Earlier text: The World ExpectantPopular Errors and Their Fruits. No. 4.
By William C. Gage
Among the many pernicious errors of the day, we may also reckon the popular doctrine of the temporal millennium, or world's conversion. Like many other errors originating in the mind of Satan, it has been promulgated by the servants of God. And this, we may remark, is what gives all these false doctrines their destructive tendency. The arch-deceiver well knew that sinful, ungodly, men would have but little influence in spreading the darkness of error among those he wished to lead astray, and so with cunning artifice he has directed all his energies to planting them in the very bosom of the church. By perversions of scripture, and the sophistries of "vain philosophy" he introduces "cunningly devised fables" into the minds of the people, until, when their wicked influence is most mischievous, they are so deeply rooted as to render it almost impossible to remove them. That these remarks apply to the doctrine of the world's conversion, is painfully apparent to all who have endeavored to lay before others the evidences concerning the soon coming of Jesus. Once fixed in the mind it completely neutralizes, and overcomes all the testimony on this important truth, and thus the plan of God is thwarted so far as it concerns them as individuals, and their eyes are closed to the fact that the great day is "near, even at the doors." The general effect of this doctrine is indifference and stupor, as regards the great and prominent points of present truth, and an unwillingness to recognize their claims. By placing the day of the Lord "afar off," all anxiety in the matter is dispelled, and awakened conscience is quieted, and the mind lulled into a feeling of security, which we fear will be broken in many cases only by the alarming consciousness, that the door of mercy is forever closed against those who have rejected the faithful testimony, and neglected to prepare for an entrance into the kingdom of God. Thus through the influence of this poisonous error, multitudes are kept in darkness, and if they persist in clinging to it will finally be drowned in perdition. The doctrine of unconditional election, and once in grace, always in grace, have also performed their share of mischief, in adding to the number of those who are "at ease in Zion," while they have also been conducive of a great amount of unbelief. The first of these consists in the claim that a certain favored portion of the human race are elected to be saved, and that it is therefore impossible for them to be lost. The method of reasoning by which this conclusion is reached, also compels the admission that the remainder of the race are elected to be lost, thus depriving man of free moral agency, and making him a mere machine, incapable of fulfilling any other course than the destiny marked out for him by the stern decree of fate. The tendency of such a doctrine, is to produce skepticism or a belief in fatality. A large proportion of the infidels with whom we converse, preface their apologies for their unbelief, by declaring that they were "brought up" to believe in the doctrine of election, and have only carried their reasoning to its legitimate result, and thereby proven that "whatever is, is right." The writer having been well-nigh swamped in the same fog-bank, from which he was rescued by the present truth, can speak from experience of the dangerous tendency of this belief. Of all the doctrines to produce spiritual drowsiness, it would seem that none were better calculated for this effect, than that which asserts that no one who has been genuinely converted can be lost in the end; or in other words, that no saint can "fall from grace," and become a sinner. To be sure, many good ones have believed it, but this makes it none the less an error, nor does it diminish its pernicious effects. The Scriptures continually warn those who have tasted of sins forgiven to remain steadfast, lest if they fall away it be impossible to renew them again, and even Paul feared, lest his passions overcoming him, he himself, after all his labors, might become a castaway; yet this doctrine asserts that the Christian cannot fall away, and lose the favor of God. Now it is the privilege of every true child of God to know that he has passed from death unto life; so if this doctrine is true he knows he cannot be lost. What could be better calculated to produce carnal security, and self-satisfaction? When the truths of God's word are presented to those who are befogged in this error they make but little impression, for such do not realize the need of saving truth. The evil fruits of this error are felt in a special manner in those days, when a people are to be gathered who shall come to a unity of the faith, and be sanctified and be saved through the truth. Pointed and Personal.
