p. 44 | Review and Herald, Vol. 28, No. 6. (7/10/1866)

Earlier text: The Visions---Objections Answered

The Goal and Climax of Error.

By R. F. Cottrell

In modern Spiritualism may be found almost every error and falsehood ripened and perfected. For six thousand years Satan has been studiously and laboriously engaged in perfecting his scheme to bring all men to believe the great lie which he uttered in Eden—that man is immortal independent of his Maker, that the threatening of death against sin cannot be executed, because the germ of a god is in man himself; and that it was only necessary for our first parents to disobey God, and defy his power, in order to develop this germ and bring it to maturity. "Ye shall not surely die," said the serpent to the woman, "Ye shall be as gods." On this passage Dr. Adam Clarke comments as follows: "The tempter through the nachash, insinuates the impossibility of her dying, as if he had said, God has created thee immortal, thy death therefore is impossible; and God knows this, for as thou livest by the tree of life, so shalt thou get increase of wisdom by the tree of knowledge."

And though death actually entered into the world by sin, yet Satan succeeded in persuading first the heathen world that death was not a reality, but that the soul is immortal, being an emanation from God, and consequently a little god itself. The ancient men of God who spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit, decidedly opposed this doctrine, declaring positively that men die in the same manner as the brutes, that they all, men and beasts, have one breath or spirit, that the dead know not anything, and that there is no remembrance of God in death, and no work, nor device, nor wisdom, nor knowledge in Sheol—the receptacle of all the dead. While these sacred writers were believed, the Devil's primary doctrine could get no foothold in the church.

But when the great apostasy was developed—the "abomination of desolation," the "man of sin" sitting in the temple of God—when Paganism was baptized into the Christian name, it became necessary, in order, as Luther says, "to make the pope's pot boil," to make the immortality of the soul a Christian doctrine, since without it, purgatory, the source of so vast a revenue to the church, could not exist. Hence these heretofore Pagan doctrines must be adopted by the church together. The result is, the Christian world are prepared, by this false teaching, to be easily ensnared by the last great effort of the Devil to sustain his first lie, and are ripe for the reception of Spiritualism, which professes to demonstrate the immortality of the soul, independent of, and in opposition to the Bible, and God its author.

The immortality of man by nature is the leading doctrine of the Devil, and Spiritualism is the goal to which it naturally leads. This ism is the climax of Satan's plan, the key-stone of the structure he has been six thousand years in building.

This is the leading doctrine—the first announced—but not all. It is curious to see how almost every error that has crept into the church, harmonizes with this, and tends to the same result. It shows not only that Satan has been busy, but that he has worked with a view to the grand consummation of his one great plan—to enclose the world in the net of Spiritualism, and lead men to a decided position against God and the Bible:

Death entered into the world by sin; and while Satan declares that there is no death, he must take the ground also that there is no sin. Spiritualism says, "Spiritually and divinely considered there is no sin." The existence of sin, would show the existence of a law, of which sin is the transgression. Hence if the law of God can be destroyed, there will be no sin, and if no sin, no death—no punishment of sin. The Antinomian views of professed Christians, have paved the way for this consummation of Spiritualism. By the deceptive workings of the "mystery of iniquity," which developed the "man of sin," the Sabbath of God's law was set aside, and the Pagan Sunday, a child of idolatry and of the Devil, was foisted into its place, baptized and christened, the Christian Sabbath. To account for this change, it became necessary to show that the original Sabbath had been abolished. This could not be done, unless it could be shown that the fourth commandment had expired; for it still says, "The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God." And there being no Bible proof that the fourth commandment is abolished, unless the whole code of ten commandments is dead, this position has been fearlessly and shamelessly taken, by men professing the religion of the Bible. The grand result is found in Spiritualism, which teaches that "Good men need no laws, and laws will do bad or ignorant men no good." "True knowledge removeth all laws from power, by placing the spirit of man above it." (I am not responsible for the grammar.) How well this chimes with the doctrine that since the first advent we are under grace; and that the Christian needs no law to restrain him. The whole law-changing and law-abolishing system, reaches its goal and culminating point in Spiritualism.

