By request of Bro. Hull I call the attention of the readers of the Review to a report of the meeting in this city. We began our meeting on the 10th of May, according to appointment. A large and respectable congregation gave attention to a lecture on Daniel's prophecies. The succeeding evening the congregation increased to about four hundred. They paid good attention and were deeply interested. We sowed much precious seed, and many good and honest souls opened their hearts to receive the truth. But as soon as the Lord works the Devil seeks opportunity to overthrow all the good he does. How easy and natural it is for him to try to steal the word away from the good and honest heart, lest it should produce faith unto the salvation of him into whose heart it has fallen. This we experienced to be true.
When our meeting had progressed to the second week, when everybody who attended was favorably impressed with the truth, and very deeply interested, lo! our ears were saluted with the news that the great defender of Campbellism was on the ground ready for fight, and prepared to demonstrate that modern Adventism was not of the Bible. Bills were soon posted up around the square, announcing to the public that Eld. P. T. Russell, the above champion, would prove that the doctrine we preach is anti-Bible. This raised an anxiety with many for a discussion, and duty called upon us to make a defense against his assaults. Bro. Hull then entered into debate with him, and for two days, or about that time, the kingdom issue was considered.
Mr. R. tried to prove that the kingdom of God spoken of in Dan. ii, and vii, was set up on the day of pentecost. I will not state how he succeeded in his proof, but will state the result of the discussion of this proposition. After the last speeches on this question were delivered, a disinterested hearer arose and moved for a decision. I then arose and also urged the necessity of having the hearers express their convictions relative to the question in dispute. The Elder arose, objected, and said, "If there is a vote taken I want my friends not to vote," and further stated that he would prefer that a decision be not taken till the last question was discussed. Here this matter was dropped.
The next proposition was debated, Eld. R. affirming that the law recorded in Ex. xx, sometimes called the decalogue, is now repealed or done away.
At the close of this a Disciple minister called for a decision. I also urged the necessity, pleading that the Elder had been sent by his brethren at Knoxville to destroy our positions, and that if he had succeeded it would be well for us to ascertain, that we might communicate his great success to his nomophobian brethren, that they might thereupon take courage to keep him after us; and further, that if he had failed it was equally important that they be informed, that they may then be served by him somewhere else, mind their own business and let us alone. But all my pleas were unavailing. The Elder again remonstrated, even more urgently than before, declared he was opposed to having a decision, and told his friends not to vote. I then called upon all who thought God's law had remained unhurt to arise to their feet. This was opposed; but in the midst of the opposition about a hundred arose. I am certain from the general expression which I heard that there were about eight for the law of God to one against it.
The Elder went away, concluding that it would be easier for him to give us a genteel letting alone than to prove the destruction of God's holy law.
After the discussion we resumed our lectures, and the first interest of our meeting continued to its close. We organized, yesterday, with about forty-eight members, twenty-seven of whom were baptized. We adopted the Bible as the only rule of our faith and practice, and for a church name we take a name sufficiently good for all: "The church of the living God."
Great and strong is the opposition here; but more is he who is for us than all they who are against us. In spite of all that Mr. R. could do against us, the best members of his church saw their errors and renounced them and embraced the truth. He may think that the law is abolished, but he never can make his honest brethren see it.
Bro. Bartlet, one of his preaching brethren, is now with us. He thinks that the Elder made a very successful failure. To the Lord be all the praise and glory for carrying on his work over the head of the strongest opposition.
We leave here for Vernon, where we shall commence our next meeting on the 28th inst. Brethren, pray for us that God may ever follow the ark, and vindicate his truth to the joyful salvation of many.
B. F. SNOOK.
DWELLING ON DARKNESS.
By J. CLARKE.
