We shall show under this head that the apostle Paul did not reason with the Jews as though the promises made to them respecting the possession of the land had all been verified, but would have them understand that the rest was yet to come for the people of God.
He says, “While it is said, To-day if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts as in the provocation. For some, when they had heard, did provoke; howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses. But with whom was he grieved forty years? Was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcasses fell in the wilderness? And to whom sware He that they should not enter into His rest, but to them that believed not? So we see they could not enter in because of unbelief.” Again: “Let us therefore fear, lest a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. For unto us was the gospel preached as well as unto them; but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest; although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. For He spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works. And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest. Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief. Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To-day, after so long a time as it is said, To-day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. For if Jesus (Joshua, margin) had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.”
The reasoning of Paul certainly shows that the taking of Israel after the flesh into the land of Canaan was not the fulfillment of the promise God had made to Abraham.
While some contend that the promise to Abraham was fulfilled when the children of Israel sojourned in the land of Canaan, we contend that they had only a temporal possession of the land, which was typical of the final possession of the earth. When they corrupted themselves with their idols, and sinned against the Lord, their enemies prevailed against them, overran the land, and dispossessed them of their cities. Temporal judgments were thus brought upon them. All this, we understand, was to show them the necessity of obeying God if they would have his favor. If any would really be Abraham’s children, according to Christ’s rule, they must “do the works of Abraham.”
While the yearly services of the sanctuary were kept up and strictly carried out, Israel would have a yearly purging of rebels. Every one who, in the day of atonement, would afflict his soul, would find mercy; but those who would not do it, must die. It is strange to us how individuals with these facts before their minds, can claim that there are any peculiar national blessings yet to be given to the Jews after the flesh.
But we are digressing. This possession of the land of Canaan by the natural descendants of Abraham, we understand, as we before claimed, was a type of the possession promised to God’s people. Therefore we can see a propriety in purging the profane from among the children of Israel, that they might be kept a holy seed, and thus their possession of the land really typify that future inheritance which none but righteous ones can enjoy.
When we come to the time of the reign of King Zedekiah, who reigned as king over Israel, they had so corrupted themselves by disobeying the Lord’s commandment, that the scepter was taken from them, and passed into the hands of the wicked kings of earth. The testimony of the Lord to Zedekiah, just before he was carried captive to Babylon reads thus: “And thou, profane wicked prince of Israel, whose day is come, when iniquity shall have an end, thus saith the Lord God, Remove the diadem, and take off the crown; this shall not be the same; exalt him that is low, and abase him that is high. I will overturn, overturn, overturn it; and it shall be no more, until He come whose right it is, and I will give it Him.”
When the kingdom of Babylon was conquered by the Medes and Persians, and Israel became tributary unto them, the scepter was overturned once.
Again, when the Medes and Persians were conquered by Alexander and the Grecian kingdom established, the Lord’s word was fulfilled, and “it” (the scepter, etc.) was overturned the second time.
And when 31 years B. C., the celebrated battle of Actium brought Rome to her position of “mistress of the world,” the scepter was overturned the third time. So far as the prediction made by Zedekiah was concerned, he whose right it was—Christ—might come at any time, and take possession of the kingdom.
The Jewish people, at the time of Christ’s first advent, “instantly serving God day and night, did hope to come§§ to the fulfillment of those promises which God had made respecting the land. They certainly must have looked upon the saints’ rest as yet future.
J. N. Loughborough.
Commemorative Institutions.
In the divine economy the great Creator has seen fit to ordain memorials of important things and events. Both the wisdom and mercy of God are manifested in the monumental institutions he has given to the world, because of their proneness to forget that which is for God’s glory, as well as for man’s highest good. Thus God gave to Israel the Passover, a memorial of the deliverance from Egyptian bondage; and to us the Lord’s Supper and Baptism, as memorials of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. These divine ordinances are to be celebrated “in remembrance” of the great Author of human redemption. But while we are celebrating memorials of the Redeemer we are not to forget the Creator. For lying back of all the events connected with the history of the world, or the plan of redemption, is the great work of the Creator of the heavens and the earth. The ground of the obligation of the created to the Creator is seen in that stupendous work. Through nature we look up to Nature’s God. And in all scripture the fact of the creation is distinctly set forth as that which distinguishes the true God. For while men direct their thoughts, affections and prayers to Him who created all things, they have a perfect shield against idolatry, and they can never make a mistake. We see, then, how important it is that this great fact should be commemorated. And the Creator himself has said, “This is my name forever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.”
