Popular theology teaches us that the conversion of the world is the next event in the order of God's providence. But stubborn facts indicate to us that there is not the least sign of it, even if the Scriptures were silent on the subject, which they are not; for evil and perilous times are to close earth's history; and the last dispensational truth is the coming of the “very same Jesus the Jews crucified.”
In 1866, in looking over a new commentary of the Scriptures, published the same year by the Congregational society, my attention was drawn to Rev. xx, 4–7—the 1000 years. It was there stated that as soon as the temporal power was taken away, which would be done in 1866, being 1260 years from 606, its rise, the millennium would take place. In this connection the Presbyterian churches throughout the land set apart the 1st day of last January for prayer for the conversion of the world.
Now if such prayers are in accordance with the will of God, they would be answered; but what are the facts in the case? We find by statistics that crimes of all kinds are deluging the land; as the Police News of March 7 says: “There is still no abatement to the commission of crime. From every quarter we receive information of some new deed of horror—shooting down in cold blood, rapes upon old women and young girls, and a thousand crimes besides, each worse than the other.”
In one Boston paper, of April 9, I counted twenty-one murders, rapes, and suicides. Think of that number in one paper! Another paper states in an article on “Diabolicalism”: “The cool daring with which the most diabolical crimes are committed is fearfully astonishing.” The Herald says in an article on “Breakers Ahead”: “In these days of excitement the world appears to revolve four or five times each twenty-four hours.” And again: “Maine is running a race on divorces with some of the Western States. The applications in the court dockets last fall numbered more than 500 cases; and they are increased every term.”
At a recent meeting of the Medical Association of Androscoggin Co., Me., Dr. OAKS stated, that according to the best estimate he could make, there were 400 murders produced by abortion in that county annually.
The N. Y. Tribune, on “Conspiracy Against Marriage,” says: “The illegitimate births outnumber the legitimate. The figures are too terrible to put down. * The present age ought to excel the past ages in virtue. If it does not, its immoralities are of deeper dye.”
“But is it any wonder that such a state of things should exist when Spiritualism is so rampant, with other influences, to abrogate marriage? The Boston Journal, April 17, says: HORACE GREELEY sums up as the result of a number of years' investigations and observations of Spiritualism, that men and women have not been made better by it; on the contrary they have grown lax in their notions of marriage, and divine and moral purity; that the aggregate of insanity and suicide has been increased by Spiritualism.” A good many others will agree with him.
Our world to-day is in a bad state; but is fast fulfilling prophecy. The Advocate, on the present crisis, states “The beginning is seen; but the end, which must inevitably be terrible, is not far off.” A New Orleans correspondent concludes an article as follows: “These are sad times; and the only consolation we can have is, that they cannot be any worse. * This is a sorrowful picture, and which we may suppose in no way aggravated. We are apparently on the eve of a revolution that may prove more bloody than the late civil war. What the end may be, God only knows.”
This perplexity would seem to fulfill the prophecy in Luke xxi. Harper's, on the state of the elements, says: “For three or four months past, there have been signs of violent physical agitations both of a geological and meteorological character. These unusual manifestations have attracted attention by their simultaneous occurrence in various parts of the world, and by their signal violence.” And again: “Earthquakes are of every-day occurrence. * It has been predicted that many strange things were to happen this year, 1868.”
Thus we perceive that Heaven and earth, and every thing is witnessing for the truth of God. Another great sign is the looseness in which the churches are living. The Herald of March 26, quoting from an Indianapolis paper says: “At a rehearsal of certain Tableaux Vivants, gotten up for the benefit of Christ's church, they were playing some infernal nonsense, when an exhausted maiden, all dressed in white, is kissed out of a hundred years' sleep, by a good looking young man with a silken moustache, &c., which gave offense to a lover, and a serious fight occurred.”
The Portland Press of Feb. 12 has the following notice: The New Jerusalem church on Feb. 17 will present the beautiful pantomime of Red Ridinghood.”
The Boston Herald of April 30 advertises, that “Warren-street chapel will hold a May-day Festival. Dancing to commence at 2 P. M. Fancy dancing from 4 o'clock to 5:30. Dancing to commence at 8 in the evening.”