SUPPOSE that Bro. A. is becoming glued down to the world, and is fast losing the savor of the truth; suppose B. is running after the gewgaws of the world, and C. is stupid and dead; you need not be constantly dwelling upon the matter. True, it is sad to think of; and it should fill our hearts with grief; but our duty is plain: to go lovingly and tenderly to them, and unburden our mind to them, in brotherly-kindness and affection, and with prayer and patience wait to see the effect. Then when duty is performed, it is useless to torment our own hearts about the matter.
Dismiss the subject now upon the mind.53Look up to God for light; with faith look up to him; look away from the thick darkness of earth. You cannot carry your brother to the celestial city. Having done your duty in exhorting and warning him, cast now your burden on the Lord. Do not constrain the brother. If he will not be won willingly, sweetly by the power of the truth, God does not want him in the ranks; he would only be a dead weight to the church. The church is not edified by constrained fellowship; God is not pleased by it, nor is he honored by the service of those who are half-hearted.
Do not dwell upon the darkness. Do not talk about these troubles, nor think of them much. Dispose of them in a sweet, brotherly, scriptural way; then drop them; and if the brother does not heed the warning, leave him with God; you have no time to dally with him; you cannot enter the celestial gates with a putrid corpse upon your shoulders. It may be all you can do to save yourself; do not take any responsibility which God does not require at your hands.
Time is precious. Dwell upon those things which tend to elevate the mind. Nourish that inner life of the soul. Meditate upon the reward of the righteous in heaven, the glorious tree of life, the river of life, the New Jerusalem, the gates of pearl, the walls of jasper, the streets of gold, the harps, the crowns of gold. Think of the beauteous, princely mansions of the eternal, the celestial city, and of its inhabitants, all holy, all disinterested, self-sacrificing, humble and obedient. Think of God, the source of all good, and of his Son Jesus Christ. Think of the glorious system of truths, which are like leaven, to purify and fit the sons of earth for that refined, and intelligent, and holy society of angels. Think much upon those mighty truths which are soon to test all, as they appear in their order in the judgment, as our Advocate closes up the work of the Sanctuary.
Dear brother, let us be assured that when we fully realize what a mighty work we have before us, in heeding the counsel of the true Witness, when we fully realize the inward corruptions of our own hearts, we shall feel that we have sufficient of labor before us to do, without carrying false or needless burdens. No, let us cast our burdens upon the Lord.
But there is darkness within. Our own sins, and weaknesses, and besetments, are enough to fill our minds with dismay, if we dwell upon them. If we do this, it will bring only discouragement and grief. Let us look away from unworthy self, to worthy Jesus, keep our eyes fixed upon him; he is worthy. This is our only hope. Only believe, trust, confide in him; this is the way to get strength to perform his will; for while we dwell upon darkness, his light is withdrawn.
But we have wants. Many of us are poor, and the anxious cares of life engross the attention; and the mind dwells upon this subject too intensely, too constantly. This too is darkness. Look away from this, too. Trust in the Lord and do good. Be diligent in business while fervent in spirit. Make all subservient to, and consistent with, the truths we profess. But do not dwell upon the darkness: it will sink the soul. It degrades and weakens the mental and moral powers, and fits the mind for Satan, and the world, and the flesh, to take the reins and lead the soul downward to perdition.
J. CLARKE.
TENT MEETING IN ST. CHARLES, MINN.
By Wm. S. Ingraham
BRO. SMITH: Our tent-meeting in St. Charles is closed. Our labors commenced under very discouraging circumstances, some of which I will mention. The wall of the tent was lost on board the steamer Northern Belle, and we have been under the necessity of holding our meetings without it. We shall probably receive it soon or the pay for it.
The second discouragement in the way was the condition of the cause we profess to love. Within a circle of ten miles from St. Charles there have been over thirty Sabbath-keepers. Eighteen in one neighborhood have fallen into the Future-Age doctrine and have all given up the Sabbath, have no religious meetings, and are in perfect confusion among themselves. Those that had not given up the truth, were, to say the least a perfect wreck. They had no meetings, but were almost discouraged.