By J. Clarke
"For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to battle?" 1 Cor. xiv, 18. Many who would be willing that you should propose a subject and discuss it with thorough investigation, would object to illustrations from real life, because say they, such things have often a personal allusion, and are invidious. Now I protest, that a writer or a public speaker, must illustrate from real life, in order to be natural, and life-like; and an unnatural or fanciful illustration, has no force. It may amuse, but cannot convict nor enforce. A painter if skillful, will imitate nature. It would be a sorrowful thing to say to an artist, why sir did you make this picture so natural? What, says the painter, do you object to? Why, here is a scar, here is a wrinkle, and here are gray hairs. To be sure says the artist, and did you not want a true picture? Two friends sat for a photograph, both past or passing the noon of life. A. was pleased with B.'s likeness, it was so true; but did not like his own. B. was well satisfied with A.'s picture, it could not have been more correct, but was chagrined at his own. Now why was this? Simply that time had changed each more than he could realize for himself; but it was easy for each to realize the havoc time had made of his friend's beauty. So with character. Man flatters himself into self-complacency; but he cannot be so easily deceived about his friend or brother; therefore the necessity of faithful and exact delineations of many forms of evil. You might generalize a life time with some, and109your arguments are as weak as arrows aimed at a Rhinoceros. But suppose a life-like case, and you almost lift them from their seats. Who has not almost shuddered when reading Cicero's oration against Cataline. And surely Cicero was not invidious; it was life, the life of a traitor he painted before a corrupt senate; but it was so life-like, that well-bribed judges dared not sell their country to a traitor, while that picture was held there before them. Had some conservative said to the Roman orator, "Sir, you are too personal, it is not prudent nor necessary," how would that have still more firmly nerved the mind of the patriot senator, to greater and more pungent reasoning, and more striking illustrations. But to come to a point, some of our leaders have often been subjected to a cross-fire from self-styled friends, and they only moved from one difficulty into another. Often difficulties have arisen from careless or thoughtless remarks, which were meant for little more than a sort of a jest, but conveyed a secret feeling of envy. And to reason on a point like this, would not avail, but hold up the remark to let them see it, and they shrink abashed. Thus a western farmer, who is probably worth more than any of our brethren in Battle Creek, says to me some time in May last, as he was passing the house of an eminent preacher, that "he did not know, but he thought perhaps it ought to be rebuked," speaking of its fine appearance. Now suppose I had been previously poisoned, where might such a remark have led me? Our words are what tell for or against us. It is time we as a people put down this rebellious kind of remarks, and put out some of these fires which consume our own spirituality. J. CLARKE. “Hear Ye Him.”
By Roswell F. Cottrell
THUS said the voice from Heaven, concerning the beloved Son of God, on the mount of transfiguration. To this every true Christian will respond, Amen. But the text is often quoted for the purpose of setting aside a part of the law of the Father—the only law ever given to men in the handwriting of Jehovah. It is claimed that Christ did not re-enact the Sabbath law, therefore this commandment is not now binding. We admit that he did not re-enact this commandment; and it was for the same reason that he did not re-enact any other one of the ten, i. e., not one of them was ever abolished, and therefore they needed no re-enactment to make them obligatory upon us. We are willing to hear the Son of God upon the very point in dispute—whether he came to subvert the existing law of God, or to ratify it, whether this law was limited, or perpetual. He testifies upon this point. "Hear him:" "Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets; I am not come to destroy but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, till Heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of Heaven; but whosoever shall do and teach them, shall be called great in the kingdom of Heaven." Matt. v, 17-19. Thus we see he confirms the entire law existing at that time—the ten commandments—and shows its perpetuity, not only by saying, "Till Heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law," but by requiring every person, in all the unlimited future, to do its commandments, as a test of their admission into the kingdom of Heaven. See Matt. v, 20. We say to all, Hear him; and hear him upon the very point at issue. A few weeks since, I heard a man discoursing from our text to a congregation, and he made this assertion: "If we are to hear him, we are not to hear Moses, or any one else." This argument was not infallibly conclusive to my mind. If indeed Moses and Christ disagree and are in