THE COMING STRUGGLE BETWEEN FRANCE AND PRUSSIA—TESTIMONY OF A FRENCH SOLDIER.
As we were crossing France on our way to Switzerland, we fell in with a French soldier who had served his country in her late struggle against Prussia, and who was well qualified to give a true statement of the real feelings of the French toward the Prussians, and the prospects of a coming conflict between those two nations. He said:—
“We all expect that another war will break out between the two nations in less than six years, and we are preparing for it. We did not have a fair trial in the late struggle. We were shamefully sold. In the coming struggle, we will count on our valor as French soldiers, and the Prussians will be unable to stand before us.”
As we see this storm gathering, God grant that we may not be indifferent in our efforts to persuade men to enlist and serve under the banner of the coming King, that they may be the happy subjects of his peaceful kingdom.
AN OBJECTION ANSWERED.
Should Europeans regard the darkening of the sun, etc., of 1780, and the shower of falling stars of 1833, as signs of the end?
But some will say: As the phenomenon of May 19, 1780, and that of Nov. 13, 1833, were confined to America, they were not sufficiently extensive to constitute so important a sign as the special sign of Christ’s coming. To this we reply:—
1. It is not simply in America that the sun has been supernaturally darkened, and that there has been an extraordinary display of falling stars or meteors. Who has not heard of the remarkable darkness that occurred in Scotland only a short time after the dark day in America?
Tuesday, Sept. 3, 1839, there was a display of falling stars in England which seemed to be equal in splendor to that witnessed in America in 1833. It commenced about 10 o’clock P. M. and continued two hours, and toward morning the spectacle became still more wonderful. The fire engines were horsed, and galloped toward the supposed scene of destruction, followed by carriages, horsemen, and vast mobs. The same phenomenon was witnessed in America, but to a less extent than the described appearance in London.—New York Commercial Advertiser, Sept. 4, 1839.
Again, who is not familiar with the fact that in 1866 there was a wonderful display of falling stars in Europe, North Africa, and Asia? But 2. Were it even true that these phenomena were witnessed only in America, the objection under consideration would not be a valid one. The star that constituted one of the signs of Christ’s first coming was seen only by a few wise men or astronomers in the land of Palestine, who did not even belong to the Jewish nation. Did the Jews therefore do right in asking Christ for a sign, and in rejecting the true Messiah?
But what if God has seen fit to give Americans the priority on one of the signs? What if it could even be shown that Americans alone had had the privilege of being eye witnesses of one of the signs of the end? Must the people living in other countries reject this one sign because they did not see it? What would Europeans say of Americans if they rejected the striking evidences of the end, as seen in the history of the papacy which is made up of events of which only a portion of those living in Europe could be eye witnesses? There are many historical and geographical facts that we have to receive at second hand, i. e., through the testimony of others. For example: Everybody believes that such a city as Paris exists, yet there are but a few comparatively who ever saw Paris.
God has spoken, and has fulfilled his word. Let the world take warning and prepare for the coming of his Son.
“THE LIGHT-HOUSES HAVE APPEARED!”
Such was the language of the sailors and passengers on board our steamer as we were nearing the coast of England, after a very rough and dangerous passage from New York. Joy beamed on every countenance, and all longed for the light of morning, and when it came, all were especially cheered at the sight of land, which seemed all the more precious for our having been deprived of it. As we looked back to our dangers amid the angry and surging waves, deliverance seemed very precious. We thought of the glorious deliverance of the saints beyond the trials and perils of the brief future. Can it be that the final victory is so near. It is even so. “The light-houses have appeared.” They are still in sight. They have been erected by the arm of Omnipotence, and are as firm as the pillars of Heaven. They show us our dangers, and that we are about to enter the haven of eternal rest. May the language of each heart be: Let perils and trials come, if victory is so sweet.
D. T. BOURDEAU.
Locle, Switzerland, March 1, 1876.
A CHEERING REPORT.
