THERE are those in our day who seem to despise reproof and church government. They are very fearful of an abridgement of their religious freedom, and under this plea sometimes take liberties which infringe upon the rights of others. And it is common to find among them those who have imbibed a spirit of hatred against the civil government. Jude has described them thus: "Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the Devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.
"But these speak evil of those things which they know not; but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves. Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core [Korah]. These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever; And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousand of his saints, to execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage."
Peter describes them thus in his second epistle. Chap. ii, 10, 11. "But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord."
We understand by "government" and "dignities," the civil government and civil rulers. If, then, angels who are greater in power than mortal men, when having to do with the affairs of this world, do not bring railing accusation against wicked and oppressive rulers before the Lord, certainly the presumptuous revilings of some who profess Christianity seem wonderfully out of place. We invite all who are in any way tinctured with this spirit (and there are many who are more or less,) to read what the Apostle Paul hath declared touching our duty in relation to civil rulers. Rom. xiii, 1-7. "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same. For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain; for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience' sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also; for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor."
How shall we dispose of this? Those who may refer to other scriptures as if they taught different sentiments, and thus array Paul against Paul, or one Apostle against another, are not wise. This is not the way to dispose of this matter. This will, when correctly understood, harmonize with all other precepts, and may then be seen as a golden link in the chain of truth. Divine precept must be limited so as to harmonize with the revealed duty of the man of God. We should obey our rulers until the civil law requires the violation of the Divine Law.
Says Peter in his first epistle, [chap. ii, 13-17,] "Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake; whether it be to the king, as supreme; or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evil-doers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well-doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men. As free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king." Mark the two closing precepts; first, "Fear God;" second, "Honor the king."
This would be a hard old world were it not for the civil government. It becomes us, brethren, to thank God for the civil government, notwithstanding its increasing corruptions. He yet reigns as the disposer of hearts among the children of men. We shall have reasons for gratitude to God for the civil government until our message closes, then we shall doubtless be glad enough to get away from it to meet our coming Saviour.
J. W.
TENT MEETINGS IN N. Y.
By Roswell F. Cottrell, John Nevins Andrews,; C. W. Sperry
AFTER the conference at Roosevelt, which closed June 3, we pitched the tent at Constantia, Oswego Co., June 8, where we remained and held meetings ten days. A few that came in from some miles out of the village were deeply interested, and we trust that some good was accomplished. But in the village the interest was very small, not sufficient to induce a hearing. No one invited us to their houses, nor offered us so much as a cup of cold water. Not gaining a hearing here, we pulled up stakes, hoping to find a place where there were ears to hear. The Lord heard our earnest prayers, and directed us to such a place. Blessed be the name of the Lord!
Our second meeting was held near Kirkville, Onondaga Co., where we commenced meetings Sabbath evening, June 22. Here we found an ear to hear. Each evening, wet or dry, they came out. All the near neighbors to the tent were kind and courteous. We were invited to call on them and make our home with them as much as we would. May the Lord reward them for their labor of love. And we believe he85will.
We held meetings here three first-days, two Sabbaths and the fourth of July, besides meetings each evening during our stay. We cannot state definitely the number that have embraced the truth, but from what we have learned we think it safe to say that the number is between twenty and thirty, and others are investigating, and it is hoped that they will decide for the truth.
Ministers as well as their people came out to hear, but we are sorry to say that they took up against the truth. One of them preached on the subject of the Sabbath after we left, but did not go to the Bible, but to church history, for his proof. One who had not decided to keep the Sabbath on hearing this, remarked that if there was no Bible evidence for the change, he should keep the seventh day. We hope he will keep his word. One of the first here to embrace the Sabbath was a German of some sixty years. He arose in the congregation and said he could not express himself in English, but that he would read from his German Bible Rom. ii, 13. He then asked that it should be read in English: "For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified." When that was read he added, "That is enough for us all." The effect on the congregation was thrilling. He seemed to love the Lord and his truth. He took a number of our German tracts to send to his friends. The work there seems to be onward. Bro. Sperry remained there the Sabbath and first-day after we removed the tent, and arrangements were made to have meetings continued there on the Sabbath. Hope they will be sustained. This tent-meeting closed July 8.