The false doctrine of the conversion of the world, a doctrine that has acquired such popularity in its short life of about two hundred years, has done its part in preparing the way for Spiritualism to convert the mass of men to the Devil. And those who will have it that the world is to be converted before the advent, will be obliged to accept of Spiritualism as the converting power.

Again, the doctrine of the spiritual coming and reign of Christ, taught by those who do not wish him to come literally, according to his word, has called men's minds to look for a mysterious something, which looking will only meet its expectation in Spiritualism. The men of this generation have rejected the truth of the literal advent of Christ at hand, of which the word testifies so clearly—they have said, We will not have the same literal Jesus to reign over us. We will have a spiritual reign for a thousand years first. On the strength of this popular delusion, the leaders of nominal Christianity rejected the Advent doctrine in 1844, as the Jewish church rejected Jesus in his first advent; and they had scarcely got their heel upon the neck of Adventism, in triumph over its supposed failure, ere modern Spiritualism came up, crying, Lo, here! Behold the spiritual coming and reign! The "christs of the last dispensation" are here, and the grand spiritual era has commenced.

Spiritualism is indeed a "strong delusion;" and it is strengthened and upheld by the false doctrines of which we have been speaking. The way has been graded, and the rails have been laid by the professed church, over which the Devil is now driving the engine of Spiritualism, propelled by hatred to God and the Bible. And yet many who do not as yet accept of Spiritualism, are still with their might driving the spikes to fasten the rails upon which this engine is running, swifter than the lightning trains of our day. Can they not see the goal to which their teachings are leading men? Why will they not turn from these popular fables to the Bible as it is? It is time for men who would be on the side of revealed truth, to take their position.

Report from Bro. Loughborough.

By John Norton Loughborough

BRO. WHITE: For about the period of nine months I have reported no labors through the Review, for the simple reason that I have been detained by affliction from laboring in the cause I love. But in the good providence of God, I again begin reports of labor. And I trust one feature of my reports in the past will not be found in those of future labors; that is, I do not intend to do two weeks' labor in one. The principal cause of my affliction for the past year has been over-labor; but I trust nine months' deprivation of the privilege of laboring in the field is sufficient to teach me the lesson of carefully and judiciously applying my strength so that I may not exhaust, but build up my energies, and lay in store strength for future time.

My report will commence with that precious season of fasting and prayer which we enjoyed in Battle Creek. It was indeed a time long to be remembered by us on account of the evident tokens of God's presence with us. Those four days were days of labor with me, as I took quite an active part in the prayer and social meetings, as well as trying to preach once. Yet I felt refreshed, and believe it was the beginning of better days to God's people. It seems by the reports made, that it was the same precious season, everywhere it was observed. May we not expect a reviving. Our God is a prayer-answering God, and we had evident tokens that he heard our petitions.

The week of the General Conference and the week following were also busy times, as this was a Conference in which at least one-third more business was done than we had attended to in any previous Conference. Yet in the transaction of this amount of business not a jarring note was heard. The meeting-house enterprise, and the Health Institute &c., in addition to the yearly labor attending Conference, made plenty of care and thought for ministers and committees. But we felt indeed the approving smile of God upon us as we came to the conclusions since made public in relation to these various enterprises, and we believe firmly that God is still leading out his people. May we all make rapid strides in walking in the way his Spirit leads.

June 5th, in company with Brn. D. T. and A. C. Bourdeau, I left Battle Creek, for the Iowa State Conference. Traveled 428 miles by rail-road to Washington, Iowa, where we arrived on the 6th, and shared for the night the hospitalities of Bro. Kilgore, and the morning of the 7th, Bro. Nicola conveyed us ten miles to his residence at Pilot Grove. The Conference convened, as appointed in Review, on the morning of June 8th. Quite a large delegation being present from most of the churches in the State. The letters and testimonies from the various churches showed that although there had been some discouraging things transpiring in Iowa the year past, yet they were determined to press forward and rise with God's people, and so far as opinions were expressed, the spirit of Caleb and Joshua was there and not one of rebellion.

