The following articles will be interesting to all the readers of the REVIEW, as showing the present state of this country and the world. The first is from the Northwestern Christian Advocate, and is headed,
"THE YEAR OF DISORGANIZATION.
"I beheld until the thrones were cast down and the Ancient of Days did sit,' said the venerable prophet of Babylon, the devoted Daniel. Is not such a 'casting down' as the prophet saw, about to be inaugurated in the year 1861? Look at home and abroad—how many governments can be pronounced secure?
"Of our own we need not speak. The bands which we thought strong, consume and melt away as flax in the fire. State after State dissolves its connection with the general government, and already we hear it coolly assumed that there is no longer a United States. We hear rumors of two or three separate confederacies! Time will show.
"In the Old World there is feverish impatience and restlessness. How many governments are firm? Italy will be filled with troops with the opening of spring, and there must be dissolution and re-construction.
"Austria and Prussia are in commotion, and dread the coming of the spring months. Turkey is disintegrating, and shows that the time is near when the empire of the Ottoman must be disorganized and re-constructed.
"Russia, England, and France are, apparently, the most quiet of the great governments of modern Europe. But England is already disturbed by panic-cries, and abroad her policy is undergoing change. India shows ominous signs of dissatisfaction. Her present policy can never give quiet. There are indications which at once call up the events preceding the last fearful war, and added to these the certainty that Nena Sahib, the bloody butcher and crafty leader still lives among the mountains of Thibet with several thousand troops to head an outbreak, shows that there are prophecies of change.
"France, with its seeming quiet, is full of active preparation for contests upon a gigantic scale. The emperor has, perhaps, put into order for service the most effective war navy on the earth. The active combination with England terminated with the Chinese war, and the two powers regard each other with friendly, yet half-suspicious eyes. But the third Napoleon bids fair to be as disastrous to Austria as the first, while Prussia finds him a rival to be dreaded and not a friend to be caressed. The sound of the bugle in Italy, and sound it inevitably will, may be the signal for another general war, with its succeeding disorganization.
"The French emperor seems to be strong, but in France quiet is often the precursor and surest indication of revolution!
"China, that old empire, strong in its isolation, is shattered hopelessly. Schismatic wars are wasting its resources and impairing its vital energy. Exacting treaties show its powerlessness for self-protection. It is an empire in decay. The revenue has shrunk fully nine-tenths; Nankin, the Southern Court, is a city in ruins, and Pekin, the Northern Court, is one whose splendor has faded, and whose superb palaces are dilapidated. That fearful rebellion which has thinned the dense population of the valley of the Yang-tse, is only the greatest of several discordant but formidable rebellions. Indeed, among the national traditions is one which designates 1863 as the year destined to close their national history!
"In short, the old world rocks with commotion, and God only knows what changes are to come, what scenes to be enacted. The great conflict, when 'blood shall be even unto the horses' bridles,' may be nearing us. It may be that only peaceful revolutions shall be enacted. We confess we have little hope of it, but we have hope of the grand outcome. Above the din of battle, above the shouts of revolution, we hear the song of deliverance and see the hosts of our Helper!"
George B. Cheever, D. D., writing from Scotland to the N. Y. Independent, describes as follows the opinions which the enlightened people of Europe take of American affairs. The closing sentence of the extract, we italicise as its importance demands. Let the churches of America ponder it well.
"SECESSION AS VIEWED IN SCOTLAND.