The Methodist, the well-known paper of that denomination, published in New York, offers H. W. Beecher's novel, Norwood, as a premium for subscribers. We doubt if novels are beneficial to the cause of religion. May the Lord speedily deliver us from this into a better world, where peace, happiness, and righteousness shall eternally remain.—John Taylor in Voice of the West.
Universalism in a Nut-shell.
I HAVE often seen Universalism reduced to an absurdity. But seldom, if ever, has it been better done than in the following, which I beg leave to recite for the benefit of any who may need it: “I am a Universalist,” said G. K. boastingly, “and you Orthodox are not fair in saying that our system is inconsistent with reason.” This he addressed to one who held an opposite system. “But I will prove the irrationality of your system,” said his friend. “You believe that Christ died to save all men?” “Yes, I do.” “And “you-don’t believe there is any punishment hereafter?” “No, I do not; men are punished for their sins in this life.” “Well, now let us put your ‘rational’ system together, if we can. It amounts to just this, Christ the Saviour died to save us from nothing at all! Not from hell, because according to you, there is none. Not from punishments in a future state of being, for he receives his whole punishment in this life. Yours is the absurd spectacle of ropes and life-preservers thrown at an immense expense to a man who is on dry land and in no danger of being drowned! Let me tell you that your religion is stark infidelity. If you believed the Bible you could not believe Universalism.”—Ex.
THE LOVE OF CHRIST.
By J. H. W.
This subject, as exemplified in the life of the true Christian, is a mysterious one to the skeptic and the mere philosopher. In all their inquiries and examinations into the operations of the human mind, and the workings of the human heart, they find no way to account for the phenomena of the conversion of a soul, for the radical change of life and character, and for the constant devotion and consecration to the cause of Him whose name the Christian bears.
It is not an emotion. Its fervency and constancy forbid the idea of its being merely emotional, as emotions are temporary in their effects and manifestations.
It is not mere passion. While it possesses all the elements of a passion, it presents characteristics not to be found in any human mind. A passion may be fervent and constant, as is often shown in the love of individuals to one another; but in proportion to the strength of the attachment for another, is the dislike to the enemies of the loved one. But, contrary to nature, the deeper the love, the higher the reverence for Christ, the more sympathy and pity is felt for his most bitter enemies and revilers. The sincerity and strength of love to Jesus, is manifested by desires and efforts to benefit his bitterest foes. Here is an element above nature—supernatural—a heavenly quality bestowed by divine grace to the believer, to which nature cannot attain; which worldly philosophy in vain endeavors to account for.
Said the Apostle Paul, “The love of Christ constraineth us,” and his life was a notable illustration of this heavenly principle. Worldly ambition and influence were renounced, and a life of reproach, of toil, of severe suffering, chosen in their stead. Sometimes men do renounce or forfeit all worldly benefits in sheer recklessness, and without regard to consequences; but not so with him in whose heart the love of God is shed abroad. His sensibilities are refined and elevated, and he is still further removed from the spirit of caprice and recklessness. A man may renounce the joys of home, and endure privation and toil, to gather gold, as well as for the sake of Christ; but the effect is to benumb the sensibilities and harden the heart; the very opposite of that which is wrought in the life of the servant of Christ. Not realizing this, some have supposed that the minister of the gospel endures no more privation—bears no more crosses—than the worldling; a supposition only arising where the motive and spirit of Christian effort and sacrifice are not appreciated.
It is not even tinctured with love of applause; for very frequently the whole life is attended with scorn, reproach, and persecution; and the characteristics and manifestations are alike, in the city and in the most secluded wilderness.
It is not the result of pride; for the rich, the honorable, the haughty and the vain, are prompted to take a humble position of constant, life-long self-denial.
