p. 52 | Review and Herald, Vol. 8, No. 7. (6/12/1856)

THE FIRST AND NINETEENTH CENTURIES.

By Editor

In the Christian Spiritualist some months since we noticed the following:

"It is worthy of remark also, that we have now as in the days of Christ those who theologically deny man's immortality, as it may suggest other parallels between the eighteenth and the first century. Surely, Spiritualism is a necessity as well as an experience."

These remarks were in reply to an article attributing the parentage of Spiritual-intercourse, to the popular notion of a "state of conscious existence between death and the resurrection" with which the Spiritualist had little sympathy, although the writer like many others of the Advent Annihilationist school, might be well intentioned and reformatory in his sympathies.

But who were those in the days of Christ who denied the immortality of man? for it is important to ascertain this, as we find teachers of error brought to view in those times as well as teachers of truth, and we do not wish to be found following those who by their traditions made void the commandments of God. Matt. xv, 3.

The first distinct enunciation we find in the gospel record, on this subject, is recorded in Matt. iii, 12, made by John, the forerunner of Jesus, declaring that he who came after him would thoroughly purge his floor, and burn up the chaff (the wicked) with unquenchable fire. Point the Jew to a body consuming in the fires of gehenna, and immortality is the last idea he would ever attach to it. Here is a teacher of truth making the most definite declarations on a definite subject: The wicked shall be burned up. We have found one, then, who denied the immortality of man.

He of whom John was the forerunner, soon came; and we find his teachings abounding with expressions like these: Broad is the way that leadeth to destruction: narrow is the way that leadeth unto life. Matt. vii, 13, 14. Fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Matt. x, 28. Whosoever will save his life shall lose it. Mark viii, 35. God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John iii, 16. He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son, shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him. Verse 36. Ye will not come to me that ye might have life. Chap. v, 40. The disciples inculcated the same sentiments as their Master; therefore says Paul to the Romans, [chap. vi, 23,] "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

Who then were they who in the days of Jesus Christ denied the immortality of man? Christ and his apostles! and we are willing to be found uttering the same sentiments however much they may be at variance with the cherished theories of the popular mind.

True the Sadducees denied the resurrection. They would withhold a future state of existence from all whether good or bad; and it is evident that they regarded man in death, as in a state of unconsciousness. Christ replies to correct them of their erroneous views; but mark: did he tell them they were mistaken in their views of the state of the dead; that they were even then in conscious existence, and had no need of a resurrection? Nothing of the kind. He simply declares to them that there would be a resurrection, and proves it by the writings of Moses, which they professed to believe.

Spiritualists may have little "sympathy" for the idea that their doctrine is the offspring of the unscriptural notion that man is alive when he is dead; but we ask, if all had believed the declarations of the Scriptures on this subject, that the "dead know not anything," where would have been the doctrine? The first spirit that had dared to peep, and pretend to be the soul of some dead man, would have been met with the lie in his teeth, and driven back to remain forever unknown under his chains of darkness.

We do indeed find some parallels between the present and the first century. As then, so we have those now who make void the commandments of God by their tradition. We find a proud and aristocratic church, who treat with scorn and contempt the plain and simple truth of the word, and preach their gospel to any but the poor. And as Satan in the commencement of the gospel dispensation, gave numerous manifestations of his presence, so now he is accompanying its closing days with more wonderful demonstrations of his power. We trust also soon to see in these last days, a pure and apostolic church fully developed, standing in the clear light of the Sun of righteousness, and clothed with power from on high.

THE CONFERENCE.

By James White

THE General Conference held at Battle Creek, May 23-27, was a meeting of deep interest, and will result, we trust, in much good to the cause of truth, and an advance in consecration and holy living with God's people.

There was a social meeting of much interest on Sixth-day, the 23d, in the afternoon, in which many took part in humble, plain and affecting testimonies. The blessing of the Lord was with us, and there seemed to be a strong desire for the work of the Spirit of God among us.

The attendance from this State was not very large, owing, no doubt, to the meeting being held in the time of planting, this backward season; still, with those from other States, there were more Sabbath-keepers present Sabbath morning than could be seated in the "House of Prayer," and it became necessary to adjourn to the Tent before the hour for preaching.

The weather was fine, and the location of the Tent pleasant and favorable. Bro. Bates spoke twice on the Sabbath, and Brn. Hart and Byington in the evening. Brn. White, Hart and Waggoner spoke to good and attentive congregations on First-day, and evening.

