BUSINESS PROCEEDINGS OF B. C. CONFERENCE.
BRO. ANDREWS. If it be in order, I would move that the former vote be rescinded, not that I disapprove of the vote, but to give the brethren opportunity to further consider upon it. This motion was carried, and the vote on the first item rescinded. The first item was then read again, and its adoption moved and seconded, whereupon Bro. White remarked:— This is just what I have been pleading for the last six months. I have not done it that the Advent Sabbath-keepers might become a popular people, but it is the necessities of the cause which have driven me to make the propositions that I have. I need not repeat them. In my travels east and west I find many people who are very aged or infirm, who have a few hundreds or thousands, and have no heirs. They wish this property to go to the cause of God, but do not feel at liberty to have it pass out of their hands while living; and it would be a great relief to them to make a will to a Publishing Association of this people, so that if they should be suddenly taken away, it could be secured to the cause. This is one reason for the adoption of the item before us. Again I have become satisfied that the REVIEW should not be the individual property of any one man or number of men. One great reason for this is, the enemy is always ready to attack us, and no matter how pure the motives of those may be who are carrying on the publishing department, there are enough to stir up jealousy and evil surmising. Our present arrangement, so far as it has advanced, contains nothing particularly legal. I have been placed by the Publishing Committee, as Publishing Agent, and the business having been done in my name, I am the only one that the law would recognize as the owner of the property there. I am anxious to place this in the hands of the church. But this they cannot receive without some simple organization. The committee could not receive it from me. If they did, as things now stand, it would be their own individual property. I object to holding this property in the manner in which I do hold it. Again, I see no difficulty in the way of the action we here propose. I find nothing in the blessed Bible, opposed to the item that has been read before us. I find nothing in that Book opposed to an organization, sufficient to hold the property of the church. But perhaps some may not be satisfied with my position when I say that I find nothing opposed to these things in the Bible; perhaps they would call upon me to bring forth scriptures that would plainly teach such an organization. But I do not understand that that is required of me, occupying the position that I do, from the fact that the Bible does not enter into all our duties. We are commanded in the Bible to let our light shine; and this is plainly our duty; but we are not told just how we shall do this. All who are here this evening believe that it is right to pitch our tent from place to place; but the Bible says nothing about it. We believe it is right to publish books and papers; but the Bible says nothing about that; it only says, "let your light shine;" and we are left to the exercise of our own judgment to carry out this into all its particulars. Therefore I adopted this rule: That all means are proper and right, which in our judgment will be for the advancement of the cause of truth, unless we have Bible to oppose them. Occupying this position, I feel perfectly justified in calling upon my brethren to bring forward their plain texts in opposition, if they have any; but when they call upon me for my texts to support my position, they ask more than can justly be required of me. This rule will not work both ways, because the Bible does not enter into all the minutia of advancing the cause of truth. BRO. WAGGONER. I have but a word to say. I would choose not to speak on the subject at all; but the Conference is aware, by my expression, that my feelings have been against any organization whatever of a legal nature; and the difficulty in my mind has been the objection that I have presented to the plan proposed in this Conference, that there was a seeming difficulty in disconnecting the legal holding of property, from the legal organization of the church. The committee have taken this into consideration, and have endeavored to make a schedule which would be free from that objection: and I think they have succeeded. Upon the plan we have proposed to the Conference, I see no difficulty, and shall therefore vote for the adoption of the first item. BRO. POOLE. Who is this association to be subject to, provided they prove recreant to their trust? BRO. ANDREWS. It is understood on the plan we have proposed, that the present body of brethren, shall select the first seven, or whatever number may be chosen instead of seven, men of integrity, and in whom we have the fullest confidence, and that these men shall apply to the legislature of Michigan, for an act under which they can hold the REVIEW