"You can have but little idea of the astonishment and awe with which men in this part of the world are gazing at the scenes now transacting in America. It seems like a dream produced by epilepsy or indigestion; men endeavor to shake it off and rouse themselves as if it could not be a reality. That the madness of one State, a State whose conduct in regard to the attempted assassination of Sumner, and ever since has proved that its passions were set on fire of hell, should be permitted to drag the whole Confederacy to ruin—that is, to break up and disorganize the Union, and that there should be found no power in the Federal Government, nor in the people, to prevent or even to keep back this ruin, but apparently a preparation for it in the condition of the whole country, notwithstanding its unparalleled prosperity and rapid progress; that this vast and powerful republic should, at the bidding of one State, dissolve, and be no more, demonstrating scarcely a firmer consistency than that of the night's frost-work on our windows; that this disruption and disorganization should be effected at the command and in the interest of slavery; that the head of the united Government should be apparently a party in the work, doing nothing to prevent it, giving up the forts and property of the Government into the hands of its enemies, as if on a plan arranged beforehand; and that there should be no power in the Government or the people to control such treachery, but a sudden seeming palsy to have fallen upon all, or a stupor like that of chloroform administered by a thief while he ransacks the rooms and treasures of his victim; these are enigmas, monstrosities, appalling scenes that none can account for, and that by no means tend to recommend republican freedom, or a republican constitution of the civil state.
"That all this could have taken place for no other reason or event than the legitimate and peaceful election of a Republican President not of the pro-slavery party, from no injury, or provocation, or oppression, or violation of law, freedom, or justice, no denial of any man's or State's rights, no intrusion on any State government, but on the contrary, under pledges of non-interference even with the 'vested rights' of slaveholding, and promises of greater security than ever for 'property in man,' where the claim and the iniquity already existed! It is utterly inexplicable, and men hold their breath in wonder at what will come next. Meantime, the impious doctrines in defense of slavery avowed and preached, North as well as South, and the proposition to amend(!) the Constitution by inserting into it, or adding a definite affirmation and guarantee of the right of property in man and the perpetuity of slavery, along with a condition that this article shall never more be susceptible of change, but shall be an element perfect and immutable of United States law and morality, thus putting an end to all agitation of the subject forever; this proposition and these doctrines not met with scorn and abhorrence, but treated as suggestions of a righteous expediency, and to all appearance very likely to be adopted; it is impossible to tell with what mortification, anguish, and shame the friends of freedom and religion witness these transactions; and behold in them a proof of the depth to which the gangrene of slavery has gone into the heart of the American church as well as nation. That the great revival of religion in America should be followed by such a deluge of practical impiety is what men cannot understand."
GOOD SAMARITAN.
By James White
It was our design to publish this sheet once in three months. We did suppose there was sufficient importance and interest in Systematic Benevolence, our duty to the poor, &c., to call out articles from brethren in the ministry, and others. Here we have been disappointed,125and therefore give up the idea of publishing the SAMARITAN regularly. It may appear now and then; but the friends need not send pay for it. J. W.
RESOLVED TO OBTAIN THE PROMISE.
By R. F. C.
Bro. SMITH: It is said in the word of the Lord, “My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him.” By the assisting grace of God, I am fully resolved to do neither. In the first place, I would not despise his chastening. It is no small matter to be rebuked of him. To incur his displeasure is not a thing of trifling moment. I will not despise his chastening, but will strive to feel the full force of the rod, and humble myself before him.
2. “Nor faint when thou art rebuked of him.” This also I will try to heed. By his helping hand, I will not faint and sink down in discouragement, but will strive to renew my energy and reform in the very things in which I am lacking. I will strive to consecrate myself anew to God and his cause, seek to find my own humble place, and labor with all the strength he imparts in his blessed and glorious cause.
3. “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth.” Thank the Lord for the encouragement! “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten.” It is in love then, and not in his fierce anger and hot displeasure! O, blessed Lord! I will strive to be “zealous and repent.” I will not say, “I cannot see it,” but will strive to anoint my eyes with eyesalve that I may see. O, the precious promise to the overcomer—to sit with the Lord Jesus in his throne. It is worth dying a thousand deaths to obtain. This promise is before me, and I am resolved to let no man take my crown.
R. F. C.
ANSWERING OUR OWN PRAYERS.