Possessed of this, crosses, privations, toils, dangers, persecutions, and death, are no longer irksome necessities, borne because they cannot be avoided, but are chosen as the best earthly heritage, and with cheerfulness and joy. Thus Moses chose affliction and reproach as the richest treasure he could obtain on earth. Heb. xi, 24–26. And Paul wrote, not as a theorist, but as one bearing in his own experience the fullest force of his words: “We glory in tribulations also; knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience experience; and experience hope; and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” Rom. v, 3–5. It is not surprising that one, contemplating this subject, expressed his belief that it was not merely our love to God, but the love of God—the love that God bore to us, and to a ruined world—godly, heavenly love, that was the subject of this passage. However this may be, it is a love so refined, elevated, and purified by the presence of the Spirit of God, that in its very nature it appears to be widely different from any worldly or natural affection.
The love of Christ in the heart, is a power—a living, vitalizing principle, renewing all, governing all, guiding all. But oh, how small the measure we possess! how far we come short of the heavenly standard! Brethren and sisters, let us strive to have a love presenting these heavenly qualities—that will love as Christ loved—that will lose sight of self, and reach out toward the fullness enjoined, to love the Lord our God with all our heart, and soul, and mind, and strength, and our neighbor as ourself. J. H. W.
WHAT MINISTERS CAN DO FOR THE CAUSE.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
Just now I was thinking of how little I have been doing for the cause, and yet how much the cause has to do for me. I began to meditate in what way I might make myself useful by little things as well as by large ones. I now think of the following things which I can do, and thus be a help to the cause:
1. I can preach the word of God, wherever men will hear. Some may be saved by this means.
2. I can pray and speak in the prayer-meetings and social meetings. If I have the spirit of Christ, this may help some, and perhaps convert others.
3. I can visit from house to house, and thus I may be able to encourage some, enlighten others, and perhaps save a few.
4. I can write for the REVIEW, Instructor, and Reformer, and, by the blessing of God, this may in some way help some one.
5. I can, during the year, distribute a large number of our books and tracts. In the course of time, this may bring some one to the knowledge of the truth.
6. I can use all my endeavors to extend the circulation of the REVIEW, Instructor, and Reformer. This will also spread the light.
7. I can give of my means, to support the cause in its various branches, and to the different benevolent objects. This may help a little.
8. I can interest, and stir up others who are able to do the same. This may aid the cause a little.
9. I can obey the truth myself by the grace of God, and this may encourage others.
Here are nine ways in which I may be of some little use to this blessed cause. If I fail in one, I may not in another, at least, not in all. Here I make a covenant with God and his people, to work for the cause in these different ways, according to the best of my knowledge and ability. May my God grant me grace to keep this covenant.
When I consider the blessed Jesus, how he labored, and toiled, and suffered, for us, for me, I feel ashamed of my selfishness, my lack of interest and devotion to his cause, my unwillingness to bear a few burdens, and suffer a little for his blessed cause. I think of the faithful Paul, and others, who have labored in tears, and poverty, and affliction, for this same cause, and I feel to cry out, “My leanness, my leanness!” Oh! for a baptism into the sacrificing spirit of Christ, that I may labor for the Lord’s sake, and not for self’s sake. I must be wholly the Lord’s. I must not rest till I am. D. M. CANRIGHT.
Washington, N. H.
REPORT FROM BRO. MATTESON.
By John Matteson
May 20, I went from Racine to Raymond, where I found the brethren still trying to live. We held meetings every day till first-day, when we went to a neighboring town, 6 miles, and held meetings during the week. Some of the brethren live in this vicinity. Meetings but thinly attended. Not much prospect of doing good; two souls embraced the truth, and a few others were favorably inclined. I am suffering this week from the ague, yet I try to labor, and the Lord helps me. Sixth-day, May 29, we went 8 miles for baptism. Three willing souls were buried with Christ, and rose to walk in newness of life. May they be faithful to prepare for the coming of Christ, that we may then meet with joy.
