p. 91 | Review and Herald, Vol. 48, No. 12. (9/14/1876)

The Faults of Others.

By J. O. Corliss

Too often, men pass judgment upon the actions of their fellow-men without stopping to consider the probabilities in their own cases. Had they been placed under similar circumstances, no doubt they, too, would have been deceived, and would have fallen under the same temptation. Perhaps in the past they have been in the same peculiar position; and because of the forbearance and love manifested toward them by others they have been restored.

It would be well for all who have ability to see the faults of others and expatiate upon them, to read often, consider well, and try to act upon, the language of the apostle: “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” Gal. 6:1. All men are liable to err, and at such times need pity and help from those who have had similar experiences. Paul assures us that the reason why Jesus is so pitiful and full of tender mercy, and is so well able to succor the tempted, is because he himself has suffered through temptation, yet without sin. Heb. 2:17, 18; 4:15.

We are not always capable of deciding how faulty others are, because we may not know the motives that actuate them; therefore, it is better to consider ourselves before we consent to pass judgment, and leave them to the power of the tempter. We clip from the Shenandoah Valley the following upon this point:—

“Until we can read the heart of another without doubt, and know all the circumstances of his life, all the many links in the chain of accident that has surrounded him, we should not blame him too much or be too wrathful with him. What he has done may be ill, but we cannot tell why he did it or how he may have repented the doing. A moment of strong feeling, an hour of wrath, may turn the feet upon the downward road so hard to retrace. We see one lying at the foot of a precipice, but we do not know how he fell over;—what cruel hand smote him,—what lie betrayed him—nor how he clung vainly to the brink, seeking in vain some helping hand.”

“Pity the fallen wretch, and heal his wound if you can. I believe that, of all the people who need pity, foremost stand those who have done evil deeds. The good find consolation in their own consciences for any sorrows; but the wicked who, doubtless, set out in life meaning to be as good as the best—who sometimes seem to have been the victims of demons bound on their eternal destruction—must be very wretched. Moreover, they must often be amazed as they look back, and remember how once they hoped to be great and honorable and true, and of good report! What boy or girl has not some such aspiration?”

“When a soldier goes to war, and instead of returning crowned with laurels and triumphant, is brought back crippled and maimed, how we pity him; how tenderly we hold him in our thoughts; and I suppose that often in the battle of life one who meant to be a Christian in the fullest sense of the word meets enemies against whom he does bitter battle before they maim his soul and cripple all his good intentions.”

“Pity the wicked, and not for their sakes only, but for your own; for in a certain sort of righteous hate for evil-doers the heart may grow very hard; and to keep it soft and tender until it ceases to beat should be our prayer. And though we may be better than many, dare we be Pharisaical enough to doubt that the angels daily and hourly find cause to pity us for our many faults and failings, and that without forgiveness there were little hope for any, here or hereafter?”

Then, as we hope for forgiveness here after, let us imitate our Saviour; and when we pray, “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us,” we may feel the assurance that God will deal gently and leniently with us, even as we have done by our fellow-men.

J. O. CORLISS.

“SURELY I COME QUICKLY.”

By Mrs. M. C. Baker

THESE are the words of Him who is “Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending.” When Christ ascended and a cloud received him out of sight of the wondering disciples, it was said by the angels that he should come again in like manner as they had seen him go up. It was meet that the angels should appear and comfort the sorrowing ones who had not yet received the Holy Ghost, and were not in a condition to realize the blessedness of the promise, “I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever, even the Spirit of truth.” To these disciples, who had journeyed with him, listened to his gracious words, seen him die and received him again alive from the dead; on whom he had breathed his own peace, and to whom he had given the promise of the Comforter, the thought was especially consoling that he should come again. But when in wondrous vision he appears to the beloved John on the Isle of Patmos, whither he had been banished “for the word of God” and the testimony of the truth, he leaves a message which is the heritage of the church to the end of time, “Surely I come quickly.”

