JULY 5th, we went to Johnson, and Sabbath, the 6th, held an interesting meeting at the residence of Bro. R. Loveland. Five teams of brethren and sisters from Enosburgh accompanied us to this place, having in view, not to find a larger assembly, or to enjoy a better time than if they had met with the church at home; but to encourage and strengthen the scattered few in Johnson and vicinity, by their presence and with words of good cheer. In this our object was fully met.
At the close of the afternoon meeting, four arose and expressed their desire to identify themselves more fully with God’s people, of whom were Bro. and sister Loveland’s granddaughter, and their son, the only one who remains alive of their dear children. It is expected that they will soon go forward in baptism, and unite with the church.
July 12 and 13, we met with the church at Wolcott. Sabbath I preached twice from Phil. i, 9–11, and Isa. i, 16–20. Then several cheering testimonies were given in quick succession; and at half past 5 P. M., we enjoyed an excellent season with the church in washing the saints’ feet, and in partaking of the bread and wine in memory of the suffering and death of our Lord.
Sunday, at half past ten A. M., quite a large number of the most candid and intelligent class in the community, besides the brethren and sisters, came to hear a sermon on Baptism, agreeably to the announcement which had been made the day before. I enjoyed freedom in preaching, after which we repaired to the water-side a short distance from the house of worship, where I immersed a young brother who during the meetings had been received as a member in the Wolcott church.
Thursday, the 18th, as we left the residence of Bro. Fife in Elmore, we noticed a tent at a short distance from the road which was being erected for meetings of several days to be held by Eld. Josiah Litch and son. Here we were led to think of the prominent position that Eld. L. occupied in the great Advent movement just prior to and at the close of the twenty three hundred days of Dan. viii, 14, in A. D. 1844. And while we felt to respect him and others who were pioneers in the Advent movement at that time, we also felt to desire that they might now entertain as correct views on the leading prophetic periods as they did then, and thus hold fast the profession of their faith, and be as zealously engaged in proclaiming the third angel’s message of Rev. xiv, and the truths connected with it, as they were then in proclaiming the first and second angel’s messages.
July 20 and 21, we held four meetings at the residence of Bro. E. Colby. The brethren and sisters from Irasburgh and the towns adjoining spared no pains in attending these meetings. Some remarked that there had not been so large a gathering of Sabbath-keepers in that place before for more than eight years.
These meetings were truly interesting, and profitable, and the dear saints were encouraged.
On the first-day I spoke on the subject of health. Some of the neighbors were present. A brother remarked that he did not know that one half so much could be said on health. An outsider stated candidly that he had never heard such a sermon in his life. This he said on account of the consistency of the views that were presented relative to the laws of our being.
On Wednesday, the 24th, met with the few at Sutton. We were really pleased in seeing the interest that the brethren and sisters manifested in coming to the meeting. Though a heavy shower was just upon us and the brethren had considerable hay out ready to draw into the barns; yet they cheerfully left their work to attend the meeting.
A Freewill Baptist friend who was present afterward presented my wife some means as a token of gratitude for the practical instruction that she received at this meeting.
A. C. BOURDEAU.
West Enosburgh, Vt.
REPORT FROM BRO. WHITE.
By James White
Our meeting at Greenbush, fourth-day, Aug. 21, was excellent. About eighty came out to hear in the midst of harvest. A worthy man, a Baptist, who heard me on the subject of temperance about fifteen days before, had thrown away his tobacco. This is the way. Cleanse the vessel, then receive into it pure truth.
Dr. E., who once kept the Sabbath in Illinois, was present. He had given up the Sabbath, and in despair had gone back to habits of intemperance. He was again aroused by hearing lectures in this place by Bro. Strong; was tender, often would weep; but was in despair. My position on the unpardonable sin helped him. He said to us as we held fast each other's hands at that meeting, “I am helped. I will make another effort to obey the truth.” He also attended the meeting at Ithaca, and gave a good testimony.
As our appointment for Ithaca did not appear in the Review, probably because it was received too late, if at all, we feared a failure of a general attendance, therefore hastened to Greenbush from Orange on the next day after that laborious meeting, to have Bro. Strong immediately go to the several places in Gratiot Co., to spread the appointment. But when we reached Greenbush we learned that Bro. O. Sevy had gone. And when he returned, he reported that in each place where he went, he found that the appointment had gone ahead of him by letter from some earnest friend of the cause in other places. In short, the brethren seemed all awake.
