Earlier text: Then and NowFor Those Who Desire the Truth.
By D. H. Lawson
In a recent discourse on the Sabbath question by Eld. A. Hunsberger, of Olivet, it was claimed that the meeting of Jesus with the disciples, recorded in John 20:19, was by special appointment of Christ. The testimony cited to prove it is found in Matt. 28:7–10: “And go quickly, and tell his disciples, that he is risen from the dead, and behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him; lo, I have told you.” Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid; go tell my brethren, that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.” No one will doubt that here was a meeting appointed, but all will see that it was to take place in GALILEE. See also the following in Mark 16:7: “But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter, that he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.” See Matt. 26:32: “But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.” The fulfillment of the promise and appointment is recorded in Matt. 28:16: “Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.” Now to the question: Was the meeting referred to in John 20:19, in Galilee? It was not, but at Jerusalem. For proof of this, see Luke 24:33. That this was the first meeting with the disciples assembled, see verses 34, 36, 41. That this was not a religious gathering, see John 20:10. That these all abode together, see Acts 1:13. Then Jesus met them at their own home, incidentally, and not by appointment, as every particle of the testimony goes to show. Furthermore, Galilee was, at the nearest point, not less than forty miles distant. The points most frequented by our Lord were sixty miles, at least, from the city of Jerusalem; so that, if the disciples did fill the appointment on that day, they had to travel, not only from Jerusalem to Galilee, but also back again, a distance of at least eighty miles, and this by appointment, as the gentleman would have us understand, of our Lord. What a Sabbath!! Of course, all would have to return, as they are found at Jerusalem in the evening of the same day. John 20:19. Neither could this appointment have been filled at the meeting recorded in John 20:26; for that was in the same place as the first. Compare with John 20:19. This manifest perversion of the Scripture is doubly censurable, as the attention of the gentleman was called directly to it. It was, however, entirely ignored and sneeringly turned aside, the people, some of them, being gladly deceived. Truly, “He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.” It is certain that Jesus did, at some time during his stay of forty days upon earth (Acts 1:3), fill this appointment with them in Galilee. Matt. 28:16. The day of the week, however, on which it occurred, is nowhere mentioned. What shall this man say in the Judgment for such inexcusable perversion of the texts in question? If the blind lead the blind, shall not both fall into the ditch? May God pity and save the honest searcher for the truth. Olivet, Mich., April 3, 1873. It is often urged by some that the Puritans of New England kept the first day of the week as the Sabbath, and it is therefore inferred that the custom of Sunday-keeping is right. It must be admitted, and is a matter of joy to us, that the Puritans were good men, and are entitled as such to our love and esteem. They did much to foster and build up good principles and institutions; but that they were perfect men is not so clear. They were out of the way in their opposition to the principles upheld by Roger Williams, and in their persecution of that good man; also in their policy toward the witches (as they were pleased to call them) of ancient time. Their religion was cramped by the ignorance and bigotry of the age in which they lived; and their devotion to the Sunday was the fruit of bigotry and ignorance, although the motive was good. We must rather look at what the Bible says, and what it requires, than at what custom and tradition say and require; for it happens that the word of God sometimes clashes with time-honored customs and traditions. As to those who, in the ages past, adhered to customs not scriptural, we leave them with their Judge. A clear and brilliant light now illuminates the pages of inspiration, and for this reason we are responsible to God for a higher life, and more correct theory of the truth. A Christian must be a growing character. Luther, in his youth, entered the cloister; in his riper years, he left his cell and purchased a home of his own. A Christian should outgrow his errors, and not allow them to become his ruin. JOS. CLARKE. God's Holy Law.
