DEAR BRETHREN, SCATTERED ABROAD: We have reached a time when we can confidently take our stand upon the position expressed in the heading we have given to these lines: that the providence of God has brought us to a place where the message, or the work, of the ascending angel of Rev. vii, 2, must be fulfilled.
Not to enter into an exposition of that prophecy, let us state a few of its leading features upon which there can be no question:
1. The winds denote political strifes and commotions among the nations.
2. The four angels standing upon the four corners of the earth, holding these winds, are four divine messengers into whose charge God has committed the affairs of the nations, and whose province it is, both to restrain the winds of strife, when the work of God requires it, and also to cause the winds to blow, and to raise up the great whirlwind from the coasts of the earth, Jer. xxv, 32, when the church of God is prepared, and the nations are ripe, for this final commotion.
3. The angel of verse 2, ascending from the East with the seal of the living God, is identical with the third angel of Rev. xiv, 9-12.
4. His crying to the four angels to hurt not the earth, &c., that is, to restrain the blowing of the winds, till the sealing of the servants of God is accomplished, shows conclusively that some work of strife, war and commotion is beginning to arise which interferes with the sealing work, and which, in the counsel of God, must be restrained till that work is accomplished.
5. As the angel of Rev. xiv, 9, symbolizes a work on the part of the church, so the cry of this angel must denote an earnest petition of God's people, for the restraint of some national or political strife, which is beginning to interfere with their work.
So much we think we read unmistakably from a glance at the prophecy. Let us now glance at the political world, and see if we find any corresponding events.
1. The principal theater of the third angel's message, the final message of mercy which we solemnly believe is now being given, seems to be in our own country.
2. A terrible rebellion has been raging in this land for now nearly four years, drawing more and more heavily on the nation's strength and resources, over fifteen hundred thousand men having already been called for on the northern side alone of this gigantic struggle.
How is this affecting the cause of present truth?
1. Believing that Christians are prohibited by the teachings of the word of God from engaging in carnal warfare, suppose all of our people who are drafted raise the $300 commutation money, a privilege thus far granted; this is a draft upon us for means which cannot long be sustained. The present call for men, whether a draft takes place, or whether volunteers are raised by means of large bounties, will cost the Battle Creek church more than the whole amount of their systematic benevolence for the past four years; and the amount that will be required to clear our brethren generally from the service on this call, cannot be estimated at less than from twenty-five to forty thousand dollars. This means is needed in the cause.
2. If we do not commute, but go into the service in hospitals or to care for freedmen, our own ranks are depleted.
3. Thousands upon thousands who would doubtless hear the truth, and become earnest Christians, are drawn away to the field of carnage, to be mown down in battle, or languish in hospitals or Southern prisons.
4. The mind of the nation is so absorbed in this dreadful contest that it is almost impossible to call attention to religious subjects.
Thus we must inevitably lose means, or lose our own numbers, and lose those who would embrace the truth, and lose the attention of the people. And now suppose this work to go on, and a call for men to come as it almost inevitably would, every five or six months, what could we do? The cause would be crushed. We are thus brought, as it plainly appears to us, to a place where if the war continues, we must stop. We repeat it, The war must stop, or our work in spreading the truth must stop. Which shall it be? Relying upon God, and having confidence in the efficacy of prayer, and the indications of his prophetic word, we believe that the work of God must not be hindered. True Christians are the light of the world, and the salt of the earth. If ten righteous persons could have been found in Sodom it would have been spared. God's work in these last days must not, will not stop.
We pray God to arouse the attention of his people to these things. And we would recommend, nay more, earnestly request, all our churches and scattered brethren, to set apart four days commencing Wednesday, March 1, and continuing till the close of the following Sabbath, as days of earnest and importunate prayer over this subject. Let business be suspended, and the churches meet at 1 o'clock on the afternoon of each of the week days, and twice on the Sabbath, to pour out their supplications before God. These meetings should be free from anything like discussion, and be characterized by humiliation, confessions, prayers for light and truth, and efforts for a fresh and individual experience in the things of God. Let the sentiment of Rev. vii, 3, be the guide to the burden of our petitions. And as among the poor bondmen, God may have many servants, pray that the war may result in good in opening the door of the truth to them.