By Uriah Smith
Bro. Smith: The article headed, "Answering our own Prayers," on page 83 of No. 11, current Vol. of Review and Herald, contains some pointed admonitions of truth, backed up by illustrations or examples in practice, too clear and definite to be misapprehended.
There is, however, an important point in which it is common for christians to pray for blessings which they not only neglect to strive for in practice, but persistently repudiate by that practice, and brother Cuyler has failed to call attention to this point.
If I tell you I am a "health reformer," you will comprehend the whole idea alluded to. Is there any calamity, any affliction, any curse under which our race suffers, more universally, more constantly, and more crushingly felt, than the bereavements of untimely death? the prostration, and suffering, and anxiety of severe and lingering disease? Is there anything against which men pray with more fervor and sincerity, than against these calamities? Is there anything they pray for with more agonizing solicitude, than for the restoration to health of some loved parent or child who is just stepping upon the confines of the dark valley? Is there any misfortune that more constantly disappoints all classes, more effectually blasts the life-purposes of the good as well as the bad, more inevitably dooms the children of our generation to all the woes and hazards of orphanage, and the aged to the loss of that support and of those sympathies which are indispensable to the enjoyment, and also to the usefulness, of those who are on life's western slope?
And yet, when God's professed children are praying against these dreaded calamities, do they set themselves determinedly to eradicate, to pluck up by the roots those "seed-scattering thistles" of conformity to the customs of the world, to the dictates of badly-trained appetites and propensities? Nay, verily. I have been told by some of these, that they "would rather not live so long, and enjoy life [in gratifying the appetites] while they did live, than to have long life destitute of good living." And I have no doubt many act on the same principle, who are too prudent to give expression to their principles. Also incomparably greater numbers act on the same principle through ignorance—sometimes necessary; but oftener a willing ignorance, that prefers darkness to self-denial.
I remember that I was grown up to the stature of manhood before I ever heard it suggested that moral responsibility stood in close relationship to our afflictions from sickness and death; and then I did not believe it. But that inexorable teacher, experience, through the blessing of God has long since convinced me, but at what an expense! I would fain warn my brethren in the love of present truth, to seek this wisdom while they may acquire it from a less expensive teacher.
Permit me to illustrate the general idea I wish to enforce. We will suppose that Dr. Hayes returns from his Arctic expedition, and brings with him a small colony of native Esquimaux, who have determined to avail themselves of the blessings of christian society, become christians, and live by agriculture. We watch them with interest. Instead of seeing them take the New Testament and studying the character of Christ, instead of taking the Bible and nobly searching to acquaint themselves with God's will, they assiduously copy from those religionists most honorable in the world's estimate. We weep over their fatal mistake and despair of their christianity. No amount of fervor and sincerity in their prayers could convince us that they were cultivating the Spirit of Christ. In their agricultural essays they were equally inconsistent, following their own crude notions, and wholly neglecting or despising all common sense methods, and reliable instructions. At the end of a year we find them on the verge of starvation, praying indeed, earnestly, for God to avert the horrors of famine; but still deaf to the admonitions of experience, and of those friends who would gladly educate them in a safer system of providence. We commiserate their sufferings, but we have no faith that their prayers will remove the difficulty.
The Esquimaux in this supposed case could not be more ignorant of the first principles of Christianity and of agriculture, than a large proportion of professing christians in this country are of the laws of life and126health; nor more inconsistent in despising the most reliable sources of instruction on those most vital topics, than are their proud, white brethren in this enlightened land. Are Seventh-day Adventists an exception? Are none of them included in the filling up of this picture of inconsistency? Would to God such were the facts. What proportion of these (Adventists) have given as much time, thought and money, to provide themselves with a knowledge of those organic laws on which life and efficiency for good depend, as they have to provide the means to gratify unhealthy appetites, and to sustain a demoralizing conformity to popular customs and worldly display? What proportion have compared their dietary provisions and arrangements with the simplicity and economy that Christ approved by his example and his precept, and have sought to cultivate his Spirit by a nearer approach to his practice in these matters? What proportion have determined to incur as much self-denial (to keep under the body) for the incorruptible crown, as worldlings do to obtain a corruptible crown? Conscience may answer. But those who have failed to struggle and fight manfully, earnestly, for this standard of consistency, should beware how they implore the blessing of health for themselves and their loved ones, for God is not mocked [deceived].
