“ALL Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” 2 Tim. 3:16.
There is not, nor ever has been in the world, any other book that could pass through the various ordeals through which the Bible has passed and come out untarnished. The Infidel has endeavored to overthrow it. The Universalist has tried to condemn it. The Roman Catholics have repeatedly united their efforts and tried to commit every volume to the flames. The Atheist, Deist, Pagan, and a host of others, have brought their united forces to bear against the teachings of this sacred volume. But yet it has triumphed over all, and come out as gold from the furnace, which proves its divine origin.
Other books may grow old and fail to be any longer attractive. But not so with the Bible; the more we read it and meditate upon its truths, the more attractive it becomes. It is indeed “the Book of books,” the best book. Other books are not worthy to be compared with it. They are human composition; this is divine composition. They are man’s writings; this is God’s word. Moreover, it is suited to the capacities of all, whether learned or unlearned. It is simple, yet profound. It is also suited to the various tastes of all, whether there be a desire for history, biography, great events, wonderful escapes and deliverances, or profound and logical reasoning.
Here we have the foundation of all true history. Although we have many excellent histories, yet we have no account of the early history of the world, and of the primitive condition of our race except what has been received from this volume. Where is there a history giving a true account of the creation that has been written independent of the Bible? There is none. But when we open this wonderful book we find, even in the very first verse, unfathomable historical truths. The mind is almost instantly led out to consider eternity. We read that “in the beginning God created [that is, made from nothing] the heaven and the earth.” The beginning of what? We think, of measured time. Then previous to “the beginning” spoken of this heaven and earth could not have been; for God created them. But all this space which is now occupied by our solar system must have been one vast vacuum. Wonderful book! making such wonderful revelations!
It is to this book we are also indebted for the early history of mankind. Here we learn of man’s primitive purity and of the entrance of sin into the world. Do we wish to read biography? What can be more interesting than the lives of Joseph, Moses, Samuel, the prophets, and of Christ himself?
Are there those who wish to read of great events in history? Let them turn to the account of the creation, the flood, the building of the tower of Babel, of Solomon’s temple, or to the crucifixion. Are there those who wish to read of wonderful escapes and providential deliverances? Let them go with the children of Israel to the Red Sea, with the three Hebrews to the fiery furnace, or with Daniel to the lions’ den. Or do we wish deep reasoning and profound theology? Let us turn to the arguments of Paul. Do we desire to know our duty both to God and our fellow-man? Let us go to the Bible, and “search the Scriptures” for it. Thus we find in the Scriptures much suited to the capacities and desires of all who wish to read; and it is given by inspiration of God. This book is of God, and cannot be the work of man. It teaches us how to be happy, and to make others happy. It teaches us that we are strangers and pilgrims here; therefore we should not set our affections on things below. It teaches us that we must soon pass from time to eternity; therefore we should always keep our latter end in view. It teaches us that we must give an account of our stewardship; therefore we should improve every talent committed to our care. It tells us of the agonies of our Saviour, how he suffered and died that we might be redeemed from the curse of the law; therefore our hearts should overflow with love to Him who has done so much for us.
Wonderful book! Precious volume! Truly it is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable. It is as a letter from a dear Friend, who has gone to a beautiful and delightsome land to prepare a place for his people. Here he informs us that love must be the ruling principle of all who would enter that land; that we should love the Lord with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind, and our neighbor as ourselves.
He told his people before he left that he would return for them; and informed them that when the time drew near they would see his grand signals in the heavens. “The sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light.” Matt. 24:29. This, the first of the grand signals, was literally given in the month of May, 1780. It was to be followed by another: “And the stars shall fall from heaven.” This also was given in 1833. How, then, should we answer these grand signals? Our Saviour says, “And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” Luke 21:28. And lest his people should still doubt he adds, “When ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.” Verse 31. No guess-work here. The grand signals have been given. The place in those “mansions” (John 14:2) is almost ready. The great and glorious day “is nigh, even at the doors.” Mark 13:29. And we may, as Christ has said, know it. Then let us be ready, having our lamps trimmed, and our lights burning. Yes, our Lord will soon be here. He has not given these signals in vain, nor for naught. “He is faithful who has promised.”
