BECAUSE our Saviour said, “When ye shall see these things,” it is claimed that the disciples then present were to see the predicted signs, and consequently that all was fulfilled in their day. But the signs did not appear in their days; consequently the ye is addressed to those living at the present time, when they have been seen.
Speaking of the second advent, and the resurrection of the just, Paul says, “We which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord,” the simple meaning of which is those Christians that shall be alive at that time.
But to excuse themselves for not believing that the advent is near, now since the signs of it have appeared, it is claimed that the apostles and primitive church expected it in their day. Why? Because Paul says, “We which are alive,” etc. The objector will not see that Paul cautioned the church of that day not to believe that it would come in their day, because the apostasy and the man of sin must come first. They cannot understand that the apostles were the prophets, and that some of their writings are to have their fulfillment long after their generation should have passed away.
To be consistent with themselves, they must hold that Isaiah who prophesied seven hundred years before Christ, had a personal participation in the things which he describes thus: “When we shall see him,” “We hid as it were our faces from him,” “He was despised, and we esteemed him not.” But Isaiah did not live to take a personal part in rejecting and crucifying the Christ. These predictions were fulfilled by the Jews when Christ appeared. Even so, the words of Paul are about to be fulfilled: “We which are alive and remain to the coming of the Lord,” etc. R. F. COTTRELL.
“I and my Father Are One.”
By R. F. Cottrell
THE translation given by the American Bible Union describes those who stand on the Mount Zion with the Lamb as “having his name, and the name of his Father written on their foreheads.” If this is a correct rendering, it harmonizes well with the fact that those who embrace the last message honor both the Father and the Son by keeping “the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” All should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. “He that honoreth not the Son honoreth not the Father which hath sent him.” And it is equally true that he that honoreth not the Father honoreth not the Son. The Jews do not honor the Father while they refuse to believe on the Son; neither do Christians honor the Son while they refuse to keep the Father’s commandments. It is vain to talk of honoring the work of redemption, by taking away the memorial of creation. In creation and redemption the Son and the Father are one. R. F. COTTRELL.
From the Vermont Tent: West Bolton Revival Progresses
By D. T. Bourdeau; A. S. Hutchins
From the Vermont Tent.
THE good work is still progressing at West Bolton and vicinity. About twenty have taken their stand on the truth. Several of these had not made a profession before. Some were back-sliders. At the close of our second meeting last Sabbath, it was interesting and affecting to see sinners with tears and choked utterance express their desire of being Christians. This closes the mouths of those who say that all our preaching amounts to is to lead men to formally keep the Sabbath.
A voluntary effort is being made by the friends here to raise a fund to help defray tent expenses. About thirty dollars have already been raised. A few have subscribed for our periodicals and more will soon. Preachers are silent, but it is rumored that they will have their side represented after we leave. Yesterday (Sunday) we showed the people that such a course would be against their own interest, to say the least; that if we were engaged in tearing down the churches on error, as some represented, that it was the imperative duty of the preachers to show it up with a good spirit, and we would treat them with respect and Christian courtesy; that what was worth discussing behind our backs was worth discussing while we were in the place and could speak for ourselves. We told them that their only chance to occupy our tent would be the coming week. We wait to see what the results will be.
One half of those who have embraced the Sabbath are from the township of Jericho, so that this effort connects well with our brief effort at Jericho Corners last fall.
D. T. BOURDEAU.
A. S. HUTCHINS.
West Bolton, Vt., Aug. 7, 1871.
Wisconsin Tent.
By I. Sanborn; D. Downer
We are now in the fifth week of our labor in Wautoma, and notwithstanding the ministers have done their best to hinder the work by turning away the ears of the people from the truth, and have succeeded to some extent, about twenty-five, as near as we can ascertain, are now keeping the Sabbath as the result of our labor; and we are expecting quite a number more soon. We will remain here at least two weeks longer, and then move to Plainfield, about eighteen miles north-west of this, into the thickest settled township in Waushara County, to hold one more meeting this season, which will open up all the interest we can take care of for months to come. We have now had several pressing invitations to preach within five or ten miles from here. I think the prospect is good for quite a large work in this county.