opposition to each other, then if we hear the one, we reject the other. But if they are in perfect harmony on the point in question, we need not reject the testimony of either. In the few remarks my friend had to offer, he said we should not build up a theory on "some strange sayings of the prophets," but that we should "hear what the apostles say." Did he mean we should hear the apostles and not hear Christ? No; but Christ and the apostles are in harmony. By hearing one, we do not offend the others. Now in respect to the ten commandments, Moses and the prophets, Christ and the apostles, are all perfectly agreed. Our speaker himself said, "They do not disagree in any moral duty." Who authorized him to say what part of the "perfect law" of the infinite Law-giver is of moral obligation, and what part is not? Inspiration has never pointed to such a distinction in this law, nor hinted that any such existed. From the fact that Moses and Elijah were conversing very amicably with the Saviour, concerning the decease of the latter, which was about to take place at Jerusalem, a moment before the voice from Heaven said, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him," I infer that they were not at variance with each other. And when we go back to Moses' prophecy of Christ, in Deut. xviii, 15-19, we find him in perfect harmony with the voice from Heaven at the transfiguration—"Unto him ye shall hearken," says Moses. Christ did not come to speak his own words and give us his law to the subversion of the law of his Father. Says the Father, "Whosoever will not hearken to my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him." Jesus testified the same thing. "My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, [already revealed in his law,] he shall know the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself." Jno. vii, 16, 17. So Christ did not come as an independent law-giver, but in this respect was the Prophet, "like unto" Moses—hearing the words at the Father's mouth, and speaking them to the people. The fact is, the Father, the Son, angels, prophets and apostles, are one in the great work of salvation, and one in their testimony respecting the published will of God, the ten commandments. And he who would put them at variance, to answer his own selfish purposes or prejudices, possesses a character the very reverse of the peacemaker, and, of consequence, cannot claim the promise of being reckoned among the "children of God;" for he would sow discord among brethren, and separate chief friends. The Master is not honored by traducing his servant Moses; neither is the Son exalted by affecting to place him above his Father and his holy law. Jesus might truly say to such, as he said to the Jews: "I honor my Father, and ye do dishonor me." A Few Sober Thoughts about this World.
By E. W. Darling
I HAVE lived in this world, and have tasted somewhat of its pleasures and joys. I have also tasted of its sorrows. Many times has my heart been flushed with its hopes, and I have also shared of its disappointments. I have seen and read something of its boasted pomp, and glory, and grandeur. I have also read and realized something of its emptiness, vanity, and nothingness. I have considered first its transitory nature. It must soon pass away. Its beautiful buildings, its costly buildings, its ancient buildings, its lofty buildings, its mighty forests, its pleasant groves, with the beasts that roam over its surface, its rich harvests, its gold and silver, its goodly apparel, and all that now endear it to its sons and daughters, will soon be no more. Nothing will be left but a smouldering pile of ashes. I have considered the uncertainty of life; my own life, and that of my friends. Death may at any moment end all my earthly prospects. My "time is always ready." I have considered the uncertain and complicated nature of my future earthly hopes. I have considered many other things, and have been brought to realize that sin has ruined this world for me, and me for this world. Soberly and solemnly have I thought of these things, and I have concluded to give up this world to which I have so long and so fondly clung, and not love the world, neither the things that are in the world, but seek first the kingdom of God, laying up a good foundation against the time to come, laying up a treasure in Heaven, that my heart may be there also, that when this world shall fail, I may have a habitation, eternal, and in the Heavens. Our Prospect.
By H. I. Farnum
During the long ages that have elapsed since this fair world of ours was first blighted by sin, many good people—God's jewels—have lived and wrought upon it. Of myriads of them there is now no earthly trace or record; yet they trod the same world that we are treading, they accepted and rejoiced in the wonderful provisions made for a guilty race, they sank into death, and the waves of oblivion covered them. Yet their hope was a glorious one. They could look down through the dim vista of years to the resurrection morning, knowing that in their flesh they should then see God. "What though they gleam unseen below,
Or lie in slumbering worth,
An eye unseen beholds them all,
And loves his gems of earth.
