Review and Herald, Vol. 50, No. 23. (12/6/1877)

Review and Herald

Dec 6, 1877

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 6, 1877

THE OLDEST CHRISTIAN HYMN.

[In Book III. of Clement of Alexandria, is given, in Greek, the most ancient hymn of the primitive church. It is there (150 years after the apostles) asserted to be of much earlier origin. The following version will give some imperfect idea of its spirit:]

Shepherd of tender youth, Guiding in love and truth, Through devious ways! Christ our triumphant King! We come thy name to sing, And here our children bring To shout thy praise!

Thou art our holy Lord, The all-subduing word, Healer of strife! Thou didst thyself abase That from sin’s deep disgrace Thou mightest save our race, And give us life.

Thou art our great High Priest! Thou hast prepared the feast Of holy love! And in our mortal pain None call on thee in vain; Help thou dost not disdain, Help from above.

Ever be thou our guide, Our shepherd and our pride, Our staff and song. Jesus, thou Christ of God, By the perennial word, Lead us where thou hast trod, Make our faith strong!

So now, and till we die, Sound we thy praise on high, And joyful sing! Youth, and the happy throng Who to thy church belong, Unite and swell the song To Christ our King! —Sel.

The Watch-Tower.

Can ye not discern the Signs of the Times? Matt. 16:3.

The Sermon.

By J. O. Corliss

THE LOVE OF GOD.

BY ELD. J. O. CORLISS.

TEXT: “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.” 1 John 3:1.

To be called a son of God, and as such hold communion with him, is the most exalted privilege to which man can attain. It is the honor that was enjoyed by Adam in Eden. God conversed with him as with a son. He bore that title. Luke 3:38. In his creation, a Father’s love was manifested in the careful preparations made for his comfort and happiness, so that Adam had only to enter upon and enjoy perfect bliss from the earliest moment of his existence. Failing to appreciate a Father’s love, which had made him his son, and ruler of creation, man betrayed the confidence reposed in him, and forfeited all title to God’s favor by basely deserting his service for that of an enemy and usurper. God’s love now stands out in bold contrast with man’s selfishness.

Instead of turning from Adam with contempt, as man does from his fellow-man in similar cases, God talks with him, telling him of the heinousness of his crime, and what he has lost by doing wrong. As a sense of his guilt comes over him, and he understands that God is about to leave him in consequence, he realizes the terrible condition into which he has fallen by disobedience, and shame and remorse fill his soul.

And now, lest he sink in utter despair, God speaks again. Adam scarcely believes his ears, yet he cannot be mistaken. He certainly hears the promise of deliverance through the seed of the woman; and as this thrilling news breaks in upon his senses, he grasps the promise by faith and makes it his. That moment hope springs up, affectionate desires revive, and he joyfully returns to his allegiance, resolving to learn submission under the hand of God.

But the promise to Adam was not enough. For the benefit of future generations, who otherwise could not appreciate their condition, God made a revelation of his will, giving ample instructions by which all may evade the terrible results of the fall, and with him partake of that hope consequent upon believing the promise. Paul, in speaking upon this point, says, “For whatsoever things were written aforetime, were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” Rom. 15:4.

The love of God did not end with simply a revelation of his will. Lest man, still surrounded with evil influences, should look into that word and yet remain indifferent to his own interests, means were employed to arrest his attention, and cause him to feel his lost condition; for without this there could be no hope of his recovery. That power which in the beginning “moved upon the face of the waters,” bringing order and harmony out of chaos and confusion, and presented the earth as an inviting habitation for man, can also move upon the natural, unregenerate heart, and transform it into a dwelling-place for God and his word. The word is spoken, and the Holy Spirit goes forth to become a medium of communication between Heaven and earth, and reunite fallen man with the infinite Creator.

True to his mission, the Spirit operates in harmony with the word, and reveals to each his forlorn and hopeless condition while in sin, pointing out the path of righteousness, which, if followed, will effect a change in the whole life. One sees the need of reform, but fails to undertake it. Another commences the work, too soon to learn the insufficiency of human strength. Beset with temptations on every hand, discouraged by trials and afflictions, and baffled by the enemy at every point, he soon realizes his weakness, and like a weary, sorrowing child, yearns for the sympathy and consolation that only his Father’s love can afford. How infinitely precious the love that could foresee and provide for such contingencies. Even now, while that agonizing, struggling soul is trying to make known its wants in prayer, the Spirit of God comes in to help his infirmities, teach him to pray, and bear witness that the humility of his heart is accepted in the sight of God.