Quite a large amount of business was done at this Conference which all moved off with the utmost harmony and pleasantness.

Owing to the feebleness and weariness of the ministers present only four discourses were preached. Two by Bro. D. T. Bourdeau, one by Bro. A. C. Bourdeau, and one by the writer. Two excellent social meetings were held, in which nearly every one of the large company of brethren and sisters present took part. Many of them made reference to the state of feeling they had when they came to Conference in June last, and the contrast in their feelings now. They seemed to acknowledge the hand of God in that meeting, and praised his name for the work there wrought. It seemed to be the conviction of many of the leading brethren, that notwithstanding the numbers in Iowa had been a little lessened since last year, yet the cause as a whole was in a better condition, and standing on a better basis than it had been for two years. In the closing business session of the Conference there was discussed the propriety of having—after the hurry of harvest is over, about the 20th of August—a grand rally of the Sabbath-keepers of Iowa for a five days' meeting for prayer, social worship, and preaching. A sort of feast of tabernacles, as has been suggested several times by Bro. White in the Review. The plan was heartily approved of by those present, and it was decided to have such a gathering at some central point.

It is designed that the brethren who come, shall come, as much as possible prepared to take care of themselves. Some will probably bring tents with them. The meeting tent can be pitched, and as the meeting will probably be held near some small church, sisters could lodge in the houses and brethren in the tents and barns. The definite time and place of this gathering is yet to be decided upon. Such a meeting rightly conducted, we have no doubt will be a source of great good to God's people, and to their children, and their friends who may wish to learn the truth, and whom they may induce to come with them.

J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.

Waukon, Iowa, June, 1866.

Industry Need Not Wish

Industry need not wish.

Report from Bro. Bates.

By Joseph Bates

BRO. WHITE: Bro. Hough met me with his team at Pontiac, and took me to his home in Rochester, and thence to Oakland, where I held five interesting meetings on Sabbath and first-day, June 9 and 10. The church were laboring to have things straight in their midst. The Lord give them the spirit of wisdom to judge, and do righteously is my prayer.

Bro Conant with his team took me to Memphis, where from June 15 to 17, I held eight profitable meetings. The brethren and sisters were much strengthened and encouraged to go forward. I think that Bro. H. S. Gurney's voluntary and increasing labors for the spiritual condition and welfare of this church are being more and more appreciated by his brethren.

Brn. Wakeling and Dixon, brought me on my way from Memphis to Lapeer, where from the 22d to the 24th, I held eight meetings. On the Sabbath the rain prevented many from attending; but on Sunday, day and evening, I had good congregations and attentive hearers. I trust that some good will result from the series of meetings held here.

At Oakland, Memphis and Lapeer, I visited the brethren and prayed with many of them. They feel desirous to live and overcome. Many of them are getting more deeply interested in the health reform, and Health Institution, all of which undoubtedly will progress with the third message.

The fearful tornado which passed over us the day after the meetings here, unroofed buildings in Lapeer, twisted off, and uprooted many trees. Many lay in our pathway and by the fences as we passed in the stage the following day to Flint to connect for this place. I was speaking of these occurrences in Flint, when one gentleman present stated that a few miles from F. every tree but five, in one forty-acre uncleared lot, was thrown down. While waiting for the cars in Flint yesterday, I had the pleasure of renewing my acquaintance and dining with Hon. W. H. Crapo, governor of Michigan. I came here to-day.

JOSEPH BATES.

Tuscola, Mich.

Present Truth.

By J. Clarke

Many scorn the idea of present truth in spiritual things. They argue that there is no such thing as a present truth, but all truth is equally applicable, and that the great leading truths of the Bible are all as prominent relatively to each other at one time as another.

In temporal things they reason differently. In spring, the farmer sows and plants the seed, and in autumn he harvests the crop. There is summer work, and winter work. There is employment for every day and season; and no man would think of persuading the husbandman to sow his wheat in June, or to reap the crop in January; neither would he prepare his winter's wood in July, or gather winter fruits in May. To everything there is a time and a season, says the man of the world.

