Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jan 4, 1883
General Articles.
By Ellen G. White
The Old Year and the New.
BY MRS. E. G. WHITE.
ALREADY has the new year been ushered in; yet before we greet its coming, we pause to ask, What has been the history of the year that with its burden of records has now passed into eternity? The admonition of the apostle comes down the lines to every one of us, "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves." God forbid that at this important hour we should be so engrossed with other matters as to give no time to serious, candid, critical self-examination! Let things of minor consequence be put in the background, and let us now bring to the front the things which concern our eternal interests.
Christian brethren, as Christ's ambassador I entreat you to inquire into the character of your thoughts, tempers, purposes, words, and works during the past year. What has been the nature of your experience? Compare the records of your religious life with the Bible standard, and pass judgment upon yourselves. Have the fruits of righteousness testified that you are in the faith, or have the fruits that you have borne, witnessed against you? This is a subject worthy of earnest, careful thought. Be thorough and impartial in your examination of the past year's record. Do you see the defects in your character, and are you compelled to admit that you have made no decided advance in overcoming these unholy traits? Remember that if not overcome, these will surely separate you from the presence of a pure, holy, sin-hating God, and close the doors of the heavenly mansions against you.
How many have, in the past year, cherished heart-burnings and bitterness toward their brethren and sisters in the church? How many have thought and spoken unkindly of those who, like themselves, profess to be followers of Jesus? We may think we had an excuse for this; but is there any provocation of sufficient weight to excuse us in harboring unkindness and malice in our hearts? Said Jesus, "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you." If we do not in our daily life exemplify these principles, we cannot be accepted before God. We must earnestly seek his grace to kill every fiber of the root of bitterness, and must let the love of Jesus take possession of our souls and reveal itself in our words and works, or we are not of Christ but of the wicked one.
The church militant is not the church triumphant, and earth is not Heaven. The church is composed of erring, imperfect men and women, who are but learners in the school of Christ, to be trained, disciplined, educated for this life, and for the future, immortal life. No one of us can in our own strength represent the character of Christ; but if Jesus lives in the heart, the spirit dwelling in him will be revealed in us; all our lack will be supplied. Who will seek at the beginning of this new year to obtain a new and genuine experience in the things of God? Make your wrongs right as far as possible. Confess your errors and sins one to another. Let all bitterness and wrath and malice be put away; let patience, long-suffering, kindness, and love become a part of your very being; then whatsoever things are pure and lovely and of good report will mature in your experience. Another year with its spotless record is before us; what shall that record be?
As a people we have not realized the work which should have been done in the last days of the old year, and much of it is left undone. The excitement of the Christmas holiday is now in the past, and what has been the record that has passed up to God? As we have professed to celebrate the birth of our Saviour, have our hearts been filled with gratitude for the infinite gift of God's dear Son? Have our thoughts and affections been such as God can accept? Has Jesus been revered and honored? Has he been made prominent in our thoughts and plans? and have our gifts flowed into his treasury? Is it not true that in many instances Christ and his claims have been forgotten in the feasting and merryments, and that the honor due to him has been given to man? Have not the thoughts, the labor, and the means been diverted from the proper object, and turned into a channel to please, honor, and exalt the human, rather than the divine?
I have felt most keenly our danger as a people on these occasions. I have feared that selfishness would be strengthened, that idolatry would be encouraged, and the love of God be crowded from our hearts; that the record borne to the heavenly courts would show that Christ was made of less consequence than earthly friends. I have feared that feasts and social gatherings would prove to be a snare of Satan to divert the mind from Christ and his great sacrifice in our behalf; that the very associations which should lead us to contemplate the work of redemption would be lost sight of in the observance of worldly customs, and that there would be less thought of Jesus and the mansions he has gone to prepare for those who love him, than upon common occasions.
I see no objection to placing even in our churches a Christmas or New Year tree bearing fruit in gifts and offerings for the cause of God. We may thus take advantage of the occasion to turn the customary gifts of the season into the right channel. And such a holiday celebration is a useful lesson to our children, teaching them to bestow their gifts in a manner to honor their Redeemer. But when we devote our means and labor to feasting ourselves, we fail to render to God that honor which is his due.