Could one ask more at the hands of an intimate friend? Yet God has done much more for guilty man. Knowing his weakness under temptation, and utter inability to perform the work assigned him, the angels of Heaven are commissioned to minister to his wants, and guard him from evil influences through all the journey of life. What a condescension on the part of God! He does not withhold even the angels that stand in his presence, but sends them forth to minister to all who really desire to walk in his ways. Paul says: “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” Heb. 1:14. Numerous instances of their ministration are recorded in the Bible. Daniel was cast into the den of lions, and escaped unharmed. God sent an angel to shut the lions’ mouths, and thus preserved him. Dan. 6:22. Peter was lying asleep in prison, bound with chains to a soldier on each side of him. Suddenly a light shone into the prison; the angel of the Lord touched his chains, which fell off: he walked through the prison gate, which opened of its own accord, and as the angel departed, Peter found himself on the street of the city, a free man. Acts 12. The psalmist says, “The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.” Ps. 34:7. All may receive the guardianship of angels, as this is the mission of them all.

But God has given still better proof of his love for the fallen race. He “so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16. He freely yielded his only Son, who shared the glory of the throne of Heaven, to die a cruel death. And this sacrifice was made that man might escape the corruption of the world, and be a partaker of the divine nature. What an undertaking was this! Had one a dear friend condemned to death, what courage would be required to die in his stead, and with what admiration would all look upon such an act. This, however, would require such love, and so great a sacrifice, that though a man were universally esteemed, and well known to be unjustly condemned, one could scarcely be found to give his life in exchange. But how infinitely great was the love manifested by God in giving his Son to die for those who were his enemies. Rom. 5:7, 8.

Not in the death of Christ alone was this wonderful love shown; but in his life as well. Paul says, “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.” 2 Cor. 8:9. He who could boast the wealth of all the worlds combined, and the enjoyment of the Father’s glory, stepped down from his high station to minister to fallen man, and raise him from the depths of degradation to the position of child and heir of God. With what earnest solicitude must the Father’s eye have followed the Son through all the changes of his earthly career, fraught as they were with temptations, and trials, and sorrows. While nearly famished by that long fast of forty days and nights, the Father permitted him to undergo severe temptations, without any interposition. Jesus endured them without sin, and, as the Captain of our salvation, was made perfect through suffering. Heb. 4:15; 2:10.

No less could be expected than that Satan would make an effort to destroy the promised Deliverer; but when man, for whom these sufferings were endured, failed to appreciate him, and only derided and mocked, what inconceivable love was that which could brook such treatment, and still persevere in what seemed almost a thankless task! But the Son of God toils on from day to day, scattering the seeds of truth in his pathway, and cheering the hearts of the lowly by constant acts of kindness.

At Nain behold that sorrowing widow following in the burial train of her son, the only support and comfort of her old age. Hope dies within her heart, and her grief seems unbearable. Jesus looks upon the scene, and his heart is moved with compassion. He quietly calls to the young man, and to the surprise and joy of all, he that was dead sits up and speaks. Instantly the mother’s tears are dried, and ecstasy fills her soul as she fondly embraces her son. The first impulse of joy over, she turns to express her gratitude to the stranger, but he is gone. He has been repaid in witnessing

her happiness, and has retired to seek other occasions of doing good.

These deeds of kindness were not confined to any particular class or locality. At Bethany he weeps at the grave of Lazarus, and restores him to life. At Capernaum he heals one of the leprosy, and cures another who is sick of the palsy. He restores sight to the blind men of Jericho. The deaf and dumb man of Decapolis is made to both hear and speak, and the impotent man of Bethesda is made entirely whole. Wherever he went gracious words were spoken, and mighty miracles performed, all pointing to him as the Promised One; yet the “world knew him not,” and moved on regardless of his ministrations.

Even his own, whom he came to save, do not receive him; but demand his life instead. A consultation is held by the chief priests as to the best means of getting him in their power, and they finally bargain with one who affects to be a friend and follower, for the delivery of his Master to death. On that memorable night, while partaking of the last supper, he becomes exceeding sorrowful, and reveals to his disciples that he must soon leave them. Jesus knew that his hour was come, and going into the garden he prayed alone. The sins of the world press upon him, he feels their enormous weight. In distress he cries, “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.”

