Benevolence by J. C.

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 16, 1859

Benevolence

By J. C.

BENEVOLENCE.—Shall we speak of our benevolence, we who are reaping what others have sowed, the commands of God and faith of Jesus, the unsealed book of prophecy, the whole book of man's history sacred and profane, all the past of man's career from Eden almost 6000 years, down to 1859 since the advent of our blessed Lord; all this spread out like a map before us, the rise and fall of nations, and of heroes who figured upon the platform but now slumber till the resurrection? For us the book of prophecy, for us the chronicle of time, for us the map of history! To other ages these were a pastime, a study, an exercise to enrich the mind. To us they are practical datas, enforcing important doctrines; and to us they unlock the future; combined they seem to unfold future glory; and by the influence of the Spirit shining upon the printed page, they form a luminous combination of light which thrown upon the future, causes the holy city, which John saw in the distance to loom upon our vision, as almost here.

With such rich possessions in hand and in prospect, can we think any earthly treasure dear to us, except to invest in the work of God? now when the terrors of the judgement are upon us, now that the lightnings of the 2nd Advent almost cast their reflections upon us, shall we plan for future wealth here? Is it benevolence to invest our funds in the bank of heaven—a bank so soon to make its dividends? Is it not a pleasure, a privilege? J. C.

PATIENCE OF THE SAINTS.—What an ordeal was that the waiting ones passed through when the time of the 2300 days period closed in 1844; a trial of "faith and patience," of persistent fidelity amid scoffs and jeers, amid disappointment and darkness. Did the martyr need help, who grasped the stake while the flame consumed his flesh? Truly he did but all was clear duty to him; no suspense in anguish; but here the disappointed ones had for years to cling by mere faith to an unseen hope amid the bitterest scorn and contempt, with keen mortification and disappointment. God saw and will reward them. J. C.