The congregation in the evening was large, and candid, with the exception of some boys and young men, mostly outside of the Tent, who probably had been taught nothing better than to disturb a quiet worshiping assembly. Mr. J. Caldwell, the Village Marshall, was present to take care of them, who, for his voluntary care for us assembled in our portable Meeting-house, has the thanks of the friends and the attentive audience.

Bro. Waggoner's subject on this occasion was the Law of God, and the seal of the Law. He was very hoarse, and hardly able to speak, yet was assisted to present the subject in so clear and forcible a manner as to command the closest attention of the entire candid audience. Bro. Bates followed with spirited remarks and exhortation. Thus the meetings closed in the Tent.

On Second-day, the 26th, meetings were held to transact business, which were spirited and harmonious. The Meeting has left a cheering and most blessed influence on the minds of those who attended it, especially those who remained over Third-day and witnessed the manifest power of God in correcting and comforting his people. With unity of feelings

and new courage have preaching brethren gone forth to the field of labor, to fight the battles of the Lord, till victory shall be won. J. W.

All Men Shall One Day Pray

ALL men shall one day pray: not a form of lip-service merely, but a heart-felt, genuine prayer. We see the mass of the world, haughty, proud, wicked, and ridiculing the idea of serving God or living religion; yet they shall one day pray. When that time comes, however, things will not be as they are now: the tables will be turned completely. The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day. Isa. ii, 11.

A few are wise, and pray now, directing their petitions to the Sanctuary while yet they may be accepted: the rest are waiting till an involuntary prayer shall be wrung from them by the terrors of the great day. A few choose now to fall upon that Stone, upon which, if a man fall he shall be broken: the rest are waiting till it shall fall on them and grind them to powder.

But the prayer of those who are compelled to pray at last, will not be like the prayer of the righteous now, based upon a hope in God's mercy, and accompanied with the blessed assurance of acceptance and pardon; but their voice will be the voice of despair: "Rocks and mountains fall on us and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb!"

A NOTE FOR BAPTISTS.

By James White

Having formerly been a member of the Baptist church there are many members of that body, of my acquaintances and former companions for whom I have a high regard. Their profession is a good one, to wit: to receive the Bible as "their only rule of faith and practice," and reject all traditions and institutions founded thereon; and it has been with the deepest regret that I have noticed, for years past their wide departure from the above rule. It would not be possible for Baptists to persist in Sunday-keeping, if they carried into practice their profession, to follow the Bible and reject the traditions of men. An illustration of the manner in which their weapons may be turned against them is furnished by an incident related to me by a resident of Waupun, Wis. The M. E. minister of that circuit, in a sermon on baptism, remarked that it was objected

against infant baptism, that there was no command for it in the Bible. "The same," said he, "may be said in regard to the Sabbath; there is not, from Genesis to Revelation, any command to observe the first day of the week, and yet we do it." This should forever put to silence all objections to infant baptism—with the Baptists I mean—or lead them to a more consistent and scriptural course in regard to the Sabbath.

Similar to the above is the following scrap of history, published in a Presbyterian work now in my possession. "Doubts on this subject [Sunday-keeping] are of very recent origin. They date no further back than the ages subsequent to the Reformation, and then they arose chiefly among the same people, who denied, because there is no command in the New Testament enjoining it, the propriety of infant baptism." So the question is settled!

The Papists laugh the Protestants to scorn, because they deny the authority of the Catholic church and yet follow her teachings in "keeping Sunday strictly, and breaking most other feasts commanded by the same church." The Baptists declaim against the Pedo-Baptists, because they deny the right of the Catholics to hold tradition to be equal in authority to the Bible, yet practice infant baptism, which is unauthorized by the Bible, and rests solely on tradition. The Pedo-Baptists in turn point to the inconsistency of the Baptists in denying the propriety of infant baptism, merely because it is not enjoined in the Bible, but rests on the authority of tradition alone, while they keep the first day of the week, which rests entirely on the same tradition without any authority whatever from the Bible. And "the world" with equal force retorts upon them all for these denials of their faith in their text-book, or concludes that the Bible is the author of this confusion. Thus by reason of them the way of truth is evil spoken of. The Baptists have claimed, and most of them now claim, to be free from such inconsistency, yet in truth their inconsistency is the greatest, as their profession is the highest. J. H. W.

