Review and Herald, Vol. 54, No. 15. (10/2/1879)

Review and Herald

Oct 2, 1879

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 2, 1879

THE COMING OF CHRIST IS NEAR

By M. Wood

BY M. WOOD.

“Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” Rev. 22:12.

In this text of Scripture there are several prominent points presented to our view by the inspired penman: 1. The coming of Christ; 2. That man does not receive his reward at death, but at the second advent of Jesus Christ; 3. That man is not rewarded according to the amount of faith he may possess, but according as his works shall be. The coming of Christ is a theme of most thrilling interest, especially to those who have ever stood faithfully at their post of duty, laboring in the fear of God.

Many years have passed away since our dear Saviour blessed the world with his divine presence, and caused the true light to shine. A little while he abode with his own, instructed them in heavenly truths, gave them power over all the devices and attacks of Satan, and strength to patiently endure the persecutions of a frowning world. Of all the promises which Jesus made to his disciples, there are none more comforting than the following:—

“Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14:1–3. This blessed promise he not only gave to the apostles, but also to all those who through their word should believe in him. “And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one.” John 17:22. “Unto them that look for Him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” Heb. 9:28.

The second coming of Christ is not a myth, as popular theology teaches, but a personal and visible coming of our blessed Lord. See Acts 1:9–11; Matt. 24:30; Mark 13:26.

His coming will be visible not only to his faithful, patient, waiting children, who are looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, but it will be witnessed also by those that pierced him. Rev. 1:7. But note the contrast: The people of God are caught up to meet the Lord in the air, and safely borne to the haven of eternal rest; but the ungodly shall perish, and be eternally destroyed. Job 20:7; Luke 13:3, 5; 2 Pet. 2:12. In that day neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them; they will cast these earthly treasures, the curse of their life, “to the moles and to the bats.” Isa. 2:20.

As Jesus is seen coming on the great white cloud (Rev. 14:14), the saints will look up and exclaim, “Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us; this is the Lord; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.” Isa. 25:9. While, upon the other hand, those who have rejected proffered mercy and scorned the offer of salvation on God's own terms, now unite their voices in the most solemn prayer-meeting ever held upon earth. The high and the low, the rich and the poor, seek shelter from the unmingled wrath of God. John saw them. “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 free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; and said to the mountains and rocks, 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?” Rev. 6:15–17.

Reader, are you numbered among those who put the coming of the Lord far in the future? Are you indifferent about understanding the true import of the sacred word? Are you one of those who say, Lord, Lord, but are not careful to do the will of our Heavenly Father? Is your faith pinned upon the coat-sleeve of those who preach much concerning sanctification, but often use the same as a hypocritical cover for iniquity? If so, come out from among them; seek for the old paths, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. Jer. 6:16.

The world, the world, has filled the heart. Ministers and people grasp after riches and honor. “From the least of them even unto the greatest of them every one is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely. They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.” Jer. 6:13, 14. The apostle Paul says, “When they shall say, Peace and safety, then sudden destruction cometh upon them, . . . and they shall not escape.” 1 Thess. 5:3.

When the soon coming of Christ is urged upon the people by God's faithful servants, then we hear, even from those who profess to love the Lord, “Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.” 2 Pet. 3:4. Thus they unwittingly fulfill one of the signs of the last days. Ridiculing and opposing those who wait for their Lord, they continue to “eat and drink with the drunken.” Upon such the Lord “shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of.” Matt. 24:50.

The evidences that we are living in the last days, near the second coming of Christ, are plain and positive. They increase in number as the end draws near. Are not wars, pestilences, and earthquakes being multiplied? Matt. 24:7. Have not many false prophets appeared, and deceived many? Verse 11. Are they not crying, “Peace and safety” more zealously than ever? 1 Thess. 5:3. The greatest efficiency of these false prophets lies in daubing with untempered mortar, and crying, Heretic! when they neither will nor can prove their mistaken theories from the word of God. They are strong to speak evil of others in their absence, but will not meet a man face to face. They seek to win the hearts of men with sweet words and a flattering tongue, but neglect to declare that the great day of the Lord is near and hasteth greatly. Zeph. 1:14. Professed prophets can joke and jest while the wrath of God is about to be poured out without mixture; and the people love to have it so. The priests “teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money; yet will they lean upon the Lord, and say, Is not the Lord among us? None evil can come upon us.” Micah 3:11. And thus they are lulled to sleep by the siren song of peace and safety, and a good time coming,—eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, as Christ said it should be just prior to his second coming. Matt. 24:38, 39. In consequence of this pernicious doctrine of these false prophets, thousands and thousands of poor deceived souls soon must weep and wail for pain and anguish of soul, when the plagues shall fall upon their unsheltered heads. Blessed be God, some are waking up and preparing to meet the coming King. May many more be aroused before it is too late.