During these days of prayer, we recommend on the part of all a very abstentious and simple diet, Dan. x, 3, while some may more or less abstain from food, as their health may permit, or their feelings may prompt. Labor will be suspended at the Review Office, and there will consequently be no paper next week, but one early the week following.
Those who receive this notice previous to Sabbath, Feb. 25, are invited to devote that day to the objects above stated.
We shall expect that all who have the interests of the message at heart, will engage willingly and earnestly in this matter; and we pray that those who do not feel over our present times and prospects may be speedily aroused.
The number of God's servants will be made up; for the prophet so declares; but not till after an earnest work has taken place on the part of the church. We firmly believe the time has come for us to act—then follows the sealing work, or the loud cry of the third message—then triumph—then translation—then eternal life. Amen.
JOHN BYINGTON,
JAMES WHITE, for
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH,
GEO. W. AMADON,
Report from Bro. Fuller.
By N. Fuller
BRO. WHITE: As it has been some time since I have reported through the Review, I would say, it has not been because I am not interested or engaged in the cause of present truth.
I have labored since the State Conference when among the churches, to get before their minds the necessity of adopting the plan of systematic benevolence, and with willing hearts they are all coming up to it. The fault has been in the past, on the part of those of us who have labored in word and doctrine. May the Lord forgive us, and help us to do better in the future.
We took the work in hand with the church in Allegany Co. to adopt the plan, and although this is a large church, numbering almost eighty members, not more than one or two stood back, and they had nothing to offer against it.
The churches, as far as I have gone, have also adopted the plan recommended by the N. Y. and Pa. State Conference to give all instead of a part of their S. B. fund to the Conference.
The cause is gaining ground in this country. Our meetings have been attended with deep interest, and we see means of good in almost every place where we have meetings. I have been laboring in McKean Co., Pa., some time in the past, in a place called Farmers' Valley. I closed meetings for the present, Feb. 1st. Four arose as candidates for baptism. Eleven united with the little church organized in that vicinity last October, numbering at that time thirteen, and now twenty-four. The former members feel greatly encouraged and strengthened. Others are convinced of the truth in this vicinity, and are only waiting to get strength to turn their feet into the testimonies of the Lord. I go back to-morrow to labor a little longer with them. Oh may the Lord make the word effectual.
I have since been laboring with the church in Farmington, Tioga Co., eighty miles east of the above-named place. I gave six discourses, and the interest was such that I regretted to leave so soon. The Lord has something there to be done, that must soon be attended to.
I send you with this, six subscribers for the Review, from those two places. I sold ten dollars worth of books.
As several brethren have written me requesting labors in their vicinity, I would say, I will go anywhere and labor where the people are willing the Lord should work for them. I can judge the best by the condition of the church. They must be awake and letting their light so shine before men that others can see their good works.
When will the time come when churches will live so that the Lord can work through them instead of detaining the servants of God to labor to get them right? This time must come and then the loud cry of the third angel will begin. Oh may God speed on the happy moment. I long to see the truth triumph. It is destined to triumph, thank Heaven. Men may oppose and Satan may hurl all his fiery darts, but God has this work in his own hands. Our captain is Jesus and he will lead every faithful soldier safe to those mansions he has gone to prepare.
Then it depends upon our faithfulness, whether we wear the crown of glory and shout victory on the other shore. Praise the Lord for the blessed hope, the glorious appearing of the great God, and of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Let the good work go on until the church is without spot or wrinkle, or any such thing. Amen.
N. FULLER.
Wellsville, N. Y.
The World's Great Hinge.
By James White
How to live, so as to preserve life, health, physical and mental strength, is the great hinge on which the world turns. Number two of How to Live will be out in a few days. Besides other valuable matter, it contains Dr. Jackson's Lecture on Diphtheria, Dr. Austin's System of Baths, and twenty pages from Mrs. W. on Disease and its Causes, in which she enters fully into the miseries and happiness of domestic life, in a manner to interest and instruct all who have any regard for health, life, and happiness. We urge this series of Pamphlets upon our friends, with the promise to refund the price to all who, on reading them, think they do not get the worth of their money. We want your orders, with the cash, now. Please order the five Pamphlets, as we cannot break the sets. Price, postpaid, $1.
