Earlier text: Sound WordsWho Are Christians?
By Roswell F. Cottrell
Those who believe in Christ, follow his example, obey him, and keep his Father’s commandments; they are those who “keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” Christ is the “author of eternal salvation to all them that obey him.” Heb. 5:9. Said he, “If a man love me, he will keep my words.” Again, “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” John 14:23 and 15:14. Again, “Whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in Heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.” Matt. 12:50. The apostles, who were commissioned to disciple all nations, made a good beginning on the notable day of Pentecost; and the three thousand that “were added to the Lord” on that day, heard and obeyed these words: “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.” Their sins were their violations of the law of God; for “sin is the transgression of the law.” To repent of their sins was to turn from their transgressions of God’s law, and their immersion in the name of Christ was an acknowledgment of their faith in Christ “for the remission of sins that are past” (See Rom. 3:22–26); and both these were necessary in order to obey Christ, and become his disciples and friends, according to the words of Christ already quoted. In order to be in full a Bible Christian, it is necessary to keep the commandments of the Father and believe on and obey the Son. Open communionists adopt the motto: “No test of Christian fellowship but Christian character.” In this, we are happy to agree with them. But the question arises, What is Christian character? Perhaps it is replied, “To deal justly with men, giving all their dues, invading none of their rights, and being benevolent to the poor and needy.” We reply, it is all this, and it is more. Besides all this, it is to acknowledge both the Father and the Son, and to “continue in the Son, and in the Father;” for “he is Antichrist that denieth the Father and the Son.” John 2:21–24. “All men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father.” John 5:23. There is one special act of honor to the Father required in the moral law of God; and that is, to remember the day of his rest from the creation of the world to keep it holy. He honors the Father who yields to his authority. And we may, so far as human eyes can discern, keep every precept of the decalogue except the Sabbath, and not be known to do one act of special honor to the authority of God. But the name of God, as the Creator, is found only in the fourth of the ten commandments; and therefore to keep the Sabbath is equivalent to a profession of loyalty to the Creator. And it is a special act of honor to the authority of the Son to be “baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.” However moral a man may be in the eyes of the world, how can he have a Christian character without taking upon him the name of Christ in the Lord’s appointed way? A good Mohammedan may be as honest in deal as his religion of the Koran requires; yet his is not a Christian, but a Mohammedan character. A true Christian is teachable. Apollos, “an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures,” was zealously preaching the truth, so far as he had learned it; but Aquilla and Priscilla, having heard him, “took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of the Lord more perfectly.” Instead of rebuking them for presuming to instruct a minister, he received the advancing light, and immediately began to preach the gospel of Christ in its then present state of development. If a man asks Christian fellowship who openly violates one of the ten commandments, and consequently has not repented of all his sins, or has not submitted to Christ by being baptized in his name, we will teach him the way of the Lord more perfectly, expecting that if he desires above all things to be a Christian, he will do what Christ says. Said Jesus, “Why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” But here comes in the plea, “We differ in regard to baptism and the Sabbath. We do not see these things as you do.” We certainly ought not to differ. “Can two walk together, except they be agreed.” It is the will of Christ that Christians should be perfectly united. He prayed that his disciples might be perfectly united in one, even as he and the Father are one. John 17:20–23. Do the Father and the Son differ in regard to the Sabbath and baptism? Where then is the fault? Is it in the word of God? Are the ten commandments so expressed that we cannot understand and obey them? Is it impossible to know what the gospel requires, when it commands us to be baptized? My friends, the fault is not in the Bible; but men have come to the conclusion that something else will do just as well. The difference on these points is that some hold to what is said, while others hold to substitutes. Let us illustrate this by a quotation from the learned Conybeare and Howson. “It is needless to add,” say they, “that baptism was (unless in exceptional cases) administered by immersion, the convert being plunged beneath the water to represent his death to the life of sin, and then raised from this momentary burial to represent his resurrection to the life of righteousness. It must be a subject of regret that the general discontinuance of this original form of the ordinance of baptism (though perhaps necessary in our northern climates) has rendered obscure to popular apprehension some important passages of Scripture.” Yes; and it is also to be regretted that a human substitute for the Lord’s Sabbath has rendered obscure to the people the fourth commandment. Now who has a right to substitute something else, in any climate, for what the Lord has said? And who has a right to say to those who do this, It is just as well; we can call you good Christians, while you make the word of God of none effect by your traditions? Has God