THAT this portion of the testimony of Jesus applies to the present time, while the Bridegroom is gone to the marriage, there can be no doubt in the mind of any who read the connection. It applies to those who profess to "wait for their Lord." But is it heeded? Are the rich among us making wholehearted efforts to sell that they may give to the cause of truth? See the languishing state of the cause at the present moment; suffering in every department. Witness the repeated calls for help, and almost entirely unheeded. Behold the ripening harvest! opening to every laborer many chances to work for the good of souls, his own salvation and the glory of God; yet who is burdened? Do those who have this world's goods cry to God to open the way? Do they lay all on the altar, and then Elijah-like pray that it may be consumed? We know the majority of them do not. They are not willing to sacrifice. What they have is the Lord's, and he says, "SELL," but they make excuses; "cannot get more than half or two-thirds its former value, and we don't want to throw away our property," &c. Thus the cause suffers on, but the Lord will soon leave these unfaithful stewards and raise up those who will gladly sacrifice for the truth. If they are not willing to use their means in such a cause now, when help is needed they will in a little while throw it to the moles and bats, and they will be lost with it. Some have sold and sacrificed for a season, but now are getting weary. Others have sold and bought again, and still the cause suffers on. The loudest appeal for help does not in the least trouble many of these worldly professors. They have been warned again and again, but heed it not; they are dying, and they grasp their earthly treasure with a death grasp. They know their Master's will, but do it not. Alas for them! it will soon be said, They are joined to their idols, let them alone. But what right have we to admonish on this subject? My answer is, The word of God requires it. A little boy eight years of age, when asked by the minister why he believed that the seventh day was the Sabbath, answered, "It reads so in the Bible." The minister was confounded. So we say on the subject of selling, and sacrificing, and not being weary in well doing. "It reads so in the Bible." O ye rich men, I tremble for you. What will ye do in that day? O make haste to "sell that ye have" and transfer it to the bank of heaven before it is too late, and your eyes greet the dreadful words, Bank shut! Too late! Too late! O make the deposit now. Lay up your treasure where it will be safe. Send it on before you. Exchange this world for that which is to come. Prepare for yourselves a shelter from the coming storm, and friends that will receive you to everlasting habitations.197M. E. CONNELL. BRO. SMITH: The goodness of God to me, especially within the few months past, constrains me at this time to write a few lines for the encouragement of those of like precious faith. The last of August, while in Monterey, I was brought very low by sickness. I was soon greatly reduced in strength, so much so that I could help myself but little, and I could get but little rest by day or night for several days. The state of my health previous to this time, together with so sudden an attack of disease, left me but little reason to hope for a recovery unless the Lord should especially interpose in my behalf. I then felt like committing my case to Him who is our refuge, and strength, and a "very present help in time of trouble." The prayer of faith was offered in my behalf; the Lord heard the cries of his children, and graciously answered. I was strengthened to arise from my sick bed and walk, and to join with the dear brethren and sisters in giving glory to his ever blessed name. From this hour I began to amend. Truly, gracious is the Lord, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful. "I love the Lord, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications. Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live." Ps. cxvi, 1, 2. I trust this affliction will yield the "peaceable fruits of righteousness" unto me. By it I feel instructed and profited. And here I wish to add my firm conviction that the church of God is about to enjoy the outpouring of the Holy Spirit as it has not before. Shall we all be ready for it, brethren and sisters? We shall if we heed the counsel of the faithful and true Witness. O, let each of us awake and arise, and put on the whole armor! The reward of eternal life is about to be given to the overcomers. The pilgrim's home is near. "The battle's almost o'er,
The race is almost run;
Then with our glorious conquering King,
We'll sit down on his throne!" A. S. HUTCHINS.
Battle Creek, Nov. 7th, 1858.