Fifth-day, we passed over a rough road to Ithaca, twenty miles, and were very tired. We were welcomed by sister Jeffrey, a mother in Israel, and found rest. Sixth-day, we spent in writing letters, Mrs. W. writing for Testimony No. 12, which will probably be ready to take West with us.
Sabbath morning we were surprised to find ourselves in the large, neat house of prayer, built by our people, the only one of any kind in the county, and filled with an intelligent class of commandment-keepers, waiting for the word of the Lord. Bro. Strong and Amadon were with us, but looked to us to fill the time. And now came the trial to select subjects and condense so as not to overwork. This is difficult in places where we have not labored. In the morning I spoke on temperance, &c., and in the afternoon, nearly one hour on the same, pointing out the way of holiness. Mrs. W. spoke more than an hour.
First-day morning at nine, the brethren assembled for prayer and conference meeting. At half-past ten, I spoke on the great Advent movement. In the afternoon Mrs. W. spoke an hour, and I occupied more than an hour upon the law and gospel. The interest was excellent.
This meeting was timely and will do good. In Brn. Squires and Nelson, the brethren in that county have two noble leaders. They are elders of the two largest churches. One was a minister, the other a judge, before they embraced the message. Some have climbed too high. They lack humility. What is more disgusting to reason, modesty, and common sense, than to see a brother get up, when thirty want to each say a few words in fifteen minutes, and occupy half this time in a sort of harangue, exhorting others, when a few words of experience from all these are wanted? They crowd fifteen worthy ones out, sink the meeting, and the worst of all is, they do not know the wrong they have committed. To such we would say, as our Lord did to one of old, Zaccheus, come down.
Many said to us on parting, When are you coming again? Great interest is taken in Mrs. W.'s testimony. We find ourselves in the midst of a wide field of usefulness. In the winter it is but eight hours' ride from our place to Ithaca. We came through, however, in a little more than one day. I spoke about three hours first-day, and rode twenty miles after five o'clock, and the next day at five, just twenty-four hours, reached home, seventy miles. Last night, slept sweetly, and this morning, third-day, have written this brief report and seven brief letters. The clock in Bro. Merrill's shop where I am writing, this moment strikes twelve, and I must close and return home.
JAMES WHITE.
Greenville, Aug. 28, 1867.
REPORT FROM BRO. COTTRELL.
By R. F. Cottrell
Since my last report I have been laboring under the disadvantageous circumstances of the hurrying season of haying and harvesting, with its long, laborious days, excessively warm weather and short evenings; in consequence of which it has been difficult to get the ears of the people. Still, something I trust has been accomplished in the spread of the knowledge of the truth. In Tuscola (near St. Addison, Steuben Co.), four or five have embraced the Sabbath, not previously reported, and there is reason to hope that the work will yet progress, and a company be raised up to help Bro. and sister Marsh in holding up the light in the place.
After trying at Wood’s Corners, in the same town, and failing to obtain a hearing from the religious part of the community, I went and labored for two weeks in Woodhull, an adjoining town, where there are quite a number that have embraced the Advent faith in the course of a little more than a year past, but knew nothing of the third message, only to have their minds prejudiced against it. Still, under every discouragement, a hearing was gained from a few, and an interest was awakened that I hope will not be lost. But their leading men had no disposition to hear, but came out in public opposition, taking ground that was new to most of the friends there, that the ten commandments had been abolished. The minds of some who had been convicted of duty became embittered; and “having no more a place in these parts,” I departed. But I mean to see them again, if the Lord will.
R. F. COTTRELL.
THE TENT AT ATHENS, ME.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
This has been a good week for us in the tent. The interest has increased to the end. The rain has hindered us some, but notwithstanding, the interest and attendance has been good. Sabbath-day, our brethren and sisters from the surrounding churches assembled here for Monthly Meeting. We enjoyed several sweet and interesting seasons of worship together. All was harmony, love, and union. On Sunday, there was a very large attendance, being some seven or eight hundred. A hundred and seventy teams were counted. Many came on foot for several miles. This is back in the country, away from any city or village; hence it will be seen that this was a very large congregation for such a place. Many teams came from ten to fifteen miles. The interest is spreading all through this section of the country for miles around. The people are not only interested but are deeply stirred about these things. They are investigating to see if these things are so. Several are convinced that we have the truth, especially in regard to the Sabbath. Some have already decided to keep it. At the close of the meeting on Sunday afternoon, Eld. Bemis, a first-day Advent preacher, arose and told us his experience on this question. Said that he had investigated until he was thoroughly satisfied that the seventh day was the Sabbath. He said that he should keep it from this time, henceforth and forever, and that he was not afraid to let the world know where he stood with regard to it. We regard Bro. Bemis as an excellent man, and hope that God will make him useful in this cause.