J. W.
Aphorisms on Character and Religion
If gold and religion were not really valuable, no one would deem it an object to counterfeit either.
There is in some minds a very intimate connection between a man's character and the quality of his coat.
One always receiving, never giving, is like the stagnant pool, in which whatever flows remains, whatever remains corrupts.
Men would rather hear of Christ crucified for them, than be crucified for Christ.
The Work Prospering in Chicago.
By E. G. Rust, H. C. Miller, E. D. Place
Bro. WHITE: We would like to mention through the Review, that the Lord is at work for us here in Chicago, and that we desire to humble ourselves under his mighty hand, that in due time we may be exalted. We desire to do all the good we can in the cause we love.
Since we came here, we have tried to search out those who would listen, and in our weakness to spread the last message of mercy before them, that such as are honest in heart might be saved. God has greatly blessed us in our feeble endeavors. Six have pronounced for the Lord, and are trying to leave the world, their idols, and obey God. Others are interested, some of whom we have good hope may decide for the truth and the Lord.
We have now established meetings, and meet regularly at the house of Bro. and Sr. Place, No. 40 Griswold street, near the Michigan Southern depot, every Sabbath at two o'clock P. M., and Tuesday evenings. The Lord meets with us by his Spirit. There are now ten in all who are trying to keep the Sabbath. We need the help of some of our brethren in the ministry very much. May the Lord lead some one to come over to Chicago to help us. To this end, we cordially invite all preaching brethren, as well as all other brethren and sisters stepping in, or passing through Chicago, to call on us and attend our meetings at No. 40 Griswold street. We need the help of our brethren in the Lord.
We would also be very glad to have yourself and Sr. White stop with and help us whenever you may be passing this way. Pray for us that the Lord's work may still be carried on here.
E. G. RUST,
H. C. MILLER,
E. D. PLACE.
Chicago, Ill., Feb. 6, 1865.
Quarterly Meetings in Mich.
By John Byington
Bro. White: My last report was from Monterey. We had six meetings here. We felt much blessed while with this church. We think their trials will work for their good. Their large meeting-house was quite well filled, and the best of all was the blessing of the Lord upon his people.
Jan. 25, we were at Allegan. We had an evening meeting. It was very cold and stormy, some of the brethren were absent and but few at the meeting.
We met with the church in Otsego, Sabbath, the 28th. Here were quite a number that we formerly met with at Buck's Bridge, N. Y. We felt blessed with them at this meeting. Our meeting was in a private house and much crowded. They need a meeting-house and would have one was it not that the war uses up about all the means which they could spare for building.
Sabbath, Feb. 4th, we were with the church in Parkville. We had five meetings with them. There was a good attendance from without on first-day. Quite a number have removed from this church. The evening of the 7th, we had an interesting meeting in the school-house near Brn. Charles and John Langdon's.
Sabbath, 11th, the day set apart for prayer and fasting we spent with the church in Newton. At the close of the meeting about all united in a season of prayer, that God would guide his people in this day of peril.
Jno. Byington.
Religion of Convenience.
By Wm. C. Gage
ThE popular, ease-loving professors of the day abound in arguments (!) against scripture methods and doctrines, nine-tenths of which are based on convenience. "Oh yes, the Sabbath is right, but it isn't convenient to keep a day so different from all other people." This is about the only objection against the Sabbath truth which cannot be fairly met and removed from the way, and as it is really an argument for the truth, we prefer to let it stand.
There are also many other duties enjoined upon Christians which may be made inconvenient if they so choose, and among these duties is the ordinance of baptism. It looks exceedingly strange to some people that a few will persist in following the example of the Master by going "down into the water," when it is so much more convenient to just wet the tip of the finger and moisten the forehead, not even soiling the most delicate laces and embroideries. But the latest novelty in the theological world is the fact that the pedo-baptists have found a refuge in one of the fox-holes of Israel's latter-day prophets namely, the Arctic regions. We have all heard the plea that the seventh day cannot be kept in that locality, therefore Christians everywhere should keep the first day; and now a writer in a late number of the Congregationalist comes out against immersion because the water freezes over, in the region round the north pole, and it would be very difficult to practice the ordinance in that manner. The next thing we shall look for, will be the declaration that the gospel never was intended for the Arctic regions, because any one would freeze to death in attempting to preach it there.