failed to express the ten precepts of his moral law so as to be understood by those who desire to understand him? And are the precepts of the gospel left obscure, so that of necessity honest seekers for truth must differ? We cannot thus traduce the word of God. We dare not; hence we are bold to charge the fault to sinful men; men who would be heirs of the promises, while they justify themselves in keeping their traditions in preference to the word of God. People who are in error on these points need teaching; and a willingness to be corrected by the word of God is the best evidence of the justice of their claim to be called Christians and fellowshipped as such. We all have the word of God. And who will dare to compromise that word, placing it on a level with those traditions of men that make it void? Do you cry, Egotism and bigotry? You yourself admit what I claim. You admit that the seventh day was the original Sabbath, and that the original baptism was immersion. You dare not deny that immersion is valid baptism, or that Saturday is “one day in seven,” and so by your own rule the keeping of it is obedience to the fourth commandment. The difference between us is that you hold that a substitute will answer the requirement just as well as what God has said. This is what we deny. We dare not thus treat the word of the living God. Therefore, we will bear the cross of assuming to teach men to do what God has said, thus testing their sincerity, before we extend to them the right hand of fellowship. As long as Christians so widely differ on points of duty, there is need of reform; and a reform will be considered worthless, so long as its advocates seem to esteem it of no importance. Imagine Luther, if you can, pleading for open communion with the Roman church, while at the same time he was exposing her corruptions of the word of God. True Christians will learn of Christ, follow his example, obey his word, and honor his Father. Loving the Creator Above All Creatures
To love the creature more than the Creator is idolatry. Who, then, is not an idolater? Examine thy heart. To the Tract and Missionary Societies.
By S. N. Haskell
Ten Thousand Subscribers Wanted Immediately. HOW THE REMAINDER CAN BE OBTAINED.
1. Upon receiving this notice, let the presidents of the various tract societies notify their several directors how many names are expected from their district, and then let the director see that they are obtained at once and forwarded to the State tract society secretaries. 2. Let there be canvassers appointed for this purpose in each district. The directors should have control of the canvassing in their respective districts, and should lead out in it. There is no reason why this work should be done wholly by the brethren; for there are sisters who would be successful canvassers. The persons canvassing should be individuals of good deportment, such as fear God, and will make a good impression upon those with whom they come in contact. Let them visit public reading rooms and respectable families. Show the persons you call upon the REVIEW and Health Reformer, and, where they would be interested to read them, say to them that you propose to send them one volume on trial. If the individuals themselves propose to pay for it, always give them the privilege of paying full price, and, in such cases, the same is to be paid to the Office. The reduction of price is only made to tract societies and individuals when they themselves pay for the periodicals to be sent to others. Neighborhoods, villages, and cities, can thus be canvassed, and within three weeks’ time from the receipt of this notice, any Conference where the tract societies are organized, can furnish the desired number of names. 3. Do all your business through your State tract society secretaries. Send them the names and addresses, and they will forward a copy of them to the Office. Then those at the Office will return to the State tract society secretary a statement of the business. This system will save much perplexity and many mistakes that might otherwise occur. This work has commenced nobly here in Michigan. The Directors voted to send the two periodicals above alluded to, to 1000 persons. The sum of $500 was called for to meet this expense. There was an immediate response of $1000. Now we propose as follows: That Michigan send in 2000 names; New York, 1500; Iowa, 1000; New England, 1000; Illinois, 700; Ohio, 600; Minnesota, 500; Wisconsin, 500; Maine, 400; Vermont, 300; Indiana, 200. This is not to take the place of scattered individuals sending the REVIEW or Reformer to their friends. We say to such, Go on, and send in your names and 50 cents as heretofore. Neither is it designed to interfere with those that have moved out as canvassers on the Health Reformer and hygienic works on premiums. But this is to be an extra effort of the tract societies at this especial time. And while we recommend the canvassing to be done in each district under the supervision of the directors, it does not prevent any individual member taking a part in it, and sending the periodicals to their friends far and near. All are invited to take hold of this matter. The expense must be met by donations to the tract societies by its members and others. Nearly, if not quite, all of the various tract and missionary societies in the Conferences above named are able to do this as herein proposed; but the fund must be kept good. There will, therefore, be an especial call for donations in each tract society to meet the expense of this work in each Conference. Then at your general quarterly meeting, when the board of directors meet, they will apportion to each district what will properly belong to it to pay. Let no society hold back, thinking that the expense cannot be met. There are individuals in each Conference that will consider it a privilege to pay from one hundred to five hundred dollars rather than to see an enterprise like