The merchant in like manner provides himself with goods for the season; and his shelves tell plainly to all of approaching frosts, and wintry storms, or of coming summer in its mildness and beauty.

Why not so in spiritual things? Shall not the household steward prepare meat in due season? Shall he not provide proper food for the household? Shall he not have regard to the time and circumstances?

At different periods in the world's history different errors hold the sway, and truth must, at each period, draw from the armory of Heaven armor suitable for the warfare; and for the nourishment of the church suitable food must be provided, as different circumstances demand.

In the time of the Reformation, the world had been deluded by a church, which made salvation attainable through set forms and ceremonies; and faith had been either forgotten or overlooked. The times called for reformers who would show the necessity of faith, without which all outward forms are dead and lifeless. Such reformers arose, and a great work was effected. That doctrine of faith has been preached and owned of God. Within the last century the same doctrine of faith as essential to salvation has been carried to such an extreme that the commands of God are some of them entirely overlooked and forgotten, just as faith had been ignored by the papal church previous to the Reformation. And what is most painful to think of, the Protestant churches are now carrying out their ideas of faith, to the destruction of morality, just as Rome urged her forms to the destruction of faith, and the vitality of Christianity.

Now reformers who urge works, and the keeping of the commandments of God, are at work in harmony with Luther, who urged faith as a great requisite to Christianity. Why? Because he combatted one error, and the present reformers combat an opposite error; but our reformers are with Luther, for they have, too, the faith of Jesus. Were those reformers of the sixteenth century now on the stage of action, they would help to repair the gaps which error has made since they labored in behalf of truth, three hundred years ago. They would preach truths applicable to the wants of the present age.

J. CLARKE.

Out of Place.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

THERE are many things which are very good and even pleasant, when in the right place, but out of place they are disagreeable. "A place for everything, and everything in its place," is a motto that cannot be too well heeded.

That a crying child in meeting is entirely out of place, I regard as being a self-evident truth. Who that has ever witnessed the scene, will not agree with me? Its shrill cry can be heard above the speaker's loudest note. He may speak loud and still more loudly, he may use his most attracting gestures, he may exert every nerve, to attract the attention of his hearers, but all in vain. You will still see half, or two-thirds of the faces turned toward the crying child. If the speaker thinks he has gained the attention of any, he will soon be undeceived by seeing them turn around every few minutes to see if the youngster's strength is not about exhausted! Alas! they generally look in vain. When I am speaking, it is out of the question for me to keep my thoughts together, or to know what I am saying, if there is a crying child before me. Or if I am trying to listen to another, I lose about all they say. I think that this is the general experience of all. The child should at once be taken from the meeting. A crying baby will kill a social meeting as quick as water will a fire.

But says one, "The poor woman wants to go to meeting as well as others, and she can not go without taking her baby." Well how much good does the poor woman get from the meeting when her child is crying and she is exerting all her strength and genius to keep it still? If she hears one word in ten she does well, or if she can repeat the text when she gets home it is because it was read before the child began to screech. Peaceable, quiet children do not disturb their mothers, the speaker, nor the congregation. Such we love to see in meeting.

Dogs in meeting are also entirely out of place. I have often seen the worship of God disturbed by the growling, and even fighting, of dogs right in the house. Persons will bring their dogs with them into the house of God as complacently as though it was the proper place for them. If they disturb the meeting, their masters are the last ones to stop them.

This is not only out of place, but a manifest piece of ill manners. We have not the least hope of converting the dogs, and we sometimes despair of their masters who have so little sense of right and wrong as to bring their dogs into the house of God.

D. M. CANRIGHT.

Lockport, N. Y.

Meetings on the Frontier.