A monumental institution was given to mankind in the Sabbath, that men might know and ever remember the Creator. Ezek. 20:12. “Moreover, also, I gave them my Sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am the Lord that sanctify them.” That the Sabbath was given as a memorial of creation has been almost universally admitted. But of all the testimonies in favor of this position, that of Alexander Campbell is the most interesting. In his work entitled, “Popular Lectures and Addresses,” pp. 283, 284, he says:—
“The oldest commemorative institution in the world is that which records the voluminous fact that Nature is herself an effect, and not a primary cause. It is in this sublime and philosophic way that the man of true science views that primeval solemnization of time, called ‘The Sabbath,’ the first and one of the most significant and important of all Patriarchal institutions. Most modern philosophers, though Baconians in every thing else, are Platonists, and Aristotelians here. They assume, because their philosophic wand is too short to reach up to the first Sabbath—they assume I say, that nature is an effect.”
“Heaven left not this fact, the basis of a thousand volumes, to be gathered from abstract reasonings, vitiated traditions, ingenious analogies, or plausible conjectures, but from a monumental institution which was as universal as the annals of time, as the birth of nations, and as the languages spoken by mortals. An institution, too, which notwithstanding its demand not only of the seventh part of all time, but of the seventh day in uninterrupted succession, was celebrated from creation to the deluge, during the deluge, and after the deluge till the giving of the law; and which, when transcribed by the finger of God, from the tables of memory to the tables of marble begins with the word, ‘REMEMBER,’ the only word which is legitimately inscribed in every land and language upon every sort
The Camp Meeting.
By Miles E. Cornell
Others have spoken very favorably of our late camp meeting, and I will add a word more. I do not think those correct who say the meeting last year was more profitable than this.
Last year there was more joy and happy flight of feeling, but this year under the searching practical discourses of Bro. Butler and others, there was more heart searching and humiliation. The natural heart is not inclined to this important matter of self examination, though it is indispensibly necessary. The sharp two edged sword cuts, divides and separates from self, the world, the flesh and all the weights and besetting sins. It seems to me that if any went through this meeting unprofited it was their own fault. It was because they failed to enter into the spirit of the meeting. And why should any refuse or fail to appreciate the importance of business? Can the cause go forward without organization and business proceedings?
Instead of murmuring at that which is necessary to be done in the cause, everyone who loves the cause, will patiently perform the labors, and humbly sympathize with the care-worn servants of God who are night and day planning and working to supply the needs of the cause of truth.
Those who do not bear burdens cannot sympathize with those who do. If there are those who do little more than to get on the car of truth and ride, they ought not to find fault with those who are working with all their might to keep the car in motion. Shall we, like some of old, murmur at the leaders in Israel? God forbid. But rather let us patiently and earnestly labor to help on the good work.
All were astonished at the amount raised to start the publishing on this coast. An editor hailed me the other day and wanted to know if it was really true that Nineteen thousand five hundred dollars were raised to start a paper? He said he had wanted to notice it, but supposed that the other papers had one cipher too many, that it was hundreds instead of thousands.
This liberality must be regarded as an encouraging feature, for, as in ancient times, the spirit of giving willingly will cause rejoicing.
If all are faithful to pay their vows made at the camp meeting, great progress will be made the coming year. For one, I mean to give all diligence to press on in the light and truth and share with the well-doers at last.
M. E. Cornell.
Oakland, October 30th, 1874.
Daily Bible Reading and Religious Devotion
READ some portions of the Bible every day. Never think that which you do for religion is time or money misspent.
Trust Children.
NEVER accuse a child of a fault unless you are certain he committed it.
Children should not be treated with suspicion. We should act toward them in this matter as we feel we ought to act toward others, only with greater tenderness—not less, as is usually done. We should always put the best construction possible upon their conduct; that is, unless you are sure a child is telling a lie, and can prove it, do not show the smallest hesitation in believing what he says. Far better that you should be deceived, than to run the risk of showing a truthful child you do not trust him. Your simple trust makes a lying child truthful. Your doubt of his truthfulness may make a truthful child a liar.—Sel.
Principles of Sacrifice for Denominational Workers
By George I. Butler
stand as the advance guard; as a representative of Christ.