this prove a failure. Then all, even to the children, will bring in their offerings and cast them into the treasury, and thus help make up this sum. The time has come for action. The cloud is arising, and along the line there should be a move forward. Onward is our watchword! and we are confident that each Conference Tract Society will fill its quota of names. We expect to see this all accomplished within three weeks from the time this notice reaches the tract societies. The Office will open accounts with the tract societies for three months, until their next general quarterly meeting, when this money will be expected. There is, therefore, nothing in the way before the tract societies. We shall be anxious to see what Conference first fills up its list of names. Within the year past, these very tract societies have raised nearly $4,000 to pay their delinquencies. Some said, “It was paying for an old, dead horse.” But now it is all paid for, and we offer you an enterprise the fruit of which will be seen throughout eternity. The union, love, and blessing of God, lately manifested at our Conference, has inspired us with new courage and zeal; and we feel confident that no person whose heart beats true to the cause of God can feel otherwise. The waters are now troubled. The Spirit of God is moving upon hearts everywhere. Now is the time to step in ourselves, and to help others to the fountain of life. We wait for an immediate response from all parts of the field. Commenced labor among our brethren near Bowling Green, expecting to continue till a new field was selected. The outside interest was good, and all seemed stirred by the evidence of the near advent of Christ and the necessary preparation to meet him. Sabbath, Nov. 8, there was a general turning to God by the congregation. Nearly all the young made a start, and backsliders were reclaimed. On Monday night following, the church came together, settled past difficulties, that nothing might stand in the way of the work. We then changed the meetings into a protracted effort—a short discourse and social meeting after. Each night we were encouraged by individuals making a start, or rising for prayers. In the daytime, we held meetings from house to house. The young have their prayer-meeting, conducted entirely by themselves, all taking part in prayer and bearing testimony. It is now estimated that over fifty have made a start, including backsliders reclaimed, the young converted, and quite a good per cent are those who have commenced to keep the Sabbath, but of this number there are several children of Sunday-keeping parents, who meet opposition which we fear will dissuade them from holding on. Our Sabbath congregations number about one hundred and nearly all take part. Our gatherings have been large. Rough and muddy roads and dark nights have not stopped the interest. On some evenings when it seemed presumptuous to expect people to come out, the house would be well filled, some coming miles across the fields, over fences, bringing their children with them. These meetings have been in progress nearly six weeks, and the interest is now better than at any other point. Last night, three adults made their first start, and bore their testimony in tears. Sunday night congregations have been very large, transient seats have been supplied, and all available space crowded, while loads came, and went away for want of room. The church is commodious, but all regret that it is not larger. Many items of interest have occurred during the meetings. Quite a number of the young have been accustomed to getting up dances and euchre parties. They are now as much interested in appointing, attending, and taking part in the young people's prayer-meetings at the same place where these parties were held. What a change! One evening, after the meeting was dismissed at the church, we called the attention of the congregation, and announced a prayer-meeting at one of these houses. One young lady of that family threw her arms around her grandfather's neck, and, weeping aloud, exclaimed, “Oh! grandpa, it is a prayer-meeting now instead of a dance.” A sensation followed, and it seemed as though more than a score were in tears, weeping aloud with her. It was no uncommon sight to see friends and relatives after a meeting, clasp each other in their arms, and entreat them, weeping, to seek God. Family altars are now erected, where children with parents pray. Last Sunday night, the church was very full. After the meeting, we took an expression of the congregation by rising vote, to find out how many were willing to be saved by obeying God's requirements—repenting of their sins, in compliance with the terms of the gospel. About two-thirds of the congregation arose. We then appealed earnestly to those who did not; after our remarks, without further invitation, a man, noted for his opposition to everything of a religious nature, and especially to us as a people, arose and said he felt he was too great a sinner to arise with the rest, and wanted to get up by himself and tell all that he meant to live a different life and try to be saved, to have his sins forgiven, and serve God in the future, and desired the brethren to pray for him. Then followed another, and another, till quite a good many arose. It was a great surprise to all who witnessed it. Neighbors least expected are taking hold. God has in a wonderful manner shown us that he is a mighty God, and we have to confess with shame that our faith has been too much narrowed down to appreciate his might and goodness. This is a great work, and we all stand amazed and astonished. I have never seen a work seemingly more thorough, such turning to God with weeping and mourning and rending of heart, no excitement, but, at times, a whole congregation in tears, and much weeping aloud. We pray for humility, wisdom, grace, and strength to stand in the full counsel of God. Report of Meetings in Michigan.
