Review and Herald, Vol. 27, No. 26. (5/29/1866)

Review and Herald

May 29, 1866

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 29, 1866

A Healthy Christian.

By Cuyler

HEALTH means wholeness. It is a descendant of the old Saxon word "wholth." A healthy man, then, is a whole man; he has nothing broken about him, and all the delicate machinery of his frame plays on without a fracture or a friction. When within this sound, vigorous body you find, in full activity, a pure conscience, a devout heart, and a will wholly attuned to the will of God, you have discovered that highest style of man, a healthy Christian.

The best degree of spiritual health is seldom found in a diseased or ill-used body. Care of physical health is a religious duty—no more to be neglected than secret prayer. For if bad diet and self-indulgence make me irritable and disgrace my religion, is not that dyspepsia an "abomination to the Lord?" Bodily disease is the cause of one-half of the gloomy doubts and religious melancholy that nightmare so many a Christian's daily existence. It is true enough that there is many a spiritual ailment which cannot be reached by the Bible or a tract, that yet can be cured by a good perspiration, a stiff walk, and a mouthful of fresh air. In dealing with anxious inquirers, and with desponding church-members, our first inquiry, commonly, is about the physical habits of the person. Richard Baxter—quite as keen a physician as he was an eloquent divine—in laying down rules for growth in holiness says, "I advise thee, as a further help to heavenly living, neglect not the due care of thy bodily health. Thy body is an useful servant if thou give it its due, and no more than its due; but it is a devouring tyrant if thou indulge its unreasonable desires." The apostle bids us present our body as well as our soul to Christ; and oh! what a wretched, worn out, dyspeptic, lust-eaten carcass, is sometimes offered to him! The body of a believer is the "temple of the Holy Ghost;" shall the divine Spirit be invited to dwell in what is sometimes turned into a dram-shop, sometimes into a brothel, and sometimes into a sty? "For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die; but if ye, through the Spirit, do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live."

Thus much for physical "wholth;" now what are the marks of spiritual health? The first one, and perhaps the most vital, is a good conscience—one enlightened by the Bible, and kept sweet and clean by constant prayer. This is indispensable to vigorous piety and commanding usefulness. A diseased conscience is what a diseased digestion is amid the bodily organs. It throws everything away. It is fatal to right apprehension of truth, to right moral decision, to growth in grace and spiritual power. A good conscience is like a good watch; it is safe to go by just as long as it is regulated by the dial of God's Word, which reflects the unerring sun of heavenly wisdom.

2. A second evidence of soul-health is the enjoyment of a hearty appetite for truth, and a hunger for holiness. An invalid detects the first symptoms of returning health in the new relish for the once loathed trencher of bread or rasher of bacon. He craves food. So does a healthy child of God. He enters church on Sabbath morning positively hungry—not for an intellectual tickle or a spiced pastry, but for the simple bread of life, Christ Jesus, for truth to grow by, for the strong meat of the Word of God. He builds that truth into his soul, as food is built into the physical frame. Nor does he satisfy his soul hunger with truth alone. He craves the indwelling of the Holy Ghost. He hungers for a sanctified heart. He yearns after a similitude to Christ. And everything that makes him like Christ he relishes. It is delightful to preach to hungry Christians; you know just what they crave; and the Bible-larder is always full, while the pastry-shop of a confectioner in poetry is often full of emptiness.

3. A healthy Christian is one who can work too, as well as eat. If there is a heavy load to carry in Christ's cause, he shoulders it up. If there is a wall to build, he is the man to lift the big stones. If some one has to go out into the storm, and endure pelting opposition, who so able to bear it as his broad breast and brawny arm? A man that loves Christ, loves work. A dyspeptic Christian dreads work. A lazy Christian shirks it. What a hospital is many a church! Here lies one poor man, down with paralysis of faith. Here is another, laid up by a sprain which he got by a fall into temptation. Here is one whom the fever of passion has burnt out; he looks hardly worth the medicine to cure him. Alas! for another; he is under pastoral treatment for the blindness of unbelief; and for another, whose gaping wound reveals the spot where Satan's fiery dart went in! Here too is a whole dozen who skulked into the hospital with bandages on, just to "get rid of the draft" from Sunday schools and mission labors. A revival commonly clears the church-hospital. But a long period of spiritual declension crams it to the doorway. Oh! what need that he who went through Galilee healing all manner of diseases, should come into some churches whose atmosphere is loaded with the effluvia of incipient putrefaction!

