Review and Herald, Vol. 27, No. 19.
Sermon, Number ThreePage 1
Sermon, Number Three.
By John Matteson
Names represent things and objects. Without names we should be unable to locate ourselves in space or time. They originate from God, and even the stars "he calleth . . . all by their names." There is something truly wonderful in the fact that a few letters meeting our eyes, can bring before us a clear idea of a person who lived six thousand years ago, or events that then transpired. Or bring persons who are now living many thousand miles off, near before us. Abel, and David, and Peter, and Paul are all still speaking. And even the words of Job have been printed in a book, so that we may be instructed by the patience of that just man. The names of Abraham, Elijah, Daniel, and John bring before us faith, piety, devotedness and love. Sweet memories are connected with all these. But above every name that was ever named in Heaven or upon earth, the name Jesus connects with it everything that is sweet and lovely. Let us consider, 1. The person to whom the name Jesus is applied. 2. The memories clustering around this name. 3. The power of the same. 1. The person to whom applied. On this we find many conflicting opinions among men. But the word of the Lord is clear and definite on this subject as well as all other subjects. It is generally and justly applied to the son of Mary, born at Bethlehem. But who is he? Is he only the son of Mary? Is he not also the only begotten Son of the living God? Did he exist before this world? Is he co-equal with the Father? Let us hear the inspired testimony, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. . . . He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. . . . And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us. . . . John bare witness of him, . . . he was before me." John i. And the Saviour himself testifies, "Before Abraham was, I am." John viii, 58. Yet he is not the self-existing, only true God, but he is the Son of God. And it has pleased the Father to bestow upon him all power, glory, wisdom and excellency, and to send him to this lower world to redeem his fallen creatures, that all may honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. "All power is given unto me in Heaven and in earth." Matt. xxviii. "Who is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of every creature. For by him were all things created, . . . and he is before all things. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell." Col. i. "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent." John xvii. This may easily be harmonized with the oneness of the Father and the Son, for this unity is not in person, but in purpose and action. This is most decidedly proved in verse 22, "That they may be one, even as we are one." "There is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things; and one Lord, Jesus Christ." 1 Cor. viii. "There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." 1 Tim. ii. Christ is truly God, for he is born of God; and truly man, for he is born of man. "Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee. . . . And again, when he bringeth in the first begotten into the world, he saith, let all the angels of God worship him. . . . Unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever. . . . God, even thy God, hath anointed thee." Heb. i. That this very person, who was born before every creature, is the same as afterward appeared unto men upon this earth, in the land of Palestine, the beloved apostle John demonstrates beyond all possible doubt. "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands handled of the Word of life. . . . That eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us, . . . declare we unto you." 1 John i. Compare John i. Again hear the word of the Lord: "The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his way, . . . before the hills was I brought forth. . . . When he prepared the heavens, I was there. . . . When he appointed the foundations of the earth, then I was by him as one brought up with him." Prov. viii. Who was it that communed with Abraham about Sodom, that Joshua worshiped when he was by Jericho, that walked in the midst of the fiery furnace with the three Hebrew worthies, that helped the angel against the prince of Persia, when he withstood him one and twenty days, but the Prince of the people of God, the Son of God, "The first and the last, . . . he that liveth and was dead; and is alive forevermore"—Jesus? The reason why this name is applied to Christ, is plainly given in Matt. i, 21. "He shall save his people from their sins." Pure and holy the earth and its inhabitants came forth from the hand of the Almighty. All was peace, order, and perfect harmony. Every living being seemed to praise the Lord, and everything created reflected his glory. But man fell. The curse came, and rested heavily upon the earth and all its inhabitants. The Son of God looks down in tender compassion upon the poor fallen race. He says, I will save them, I will die for them, I will pay the penalty of their transgressions. Ten thousand worlds are mine, the peace and glory of Heaven I can enjoy forever; flaming seraphs and mighty angels I can command at my pleasure. On the wings of the morning I can go to the uttermost bounds of creation, escorted by a host of most lovely beings, enraptured by songs of sweetest melody, but I will leave it all. I will go to that dark far off earth; to those rebels who despise me, and my Father and his holy law. I will be poor, despised, forsaken, spit upon, scourged, crucified, and die for those who have hated me. And he not only promised, but came, and carried out his plan of salvation, in spite of all the united opposition of devils and wicked men. And this he did for you, reader, that you through the means by him provided may be an heir of glory. Oh matchless love! And will you turn away from it? Will you be indifferent? Can you steel your heart against such love? Will you return nothing but black ingratitude? Will you continue to displease him who is now so kindly inviting you to come, who offers full and free salvation? Oh no, say no! he has come to save me, therefore his name is called Jesus. That name I will never, no never forget. 