Office; and that this association, thus formed, can admit into itself, the whole body of the brethren, or as many as choose to enter into it on the condition there proposed. In this way all the friends of the cause may have a direct voice in the control of the matter. And this association, composed of as many as are interested to join in it, may elect their officers in any manner that may be designated. This is not a legal church organization, but a legal business association to which all can be connected who are interested in the matter. Satisfaction expressed by the inquirer. BRO. ANDREWS. I hope our brethren who have any objections to this plan, will consider that now is the proper time to state them, as we want to pass over this as soon as all is said that need be on the subject. BRO. SPERRY. I would say with Bro. Waggoner, that all this has been going right contrary to my feelings; but I would not wish to have feelings govern me in my judgment. And if the cause has arrived to that state and condition that something must be done of this kind, I do not see anything else that can be done but that which has been proposed. And if, as Bro. White has remarked, the progress of the cause has increased his cares and burdens, and if a new order of things would better advance the cause, this is what I would go for with all my heart. I am thankful for the good spirit that seems to pervade this meeting thus far; and I feel willing to lay all my feelings and opinions on the altar, assured that every good idea will be restored to me again; and all that is wrong I want taken away. The feeling is abroad that this act will conflict with our former teaching; and if a little explanation could be given on this point I should like it much. If we have preached and published wrong ideas, I am as willing as any one to be corrected.178 BRO. HULL. If this were a church association, I should think Bro. Sperry's objection well founded; but as it is a business association, and not a church organization, I do not think any of our former teaching would conflict with it in the least. BRO. WHITE. I claim to be a full and sound believer in the second angel's message; but with full faith in that message, I know, no difficulties in forming a Publishing Association, as it is now proposed, or of going into church organization. I can see nothing in this opposed to the doctrine of the second angel's message. I know that some brethren and sisters labor under difficulties on this point; and I know somewhat how to sympathize with them, although I have taken a strong position, and spoke some things very plainly. I know the situation some of our brethren in the East are in. Let me refer to some of the positions taken under the first message. For instance, as we came up to 1844, we believed our Lord was coming there. Some how or other we got the messages all fulfilled together, the first with the second, and the third with them. Now, then, we will look at the third. 'If any man worship the beast,' &c. We argued that the beast was a symbol of an earthly government. Then what was his mark? Why, going to the ballot box, and holding any civil office. Hence this became a test question. And all the views we have since held in regard to our connection with the government, have grown right out of the position taken there. In embracing the truth of the second angel's message, we embraced too much. We now know what the beast is, and what his mark is. Time has given us a chance to correct the errors we ran into there. We acted upon the best light we then had; but time has given us more light. As we can now see that we embraced too much in the second angel's message, we should lay aside that which should not be associated with that message. Our feelings were then deep; and we have thought that we must hold fast the views there received. Such has been Bro. Sperry's position, and also mine. The position I now take in reference to these things is, What is truth? Is there anything in the Bible that stands out opposed to the steps we propose to take here this evening. The feelings of our brethren are not to be trifled with; but we have taken the position here of reformers; and it is our duty to try to reform our fellow men, should they need it, whether they be Sabbath-keepers or not. It is our privilege to stand ourselves on what the Bible will sustain us in. BRO. ANDREWS. I would make just one suggestion that may possibly relieve some minds. I understand our fellowship of one another to be dependent on our belonging to the church; and that our belonging to the church is essential to our being able to fellowship each other as members of the church of God. This association is no test of our fellowship. It is an association of individual members of the church for the purpose of performing necessary business. We select certain persons, in the first place, and show how others can be associated with them. When the civil government defines how we are members of the church, of course this is a very different thing from what we propose. BRO. POOLE. The question as it now comes up seems to be free from the objections that I have had. BRO. SPERRY. The remarks that have been made have freed my mind. Question called for. The motion was then put, and unanimously carried. The remaining items of the proposed schedule were taken up in order, accompanied with more or less remarks, and each unanimously adopted. BRO. LOUGHBOROUGH. I move that the committee be continued, and be empowered to draw up the items of a constitution in form, specifying the duties of the officers, &c., and present their report to the Conference to-morrow morning.