How long we shall remain here, we do not know, but we confidently expect to see a good work done here in the name of the Lord before we leave. We hear good reports from other churches in the State, so that we are feeling very much encouraged with regard to the cause here. Brethren, pray for us.
D. M. CANRIGHT.
Athens, Me.
THE THEATRE.
Dr. Rush told a friend that he was once in company with a lady, a professor of religion, who was speaking of the pleasure she anticipated at the theatre in the evening.
“What, madam?” said he, “do you go to the theatre?”
“Yes,” was the reply; “and don’t you go, doctor?”
“No, madam,” said he; “I never go to such places.”
“Why, sir, do you not go? Do you think it sinful?” said she.
He replied, “I will never publish to the world that I think Jesus Christ a bad master, and religion an unsatisfying portion, which I should do, if I went on the Devil’s ground in quest of happiness.”
This argument was short, but conclusive. The lady determined not to go.
"QUENCH NOT THE SPIRIT."
By GEO. W. PARKER.
In Gen. 1, God surveys the earth and all created beings and pronounces them “good.” In the 6th chapter of the same book, about 2,000 years after, his eye sweeps over the earth and the sons of men are in his own word and judgment pronounced “exceeding wicked;” and thus he speaks: “My Spirit shall not always strive with man.”
From this language which was used before the deluge it may be seen that there is in the human heart an opposition to the motions of the Spirit; and that, as the scripture imports, the dealings of the Spirit with the heart are very earnest and vehement, so as to create strife. And where there is strife, conquest is the object. It is also shown by this declaration of God’s word, that there is a set time after which the convincing operations of his Spirit upon the hearts of men will be withdrawn.
There are a multitude of ways by which we may grieve the Spirit. It may be resisted externally by opposing the word of God, either written or preached, or by a careless and negligent hearing of the word, or the same negligent attendance to our known duties.
We may resist the strivings of the Spirit by our actions if they are contrary to the teachings of the word. Action is the very perfection and consummation of sin, and argues the overflowing of a sinful heart.
The strivings of the Spirit may also be resisted in its immediate internal workings upon the heart, and in rejecting the light of truth which would otherwise illuminate the understanding.
There are various kinds of light which tend to illuminate the understanding, and enable us to judge of the things of God. One is that universal light termed the light of nature. There is another which is a rational light of scripture, or a knowledge of, and an assent to, its truths. There is also a light of a higher degree, a special and convincing light. Yet this light may be resisted and totally extinguished. Those who resist this light do most assuredly bereave themselves of the Comforter.
How often does the Spirit ask us if we are individually striving with “zeal according to knowledge” to step forward in the various reforms taught us under the truths of the third angel’s message. Let every one be as careful and tender of grieving the Spirit as he would be of grieving his only and best friend.
There is a set time after which the Spirit will cease to strive, and depart. Believe it, it is this Spirit alone that is able to stand by and comfort you in all the disconsolate and dark passages of your lives. When he is gone, who shall resolve and clear up all the doubts and misgivings of our trembling consciences? Who shall subdue all our corruptions? Who shall bear up our desponding souls in the midst of affliction? With the flesh, the world, and the Devil against us, we shall have nothing to oppose them; and all the powers of sin let loose upon us, and we shall have none to assist us. Be ready therefore to entertain the Spirit in all its motions; to cherish all its suggestions, whensoever it knocks at the door of your hearts, stand prepared to open it, and receive it with joy. When it enables you to resist, relinquish, and forsake, some sins, never rest until you have forsaken them all.
When it raises you to the performance of some good duties, still press forward to perfection. Let every holy motion and desire, be improved into a holy action.