The coming of Christ is, then, only a question of time. The manner thereof is quite accurately described in the Bible, but of the day and the hour knoweth no man. . . . He will come suddenly to call the world to final judgment. This scene is too graphically described in Revelation to need a repetition here. If the Judgment day is to come suddenly, how important that all who expect to hail his coming with joy see to it that they are clothed and ready for the marriage supper of the Lamb. It is not enough to remember that we were once made the children of God in a bright conversion; for a bright experience may be clouded by so many shortcomings that it may have become valueless. It will not do to solace ourselves that we belong to a church whose discipline is correct in every particular of doctrine; for many names are on church records that were never enrolled in “the Lamb’s Book of Life.” The question is, rather, Are we to-day walking in all the light that ever shone on our pathway? For to us the words of Christ are, “Surely I come quickly.”

Then, again, it is not enough that we believe in a thorough experience in religion. The happy throng whom John saw in vision before the throne were overcomers here on the earth; for they overcame through the “blood of the Lamb, and the word of their testimony.” They came up through great tribulation, and “washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne.”

Believing a state of entire holiness attainable will not render the soul fit for the presence of a holy God, or the companionship of the saved in Heaven. There must be a present, personal experience of the holiness that fits for these associations, else when the Judge comes quickly, we shall find ourselves calling upon the rocks and mountains to hide us from his presence when the great day of wrath is come, and none is able to deliver. To the professed church of Christ, let the admonition come with all the weight and force of a message from the Lord of the whole heavens, “Surely I come quickly.”—MRS. M. C. BAKER, in Free Methodist.

THE FREEDMEN.

By Jos. Clarke

THESE colored people of the Southern States, who were set free from slavery by the proclamation of President Lincoln during the late rebellion, number about three or four millions. The date of the great event by which so many slaves were made free, is January 1, 1863. It is probable that the greatness of this event is little appreciated. It was an act by which millions of people were brought from the darkness and gloom of perpetual servitude into the light of civil liberty, from moral and political bondage into moral and political freedom. Surely this was a great event.

At the time of this act, the nation was startled at the boldness of the movement; and the people were delighted at the prospect of having millions of auxiliaries brought at once into the ranks of our friends, and that, too, from the dark regions so long seared, and blackened, and cursed, by slavery.

Our people have reaped the harvest. The blacks helped us to win the victory. And now what is the reward they are receiving? Why is it that our nation has not set up schools for Freedmen in every town and village in the South? Why is it that good people at the North have not taken this matter in hand? Why is it that our excellent President, General Grant, has not defended their cause? Why is it that every kind of lawlessness is still tolerated at the South?

These questions are easily answered; but one question is not so easily replied to: Why is it that Christians can rest so quietly while their colored brother pines in ignorance and neglect? The day for labor is fast passing away, and shall not the light yet reach the Freedman?

JOS. CLARKE.

A SKEPTIC’S ADVICE.

Benjamin Franklin was a deist, but had sense enough to see the banefulness of infidelity. When Thomas Paine sent him a portion of his “Age of Reason” for examination he wrote: “I have read your manuscript. You strike at the foundation of all religion. You will not succeed, so as to change the general sentiments of mankind on that subject. The consequence of printing this piece will be mischief to you and no benefit to others. He that spits against wind spits in his own face.

“You may find it easy to live a virtuous life. You have a clear perception of the advantages of virtue. But think how great a portion of mankind consists of weak and ignorant men and women and of inconsiderate youth of both sexes, who need the motive of religion to restrain them from vice. Perhaps you are indebted to your religious education for the habits of virtue upon which you now justly value yourself.

“I would advise you, therefore, not to attempt unchaining the tiger; but to burn this piece before it is seen by any other person. If men are so wicked with religion, what would they be without it?”—Sel.

SPEAKING TOO SOON.

By Dr. Howard Crosby

It has been common to say that Scripture makes a mistake in speaking of the ant as storing up its food, that in reality it only stores up its eggs; but Colonel Sykes discovered at Poonah a species of ant (Atta Providens) which regularly stores up the seeds of millet for its food in stormy weather. The objectors did not know enough when they corrected the science of Scripture. They have been equally premature when they have objected to the Scripture statement regarding the ostrich abandoning its eggs; for late researches have proved that the ostrich quits her eggs during the day, and abandons them altogether if there has been any intrusion upon them, thus furnishing an admirable type of carelessness regarding offspring.—Dr. Howard Crosby.