2. The memories that throng around the name Jesus, are so many and so sweet that they afford meditation enough for a poor mortal all his lifetime. When he enters this world is a heavenly messenger sent to the most prominent kings and emperors, that they must assemble in all their royal splendor, to receive the King of kings in a becoming way? Oh no! He is sent to some poor shepherds in the field. And so interested is the heavenly host in this glorious event that soon a whole multitude is with the angel praising God. Away, ye vain pleasures of earth, ye giddy halls of mirth, riches, honor, fairy, fleeting dreams! I must go and hear the angels sing. They sing of Jesus, Heaven, glory, good will toward men. That song is for me with the broken heart, and the wounded soul,146and the fearful debt, which I could never pay. Jesus has come. Raise high my expectations. In the very name there is a soothing balm. There he is in the manger; the loveliest babe that was ever seen upon the earth. Now he is brought into the temple. There is old Simeon waiting for the consolation of Israel. Bold old man. What queer notions he has. He thinks he shall see the Lord's Christ before he dies. He will certainly be disappointed. So says unbelief. But faith clings to the promise. There the child comes. That is he. The Spirit bears witness in my soul. Blessed child. "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, for mine eyes have seen thy salvation." We are also waiting for the consolation of Israel. Scoffers say "fools." But faith clings to the promise. And soon shall we see Jesus, and old Simeon will be there too. But who is that little child sitting there in the temple? He looks to be about twelve years old. The beautiful ringlets flow gracefully round his neck. A halo of glory appears about his lovely head. His youthful eyes beam with wisdom, as he is both asking questions and answering those gray-haired doctors who sit around him. See the anxious crowd who are pressing near to hear. Hear his answer to his sorrowing father and mother, "Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?" He was already then conscious of his holy mission. Friend, be thou also about thy Father's business. Now we see him surrounded by the multitude, teaching and healing. The blind see, the deaf hear, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the dead are raised, the hungry fed, and none turned away empty. But here is a poor woman from Canaan. She is not so fortunate as to be a child of Israel. But her daughter is sick. She is needy. None can help. She cries unto Jesus, "O Lord, have mercy!" But he does not answer her a word. She fears and trembles, but still she keeps on crying, even so much that it troubles the disciples, and they want to send her away. Finally, Jesus says, "I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel." She blushes. Her heart is sinking within her. Her eyes are filling with tears. Must she go away empty? No, faith will not give up. She cries again, "Lord help me." But again Jesus looks stern. Oh hear that answer, "It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs." Poor woman, didst thou hear it? Thou art nothing but a Gentile dog! Go home, go home, he will not hear thee. She feels herself most wretched and poor. There is not the smallest merit in herself that she can point to. But faith is unconquerable. She admits that she is no better than a dog. "Yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table." "Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith, be it unto thee even as thou wilt." Thus Jesus will still hear every poor soul that comes unto him, be they ever so unworthy. His name is still Jesus. He cannot deny himself. He suffered in the garden. He died on the cross. He suffered for you and for me. He invites all and turns away none. He has power enough and love enough to save all that come unto him. Kind reader, will you stay away? This is all very well you say, but it is an old story: things passed and gone. So they are passed, it is true. But where is Jesus now? Even now, amid the perils of the last days, while thousands are worshiping at the shrine of mammon, iniquity abounding, and the love of many waxing cold, yes, now more than ever, sweet memories cluster around our Great High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary. He is like a fountain of water in the wilderness, like a cooling rock in the burning desert, to the poor, weary pilgrim. O my soul, forget not his loving kindness. He brought me out from destruction's path. He found me by the wayside, sick and wounded, and cared for me most kindly when all others failed. He soothed my pains, and healed my wounds, and even now will carry all my burdens. He is the same, yesterday, to-day, and forever. Always found by those who seek him. Praise the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me call upon his holy name. But you must soon die, and all the enjoyment you have now is only through faith. "Let not your heart be troubled, ye believe in God, believe also in me. . . . I go to prepare a place for you. . . . I will come again and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there ye may be also." Oh blessed thought! Sweetest of all the thoughts connected with Jesus' name. We have many foes, all trying to destroy us, *Yet let nothing spoil your peace;