Pray for us, that the Lord may give us wisdom according to our necessity.
I. SANBORN.
D. DOWNER.
Blind Unbelief.
By Roswell F. Cottrell
THE evidences of the inspiration of the Scriptures were never so strong as at the present time. Prophecies fulfilled and fulfilling demonstrate the truth of divine revelation as never before; so that the believer may have the utmost assurance possible on which to rest amid the perils of these last days. But it is remarkable that right here, amid the signs and wonders so clearly foretold of the last days, infidelity is making more rapid strides, than at any previous time; and we can see in this the full meaning of that significant question of our Saviour, “Nevertheless when the Son of Man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” It is no wonder that the vials of God’s wrath are reserved for this generation; and that it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of Judgment.
R. F. COTTRELL.
Our Afflictions.
By Jesse Dorcas
THE prophet is directed to say, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous; but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.” And again we read, “Who forgiveth all thy iniquities, who healeth all thy diseases.” But many of us are pining and dying, both spiritually and physically, and all for the want of more faith in God; faith in our blessed Redeemer’s gospel which is “the power of God unto salvation, to every one that believeth.” We are also admonished, “Is any among you afflicted? let him pray,” also, “The just shall live by [his] faith.” Do we believe it? God hears prayer.
If we would more cheerfully and faithfully obey the voice of our God, and serve him acceptably, then it would be better with us. See the blessings and curses pronounced upon ancient Israel. See also Isaiah 58:13: “Then shall thy health spring forth speedily.” I firmly believe that much of our affliction as a people is owing to our want of correct living, and that our sins separate between us and our God, as the Lord has said their afflictions shall be multiplied that hasten after a strange God.
JESSE DORCAS.
The Splendid Preacher.
RICHARD BAXTER preached as feeling that the truths of God were too great and glorious in themselves to be covered up with the little trappings of human adornments. He would as soon have thought of hanging the rainbow with tinsel. His eloquence consisted of rounded sentences. He never preached a sermon to display his scholastic learning or his power of logic; but Christ. If fine and elegant sermons are tolerated at all, it is in the press only, when they are to be read as discussions of a subject and read either as an intellectual exercise or as a discipline of conscience. In the pulpit splendid sermons are splendid sins. They dazzle, and amuse, and astonish like brilliant fire-works, but they throw daylight on no subject. They draw attention to the preacher instead of the subject. The splendid preacher, like the pyrotechnist, calculates on a dark night among his attendants; and amid the coruscation of the pulpit his skill and art are admired and applauded, but Christ is not glorified. If angels weep and devils mock, it is at the door of a splendid preacher.—Dr. Jenkyn.
Prayer Blended With Every Other Duty
PRAYER is an exercise which has the property of incorporating itself with every other, not only not impeding it but advancing it. There is no crevice so small at which devotion may not slip in.
Grief as a Measure of Ignorance
THE creature would never lament the dispensations of the Creator if he understood them, therefore, the measure of your grief is also the measure of your ignorance.
Report from Bro. Matteson.
By John Matteson
After the camp-meeting in Wisconsin, I resumed my labors in Neenah, and continued there a little more than three weeks. On the fourth, the Scandinavians were gathered, and three Lutheran ministers addressed them. Being called upon, I also addressed them briefly on the subject of true liberty. Equal rights and freedom of conscience are principles that need very much to be advocated among that people. The clergy from the old country are strong here, and they try hard to carry out their old hierarchy to the uttermost—to keep the poor people in ignorance and superstition.
I received an invitation to come to the Lutheran church next evening to be examined on my heretical views. There I met three ministers, one a professor from one of their seminaries. I had liberty to occupy as much time as the three together, but a regular discussion they would not undertake.