Our Lord is ever kind and gracious; and in order that his people may be fully prepared for what is before them, he has in this sacred volume given us, not only an account of the nations, but also a description of the character of the popular churches of the last days. Read 2 Tim. 3:1–5. Here we have a list of sins of church members; for they “have a form of godliness,” but deny the “power thereof.” This is a true description of many in our day. So the Bible gives us signs which cannot be mistaken, and which point to our generation as that which shall behold the “Lord himself descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God;” for Christ says, when mentioning these signs, “This generation shall not pass till all these things be fulfilled.” Matt. 24:34.
Some will say that we can know nothing about the time; for “that day and hour knoweth no man,” etc. We are not now speaking about either the day or hour in particular, nor even week or month. But what did Christ mean by “this generation,” if not the generation that should behold the last grand signal? Again, as if to silence all objections, he confirms it with “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” Verse 35. Let us not be faithless, but believing. How, then, can any who love the Lord and his “glorious” appearing permit a single day to pass without drawing spiritual nourishment from this precious volume, the Bible, “which is able to make us wise unto salvation,” and which reveals such precious truths?
How strange, how amazing it is, that, notwithstanding its intrinsic value and divine origin, the Bible is so little studied! Should we not consider it a great honor conferred upon us, and a great blessing to us, that the Supreme Ruler of all should condescend to hand down to us such a wonderful book? And are we not guilty in the sight of God if we let our Bible lie on the shelf until it is covered with dust, and thus neglect daily to study its sacred pages? Yes, verily. And as God has here, through holy men of old who spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost, made known to us the only plan of salvation, “how can we escape if we neglect so great salvation?”
The day of the Lord is near, even at the doors; the doors of heaven will soon be opened, and the “Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first.” 1 Thess. 4:16. Then we, in company with our dear ones who have fallen asleep in Jesus, shall be caught up to meet the Lord in the air. Then there will be no more parting; for “so shall we ever be with the Lord.”
May the Lord help us to be ready, and watching.
J. T. CROCKETT.
Lincoln Co., Ky.
Properties of Wisdom: Past, Present, and Future
THE chief properties of wisdom are to be mindful of things past, careful of things present, and provident of things to come.
A HYMN.
I cannot think but God must know
About the thing I long for so:
I know he is so good, so kind,
I cannot think but he will find
Some way to help, some way to show
Me to the thing I long for so.
I stretch my hand—it lies so near:
It looks so sweet, it looks so dear.
“Dear Lord,” I pray, “oh, let me know
If it is wrong to want it so?”
He only smiles, he does not speak:
My heart grows weaker and more weak,
With looking at the thing so dear,
Which lies so far, and yet so near.
Now, Lord, I leave at thy loved feet
This thing which looks so near, so sweet;
I will not seek, I will not long—
I almost fear I have been wrong.
I’ll go and work the harder, Lord,
And wait till by some loud, clear word
Thou callest me to thy loved feet
To take this thing so dear, so sweet
—Selected.
A STRAW.
The following communication has been handed us signed by one of the M. E. preachers in attendance at the Conference mentioned. It shows that the discussion held at Rome, N. Y., between Bro. Canright and Rev. Fred Widmer, left some impressions on the mind of the latter which he has not yet forgotten; and it also shows that the so-called Sabbath-reform has just the opposition that is necessary to give it a healthy growth. The name of the preacher can be given, if necessary. Here is the document:—
“Quite a sensation was caused on the floor of the Northern New York M. E. Conference, at Rome, N. Y., Apr. 13, when the committee on Sabbath observance brought in their report. A resolution to condemn the practice of cheese-making and butter-making on the first day of the week caused some discussion. An amendment was then proposed, adding sugar-making to the resolution, which was seconded. The Rev. Fred Widmer, one of the members of the Conference, then arose, and stated, substantially, that inasmuch as no particular day was rigidly adhered to by the Christian Church during the first three hundred years from the apostles’ times, and the observance of no day was rigidly enjoined to be kept until Constantine’s reign, he thought it was a subject to be investigated; that we might determine, first, whether we ought not to keep the seventh day in place of the first, and as there was no evidence in the Scriptures or history that the first day was the day observed, it would be extreme to pass such a resolution. His remarks were responded to very ardently by Revs. E. W. Jones, S. Call, and A. J. Cowles, regretting the introduction of such sentiments, and protesting against the views advanced by Bro. Widmer.
