p. 126 | Review and Herald, Vol. 38, No. 16. (10/3/1871)

Indiana Camp-meeting.

By W. H. Littlejohn

Immediately upon the close of the Charlotte meeting, Bro. Waggoner and I took our departure, via Battle Creek, for the camp ground in Indiana. Having passed the first night in Michigan City, we went on board the cars early in the morning, and resumed our journey toward Fairfield, Howard Co., where our meeting was to be held.

At Walkerton we were joined by Bro. Harvey and others, whose place of destination was the same as ours. The pleasure of such unions on the road can only be appreciated by those who have been like circumstanced. There is, in the very fact that from time to time individuals are stepping on board the train whose love for our common faith has induced them to separate themselves from home cares and pleasures in order that they may retire for a time to the quiet grove, for the purpose of seeking God with their whole heart, a sort of inspiration which imparts courage and energy to those whose flagging strength, as the result of protracted effort, needs the stimulant of that sympathy which springs from a living interest in the same great truths.

By the time we had reached the station at Fairfield, our party was somewhat increased in number, and the momentary disappointment arising from not seeing our brethren at the train, gave way as teams were descried in the distance which had evidently been sent to convey us to the place of our destination.

We were pleased to see that our brethren had not neglected the preparation of the ground until the very last thing. The large tent had been pitched, the ground was seated, the preacher's stand and provision stand erected, and something like twelve board houses which would probably accommodate as many persons as twice that number of tents of the average size, were either already filled, or in readiness to receive those for whom they were prepared. During the first two days of the meeting the people continued to come in. Fortunately, however, few of them waited as they do in some places—where we fear that they are more worldly minded—until just before the Sabbath before coming to the annual gathering, which, at best, is none too long to accomplish the work which should be done for them, even though every day of the period usually assigned for this purpose were employed to the very best advantage possible.

It was manifest from the outset that our location this year was much more accessible to the majority of the brethren than that of Tipton, where we met last year.

The cause is in its infancy in Indiana, and of course we did not anticipate an attendance any thing like that which has been witnessed so many times in the older Conferences during the past season.

We were prepared, therefore, to enter fully into the feelings of such men as Bro. Charles Seaward and Bro. James Harvey, who were in the State when they stood almost alone in the defence of God's downtrodden law and Sabbath, as with hearts almost too full for utterance they would look over what appears to us a small assemblage of our brethren, and with tears of gratitude thank God that they had been permitted to see so large a congregation of their brethren.

There were probably present, in all, about two hundred of our people; or double the number convened last year. On Sunday, the attendance was quite large for this locality, reaching, at least, when safely estimated, two thousand people.

Something more than twenty souls presented themselves for prayers, the most of whom, we believe, were those who were seeking Christ for the first time.

On Monday afternoon, seventeen persons were baptized by Eld. E. B. Lane, in a stream about five miles distant from the camp ground. This, together with examination of candidates, occupied nearly the whole of the afternoon.

The remoteness of the place of baptism presented a difficulty which is temporary in its nature, and would not exist in a season when they had the usual amount of rain. The distance, however, of the location from the R. R. Station (which is, we believe, about three miles), we regard as a more serious draw back, since experience has shown that in a region where they travel more by R. R., and less by wagons, than they do in Indiana, the place of meeting should not, when it is possible to avoid it, be more than one mile from a station.

We believe that about $400.00 were raised upon the ground by subscription for the benefit of the Publishing Association and Health Institute. This was very good, when we take all the circumstances into consideration; but perhaps there are a few who did not do their full duty in this direction.

The whole of the preaching during the meeting, with the exception of one discourse by Bro. E. B. Lane, was done by Bro. Waggoner and myself.

In the very outset we contracted severe colds which not only impaired our usefulness measurably, but, for a time, threatened to prostrate us altogether. Under the blessing of God, however, we were enabled to carry on our labor till the end of the meeting, and on Tuesday morning we left our brethren in Indiana, with whom the prevailing impression seemed to be that the meeting had been a success, to make our way to Mansfield, Ohio, there to enter immediately upon a meeting of like character with that which we had just closed.