"Not always mid the wreck of time
Shall God's own jewels lie,
His own right hand shall gather them,
To grace his throne on high."
Of others, the Bible gives us a brief history, and some of their writings are left for our instruction. As they saw through the prophetic glass, the completion of the plan of salvation, embodying the renewal of our earth to its primeval glory, their whole being seemed elated and filled with praise and adoration to the Great Architect of so wonderful a work. Well might they rejoice, and at last calmly lay their armor by, to slumber in the embrace of mother earth for ages. Theirs was a prospect replete with glory and immortality, for they knew that a crown of life was waiting for them. The Christian martyrs looked forward with joyful anticipation to the "far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory," and unflinchingly yielded up their lives in the service of Christ. Theirs was a bright and beautiful hope. They knew that He who regardeth the sparrow, would not forget them in their last fall, but would bring them again from the land of the enemy. But what shall we say of ourselves and the prospect before us? Do we ever think the road is long? the darkness thick? the trials heavy? Oh, let us look up and remember that no long ages of sin and human misery loom up before us. No weary years of Egyptian bondage or Babylonian captivity await the people of God now. No dark ages of Papal misrule are before us, during which the good and meek must fall beneath the iron heel of the oppressor. Ah, no! nothing of this kind meets our view, as we anxiously look forward. But we know by the sure word of prophecy that is shining with a pure clear light amid the moral darkness of this degenerate age, that earth's long career of sin and death, is almost done. He whose right it is, will soon "come and reign." The myriads of pardoned ones, now hid in the earth, like pearls in the ocean, will soon "awake and sing." Jesus will dress them in "white robes," and bid them enter the mansions prepared for them. The weary weight of care will soon be lifted from the faithful, toil-worn, pilgrim, and bright immortality forever dissipate the trials of earth. What though the refining fires lie in the little space before us? Jesus says, "My grace is sufficient for thee,"—that is enough. Youthful reader, does the world look bright and beautiful to you, radiant in the sunlight of these lovely summer days? Is it sometimes difficult for you to realize that it is groaning beneath the accumulated sin and curse of six thousand years, and is so soon to lay aside its soiled garments? But we know that the sun that shines so brilliantly to-day, will be shaded by angry storms. The gay sweet flowers will soon droop and fade, or wither at the north wind's breath, and alas! other forms as bright and blooming as these fade and wither too.110But oh, this changing world will not long be our abode. We look but a step forward and behold "our home in Heaven," and there the beautiful new earth, fairer than when it first came from the land of its Maker. No storms will ever gather over it. No blight or decay, will ever reach its immortal beauties. The new earth will have no graves hiding the loved and cherished. No sad memories will then imbitter the heart. But life and immortality will be stamped upon all. Is not this a glorious prospect? a beautiful hope? Other hopes cheer for a moment, and then fade like sunset clouds, or vanish like the mirage of the desert, but our hope is built upon the changeless word of God, and cannot fail. Therefore we lift up our heads and rejoice, knowing that our redemption draws near. H. I. Farnum.
Deerfield, Steele Co., Minn. He Killed Her and Never Knew It.
By Cecil
He only thought he was maintaining the rights and dignity of his character as a husband and a man. He did it not with pistol shot, or the assassin's knife, but with cold indifference and stern neglect. He dared not tenderly and lovingly confide and counsel with his wife, lest he might lose some pre-eminence, or she gain some. She neither sought nor sighed for power. She possessed moral, social, and intellectual worth, and she would have the qualities at least recognized, appreciated and reciprocated. His will was law, his commands imperative. She loved her husband and wished to make him happy and home agreeable; but how could she? She drooped and died, as dies the plant deprived of its natural elements. He knew she was dying, but knew not the cause. He thought all the while that God was doing it for not more cheerfully submitting to his God-given supremacy, his rightful authority.—From Cecil. The Truth and its Defenders.
