Earlier text: Sabbath and First-Day HistoryYEARLY MEETINGS.
By James White
We wish to call the attention of the brethren to the subject of holding one or more Conferences yearly in each State where needed. Our yearly meetings in this State, held at Battle Creek, for a few years past, have been most beneficial and refreshing. Then why not have a regular annual meeting in each State, and, perhaps, three or four in Michigan, New York, and some other States? The yearly meeting in this State has a most healthful influence on the cause, especially in the vicinity, then why may not other States, and other portions of this, share the same blessing? At our last Conference, the north part of the State was scarcely represented at all. Not so much as one delegate from the large churches at Wright, Caledonia, Lapeer, &c. It is our opinion there should be four or five yearly meetings in Michigan, and will name as proper places, Lapeer, Wright, Monterey, Hillsdale and Battle Creek. This arrangement would give different parts of the State, and more than twice the number, the advantages of a yearly Conference, at far less expense than to have but one yearly meeting. We lack system. And we should not be afraid of that system which is not opposed by the Bible, and is approved by sound sense. The lack of system is felt everywhere, especially in New England, New York and the West. Much labor is lost by this lack. Why not have a yearly meeting in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, Penn.; several in New York, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin and Iowa, one in Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, and so on as the truth spreads, and friends rally around the standard? Let the time and places of these meetings be seasonably known, and how easy to secure the needed amount of ministerial labor. Many of our brethren are in a scattered state. They observe the Sabbath, read with some interest the Review; but beyond this they are doing but little or nothing for want of some method of united action among them. It is time that all do something to add to the strength of this cause. Its enemies are many and active, and its friends should be awake and zealous. Then let the scattered friends of the cause of Bible truth be assembled in their localities yearly, to learn their present position and duty, and be cheered on to vigorous action. We are aware that these suggestions will not meet the minds of all. Bro. Over-cautious will be frightened, and will be ready to warn his brethren to be careful and not venture out too far; while Bro. Confusion will cry out, "O, this looks just like Babylon! Following the fallen church!" Bro. Do-little will say, "The cause is the Lord's, and we had better leave it in his hands, he will take care of it." "Amen," says Love-this-world, Slothful, Selfish, and Stingy, "if God calls men to preach, let them go out and preach, he will take care of them, and those who believe their message;" while Korah, Dathan and Abiram are ready to rebel against those who feel the weight of the cause, and who watch for souls as those who must give account, and raise the cry, "Ye take too much upon you." In reply we would say that Bro. Over-cautious reminds us of the brakeman who supposed that all that was necessary to run a train of cars was to use the brake well. We would also suggest that he, and others of the same views and feelings, try to run a train by the use of brakes. Their success in standing still would, we think, teach them the necessity of having an engine, wood, fire, water, steam, as well as brakes. Bro. Confusion makes a most egregious blunder in calling system, which is in harmony with the Bible and good sense, Babylon. As Babylon signifies confusion, our erring brother has the very word stamped upon his own forehead. And we venture to say there is not another people under heaven more worthy of the brand of Babylon than those professing the Advent faith who reject Bible order. Is it not high time that we as a people heartily embrace everything that is good and right in the churches? Is it not blind folly to start back at the idea of system, found everywhere in the Bible, simply because it is observed in the fallen churches? True, the Bible does not say in so many words that we should have yearly meetings; neither does it say that we should have a weekly paper, a steam printing-press, that we should publish books, build places of worship, and send out tents. Christ says, "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set upon an hill cannot be hid," "Let your light so shine before men," &c. He does not enter into the particulars just how this shall be done. The living church of God is left to humbly move forward in this great work, praying for divine guidance, and acting upon the most efficient plans for its accomplishment. Men of the world lay their plans wisely and well, combine their strength, and prosecute them vigorously. And should not the church, aided by the principles of the word, and the influence of the Holy Spirit, act as wisely in their high and holy calling? "But," says Bro. Do-little, "Christ says that the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light." Very true; but he does not say they should be. So far from it, that his words are a cutting rebuke on Bro. Do-little, and all his careless, disorderly brethren. It will be seen that these men have wound themselves up in a kind of cob-web argument, and have lain down in an easy position; but we design to tear off the cob-webs, and stir them up to find their place in the church of Christ. There are two extremes which should be shunned; one is for human wisdom alone to combine its feeble strength to carry on the work of God; the