—Carried. BRO. BUTLER. I move that the committee be enlarged by the addition of three members.—Carried. BRO. WHITE. I move that the addition consist of Bro. Poole, Loughborough and Smith.—Carried. Bro. Ingraham, White, Hull and Appleton, were also added by vote to the committee. Adjourned to sun-rise to-morrow morning. THERE is an unseen battle-field,
In every human breast,
Where two opposing forces meet,
And where they seldom rest. That field is veiled from mortal sight;
'Tis only seen by One,
Who knows alone where victory lies,
When each day's fight is done. One army clusters strong and fierce,—
Their chief of demon form;
His brow is like the thunder cloud,
His voice the bursting storm. His captains—Pride, and Lust, and Hate,
Whole troops watch night and day;
Swift to detect the weakest point,
And thirsting for the prey. Contending with this mighty force,
Is but a little band;
Yet there, with an unquailing front,
Those warriors firmly stand! Their leader is of Godlike form,
Of countenance serene;
And glowing on his naked breast
A naked cross is seen. His captains—Faith, and Hope, and Love,
Point to that wondrous sign;
And gazing on it, all receive
Strength from a source divine. They feel it speaks a glorious truth—
A truth as great as sure;
But, to be victors, they must learn
To love, confide, endure. That faith sublime, in wildest strife,
Imparts a holy calm;
For every deadly blow a shield,
For every wound a balm. And when they win the battle-field,
Past toil is quite forgot;
The place where carnage once had reigned,
Becomes a hallowed spot: A spot where flowers of joy and peace
Spring from the fertile sod,
And breathe the perfume of their praise,
On every breeze, to God. Monday morning Oct. 1, 1860. The Conference again assembled at the appointed hour, and joined in singing the 260th hymn. Prayer by Bro. Lawrence. Bro. White followed with remarks, expressing his gratitude for the candor and good feeling and unity and regard for the principles of right, manifested by those present. Report of committee was called for, whereupon they presented the following Constitution for a Publishing Association. This Association shall be denominated The Advent Review Publishing Association, the object of which shall be the publication of periodicals, books, and tracts, calculated to convey instruction on Bible truth, especially the fulfillment of prophecy the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. This Association shall be located in the city of Battle Creek, Michigan. The Officers of this Association shall consist of a Business Agent, a Committee on Publication, a Treasurer who shall also act as Secretary, and an Auditor, who together shall constitute a Board of Managers, and be elected annually. Any person keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, may become a member of this Association for life on the payment into its treasury, of twenty dollars, or a member for one year on the payment of one dollar. There shall be a yearly meeting of this Association held in one of the autumnal months, at such time and place as shall be designated at the previous annual meeting, of which due notice shall be given in the Advent Review. A special meeting of this Association may be called at any time by a majority of the Board of managers, of which due notice shall also be given in the Review. Section 1. The Business Agent shall be Chairman of the Committee on Publication, and shall have the oversight of all the financial affairs of the Association, and preside over all its deliberations. Section 2. The Committee on Publication shall decide upon the merits of all works proposed to be issued, and shall constitute a Committee of Revision, and an Advisory Board, to whom the Business agent and Editor or Editors may refer important matters. Section 3. It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to take charge of all the monies of the Association, and to keep an accurate account of the receipts and disbursements of the same, and report semi-annually through the Review. As Secretary he shall keep a faithful record of all the doings of the Association. Section 4. It shall be the duty of the Auditor to carefully examine all the accounts and account books of the Association, and report upon their correctness to the Association at its annual