Under these circumstances we commenced our labors. We did not look for many new ones to embrace the truth. At our first meeting on Sunday our no-Sabbath friends were on hand, ready for their stump speeches; but it was overruled. Our meeting was one of labor, but the Lord was with us. The result of our meeting has been good. It has been the means of bringing together and permanently establishing fourteen in the truth. They now have their stated meetings. Four new ones expressed their determination to keep all God's commandments. Others are on the point of turning. The Lord help them to obey.
I have not spoken of the no-Sabbath people to harm them in the least. I pity them; and I would here warn all to be careful how they follow in their wake.
We go from this place to High Forest. I have had all the preaching to do thus far, which is quite too much for one. I would be very glad if some of our preaching brethren could come and help me in the tent. A tent ought to be well manned; but if I must labor alone I will do the best I can.
The brethren in Minnesota are doing well in defraying the expenses of the tent enterprise.
WM. S. INGRAHAM.
St. Charles, Minn., June, 1860.
BENEVOLENCE.
By S. B. Whipple
The great plan of salvation had its foundation in infinite love, and disinterested benevolence. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John iii, 16. Nor was the unspeakable gift, our Lord Jesus Christ, a passive instrument in carrying out this great plan. “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.” 2 Cor. viii, 9. “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus; who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Phil. ii, 5–8.
What benevolence was this! In his life upon the earth this principle was manifested in all his acts. No alloy of selfishness was mingled with the purity of his benevolence. “He went about doing good.” “He is our example, that we should walk in his steps.”
And we are not left to walk in our own strength. The religion of Christ purifies the heart, changes the current of the affections, and ennobles the entire moral being. It is a glorious characteristic of the economy of grace, that when we by faith receive him as our Saviour, our guide, and our pattern, he imparts a measure of his nature and Spirit to us, so that those duties which, in a state of nature, would be a burden, become a delight. We are not left to do the duties which the gospel enjoins, merely through the exercise of our own will, but the Spirit of Jesus sweetly constrains us; and if our hearts are in that state of perfect submission which the word of God requires, it will be as our meat and drink to do the will of our Father in heaven.
It is vain for us to flatter ourselves that we are the followers of Christ, while we are actuated only by selfish principles. For what is it to be a Christian? To possess the Spirit of Christ, and to imitate his example. “Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” Rom. viii, 9. If this principle dwells in our hearts, it will be all-pervading, affecting our feelings, our manners, and our acts. It will be manifested in all the circumstances and relations of life, leading us to respect the rights and feelings of others, even in the most humble circumstances. It will lead us to put the most charitable construction on the acts of others which facts will allow, and will lead us to seek for virtues and redeeming qualities, rather than for faults and failings in our fellow-creatures. It will lead us to feel our individual responsibility to do all the good we can to others, to their bodies as well as to their souls.
Sometimes the only avenue to the soul, to influence for good, is through attention to temporal necessities and comforts. With this principle in active exercise, we shall not find it hard to obey the apostolic injunction, “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” Phil. ii, 4. We shall find it very easy to “use hospitality one to another without grudging” [1 Pet. iv, 9], and the most natural thing imaginable to “be pitiful,” and to “be courteous.” 1 Pet. iii, 8. And all other requirements of similar import will be easily and naturally obeyed, when our hearts are brought into this unselfish state.
There are two general rules laid down in the New Testament to guide our conduct in reference to the duty of benevolence. Do we wish to know what and where we shall do good? We can find an answer in Gal. vi, 10. “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” But how shall we do good, when we have opportunity, in what manner, spirit and measure? “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them; for this is the law and the prophets.” Matt. vii, 12. Have we ever considered that the Golden Rule strikes directly at the root of all selfishness? The Saviour of mankind understood human nature. He knew that every individual lived as it were in a little world of his own, and that everything pertaining to his own interests was inexpressibly dear to him. He gave us a rule, therefore, which he knew we could readily comprehend. In every case which requires our consideration we have only to look within our own hearts, and ascertain what we should feel and desire under similar circumstances, to understand our duty.