“The resolution, with the amendment, was passed, and the report adopted.”
M. H. BROWN.
THE POWER OF A “NO.”
By T. L. Cuyler
THE most tremendous word in the English language is the short, yet mighty word NO. It has been the pivot on which innumerable destinies have turned, for this world and the next. Spoken at the right moment, it has saved multitudes from disgrace, from ruin. The splendid career of Joseph turned on the prompt “no” spoken at the very nick of time. Had he stopped to parley with that wanton woman (as too many young men stop to talk with a bright-eyed temptress in the street), he would have been lost. “How can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” saved him from the dizzy edge of the precipice. Daniel might easily have said to himself, “Oh, everybody about the court here drinks wine, and lives high on the king’s meat. I do not want to be thought queer or Puritanical.” He dared to be singular. At the end of two weeks he had a clearer countenance and a sweeter breath than any of the fast-livers in the palace. “So did not I,” was the motto of this sturdy young teetotaler. If he had yielded to the current of temptation, and drifted with it, we never should have heard of such a man as Daniel.
All the people who make a marked success in life, and who achieve any good work for God, are the people who are not ashamed to be thought singular. The man who runs with the crowd counts for nothing. It is when he turns about and faces the multitude who are rushing on to do evil that he commands every eye. Then by a bold protest he may “put a thousand to flight.” So the young monk Luther turned about and faced the hosts of the papacy. His heroic “No,” nailed up on the church door of Wittenberg, aroused Europe from its delusive and deadly dreams. Standing alone, he was re-enforced by the Almighty.—Rev. T. L. Cuyler.
THE DAY LINE.
A CORRESPONDENT asks, “Suppose I should go from California to China, arriving at China at six o’clock Friday night, all ready to begin keeping the Sabbath; but behold by their reckoning it is Saturday night. Shall I be excused from keeping the Sabbath until it comes next Friday night? Again, on my return, I land at San Francisco Saturday night at sunset, having just kept the Sabbath, but behold it is, by their time, only Friday night. Shall I keep another Sabbath? In short, Is it possible for two Sabbaths to come together, or, rather, follow each other? And is it possible for man to travel on the earth so as to have no Sabbath for two weeks?”
The solution of this difficulty lies in the question of the day line. Our correspondent should have changed the reckoning before reaching China in the one case and California in the other. Navigators add or drop their day when crossing the day line. This, for convenience of reckoning, has been fixed at the 180th meridian from Greenwich, but absolutely the line runs through Behring’s strait, for it is a line that divides the continents.
Some have supposed that the difficulty might arise in crossing this line. Thus a person, going westward, comes up to this line Friday night. He adds his day, and it immediately becomes Saturday night. On the other hand, going east, he reaches the day line at the close of the Sabbath, and dropping a day begins the Sabbath again. This difficulty can be easily avoided from the fact that a person is not obliged to change his day immediately on crossing the line. It will be sufficient for all practical purposes if he makes the change somewhere before reaching land, or before meeting a passing ship.
While some definite line must be fixed so that permanent locations on either side of the line may have a uniform reckoning, a person on the water need not be governed absolutely by this, if it is going to make confusion in his observance of the Sabbath. He can delay the change, on the one hand, until after he has observed the Sabbath, and on the other, until the day that he should drop would not be the Sabbath, but some other day of the week. Thus no man in traveling is under the necessity of either keeping two Sabbaths together, or of going two weeks without any.
In the islands of the Pacific, where permanent settlements are formed, their reckoning should be determined according to their position in reference to the day line. If they are east of that line, they should take their time from America; if they are west of it, they should make their reckoning correspond to that of China.
TO CORRESPONDENTS.
1. Is it competent for a local elder of a church to baptize members of a church over which he is not elder? 2. Does the fact that an individual has been a regularly-ordained minister in some other denomination give him the right to organize churches and baptize among S. D. Adventists, without first having received credentials from the State Conference? QUERIST.