We would like to say a word here about spiritual symmetry as a mark of healthy piety. This stands opposed to morbidness—to one-idea'd ultraism—and to a fanatical devotion to a single class of moral obligations, while every other class is neglected. The man who throws his dollars into the missionary-box on Sunday, and forgets to pay his debts on Monday, is a very one-sided Christian. The man who pities Southern slaves while he has no word or finger for the poor slaves of alcohol at his own door-way, has a very lopsided philanthropy. To be doctrinal and devotional too is not enough, unless there be a godly living.

But we have only time to give as the last evidence of Christian health—true "joy in the Holy Ghost." This is the joy of emancipation from the slavery of sin, the great slaveholder. This is the joy of fellowship with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. This is the joy of victory—of triumph over a besetting lust—of triumph over doubt—of a conquest of the hydras of hell, and even of Apollyon himself, with the sharp weapon of all prayer. Blessed is he who thus overcometh; it shall be given him to eat of the tree of life in the paradise of God.

Good reader, what is the state of your soul's health? How beats your pulse for Christ? What appetite have you for holiness? How do you relish prayer, and the manna of Bible truth? Are you living to God? Can you bear exposure in Christian duty without taking cold? Does the heart glow with love to Jesus? These are fitting questions for every day; they are especially appropriate to those who are about accepting Christ's invitation to sit down with him at his sacramental table. "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest be in health, and prosper even as thy soul prospereth."

Our Times.

THE times in which we live are ominous. All lines of prophecy indicate that we are near a crisis in our world's history. How soon it will come we know not. The question of the pre-millennial Advent is growing in importance every day. There are points on which pre-millennialists—that is, Adventists and Millenarians—differ among themselves, but we are agreed in looking for the speedy coming and kingdom of Christ, and as to the condition of things after he comes, we are sure all will be right. In the light of prophecy we see a storm gathering which will soon burst over our fire-doomed world, and, in view of it, we cannot but urge the sinner to flee to Christ as the only refuge from the wrath to come. The golden moments of probation are rapidly fleeting, and what is done must be done quickly. Nothing but an affectionate, practical confidence in Christ will deliver us from the gathering storm of Divine wrath.

"O Church of Christ! read the signs of the times." Beyond the storm lies the calm; beyond the gloom is the glorious sunshine of Immanuel's land. The warfare is now, the victory hereafter. Here is labor, yonder rest. Here the cross, there the crown. A mixture of good and evil we have now, and—as Lord John Napier said in 1593—"undoubtedly to the

world's end these vices shall ever increase," but despair not. Our Jesus will triumph. The glory from his throne will rest where the shadow of his cross has fallen. The earth, man's lost inheritance, will be restored to its pristine beauty and blessedness; and in that world to come the "people shall be all righteous, they shall inherit the land forever," and the knowledge of the Lord cover the earth as the waters do the channel of the great deep. May our home be there."

Rev. J. K. Lord, in his discourse on "Christ's interest in the opinions of the multitude regarding himself," says:

"We believe in Jesus the Nazarene, crucified, dead, buried, rising, ascending, interceding, coming to reign, coming in the clouds of heaven, in the chariots of salvation with the thousands and ten times ten thousand at his feet. We believe in him, and though unbelief grows bolder and more bold, and pride rears itself more loftily, and degenerate man strains for Divine power and honors, still do we believe in Christ and in him alone. We will wait with him and for him; and when he comes, we will give him a welcome such as earth never has heard. The song of the morning stars shall be forgotten as the song of the redeemed breaks forth with all its accumulated harmonies, and 'pure concert.' Yea, angels shall stop to listen, and look down to see the ransomed hosts as they wind up the everlasting hills, and roll forth from van-guard to rear-ward the mighty chorus, 'Glory to the King of kings.' And from eye to eye, and heart to heart, in all that angelic throng the inspiration shall flash; and they shall catch the strain, and strike all their golden wires, and send back from Heaven to earth the thunder peal of praise, 'Glory to the King of kings!' And Christ, the Man, the God, the King: oh! how he will rejoice, for himself and for us! With all the glory on his brow will he look down upon the advancing multitudes, and say, 'Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.' And when we hear him, again will we cry out and shout, and all Heaven shall swell the chorus—Glory to the King of kings!"—Review of Objections to Error, by J. M. Orroch.

On Life's Stormy Sea.

By L. E. Millne.

BUFFETED and sorely tried, Shall I, Lord, the storm outride ? Shall I weather safe the gale? Will my courage never fail? See, my Lord. the angry wave, Can I the rough surges brave? Torn with sorrow, grief and care, Shall I reach the haven fair?

"Father, oh, the night is dark,— Wilt thou guide my trembling bark ? Weary, faint, and tempest-tossed, All my cherished idols lost; With my sails all torn and riven, Shall I gain the port of Heaven? As the storm-clouds round me lower, Lord, I feel the tempter's power.

Be thou still my friend and guide, 'Mid the rough and rolling tide; Then with courage brave and strong, Will I urge my way along ; Though the breakers round me roar, Darkness vail the distant shore, Through this stormy sea of strife, I shall gain the port of life. L. E. MILLNE.

Questions Concerning the Bible.

By Religious Tract Society Publication

THOSE who deem the Bible an imposture are requested to answer the following questions:

1. Can any one inform me when it was first palmed on the credulity of mankind?

2. How is it so little adapted to gratifying the sinful propensities of human nature?

3. How is it so pure and lofty, and God-like in its demands?

4. How has it been so wonderfully preserved in a world so hostile to its interests?

5. How has Omnipotence so often interposed to verify its claims?

6. How is it that Palestine, Idumea, Babylon, Egypt, Assyria, and Rome are all, at the present moment, monuments, to the very letter, of the truth of its awful predictions?

7. How can we account for its early and signal triumphs over the temples and religion of Paganism, when no arm of power interposed on behalf of its heralds; and when imprisonment and death awaited its converts?

8. How is it that the happiest states of society have been found under its auspices, and that nations rise in the scale of civilization and humanity, as they yield themselves to its benign and purifying influence?

9. How is it that the greatest ornaments of human nature, those who have shed an imperishable lustre on the race, have been Christians?

10. How is it that the most wonderful transformations our world has ever beheld, have been wrought upon individual character by the mighty power of the gospel of Christ?

11. How comes it to pass, that the Bible, written by so many different persons, in so many different ages, is yet so consistent and harmonious in all its parts?

12. How is it, that in the nineteenth century of the Christian era, the imposture is further than ever it was from detection, and the advocates and friends of Christianity are more numerous than at any former period since Jesus of Nazareth appeared in our world?

13. How is it that all other systems of religion are gradually sinking into decay, while Christianity is coming forth before the nations, "fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners?"

14. In one word, if it be an imposture, how is it that it answers to every just view of the blending rectitude and love of God? How is it that it realizes the best hopes of human nature? How is it that it is the best solace for mourners; the best mitigator of human woes; the best preservative against the vices and blandishments of the world; the best security of all the social virtues; the best conservator of the peace, sanctity, and happiness of families; and the best friend in the hour of dissolution, when all the visions of life have fled, and the anxious creature of mortality sees nothing before him but the unknown regions of the invisible world?

Receive, then, the Bible as the Word of God; believe in that Saviour whom it makes known, and you shall be saved.—Religious Tract Society Publication.

Rev. Christmas Evans and the Polished Arrow.