From a private letter to Bro. Canright from a brother in Memphis, Mich., we have the liberty to give the following cheering report to the readers of the REVIEW:—
“The Lord is blessing the church very much. One week ago last Sabbath [March 25], Bro. Lamson baptized thirteen, and yesterday [April 1], he baptized seven more, and quite a number of others united with the church. One brother who had kept the Sabbath for years, but had never been baptized, went forward, and was very much blessed.
“In the afternoon we all met at the church, and celebrated the ordinances. It was a precious season. The youth took hold, and some said they never were so happy in all their lives; others, that they would not give their peace of mind for all the pleasures of the world. Nearly every one of the children of our brethren and sisters have made a start, and others will be baptized in a few days. One brother said that he had looked for a great work to be done, but that it had gone beyond all his hopes, and he felt like praising God for his goodness.”
TO CORRESPONDENTS.
A. SMITH: The Bible Student’s Assistant gives the complete use of the words soul and spirit in the Bible, with the different renderings of the Greek and Hebrew words from which they come. The word “pit” in Isa. 14:15 and 38:17, 18, is not from sheol but bohr.
J. HILTON: The Bible does not forbid the use of tobacco by name, and it would not have been consistent to do so; for it was not known when the Bible was written. But the Bible lays down principles that clearly condemn its use. It is one of those “foolish and hurtful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.”1 Tim. 6:9. Being a species of intemperance, its use is one of the works of the flesh enumerated in Gal. 5:19–21, of which it is said that “they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” Our bodies are the temple of God. 1 Cor. 3:16; 6:19. By such an indulgence as the use of tobacco, which benumbs and stupefies the sensibilities, and wars upon the vital economy, this temple is defiled; and if “any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. Let no man deceive himself.” 1 Cor. 3:16–18. The same reasoning which would make the words of Christ in Matt. 15:11 justify the use of tobacco, would make them also justify the use of whisky, brandy, and other intoxicating liquors; for these liquors are taken in through the mouth. But they certainly defile the user; for no drunkard shall inherit the kingdom of God. 1 Cor. 6:10. Christ was speaking of articles of food, which tobacco, whisky, &c., are not, and rebuking the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, who were so scrupulous lest they should partake of something adjudged by the ceremonial law to be unclean, while their hearts were full of uncleanness and every evil.
From all of which it seems evident that the Bible condemns such indulgences as the use of tobacco, and that it is therefore a proper matter for discipline.
H. H. BRUNSTETTER: The righteous are judged during the investigative Judgment, before Christ comes; the wicked during the succeeding thousand years. This subject and Rev. 20:10, are explained in “Thoughts on Revelation.”
ANSWERED BY LETTER.
Wm. Cottrell, E. Hutchins, A. Droullow, G. T. Berg, W. J. Hardy, S. N. Haskell, E. Halferty, U. Affolter, J. H. Waggoner, H. Robinson. U. S.
VERMONT
By A. S. Hutchins
ROXBURY.
Preached here one evening and twice on the Sabbath. Brethren and sisters from several towns were with us in our meeting on Sabbath day. A presentation of the evidences of the near coming of the Son of man, and an examination of the scriptural Bible Sabbath in the last days, and the testimony revealing the restoration of the privilege and duty of the church to honor and keep it holy, called forth expressions of gratitude and joy from believing ones.
The visibility of this church has been well-nigh lost the second time by removals to other localities in former years; while a lack of growth in grace, and of the fruits of the Spirit, “love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness,” &c., have kept the hearts of others separated, blighting their happiness, and weakening their influence and power for good. Until both the law of nature and the law of grace are changed, it will remain true that “jealousy is cruel as the grave; the coals thereof are the coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame.” Says James, “Speak not evil one of another, brethren.”
Labor from house to house to remedy evils resulted in apparent good. May it prove real and permanent. May the ties of consanguinity and the religion of the Man of Calvary so unite hearts here that it may be said, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” Systematic Benevolence was raised to more than three times what it was for last year.