But if we should at any time chance to grieve or oppose, yet be sure we do not persist in it, but recover ourselves by a speedy and serious humiliation, mourn over our disobedience, and pray fervently for an obedient heart; and thereafter you will most assuredly find it is better to strive with God in prayer, than against his Spirit in its workings. May God add grace sufficient that we may all take hold on the various reforms brought to light in present truth, and may we do so in a thorough manner that we grieve not the Spirit. GEO. W. PARKER.
Chicago, Ill.
THE WORD OF GOD.
By Sarah J. Wakeling
Miserable indeed would be the condition of man, depraved, and fallen as he is, had he not knowledge of the precious Bible. Those nations most in ignorance of that book which brings life and immortality to light, are the most degraded, and sunk to the lowest depths of barbarism.
Every one should love the word of God; for by it we learn of the greatness, power, and glory of the Most High, the creator of the heavens and the earth, his boundless love and tender mercy toward the creatures of his hand, the gracious blessings and reward of those who do his will, and the awfulness of his fierce anger, with which the wicked shall be destroyed.
From this book we learn of the law of God, and of the awful majesty and glory attendant upon the giving of it, when the Lord of hosts descended in sublimest grandeur upon the trembling mountain; and we may judge therefrom of the importance of that law which is holy, just and good, and endureth forever. Ps. cxix, 160.
In the same word is brought into prophetic view, the Man of Sin, who should think to change times and laws, and who has done it so far as to cause nearly all the inhabitants of the earth to yield observance to a Sabbath of his institution instead of that given in the law of God.
It tells us too of the Saviour, who came, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief, rejected of men, pressed by poverty, not having where to lay his head, but full of loving compassion, bestowing the rich gifts of forgiveness of sins and healing all manner of diseases, doing good to all, yet mocked and scourged, hated for his very goodness, crowned with cruel thorns, reviled, spit upon, yet offering not a word of rebuke, led away fainting beneath the heavy burden, to suffer the dreadful death of the cross. They pierce his side and there flows forth a crimson tide. Oh! the agony of that hour! Yet all this for man's transgression, guilty, rebellious man, not for friends, but enemies; and with his dying breath he prayed, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” What heart is proof against appeals of love such as this? And he has given us the Bible, that we may, through it, learn of his wondrous condescension and love, and by looking in it behold our sinful state, and come to the Father, pleading the merits of his spilled blood, that we may have our sins forgiven.
Nor is this all. The same word tells us a few things which are to come in the last time. Wicked men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, until their cup of iniquity shall be full, and also there shall be a remnant left who shall exalt the standard, having truth inscribed upon their banners, and who keep the law of God and have the testimony of Jesus. This little company pass along amid fiery trials and the bitter rage of their enemies. They are not of the world, therefore the world hates them, even as it did their dear Lord before them. But soon will their sorrow be changed into joy. Their Saviour will come to deliver them and punish their enemies. They will meet their glorious reward, even life eternal, while those who so lately were their oppressors will be crying for rocks and mountains to hide them from the fierce wrath of the coming One.
Then let us love the word, for the blessed promises it contains, and take new courage.
“Soon shall end our earthly mission,
Soon shall pass our pilgrim days;
Hope shall change to glad fruition,
Faith to sight, and prayer to praise.”
SARAH J. WAKELING.
Memphis, Mich.
THE WAY TO GET RIGHT.
By L. C. Hutchins
Oh! has thy brother deeply sinned, and turns again,
repenting,
Forgive, as thou wouldst be forgiven.—Be never unrelenting.
Let not the slowly healing wound e'er needlessly be riven,
And mention not a second time the folly once forgiven.
Hunt not with restless, jealous eye for sin upon thy brother,
Perhaps within thine heart, unknown, there lurketh such another.
Nor let the mote within his eye e'er be thy much loved theme,
Unconscious harboring in thine own the ever-blinding beam.
Go to the Lord and get the gold; his raiment truly prize.
Ask him, and he will give to thee, the ointment for thine eyes.
Clear-visioned, then, thou canst remove, or mote, or blinding beam—
A nobler song thy heart shall raise, and love shall be the theme.
Oh fear not, then, severe reproof, unkindly though the showing,
But meekly turn within thyself, and scan thine own misdoing.
Perhaps e'en now thy neighbor sees the cancer deeply seated,
Perhaps with scent of foul gangrene his senses now are greeted.
Oh, ask not at a brother's hand a kind and mollient plaster,
To cover the putrescent sore, which yet shall eat the faster.