WM. C. GAGE.
Manchester, N. H.
Memory and Forgetfulness
By Penfie
THE man who forgets a great deal that has happened has a better memory than he who remembers a great deal that never happened.
The Sabbath Among the Norwegians.
By John Matteson
BRO. WHITE: On Jan. 5th I finished a course of lectures among the Norwegians in La Grange, Walworth Co. These meetings were generally well attended. At first there was a great deal of prejudice. The people hardly dared let me into their houses. They were very certain that I was a false prophet. But now many think the Lord is verily in this work.
This people are naturally slow to decide, but firm when they once have received the truth. Two have commenced to keep the commandments, and many others believe it is right; but they say I must be patient and not look for the fruits of my labor too soon. The Lord has some honest souls here, who, no doubt, will receive the last message of mercy.
In the same time I have met with the Little Prairie church on the Sabbaths. Jan. 7 and 8 we had a Quarterly Meeting.
This church has been brought very low by giving the enemy a chance to sow discord. Oh that the remnant people of God would learn to live out the principle taught by our Saviour in Matt. xviii, 15-17. How important it is to be "swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath." How necessary to heed the kind warning, "Speak not evil one of another, brethren."
One member was disfellowshiped. Another was, after much labor, brought into full union with the church. I trust this church is now reviving and pressing nearer together. May the Lord help them to be on their watch and come off conquerors.
I attended the Quarterly Meeting at Oakland. The Lord blessed us. One brother and a sister were baptized and received into the church.
I have read some of Spiritual Gifts, Vol. iv, to these brethren in their own language, as many of them cannot understand the English. They love the testimony, and praise God for it.
At Marquette I attended Quarterly Meeting the 28th and 29th. Many of the brethren from Mackford were present. The Spirit of the Lord was with us, and we rejoiced in the love of our Saviour and longed for his coming and kingdom. One determined to keep the commandments of God.
This church has had many troubles, and some of these were still unhealed. We labored with this church two days, had two church meetings, and succeeded in restoring one to full union; and from one the church withdrew. We had a good meeting the last evening. All manifested much humility, and the Lord blessed us richly. We felt that we had got one step nearer to the kingdom.
May the Lord bless the little church at Marquette, and help them to break all the chains of the enemy. The Lord grant that we may meet on Mt. Zion.
JOHN MATTESON.
Poy Sippi, Wis. Feb. 3, 1865.
Try Your Motives.
By E. B. Saunders
It becomes us who are looking for our Lord, to closely examine our motives, or, in other words, to look into our own hearts. "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?" The next verse tells us who can know it. "I the Lord search the heart; I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings." If the thoughts of our hearts are to receive such a close examination, we ought to look well to our motives, while space is left us for repentance.
But, how shall I test my motives? how may I know what is in my own heart? We may know what secret power prompts us to act, whether it is supreme love to God, or self-love; whether it is to honor the Lord, or ourselves, whether it is to please him, or our own carnal desires. But in our judgment we must not rely upon the evidence of feeling alone; our own actions will test what is in our hearts, better than feeling alone. The feeling of the Hindoo is just as intense in a false religion, as our own in the true.
We may learn from the text already referred to, that while the Lord searches the hearts, and tries the reins, he rewards man according to his ways, or deeds, and according to his fruits. Our actions are a better test of character even to ourselves, than our feelings. We will act out what is in our hearts. "Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh." The truest test of our motives is our deeds; thus, if we love God, we will keep his commandments; not simply the Sabbath alone, but all of his commandments; in other words, if the love of God is in our hearts, it will prompt us to obey him in all things, whether it is popular or not; no matter if the world mocks or hates; no matter how humbling the work we have to do, so it but honor the Lord, 'tis all that is asked.