By Bennie H. Welch
How many of us realize the sacredness of this law? Let us look back to the time when God spoke his law in awful grandeur on Mount Sinai. God would not suffer his law to be spoken on any common occasion. “And the Lord said unto Moses, Go unto the people, and sanctify them to-day and to-morrow, and let them wash their clothes, and be ready against the third day.” Ex. 19: 10, 11. So we see that they had two days to prepare to hear this sacred law. God wrote the law (the ten commandments) on two tables of stone, and gave them to Moses, and they were afterwards placed in the most holy place of the sanctuary, where even the high priest was not allowed to enter only once a year because of the glory of the place, and the halo of glory surrounding it. It was a law so holy, so blessed, and perfect, that God required reverence and honor to be paid to it. God gave his law to sinful man, that he might obey it. For, as David says in Ps. 19: 7, “the law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.” If we obey this law, we shall be brought into favor with God, and form perfect characters, ready to meet our Redeemer with confidence when he comes. The only way we can show our love to God is by keeping his law. Jesus says, “If ye love me keep my commandments.” How many in past ages have done this? Enoch and Elijah led such holy lives that they were translated to Heaven without seeing death. Moses, also, was resurrected soon after death. David said, “Oh! how love I thy law; it is my meditation all the day.” If David, the king of Israel, could find so much delight in it, can we not, too, share with him? Cannot we enjoy the same as those who lived in ancient times, if we will? I can see no reason why we cannot. God is no respecter of persons. He is unchangeable, and his law is without end. Mankind had so far departed from the teachings of the law that the Son of God came down to earth, set an example for us to follow, and died, and a rich reward was promised to every one who will follow in his footsteps, which shall be given when the Judge of all the earth shall come to reckon with his people. But this is not all. Our characters are to be measured by this law. God holds us responsible, and we must give an account of every deed, word, and even our thoughts; and if we prove ourselves unworthy of “eternal life,” we must be punished according to our works. “For God shall bring every work into Judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. Eccl. 12: 14. The happiness we derive from creatures is like a beggar's garment—it is made up of pieces and patches, and is worth very little after all. But the blessedness we derive from the Saviour is single and complete. In him all fulness dwells. He is coeval with every period. He is answerable to every condition. He is a physician to heal, a counselor to plead, a king to govern, a friend to sympathize, a father to provide. He is a foundation to sustain, a root to enliven, a fountain to refresh. He is the shadow from the heat, the bread of life, the morning star, the sun of righteousness; all, and in all. No creature can be a substitute for him, but he can supply the place of every creature. He is all my salvation, and all my desire; my hope, my life, my glory, and joy. Whom have I in Heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire besides thee. My flesh and my heart faileth, but thou art the strength of my heart and my portion forever. I cannot be exposed, I cannot be friendless, I cannot be poor, I cannot be fearful, I cannot be sorrowful, with thee. Practical Hints.
By D. T. Bourdeau
WEARING GOLD AND PUTTING ON APPAREL.
WHILE it is a duty that we owe to ourselves, as well as a mark of respect and gratitude to God, in whose image we were formed, to observe taste, order, and cleanliness in our dress and persons, the New Testament expressly enjoins plainness in dress, and forbids wearing gold. 1 Tim. 2: 9; 1 Pet. 3: 3. This is designed to cure us of pride and selfishness. It is strange, yet too true, that the less we have to be proud of, the more are we inclined to manifest selfishness and pride. While the sinfulness of this generation should lead them to humble themselves in dust and ashes, the pride and extravagance in dress and apparel, displayed in this age, are made a subject of prophecy. See Isa. 3: 16, &c. To use the language of the prophet Ezekiel, “pride hath budded.” Eze. 7: 10. Instead of taking extra pains to adorn our persons, we should weep over our sins and think of our Saviour’s seamless coat, and of his crown of thorns. But while it is wrong to wear gold, is it proper to load our persons with other superfluous ornaments to take the place of gold? Can the practice of putting from two to four bone or coral rings on the fingers, wearing rubber bracelets and other useless ornaments, to look pretty, have a good tendency? Is it not calculated to cultivate the very principle that the Bible condemns, and which, if not checked, will eventually lead to go against the letter of the Scriptures? OUR EXAMPLE ON HEALTH REFORM.
While we should not expect as much from those who have not heard on this subject as we should from those who have, there is danger of our sacrificing our principles on health reform, and retarding the work of reform, by yielding to the practices of the uninformed. Let us avoid undue sternness in useless oddities on the one hand, and slackness and lack of resolution in important points on the other. RENEW YOUR SUBSCRIPTIONS.
It is a good time for those who have subscribed for the REVIEW on trial trip to plan to renew their subscriptions at the close of the six months’ trial, which will bring us to about the first of June. The great amount of valuable reading matter that the REVIEW contains should be a sufficient inducement to subscribe permanently for this excellent paper. Nearly all can afford to pay $2.00 a year for it. Those who are unable to do this, and yet desire still to take the REVIEW, can inform those who have interested themselves for them, and their paper need not be stopped. But planning and economizing in time, and practicing self-denial in things that are either useless or injurious, will generally make it a light task to raise the small sum of two dollars. D. T. BOURDEAU. Vermont and Canada.
