WE held meetings in the Tent at Moscow, Hillsdale Co., over three Sabbaths. It was deemed impracticable to hold meetings through the week, as those most interested lived too far from the Tent to attend except on Sabbaths and First-days. We delivered eighteen public lectures. The attendance was good, but on account of the friends of truth living so far apart they were not able to meet with us in social meetings, as much as we desired, therefore, we were not able to see the immediate fruits of our labors as we have seen in other places; yet we consider it one of the most important we have held. From the circumstance of the friends being so scattered, the influence of the meeting has extended in almost every direction for some miles. Between 20 and 30 that we know, have fully decided to walk in the light of Present Truth; many others are deeply interested and convinced of sin. Very many are fully tested on the Message, and influences have been counteracted which have hitherto tended to keep some from investigating. A great many have had the idea that all calling themselves Adventists were merely nominal Christians, having only a theory of Bible truth, without any of the Spirit and power of godliness; and their prejudice was greatly disarmed when they discovered that we believed in the power of God's holy Spirit, and were earnest in calling upon them to repent, and obey from the heart the gospel of Jesus Christ.
We found two families of Seventh-day Baptists who moved into this State some twenty years ago, and being deprived of the privilege of meetings on the Sabbath, had, to a great extent, lost sight of the precious truths of God's law; but on hearing the law and the prophets expounded they took new courage, and are now fully established in the truth of the Third Angel's Message. Also, there were a number of Adventists in the vicinity, and most of them have decided in favor of God's holy Sabbath.
We appointed a meeting in the Tent for Second-day morning, 14th, for the benefit of those interested, and for some who desired baptism; but on account of an approaching storm of rain we took down the Tent in the morning. We were kindly invited to occupy a neighboring house, and while the much needed rain was descending upon the earth, we truly felt that "refreshing showers of grace divine," descended101upon the saints in that house. It was a heart-searching and melting time; sweet testimonies were given for the truth. We then repaired to the water, and five were baptized; others are now fully convinced of duty in this respect, and expect to be baptized soon.
If circumstances are favorable we expect to hold our next meeting in the village of Hillsdale.
J. H. WAGGONER.
M. E. CORNELL.
WELL-DOING.
It hath pleased Him who is the author of salvation to make this the condition upon which it is to be obtained. God, says an Apostle, will render to every man according to his deeds: to them who by patient continuance in well-doing, seek for glory, honor, and immortality, he will render eternal life. Rom. ii, 6-9.
Can any one find fault with these conditions of eternal life? The poor cannot say that riches which they have not are necessary to obtain it, and therefore they must be deprived of it. The unlearned cannot say that high attainments in learning which they have never reached, are necessary to secure it, and that they therefore are shut out from its blessings. The learned and rich cannot find any barrier interposed between them and eternal life, which is beyond their control, which would render it impossible for them to attain it.
The boon is held up before all; the condition of obtaining it is made known, and the means are at every man's door. We are continually acting: shall these acts be directed to right ends or bad? shall their results be good or evil? This is the point to be decided. Will we continue patiently to do well, and receive at last eternal life? or will we obey unrighteousness, and receive indignation and wrath? is the query which is put to the conscience directly home; and every man, high or low, rich or poor, free or bond, must be his own arbiter of the important question.
But what is well-doing? An enlightened conscience may decide much that is embraced in it; but we have a direct, and withal, an inspired answer to this very question. Says the apostle James, If ye fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, ye do well. To whatever minute acts therefore our duty may extend, one thing is certain: we do not do well not to fulfill the royal law. With well-doing is inseparably connected the keeping of the royal law, the ten commandments. The Bible is sufficient to thoroughly furnish the man of God unto all good works. 2 Tim. iii, 16, 17. Do we well then to endeavor with one of those commandments, to enforce an observance for which we are nowhere furnished in the word of God. It will be hard to prove that Sunday-keeping is well-doing.
The same sentiment and the same conditions are contained in our Lord's reply to the young man who inquired of him the way of salvation: "If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments." Matt. xix, 17. "Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well-doing, as unto a faithful Creator." 1 Pet. iv, 19.
TO THE SAINTS SCATTERED ABROAD.