If it is God's will that we should obey those organic laws by which he gives us life and health (which few will deny), then the knowledge of those laws, and adherence to them, is of the utmost interest to us. Prevention is better than cure. The man to whom Christ said, "Go and sin no more lest a worse thing come upon thee," might have been saved a whole lifetime of uselessness and suffering, had he been seasonably taught to avoid the sin which Christ cautioned him against. But volumes are needed on this subject, where syllables can scarce gain a hearing, and reasonable limits are already exceeded.
Yours in devotion to the truth. E.
“DESIRE SPIRITUAL GIFTS.”
By James Householder Waggoner
ThE Scriptures enjoin upon us to “pray without ceasing,” and “in everything give thanks.” 1 Thess. v, 17, 18. We cannot expect that God will hear our prayers unless we have hearts of thankfulness for mercies received. All who believe the third angel’s message are doubtless looking for the restoration of the gifts of God’s Spirit to the church before the Lord comes. Yet some are unwilling to acknowledge that the Lord is fulfilling the promise, and of course are unthankful for the gifts already conferred. Whether such really desire spiritual gifts I am unable to say, but my impression is that in all such cases there is no earnest longings for the gifts, and no realization of their necessity. To them the scripture at the head of this article is a dead letter; and it becomes an important question whether they will be prepared to enter heartily into the great work of the message, to prepare their hearts and lives for the coming of the Lord. Certain it is that they cannot be partakers of the glorious outpouring of the Spirit “when the times of refreshing shall come,” having never sought for such a blessing in harmony with the will of God.
While we desire and expect the restoration of the gifts it would be well to inquire, To what purpose will they be given? and, How shall we recognize them when they appear? We may notice a few points in the word of the Lord.
They will guide us into truth. This is the office of the Spirit. Jno. xvi, 13. But the third angel’s message is present truth, and will be till probation closes. Hence, they will aid us in understanding and living out the third angel’s message.
They will reprove of sin. Jno. xvi, 8. This, too, is the work of the Spirit.
They will aid us in coming to “the unity of the faith.” Eph. iv, 13. Therefore they will not only enforce the general teachings of the word, but reprove individual sins, and correct individual errors.
They will show us things to come. Jno. xvi, 13. Hence the injunction, “Despise not prophesyings.” 1 Thess. v, 20. We should also expect this gift (prophecy) to be early manifested in the work of restoration, as it is the most necessary, or most to be desired.
But the manifestations of the Spirit in the church of the Seventh-day Adventists agree with the word in all the particulars herein specified, as many know by an experience for which they are now thankful to the God of grace and comfort. Therefore they cannot be rejected by any except at the peril of grieving the Spirit and incurring the displeasure of God.
We would respectfully request the individuals of that class of whom we have spoken, viz., who believe the message and expect the gifts to be restored, and yet deny that those among us are genuine, to make it their daily and earnest prayer that the Lord will restore the gifts of his Spirit, and inform us of the result, that is, the effect on their own minds.
The reasonableness of this request will, perhaps, be more apparent by comparing this with another precept. Our Saviour commands us to pray the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers into the harvest. Now however much we might pray to that effect, if we still persisted in rejecting the claims of all in whom the gift appeared to be developed, without a careful examination of their claims and qualifications, our prayers would then be, not only ineffectual, but a mockery. We think we need not add more to those who acknowledge that duty runs parallel with prayer; while those who do not acknowledge this fact need to learn the first principles of the gospel. J. H. W.
ENTIRE CONSECRATION.
By J. CLARKE.