By A. C. Bourdeau
On returning home from attending the quarterly tract and missionary meetings for the five districts in Vermont, in December last and the first week in January, and from holding, in that time, several other meetings among the churches and scattered ones, I found that my lungs and general health were much affected on account of having traveled in hard snow storms and very cold weather. Yet, by the assisting grace of God, I have been enabled since then to spend my whole time in trying to labor for the furtherance of the cause. Held several meetings in Enosburgh, where the Lord evidently granted us the influence of his Spirit to help our infirmities, and to encourage us to labor with greater earnestness for the spread of truth. Went twice into Canada, where I visited old friends among the French Baptists, etc. The interviews I had with Mr. and Mrs. Normandeau in Granby, Jan. 21 and 22, were interesting. They do not hesitate to say that they do not see everything exactly as they used to, though they may on that account be rejected as reprobates. May they be led to see the whole truth. The visit I had with the Meggison family in Grande Ligne, Feb. 4 and 5, was also interesting. They embraced the Sabbath of the fourth commandment a little more than a year ago, by reading the Review and our tracts. Since then they have met with a great loss in the death of Mr. R. Meggison; yet they (the surviving companion, daughter, and three grand children of the deceased) are endeavoring to keep the whole truth. They cheerfully donated ten dollars for the cause. Sabbath, Feb. 22, held a profitable meeting at the house of Bro. H. W. Kellogg in Berkshire, Vt. The friends of the cause in B. keep up their weekly Sabbath meetings, are punctual in paying their pledges on S. B., and are endeavoring to carry out the objects of the missionary and tract society. The next day, assisted the general agent of the society in preparing to send circulars to all the delinquents on our periodicals in Vermont. Went twice to East Charleston. The meeting I attended there, the first Sabbath in March, was cheering and encouraging to all present. Just six months had elapsed since we had given the first lecture under the tent in that place. In that time upward of twenty commenced to keep the truth, but some afterward made shipwreck of their faith; yet, as the result of my brother's labors during the winter in the place and vicinity, others had embraced the Sabbath. Enjoyed usual freedom in speaking from Heb. 12:1–4. My brother followed with exhortation, after which testimonies were given by several of the friends present. Sabbath, March 8, Bro. Bean and I met with the church at East Richford. Had a good attendance. The Lord greatly blessed us in speaking the word, and our social meeting was interesting to all present. On account of stormy weather and of my having to give a sermon at a funeral in the place the next day (Sunday), we did not hold a business meeting with that church as we had designed. Sabbath, the 15th, was a good day to the church in Bordoville. We have reason to believe that the brethren and sisters here have been trying to lay aside their petty difficulties. Enjoyed a good measure of the Spirit in all our religious exercises. Was glad to see a good attendance at the Bible-class and Sabbath-school. There were upward of fifty who took an active part in these exercises. A still larger number of this church should take an interest in this branch of the work. Last Sabbath and first-day, the 22d and 23d, Bro. Bean and I held profitable meetings in Jericho. The brethren in West Bolton and Jericho are much in need of a house of worship, and they feel a great anxiety that I should locate in their midst to aid them in erecting a house, etc. May the Lord lead in this matter is my prayer. Woodland, Cal.
By M. E. Cornell
By previous reports, the readers of the REVIEW were informed that I was remaining at Woodland, holding meetings and superintending the building of a meeting-house. I am glad to say that the house is now completed, and that it gives general satisfaction. The dedication services were of unusual interest. Bro. Loughborough had good freedom in speaking the word, and the social meetings were very cheering. I was sorry to lose Bro. L.'s help (he having previous engagements), but resolved to do what I could in a new course of lectures. The interest continued to rise, and on Sunday, the 16th inst., a very large concourse of people gathered at the water side to witness the baptismal scene. The day was delightful and all nature seemed rejoicing in her green and flowers. The most perfect order was observed while nine willing souls were buried in the likeness of Christ. It was good to be there. The friends of the truth here seem greatly revived and encouraged. Family altars are being set up, and daily prayer-meetings held. A disposition is manifested to work for the truth, which promises a more favorable state of things here. As for myself, I must report a good degree of courage, a stronger determination than ever to be a perfect overcomer. I see no time for halting or trifling; and no resting till Jesus comes. My physical and mental health is almost entirely recovered, and I again feel free from that gloomy, confused and unsettled state of mind which has so long oppressed me. In God's great mercy I hope, and go forward in the good way. The truth looks brighter, and I love it more and more. Away, all earthly pleasure, your charms are gone, and brighter joys win me away. The one great longing desire of this heart of mine is to learn of Jesus and tell of his charms. That I may save some and gain the kingdom with all the faithful, is now my unceasing labor and prayer.