By James White
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS:—For awhile I have desired to speak to you freely, and open before you my feelings as familiarly as though visiting you at your homes. Many of you I have seen, and with you have bowed at your altars of prayer, where we have been refreshed by the outpouring Spirit of God. Such heavenly seasons on earthly ground have made too deep an impression to be effaced by time. Christian union, formed under such circumstances, is indeed stronger than death. Others of you, whom I have never seen, have addressed me in language of hope, faith and love in the many letters received from you, which has bound my heart to yours in the strongest bonds of Christian fellowship.
And, perhaps, my connection with the cause of truth for ten years past may be a sufficient apology for expressing to you at this time my views of the past, present and future. It may be proper to do so, in view of past statements of ill health, bereavements and reproaches.
Many of you have personal knowledge of my manner of life; that it has been most of the time for ten years, one of toil and care; that I have labored in the field preaching the word with no particular home till I became worn, then have retired to some offered home with some believing family, to write and publish: hence our publications date from four different States. Incessant care and toil, with few hours of sleep, and none for recreation, wore out the constitution. Disease pressed upon me, so that I suffered much from weakness and pain in the throat and lungs. Sixteen months since my case was considered hopeless. Consumption had apparently stolen upon me, and had made such advancements, that to human view in a few months I too must lay down in the grave beside a dear brother and sister who had fallen by the same disease. But thanks be to God who saved me from the grave, and has raised me up to the enjoyment of comfortable health. Satan has not been permitted to accomplish the desire of my enemies.
I now regret that in years past, in my anxiety to advance the cause of truth, I deprived myself of needed rest, and many things necessary to this life, which has rendered one year of my life almost useless, and may cripple my efforts in the cause while the battle lasts. But this I do not regret so much as I do my lack of faith and patient reliance on God, in times of darkness. Though my lot has been one of care, perplexity, and sometimes of mental agony, yet the grace of God, had I ever leaned wholly on the divine arm, would have been sufficient. Had entire consecration to the will of God, with strict watchfulness and constant, fervent prayer, ever been the ruling principle in all my efforts to spread light and truth, much more good would doubtless have resulted from those efforts which have nearly worn me out. Yet I humbly trust that God accepts my willing efforts to promote his cause, and for his Son's sake pardons my errors.
And you, my brethren, have my thanks for your faithfulness to the cause, during my efforts to publish and scatter abroad Bible truth. In times of need and affliction you have remembered me by your means and your prayers. For your many acts of love to one so unworthy, and to the cause which has been dearer to me than life, you shall ever share the gratitude of my heart. If faithful to the end, Christ will reward you at the resurrection of the just.
I wish here to briefly notice things which have added to my anxiety and mental agony. First, those dear friends we have been forced to see sink away from the surface of human life, by disease in our own family, among them a brother and sister. Those who have joined us in the blessed hope, and the work of God we have been compelled to follow to the grave. But amid all this grief, the blessed hope has lit up the future—we shall meet again. Second, those who came in among us and obtained some influence, then went out from us. The impression has been too common among us that none but honest, true-hearted men would embrace the message; hence confidence has been put in strangers, and in those not fully proved. Here I have erred. I have incautiously through the REVIEW recommended persons to the confidence of the Church at large, as laborers in the Lord's harvest, who had not been sufficiently proved. I have considered myself more cautious than many of my brethren, yet I have erred here. Brethren generally have felt bound to support all who were acknowledged as the Lord's messengers, therefore such persons have had a good opportunity to fleece the pockets of the church, use their influence to cause distraction, and then when called to the order of the gospel, throw their influence into the scale of discord, rebellion and slander. I am not disposed to say much of these, seeing their course is now before you, with the result of no order. It was when the order of the gospel was taken up by us that a rebellious spirit was manifested by certain ones. This gave rise to a sheet of slander. The spirit of revenge kindling in the hearts of some, led them to sustain it for a time. But as it was sinking the leaders of the Age to Come came to its rescue. They stated their intentions to "make it one of the best papers in the land." They baptized their darling theory in disgrace by uniting with such a sheet. And in changing the character of that sheet, left those who started it, and who had sustained it, with no part or lot in the matter, it being entirely another thing. Here matters are suspended, while those who have gone out from us are enjoying the harvest of no order, lack of union and fellowship among themselves, and perfect confusion of sentiments. We mourn for the sad state of those who have been carried away by these baneful influences. Not a few of them have left the Sabbath; while the influence has been chilling to the life and progress of the cause. Yet this exhibition has done more to impress upon the minds of candid Christians the importance of gospel order, than all the friends of order could do or say.
