Earlier text: History of the Sabbath"THEN they that feared the Lord spake often one to another; and the Lord hearkened and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name." Mal. iii, 16. The subject of faithfulness in meeting is one of vital interest to me, and one which has a bearing upon every disciple of the Lord. Without attending on the means of grace, we wither and die, or become mere skeletons in the ranks of the Lord. We are now living in a day when God is calling on us as in thunder tones to arise and be free; to rally around the Lord's standard, and be valiant soldiers in his cause. The Devil never made so strong efforts to oppose and hinder the true work of God as at this moment; and the certain knowledge of this startling fact should move us to such diligence in his cause, as will enable us to triumph over all our adversaries. And God, in his particular mercy, has told us just how this may be done. By the pen of his servant Paul he says, "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another, and so much the more as ye see the day approaching." Heb. x, 25. Here is an inspired delineation of certain Christian duties; duties which if properly discharged, will make us strong in the Lord and the power of his might. And one of them is faithfulness in the prayer and social meeting. Then according to this injunction, as the church behold the day of the Lord approaching they are to exhort each other in view of it. The pen of inspiration has much to say on the point of bearing the cross in meeting, for those who fail here do not prosper in spiritual things. Those who bear a continual cross in meeting, are generally living epistles and the lively stones in God's temple. The Devil, our adversary, is aware of this, and so tries to discourage in the good work of overcoming "by the word of our testimony." Many, he keeps back solely through fear; he operates most powerfully on the organ of fear to close their mouths when they should praise and glorify God. But the word says, God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of love and power and of a sound mind. I think very many members in the church suffer a great loss because they hold back, and wait, and do not take a part in the social meeting. Here is the place where all get strength who do their duty; and the word of God furnishes an excuse for no one. We all have at least "one talent," or else we are not responsible for our actions in the sight of God. But it will never do to hide our one talent, as though we were ashamed of it, because we have not got five or ten. No, God will require this talent by and by with usury; but what a sad account will some have to give who have hid their Lord's money, and made no improvement of the ability he has given them. In the social meeting we are often required to move from principle, and not altogether by feeling. Christ's followers are to toil on in the footsteps of their Master. He bore his cross; we are to do likewise. He did not carry the rugged piece of wood to the place of the skull because he felt like it, or because he esteemed it a privilege; no, it was duty, and we who are left behind to fill up the suffering part of the crucified One, should think of this. Oftentimes we hear it remarked, "The forepart of the meeting was interesting, but the last end was not so good." Now why is this? It is simply because in the beginning of the meeting the brethren took hold and did their duty and God blessed; but others, who then should have moved forward held back, and the fire went down. When we all learn to do our duty promptly in the conference meeting, whether we feel like it or not, then we shall see "good days," and the meeting will be all forepart. I have often felt to pity those who were backward in the house of the Lord; they evidently suffer in two21ways: from the arrows of God's conviction on the one hand, and by the Devil's holding his thumb on the organ of fear on the other. If those who suffer in this way would learn wisdom by their experience, they might avoid this cross-fire, and feast on the milk and honey of the sanctuary with their brethren. Christian believers are often compared to soldiers, but camp life is not always pleasant to the military man; neither is it to us who are tenting out till we go to a city that hath foundations. It is not always a privilege for the soldier to march out on the field of battle and confront a mortal foe; nor is it a privilege for the Christian warrior to combat with the prince and power of the air. The man of war springs at the blast of the bugle, and the man of God must move at the watch-word of the Spirit. Let us all remember that we are God's witnesses, and ever be ready to testify of his daily and weekly mercies.