Christ will also conquer them,
Soon the joyful news will come,
Child, your Father calls, come home.* 3. The power of the name Jesus is most wonderfully manifested for the good of man and the glory of God. This power did not cease when Jesus left this earth. "Lo I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." In Acts iii, we have a remarkable instance recorded. There is a lame man in the gate of the temple. Day after day he has been carried there these many years, to prolong a miserable existence by begging. Peter and John are coming into the temple, and Peter, in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, bids him rise up and walk. Now behold the power of that name: "Immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. And he, leaping up, stood and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking and leaping, and praising God." Filled with joy, and trying to convince all of his perfect soundness, he not only stood up and then walked, but went on leaping, and praising God. And the apostles confess before the people, "And his (Jesus') name, through faith in his name, hath made this man strong." Neither is this the only instance of such glorious display of divine power upon poor mortals through Jesus' name. "There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits; and they were healed every one." Acts v. Nor is the remnant people left altogether without such manifestations. There are not a few in our ranks who this day can testify to the power of the name of Jesus. Jesus is still with his people. But as we hear of signs and lying wonders being multiplied about us, we feel that we need more of the power of Jesus' name. But this can only be given to such as walk in great humility before God. Oh! for a closer walk with God, that we may realize more of the power of Jesus' name, both individually and as a people. This same power is also known by the conversion of sinners, and its sanctifying influence upon those who believe. Eighteen centuries have not darkened its glory, or diminished its power. All the blasphemy and insult heaped upon it, serves only to make it sound still sweeter in a believer's ear. The manifestations of the power of Jesus' name shall never cease. Every soul that loves God must be saved. The last stone in the spiritual temple building must be hewed and put in its place. Then the great corner stone will finish the building. "He shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end." And just as powerful as Jesus' name has been in the salvation of his people, so powerful it will also be in the destruction of sinners. "As the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers." Not one of them shall escape. "For evildoers shall be cut off; but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth." "Let sinners be consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more. Bless thou the Lord, O my soul. Praise ye the Lord." Then every creature which is in Heaven, and on the earth will be heard saying, Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb forever and ever. Then redemption will be completed, and the morning stars will again sing together, and all the sons of God shout for joy. Swelled by the happy throng of the redeemed, those songs sound still sweeter, and louder ring those shouts of joy, until the whole universe reverberates the joyful sound with not a single discord. Oh that joy unspeakable, that eternal weight of glory! Reader, will you be there? Gather us Home.
By D. H. Lamson
ONWARD, speed onward, O time in your flight,
Bring the glad morning when all will be light;
Chase the dark shadows of life far away,
Ope to our vision the life-giving day.
Our journey is ending; O Lord, this we know,
And light is still marking our path as we go,
Yet we are halting, and fear lest we stray,
Take us, and lead us, and save us, we pray. Boldly, and fearlessly, would we engage,
Conquer, or press, all our foes in their rage;
Many, disdainful and proud, though they be,
Still we are strong, O our Saviour, with thee.
Proudly we'll raise thy bright banner on high,
Let the broad pennant spread out in the sky,
Firm is it fixed, and will gallantly wave,
Long o'er the ship of the "Mighty to save." Joys are before us, and hope still is true,
The glories of Heaven rush on to our view;
And as we near them transcendently sweet,
Seem the bright paths to our wandering feet.
When shall we tread them? be patient, my heart;
Wait for the summons from earth to depart;
Watch for the lightning that shineth from far—
Ready to rise to his fiery car. Troubles are coming, the winds must obey
The voice of the angel, his hand cannot stay;
The legions of earth from their corners arise,
The heft of the battle's in sight of the prize;
Yet we will not fear in war's dread alarm,
Trusting Jehovah's omnipotent arm,
He is our covert, a shield for our breast,
And gives us for aye from our enemies rest. Flames are above him, beneath him, around,
With glad hosannas the heavens resound;
But to the wicked his arrows are sped,
His storm-cloud of vengeance has burst on their head;
Salvation has come! blessed God, we will cry,
Thy praise shout and sing as we pass through the sky,
And when we reach the delectable shore,
Our hearts will be tuned to his praise evermore.
D. H. LAMSON.
Olivet, Mich. The Present State of Affairs.