I have resolved from this time to make Christ first and last and best in everything. I will not sanction feasts made to celebrate birthday or marriage anniversaries, but will bend all my energies to lift up Jesus among the people. I will seek to impress upon the minds of my brethren and sisters the great necessity of preparation of heart, by confession and humiliation, to be accepted of God and acknowledged as his dear children. My heart has ached as I have seen men honored, while Jesus was neglected and almost forgotten,—liberal gifts for earthly friends, but poor and meager offerings for him to whom we owe our all.
Christ opened before us the bright path of peace, of joy, of Heaven; and what have we done for him on these occasions when every word and act should express our gratitude for his wondrous love? How stands the record of the past Christmas? Have we given to Jesus all that there is of us? Have we denied self that we might show our affection for our best friend? Have we made a record that we shall not be ashamed to meet in the day of final accounts? If all realized as they should the shortness of time, the backslidings of our people, the perils which beset our pathway, the deceptions of Satan, and his victories over unguarded souls, there would be no feasting, no mirthful gatherings to pay honor to the human; but there would be a great humbling of heart before God, and earnest prayer for pardoning and sanctifying grace.
Peter, who once denied his Lord, was afterward forgiven by our Saviour, and entrusted with the work of feeding the flock of God. Yet when condemned to death, and about to suffer for Christ's sake, the apostle begged that he might not be crucified in the same position as his Lord and Master, but that he might be nailed to the cross with his head downward. He felt that it was too great an honor for him to be put to death in the same manner as his Saviour whom he had denied. Would it not be well if our consciences were more sensitive? if we could possess more of the same spirit of contrition and humility? At a time when we are professedly celebrating Christ's birth, should we not keep self in the background? Would it not be more appropriate to abase self and to exalt Jesus?
The perfection of our Saviour's character awakens the admiration of angels and of men. Here is an exhaustless theme for thought. The brightest and most exalted of the sons of the morning heralded his glory at creation, and announced his birth2with songs of gladness. They veil their faces before him as he sits upon his throne; they cast their crowns at his feet, and sing his triumphs as they behold his resplendent glory. Our souls are cold and dull because we do not dwell upon the matchless charms of our Redeemer. If we occupy our thoughts in contemplating his love and mercy, we shall reflect the same in our life and character; for by beholding, we become changed. Oh, the mysteries of redemption! Only by exalting Jesus and abasing self can we celebrate aright the birth of the Son of God.
As we stand on the threshold of a new year, there is need of an impartial examination of our hearts to dispel the pleasing illusions of self-love. Our condition is helpless and hopeless unless infinite mercy is granted us daily, and pardon is written against our names in the heavenly records. Those only who see and feel their spiritual necessities will go to Jesus for that help which they so much need, and which he only can give. He alone can cleanse us from all sin. He alone can place upon us the robe of righteousness.
What fruit have we borne during the year that is now past? What has been our influence upon others? Whom have we gathered to the fold of Christ? The eyes of the world are upon us. Are we living epistles of Christ, known and read of all men? Do we follow the example of Jesus in self-denial, in meekness, in humility, in forbearance, in cross-bearing, in devotion? Will the world be compelled to acknowledge us to be the servants of Christ? What is our past record? What will be our future record? If we cannot without pain trace the workings of our own hearts and review the record of our lives, how can we stand before the Judge of all the earth, who is infinitely pure and holy, and who will determine our cases by the unerring standard of his perfect law?
Shall we not in this new year seek to correct the errors of the past? It behooves us individually to cultivate the grace of Christ, to be meek and lowly of heart, to be firm, unwavering, steadfast in the truth; for thus only can we advance in holiness, and be made fit for the inheritance of the saints in light. Let us begin the year with an entire renunciation of self; let us pray for clear discernment, that we may understand our Saviour's claims upon us, and that we may always and everywhere be witnesses for Christ.