THE LORD'S HOLY DAY.

By R. F. C.

THERE is one class of people who meet on the seventh day of the week, and in their addresses to the Maker of all things, they thank him for the privilege of meeting together, as they express it, "on this thy holy day." Another, and much larger class, may be found assembled together on the following day, that is, on the first day of the week, who, in like manner, speak to God, saying, We have assembled "on this thy holy day."

From this it appears that God has two holy days in every week, or that one, at least, of these two classes mock God and insult him to his face. Many may be ignorantly, and therefore innocently, following the tradition of their fathers in this matter; but, as both classes profess to follow the teachings of the Bible, when once their theory and practice are called in question, they are no longer excusable in pursuing the same course, unless they find a warrant for it in that book.

If God has two holy days for men to observe, we shall find them both clearly pointed out in the Bible. He did, in the beginning, sanctify, that is, set apart to a holy use, the seventh day, and more than 3000 years since that time he called it his holy day. If he has put away the day which he claimed as his for thousands of years, it should be noted in the Scriptures. If he has chosen another day as his holy day, it must be clearly revealed, or no one is under obligation to keep it holy. "For where no law is, there is no transgression." But, in all the Scriptures, there is no copy of the bill by which God put away the seventh day; nor any information respecting his choosing the first. Therefore the day which he chose in the beginning is still his holy day.

But there are many who, though they are aware that there is "no scriptural direction for the change," seem still to take pleasure in approaching to God and telling him that Sunday is his holy day; as if, in the absence of Bible proof, they could make it holy by calling it so. To such I would say in the language of an apostle, "Be not deceived; God is not mocked." Though you succeed in deceiving yourselves, and others who look up to you for instruction; yet you cannot deceive Him and make Him believe that that day which he has never sanctified is his holy day. Your effort to make Sunday holy by calling it so, is like that of some in ancient time, who, in order to exalt their goddess, cried out, about the space of two hours, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. This they did for want of better argument.

I would affectionately exhort you never again to come before God and tell him that the first day of the week is his holy day, till you can prove from the Book that he has given you, that he has made it holy. Perhaps you are a leader of the people. Be careful that you do not procure their curses by leading them into the ditch. Upon the authority of the word of God, I warn you that, in a little while from this, there will be an awful howling among the shepherds. "And the shepherds shall have no way to flee, nor the principal of the flock to escape. A voice of the cry of the shepherds, and an howling of the principal of the flock, shall be heard; for the Lord hath spoiled their pasture." See Jer. xxv, 32-38.

Be entreated, dear reader, to make the word of God your guide. Abide by its teachings; keep its precepts. Do not mock God by offering him that which he has never required. But seek your own salvation, and the salvation of those you may influence.

R. F. C.

HOW THIS LOOKS!

By James White

"I WANT you to stop my paper, for I am not able to pay. I like the paper, but am too poor to pay for it."

Let me inquire, Do you use tea, coffee and tobacco?

"Yes, we have used these things a long time, and the habit has become strong; and I don't think it is a sin to use these daily comforts which taste so well."

But how do you get them? You are poor. too poor to pay $2.00 for fifty-two visits from the Review.

"Well, we think we must have tobacco, tea and coffee, so we try to raise the money some way."

This is the condition of many professed children of our long-suffering God, in whom is the perfection of greatness and purity. They are such slaves to appetite and lust, that they have but little time, means or disposition to serve God in the beauty and highway of holiness; so they plod along in the ditch of morbid appetite and lust, now and then faintly raising a desire and casting a look heavenward. Prayers faint and seldom if ever; tobacco, tea and coffee abound daily. The family altar perhaps broken down and the closet forsaken. Yet with what care is the pipe laid in its accustomed place, and how often visited. And how careful are the parcels of tobacco, and kindred poisons laid away, and with what fervent devotion are they visited. O how this looks! My soul sickens and I turn from the sight. J. W.

SABBATH TRACT,

By James White

IN GERMAN AND NORWEGIAN.

SEVERAL brethren have during a few years past felt a deep interest for the German and Norwegian population of our country, and have been anxiously waiting for the way to open for the publication of a Sabbath Tract in both languages. We do believe the blessing of Heaven will attend a judicious effort to accomplish the object. We fully believe, too, that there is sufficient interest and zeal on the part of the friends of truth to move them to promptly furnish the necessary means.