Under the above heading, an interesting article appears in an English Monthly, from which the following is a short extract: The present state of affairs is no easy subject to deal with amidst so many conflicting rumors, and in such a labyrinth of political embarrassments. Yet one thing, and one alone, is clear—that no nation within the limits of the prophetic earth is, at this moment, perfectly settled, much less perfectly secure—or, rather there is no nation which is not in such a position, that it might not at a day's notice be involved in war or revolution. The only settled thing is the universal dissettlement of nations; the only thing sure, is that no nation can be sure of one day's peace. Like the forerunners of a tropical hurricane, we see the little clouds flitting here and there "with the rapidity of birds"—while the air below and around us is as calm as death—the storm is high above our heads—when will it rush down? If we move from North to South, we find Russia at war in Central Asia, advancing to India as surely as the night is stealing on the day. Italy all but bankrupt, yet compelled to maintain her army at its utmost strength—and to prepare for an attack, sooner or later, on Venetia. Bankruptcy, if the army should be kept up much longer—tumult or revolution, inevitable,147if the army shall be disbanded, or Venetia left permanently under Austria. We need not speak now of Rome or of the Pope, for that subject is before the minds of all the world, and, besides, the time has not come for seeing it in all its outlines and dimensions. Look next to the East and West, and you will find ubiquitous Russia in Central Asia, and at the center of Asiatic centers, Samarcand. India always ready for revolt, America full of confusion, and preparing for war. China, in the furthest east, in a state of permanent rebellion—the remotest western nations of America always in a state of feud. As for Europe itself—every nation and country, except Holland and Portugal, is more or less embroiled either at home, or with its neighbors. Germany is seething like a cauldron; and Spain is always in confusion—as well it may, being the masterpiece of Palmerstonian statesmanship. What real good could come from such a source? In short, "the whole earth sitteth still and is at rest," and yet all is undermined by subterranean fires—and the subterranean smoke issues out through many a yawning chasm. Christendom has grown hard and dry—Christianity, in man's vile hands, and under his very feet, has been moulded into idolatry, or trampled into dust! And the weary earth opens her mouth to swallow up the impostor and the imposture. Man is the impostor and man's Christianity is the imposture, and both shall be swallowed up together. The thick smoke issuing through a thousand chasms, gives warning of the earthquake. * Russia struggling on the brink of ruin, with internal difficulties, yet contriving to conquer Central Asia, and to advance to India, at the same time. Italy growing in power and prosperity, yet on the verge of bankruptcy. America longing to fold her arms in peace, yet preparing for war. The Fenians put down under ineffable scorn, yet stronger than ever, and preparing for an outbreak in some unknown direction. An ambitious emperor renouncing all schemes of conquest, and converted in a moment into a kind of President of the Peace Society. Giving up Belgium, giving up the Rhine, reducing his army, reducing even his favorite naval establishments, yet keeping both army and navy just as efficient as before! What an odd combination of apparent tranquility, and real, deep, unfathomable agitation. A calm on the surface, an earthquake shaking the bottom of the deep—a calm on the level of the horizon, a tempest in the heights of the atmosphere. * A Smoking Minister Emerges from Smoke.
DEAR SIR: I have left off smoking. I could give you, in my own experience, some items that I think must be a little troublesome to the conscience of any smoking minister. I indulged in it till I was thoroughly convinced that it was not only opposed to the refined socialities of life, but that it was detrimental to health, befogging to the intellect, and stultifying to the sensibilities.—I will, however, trouble you with only a few details on its moral bearings. They will do to use against the habit, just as well as they would were they your own personal experience. Take this text of the Apostle! "If meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth." A very practical text; but I was a smoker, and that habit was opposed to the best Christian sense of my brethren, and even by many who were not Christians, was regarded as a vice. I must waive that subject, lest my people say, "Physician, heal thyself." I wanted to preach upon the duty of self-denial—a duty that needs often to be urged. But the idea of a smoker preaching such a doctrine was simply ridiculous. That must be delayed then. The subject of Temperance came up. I felt called to preach upon it; but I could find no sound premise from which to reason, that was not destructive to my peace as a smoking Christian. I wished to preach a sermon on Benevolence, requiring to save the littles for Christ; but my cigar-bill faced me. I could not well preach in the face of that. It was my daily prayer that God would cleanse my heart from sin. Conscience would whisper smoking is a sin. I wished to visit my people; but both my clothes and my breath indicated that I had been smoking. I had a little rather they would not know it; beside, it might be offensive to them. I must stay at home. I needed two or three hours of vigorous bodily exercise; but I sat down and smoked after each meal, and an hour and a half or two hours of the day were gone. A good smoke requires an hour. I could not spare the time for exercise, and I soon got so that vigorous exercise was irksome; in fine, I grew lazy. But I forbear. I do not know how others get along with these daily experiences, but I could not endure them longer, and I am no longer a smoker. I relate these experiences to you because I know you have a disposition to trouble people's consciences about this sin so far as you can.—But a sinner knows best how a sinner feels, and the above items may help you. Beside, I owe you this confession, as evidence of approval of your efforts and arguments for reform in this matter. Defeating Heresy by Establishing Truth
My principal method of defeating heresy is by establishing truth. One proposes to fill a basket with tares; now if I can fill it with wheat, I shall defy his attempts.—Newton. Scripture Patterns of Meekness.