They chose the subject of the immortality of the soul, remarking that my views on that subject were the most dangerous part of our faith. Their expectation seemed to be that they could easily suppress that, to them, so unpleasant agitation, which had been caused in the community, by showing to the people that I was entirely wrong. I had never preached a sermon on this subject as yet. Nevertheless, by the help of the Lord, they were so discomfited that it became manifest to all the people with a few exceptions. And some of their own adherents said they were ashamed of their ministers’ being so ignorant. This battle lasted till 12 o’clock, and still some of the people wanted us to continue on another subject. I had two evenings to speak after this, and then the professor returned and lectured on the same subject. This I reviewed to a large and interested audience. Then one of these ministers came and lectured on the Sabbath question. He said that was not a matter of so much importance; that Sunday-keeping was not in the Bible as an institution, and people could do about that as they liked, only so they abstained from the coarser labor on that day. It was a pious custom introduced by the holy fathers. He was there only to defend his own flock. They were mostly strong in the faith of their fathers, but if any of them had become weak minded and had scruples of conscience over Saturday, they might better keep it. He recommended to the people to read my books. After this they did not care to try any more. They helped very much to arouse the interest to hear the truth.
The last evening some over twenty arose to acknowledge the perpetuity of the Sabbath of the Lord, and half of that number have commenced keeping it. It is very difficult to get these people to express their opinion publicly; they are so cautious. We have commenced the organization of a church with eight members. Many who love the Lord and his truth are in strong sympathy with us, and we have hopes that they will come along. But it is so difficult to keep the Sabbath in the city. Some are going and others contemplate moving out into the country where they are more at liberty. As a good proof of their interest in the cause, the friends donated to me about $25.00.
Sabbath and Sunday, July 29 and 30, we had some good meetings with the church at Oakland; six more united with the church; eight willing souls were buried with Christ in baptism, one of whom was my dear mother, now seventy-one years of age. Thus young and old unite in Christ. How blessed when we all shall rejoice in immortal youth.
JOHN MATTESON.
Elsten Road 21, Chicago, Ill.
From Sister L. Gotfredsen, New Denmark
By Laurentine Gotfredsen
From Sister L. Gotfredsen.
[Translated for REVIEW by Eld. J. Matteson.]
THERE are a few souls here in New Denmark who are trying to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. We feel encouraged and thankful for the grace and truth of God, and desire to strive for eternal life.
We desire and need some labor here, but cannot get it now. The will of the Lord be done. He knows best where and when to direct the few laborers in this great harvest. If only his cause may be advanced and precious souls saved, then we will praise the Lord for such heavenly blessings, whether they are bestowed in our locality or elsewhere.
How dear the REVIEW is to me, and how I long to hear a few words once in a while from our Danish brethren, and how encouraging such words have been to me from time to time. I am filled with joy and gratitude to the Lord for his wonderful goodness to me, a most unworthy creature. My greatest desire is in all things to submit to his holy requirements, that I may help constitute the reward which the dear Redeemer shall win through his wonderful sufferings and death. He pours his love into my soul; and seeing that I myself am so weak and unprofitable, I have great reason to love all and to bear with the imperfections and mistakes of others. My hope is in the Lord whose paternal care has been over me, and whose strong hand has so kindly guided me through dangers and perils till this present time. I believe that he will also guide me to the end.
I beg of you all, dear brethren and sisters, that you will not be discouraged nor overcome by the enemy in temptations, but seek help from the Lord. Trust in God and wait for the fulfillment of the many glorious promises which we find in his word. Let not the death of Jesus for sinners be a small matter to you. Let not your election be a thing of naught. Think what heavenly glory God has prepared for them that love him. Yet how difficult to get our whole desire and affections placed upon that heavenly crown. How few comparatively are saved at last. How many begin in the Spirit, but little by little become lukewarm, and finally finish in the flesh.
We were as strangers and pilgrims in a strange land, yet the Lord sought after us and called us to his fold. Dear brethren and sisters, let us think of the many of our own countrymen who live about us. Let us sacrifice, and do what we can to promote their spiritual and temporal well-being. Think not, Am I my brother’s keeper? Think not like the man with one talent, Others have greater gifts than I have; let them do the work. Oh, how wrong this is! They will certainly be our accusers in the day of Judgment, if we have neglected to do our duty in the fear of the Lord. Let us watch, and pray, and work till the Master appear.
