Review and Herald, Vol. XXXI, No. 14
A FEW THOUGHTS ON REV. XXI, 7.Page 1
Earlier text: TEMPERANCE.CHILDLIKE HUMILITY.
By S. S. Bartlett
“Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of Heaven. Whosoever, therefore, shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of Heaven.” Matt. xviii, 3, 4. These words of our Saviour were forcibly brought to mind by a little incident which occurred recently in my own family. Several little children were playing at my house, their little hearts running over with mirth and joyousness. I was very busily engaged in domestic duties, and as one of the children inadvertently came in my way, causing me some inconvenience, I rebuked her harshly, speaking in a fretful, impatient tone. Instantly the merry voices were hushed. Sadness and depression stole over the little group. My own little girl threw herself wearily upon the lounge saying she was tired. The others sat down in mute sorrow, gazing wistfully first at me and then at each other. After a few moments they arose and silently went away. How my heart smote me at that moment! These children were daily visitors at my house, often spending nearly the whole day there. For some months I had been endeavoring to instill into their young hearts the teachings of the meek and lowly Jesus. Especially had I endeavored to teach them the duty of love, and kindness in their daily intercourse with each other. Never had I intentionally allowed an unkind word to pass unrebuked, and whenever any act of injustice or wrong had been committed, I had required the offender to confess her wrong, and ask the forgiveness of the injured one. This they had always willingly done, and I had rejoiced in the hope that my feeble efforts were being blessed to their good. But now, alas! what had I done? By my unkindness and impatience I had clouded their innocent mirth, and sent them away in sadness; brought darkness into my own soul, and worse than all, had grieved the tender spirit of Him who said, “Of such is the kingdom of Heaven.” As I raised my heart in earnest prayer to my Heavenly Father for forgiveness, the words at the head of this article came with force into my mind. “Except ye be converted and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of Heaven.” What was now my duty? As I had required these little ones to humble themselves and ask forgiveness for wrongs committed, was it not my duty, having committed a similar wrong, to humble myself in like manner, even to these little children, if I would follow the precepts of Him “who spake as never man spoke?” Most assuredly it was. My proud heart rebelled but for a moment. My duty was plain. Next day I awaited the coming of the children. They came at length, their cheerful faces telling plainly that the unpleasant impression of yesterday had passed away. Not so, my duty. I gathered them around me, and after expressing my regret for my impatience, I told them that as I had always required them to ask forgiveness in similar cases, I now asked their forgiveness for the wrong which I had committed. Wonderingly the little faces were raised to mine, but they saw that I was in earnest, and the boon was freely, though somewhat timidly granted. And as I bent to receive the kiss of reconciliation so lovingly bestowed, I thanked my Heavenly Father that he had enabled me to become, in spirit, more like these guileless little ones. Very salutary was the lesson I then learned. I trust it will not soon fade from my memory. Oh! that I had more of the spirit of a little child. Loving, confiding, generous to a fault, “thinking no evil,” “believing all things, hoping all things.” Sweet blossoms of the heart! Would that the withering blight of the world might never dim their unfolding beauty! Oh! how patiently should we watch over these little ones committed to our trust; how carefully shield them from the contamination of vice and sin. How faithfully fortify them by strict religious principles against the evil influences we cannot avert. How earnestly, in the arms of our faith and love, commend them to the watchful care of Him who once “took little children in his arms and blessed them.” And oh! how prayerfully should we watch over ourselves, how circumspectly walk before them at all times, that our example may ever be such as they may safely imitate, remembering that their young and tender hearts are like the plastic wax, easily receiving impressions for good or evil which time may not efface. May God help us all who have the care of the young to realize the great responsibility which rests upon us. God grant us heavenly wisdom to guide their young minds aright, and overcoming grace for ourselves, that when Jesus comes we may be able to say, “Here am I, and the children which thou hast given me.” MAINTAIN dignity without the appearance of pride. AN INVITATION.