How altered the appearance of the Son of God! That countenance, before so tranquil and beaming with holy light, now pleadingly upturned, is stained and marred with the blood which like great sweat-drops is coursing down his cheeks. What anguish is depicted on those features, as that agonizing cry goes forth upon the evening air! Does God hear? Can he look upon his only Son in such an hour, and not rescue him? Will he carry out a plan that costs so much? Yes, blessed be the name of God; his love is adequate to the price, and it will be paid.

Immediately an angel is seen strengthening Jesus for the terrible ordeal. He retires a short distance, only to meet an armed multitude with Judas at the head. That disciple who had sailed the stormy Galilee, and had beheld with awe its tempest-lashed waves subside at the word of command, he who had seen the sick healed and the dead raised by the touch of the Master, now meanly betrays him into the hands of his enemies; and his disciples forsake him and flee. What base ingratitude, that could induce one to commit so vile an act! Will God suffer it? Legions of angels are ready to fly to his rescue, but Jesus calmly submits to be taken and led a prisoner to the high priest’s house, where he suffers indignity and reproach of every kind.

But we pass this scene of humiliation only to witness one more appalling. We follow Jesus as, faint and weary, he toils his way up Calvary. Look! He is cruelly nailed to the rugged cross. The cross is erected, and Jesus is “lifted up,” a spectacle to men and angels. Now his tormentors hiss at him; they wag their heads at him as they pass to and fro, and tauntingly call upon him to come down. O distressing sight! Angels turn away from it in sorrow, the sun refuses to shine, and the earth is shrouded in darkness. God witnesses it all, yet does not deliver him. Does he really have a Father’s love, and let his Son endure so much? Yes: “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son,” that all who believe in him may be adopted into his family and be “called the sons of God.”

How unselfish the love manifested by Jesus in taking upon himself the sins of the world! Many, in looking at this, lose sight of the Father’s love. They seem to think love incompatible with his character as monarch of the world, and picture him as an austere Being, who deals out justice unsparingly and with all the severity of offended Majesty. What a mistake, to thus regard him whose mercy is from everlasting to everlasting.

Dear friend, have you stood by the bedside of an only son, watching the ravages of disease as it preyed upon his frame? It may have been years ago; and yet as you recall the scene how painfully vivid it appears, and how keenly your memory dwells upon the anguish of your heart when you found it impossible to relieve his distress. How anxiously you watched the progress of the disease, till death claimed his victim; and as the eyes became set and glassy, and your darling gasped for breath in his struggles with the monster, you turned from the sight with a sickening sensation, and gloom and despair seemed to settle on all around.

But, you say, I loved him so. He was my only son, and the idol of my heart. Ah! if the mind of finite man is capable of being affected thus at beholding the sufferings and death of a fondly loved son, what must have been the feelings of Jehovah upon beholding his only Son as he suffered and died at the hands of cruel men? Yet the Father, through love to fallen man, endured it all, and became a partner in the suffering caused by the sins of the world.

What more could be done for man’s salvation than has been done? Let your mind range through all the boundless universe, and exhaust its resources in devising plans, and then you will be forced to exclaim that infinite love has already searched out and applied them in that great and wonderful scheme.

O love beyond degree, incomprehensible, infinite! Even Inspiration itself could not speak thy worth, but only say, “Behold, what manner of love.” As we meditate upon the great plan, and realize something of the cost of salvation, we can only cry with the apostle, “Behold,” and wonder that more do not hold up the love of God to the world as a motive of reform.

Do you, my friend, wish to be exalted to that high privilege which has been so dearly purchased for you? God only requires you to appreciate his love, and to love him in return. Do you now feel a yearning for that love in your heart? Lay your past sins on the great Burden-bearer, and resolve that you will no more trample on God’s authority. Then you may hold communion with Heaven, and be called a son of God.

THE SOUTHERN PROBLEM.

By Joseph Cook

Let us look at the books. Here are these statistics: In the Southern States, of the population over ten years of age twenty-five per cent are illiterate. In the Eastern States and Middle States, only three and eight-tenths per cent are illiterate; in the Western States—I hope Boston will not hear us to-night—three and four-tenths per cent. They are ahead of us! In the South, a quarter of the population over ten years of age cannot read or write, and thirty-nine per cent of the voters cannot read their ballots. A terrible state of things is this.

