p. 324 | Untitled article by Henry F. Phelps

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, November 5, 1867

FromAdvent Review and Sabbath Herald, Vol. XXX, No. 21

MONTHLY MEETING AT GREENWOOD.

By Henry F. Phelps

This meeting has just passed, and it has been one of interest, and we trust, profit to all. Bro. Pierce made us glad by his presence; but this was not all. We were made glad by the presence of the good Spirit of God, aiding us in his worship. In the forenoon Bro. P. spoke from 1 Jno. v. 1–5. Many points of interest were brought out in this discourse, the following being prominent:

1. “Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God.” The original word which is here rendered “born” has two significations, “born” and “begotten.” It should here be rendered “begotten.” Not that the Christian is “born again” in this world; he is only begotten here by the Father, and is in embryo, till the resurrection, when he is “born of the Spirit.” With this agrees the latter clause of the verse: “And every one that loveth him that begat, loveth him also that is begotten of him.” And as a clue to the idea as to when a child of God is born again, we were cited to Matt. xix, 28. “And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration, when the Son of man shall sit on the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” Jno. iii, Jesus in conversation with Nicodemus, says: “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again (from above, margin) he cannot see the kingdom of God.” And again, “Except a man be born of water, and of the Spirit.” &c. “That which is flesh is flesh, and that which is Spirit is Spirit.” “The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth, so is every one that is born of the Spirit.”

In this life we are quickened by the blood; the life is in the blood. In the next we are quickened by the Spirit; the life is in the Spirit. When we are born again, we are as the wind, can go and come unperceived by mortal eyes, even as those who came out of their graves “at his resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared unto many.”

2. We were showed what it was to love God and keep his commandments. We were once, as we supposed, keeping the whole law. We were looking at the letter of the law. But as we come along down, we seem to get hold of the spirit of the law, we find the commandment “to be exceeding broad,” it comprehends more than we at first thought. For example, take the first commandment, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” We find we can make a god of our appetite, and by thus doing bring on disease and death, and be found guilty of breaking the commandment, “Thou shalt not kill.”

3. We were shown what it is to “overcome the world.” “And this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.”

The afternoon was mostly a social meeting. Cheering testimonies were given. In the evening a few met to look into and settle difficulties that stood in the way of some. An effort was made, and after some time was spent, it seemed that there was a wide difference still. At this point a season of prayer was proposed, in which all took part. The good Spirit descended. We had a good time. The good work began, and after prayer, the feelings of those concerned began to give way; and soon there was such a yielding of opinions, sacrifice of feelings, and weeping, as is seldom seen. Our hearts all run together in brotherly love, thus proving that where enough of the Spirit of God is labored for and obtained, difficulties, however formidable they may appear, will soon vanish like smoke, especially if we have the evidence that the erring one wishes to return to his Father’s house where there is bread enough and to spare.

Altogether this was an excellent meeting. Brethren, let us be faithful; press around the mercy seat; for it is by this means that the Devil may be driven back, and out, and kept from causing divisions.

HENRY F. PHELPS.

Pine Island, Minn.