The Christian religion does not consist in an occasional happy flight of feeling alone, but in an everyday action on our part, which will evidence both to ourselves and others, that we love God. If our everyday course is such as to glorify God, causing happiness to mankind, and angels to rejoice over our progress, it is better evidence that our hearts are right than an occasional happy flight of feeling, or longing desire.
On the other hand, if we perform some of the duties of religion to keep up appearances, or to please our neighbors, and get their praise or good-will, our religion will be sheer hypocrisy, and our works will not differ from those of the multitude in the broad way to perdition. Such will generally shun the cross, only so far as it is popular.
Sometimes, when we urge the necessity of the Sabbath, baptism, or washing of feet, we are told, "The Lord knows my heart; he does not require us to wash feet, but wants us to be humble enough to do it." Such know not their own hearts; if they really had the humility they profess, their actions would proclaim it quite as loudly as their tongues. God will judge every one, not by a hidden feeling, but by their works, or, according to their deeds.
We may seek to get much of this world's goods, and make the cause of God our excuse or pretext for so doing, saying that we are getting to help the cause, and we may really suppose that such is the case; but if we give but a small portion of our gains, it would be well to see if there was not some other object prompting us besides the cause of God. If we are getting to help the cause, we shall begin to help as soon as we begin to get.
Words are wanting to express that supreme love to God which ought to be the main spring of all our actions, the foundation of all our motives; and it ought to be so evident that such is the foundation we build upon, that the case will not need much argument to convince ourselves of its truth.
Selfishness, love of the world, pride, covetousness, &c., are but idols to cheat us of Heaven. Let us fear, lest they find in our heart a lodgment, and finally usurp the dominion, and rule our lives.
E. B. Saunders.
Penfield, N. Y.
Keeping the Tongue.
By C. L. Palmer
PSALM XXXIX, 1. "I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me."
The apostle tells us the tongue is an "an unruly member, and setteth on fire the course of nature;" and where is the man or woman but can attest to the truth of the apostle's words. How often we hear an unkind word spoken by one person to another, and like a spark of fire thrown among grains of powder we see an angry flash, perhaps a bitter retort, and we are immediately aware that a wrong has been done, a sin committed, with the tongue.
If we see these things among the world we should not be surprised, but if we see them in those who claim to be the children of God, we can but feel pained and are led to inquire if such is the practical working of the spirit of truth. David thought not, when he recorded the words found above; but he also saw a further duty which many of us, and far too many of us overlook or forget; and that is, to bridle our mouths before the wicked. I fear we often displease God, and grieve the holy angels by forgetting this. We shall be apt, unless always upon our guard, to give the assent by a laugh or word to some saying which at first would seem of no importance, yet one which, upon reflection, is found to contain some impious and unholy allusion or tendency; and we find we have been aiders and abettors, simply because we have not bridled our mouth. We become partakers with them in evil sayings by laughing at their jests, and more so by adding our own light foolish words to theirs, when silence should be our part; for it does not become us to reprove or advise at such times: it would be like casting pearls before swine, and we should only have our good evil spoken of. There is a proper time, and place, to speak to others, and that time and place is never found in forcing our views upon a light trifling company of worldlings in their boisterous and jesting moods, and we are in as much need of the bridle then to check any such movement, as we are when inclined to participate with them in their follies.
I think much harm is done by the unthinking in forgetting their duty in this respect. I think the safe rule, if we find ourselves among such company, is to quietly withdraw from it if possible, if not, to be silent and wait till the conversation changes to other subjects.
Again I believe it is not our province to force our views upon others in company unless the conversation can be first led in the direction of religious subjects, such as the duty of man or the signs of the times, the history of this world, and only then after others have given their opinions.
Then it may be well to inquire of them a reason for their views, and to gradually lead them to the Bible and its teachings, always exercising great care and moderation lest we by our rashness repel those whom we seek to attract.
Men are more often led to endorse a correct view by leading them to make comparisons and draw deductions for themselves than by any attempt we may make to force them to see the point by our direct proof. But when they are brought to a position to endorse a point, then is a proper time to bring in positive proofs which will confirm them and make a lasting impression and leave them in a condition to investigate and receive more light. Much might be said on this subject with profit. I should like to hear from those of wisdom and experience. C. L. PALMER.