By F. W. Morse

HAVING labored with my hands several months much to the improvement of my health, and with my earnings being enabled to purchase a serviceable outfit for traveling, the way seemed thus providentially opened for me to comply with the request of the Conference Committee to visit and hold meetings with the brethren of Blue Earth and Faribault counties, Minn., and to resume the work that by reason of sickness and the want of a team, I had up to this time been kept from pursuing.

I remained with them over four Sabbaths, holding twenty-seven very interesting meetings, visiting the brethren, and laboring with my hands. The brethren and sisters manifested a determination to stir themselves up to take hold upon the Lord. Several of our meetings were unusually interesting. Deep, melting joy, and the voice of praise and thanksgiving, prevailed. Numbers expressed themselves as never having before attended such good meetings. Others declared their astonishment at the misrepresentations that were circulated against us, saying they had been warned against coming to our meetings, as we did not preach up conversion, the new birth, and gospel, practical religion. Some five or six took a decided stand upon the truth, declaring they meant to go with the commandment-keeping remnant to the kingdom. Others are inquiring the way.

There is an interesting field for labor in those regions, and we believe the scattered representatives of

present truth have a mind to let their light shine in such a manner that others may see their good works. If this principle is maintained, dear brethren, the truth of inspiration is pledged for encouraging results. I am now at home for a few days, to do some necessary work, and then go to our Conference.

F. W. MORSE.

Report from the Ohio Tent.

By I. D. Van Horn, R. J. Lawrence

PROSPERITY, peace, and much joy attends us in the beginning of our labors with the tent in this State. We are located in the beautiful village of Bellville, containing between eight hundred and a thousand inhabitants. We have abundant evidence that we were directed here by the especial providence of God.

While we were at Lovett's Grove, a special meeting was called to ascertain the minds of the brethren from different parts of the State, with reference to where the tent should go, and without a dissenting voice all were in favor of the vicinity of Mansfield. Accordingly we felt it safe to ship our tent to that place. We came on and spent nearly a week in looking about, and decided that Bellville was the place for the tent. Every thing has turned in our favor thus far. On application to the proper authorities of the place for the privilege of pitching our tent, they voluntarily gave us the following

“PERMIT.”

“Permission is hereby granted to I. D. Van Horn, preacher of the gospel, to erect a tent on the Public Square, in this village of Bellville, Richland Co., Ohio, to be used as a chapel or place of worship. This permit to be and remain in full force so long as proper quiet and decorum shall be maintained thereabout, or until recalled by the proper authority. Given under my hand this 20th day of June, A. D. 1866. “J. G. BARNEY, Mayor.”

With the way thus open before us we commenced our meeting Thursday evening, June 21st, and have continued to the present. We have given fifteen lectures, during which the people have manifested an increasing interest. Our congregations range from two hundred to six hundred. We have introduced the Sabbath question, which is causing quite a stir among the people, but a good many are favorably impressed with regard to it.

It has not been my privilege to witness such eagerness to read and investigate the different points of truth as I have found in this place. Eight days have passed since we began to offer our publications, and already $24.00 worth have been taken. The good Spirit of the Lord is with us in speaking forth his word, and a good degree of freedom is felt in every meeting. We expect to meet with trials before we get through, but we will trust in God who is a present help in time of need. At present we are greatly encouraged and feel willing to labor on in the good work of the Lord. Brethren pray for us. I. D. VAN HORN, R. J. LAWRENCE. Bellville, O., July 3, 1866.

What Makes People Strong and Righteous

It is not what people eat, but what they digest, that makes them strong. It is not what they gain, but what they save, that makes them rich. It is not what they read, but what they remember, that makes them learned. It is not what they profess but what they practice, that makes them righteous. These are plain and very important truths, too little heeded by gluttons, spendthrifts, bookworms and hypocrites.

Destitution at the South.

—, Va., THURSDAY, MAY 10, 1866.