WOLCOTT.
In view of recent high winds and the severity of the weather, we found more at this meeting than we expected. There has been some revival of interest in tract and missionary work in this district within a few months. Several have embraced the Sabbath. Thirty reports were returned from a membership of thirty-one, as nearly as could be ascertained.
IRASBURGH.
The appointment for this meeting with the general quarterly meeting, proved to be an unfavorable time to secure hearers, as there was at the same time in the village a protracted meeting, and quarterly meeting of the Methodists. Three sermons were preached. Owing to the time taken for this object, and the fact that so many felt they must leave for home on first-day, our space for tract and missionary interest was necessarily brief.
As we pen these lines, we have a consciousness that our small Tract and Missionary Society has not done its duty in the noble mission before us, that we are verily far behind in active and self-sacrificing labor, and in reporting even what we may have done; also in donations to forward the work. Some of our brethren, to be sure, have made pledges for different objects connected with the cause of God beyond present ability to pay; and some, doubtless, beyond their duty. It is not the wish of brethren who know best the wants of the cause to press these liberal souls. But there are others who should wake up to duty as never before, especially in the circulation of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, which comes to us freighted with such precious truth for perishing men.
May the “Earnest Appeal” from the General Conference Committee, and “Testimony No. 26,” awaken, arouse us, and hasten us to our posts of duty. The Lord is coming, the solemn warning must go forth. The world must hear it! The precious jewels must be gathered, and the church prepared to welcome their returning Lord with the most triumphant exclamation, “Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us; this is the Lord; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.” “Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”
A. S. HUTCHINS.
Irasburgh, Vt., March 27, 1876.
MICHIGAN
By A. O. Burrill
My last report reached March 1. At that time I had been with the church in Ravenna about ten days. During this time many were hopefully converted, and the meetings for the next two weeks were very interesting. This church was doubled in numbers, s. b. more than quadrupled, and discouragements were removed. At the last Sabbath meeting several more, heads of families, took their stand to obey the truth. If this people will let their light so shine before men that they can see their good works there are many more who will be added to their numbers.
MUIR.
March 10–16, was with this church. On my way, held one meeting with the friends in Saranac. Here I still find some interest outside to know more of present truth. I shall return to look after it as soon as possible. At Muir and Lyons I found the church advancing. The Sabbath-school was well attended. There is still an interest to hear. Six more took their stand for the first time to obey the Lord. This has been a hard field in which to plant the truth. The opposition has been determined, yet the Lord has blessed the efforts, and there is a young growing church. To the Lord be all the praise.
BUSHNELL.
This church is about thirteen miles north of Muir, and by the request of Bro. Root, in connection with Bro. Fargo, I met with them and remained one week. During the winter they have been holding meetings and laboring from house to house. More than a dozen had embraced the truth and were trying to live it out. On Sabbath about twenty came forward to seek the Lord. Sunday eleven were baptized, and twelve were added to the church. In the evening two more decided to serve the Lord.
On Monday a general business meeting was held. One was disfellowshiped, and the following resolution was passed: “We the church of Bushnell, Mich., believing the use of tobacco to be sinful, covenant together to carry out Matt. 18:1–18, with any one who is using it, or may hereafter take it up.” Those who had come into the church cheerfully joined in paying Systematic Benevolence.
Bro. Wm. Allchin was elected elder, and Bro. Stephen Allchin, deacon. At the close of the sermon that evening, before a crowded house, they were set apart by prayer and the laying on of hands. We found it quite easy laboring here. If all our churches would do as this church has done, by trying to interest and gather in their neighbors, we should see a harvest of souls brought to this precious light.
ORANGE.