Sturgis, Mich.
Peace in Believing.
BRO. WHITE: I feel thankful to my Heavenly Father for what he has done for me. I feel that he loves me and has a desire that I should be saved in his kingdom. Truly God is good.
When I first earnestly began to think upon my ways and saw my wretched condition, and felt how guilty I was before God, then I felt that God must be merciful or I should be lost. I felt that without his approbation there was no joy for me. But how could I find favor in the sight of him who knew my sinful heart. Oh how I longed to be a Christian and feel that my guilt was removed. For many days I felt to say, “What shall I do?” I knew there were many glorious promises, made to sinners if they would repent; but how could I believe they were for me? I was willing to comply with the conditions of the gospel; but I wanted to have the assurance that I was accepted. My faith was weak. But when I thought of the boundless love of God, and the pity he has for those that fear him, and of the compassion of Jesus, and what he had done and suffered for a race of sinners, and of his words, “Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out,” I could but resolve to claim Jesus for my Saviour. I then thought “I will go to Jesus. I will reform and be his disciple. I will claim that his atoning blood is able to cleanse me from all guilt and sin.”
I went forward and was baptized and have tried to comply with all the conditions of salvation; and, blessed be God, I have felt that peace I so longed to enjoy. I feel to praise God for the light of present truth. I love to keep his commandments. I want to keep pace with his people as they journey to Mt. Zion, and be rewarded with them in the everlasting kingdom.
“Oh what a blessed hope is ours,
Who’re waiting for our Lord.
It buoys us up in trying hours,
It’s founded on God’s word.”
In hope of immortality.
B. F. MERRITT.
Princeville, Ills.
Truth Will Prevail.
By Dudley Marvin Canright; I. D. Van Horn
"BOTH SIDES, ON THE SABBATH" is doing a noble work. It is the pioneer to the "History of the Sabbath." Persons who are not interested enough, or are too prejudiced to read the direct testimony on the subject, will readily purchase and read "Both Sides." Here they feel safe to put themselves under the protection of the Sunday advocate. They become interested in the argument, see the utter failure of their side, prejudice gives way, and they are then ready to read, or listen to, the truth. We are personally acquainted with several who are now keeping the Sabbath just through the influence of this book. The enemy of God's law missed the mark when he started that work. One man, a school teacher, being asked his opinion of "Both Sides," said that he believed Eld. Preble to be a seventh-day man, who was writing against it just to make a show of opposition, and give Bro. Smith an opportunity of showing up his side of the question!! This illustrates the weakness of Eld. P's arguments. No wonder that he wishes to revise it. Brethren and sisters, scatter this work among your friends, relatives, and neighbors. Let them see the difference between light and darkness, truth and error, God's word and tradition.
D. M. CANRIGHT.
I. D. VAN HORN.
Alma, Mich.
Rest in Heaven.
By J. A. Gregory
SHOULD sorrow o’er thy brow
Its darkened shadows fling,
And hopes that cheer thee now,
Die in their early spring ;
Should pleasure at its birth
Fade like the hues of even,
Turn thou away from earth,
There’s rest for thee in Heaven.
If ever life should seem
To thee a toilsome way,
And gladness cease to beam
Upon its clouded day ;
If like a wearied dove
O’er shoreless ocean driven,
Raise thou thine eyes above,
There’s rest for thee in Heaven.
But oh! if transient flowers,
Around thy pathway bloom,
And gaily pass the hours
Unstained by earthly gloom,
Still let not every thought
To this poor world be given ;
Not always be forgot,
Thy better rest in Heaven.
When sickness pales thy cheek,
And dims thy lustrous eye,
And pulses low and weak,
Tell of a time to die ;
Sweet hope shall cheer thee then,
Though thou from earth be riven,
There’s bliss beyond thy ken,
There’s rest for thee in Heaven.
Should dark appear the grave,
Its silence and its gloom,
Christ’s precious blood will save,
And bring thee from the tomb.