meeting. Section 5. The Board of Managers shall have power to purchase and hold real estate, and to erect such buildings as may be necessary for the use of the Association. The Association shall annually elect its Editor or Editors. The whole amount obtained by donations, subscriptions, sales of publications or otherwise, shall be expended in the publication of periodicals books and tracts, and for charitable and benevolent purposes. This constitution may be amended by a vote of two thirds of those present at any meeting of the Association, provided that two months' previous notice of the proposed amendment shall have been given in the Review. It was then moved that the report of the Committee be accepted. Motion carried. Bro. Loughborough moves the adoption of the constitution.—Unanimously carried. The following names were then presented to the Conference as the first seven brethren to form the commencement of the association, and make application to the Legislature: Jas. White, J. H. Waggoner, J. N. Loughborough, G. W. Amadon, U. Smith, Geo. T. Lay, and D. R. Palmer. These nominations were ratified by the Conference. BRO. HULL. I move that the Conference recommend to the Association to retain the present Editors of the Review and Youth's Instructor till another year. BRO. WHITE. I see no necessity for this motion. The Editors have already been chosen by a conference, and there they stand. There might difficulty grow out of it. BRO. ANDREWS. The necessity of this motion arises, as I understand, from this fact: that from the very time that this Association shall be incorporated, it has power to remove at pleasure the Editors; and this motion is designed to give a guarantee to our brethren that the present Editors shall be retained during the few months that these seven brethren have the matter in their hands alone. The question was put and unanimously carried. BRO. WHITE. What shall be done with the present Review Office? The building is now the property of three brethren. I would propose that by the sanction of this conference, I will borrow money and purchase this building and lot, giving the owners the original cost, and wait till the Association is prepared to receive it. After some remarks it was moved that this Conference requests and empowers Bro. White to act in its behalf in the purchase of the Review Office and lot, to repair or erect such buildings as may be necessary to carry on the work of publication.—Carried. BRO. WAGGONER. I have a matter of business as I stated last evening to bring before the Conference. The vote of recommendation adopted by yesterday morning's session was not unanimous; I therefore move that it be rescinded.—Carried. BRO. BRACKET. I now move that we adopt a name, as we must have a name if we are to organize so as to hold property legally.—Seconded. BRO. POOLE. The reason I should have against the adoption of a general name by the body is, that our influence would be hurt as a people; and our object would be likely to be to advance our denomination among the denominations, and not to advance the cause of truth. BRO. FRISBIE. I have been opposed to a sectarian name; but to having a variety of names among us, I am equally opposed. There seems to be a necessity for a uniformity. BRO. HULL. If we could have the church179designated by their locality I should like it better, or, as the church worshiping on the seventh day in such and such places. BRO. WHITE. This is a point in which I am extremely interested. I do not see how we can get along without some name. If we do not take one, we shall have a variety applied to us. And it is not possible for us to hold property without a name. The law specifies upon this point. As to being reckoned a part of Babylon, I have preached considerable about Babylon, but never found any fault with them because they have a name. I see nothing unscriptural in their having a name. But it is objected that we shall be classed among the denominations. We are classed with them already, and I do not know that we can prevent it, unless we disband and scatter, and give up the thing altogether. BRO. CORNELL. There are three churches in Iowa, waiting to go forward immediately to build meeting-houses; but they are waiting the action of this Conference. Something should be done; it is expected. When the brethren speak of our going into Babylon because of the name, it seems to me they lose sight of the aid and assistance that God has given us as a people. The commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, is a distinguishing feature between us and the other denominations; and so sure as they are Babylon, and in the enemy's hand, the enemy will stir them up to war against us. It looks to me too that the gifts of the church are lost sight of, and are not held in so important a light as they should be, if we give way to so much fear of our becoming Babylon merely by adopting a name. There is confusion in the names already chosen; and if something