M. E. CORNELL.
March 19, 1873. Hardin Co., Ky.
By S. Osborn
At the time of my last report, I was about starting to visit the brethren in Hardin Co. I arrived at Bro. Barr's, Locust Grove, Feb. 12. They were looking for me, and anxious to have me come. On the evening of the Sabbath, the 14th, I commenced meetings at the Locust Grove school-house. There was quite a respectable attendance while the weather was anything like favorable; but it was most of the time very unfavorable and the roads so bad that but few could come out. Prejudice and persecution rage here very much, consequently there can be but little good done, more than to strengthen the friends of the cause. It is thought, however, that there is not so much prejudice existing as there was when Bro. Bordeaux was here. I gave some fourteen public discourses, all, except one, at the school-house and at Bro. Barr's, at Locust Grove. One new one came out on the Sabbath, and there are a few others of whom we have strong hopes. The brethren and sisters here are of the right stamp, and are whole-hearted in the work. There is quite a contrast between their former teaching and what it is now. All but one came out of the Disciple church, which has hardly anything right save the form of baptism. They have no prayer, no testimonies borne in meeting, especially by the sisters, no Spirit except the word, and many other errors seemed to be rooted and grounded in their hearts. This made it necessary to spend considerable time in getting this little company into working order. They were all willing to enter right into the work, and although their prayers and testimonies were not glossed over very nicely, nor very lengthy, yet the very emotions of the soul were made manifest in their few words and actions. The four Sabbaths I was there, we had good social meetings. The power of the Spirit of God was felt in our midst, and we all wept together. Praise the Lord. Sister Williams, late of Kansas, was there. She is a lady of ability. She became interested in the truth through the influence of the sisters Combs. Though this sect was everywhere spoken against, yet she saw such a great change wrought for the better, especially in sister Bettie Combs (the only daughter of Dr. Combs, a man of affluence and influence), who had formerly been proud, and vain of her costly apparel, that it had a good effect upon her mind. These things, with the cautious zeal they exercised in the matter had an influence to draw her attention to the truth, notwithstanding she had determined not to read anything on the subject of our faith. Brethren and sisters, this is only one example of what an influence a godly walk and proper living before those with whom we associate, will have. The cause of God will always prosper in such hands and under such influences. Sunday, the 9th of March, spent most of the forenoon in fixing and damming up a stream, to make a fit place for baptism. After a discourse upon that subject, we repaired to the place prepared for that purpose, where seven souls, who we truly believe were dead to sin, were buried with Christ in baptism, to rise to walk in newness of life. May God ever be near them to help them carry out their convictions of duty. Evening of the same day, we attended to the ordinances of the Lord's house. It was truly a solemn time to see those dear friends for the first time attend to feet washing. The power of God was felt in our midst and we enjoyed a feast of heavenly things; after which, we organized temporarily a little band of eight persons, who covenanted together to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Systematic Benevolence was arranged, amounting to $38.40. There are two more who will become members as soon as an opportunity is offered them, making ten in all. This is the first church of our faith in the State. We ask the prayers of all in behalf of the cause in Kentucky. Carroll Co., Mo.