These requirements are binding upon us if we would be Christians; and if obeyed in the right spirit will make us unselfish, and thus bring us into sympathy with Christ. Sin has entered our world, the curse rests upon it, and a countless train of sorrows and evils has followed in consequence. If Christ came into this world to seek and to save that which was lost, to illustrate in his life the principle of benevolence, by doing good to the bodies and souls of men, and finally died an ignominious death, that a way of escape might be opened for us from sin and its awful consequences, should not his followers do what they can to alleviate human misery, and to lead perishing sinners to Christ.
The true followers of Christ exemplify in their lives the principles of the gospel to an unbelieving world. Hence the words of Christ, Ye are the light of the world. Those who have been governed by the blessed principles of the gospel, have always been lights, no matter how dense the moral darkness around them. It is perhaps worthy of remark, that the world judge of our piety, more from our works than from any religious tenets that we may hold. In these days of much religion, but too little Christianity, some public manifestations of adherence to creed and denomination are expected, and these amount to but little with the intelligent unbeliever. But the professed Christian who is scrupulously honest in business, habitually courteous and kind, benevolent without ostentation, in everything by his works giving evidence that the Golden Rule is the rule of his life, will possess Christian influence; and whenever he speaks upon religious subjects, his testimony will have weight. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matt. v, 16.
True benevolence is opposed to bigotry and intolerance, and cannot be confined within sectarian limits. Our duty may call us to move in certain directions, and expend our energies upon certain objects, but our sympathies will not be restricted to them. The nearer we approach to our Lord's great heart of love, the more expansive will our benevolence become; it will know no sectarian or geographical boundaries.
In that remarkable expression of our Lord's, recorded in Luke vi, 38, there seems to be involved the idea of reciprocation or recompense. “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, shall men give unto your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal, it shall be measured to you again.” This idea is in harmony with the constitution of the human mind, and shows that our Saviour's commands are consistent and reasonable, and in accordance with the nature of things. The manifestation of this principle recommends itself to the gratitude and admiration of men.
The feeling of gratitude is more readily brought into exercise in the mind of man, than many suppose. It is often remarked that this is a cold, selfish, and ungrateful world. This is too true; but if the principles of the gospel were lived out by those who profess to be governed by them, we should see less cause for complaint on this ground. The recipients of bounty may not always be able to repay, but who ever knew the truly benevolent to lack friends? They sometimes find them, too, among those who are not governed by the same principles, but who have appreciation enough to respect and admire them in others. The influence of benevolent example is powerful. How much has been accomplished by it, eternity alone will reveal.
How much was accomplished by John Howard and Elizabeth Fry, not only through their immediate labors, but also through their example before the world! It seems hardly possible that one could read the history of their lives and labors, without admiration of the principles which led them to such heroic acts of self-sacrifice in their efforts to save their unfortunate and degraded fellow-beings from a life of sin and misery, and from eternal death, and without being stimulated to do all the good they can in the world.
It falls to the lot of comparatively few to be able to do great acts of benevolence, but if we do what we can in our sphere, be it ever so humble, we shall be accepted, and have our reward with those who through more favorable circumstances were able to do much more. It is a comforting thought that God knows the heart; and while the benevolent are often pained that they can do no more, God understands it all.
In showing mercy to others, whether in the bestowment of means, or in rendering service in other ways, much depends upon the manner in which it is done, so far as the feelings of the receiver are concerned. To many of those who by misfortune are brought into circumstances where they are under the necessity of receiving favors from others, it would be far more blessed to give than to receive. Benevolent, sensitive, and independent in their natures, it causes a feeling of pain to receive, without the power of rendering an equivalent. If then these favors are bestowed as if grudgingly, how much is added to that sensation of pain! But if bestowed cheerfully, as if it were a privilege, a delight, with that true delicacy which shows them that their feelings are appreciated, how different the feeling, and how grateful to the suffering heart! The remembrance of such kindness clings to the54heart while life and memory last.