By Matthew Henry
Good examples help very much to illustrate and enforce good rules, bringing them closer to particular cases, and showing them to be practicable. Precedents are of great use in law. If we would be found walking in the same spirit, and in the same steps with those who have gone before us, this is the spirit by which we must be actuated, and these the steps in which we must walk; this is the way of good men, for wise men to walk in. Let us go forth then “by the footsteps of the flock.” We are compassed about with a great cloud of witnesses, who will bear their testimony to the comfort of meekness, and upon trial recommend it to us; but we shall only single out some few from the Scripture. Abraham was a pattern of meekness, and he was the “father of the faithful.” As he was famous for faith, so was he for meekness; for the more we have of faith toward God, the more we shall have of meekness toward men. How meek was he, when there was a strife betwixt his herdsmen and Lot’s, which, had it proceeded, might have been of ill consequence, for “the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelt then in the land;” but it was reasonably overruled by the prudence of Abraham. “Let there be no strife, I pray thee;” though he might command peace, yet for love’s sake he beseeches. Every word has an air of meekness, and a tendency to peace. And when the expedient for the prevention of strife was their parting from each other, though Lot was the junior, yet Abraham for peace’ sake, quitted his right, and gave Lot the choice; and the gracious visit which God gave him thereupon, was an abundant recompense for his mildness and condescension. Another instance of Abraham’s meekness we have when Sarah quarrelled with him so unreasonably about her maid, angry at that which she herself had done. “My wrong be upon thee; the Lord judge between thee and me.” Abraham might have replied, “You may thank yourself, it was your own contrivance;” but laying aside the present provocation, he replies, “Behold thy maid is in thy hand.” He did not answer passion with passion, that would have put all into a flame; but he answered passion with meekness, so all was quiet. Another instance of Abraham’s meekness we have in the transactions between him and Abimelech, his neighbor. He first enters into a covenant of friendship with him, which was confirmed by an oath, and then [not reproaches him, but] reproves him for a wrong his servants had done him about a well of water; which gives us this rule of meekness, “Not to break friendship for a small matter of difference;” such occasions there are, which they that are disposed to it might quarrel about; but “what is that between me and thee?” If meekness rule, matters at variance may be fairly reasoned and adjusted, without violation or infringement of friendship. This is the example of that great patriarch. Moses was a pattern of meekness, it was his master grace, that in which, more than in any other, he excelled. This testimony the Holy Spirit gives to him that “the man Moses was very meek, ABOVE ALL THE MEN ON THE FACE OF THE EARTH.” This character is given of him upon occasion of an affront he received from those of his own house; which intimates that his quiet and patient hearing it, was the greatest proof and instance of his meekness. Those can bear any provocations, that can bear it from their own relations. The meekness of Moses, as the patience of Job, was tried on all hands. Armor of proof is sure to be shot at. It would seem that his wife was none of the best humored women; for what a passion was she in about the circumcising of her son, when she reproached him as a “bloody husband;” and we do not read of one word that he replied, but let her have her saying. When God was angry, and Zipporah angry, it was best for him to be quiet. The lot of his public work was cast “in the provocation, in the day of temptation, in the wilderness,” but as if all the mutinies of murmuring Israel were too little to try the meekness of Moses, his own brother and sister, those of no less figure than Miriam the prophetess, and Aaron the saint of the Lord, quarrel with him, speak against him, envy his honor, reproach his marriage, and are ready to head a rebellion against him. God heard this and was displeased; Num. xii, 2, 9; but we do not find that he was moved by it, made any complaint to God, or answer to them, nor a word he said, till we find him praying heartily for his provoking sister, who was then under the tokens of God’s displeasure for the affront she gave him. The less a man strives for himself, the more is God engaged in honor and faithfulness to appear for him. When Christ said, “I seek not my own glory,” he presently added, “but there is one that seeketh and