Again, we read that “because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” Matt. 24:12. Read the news of the day,—the innumerable records of fraud, theft, murder, fornication, surfeiting, and drunkenness that fill the land. The very atmosphere is poisoned with oaths and curses. And where are the watchmen? Echo answers, Where. God says, “Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain; let all the inhabitants of the land tremble; for the day of the Lord cometh, for it is nigh at hand.” Joel 2:1. “Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.” Isa. 58:1.

We are in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, a rebellious people, children that will not hear the law of the Lord. They “heap to themselves teachers having itching ears,” saying, “Speak unto us smooth things.” There are many ministers fulfilling this very Scripture. They are dearly paid to speak of love, while hearts are as cold as ice. How many are there who love God and the appearing of Jesus Christ more than they do the world, and who seek to advantage their neighbor as well as themselves? Few, very few indeed, although we are taught to “love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” 1 John 2:15. Yet these poor slaves of the world and of fashion are called members of the body of Christ. Oh, vain pretension! Well may Satan laugh, and angels weep. “Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” Rev. 18:4.

Do not multitudes now exhibit a form of godliness, but deny the power thereof? 2 Tim. 3:5. Many who once tasted the love of Christ, and were moved by the Holy Spirit, have been lulled to sleep on the enchanted ground. “As it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.” Luke 17:26. People will eat and drink, sing and dance, turn the house of God into a house of merchandise, until the judgments of Heaven burst over their heads. Then shall they gnaw their tongues for pain when the time for repentance is past. Rev. 16:10, 11.

The glorious appearing of Jesus is indeed, as Paul expresses it, a “blessed hope.” It is the grand event by which the Christian's hope will be fully consummated; for “when Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?” “When the Chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.” 1 Pet. 5:4. Then we shall see as we are seen, and know as we are known. “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be; but we know that when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” 1 John 3:2.

Reader, do you truly realize that the end of all things is at hand, and that the day of God cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate, and to destroy the sinners thereof out of it? Isa. 13:9. Will it be said by you in that great day, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and I am not saved”? The sun which ripens the wheat for the garner, ripens also the chaff which the wind carries away. Likewise the proclamation of the messages, which ripens the harvest for the heavenly garner, ripens also the tares for the devouring flames.

Soon He who shall come will come, and will not tarry. Reader, are you prepared for the coming of Jesus? Do you have fellowship with God? Do you live and walk in the light of his countenance? Do you watch and pray always? Do you diligently read the word of God, and seek to know his will concerning you? Do you seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness? Or do the things of this life engross all your thoughts? Does the love of money fill your soul to the exclusion of the Spirit of God? Are you living in pleasure, seeking the good things of this life, without a thought that soon you must stand before the great tribunal of God and render an account of your stewardship? To some it will be said, “Ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten. Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.” Jas. 5:1–3.

In a little from this the angels of God will be commissioned to go forth and gather his saints, those that have made a covenant with him by sacrifice. Ps. 50:5. Reader, will you not clear away the rubbish, and let the Spirit of Christ come into your heart? Can you return ingratitude for all the infinite love and mercy he has shown? Besides the countless blessings which have followed you all your life, he has given his only begotten Son to die for you. Is it unreasonable that he requires your love in return? Jesus invites you to come unto him. The Spirit and the bride say, Come. “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matt. 11:28.

What promises and inducements are here offered to the sin-sick soul. Will you reject proffered mercy? Jesus calls, “Come unto me.” Will you turn away? Oh, come to your Saviour. Repent of your sins. Prepare to meet thy God. Look to the bleeding Lamb of Calvary. His blood cleanses from all sin. Accept of salvation on God's own terms. Walk in the footsteps of Jesus, whether your friends will go with you or not. Sin will sink you into everlasting destruction; but Jesus will save you as a brand from the burning. Come while Jesus pleads for you in the heavenly sanctuary. Keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Rev. 14:12. You may secure a mansion in the Father's house, an everlasting name that shall not be blotted out, a crown of glory that can never fade away. You may join in the glad hallelujahs that shall mingle with the sweet music from the heavenly harpers. Dear reader, make haste, and delay not to obey God, for Jesus has said in the words of the text, “Behold, I come quickly, and my reward is with me.” To which the church responds, “Amen. Even so come, Lord Jesus.” Rev. 22:20.