other is to leave with God what he has left with us, and set down with the idea of waiting for special providences before moving. If such move at all, it is independent of the views and feelings of others, each individual constituting an independent church. Some may cry, The Spirit! the Spirit! and others, The Word! but our cry shall be, The Word and the Spirit. The Word presents the form of doctrine, and requires systematic, united action, and the Spirit sanctifies the judgment, gives vitality to the body, and efficiency to the work. It leads into all truth. Read the doings of the apostles in the book of Acts. Notice in particular the conference at Jerusalem recorded in chap. xv. Certain ones had been teaching circumcision as necessary to salvation, and had caused trouble in the churches. Paul, Barnabas, and certain others went up to Jerusalem to help settle the matter. After some contention with Judaising teachers, Peter, Paul, Barnabas and James made scriptural and experimental remarks. Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company with letters to the Gentile churches in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia containing the decision of the Jerusalem conference which commences as follows: "For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us," &c. What life-giving words at the very opening of this conference address. They speak forth union among the brethren, and the testimony of the Holy Ghost. No wonder that Luke records the fact that the Gentiles "rejoiced for the consolation." We presume that Bro. Confusion and Bro. Do-little would have said, "Leave these Judaising teachers with the Lord. He will take care of them. You must not abridge their religious rights." And the church would have been rent asunder if it had been left to the care of these unfaithful men. But Paul and his brethren stood forth in the counsel and strength of Christ, as the shepherds of his flock, and the guardians of his truth, and the Holy Spirit was with them to testify to the judgment of the whole assembly of saints, and to bring the unhappy dissension to a most happy settlement. We wonder if the friends of extreme free discussion and confusion were never shocked at the word "decrees," applied to the Jerusalem conference documents, in Acts xvi, 4. In conclusion we would say that it is too late to be afraid of gospel order merely because others have gone into the creed business; too late to run off the bridge on one side, simply because the water roars on the other. Some may feel rebuked in this article; well, perhaps they need it, though this has not been our object, so much as to wake up thought on the subject of yearly conferences, and systematic action of the entire body. Hope others will speak out on these matters. J. W. A DISCOURSE
By J. H. Waggoner
Delivered at B. C. Conference, June 3d, 1859.
BY J. H. WAGGONER. We are not assembled at this conference to learn the reasons of our faith, but to become more deeply impressed with the truths we have learned. We may with profit follow the example of the Apostle Peter, who wrote, not to acquaint his brethren with things which they did not know, but to stir up their minds by way of remembrance because they knew these things and were established in the present truth. Especially should this be our object in the opening exercises of the conference, that we may be prepared for a profitable season of worship and labor; and to this end I would call your attention to Rom. xiii, 11: "And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed." The Apostle in this connection has coupled together the two great leading points of our faith: the law and the prophets. The law, containing the great fundamental principles wherein are revealed our duties as subjects of the government of God:—the prophets, directing our minds to those duties, describing the circumstances in which we shall be placed, and the dangers that will surround us as followers of our Lord Jesus Christ, and keepers of his faith. This text, then, should ensure our especial attention as believers in the third angel's message of Rev. xiv, 9-12. We are met by our opponents at two points in this text; (1.) That it is of no importance to know the time; (2.) That we cannot know the time. On the first point we have only to examine the scripture examples to perceive the fallacy of the objection. The Saviour said it would be in the last days as it was in the days of Noah and of Lot. To Noah it was of the utmost importance to know the time; and he knew it, while the wicked knew not till the flood came and took them all away. They too, might have known the time. Here was their error—their fatal error. It was the knowledge and belief of the time that moved Noah to build the ark. His faith in the fact of the flood would never have availed him anything if he had said: "I believe God's word, that there will be a flood; but whether it will be in 120 years, or in 1000, or 120,000, I don't know; and it makes no difference if I'm only prepared." This is the way that faith in God's word is professed in these days. But as this is our divinely given example, it becomes our duty, as it is our interest, to inquire what prepared Noah for that event? It was the building of the ark. Without this all his faith would not have saved him from the raging elements. But it is evident that he would not have built the ark if he had not embraced the time as well as the event. Can we even suppose that Noah would have built an ark to prepare for a flood that might not have occurred in 10,000 years? We cannot. Another illustration is given in the case of Lot. He believed the word of the angels that the Lord would destroy the city. But did he continue at his employment, saying, it