G. W. A. “FLEE FROM IDOLATRY.”
By M. E. Cornell
DURING the lukewarm state of the remnant, when their love has waxed cold, they have been in a right condition to be captivated with the numerous idols of the last days. Probably but few are entirely free from every species of idolatry. Any person that will take the trouble to compare Isa. i, and ii, with Rev. xviii, will see that when the great day of the Lord is introduced, “the land is full of idols,” and “they please themselves,” and “lust after the abundance of her (Babylon’s) delicacies.” Idolatry does not alone consist in literally bowing down to an image, but Webster says an idol is “anything upon which we set our affections inordinately,” and, idolatry is “excessive attachment or veneration for an object.” An idolater is “a great admirer” (of the creature). If we cultivate an attachment for any object, animate or inanimate, above, or equal to, our love to God, we are idolaters. “Thou shalt have no other gods before me” (or in my sight), is the first commandment. When the ten tribes were in captivity, their idolatry consisted in having several objects of adoration. “They feared the Lord, and served their own gods.” 2 Kings xvii, 33. Some make a god of their appetite. Phil. iii, 19. “Covetousness is idolatry.” Col. iii, 5. A longing desire for any article of food or dress which is either useless or hurtful, is, therefore, idolatry. If we love or admire any thing above God, or esteem any thing so dear that we could not freely give it up for his sake, we have certainly set up another god before the only true object of our supreme affections. How is it, dear brethren and sisters, about tobacco, tea, coffee, hoops, jewelry, &c., &c.? Are you willing to give up these idols, and give your time and whole heart’s adoration to the one living and true God? He will accept of nothing but the whole heart; we can not come to God with divided affections. But I hear a brother say, I am not willing to give up tobacco. What, not for God’s sake, for the truth’s sake, nor yet for the regard you have for your brethren and sisters? Paul would give up an essential article of food, and eat no more as long as he lived, for charity’s sake. 1 Cor. viii, 13. When we press the testimony in regard to the tobacco idol, the lover of tobacco asks to be let alone, and complains that we have not charity. But charity does not require that we let a man alone in his sins, but that we faithfully warn him. Enough has been said on the tobacco question, it would seem, to satisfy all except the most stubborn that tobacco should be given up. We entreat you then most affectionately and earnestly to give it up at once for your soul’s sake. Let also the ear-rings, finger-rings, and hoops, be put away at once and forever from the ranks of God’s people. There is no excuse. The Scriptures are too plain to be misunderstood. We must live up to our discipline, the Bible. Those who will not abide by the wholesome rules of that book, ought not to desire or to expect a place among the Seventh-day Adventists. There is another species of idolatry that is very general at the present day, namely, the inordinate love of children. Many worship their children. By making pets of their offspring, they destroy them and ruin their own souls. But some fond parent will say, Does Bro. Cornell want us to hate our children? No, my dear brother or sister, neither does the Lord want you to hate them; but many of you do by over indulgence hate your children. “For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.” Prov. iii, 12. “He that spareth his rod hateeth his son; but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.” Prov. xiii, 24. The true principle is that genuine love should lead to faithfulness; not to excessively punish in anger, but to be decided and uniform, and correct with discretion. If a parent has such inordinate and unnatural love for the child that he or she cannot endure to faithfully correct and “train up the child,” the child has become dearer than the command of God; and such parents are in the fullest sense of the word, idolaters. When I see parents laugh at little foolish tricks and witty speeches of their children, and thus flatter their vanity, and nourish pride in their hearts, I think, O foolish parents, why will you thus destroy the dear ones entrusted to your care? If a child does that which is right, noble, and generous, and the parent in a sober manner praise the child for it, it might serve to encourage in the right way. But when their follies and little sins are winked at, seeds are being sown which may, and probably will, ruin them. But there is still another species of idolatry prevalent at this time, which is the worst of all. It is that of self-worship. If by looking in the glass they find this god is a little fairer than some other one, they begin to admire, and admire, until they are perfectly captivated with adorable self. Then how soon they will (after the manner of heathens and barbarians) begin to decorate the object of their worship. This god is very jealous of rivals in dress, and so to appease his anger, or to please him, they watch with all diligence for new fashions, that they may replenish him “from the east.” How often do we see mothers teaching this worship to their children. They will dress up the little ones like poppets, and then praise them to their face until they are perfectly inflated with pride. O parents, beware how you train your children, lest you be found fitting them up for the plagues. If we would “flee from idolatry,” let us shun the very appearance of it, exercising all diligence to avoid it in all things. “Little children, KEEP YOURSELVES FROM IDOLS.” 1 John v, 21. MEETINGS IN WISCONSIN.