As we separated from those with whom we had been so pleasantly associated for a few days, our hearts yearned over them, and we offered an earnest prayer to God that they might ever be preserved from that love of controversy for the sake of controversy which has characterized some sects in that State, and that they might always bear in mind that there are, in the Christian religion, no triumphs worthy of mention which do not result in the glory of God and the conversion of men, rather than the mere gratification of personal pride. W. H. LITTLEJOHN. Mansfield, Ohio, Sept. 28, 1871.

Things Consecrated Belong to God.

By George I. Butler

We have an illustration of this principle in Num. 16:38, on the occasion when Korah, Dathan and Abiram rose up against Moses and Aaron. Korah and certain of the Levites it seems were not satisfied with their position, although enjoying an exalted one, in the Lord's work, but claimed the priesthood also, which belonged to Aaron and his posterity. So Moses proposed a test by which to ascertain the will of the Lord in the matter. Two hundred and fifty men were to take censers and stand before the Lord that he might show which he would choose. The result was that God sent down a fire from heaven and consumed the men who offered incense in their censers. Then the Lord told Moses to gather up the censers for they were hallowed “and let them make them broad plates for a covering of the altar: for they offered them before the Lord; therefore they are hallowed.”

The Lord claims these censers as his, simply because these persons had voluntarily offered them to him. They were consecrated once to his service, and they could not be withdrawn at the persons' option, even had they been alive and desired to do it. God declares them to be “hallowed,” that is, set apart to a holy use. Those persons then who once consecrate any thing to the Lord have no more moral right to withdraw it again, and claim it as their own, than another would have to do it.

I heard of a boy once who gave to a playmate a certain plaything, but afterwards desiring it again went to his playfellow and said, “I gave it to you, and it is mine, and I will have it.” Some professors of religion seem to act on the same principle. They make a solemn vow to the Lord, when their conscience is stirred, that they will give so much to the Lord's cause. They think they will do so at the time, but their zeal cools off, and they seem to think God has forgotten all about it. They forget that God has said, “Pay thy vows unto the Most High,” and that “when thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools. Pay that which thou hast vowed.” Eccl. 5:4.

The wise man puts the conduct of those who thus act in a very unenviable light. He calls them fools. The reason for doing so I suppose is, that they have such foolish ideas of the Deity as to suppose when they make a solemn promise to him, and pay no attention to it afterwards, that it will be just as well. They seem to imagine that God is altogether such an one as themselves, careless, heedless of his word, and indifferent to truth. Such greatly mistake his character. God is rather a jealous God; that is, one very careful and solicitous in regard to everything pertaining to his word or character. We should in this try to imitate him, and if we do pledge our word to him, we should not act like a foolish man, and think we need never meet our own promises to him. Let us remember that every such pledge is “hallowed” to God, and therefore not ours, but his.

I have known of instances where our brethren have put sums of money into meeting-houses, which, in the fullest sense, were consecrated to God, and in after years, from some cause, the houses would be sold, and they put the proceeds into their own pockets, and never seem to question the point whether or not it was theirs. I question very much their right to take back this money and use it for secular purposes, and doubt if God's blessing will rest upon such an appropriation of consecrated funds.

There is such a thing as robbing God, Mal. 3:8; and I know of nothing that would look more like it, than to take back, without so much as saying, “By your leave,” that which had been solemnly given to him. Let all who are interested reflect upon these principles. God is the same yesterday, to-day, and forever; and the examples given in the Old Testament are mainly designed to show those who should come after, just how God will regard their action when similar in principle to the example given. Here we can learn how he will regard us. Let us remember, then, that every pledge and every consecrated gift is his and not ours, and that he will hold us to a strict account for the same.

GEO. I. BUTLER.

“My Grace is Sufficient.”