By DANIEL ANDRE
Jesus says, Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Matt. xi, 28. Here is an invitation to all mankind. Whosoever will, may come and find rest in Jesus. Dear reader, have you heeded this precious call? Have you repented of your sins, and accepted pardon through the blood of the Lamb? If not, what excuse have you for staying away? What reasons have you for turning a deaf ear to his precious call, and saying by your actions, if not by words, go thy way for this time? Do you want to seek a little longer after the pleasures of this world before you can obey the Saviour's call? Has not your past experience been sufficient for you to see that there is nothing real and substantial in the pleasures of earth? and that if we bestow our affections upon it, we shall meet with disappointments? As we are living down in the closing-up scenes of this world's history, amidst the perils of the last days; and as life is short, and uncertain, and its pleasures intermingled with pains and sorrows; we should not delay in cutting loose from the world, and fleeing to Christ now. Very soon it will be too late. “To day the Saviour calls,
For mercy flee;
For all the guilty soon
Must guilty be.” And still he pleads. Yes the good Shepherd with outstretched arms is still calling for the wandering sheep. Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. Blessed Jesus! Lovely Saviour! How good thou art to poor mortal man! Not willing that any should be lost, thou didst suffer and die that he might have life, eternal life in the kingdom of God. Thou didst wear a crown of thorns, but will with thine own hand place a crown of gold upon the heads of all that will come to thee. Oh! that every one might realize the importance of coming to Christ now. Now our calling and election may be made sure. But in a little from this the momentous work of man's redemption will be finished. Jesus will then and forever cease pleading with his Father for poor sinners. Solemn thought! and yet how true! The filthy must then and forever remain filthy. O poor sinner, what will you do in that day? You can come to Christ now and he will accept you. Mercy yet lingers, and Jesus yet intercedes. He still waits to be gracious. Oh! will you come? Some will come when it will be too late, after pleadings of mercy have ceased; and Christ will say to all such, Depart from me, I know you not. Then will we realize what it is to be forever cast away from the presence of the Lord. Reader, will it be you, will it be I, that will be found wanting in that great day? Let us see to this all-important work now, while it is called to-day, and the rich glory and surpassing loveliness of Heaven will be ours to enjoy eternally. DANIEL ANDRE. THE TWO MASTERS.
By Earnest Christian
How simple it sounds to hear one employed in the service of the Devil, say, “It is the only way he has to get a living.” O vain and foolish man! Is the Devil better able to give you a living than God, the great Creator? I say, No? Well, then, throw away your fiddle, cease to be a musician for his Satanic majesty, and away to the Saviour who is acquainted with all your wants, and he will give you good employment and good wages in this world, and in the world to come everlasting life. Satan can deal only with the present. Christ is the great presiding Judge to reward every one according to his works. If we give the Devil our labor we shall have our portion with him. But, on the other hand, if we labor for the Lord, we shall become thriving and fruitful branches of the living Vine, and He who knows all our wants will abundantly supply them. Rich or poor, we are always happy, and our reward will be the reward of the righteous, which is a crown of never-fading glory—a home of love and joy. Who, then, would not labor for such a reward, and do it faithfully and cheerfully? Well might the gospel say, “The sufferings of this present life are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us.” Choose between life and death. Let each one be sure he makes a wise choice. The wages of sin is death—eternal death. But the reward of the righteous is life—eternal life. Sin is of the Devil, but righteousness is of Christ. Now, which character will you choose? Consider between the two, and make your own choice. As for me, let me live the life of the righteous, and let my last end be like theirs.—Earnest Christian. MODERATION is the silken string running through the chain of all the virtues. DON'T wait for your fervor to cool before you act. The workmen at a foundry might as well wait for the molten iron to cool before pouring it into the mould. From Bro. Metzgar.
By M. A. METZGAR; J. M. REYNOLDS; E. D. CARMICHAEL; J. H. ROGERS
DEAR FRIENDS IN CHRIST: I feel as though I can not keep silent. Still I do feel too unworthy to write anything. Yet I can stand up for Jesus, and say that by the grace and strength of my Heavenly Father I am determined to make Heaven my home. I know that I must still grow in grace and in holiness, before I shall be prepared to receive such a reward. My companion and myself are trying to serve the Lord in our weak and feeble manner. Isolated as we are from those of like faith, we put our trust in God, for he will never leave us nor forsake us. We love the holy Sabbath and our Bible. We have never received the ordinance of baptism, but trust ere long to be buried in the likeness of our dear Redeemer. We would ask you, dear friends, to remember the lonely and tried ones. Pray for us that we may ever be faithful. SISTER J. M. REYNOLDS writes from St. Joseph Co., Mich.: I feel a deep interest in the cause; but feeling is not doing; yet a word fitly spoken is of great value, and if a word from me can be the means of encouraging any soldiers of the cross to run the race set before them with patience, I shall feel that I have not lived in vain. I love to read the testimonies of those who are fighting the good fight of faith. I feel like exhorting those who are young in the cause, to beware of the wiles of the enemy. He assumes so many forms that it is necessary to watch, and pray without ceasing. Let the darkness be ever so great, trials ever so severe, so long as we can say, 'Save, Lord, or I perish,' never yield to discouragement. The path of righteousness is alone the path of safety, Jesus, the only never-failing Friend. May we all strive to put off the old man with his deeds. This is a great work, for “The passions are a numerous crowd,
Imperious, positive, and loud.”