ANS. Our answer to both these questions would be the same, and a very brief one too, consisting only of the little word, No.
S. T. Gaudemard: For an exposition of 1 Pet. 3:19, and all other texts touching the life and death question, see the work, Man’s Nature and Destiny, published at this Office.
D. A. Wellman: Bro. Waggoner’s articles on Baptism will doubtless be issued in pamphlet form if there is sufficient call for them. A work on that subject is greatly needed, and we know not how anything in so small a compass could be better. We would be glad to know the wishes of the brethren generally, in regard to having them in pamphlet form.
When individuals are taken into the church on condition that they will lay aside tobacco, and afterward refuse to do it, what course should be pursued? C. M. P.
ANS. By refusing to comply with the condition upon which they were taken into the church, they virtually nullify that action and take themselves out. A conditional action is not fully completed until the conditions are fulfilled. But to save all misunderstanding, it would be well for the church, after becoming satisfied with the trial of the individual, to declare by formal action the conditions not complied with, and the individual not a member.
Please explain 1 Cor. 15:50: “Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God.” Also Matt. 16:19: “I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of Heaven.”
ANS. We understand the expression, “flesh and blood,” to denote our present physical condition, in which we are mortal and corruptible. In this condition we cannot inherit, possess, or enter into, the kingdom of God. To do that we must become physically changed, our “vile bodies” becoming like “his [Christ’s] glorious body,” immortal and incorruptible.
In regard to “the keys,” two views are presented, besides that taken by the Catholic Church, which latter has contributed largely toward making that church the apostate persecuting power that it has been. The two views referred to are (1), that Peter is addressed as a representative of the church, in which case this text becomes parallel with Matt. 18:18 and John 20:23, setting forth how the action of the church, when standing in the light and moving in the counsel of the Lord, is regarded in Heaven. (2) The other view is that Peter is addressed as an individual, and the keys denote the power or the privilege of first imparting a knowledge of the truths of the gospel, thus admitting persons into the privileges, blessings, and mysteries of the Christian Church. This view is advocated by Dr. Clarke and Bishop Horsley. They claim that this promise to Peter was fulfilled when he was made the first instrument in the proclamation of the gospel to the Jews on the day of Pentecost, Acts 2:14, and to the Gentiles, Acts 10:44–48. But whichever view we may take of it, the Roman Catholic doctrine is a hideous perversion; for Christ gave Peter no authority over his fellow apostles, and he made no provision for the transmission of the keys to a line of imaginary successors.
How can it be shown that we are under obligation to keep the seventh day, when it cannot be proved that Christ kept it after his resurrection? J. M.
ANS. How are we under obligation to refrain from stealing, since it cannot be proved that Christ did not steal after his resurrection? Such a question as this we trust is sufficient to show the fallacy which lies at the foundation of the first. The code of moral duties was completed before Christ’s death; and we are not dependent upon what he did after his resurrection for our knowledge of it. As Christ was without sin, keeping the law in all its precepts before his crucifixion, we are not to suppose that he set the example of sin afterward by disregarding the principles of the fourth precept, the eighth, or any other.
Who is meant by “thy fellows” in Heb. 1:9: “Therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows”? Also when will his enemies become his footstool? Verse 13.
ANS. We think the apostle is here showing the exaltation of Christ above the angelic host. He “maketh his angels spirits;” verse 7; but to the Son he saith, “Thy throne, O God, is forever.” He is anointed above his fellows; for to them God has not said, as he has to the Son, “Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.” Verse 13. His enemies are those who oppose, or stand in the way of, his redeeming work; and they are made his footstool when the last one that stands in the way of the redemption of God’s people is destroyed. That last enemy is death. 1 Cor. 15:26. And this enemy is destroyed when the “end” of this dispensation comes; when Christ finishes his work as priest, gives up the kingdom he now holds with the Father, Rev. 3:21, and takes his own throne, and the righteous dead are raised to be no more under the dominion of death. Compare Ps. 110:1, with 1 Cor. 15:24–28.