makes no difference when if I'm only prepared? No, no. He fled from the city. This shows us that his faith also embraced the time as well as the purpose. These illustrations were given by the Saviour, and are intended, not only to show what has been, but to point out our duty in reference to coming events. By these we learn that the time must be embraced with the event, and that our preparation for the event will only be made as we realize the time of its accomplishment. Our duties in reference to that event are not ordinary, but extraordinary. Thus, Noah and Lot, on hearing the messages given to them, might have been moved to unusual fervency of feeling, and have prayed three times as often as they did before, but unless the one had built the ark, and the other had fled from the city, their destruction would have been as certain as that of those who never prayed at all. And why? Because faith without works is dead, being alone. Our professions of faith and of love are no substitutes for obedience. That we may know the time, is not only taught in the examples referred to, but also in our text. It speaks not to them that do not know the time, that do not care about the time, or that say it makes no difference, but to them that know the time. Some are ever ready to quote the text, "of that day and hour knoweth no man." To this we respond, Amen! We believe it as firmly as they can, but in turn would quote another which they seem to forget: "When ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors." We believe all scripture is profitable, and the true position will harmonize it all. We fully believe that no man knoweth the day or hour, but a belief in that scripture we hold to be no excuse for denying another which assures us that we may know when it is near, even at the doors. Having thus assured ourselves that this scripture speaks to us, let us try to examine ourselves in the light of the admonition and instruction. These words are addressed to them who not only know the time, but are sleeping over that knowledge. This is a startling proposition, and a first glance might tempt us to throw it back on the careless around us who know not the time. But it cannot be done. Humiliating as it is, we must acknowledge that it belongs here. Is it possible that we are sleeping over these great—these solemn truths? We wonder at the position of the world, who shut their eyes against the truth, and do we hold the truth in unrighteousness; and sleep over that which God in mercy has given for the special purpose of keeping us awake? Can we be dull, listless, and idle, when he has said, watch and pray? Can we be lukewarm when he says, be zealous? The delusions in the world are strong indeed, by which the minds of men are blinded against the truth; but there can be no delusion so great as this, to have known the truth, to have felt its power, seen its beauty and its glory, and yet suffer the enemy to lull to sleep on the very brink of ruin. We are commanded to grow in grace, and go on to perfection; and unless we do this we are going back. There is no standing still in the current. If we do not row up we shall float down. If we do not gather, we scatter. There is no middle ground to occupy. Beloved friends, are we so growing? Are we so striving? Are we so zealous? By watchfulness and prayer, are we kept free from the power of the tempter? Do we realize these things more than we did a few years ago? Here we may test our faith. I think we may safely say, we are sleeping over these things if our zeal has suffered any decline, if our love has grown cold, or if we have lost the vividness of first impressions. I appeal to you, dear brethren and sisters, on this point. How many of us realize that our salvation is nearer than when we believed? Very few indeed, I think I may safely say. When we first received the truth, how lovely it appeared! What a strong sympathy—what feelings of compassion were raised for our fellow-men so soon to be overwhelmed in destruction? How it enlarged our feelings of benevolence! How small the things of this world appeared! The spirit of the gospel attended its proclamation, and the holy fruits were manifest in the consecration, the devotion, and the self-sacrifice of those who believed. How dreadful then were the threatenings of the Message. How awful the thought, to fall under the seven last plagues—to drink of the wine of the wrath of God! We may not fully realize this truth, yet we are deciding in our lives the value we attach to the third angel's message. How easy it is to be deceived on this point. If we were told to name its value in dollars and cents, we should shudder at the thought. Yet Heaven knows the estimate we put upon it. Conversing once with a Methodist minister, he told me that he believed the Sabbath was right, and he would keep it, if circumstances would permit. But he was indebted for the place on which he lived, and he was engaged in business; if he kept the Sabbath he would have to retire from the business, and on it alone he depended to meet the payments on his place. So if he kept the Sabbath he would probably lose all. What a calculation of loss and gain for a Christian minister to make, who had often told his hearers that it would profit them nothing to gain the whole world and lose their souls! Is this following the Saviour, who would not do one act of homage to Satan for all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them? Let us beware lest we too fall into the snare of the wicked one. Many among us have yet to learn what this means, "Ye cannot serve God and mammon!" Our Saviour said, the children of this world are wiser in their generation than the children of light. And so it is. People calculate more