By D. H. Lamson
SINCE my last report, my time has been mostly spent in Armada and vicinity. Have held meetings, however, at Lesterville, Partello, Potterville, Romeo, Smith’s Creek, Cottrellville, Memphis, and Almont, up to this date, Dec. 11. The meetings at Potterville were excellent. May our mutual efforts be crowned with victory. Nov. 1, 2, at Partello, Calhoun County. These friends have been faithful in keeping up meetings since the close of the series. God is blessing them in their united efforts. We succeeded in forming a church, Eld. W. Ford being chosen as their elder. Systematic Benevolence was arranged to the amount of $91.10 yearly. This may be increased a little. Preliminary steps were taken toward building a house of worship, which is much needed, and which we think will be accomplished. Nov. 8, met with the friends at Armada. The 9th, evening, at Romeo, in the Christian church, by request of Eld. J. W. Weeks, its pastor. He is now, I believe, president of their Conference in this district. This was a double honor, as he had been advised by professed friends at Armada not to suffer me to occupy his desk. Sectarian bias has no foothold here, as we were well treated by minister and people. Shall look back to this meeting with interest, and hope sometime to renew an acquaintance with friends there. Nov. 15, 16, at Smith’s Creek. Difficulties had arisen here of a serious character, resulting in the disfellowshipping of the treasurer of the church. Their action was sustained, and the society is now, we trust, in better condition than before. Sunday, 16th, evening, at Cottrellville, where a course of lectures was given nearly three years ago. Some who embraced the truth at that time are still holding on. Spoke from Rev. 13:12. A few were considerably stirred. Nov. 22, 23, at Memphis, in quarterly meeting. Bad roads kept many from attending. A number were out from Armada. Eighty-four dollars were subscribed to the delinquent fund. This church had previously paid all delinquencies of its own members. Dec. 6, 7, at Almont. Our meetings here were most excellent. This has been a faithful company, having held meetings four times each week since the tent was taken down over a year ago. Two new ones embraced the truth fully at these meetings. The church is small, and few of them have means, yet a tract society was fully organized, furnishing them a library worth twenty-six dollars. Bro. Nathan Killmas was appointed agent and librarian. We have spent each alternate Sabbath at Armada. The majority of those embracing the truth here are still with us, though the opposing influences are very strong. Our first subscriptions for a church become due Jan. 1, when we expect to go forward with that work. My change of residence to this place has necessarily taken some of my time. We are now settled, and I expect to go soon into new fields. Pray for us and the prosperity of the cause. Armada, Mich., Dec. 11, 1873. Strangled: The Moral Strangling of Conscience
By D. H. Lamson
No death is more ignominious than that caused by strangling. Whether it be by the hangman’s rope, or the bowstring of the Turk, there is, to the enlightened mind, an accumulation of horrors attending it, well calculated to make one shudder. Yet, though the spinal cord be rent asunder, and the heart-strings broken in their vain effort to cling to life, the violent throbbings are at last succeeded by rest in unconsciousness. At the worst, the struggle is soon over, and death itself is a sweet release. There is a moral sense in which the word at the head of this article can properly be used; and, although no such definite physical results are produced, as in literal strangulation, yet the sensibilities are blunted, the moral force is abated, and the dearest rights of conscience are outraged, so that absolute ruin, for time and eternity, is often sure to follow. When this moral strangling is accomplished by enemies, it is cruel indeed; but when by the hands of professed friends, it is a thousand times embittered. In opposing truth, arguments will fail; and that system of faith or morals that depends for its establishment or perpetuation, in whole or in part, on innuendoes, invectives, or contumely, may well be questioned. It is a well-known fact, and deeply to be regretted, that most of the efforts against the “present truth” are of this character. Nothing more surely indicates the perverseness of the heart professing to be Christian, than this; and yet to that extent has opposition of this character raged that it is not only clearly apparent to men standing entirely outside of church organization, but honored members in them have been constrained to say that the clergy especially, and their people, to some extent, would rather souls would go to perdition with the weight of their sins upon them than to be saved, directly or indirectly, through the influence of Adventists. Epithets, varied in degree, and malevolent in character, have been freely applied by the leaders of the flock; and the followers have not been backward in taking the cue. “Ignoramus,” “lunatic,” and “fool,” are terms which men occupying the sacred desk have frequently used, forgetting how far the spirit that prompts such expressions