March 24, accompanied Bro. Fargo to this place. I had labored for several months near this church, and they had been frequent attendants at the meetings, yet I had been with them to hold only one meeting. Nearly all the young men and women have made a profession of religion, and have been baptized during this time. Our meetings with this church began on the Sabbath. The night before about ten inches of damp snow had fallen into the mud, making the roads nearly impassable, yet the church was generally out. We did not see all accomplished that we desired, yet several came forward for prayers, and one made a start in the service of the Lord for the first time. There is such a desire from without to hear that I have decided to give a short course of lectures. Every night the house is well filled, and the best attention given to the word spoken.
My address, till further notice, will be, Portland, Mich. A. O. BURRILL.
March 31.
WISCONSIN
By D. P. Curtis
Bro. Ells and myself came to Pierce County, Wis., and commenced meetings in a school-house one and one-fourth miles from Ellsworth, the county seat, Feb. 15. After staying six days, Bro. Ells was called back to a new and important field in Minnesota by the president of the Conference, and I continued the work for two weeks, alone, when, my health failing, and the interest not rising as seemed desirable to make it profitable to stay longer, I closed after giving, in all, nineteen discourses. Two families embraced the truth, and are strong in the faith. I have hope for another family or two in that section.
As Bro. Hill had been laboring for some weeks alone in the eastern part of the county, I concluded to join him and help awhile in that field, as he was nearly tired out. I found him at a small hamlet, called Olivet, with a good congregation, and increasing interest, in supporting distance of the company that he had brought out at Rock Elm. The next week, a three days’ snow storm came on, and broke up the meetings for three days. Then Bro. Hill was sick, and left for one week. The devil stirred up the spirit of opposition to the Methodists and Free-will Baptists, and that encouraged the Irish Catholics to come in and make disturbance in the meetings. Then a Free-will Baptist minister came in and asked the privilege of preaching every other evening. Out of courtesy, we granted his request. He is an old man of seventy years of age. He began in a belligerent spirit, and excited some feeling among his friends. I paid no heed to anything that he said. The second time he spoke he created so much excitement that the school board closed the house against meetings. A vacant store was offered us to continue our meetings in, and we have held them there since last Sabbath. Eld. P. gave a good sermon on Sunday evening which was very moderate; last evening he softened down to a very mild key, and left no more appointments. The Catholics made such a disturbance in our meetings that we went to Ellsworth yesterday and took our warrants for the ring leaders, and the sheriff is after them to day. All these things have been against us, yet the Lord has stood by us, and given us encouragement, and great peace, and courage to toil on, in hope of the soon-coming day of deliverance.
Two families are now keeping the Sabbath here, and we think others will yet obey God. Bro. Hill is much improved in health. My health is not good, and this, with sickness in my family, will call me home for a time. But the truth is marching onward, and the day of toil will soon be over, and the time of our triumph begin. God speed the hour. Brethren, pray for us. D. P. CURTIS.
Olivet, Pierce Co., Wis., March 29, 1876.
WHAT THEY SAY.
A SISTER eighty-two years of age writes:—
“Last winter a good brother sent me the VOICE OF TRUTH, which has been a light to my path. Then the REVIEW came, and I do not know how to express my gratitude to God and my Adventist friends for this great blessing. I am all alone in the cause in this place.”
“A sister living at Charlotte, Mich., who has kept the Sabbath but thirteen months, writes as follows:—
Some kind friend has furnished us with the REVIEW since the beginning of 1875, and how I love the paper with its interesting sermons and its instruction on all points. I could not think of getting along without it. My husband is not a Sabbath-keeper, not even a professor. Oh, how I pray that he may be led to serve the true and living God.”
Bro. Brown, of Madison Co., N. Y., says:—
“I thank God that through the teaching of Eld. Chas. B. Reynolds, with a careful reading of God's holy word, I have become convinced of the truth, and have come out from the world to serve God.
“Through the labors of Bro. R., we have organized a church in this vicinity and are holding our Sabbath meetings at present at the house of the writer. How we enjoy these precious privileges, and as our hearts are lifted in prayer we do indeed feel that the Spirit of the Lord is with us.