We are now at Pompey, Onondaga Co., where we pitched July 13. Have had thirteen meetings here. There is a good interest, and though there is a strong prejudice in the minds of some, yet there are many that hear us gladly. The Methodist and Disciple Ministers have attended our meetings when not engaged, and we understand that one regular appointment on first-day was taken up by the Disciples that all could come to the tent to hear. They offered us their house for meeting last evening, it being cold and windy, and we accepted the offer, went in and tried to bind up the testimony and seal the law among the disciples.
We have good reason to hope that our meeting here will not be in vain. We have agreed to stay another week, and hope to have something to report from this place hereafter.
We have had the tent up constantly since the commencement, except time enough to make the removals, and each appointment has been filled. Each evening, notwithstanding some stormy weather, there have been some out to hear; but on two occasions we left the tent and held the meetings in houses. Brethren, still remember us in your prayers.
R. F. COTTRELL.
J. N. ANDREWS.
C. W. SPERRY.
Pompey, July 24, 1860.
TENT MEETINGS.
Bro. Smith: On leaving Caledonia we came directly to Greenville, having our tent brought by Bro. Bates of Gaines. This is the county seat of Montcalm Co., a pleasant little village of five or six hundred inhabitants, chiefly people from the east. With very little trouble we succeeded in obtaining a pleasant spot of ground near the center of the village, and raised our tent on Wednesday P. M., June 27. The next day we arranged and seated it. Our first meeting opened quite favorably, the first congregation altogether exceeding our expectation. Although considerable prejudice existed against us, in consequence of a few individuals leaving the Congregational Church during an effort previously made in an adjoining town, yet an interest began very soon to be manifested, and some disposition to "search the Scriptures to see if these things were so."
During the first week the elements seemed to conspire against us, and we were somewhat troubled to make our tent stand securely on the sandy ground, but finally succeeded in securing it quite firmly. The majority of community seem rather favorably impressed, and we have seen little or no disposition to disturb the meeting, or trouble the tent in any way.
Our congregations have been unusually orderly and attentive, ranging from two to six or seven hundred, until the hurry of harvest came on, which has made them quite small, many having gone into the country to work.
Nearly every Sabbath and first-day we have been favored with the society of brethren that have come from a distance of ten or fifteen miles to meet with us.
We have had some refreshing seasons in social meetings, both at the tent and at Bro. Maynard's, some two and a half miles from the village.
Our meetings closed last first-day evening, July 22, having been in operation over three weeks. At the close of our last lecture, an expression was called for from those who had heard us through, for the seventh and first-days respectively, when about seventy-five rose up in favor of the Sabbath, and but one against it; and a dozen or more have decided to keep it, while a number of others are almost persuaded, but desire a little more time to investigate.
The Lord has evidently been with us giving us to feel something of the burden of the work in which we are engaged, and a good degree of liberty in presenting the truth. When we began to talk about leaving, we found the interest deeper and more extensive than we were aware of, and upon visiting those who had decided to keep the Sabbath, we found a goodly number quite firm, and ready to take a bold and decided stand in favor of the commandments; but we felt that we were leaving them like "lambs among wolves," and it would be very desirable if Bro. Bates or some other one could visit them soon to set things in order.
We have disposed of about thirty dollars' worth of books notwithstanding the hard times. We are now on our way to Milford, Oakland Co., where we shall commence lectures next Sabbath evening, providence permitting.
R. J. LAWRENCE.
J. B. FRISBIE.
TO THE CHURCH OF GOD.
By Wm. S. Foote
“But the fearful and unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone.” Rev. xxi, 8.
“You do not believe,” says one, “that such characters as above specified are to be found in the church of God?” No; but there may be such connected with the church. God is our judge, and in this time of peril, when the evidences of the truth are clustering about us with such rapidity, while the judgment hour is drawing near to its close, and our King is coming, yea, is even at the doors, it becomes us to examine our hearts, and inquire, Am I in the faith?