Asking the Lord's Blessing on Our Work

— WHATEVER is worth doing is not only worth doing well, but is worth asking the Lord’s blessing upon.

Self-Portraiture as Lasting Monument

— WE paint ourselves in fresco. The soft and fusil plaster of the monument hardens under every stroke of the brush into eternal rocks.

THE WAY THITHER.

By M. Goodwin

“Does the road wind up hill all the way?” “Yes, to the very end.”

Pilgrim, the way is up that leads to God, And feet that gain the far-off, shining height, Must nobly strive, not as the eagle’s flight, Which soars with pinions strong toward the light, But step by step the long, rough way is trod.

Ah! once the lonely way was dark as night; Wild thorns clung to the mountain’s rugged side; No cover near which might the fainting hide, No angel came, when hearts in anguish cried; In vain the pilgrim watched for morning light.

But One saw all, and left his throne above To walk the weary, weary way alone, Despised by all; and where a crown had shone Upon his brow, men twined the thorns; no moan Escaped the patient lips, so great his love.

But where the thorns were crushed by his pure feet Now bloom luxuriant flowers with fragrance rare; And where at nightfall he but knelt in prayer, His words of love still vibrate on the air, And hearts are rested by their music sweet.

O pilgrim, then press on, with courage strong! For nevermore from us can darkness hide The footprints that he left our feet to guide; And God’s own angels walk our way beside— The way that leads to Peace, and is not long. —M. Goodwin.

THE HARVEST.

By R. S. Owen

BY R. S. OWEN.

“Yet a little while, and the time of her harvest shall come.” Jer. 51:33.

The harvest time is the season for gathering the fruits of the summer. The farmer sows his seed, and patiently watches the grain as it springs up, clothing the fields with verdure. He expects a rich harvest to repay him for his labor. Harvest comes at last, when the grain is separated from the straw, the chaff, and the tares, and is stored away in the garner. This illustrates God’s work for the salvation of men. Christ plainly teaches this in Matt. 13:38. “The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; the enemy that sowed them is the devil: the harvest is the end of the world.”

For nearly six thousand years this great field has been growing up to wheat and tares. The weeds have grown rank and tall, and many times have nearly choked out the good seed; but as was said of Babylon just before its destruction, so may it be said of the world to-day: “Yet a little while, and the time of her harvest shall come.” Soon will appear upon the white cloud the one to whom it will be said, “Thrust in thy sharp sickle and reap; for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe.”

Let us notice some of the harvests of the past history of the world, that we may better understand the nature of the great harvest for which the world is now fast ripening off. Farmers do not harvest crops until they are ripe; so we shall find that God ever waits until mankind have ripened for destruction or salvation; then comes the harvest. The flood affords an example of this. “The long-suffering of God waited in the days of Noah.” For one hundred and twenty years God’s Spirit strove with men after he had determined to destroy them on account of their sins. Noah faithfully warned them; but their wickedness increased until the earth was filled with violence. When they were fully ripe, the harvest came. They had scoffed at the servant of God, had grieved his spirit, and now from the anguish of their hearts they cry out amid the raging waters, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.”

Turn from this to the case of Sodom. The inhabitants of that city had become very wicked when Lot went to dwell there. Gen. 13:13. God spared them twenty years longer; but they had been ripening for destruction. Abraham pleads before the Lord for the city. “Wilt thou destroy the righteous with the wicked? Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city; wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein?” He was assured that the city should be spared if fifty righteous persons could be found therein. He then pleads that “forty-five,” “forty,” “thirty,” “twenty,” and even “ten,” might be enough to preserve the city. And God said, “I will not destroy it for ten’s sake.” But the city was ripe for destruction. The number could not be found, and the city was doomed. Their harvest came, the summer ended, and the great mass were not saved.

Infidels sometimes accuse God of cruelty in sending his people to destroy the Amorites, and those who occupied the land that was promised to Israel. If we examine the record, we shall find that God was very merciful to them. He kept his people back from that land four hundred years because the iniquity of the Amorites was not yet full. Gen. 15:13-16. Truly the long-suffering of God was manifested toward them. He would not bring destruction upon them until they were fully ripened for it.