A Tap-Root: Firm Foundations for Christian Faith

A TAP-ROOT.—No one ever saw a black hickory tree blown out of root. The hurricane may twist it off or break it down, though even that seldom occurs; but it cannot drag it out of the ground. The reason is that this tree, while it sends out plenty of surface roots, always sends a strong tap-root straight down into the solid subsoil, and lays hold of the foundations of stone or clay or hardpan, as the case may be. There are other trees—the beech, maple, and ash—which interlace the surface with a web of roots; but in a storm, especially if the ground previously has been water-soaked, over they go! A Christian is not safe and reliable unless he has sent a tap-root down into hard, strong foundations of Christian doctrine. Surface roots of sentiment and emotion have their uses, but they are not good for much, either in a dry time or in a tempest.

The Religious Life as Steady Ascent

THE religious life ought not to be like the broken surfaces over which travelers sometimes attempt to pass, where the march is interrupted by deep gorges running downward into the unfathomed darkness of the earth; it should not be like the variable climate sometimes experienced, where between days of genial warmth the thermometer plunges down to zero. There should be no sudden depressions, indeed no depressions whatever; the way should be uniform, and a constant ascent to that which brings nearer the throne of eternal light.

THE MAINE CAMP-MEETING.

By Uriah Smith

This meeting was held at the time and place appointed, Richmond, Me., Aug. 31 to Sept. 5, on the same ground occupied last year. Like other camp-meetings of this season, it can be said of this that it was larger than any previously held here. There were thirty-three tents against twenty-four last year.

The social meetings, those thermometers of the spiritual condition of the people, were uniformly good. The time was well filled up, and the speaking was to the point, spirited, and cheering.

On the Sabbath an opportunity was given for sinners and backsliders to come forward for prayers. At first, only two responded. Sister White began to appeal more earnestly to the people. The first apparent indifference of the brethren and sisters to the work soon commenced to wear away, and they took hold to labor for their children, friends, and neighbors. There were earnest entreaties and exhortations. It was hard for some to yield to make a start in the service of the Lord; but those whose hearts were enlisted in the work could not give it up; and they held on till over sixty had come forward. Most of these bore testimony, feelingly, in reference to their condition and the step they had taken. Freedom was enjoyed in the season of prayer that followed. This was one of the victories of the occasion. Oh! that those for whom so much interest has been manifested, and who have taken this noble step in the Christian life, may not go backward, for to stop is to go backward, but go forward to the end of the race.

On Sunday the congregation numbered probably about three thousand. This was a large congregation for the place and the occasion. But the best of all was the candid attention they gave to the word spoken. Three discourses were delivered to the larger congregation who were present during the day, and one to those who assembled in the evening. Besides these meetings, there was a social meeting at the stand at 5 o’clock, in which Bro. White gave the few of the worthless and rowdy element who were present some wholesome talk, by comparing their condition with what a sensible, civilized course of conduct would do for those who were coming up to the responsibilities of life. We want to fortify ourselves and our children to stand against the scorn and reproach which all must meet who will not follow in the way of the multitude around them. Among all those who will suffer the pangs of remorse at the last day, theirs will be the most unmitigated and unendurable, who find that they have lost Heaven, because they had not the moral courage to stand up against a sneer from a poor worm like themselves.

Sister White’s remarks in the afternoon riveted the attention of all, that of some even, as it appeared, against their own will. She spoke upon the subject of Christian temperance as related to home life and every-day duties, and the ruinous results that follow because parents do not give to their children both right precepts and right example. And the falling tear from some who were known to have come upon the ground greatly prejudiced against S. D. Adventists, evinced the interest they were constrained to feel in the subject presented. This day was another triumph in the meeting.

Monday was also a day of great interest. At the conclusion of a discourse by Bro. White in the forenoon on the subject of ordination, Bro. R. S. Webber was set apart to the work of the gospel ministry. The congregation had signified their approval of this step by a unanimous rising vote; and when, as Bro. White was giving him the charge, his faithful companion stepped forward and took her stand weeping by his side, thus covenanting to stay up his hands and second his efforts in his holy work, the whole congregation were melted to tears.

In the afternoon, eight candidates were examined and buried in baptism, in the Kennebec, by Bro. Webber. Only two were baptized last year.