Sabbath, the 30th, we met to celebrate the ordinances. Some think the road is almost too narrow, yet all want to try and press forward. By this we lose nothing, but gain much every way. If we go back it is certain death. If we press on we can but die; and the prospect is, that by so doing we shall live; live forever with Jesus. This meeting was very solemn. Tears flowed freely. We felt the presence of the Comforter, and were encouraged and strengthened. Three united with the church. This is the second time they have celebrated the ordinances together. Their present number of members is twenty-three. Brethren, you are living in an important place. Many souls may, no doubt, be gained, if you live right. Oh! live near to the Lord! Be in earnest. Let not the candlestick be removed. Let each one help to keep the lamps filled with oil till Jesus comes, then you will be made rich—heirs of the kingdom. Should the Lord grant us to meet again, we must meet with more love, stronger faith, a brighter hope, a richer experience in the things of God. I will try to advance, brethren, by the grace of God. Will you, also, try? I will continue to pray for you, that your faith fail not. I can spare none of you. We want to rejoice together in the kingdom. Let our prayers and spirits ever meet before the mercy-seat. Then shall we also join in the song of praise and glory.
Met again on first-day. Preached on the Laodicean message. House filled. Business meeting P. M. Brethren and sisters paid their S. B. pledges promptly. They have done well in this work. Some are too willing to give. They work out among unbelievers, deny themselves of that which many would call necessaries of life, and pay more systematic than many who have large property. It is very desirable, when we meet for worship, that our hearts should be tender, and our minds much and easily wrought upon by God's Holy Spirit. Some pray for this, and yet complain that they are not heard. I have noticed that these sacrificing, self-denying souls are always blest in the meetings. This is the way, brethren, to be blest. Go and do likewise.
Brethren and sisters in this Conference, shall we not try hard this year to cultivate a sacrificing spirit? To be self-denying, and very economical? To look to the treasury of the Lord first, and let that be well supplied?25What say you? I will try for one. We need more true laborers here in this Conference. We feel ashamed, before the Lord, of the disorder of accounts and pecuniary affairs last year. But let us prove the Lord this year. May be, when our business shall be found in order, our hearts enlarged, and the treasury well filled, that the Lord will pour upon us a blessing that will make our poor, barren hearts rejoice, and blossom like a rose. May be, then, the Lord of the harvest will send forth more laborers, that will sow with tears and come again rejoicing, bringing their sheaves with them.
June 1-3, visited. 4, went to the Conference at Little Prairie. This continued till June 8. It was the most profitable Conference we ever attended in this State. Brethren J. N. Andrews and Cornell labored faithfully with us, and the Lord blessed them in their efforts. I think the good impressions made on those present will be lasting, and prove a real blessing. May the Lord water the good seed sown, and fruit be brought forth to his glory.
When I came home I found my children well, for which I praise the Lord. I rested and worked some at home till June 17. As I have attended meetings here I have been blessed with the brethren, who are, as ever, true to the cause. June 18, I was suddenly and unexpectedly called away to Little Prairie to preach at the funeral of a young brother, who was taken sick and died. This reminded us forcibly of Bro. Andrews' remarks at the conference, that we would not all meet again in this world. But we thought, then, that this youth would certainly be one of the last ones to be called away. He died rejoicing in hope of immortality. The house was well filled with attentive hearers. The parents and relatives were Norwegians. By their request I spoke part in English, and then in Norwegian. This was a solemn occasion, when many hearts were made tender.
June 20 and 21, we had Quarterly Meeting here at Oakland. We were much blessed. Bro. A. Olson was ordained a local elder, having been unanimously chosen for that office. Two united with the church. First-day we again enjoyed a good meeting, and a young sister was buried with Christ in baptism. May the Lord bless this dear people, and help us all to strive the more earnestly as the end is drawing near.
To-day I start for Poy Sippi, where I will hold meetings a while, as the cause may demand, and my strength reach. I will appoint the Quarterly Meeting to begin Sabbath, July 11. Let brethren who live at a distance come to this meeting, as many as can.
JOHN MATTESON.
Bussyville, Wis., June 24, 1868.
STRANGE CO-INCIDENCE.
THE following we take from a paper published in 1844, previous to the great political revolution of 1848, and the subsequent turmoil and changes in national affairs since then to the present time.