D. P. C. and G. M. D.: We understand that there are two lakes of fire, one at the beginning and the other at the end of the one thousand years of Rev. 20. This view seems to be necessary to an understanding of Rev. 19:20, 21, and Rev. 20:10. For Rev. 19:20, 21, must certainly have its application at the second advent; and in Rev. 20:10, we read that the devil is “cast into the lake of fire where the beast and false prophet” (are, says our version, supplying the word; but the construction demands that we read it) were cast. They were cast there at the beginning of the thousand years, according to Rev. 19:20, 21.
Where is the evidence to be found that the comma has not been in use a hundred years? There is a gentleman in Onarga, Ill., who says he owns a book printed in London, Eng., in 1634, which has the comma. R. F. A.
ANS. Quackenbos’ Rhetoric, p. 81, says: “The modern system of punctuation was invented by Manutius, a learned printer who flourished in Venice at the commencement of the 16th century. To him we are indebted for developing the leading principles of the art, though in some of their details they have since that time undergone considerable modification.”
Hayden’s Dictionary of Dates says: “The ancients do not appear to have had any system, and doubtless employed arbitrary signs to distinguish the parts of a discourse. Of our points the period (.) is the most ancient. The colon (:) was introduced about 1485; the comma (,) was first seen about 1521, and the semicolon (;) about 1570. In Sir Philip Sidney’s ‘Arcadia’ (1587) they all appear, as well as the note of interrogation (?), asterisk (*), and parentheses ( ).”
A newspaper paragraph which we met with some time since, ascribes the invention of the comma in its present form to Aldus Manutius, an eminent printer, in 1790, the introduction of the note of interrogation and exclamation to a period some years later, and the use of inverted commas (“”) to distinguish quoted matter, to M. Gillepont, a French printer, somewhat later still. This was our authority for the statement made in Man’s Nature and Destiny, p. 179. The point made on the punctuation of Luke 23:43, is not in anywise affected by this variation of dates; for, according to all the evidence, over fourteen hundred years elapsed from the time when Luke’s gospel was written, A. D. 64, to the time when the modern system of punctuation was introduced.
IS THE MILLENNIUM APPROACHING?
By Joseph Harvey Waggoner
So we are told by the clergy of the day. They write beautiful essays, and call them sermons, on the coming condition of the world when the heathen shall be given to Christ, and he shall possess the uttermost parts of the earth. True, they forget to read that he will “rule them with a rod of iron, and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.” Their fine sense of harmony will not allow them to notice that point, as it would mar the beauty of the picture of their own creation, and it might disturb some one in his dream of “peace and safety.” There are well toward a thousand millions of Pagans yet to be heard from on the great question of the conversion of the world; but we are constantly assured that the work is progressing rapidly; the world is growing better; the church is rising higher in piety and zeal; everything betokens the speedy evangelization of the nations.173
But sometimes they are forced to take a common sense view of the state of things. At a meeting in Cleveland recently held, the following statement was made:—
“Rev. Dr. Coleman deprecated the lack of attendance at the meeting. We have fallen upon evil times. Let it be known that a missionary meeting is to be held, and some excuse will be offered for attending. There never was a more favorable opportunity for missionary work, and many often spend their money for unworthy objects when it might do much good if devoted to missions. It might be urged that the times are hard, but the hearts of many are harder. It is necessary to Christianize those outside of Christian influence as there was danger of dechristianization of those within the pale of the church.”
It is just so, and every one can see it. Not the conversion of the outside world, but the “dechristianization of those within the pale of the church,” is evidently fast progressing. The superficial conversions under such superficial men as Mr. E. P. Hammond is exactly calculated to amalgamate the church and the world. They who have the form of godliness are destitute of the power thereof, and are lovers of their own selves, and of pleasures, more than lovers of God. 2 Tim. 3:1-5.
Why will people be so blinded as to shut their eyes to the plainest declarations of the inspired word, and to the facts everywhere occurring, and cry “Peace and safety,” when “sudden destruction” is impending?
J. H. Waggoner.
Cook’s Corners, O.
TO THE DESPONDING.
By James White
WE are aware that there are those who have long been Seventh-day Adventists that are now in a desponding state of mind. This despondency arises in most cases from serious mistakes in the past, with some we may say sins, and with a few, actual crime.