The business sessions passed off pleasantly. There has been a general feeling of union and co-operation in the State the past year. Four organized churches were added to the Conference at this meeting, and two other bodies of believers, not yet organized, were received under its watchcare. The brethren are hopeful for the future. While other bodies of Adventists are disintegrating and falling to pieces, the legitimate fruits of their opposition to order and organization, Seventh-day Adventists are gradually growing in strength and taking the field. How can it be otherwise while we have a truth as clear as the sunlight, a position which cannot be shaken, and a harmonious line of argument to present from Genesis to Revelation? With these advantages, and the aid of the Holy Spirit, as fast as the deceptive and dishonest work of opposers can be exposed, the honest will receive the truth. So be it. U. S.

CHRISTIAN STATESMAN AND THE JEWS.

By J. H. Waggoner

The Christian Statesman publishes the following:—

“The Jewish Times publishes the Address to the American Citizens prepared by the National Liberal League. A number of Jews were in the Liberal Congress, and some of them were elected officers. If the Jews can be generally enlisted in the movement, it will add much to its strength. Of course, the principles of the League are in direct contradiction to the Hebrew Scriptures; but the Jews have no such faith in the Bible as would keep them from political atheism.”

Under existing circumstances, it is hard to determine just how much “political atheism” there is in the action of those Jews, as the party of which the Statesman is the organ does what it can to compel them to take that course. It is true the position of the Liberal League is not in accordance with the Hebrew Scriptures; nor is that of the Statesman and its party. It stands in direct conflict with the teachings of the Hebrew Scriptures. The Liberal League does not propose to circumscribe their privilege to act according to the teachings of the Scriptures, but the Statesman party does. It proposes to compel them to observe “the venerable day of the sun,” contrary to the teachings of the Scriptures. A prominent advocate of the Religious Amendment, writing on this very point, said:—

“But it may be asked, Would not the Jew be denied equality of rights by legislation protecting the Christian Sabbath and ignoring the Jewish? The answer is, We are not a Jewish, but a Christian, nation; therefore, our legislation must be conformed to the institutions and spirit of Christianity.”

And Dr. Jonathan Edwards, in his address before the National Convention in New York, classed, not only the Jews, but all who keep the seventh day, with Atheists and the lawless, to be treated as he would treat the insane if they came in the way of his privileges! Is it any wonder that the Jews unite with the enemies of a movement which promises only intolerant treatment of those who do not bow to its arrogant usurpations? The history of the Jews contains too many dark scenes of persecution, which they cannot forget, to allow them to unite with the Amendment party. We regret their affiliation with the Liberals, but it is only what we might expect from the attitude assumed by the very illiberal Amendment party. The whole movement is calculated to engender strife, and to foster the feelings of religious bigotry and intolerance now so largely prevailing.

If the Statesman would heed the teachings of the Hebrew Scriptures, or the words of prophecy in the Christian Scriptures, it would pause in its unwise course, and no longer seek to involve us in a religious struggle which must be as disastrous in its results to the piety of the conquering party as it will be to the rights of the conquered. J. H. WAGGONER.

Salem, Oregon, Aug. 25, 1876.

THE REFORMER'S PROSPECT.

By S. M. Spicer

Whoever would enter upon the life of a reformer should consider well the undertaking. It is not a “flowery path of ease,” quiet, or worldly honor. On the contrary, when we look back on the page of history, we find this path darkened by the gloom of cruel persecution, moistened, not only with the tears, but the blood of martyrs. Nor is this strange in a sin-cursed world, where fallen human nature tends ever downward, obstinately opposing every influence that would arrest its course; where love of ease and pleasure rules, and the cry of peace and safety lulls the popular ear.

Yet we need not be disheartened as we glance at this gloomy picture; for far down that shadowy pathway appears a light—the light of the world—the day-star of hope to fallen man—the long-looked-for Saviour. He traced his mission there, not only as the Saviour, but the great reformer of the world. He marked out this lovely path as the great highway of holiness through a sin-darkened land. And while he walked this path, his every footstep causing the strongholds of sin to tremble, he often encountered the prince of darkness in open conflict. But he was ever victorious, and he left to his followers the warning testimony, “In this world ye shall have tribulation;” but he added the blessed assurance, “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” Then let the reformer not shrink to tread the way thus radiant with the traces of the Son of God. But while he goes forth in the spirit and love of that Saviour, seeking to reform the world, he must not expect to escape the buffetings of the adversary, who even now never willingly suffers his kingdom to be assailed. Are you called to pluck up the scions of wickedness, expect to receive the deadly arrows of malice and hatred. Are you called to instruct or to lead the people, be not surprised to feel the shafts of envy and detraction. Whoever prunes the vineyard must expect to be torn by the thorns, thus he who would dare to correct the evils of society must come in contact with the bitter prejudices and passions even of those he seeks to benefit.