It was decided by the recent Conference that we have no Tract or Tracts suitable for translation into the German language; therefore a Committee was chosen to prepare a Tract for this purpose. It will probably cover the ground of the Sabbath question, and be as brief as possible in doing justice to the subject. It will probably be first published in the Review, then translated into German, and then into Norwegian—as the way may open.

These works should be stereotyped, and after the first cost of the plates, copies can be furnished for this and other countries at a very small expense. We conclude that all interested will unite their efforts in the enterprise. J. W.

Obscure Scriptures.

By Gaussen

WITH what glory, as soon as they were comprehended, have we seen shine forth, so many passages, so many psalms, so many prophecies, so many types, so many descriptions, whose profound beauty had not before been perceived! What evangelical truth has come forth from them! what appeals to the conscience! what an unfolding of redeeming love! Let us then wait in regard to analogous passages, even more glorious, for that day when our Master shall again come down from heaven; for, says St. Irenæus, 'there are difficulties in the Scriptures, which, by the grace of God, we can now resolve, but there are others which we leave to him, not only for this age, but for the next, in order that God may perpetually be teaching, and that perpetually, man may thus be learning of God, the things which pertain to God.'

If the lights of grace have dimmed those of nature, how in their turn will the lights of glory throw paleness on those of grace! How many stars of the first magnitude, still invisible, will be enkindled at the approach of that great day, in the firmament of the Scriptures? And when, finally, it shall be fully revealed to the redeemed world without a veil, what harmonies, what celestial tints, what new glories, what unanticipated splendors, shall be manifested to the heirs of eternal life!

Then, we shall see the meaning of so many prophecies, of so many facts, and of so many instructions, whose divinity as yet is revealed only by detached features, but whose evangelical beauty will then shine on every side. Then we shall know all the meaning of those parables, already so impressive, of the Fig-tree, of the Master returning from a far country, of the Bride and Bridegroom, of the Net drawn on the shore of eternity, of Lazarus, of the Invited, of the Talents, of the Husbandman, of the Virgins, of the Marriage Feast.

Then too, shalt thou manifest thyself to our view in all thy glory, O, Jesus Christ, Saviour, consoler, friend of the miserable, our Lord and our God! thou that hast tasted death, but who art He that liveth for ever and ever! Then all the science of heaven will be thyself! Thou wast always all the science of the Holy Spirit, who descended from Heaven. Thou wast always that of the Scriptures; for 'the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.' Thou art already all the life of the saints; 'their life eternal is to know thee!' 'O, thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift!'—Gaussen.

BE PATIENT.

By A. S. Hutchins

THERE is something peculiarly sweet and precious to my heart, in the expression, "Here is the patience of the saints." Whenever this part of the third Message of Rev. xiv, is spoken of and dwelt upon by the remnant, I find the resolution settling and strengthening in my mind, I will try by the grace of God assisting, in all things, to manifest the patience of the saints.

If I do this, I understand that whatever afflictive dispensation I am called to pass through, I shall never murmur nor complain, but quietly and meekly submit with the abiding confidence, my heavenly Parent knows best what is for my good. And that he will not suffer me to be afflicted more than what is necessary for the salvation of my soul.

Brethren, we have need of patience. God has manifested great and continued patience towards us, and we must be patient with each other; for this is the only way we can help one another to persevere in the way to the kingdom. We must be patient with our friends and neighbors. We have need of great patience with our enemies. If we do not have this virtue in lively exercise towards those who hate the truth, and oppose us, they get the victory over us, and rejoice over us, by reason of which the blessed cause of truth will be brought into disrepute. But if we are patient, victory, sweet victory turns on the side of truth, and our enemies are disappointed and put to silence. We have need of patience with the horse and ox that wait upon us so carefully and repeatedly. Dear reader, don't get out of patience with the beasts of the field. Speak kindly to them and use them as you should. Remember these are the gift of God. We say that wherever you are, Be Patient. Be patient in all circumstances.

Impatience you will find to be very inconvenient at all times. No one can hold sweet communion with God in prayer, while in an impatient frame of mind, nor grow in grace, nor help spread the last solemn Message of mercy. Whatever then may be your trials and conflicts, "let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."

A. S. HUTCHINS.

Probation and the Second Advent

By Wm. A. Pierce; S. M. Pierce

From Bro. and Sr. Pierce.