Soon that great day will come
The promise Christ has given,
To take us to our home,
Our better rest in Heaven.
J. A. GREGORY.
Items of Thought.
By Jos. Clarke
Do your duty now this moment, and you will do it every moment.
You are as accountable for moments of time, as for grains of gold.
You think your trials the greatest of all; just so thinks the little a-b-c-darian about his lessons in the alphabet.
It is easier to censure others, than to correct ourselves.
Theory is more speedily gained than practice; but it comes first, and must always precede practice, but cannot supply its place. The two are distinct, but always appear to best advantage when united.
We sometimes pity the weakness of others, but our turn comes to be pitied also.
Boasting is generally followed by mortification, and sometimes by shame and failure.
A strong, cheerful heart makes misfortune light, especially if that cheerfulness and strength is rooted in a good conscience.
Old people complain often of loss of memory, as the effect of age; when it is often the consequence of neglect and want of culture.
Temperance and a studious habit often perpetuate youth.
We cannot stay the decay of nature, but we may hinder it.
Filthy people are generally ill-natured.
Cleanliness and cheerfulness are very near of kin to each other.
A good natured man if converted makes the most useful Christian.
An ill-natured man if converted, becomes good natured, or apostatizes after staining the cause by his churlishness.
Churlishness is not sobriety; neither is lightness, cheerfulness.
Extremes meet, but they generally meet in ruin.
Moderation should be distinguished from modern conservatism.
Expediency should be distinguished from weakness, and truckling to circumstances, and self-interest, and popularity.
Confessions should not be spoiled by justifications.
It is better to be thought too little of, than too much.
Humility is better than a gold mine.
The proud person despises the humble, but the humble restrains his contempt, and changes it to pity.
Long residence in a place, enhances the influence of a good man, and calumny fears to dart her forked tongue at him, lest she might be called a viper.
An error is soon committed, but we can have a lifetime to regret it.
A stranger must not expect to escape the scrutiny of his new associates.
It is better to err in the behalf of pity, than listen to the call of self-love.
“Let me die” was the language of Jonah when he was dissatisfied with God’s directions; and the same prayer is made now by modern Jonah’s when in like predicaments.
He who acts as the Devil’s servant, must be satisfied with the Devil’s wages.
Satan cares not for your pledge, if he can but get your work.
Those whom God calls, Satan hinders if possible, and urges out those who should stay at home.
Jos. Clarke.
Extracts from Letters.
Bro. T. H. Risinger writes from Enterprise, Minn. : The Quarterly Meeting of the Enterprise church was held at the place appointed, Feb. 4 and 5.
Sabbath, at 11 A. M., quite a goodly number were out to hear the truth. As none of our ministering brethren met with us, we had some pointed and appropriate remarks from Bro. Farrar, after which all the brethren and sisters gave in their testimonies. The Lord being with us, we had a good season. We were much disappointed as to ministering brethren, as we expected one or two at this meeting. We think there is a good chance to do good here now. Two wish to unite with the church.
Bro. T. P. McReynolds writes from the Camp of the 4th Iowa Infantry, Beaufort, S. C. : I received by the last mail three packages of publications from your Office, books and tracts treating on the great doctrines of the Bible. I feel very thankful for them. They are such books as I would delight to study if my circumstances would permit. When I received the packages I thought that I should be burdened with them on the march; but before morning I got rid of all of them I wished to, by those who were eager for them.
I love the precious truths that are coming to light under the preaching of the third message. I have a hard time here in the army, but still I do not feel discouraged. I know that the Lord will be with his children, and suffer no harm to come to them. I wish the prayers of his people, that I may do his will, and finally receive eternal life.
Bro. J. Chase writes from North Leeds, Wis. : Ever since March, 1852, I have been trying to keep God's holy law, and I can truly say the way grows brighter the more I learn of it. I have no desire to turn back to this vain world for comfort. My trust is in God, and my comfort is with his people. The Review is a welcome visitor to us. I take delight in reading the letters from the dear brethren and sisters in the truth, and wish there were more of them. I believe we are drawing near the close of our probation. Jesus is soon coming.