By R. F. Cotterill

MANY read this passage wrong: My grace shall be sufficient for thee. They seem to understand that the Lord has promised that his grace shall be sufficient for every trial we may meet. But the declaration is, My grace is sufficient for thee. What is the meaning?

The apostle had had an abundance of revelations, on account of which he was in danger of exaltation. To prevent this, the Lord had permitted bodily infirmity to come upon him to keep him humble. He prayed that this might be removed. But if this petition should be granted, he would be exalted, and lose the favor of God. It was better for him to retain the favor or grace of God, even at the expense of continuing to suffer in the flesh, than to have the suffering removed, and, by its removal, suffer the loss of God's favor. As if he said, Be content to suffer in the flesh, for by this suffering you retain my favor. My favor is sufficient to counterbalance and far outweigh all that you are called to suffer. You are the gainer by what you deprecate as an evil. It keeps you from losing the favor of God—a greater loss and more grievous misfortune.

R. F. COTTERILL.

The Triumph of Christianity.

THE following passage is quoted by the London Quarterly Review, with the remark, that, “for the condensation of its wide historic survey, and its vigorous and glowing eloquence, it is one of the finest in the whole range of literature:”

“It arose in an enlightened and skeptical age; but among a despised and narrow-minded people. It earned hatred and persecution at home by its liberal genius and opposition to the national prejudices; it earned contempt abroad by its connection with the country where it was born, but which sought to strangle it in its birth. Emerging from Judea, it made its outward march through the most polished regions of the world—Asia Minor, Egypt, Greece, Rome—and in all it attracted notice and provoked hostility. Successive massacres and attempts at extermination, persecuted for ages by the whole force of the Roman Empire, it bore without resistance, and seemed to draw fresh vigor from the ax; but assaults in the way of argument, from whatever quarter, it was never ashamed or unable to repel, and, whether attacked or not, it was resolutely aggressive. In four centuries it had pervaded the civilized world; it had mounted the throne of the Cæsars; it had spread beyond the limits of their sway, and had made inroads upon barbarian nations whom their eagles had never visited; it had gathered all genius and all learning into itself, and made the literature of the world its own; it survived the inundation of the barbarian tribes, and conquered the world once more by converting its conquerors to the faith; it survived an age of barbarism; it survived the restoration of letters; it survived an age of free inquiry and skepticism, and has long stood its ground in the field of argument, and commanded the intelligent assent of the greatest minds that ever were; it has been the parent of civilization, and the nurse of learning; and if light, and humanity, and freedom, be the boast of modern Europe, it is to Christianity that she owes them. Exhibiting in the life of Jesus a picture, varied and minute, of the perfect human united with the Divine, in which the mind of man has not been able to find a deficiency, or detect a blemish—a picture copied from no model and rivaled by no copy—it has accommodated itself to every period and every clime; it has retained through every change a salient spring of life, which enables it to throw off corruption and repair decay, and renew its youth, amid outward hostility and inward divisions.”

A GOOD NEWSPAPER ARTICLE.—

An article to be printed, should absolutely have something in it. If professed argument, it should be conclusive; if pathetic, it should moisten the eyes; if an anecdote, it should have a sharp point; if philosophy, it should go to the primitive rock; if practical, it should go like an arrow to its work; if spiritual, it should awe the soul that reads it.

The Perpetuity of the Decalogue

Not one of the precepts of the decalogue has ever been re-enacted, for the reason that they have not been abolished. The power which would be sufficient to re-enact them, could prevent their abolition.

Minnesota.

By W. S. Ingraham

I ATTENDED our last quarterly meeting at Concord. I had spoken only once when my voice failed me, and it has been with much difficulty that I have been able to talk even in private conversation, until within a few days since. Last Sabbath and first-day I spent in Delavan. We had a precious time on the Sabbath. Brethren from Mapleton met with us. On Sunday evening I spoke on the final destiny of the wicked. I am now at Jodavis where I expect to spend about two weeks in holding meetings. There seems to be some interest here. I am recovering my voice. Brethren pray that my way may not be hedged up, but that a door of utterance may be opened before me. W. S. INGRAHAM.