I am very thankful to our American brethren for the interest they have manifested and the sacrifices they have made to bring the precious light of the last message of mercy among us as a people. I value these heavenly truths very much, and am sorry that we can do no more to help advance the cause. The remarks from Bro. White and the General Conference last spring, in our behalf, were very unexpected to me, and drew from me tears of joy and thankfulness to the Lord. We are a slow and tiresome class of people to work for, yet my earnest prayer to God is for the prosperity of his cause not only among us, but among all nations, and kindreds, and tongues, until God’s people shall be one. Then shall we see the King in his beauty, and go home with Jesus to dwell evermore in his kingdom. Then shall we meet to worship in the city of our solemnities, the glorious Zion of God. Here is the heart and hand of your unworthy sister to meet you in that promised land.
LAURENTINE GOTFREDSEN.
Denmark, Wis.
LIVINA BUTLER
By Livina Butler
From Sister Butler.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: Seven years have rolled by since we bade adieu to loved ones in Ohio and emigrated to Missouri, where I now live alone in the truth, save my children who keep the Sabbath with me. We have gathered around us an intelligent and interesting company of friends, with no prejudice manifested. Our prayer is, that there may be a glorious ingathering of souls when the truth is presented here by some of God’s chosen servants. Oh! how careful we lonely ones should be to walk discreetly and humbly before those who know not the importance of this glorious truth. I want to win souls to Christ by a godly life; but my natural besetments are so developed that it is a daily warfare to get the victory. But I can truly say that the Lord is helping me to live out this blessed truth. I want to overcome and be prepared to stand with the Lamb on Mount Zion. Oh! glorious thought for the remnant! Will I be there? Will you who read this be there? Let us remember that a great boon awaits the faithful, and it will take a great effort to be such. We must watch and pray, ever bearing in mind the faithful admonitions of Jesus. Our camp-meeting is passed. How disappointed I feel in not being there, that I too might have felt the benefit of meeting with the dear people of God once more. But my hope was blasted. Ah! will it be thus at the final gathering of the saints? I hope not. But in the midst of privations here, I have many things for which to feel thankful. One is, that some unknown friend sends us our much-loved paper. You who do this confer a great blessing on unworthy me. How it cheers my lonely path and encourages me to press on. I hope to meet you in Heaven. It not only benefits us, but we give them out to all that will read. When I bow before God for help, I have to say, O Lord, bless those who send us the paper.
I greatly desire to have the truth presented to this dear people, but there is no house sufficient to hold meetings in, they being too small. If the tent could be brought here, I believe much good might be done. Those who come will find a welcome home with T. J. Butler, while presenting these solemn truths. We live in the north-east corner of Grundy Co., five miles south-west of Wintersville. Halfrock, Mercer Co., is our P. O.
Will you all pray for us that we may yet be an unbroken family in Heaven?
LIVINA BUTLER
“THE LOVE OF CHRIST WHICH PASSETH KNOWLEDGE.”
By Sel.
I bore with thee long, weary days and nights,
Through many pangs of heart, through many tears;
I bore with thee thy hardness, coldness, slights,
For three-and-thirty years.
Who else had dared for thee what I have dared?
I plunged the depth most deep from bliss above;
I not my flesh nor yet my spirit spared;
Give thou me love for love.
For thee I thirsted in the daily drouth,
For thee I trembled in the nightly frost;
Much sweeter thou than honey to my mouth;
Why wilt thou still be lost?
I bore thee on my shoulders and rejoiced;
Men only marked upon my shoulders borne
The branding cross; and shouted, hungry-voiced,
Or wagged their heads in scorn.
Thee did nails grave upon my hands, thy name
Did thorns for frontlets stamp between mine eyes,
I, Holy One, put on thy guilt and shame;
I, God, Priest, Sacrifice.
A thief upon my right hand and my left;
Six hours alone, athirst, in misery:
At length in death one smote my heart, and cleft
A hiding place for thee.
Nailed to the racking cross, than bed of down
More dear, whereon to stretch myself and sleep:
So did I win a kingdom—share my crown;
A harvest—come and reap.
—Sel.