Let not upon the poisoned air, the leprosy be spread,
And other's blood be found at last upon thine hands and head.
No, let the surgeon's probe go deep, the festering wound be seen,
And let the keen but kindly knife excise the foul gangrene,
And when thou thus shalt meekly bear the great physician's dealing,
Thou'lt own his smiting made thee whole, his wounds have been thy healing.
L. C. HUTCHINS.
Allegan Co., Mich.
COME TO ME.
By L. E. MILLNE.
How cheering to the weary and heart-burdened soul, to hear the kind and loving invitation of Jesus, Come unto me all ye that are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest! Oh! blessed thought, there is rest, sweet rest in Jesus. Yes, even here in this world of sorrow and affliction, we may find comfort and rest in the loving arms of Jesus, our precious Saviour. O ye weary, tempted, tossed souls, bowed down with sorrow and anguish, with no one to comfort and console you, hear his voice in tender love and compassion entreating you to come to him and find rest. O listen to his melting tones. In all our afflictions he is afflicted with us. Yes, weary one, he has tasted of sorrow's bitter cup, and he knows how to succor the distressed. He can give beauty for ashes, the oil of gladness for mourning, and the garment of praise for a spirit of heaviness. He has a balm for every wound, a cordial for every fear. He is a refuge from the stormy wind and tempest, a blessed hiding place in every time of trouble.
Art thou weary with the way? Does the night seem dark and dreary? Does the morning long delay? Patience, weary one, the glad morning will soon dawn in beauty and glory. Then farewell to sighs and tears and groans.
“Every trace of sin’s sad story,
All the curse hath passed away.”
O, then hush each murmuring thought, and dry your falling tears, Jesus is soon coming. He will bring joy and gladness, and sorrow and mourning will flee away. No tears in those bright mansions; no night of sorrow there, but one long unending eternity of bliss. Who will be there? Who will listen to the blessed invitation of Jesus, Come to me. Contemplate for a little while the beauty and attractions of that heavenly land, then will you say the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall soon be revealed.
“In the furnace God will prove thee,
Thence to bring thee forth more bright,
But can never cease to love thee,
Thou art precious in his sight.”
Oh! is not the prospect of life, an eternal life of blessedness and glory with our adorable Redeemer, enrapturing? Does it not cause you to rejoice in the midst of affliction? Can you not count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus our Lord?
Come, for all else must fade and die,
Earth is no resting place for thee;
Heavenward direct thy weeping eye,
I am thy portion, come to me.
L. E. MILLNE.
Owasso, Mich.
Conference Department.
By R. O. SAUNDERS
Exhorting one another, and so much the more as ye see the day approaching. Heb. x, 25.
This Department is designed to fill the same place in the paper that the Conference or Social Meeting does in the worship of God. Speak often one to another to comfort, edify and aid each other in the way of holiness and true Christian experience.
From Sister Saunders.
In order to bear fruit to the glory of God we must advance in the work to which we have set our hands. No man putting his hand to the plough (or work) and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. We can not stand still nor be idlers in the vineyard of the Lord. We are exhorted by the apostle Paul to leave the first principles of the doctrine of Christ (that is the first rudiments of religion), and go on to perfection. As we know that without holiness no man can see the Lord, we are to seek for and obtain it by a well-ordered life and a godly conversation. How many are like the barren fig-tree, with nothing but leaves, and as the poet says, The Spirit grieves to see us so; the question arises, Shall we meet the Master thus, with our withered leaves? He looks for perfect fruit, and shall we not see to it that we are bearing the fruits of the Spirit, which are “love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance,” that we may become perfect men and women in Christ Jesus? In due time we shall surely reap the rich reward of eternal life. Though we are called to lead a self-denying life, are we not willing to do so, seeing it is for our good? In the reforms to which we as a people are called, we are required only to give up those things that tend to our injury. Should we then be vacillating? We answer, No. If it is right for us only to eat two meals a day, let us adhere to that rule of action, and so also in regard to all branches of the great work of reform. Do we not linger around the shore too much, afraid to venture out into the deep water, not trusting in that mighty arm that is ready to help in every time of need? Let us not be faithless, but believing. The Lord has not called us to a work that he will not give us ability to perform. May we walk in the light and see the importance of living out the truth as fast as it is made known to us, lest in neglecting to do so, our light become darkness. Should we not hail with joy every advance step which the Lord calls his people to take, to prepare them for the coming kingdom? Then let our motto ever be, Upward and onward; up from these low grounds of lukewarmness and onward to certain victory. We have a captain who never lost a battle, and as long as we abide in him and his words abide in us, we may have no doubts of gaining victory. As we see sin and every species of crime increasing in the land, should we not labor more faithfully that the knowledge of the glorious truths of the third angel's message be disseminated among the people, that all who will may have the words of life and be persuaded to keep the commandments of God? The further we progress in the divine life, the narrower is the path. We find that our pride, selfishness, and love of the world, has all to be given up; for we are seeking a city wherein dwelleth righteousness, and all who enter there must be wholly sanctified through obeying the truth. Christ is purifying unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. When he comes again, he is to present to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing. Hence those that have entered upon the good work must progress in order to be saved; for the promise is only to the finally faithful. It will not do to stumble at this or that, nor halt in the preparation work, lest we linger too long and the day of mercy close, and we are not saved.