“The Courier Français states, that some days since, a statesman and academician, in the course of a conversation which took place in the library of the National Institute, observed that in the middle of each century for the last five hundred years, some great social crisis had occurred in Europe. ‘In 1450,’ said he, ‘it was the art of printing which created a revolution. In 1550, it was Luther, who shook the foundation of Catholicity. In 1650, it was Bacon and Descartes, who demolished the infallibility of Aristotle. In 1750, it was philosophy which triumphed, and prepared the way for the revolution of 1789. We approach the year 1850, and it is evident society is preparing to undergo a fundamental revolution.’”
From observation and analogy alone men can almost read aright the signs of the times. Why will they not look at them in the light of revelation, and learn of a surety what is to take place in these last days? Society is indeed preparing to undergo a fundamental revolution, even the last great crisis, which shall bring destruction to all evil doers, and salvation to the righteous. Since 1848, the anger of the nations has been preparing them for the last great battle; the gross departure from God on the part of the professed churches of the land, is preparing them to share the fearful doom of great Babylon; while the rapid spread of every form of vice and iniquity, is fast rendering the masses of the world fit subjects for the last vials of divine wrath. These things show us that we are now in the great day of God’s preparation, which will soon culminate in the transfer of the kingdoms of this world to their rightful Sovereign, when our Lord shall take unto himself his great power and reign. We live in momentous times. Let us be watchful.
Report from Bro. Cornell.
By Merritt E. Cornell
In company with Bro. Andrews I had the privilege of attending the Illinois and Wisconsin, and Iowa State Conferences. It was, to me, a great pleasure to meet so many old friends whom I had not seen for years. I was agreeably surprised at finding so many still steadfast in the faith, and exhibiting such courage in the way. All seemed united in spirit and effort, so far as we could see, and had a mind to work.
When the Tract enterprise, Benevolent Association, and California Mission were introduced, there was a general rush to the stand with pledges and money. At the Conference in Wisconsin the amount pledged was $600.00, and $163.00 were paid down. At the Iowa Conference $422.25 were pledged, and $158.25 paid. This was a noble response, considering that there was but a small representation in consequence of so many being detained at home with the press of business. The wet weather had hindered the farmers until they were far behind, and could not neglect their work. But, I doubt not, they will gladly embrace the opportunity of adding to their treasure in Heaven by imitating the example of their brethren, and forward their pledges at once for these worthy objects. Now is the time to make a covenant by sacrifice, and secure the blessing promised to the liberal. The doors of the work shall be blessed.
It was truly encouraging to see how many new friends of the cause had been raised up since I had labored in these States. After all the trials by the way, a goodly number of faithful ones here seem to have the spirit, like Caleb and Joshua, to go through and possess the land.
I was very sorry to part company with Bro. Andrews, after the Iowa Conference. I had expected to go on with him to Minnesota, but imperative duty cut me off from this privilege. I trust I shall profit by the good instruction and example of the servants of God. In accordance with arrangements made at the Iowa State Conference, I joined with Bro. Butler and Kilgore to labor with the Iowa tent. We are now engaged in our first meeting, with very flattering prospects. May the Lord prosper us in the labors of the season.
M. E. Cornell.
Brighton, Wash. Co., Iowa, June 25.
THE IOWA CONFERENCE.
By George I. Butler
‘OUR annual gathering at Pilot Grove, June 12, was not as generally attended this year, as upon some occasions in the past. Our Convocation Meetings in the fall are receiving more attention from year to year, for the reason that they are especially devoted to meetings of worship, continue longer, and our people can get away from the cares of home better in that season of the year; besides, many think they cannot leave home and take so much pains more than once a year. So our Conferences are growing less and less in number every year. The transaction of business does not generally interest the people. So, with the exception of delegates sent by the churches, there was not that general attendance that we sometimes have. However, in our meetings for devotion, and instruction, there seemed to be a lively interest. We were highly favored by the presence of Brn. Andrews and Cornell, and we hope and expect that their solemn, searching discourses will not soon be forgotten.
Many, no doubt, received new ideas of the straitness of the way, and of the nature of the Christian life. In this time of preparation, when every thing that can be shaken will be shaken, how important that we should have a good foundation. We believe our brethren in this State begin to realize, as never before, the importance of these things.