THE Rev. Christmas Evans, the distinguished preacher in Wales, met with much trouble in his temperance efforts from his brother ministers, who were not willing to make the entire sacrifice. One in particular, Mr. W——, of A——, was obstinately opposed. Mr. Evans prepared to meet him. He "polished an arrow," and put it in his quiver. On one occasion he was appointed to preach, and as usual there were gatherings from far and near to hear him. Mr. W——, of A——, was there also; but, as in anticipation of an attack, he at first said he should not be present while Mr. Evans preached—yet such was the fascination that he could not stay away. By-and-by he crept up into the gallery, where the preacher's eye—for he had but one—which had long been searching for him, at length discovered him. All went on as usual until the time came when the arrow might be drawn, which was done slyly and unperceived.

"I had a strange dream the other night," said the preacher, "I dreamed that I was in Pandemonium, the council-chamber of Hades. How I got there I knew not, but there I was. I had not been there long before there came a thundering rap at the gate. 'Beelzebub, Beelzebub, you must come to earth directly.' 'Why, what's the matter now?' 'They are sending out missionaries to preach to the heathen.' 'Are they? Bad news this! I'll be there presently.' 'Beelzebub came, and hastened to the place of embarkation, where he saw the missionaries, their wives, and a few boxes of Bibles and tracts, but, on turning round, he saw rows of casks, piled up, and labled, 'gin,' 'rum,' 'brandy,' etc. 'That will do,' said he; 'no fear yet. Those casks will do more harm than the boxes can do good.' So saying he stretched his wings for hell again. After a time came another loud call: 'Beelzebub, they are forming Bible societies.' 'Are they? Then I must go.' He went and found two ladies going from house to house, distributing the Word of God. 'This won't do,' thought he; 'but I will watch the result.' The ladies visited an aged female, who received a Bible with much reverence and many thanks. Satan loitered about, and when the ladies were gone saw the old woman come to the door, and look round to assure herself that she was unobserved. She then put on her bonnet, and with a small parcel under her apron, hastened to the next public house, where she pawned her new Bible for a bottle of gin. 'That will do,' said Beelzebub; 'no fear yet;' and back again he flew to his own place. Again came a loud knock and hasty summons; 'They are forming temperance societies.' 'Temperance societies! What's that? I'll come and see.' He came and saw, and flew back muttering: 'This won't do much harm to me or my people. They are forbidding the use of ardent spirits, but they have left my poor people all the ale and porter, and the rich all the wines; no fear yet.' Again came a loud rap, and a more and more urgent call: 'Beelzebub you must come now, or all is lost. They are forming teetotal societies.' 'Teetotal! What in the name of all my imps is that?' 'To drink no intoxicating liquors whatever. The sole beverage is water.' 'Indeed; that is bad news! I must see after this.' And he did; but he went back again to satisfy the anxious inquiries of his legions, who were all qui vive about the matter. 'Oh!' said he, 'don't be alarmed. True, it is an awkward affair, but it won't spread much yet, for all the parsons are against it, and Mr. W——, of A—— (sending up an eagle glance of his eye at him), is at the head of them.'"

"But I won't be at the head of them any longer," cried out Mr. W——, and, walking calmly down to the table-pew, signed the pledge.

The Immutability of God's Works

By C. M. Willis

Stray Thoughts. No. 5.

The Immutability of God's Works.

"And God saw everything that he had made; and behold it was very good." Gen. i, 31.

God's works, like his words, have a harmonious connection throughout. One grand chain of ideas are interwoven as it were throughout his whole creation, and one atom disarranged would create confusion throughout the whole. Every school-boy can tell that our sun is the center of the solar system, which performs its respective revolutions in an allotted space of time. But when we consider the immensity of space occupied by this system,—that our earth, third only in distance from the sun, is ninety-six millions of miles from it, and while we are making one hundred and sixty-four revolutions, the most distant planet yet discovered is making but one,—and realize further the possibility of still larger and more remote planets yet remaining undiscovered, the distance is beyond the comprehension of the utmost capacity of the human mind. No wonder David when meditating on the magnitude of God's handiwork, as compared with man's, and his puny efforts, was led to exclaim, "What is man, that thou art mindful of him?"