If one may credit the reports of modern revivalists, this blessing of entire consecration is a work often attained in a moment, as it were, by a simple act of the mind, an act of faith. I have now before me the report of P. P., who views it thus. Now it strikes me that the expression, entire consecration is often misunderstood, and of course misapplied.
When I was first converted to God (in my youth) it seemed to me that my consecration was entire, and for months this earth seemed like a new world to me; but trials put my consecration to the test, and I found that it was not as entire as I had supposed; or if it was as entire as I had supposed, it was not as effective, and my experience was often in doubt and sorrow, until I found the people of God who have the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.
My consecration was genuine, and it led me to take means to make it entire and whole; but how could it be entire while I was imperfect, living in the violation (weekly) of the fourth command of the decalogue, while I held erroneous views of the work of redemption, and while evil passions were still active in my bosom.
If because of remarkable experiences, I fancied I had attained to entire consecration, what word could I get to express my condition when all these sins are overcome, and when I should show to all around that I had really attained to holiness.
I discover that many popular modern writers on this subject, carry the idea that entire consecration prepares the heart and mind to overcome our besetments, and in one sense this is correct. But the difficulty with this idea as it is generally understood, is, it puts matters in a reversed order, and only causes disappointment and loss. That the mind should first be prepared is indisputable; but for one I value that preparation the best which produces the best effects; and how often do we see those who in time past have made highest claims to sanctification, when they hear the claims of God’s law upon them, reject it with indignation, thus showing their mistake; while some person who felt his unworthiness, readily and joyfully accepted the truth. Now which of these are most consecrated? The event shows clearly enough.
Since joining with the commandment-keepers, I have found all these theological vagaries, dispelled in the one clause, “Here are they that keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” Here is the test of character. All my thoughts, words, and acts, must be squared by these rules. And when I can find myself obeying from the heart these commands and this faith, then I find the witness brightest, of my acceptance with God.
Overcome! is the burden of the message to us. It comes from the messengers, from the Review, and first of all, from the word of God. Overcome! Overcome all besetments. Overcome, and thus be sanctified in obeying the truth; not that sanctification is the means of overcoming, but overcoming is the means of sanctification. These move together. As one overcomes, he is made sensible at every step, of the work of the Spirit in his heart. J. CLARKE.
THE BURNING BUSH.
By Ellet Joseph Waggoner
"And Moses said, I will now turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush is not burned." Ex. iii, 3. Would that there were more like Moses in this respect. Especially do God's servants need this intrepidity in these last days, when the Lord is about to do his "work, his strange work, and bring to pass his act, his strange act." Isa. xxviii, 21. While reading and reflecting upon this first great manifestation of the Lord to his servant Moses, I could but liken it in some respects to the third angel's message. Previous to this Moses had made the choice to suffer with God's people rather than enjoy all the glory of an Egyptian monarch; but the time had come when the Lord was about to prove him and find out what he would really endure for his sake. We have no evidence that Moses saw the angel of the Lord in the burning bush; yet he may have had some intimation that the Lord was there, for it seems that he had already left the flock and come to the mount of God. Be this as it may, he was blest in obedience, for he no sooner stood upon the spot than he found that the God of Abraham was there in power. No wonder he hid his face for fear and could not look upon the effulgent glory of God as there revealed, and that when the Lord laid so great a burden upon him, he exclaimed, Who am I that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt!
Now we believe that the law of God is shining out under the third angel's message with a brilliancy equal to that which attracted the attention of Moses, and that if an individual will turn aside from his ordinary course and hear these strange things for himself, that the Lord will call after him by his Spirit, and he will be led to yield to the claims of the divine law, upon which he may be fully crucified, and say with Paul "I was alive without the law once, but when the commandment came sin revived and I died."