falls short of the spirit of Christ. They are recommended to read the words of our Saviour in Matt. 5: 22, and carefully weigh their import. If the evil could stop with the words spoken, it would result in no great harm to others. But men of narrow minds take advantage of them, and a spirit of malignancy and rancor gets the better of their judgment. So far has this been carried, at times, that persons, for no greater fault than getting converted and having the whole current of their lives changed from a state of sin to that of holiness, have been proscribed, and actually driven from their homes. In other cases, the hand of tyranny has absolutely crushed out the better feelings of the heart, turning the brightest experience into the darkness of despair. Who is to blame? When God shall make inquisition for blood, in whose skirts, and upon whose hands, will it be found? Will it not be a fearful day for the shepherds and principal of the flock, when Jer. 25: 34–36, is fulfilled? The dear saints of God will not cease to remember that the prayer of Ps. 56: 8, will never be disregarded. He sees your tears; he hears your cries; and your wounded and lacerated hearts are not beneath his notice. “Who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth, who is he that condemneth?” Would that the days of the Scotch Covenanters could be remembered—the days of open-air preaching in forest and tent. Well were these efforts salted with the maledictions of the multitude, yet attended by the blessing of God. How can Methodists forget the vituperation and personal abuse heaped upon a Wesley? or the Baptists, the days of a Williams or a Bunyan? Alas! the rock from whence they were hewn, and the hole of the pit from whence they were digged, are all forgotten. If they still knew righteousness, it would not be. Isa. 51: 7. We will still plead with men to put away every sin, cast all their care upon Jesus, and cleanse themselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Is it for this we are hated? Is it because we teach all men to regard the laws of life, to eat, drink, and dress, healthfully? Should we be chided if we constrain men, by every moral force, to yield up forever the intoxicating bowl, as well as the quid and pipe that are fast drying up the fountains of life? Again, is it an unholy work to persuade men to keep all the commandments of God, the fourth not excepted? If this is opposed, is there not some incongruity somewhere? Will not thinking men and women stop and ponder? Three individuals here in Armada, Mich., have given their views quite publicly on the15Sabbath question. Each has thrown an abundance of dust, but neither agrees with the other in argument. One is sure the Sabbath has been changed twice, another, that it has been changed but once, and for a different reason; the third, that the fourth commandment only requires a day of rest after six of labor, commencing to reckon from what day we please, so that seven men can each have the spirit of the command in their heart, yet each observe a different day. With such a view as this, it is folly to talk of a change. These must all be false witnesses, as they agree not among themselves. By such sophisms as these, some have been checked and blinded; for many who have heard all these arguments think each of them equally clear and satisfactory. How willingly, too, are some deceived, who are satisfied with such conflicting testimony. Is there not a screw loose somewhere? Search and see. The worst of all is, and I must not conclude this article without alluding to it, that some actually, in the sense above alluded to, commit suicide. By this very process, they strangle the truth with their own hands out of their own hearts. They confess with their lips, and evidently the heart feels its force, yet they live it not. A thousand snares are laid around them; a thousand pleasures allure them; darkness, like a pall, settles in their pathway; and they die, simply because they will not live. Oh! that faith might be nourished by the wavering; that new resolutions might be formed and kept by those whose vows have been broken; that courage might fill the breasts of the timid; and that the precious and sure mercies of God might cheer the desponding. The work of God is onward. Nothing can stay its progress. The hand of God is in it, and man cannot prevail. Already the world is girding itself for the conflict, and it will assuredly come. Victory, sweet victory, though dearly purchased (if the honors and emoluments of earth can be esteemed of value), will soon perch upon the banners of the people of God. Would that all could look upon such things as hinder in the way of overcoming as did the apostle Paul. Phil. 3: 8. Then the burdens that too often become a wearisome load, the sacrifices, so complainingly offered, each, in its turn, would be unflinchingly borne and cheerfully rendered, and the blandishments of the world, that seem dearer than life itself, would be gladly yielded for the hope of life. “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” Then let no earthly care
My best affections share,
Nor faith dispel.
Oh! yield this stubborn heart;
Its joys shall ne’er depart
If all be well. I KNOW THAT MY REDEEMER LIVETH.