Let us then so far overcome the selfishness of our natures that opportunities of doing good, and of showing mercy, may be received by us with feelings of gratitude, and out-gushing benevolence, which not only bless doubly the receiver, but are happifying to our own hearts. Such benevolence brings with it its own reward. An enlargement of soul, a pure and elevated happiness, which the sordid and selfish know nothing of.
But God, as if to place a double blessing upon those who strive to live out these principles, has left in his word many precious promises, and words of encouragement to them—promises which not only have reference to the life that now is, but that which is to come. We see in the light of this subject, that it is not only our duty, but our privilege, to cultivate in our hearts this blessed principle, and manifest it in our lives. As Christians, we should ever bear in mind the words of the apostle, “We are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.” 1 Cor. vi, 20. We are left in the world after we are converted to God, to do good, to be missionaries for him. His cause in the world is carried forward through human agencies. His servants are appointed to preach the word, and those whom he has made stewards over his substance, are to sustain and co-operate with them in their work, with their property and influence, according to their ability. If we truly love God our interests are identified with the interests of his cause in the world. He has no idlers in his vineyard; all have their work assigned them; and happy will it be for each one of us if at the close of our life we shall be able to say as did our divine Master, “I have glorified thee on the earth; I have finished the work thou gavest me to do.” John xvii, 9.
Do we realize our individual responsibility? And do we believe that the night cometh speedily, wherein no man can work? How important then to us is the injunction of our Saviour. “Work while the day lasts!” We must soon give an account of our stewardship. May God help us to be diligent in every good work, doing with our might what our hands find to do, that in the grand review to which all our acts will soon be subjected, it may be said unto each of us, “Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of thy Lord.”
S. B. WHIPPLE.
Perry's Mills, N. Y.
THE CHRISTIAN'S OBLIGATION TO IMITATE CHRIST'S WALK.
By C. A. O.
“He that saith he abideth in him, ought himself also so to walk even as he walked.” 1 John ii, 6. The term “to walk” in the sense of this text, refers to the conduct of the individual. “He that saith he abideth” in Christ, means he who professes to be a disciple of Christ. The sentiment, then, of this passage is, that every professed disciple of Christ is bound to imitate him in all his imitable examples. We should do this “lest the light that is in us become darkness.” We must do this in order to be the true representatives of the Saviour. We must do this to prevent men from mistaking the road to death, for the road to heaven.
Let us then for a little while contemplate the manner of Christ’s walk while dwelling among men. First, with reference to the treatment of his enemies. “When he was reviled he reviled not again; when he suffered he threatened not, but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously.” “He was led as a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb dumb before his shearers, so he opened not his mouth.” When dying he cried out in behalf of his murderers, “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Here then is an example for every disciple to imitate. Are we opposed, persecuted, slandered, insulted? So was Jesus, and much more than this. Yet he endured all his sufferings and insults with meekness and patience. And he has said, “Love your enemies; do good to them that hate you, and pray for them that despitefully use you and persecute you.” Jesus gave the highest proof of love to us, in that “while we were enemies he died for us.” Reader, it is highly important, if you would receive the forgiveness of your sins, if you would gain a fitness for the kingdom of heaven, that you get all hatred of your fellow men out of your hearts, that you cherish no hard spirit towards those you think have injured you, or those who have really injured you.
Second, his meekness and resignation amid all his trials and sorrows. Though trials beset him on every hand, he exhibited at all times a spirit of perfect meekness. Though poverty was his lot, he complained not. Though his flesh shrunk back in view of the cup he must drink, though he agonized in prayer and said, “O my Father, if it be possible let this cup pass from me,” nevertheless, he added, “not my will, but thine be done.” Thus should the disciples of Christ, amidst the poverty, trials and distress of this life, endure with meekness, patience and resignation, these sorrows, looking to Jesus who endured the cross and despised the shame; and more especially those trials that come upon them for Christ’s sake.