By J. Wilmot; E. Wilmot
We are among the lonely ones, and thought perhaps it might be well to write a few lines once more, as it has been some time since we have reported. It is now over three years since we embraced present truth. We have never been sorry for it. It is true that we find many things difficult to get along with 'in our situation. We have tried to scatter light on this subject according to the best of our ability and the small amount of means we have to do with. We were in hopes some brother would come here before this time. Bro. Rogers wrote, over a year ago, that he thought of coming this way. He has probably found more important fields in which to labor. We hope (if it is the will of the Lord) that some one will come this season and give us, or the people here, a few discourses on present truth. We have desired to attend some of the meetings that have been held in this State, but have not had the means or ability to do so. We have neither of us ever heard a S. D. A. sermon preached; but we would say that we feel determined to live and act according to the light we have, and look to God, who has always led his people, for light, wisdom, patience, faith, and hope. In every REVIEW we receive from Battle Creek, we find something to encourage us to persevere in the cause of Christ. We wish there was some way that tracts could be distributed through this region of country. We think some seed might fall on good ground, which would bring forth fruit. Your unworthy brother is in his sixty-third year, broken down by sickness, medicine, and hard labor (perhaps I ought to say tobacco, too). I used the “weed” over forty years. Four years ago, I thought the matter over seriously and concluded if no unclean thing could enter the kingdom of Heaven, the tobacco “monger” would have a poor chance. So, feeling very desirous to obtain immortality, I resolved, by the grace of God, that I would not use it again, and I feel very135thankful that I have been enabled to keep my resolve. We try to live out the health reform as far as we can in our situation. We feel thankful that God is enlightening his people in the truths of the Bible and other matters that concern our temporal and eternal welfare. May the time soon come when God's people shall all have their lamps trimmed and burning, is our prayer. REST IN HEAVEN.
By Gettie W. Davis
“There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.” Heb. 4:9. THERE is a land of quiet rest
Beyond the tomb,
A land where flowers forever grow
In fadeless bloom. No wintry blast, or scorching heat,
Shall enter there,
Or fear of death shall fill the heart
With dark despair. Within those calm and peaceful shades,
Sin may not come,
Nor aught that can destroy or hurt,
There find a home. No mortal foot hath ever trod
That city bright,
Its glory hath not been revealed
To mortal sight. But unto him who overcomes,
It will be given
To share the never-fading joys,
And bliss of Heaven. When this dark night of doubt and grief
Is changed to day,
Then God, with his soft hand, shall wipe
All tears away, And saints immortal, from their graves
Victorious rise,
To dwell forever in thy bowers,
O Paradise! Report from Bro. Matteson.
By Bro. Matteson
THE LORD has worked for us in much mercy, and still he causes his light to shine, moving upon the hearts of the people and opening effectual doors in the gospel work. My labors in Shelby Co., Iowa, closed March 3, having continued twenty-three weeks. During that time, fifty-three persons embraced the Sabbath and kindred truths. Three small churches were formed, eight miles apart, with thirty-eight members. Systematic Benevolence was arranged, amounting to $82.00 per year. Most of the brethren are poor at present, being new settlers; but there is a fair prospect for improvement in this direction. A leader was chosen in each church, but none ordained. I obtained twenty-seven new subscribers for Advent Tidende. Collected on Tidende and sold books to the amount of about $100.00. On the last day of February and first day of March, the Lord favored us with mild weather after a very severe storm. Ten brethren and sisters came across the prairies, eight miles, to be baptized. Three friends came afoot, fifteen miles, to attend the meetings. Twenty-three willing candidates were baptized. The ice was about three feet thick, but after half a day’s work, we obtained a suitable grave for baptism. Other things being arranged conveniently, all felt well physically as well as spiritually, after the baptism, although some were feeble persons. On Sunday, one brother came ten miles to be baptized. After that, we had a parting meeting, where most hearts were much moved, and the blessed hope seemed good to these friends who, a short time before, had been without hope and faith in Christ. Then we went ten miles on horseback, through a sharp wind and frost, to Coppy’s Grove, where the brethren from that vicinity congregated for an evening meeting. Administered the ordinances; felt encouraged by the blessing of God. Parted at 11 o’clock in the night. Walked three miles to a resting-place for the night, and went on my journey in the morning. Called at the house of a dying brother, who has been sick all winter. The blessed hope sustained him, and the Lord seemed very near to us as we bowed in prayer around his bed. I attended the Conference in Battle Creek. Feel thankful to God for the kind admonitions and counsels of older brethren, especially of our esteemed Bro. White. Felt also much encouraged and cheered by the sympathy and help extended to us, and by the deep interest in the Scandinavian Mission manifested by our American brethren. The work is one, and our hearts beat in union with theirs, desiring above all that God may be glorified and many dear souls out of every nation prepared to meet our Lord with joy. The Scandinavian Mission stands at present as follows: Number of churches, 12; members, 302; S. B. $1121.00; ministers, 1; licentiates, 5; 3 active. Besides this, many scattered ones are springing up in different directions by reading our books and papers. I am now laboring in Chicago. The interest to hear is good. Attendance, evenings, from seventy to one hundred and thirty. May the Lord continue to help and bless for his name’s sake. 26 Temple St., Chicago, March 27, 1873. P. S. THURSTON