By A. P. Lawton
WHEN I see the weight of literature and talent arrayed against prophecy, I should be disheartened were it not for the unwavering faith I have in that sure word, spoken by holy apostles and prophets. When I reflect that truth crushed to the ground will rise again, I have no fears. More are they that are for us, than those that are against us. We are accused of being uncharitable, troublers of Israel, croakers, evil prophets, and self-righteous. So was Elijah, Micaiah, and a host of others. The wicked king said that he hated Micaiah, because he always prophesied evil; and Elijah had to flee for his life. The truths they preached were unpopular. I feel sad when I think how few will forego a brief popularity for truths lasting as eternity and unperceived by the mass. Let the faint-hearted take courage. If our eyes were not holden, we might see horses and chariots sent to protect us, if need be. A little in the future, the enemies of these truths, so much despised by them, will see those who live them out, clothed with the whole armor, one able to chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight. In a little while, God will arise and shake terribly the earth, and the sinners shall be shaken out of it. Read Bro. White's articles, and the prophecies, and you will see what will become of the false shepherds who preach smooth things because the people love to have it so, and neglect to give them warning. Many, when too late, will understand what they have lost. Eternal life lost, eternal death, from which there will be no resurrection, gained. Then they will knock, but, like the foolish virgins, will gain no admittance. Then the prayer for rocks and mountains to cover them will not be answered. They will stand forth to the gaze of congregated worlds, of angels who would have helped them, and of God, whose law they dared to break, and hear the awfully solemn truth, "Ye knew your duty, but ye did it not." Jesus and the Stray Sheep.
By John Matteson
"For the Son of man has come to seek and to save that which was lost." Luke xix, 10. The time of probation is hastening to its end. The days granted to us by our heavenly Father, in which to prepare for the coming kingdom, are none too many. But oh, how many of these days have we spent in serving sin? And after we repented of sin, consider, oh consider, how often and long we have been sleepy and lukewarm Christians. The world, the world, with its cares and sorrows, has found a place in our weak hearts. God's Holy Spirit is grieved and will leave us unless we repent. Evil angels rejoice and draw near, very near to our minds. They breathe darkness and unbelief upon the soul. The good angels take their flight, and yet lingering they weep over us. Oh how willingly would they come to our help. But they cannot as long as we grieve the Spirit of God. Yet the previous work of that Spirit is not altogether forgotten. Conscience is sometimes speaking. The knowledge of right and wrong is not all lost. A longing after Jesus is still concealed in the darkened heart like a spark under the ashes. But the world looks fair and desirable now and then. Its news and employments are of the greatest importance, and with what is left we serve God. The necessities of life are first attended to; the kingdom of God next. We must please our flesh, our friends, our neighbors, and after that the Lord. We must love our children, wife, father, mother, and Jesus next. We take thought for eating, drinking, clothing, and conveniences, and then for eternal life. We can get time to work and sleep, eat and drink, laugh and chat about news, and after that little or no time to pray, read the Bible, and meditate upon the infinite love of our God and Saviour. O world! Thou art fair outside, but inside full of rottenness and dead men's bones. Thy paths lead to the gates of hell, and thy ways to destruction and perdition. Thy love is warm for a little while, but the cold ice of death lies beneath it. Thou sayest, drink of my golden cup, you need only drink a little. My wine is delicious, a little will not intoxicate, do not despise me altogether. O thou cunning serpent! Satan is thy prince. A little drink of thy wine has cooled my love to Jesus. Thy love has made me lukewarm. Then must I be spewed out of Jesus' mouth. Thou didst deceive me. Get thee behind me Satan! Deceive me no more. My eyes have been blinded. I trusted in past experience and past love. Thou hast darkened my mind; I did not know my own