But there is one point I wish to notice in particular. It is this: "And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses." Why did not the Lord call to him in the outset? Why did not the burning bush appear directly in his pathway? Was it because the Lord was confined to that particular spot? No; but he wished to test Moses' obedience just as we shall all be tested. No matter if an individual has professed the religion of Christ for years, and has even been a teacher in Israel, he must yield to the mandates of God's law as far as light is brought out, and walk in the light, or what little light he had in the past will become darkness, and O, how great that darkness when all the righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned nor appreciated of the Lord.
But there is another step to be taken. It is not enough to turn aside and hear, and believe in the message. Hundreds have done this. It is a common thing for the multitude to be stirred up. Why, they will lay aside business and go for miles, and listen with intense interest to the word of the Lord as it comes from the lips of his servants, sealed to their consciences by his Spirit, and at that moment they perhaps feel that they ought to obey God rather than man; but how is it in the end? It is just like a man beholding his natural face in a glass, for he beholdeth himself and goeth his way, and straitway forgeteth what manner of man he was. But he that looks into the perfect law of liberty must continue to look therein if he expects to be blessed in his deeds.
E. J. W.
Battle Creek, Mich.
"FOR WITHOUT ME YE CAN DO NOTHING."
By Sarah E. Lindsay
JOHN, XV, 5.
We often read these words, but do we always realize their full import? Let us go back, dear brethren and sisters, to the time when our first parents disobeyed the law of God, and the penalty of death was pronounced upon all our race. Then had it not been for the interposition of the Son of God, we should have been doomed, after a short and painful existence upon this earth, though once so beautiful, but now filled with sin and misery, and bearing all the marks of the curse, to death with no hope beyond the grave. Let us view him as he condescends to leave his heavenly home, to take upon himself the form of a little child, being made a little lower than the angels: He came to this earth, lived a life of self denial and suffering, seeking only to benefit our race. View him in the garden of Gethsemane, "exceeding sorrowful even unto death," praying, "O, my Father, if it be possible let this cup pass from me: nevertheless, not as I will but as thou wilt." Behold him upon the cross, when for the space of three hours even the great luminary of the heavens refused to look upon his sufferings. He died, but rose again. Spake comforting words to his disciples, and promised the Holy Spirit for a comforter even unto the end of the world. He ascended to heaven but angels were commissioned to bear the glad tidings to his sorrowing disciples, that, "this same Jesus which is taken from you into heaven shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven".
Let us now follow him with the eye of faith to the sanctuary, not built with hands, in the most holy place, and there behold him interceding with the Father for us. O how consoling to know that "we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are yet without sin." Heb. iv, 15.
Without his continual help and intercessions, even his death perhaps would not avail our salvation. "O let us exalt him," let us adore him as indeed the chiefest among ten thousand, and the one altogether lovely. Surely it is no marvel that he said, "without me ye can do nothing."
Dear brethren and sisters, let us strive more earnestly to heed his precious counsel; avail ourselves of his merits, by keeping all his requirements; confide in his promises; and willingly suffer with him here a little longer that we may dwell with him forever in that place which he has gone to prepare. And he hath promised to come and receive us unto himself, that where he is there we may be also.
Yours, hoping to be among that company.
SARAH E. LINDSAY.
REPORT FROM BRO. HULL.
By M. Hull
Bro. SMITH: Although I tried hard, I was unable to reach my appointment at Richmond. By driving through the snow, which was sometimes four feet deep, I got as far as Washington (within ten miles of Richmond); but the roads were entirely impassable from Washington to Richmond. I will yet try to get to Richmond this spring if the Lord opens the way.
The meetings commenced in Fairfield on the night of the 21st. The meetings were well attended by the village people, but the melting of the great body of snow so raised the streams that friends could not come in from a distance. Bro. Shortridge was here and assisted in proclaiming the truth. The Lord gave freedom in speaking, and we think good was done
At a business meeting it was
Resolved, That we approve and adopt the plan of Systematic Benevolence as found in Good Samaritan, No. 5.
Resolved, That we do what we can to send the tent out into new fields the coming season.
Resolved, That we invite Bro. and sister White to Fairfield in April or May, and do all we can towards paying their expenses.