“The spirit of love which I have seen manifested by this commandment-keeping people has done much to convince me of their sincerity. A Sabbath-keeping sister, who embraced the truth three years ago through Bro. R.'s teachings, has been a member of my family for nearly a year, and though she had trials and temptations to meet, she never swerved from what she considered the path of duty; but, God be praised, myself and wife are now with her in the faith.”
Sister A. E. Teague, of Rice Co., Minn., thus addresses those who write for the REVIEW:—
“The REVIEW comes every week filled with stirring life and encouragement. Through its columns only, do I know that a Sabbath-keeping people live; for, besides myself, there are none within miles of here. Those who have the inestimable privilege of often meeting with those of like faith to give each a word of cheer, or a little strength in an hour of need, cannot understand the position of one who is hundreds of miles from home and friends, a solitary Sabbath-keeper in the midst of a people who have scarcely heard of the seventh119day as the Sabbath since they learned the decalogue, as children, in the Sunday-school.
“The reports from different States and countries, and peoples and nations, are most welcome words of cheer, as they give assurance that God has a care for his people. It gives me renewed strength to cultivate patience and faith every day of life, and to discharge every duty. Many who have been long established in the blessed knowledge of the near advent of the Master may think that light sufficient to make all steadfast without any other help; but there are some of us who have but lately heard the truths of the last message, and who are daily subjected—by nature and surroundings—to many temptations. A friendly helper may lift such out of the labyrinth of doubts and fears and discouraging bewilderment, and confirm them in their hopes and resolutions.
“It is because I often become confused and despondent on account of many trials and failures, and have felt the good which comes most opportunely from the pages of the REVIEW, that I write this earnest entreaty to those who love God and this dear people to have at all times a kind message for the new brother or sister. Though their years may be many they are children in the faith; and the word of peace and love is always meet in due season. Give them pure gems from the rich casket of your own experience—dissolve the mists from other minds with the glad light God has given to you.
“Many of you are veterans in the work, and forget the feelings of timidity and fear of those just advancing upon the grounds of a new and to them strange belief; but let your gentle admonitions and tender care be sometimes especially for them. Dear friends, I beseech you, let the young in the faith be a special subject of interest and prayer with you. Use every means to stimulate them to continued energy and faithfulness; for old habits of the past are yet strong, and old loves and desires are hard to cast out. The enemy holds up the allurements of fashion and worldly pleasures to draw the rescued down again into the toils of sin.
“Let me again ask you whom the Lord has blessed abundantly, to give to us—who hold up our hands empty—of the bread of life, and water from the sweet fountains of eternal Love, that we may be enabled to ‘keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus,’ and be saved as bright stars in the crowns of your glory.”
Lift the vail! oh, lift the vail!
Let the light shine in;
Tell the tale, the wondrous tale,
To fellow-men in sin—
Tell how Jesus loved, and died—
Died, the Father's grace to prove;
Sing of Jesus crucified;
Sing that “God is love.”
Lift the vail, the darksome vail,
Of ignorance and sin;
Let the gospel now prevail,
Let it work and win—
Work till every sin-sick soul,
Every burdened mind,
Shall, in Christ, be truly whole—
Peace and pardon find.
Ye herald angels, now go forth,
The reaping time has come;
Go East and West, go South and North,
And shout the harvest home:
Go, gather in the souls of men,
For whom the Saviour died;
And bid the dying live again,
Through Jesus glorified.
O Spirit of the living God,
Thy matchless power display;
On all thy servants shed abroad
Thy power in this our day;
With quenchless zeal their hearts inspire,
And love’s refining flame;
Oh give thy servants tongues of fire,
The gospel to proclaim.
The many forms of social wrong,
By which the world is led;
And evil habits, bold and strong,
By self-indulgence fed;
True life in Christ will yet remove;
The direful curse will cease,
And conquered by the power of love,
The world will dwell in peace.
—J. Scofford.