May the Lord grant us the light of his Holy Spirit to see ourselves, and his grace to strengthen us, that we may be overcomers, through the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. SISTER E. D. CARMICHAEL writes from Mt. Pleasant, Iowa: How cheering to me are the letters that we receive from week to week from the lonely ones through our good paper. How glad would I be to say one word to cheer the hearts of such. How sad to feel that we are despised and rejected of men, and all alone; yet when we read the precious promises in God's word to such, we can take courage and go on rejoicing, knowing that soon deliverance will come. I am still struggling along, trying to keep God's commandments. I want to be sanctified through the truth, and be prepared to meet Jesus at his appearing, with joy. BRO. J. H. ROGERS writes from Daviess Co., Mo.: I wish to say that we are in great need of a messenger. The way seems to be opening for present truth to be preached here. Prejudice seems to be giving way, and an inquiry in respect to these truths is manifested by some. Our meetings have become more interesting. We have been called upon to explain our position to our neighbors and friends. Oh! how we could appreciate the faithful, judicious labor of a messenger. We need being brought into the work more fully. We wish to keep pace with the body. Pray for us here in Missouri, that we may with the remnant overcome. From Bro. Gurney.
By H. S. Gurney
BRO. SMITH: It is with pleasure that I acknowledge the hand of Providence in leading us to contemplate those points which stand so closely connected with moral excellence. If it was so that John the Baptist in his work of preparing the way for the first advent was a reformer in regard to both diet and dress, and laid the ax at the root of the tree, then certainly the spirit of Elijah will mingle with the last message of mercy in a similar manner. It is true that there is a greater necessity for reform at the present time than ever before; yet the spirit of Elijah wherever manifested would work the same results. Hence I view a divine Providence in the work of reform as certainly as Jesus has said that Elijah will first come before the day of the Lord. The idea is clear from the language of Christ that the manifestations under the closing work of the gospel would be similar to that of John the forerunner of the first advent of Christ. Then certainly we cannot be too careful in regard to those points which seem so evidently, and we might say resolutely claiming a prominent position (see Matt. xi, 7-15; and Luke i, 76,) among the remnant while waiting for the Lord. As a general thing among the masses, appetite is their God. I know of some, Christians (?) shall I say, who think more of their appetite for tobacco and tea than they do of their best friends. This I have proved. When the great apostle pointed to some whose God was their appetite, could he say less of these tobacco-users and tea-drinkers? That church which can countenance such an appetite are far from a clear sense of Christian principles. But some acknowledge an evil in these things, but they have been sinning so long they cannot break off sinning. Such clearly acknowledge they have brought themselves under the jurisdiction of other gods beside the God of Heaven. Such barter away their birthright. Their sensibilities are so blunted by the use of those things, that they can hardly discern a moral obligation. Jesus says, speaking to the last generation, “Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness and cares of this life,” &c., Luke xxi, 34; and Matt. xxiv, 49, clearly shows that the subject of eating and drinking would be agitated while looking for the Lord; and which is the right side of the question is apparent. To speak of experience. It is not those who have tried the health reform thoroughly who condemn and find fault with it; neither is it those who reason from the science of physiology. Well, who then? Why, it is those whose appetite is their god; and quite likely we may find some among Seventh-day Adventists who suppose their obedience to the Sabbath law will entitle them to the favor of God, whose appetite is a governing principle. These serve not the Lord, but their own appetite. Rom. xvi. And in Phil. iii, 11, we read, “Whose god is their belly, who glory in their shame, who mind earthly things.” The Lord will have a pure people for translation. And the reason why the subject of health is now agitated, is because the sanctuary is being cleansed, and the principles of health bear a close connection with moral cleanliness. Pure religion embraces the spiritual and intellectual, moral and physical, man; hence the exhortation to cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, and perfect holiness in the fear of the Lord. I do say with confidence, being taught by reason, experience and the Bible, that our manner of living may very much affect our moral condition. Then how can I say that I am not under moral obligation to investigate the subject of health, and live in accordance with the laws of our life? Let us “TAKE HEED TO OURSELVES. Memphis, Mich., March 2, 1868. From Bro. Philbrick.