Who is that man in priestly robes? This is the town of Macon, Ga. Here is a gathering of freedmen. They are a religious body. They want aid in their churches. They are passing a resolution, and are going to send it to that man in priestly robes. I give you the exact language of that resolution, passed in Macon, Ga., lately:

“Resolved, That this meeting appoint a committee to wait upon Right Rev. Bishop Gross, who is now in this city, and ascertain his views as to the educational policy of the Catholic Church in regard to the colored people of the South, and ascertain to what extent we may look to that organization for assistance in the work of educating our children.”

A new problem. There is the negro, and this man in priestly robes is a Jesuit. And what is his history? He has been heard of before in the world. The negro begins to lean on him. Where are we? Politicians put their ear to the ground, and say, “Will Rome bring together the negro vote and the foreign vote? If she can mass these two bodies together under universal suffrage and control both of them as a make-weight, will she have any political influence here?” These are serious times. The other day I met a politician, one of the astutest men of Massachusetts, and he said to me, “Lately I was in Washington and went into a Romish church that was almost a cathedral, and found it filled with negro worshipers. Do you think,” he whispered to me—on Bacon street, at the head of that historic mall in Boston Common, which Lafayette and Washington walked up together—“do you think it is possible that the foreign vote and the negro vote may be massed together and exploited by the hand on the Tiber?” “You know better than I do,” said I. But it occurred to me that no more important question than that was asked by Washington of Lafayette or by Lafayette of Washington on that historic ground.—Joseph Cook.

World News: Flood in Virginia, Vatican Plans, German War Fund

GERMANY has a war reserve fund of $292,000,000.

A TELEGRAM from Rome says it is thought that Christmas is the time fixed for the pope to issue apostolic letters re-establishing the Roman hierarchy of Scotland.

VIRGINIA is suffering from a big flood. The James, Shenandoah, and Potomac rivers are all very high, and more rain is threatened. Bridges are gone in every direction, and the damage to all kinds of property is immense. The James river and Kanawha canal are badly damaged. Richmond and vicinity expect to be damaged $1,000,000 or $2,000,000. Private property at Lynchburg has been damaged $50,000. Chambersburg, Pa., has suffered $30,000 damage.

THE whole world has heard of the thieving of New York under William Tweed. The entire amount of money diverted from the treasury of New York from Jan. 1, 1868, to July 1, 1871, a period of three and a half years, is estimated at $50,000,000. This was bleeding at the rate of $20,000,000 per year. It was doubtless thought best by these monsters to bleed freely while the veins were open. The city has expended nearly a half million dollars in lawyers' fees, &c., to recover about enough to pay the expenses of the efforts thus far made.

General Articles.

By Eliza H. Morton

A FIRM FOUNDATION.

God’s people should be able to support every doctrine they advocate by plain Bible arguments. Many individuals listen to the “words of life.” Their souls are stirred by the thrilling tones of the preacher, and their hearts are touched by the sweet influences of God’s Spirit. They commit themselves in favor of the truth, and commence to keep the commandments of God. They have implicit faith in the message, and the utmost confidence in the leaders in the work; but they neglect to study the fundamental principles which underlie the truth they profess to believe, and when unbelievers ask for information concerning certain points of doctrine they say in reply, “Well, Eld. So-and-so says it is thus and so, and we know it is so, because he says so.” Understanding men and women will not be satisfied with a mere say-so; they want a “Thus saith the Lord,” and soon become disgusted with those who “pin their faith on other people’s sleeves,” and can give no plain reasons for their belief.

Satan will overlook no argument that can be urged against the positions taken by Seventh-day Adventists. The time is coming when confidence in man will be shaken, and houses built upon other people’s foundations will fall. When the Bible becomes the daily study of God’s people, and arguments against the message are met with the word of God, then the world will see that the truth is “built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone.”

Brethren and sisters, study to be wise, and lay up a good foundation against the time to come. Future days may be dark, and evil spirits strong; but truth will triumph, for “the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his.”

Eliza H. Morton.

Allen’s Corner, Me.

“HOPING FOR NOTHING AGAIN.”