MINNESOTA
By F. W. MORSE
Since my last report, I have labored at and near Eagle Lake. These places being near to the interest in Waseca Co., and the brethren living in the vicinity thinking that a good work might be done, we decided to make the effort. It proved to be a very hard field for labor, but we hope some good was done. A few voted to keep all the commandments. Quite a number are still investigating, and some of them I expect will ere long obey. Some who were keeping the Sabbath we hope are more fully established in the truth. The last week or more I suffered very much with a cold and inflammation of the lungs, but with the assistance of Bro. Burch was able to finish up the course of lectures.
Am now at home to get much needed rest. Have held meetings almost every day or evening for about three months, and visited from house to house continually, when able to do so. As soon as I am able, I shall visit those in Waseca Co., and where we last labored. Bro. Burch has been to meet with the friends in Waseca Co., and reports progress. One good man has taken a stand since we came away. Here, at home, I find two families have commenced to keep the commandments since I went away in December. We want an effort made here at Mankato.
F. W. MORSE.
VT. T. & M. SOCIETY.
By A. S. Hutchins; Thos. H. Purdon
The quarterly meeting of the Vermont Tract and Missionary Society was held in the court-house at Irasburg, March 5, 1876. After the usual opening exercises, the report, for present quarter was read, which is as follows:—
No. of members, 265; No. of reports received, 124; No. of families visited, 158; No. letters written, 197; subscribers for periodicals, 146; periodicals distributed, 878; No. of pages of tracts and pamphlets distributed, 60,927; 3,300 almanacs have been received, the greater part of which are reported sold.
Money received on T. & M. Fund, $258.11; on poor fund, $50.98.
As our views on the near coming of the Lord, and the preparation of heart needful to meet that event, had never been set forth in this village, we were anxious to do what we could in this direction; but we did not have the time to devote to the interests of the Tract and Missionary work that we should.
Some interesting remarks were made, and letters read, setting forth encouraging features in the spread of the truth.
The providence of God is certainly opening the way before us to reach hearts. Let us not overlook the importance of circulating our books, tracts, and periodicals. We should feel that what Brn. White and Haskell have said, especially on the circulation of the Signs of the Times, is said to us.
A. S. Hutchins, Pres.
Thos. H. Purdon, Sec.
INFIDELITY CONQUERED.
“The weakness of God is stronger than men.”
One of our devoted Christian women, whose meat and drink is to serve Christ, was called in God's providence to hold a meeting in a small town. The pastor of the church met her at the railroad station, and informed her she would be entertained at a very pleasant home of one of his members, but her husband was an infidel, and said, He will be very glad, as such men generally are, to engage in discussions. Assuring the minister she had not the slightest objection to be entertained there, she said she would most surely seek the welfare of her kind friends.
Kindly she was welcomed, both by himself and wife. After tea the lady handed the Bible to her guest, who read from its sacred pages, and then poured out her soul to God for this family. Out of courtesy the gentleman accompanied the lady, with his wife, to the house of prayer. People listened with rapt attention to the earnest words of this messenger of Christ. Our infidel friend listened and tried to fortify his mind against the truth of God. He tried not to believe the things he had heard from the word of God, through this lady.
On reaching home he astonished her by saying, “I am an infidel, and don't at all believe what I heard this evening.” The lady expressed her regret, adding, “All of these truths are matters of experience—just as tangible—as real—as your emotions of joy at success in business, or in any other pursuit.”
He replied, “I don't know any thing of that experience you speak of; it's all foreign to me.” The lady then narrated, in a calm and impressive manner, how she had been brought out of darkness into God's marvelous light; how, when conscious of her sinfulness before God, she prayed, “God be merciful to me, a sinner,” how her prayer was heard and answered; how she was led to trust in Christ alone for salvation. “And now,” she added, “it is the joy of my heart and delight of my soul to lead others to Jesus.”
