
Minister's Lecture Association.
By James White
PROVIDENCE permitting, there will be a course of lectures before this association at Battle Creek, Mich., for the term of four weeks following General Conference.
The price of membership is $5 for men, and $3 for women. During the term there will be as many lectures, and sessions of Bible-class, as members may desire. There will be, if desired, lessons given in penmanship, and English grammar. Board will not exceed $2 per week.
All those persons, far and near, who wish to become members of this association, and attend these lectures, and the course of instruction connected therewith, will please inform us without delay. More particulars hereafter. J. W.
Murmuring and Complaining.
By James White
During the period of our connection with the Review Office, and our frequent and somewhat extensive travels, we have had a favorable opportunity to learn much of the spirit and influence of those who indulge in murmuring and complaining. And we are prepared to say that, while no good follows from these things, evil, and only evil, is the sure result.
In the first place, such persons have no real faith in God. Those who confide in him, and have a good hold from above, can believe on him in adversity, and can go forward in the line of their own duty, trusting in Him who has said that “all things work together for good to them that love God.” That man that has real, confiding faith in God, who walks with God, lives in God, and God in him; that minds his own business, searches his own heart and life, speaks well of God’s providences, and of his people, will find neither time nor disposition to complain, find fault, stir up distrust, or murmur against the providences and the servants of God. Instead of talking of his sufferings, or of his sicknesses, or troubles, or losses, and groaning and complaining over these things, and casting a cloud everywhere, he will make the best of these light afflictions; and, as far as possible, he will rise above them, talk himself out of them, and believe and hope himself, with the help of God, free from them. While the complainer, the murmurer, the whiner, and the fretter, are sinking without the presence of God, he is rising in God, and gaining victories, spiritual, mental, and, perhaps, physical.
J. W.
How to Stop Your Paper.
By James White
WHEN you have paid up, and do not want the paper longer, inform us by letter, or tell your postmaster to return a copy to this Office with your address written upon it. J. W.
Delinquents.
By James White
We are loth to lose any of our subscribers, and conclude to wait a week or two longer for delinquents to pay up. J. W.
The Lord's Poor.
By James White
LET no persons hesitate for a moment to take the REVIEW because they are poor. Send your names and addresses, with a brief statement of your circumstances, and you shall have the REVIEW, money, or no money. J. W.
Donations for Library, Camp-Meeting, and Book Funds
By James White
Our friends who design to donate to the Library Fund, Western Camp-meetings, and Book Fund, will do well to send their liberalities during the present month. J. W.
Annual Meetings—Special Notice!
By James White; John Nevins Andrews; J. H. Waggoner
Appointments.
And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand.
Annual Meetings—Special Notice!
GENERAL CONFERENCE.
PROVIDENCE permitting, the ninth annual session of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists will be held at Battle Creek, Mich., Tuesday, Feb. 7, 1871, at 9 o'clock, A. M. All the different State Conferences will please immediately make arrangements to represent themselves by delegates. Let all the delegates come prepared to furnish to the General Conference full statistics of their respective Conferences, according to the blanks issued for that purpose. Scattered brethren everywhere have the privilege of presenting their requests to the Conference, either in person or by letter; and such requests will be acted on according to what may seem to be duty in the matter, or according to the ability of the Conference.
Let those who come be punctual at the commencement, and come prepared to remain to the close.
JAMES WHITE, } Gen.
J. N. ANDREWS, } Conf.
J. H. WAGGONER, } Com.