But to pursue the thought still further: Recent discoveries, with the aid of powerful instruments show, that what have hitherto been considered as fixed stars, are in fact suns like our own, each with their respective planetary system revolving around in harmonious order, drawing therefrom light and heat, and governed by laws like our own; and these suns, heretofore supposed to be stationary, are each with their attendant planets performing one grand revolution around one common center or sun, (and is it preposterous to suppose this to be the one great central point of all our hopes, the throne of Jehovah?) which it takes millions of years to accomplish, and which exercises an attractive power over the whole. How fallacious the doctrine, then, to suppose that one of these worlds could be blotted out of existence and not be missed. As well might you think to sever a man's limb, and he receive no inconvenience thereby. It is apparent to every thinking mind, that discord in God's creation would arise at once. Each world influences the other worlds, each system, its sister systems; each exercises power and co-operates in the great sustaining attractions of the whole, and without the existence of any one, the operations of the rest would not be perfect.

God made these respective systems, and organized natural laws by which they are governed, and part of these laws consist in the attractions or influences which suns and worlds exercise toward each other. How then can any of these objects be destroyed, and a disorganization of the laws which govern them not take place? Most assuredly it would. When rebellion raised its hydra head in Heaven, and the great dragon was cast out, called the Devil and Satan, which deceiveth the world, he was cast into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him, and as with prophetic eye the future pages of earth's history were scanned, and the confusion, wretchedness, bloodshed, desolation and blight, which his presence would create, foreshown, no wonder the wail went up, "Wo to the inhabitants of the earth and of the sea; for the Devil is come down unto you." Now the question arises, if it were a small matter to create and destroy a world, why, when man listened to the tempter, and fell from his lofty position, thereby defacing the beauty of God's creation, bringing misery and death on himself, and entailing it on his posterity, did not God blot him and the earth he had disgraced, out of existence at once, thus saving his own great name from blasphemy, and his Son from an ignominious death; and at the same time prevented the misery and wickedness which have ever marked its existence since the fall of man? We answer, He could not consistently, and carry out his great design. It filled its appointed station in his great universe, and to have destroyed the earth would have introduced a scene of confusion, and new laws would necessarily have remained to be organized before order could be restored.

Moreover who do not love the works of their own creation? God could not destroy the earth and be consistent with his laws; neither could he and be consistent with his love? Therefore in mercy he provided a better way; and although it cost him the life of a dear Son, he did not consider the sacrifice too great, to preserve his creation entire and restore it to its original purity. Those demonstrations of science, as to the everlasting existence of earth, are mightily sustained by numerous assertions of God's word which it is unnecessary to quote here. Hence we see how inconsistent is the supposition that God designed the earth for destruction, and that in his own time he will cause its existence to cease. As well might we say that his great plan to promote the glory of his name is a failure, and the sooner his efforts are destroyed, the better. But thanks to his name, his efforts are not failures, and he is fast hastening the glorious period when Satan shall be dethroned, and his mighty Conqueror shall reign most gloriously over the kingdom which he has redeemed to himself; and we again take our place with our sister planets, as undefiled as they, even though the purifying process be accomplished by fire. But as we survey these mysteries, the question naturally arises—why all these creations? We know God never works without a design, nor ever bestows his labor in vain, and it would be fallacy to suppose him to speak all these worlds into existence, bestow upon them light and heat, and suffer them to roll on through endless ages, for no other purpose than to fill immensity! Our earth is only third in size, and it would take 1,200 earths to make one Jupiter; while Neptune is still larger! And is it a reasonable supposition, that of all these noble creations our own narrow home is the only one that contains intelligent beings capable of realizing the magnitude of this work? Such a conclusion is not a reasonable one. These untold wonders were each and all created to promote the honor and glory of the great Architect, and to answer this end each must contain beings capable, not only of appreciating the great creative power of God, but also their own existence. But it has been argued that the nearness of some planets to the sun would cause the degree of heat to prove intolerable to its inhabitants, while the remoteness of others would exclude them from sufficient light and heat to render them comfortable. The same power which created a world and peopled it, could adapt each to the other.