The destruction that was threatened upon Babylon did not come until the king had filled the cup of his iniquity by drinking wine from the sacred vessels, defying the God of Heaven and praising the gods of gold. Then the writing was seen upon the wall, telling him, “Thy kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians.” The Jewish nation were once the chosen people of God, and they enjoyed special favors from him. But they filled the cup of their iniquity by crucifying Christ, who came to save them. Since then they have been wanderers in the earth, a hissing and a by-word among all nations.

To-day the world is fast ripening for its harvest. Increase of crime is one of the marked features of our times. Preparations for war is another omen. The prophet Joel, just before describing the harvest, says, “Prepare war; . . . beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruning-hooks into spears.” Never was there a time in all the history of the world when such preparations for war were being made as in our own days. Even now, while the winds of war are being held in check, preparation goes on with unabating energy. The nations are arming with the most effective implements of destruction. Prominent among the late inventions of the age are seen terrible death-dealing engines; and extensive gun works are now in operation in various parts of the country. The nations of earth are preparing for war. These signs, with scores of others, speak plainly to the inhabitants of the world, “Yet a little while, and the time of her harvest will come.” Infidelity is making rapid strides toward ripening the world for destruction. Its devotees are drawing vast crowds into its meshes. Infidel books and papers are being everywhere scattered, to draw men away from God and the Bible. Last-day scoffers, many even within the pale of the churches, are saying, “Where is the promise of his coming?” They are thus preparing the world to reject him.

But there is yet a bright side to this subject. Satan does not get all the harvest. God ever has a portion, and his are the first-fruits. Though the number may be small when compared to Satan’s hosts, yet one golden grain safe in the garner of God will be worth more than all the tares. Noah and his family rode safely above the dark waters of the flood, securely protected by God, for they were his portion of the harvest. Lot, a just man, was saved from Sodom. A noble band of apostles were rescued from the Jewish nation when it was rejected. So in the end some will be “redeemed from among men, being the first-fruits unto God and to the Lamb.”

The gospel was to be preached to all nations before the harvest. From Asia, its birthplace, it has pressed its way over the continent of Europe, penetrated even dark places in Africa, crossed the ocean, and from New England has scattered its light across the American continent. Its race is nearly run, and soon its work will be finished. The last work to ripen the world for the harvest is the third angel’s message, which was to go forth just before the reaper appeared with sickle in hand to reap the harvest of the earth. Rev. 14. The world is now hearing that closing message. God is raising up a people who are blowing the trumpet with no uncertain sound. With the burden of this message resting upon them, they are proclaiming it with a loud voice, and a people are ripening for God’s harvest. This people will not compose the great masses, not the large clusters into which the world is bound up. God’s people will be gathered one here and one there, like “the gleaning grapes when the vintage is done,” or “as the shaking of an olive tree, two or three berries in the top of the uppermost bough, four or five in the outmost fruitful branches.” Isa. 17:6; 24:13.

The lonely child of God, away from the society of God’s people, neglected or despised by the society of the world, may be assured that it is his privilege to have a home and friends by-and-by. When the Master comes to make up his jewels, not one will be overlooked.

But at that day what becomes of the great mass, the clusters who reject God and his work? Let God’s word answer. “Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe. And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.” Rev. 14:18, 19. Oh! solemn hour to those who have rejected the offers of mercy. God has made ample provision for their salvation, and they alone are responsible for the fate they meet. In bitter anguish they cry, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.” O sinner, flee to Christ while mercy lingers. Backslider from God, return, I entreat you, before it is too late. Laborer in the vineyard of God, “What will the harvest be?” Are we doing all we can to save perishing souls?

After the harvest will come the harvest supper: but what a contrast here? On the one hand the fowls of Heaven are called to a great supper, to feed upon the flesh of kings and mighty men, and of all men, both great and small; while God’s people are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb. Rev. 19:9, 17. Says Christ, “Blessed are those servants whom the Lord when he cometh shall find watching; verily I say unto you that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.”

ETERNITY, AND WHERE SHALL I SPEND IT?

MR. MOODY, in a sermon in Chicago, told the following:—

When I was there (in London) in 1867, they told me a story of something that happened in that city, which made a deep impression on my mind. A young French nobleman came over from Paris, and brought letters from the emperor. He was troubled in his mind, and they thought he was going to be insane. His friend, Emperor Napoleon III., wanted Dr. Forbes Winslow to do all he could to save this young man, for he thought a great deal of him. So he wrote a letter, and the doctor was of course very much interested in the French nobleman, and tried to find out the cause of the disease. He knew there was something weighing on his mind, and he tried to find out what had brought him into that state. He said to him, “Have you lost any property?” “No, sir.” “Well, what is it that troubles you? There is something floating on your mind.” He said he did not know that there was anything in particular. But the doctor said: “I know better. Have you lost any relations?” “No; I have not lost any during the past few years.” “Well, what is it that is troubling you? Have you lost any reputation or standing in your country?” “No.” And the doctor kept urging, and finally he said, “Well, now, I must know what is floating upon your mind before I can help you.”