is not done here, churches will go on choosing different names still. A general name will bring us into unity and not confusion. BRO. BUTLER. The objections which formerly had weight upon my mind, do not now have the weight they had. I think they may be surmounted. What do we profess to be here? Is it not a fact that we profess to be, and are striving to be, that lively material that the apostle speaks of, striving to be built up a holy temple, &c. This being the fact, what does the Lord himself, the great Framer and Deviser of this building, declare it to be? This same building is declared to be the church of God. If God has named us as parents have a right to name their children, does it not denote a lack of modesty to try to slip out and take no name, or another? The discussion on this subject was prolonged till eleven o'clock when it was Voted, To adjourn one hour. Meeting opened by prayer by Brn. White and the Chairman. The question again brought before the meeting, "Shall we adopt some name?" Some who had previously been averse to such a step, here signified their change of opinion, and their readiness to co-operate with their brethren in this course. BRO. SPERRY. It looks to me that it is perfectly right and pleasing to the Lord, if we are not in harmony on this subject, to talk the matter over in the Spirit of the Lord. I have this confidence in the Spirit of the Lord that it will lead us into the same mind and judgment. And these brethren that can see the matter clearly, are prepared to enlighten us who cannot see it so plainly. I believe that when we touch the right thing, and move in harmony with the Spirit of God, his blessing will follow our action. My mind was enlightened somewhat this forenoon in regard to it. My prejudices have been great; but in order to get light, I wish to lay my prejudices on the subject on the altar. I hope we shall not be hasty in the matter, but help each other on these points as we did last night. I believe God will give wisdom. I understand that at some time God's people will have a name; for John saw them having their Father's name on their foreheads. BRO. BELDEN. Going without a name, would, in my opinion, be like publishing books without titles, or sending out a paper without a heading. Bro. White followed with remarks apologizing for some of his brethren who seemed to be afraid of a name. He had been in the same position once. In times past when we were comparatively few, he did not see the necessity of any such steps. But now large bodies of intelligent brethren are being raised up, and without some regulation of this kind will be thrown into confusion. He then gave a review of the past, mentioning the opposition which had been manifested by some all the way along, first against publishing a paper, then against issuing pamphlets, then against having an office, then against the sale of publications, then against church order, then against having a power press. It had been hard to bring the minds of some of the brethren to the necessity of these things; but they had all been essential to the prosperity of the cause. He thought the opposition to the steps here proposed of the same nature precisely. The question, Shall we adopt a name was then called for. The motion was put and carried. None dissented, though a few declined to vote. BRO. INGRAHAM. I remarked that though he did not feel perfectly clear, he was so far inclined to the position taken, that if compelled to vote, he should vote in favor of a name. Having voted to adopt a name, the discussion now turned on what that name should be. The name Church of God was proposed and zealously advocated by some. It was objected that that name was already in use by some denominations, and on this account, was indefinite, besides having to the world an appearance of presumption. Bro. White remarked that the name taken should be one which would be the least objectionable to the world at large. The name Seventh-day Adventists, was proposed as a simple name and one expressive of our faith and position. After some further remarks, Bro. Hewitt offered the following resolution:— Resolved, That we take the name of Seventh-day Adventists. This resolution was freely discussed, but was finally withdrawn to make room for the following from Bro. Poole:— Resolved, That we call ourselves Seventh-day Adventists. After a somewhat lengthy discussion, the question was called for, and the resolution adopted, Bro. Butler dissenting, and Brn. Lawrence, Sperry, Andrews and Ingraham not voting. On explanation that this resolution had reference only to those present, Bro. Sperry gave his vote in favor of the resolution, and Brn. Andrews signified his assent, to the same. Moved by Bro. Hull that we recommend the name we have chosen to the churches generally.—Carried, Bro. Butler dissenting. Moved, That the proceedings of this meeting be published in the Advent Review.—Carried. Moved, To adjourn, sine die.—Carried. JOSEPH BATES, Chairman.