Report of Labors.
By N. Orcutt
SINCE removing from Bordoville to this place (we arrived March 7), I have spent every Sabbath but one with the church here; have preached to them eighteen of the twenty-one intervening Sabbaths, and have spoken to the church and friends from without ten times upon points of present truth upon first-day. Have also spent one Sabbath with the church at Andover, and at the school-house near Bro. Pierce’s, spoke to a crowded house at 5 P. M. on first-day; have preached twice, at 5 P. M. first-day, in the Methodist church at Bondville, three miles from our house, and once in the Baptist church at South Londonderry.
Realizing that the truth, wherever presented, will save or condemn, as it is obeyed or rejected, I pray God to so water the seed sown that some may bear fruit unto eternal life.
There is on the part of some an interest to hear. Some confess that we have the truth upon the Sabbath; but whether any will obey, time must decide.
I have labored with my hands to perfect some necessary arrangements incident to our removal from Northern Vermont to this place. I am, with my companion, since our severe illness last autumn, enjoying more than usual health, for which we feel truly grateful.
We desire to be remembered in the prayers of the remnant, that we may understand, and be able to do, our Father’s will.
N. Orcutt.
Jamaica, Vt., July, 1871.
Tent-Meetings at West Bolton, Vt.
By D. T. Bourdeau
THE work here is still progressing. At least ten have taken a stand on the Sabbath, and we hope that as many more will embrace the truth ere the effort closes. The invitations to make calls in families are so numerous that it is difficult to respond to them all. Bro. Hutchins, help for the past two weeks has been appreciated. We introduced sample numbers of our periodicals yesterday. Our books are taken quite freely for a small place like this.
We have just been favored with a brief visit from sister Mary Chapman of Petaluma, Cal., which has called up pleasant recollections of our labors and dear friends in that distant land.
D. T. BOURDEAU.
Richmond, Vt., July 24, 1871.
Bowersville, Ohio, Aug. 4
By Wm. Cottrell
From Bro. Cottrell.
At our quarterly meeting which was held on the 29th and 30th of July, Sabbath-keepers from Licking, Clark, and Highland Counties were in attendance. The Lord was present, and helped in speaking the word. Our social meetings were interesting. On Sunday forenoon we tried to speak to a crowded house, from the words “If a man die shall he live again?” Job 14: 14. This discourse was by the request of the mother of sister Maggie Haughey, who fell asleep in May last. The Lord is good. Two united with the church at this meeting.
Wm. COTTRELL.
Bowersville, Ohio, Aug. 4
From Bro. Lewis on Keeping the Sabbath
By B. S. Lewis
From Bro. Lewis.
Having been favored the year past with the gratuitous reading of the REVIEW AND HERALD, by a much esteemed brother, a firm believer and active laborer, with his earnest, active companion, for the extension of present truth, I have become so attached to it that I anticipate living deprived of it as a calamity. My wife says we can't well do without it; better cut short something else, and secure that. I therefore inclose one dollar for the REVIEW six months, trusting in the Lord that if we live, he will provide means for me to prolong the subscription. The brother and wife who furnished the REVIEW to us commenced keeping the Sabbath of the Lord a year and a half since, under circumstances that called forth the utmost confidence in the truth they were embracing, and an unflinching determination to obey it. At that time I commenced reading the Bible and other books to see if these things were so. This brother, having the means, furnished me books from your Office which I examined with their references. The result was, my wife and I commenced to keep the Sabbath of the Lord on the first of July, about a year since. Our number has increased to eight or nine; we have, we trust, profitable meetings every seventh day. We feel to bless the Lord for the light he has shown us, and by his aid we intend to shun the mark of the beast, and keep the faith of Jesus.
Yours, B. S. Lewis. Sullivan Co., N. H.
HARRIET HICKS
By Harriet Hicks
From Sister Hicks.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I want to say a few words to you once more. I have been reading our good paper, which privilege has been denied me for several months until lately, and I have been strengthened and encouraged to strive with greater diligence to make sure work for the kingdom. How half-hearted I have been in this cause! How little have I realized the importance of an entire consecration to God! I feel I have not done half I might have done, but have neglected opportunities that will never present themselves again. May my Father in Heaven help me in the future to do and be more like the divine pattern he has given us.