Third, his resistance of temptation. Satan strove to draw him from the path of rectitude, but he resisted and overcame the great enemy. “Christ was tempted in all points like as we are yet without sin.” And as “he suffered, being tempted,” “he is able to succor them that are tempted.” Satan is still going about to seduce the people of God from the right way, in a thousand places, presenting baits of honor, wealth, ease, pleasure, &c., but by the grace of God we must contend against him, relying on the word of truth and never yield to any of his unholy influences. “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation, for when he is tried he shall receive the crown of life which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”
Fourth, Jesus wept over sinners. At one time as he came near the devoted city of Jerusalem, he wept over it and said, “If thou hadst known, even thou, in this thy day, the things which belong to thy peace, but now they are hid from thine eyes.” “He wept that we might weep.”55How unbecoming, how unlike the Saviour, to spend our time in vain, mirth and folly, while sin continues to curse the earth! while oppression in various forms continues! while man’s inhumanity to man, makes millions mourn! while profanity, Sabbath-breaking, and every form of intemperance still exists in our guilty land! while piety languishes, and the judgments of God hang over our own guilty nation! How becoming that we weep before the Lord in view of the condition and prospects of a guilty world!
Fifth, his condescension and humble spirit. “Though he was rich, yet for our sakes he became poor, that we through his poverty might become rich.” “The glory he had with the Father before the world was,” he laid aside. “He made himself of no reputation, and humbled himself to death, even the death of the cross.” He was born in a stable, and cradled in a manger. In other years he was a homeless wanderer. He associated much with the poor, and with publicans and sinners. To the poor especially he preached his own gospel. He said truly, “I am meek and lowly in heart.” Here Christian reader, is an example for you and me to imitate, to be lowly in heart as Jesus was, to seek the moral elevation of the poor and the vicious, rather than our own elevation in the esteem of those called great on earth. Then shall we be content to occupy the humble sphere God has designed for us. Then shall we be willing to spend all our time, our influence, our possessions and talents in the service of God and humanity. Then we shall not desire to imitate our proud and fashionable neighbors in buying splendid carriages, building costly houses, or in putting on ornaments or costly clothing, or in procuring superfluities of any kind. We shall then have “the mind which was in Jesus.” We shall feel that we are stewards only of these earthly goods, which we are commanded to occupy upon till the Lord shall come. Yea, we shall feel when we have done all that is commanded us, that we are unprofitable servants, that we have done no more than our duty.
Sixth, his prayerfulness. “The midnight air witnessed the fervor of his prayer.” “He poured out his supplications unto him that was able to save, with strong crying and tears.” What a rebuke to those professors who have no retired place for secret prayer, and but few and faint desires for help from God!
Seventh, his self-denying benevolence. While here on earth he “went about doing good,” healing diseases, removing suffering, comforting the afflicted, preaching truth; and this in the midst of derision and poverty; and finally, he endured the cross and suffered death for man’s salvation. His benevolence was of the self-sacrificing kind. We are commanded to follow him. How then can we be satisfied to live in this world of ignorance, sin and suffering, where so much is to be done to save the lost, to make the accumulation of wealth, the gratification of pride and vanity, the indulgence of appetite, any or all combined, the object of life, and thus seek our own things and not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.
Eighth, Jesus was emphatically “not of this world.” He said of his disciples, “They are not of this world even as I am not of this world.” So should we be. We should seek those things which are above. We should not listen to the vain world’s captivating sights and sounds. We should do nothing through strife or vain glory. We should gratify no vain curiosity, but avoid all associations that would have a tendency to turn our thoughts away from duty, and communion with God. May we follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth, and finally reign with him.
C. A. O.
Call for a Tent-Meeting in Missouri.