At last the nobleman, as if ashamed, replied briefly as follows: “Well, doctor, my father was an infidel. But for the last two or three years this word has haunted me by day and night—eternity, and where shall I spend it?” He became excited, and arose and began to walk the room. Said the doctor, “Take your seat and be calm. You have made a mistake, sir. You have come to the wrong physician. I cannot help you.” And the man sprang to his feet and said, “Doctor, is there any hope? I am haunted with this horrible thought day and night. I lie down at night and try to go to sleep for an hour, but at midnight I wake up and it comes to me—eternity, and where shall I spend it? and you speak as if there was hope for me.”

The doctor replied, “For years I was an infidel, and I found hope in the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.” And then he opened the Bible and read the fifty-third chapter of Isaiah: “He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities. The chastisement of our peace was upon him; with his stripes we are healed.” He read on through the chapter. The young nobleman looked at the doctor, and said, “Do you believe that Jesus Christ was with God in Heaven, and that he voluntarily left and came down here and suffered and died that we might be saved?” “Yes,” said the doctor, “I do believe it. It was that, my friend, that brought me out of infidelity; and I have got it well settled in my mind where I am to spend eternity. I am to spend it in those mansions that he has gone to prepare for me.” And he preached Christ, and told him of Heaven. Then they both got down on their knees, and he prayed with that man. And when I was there in 1867, that young French nobleman was writing to Dr. Forbes Winslow as one Christian writes to another. The question was then settled, and the man was troubled no more.

Gratitude for God's Blessings

By Spurgeon

—THERE is too much of the cold silence of ingratitude amongst us. May not many of our barren seasons be ascribed to the fact that we did not thank God for fruitful ones.—Spurgeon.

“WE ARE SO SCATTERED.”

By Nellie A. Porter

We often hear these words from our brethren and sisters when anything is said about the T. and M. work, “We are so scattered that we can do but little.” But if we are scattered, do we not have a wider field in which to work? We can visit our neighbors and friends, and get them interested in the truth; and perhaps they may receive it, and unite their efforts with ours in winning precious souls to Christ.

The Saviour has said, “Ye are the salt of the earth.” We know that salt is of a preserving nature, and must be scattered throughout whatever it is intended to preserve. “But if the salt have lost its savor, wherewith shall it be salted?” If we lose our zeal in the cause of God, and are content merely with the theory of the truth without the power, we shall be like the worthless salt, fit only to be cast out and rejected at last.

None of us are too weak to do something in this work. Simply the giving of a paper or a tract may be the means of accomplishing good. We should be deeply in earnest, and seek God for heavenly wisdom. “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.” “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” These words are sufficient to encourage any who have the love of the truth in their hearts, and an interest for perishing souls around us. Jesus is waiting for us to finish our work, that he may come and take us to himself. Oh, let us be faithful in serving him, that we may at last be received into the home prepared for us from the foundation of the world.

NELLIE A. PORTER.

RELIGION

By E. C. T.

Is something that is calculated to fill our minds with joy unspeakable. It is no fancy of the brain, no imagination of the heart; but it is something real. Religion is more desirable than any other enjoyments on earth, or all earthly pomp and grandeur combined. Without it, man is miserable. He may possess all the luxuries of this life, yet he finds no true happiness. But he who is in possession of pure and undefiled religion, enjoys that peace which passeth all understanding. It consoles him in the hour of adversity and distress. Although the hand of affliction may be laid heavy upon him, yet he can rejoice, knowing that all things work together for good to them that love God. When night throws its dark mantle around him, and the light of the sun is hid from his vision, he still has the light of the Sun of righteousness. When he is about to retire to rest, he lifts up his heart to Heaven in thankfulness for protection during the day; he lies down in peace and quiet, and submits himself into the hands of Him who never sleepeth. In the morning he arises with a thankful heart, and offers his devotions to Him who has kept him through the night. He gathers his family around the altar of prayer, and invokes the blessing of God upon them. Peace and harmony dwell in that household where pure religion reigns. Strife and contention are alike unknown. Happy indeed is that family whose God is the Lord.