Our only safety is in going forward with our eye fixed on the prize. We are to be ready, waiting, and watching for the return of our Lord. The humble child of God says, Let trials and persecutions come, only let me know I am in the way of duty. “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”
R. O. SAUNDERS.
Jeff. Co., N. Y.
SISTER P. A. CORNELL, Kent Co., Mich., writes: I have read “Thoughts on the Revelation.” I found in it my wish for a “Synopsis of Present Truth” gratified. It is truly worthy the careful perusal of every candid reader of the Bible; and were it possible, I would gladly put it into the hands of many of my friends. I would that every lover of truth possessed one.
SISTER H. L. DREW writes from Steuben Co., N. Y.: Many are the excuses and opinions offered by those who wish to climb up to Heaven some other way, instead of walking in the straight and narrow path pointed out in God's word. Opinions without foundation in the Scriptures of divine truth, will soon be like the house built upon the sand, or the chaff of the summer threshing floor. God has declared by one of old, that he would sweep away the refuge of lies; therefore man-made views and theories will do us no good in the burning day of the Lord. Truth is truth, and it is our business to search for it as we would for hid treasures, yea, it is more precious than fine gold. The world will soon pass away, together with the things that are therein, but the word of God abideth forever. There are many yet in the highways and hedges, who, when they hear, will receive and obey the truth, and will identify themselves with the remnant spoken of in Rev. xii. If faithful a little while longer we shall receive a glorious and triumphant victory over the beast and his image, the mark and the number of his name. We shall stand on the sea of glass with harps in our hands. “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” Rev. xii, 14. A glorious end is this. Dear reader, will you be one of that number?
SISTER S. SISLEY writes from Convis, Mich.; Having no earthly friend near me, I have been indulging in reminiscences of the past, thinking of the dear ones from whom I am separated by the changes of time, and of the beloved precious ones the ruthless hand of death has torn from me. It used to afford me unspeakable consolation to believe them to be even now enjoying all the untold bliss and glory of the heavenly world; and it was not without some severe struggles that my mind has become divested of this erroneous belief; but bless the Lord I can think of them as sweetly sleeping in a “sure and certain hope of a glorious resurrection.”
Oh! it makes me long after Heaven; for there I hope to be joyfully re-united with them all again. I long for Heaven too for God is present there in unveiled glory, God, my Father, my Saviour, my everlasting comfort. I long after Heaven, there is no unkindness there.
“Those holy gates forever bar
Pollution sin and shame,
None can obtain admittance there
But followers of the Lamb.”
All its inhabitants are pure and holy. It is “the rest that remaineth for the people of God” and it shall remain to them a rest forever. There pain, trouble and weariness are never felt. There peace and prosperity continually abide. Here we know but in part, and there are many things we cannot comprehend; but oh! I long for Heaven, for there we shall be fully satisfied, there we shall reach the maturity of our being and “know as we are known.” There we shall see Jesus and feel the tenderness of his amazing love and the plenitude of his everlasting friendship. I long after Heaven, it is the house of the Lord, a glorious home of many mansions which Jesus is gone to prepare for those that love him.
“Do I not love thee, dearest Lord?
Behold my heart and see,
And turn each worthless idol out,
That dares to rival thee.”
I tremble when I think how sinful and unfit I am to enter those holy gates; but God is faithful and able to perform that he has promised. I will not doubt but look to him for grace and strength to overcome, and finally through the merits of my Saviour hope to arrive there safe at last, and receive an abundant entrance into his everlasting kingdom.