I have been thinking of the sacrifices the tried servants in this cause have made; how they have given up home and home comforts for the truth, the society of their children, and all that we hold most dear, to give the last solemn message to this perishing world; how they have worn out their lives in preaching the truth all over the land; while I, who have also been looking for and thinking that I loved the appearing of Jesus, have done nothing. The Master has said, Go work in my vineyard. Shall we, who do not work, receive wages? No; we will be called unprofitable servants. Dear friends, let us all strive to be up and doing, while the day lasts, for the night cometh in which no man can work.
Yours, intending to be more faithful,
HARRIET HICKS
Howard Co., Kansas.
East Bethel, Vt., July 1, 1871
By L. G. Camp
From Sister Camp.
Dear Bro. White: I feel like saying a few words through our excellent paper for the encouragement of the Female Missionary Society, as I think it must be a satisfaction to them to know that their labor is not in vain in the Lord, and is duly appreciated by the scattered, lonely, afflicted ones; and that, while they are trying to comfort and encourage us, we do not forget to pray for them that God would water their souls as with the dew of heaven as they go forth on their mission of love.
I can hardly think of the merciful institution without weeping tears of gratitude to God and those dear brethren who instigated it, and all concerned in it. And while I regard the hour appointed for prayer, it seems the most like having a prayer-meeting of anything I have ever enjoyed aside from the privilege of meeting with them. I feel that God is well pleased with their labors of love for the poor scattered sheep that are surrounded by an unhallowed influence, that we may not be left behind when the good Lord makes up his jewels. Go on, my dear sisters in the Lord; I bid you a hearty God speed.
Yours, hoping with you to inherit the kingdom, L. G. CAMP.
East Bethel, Vt., July 1, 1871
Be in Earnest.
PAUL, whose career was so wonderful—whose life has proved a fund of exhaustless interest and instruction to the church and to the world, who was so signally marked as a favorite of Heaven—is a type of the men we most need. It is earnest men that we want in this world—not wilful men who are earnest in gratifying a caprice, or their own wills, or in accomplishing their own selfish ends—but we want men who are always in earnest respecting the truth which they do possess, who are sincere in the sense in which St. Paul was sincere through his whole life; simply desiring to apprehend truth, and then laboring for it with the whole soul.
Such men, open to the influence of divine truth, may meet with some wonderful changes of opinion and action. But they are the only men who are entitled to have confidence that they will be led by the hand of God. We want earnest Christians, and we want earnest unbelievers also—men who will be always able to say truly that they “verily think” they are doing God service in the lives which they are leading. The trouble is, not that men like Saul of Tarsus persecute the church of Christ, but that indifference to truth prevails. Men are not longing for it; and when they think they have found it, devoting themselves to its service with all their heart, mind, soul, and strength. Indifference to truth and her interests broods like the spell of death over the minds of men. God in his providence carries home the truth of his gospel to the heart and conscience; but there is not the remotest idea of going on to the discharge of duty. Men draw it in with every breath they breathe. But as with the air, so with the truth. They learn its value only when God takes it from them. Amid all the conflict of opinion whose din and noise fill the earth, men eagerly seizing whatever makes for themselves, bolsters them up in their chosen position, thrusting from them all considerations which make against them, present the spectacle of men fighting for a victory, as if any victory will stand at the day of Judgment but that which truth shall win.
Men who are thinking most of everything else but the truth of God, are not the men to whom he will, in any special manner, by any special act, make his truth known. Saul was ready, the moment the true light of Heaven broke in upon his soul, for any service. He was not the man to ask, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” with a mental reservation to do that will, or not, according to his inclination or fancied interests. He would take the consequences of an answer to his prayer. He would aim to be equal to the responsibilities which it imposed. In like manner, only as any one, in full purpose of heart, turns his steps heavenward, to follow where God shall lead, will be a glorious announcement when, as of Saul, it shall be said of him, “Behold, he prayeth!”—Sel.