Who are the fearful and unbelieving? They must possess some of the following traits of character: ignorance, half-heartedness, and self-deception. For the ignorant and half-hearted there is hope, for they may become strong in the Lord; but the self-deceived are seldom converted.
But there are murderers connected with the church! But we are not so certain about that. In 1 John iii, 15 it says: “He that hateth his brother is a murderer.” And if we are guilty of harboring any ill will towards our brother, because he has been faithful to the Lord in reproving us for our sins, or from any other cause, we are not commandment-keepers, for that says, “Thou shalt not kill.”
The next character specified. If the effects of Rome, or the modern churches, are the harlots spoken of in Rev. xvii, 5, is it any wonder that some who have heard and have embraced the present truth, should bring into the church with them some Babylonish abominations? Such is the fact; and as we are not among those who would hide iniquity under a cloak of righteousness, we must speak out. Those who indulge themselves in the habits, manners, or customs of such people as really belong to them, as though they had never professedly separated themselves from them. Are there any among us who are so much conformed to the world as to be guilty of the “putting on of gold, or costly apparel? Any who are ready to follow the foolish fashions of the day? Any who are defiled, body, soul and spirit with tobacco? Any who are light and trifling in their conversation? Any who are politically mad, and are heart and hand engaged in the political affairs of the day? Any who manifest by their conduct and conversation that they love the society of errorists and worldlings? Any connected with secret associations? If such have been reproved by faithful brethren, and still continue to sin against God, and wound the feelings of their brethren and sisters who are trying through the grace of God to live out the whole truth, and not only thus wound their brethren, but occupy the position of stumbling-blocks in the way of sinners, they stand on dangerous ground, and the church stands there too by being connected with them. Here is a point beyond which forbearance ceases to be a virtue. A skillful surgeon would amputate a gangrenous limb, and thus save his patient, while a quack would dally along with lotions and plasters, &c., while the disease spreads through the whole system and destroys it.
But are there any sorcerers connected with the church? We should hope not. But as those who leave the truth may soon become persuaded that the dead know more than the living (that idea lying directly in their path), it would not be strange for them to become the companions of the latter-day sorcerers, and go unto the dead for knowledge, instead of to the living God.
As for idolaters, all who are familiar with their Bibles know that covetousness is idolatry, and to be covetous is to possess a worldly disposition. “If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” Such persons are not commandment-keepers, and if they are with the church, as mere hangers-on, they are not in their place, and the church is out of hers, so long as such a connection is kept up. Not only so, but the whole body suffers. Some of its members may hold on in the way of holiness, but their way is too much like that of “a wounded snake which drags its slow length along.”
We have seen the sad effects of an inordinate attachment to the world, among the fallen churches; and now they countenance sins among their members, the very thoughts of which would but a few years ago have caused their cheeks to mantle with shame. Let us, brethren and sisters, be warned by what we see among those who are crying “peace and safety,” while the opposite is just upon them, and not by this only, but by the awful demonstrations of the third angel, to prepare to meet our Lord. At his coming we shall want something besides an empty profession, something besides a name to live while we are dead. Our hearts must be cleansed from all the pollutions of sin; and if there are those in the church who will not walk according to the straight testimony of the church, after being dealt with as our Lord would have us to do; to retain them among us is an injury to the cause of God, the cause we love. To disfellowship them would make them our enemies, it is true; they will speak evil of us, and worse than that, speak evil of the truth, and when the time shall come for the perfecting of the saints, when they shall live so near to God that there shall not be found connected with them any of the fearful and unbelieving, any of the abominable, and murderers, liars, &c., we shall know what is meant by, “They that shall live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” We shall know better than now, and by happy experience too, what is meant by the “straight86and narrow way.” Then, although the people of God shall have ten thousand enemies where they now have but one, Jesus will be their sun, their shield and their righteousness, and lead them on to certain victory, and to the heavenly city. Then brethren let us cheer up, and in the path of tribulation, the way to glory, honor and immortality, go on. We have Jesus for our leader, the Holy Spirit to influence us to walk according to the word, good angels and loving brethren for our companions, and almost in sight a city glorious with gems and gold, where the wicked cease from troubling, and the inhabitants shall never say I am sick.