Neither look for remuneration in worldly gain; for though the wicked may flourish, wealth and popularity seldom cheer the lifetime of the zealous reformer. Yet sometimes, after life is worn out and he rests in the grave, time may clear away the mist of prejudice, and then his moral courage, worthy efforts, and useful life, may tower as a noble monument in the memory of a grateful people; and the happy fruits of his labors are manifest, while his works do follow him. The blessed Saviour in his earthly mission had “not where to lay his head;” and while he ever went about doing good, he met at every step the opposition and revilings of the enemies of truth. Then let his followers never complain of hardships, nor falter in view of the slight difficulties and trials of the present time. Remember the cheering promise that even light affliction shall work out for the faithful a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, and great tribulation shall make their “robes white,” prepared to stand before the Lamb in the throne of his glory.

But even in this life, there is a bright side to the path of the reformer. “The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” Why should it not be bright when illumined with the Sun of Righteousness? Even in the hour of sorest affliction, he has the glorious promise, “My grace is sufficient for thee.”

The truly faithful Christian may continually feast upon heavenly manna—a holy peace, joy, and hope, the world can never appreciate, never “give nor take away;” and this under all circumstances—“as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.”

S. M. SPICER.

ITEMS,

By A. C. Spicer

The most desirable treasure for man: “The pearl of great price.”

The sweetest thing of earth: The blossom of a meek and quiet spirit, sweetened by the dews of heavenly grace, and made fragrant by divine love.

The loveliest thing of earth: A holy character, with passions all subdued, affections all chastened, emotions all sweetened by grace divine, the countenance all lighted with divine intelligence, and beaming with heavenly love and sympathy, scattering the fragrance of beneficence and mercy all around, and shedding its heavenly rays of good cheer, and pouring its sunbeams of hope on all the sons of men.

The most beautiful temple of earth: “The temple of the Holy Ghost,” swept and garnished by the truth, cleansed and “made white by the blood of the Lamb,” curtained by the

white drapery of purity and innocence, adorned and beautified by the blooming graces of the Spirit and the ripening fruits of intelligence, and all lighted up and aglow with the presence of the Sun of Righteousness.

The grandest sight for man: The unfolding of the opening “sign of the coming of the Son of man” in the heavens, as it flashes athwart the sky from horizon to horizon, filling the dome above with its lurid flames and revealing all that has been dark of earth beneath; followed by “the revelation of the Lord Jesus in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory,” coming “with all the holy angels” in garments of light, while, as they swiftly speed on tireless wings, the great sound of the trump of God shall be heard resounding o’er earth to wake the sleeping saints, who shall come forth, gathered by his mighty angels, even from the four winds, when the living saints shall be changed—clothed in the white robes of immortality—and all together be caught up to meet the Lord in the air; and when the brightness of his coming shall involve the “destruction of the wicked” and all the dross of earth “in flaming fire.”

A. C. SPICER.

“WHY DON’T YOU PREACH REPENTANCE?”

By Roswell Fenner Cottrell

It frequently happens, after we have spent weeks in a place preaching a message that bears upon its very front the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus Christ, showing that by the moral law is the knowledge of sin, that the only way of pardon is through Jesus Christ, and exhorting men to turn to God by forsaking every sin and obeying every precept of the divine law, and seeking pardon for the past through the atoning blood that was shed on Calvary, and so be prepared to escape the wrath that is soon to come, that the leading religionists of the place will advise us to change our mode of preaching and go to preaching repentance and faith, and thus labor for the salvation of sinners. If we would do so, they would be happy to unite with us in the work of saving souls.

They would rather, I suppose, that we would preach repentance to other sinners besides themselves. But we are not content to engage in bringing men up to the low level of those who openly and persistently break the law of God from week to week, if not from day to day. What seems to make our preaching objectionable is that we insist that men should turn from every sin—the popular and fashionable, as well as the low and degrading ones which it is fashionable to condemn.