It is an established fact that our atmosphere attracts the heat and reflects the light;—that if a person were raised above the influence of the atmosphere, with his back to the sun, all around would be blackness itself;—the rays of the sun would not reflect at all; while the effect of atmosphere as regards heat is ascertained by ascending high mountains, for the density of the atmosphere decreases as we ascend. Thus we see light and heat can be regulated by the lightness or density of the air. Saturn has her rings and moons to give the requisite amount of light, and heat also, doubtless, and others may be provided in some manner not yet discovered. And thus all fill their appointed positions in the great universal whole, like the various members of the human body, no one independent of the rest, or perfect without the support and co-operation of the whole. And as God and angels looked forth upon these stupendous creations, what wonder that they shouted, "Glory to God in the highest," or that the morning stars caught the refrain, and sang together for joy.

Reader, do you realize that this God is yours, your friend or destroyer, just as you choose to make him? Look forth upon these mighty creations, the work, as it were, of a moment; think of the mighty power which spake them into existence; compare it with your own puny strength, and as you value your eternal interests dare not that power till it shall fall in vengeance on you, but seek to make him your friend and all will be well. "Canst thou bind the sweet influences of the Pleiades; or loose the bands of Orion?" No more than canst thou comprehend the magnitude or the durability of God's great creative power; or the hight or depth of his love. "Great is our Lord and of great power, his understanding is infinite."

C. M. WILLIS.

Charlotte, Mich.

The Victor's Song.

By Etta Booth

THERE gleams brightly now a celestial brow, Bedecked with forbearance and love; And heavenly trains waft angelic strains, While waiting to bear us above.

Soon sounding o'er lea, o'er earth, and o'er sea, The trump of our Saviour will sound, Then all from the earth of immortal birth, Around his bright throne will be found.

With triumphant lay he'll bear us away From trials, from pain, and from fear; His own loving hand will wipe from our hand Each sorrow, each grief, and each tear.

Hail, glorious day! when Jesus shall say, My children, redemption is thine; When with harps of bright gold, and glory untold, We shall dwell in the beautiful clime.

Etta Booth.

Wisdom.

By E. G. Stevenson

"If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering; for he that wavereth is like the wave of the sea, driven with the wind and tossed." James i, 5, 6.

Dear brethren and sisters, we are not to be puffed up with the vain wisdom and glory of this world; but to ask of God for that wisdom which cometh down from above, which is able to make us wise unto salvation. When conversing with our friends who have not the love of the truth, on these great truths which are being revealed to a remnant people in the last days, they are often led to exclaim, "Why is it that our smart men and worthy divines do not know these things if they are so?" To make a long argument short I will let the Saviour reply: "At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of Heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent and hast revealed them unto babes." Are we as a people the class called the babes? I answer, Yes. Let us then press forward, and forgetting the things which are behind reach forth after the things which are to come, being wise in the wisdom of our God; because the foolishness of God is wiser than men. "For ye see your calling, brethren, says Paul, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called; but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to naught the things that are." 1 Cor. i, 25, 28.

Oh let us seek a nearness to our God; that frustrateth the tokens of the liars, and maketh diviners mad; that turneth wise men backward, and maketh their knowledge foolish. That confirmeth the word of his servant, and performeth the counsel of his messengers. Isaiah xliv, 25, 26. Is not a portion of the above being fulfilled at the present? Do not the so-called worthy diviners in this day, when cornered with the present truth, get mad in a moment, and leave the room in a passion? Let us thank God every day for the light of present truth; but for all the wisdom of man, the truth will go forth unto its destined victory, and grow brighter and brighter, even unto the perfect day.

When living in a city like this, we have the privilege of being with all denominations; and some with whom I get in conversation are filled with the wisdom of this world. You can tell them nothing but what they know, and they will listen to nothing either. I then think of the admonition of our Saviour: "Cast not your pearls before swine, lest they turn again and rend you."