“Just for Fun.”
By D. T. Taylor
So said a gay young lady who in company with pleasant friends was walking one summer day near the railway in a Canadian city. The train was coming. Nearer and nearer it thundered along its way toward the depot. The thoughtless girl proposed crossing the track in front of it “just for fun.” With quick ejaculations of alarm her friends plead with her to desist from so dangerous an adventure, but paying no heed to their entreaties, in a mere spirit of frolic she sprang upon the track, her dress caught in the ponderous engine, and in another moment the fair and beloved form lay mangled and crushed and lifeless mass under the relentless iron wheels. These gay words were her last; she never spoke again.
We have seen the young man leave his country and home, all the hallowed associations of parents and sisters, whose affections twined about him, to seek employment in the crowded city. A good situation was secured him, his prospects were fair. But evil comrades came around, and, lured by their flatteries, he went with them to the haunts of vice. Its mad pleasures were described in smooth words. “I’ll keep myself,” he boastfully said; “I’ll go once just for the fun of the thing.” He passed on to the chambers that take hold on death and hell, and that night the angels mourned over one who, despite a pious mother’s entreaties and warnings, began a downward career of ruin from which he has never recovered.
And so men and women are every day stepping into the path of destruction, “just for fun.” Multitudes of people, young, gay, and proud, are doing evil, or putting themselves in harm’s way, and not because they are so desperately wicked or vicious, but because they are careless of consequences, and heedless of their ways, not stopping to seriously consider the end of putting one’s self in the track of temptation.
In the ears of such we cry with affection and alarm, “Take care!” The fun which begins in lightness and vanity ends in death and destruction. Beware of the dangerous path! Shun the approaches to it! There is a safe way; walk ye therein. It is a dreadful thing to perish through the indulgence of a little brief fun, when the gate of happiness and life unending stands open wide. O, will you to-day commence to think upon these things and be wise, for
“Time will end our story,
But no time, if we live well,
Will end our glory.”
—D. T. Taylor.
From Bro. Adams: Returning to the Sabbath
By T. E. Adams
From Bro. Adams.
I wish to say to the readers of the Review that, through God’s mercy and long forbearance, we have been enabled to discover our weakness and folly in opposing his holy law by breaking his commandments and teaching others to do so, “worshiping and serving the creature instead of the Creator.” Now we rejoice in God our Saviour who hath enabled us to overcome our opposition to him and his law, and to turn from idols to serve the living and true God, and wait for his Son from Heaven. Now we are trying to retain God, in our knowledge by resting from worldly toil as he rested the seventh day from all his works. My mind has been unsettled at times, touching the Sabbath question, for eight or ten years, ever since I heard Eld. Waggoner in Tipton Co., Ind., who almost convinced me of my error, and persuaded me to keep the commandments, I like thousands of others, was not willing to cut loose from the world, give up all, and follow Jesus through tribulation and persecution. The change seemed too great. “The carnal mind is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” So I resorted to the Sunday Sabbath for safety; and when it would fail, then to the no-Sabbath pleasure boat, which sails into, and out of, Sunday to suit the times. So I toiled on, beating my way up stream, halting at intervals when beckoned by friends who plead for the old paths and my good, until last fall when we attended the Kansas Camp-meeting where we saw and heard for ourselves those who plead in unison for the Lord’s Sabbath. Returning home with a bundle of books I resolved to read and decide permanently for or against the Sabbath, selecting that day to investigate its claims on. I rejoice to say that after one or two days’ faithful searching, I resolved to throw my doubts to the winds and keep the Lord’s Sabbath; man-despised, but God-honored institution! Only a few weeks later my dear mother and sister living in Missouri, by reading and reflecting, decided to keep the Lord’s Sabbath, and my other sister, living in Indiana, began to keep the Sabbath about the same time. These were sources of great consolation to me, to know that God had given me those near and dear to me, who were willing to “suffer affliction with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.”
T. E. Adams.
SARAH ROWE
By Sarah Rowe
From Sister Rowe.