If these principles apply to ministers, as all will admit, we say they also apply to every one laboring in close connection with the special work of God, whether they are physicians of our Institute, teachers of our Denominational School, or editors and printers in the publishing work. Especially is this necessary when it is remembered that the funds raised to found these institutions were all contributed as a work of charity. Men who expend charitable funds should be willing, of course, to do so with the spirit with which they were contributed, so that they may go as far as possible to bring about the object of their contributors.
Those who have led out in this work in the East, have insisted that these principles should be carried out by all those who have been connected with those institutions. When this has been done, there has been plain evidence of the prospering hand of God. When for a time other men had the management, and these principles were positively ignored, and higher prices were paid, disaster followed. When again those whom God had called to lead out resumed the original plan, prosperity returned, until the question has been settled there forever.
Not over twelve dollars per week is paid as a salary to any for their compensation, although at other callings they might, many of them, earn much more. But they are working for God. They are building up his cause. They are sacrificing for the good of their fellow men. Every week they are laying up treasure in Heaven. Their brain, and bone, and muscle, weekly contributes to the grand total of good accomplished. Many would prefer to work for their very board and clothes, rather than to work at any other calling, however lucrative. They are engaged in the most noble work to be found in the wide world; working for God and their fellow men. Here is a test of real faith. Not one of them is obliged to work a day in this manner unless he choses. There is no compulsion. It is a grand privilege to work for God if he will accept us. Some of these have worked for years when the cause was weak, and the paper just starting, and friends few, for mere board and clothes, when they might have had a good salary at other occupations. Would they change for the money? Oh! no. Eternal ages will show they made a wise choice.
I now come directly to the publishing work in California. The brethren of this Conference have assumed the important responsibility of establishing an office, and publishing the truth here on the Pacific coast. The work is in its infancy. There are merely a few hundred paying subscribers; while there must be near four thousand of such, before it will be self-supporting. In other words, for months, or years the expenses must necessarily be far above the receipts. Thus they will be eating into the capital stock, and there will have to be benevolence, and sacrifice, everywhere with those connected with the office. It is indeed a great undertaking, and it will require faith.
It has been wisely decided that the price of the paper for those who pay for a year, shall be $2.00. This is not one half as high as the weekly papers generally in the State. The reading matter of the SIGNS is far greater than that of most weekly papers, therefore more work will be required on every number. They have a large amount of advertisements which bring in great profit. The SIGNS has none. All its matter has to be set up weekly. Thus it will be seen the expense will be greater, and the receipts far less than ordinary papers. It may be asked why the price should be so low? It is because we desire to get this paper into general circulation. It is not a money making object we have in view at all, but the higher, nobler one of enlightening the people upon the great truths of the times. The world must be warned, and we want every one to hear that can be reached. We want many to hear of this truth all over this coast. It is confidently expected that with so valuable, so neat, and so large a paper, our friends everywhere may find many not of our faith who will subscribe and pay for it. It must be made interesting, full of life and vigor.
But under these difficulties, it will be readily seen that there is an absolute necessity for the strictest economy, lest the paper shall cost too much. No one connected with it should expect a salary anywhere approximating those usually paid in this State. Here is one great fear I have in regard to the matter, that Californians have become so accustomed to large prices, and dealing in a lavish spirit, that they will not realize the difficulties connected with this work. I feel to warn them in regard to this. Start in with the strictest economy, and use the means so generously donated in a manner that will inspire confidence in those who have donated, that their funds have been sacredly used as they designed. I feel the more free to say this, because I stood up before the Conference and plead urgently for means, and promised the people if they would contribute, the funds should be used with strict economy. I regard that promise as very sacred. May God help those who have these funds to handle to do it in his fear.
It seems clear to me that higher prices cannot be paid in connection with the work here, than are paid in Michigan. The circumstances utterly forbid it. At Battle Creek the Office is established, the paper self-supporting, and things moving prosperously. Yet those laboring there do so expecting to work for less than they could make at other callings. At least some do.
But here the work is in its infancy. Every thing has now to be created. The friends of the cause should feel like rallying to the support of the paper. There ought to be young people of intelligence who will be willing to work for their board and clothes for some time to come, till the matter takes a more self supporting position. The brethren living near the Office of publication, should be willing to board those who work in the Office very cheaply. They should be favored, and thus these burdens more equally shared. Every one who can work in to help this great work forward, should esteem it a blessed privilege to do so. Then when the work is placed upon a proper basis, and has grown up strong, and many are being blessed by its influence, they can have the blessed satisfaction of feeling that they have some share in that prosperity. This would not be so if they had been paid for every hour’s work. All should feel like rallying around this enterprise with a true public spirit. Oh! what a glorious work is opening up on this great Pacific coast.