Many here saw Bro. Andrews for the first time; and while they had been so much interested and instructed by his writings, were glad of the privilege of hearing the word from his mouth; of listening to his solemn, searching testimony. And while he has, for the present, gone to Minnesota to fill his appointments, there is a general desire among the friends of the cause in the State, that he may return and labor through our churches. We should all rejoice much, if it were in the order of God for him to labor with us.
Many of the old friends of Bro. Cornell were thankful for the privilege of seeing him after an absence of years. Many of our Sabbath-keepers owe their conversion to his labors, and were rejoiced to hear his voice again, and above all that he is going to labor with us the coming season. On the whole, we had an excellent Conference. It was remarked by some that it was as good as they ever attended. Our business meetings all passed off in perfect harmony. The financial state of the Conference is satisfactory, and all of us separated, ardently desiring to labor on in the good cause of present truth. We all hope to have a larger attendance at our Convocation Meeting this fall, and expect the presence of Bro. and Sr. White.
The Iowa tent is now pitched at Brighton, Washington Co., a village of about 800 inhabitants. We have already held seven meetings, with a continually increasing interest. From three to five hundred were constantly in attendance. The whole village seems moved by the new things introduced to the notice of the people. There are six churches in the place, but as yet no one has come out in opposition, and the tide seems settling strongly toward the tent. What speaks well for the community is the fact that there is not a single drinking saloon in the place. The people seem kind and hospitable. We think there is a prospect of much good being done.
The P. O. address of Bro. Cornell and myself, for the present, is Brighton, Washington Co., Iowa.
GEO. I. BUTLER.
REPORT FROM BRO. FULLER.
By N. Fuller
On looking over my labors in the good cause of late, I think I can report progress. The cause is moving onward in this part of the vineyard.
The second Sabbath and first-day in this month we had a good season in waiting on the Lord, at Lancaster, Erie Co., N. Y. Bro. Loughborough and Bourdeau met with us according to appointment. They came laden with ripe fruit right from the General Conference. Their testimony was meat in due season to all. The Holy Spirit gave utterance as they spoke, and also backed home the word spoken, with power, upon the hearts of those that heard. With joy we met them, but our hearts were made sad as we parted with them, and thought, perhaps we shall meet no more on the shores of time. All joined in asking the Lord to go with them on their journey, and abundantly bless their labors.
Last Sabbath and first-day was our Conference Meeting in Ulysses, Potter Co., Pa. We enjoyed another good season. The Lord gave freedom in preaching the word. All the seats in the house were filled on Sabbath; but not by the same persons that occupied them eleven years ago when I first acknowledged the truth. It was in that same house, but several who were present then are now sleeping in the grave; others have gone to the West; but quite a number who witnessed my first confession of the Advent, Sabbath, and kindred doctrines, were present.
We had a heavenly sitting in Christ Jesus together. The time was all improved in conference meeting.
I spoke twice Sabbath on the immediate, personal coming of Christ, and the necessary preparation for that event. We held an ordinance meeting at Bro. John Lindsay's house in the evening. I think all present could say, as I heard one brother say, “It was a feast of fat things.”
First-day morning at 8½ o'clock, met for business, and at 9 our prayer and conference meeting commenced. The Lord gave freedom in prayer and exhortation.
At 10½, I spoke from the words of our Lord found in Matt. xvi, 26: “For what is a man profited if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul?” The congregation was so large all could not get into the house, but all listened with good interest. The Lord gave liberty in preaching the word. Two were baptized and added to the church. May God keep this little branch where it can draw nourishment from the vine. Amen.
N. FULLER.
Wellesville, June 22, 1868.
Self-Made Men
An exchange says that self-made men, like other made men, are sometimes very badly made.