By P. S. Thurston
Our quarterly meeting at Dell Prairie, Wis., the 15th and 16th of February, was quite an interesting and profitable one. We had five meetings for worship and one tract and missionary meeting. Bro. N. M. Jordan has reported the distribution of tracts for this District. The brethren and sisters resolved to put forth greater efforts the present quarter than they did in the last in the circulation of tracts. They appear to realize more fully the importance of this work. According to appointment in the REVIEW, I attended the quarterly meeting at Poy Sippi, the first Sabbath and first-day in March, 1873. Our meetings were good. The Lord was with us by his Holy Spirit. The good work is onward. Bro. Baker of Mackford was present and assisted in preaching. Sister Cady (the wife of Eld. Cady) was very sick with the spotted fever. She requested us to pray for her. After the evening meeting, the elders met to pray for her, and proceeded according to instruction in James 5:15, 16. The Lord raised her up. I took her by the hand, and in the name of Jesus bade her walk. She walked to the stove and sat down, praising the Lord for his goodness. Immediately, she asked for something to eat. The next morning she got up and made her bed, and is now about her work. We had a meeting of the T. and M. society. Some interesting statements of the workings of the missionary society were made by different persons. May the Lord help us to work in this good cause. No. of pages of tracts and pamphlets circulated, 2500. The next Sabbath after quarterly meeting, Bro. W. Case and myself commenced a meeting eight miles from Poy Sippi, near Lake Poygan. Held eleven meetings. Good attention was paid until near the close of the last meeting, which was last Sunday evening. I preached from the words of Jesus, “The Sabbath was made for man.” The Lord gave me great liberty in preaching his truth that evening. I believe a majority were convinced that the seventh day is the Sabbath. Two decided to obey the truth, others were interested. Some church-members disgraced themselves by their bad conduct in this meeting. We closed the meetings on account of the bad roads. One evening during these meetings, sister Ashley was taken very sick. She is troubled with heart disease, and has been bloated very much this winter. On our return from meeting this evening, she requested me to pray for her. I did so, and the Lord answered and removed the pain in a moment. The next morning the bloat had all disappeared. Plainfield, Wis., March 23, 1873. Gather the Crumbs.
By H. F. Phelps
“The world [cause] wants men, large-hearted, manly men, who shall join its chorus and prolong its song of labor and of love.” “The times [cause] want scholars.” “The times [cause] want heroes, heroes who shall dare to struggle in the solid ranks of truth, to clutch the monster error by the throat.” The cause of God, of truth, wants just such men. Who can fail to see this? Where are those large-hearted, manly men, who are wanted to guide the ship aright, who are willing to stand up and take the burdens at the head of the work? Where are the scholars, scholars in the word of God, and who are not deficient in the knowledge of the world even? Where are the zealous Peters? the learned Pauls? and the lovely Johns who must not be wanting? Where are the heroes, the soldiers who shall gird on the whole armor of truth, and be willing to go forth in the service of the Master, calling sinners from the error of their ways? Come, brethren, let us fall into the ranks, each try to get into his proper place, and then all pull together. Then, and not till then, may we expect this cause to move with that power with which we are ardently desiring to see it move. May God help us to awake out of sleep and watch. “The chains of habit are generally too small to be noticed till they are too strong to be broken.” “There are men who are brave enough to storm a breach who are not brave enough to tell the truth.” “There are heroes who can bear unflinchingly the pain caused by the amputation of the limbs who cannot, or do not, break the miserable little habit of petulance or profanity.” There are those who are brave enough to face every danger who dare not face the power of appetite and throw away the soul-and-body-destroying weed, tobacco. But, thanks to God and the power of a living truth, there are some who can by faith in his name overcome this foe even. In an article with the above heading, in Hearth and Home, are a few thoughts worthy of copying: “The mistake that nearly all of us make, is that of regarding parental authority as something belonging to the parent alone, for his own ease and comfort; when, in fact, it is something given to the parent for the good of the children alone. And every bit of exercise of authority over the children which is not designed to promote that child’s present and future well-being, is simply a bit of domestic tyranny. The right of the child is just as sacred as