Our time and talents belong to God, to be used for his honor and glory. It should be our earnest, anxious effort to let the light shine through our life and character to illumine the pathway Heavenward, that souls may be attracted from the broad road to the narrow way of holiness. Oh, that the followers of Christ had less desire to devote labor, time, and money, to feasts and celebrations in honor of earthly friends, and a greater desire to honor Jesus! I entreat you to bring to him your gifts and offerings, and withhold not yourselves. Strong men are needed in the church, successful workers in the Lord's vineyard, men and women who will labor that the church may be transformed to the image of Christ, rather than conformed to the customs and practices of the world. We have everything to gain or to lose. Let us see that we are on the side of Christ—the gaining side; that we are making sure work for Heaven.
"Take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand"
"Strong in the strength which God supplies
Through his eternal Son."
OVERCOMETH.
By Margaret E. Sangster
To HIM that overcometh,
O word divinely strong,
The victor's palm, the fadeless wreath,
The grand immortal song.
And his the hidden manna,
And his the polished stone,
Within whose whiteness shines the name
Revealed to him alone.
To him that overcometh,—
Ah, what of bitter strife
Before he win the battle's gage
And snatch the crown of life!
What whirl of crossing weapons,
What gleam of flashing eyes,
What stern debate with haughty foes,
Must be before the prize.
To him that overcometh,
Shall trials aye befall,
The World, the Flesh, the Devil,
He needs must face them all.
Sweet sirens of temptation
May lure with silver strain,
And cope he must with subtle foes,
And blanch 'neath fiery pain.
To him that overcometh,
A mighty help is pledged,
He wields a sword of purest mould,
By use of cycles edged.
And prophets and confessors,
A matchless valiant band,
Have vanquished earth, and stormed the skies,
With that triumphant brand.
To him that overcometh,
O promise dearest dear!
The Lord himself who died for him
Will evermore be near.
Here, dust upon his garments,
There, robes that royal be,
For "On my throne," the king hath said,
"Mine own shall sit with me."
To him that overcometh,
O word divinely strong!
It weaves itself through weary hours
Like some rejoicing song.
For his the hidden manna,
And his the name unknown,
Which Christ the Lord that day of days
Will tell to him alone.
—Margaret E. Sangster, in S. S. Times.
Short Sermon on Doctrine.
By R. F. Cottrell
BY ELD. R. F. COTTRELL.
TEXT.—"Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them; for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee." 1 Tim. 4:16.
IT appears from the text that doctrine is of some importance. That doctrine, a continuance in which will save the preacher and the hearers, must be of great value. I remember of hearing it said, when I was young, that no one ought to preach doctrines or tenets in time of reformation or revival; that such a course was sure to kill the revival. I thought at the time that a doctrine that would have that effect should never be preached. It is true that when men quarrel about their doctrines, the effect is always pernicious; but the doctrines of the religion of the Bible are always saving and never destructive. They promote all true and valuable revival. Doctrine is simply teaching. And what is it that distinguishes the religion of truth from all false religions but the truth which it teaches? Truth is saving; and there can be no harm from its doctrines. The religious feeling or instinct is the same in pagans, Mohammedans and Christians. The superiority of the Christian religion arises from the truth of its doctrines. The truth may be held in unrighteousness; but still the truth is valuable. There can be no Christianity without its doctrines. It is objected that "doctrine is only the skin of truth set up and stuffed." The doctrines of the day might be called the stuffed skin of error, or the sloughed skin of the old serpent. But the "doctrine that is according to godliness" is important, we might say all-important. The apostle John has left us this testimony: "Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed." 2 John 9, 10. Surely, the doctrine of Christ is of the greatest importance. Hence Paul says to Timothy: "As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine." The doctrine must be specially guarded. Then he speaks of all sorts of sins as things that are "contrary to sound doctrine." Purity of doctrine leads to purity of life. The doctrines of God are practical; and as holiness is essential to salvation, so are the doctrines that teach it. 1 Tim. 1:3, 10.