The Iowa Tent.

By George I. Butler

We are still in Osceola. And since our last report our meetings have been well attended by many of the best citizens of the place. We have investigated the Sabbath question, and other unpopular subjects, and still our interest continues good. Last evening, Bro. Canright spoke on the Mark and Seal. The tent was crowded. We have thus far had two Sabbath meetings. The first was well attended by Sabbath-keepers from Adel, Winterset, Peru, and Woodburn, and some from this place. Last Sabbath, we had near one hundred and twenty-five present, most of them from this place. About thirty-five of these voted they would keep the Sabbath. Still we know great allowance must always be made in such cases for those who will change their minds. Yet quite a number of substantial people manifest a determination to obey the truth.

Knowing well that as soon as the tent came down, we should have no house for holding meetings among the other churches, a week ago last night we introduced the subject of building a meeting-house for the first time publicly. And now we have a subscription of $1500.00, and five days after the matter was introduced, work commenced toward the building of it. And at this time some ten or twelve teams are engaged hauling material for the foundation, &c. We expect to build 28x42, and hope within a few weeks to have a house of worship in Osceola. Times are very hard here, and this argues a real interest on the part of the people.

The nights are getting cold, and the tent will soon have to come down. But Bro. Canright will remain here some weeks to attend to matters. The preachers of the place seem not to have the influence with the people they generally do, and have not as yet seemed to hinder our work very much. We don't suppose this to be from any good will, however, toward us, but rather from inability on their part to hinder. But probably they will soon begin to bestir themselves.

The interest in this place has surprised us more, perhaps, than any one else, as the truth was preached here some ten or twelve years ago, by Bro. Cornell and Moses Hull, and then died down. Such places have been generally thought very hard to arouse an interest in. But here and at Decatur City it has not been so. We have had a better interest than ordinary, and here we have been used very kindly by the mass of the people. We have hardly known why this is so, under the circumstances.

I was at Decatur City last Sabbath, and we had a profitable meeting, and a fair attendance in the evening. They will soon have their meeting-house enclosed.

GEO. I. BUTLER.

Osceola, Iowa, Sept. 25.

EMILY L. CANRIGHT

By Emily L. Canright

From Sr. Canright.

BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I desire to give God unfeigned thanks for life, and for all the blessings it has brought to me. From infancy through youth to womanhood his hand has led me, and though my path has often been rough and thorny, and I have met with many disappointments, seen many sorrows, and shed many tears, I have learned to thank God for even these; for I feel they have been my heart's best discipline; and so I have nothing to complain of in the past, and as for the present, it is good, and the future bright. I desire to come out from the world and be separate; to have more of that fullness that is in Christ; to live nearer to God, to love him with all my heart, and serve him with all my ransomed powers. Oh! that I may be a pilgrim and stranger on the earth. I want all malice, and envyings, and hatred, rooted out of my heart, and have only the fruit of the Spirit which is, love, joy, peace, &c.

“It matters not to me, it matters not, If storm or sunshine be my earthly lot; Bitter or sweet my cup, I only pray, God, make me pure and nerve my soul For the stern hour of strife.”

“Through ages of eternal years, my spirit, Never shall repent that toil and care Were once my lot below.”

We are in one sense of the word lonely. We have no society of believers here. No church bell summons us to the house of God when Sabbath morning dawns. No sweet communion with those of like precious faith. No hymns are sung, only as we chant them ourselves. Still we thank God that we are not left entirely alone. We live, in one sense, as near the Fountain Head as others do, and we may hold communion with God as often as we will, and have the constant companionship of the Spirit, which is far superior to all earthly society.