that of the parent.” Yes, says one; but I must make my child do right. There is just the place, brethren, where so many of us fail. We try to make too much. True, the will must be subdued. But let us cease so much making them do in our own strength. Let us carry them to the Master, and let us first tell him all about our own faults, then those of our children, and then try to restrain them in love. Teach them to do right, not make them. Punish them, if need be, but in love, and we must be sure that we are not the one most at fault. The same writer says again, “It is our duty, in childhood, to exercise them in the art of self-government. Not only teach them to do right, but what is right, and afterward, why certain things are right, and why certain things are wrong. Teach them the necessity of following the leadings of right from their own free will, and not always from compulsion.” I confess my failure here, and resolve to do better. “Parents often see their own faults reflected in their children, and want to break the glass. The fault is not in the mirror, but in the object before it.” Pause and reflect on this. When we see our children doing wrong, let us ask, Have I not set the example? and, if so, confess our faults to them. This will give us strength to overcome, and then we may help them. We need much wisdom to train our children for Heaven. Do not get discouraged, but keep trying, and never say fail. “Keep pushing, ’tis wiser than sitting aside
And dreaming, and sighing, and waiting the tide;
In life’s earnest battle they only prevail
Who daily march onward and never say fail.” “There are people whose very presence seems to elevate us into a higher atmosphere. Choose such associates.” Why should any of our brethren choose for constant associates those whose influence can but be debasing. We would warn such, Beware. “Evil communications corrupt good manners.” “He that walketh with the wise, shall be wise, but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.” The Lord's Vineyard.
By C. LEE
How sacred is the work of laboring in the vineyard of the Lord! No one but he who has been engaged for some time in this holy calling can realize the sacredness as well as the responsibility and care connected with it. When the servant of the Lord first looks over his field of labor, he often sees nothing but briers, nettles, and thistles; and it seems as if it was an utter impossibility to do any good in such a field. He still feels it to be his duty to make a trial. A most solemn feeling takes hold of him as he approaches the place where he intends to begin his work. He feels the need of strength. He realizes the want of courage. He bows before his God, and there receives strength and freedom to take hold of his labor. He thus puts his hands in among the burning nettles, and stinging briers, and succeeds in breaking off, or pulling up by the roots, one now and then. And as he continues, day after day, he at last finds that a tender plant here and there appears as soon as the Sun of Righteousness can shine in upon them. Many a time he feels careworn and fatigued, as well as torn and disheartened, but as he sees that his labors are blessed, and that by returning to his God his strength is renewed, he toils on, looking to God for the reward of his labor. Fellow laborer! do not give up your holy work, though it seem to wear your strength away. Get wholly loosed from all the ties that tend, in any way, to connect you with the world, and you will move more easily under the yoke of Christ, and your now-so-heavy burden will be light. Our labor is soon to be finished. The Lord of the vineyard will come! And then, blessed is the true worker, that has faithfully discharged his duty; his Lord will say unto him, “Well done, good and faithful servant, thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” (Matt. 25: 23.) C. LEE. Chicago Co., Minn.
By Chas. Lee
The gathering of God’s people among the Swedes begins to move on favorably and with greater power. Another little company of eighteen have joined the pilgrim band. This strengthens all of us. Praise be unto the living God! Our whole strength consists now of about fifty individuals; and they are all busily employed in trying to get the truth before their fellow-beings. God has blessed us greatly of late in our meetings, so that we have, among those believing, realized a growth in the truth, from time to time. Our enemies who have long prophesied that the “fire” we have been the means of kindling among them, they would soon quench, begin to find out that it is unquenchable; and it makes some of them feel rather discouraged, because it gets right into their churches, and takes hold of deacons, secretaries, etc. They send out their representatives, now and then, to give us a hint of their inward feelings toward us; but it often happens that they return with the same answer as is found recorded in John 7:46. A few weeks ago, a company of fifteen made their appearance in the school-house where we held our meetings, for the purpose—so we were told—of taking me and some of my friends captive. Their commander-in-chief was to give the alarm by rising to his feet, and crying, “You lie!” Then his followers were to seize us, all at once, and drag us out. I kept on speaking one hour and a half, quite freely; and though the congregation at first seemed very uneasy, they at last became quiet and attentive. When the great man of this company was asked why he did not carry out his purpose, he plainly answered, “I got my throat so full I was not able to speak.” I believe they learned a good lesson. May God help them to see the truth! CHAS. LEE.