With the public spirit already exhibited by the brethren, we have everything to hope for. Now, if we can see the same spirit shown by those who may be more closely connected with the work—those who labor in the Office itself, the success of the enterprise will be assured. This spirit must be shown, or the good work will come to grief.
No money consideration should stand in the way of any one who can work acceptably. There are men in this cause who would work any how. Their hearts would be sad indeed if they could not work in the Lord’s cause. What sacrifices they make are their greatest glory. We greatly hope for the success of the publishing work on this coast. We feel now a personal interest in it we did not feel before we came here. When these words shall be read by the friends in California, the writer will be east of the Plains, yet he will watch with peculiar interest the progress of the work on the Pacific coast. May God greatly prosper it is my prayer.
GEO. I. BUTLER.
San Francisco, Cal., Oct. 31, 1874.
The Removal of the Signs.
By George I. Butler
In the last issue of the SIGNS, it was stated that the paper would be published at Woodland for the present, at least, and it was requested that all communications should be sent there. And it was doubtless further noticed that the paper itself was dated Woodland, Cal.
As the present number is dated Oakland, and no removal has taken place, an explanation is plainly required. And as I had some part in this, seeing I advised with others concerning the matter, it may be as proper for me to give the explanation as any one. I ever wish to bear all the responsibility of mistakes that justly fall upon me.
When the matter of publishing the SIGNS was talked up at the last State Conference, and before the Auditing Committee, there was considerable said in regard to how it should be managed, and who should oversee the necessary work of issuing it, and of deciding where it should be published. In view of the suggestions of Bro. White to the Conference, as well as from the knowledge and experience of Bro. Saunders in printing, it was hoped our dear brother would see his way clear to work in connection with the SIGNS, and as soon as consistent close out his connection with his secular paper. Bro. S. seemed ready to do this, and it was generally understood that such an arrangement would be consummated. In this case, as Bro. S. had an office at Woodland where he resided, we thought the paper better be moved there temporarily, till a permanent location should be decided upon.
But in the hurry and bustle of the camp-meeting, we had little time to arrange the particulars, therefore it was concluded that as soon as the last number of the SIGNS could be got off, Elder Loughborough and myself should go to Woodland and arrange for the removal of the paper at once. So when the last number went to press, it was with the full expectation that all the material of the office would be at once packed up for Woodland. It was therefore stated in the SIGNS that all business communications should be sent there; and lest some, in noticing the heading, “Oakland, Cal.,” should not see the notice of the removal and think it was still to be published at Oakland, I suggested that it be dated at Woodland, much on the principle adopted by all papers of dating ahead several days in the time of their issue.
But when we visited Woodland to make more particular arrangements, we met difficulties which entirely changed the complexion of the whole matter. The State Conference Committee had a meeting after our visit to Woodland, to arrange terms, and consider the subject of the removal. They felt that they must act upon the principle spoken of in another article of this number, “The Publishing Work in California,” that with the cause in its infancy here, they could not feel justified in paying more than $12 per week to any one employed in the office; that they must spend the means placed in their hands with the strictest economy. They well knew, of course, that this was far less than the usual price paid here; but they felt that if the price of the paper was put down to the standard of eastern prices, other things must also approximate to the same. Bro. Saunders thought he could not work for such a price; that, in justice to his family, he could not work for less than $18 per week, and so the arrangement fell through, and the Committee felt to look elsewhere for help. We exceedingly regret this, but of course it is the privilege of every one to decide his own duty in such questions. We felt that Bro. Saunders, with his experience in the printing business, might fill a useful place in the work here, which is now just starting. We hope he may yet see his way clear to engage in it. One great reason for moving the paper to Woodland was thus removed.
When we found there was no power press at Woodland upon which to print it, we saw that this also would be a great objection to its going there, as it would be a great job to get it off on a hand press. Under the circumstances it was thought best that the paper should remain in Oakland for the present. I much regret the too hasty announcement of the removal to Woodland, and wish to take whatever responsibility belongs on me for advising it. I am very glad, however, that no pecuniary loss has thus far resulted from it.