On the other hand, behold the man destitute of religion. He is a stranger to true joy. Though in his splendid mansion, surrounded by earthly comforts, yet he is unhappy. When the toils of the day are ended, he retires to rest with a troubled conscience; no prayer is offered to Heaven, but the mind is perplexed with the cares of life. In the morning, prayer is neglected; and he goes forth to meet the perplexing cares of the day, without that peace and assurance which come only from close communion with God. His mind is fixed upon the fading, transitory things of earth, and he never catches glimpses of the bright glory beyond. His treasure is on the earth; therefore his heart is there.

If in the enjoyment of religion, only, true happiness can be found, let us practice its precepts, and it will guide us to that city whose builder and maker is God. E. C. T.

PRAYER

By J. Clarke

Why was Christ so constant in prayer to his Father? Why did he so often exhort his disciples to watch and pray? He knew the weakness of our nature, and the strength of the enemy. He well knew the strength that might be attained by closely walking with God, and he knew the weakness of such as neglect prayer, and think to overcome without faith and without the Spirit of God.

By having a large measure of the Spirit of God, we soar above the low level of carnal desire. By reading his word with much prayer, we seem to hold intercourse with good angels; and we have a foretaste of the heavenly world; already it seems to open its gates, inviting us to enter.

Prayer, linked with warm desire for the influence of the Holy Spirit, rouses the soul from her deathlike stupor, at the same time reaching the throne of God, and bringing down upon the humble supplicant the sweet and elevating influence from above.

J. CLARKE.

PATIENCE

By D. F. Ewen

“In your patience possess ye your souls.” Luke 21:19. It is easy for a man to profess attachment to a good cause, when that cause meets with the general approbation. It is an easy thing to boast of virtue that has never been tried by temptation, and to exult in fortitude that has never had to bear the storm of opposition; but true fortitude is found to consist in supporting evils with resignation, and in enduring opposition with resolution and dignity. “He that loseth wealth,” says the Spaniard, “loseth much; he that loseth friends, loseth more; but he that loseth his spirit, loseth all.” The man of fortitude, strong in conscious integrity and the knowledge of the right, though wealth may desert him, though his friends may forsake him in his greatest need, yet possesses his soul in patience; he rejoices that his soul is free. The cause of truth he knows can never fail. This makes him magnanimous both to do and dare. D. F. EWEN.

Our Basket.

“A little balm, and a little honey, spices, and myrrh, nuts and almonds.” Gen. 43: 11.

—IN the sight of God no man is poor but he who is wanting in goodness; and no man rich but he who abounds in virtue.

—TRUE politeness is perfect ease and freedom. It simply consists in treating others as you love to be treated yourself.

—GOD’s treasury is absolutely inexhaustible. He never grows weary of ministering to the needs of his people. If this were ever kept in remembrance, we should hear less of the accents of impatience and discontent, and more of the sweet language of thankfulness and praise.

—MAKE a firm-built fence of trust All around to-day; Fill the space with loving work, And within it stay. Look not through the sheltering bars, Anxious for the morrow; God will help in all that comes, Be it joy or sorrow.

—MANY a Christian trusts Christ to carry him through the valley of the shadow of death, who does not rely upon him to take him through the dread to-morrow. If you are Christ’s, you have no right to worry. He is a safe pilot. You can trust him in the shallow, quiet river as well as in the sea beyond.

—GOD will not accept the tongue alone, though it were of the most sublime orator; not the lips alone, though they were the lips of chosen Israel itself; not the head alone, though it were the head of a learned Diotrephes; but God will accept any contribution that may be entered under this head: “A broken and a contrite heart.” He will accept all the former with the latter; but he despises every surrender that does not embrace the heart.—W. Kelloway.

—“IF any one speaks ill of thee,” said Epictetus, “consider whether he hath truth on his side; and if so, reform thyself, that his censures may not affect thee.” When Anaximander was told that the very boys laughed at his singing, “Ah!” said he, “then I must learn to sing better.” Plato, being told that he had many enemies who spoke ill of him, said, “It is no matter; I shall live so that none will believe them.” Hearing at another time that an intimate friend of his had spoken detractingly of him, he said, “I am sure he would not do it if he had not some reason for it.” This is the surest as well as the noblest way of drawing the sting out of a reproach, and the true method of preparing a man for the great and only relief against the pains of calumny.

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