By Isaac Sanborn
DEAR BRO. WHITE: According to appointment I met with the church at Lodi and Hundred Mile Grove, and although we had a severe snow-storm, a goodly number of brethren and sisters were present to hear the word. The gifts of the Spirit, and more perfect order in the church, were the burden of the message that we had for the people; and truly it was a heart-searching time; such as I have never seen among the remnant before. When we called on those who had forsaken all their idols, and were determined by the assisting grace of God to keep all his commandments and the testimonies of Jesus, twenty-four arose, while a few stood back. Some of them, however, said they would try to get ready and go with us. The twenty-four then signed their names to the covenant, after which they elected a clerk, and a treasurer for S. B. Then the subject of holding quarterly meetings came up, and after some consideration the church thought best to have regular quarterly meetings, the first of which was held Dec. 7 and 8, 1861; and at every quarterly meeting they will hold one business meeting. At the quarterly meetings they expect to attend to the Lord's supper. Last Sabbath and first-day I met the church at Marquette, and after laboring with them as I did at Lodi, twenty-one united together in church covenant, choosing a clerk and treasurer. Their first quarterly meeting was held Dec. 14 and 15, 1861. Quite a number stood back at this meeting, some of whom we have hope that the Lord will open their eyes, that they may see more clearly the high and holy way to mount Zion, and come and go along with God's remnant people. O, how true it is that God is cutting his work short in righteousness. I rejoice to think the time is just before us when we shall discern between him that serveth God, and him that serveth him not. But that is when we all shall have returned to the Lord. See Mal. iii, 18. EVENTS OF THE SIXTH SEAL.
By B. F. Snook
THE sixth seal was opened in 1775. All students of prophecy admit that we are living in a solemn time. Events of the most grand and thrilling importance are transpiring daily within our own observation. Signs as precursors of the day of the Lord, are every where looming up before us. To these the faithful saint can look as to so many witnesses, unitedly testifying that the last day is near, that the end of all things is at hand. And seeing them, he can lift up his head and rejoice in anticipation of the great blessings just before him, which he will receive when his Lord shall come. The way is truly plain, the light is clear, and the testimony sure. We can know that the time is near, that the day is at hand. In the book of Revelation the Christian dispensation is divided into seven different periods. These are represented by seven churches, seven seals, and seven trumpets. We call especial attention to the sixth seal, it being under this that the signs are manifested and the great day of wrath appears. "And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and lo, there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood." Rev. vi, 12. Three important events mark very clearly the date of this seal. 2. The darkening of the sun. 3. The darkening of the moon. These events must appear in the order stated. An earthquake after the darkening of the sun and moon will not answer the specifications of the prophecy. Neither will any darkening of the sun and moon before the occurrence of the earthquake fulfill the prophecy. In order therefore that we arrive at the true data of this seal, we must learn definitely when this great earthquake occurred, for that is the great event designating the time when the seal was opened. 1. The great earthquake. When did it occur? 1st. It could not have occurred during the great Papal persecution against the saints. When the fifth seal was opened, those who had been slain under the fourth seal were seen, and told that they should rest for a little season until their fellow-servants and their brethren should be killed as they were. Verse 11. This great tribulation was gradually slackened from A. D. 1700 till we come down to the latter half of the eighteenth century. We have no record of any general persecution against the saints by the pope since that time. 2d. The great earthquake occurred Nov. 1, 1775. "Lisbon was destroyed by the most terrible earthquake that has ever occurred. Sixty thousand persons perished in six minutes. The sea first retired, then rolled in rising fifty feet above its usual bed. The largest mountain in Portugal rocked and split asunder, and sent forth flames and clouds of dust. The shock was felt nearly all over Europe, in the north part of Africa, in the Atlantic, and even in the West Indies. A vast wave swept over the coast of Spain, and in some places sixty feet in hight. Near Morocco the earth swallowed up about ten thousand persons with their herds, and then closed over them." Cyclopedia Hist. p. 639. This was the greatest earthquake known to historians. It occurred at the right time—soon after the tribulation of the 1260 years, but in the years, as they extended to 1798. We have now located beyond doubt the beginning of the sixth seal. It began in A. D. 1775. We may from that date forward begin to look for those signs to appear which precede and point to the coming of the Lord. 2. The darkening of the sun. This is the second and next event that marks the time when the sixth seal was opened. We understand this to be an unnatural darkness, a darkness caused directly by God himself, as an unmistakable sign of the approaching dawn of the last day. When did this event occur? 