Situated as you are you have no adequate idea of the extreme destitution prevailing in Virginia, and it is said to be less here than in the more Southern States. If ever a people were punished for their acts, surely the Southern people have been, and the end is not yet. We have lost our friends on the battle field and from disease; we have had our property destroyed, and every industrial interest of the country completely annihilated. As for my individual interest, the loss of my negroes, except as property, affects me but little; but in the aggregate the loss has beggared the South. I do not expect to live to see an approach to a renewal of our former prosperity. Not only on this account, but the violent disruption of the whole social fabric, followed as it has been, and will indefinitely be, by political agitation, will prevent for many years anything like the calmness and quiet so necessary to restore the disjointed and broken machinery of industry and enterprise. Laying aside the money question of the value of the dozen or fifteen negroes I have lost, more than half of whom have absolutely perished from excess of freedom, I am better off without them. But as it is, I am about the poorest man who claims to be a gentleman, that you can possibly know.

"You cannot conceive of the destitution of the poor whites here. The men returned from the war too late last season to make much bread for this year. So they are now utterly destitute. I do not doubt that in this district at least two hundred children must die within a month, of actual starvation. Corn is two dollars a bushel and flour twenty dollars a barrel. Those who have will sell only for cash, which these poor wretches have not. I was in the upper part of the State the other day, when an actual "bread riot" took place. Some fifteen men, whose families were starving, resolved to take corn from the crib of a rich neighbor near the home of J. C. Calhoun. He armed some forty of his negroes and a few white men, captured the ring-leader, and he was carried to jail. The citizens then interceded for him, and he was released. I had known the man in the army. As he was going away he saw me and said, "What am I to do? I am now going home to my family and they have not had a mouthful to eat for thirty-six hours."—From Boston Journal.

Rest for the Weary.

By L. D. Santee

How cheering to the toiling pilgrim, is the assurance that there is rest for the weary; that the time is soon coming when the wicked will cease from troubling and the weary ones enjoy a long and peaceful rest. How often when we are weary with our warfare against sin, or when the friends whom we loved have forsaken us, do we long for our eternal home. When we are reviled by our enemies, and we find the straight and narrow path a thorny one for our feet; when our burdens seem greater than we can bear, then we look forward by faith to Heaven and immortal glory, and are strengthened to exclaim, "Thy will, not mine, O God, be done;" and we are willing to count all things as loss for Christ.

If our cup be very bitter, let us remember that we are following in the path of our divine Master. He was a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief. Isa. liii, 3. Do the thick clouds darken our pathway or the rude storms of adversity beat heavily against us? It is no evidence that we are forsaken of God. The furnace of affliction may be necessary to consume the dross. Perhaps like Jesus we are to become perfect through suffering.

Faithful then, oh, be but faithful, Kiss the chastening rod, Firm believing on the promise Of the eternal God.

Let us then endure joyfully the crosses that fall to our lot, believing that those light afflictions shall work out for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. When we think of the glory shortly to be revealed when the Lord shall descend from heaven, how small and trifling our troubles appear, and how soon we shall forget all our trials and hardships, our weepings and our sufferings, when the redeemed of the Lord shall return and come with singing unto Zion with everlasting joy upon their heads. Isa. li, 11.

May the Lord help us to be living witnesses for the truth, and at the last day to make a part of that glorified company having robes of righteousness.

L. D. Santee. Gridley, McLean Co., Ill.

Reformation vs. Apostasy.

By D. Hildreth

THERE is quite a difference between taking an advance step and a retrograde one. There is quite a difference between stepping out upon principles which elevate the character, purify the life, and unite the body; and those which ultimately lead to confusion, destruction, and a retrograde in the divine life. There is quite a difference between taking an advanced position on some truth, and merely renouncing a former position. It makes a great difference in my estimation whether the leaders of a faction succeed in gathering the spiritual members of the flock, or whether they go around and pick up the fanatics and rebellious, unteachable spirits which hang about the suburbs of Zion.

It is to be presumed that a come-outer comes out from something, and comes out to something. It is to be presumed that they come out from a corrupt church and form themselves into a purer church.