In regard to the final location of the paper, I feel free to say that Oakland, on the whole, seems to me to be the most suitable place for it. I do not wish to exercise any influence upon the decision of the question, which, of course, belongs entirely with the California Conference; but in my opinion, after the whole field is looked over, it will be seen that Oakland combines the most advantages. So I regard it as rather providential that the paper was not removed to Woodland. I earnestly desire that the guidance of the Holy Spirit may be had in all these matters. G. I. BUTLER.
The Cause in the East.
FROM reports made in the Advent Review, since our last issue, we learn that the cause of truth is still making steady progress in the East. At Battle Creek, the large denominational school building of the Seventh-day Adventists is nearly completed, and will be ready to occupy with the opening of the next term of the school—Jan. 1st. A very important Biblical Institute is to be held in Battle Creek about the 1st of December. A deep interest is manifested relative to the Institute, which bids fair to be largely attended.
Brother J. N. Andrews gives a very interesting report of his visit to London and other parts of England on his way to his mission in Switzerland. All our people look with interest on the mission of this brother to the Eastern world. May the Lord give him success wherever he goes. Brother Matteson (Dane) gives an interesting account of meetings for two or three months past, and some of the fierce opposition and persecution, and mob-spirit he has had to meet from Lutheran priests in Wisconsin, while laboring for the Danes. Victory, however, seemed to crown his efforts, and he reports over a score as embracing the truth.
— Brother S. H. Lane reports twenty as taking their stand at the point where he is laboring in Indiana. Reports are also encouraging from Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, and Illinois,69seven having come out in one place, five in another, and others in other places; and also a good work is being done by the Missionary society in arousing many to an interest in the truths for this time.
The Review, of Oct. 27th, contains an interesting report of the Seventh-day Baptist’s delegate to the Seventh-day Adventist’s Conference made by him to their Conference, Sept. 23d 1874. It reads as follows:
Your delegate to the Seventh-day Adventist’s General Conference submits the following:
There were two sessions of this body during our last Conference year. The first occurred in November; the second, in August, and in connection with the Michigan State Conference, which continued from the sixth to the seventeenth of the month. Your delegate was present from the seventh to the twelfth, during which time the General Conference held two sessions. He did not learn of the fall Conference until it was past, it being unusual to call the Conference at this season of the year. The August General Conference having been called on short notice, there were but few delegates present except those who came to attend the State Conference. The attendance from the State, however, was large; this being the largest assemblage of Sabbath-keepers ever held in this country, or in modern times. It was a truly interesting and inspiring occasion. The number in attendance, of all classes, on first day, was estimated at 10,000 people. The meetings were held in an encampment, in a beautiful grove, a short distance from the city of Battle Creek. A strong revival spirit was developed during these meetings, which resulted in a large number of hopeful conversions. The sessions of General Conference were presided over by Eld. Geo. I. Butler, President. The business of deepest interest transacted was the organization of a General Tract and Missionary Society, with Eld. Jas. White as President, and Eld. S. N. Haskell as Business Agent. The local Tract and Missionary Societies have been hitherto connected with the State Conferences. Reports from about half of these show a distribution and sale of 16,000,000 pages during the past year, which, with sales not included in this report, have added to the revenues of the Publishing Association over $32,000. The assets of this Association are now inventoried at $100,000, from an original capital of $40,000.
Another item of interest was the sending of Eld. J. N. Andrews as Missionary to Europe, to look after their Swiss Mission, and other points of interest on the Continent.
Another item of importance was the establishment of a branch office of publication at Oakland, California, with a weekly paper, the first numbers of which have already been issued, designed to promote the interests of their cause, now quite flourishing on the Pacific Coast. California adds another to the fourteen State Conferences previously reported. This General Conference also took measures toward establishing a paper on the Atlantic Coast, the plan most favored being to stereotype the pages of the Review, published at Battle Creek, and send the plates to the point designated, thus publishing two editions.