URIAH SMITH, Secretary. "I WROTE unto the church; but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the pre-eminence among them, receiveth us not. Wherefore, if I come, I will remember the deeds that he doeth, prating against us with malicious words; and not content therewith, neither doth he receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church." 1 John iii, 8-10. I have written to the church of which you are a member—what I have written is intended for them; but Diotrephes, who loves to put himself forward as a leader among them, does not receive us in a friendly manner for which, if I come, I will remember his conduct; (with the authority which the Lord Jesus has given me for edification and not for destruction;) for he keeps talking about us with injurious words; and not content with this, neither does he give a friendly reception to the brethren, and hinders those who are willing to treat them kindly, and sends them away from the church to seek some place where they can preach the gospel without molestation. Of Diotrephes we know nothing more than we are here told. Nor are we informed what injurious things he said against the apostles and the other brethren. But he no doubt had specious pretences for his conduct. He did not think they were preachers of the right stamp; and he would have it supposed that it was for the truth's sake that he received them coldly. Or he opposed them because they dared to have an opinion of their own different from his, which they could not possibly have if they were sound and orthodox. Or he would insinuate that John was his rival, and that he and those he sent wished to put him down. He thought it every way fitting that those who came to preach near where he was, and where he had done and was doing so much good, should fall in behind him, and work under him. If he took it into his head that some more distant brother was his rival, and would not be governed by his opinions, he would try if he could not think of some friend in that brother's neighborhood, to whom he would write a friendly, flattering letter, taking care to drop some hints prejudicial to the brother, which his special friend was expected to use in the proper way. Thus he would keep himself and others around him perpetually in hot water. When he got rid of one associate with whom he was constantly quarreling, he would soon find another; for he would be all the time watching his brethren. So the preachers of the gospel chose to go elsewhere, in order that they might serve God in the gospel of his Son in peace. They would likely have gone to some other denomination, had there been different denominations in the church in that day.—Preacher and Presbyterian. THIS dream relates to an old lady who was professedly very pious, but, like thousands in the church, for many years allowed her devotions to her pipe to exceed her devotions to God. She was more sure not to forget her vows to this carnal appetite, than not to forget her closet for prayer. One night she dreamed of an aërial flight to the regions of the spirit-world, where not only her eyes could feast on the beauties of elysian fields, but where she could converse with perfected spirits. She asked one of these to go and look for her name in the book of life. He complied; but at length returned with a sad countenance, saying it was not there. Again she besought him to go and search more thoroughly. After a more lengthy examination, he returned without finding it. She wept bitterly, and could not rest till a third search should be made. After a long and anxious absence, the messenger returned with a brightened countenance, saying that it had, after great labor, been found; but that so deep was the covering which years of tobacco smoke had laid over it, it was with great difficulty that it could be discerned. She awoke and found herself prostrated with weeping. It is not for me to say whether there was, or was not any divine instruction in this dream; but it produced in the old lady repentance, and a pious resolution henceforward to give unto God, not a divided, but, a whole heart,—to cast the idol at her feet, and lay no more of her time, money, nor vital energies upon its unholy altar. Every Christian Has a Purpose
By Spurgeon
THERE is not a spider hanging on the king's wall but hath its errand; there is not a nettle that groweth in the corner of the church-yard but hath its purpose; there is not a single insect fluttering in the breeze but accomplisheth some divine decree; and I will never have it that God created any man, especially any Christian man, to be a blank, and to be a nothing.—Spurgeon. THE FALLING LEAF--REFLECTIONS.
By A. S. Hutchins
THERE is always something very solemn and impressive to my mind when the faded leaves of autumn are falling around us. Serious reflections awaken in my heart as they rustle and crumble to pieces beneath our feet. And never were those reflections more solemn than at present. To-day the foliage of the forest is fading fast, withering and dying. The leaf so green, healthful and full of life, but as it were yesterday, drops and is borne away by the gentle breeze and falls to the earth in silence. It beautifies the tree, the grove, the wood, no longer. The bird no longer sits and sings beneath its shade. No more it breaks the rays of the sun from our window, or door, or pleasant walks, or childhood's retreat. The summer is past, the harvest is ended, and a cold winter hastens on. As the buds opened and the tender branches of the trees put forth their leaves in spring, some of our nearest and dearest friends were with us, who have since been snatched away by death, and now silently slumber in the earth's cold embrace. The dreary winds of winter will soon whistle for the first time around their quiet resting-place, and the snow drift above them. The fading, falling leaf should remind us of our mortality—should lead us to reflect on the declaration to man, almost six thousand years ago, "Dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return." Gen. iii, 19. Says Isaiah, "We do all fade as a leaf." Chap. lxiv, 6. Human beauty, wisdom and strength fade away. The sweetest scenes and associations of life pass away. Our friends that we have loved the most and the best have faded and wasted away before us, and we have borne them to the silent grave to rest a little moment, till the resurrection of the just. "The earth mourneth and fadeth away, the world languisheth and fadeth away, the haughty people of the earth do languish." Isa. xxiv, 4. "The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand forever." Isa. xl, 8. All praise, and honor, and glory be to our God, that his word shall stand forever. "We, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness." We look forward but a short time when the King shall appear in his beauty, when the sleeping saints shall awake and sing, and the righteous living shall be changed, and all together be caught up to meet the Lord in the air, and so shall we ever be with the Lord. "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away." There is the inheritance, "incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away." And there is the crown of glory that fadeth not away. No blight nor mildew of sin, no fade nor decay in all that healthful clime. "I'm weary of loving what passes away,
The sweetest and dearest, alas! may not stay;
I long for that land where these partings are o'er,
And death and the tomb can divide us no more." A. S. HUTCHINS.