Again, the apostle exhorts, "Give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine." Chap. 4:13. And again, "Let the elders that rule well be accounted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine." Chap. 5:17. But while "sound doctrine" is of importance, the apostle teaches that there will be, especially in the last days, some that "will not endure sound doctrines," and that "fables" and "doctrines of devils" will be taught instead, and this constitutes the reason for strictly charging the minister of Jesus Christ to guard with care the doctrine—to charge some that they teach no other; but that he should "be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine." 2 Tim. 4:1-3.
Now since sound doctrine is of such inestimable value, since it is to be guarded as a priceless treasure with jealous care, since by continuance in it both preachers and hearers will be saved, according to our text, it is of the first importance that we know how to find the true, and escape the ruinous consequence of embracing the false. Where shall we find the true?
The answer is, In those "Holy Scriptures" which were "given by inspiration of God," and are "profitable for doctrine," &c., so "that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." 2 Tim. 3:15-17. But the question may be asked, How shall the Scriptures be interpreted?—whose interpretation shall we take?
Let them interpret themselves. Take them in their most obvious meaning. We do not say that the literal meaning is always the true one; for there are figures used in the Bible, as well as in every other book. It should be interpreted just as we would interpret the language of any other book. Admit the right of one to give the Scriptures a mystical interpretation, and every other one must have the same right; and as the consequence we should have as many contradictory doctrines, all laid to the charge of God's holy book, as there are at the present day. This is the origin of the fables suited to the itching ears of these last days. The opposite and antidote of these fables is the preaching of the word of God. The apostle charges Timothy in the most solemn manner, "Preach the word;" and adds as a reason, "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." The "sound doctrine" is the word of God in its obvious sense, the "fables" to which those turn who will not endure it, are the thousand and one mystical and fanciful interpretations by which it is set aside.
Again we ask, What is sound doctrine? We answer, "The words of our Lord Jesus Christ;" and not some mystical interpretation of them, foreign from the signification of the words themselves. "If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to the wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; he is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness; from such withdraw thyself." 1 Tim. 6:3-5.
This may be illustrated by the doctrine of the second coming of Christ. Said Jesus, "I go away, and come again unto you." "I go unto the Father." "I go to prepare a place for you." "I will come again and receive you unto myself." How did he go away? "While they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight." How shall he come again? The testimony of the angels is, "This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven." Said Jesus himself, "And they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory." These are wholesome words, sound doctrine. Jesus is really coming to earth again. As a cloud received him out of sight, so will he be seen coming in the clouds of heaven. Those who make his coming again to be a mystical, or spiritual coming "consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Again, as his coming is to be real, so the signs in the heavens of his coming have been literally fulfilled. The sun and moon have been darkened and the stars have fallen, according to his word; and when all these things should transpire, he has assured us in the most positive terms of which language is capable that his coming would be even at the doors; so near that this generation should not pass away before his coming; but that some who should witness the fulfillment of the signs, should live to witness the fulfillment of his promise that he would come again. Those who explain these words to mean something that they do not say, do not consent to wholesome words. They are doting, or sick, "about questions and strifes of words." "From such," says the apostle, "withdraw thyself."
From what has been said, it is evident that doctrine is fundamental. To attempt to build up the Christian church, ignoring, or making non-essential or of little importance the revealed doctrines of Christianity, is like building a house in the air with no foundation upon the earth. These doctrines distinguish the religion of truth from all false systems; and should not only be preached, but guarded with jealous care. Preach the word. Take heed to the doctrine. The salvation of souls is depending upon it. But "profane and old wives' fables," "vain babbling," and "foolish and unlearned [untaught] questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes." All that is taught in the Scriptures is essential and of vast importance; but doctrines not therein clearly revealed are worse than non-essential—they are pernicious.