We would like to know whether John the Baptist met with such objections as we meet with. When he laid the ax to the root of every sin, told the eminent professors of religion of his time not to rest in fancied security, because they were Abraham’s children and members of the church, and boldly insisted that they should do works meet for repentance and escape the wrath about to come upon the Jewish people in consequence of their rejection of the promised Messiah, did they object and say to him, You had better quit this, and go to preaching repentance? Had they, too, greater anxiety to save other sinners than to save themselves?

R. F. COTTRELL.

PASSING COUNTERFEIT MONEY.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

The law makes it a high crime for a man to pass counterfeit money when he knows it to be such; but yet it does not punish a man for it if he did not know it was counterfeit when he passed it. Suppose a case: Mr. Brown goes to the store and hands out a five dollar bank-note to pay his bill, supposing it to be genuine. The merchant takes it to the bank and finds that it is a counterfeit bill. He hands it back to Mr. Brown, informing him of the fact. Now can anybody find any fault with Mr. Brown in this matter? No; neither would the law condemn him, because he honestly supposed it to be a good bill. But next week Mr. Brown goes to another store and passes that same bill. What now? Is Mr. Brown innocent this time? No, indeed. Now he knows that it is counterfeit, and he is guilty in the sight of God and man, and he is liable to be severely punished by the law.

Dear reader, it is just so with the Sunday institution. We have received it from others in all good faith. Week after week and year after year we have offered this day to the Lord, supposing it to be the genuine Sabbath. In this there was no wrong. We were innocent; we thought we were doing right. But when the Lord has sent us light upon this question, and this counterfeit Sabbath has been examined in the light of God’s great detector, the Bible, and found to be counterfeit, and we are plainly informed of the fact, then, if we continue to offer this to God as his genuine Sabbath day, we become guilty before him and are condemned by his holy law. This is a matter of grave importance, demanding serious attention. D. M. CANRIGHT. Rome, N. Y.

THE THIRD MESSAGE.

By Jos. Clarke

It is evident that this message is greatly increasing in power and influence. At the late camp-meeting in Ohio, this fact was clearly seen, both in regard to the numbers present, and to the spirit and power of the truth, as manifested in the preaching and general spirit of the meetings and at the ordinance of baptism. The Lord is clothing his ministers and his people with power; the gifts of the church are returning to his people, and harmony, order, and quiet, are the blessed results.

The reports in the REVIEW and SIGNS OF THE TIMES are thrilling and important; and the greatly increased number and variety of periodicals, tracts, and books, in connection with the Tract Society, are filling the world with moral light, and sending the third message everywhere. Who will come up to the work? Bro. and Sr. White, and our messengers generally, are having a good degree of freedom and light. May the Lord bless them, and all his people, in their great work.

The mission to Europe is doing a blessed work. Those who want a part in it, must hasten; for it will soon be accomplished, and then woe to those who have kept back from the work of God. It is no time now to think of future plans for this earth, unless they reach over the chasm of the thousand years, to the new earth. Who will make deposits of wealth, to be kept for them until that time? those are the wise financiers who look ahead, as Moses did, to the final recompense. Heb. 11:26.

Jos. CLARKE.

A SHORT SERMON UPON DIOTREPHES.

“I wrote unto the church; but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the pre-eminence among them, receiveth us not.” 3 John 9.

Macknight’s translation reads, “I should have,” etc. Either translation sufficiently shows us the mischievous influence of this ambitious spirit in that church.

In one case, he prevented an inspired apostle from sending the church a letter; in another, he nullified the letter actually sent.

Doctrine: Many a minister’s labors are nullified by a Diotrephes in the church.

I. I shall show who is not Diotrephes.

1. He is not he whose godly walk and conversation secures for him the entire confidence of the brethren, and thus gives him great influence.

2. Nor he whose talents and education necessarily make him a man of influence.

3. Nor he whose well-known and oft-proved wisdom and prudence make him much sought unto in counsel.

These men do not ‘generally seek influence. It ‘follows them as their shadow.

II. I proceed in the second place to show who Diotrephes is.

1. Sometimes he is a man who never had his will broken. As a child, he expected the whole household to give way to him. As a church member, he expects the household of Christ to give way to him. He is willful and headstrong; often as unreasonable as a mere animal.

Sometimes he is a man of wealth. His riches give him authority in the world; and he takes it for granted that they ought to do so in the church. He can’t at all comprehend the idea, that the vote and the opinion of his poor brother are worth as much as his own. He is verily persuaded that because he has been a great worldling, and scraped together great wealth, the household of Christ ought to defer to him.