MEETINGS AT WASHINGTON, N. H.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
JUNE 9, I came to this place with Bro. and Sr. C. K. Farnsworth, and spent two Sabbaths. I spoke to them several times, we had prayer-meetings, social meetings, an inquiry meeting, baptism, and the ordinances. I felt much encouraged with the result of our meeting, as did the others. The good work which was begun here last winter by the labors of Bro. and Sr. White and Bro. Andrews, is still going on. All those who then started, are still firm in serving the Lord. It is good to see the youth all so faithful in their duties. Those who had felt doubts and opposition with regard to this people, are steadily gaining faith and confidence in the work and drawing nearer to God's people. Bro. and Sr. Mead have gradually but steadily gained in health ever since last winter. I had the privilege of baptizing him with six others. Two expressed a determination to try and take up the cross and follow Christ. Sixteen were added to the church. We raised over $100 for the California Mission and the Benevolent Association. I thought that this was liberal for this church. If they now carry out their resolutions, and keep humble and press together, and cultivate faith in the work, God's blessing will abide with them. They seemed very dear to me before I left them. Sunday P. M., Bro. Colby brought me to his home at Hillsborough. His wife, though not with us, kindly cared for me. I hope soon to see her serving the Lord. D. M. CANRIGHT.
CONVERSATIONS, AND THE THOUGHTS SUGGESTED.
By H. C. MILLER
“WELL, we had an excellent testimony to-day, did we not?” “Oh! yes, it was good; but if you had heard it continually for three months, it would be an old thing.” The words came from one, who, to all appearance, was conforming to the instructions, and, to all appearance, with cheerfulness. But the words conveyed a feeling of weariness at continually hearing the testimony borne. As much as to say, I have complied with it; why should I be interested in hearing it? It suggested a train of thought something like this: Now these were the words of the Lord we have heard to-day; no doubt. Paul speaks of a class who are to be destroyed “because they received not the love of the truth that they might be saved.” If we have received this love, will we be wearied with hearing it constantly? Why, it is the word of our Lord. Did not the reply betray a lurking feeling in the heart of ill-will toward the words of the Lord, unknown by the speaker, yet more dangerous because unknown? Will he that has received this love of the truth tire of it by its repetition? Nay, verily. I have seen one, an aged brother, who, I thought, had received the love of the truth. And I have noted his manner while listening to a sermon on the Signs of the Times, the Saints’ Inheritance, &c., subjects he had heard time and again for twenty odd years; yet the way he expressed his satisfaction, by nodding his head, by his hearty amens, by the tearful eye, showed him not tired of it yet. And then, after meeting, as he greeted his brethren, the way he spoke of the points brought out, showed his heart’s love was there. What if he had heard it till he could repeat every argument by heart, it was still the word of his Lord, and he loved it. It was saving him. And then, perhaps, he thought of the many to whom it was new, whose hearts needed to be warmed by it, and an anxious, loving hope that they would receive the love of it and be saved, added to his joy. Yes, it is truth; it is the Lord’s word; it cannot be overturned; it is food for my soul, I have lived by it for twenty years. I love to hear it still, would be his answer to your inquiry. I read of those who tremble at his word, who will be saved by it; who live “by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” I read of blessings for them. But where are the blessings promised to those who tire of hearing it? God grant that we may all receive the love of it, filling our hearts, yea, making daily bread of it, that we may be saved by it.
Heard it every day for six months! Praise the Lord, then, and not be as those of whom it is said, “But the word of the Lord was unto them precept upon precept; precept upon precept; line upon line; line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go and fall backward, and be broken, and snared and taken.”
Every day for six months! Then if we fail, he will be free. He can say of us, “I sent unto them by my servants the prophets, rising up early and sending; but ye would not hear, saith the Lord.”
What if we have heard, continually even? We are a forgetful people. The heart needs establishing in the present truth. What if we have conformed to the letter? Think of the many who have not heard, who are just hearing, who do not yet understand fully. Be unselfish; rejoice that the Lord, the good Shepherd, seeks all the lost sheep, and remember also that the principle is established that even pure minds need stirring up “by way of remembrance.”
“Oh! may these heavenly counsels be
My ever dear delight;
And still new beauties may I see,
And still increasing light.
“Divine Instructor, gracious Lord,
Be thou forever near.
Teach me to love thy sacred word,
And view my Saviour there.
“Thus may thy word be dearer still,
And studied more each day;
And as it richly dwells within,
Thyself in it display.”