Truth is saving; but it will not save those who are not truly converted to it. One may professedly hold, and may talk the true doctrines of the Bible; and yet be as "sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal." If the truth does not have the sanctifying effect to produce the fruit of good works, it will only prove the condemnation and destruction of those who professedly hold it. And the works which result from sound doctrine must be done from the heart, or from pure love to God and man. Thus the pure doctrines of the Bible purify the heart, sanctify the affections, and elevate the receiver to the exalted plane of true godliness. The fruit will be unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.3
The Things That Make Men Happy
By Ruskin
To READ, to think, to love, to hope, and to pray—these are the things that make men happy. They have power to do these things; they never will have power to do more. The world's prosperity or adversity depends upon our knowing and teaching these few things, but upon iron or glass, steam or electricity, in nowise.—Ruskin.
Work for Children.
In a recent address to the London Sabbath-school teachers, Mr. Spurgeon said, in extolling the dignity of work for children:—
“He who made the heaven and earth—infinite, eternal, almighty—he cares for the lambs. There is a long distance—imagination cannot bridge it—between the Infinite and the infant; and yet there is no distance, for love hath bridged it. He comes in contact with the lambs. He carries the lambs. What noble work is yours and mine, since Christ does the same. He is the great carer for the little ones, and we follow in his wake. If any shall despise the teacher of the young, he shall despise the Lord himself, for he is at our head. . . . Let none of us go to our classes as though we were insignificant, and were doing a second-rate and minor service in the house of God. We are doing what it is his delight to do. He whom the angels worship, cherubim and seraphim adore, head of all the hosts of Heaven, and of all the elect—he cares for the lambs. See that, in following him, we do it well.”
ADVENT HYMN.
By John G. Ames
O King of kings, thou Lord of all,
Whose righteous rule in Heaven is known,
When wilt thou list thy people's call,
And here on earth erect thy throne?
Our hearts believe thy promise, Lord;
We gaze expectant toward the sky;
We read with joy th' unfailing Word,
Trusting the longed-for day is nigh.
The church on earth waits thy return;
Their sad dissensions then shall cease,
And all who name thy name shall learn
To live and serve in love and peace.
The nations still refuse thy sway,
And faithless kings in council meet.
Thy coming haste; thy might display,
And bring them subject to thy feet.
The groaning earth repeats her sighs,
Waiting release from sin's embrace;
And upward toward the silent skies
She turns an eager suppliant's face.
We plead thy sure prophetic word,
Lifting our heart in prayer to thee;
Let now the herald cry be heard;
Let us thy advent glory see.
In glorious majesty descend,
Thy rightful power on earth possess,
The reign of sin and sorrow end,
Begin the reign of righteousness.
O, quickly come. Let earth behold
Her Sov'reign Lord with glory crowned:
O, bring the day so long foretold;
Let us thy advent praises sound.
—John G. Ames, in Christian Union.
Future of Russia.
THIS Turko-Egyptian embroilment is backed up by a history which must be understood in order to comprehend the significance of events and acts. Russia has not yet for one day taken her eye from St. Sophia and the Bosphorus. She means one day to have Constantinople for her winter capital. Nature has decreed it. The edict is published in the physical geography of Europe and Asia. Courts and capitals and diplomats may postpone the realization of that splendid dream for one decade or five. The Cossack stretches his imperial arm from the Baltic Sea across Asia to China, and from the Arctic Ocean down to Afghanistan, and almost to the shores of the Persian Gulf. Three hundred years ago he was as much of a barbarian in Europe as the Apache or Seminole is in America to-day. A half-dozen years ago the rattle of his artillery made half of Europe tremble with apprehension, and the Great Powers caught their breath lest he should break their balance of power forever by throwing his sword into the scale. He belongs to a virile and conquering race. The centuries are his allies. Francis Joseph is an old man, sitting on a throne made of mosaic, whose bits he holds together by his weight. Frederick William is tottering on the verge of the grave, and Bismarck is an invalid at the head of a Germany that endures them both with a sullen determination to be free. Great Britain has read the handwriting on her palace wall. If Russian statesmanship shall prove equal to the opportunity, he would be bold indeed who should challenge the prediction that the next Emperor of Russia will celebrate his coronation under the dome of St. Sophia.— N. Y. Star.