prudently in this world's matters than they do in the things of the kingdom of God. Men of the world are more diligent in their labors, more persevering in their efforts, and more consistent in their actions for the accomplishment of their purposes, than Christians are to gain eternal life. This is exemplified every day in our sight. I will name a notable instance. Professor Agassiz was lately solicited to lecture before a society, but refused for the reason that it would interfere with his studies. He was told that this need be no objection, as he should be liberally rewarded. To this he replied that he could not afford to spend his time in making money! What was he engaged in of such importance that money could not tempt him to leave it for a little while? He was making acquisitions to science, and perhaps his mind was intent on a name among the great ones of the earth. But whatever it may have been, it is certain that no motive was before his mind worthy to be compared with the object we profess to have in view. Yet how few—how very few among us feel that we have no time to spare in making money! We profess to have our minds fixed on all-important things, and to make worldly gain a secondary object. But if this is our case, how the Professor's diligence and consistency shames our profession. Instead of making worldly gain secondary to the great object of his life, he makes it no object at all! Is heaven so cheap? are our Father's mansions so poor? is an eternal weight of glory so light, that they may all be outweighed by a breath of fame? Surely the example of the men of this world may rise up in judgment against us and condemn us. Among those who appear to be sleeping on the brink of destruction I may especially notice many, if not most, of the young professors of the present truth: those who are trained in pious families, and under religious influences. They kneel in time of worship, and occasionally their voices are heard in prayer in the family or social circle. And by these means they are persuaded to believe that they are converted to God, and are on the way to the kingdom, while they are yet destitute of vital piety, and know nothing of the power of godliness. They do not seek the living testimony that they please God, but rely on the life and experience of others. Their religion is not a hungering and thirsting after righteousness: not a striving for holiness of heart, to be conformed to the sufferings of Christ, but a mere conformity to outward circumstances. Our hearts have been pained while witnessing these things. We often see the young profess religion, while they do not manifest that deep, heart-felt, abiding interest which alone assures us that they are the children of God. We can but pity them, knowing that under different circumstances they would not act differently. And so it has too often been. Often have the hearts of the parents and friends indulged the fondest hopes of the young, which have in a moment been dashed down by a change in their circumstances. But this deception is not confined to the young alone. Many of the aged are equally at fault. Sometimes we see a husband or wife, convinced 'tis true, by the argument for the truth, but led passive by an energetic or devoted companion, while their listlessness and apathy assure us that the same amount of energy differently directed would lead them in a contrary direction. Others are held merely by their associations and church connections. At first they gladly receive the word, but when the strength of first impressions passes away, they have not moral courage to fight the fight of faith, or self-denial to separate themselves from the world. Their hearts still go "after their covetousness." Yet after having made a profession of the faith, they find it easier to nominally conform to its usages than to break away from it. Or, perhaps a pride of opinion, and fear of being called fickle may keep them in a position in which their hearts are not interested. Thus they go on deceived, and each successive step in this darkness but strengthens the deception, and renders their case more hopeless. This is not mere supposition. I feel fully assured that there are those who pass for Sabbath-keepers before the world whose actions show that mammon reigns in their hearts, and selfishness is the ruling trait of their lives. These classes, both old and young, inconsiderately think themselves secure because they are identified with those who they think are going through to the kingdom. But in this they may be most fatally mistaken! We must not only be identified with them before70the world, or in the church, but we must be partakers with them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. We must suffer the trial of our faith, be disciplined by chastisement, and overcome temptation. Let us consider the example pointed out by our Lord. He said, "Remember Lot's wife." She stood connected with the only family that was saved from the destruction of Sodom. The angels of God were her guides and her protectors. They led her by the hand, hastening her out of the city. Who can consider themselves safe if she could not? Yet in the midst of all these privileges and evidences of divine favor, one longing look at her earthly possessions was her ruin. And there her friends left her; a monument of human folly and divine justice; a warning to lukewarm professors of the last days! 