Resolved, That we invite Bro. M. Hull to remain in the city of Fairfield, and ask the brethren and friends in Iowa and other States to help purchase him a home in Fairfield.
Resolved, That we authorize Bro. Hull to obtain subscriptions and means to purchase a house in Fairfield.
The church here is small and poor, but all are willing to do what they can. We expect the Lord soon, and we want to have all on the altar. The most of us are willing to throw away our superfluities, and spend the little we can save by it, in the Lord's cause. These precious truths have rescued us from Babylon, and made our hearts rejoice. Now we want to see them go to others that they may be glad also.
Brethren, while we are passing resolutions, let us live up to them, and pray the Lord to bless. When you send ministers out with tents, let your prayers go with them. We greatly need to give ourselves to fasting and prayer. M. HULL.
WHAT IS IT?
By A. C. Hudson
We say we have given our hearts to God; that we will take his word for the man of our counsel, his law for the rule of our life. But do we do it? We live in a wicked and perverse generation. Its maxims and customs have governed us and now we are to be made all over new. We are as a scion cut off from its natural stem—are in one sense dead. What is it to live by faith on the Son of God? to abide in Christ as the branch abideth in the vine? What is it to pant for God as the hart panteth for the water-brook? What is it to hunger and thirst after righteousness? to strive and agonize to enter in at the strait gate? to be divested of every incumbrance and get down into the dust (as the camel did to pass the eye of the needle) that we may enter the kingdom of heaven? What is it to part with all we have that we may obtain the precious pearl? to present our bodies living sacrifices, holy, acceptable unto God which is our reasonable service? to lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and run with patience the race127which is set before us? What is it to be transformed by the renewing of our minds?
These are questions that are asked, and will be asked. We are the professed people of God; are epistles, known and read of all men. How do we answer them by our lives? It does seem to me that the more heavenly minded we are, and the more like Jesus we are, the more offensive will be the fanciful, whimsical taste of the world; the more we shall exclaim and feel that there is nothing clean, or pure, or desirable, but that which fits us for heaven.
A. C. HUDSON.
Allegan, Mich.
CHRIST'S LOVE.
By H. H. M.
Wheu I behold the wondrous love,
Of my dear Lord who reigus above,
And how he died for me,
To his dear arms I'd quickly fly
Passing all earthly pleasures by.
And ever with him be.
So great his loviug kindness stands,
That all who kuow his blest commands
Wait on his uame with fear;
Aud watchiug always unto prayer,
To shun the tempter's wily snare,
They wait his comiug near.
And when thick darkness gathers round
The path the saint has newly found,
And all seems dark and drear,
Let one sweet smile of love be shown
From him who bore our sins alone,
And all would disappear.
So when he comes in dazzling power,
One smile from him in that dread hour,
Will fill our hearts with joy;
Then with the angels we will sing,
The praises of our heavenly King,
In bliss without alloy.
H. H. M.
Columbia Co. Wis.
A Sabbath Keeper’s Call to Faithfulness
By L. Eggleston
From Sister Eggleston.
BRO. SMITH : For the first time I take up my pen to write a few lines through the Review to the brethren and sisters scattered up and down the earth. I have been a Sabbath-keeper some time, but never realized, in so great a measure as I now do, how much there is for me to do before I can enter the kingdom of God. There appears now, to my opened eyes, a great work to be done before the coming of Jesus; and each and every one of God's people have a part in it. Each one of us exerts an influence; and it is fearful to think that that influence may be to the dishonor, rather than the glory, of God's cause.
Why should we fear to serve him that created all things? We ought rather to consider it a blessed privilege (as it is) to come so close to that majestic Being, through his dear Son that has done so much for us. Then let us go on trusting in the promises of our Lord, and not care what wicked persons may say. If we are faithful only a little while longer, we shall have the crown and golden harp. Pray for me that I may have a place with you on mount Zion.