Dear brethren, some of you have been confused and discouraged by these things; but you should be in suspense no longer as to the message, and your duty. Time and events have proved to you what you could not credit when told you a year or two since. I will not here reprove you, but would tenderly entreat you to cast in your interest with the people of God, and reach out your hand to help push the cause of Bible truth ahead. Come, dear brethren and sisters, and give those who have stood firmly by the cause your heart and hand. The Lord has not left his people—blessed be his name. Come, precious souls, and drink of the fountain of gospel union, and go with your brethren to Mt. Zion.
I would here express my grateful thanks to my brethren for their promptness for establishing the REVIEW and Book department upon a proper basis. Your pledges amounting to $1200 for a Book Fund show your attachment to the cause. In taking these burdens off from me, you have, with the blessing of God, made me free. Since last December has been the happiest period of my life. O how good it has been to trust in God, and feel morning, noon and at evening the refreshing, baptizing power of the Holy Spirit.
As to the future, God only knows the perils of the way, yet there is light ahead. His truth will be our "shield and buckler." The experience of the past will serve as a lamp for time to come. God has prepared the way before us, so that the people will hear the reasons of our hope and faith. The trials of the past should not prevent any from acting well their part for time to come. God wants you, my brethren, to act in his cause, and to act now. Let the servants of Christ lean on his arm, and let the church promptly act her part, and the cause will move on gloriously.
God's word does not teach you to make a rash disposition of your means; his cause does not require it. Such a course might be an injury, instead of a help to the cause. But when the cause in any of its departments needs a portion of the means under your stewardship, your duty is clear. Such wants should be regarded as the voice of God to you. Will the friends of the REVIEW suffer debts to linger long on the Office? No, not if they do their duty. Shall we see those who are entering new fields with Tents crippled in their efforts for want of a small portion of that means which you, my brethren, profess to have on the Lord's altar? God forbid. If it be really the Lord's, and on his altar, then when his cause calls for some of it, will you not promptly heed the call? You will. You will come up to the help of the Lord; to the help of the Lord against the mighty. May God help you to arise from that state of sadness that the events of the past have cast over you, and lead you to that position of consecration and sacrifice necessary at the present time.
J. W.
TENT MEETINGS IN PENNSYLVANIA.
By J. N. Loughborough, Wm. S. Ingraham, R. F. Cottrell
Our first tent-meeting for the season was held in Lewisville, Potter Co., Pa. Our congregations at this meeting were large for a new county. Those who came seemed to have ears to hear. A few stated that they should obey the Lord in the keeping of all his commandments.
At this meeting some Brn. met with us from Westfield, twenty miles distant, where fourteen had come out on the truth, who had never heard a discourse on the present truth until this meeting. Their faith was strengthened by hearing on the reasons of our faith. They earnestly entreated us to come and labor among them. We expect to go there with the tent before leaving the State.
Our second meeting was held at Port Alleghany. Our congregations on the Sabbath were not large; but on First-day some two or three hundred came out to hear. This was the first they had heard on present truth. An interest seemed to be manifested by some to learn more of our faith.
Our third meeting was held in Shippin, McKean Co. This meeting continued two weeks. Our congregations were good on both First-days. The word spoken was not without effect. We have reason to believe that many souls will yet embrace the truth as the result of this meeting.
In this community there were many Adventists who are connected with the Advent Herald. At the first they could only admit our position on the Sabbath question, but thought it would make division. They finally seemed to see that their position was dangerous, and next took the ground that Sunday was the true seventh day. A few however saw the inconsistencies of such a position and thought they should have to keep the Sabbath. Next First-day they are to meet and discuss the question. The Lord direct them in the truth is our prayer.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH, WM. S. INGRAHAM, R. F. COTTRELL.
The Sabbath in France
The Sabbath in France.—At an audience with the Emperor the other day, the French prelates alluded to the necessity of some restrictive measure to enforce the observance of the Sabbath, and of removing the difficulties in the way of the troops attending mass regularly on Sundays and holidays. The Emperor listened as usual with attention, but from what he said it was evident that, however desirable he thought the observance of the Sunday, he preferred that the prelates should not interfere in matters relating to the regulations of the army.