By JOSIAH PHILBRICK
BRO. SMITH; May I be permitted to add my testimony for the Lord and his truth? I do highly esteem the Review. How cheering the news it brings of the work of the Lord. My prayer is, that his blessing may rest upon all that have had, and still have, the burden and charge of the great work of the third angel, and that they may have heavenly wisdom to send out the last warning to all that have ears to hear. With your permission, I would say a few words to the dear brethren through the Conference Department. I always love the conference meeting, especially when I can hear the brethren talk a living experience. How it feeds and cheers the hungry soul! I feel that I am an unworthy creature; unworthy of the least of all his mercies; yet my poor heart has been often elated with holy joy, while I have realized that the heavenly angels have such a watchcare over the Lord’s afflicted, tempted, and tried people. And their interest will increase as dangers thicken around them. Blessed be God for his great love, and for what he has done, and for what he is doing for his humble, obedient, confiding children. So sure as the angels ministered unto the dear Son of God while fasting and being tempted of the Devil forty days and nights, fulfilling the great work he came to do, and was strengthened by them, so sure will the angels minister to the dear saints, all the way through to the time of trouble, and by miraculous interposition of heavenly angels, will they be kept through the awful hour of temptation, until the dear Saviour comes and brings deliverance. And as I view probation closing, and the love of God toward me, I am led to realize, in some degree, what it is to be a Christian. Having put on Christ, it is our privilege to “abide in the Vine,” to walk as he walked, and to “rejoice in the Lord always.” Yes, how blessed and heavenly it is to exalt and magnify his great name; constantly feeling our entire dependence upon the efficacy of his blood so freely shed on the cross, and the power of his matchless love filling the entire being, that we may be kept from the strong power and influence of this world, and have a surety against Satan and his angels. And as his devices are so cunning, and his power so much stronger than ever before, how grateful I should be, and how great is my indebtedness to the Lord, for the precious means he has provided for me through his word, and the ministration of his Spirit in the gifts of the church. How could I ever have understood the strong power of the enemy and his satanic devices, without this very means. It is no wonder that he hates the very name of Jesus and his followers, and that he despises the Testimonies. Again and again have I felt thankful for them. I love their sweet, exalted, heavenly influence. I now desire, as never before, to feel the sad effects of transgression of law relating to my mental and physical being, and my daily dependence upon the atoning merits of Christ, and a fresh application of the virtue of his blood, that I, so unworthy, may have eternal life. I sometimes mourn and am sad, to think how weak I am, compared to what I might have been, had I always lived a holy life. And now can Jesus own me? Can he save me, so sinful, so depraved as I have been, at this late hour? Oh yes! I believe he can; I believe he will; I believe he does. Blessed be his dear name! The angels rejoice and sing when we believe in his sweet name. O brethren, how sweet the name of Jesus sounds! I do love to feel my need of him. How blessed the evidence that he owns and loves his unworthy child! Hallelujah to the Lamb forever! He is coming to take his children home. Sweet home, sweet home! I long for a complete preparation to meet my Saviour, and all the redeemed, and to hear the angels sing, and to join redemption’s song. JOSIAH PHILBRICK.
Kent Co., Mich., Feb. 29, 1868. From Bro. Gould.
By Daniel H. Gould
DEAR BRO. SMITH: I still feel a deep interest in the advancement of present truth, and wish to do every duty made known to me. We have prayed that the Lord would send laborers into his vineyard. There are few, perhaps, but have felt the need of more ministerial labor. Brethren, can we expect more, if we do not give enough to support those already in the field? In order for success, we must regard the word, Luke x, 7: “The laborer is worthy of his hire.” I would be happy to join with those that love God and the souls of men in the request of Brn. White and Bourdeau, for missionary labor. In addition to my s. B., I pledge $100 to the General Conference for this object. It is but a little while longer that we can help in the precious cause of truth.
Yours in hope.
DANIEL H. GOULD.