MEETINGS IN ROME, IOWA.
By M. E. Cornell
We began this labor in much weakness and discouragement, but were cheered by the interest manifested by the people to hear the truth. When we had been here about a week we were most agreeably surprised by the coming of Bro. Snook, and we gave him a hearty welcome. It has been like the coming of Titus of old. But we soon learned that he could stay but a few weeks. Like most of the preachers, Bro. S. has feeble health, and cannot endure much hard labor and constant wear of the mind.
There was a prospect of a good work here until harvest came on, and then people could not attend evenings and we had to close. As near as we could learn about twenty have decided to keep the Sabbath. Eleven subscribed for the Review, and $15 worth of books were taken. There is a general request for more lectures after harvest. They have appointed meetings there for the Sabbath, and we trust that their numbers will increase. As soon as possible we hope to visit them again.
M. E. CORNELL.
Anamosa, July 24th, 1860.
DOMESTIC STUMBLING-BLOCKS.
By Jos. Clarke
DEAR SISTER ****: There is not a more important nor a more delicate subject to treat upon, than family trials and difficulties, nor is there one more necessary to be fully understood and comprehended; and to enter upon this state without preparatory discipline is presumption; and many a family is already ruined by sheer ignorance of the relative situation and duties of the different parties constituting the family circle.
Paradise is most nearly regained (in this world) by that family who study to know each one his or her place, and thus delight to walk therein. In such a family there is no jar nor discord, for they having studied the different keys and scales of social harmonies, and having an ear cultivated and correct, keep each one in harmony; and each one being acquainted with his part, and moving with precision, sweet music is produced, and they become habituated to musical chords; and if a note of discord falls upon the ear by some ill-means, they shudder as it were, as a good musician would as a jar in the performance of some excellent piece of music.
To attempt to be happy in the family, while ignorant of the natural relations subsisting between members of the family, or to seek happiness where these relations are understood, but not appreciated and valued, is in either case fruitless and vain.
To the philanthropist, there is no more painful sight than to see an unhappy or jarring couple, the home where innuendoes, jests, trifling talk, and careless treatment of the parties is seen to result in something disastrous to happiness and peace.
To know each one his place, is the alphabet of social happiness, the numeration table in the book of social order; and the child that places his figures in confused disorder, without regard to simple or local value, is only acting on the same disorderly, unsystematic plan, those act upon, who think to pass happily through life, who ignore grades and orders in the domestic circle.
In accordance with that principle, you will notice that the kind and considerate father, who governs well his household, learned first to obey while he was a child. The man who at home is all that he should be, in gentleness, order, firmness, had probably an early example set him by his parents, and so with the wife who is a crown to her husband, and the mother whose children rise up and bless her. Correct principles, by some means, have been incorporated into their minds; and families are unhappy, not because they cannot be happy, but because they slight these rules.
Recur to first principles, the order of God; man created in his own likeness [Gen. i, 27], and woman a help meet for him [chap. ii, 18]; and Paul speaks to the same effect: the wife is subject to the husband as the church is to Christ [Eph. v, 2, 3]; in everything [verse 24]; as it is fit in the Lord [Col. iii, 18]; and let the woman ponder well these principles before she for a moment allows herself to wander from her sphere.
How silly the church appears when she gets out of her sphere, away from Jesus, or in rebellion against him. Just so it appears in the eyes of all sensible men and sensible beings, when the wife is disrespectful or irreverent towards her husband.
The only way to decide in matters of this kind, is to revert to first principles as laid down in the word; this is a safe guide, and this gives all power, so to speak, into the hands of the husband; and even the common sense of mankind, and common law, forbids wives to be witnesses in court in their husband's interests, or against them, except in criminal cases. Thus you see a great responsibility is thrown upon the head of the family; and for this he must give account to God, and we to the man who abuses this power. But the wife is not to pronounce this woe. No, let her reverence her husband.