BRO. SMITH:—It has been about fourteen months since we embraced the present truth, and we feel to thank God that the scales have fallen from our eyes, and we can see the great truths which shine out from the Word of God. We find it to teach a very different doctrine from what the 666 counterfeit sects would be glad to make it teach; and our prayer is that many more shall enjoy the same blessing, and see the awful calamities that are soon to come upon the earth, when Christ shall rise from the mercy-seat and clothe himself with the garments of vengeance, and the decree goes forth, He that is unjust let him be unjust still, and he that is holy let him be holy still, [Rev. xxii, 11.] and the seven last plagues are poured out upon the wicked and ungodly. [Rev. xvi, 6.] O that the careless sinner could see this and be prepared to stand in that great and notable day of the Lord.

We have looked at the Age-to-come subject and cannot understand that the day of probation will last after Christ makes his second advent to earth. Paul tells us in 1 Cor. xv, 51-57, when the righteous will put on immortality, and he tells in verse 22, that all die with the exception of those that are changed; and Jeremiah tells us in chap. xxv, 33, that the slain of the Lord shall be at that day from one end of the earth to the other end of the earth; and John tells us in Rev. xx, 5, that they lived not again until the thousand years are finished. Then instead of the earth being inhabited during the thousand years between the first and second resurrections, and the inhabitants being on probation, we understand the earth to be desolate. We think Bro. White makes this all plain; for we think the Bible teaches one doctrine, and it does not contradict itself.

The Devil is at work with all power and signs and lying wonders. For this reason we must have on the whole armor of God, that we may be able to stand against his wiles. We believe that the Third Angel is sounding his last warning notes of mercy, and those that will not hearken to the warning will not be able to stand. They will be weighed in the balances and found wanting.

WM. A. PIERCE. S. M. PIERCE.

Extracts from Letters.

Bro. J. D. Morton writes from Will Co., Ill.: "I attended a Baptist meeting a few weeks since and heard the Elder attempt to prove the change of the Sabbath. He said he did not believe the Sabbath was abolished, but believed it was binding now as much as it was when it was given on mount Sinai. He said he believed it was changed from the seventh to the first day of the week, and his proof for the change was most all from the Old Testament. He quoted ten or fifteen texts of scripture where it spoke of the eighth day; as Lev. xxiii, 36. On the first day shall be a Sabbath, and on the eighth day shall be a Sabbath, &c. Num. vi, 10. And on the eighth day he shall bring two turtles or two young pigeons, &c. Lev. xxii, 27. From the eighth day and forward, and thenceforth it shall be accepted, &c. Ps. cxviii, 23, 24. This is the Lord's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day which the Lord hath made, &c.

"These with others Eld. F. said, were sufficient proof for the change of the Sabbath. These, he said, were types and shadows typifying the eighth or first day which was to be the Christian Sabbath. He said also that circumcision was a type shadowing forth the first day which was to be the Christian Sabbath. Eld. F. also stated that at the first advent of Christ there was a new creation. Christ made all things new. He [Christ] created a new heavens and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness, and that the old heavens and earth had passed away. He blessed the Lord that he had sanctified the first day of the week. And in closing up he said he believed only one seventh part of time was required.

"Should not such proof as this against the Sabbath of the Lord cause people to read and examine the holy Scriptures for themselves? to find out what is truth, and what they must do to gain everlasting life! I thank the Lord that I was ever permitted to hear the warning voice of the Third Angel, calling us to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. My prayer is that the cause of truth may be sustained, and that the messengers of the Lord may go forth with the glad tidings that Jesus is soon coming, and that when he comes we shall be made like him and shall receive a rich reward. We hope that some of the preachers will soon come this way and preach to us and the people that we may be strengthened and that others may be called from nature's darkness into the marvelous light of truth."

Bro. David Upson writes from Chemung Co., N. Y. "I think the paper a very important item in getting the truth before the world and giving the last warning of its approaching doom. I feel to praise the Lord that there are a few honest souls that are willing to obey the truth in the love of it, and worship him that made heaven and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters, [Rev. xiv, 9.] and no longer bow to the institution of Papacy. As we love life, so we should honor and obey that God who has given us life and being, and wishes to give us eternal life through Jesus Christ. I believe God will have a sanctified Church before Christ leaves the Sanctuary, and one that is prepared for translation, like Enoch and Elijah of old. Let us hold on by faith till our hope is carried into fruition. If any man draw back, saith the Lord, my soul shall have no pleasure in

him. Those who keep the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus I hope to live with and reign with. Those who endure unto the end shall be saved, is the promise of the Saviour.