Bro. L. Morrison writes from Victoria, Daviess Co., Mo.: ‐I take courage when I read of some whose condition is like my own, and who have dared to breast the storm of opposition and persecution. It has been my lot the greater part of my religious life to stand, as it were, in front of the battle. I could point to years gone by, when the doctrine was first taught that the kingdom of God was future, also the unconscious state of the dead, and that the wages of sin is death, when I was charged for believing these things, with heresy. I was called on by the Disciple or Campbellite church to surrender these views or leave that church. I chose the latter. This happened in Indiana, in the year 1852. In 1854 I emigrated to this country (Missouri, Daviess Co.). As soon as I came here I commenced preaching the doctrine above referred to. Here again I met fire and brimstone everywhere I went. Two years ago Bro. Hull came to our country and taught the same things. How this rejoiced my heart! He advanced a little farther and took up the law and Sabbath. Some time before he was through I made up my mind on the subject, and again advanced another step. In this, as in the other, I was the first in this State to embrace the Sabbath of the Lord. And now, dear friends and brethren, the little band that I have the honor to stand identified with, are desirous of having one meeting such as we never have had the privilege of attending. I mean a tent-meeting.
‐I see there is a tent provided for Western Iowa, and as it is in the hands of Brn. Hull and Snook, I therefore would say to Bro. Hull that I wrote to him on the subject in April last, but as yet have received no answer. Could Bro. H. have come to his appointment here last winter, many would have been glad. I never saw more interest taken generally than was at the prospect of his coming. The Missionary Baptists opened their house of worship and made an appointment for him at Victoria.
Now, dear brethren, take our case into consideration. There are a few here that we consider faithful and tried; and we believe the Lord has a people here, even here in Missouri, and that all that is wanting is an efficient workman to proclaim the truth, Cannot Brn. Hull and Snook come towards the close of the tent-season. If they should close their tent operations in Iowa at Decatur City, and notify us of the fact, we would meet them there and assist in bringing the tent and taking it back, and would do as much more as we are able. What say you, brethren, to our request? You may perhaps think there would be danger in bringing the tent here into a slave country. But we would say that we think there is none at all, and fully believe you would have as many warm-hearted friends here as elsewhere, and also some of the largest audiences perhaps you ever had. May the Lord prosper you in all good undertakings.‐
WE ARE PILGRIMS HERE.
By A. E. Buckland
We live as pilgrims here below,
Bound for yon world of glory;
We'll shout God's praises as we go,
And tell redemption's story.
Though trials thicken on the way,
And hearts grow sad and weary;
Soon shall we hail the blissful day
That ends our exile dreary.
If we believe his precious word,
His promises are cheering;
Look up, rejoice, trust in the Lord,
For we the port are nearing.
Dear fellow pilgrims on the way,
Gird up your loins, be sober;
Soon he will come; O, watch and pray,
Give not the battle over.
A. E. BUCKLAND.
The Blessed Hope
Sister H. Kimble writes from Pontiac, Mich.: "I begin to see the necessity of giving up the world and making ready for the soon coming of our Lord and Saviour. It is a blessed privilege to leave all for God and his cause; a rich consolation to know that we may lay up a treasure in heaven; that there is a way possible for our escape from the blight of sin and the curse, and a rest for the faithful in the kingdom of our Father. I look forward with a ray of hope to this blessed fruition. I want to participate in the visit to the Father's house. The saints will soon go. The place is almost prepared. The Lord will soon come. Those who have a form of godliness may call this heresy; but Paul calls it the blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. Praise the Lord for such a hope! the hope of seeing the Father, the blessed Jesus, the holy angels, the patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and all the martyrs who have laid down their lives for the cause of Christ; the hope of being made immortal! It is enough!
"O, I long to be there, and the thought that 'tis near,
Makes me almost impatient for Christ to appear."
BREVITIES.
By J. CLARKE.