By Nellie F. Heald

Neither the worldling, nor he who has taken the name of Christ without receiving him into his heart, can appreciate this injunction of our Saviour, “But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again.” The motive which prompts the selfish heart to labor for the benefit of others, is the hope of receiving as much or more in return.

Among the votaries of the world we everywhere observe this principle, molding and guiding their conduct. Though the worldling may look for the reward of his labors here, may do good and lend, hoping to receive as much again, not so the servant of Christ. He must be actuated by a different principle, must labor earnestly, lovingly, patiently, hoping for nothing again, seeking not to promote selfish interests, but the glory of the Master. To this pure, unselfish, elevated purpose all else must be made subservient. In his social relations the golden rule must be the principle that molds his character, and governs his conduct.

In the life and character of our dear Saviour we find the principle of self-denial illustrated in all its beauty and completeness. He healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, comforted the sorrowing, raised the dead, did good to all, “hoping for nothing again.” No doubt his loving human heart often yearned for human sympathy, when it was denied him. “He was despised and rejected of men.” Though he was “acquainted with grief,” yet he never spoke of his sorrows, never mentioned his trials. Even in his last bitter agony there was but a shadow of reproach in the question, “Couldst thou not watch with me one hour?” Shall we, then, cherish a spirit of complaint at trials far lighter than those which the “Man of sorrows” bore? Behold him as a missionary worker! With what earnestness, power, and love he labored to teach men the way of life, and to enlighten their darkened understandings. Of him it may truly be said that he never lost an opportunity of doing good either to the bodies or souls of men. When in extreme weariness from his arduous and multiplied labors he sought for rest and retirement in a desert place, with his few chosen disciples, even though he went by ship privately, he could not escape the watchful eyes of the multitude. They ran out of all the cities and came together unto him; and when he beheld the eager crowds that sought his presence, hungry for the bread of life, he forgot his own need of rest and refreshment, and his heart melted with compassion toward them, “because they were as sheep without a shepherd, and he began to teach them many things.”

When he had ministered to their need, and retired to the solitude of the mountain to pray, he saw his chosen few out on the raging sea, toiling with the waves, and he could not rest till he went to their relief. Though by one word there on the lonely mountain, he could have caused the wind to cease and the sea to be calm, yet he chose to go to them. But how did they receive him? They were troubled when they saw him; and though he spoke to them words of love, betraying his tender solicitude for their welfare, saying, “Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid,” yet they recognized him not; for their hearts were hardened. This is sometimes true of his chosen ones to-day. They sometimes fail to recognize the voice of Jesus and are troubled at his presence, when, in the midst of a sea of trials, they are tossed with the waves of affliction, and he comes to them walking upon the troubled waters, sweetly saying, “It is I; be not afraid.”

But Jesus did not leave his disciples because they received him with suspicion and coldness; and like him we must not cease to carry sunshine to those around us though they in return throw a dark shadow over us. We are co-workers with Christ in the world's wide missionary field; and he said, “I came not to do mine own will, but the will of Him that sent me.” “I seek not mine own glory.” “If I honor myself, my honor is nothing.”

We are sent forth by Christ, not to do our own will, but the will of Him that sent us; not to seek our own glory, but his. Avoiding all self-display, let us hold forth Christ and the truth, giving heed to the injunction, “But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest.”

NELLIE F. HEALD.

THESE THREE.

By Anne Teague

“AND now abideth faith, hope, charity,” says the inspired apostle; and he adds, that, though he may be the incarnation of all other goodness, lacking charity, or love, he is nothing.

Should we place ourselves before the mirror of candor, how many of us would be revealed as a shadow wherein the substance of goodness was found wanting? The weak human intellect exalts itself, is puffed up, admits of little or no excuse for the weaknesses of others, is ready to reproach a fault, and surmises a wrong direction to footsteps that right-angle its own

pathway; but when we add charity to life’s casket of jewels what a different world it makes around us! It is to us as the bath of sunshine to the sky, the breath of summer to the earth, the air of evening to the weary day.