The man listened with amazement to this recital, saying, “Wonderful! wonderful!” “Yes,” said she, “and true as wonderful, and this blessedness shall be yours when you come to Jesus and sincerely seek it.” He requested her to pray for him. She did so, then and there, and soon afterward learned he was in his right mind, sitting at the feet of Jesus. A Christian experience is more than a match for infidelity.—Sel.
A PERSONAL COMING A SATISFYING HOPE.
By John L. Wince
Nothing less than a coming in person of the Lord Jesus can satisfy the earnest longing of the Christian literalist. Nothing short of this will meet the demand of his faith and hope. The teachings of inspiration shut him up to this. “Whither I go ye cannot come” was addressed as emphatically to the loving disciples as to caviling Jews. John 13: 33, 7: 34. And “no man hath ascended up to Heaven,” John 3: 13, stands against the notion that patriarch and priest, however good, had gone there, up to the time of this utterance.
That is a false theory which pictures men scaling the heights of Heaven and crossing the threshold of the great antitypical holy of holies.
The attitude of the true church is like that of ancient Israel standing without, waiting for the high priest to appear with the blessing. With this type in view, Paul wrote: “Unto them that look for Him shall he appear the second time.” Heb. 9: 28. The design of this appearing is the salvation of those looking for him—whose sins he bore. The supposed coming at the siege of Jerusalem (of Universalists), the coming in providences or at death (of popular churches), and the coming in power and providence through all ages of the church (of Bishop Hurd)—none of these answer the description of the apostle. Away with such allegorizings! The personal coming of Christ, as an antecedent event in the future drama of salvation, followed immediately by supernatural gifts and blessings to the church, is the style in which the New Testament especially sets forth the various phases of our glorious hope. All are contingent upon that event. It opens to us the exceeding riches of God’s grace.
Do we hope for a resurrection? Paul couples it with the coming of Christ: “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven, . . . and the dead in Christ shall rise first;” 1 Thess. 4: 16; “afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.” 1 Cor. 15: 23.
All the divisions of the blessed hope stand connected with that event—change of this vile body, eternal life, incorruptibility, crown of righteousness, rest, the kingdom, and glory—all are to be given to us then, not before. The plainly expressed hope of the church, touching the time when she shall enter into the enjoyment and realization of all these things, points to the Lord’s coming.
The faith and hope, the conversation and conduct, the attitude and bearing of popular Christianity, contrast strangely with that of the apostolic church. Primitive believers found their only consolation under bereavement in the precious promise of the Lord’s return. For it they watched, and waited, and prayed; looked for, longed for, and loved his appearing. It armed them for the conflict of life, and sustained them when persecution came in like a flood.
Every humble and teachable child of God to-day cries, Come, Lord Jesus. This is the cry of faith. We want to see Him of whom we have read so much in the history of his early life, and of whom so much is predicted on the page of prophecy. We want to see that same Jesus who went up from Olivet. We shall, if faithful, see Him who so loved us that he died for us. He loved us. We enjoy this love by faith; but we are anxious to feel, and experience, and come in contact with, the acts and things which constitute the fulfillment of the promises in him. When here, he sent, by word or touch, the life forces dancing through the veins of the dead. We want to taste this power of the world to come, as it thrills through our whole being, disrobing us of the mortal, with all the ills and defects which belong to it, and investing us with the immortal and its accompaniments, then beyond that, enjoy the presence of Jesus, and the company of angels and saints. The thought overpowers me, and language fails.—JOHN L. WINCE, in Restitution.
Something to Praise God For.
By A. S. Nason
In the darkest hour that befalls the Christian there is still some cause left for which he has reason to bless the Lord. Especially can the people who are numbered among those that are looking for their Lord from Heaven in a few years lift up their hands and rejoice. Suppose the path we now tread is rough and thorny, and numberless difficulties arise to impede our progress toward the eternal city, yet let us praise the Lord that so much of the dreary way has been traveled over, and that the bitter sorrows and griefs of the past have not to be lived over again by us. We can look back over desert wastes in our lives, in which there seemed not one oasis to cheer us in our weary march, and though the retrospective view causes a shade of sorrow, we can thank the Lord that we shall not pass that way again.