By Sel.
“I know that my Redeemer lives—and, when the
darkening gloom
Doth sometimes gather round my way, like shadows from the tomb,
Oh! then I lay my aching head upon his loving breast;
My flowing tears are wiped away, my griefs are hushed to rest. “I know that my Redeemer lives”—and, when temptation’s dart
Doth aim to draw the life-blood out e’en from my very heart,
Oh! then I learn of Him to bid for aye the tempter fly;
And in His strength I’ll conquer, I’ll conquer though I die. “I know that my Redeemer lives”—and, when by toil and care
My spirit sinks beneath the load, too burdensome to bear,
Oh! then I hear that pitying voice, saying to souls oppressed,
“Come unto me, ye weary ones, and I will give you rest.” “I know that my Redeemer lives”—and, when, with tear-dimmed eye,
I see the love of early years around me droop and die,
Oh! then to soothe my bitter grief, my Saviour speaks to me,
And bids be still the winds and waves of my soul’s troubled sea. “I know that my Redeemer lives”—and, when life’s sands run low,
When my dim eye is closing fast on all I love below,
Rejoicing in the perfect trust which this assurance gives,
I’ll triumph over death; “I know that my Redeemer lives.” “I know that my Redeemer lives”—and, by his saving grace,
My sins all washed away, I shall behold him face to face;
Then loud shall swell my joyful song, on that immortal shore,
“I know that my Redeemer lives” — “he lives forevermore.” ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE WORKERS.
A BROTHER writes from Shiawassee Co., Michigan:— Through your very liberal and kind arrangements, I have received the Review on trial for six months for the small sum of fifty cents; and I have become so much attached to it that I do not like to do without it. I therefore inclose $2.00 for one year's subscription for the same. The paper and some other of your publications which I have read with great interest set me to thinking, and searching the Scriptures to see if these things were so; for I was determined not to give up Sunday-keeping unless I was obliged to. I took the concordance and Bible, and searched diligently to find whether the Sabbath was changed or abolished, but I could not find it; for the reason, as I now believe, that it was not in the Bible. So I made up my mind that if the Sabbath had not been changed by divine authority, it was time for me to change, and keep the day God commanded to be kept. I have accordingly commenced the observance of the Sabbath of the Lord. Modern Worship Minus the Cross.
By C. H. Bliss
GREAT changes have taken place in the religious world since the days of our fathers, and the most of them have been brought about under the impression that they were improvements. The motives which have caused men to make these changes have been various; quite often, I think, they have been selfish. It is natural for one to shrink from the cross; and if a change can be made in the old manner of worship by which the cross is removed and the way made easier, the people will generally accept it. Now we have only to look back a few years in the past, and compare the manner of worship then with the custom which prevails at the present time among worshipers to see that a great change has taken place. Distance, inclement weather, muddy roads, and many other things which are now considered sufficient excuses for staying away from worship, were regarded as small obstacles compared with the spiritual benefit derived from the meeting. Then, again, the fervent prayers, the warm exhortations, and the flowing tears, all indicated the interest each one had in the worship. No choir was hired to sing for them; no minister given two and three thousand dollars a year for delivering only two eloquent sermons a week, no pews rented at exorbitant prices, and, last of all, no poor were deprived of participating in the worship of God. The worship of God is now in many localities offered up by representatives hired for this special purpose. True, the social or class-meeting is not yet entirely dispensed with; but in some places quite a change has been made to suit the times. An easier way than for each one to arise and openly confess Christ has been introduced. The cross has been removed. Now, in some places, a secretary is appointed, and those who desire to confess Christ and have the prayers of the church are requested to address him through the post-office, which request is presented before the first regular meeting. This course reminds one of a certain man in days of yore, “who came to Jesus by night.” No doubt, many will avail themselves of this late method of confessing Christ secretly. What a pity it is that our present complete system of communication was not in vogue in the days of Christ. He might have proclaimed to the assembled multitude that those who desired secretly to confess him, and ask his prayers in their behalf, might address him through the post-office. It would only cost them two cents, and then, you know, they would avoid the scoffs of the unbelieving Jews. No doubt this method will be accepted by many, and thus be a great advantage to many of the popular churches in acquiring members. Truly, modern worship is minus the cross. Elder Rodman on Testimony No. 23