How is it with a certain faction at the present time who have come out from Seventh-day Adventists? Have they embraced truths more precious than those they have renounced? Have they stepped out on principles more elevating and purifying? Are they more temperate in the use of stimulants, more plain in dress, less conformed to the world than before; or are they gradually returning to excesses condemned by S. D. Adventists? Which way are they going? Let every one who is on "the fence" ponder well this question before taking the final leap. D. HILBRETH.

The Overcomer.

By L. E. Miller

How often have I been cheered and encouraged as I have read the sweet and precious promises made to those that will overcome; and often has the inquiry arisen in my mind, Shall I be an overcomer? Shall I be among that radiant throng that come singing up the golden streets of the New Jerusalem, clothed in shining garments, with glittering crowns upon their heads, waving their palms of victory, as with one united voice, they sing unto Him that hath loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, to him be glory forever and ever?

Then I hear a voice whispering in my ear, "Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out, and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is New Jerusalem, which cometh down out of Heaven from my God, and I will write upon him my new name." Oh, to be a pillar in that beautiful temple which is garnished all over with the diamonds and gems of love! How enrapturing the thought! The prospect how bright, how glorious! While contemplating the glories that await those that will overcome, I am often led to exclaim, I must be an overcomer.

"I must be there, I must be there, And in those glories have a share; Farewell, farewell, vain world, good-bye, For Heaven, I long, I pant, I sigh."

The invitation is extended to all. Whosoever will let him come. Oh, who would refuse to listen to the cheering words of our blessed Saviour, Him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne even as I also overcame and am set down with my Father in his throne.

The question is often asked, How shall I be an overcomer? We may overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. We must forsake the vain allurements of this world, and walk in the narrow way that our Saviour has marked out for his meek and humble followers. Though the way is narrow, it is a bright and shining way, and leads to a glorious immortality beyond this vale of tears.

O ye weary, way-worn pilgrims who are coming up out of great tribulation, the Lord your God will wipe away all tears from your eyes, and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the inhabitants of that radiant clime shall never more say, I am sick. Soon our blest Saviour will come to gather his faithful ones home, where we shall dwell with the King in his beauty. We shall drink of the streams that make glad the city of our God, and shall eat of the fruits of life's fair tree, and forever bask in the smiles of our lovely Saviour. Oh let us lift up our heads and rejoice for our redemption draweth nigh.

"Signs are fulfilling, Earth's pillars groan."

These are perilous times. What we do must be done quickly. Oh let us accept the offers of salvation before it is too late. The Spirit and the bride say, Come; and let him that heareth say, Come; and let him that is athirst, come; and whosoever will let him take of the water of life freely. And he that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

L. E. MILLNE.

Shabbona, Ill.

True Religion

“TRUE religion is to know God’s character, and love it; to know God’s will, and do it; to know God’s designs, and have fellowship with him in them; rejoicing in hope of their fulfillment, desiring to be his instrument in accomplishing them;—this is the sum and substance of religion.”

Lines to the Advent Review.

By E. Vandeusen

Speed on, thou messenger of light! Dear friend of those who love The law of God, that rule of right, That's given from above.

The patience of the saints declare, The time in which they live, That they with fortitude may bear Their trials sore that grieve.

Give strength to every child of grace, Give strength as well as cheer, Give strength to those who love the face Of Him they know so near.

Give wisdom too, and counsel kind, To those who will receive The truths that on thy page they find;— And comfort those that grieve.

Arouse the sinner to his state, The slow, to active pace, The cold to warmth, and ere too late, Wake him that sleeps to grace.

Thy mission here will soon be o'er, Thy task will soon be done, Give every reader of thy lore, To feel thy work is on.

May they to whom the task is given, To fill thy page with light, Be guided by the fear of Heaven, In standing for the right.

May never slurs, nor anger, mar The record thou should'st show; But truth and kindness beaming far, From all thy pages glow.

E. Vandeusen.

Vergennes, Mich.

One Word.