Now we would not plead the mercy of the Lord to that degree as to give the impression that he is not a God of strict justice; but we would extol his mercy through Jesus Christ our Lord. All manner of sins find forgiveness with God excepting the sin against the Holy Ghost. In the days of the Saviour that sin was attributing the power of Christ in working miracles to Satan. These very trembling souls may have committed great sins, but not the sin; then there is pardon and sweet mercy in reserve for them. We exhort these to thoroughly repent before God, then cast themselves upon Jesus, who is all-powerful to save. Some of these were among the earliest to espouse the faith, and the most willing to sacrifice and work for the advancement of the cause. From some of these we have received means to spend in the cause. We have sat at their tables, have joined in their worship, and have seen many tokens of their sincerity. We expect yet to see them sitting at the feet of the dear Saviour, cherishing the happy, holy faith and hope of the gospel. Let these make one desperate effort to break away from Satan, and emerge into light. The blood of Christ is all-powerful to cleanse sins for which there is godly sorrow and forsaking. This is true repentance. Mercy, sweet mercy, is in store for such. God pity, bless, and save the desponding. JAMES WHITE.
THE SCANDINAVIANS.
By James White
In Denmark, Norway, and Sweden there is a large population of Scandinavians, and up to this time we have only Eld. Matteson laboring in Denmark. There is probably not more than one per cent of the Scandinavians in America. In looking over the field in Europe and America, we come to the following conclusions:—
1. Our Scandinavian preachers should devote their labors to their people. The Lord is raising up a host that speak the English language, and it seems to us that it is a wrong to call these Scandinavian preachers from their own nationalities to labor among the American people.
2. As ninety-nine one-hundredths are in Europe, the force there should be comparatively strong.
3. Then we recommend that Brn. Andrew and Knud Brorsen join Eld. Matteson in his labors in Europe as soon as practicable. Eld. Matteson should start a periodical, and commence the work of preaching to the ten thousands of Scandinavians through the press.
These three men will constitute an able force, and it is expected that others will be raised up to enter that field with them. Tents and publications are much cheaper there than here, and judging from the past, our missionary treasury will be supplied to meet the expense of this important mission.
JAMES WHITE, Pres. Gen. Conference.
TO THE FRIENDS OF THE CAUSE.
By S. N. Haskell
From a letter received from Bro. White, dated Healdsburg, Cal., April 30, we present the following extract relating to his health, knowing that it will be of interest to all the friends of the cause.
“In many respects I am better. 1. I sleep as well as ever I did. 2. My stomach and bowels appear to be well, so that I eat heartily and my food seems to do me good. 3. I am eighteen pounds heavier than when I left Battle Creek. When I have gained seven pounds more I shall weigh one hundred and eighty-five pounds, which is my usual weight in best state of health.
“That which gave Willie the idea that I was much worse is my inability to be active on account of an unnatural heat in my hands and feet. This has increased as the weather has grown warmer. We are now writing, sitting in our carriage beneath a California oak, at the coolest and most windy point in this locality, and the mercury stands at 80°.
“I am now receiving treatment at the hands of Andrew Brorsen, which has the effect to produce sweating. When this shall be fully established, I expect to find still greater relief. I hope to spend the hotter months in cool Colorado and to attend the General Conference in Michigan, and see my old fellow-laborers once more. Thank God that you, and a thousand others, are praying for me. The brethren here and at Battle Creek unite in special seasons of prayer for me at the going down of the sun at the commencement of the Sabbath, at this latitude. Will you and others join us in petitions for perfect restoration? I long to be in the field again. I would be glad to attend all the camp-meetings.”