No master’s brush can paint the change, nor cunning skill fashion for it a form, nor eloquence of tongue or pen express its fitting record; yet charity, by its silent influence, gathers the trials, burdens, temptations, and errors of humanity, and hides them away, in their stead pouring the oil and wine of love, kindness, and heavenly wisdom. Well might the inspired teacher, who had even ascended to the third Heaven, and seen and heard things that man could not utter, exclaim, “The greatest of these is charity.” Only Infinity can comprehend its perfect measure. It is the web of righteousness, the white raiment of the saints, upon which the great Weaver is at work constantly; and it is finished only when the woof of human events shall fill out the threads of the warp of time, and when it shall have been purified and made white in the blood of the Lamb.

The world points its cruel warfare at the shrinking victim, nor leaves him till the storms of life have swept him into the grave of forgetfulness; but the righteous Judge shall bring thee again from that land, O crushed and bruised reed, and mercy shall impute thy faults to thee no more. Divinity hath crowned itself with charity toward all repentants, and “peace on earth, good will to man,” will sound in the heavenly chorus till the saints of God are sealed for eternity.

We believe that hidden things belong to God, yet how many of us assume to judge our neighbor regarding things which no man can know. When we condemn another, who of us can say we do not condemn ourselves beforehand, and that we will not do the same thing when influenced by like conditions? Can we fathom the secret depths of the heart, and determine the force of the influences operating on each individual organism? Can we calculate the power of hereditary conformation that controls our being? Can we estimate the strength of life-long habit and training, aided by the sympathetic and compelling surroundings of circumstances which lead to the commission of acts that can never be rightly understood by those for whom the winds seem tempered—upon whom no cross is laid that bows the frail body, and tortures the tried heart?

Could each one of us every day resolve to close the lips to all unkind and selfish words, and speak and walk softly before God, what a Heaven on earth we should inhabit! Charity to others gives us a knowledge of our own frail natures, and what our own needs may at any time require. No earthly exaltation can place us above giving and receiving its blessings; no place so humble as to be beyond its reach. Where the unkind word or thought can go, there follow God’s love and mercy.

In every relation of man to man mutual forbearance and tenderness should be displayed. We know so little to what extent the effect of an unjust suspicion or a mistaken idea may go, that we should guard words and thoughts with severity; for the enemy is ever ready to lead us into error.

Cultivate a kind and generous mind. Study to read human nature aright, that you may be able to do good to all in a manner acceptable to their wants. I think Paul used this method largely in his intercourse with the world. His tender admonitions and instructions were varied in application to different cases. Many a worthy soul may have turned from a useful life, and ceased to work, because harshly reproved. If reproof be given in the spirit of love, it melts and softens and prepares the heart to be molded to all good; if untimely and untempered, it causes grief, humiliation, and afterward resentment and anger. Hold fast “these three,” the greatest of which is charity.

ANNE TEAGUE.

IF WE WOULD.

If we would but check the speaker When he spoils his neighbor's fame; If we would but help the erring Ere we utter words of blame; If we would, how many might we Turn from paths of sin and shame!

Ah! the wrongs that might be righted, If we would but see the way! Ah! the woes that might be blighted Every hour and every day, If we would but hear the pleadings Of the hearts that go astray!

Let us step outside the stronghold Of our selfishness and pride; Let us lift our fainting brothers; Let us strengthen ere we chide; Let us, ere we blame the fallen, Hold a light to cheer and guide.

Ah! how blessed, ah! how blessed Earth would be, did we but try Thus to aid and right the weaker, Thus to check each brother's sigh; Thus to talk of duty's pathway To our better life on high.

In each life, however lowly, There are seeds of mighty good; Still, we shrink from souls appealing With a timid “If we could;” But the God, who judgeth all things, Knows the truth is, “If we would.”

LOVE VS. WRANGLING.

By H. F. Phelps

Love is spoken of in the Bible as one of the fruits of the Spirit. Love is the ruling principle of God’s government. It was love that led God to make and to redeem the world; and all who expect a place with God’s people should cultivate this grace. But why is it so frequently lost sight of? Why does it so rarely appear on the surface? How can we measure a man’s love except by his actions? A man says, I love the brethren, I love my wife and children, or I love God; and yet if I see no outward manifestations of that love, what shall I conclude? There are very many to-day who say, I love God, but who will not obey him. Can I believe a man loves God who will not take part in his worship? Actions surely flow from a full heart; and if a man say, I love my brother, shall I not look for some token of that love? We read, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” We know a man loves himself, because we see him very watchful of his own interests.