In proportion as mankind are made holy, they are kind to their companions, and love and cherish them, and the character of woman is elevated in those countries where the religion of Christ is respected; while in heathen countries where the Bible is not acknowledged as the rule of life, we find woman degraded and neglected, and undervalued by the male sex; and of course they have little self-respect, and thus are left to Satan, as it were sunk in degradation and without hope.
Seeing then that it is the Bible which confers such honor upon woman, seeing it is the Bible which is her safeguard, her protection, it is this which elevates her social and intellectual and moral character; then let her, if she would rise to her full zenith of glory, heed particularly the principles laid down in the Bible for her guidance. Walking thus, she will become a comfort to her associates, far and near, who come within the sphere of her influence. Let her do this, and so will she become happy and contented within herself, and will diffuse the same all around; while all that is opposed to these rules, tends to discord, confusion, and social misery.
There is a propriety and a beauty in such an order of things, when there is felt to be a union, a oneness of interest, no clashing of words, no angry glances, no face flushed with conjugal hate, no sharp thrusts, deadly and cruel, sinking into the heart of all; no reproaches (O what misery in such a circle, where home becomes a hell!) but where the husband is reverenced and obeyed, where his word is law and his smile like the sunshine upon the blooming garden of virtues planted around him, while the homage thus paid is felt by all, even as the sweet perfumes of summer do imperceptibly fill the atmosphere with sweet odors. There is no loss of dignity in thus submitting to consistent authority, but here alone can any find real glory in filling the very sphere appointed by infinite wisdom.
Oh that all men were fit for the high and noble station God has appointed them; but they are fallen, and many are so sunk that hardly a vestige is left of manhood to be respected or beloved. Living themselves without law, how can they dispense law to their families. Alas! alas! Common sense cries out, wringing her hands in agony, Alas! how desperate is the case of that family who are cursed with such a head.
But thank God, amid the moral wreck around us, God has not wholly left the people of earth; and in most cases if the woman fully understands her position, she may ensure domestic happiness to the little circle where she moves, at least in a degree, and where she cannot do this, she can by well-doing clear her own skirts of the guilt of family misery. She may have a good conscience, calmness and peace within, and thus may be if necessary, a cheerful martyr to correct principles.
A woman who marries, should lay aside self and seek to please her husband; she should be very self-denying (for we are not angels.) First, her God; next, her husband; and then her children; and now if she is a child of God, she is so softened, subdued, and refined by trials, so purified by the good spirit, that she can sink down calmly, sweetly, serenely, and unreservedly into the will of God.
Now she has learned to submit to the trials of life without murmuring; she has no resentment, bitter words do not ruffle her temper; harshness and even chaos only render her more heavenly and serene; even her tyrant husband inwardly adores her as much as his hardened heart permits him to adore any one (for God is to him a consuming fire); and her children respect and love her, and all befriend her, and God looks consolation into her afflicted heart.
A woman who would elevate her husband's character, and thus elevate her own, should shield her weaknesses, refrain from reproaches, never return his railing, but let sweet words or respectful silence be his reproof. Regard his feelings with tender care; this is the surest means of reform. Obey him implicitly (always with the proviso, "as it is fit in the Lord"). Study his mind and wishes, let his mind be copy for thine in all that is good. Take care of his interests, see that his business is safe in thine hands; be all eyes, all ears, all mind, and memory for him. Follow him with thy loving heart, and thine ardent prayers; take a lively interest in all his lawful and honorable avocations, respecting children, do the same. Let thy home be a sweet haven of repose for him, avoid what hurts his feelings, and practice what will please him, and make your children do the same. Enforce order upon thine inferiors and household, be they children, or wards, or domestics, as far as is in thy sphere. Treat his associates with due respect, treat all men with that delicacy which pertains to your sex; and if this course does not win your husband, you are clear.
In heavenly bonds, your brother.
OUR INFLUENCE.
EVERY person has more or less influence over others. Perhaps few are sensible of the influence they have on those with whom they associate. Our words, actions, and looks are full of meaning; and we are narrowly watched by those around. Thousands are now groping in darkness, and are held so in a great measure by the influence of stronger wills. Every person should have a mind of his own. These days of error and delusion call for firmness and decision on the side of truth.