Melbourne, C. E. NO-LAW, NO-VISIONS, NO-GOD.
By M. E. Cornell
The moral law being a transcript of the Divine mind, a holy emanation from a holy God, those who reject this law virtually reject its Divine Author. There is a people that boldly say of the law written by the finger of God upon tables of stone, "It is abolished!" It is no marvel that such a people should scoff at "visions" or any manifestation of the Spirit of God. The holy Spirit is one of God's representatives, the moral law is another, hence to reject either of these is to reject God, and is full evidence of the carnal mind. Away with all miraculous gifts. Away with the holy Spirit. Away with the moral law. Away with God. These are some of the rounds of the ladder on which many are trying to "climb up another way." But that the No-gifts, No-Spirit, No-law, and No-God sentiments go hand-in-hand is evident from the Scriptures. "The law is no more; her prophets also find no vision from the Lord." Lam. ii, 9. "Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper." 2 Chron. xx, 20. "Now for a long season Israel hath been without the true God, and without a teaching priest, and without law." 2 Chron. xv, 3. "Through breaking the law dishonorest thou God." Rom. ii, 23. "Do we then make void the law through faith? God FORBID: yea, we establish the law." Rom. iii, 31. "The carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you." Rom. viii, 7-9. The great Teacher has laid down the rule: "He that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me, despiseth him that sent me." Luke x, 16. Applying this rule, he that despiseth the manifestations of the Spirit, despiseth the Spirit also, and he that despiseth the moral law, despiseth the God who in awful solemnity and grandeur gave that law. How can this spirit of opposition to the law of God be accounted for, except by the apostle's rule that the carnal mind is not subject to the law of God? One preacher said, "Nine of the ten commandments are carnal!" Another, "It is a rickety old law, and always was a curse to man. I love to give it a rub now and then, I can preach so much better after it." Another refused to debate while the chart of the law hung on the wall. Said he, "That chart must come down!" Put out the light, down with the law; we come behind in all gifts and we are glad of it, are the sentiments but too plainly manifest in this age of perils and awful apostasy. Mr. John Whitcross, a teacher at Edinburgh, relates that "a certain preacher in the west of England, remarkable for his opposition to the moral law as a rule of life to believers, was preaching on a week-day evening at a village, in a cottage full of poor people. When, declaiming in his usual way against the law, and seeming at a loss for expressions sufficient to degrade it, he said, 'The law is dead; it is fallen; it is done with.' Having just then occasion to use his handkerchief, he spread it out, and holding a corner in each hand, said, 'The law, my friends, has fallen down before the believer like this handkerchief;' then letting it go from his hands, it unfortunately fell on the candles, and extinguished them, leaving the preacher and all his hearers in darkness: a very just, though accidental, representation of that mental and practical darkness which such preaching is likely to produce." Fit illustration, for as that handkerchief smothered the candles, so are carnal teachers trying to smother the light of the law and the Spirit of God. The result will be to grope in darkness; to be broken, snared and taken. They prefer darkness to light, because their deeds are evil. O, that those who profess to be disciples would fulfill the scripture, "Seal the law among my disciples." But so long as they refuse to do this, I must still cry with David, "It is time for thee, Lord, to work; for they have made void thy law."