N. H., Feb. 26, 1868. From Bro. Jones.
By E. O. Jones
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: The prophet says, “They that feared the Lord spake often one to another,” and we are to exhort one another so much the more as we see the day approaching; and as the Review is made a medium through which we may speak to each other, I avail myself of the opportunity of testifying to the truths which the Review so faithfully advocates. I love them, and I love that people who rally around the Advent banner. The sermons in the Review are all the preaching I have. But yet it raises the standard of holiness so high that it seems that so vile and sinful a creature as I am never can attain to it. But I am resolved to try. Poor, weak nature is ready to sink, but a loving Saviour says, My grace is sufficient for thee. Oh! these precious promises are like a helping hand reaching out to lift us over and above the troubles of life. Let us never despair while Jesus is on the giving hand. May we all so live that when Jesus comes we may hear him say, Come ye blessed; inherit the kingdom prepared for you. Amen. TO A BROTHER AT MONROE, WIS.
By James White
DEAR BROTHER: Yours of Feb. 23 I have, and think proper to reply through the Review. Probably there has not been an important movement or reform for the benefit of fallen man, which would, if properly conducted, result in his own spiritual advancement, that has been free from extremes. There are always many who move too slowly, and that testimony necessary to urge them to duty, is always sure to be taken advantage of by some who have more zeal than caution. While Satan tempts the many to be too slow, he always tempts these to be too fast. Mrs. W.'s labors are made very hard, and, sometimes perplexing, by reason of the course of extremists, who think the only safe position is to take the extreme view of every expression she has written or spoken upon points where different views may be taken. These persons will often hang upon their interpretation of an expression, and push matters at all hazards, and utterly disregard what she has said of the danger of extremes. We suggest that these loosen their hold of some of her strong expressions designed to move the tardy, and for awhile suspend their whole weight upon some of the many cautions she has given for the benefit of extremists. In doing this, they will be more safe themselves, and will get out of her way, that she may speak freely to those who need urging to duty. Now they stand between her and the people, and paralyze her testimony, and are the cause of divisions. Satan uses two classes to keep the body of the people behind their duty. First, those who are too fast, and second, the rebellious. The latter are usually either those who have been reproved for their haste, or those who have been turned aside by these hasty persons. Let those get out of the way, and let the body be moved forward unitedly, by the testimony of the Lord. Having made these general remarks, we will now notice some of the particulars of your letter. 1. In the case of ——, deceased, Mrs. W. did state that had she been present, she should have given food, and a little grape wine diluted with water. That at a previous sickness, when she appeared to be near her end, she gave her wine to stimulate, and a trifle of food, and she recovered. Mrs. W. did not charge the friends and attendants with fanaticism, but did suggest that her case might not have been understood by them as well as by herself, as she had been with her several times when very sick. She did not say that she need not have died. 2. Mrs. W. had nothing to say about “alcoholic stimulants,” and is at a loss to know what you mean by referring to what she has written about drugs. Certainly you would not class the purest juice of the grape with drugs, such as are used in the common practice of physicians. The apostle Paul, we presume, would not recommend drugs. Neither would he advise the use of alcoholic stimulants, in their varied forms, to well persons for common use, such as rum, brandy and gin. And more, he has not recommended even wine in its purest form to well persons. But notice how cautiously he speaks to Timothy touching his health: “Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake, and thine often infirmities.” a. Timothy might use wine. Pure wine was better for him than water. b. He is cautiously told to use a little wine. Much might be worse than none. c. Timothy had a bad stomach, which needed to be gently stimulated to action by a little wine. d. By the expression, “often infirmities,” we conclude that his illness was not periodical, but occasional. Not every morning, requiring an early glass of wine, but in his labors in the ministry, ever on the move, and ever changing, he had occasional ill turns, and on those occasions, needed a little wine. During the past year, Mrs. W. has, at three or four times, had feelings of great debility and faintness in the morning. One was at Eld. Sanborn's, at the time of the Convocation Assembly at Johnstown, Wis. To prevent distressing fainting at these times, she, immediately after rising, has taken an egg in a little pure, domestic, grape wine, perhaps a spoonful at a time, and never thought that this had to do with drugs, as she uses the term in her writings, more than with the man in the moon. During the past year, she may have used one pint of wine. It is only in extreme cases that the use of wine is justifiable, and then let it be a “little wine,” to gently stimulate those in a sinking condition. 