'Tis not every one that joins the army, that gains a victory; not every one that saith, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven. Blessed is the man that endureth temptation, for when he is tried he shall receive the crown of life. We are admonished that it is high time to awake out of sleep by the position assumed by the nations of the earth. We are convinced by the signs of the times, by the fulfillment of prophecy that we are fast approaching the closing scenes of this dispensation. We are also assured that the Lord is holding, and will hold, the nations in check till he has prepared a people to "stand in the battle in the day of the Lord." And this is "the day of his preparation." Now he is sending forth the warning, and sounding an alarm by the voice of his messengers. Truly, "the battle is coming between the two kingdoms, the armies are gathering round." But we can notice the different effects produced by the different calls. But a short time since and the representatives of the powers of Europe met in conference—a "peace conference," as it was styled. How ready were men to rejoice over the fact: how eager to listen to, and spread, the cry of "peace and safety." But look at their position now. The alarm has been sounded, war is proclaimed, and the number of those armed and prepared for the work of death are counted by hundreds of thousands! all ready and eager to go forth to do the work of their masters. Our whole course, as a people, shows that we need to be reminded of the fact that our salvation is nearer than when we believed. We need it because we have declined from the power of the truth, instead of going on to perfection. Our path has not been as the shining light that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. While we should have grown more zealous we have become lukewarm. Our minds have become so far accustomed to the dangers before us that they do not look so terrible as they formerly did. We have held the precious truth so near the world, that it seems tarnished and dimmed by the contact. Some that have known the truth for many years seem almost to have forgotten how near God drew to his people in the early proclamation of this message, while others do not realize it, never having seen the power of God displayed in answer to the prayer of faith. I might appeal to the old tried laborers in this work, and I think they would freely testify that there is not as much fervency of spirit, as much humility, as much zeal and devotion, of the spirit of consecration, and of sacrifice for the truth, as there was five years ago. Not so much earnest, fervent prayer, by which I mean a struggling for present victory and present blessings, as then. The displays of God's power in answer to prayer were more frequent than now. I say not these things to blame you, but as beloved brethren I would warn you. It is time to arise and draw near to God; to put off the works of darkness and to put on the armor of light. We want a deeper heart work—a real hungering and thirsting after righteousness—a panting for the living God. While these facts have been before me, and these thoughts crowded my mind; while I have regretted the want of consecration and the consequent lack of the power of godliness, I have yet felt to rejoice over the certainty of God's promises, and the assurance I have felt that he was about to revive his work. God's work must, and will, be done; his purposes will be accomplished. True, we may sit still and neglect to rise with it, but it will not be stayed. Its course is onward. If we wish to be partakers of its blessings, its joys, our course must be onward too. We are entirely dependent on the truth for success. But the truth is altogether independent of us. It will go on, it will triumph whether we go or not. I think I speak not my own feelings only when I say that I have for some time been deeply impressed with the thought that this message is soon to rise and go with power. Satan is working powerfully in them that perish: the nations are angry and struggling to rush on to ruin: and I firmly believe that God will not leave himself without a witness in the midst of prevailing and overspreading wickedness. If we take a humble position where God can use us to his glory, and ask for the assistance of his Spirit, without which we can do nothing, I trust that God will strengthen us for the conflict, and give us a testimony that will condemn the world, and cause the inhabitants of the land to tremble. When the church of God takes the mighty weapons of her warfare, and is clothed with the power and energy of his Spirit, she need not fear to stand up before the angry world, or face all the infuriate armies of earth. When they have sought unto the Lord with all their hearts, and the refreshing shall come from his presence, and the gifts and graces of his Spirit are restored in the church, then will she be to her enemies as terrible as an army with banners. May we be sanctified through the truth, and redeemed from among men when Jesus comes. Amen! 'Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another.' DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: Through the tender mercies of our heavenly Father I yet live to praise his name for his past goodness to me. Through trials and afflictions he has led me, but I can still say, Praise the Lord, he doeth all things well. Much of the time for the past three years I have suffered under a painful disease, the dropsy of the chest; but at one time last winter a number of the brethren collected together for the purpose of praying for me that my health might be restored. We had a powerful time; the Lord poured out his Spirit upon us, and heard and answered prayer in my behalf, and for over two months I was free from pain, and enjoyed good health, which had not been the case before for over two years, except for a few days at a time. But this spring I was again attacked, and although the brethren have urged me to again apply to the great Physician, I cannot feel it duty. It seems as though it was God's