I thank God that I have no evil report to send from the little band of Sabbath-keepers here; but on the other hand, we are earnestly seeking for a nearness to the Lord; that our hearts may be filled with love and gratitude one toward another. Since Bro. Sanborn preached to us, two have decided to keep the Sabbath of the Lord, and others I think will soon. Pray for us, that the Lord may continue to work for us here in this great city of sin and iniquity.

E. G. STEVENSON.

Chicago, Ill.

Reform.

By Elridge G. Rust

We are living in an evil and adulterous generation, which is sadly given to surfeiting and drunkenness, and which hates all true reform. God is calling out a people from among this same generation who shall be unto him a peculiar people, a royal priesthood. This people, when called out by the last message of mercy, have all the evil habits and perverted tastes of a wicked nation to rid themselves of. God will have his remnant people cleanse themselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit. He has graciously seen fit to place the gift of prophecy among his people, which shall lead them into all truth, and through this instrumentality he is revealing to us his requirements. But God requires nothing at our hands except it be for our ultimate good. If our hearts are in the work of overcoming, we will receive this light upon reform with nothing short of thankfulness. But if we are not living up to the light which we already have, but are living in a cold, formal manner, we will seek to evade this plain, straight truth, and be led to inquire how much we are compelled to obey in order to keep our place in the church, and be considered in fellowship with the saints in light. But if the testimonies are from God, will not wisdom teach us that we cannot be in full fellowship unless we live up to all the light which is being shed upon our pathway by the holy Spirit? If it is, in fact, the Lord who is thus speaking to us in these last days, if he were pleased to have us inquire how much we are compelled to obey in order to be considered as a member of Christ's body, how different the spirit of such from that which actuated our great Pattern, who so cheerfully yielded his will to that of the Father.

Take courage, brethren, who have moved out in the work of reform. Grow not weary in well doing. You may expect to be considered fanatical, and frowned upon by the world, and shunned and avoided by those who profess the truth and do not live up to the light. But we receive the attendant blessing day by day for obedience to the laws of our being as well as the laws of God. Oh, that our brethren would all lay hold of the truth upon this point, and live it out. It might cost some self-denial, but the blessing in health and mind would overbalance all this. By so doing they would entirely do away with that anxiety to know whether obedience to this or that was a test of fellowship. By living up to the whole truth they would know that they were in full fellowship with God's people.

ELDRIDGE G. RUST.

Winfield, Montcalm Co., Mich.

Working for God

By Tholuck

WORKING FOR GOD.—If the love of God be the ruling motive in our daily life, if his will become our law, his honor our end, there will rest even upon the dullest and most trivial work we perform, a light from Heaven to ennoble and to glorify it; for God who rules in us, will by our actions make himself known to men. You have uot imposed upon yourselves the work of your life; it is God who imposed it upon you. Oh, let this thought never slip from your mind! Seen in its light, every work in which you engage must appear great, however little in itself it may be. Every task which God has given you to perform must be a matter of moment to you, for every such task is a token of grace: it is something that the Kiug of Heaven and earth has chosen for us to do for him.—Tholuck.

Meetings in Michigan.

By Joseph Bates

Bro. WHITE: The Allegan Co. Monthly Meeting convened in Allegan, Sabbath, May the 5th, and was the largest monthly gathering we have ever held in that place. Bro. P. Strong was with us and took a part in the meeting. The testimonies in the social meeting were cheering and refreshing. The Lord blessed his waiting people. In compliance with the request of the Conf. Com., the church in Monterey observed the four days of fasting and prayer, ending with the Sabbath, yesterday. We feel that we have been strengthened and benefited in waiting before the Lord. The Sabbath was a good day to us, our congregation was large, but very quiet and solemn by reason of the good Spirit of the Lord moving in the hearts of his dear people, while they were presenting their humble petitions for him to regard his people in their affliction, and raise up his servants who are detained from the field, and let the light shine in their pathway to carry forward the last message of mercy throughout his wide harvest field.

The evening after the Sabbath at the close of our solemn and interesting season of fasting and prayer, the church was blessed and refreshed again in celebrating the ordinances of the Lord's house.

JOSEPH BATES.

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