judgeth.” And it was upon this occasion that Moses obtained this good report, “He was the meekest of all the men on the earth.” “No man,” says Bishop Hall, “could have given greater proof of courage than Moses. He confronted Pharaoh in his own court, not fearing the wrath of the king; he durst look God in the face amidst the terrors of mount Sinai, and draw near to the thick darkness where God was; and yet that Spirit that made and knew his heart, said he was the meekest, mildest man upon the earth. Mildness and fortitude may well lodge together in one breast, which corrects the mistake of those that will allow none valiant but the fierce.” The meekness of Moses qualified him to be a magistrate, especially among a people so very provoking, that they gave him occasion to use all the meekness he had, and all little enough to bear their “manners” in the wilderness. When they murmured against him, arrayed his authority, and were ready to stone him, he resented these provocations with very little of personal application or concern; but instead of using his interest in Heaven to summon plagues upon them, he made it his business to stand in the “gap,” and by his intercessions for them, to turn away the wrath of God from them. And yet we must observe that, though Moses was the meekest man in the world, yet, when God’s honor and glory were concerned, no one was more warm and zealous; witness his resentment of the golden calf, when, in a holy indignation at that abominable iniquity, he broke the tables of stone. And when Korah and his crew invaded the priest’s office, he said unto the Lord, “Respect not thou their offering.” He that was a lamb in his own cause, was a lion in the cause of God. Displeasure at sin, as sin, is very well consistent with reigning meekness. Nor can it be forgotten, that though Moses was eminent for meekness, yet he once transgressed the laws of it; when he was old, and his spirit was provoked, he “spake unadvisedly with his lips, and it went ill with him for it;” Ps. cvi, 33; which is written for our admonition; not to justify our rash anger, but to engage us to stand upon our guard at all times against it, that he who thinks he stands may take heed lest he fall, and that he who has thus fallen may not wonder if he come under the rebukes of Divine Providence for it in this world, as Moses did, and yet may not despair of being pardoned upon repentance. [Matthew Henry. Those who have watched the pathway of the Cholera with its dreadful ravages in time past, are persuaded that it will visit us in North America this season. In view of this fact, many wise and judicious counsels have been given to save the people from its power. The following advice is timely and important. There is every reason to expect that the Cholera will be here by the middle of May or the first of June. Its victims will be principally: 1. Those who use intoxicating drinks. 2. Those who are not cleanly in their persons and houses. 3. Those who are irregular in their habits, keeping unseasonable hours, eating irregularly, &c. 4. Those living in filthy, dirty localities. 1. Be scrupulously clean in person, bathing the whole body daily, and keeping the entire clothing clean. 2. Clean thoroughly and whitewash your rooms, outhouses, and premises generally. 3. See that no swill, garbage, or other refuse matter is thrown out either on your lot, street, or alley. Clean up thoroughly your whole premises, indoors and out, and set an example of cleanliness to your neighbors. 4. If your landlord refuses or neglects to do his duty in putting his houses and lots in proper order, report him to the Health Officer or your visitor in your district. 5. Abstain from all intoxicating drinks, ale, and beer, as well as whisky. 6. Use simple, wholesome food, thoroughly cooked, avoiding stale vegetables or tainted meats. Do not give way to panic. This will increase your danger. Cholera will in most cases, yield to skillful treatment, if taken in its first stages. Watch for the first symptom, which is usually a diarrhoea. Do not neglect it for a single hour, however mild it may be. Delays are dangerous. Avoid all nostrums and all “Cholera medicines.” Most of them will do more harm than good. MAN WITHOUT PIETY AND VIRTUE.
By Tillotson
The true reason why the societies of men are so full of tumult and disorder, so troublesome and tempestuous, is because there is so little of true religion among men; so that, were it not for some small remainder of piety and virtue which is yet left scattered among mankind, human society would in a short space disband and run into confusion; the earth would become wild, and would become a great forest, and mankind would become a beast of prey one toward another.—Tillotson. Nine Reasons Against Tobacco-Using.