heart. My pride, anger, vanity, trifling conversation, covetousness, poverty and nakedness, have been hid from my eyes. My heart has been separated from Jesus. Jesus. "Dear soul, turn, turn. Thou art poor and blind and naked. Come unto me, I will make thee rich, and cover thy nakedness with white raiment. My arms are open to receive thee. I am still in the heavenly sanctuary to make atonement for the sins of the people." Oh what voice do I hear? Methinks I have heard that voice before. Yes, I know, 'tis the voice of the Good Shepherd. But what does he say? Am I poor and blind and naked? This wounds my pride, disturbs my peace, and pains my heart. Yet, no doubt he speaks the truth. He is the truth. He cannot lie. Conscience awakens. My heart beats quick. My eyes are filling with tears. God's Holy Spirit speaks.111 I have grieved that Spirit. How deeply has not Jesus loved me! I remember just now his kind and sympathizing words. His groans and agony come to my mind. I see the thorns of that crown sink deep into his holy head. The blood streams from his scourged back. His hands and feet are pierced through. His eyes are closing in death. His side is opened. Behold the blood, the blood! See that fountain bursting from the rock of ages, smitten by the rod of stern justice. My heart is moved. Tears flow fast from my dimmed eyes, bitter tears of repentance. I can see nothing but that flood, streaming from the open side of Jesus. Oh what a river of salvation. Wide and deep like a sea of mercy. Heavenly riches are found there. Here is the key to the door of Paradise, to all the treasures of the storehouse of God. Oh the depth of the riches of the love, both of the Father and the Son! This is living water, which if a man drink he shall never thirst again, but it will be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. I thirst, I want to drink. Then my eye is turned toward myself. Woe unto me! how black am I! how sinful, unworthy, unthankful, miserable, naked! I wonder if Christ can save such an one. I doubt. I must first better myself some. I must overcome my evil habits. I must cleanse myself, and then he will receive me. Others can come, but my sin is too grievous, of too black a hue. My unfaithfulness has gone too far. Jesus. "My little lamb, hear the last voice of mercy. Without me you can do nothing. I am come to save and to gather the lost and the scattered sheep. Believe my word. Trust my power to save. Come to my heart. Be cleansed and purified in my blood. Reach hither thy hand; be not faithless, but believing." Again hope is awakened in my heart. Again my eye of faith is fixed upon the fountain of salvation. Trembling, thirsty, I venture. I drink, I plunge beneath the living waters. Satan is raging. The world holds up its allurements. Scoffers laugh. The old man uses his last strength to prevent my salvation; but I am wrestling with Jesus. I cannot, I will not let him go. I hear not the voice of my persecutors. I see not the glittering baubles of riches and honor; but I hear the sweet voice of Jesus whisper in my heart, Thou art mine and I am thine. Thou wast lost, but art found. I see his friendly countenance smiling to me. His eyes rest upon me. Oh those lovely eyes, they kindle a flame of love in my heart. I hear angels sing praise to his name. The arms of Jesus have surrounded me. I rest as a little lamb in his bosom. The kiss of his love dries my tears and fills my soul with a heavenly calm. Again I look to myself; I think of the power of sin. And I am so weak, I fear and tremble. I have so often been unfaithful. I know the power of evil habits, stronger than heaviest chains of iron. We are living in perilous times. The world is full of snares and temptations. Grievous wolves are staring me in the face from all around. Oh I am so fearful. Dear Jesus where art thou? I cannot see thee. Jesus: "Dear child, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee. Lo, I am with thee alway, even unto the end of the world." Oh then I will never leave thee. Then we shall walk together, and live together, thou in me and I in thee. We shall be one. And soon, very soon I shall behold my Saviour coming in the clouds of heaven with great glory. Then shall his strong arm bring salvation to this poor weak child, and lead me to the glorious mansions in the Father's house. Keeping the Sabbath Holy
By C. A. Osgood