1st. It must occur before the 1260 years run out. "In those days after that tribulation the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light." Mark xiii, 24. This testimony shows very clearly that22this sign should appear within the 1260 years. Now as the 1260 years ran out in A. D. 1798, this sign must appear prior to that date. 2d. It is the first sign following the great earthquake, and as that occurred in A. D. 1775, the sun must be darkened this side of that date. 3d. Therefore we are now shut up to this conclusion, that this sign must occur between 1775 and 1798. Here therefore, is the time in which it must appear. Did it appear in that time? If so, in what year? It did appear in that time, and in the year 1780. We refer to the testimony of many living witnesses. We will also give one historical testimony out of many that we might give: "In the dark day of May 19, 1780, the heavens were covered with a dense cloud for three or four hours. During this time the clouds were tinged with a yellowish or faint red for hours, for which no satisfactory cause has been assigned." Noah Webster, LL. D., New Haven Daily Herald. We give this testimony more for the purpose of proving the nature than the reality of the event. No man of literature will call in question the ability of this witness to decide a case of this kind. This sign makes its appearance at the right time and in the right manner, and is therefore a fulfillment of the prophecy. 3. The darkening of the moon. This is the next sign following in consecutive order, and occurred on the night of the 19th of May, 1780, the night following the dark day. The points above which locate the time when the sun was darkened will also apply here, and prove the time for the moon to cease to shine to be the same. Our Saviour has carefully pointed out these signs in other places. Matt. xxiv, 29. 4. The next sign spoken of in this prophecy is the falling of the stars. "And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig-tree casteth her untimely figs when she is shaken of a mighty wind." Verse 13. This wonderful sign appeared Nov. 13, 1833. And what an awe-inspiring sight to those who witnessed it! They witnessed the greatest display of celestial fireworks that ever occurred. They saw the heavens rain fire. How highly favored were they! The wise men who saw one star point to the first advent were truly favored by heaven. Matt. ii, 7, 10. But pre-eminently honored were they who saw millions and millions of bright and shining stars point to the second advent. 5. The parable of Matt. xxiv, 32. "Now learn a parable of the fig-tree. When his branch is yet tender, and puteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh." This is a natural and very apt illustration. When we walk forth into the grove in early spring, and behold the trees budding and putting forth leaves and blossoms, we know that the summer is coming—is at hand. But suppose on our return we meet a man who says, Well, sirs, don't you think we are going to have a long time of cold weather? we answer, Why, no, my dear sir, the warm season is at hand; for see these buds and blossoms. O, says he, I don't see any difference between the trees now and the trees in the dead of winter; they all look alike to me. What would you think of such a man, reader? I should consider him a blind man. So likewise when we see the foregoing signs, we may as certainly know that the end is nigh, even at the doors. Verse 33. The man who does not see it must be blind: is either in nature's darkness, or bound with the heavy chains of unbelief. 6. The next event brought to light in the prophecy before us is the "great day." "And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together, and every island and mountain were moved out of their places. And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every freeman, hid themselves in the dens, and in the rocks of the mountains; and said unto the mountains, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb; for the great day of his wrath is come, and who shall be able to stand?" Verses 14, 17. Grand and sublime are the scenes here depicted! Awful indeed is the event here spoken of. And O, what an important question here follows: Who shall be able to stand? We answer, 1st. It will not be the great men of earth. Kings with their wicked counselors will perish with all their greatness. The rich, proud, and haughty, will all be destroyed. God will receive no excuse from the willful sinner. 2d. Those who love God and do his will shall be able to stand. "Wherefore the rather, brethren, give all heed to make your calling and election sure; for if ye do these things ye shall never fall." 2 Pet. i, 10. "Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city." Rev. xxii, 14. These are blessed promises, and surely belong to the remnant who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Chap. xiv, 12. That awful day will soon appear. The storm is already gathering. The dark and heavy clouds appear in the distance. The heavy rolling of the thunders may be distinctly heard, and the red flashes of glaring lightning play furiously upon the angry heavens. Sinners begin to tremble, and men's hearts to fail them for fear of the things coming upon the earth. The sea and the waves roar, while distress and fearful perplexity characterize the angry nations. But in this time the saint looks up, and by faith looks beyond the distress, fear, and perplexity that surround him, to the happy morn that is beginning to dawn, when he will see his Lord coming in great power and glory, when he will be redeemed from all that is mortal, and delivered into the bright joys of eternal life in the kingdom of God. Yea, while here, he groans and prays for the time to hasten when he will part from the wicked, and the persecutors of God's dear children, and meet with the immortal saints on the sunny shores of perpetual joy. There with all the saints he hopes to dwell amid the resplendent and unfading beauties of the world to come. May the Lord help us to be faithful and diligent. Mercy yet lingers, and Jesus yet intercedes. But soon he will leave the sanctuary, and mercy's sweet voice will be heard no more in behalf of the sinner forever. While, therefore, there is time and opportunity, let us prepare to stand in the great day of his wrath. NOTE TO SISTER RICE.