I am earnestly striving by God's grace to be a child of his. To him and to his service I consecrate the remainder of my life; to be content with whatever position he may assign me; to bear life's burdens bravely, and cheerfully, and well; and oh! is it saying too much, to say that I expect, if faithful a little longer, to hear the welcome plaudit, “Well done, good and faithful servant”?’ And all unworthy as I am, in God's mercy through Christ, I hope to tread the golden streets of the New Jerusalem, and wear a crown of glory, and a robe of righteousness.

“When in Heaven we stand, having gained the blest shore, With our harps in our hands we will praise evermore. We will range the fair fields on the banks of the river, And sing of redemption forever and ever.”

EMILY L. CANRIGHT

PRAYING IN SPIRIT.

By Sel.

I need not leave the jostling world, Or wait till daily tasks are o’er, To fold my palms in secret prayer Within the close-shut closet door.

There is a viewless, cloistered room, As high as heaven, as fair as day, Where, though my feet may join the throng, My soul can enter in and pray.

When I have banished wayward thoughts, Of sinful works the fruitful seed, When folly wins my ear no more, The closet door is shut indeed.

No human step approaching breaks The blissful silence of the place, No shadow steals across the light That falls from my Redeemer’s face!

And never through those crystal walls The clash of life can pierce its way, Nor ever can a human ear Drink in the spirit words I say.

One hearkening, even, cannot know When I have crossed the threshold o’er; For He alone who hears my prayer, Has heard the shutting of the door. —Sel.

Meetings in Michigan and Northern Indiana.

By Joseph Bates

AUGUST 18-20, I held five meetings and celebrated the ordinances with the church in Hillsdale.

AUGUST 22, 23, met with the church and people in Ransom Center. The burden-bearers in these churches are struggling to live up to all the light of present truth, encouraging their brethren to press forward in the onward work of the third angel's message.

August 24, Bro. J. Locke met me with his carriage at Orland, and brought me to Salem, Ind., where I held a series of meetings and celebrated the ordinances with the church. Eighteen years ago Bro. A. A. Dodge introduced me here and I held a few meetings. Since that time Sabbath meetings have been held in Salem. The Lord encourage and strengthen them to go forward.

August 29-31, visited some of the scattered Sabbath-keepers in South Bend.

September 1-4, with the church in North Liberty, Ind. Here I held seven free, encouraging meetings, and was blest in celebrating the ordinances. A brother and his companion who had recently embraced the Sabbath with the message, were baptized and received into the church. On first-day and evening quite a number, not in the message, came and were interested to hear.

Sabbath, Sept. 9 had interesting meetings with the church in Blendon, Mich. The 10th with the church in Allendale.

September 13-19, Michigan Camp-meeting at Charlotte. Thank the Lord our God, and Jesus our blessed Saviour, for the divine refreshing from the heavenly sanctuary upon his remnant people which were gathered at their fourth annual camp-meeting. The very best order. Preaching pointed, searching, and powerful, accompanied by the Holy Spirit from the heavenly sanctuary. A deeper feeling and drawing near to God by such a large gathering of people has perhaps never been witnessed before in Michigan. We do hope our dear brethren and sisters who attended this meeting will continue to retain the good heavenly blessing they received and share it with their brethren and families at their homes, that all may take fresh courage and press together, and for the heavenly kingdom; for the “mighty God” is about to speak and say, “Gather my saints together unto me, those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.” Ps. 50.

JOSEPH BATES.

Monterey, Mich., Sept. 24, 1871.

Victory Gained.

By J. H. Curtis

I WOULD like to say through the REVIEW to the brethren who are acquainted with me, that I have, by the help of the Lord, gained a complete victory over tobacco. I would say to others who have not gained a victory over it, Go to the Lord for help. I had used it twenty-three years, and have been five years trying to get rid of the filthy habit. I have tried antidotes and other things, and failed in every attempt until I was roused up to the work on health reform. I saw my condition. I saw that I must cleanse myself from all filthiness of the flesh. I felt that there was no room for me in the new earth unless I overcame all my idols, and tobacco with the rest.