It is one year and a half since I commenced to keep the commandments of God. I have never regretted the step I then took. There were but few who were not convinced of this truth in this neighborhood at the time I started to keep holy the law of God; why did they not heed the warning voice, and step out upon the platform of truth? Oh! how I can praise his great and good name for giving me a heart to believe his word and do his commandments. They are not grievous, but a delight to my weary soul. Yea, my heart is full of love to God. I can praise and adore him. I want to be faithful to the Lord, and ever be willing to do every known duty which devolves upon those that profess the name of Jesus.
I find much in the Testimonies that I take home to my heart. They have shown me what I am and what I must be in order to become a fit subject for the kingdom of our Lord and Master. Are there any who think it hard to give up the things of this world? Let us put away such thoughts; let us cut loose from the world, for we cannot serve God and mammon at the same time; let us think what Jesus has done for us, and how he helps us to bear the crosses, and then we shall be more willing to give up the pleasures of this world.
I desire to be more earnest in this good cause, and at last be received into the kingdom of God.
SARAH ROWE
Clyde, Ohio, July 15, 1871.
WALTER CASE
By Walter Case
From Bro. Case.
DEAR FRIENDS: It is now nearly two years since myself and companion embraced the truths of the third angel's message. We have met with many temptations and have passed through some severe trials and discouragements; but we feel thankful that the Lord has kept us; and that the truth has never been so dear to us as at the present time. To us “the Sabbath is a delight,” and the belief that the dear Redeemer is soon coming to save his people cheers us on to strive harder in our warfare with our sins. That we may overcome them, and at last meet with the saints on Mount Zion, is my prayer.
WALTER CASE
Poygan, Wis., July 16.
My Trust.
By Emily L. Canright
I'll take no thought, my Father reigns on high.
His watchful care I feel is over me.
He knows my every need, he hears my cry,
O, help me, Lord, and I will trust in thee.
O, give me grace, that in the coming days
I may but do thy will and sound thy praise.
I take no thought, so swift the years pass by;
Time's opportunities will soon be fled,
Oh! I would fain improve them as they fly,
Living in Christ, to earth's allurements dead.
The world with all its pleasures I resign,
Only assure me, Lord, that I am thine.
I'll take no thought, my Father reigns on high,
He even notes the sparrows when they fall;
Of how much greater value then am I,
For whom Christ died—yes, I will trust my all.
Forgive the past, my Father, I implore;
Make me thy willing child forevermore.
Emily L. Canright.
Battle Creek, Mich.
Putting Immortality to Sleep.
If the physical man cannot think, and if an eternal personality does all the thinking, how can a little chloroform, administered to a wide-awake man, produce utter unconsciousness? Does it really put immortality to sleep?
Not long ago, Dr. Bowman, of South Carolina, wishing an operation on an eye, in order to escape the pain that he would otherwise be obliged to endure, concluded to take chloroform. The last he remembered was a sensation of sleepiness, and the next thing he knew he was waking up, inquiring, “Haven’t they got ready yet?” Upon being told that it was “all over,” the question at once flashed forcibly upon his mind, “What was the condition of my immortal soul during this operation, if I have such a personal thinker that lives in the body, and thinks independent of the material man?”
Can chloroform stop immortality from thinking? It certainly stops the real thinker from thinking, whether that is the man, or a personality within man. If the soul can think independent of the body, then no condition of the body can affect its thinking power. Immortality cannot be dependent upon mortality for intellect; then why should immortality stop thinking when mortality sleeps? We again ask, Can immortality be put to sleep by chloroform?—The Restitution.
The Bible as a Forest of Fruit
The Bible is a very large, wide forest, wherein stand many trees, of all kinds, from which we can gather many kinds of fruits. For in the Bible we have rich consolation, doctrine, instruction, exhortation, warning, promises, and threatenings. But in all this forest there is not a tree from which I have not shaken and broken off at least a pair of apples or pears.
God is not harsh, as we are to those who have injured us. We withdraw our hand and close our purse; but he is kind to the unthankful and the evil.
He sees thee in thy poverty and wretchedness, and knows thou hast nothing to pay, therefore he freely forgives and gives thee all.