2. What Mrs. W. has said in regard to two meals a day for adults, and the proper manner of feeding children, she should be understood as suggesting general rules. To these there may be a hundred and one exceptions, especially in the care of children. She believes and teaches that it is the duty of all to adopt the two meals, excepting infants and some very aged persons. In the first, it is too early to establish the habit of two meals. In the last, it is too late to make so important a change, unless for conscience' sake they can do so without suffering. There are certain general rules which may govern in the treatment of all infants; but in some particulars there may be as many variations as there are different constitutions of the parents, different circumstances and conditions. And he who would urge in the cases of all infants a general rule for taking of nourishment three times a day, is certainly more fit for an insane asylum than to be about talking the health reform. She teaches that at as early a period as possible, the infant should take nourishment at regular periods. She opposes the common stifling practice, so generally resorted to, whenever necessary to stop their crying. 3. Mrs. W. uses no medicines, in the common use of the word, gives none, recommends none. 4. On the subject of hoops, Mrs. W. did say in Testimony No. 11, p. 14, “I protest against the perversions of my private conversations on this subject, and ask that what I have written and published be regarded as my settled position.” You say, “I have thought it to be proper to apply this rule to all other points upon which she has written, preferring to take the written testimonies as her views, instead of verbal reports of conversations.” In this you are partly right and partly wrong. And the wrong may be carried to that length as to prove a very great wrong. You are right in not receiving all verbal reports. You are also right in taking what Mrs. W. has written and published as her settled positions on general principles. Wherever she has descended to particulars, showing exceptions to general rules, please regard that as her settled position also. But when you take what she says relative to what she has said on the subject of hoops, and apply this rule to all other points upon which she has written, you are in danger of erring greatly. For, while there are exceptions to general rules on almost all points upon which Mrs. W. has written, there are none upon the subject of hoops. She teaches that stimulating drinks are wrong, yet in a few cases a little wine might be better than water. She teaches that the use of flesh meats is a great evil, yet in the cases of age and debility, she would advise to make the change slowly. And even in a very few extreme cases, especially in females, a small amount of the least objectionable flesh would be better than suffering, and injury to the offspring. She teaches that children will do best to take nourishment twice, or at most three times a day; but in the case of infants, especially if the mother has not had a nourishing diet, they may take nourishment twice as many times each day for a while. She teaches the use of water as a remedial agent for the sick, and that all may use water, more or less frequently, in quantity and temperature suited to the condition of persons, yet a bath that would meet the case of that strong man, burning up with fever, might extinguish the life of that feeble person as easily as it would the fire of a feebly burning candle dropped into the same cold water. She teaches the importance of ventilation. That pure air is necessary to life and health, yet she would not expose herself to cold air, thinly clad, so as to unnecessarily chill and take cold. She teaches that it is the duty of all Christian women to adopt the reformed dress, with the exceptions of those cases where a rigid father or husband forbids it, causing a constant war which might be a greater detriment to health than an improper style of dress; and also a failure in getting up a neat tasty style of dress. She says to all, “Don't put on the short dress till you can put it on right.” She teaches that hoops are a shame, that they are unnecessary, that they are destructive to health, and should be put away. No exceptions here, dear brother, and when you take this as a general rule on all points, you greatly err. Mrs. W. needs the help of all who can help in the cause of truth and reform. The people generally are slow to move, and hardly move at all. A few move cautiously and well, while others go too fast. The work of reform is not brought about in a single day. The people must be helped where they are. They can be helped better by one standing on the line of truth nearest them, than on the side the greatest distance from them. It is best for them to be taught on all points of truth and duty by persons of judgment and caution, and as fast as God in his providence unfolds them to his people. He who is but partly reformed himself, and teaches the people, will do some good. He who sees the duty of reform, and is full strict enough in any case, and allows of no exceptions, and drives matters, is sure to drive the reform into the ground, hurt his own soul, and injure others. Such do not help Mrs. W., but greatly burden her in her arduous work. We invite, yea, entreat, such to get out of the way, and let Mrs. W. come to the people. She works to this disadvantage, namely: she makes strong appeals to the people, which a few feel deeply, and take strong positions, and go to extremes. Then to save the cause from ruin in consequence of these extremes, she is obliged to come out with reproofs for extremists in a public manner. This is better than to have things go to pieces; but the influence of both the extremes and the reproofs are terrible on the cause, and brings upon Mrs. W. a three-fold burden. Here is the difficulty: What she may say to urge the tardy, is taken