It seemed to me that my case was on trial, and decision would go against me, and I should be found guilty. I gave up striving in my own strength and went to the Lord for help. Bless his glorious name, he did help me, and gave me strength to overcome. The battle has been fought, the victory won, and I feel like a new man in body and mind. My prospects are growing brighter for the future. Oh! let us praise the Lord for present truth. Let all the world praise him and give glory to his name. J. H. CURTIS.

North Stockholm, N. Y.

Camp-Meeting in Missouri.

By H. C. Blanchard; L. D. Santee

PURSUANT to appointment, we commenced a camp-meeting near Diamond Grove, Newton Co., Mo., Thursday, Aug. 24. There was a good attendance of the brethren and sisters from the surrounding country. The church at Avilla was largely represented. Quite a number came from Nashville. Several from Seneca, and some from Kansas, testified by a journey of seventy miles their eager desire to hear the word of the Lord. Services were appointed as follows: Prayer in the tents at 6 A. M.; prayer-meeting at 9; preaching at 10½; social meeting at 3 P. M., and preaching at 7½ in the evening. Such were the appointments for the day, though they were sometimes varied by hindering causes.

We preached twenty-three discourses, and although there was much opposition, we enjoyed good liberty. Toward the close of our meeting, the only argument used by some Disciple ministers, who are ever learning, &c., was to advise their people to stay away. The attendance was small, as there were two protracted meetings in progress within two or three miles of us, and some of the brethren were compelled by sickness to return home before the conclusion of our meeting. Notwithstanding these drawbacks, the interest steadily increased to the close. Ten more embraced the truth, and resolved to be obedient. Among them is one that was an elder in the Disciple church, and one who had been a Methodist minister. A church of twenty-five members has been partially organized, and meetings and Bible-class appointed for the Sabbath. We trust that the scattered brethren who attended these meetings, are strengthened and encouraged, and better prepared to stand against the wily foe.

Next Wednesday evening, the Lord willing, we shall commence meetings at Avilla, to continue over Sabbath and first-day, at which time will be the meeting of the Avilla church. We would say to the scattered and lonely ones, Dear brethren, be faithful. We shall meet with you when we can, and we pray and trust that God in his providence will raise up more laborers for this great western field. H. C. BLANCHARD. L. D. SANTEE.

San Francisco, Cal

By John Norton Loughborough

California.

Our last report was made in No. 10 of present Vol. of Review. Our tent-meeting in San Francisco had then just closed. We next hired the use of a church on Harrison street, for five evenings in a week, and Sabbath. Here we continued for six weeks, and had very interesting meetings. Seven were baptized during these meetings, many interesting social meetings were held, and a Sabbath-school and Bible-class organized; but as we had not the privilege of the house on Sundays, we decided to get another place, one more central, and one which we could occupy when we chose. We accordingly rented a room, No. 113 Minna street, 22x70, for $30.00 per month, where we meet for the next three or six months. In this new place we held our first meetings last Sabbath and first-day with good attendance and good interest. We shall now seek again to arouse the public mind to these important truths. For the last month or more, the most intense political excitement has prevailed, which has resulted in almost a complete overturn from one party of officers to the opposite party, and it has made it an unfavorable time to get up much religious interest.

Bro. Cornell, although somewhat worn, and feeble, is holding a few meetings at the different points where we have companies, in Sonoma Co.

Pray for us that our efforts here may not be in vain, but productive of some good. Although our company does not yet number hundreds, we thank God for interest and unity so far. Some who embraced the truth are away for a while, working in other places, and some have moved to other States. A Bro. Kimball who came out in our tent-meeting has gone to Springfield, Mass. A Bro. Stipp has gone to Indiana, not far from Bro. Lane's field of labor.

More soon. J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.

San Francisco, Cal

Love One Another.