By William V. Field

To those of like faith I would say, that the truth is precious to my soul. Last Sabbath was a time long to be remembered by a little company of ten believers at Anamosa, Iowa, in consequence of the outpouring of God's holy Spirit. We met according to appointment during the week at one o'clock, but did not seem to prevail with God. How could we when there was so much to separate us from him? Humble confessions were made, and we were brought into nearness to God, and Jesus did truly sup with us. I realize we are amid the perils of the last days, and in order to prevail with God we must have clean hands and a pure heart. My determination is to try to do my work faithfully, and be ready when Jesus comes. I have no sympathy with the rebellion in Iowa.

WM. V. FIELD.

Usefulness.

AN eminent Scotch Divine (Rev. Ralph Erskine) visiting a poor crippled woman, she thus addressed him: "O, sir, I am just lying here, a poor useless creature."

"Think you so?" said the minister.

"I think," added she, "that if I were away to Heaven I should be of some use to glorify God without sin."

"Indeed," replied the good man, "I think you are glorifying God now, by resignation and submission to his will, and that in the face of many difficulties and under many distresses. In Heaven the saints have not your burdens to groan under. Your praise, burdened as you are, is more wonderful to me, and, I trust acceptable to God."

The great secret of Christian usefulness is to be awake to opportunities, and intent on doing what we can, rather than bewailing that it is in our power to do so litttle; and in this respect, he who faithfully improves the one talent, bids fair to be intrusted with the five or ten.

Telling Secrets.

I MUST relate my first and last experiments in training my oldest boy to keep family secrets. He was a chatterbox, and as he often visited among strangers without me, I was fearful he would tell more than he should. So taking him on my knee I said:

"My dear, you must never tell anything we say, or let out any plans to any one—especially to Mrs. Jones."

His quick mind comprehended me in an instant, and with a very confirmed look, he promised obedience. A few days after, he entered my room with an air of triumph, and said:

"Mamma, I minded you. Mrs. Jones asked me when you were going to New York, and I said, 'I can't tell you, for my mamma don't wish you to know any of her plans?'"

In my consternation I was tempted to reprove the innocent boy, but, upon a moment's thought, I let the matter pass, knowing that it could not be explained or extenuated, and preferring to lose the friendship of Mrs. Jones rather than sully his pure, trusting spirit with a lesson of worldly policy.

When his young brother, a more quiet boy, but equally fond of visiting, and a great pet and darling with all who knew him, became old enough to betray family secrets, I gave him no caution, but trusted to his common sense. One day, on returning from an errand at a neighboring house, he stood awhile absorbed in thought, and then said:

"Mamma, what shall I say when people ask me, 'What is your mother doing?' and 'What did you have for dinner?'"

"What did you say, my dear?" said I.

"Why," said he, looking bashfully aside, I said, "I guess it is time for me to go."

The World Is Our Echo

Hear the story of the child which went forth into the mountain ravine. While the child wandered there, he called aloud to break the loneliness, and heard a voice which called to him in the same tone. He called again, and, as he thought, the voice mocked him.

Flushed with anger, he rushed to find the boy who had insulted him, but could find none. He then called out to him in anger, and with abusive epithets—all of which were faithfully returned to him.

Choking with rage, the child ran to his mother, and complained that a boy in the woods had abused and insulted him with many vile words.

But the mother took the child by the hand, and said: "My child, these names were but the echoes of thine own voice. Whatever thou didst call was returned to thee from the hill-side. Hadst thou called out pleasant words, pleasant words had returned to thee. Let this be thy lesson through life. The world will be the echo of thine own spirit. Treat thy fellows with unkindness, and they will answer with unkindness; with love, and thou shalt have love. Send forth sunshine from thy spirit, and thou shalt never have a clouded day; carry about a vindictive spirit, and even in the flowers shall lurk curses. Thou shalt receive even what thou givest, and that alone."

Always, said the speaker, is that child in the mountain passes—and every man and every woman is that child.

Bulwer on the Emptiness of Fame

BULWER, the novelist, in a letter to a gentleman of Boston, said: "I have closed my career as a writer of fiction. I am gloomy and unhappy. I have exhausted the powers of life, chasing pleasure where it is not to be found."

Diligence and Good Luck

Diligence is the mother of good luck.

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