SYMPATHY. It is said that in viewing the falls of Niagara from a rock above the falls, there is an almost irresistible tendency to throw one's self over with the rushing cataract, into the abyss below. How strange, yet how true. Have a care, then, O fellow-traveler, of this sympathy, in your intercourse with the rebellious, the erring, and the wicked. Many a poor sympathizer went down with Korah, into the yawning earth. Stand like a rock, about which billows dash and foam. Stand fixed, immovable, permanent, grounded upon the rock Christ Jesus.
MOTION OF THE EARTH. It is said that in Germany the ladies are rather ignorant of the geography of the earth. One of them in conversation asked if Christmas did not occur in the summer in the United States, as it came in the winter in Germany (if my memory is correct). This reminds one of the objections some people raise against the Sabbath, on account of the spherical form of the earth.
THE CONFERENCE. I observed to Bro. H., Our meeting was interesting; no evil influence seemed to be present. Said he, "It was not because no evil was present, but because the good Spirit prevailed." There is much truth in that. O that the good Spirit might always prevail, in our meetings, and in our whole life!
CALLING FOR AN EXPRESSION. I do not like asking people to rise. Perhaps it may do in some general movements, but ordinarily it is a damper; for many who embrace present truth are timid at first, until the truth gets hold of them and makes them bold. Do not frighten the timid, doubtful seeker, by asking more of him than he is able to bear. If it is necessary to seek out the inquiring, a general invitation might be given, to those interested, to visit the messenger, and inquire farther into the truth. This is only my own view. Perhaps it is wrong.
CONSISTENT. It is to be perfectly correct in everything. For a Christian to be consistent with his profession, is to be without guile or deceit, without stain or blemish, without shadow of evil or sin. Christ was consistent. O how glorious it would be to see a church consistent; every one consistent in all particulars. We will aim at nothing short of this.
INSURING CHARACTER. There is an idea extant in the modern churches, that a person must be defended by his brethren from the attacks of scandal, and the tongue of malice. But if I understand the genius of Christianity, when a person resigns himself to God, and consecrates his all to him, his character is included with all his interests; and he should no more be troubled about what the world say about his character (for it is no longer his), unless the allegations against him are true; and in either case, his brethren are not to proceed on the evidence of vague report; but if the evidence is clear that a Christian has wronged a man of the world, and the thing can be proved by good substantial testimony, the church is as much bound to proceed against such offending church member, as though the offence were against a brother.
CHEERFULNESS, is as much opposed to lightness, as much opposed to a jesting, careless, frivolous turn of mind, as it is to moroseness and taciturnity. A frivolous, jesting manner, shows that the heart is neglected; that the thoughts are vain and evil, and the sin is, in disobeying the precept, "Keep thy heart with all diligence." O, how many stumble here, and fall, often to rise no more. 'Tis a dangerous habit, this way of trifling, and lightly playing with words, and ideas, though it may seem innocently pleasant. There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof is the way of death. The influence and popularity the Christian may gain by such a course with the world will be like the false light of the inebriate, short-lived, and dearly-bought. Conscience inflicts her severest pangs upon the trifler and joker; or calloused she droops in hopeless stupor. The Christian soon discovers the origin, and nature, and tendency of this sin, and resists and overcomes it, or he remains a Christian no longer. The habit may be deeply rooted, and firmly fixed. No matter for this; his salvation is at stake, and heaven must be gained, even though a right hand or eye is destroyed, and heaven is even then cheap enough. Cheerfulness is no more allied to hilarity and lightness, than zeal is to emulation and strife; or than neatness is to vanity and pride; and Satan has no more stronghold upon man than this: to turn virtues into vices, by an abusive extreme.
PROV. XXV, 26. "A righteous man falling down before the wicked, is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring." Therefore let the good man keep his lips and his tongue, lest he err, for the wicked will be first to discover a flaw, and call for recantation. Then Satan smiles. J. CLARKE.