Jesus says, “When the Son of man cometh shall he find faith on the earth?” The false religion of the day has nearly exterminated true Bible faith; and when Christ comes there will be only about one in seven thousand ready to meet him.
What a responsibility rests upon those who profess the present truth! Every word and action should tell on the side of truth. How careful and strict we ought to live. We should stand up boldly for the honor of God and his truth, and not countenance wrong actions in any, not even the dearest friends. There are some in the church who will justify others when they are reproved, and say we must have more love, and not be so particular. This is a great mistake. He that truly loves his brother will tell him his faults; for he knows that he cannot be saved in them.
They that justify the side of wrong, injure the precious cause of truth, by casting their influence on the87wrong side; and those that are in the wrong are not half so likely to repent when they have the sympathy of others. Let us elevate the standard and rally around it; for we live in a day when there is ten times more counterfeit religion than true, and what is worse than all, “they are not all Israel that are of Israel.” God’s people have got to be sifted, therefore let those who love the truth press together.
H.
THE UNCERTAINTY OF EARTHLY PLEASURES.
By S. Elmer
WHY should we seek our portion here,
Where life is strewn with many a tear?
Our prospects may appear most fair,
Yet all things here uncertain are.
Mankind have objects to obtain,
Whether 'tis honor, pleasure, gain;
Yet this sad truth they have to learn,
That each must vanish in his turn.
They seek some fancied new delight,
They paint their future prospects bright;
But as they reach to catch the prize,
Away the airy phantom flies.
And while they talk and strive and toil,
Still gathering is the serpent's coil,
And when too late they often find,
It leaves a deathly sting behind.
To false ambition some aspire,
They fan the flame, they feed the fire;
Yet useless all the pains they take,
They perish in the sparks they make.
This world is but a harvest field,
Yet thorns and brambles doth it yield;
The bud is blasted ere 'tis blown,
The plant is withered ere 'tis grown.
We then should till the soil with care,
And still be this our earnest prayer:
That God would bless the seed when sown,
And in the end the harvest own.
For by God's word this truth we know,
That those who to the Spirit sow,
Shall reap on earth a hundred fold,
And bags in heaven that wax not old.
S. ELMER.
Ashfield, Mass.
The Third Angel’s Message
Sister D. S. Gardner writes from Bristol, Vt., “BRO. SMITH: I have just read Review No. 8, Vol. xvi, and have been much interested, and I trust profited. I feel an increasing interest in the Review, and all the efforts of God’s people to speed on the knowledge of present truth. Do we realize that the Third Angel’s Message is the last call of mercy? It is even so—and upon those who have heard and embraced it a great responsibility rests.
“To them is committed this great work of sounding the alarm; and should we prove unfaithful, God will reject us and raise up those who will give the solemn warning. I have felt stirred up of late as I have read the calls for help, for laborers and means to sustain them, and have read of the pressing wants of God’s chosen servants. We cannot mistake our duty here; it is plain. The warning must be given; the messengers must be sustained. They are not sent out to battle at their own charges; and if our hearts are in the work, it will be a privilege for us to give freely of the means the Lord has made us stewards over, to help in this good cause. But do not some excuse themselves and feel that they are not able to do anything, who have much more than the poor widow who cast into the treasury of the Lord her two mites? They do not esteem it as much a privilege to give as she did. Well, the Lord loveth a cheerful giver. First, a willing mind is accepted of the Lord, and then according to what a man hath, and not according to what he hath not. How plain. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. Rom. viii, 14. And God so loved the world that he gave his only Son to die for the world. Again, If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. Jesus freely gave himself to suffer the mockings of cruel, wicked men, and the awful agonies in the garden of Gethsemane, the hidings of his Father’s face, and finally to die upon the cross; for whom? For angels that kept not their first estate? No; for us to whom the word of this salvation is sent.