By Josephine Mott

It is said that when the apostle John had become so aged and infirm as to be unable to go to the place of worship without being carried by his disciples, being too weak to make long discourses, he would always repeat these words to the church: “Little children, love one another.” How deeply this exhortation of their beloved pastor must have sunk into their hearts as they saw the one who had labored and prayed for them, and endured afflictions, and imprisonment on the desolate isle of Patmos until he had almost reached the grave, stand up and say, “Little children, love one another”! Yet it is said that they wondered at the frequent repetition of this exhortation, and his answer to their question was, “This is what the Lord commands you; and this, if you do it, is sufficient.”

Does the Lord require less of his people now, in these last evil days? Can they get along with less love now than in John's day? From the actions of God's professed people now-a-days, it would seem as though they thought so; but is it true? Paul says, “Love is the fulfilling of the law;” and if we profess to keep the commandments of God we must surely love one another. It is our duty to love every one, even our enemies.

What! says one, love our enemies? that is n't man-like. I know it is n't man-like, but I’ll tell you what it is like; it is Christ-like. The blessed Saviour died for his enemies—loved them even to the death of the cross. Yes; and while hanging on the cruel tree, he prayed for his persecutors, “Father, forgive them; they know not what they do.” Even in his dying agony Jesus loved his enemies, and prayed for their forgiveness. This was love. And if he loved his enemies so much, with what tenderness his heart must have yearned over his followers.

If we would be like Jesus, we must love like him. Oh! that there were more Christian love among Sabbath-keepers, less jealousies, slanders and backbiting, surmisings this thing and that thing until many a heart aches, and feels, as a dear friend said to me a few days ago, “I am sick of the world.” Oh! we might so live that it could be said of us, See how these Christians love! Love is strong as death. Jealousy is cruel as the grave. Little children, love one another.

JOSEPHINE MOTT.

Only a Remnant.

By Josephine Mott

Have you ever thought what a small part of the professed people of God will overcome at last, even among those who have covenanted to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus? As I opened my Bible, my eye rested on the words of the prophet Zechariah: “And it shall come to pass that in all the land, saith the Lord, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third part shall be left therein. And I will bring the third part through the fire and will refine them as silver is refined, and try them as gold is tried. They shall call upon my name, and I will hear them. I will say, It is my people; and they shall say, The Lord is my God.”

They must pass through fiery trials that it may be known of what metal they are. An article may appear good until tried; but when a strain is put on it, it may break. So may a metal appear pure silver or gold; but when the test is applied, it is nothing but dross. But only a few are to endure the refiner’s fire, and the persecutions, trials, and afflictions that shall be heaped upon the heads of God’s devoted people in the last days. And right now we are in the shaking time when those who are not rooted and grounded in the faith are in danger of being shaken out. Shall we stand the test and have part with God’s remnant people, or shall we be cut off and die. Shall we hear the Lord of hosts say of us, It is my people? Can we claim him as our God? If so, we shall receive the name of the sons and daughters of the Almighty. Blessed promise! Will you, shall I, be of that number that shall come off conquerors amid all our fiery trials through Him that hath loved us, and gave his life as a ransom for us?

It is only a remnant, as it were the shaking of an olive tree, or the gleaning grapes of the vintage, that shall be saved. Examine yourselves whether ye be in the faith. Prove your own selves, and may God give wisdom that ye be not deceived.

JOSEPHINE MOTT.

M. A. BAHLER

By M. A. Bahler

Overcomers.

It is a fact that there will be a company of poor, weak mortals, like ourselves, who will be fitted to stand amid the dread terrors of that day when the powers of the heavens will be shaken, with eyes fixed upon the great white cloud, with solemn joy filling their hearts, knowing that the time of their deliverance has come.

Yes, it is a fact that there will be a little company then, who, having contended with the world, the flesh, and the devil, have come off conquerors through the strength of Him who sits upon that glorious cloud, and whom they now hail as their King. They were weak like you and me. They met just such vexations and trials as we meet; but they looked above for strength, and now they are conquerors.