RELIEF FOR THE PENITENT.
By E. M. Prentiss
“Take my yoke upon you, and ye shall find rest unto your souls,” says Jesus. “Strange Paradox!” said one, while commenting upon this verse, “that a man already weary and overloaded, must take a new weight upon him in order to be eased and find rest!” and so one would naturally think if he had not proved the faithfulness of Him who invites us so tenderly, and learned by experience how worthy his yoke is to be taken, borne, and loved. But what is this yoke which we are to take upon us? It is nothing more nor less than an invitation to become Christ’s disciples. All who have come to years of accountability and have been enlightened by the word of God have learned the sad fact, that they are fallen. The works of the flesh are made manifest, and so commanding is their evil nature that they are led to commit all kinds of crime. When such ones become enlightened by the direct teachings of the Spirit of God that they are sinners, the weight of their guilt presses heavily upon them. They become weary under this great load. At last they feel it crushing them without any power of their own to extricate themselves. They would do good but evil is present with them; they find that their observance of the most solemn rites and ceremonies gives them no power to conquer their evil propensities; and provides no pardon for the guilt and condemnation produced by them. To such the Gospel proclaims liberty. You have a free invitation from God to receive the privileges of the gospel.
The helps here offered Christ calls “my yoke;” take it upon you, that is, receive him as the Messiah, believe his doctrine, and try to conform to his word and his Spirit in all things, and you will find rest. Your burden of guilt, the prime cause of all your misery, will be removed. Under the guidance of God’s Spirit you will yield the fruits of the Spirit, a sensible part of which is peace.
But you may ask, “How can one so vile come and expect pardon?” The only necessary preparation on your part, is to have a consciousness of your present infirmities and frailties, and a just sense of your dependence upon the Saviour, then act voluntarily. “Whosoever will come after me” Christ says; and it is for you to accept the invitation so graciously given. We should renounce self, that is, separate ourselves from every influence that would lead us to set a greater value on earthly than on heavenly things; in short, whatever increases the strength and authority of the body over the mind is sinful, and should be abandoned; for it will only add weight to our hindrances and impede our progress, so that we cannot so effectually come to him and be set at liberty. When we thus have the glory of Christ in view he will accept us and we shall enjoy his presence and his blessing.
Learning of him who is meek and lowly in heart, you will feel the pride and selfishness of a natural heart, which has caused you so much mental anxiety, give way, and it will be supplanted by his love. “Love to God brings strength from God,” and instead of his commandments being burdensome they are made easy and light. You will love to do them and this cheerful obedience to his requirements will bring rest; for “the work of righteousness is peace, and the effects of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever.”
Come, then, penitent one, weary and heavily laden with the burdensome rites of a sinful nature, embrace fully the condition which God has appointed, and receive your liberty.
E. M. PRENTISS.
North Parma, N. Y.
SPEAK in commendation of every one who is true to truth, even though he be an adversary and hate thee.
Too many persons seem to use their religion as a diver does his bell, to venture down into the depths of worldliness with safety, and there grope for pearls with just so much of heaven's air as will keep them from suffocating and no more; and some, alas! as at times is the case with divers, are suffocated in the experiment.
FREQUENT and fierce is the Devil in his attacks on all sides besieging our salvation. We therefore must watch and be sober, and everywhere fortify ourselves against his assaults; for if he gain some slight advantage, he goes on to make for himself a broad passage, and by degrees introduces all his forces.—Chrysostom.
A good comment on the fact that in the closing up of the last message of mercy, the Lord will perform a speedy work and cut it short in righteousness, is found in the following which we clip from an exchange:
In the world's great eras, the Divine procedure is marked by slow preparation, and rapid execution. An eternity preceded the first act of creation, but when creation began, six days sufficed for the work. Centuries of seemingly religious inaction went before the appearance of Christ, but from the day of Pentecost the Christian church grew with creative rapidity. The Dark Ages wasted, in seeming uselessness, their wearisome night before the Reformation, but when the dawn began, the glow and warmth spread swiftly over Europe. Our American struggle against slavery seemed only to lengthen her cords and strengthen her stakes, but how swift this movement when God began to lead forth his oppressed people. Day before yesterday, as it were, they were slaves, yesterday they were freedmen, to-day they are voters!