Not the least among the items of business which interested your delegate, was the progress reported in efforts to establish a denominational school of a high and permanent character, at this denominational center. Such a school is now in progress, under the presidency of Mr. S. Brownsberger, A. M., a devoted and intelligent Adventist, and a graduate of the Michigan University. A massive brick building for the use of the school is about completed, on a lot of twelve acres, highly improved, and nearly opposite their Health Institute, and on a beautiful elevation within the limits of the city of Battle Creek. The massive brick buildings of the Publishing Association are also near by, and their extensive church edifice. Beautiful residences of Adventist families also adorn this part of the city. Your delegate was highly pleased with his visit to these institutions, which give evidence of being in a prosperous condition, and under the management of able and enterprising officers and agents. About forty churches have been added to the Seventh-day Advent connection since the report of your former delegate with a proportionate increase of membership, which, however, is not yet equal to that included in our own General Conference. They have more than four times as many churches as we have, which are of necessity small, from the fact that they are rapidly formed from the nucleus of an Advent preacher’s tent, or an Advent family, or even a few Advent books. They have no settled preachers. Their cause is like a rolling stone that gathers no moss.
Your delegate was received by vote of Conference, and in an address of welcome by Eld. J. N. Andrews; and in the last session of Conference which your delegate attended, he was invited to use the time of the Conference, a portion of which he did, in setting forth the claims of God’s law and Sabbath, and in showing some of the grounds upon which the good feeling and unity now existing between Seventh-day Baptists and Seventh-day Adventists could and should be continued, to the advantage of the cause of truth. Favoring responses were made by Elders Andrews and White; and by a unanimous vote of the brethren, a hearty God-speed was extended to your delegate, as he left the meeting to take the cars to return home.
The Publishing Work in California.
It was an important step which the last Conference took, when it resolved to assume the work of publishing on this coast. And it must be admitted that it took hold of the work as though it realized its importance, when it pledged nearly twenty thousand dollars for the purpose. So far the result is good. But now the real difficulties will commence.
It is not a small thing to manage and publish a religious paper, when it is certain that the receipts for a long time will not equal the expenses. Such will be the case undoubtedly with the Signs for a period of months or years. While the friends of the cause have shown a willingness to contribute of their means, and have empowered their Conference Committee with the management of their funds, and of the new paper, they will of course expect to hold them to a careful account for the manner in which they are paid out. It is very proper that they should do this. Those who plead for means gave solemn assurance that the funds raised should be managed with strict economy, and nothing can be more sacredly binding than such assurances upon those who make them. In nothing are men more particular than in the manner in which their money is spent. They ought to be. If they are induced to pay out their hard earnings, nominally for benevolent purposes, it is no small thing if they are squandered. They have a right to expect them to be sacredly applied to the purpose for which they were designed.
The work of religion always demands sacrifice. God has made it necessary on the part of those who would labor for the salvation of their fellows, that it should cost them something. A religion which costs us nothing is not the Christian religion; for if we follow Christ in our efforts to save others, it will cost us labor, pain, and earthly loss, to be, however, more than compensated in heavenly gain. God could have written his truth upon the open heavens, sent angels to preach it, or rained down golden eagles for its support; but he has not chosen to do so:— He has made it obligatory upon men to sacrifice as their Master did, and thus show their practical appreciation of the principles which actuated him. He ever acted upon the great principle, that it is “more blessed to give than to receive.” To labor for others’ good is the highest motive possible for us, so far as our duty to man is concerned. All should participate in this good work.
Laymen will have to learn to do good, and learn to love to do it. The highest motives of benevolence and practical piety they must learn. We have taken upon us the responsibilities of this truth, and as a people we must discharge them in the fear of God. We are glad the brethren in California have given such plain evidence that they realize this obligation. But if such a spirit is obligatory upon those who are to labor merely in a private sphere, how much more is it demanded of those especially connected with the work of God—those who are to be examples to others!
Ministers who take upon themselves the work of teaching others, must always expect to set an example of sacrifice. It would be as proper to have a coward for the general of an army, as a selfish man for a minister. Courage is the one great qualification in war. The spirit of sacrifice is the most important principle in the religion of Christ. It especially characterized the ministry of our Lord. He left Heaven and all its glory, to come here and elevate us in the scale of being. Ministers stand as the teachers of this religion. Benevolence is the one grace above all others demanded of them. Take that element out, and there could be no true representatives of Christ at all. It is not for them to look for their reward in this life. They are to go ahead and set the true example, looking beyond this world for their recompense. If they are unwilling to do this, they should not place themselves in that position, but choose some other calling. The infinite reward before them of shining “as the stars forever and ever,” will compensate them millions of times over, for all their losses here. Here is a great, and high, and holy calling presented before men; and if they have faith and trust God, they will never let the matter of money stand in the way of accepting such a position for fear they or theirs will not be provided for. God will care for every one whom he calls to the work. He should