By D. M. Canright
CHRISTIANS cannot use tobacco, 1. Because it is a filthy habit, as all will allow. God has emphatically condemned all uncleanness and filthiness. "But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient; but rather giving of thanks." Eph. v, 3, 4. "Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from ALL FILTHINESS of the FLESH and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." 2 Cor. vii, 1. 2. Because it is contrary to nature. God never gave any human being a natural taste for tobacco. On its first introduction into the system, nature rallies with all its powers to expel it; hence it produces vomiting, faintness, &c. Some plead, that God never "created anything in vain," and as he has created tobacco, it must be good to use it just as they do. Very well; God created the thistle, the mullein, and the toad-stool, too. Why don't they chew them? 3. Because it does not glorify God. As the tobacco-user defiles all around him by his filthy juice, or impregnates the air with its nauseous fumes, can he look up to Heaven and say, "I thus glorify God." No, he would not dare to do it. But the Holy Spirit has said, "Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." 1 Cor. x, 31. No tobacco monger can do this. 4. Because it simply gratifies a lust of the flesh. The one uniform reason that tobacconists give for using it, is, that they have become used to it and love it; it tastes good, and they cannot make up their minds to deny this appetite. But hear the word of the Lord again; "But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to FULFILL THE LUSTS THEREOF." Rom. xiii, 14. "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lusts of the flesh." "And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts." Gal. v, 16, 24. See also Eph. ii, 3; James iv, 3. 5. Because it is idolatry. That we may make a god of the appetite, is clear from Paul's language, Phil. iii, 19. Of those who are governed by their appetite, he says, "Whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is their shame, who mind earthly things." What appetite is more enslaving than that unnatural one for tobacco? None. To gratify this, a man will deny himself of his necessary food and raiment, will let his wife and children suffer want and privation, and will neglect his most pressing business at any time. I have seen all this myself. If a man was out of tobacco three days, and could go at evening to the house of God to worship the Lord, or five miles to the village and get his tobacco, at which place would he be found? At the latter every one knows. Then which god does he love best? the Lord, or his tobacco? "Thou shalt have no other gods before me," reads the first commandment. 6. Because it is a poison which destroys the health and life of those who use it. "Tobacco is one of the most deadly narcotics found upon the list of poisons." N. B. Coles, M. D. Abundance of testimony might be given on this point, but it is not necessary here. 7. Because it defiles the garments, flesh, blood, and brains, of the body, which is God's temple. "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are." 1 Cor. iii, 16, 17. Tobacco penetrates and defiles every fiber in the whole system. Let tobacco-users beware. 8. Because it destroys the graces of the mind. The moment a tobacco-user is deprived of his accustomed tobacco, he becomes irritable, peevish, cross, and snappish to all around him. This all know to be true. This is the effect of tobacco. All this is directly opposed to the work of the Spirit. Paul says, "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, meekness, temperance." Gal. v, 22, 23. 9. Because it is worse than squandering the means which God has committed to our care over which we are only stewards. The Scriptures very plainly declare that all we possess is only committed to our care by God, and that we are accountable to him for the use we make of it. See the parable of the talents, Matt. xxv, 14–30. "Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase." Prov. iii, 9. 9. As the poor man hands out from one to five dollars for his filthy weed, and knows at the same time that his family needs that money, or that he owes debts that he ought to pay with it, can he say that he is honoring God by using his money to gratify his filthy, unnatural, health-destroying appetite? He must be far gone in depravity if he does think so. Thousands of men, whose families are in needy circumstances, whose children are not being educated as they ought to be, "because father is not able to send them to school," and who are giving little or nothing for the cause of Christ, are nevertheless paying from ten to forty dollars per year for tobacco! What a fearful account such will have to settle with their Maker! To such he says, "Wherefore do ye spend money for that WHICH IS NOT BREAD? and your labor for that which satisfieth not! hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness." Isa. lv, 2. Many often say to us, "I use tobacco, and intend to, till you show me by the Bible that it is wrong, then I will give it up." Of course we cannot read from the Bible in so many words, "Thou shalt not use tobacco." It was not known in those times. But we do find many of its leading attributes and effects, when used, directly condemned by the Bible. Hence it is just as plainly condemned by the Scriptures as though it had said, "Thou shalt not use tobacco."
D. M. CANRIGHT.