Deacons.
Duties of a deacon.—As the office and duties of a deacon have been frequently inquired after, we will endeavor to define it, more in particular.
First, we will examine its definition. This word is translated from the Greek, diakonos, which, according to Greenfield's Greek Lexicon, is "a minister, one who renders service to another, an attendant, servant,—a deacon or deaconess, one who collects and distributes alms to the poor, overseer of the poor, almoner. Rom. xvi, 1; Phil. i, 1; 1 Tim. iii, 8, 12."
Therefore the seven who were appointed to this office were to see to "the daily ministrations" of food for the poor widows who were neglected in these things, that the twelve might give themselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word." So there were two ministrations at that time, one to see to the temporal wants of the church, the other to the spiritual wants of the same. This would call for two classes of servants in the church, differing in their duties.
"I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant (or deaconess) of the church which is at Cenchrea. That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you; for she hath been a succorer (or helper) of many, and of myself also.
Greet Priscilla and Aquilla my helpers in Christ Jesus.
These deacons and deaconesses were considered servants, helpers or laborers with the apostles in the gospel, not that they preached the word, but ministered or served their temporal wants.
We will here make an extract from Dr. A. Clarke's Commentary. "There were deaconesses in the primitive church, whose business it was to attend the female converts at baptism; to instruct the catechumens, or persons who were candidates for baptism; to visit the sick, and those who were in prison; and, in short, perform those religious offices, for the female part of the church, which could not with propriety be performed by men. They were chosen in general out of the most experienced of the church; and were ordinarily widows, who had borne children. Some ancient constitutions required them to be forty, others fifty, and others sixty years of age. It is evident that they were ordained to their office, by the imposition of the hands of the bishop; and the form of prayer used on the occasion is extant in the apostolic constitutions. In the tenth or eleventh century the order became extinct in the Latin church; but continued in the Greek church till the end of the twelfth century.—See Broughton's Dictionary, Article, Deaconess.
Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man, well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work. 1 Tim. v, 9, 10.
There can be but little doubt that this refers to the office of a deaconess. Widows indeed are those who promise to abide in their widowhood, and receive the office of a deaconess. Relieved the afflicted—visited and ministered to the sick.—Clarke.
Says John Brown, "But it is chiefly used to signify an officer in the church, whose business it is to serve in distributing the elements at the Lord's table, and to provide for, and duly distribute provision to ministers, and to the poor. Phil. i, 1. It is plain, some of the first seven deacons were afterwards preachers; but nowhere do the sacred oracles hint, that preaching belonged to the office of a deacon. 1 Tim. iii, 8-12. For many ages after Christ, they were considered as inferior to presbyters.—Dictionary, under the head, Deacon.
Deacon. 1 Tim. iii, 10. This name, as a title of office, was first given to seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, who were appointed over the business of serving tables, in order that the apostles might be at liberty to give themselves continually to prayer and the ministry of the word. They were set apart by prayer and the laying on of the apostles' hands. Acts vi, 1-4.
The female ministers, or deaconesses, were probably employed in attending upon those of their own sex, in some of the same offices and duties which the deacons performed for their brethren.—Union Bible Dict.
Now as the apostle Paul addressed a letter to the church at Philippi with the Bishops and Deacons we shall expect to find something said in that letter about the duties of deacons.
"Because for the work of Christ he (Epaphroditus) was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service towards me. And I entreat thee also, true yoke-fellow, help those women which labored with me in the gospel. Now ye Philippians, know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. Not because I desired a gift; but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. But I have all, and abound. I am full (satisfied) having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you. Phil. iv, 3, 15-18.
The plain, simple fact appears to have been that inasmuch as the deacons were addressed that they made collections of gifts from the church and sent them by the hand of Epaphroditus to Paul without his desire or request. For this he sends his thankful praise, telling them what they might expect in return from the Lord. Gal. ii, 10. Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.
1 Cor. xvi, 1-4. Now concerning the collection for the saints as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem. And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me.