THE worldling, fatigued and exhausted by intense labor, may take pleasure in the refreshment of the body which the Sabbath affords; but none but those who are truly spiritually-minded, can call it "a delight" in the Scripture sense. This is God's institution. It is a memorial of his work and his rest. The other days are for our secular labors, thoughts and words. This day is to think of God and truth, to talk of these things, to attend to the worship of the Creator, to delight ourselves in thus observing the day. We are not to regard it as a burden, a yoke which we can not well bear, a weariness, but we should regard its worship, its cessation from secular labors, thoughts and words, its communion with God, its instructions and holy influences, as delightsome; for so God designed they should be. Our own pleasure, in social intercourse, and otherwise, that is not directly connected with our own or other's spiritual interests, should not be sought. Our own words, those that refer to our secular business or interests, or that of others, the secular news of the day, or with regard to general knowledge, should not be spoken till the sacred season is past. This is the day to talk with God, to talk of God and divine truth. This day is set apart to God. And if we may not speak of secular things on this day, we must hear as little as may be. And of course we should lay by all reading but that which tends to our spiritual good, or that of others. Secular and agricultural newspapers and books and scientific works, school books, &c., are for week-day use, and not for the Sabbath. As talking is little more than "thinking aloud," the thoughts should be kept off from the common business of life, that we may contemplate divine truth, revealed truth. "They who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength." To keep the Sabbath faithfully is one way to wait on the Lord. Well-spent Sabbaths are delightful ones. They help to prepare us to meet properly the cares, temptations, and associations of the secular days of the week. But if we spend the intervals between religious services in talking about the crops, the weather, the news, making bargains, &c., and in reading on like subjects, we lose the blessing God wishes us to receive. "To waste these Sabbath hours,
O may we never dare;
Nor desecrate with words of ours,
These sacred days of prayer."
C. A. OSGOOD. "Yet a Little While."
By S. J. Thayer
A LITTLE while longer the cross must we bear,
Before the rich joys of the blest we shall share;
A little while, only, a little while given,
In which to prepare for a glorious Heaven.
O let us rejoice, while the time we improve,
To perfect ourselves for the mansions above. Yet a little while longer to watch and to pray,
That the tempter allure us not out of the way,
A little while only, to sorrow and weep,
For those who already have fallen asleep. A little while left us in which to prepare
An ark, as did Noah; and take refuge there,
And to earnestly beg of each dear child and friend,
To come and go with us ere cometh the end. Yet a little while only while Christ intercedes,
A little while Mercy will linger and plead;
Shall we sit down in stupor and watch for the day,
While our friends and our neighbors are sleeping away The time, all unconscious that danger is near,
Or soothed by the cry, "We have nothing to fear,
The war is now over, Peace blesses our land,
Henceforward in safety and triumph we stand?" O brother, O sister, these lines who may read,
But a little while longer is left us indeed;
For sudden destruction will follow the cry
Of peace, and of safety, which now swells so high. We have friends without God, or a hope in the world,
Who will soon in a vortex of ruin be hurled;
Should they choose not to listen to aught we may say,
Still there may be help; for to God we can pray. There is power with God, and he heareth the cry,
Of those who are willing themselves to deny,
Who strive in all things when his will is made known,
To walk in the light, making his will their own. A little while longer! the parents sit by,
And watch the dear child, while the fever runs high,
They see how it suffers, and struggles for breath,
And know that those struggles must soon end in death;
They kneel! and how think you these parents will pray?
Will they seek the dear Lord in a calm, quiet way?
Nay, with hearts full of love and the danger in sight,
Besieged would the throne be, they'd pray with their might. Do we see the last moments so fast passing by,
And still have no feeling for those who must die?
No hearts full of pity, compassion and love,
No power to prevail with the Ruler above?