Again we read, “He that loveth not his brother, whom he hath seen, how can he love God, whom he hath not seen?” Now I may tell people that I love my brother, that I have no ill-will in my heart, and then appear cold and even uncourteous toward him. If he has faults (and who has not?), I may magnify them. I may even do this, and pass for a Christian among men. And yet I very much fear all will not believe me: some will look for conduct to correspond with my professions. And God will look on my heart, and will judge me at last by my actions, and not by my words. So if I love my brother, I will show that love.

But whence come wrangling and discord among brethren? Whence come these family jars? Whence come strife and contention? These evils do not exist because we desire to be hard-hearted, nor because we love to do wrong; but they come from a lack of this one, crowning Christian grace. I believe the place to cultivate this grace is in the family circle, and then it will flow out toward all around, and love to the brethren will be a sure result. Upon you and me, my brother, rests a great responsibility in this matter. Do we desire to take our families with us to the kingdom of God? Then, as priest of the household, we should lead them gently, softly, kindly, tenderly. Do you complain that your children have grown out from under your influence? Then call them back by love. Put your arms around them. Be careful of those boys growing up. They will soon be out of your reach. Bind them to you by cords of love. It will not hurt you to kiss them good-night or good-by, and they will be sure to kiss you a welcome in return.

And that wife burdened with cares, trials, and discouragements. All her anxieties and labors for your comfort are taken as a matter of duty, and you often censure when you should commend. God ordained that man and wife should be one, and that they should be happy with each other as long as life should last; but with too many, indeed the majority, the “honeymoon” lasts less than six months. I believe it should last a lifetime. In the family, Satan begins his work; and if he succeeds here, he is sure to carry his cruel work into the church of God. But here we can raise a defense against him; and as we cultivate love, bending our stiff necks, and humbling our proud hearts, angels of God will draw near to assist us, and we shall be drawn a little nearer Heaven.

H. F. PHELPS.

“THEY ALL DO IT.”

There are few books that comprise as much vicious teaching within a space of four or five hundred pages as is contained in this little phrase, “They all do it,” which has been placarded on the bill-boards, and called into the ears of the public, for some time past. This is the one sentence which takes the courage completely out of youth, searing their consciences as with a red-hot iron, and permitting despair to carry them off bodily into the depths of crime.

“Oh, they all do it: why should not you?” That is the suggestion. “That man there lies and cheats, and will commit any crime which the law does not make dangerous. So it is with all of them. There is no use in your trying to be different from other people.” This is the way the temptation comes to the young man thrown on the world with little knowledge of its ways, and perhaps shielded only by the loose training of an over-fond mother. “People are grossly immoral,” it is said. “Even temperance advocates get drunk in private; and church deacons swindle savings banks. All you see of morality is but a surface show; beneath there is concealed wickedness. You will find you must follow the multitude.” And the youth, with the pleasure of the world thus held up before his glowing imagination, and full of bodily health, plunges forthwith into what he believes to be “the world.”

If the devil had concentrated all his cunning during the centuries which have elapsed since his ejection from paradise, he could not have produced a more powerful argument with which to conquer the soul of man than this, “They all do it.”

But, young man, listen. That sentence is a lie, as base and foul a lie as ever was conceived in the mind of man or devil. They don’t “all do it.” There are thousands upon thousands of good, pure men and women in this world, bad as it may seem, who are leading upright lives. They believe in God, and in the commands of virtue, and are going along with the happiest results to themselves and their neighbors. There are men who think they are put into this world, not to gratify their own base appetites, but to be true and noble and high-minded men. There are men who would disdain to tell a lie. There are men who would disdain to be accessory to a woman’s fall. There are men who would disdain to take an advantage in trade, or to do any other selfish or mean action. There are men who try to be just always, and kindly, both in words and feelings, to all. There are men who lead humble, unpretentious lives, and who, without making it known to the world, are daily doing a vast amount of good among their fellow-men.

And—is it strange to say?—these men lead very happy lives, and as a rule are very successful. While the unprincipled man may enjoy temporary success, sooner or later he will suffer for his lack of honesty. There are a thousand ways in which virtue avenges herself upon him. But in one way or another he gets his deserts. There are plenty of criminals around you, it is true. But they are to be pitied, not imitated. Never believe that what some do, all do: make in your own person a standing example of the falsity of “They all do it.”—The True Citizen.

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