3. Sometimes he is a man of some learning and much volubility; who fancies that his capacity ought to give his opinion authority.

III. In the third place, I proceed to set forth Diotrephes in action. If the minister do not take him for counsellor, he is his enemy. His preaching is not right. “His usefulness is at an end.” In questions of policy in the church, he never suspects there are others whose opinions should carry as much weight as his own. The will of the majority is no rule for him. With every movement does he find fault, unless he originated it.

IV. In the next place, I remark upon Diotrephes’ character.

1. He is very unlike Christ, who was meek and lowly.

2. He is very disobedient to the word, “Let each esteem others better than himself.”

3. He is against that equality which Christ established in his church.

Practical Observations. 1. Diotrephes is most of the time in trouble; always looking for deference, he is always liable to think it wanting.

2. The church can take no surer road to trouble than to give way to Diotrephes.

3. Diotrephes will scarce be the friend of the minister. The natural influence of the religious teacher disturbs him.

4. It is best for each one to look for Diotrephes in his own pew. Perhaps he may find him in his own seat.

5. Diotrephes is sometimes married and his partner is a true yoke-fellow. The mantle of the ancient troubler in Israel sometimes falls upon a sister in the church.—Ohio Obs.

BATTLE CREEK.

By J. S.

We read many reports from laborers in the great harvest field. As each one of these little companies, scattered here and there, turns to the Lord, the reality of the closing-up work is more permanently fixed in our mind. These omens certainly indicate that the attention of the people is awakened. The fact, too, that twenty thousand people in New England lately assembled to hear the solemn notes of warning in reference to Christ’s speedy return to reward the saints and judge the wicked, is not without significance.

The gospel is being preached, and the common people hear it gladly. It is the very gospel of the kingdom—the good news concerning the earth restored to its primitive, Eden beauty—the gospel that led Peter to leave all and follow his Master, and which induced all the apostles to go forth and preach among the nations of the Old World. It is the very gospel which Jesus said should be preached for a witness in all nations; and then the end should come. Then we are rapidly approaching the end. It is really a solemn thought!

In former days, as the apostles went forth into India, Asia Minor, Africa, and other Roman provinces, they had their work planned. Jerusalem was the head-quarters. It was there they held what would be now termed a General Conference. It was there important church matters were taken for consideration. Once there arose a difficulty about the care of “Grecian widows.” The matter was settled by appointing seven men to look after the temporal affairs of the church. It was concluded that, inasmuch as the work was large at Jerusalem, the decisions would sometimes require more wisdom than would be found in the judgment of one or two men.

As the closing-up work increases in magnitude, all are more and more impressed that Battle Creek has become a kind of Jerusalem for the remnant people. And if this be a fact, all can see that certain regulations must be sustained at the head of the work.

There must be order.
There must be harmony.
There must be watchfulness.
There must be devotion.
There must be faith.

These requirements might be enlarged upon, but we will consider only one at present—watchfulness. As there are many young persons in this city, there are many temptations and snares laid for them. The great enemy knows that if the young are led away, older persons are made an easier prey. Many of the brethren see this, and they feel like watching for their souls, knowing they will have a sad account to give if these dear youth are lost.

We are glad to report that at our last Sabbath meeting there was a good interest manifested.

After the close of the forenoon meeting the congregation assembled on the bank of the Kalamazoo river, where six were buried in baptism. Three of these were members of a family that came here from Pennsylvania, and another was a relative of the same family. These are a remarkable instance of this last harvest work. One was the son of a brother and sister who were formerly Catholics.

Bro. Spicer requested that there be two social meetings in the afternoon, and that one be an inquiry meeting for the benefit of the youth. One hour was occupied by the adults, and during this time there were eighty testimonies borne. At the social meeting for the young, which soon followed, there were about eighty more testimonies borne, and about fifty of these were from young persons. The Spirit of the Lord, his revival Spirit, seemed to be among us. And what was commendable, there was a determination on the part of some to hold on to the victory. And all will realize that devotion and faith must continue to be exercised in order that the result may be a triumphant one.

It is our privilege to hold the fort. In the name of the Lord we go on, expecting nothing else than a glorious success. Let all our brethren scattered abroad pray for the prosperity of the work at Battle Creek. J. S.

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