will that I should suffer a little longer here below, in patience, and then bid farewell to these scenes of sorrow and sadness, and lie down to sleep, resting in hope, believing that I shall soon awake in the likeness of my blessed Saviour. For two months past I have suffered much, and have often felt that my work was done here on earth. And while I would think of parting with the friends I love, my family, my kindred, and the brethren and sisters who have so often sympathized with me in my affliction, and with whom I have often met in social meetings in different places, and mingled our voices together in prayer and praise to God, it made my heart feel. But again joy would spring up at the thought that as Jesus had died and rose again, so also when the earth shall be restored to its Eden beauty, all the righteous dead shall come forth clothed with immortality, death shall no more have dominion over us. Then shall loved ones meet to part no more forever, where sickness and pain cannot disturb our rest, but all is happiness, joy and peace, in the home prepared for the weary. Many times have these thoughts passed through my mind in the lonely night watches while I could not rest, and others were asleep, and other thoughts would come into my mind which would cause a self-examination. O how closely have I searched my heart, to see if all was right before God. And while I have deeply felt my unworthiness before him while realizing his holiness and purity, yet I could feel the gentle influence of the Spirit upon my heart and witnessing with my spirit that I was his child. Yet, O how weak, how unworthy of his love! Can it be possible that I, a poor sinner before God, have been brought back and restored to his favor, and can enjoy the light of his countenance, and his approving smiles? Yes, praise God! this is even so. There is peace in believing, and joy in the Holy Ghost. While the blood of Christ has been applied and our sins washed away, the weapons of our rebellion laid down, our wills all submitted to his will, it is our duty to believe that he accepts of us, and that we are restored to his favor through faith in Christ. O then I will continue to believe in Jesus unto the end, that my life may be hid with Christ in God, and when he appears I also may appear with him in glory. Again, in my meditations my mind would run out after my brethren and sisters scattered throughout the land. How is it with you? Are you ready for the coming of the Saviour? Have you put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to fight manfully in his cause? Is your motto Holiness to the Lord? and while you profess to keep the commandments of God, do you keep them with all your heart? Is it your delight to do the whole will of God? Have you submitted your hearts unreservedly to him, giving all up to him, the world with all its fashions and vain allurements, its pride, its honors, its sayings and thinkings, its forms and customs, loving God with all your soul? If so, then praise God, all will be well; for God loves an undivided heart. But if not, if you only have an outward form of religion, if you have not the principle of love and obedience implanted within your hearts, if you seek to please men rather than God, to follow the fashions of this wicked world, having an anxiety as to how you shall dress to make a good appearance in the world, fearing to attend meetings unless you can dress as others do, if you turn a cold shoulder to all those that do not see as you see, and your hearts are filled with sectarianism, may God pity you. I hope there are not many among those who profess to love the appearing of the Saviour, that are living in this way, though I fear there are some. To such I would say, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead and Christ shall give thee light. O do not rest on past experience, an old hope, or a dead form, for this cannot save71you. Without holiness no man shall see the Lord. Seek then for full salvation. Nothing short of an entire consecration to God will do, and now is the time it is required of us. Our talents, our time, our money, all should be upon the altar, sanctified and set apart for the Master's use. Thank God, many are awakening from sleep, arising and taking higher ground, seeking for higher attainments, hungering and thirsting after holiness of heart; while many stand looking on, knowing what their duty is, but continually putting it off, saying, "I wish I could overcome my evil disposition, my bad habits, my pride, my covetousness, my evil speaking, and I hope I shall get rid of them one of these days." "O my brother or sister, whoever you are; when will you get rid of them? now? or will you wait until it is said in thunder tones, "He that is unholy, let him be unholy still." Defer it not at the peril of your souls. Now is the accepted time, now is the time to present yourselves living sacrifices to God. Now is the time to show by your holy lives and conversation that you love to do the will of God, and now is the time to use the means that God has given you, to help spread the glad news of salvation to a perishing world. This, God requires at your hand. Let not the watchmen cry upon the walls without support, and you squandering your money for that which does you no good, for vain articles of apparel, and ornaments to deck your bodies that may soon moulder in the dust, but while the watchmen sound an alarm in God's holy mountain, stay up their hands with the Lord's money, and with your prayers and exhortations, that the message may go forth with mighty power, until many that now sit in darkness may be brought to the glorious liberty of the children of God. Yours in hope of a glorious resurrection beyond the grave.