By J. & C. Byington
DEAR SISTER RICE: Your letter in the Review, Vol. xix, No. 2, reminds us that we should speak often to each other, and as far as possible cheer the fainting mind. We remember the days when we were with you at the M. E. Church in St. Lawrence County, N. Y., and how the principles of reform brought us out of that church. We remember too, that God thrust us out again as he did Israel out of Egypt, when he brought us to keep his holy Sabbath; and we never shall forget the interview we had with you at your present home in Western N. Y. We may never meet again on this earth while it is under the curse, but may we meet on the earth made new. We are trying, though in weakness, to do something for the Lord. After returning this fall from Indiana we thought further efforts should be made in our own school district. We therefore invited Bro. Cornell to come and labor with us. The meetings have been very interesting. Since he left we have had meetings twice in the week, and the house was well filled. The district are willing we should use the house every Sabbath; quite a number are obeying the truth. Cresco, Mich., Dec. 15, 1861. “SPEAK thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my Sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you. Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel forever: for in six23days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested and was refreshed. Ex. xxxi, 13, 16, 17. Also Eze. xx, 12, 20. Dr. A. Clarke says, "The religious observance of the Sabbath was the first statute or command of God to men. This institution was a sign between God and them to keep them in remembrance of the creation of the world." Comments on Eze. xx, 12. Prof. M'Owen, a late Methodist author on the Sabbath, says, "The Sabbath was instituted to commemorate the creation of the world. . . . To furnish the world with a standing demonstration of the falsehood and absurdity of idolatry, he instituted the Sabbath. By blessing the Sabbath and hallowing it, by resting therein, and by challenging it for himself, God stamped it with his own image and superscription, and hence its desecration was reckoned, among the Jews, as a sin of treason against his infinite Majesty." Works, pp. 12, 14. Justin Edwards says, "The reason which God gave on the tables of stone for keeping the Sabbath, was not a Jewish reason. It was one which applies alike to all men. 'For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that in them is.' But he did not make them for Jews merely, or for any particular people. He made them for us, and for all men. As a memorial of that fact, he set apart the Sabbath, kept it, sanctified and blessed it, for the benefit of all. . . . Thus the keeping of the Sabbath makes God known, and gives efficacy to his moral government. . . . It commemorates the work of God as Creator," &c. Sabbath Manual. CONFESSION.
By John Nevins Andrews
It is my duty to make confession on several points; and I do it cheerfully, and with sincerity of heart. I am satisfied that I have not exerted that direct influence in behalf of the testimony of the Spirit of God, given through vision to sister White, that I ought to have done. I deeply regret that I have been slow to act in a matter of so great importance. I now see that I have come far short of my duty in this matter, and that I have thus grieved the Holy Spirit. May God forgive me. It is the purpose of my heart, not merely to believe the testimony of the visions, but to impress the importance of their testimony upon others. I see also that I have been remiss in bearing a pointed testimony against sin, and reproving the wrongs that have come under my observation, with the faithfulness that was requisite on my part. In other words, I have failed to declare with faithfulness the whole counsel of God. Deeply do I lament my fault in this thing. Yet such is my natural infirmity that I can only hope to be an overcomer through the special assistance of divine grace. Brethren pray for me.
J. N. ANDREWS.
Wawkon, Iowa, Nov. 28, 1861. P. S. I would add that the present work of organization meets my hearty approval. I see no objectionable feature as it is now reduced to practice. J. N. A. MIRACULOUS POWERS.
By M. E. Cornell
This work will be delayed until Bro. White returns from his Northern tour. Some have misunderstood my call for extracts. I do not design to publish personal experiences of our own people, unless it should be some rare instance with which I am acquainted. The object is to show from the books of those who now oppose spiritual gifts, that such power still exists, themselves being judges. FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD.