"Man Has but One Chance."
By Joseph Cook
"GENTLEMEN, this universe, up to the edge of the tomb, is not a joke. There are in this life serious differences between the right hand and the left. Nevertheless, in our present career, a man has but one chance. Even if you come weighted into the world, as Sinbad was with the Old Man of the Sea, you have but one chance. Time does not fly in a circle, but forth, and right on. The wandering, squandering, desiccated moral leper is gifted with no second set of early years. There is no fountain in Florida that gives perpetual youth; and the universe might be searched, probably in vain, for such a spring. Waste your youth; in it you have but one chance. Waste your middle life; in it you shall have but one chance. Waste your old age; in it you shall have but one chance. It is an irreversible natural law that character attains final permanence, and in the nature of things final permanence can come but once. This world is fearfully and wonderfully made, and so are we, and we shall escape neither ourselves nor these stupendous laws. It is not to me a pleasant thing to exhibit these truths from the side of terror; but, on the other side, these are the truths of bliss; for, by this very law through which all character tends to become unchanging, a soul that attains a final permanence of good character runs but one risk and is delivered once for all from its torture and unrest. It has passed the bourn, from behind which no man is caught out of the fold. He who is the force behind all natural law is the keeper of his sheep, and no one is able to pluck them out of his hand. Himself, without variableness or shadow of turning, he maintains the irreversibility of all natural forces, one of which is the insufferably majestic law by which character tends to assume final permanence, good as well as bad."-Joseph Cook.
A Congregational Church in Buffalo
For over forty years Buffalo, now a city of one hundred and fifty thousand inhabitants, has been without a Congregational Church. Somewhere in the thirties—two or three—there was one in existence there, quite flourishing. The celebrated evangelist Burchard came along and held one of his exciting protracted revival meetings, and large numbers rushed into the church. But no great time elapsed before exclusions commenced and, in the end, after two or three years, the reaction was so great that the church as a Congregational organization went out of existence, and the Lafayette Street Presbyterian Church rose upon its ruins.—Standard.
A Reason for Not Doing
WHEN a man has not one good reason for doing a thing, he has an excellent reason for not doing it.
Be Ye Also Ready.
By Mrs. L. D. A. Stuttle
BY MRS. L. D. A. STUTTLE.
ROLLING over the dim centuries of the past, like peals of loudest thunder, we hear those solemn, those earnest words of warning and entreaty, "Be ye also ready." Ready for what? The coming of the Blessed One. Yes, he is coming—coming to judgment. Then shall my name be read before the assembled hosts of Heaven, and I must stand for myself. Woe is me if I be not ready; if the stain of sin be found upon me in that trying hour; if I be not prepared when the Judge of all the earth is about to render a decision in my case.
Thanks be to God, it is my privilege to be ready—yea, even to be waiting and watching. If we are not ready, it will be on account of our own neglect. Christ speaks to us daily, by the wars and commotion of the nations; by fearful signs and great sights from heaven; by floods, famine, and perplexity; by increasing disaster on land and sea; by the signs of the times—he speaks to us, "Be ye also ready." We hear his voice mid the din and bustle of a careless, busy world; mid the scoffing of the unbeliever, and the curses of the blasphemer; mid the insincere prayers of the bigoted Pharisee, and the increasing worldliness of his professed church—we hear him speaking, yea, pleading and entreating, knocking at the door of our doubting hearts, and whispering, "Be ye also ready."
Life is uncertain; wealth and prosperity are uncertain; earthly pleasure and joy are uncertain; fame and popularity are but the fleeting baubles of an hour. The Judgment is certain; Christ's coming is certain; the punishment of the wicked is certain, and the reward of the righteous sure.
Oh! my soul, make ready for the future. Make not half-way work. Be thorough. Be earnest. Be ready. "For in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of man cometh."
And oh! when he cometh to Judgment,
Who then may the day abide,
When our names shall be called by the Master,
And our trembling souls be tried?