S. C. WELCOME.
Almond, Wis. Remember Jesus at the Cross
Never forget that Jesus had you in his mind when he died upon the cross. INTERESTING INCIDENTS.
By M. E. Cornell
WHILE returning from Conference Bro. Caldwell was hailed by a man he never saw or heard of before, and asked if he had any religious books. He happened to have a few tracts with him, which the man received with great eagerness and went his way. Bro. C. had to put up and stay over the Sabbath; first asked for the night, and then told them he would be glad to stay over the Sabbath as he did not travel on that day. But they undertook to tell him he had made a mistake, that the next day was Saturday, but he merely replied that he knew it, and said no more. But they were troubled and wished to know what he meant; so he gave them his Bible reasons which appeared to astonish them very much. They were rigid Methodists. The next morning they went to work, the woman about the house, and the man out in his garden. But soon the woman gave out. She said she could not work, and went out and told her husband, and he acknowledged that he felt condemned, and finally left his hoe and came in. They are anxious to hear on the subject, and will attend when the tent goes within reach of them. Hundreds are all ready to embrace the truth as soon as they can hear it—the harvest is ripe—and where are the laborers? How few are willing to labor in the vineyard; many are ready to go and dig away on the outside over the fence; but the Lord has not promised to any laborers pay, except they labor in the vineyard. And those who labor inside have to be all agreed, and all work after one rule, but the outsiders, every man goes on his own hook. They don't like to be penned up where they cannot have liberty(?) to work as they desire. O for those who will for the sake of the penny, work in harmony with those who have borne the heat of the day. Secular Music and Christian Worship
By I. N. Vangorder
BRO. SMITH :—Before coming into this message I was engaged in selling and teaching music, and had selected for my own use, a large number of the most popular pieces of music, such as, "Old dog Tray," "Massa's in the cold ground," "Old folks are gone," "Poor Robin's growing old," "Nelly Gray," "Old folks at home," "Young folks at home," "Jamie's on the stormy sea," &c. &c., and I take this method of inquiring if it is right to sing or play the popular pieces of the day, even through the original words are not applied. It is true the melody of all secular music is more or less pleasant to the ear, (as we have been more or less accustomed to hearing sacred music) but when we consider it is the Devil's music, and that it is now the most popular dancing music of the day, it seems to me we cannot call them "humble songs," nor can we pray they may "like incense rise," "and prayer and (such) praise, ascend the skies;" but rather, that we are engaging in an exercise that causes all the associations connected with light and trifling music to arise in our minds, thus driving out all the more spiritual feelings that our hearts desire. I make this inquiry for the reason that my mind has, for some time past been considerably exercised in regard to it, and have nearly come to the conclusion that if it is right to sing or play such music, it is right to sing or play the "Devil's dream," "Fisher's hornpipe," or any other piece of music under the sun. My only object is to elicit correct information of what is right; therefore I inquire of those more advanced in religious duties, and if I am wrong I ever stand ready for correction, the reason also being given. Your brother in hope of life.
I. N. VANGORDER.
Portage, O. NOTE. If any have an opinion to utter upon this subject from feeling, experience or observation, let them speak on. Bro. Andrews suggests that the different circumstances and temperaments of different individuals greatly affect this question. Thus, there are those who are not acquainted with the above pieces of music in their secular character, and to such they would of course bring up no evil associations, while the music is in many instances very agreeable. But with those who are carried away with music, and with whom their associations have been such as to poison them for religious use, the case is very different. Such should deal sparingly with them or forego their use altogether.—ED.