Oh then let us weep for our own lukewarm state,
And seek for repentance, before it's too late;
And rouse us to work in the little while given,
And pray with a zeal that is worthy of Heaven. A little while longer! Oh earth does look drear,
Compared with the home of the Christian so near;
Oh, I must behold it, that city so bright,
And stand with the ransomed in robes clean and white;
Give strength, blessed Saviour, to follow thy way,
That I may sing praises to thee in that day.
And help me while striving to gain the reward,
To feel for the blinded, who love not the Lord.
S. J. THAYER.
Buckland, Mass., Aug. 20. Faith in Prayer.
By H. M. Wilkinson
"If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you." John xv, 7. What a precious promise! And it came from the lips of our Saviour. Yes; even from His lips who said, "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away." Again he says, "Ask and ye shall receive." The apostle James tells us that we must "ask in faith nothing wavering." So we see if we desire a blessing from the hand of the Lord, we must have faith to believe we shall receive it, and in order to have that faith which is needed, the word of Christ must abide in us, and, as the result, be carried out in our lives. If we do this, we shall, as James teaches, have works by which to show our faith. Then, when we feel the need of any special blessing, we have a right to ask, and also to believe that we do receive the very blessing we need. The apostle John says, "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us: and if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him." John v, 14, 15. Then, when we have such promises as these to rely upon, why should we lack faith? Do we not believe God will perform all which is promised in his word? To be sure we do, if we have confidence in his word. Then why not at all times act as though we believed it? If we strive continually to do the whole will of God, it is our privilege when we meet together and ask for his blessing to rest upon us, to believe that we have it; not only this, but also in our family devotions, and also in secret prayer; and as the apostle James tells us, if any among us are sick, and we follow the directions there given us, it is our privilege to believe that "the prayer of faith shall save the sick." How much better to rely upon the great Physician in time of sickness, than to depend upon the skill of earthly physicians, who often administer poisonous drugs to quell the power of disease. Dear brethren and sisters, may the Lord help us, one and all, to draw near to him, and live faithfully before him, and ever to exercise living faith in all his precious promises, and claim his blessing as ours in every time of need. "My soul wait thou upon God," at times we hear the Psalmist exclaim; and again he assures us that he "waited patiently for the Lord, and trusted in him." This waiting of which David so often speaks, is fitting for all. Some there are who fondly think they are thus waiting for God's purposes and work to be accomplished in them. There may indeed be a necessity for waiting an opportunity to do the service for Christ, that gladly they would do. But waiting does not properly begin till we are fully ready. While "busy here and there," making preparations, we are not truly waiting. There are few who in one way or another, are not forced to wait; and in the manner of doing this, we may perhaps evince our filial trust in God as fully as in actively performing another work, for the poet was correct when he said, "They also work, who only stand and wait." Again there may be those, who, thoroughly convinced of some positions regarding Christian experience and duty, yet find a necessity laid upon them to wait; for there may be duties and obligations that may not be contravened, for the Bible injunction still stands irrevocable, "Let wives be obedient to their own husbands, lest the word of God be blasphemed." Titus ii, 5. The same inspired word tells us that the wrath of man shall praise God, and the remainder he will restrain. Believing this, relying upon it, let us trust in God and wait upon him. If such as are "bound in the spirit" by social bonds, are indeed standing like those who of old stood by the water pots, waiting the commands of the Great Master, already giving heed to the preparatory command, "Whatsoever he saith unto thee, do it," all will be well. In God's own good time and way, will he lead his consecrated ones onward step by step; if in the self-consecration they have indeed presented their entire selves, "a living sacrifice, and withal bound that sacrifice with cords upon the horns of the altar," that they may not dare to take it back, nor could if they would. It is such a consecration that God requires. Happy are they who have made it. Already they feel the fulfillment of Jesus' words, "And I will give unto them an hundred fold." But let not such forget his warning words, "Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall;" for only in a daily, hourly, constant trust in God is there safety; only in a full reliance, moment by moment in the grace of Jesus, can any be able to stand in the evil hour. Malone, N. Y., Aug., 1864.