by the prompt to urge them over the mark. And what she may say to caution the prompt, zealous, incautious ones, is taken by the tardy as an excuse to remain too far behind. We say to those who wish to help Mrs. W. in her work, you will not find her far ahead of the people, with a few extremists. No, she is back with the people, tugging away at the wheel of reform, and has to lift all the harder because of your extreme advance. Come back, good, whole-hearted souls, and stand by her side, and lift where she lifts. What can you do there at such a distance from the people? Come back. You must meet the people where they are. By this, dear brother, we do not mean that any are to come back to the wrong habits of the people. No, indeed. Their habits should be right. In this respect we say to them, Go on. But those who have run ahead of the work should come back from their heated zeal, and want of Christian patience, and labor for their brethren in the cause of reform as they can bear it. In this way they can help Mrs. W., who is tugging along with a double burden of the work. There may be those, whom others cannot reach, that she can, if rashness on the part of others does not place them out of her reach. If one cannot mend a vase, he need not break it into fragments. It is possible that another can mend it. We protest against the plan practically taught by some, “Cure or Kill,” and give a dose accordingly. Some sores need help in their cure, others will work their own cure best. It takes time to reform a poor, sinful, intemperate, blind, stubborn piece of humanity. It is a large job. And those who come a good way short of the faith of Abraham, and the patience of Job, had better lay out a little more time and toil on their own case, before going to work for others. He who deals with mind, engages in the nicest piece of business ever undertaken by mortal man. And the greater the reform, and the closer the work, the more difficult and responsible it is. Some persons can be converted in a day, others in a week, and still others in a month, while it takes from221 one to two years to convert and thoroughly reform some. Those who have a work laid upon them for others, will patiently set before the people plain principles, and clear facts, and then leave them to answer for the use they make of them. Those called to teach, are responsible for what they teach, and how they live their own teachings. And it should be a matter of great relief to them, that they are not responsible for the manner the people dispose of their teachings, providing they do their duty, both by precept, and example. Let him who teaches make haste to do his duty, then patiently wait the result. Don't drive. “My sheep hear my voice, and they follow me.” God has called some to teach the truth, and has called all to live it, teachers, and all. Some leave off living out the sweet principles of the truth, and go to battling for it. Now if they cannot do both, they had better live out the truth, and leave the teaching of it to those who can both patiently live and preach the truth. In fact, those not especially called of God, and qualified for the work, will be safest for themselves and others in the position of learners. Satan stands ready to tempt unconsecrated persons, and prejudice them against the truth. And those who practice it, and especially those who teach it should be exceeding careful not to give Satan good grounds to tempt people concerning their course. The day of the Lord is the great event before us. The keeping of the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus is the great duty of God's people. And that they may do this acceptably, they must reform in life, and cleanse themselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Those who drop all other points, and run their own testimony all on the health, and dress reform, will disgust the people, and before they are aware of it, they will introduce a spirit of discussion, and contention into their meetings. The health reform has not taken the place in any respect whatever, of the third angel's message. It is a work designed to follow in its wake. Yet it is a fact that from the course of some, people might labor under similar difficulties of that of the colored boy at Johnstown Convocation, who differed with Mrs. W., and was filled with prejudice against her, because he could not see that the Health Institute was the third angel's message. Mrs. W. explained the matter, patiently, and the poor boy appeared quite satisfied. Let the work go on, saith my soul, in all its branches. Not a piece at a time, lest it go all to pieces; but let it move on as a complete whole. Not fluttering and trembling in the wind, but like an old seventy-four gun ship, let all the friends of truth and reform get on board and work together. Yet let all the friends of Jesus, his coming, and the future glory of the kingdom, patiently, cheerfully, joyfully unite and stand together in the work of preparation. Dear brother, your letter suggested a few thoughts, and as I have written, others have come. I would not give the impression that all I have said is directed to you alone. My acquaintance with you has amounted to a little more than meeting you in a crowded meeting a few times. I have been favorably impressed with your zeal for the truth, and hope it will be balanced with due caution, patience and tenderness toward the erring. What I have stated in these remarks to you, have been for the benefit of the readers of the Review. If anything I have said meets your case, and that of brethren in Monroe, I am glad, and hope it will accomplish good. I wish you prosperity, and hope to hear from you and others of your church soon. A servant of the church, JAMES WHITE.