By E. Macomber
FAITH is a dependence on the veracity of another. This trust is called faith, because it relies upon the truth of a promise. Faith, in the propriety of expression, is an assent on account of the veracity of the speaker. God has spoken unto us by his servants, and says, "Even so, faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." James ii, 17. Again, "Not of works, lest any man should boast." Eph. ii, 9. I notice in the word of God that faith and works belong together; as James has said, Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. All of the ancient worthies pleased God through faith; their works corresponded with their faith. I find by an examination of the word of God that his people have accomplished all that had been done through faith; and what wonders have been accomplished through his people. There is a work for the people of God in our day. What did the blessed Saviour say unto us before he went away? He says, The works that I do, ye shall do; and greater works than these shall ye do, because I go to my Father. We find also that when he commissioned his disciples, as we read in Luke ix, 1, then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick. And they departed and went through the towns preaching the gospel and healing every where. Has there been any thing taken from this commission since it was given? if not, then it is the same now. Then let us contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints; and when we ask our heavenly Father for the things that we need, let us ask in faith, believing; for without faith it is impossible to please God. O may we all be wise enough to ask for nothing unless we expect to receive it; and like Jacob of old, wrestle until the break of day, or until we receive the blessing. God is pleased when he beholds his children thus holding on to his promises by faith. Are we sick? let us use the remedies prescribed in his word, with faith, and we shall be healed. Are we in perils on the sea or on the land? let us exercise faith, God will deliver. Are we surrounded with temptation? let us believe that God will deliver; he will, if we are loving him and keeping all of his commandments blameless. My prayer is, O Lord, help thy people to come up to the high calling of God which is in Christ Jesus; and throw off every weight, and the sin that doth so easily beset us, that we may run the race set before us. ANCIENT TESTIMONY.
By M. E. Cornell
THE following extracts from an old translation or paraphrase of the New Testament, were published some time ago in the World's Crisis. It was there stated that the book from which they are taken was so worn with age that no trace of publisher or date could be found. These extracts are interesting, and they may shed some light upon several Bible subjects. Col. i, 13. Who hath rescued us heathens from the horrors of our dark and gloomy confinement, and vindicated us into the light and liberty of the glorious kingdom of his beloved Son. 1 Tim. iv, 1. But from this divine religion great numbers, the Spirit of God expressly assures us, will in subsequent ages apostatize, eagerly embracing the delusions of impostors, and doctrines concerning departed spirits. Verse 2. Being duped by the frauds and dissimulation of false teachers, who have abandoned all sense of conscience and virtue. Chap. vii, 3. His father, his mother, his pedigree, are no where mentioned—the time of his birth and of his decease is not recorded—a character this, extremely similar to the Son of God, as he was invested with a priesthood liable to no succession. James ii, 26. For as an human body, when uninformed with life, is only a torpid and inert mass of senseless matter—just so faith, unconnected with good works, is a dead, unanimated principle. 1 Pet. iii, 18 (last clause). Suffering death, indeed, in the flesh, but restored to life by the Spirit of God. Verse 19. By whose afflatus (Spirit) in the primitive ages of the world he delivered solemn admonitions to those who are now in the state of the dead: Verse 20. But these repeated warnings they rejected, though God in the days of Noah waited their repentance during the whole time the ark was constructing—in which only eight souls escaped the general inundation. Verse 21. To this escape from the common ruin corresponds the everlasting salvation, into the firm belief of which our baptismal profession of christianity introduces us—that baptism which is not merely the ablution of the body, but the attestation of a good conscience toward God—and this salvation is ascertained and ratified to us by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Heb. xi, 14. Since therefore the sons of God are compounded of flesh and blood, he also, in like manner, assumed humanity in order that by his submission to death he might totally crush and annihilate the empire of that being who held the sovereign dominion of death, that is, the Devil. Rev. i, 9. I, John, your fellow-christian, fellow-sufferer, and fellow-expectant of the future glorious kingdom of Jesus Christ, being in the island of Patmos, &c. Verse 12. He who cordially embraces the religion of Jesus, is entitled to immortality. But he who rejects the Christian revelation forfeits immortality. Heb. xii, 22. But under the gospel you are conducted to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to myriads of angels. Col. iii, 3. For you are dead, and your future life hath been deposited by the Deity in the hands of Christ. Verse 4. When Christ, who will re-animate our sleeping dust, shall appear, then shall you, at the same time with him, be exhibited in glorious splendor. 2 Tim. iv, 3. For the time will arrive when men will not bear the true and salutary doctrines of christianity; but their taste being vitiated, and their prurient ears tickled with sounds, they will accordingly countenance a number of public teachers, who will soothe their depraved passions. Verse 4. These will reject truth with the last aversion, and drink in fictions and fables with insatiable avidity. 1 John v, 18. We know that every one who is born of God, doth not live in the practice of wickedness—but he, who hath been happy in this moral birth, preserves an inviolate purity, and the wicked being can not injure him. Chap. iii, 9. Every one, who hath been born of God, doth not lead a wicked life, because the principles he received at his moral birth are inherent in him, and it is morally impossible for him to practice wickedness, because he hath been born of God. Eph. iv, 26. Should your resentments be excited, let them not transport you into any criminal excesses—let not the sun set on your unrelenting anger. FROM "ELIJAH THE TISHBITE."