Vernon, Mich., Dec. 20, 1882.
Keep Spare Beds Well Aired
HERE is a hint to housekeepers, which is very important. Merely covering up a bed with blankets and counterpanes will no more protect it from dampness or keep it dry than a pane of glass will keep out light. The atmospheric moisture will penetrate all woven fabrics. Hence the importance of keeping the beds in spare rooms regularly aired. Many a dear friend or welcomed visitor has been sent to an untimely grave, or afflicted for life with disease by being put into a bed which had been permitted to stand unoccupied. Keep the spare beds, when not in use, free from all covering but a light spread.
"O To Be Nothing!"
By Rev. H. Seymour
AN EASY SONG BUT A HARD LESSON.
It is easiest to say and to sing it, than to feel and to be it. A lady, gorgeously arrayed in the latest fashion, may play it on an instrument with jewelled fingers, and at the same time be as proud as Lucifer of her person and performance. It is not the easiest thing in the world to be emptied of self, and to lie humbly at the feet of the Master, to be unused or used only as he may see best, giving all the glory of whatever we may do to him, willing to be nothing, that he may be all in all. It is human nature to crave and to claim at least a share in the glory. It would even divide the honor with the great Supreme, and sit on the same throne with the Lord of all. It is indeed the hardest thing in the world to be willing to take one's own proper place before God and man, and to be unthought of if the Lord will. Human nature is self-exalting. It desires and seeks preeminence. It courts position above others. It likes glorification. It would have the credit of all that it does or is instrumental in doing. We see the manifestation of this spirit even in the chosen twelve. They desired the honors in that temporal kingdom, that in their ignorance they supposed Christ was about to set up in the world. They disputed among themselves which of them should be the greatest. "O to be something" is the aspiration of our proud hearts.
And the same unhallowed spirit has prevailed amongst the disciples of Christ ever since. It is still manifest in the Church. The deacons, the elders, and the ministers are not all superior to it. It is a great attainment, the height of attainment to be humble. But few comparatively reach it. But few are disposed to say with the greatest of the apostles, that they are "less than the least of all saints." It is only the first-class of saints, as the saintly Edwards, that attain to this. Thus he writes on a certain occasion: "I have greatly longed of late for a broken heart, and to lie low before God; and, when I ask for humility, I can not bear the thought of being more humble than other Christians. It seems to me, that though their degrees of humility may be suitable for them, yet it would be a vile self-exaltation in me, not to be the lowest in humility of all mankind. Others speak of their longing to be 'humbled to the dust,' that may be a proper expression for them, but I always think of myself that I ought, and it is an expression that has long been natural for me to use in prayer, 'to lie infinitely low before God.'"
The true way to honor is humility. And there is no other way. "He that humbleth himself shall be exalted; but he that exalteth himself shall be abased." Spurgeon has truly said: "The way to be very great is to be very little." And this greatest of the world's preachers seems to be an example in point. Amongst his recent utterances may be found the following: "I told my people the other morning, when preaching from the text, 'My grace is sufficient for thee,' that for the first time in my life I experienced what Abraham felt when he fell on his face and laughed. I was riding home, very weak with a long week's work, but there came to my mind this text: 'My grace is sufficient for thee;' but it came with the emphasis laid upon two words; 'My grace is sufficient for thee.' My soul said, 'Doubtless it is. Surely the grace of the infinite God is more than sufficient for such a mere insect as I am,' and I laughed, and laughed again, to think how far the supply exceeded all my needs. It seemed to me as though I were a little fish in the sea, and in my thirst I said, 'Alas! I shall drink up the ocean.' Then the Father of the waters lifted up his head sublime, and smiling, replied: 'Little fish, the boundless river is sufficient for thee.'"
Alas! Why should a mortal man ever be otherwise than humble? Why should a poor sinner ever exalt himself, either before God or man? What garment more becomes us than the garment of humility? The Lord gives us each and all grace to put it on, and to keep it on at all times, and on all occasions.—Rev. H. Seymour.