Acts xi, 29, 30. Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judea. Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
Here Paul gives directions to the church to go to work upon the first day of the week to make gatherings or collections in store, that when he should be in Corinth on the Sabbath, as usual, [Acts xviii, 1, 4.] that he could be ready to leave on the first day of the week without hindrance. Now as deacons were in the churches, whose business could it be to see to these things but theirs, as everybody's business very often becomes nobody's business?
The office of deacon may be of more importance for time to come than it has been before as the day of trouble rolls on. Would it not be well then brethren to appoint in all the churches deacons and deaconesses who may answer the qualifications that are laid down clearly in the Bible, with an understanding what their duties are.
In one word, they are to see to all the temporal interests of the several churches where they are appointed.
1. To see to the poor and destitute that may belong to the church; such as widows, orphans, the sick and afflicted that may be among us.
2. That it is the duty of such to first inquire into the wants of the cause, to introduce them to the church where they belong, at any proper time, to raise means for the support of the truth. That such be considered the treasurers and agents of the church where they belong in all matters of finance.
3. That it may be the duty to keep on hand good wine [John ii, 10] from grapes or raisins, for the ready ministration of the ordinances at any time on the visits of the messengers, which ordinances are too much neglected for the want of preparation; also to see to all other necessary preparations for the ordinances.
Some may say that the times are different now than in the days of the apostles, and we have no need of the office of deacon, as then. But we will say, as the office of deacon then included all the temporal affairs of the church under its then existing circumstances, so it does now include all the present temporal affairs of the church of God.
And we will say further, that whosoever will be a faithful deacon or servant of the church of God will find that the office is not a mere name without anything to do; but will find much to see to in these respects.
We will close for the encouragement of deacons, with the words of Paul to Timothy, "For they that have used the office of a deacon will purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. J. B. F.
COMMUNICATIONS.
By E. Everts
"Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another."
To follow is to imitate; to copy; to obey.—Webster.
DEAR Brethren in the Lord, let these precious words of Jesus have weight and influence on our hearts. Has the Captain of our salvation said "Follow Me?" Have you really started to "follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth?" Do you ever stop, and think how great is the hope of your calling? Ah, do you realize from what you are called; and what you are called to be; and how you are called; and that obedience to that call will bring you to stand on Mount Zion with him who has called you? I am confident that if these inquiries were pondered well in our candid and anxious minds, a great share of my object would be accomplished before you would follow my thoughts further.
If Jesus has said, Follow me, he has beckoned us away from some thing, or place; and his call is to all that have ears to hear. In order to follow Jesus we must get our eyes on him, and imitate his examples, and keep his sayings, and possess the mind that was in him.
These thoughts make me cry out, Lord, increase my faith! Jesus has said, "I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you." Jno. xv, 19. The life and sayings of our Saviour, and the lives and teachings of the inspired apostles show us what it is to follow Jesus. But, I begin to tremble within me as I progress with these all-important inquiries, because the masses of Christendom are as prone as the sparks are to fly upward, to turn their eyes toward the fathers, and to their commentaries, and teachers.
What are all these to thee, when Jesus has said, "Follow thou me?" What, dear brother, dear sister, is your standard of faith? Is it not the Bible? You say, yes! then there we will come. That we may learn whether we are following Jesus or no. I will stop in before you in your pathway, and reason with you; and this pathway is our every act of life. We will take a wide survey, first, and ask, Do you act like the world? But you inquire, What do you mean? I will try to tell you. Do you take a part with the world in its maxims and laws? If so your pathway is not the one that Jesus trod. Jesus said, They (disciples) are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Jno. xvii, 16. When saw ye Jesus in Ceasar's hall of judgment? Never; only when led as a lamb to the slaughter.193
But, we want good laws, and it is our duty to get good men to make and execute them.
Truly we want good laws; and Jesus has not left us to follow him without them. He says, "The word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me." Jno. xiv, 24.
The Psalmist says, "The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul." Ps. xix, 7. Paul says, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." 2 Tim. iii, 16, 17. What more do you want? or, What less do you want, dear brother? If you go to the ballot-box, you show your infidelity to the efficiency of the gospel of Jesus. You reject God as your Law-giver, and James says there is one Law-giver. Jas. iv, 12.
You say, we will choose men that will enact good laws, and rule in righteousness and in the fear of the Lord. Nay, verily. Let me tell you the effect of the ballot-box. The moment you go to the ballot-box, you unite with the world from which Christ has called you out, and you take hold of the sword. But Paul says, "The weapons of our warfare are not carnal." 2 Cor. x, 4.