“And shall we not esteem it a great privilege, and praise the Lord that he permits us to be workers together with him. Yes, if we have the Spirit of Christ, we shall. I have often thought how exactly the gospel plan of systematic benevolence is suited to God’s people. The poor have a chance to lay up a treasure in heaven as well as the rich. Some object to it for fear we shall become like the old churches. Others think we ought to hold our property in common. I believe the direction of the apostle Paul, is the best course for the church to pursue. Then, again, we are told that it was for the poor saints at Jerusalem that the collection was to be taken. Very true; but were there none of the apostles and preachers that dwelt at Jerusalem? Paul says in another place, If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? But, says one, I believe in giving to the messengers, but have my doubts about putting down in a book what I give; I think it is better to hand to them as we have done and not have any system about it. But there was order in the Jewish church, why should there not be in the gospel. May the Lord grant us more of his Holy Spirit that we may discern the path that he would have us walk in at all times.”
The Sinner’s Need of Christ
Bro. Z. Marsh writes from Northfield, Mass.: "As I have seen none of like faith for several years, I have concluded to send my testimony to the brethren through the Review. I am still trying to live the life of the righteous, and striving to keep the commandments of God, and trust I have the faith of Jesus; but then I find that the commandments of God are exceeding broad, that they extend even to the thoughts and intentions of the heart, and if we fall in one point, we are guilty of all. How then can such an unworthy sinner as I am be saved? But again I look and see Jesus on the cross making amends for those that have broken God's law, and offering them eternal life through the gospel, and I find that he did not die for the righteous, but for just such a poor sinner as I am. But here again I am in trouble unless I forsake all my sins; for we read that he that confesseth and forsakeeth shall find mercy; now, then, there is mercy for me if I have forsaken, or shall forsake; but here the law of the Lord is so very broad, and my human nature so very corrupt, that I cannot without the help of the Spirit of God, forsake my sins. But thanks be to God, he is able and willing to help just such as we are; but he will be sought to by the house of Israel to do these things for us; but it is not a bare form of words that will answer. We must have the sanctifying influence of the Holy Spirit. Glory to God, I feel that I am the Lord's free man, and not as some in these parts tell us, who say that if we keep the commandments we are in bondage.
"In order to be fully sanctified we must keep all these moral precepts from the heart, which I of myself cannot do; but through Christ's grace strengthening me I feel that I can; and through the sanctifying and preserving influence of the Spirit of God I now feel that we are abundantly able to go up and possess the promised land. But we must consider that not all that came out of Egypt entered Canaan, but only Caleb and Joshua went in. These things were for our examples. Dear brethren and sisters, let us in view of these things strive to enter in at the straight gate, and let us exhort one another daily, and so much the more as we see the day approaching."
OBITUARY.
Died July 9, 1860, of whooping cough and lung fever, E. Mariettie, only daughter of Bro. and Sr. Smith, of Chester, Mich., aged eleven months. Bro. and Sr. Smith were brought to behold the beauties of the third angel’s message under the preaching of the word by Bro. Bates, at Lisbon. They request the prayers of the remnant in their affliction.
Died in Kensington, Ct., May 16, 1860, Cora Ann, infant daughter of our beloved Bro. and Sr., Wm. H., and Mary Ann Graham. Its stay, though brief, and attended with intense suffering, was sufficient to engage the hearts of fond parents, who mourn their loss as their little one quietly sleeps in earth’s bosom till Jesus comes. May the comfort of hope sustain them in this hour of affliction.
J. Y. WILCOX.
Extracts from Letters.
Bro. E. S. Faxon writes from Colon, Mich., July 17, 1860: “DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: “When I read your testimonies sent forth from week to week through the Review and Herald, I bless God that I have a heart that vibrates in unison, whether it be of mourning or rejoicing. I bless God that my lot is cast with the remnant of his people; that I was led to think on my ways, and turn my feet into his testimonies. I think I can say truly with David, “I made haste and delayed not to keep thy commandments.” I often think of the time when I was convinced of my obligation to keep all of the commandments of God. The fear of the Lord truly was the beginning of wisdom, and Bunyan’s exclamation of, “Life! life! eternal life!” is ever present to my mind when I think of that time. Bless the Lord, O my soul! The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man. Dear brethren, though we have many besetments both from foes within and without, let us fight the good fight of faith, ever remembering that there is one that will undertake for us in our extremity. We know that if left alone we shall fall, but we can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth us.”