Jesus has said, “Let not your hearts be troubled, ye believe in God, believe also in me.” If Christ is our friend whom shall we fear? Is not he stronger than the strong man armed? and will he leave one of his little ones to perish? He has said, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Earthly friends with whom we have held sweet communion, and whom we have loved and cherished, may forsake us, and we may seem to be left alone to buffet with the fierce waves of life, but amidst all the darkness and temptation with which Satan may assail us, we can triumph if we have Christ in us the hope of glory. “What shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us.”
Soldiers in the army of the Lord, let there be a mighty rallying all along the lines. Let us renew the conflict with sin and Satan with such vigorous assault as shall cause distraction and defeat in the enemy’s camp. It is no time to parley with the foe. We need to be in haste. The shadows are lengthening, and soon the darkness of night will close in upon us when our work will be finished. Then while it is yet day let us labor with unceasing diligence to lead souls to repentance. Too much precious time has been wasted by many of us, and precious opportunities for sowing the good seed in the hearts of the people, have passed unimproved. God forbid that it should be so in the future. Let us arise and shake off dull sloth, and in the strength of that God whom Daniel and Elijah trusted. Arm for the last great conflict, which will end in sure and certain victory to the righteous.
A. S. NASON.
Ipswich, Mass.
AN EXQUISITE STORY BY LAMARTINE.
By Lamartine
In the tribe of Neggedeth, there was a horse whose fame was spread far and near, and a Bedouin of another tribe, by name Daher, desired extremely to possess it. Having offered in vain for it his camels and his whole wealth, he hit at length upon the following device by which he hoped to gain the object of his desire. He resolved to stain his face with the juice of an herb, to clothe himself in rags, to tie his legs and neck together, so as to appear like a lame beggar. Thus equipped, he went to wait for Naber, the owner of the horse, whom he knew was to pass that way. When he saw Naber approaching on his beautiful steed, he cried out in a weak voice: “I am a poor stranger; for three days I have been unable to move from this spot to seek for food. I am dying; help me, and Heaven will reward you.”
The Bedouin kindly offered to take him upon his horse and carry him home; but the rogue replied:—
“I cannot rise; I have no strength left.”
Naber, touched with pity, dismounted, led his horse to the spot, and with great difficulty, set the seeming beggar on its back. But no sooner did Daher feel himself in the saddle than he put spurs to the horse and galloped off, calling out as he did so:—
“It is I, Daher. I have got the horse and am off with him.”
Naber called after him to stop and listen. Certain of not being pursued, he turned and halted at a short distance from Naber, who was armed with a spear.
“Since Heaven has willed it, I wish you joy of it; but I do conjure you never to tell any one how you obtained it.”
“And why not?” said Daher.
“Because,” said the noble Arab, “another might be really ill, and men would fear to help him. You would be the cause of many refusing to perform an act of charity, for fear of being duped as I have been.”
Struck with shame at these words, Daher was silent for a moment, then, springing from the horse, returned it to its owner, embracing him. Naber made him accompany him to his tent, where they spent a few days together, and became fast friends for life.
POWDER-MILL PIETY.
Said a little girl who had just been reading the newspaper account of an explosion, “Ma, don’t you think the people who work in powder-mills ought to be good?” There was a great deal of human nature in that question. The world, like the little girl, think that all who are especially exposed ought to be prepared for a sudden death. But is not the whole world a vast powder-mill? Is it not filled everywhere with the elements of destruction? The air we breathe may become poisonous, and slay us. The water we drink may contain some deadly ingredient, which neither sight nor taste can detect. We are encompassed ever by unseen dangers. We are never certain of to-morrow. Then should we not be prepared, whatever our age, our business, or our locality, for sudden death?