If you elect a good bishop, deacon or pious one of the church, whose motive is to do good; you necessarily make a bad man of him. You require of each officer, at his inauguration, an oath, which makes him a violator of God's Law. It is written by inspiration: "Above all things, my brethren, swear not; neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath; but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest you fall into condemnation." Jas. v, 12; Matt. v, 34-36; xxiii, 16-22.
The next step you require of your agent, is to enact laws, which, if disregarded, are enforced by the sword, an unchristian weapon; said laws are the essential, vital being of said government of which he is a component part, which can sustain its nationality only by arsenals of implements of death, large navies and military, equipped with their deadly weapons. You next place your good brother christian, follower of the Prince of Peace, aside the scaffold, to inflict death; or at the head of a body of military, with a habeas-corpus writ to thrust back into bondage a poor brother, for the crime of desiring to inhale heaven's free air. Or, if he is Chief Magistrate of the Nation, you mount your good bishop on a war-horse, armed cap-a-pie, General-in-chief over all the sinews of death in the nation, perchance, to saturate the land with the blood of our brethren in the South; and he might justly do it, according to the declaration of this hypocritical government, that all men have certain inalienable RIGHTS, LIFE, LIBERTY, and the PURSUIT of HAPPINESS.
Perhaps you may think of discriminating between the responsibility of a religious and political functionary by justifying their acts as being faithful in either calling. This reminds me of an anecdote about a Dean of Canterbury, England, whom the king mounted on a war-horse, as General of an army to subjugate a revolted province. While on the way at the head of his followers, equipped with a badge illy becoming followers of peace, passing a common of gazing spectators, a rowdy in the front commenced shouting, kicking up his heels and tossing his cap into the air, &c. At this the Hon. Dean was incensed. He at once despatched his Aid to inquire of the clown what he meant? He replied, that it was because he saw the Dean heading an army. Answer was accordingly returned to the Dean. Then says the Dean, Go tell the blockhead that I don't go as a Dean, I am the king's general. At this answer, the rowdy shout-louder than ever, and throwed himself into all manner of exciting gestures worse than before. This exasperated the pious Dean. He orders his Aid to go again, and demand what the villain meant. He replied, that he was thinking, when the Devil got the king's general, what would become of the Dean of Canterbury. Jesus says, "All they take the sword shall perish with the sword." Matt. xxvi, 52.
I would ask, dear followers of Jesus, if man can make it right to kill, when God has said, "Thou shalt not kill?" Does not the whole fabric of human governments rest on the sword? Are they not to be dashed to shivers when he comes whose right it is to rule in righteousness?
But I am not at war with human governments. No, no. David says in a hymn of praise to God, "Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain." Ps. lxxvi, 10. "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 (Christian) for good." Rom. xiii, 3, 4.
If, my brethren, you keep in mind that Christians are a different company, a little flock, separated, chosen out of the world, to be lights in, or to, the world, that the world by beholding their good works, (light,) may be led to join in company with the little flock, counted all the day long to the slaughter, and thus glorify your heavenly Father then you will be able to comprehend such scriptures as Rom. xiii, and 1 Tim. i; ii, which I may notice hereafter. "Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth;" [Isa. xlv, 9;] but, let Christians possess the mind of Jesus, then they will "follow Jesus."
Have we seen some of the results of professed Christians following the world? May it prepare us then to gain an eminence as did Balaam, when Balak called him to curse Israel, when he uttered his parable and said, "How shall I curse, whom God has not cursed? or how shall I defy, whom the Lord has not defied? For from the top of the rocks I see him, and from the hills I behold him: lo, the people shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations." Num. xxiii, 8, 9.
E. EVERTS.
Round Grove, Whiteside Co., Ill., July 18th. 1856.
Trust in the Lord.
By A. J. Nash
"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him; and he shall direct thy paths." Prov. iii, 5, 6.
To God is ascribed all power, wisdom and goodness; and to the devoted Christian, he is their high tower, and defense, and the rock of their salvation; yet how often do such mistrust the God who made them, and grow faint and weary in well-doing.