Eld. P. C. Rodman writes from R. I.: I have just finished reading Testimony No. 23, and am stirred up to seek the Lord anew. Let S. D. Adventists everywhere supply themselves with this work, and read it prayerfully. SAID Madame Guion, “Oh, if you knew what peace there is in accepted sorrow!” THERE ought to be no sweeter hour in the day than that in which comes the morning meal and family worship. Yet it is sorrowful to see what sometimes passes for the latter. A chapter of the Bible hurried through, a rambling, stereotyped prayer mumbled over; and the participants rush off to the work, which they have in the meanwhile been thinking about, and which they enjoy a great deal better. The exercise is wrapped in fog instead of being crowned with Heaven’s light. It is a mistake to suppose that fluency or education are especially needed in conducting family worship. It wants a heart, most of all. Let there not be a single petition that is not born of real desire—even if the prayer be not two minutes long. Blessed be the home where the spirit of song dwells and adds its charm to the morning worship. The exercise need not be long, but it should not be crowded. Break up cold formality; carry all the soul-life you have into it, and its savor shall not go through the day alone, but among all the home memories none shall be stronger to hold the grown-up children to the faith of their fathers.—Christian at Work. A THOROUGHLY good boy in a school is doing more good than he will ever know. We do not care to tell him, if we could, just how much good his behavior and words and sincere prayers and general example are effecting; but it is good to think of it. It makes us almost wish we might have a chance to have our boyhood over again, and try it with a clear start and straight through. A writer in a recent number of Blackwood’s Magazine says of the famous school of Dr. Arnold, at Rugby, England, that, after all, the religious element which showed itself there in those days was not so entirely due to his own influence as some have supposed. The best helper he had was in one of his boys—Spencer Thornton. That great teacher spoke of him afterward as “a blessing to the school.” “Your son,” he wrote to his parents, “has done good to the school to an extent that cannot be calculated.” Religious, straightforward, upright, pure, generous, resolute, gentle—he wore the face of honesty itself. Without either of them knowing how it was done, he was continually causing other lads to grow ashamed of vice, and a thirst for a good conscience and a right character. A GENEROUS man will, in his treatment to an enemy, resemble the sun, which pours light all around it—even upon the clouds that try to dim its luster. “Whereunto Ye Are Called.”
By D. F. Quinby
WHAT is our calling? and what the hope of our calling? Let us look at the condition in which man is found when called. What is it? In a state of unlikeness to God, a state of transgression and sin, going astray until the habit of wrong-doing is fully formed, and the whole man is corrupted—the whole head sick, and the whole heart faint. From this state, men are called to give the heart to God. “My son, give me thine heart,” is the command. “They are called to believe in the truth of God and his faithfulness, and to rest all upon the merits of Jesus Christ.” Without this, there is, and must ever be, an utter failure; there can be no life and no salvation. Who can save himself, or give a ransom for his brother? Not one. The language of every truly well-informed mind is, “None but Jesus can do helpless sinners good.” Let every one say, There is no help for me but in a full reliance upon Him who came to save lost man. Each one is called to give the whole heart—not a part. He is called to devote the whole of his existence to the work and service of God, and this is to be done without any reservation. All, all must be laid upon the altar. Is it so with the writer? Is it so with the reader of this article? Oh! for a consecration of heart and life to God. Then shall we receive of his fullness and grace; but never, while unbelief dwells in our hearts. We must have faith, strong faith, that knows nothing of impossibilities when God and Christ promise. Then shall we enter into the possession of the proffered grace, and realize its abundance and its fullness. It is a present faith that will bring us into the enjoyment of a present salvation. None but believers can know God’s infinite power to save. None but believers will ever feel all the influence of his love and grace. We must walk out by faith on the living promises of the living and eternal Father, as offered through his glorious Son. Let us do this, and do it now. We are called to holy living. “Be ye holy; for I am holy.” Who can foretell the glorious result of holy living? What may we not do even now? How many may we influence to come to Jesus by a holy example and a godly life? How many of God’s dear ones may we encourage in their pilgrimage as they witness the power of grace manifested through us by the Holy One. And then, what an eternal weight of glory shall we be called to enter upon at the end of the race! One who was called of God, after a life of great devotion in the midst of the severest trials and difficulties, stripes, imprisonments, and in deaths oft, saw a crown of life and immortality laid up for him; and not for himself only, but for all them that love his appearing. Do we love the appearing of our Saviour? Then let us press continually toward the mark, for the prize of our high calling.