Nor ought we to overlook the largeness of the promise which our blessed Saviour makes to his true disciples, "Ask, and ye shall receive; that your joy may be full." And again, "Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you." "Ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you." And to such a promise as this he solemnly prefixes the asseveration, "Verily, verily," or "Amen, amen." What can we desire more? Nothing in the world is so great, nothing so small, that we might not every moment be receiving from the Father, if we only asked in the name of Jesus. Say, what would ye desire to have granted you? Is it to be freed from domestic troubles; as, for instance, that your sick child should recover? Would you gladly see your whole household drawn to God? Ask for any such thing in Jesus' name, and be assured that he will grant it you. But does not experience seem to contradict this? We answer, it does not really do so. The deceit lies within ourselves, through not really asking in Jesus' name. For let us again call to mind what this asking in his name implies. You might wish very ardently, it is true, for some peculiar interposition of God; and you might express this wish in prayer, and, as you think, in Jesus' name. But in this it is possible that you may be mistaken. A petition is offered in his name, when it is offered in that faith which is of the operation of God, and when that which we ask is according to his will. Luther prayed for the lives of his friends, Melanchthon and Myconius, who were sick unto death, and already given over; and lo, he received the petitions which he desired of God; and whatever we pray for, be it only gold or silver, even this may be granted when asked for according to his will. Thus the pious Prof. Francke prayed for means to erect his orphan-houses; and immediately the silver and the gold flowed in upon him, and he who in commencing was scarcely able to command a few pence, had soon enough to found that abode of orphan charity and education, whose praise has been in all the churches. Here the Lord granted what his servant desired. It is to this effect that St. John addresses us in his first epistle, chap. iii, 21-23. "Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. And this is his commandment, that we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment." I saw a way-worn traveler, in tattered garments clad,
A straying up the mountain, it seemed that he was sad;
His back was burdened heavy, his strength was almost
gone;
And he shouted as he journeyed, Deliverance will
come! The summer sun was shining, the sweat was on his
brow,
His garments they were dusty, his step was very slow;
Still he kept pressing onward, for he was wending
home,
And he shouted as he journeyed, Deliverance will
come! The songsters in the arbor that sang beside the way,
Attracted his attention, inviting his delay;
His watchword being onward, he stopped his ears and
ran,
And he shouted as he journeyed, Deliverance will
come! I saw him in the evening, the sun was sinking low;
He had overtopped the mountain, and reached the vale
below;
His elder brother met him, his journey it was done,
And he shouted, It is finished! deliverance will come! His eye was dim and heavy, his body weak and wan,
Therefore his brother gave him a couch to lie upon;
He closed the blinds around him, and shut him up
alone,
That nothing might disturb him, till deliverance
should come. HOPE made for him a pillow, and FAITH a garment
rare,
To wrap him in his slumber till Christ his home pre-
pared;
And when the dawn of morning broke in his little
room,
He arose astonished crying, Deliverance has come! I heard his song of triumph he sang upon the shore,
Saying, Jesus has redeemed me, to suffer never more;
Then casting his eyes backward, o'er the race that he
had run,
He shouted loud in glory, DELIVERANCE HAS COME! Bro. M. W. Stockwell writes from Yates Center, N. Y.: “There is a great work before us, and the time is short in which it is to be performed; therefore we must be up and doing. We should not live to please ourselves, nor others, but God. We must lay aside all worldly pleasures and vanities, deny ourselves, take up the cross, and follow our Saviour, if we expect ever to wear the crown. If we are willing to do all our duty, the Lord will help and strengthen us. So let us strive daily to fear him and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. Let us so live that when the last trump shall sound, the Son of man can say, 'Well done, thou good and faithful servant; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.' This will doubly repay us for all our trials here; our hearts will then be filled unutterably full with the love of God, and we shall be prepared to sing the new song of Moses and the Lamb.” Of all sins, God especially abhors mental pride; it is the parent of a thousand God-provoking evils.