Nothing is more fitting than for the church of God to unite in prayer for his worn servants. The apostle writes to the Corinthians, “Ye also helping together by prayer for us.” 2 Cor. 1: 11. When he wrote to the Ephesians, and exhorted them to pray always, with all prayer, he adds, “And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel.” Eph. 6: 18, 19. He also especially requested the Colossian church to pray for him, in the following language: “Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance.” Col. 4: 3. To the Romans he makes a very earnest appeal: “Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me; that I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints; that I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.” Rom. 15:30-32. Also in Philippians 1: 19 and Philemon 22, he clearly shows how much he valued the prayers of his brethren. The hearts of God’s people thus become more fully united with his worn servants, also to the work of present truth to which their lives are devoted. Perhaps this point has not been fully appreciated by our brethren and sisters. We therefore suggest that wherever there are believers in the cause of present truth who read these lines, that they, each Sabbath, as suggested in the above letter, unite with the church at Battle Creek, in praying that God may speedily restore his servant to soundness of health; that his voice may be heard from State to State, as formerly; and that the cause of God may receive the benefit of his labors, which it so much needs.
S. N. HASKELL.
“REMEMBER THE SABBATH DAY, TO KEEP IT HOLY.” EX. 20. 8.
By D. P. Curtis
So much has been written and preached on the sacredness of the Sabbath, and the duty of the people of God strictly to observe it, that it seems to be almost superfluous to say more; and yet it is to be feared that many of our brethren do not realize, as fully as they ought, how God regards the matter; and so they allow themselves to run on in a careless, reckless disregard of his claims, and observe it much after the manner that the mass of Sunday-keepers observe that day.
In the first place they keep only a part of the day any way. Instead of commencing the Sabbath when the Lord tells them to (Lev. 23:32; compare Matt. 8:16; Luke 4:16, 31, 40; Mark 1:32; Neh. 13:19), they work in their fields, or shops, or houses, or wherever their business may be, until the Sabbath commences; then they take one or two hours, more or less, of the Sabbath to get ready to begin the Sabbath; whereas they should be ready to begin its observance when it arrives where they are. Thus they rob God of a part of the time which he has reserved to himself. In Mal. 3:8, in answer to the question, “Will a man rob God?” the Lord says, “Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.” How had they done this? By appropriating to their own use the tithe, which God had reserved, and the offerings which he had required. Is it any less robbery to appropriate God’s time to our own use than it is to thus use his money?
Then they must go to bed early, because they are tired, and they do not rise till late in the morning, for the same reason; and when they do get up, if there are any little extra jobs about the house or barn that have been neglected during their time, in “the six working days” (Eze. 46:1), they take some of God’s time to do them up. They give the horses a good rubbing down; salt the cows and sheep; clean out the barn; oil the wagon; fix up the harness; black the boots and the children’s shoes; mother looks up the clean clothes for wearing to meeting; sews on a few buttons, takes a few stitches here and there, and at last they get a late start for meeting, if indeed they have not found so much to do that they are too late to go to meeting. My brother, my sister, is the picture overdrawn? If so, I am glad. May it ever be so with you.
God has given us six days in which to do all our work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord our God; “in it,” he says, “thou shalt not do any [of thy] work.” That which is allowed on the six days is forbidden on the seventh. The Lord has reserved this day unto himself, as sacred time; it is his “memorial unto all generations.” As such he requires us to observe it. Ex. 31:13-17.
He has told us how he would have us observe his Sabbath. Isa. 58:13: “If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath [do not trample on it by doing that which is forbidden], from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight [do we so call it when we feel sorry that it has come, because we have not completed all that we desired to do, and when, though we may cease from the external form of labor, we keep our minds busy with the things of the world, and in laying plans for the next week?], the holy of the Lord, honorable; and shalt honor him [how honor him?], not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words.”
How particular the Lord is in regard to the manner of observing his memorial day! Yes; he is particular, my brother, my sister; and what a mercy it is that he has told us how particular he is in regard to it. If we do this, then what? “Thou shalt be called a repairer of the breach, a restorer of paths to dwell in.” Verse 12. What an honor! To be called by the Lord of glory, one of his workmen in repairing the breach that the enemy has made in the wall which God built up around his people as a defense to them! And what more does he say? “Then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord, and he shall cause thee to ride on the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father.” Verse 14. What a precious promise is this! Will God thus honor frail, mortal men? He says he will, if they keep his Sabbath holy. I believe him. Do you? Then let us be exceedingly careful how we treat his holy day. Let us begin it at the right time, and keep it holy unto the Lord.