Alas! we too often trust in our own strength, and this is why we fail, and are overcome instead of being overcomers. They yielded sometimes, it is true; but, oh! how quickly came heart pangs, tears, and hearty confession; and opposite their names the recording angel has written, Pardon. Or, perhaps, conviction of sin came not so quickly; perhaps the heart was dull, almost callous, and when conviction did come, pride stood up so stiffly that it was a long, severe struggle before confession was made; still it was made at length, and with the whole heart, and they, too, are victors.

Dear reader, it is your privilege and mine to stand with that company. We may be overcomers. We have the promise, “My grace is sufficient.” The trouble is, we do not seek that grace as we should. Too often we arise in the morning and enter upon our daily duties without first seeking our heavenly Father’s blessing, and asking him for grace to help us meet the little vexations of the day. Or it may be that we do ask with our lips, but not with our heart. In either case it is like going to the battle-field unarmed, without defense or weapons. We can not go far without being wounded. One hour of the day will scarce have passed ere we have been overcome in some way. Impatient words are spoken, and we begin to realize that we are shorn of our strength.

“My grace is sufficient.” Oh, yes! sufficient for all times, for all things; and He who has thus said will not turn us empty away. Have we not proved him? Is not his word sure? When we, feeling our need, have sought his help, how smoothly the day has passed! We scarcely felt the sarcastic words that were spoken. The sea of our domestic life was scarce disturbed by a ripple. Peace was in our hearts, love welled up like an overflowing fountain, and the cares of life came not between us and our God.

Dear reader, have you not known such days as this? days when you felt that you could rejoice evermore, and your heart was continually going out in prayer to God? And did you not begin that day with earnestly seeking God’s grace? Oh! let us begin the days aright. It is so much easier getting through them aright. The overcomers will not be those who have been overcome all the way up to the last. The time for us to begin to overcome is now, and we may be overcomers. Our own course will decide. Oh, solemn thought! and soon there will be no more mercy.

M. A. BAHLER

Abiding in Christ.

By E. E. Sturges

“If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” John 15:7.

What blessed words of cheer to the toil-worn pilgrim as he journeys onward toward the better land. Here is an unfailing promise given to us by God’s dear Son. None need falter or grow weary in the way, or because of the way; for the Lord is more willing to give than poor faint-hearted mortals are to ask. We need not fear in the darkest night, when the black waves of sorrow surge around us, if we abide in Christ.

Asking we receive. The way is easy. Only ask for good, and if our will is submissive to his most righteous will, this blessed promise cannot fail.

God’s trusting children sometimes ask for things, and then feel unreconciled because they ask in vain; but as time advances, with grateful hearts do they thank Him that their petition was denied.

Fellow-traveler toward Mount Zion, do you believe in the promises of God? Then why so slow to present your petitions? Why so easily satisfied when great favors and blessings are in store for those that ask?

Souls are idly sleeping regardless of the weighty responsibility that rests upon them as God’s peculiar people. They have named the name of Christ, but how little do they exemplify his life and character. We are not the lights in the world that God would have us be. A few faint efforts after some soul-stirring meeting will not obtain for us the final victory. We must have a daily consecration, a fresh unction from on high that will fit us for the salvation of souls.

When I see God’s dear servants, who have long borne the burden and heat of the day, still laboring day and night, not counting their lives dear unto themselves, I inquire, Does God require all this at their hands, while scores of others bear no burdens, doing little or nothing to advance the cause of present truth, because their feeble efforts have heretofore proved fruitless?

Christ says, “The branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine, no more can ye except ye abide in me.”

There never was greater need of real burden-bearers than now. If we would stay up the hands of God’s servants, we must have the work go deep in our own hearts. If we are strong individually, if we abide in Christ, we shall feel the worth of precious souls for whom Christ died. We shall have the power of winning souls to Christ and thus add stars to our crown of rejoicing in the day of the Lord Jesus.

E. E. STURGES.

Fairfield, Conn.

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