Why should we be faint-hearted, and ever distrust the great God that hath such rich blessings in store for the true people of God. His word is yea and amen, and his promises are ever sure, to those that draw nigh unto him in prayer and supplication; having clean hearts and a right spirit.
The believers in the present truth, of all people, have great cause to have unbounded confidence in God, and strong faith in believing, knowing that he stands ready to pour out his Spirit upon any that are ready, and prepared to receive it; and however unfavorable the circumstances may be by which we are surrounded as a people, or individuals, if the present truth is embraced in the love of it, that soul appears filled with love to God, and love to his fellow-men, and when we are constantly learning of and seeing the rebellious heart brought into sweet submission to God and his holy will, we take courage, thank God, and trust in his mercies.
It greatly rejoices my heart to read the communications in the Review from the dear brethren and sisters in different parts of the land, and thereby learn of their confidence in God, and steadfastness in the truth; and also their determination to abide by the Commandments of God, and the Faith of Jesus.
It has been but a short time since a few precious souls in this place became awakened to their lost condition, without God, and without faith in the atoning blood of Christ our blessed Saviour, and who were led to yield sweet submission to the demands of the gospel, and trust our all in the hands of God.
We have had many precious seasons together, and the Spirit of grace has been manifested in our own hearts, and is still manifested in the conviction and conversion, as we humbly trust, of other souls.
The present truth and the keeping of God's holy Sabbath, in the love of it, appears to be accompanied with the converting grace of God, and is like water to the thirsty traveler, refreshing to the hungry souls, and a lamp and a light to our way.
Dear brethren and sisters in the Lord, let us hold on, and hold out, faithful to the end, having the blessed assurance that they that put their trust in God, and endure unto the end, shall enter into the joys of the blessed, and through Christ reap life everlasting.
Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him and he shall bring it to pass; and he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noon-day. Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him. Ps. xxxviii, 5-7. A. J. Nash.
Bowne, Mich., July, 1856.
Praying for the Purity of the Church
By Cornelia Lawton
From Sister Lawton.
For some time past I have felt more than usual to pray for the purity of the Church. I have feared that there was not that readiness to sacrifice for God and his cause that there should be, or that deadness to the customs and fashions of the world.
We profess to believe in the speedy coming of our blessed Lord, and that he is preparing a people to stand before him without spot or wrinkle.
If we believe this, and expect to be the redeemed who shall stand on Mount Zion, we must be dead to the world.
Our Lord has told us so plainly that we cannot mistake, that if we love the world the love of the Father is not in us.
I believe we must get where we are not only willing to make sacrifices and deny self, but have a pleasure in doing so. We should not only be willing to take up the cross, but it should be a delight to bear the cross for our blessed Lord who bore it so willingly for us. O how I love the cross. There is a halo of glory surrounding it, which kindles in my heart such a flame of love that rather than shrink from it I would gladly embrace it.
I rejoice that God has given us the light that is now shining out from his holy word, showing us in these last days that we not only may, but must, if we live out the truth, suffer for Christ's sake. Glory to God! I do rejoice that I am counted worthy to suffer reproach for his dear cause. What though we are set aside by those even who once fellowshiped us104as good Christians, but now look upon us as a poor, deluded people! All this for trying to live out primitive Christianity, and walking in the old paths, and heeding the teachings of God's word and Spirit, instead of the traditions of the fathers. This is a sufficient evidence that the church has fallen in regard to these truths.
Now my dear brethren and sisters, let the line of distinction be drawn still closer. Let us live out in our lives what we profess. If we are looking for the soon coming Saviour, to be consistent we shall feel that all we have belongs to God, and we shall not wish to indulge in one needless thing.
And here let me say a word to my dear sisters; I have always felt, since I found pardon of sins, that it was wrong to indulge in vain or costly dress, but have not always denied self. Never did I more feel the importance of cheap and plain attire. Our profession demands it. The eyes of the world are upon us, also those of a proud church, neither of which will fail to make capital of any defects or inconsistencies of those who separate themselves from them.
Again, the cause of God requires all we have above absolute want. If we are free from pride and self we shall love each other. O how I long for the time when we shall see eye to eye in every thing, and when the last saint shall be sealed; when the hundred and forty-four thousand shall stand upon mount Zion.
My prayer is that God will hasten his work and take his weary people home.