The Age-to-come theory has always been a dark picture to my mind. I believe that when Christ comes, man's probation will be forever closed. He will then take vengeance on all them that know not God and obey not the gospel of the kingdom. I believe God will sift the Church till there will be none left but the pure in heart, and they will see God."

Bro. P. Folsom writes from Charlestown, Mass.:— "Like begets like; and we shall become assimilated to the same spirit that we submit to. If we let the enemy in, and submit to his suggestions, we are in trouble at once; but by the grace of God we will resist the enemy and he will flee from us.

"I am certain that if we all live out the truth, as well as we talk it, we shall be examples indeed."— May the Lord speed on the work of the Third Angel's Message until the loud cry shall be heard. I long to see the work go on with power. The time is coming when the truth of the Third Angel's Message will be proclaimed to the world and the ire of the two-horned beast will be stirred against those who are keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus; but the Lord will be the hope of his people and the strength of the children of Israel."

Sister E. Hutchins writes from Ballville, Ohio:— "I desire not the pleasures nor treasures of this failing world; but I want my treasure in heaven where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, nor thieves break through and steal. O for a closer walk with God! O for a deeper work of grace in my heart, to overcome every besetting sin, that I may be sealed with the seal of the living God. The Review is a welcome messenger to me. I love to read the communications from the scattered flock. I hope it will be sustained, and the cause of truth advanced till the honest are all brought in."

Sister N. M. Gray writes from Green Springs, Ill.,:— "This doctrine of the Third Angel's Message makes scriptures harmonize which I saw others could not do. I praise the Lord for revealing these glorious truths in these last days. We meet in Colville, one mile from here every Sabbath, if circumstances will admit; and we have times of rejoicing. The Lord meets with us and that to bless."

Sister Hannah Curtis writes from Easton, Mich.:— "I want to be guided by the true light in these last days. The Sabbath light is perfectly plain to me; therefore, God being my helper, I feel determined to keep it, let the case be as it may. I am alone here in regard to the present truth. I wish some one of the brethren would come this way and give a course of lectures. I believe there are some here that would embrace the truth, if they could hear for themselves. If any of the friends should come to Vergennes, we would be happy to have them come to this place."

Bro. F. C. Castle writes from Hadley, Ill.:— "I feel that it is high time that we should be awake and feel the demands of the cause of God. Do we realize that the last notes of warning are being given that the world will ever hear, and that shortly mercy will cease and the destiny of all will be forever sealed? I feel that we should make a united effort to become as bright and shining lights in the world; for darkness covers the earth and gross darkness the people; and how needful it is for us to live out the teachings of the Bible in every word and move we make. If we so do we shall condemn the world and win souls to Christ. I earnestly desire an interest in the prayers of every child of God; for the time has come that we should earnestly pray one for another."

Sister B. E. Place writes from Copenhagen, N. Y.:— "I am satisfied that there are souls in this place who, if they could hear the reasons of our faith, the Third Angel's Message explained in a clear manner, would embrace it. The most that I can do is as opportunity offers to give them a reason of my hope with meekness and fear and tell them what the Lord has done for me, and give them such of our publications as I think may be a benefit to them.

"Dear brethren and sisters in the truth, as I am often affected to tears in reading communications from you I will not withhold my mite, which may be an encouragement to some. I know by experience something about the refining process which the Lord is bringing his Israel through, preparing a people to stand before him at his appearing, a peculiar people, zealous of good works. I understand, I think, something what it is to be baptized into the sufferings of Christ; yet I feel to say to you that I have not had one trial that I have not needed. They are all for my good. It seems to me there are those that the Lord has been chastening and disciplining, preparing them to go out into new places and work for the Lord, preparing them to stand as a beaten anvil to the strokes, to be as lights in dark places. For one I feel encouraged to go forward. I feel that we are well able to go up and possess the goodly land. O let us go forward trusting in the Lord, the God of Israel. Much depends on our being decided, whole-hearted laborers. Much depends on our daily walk and conversation, and the spirit which we possess under all circumstances. My prayer is that I may never in my life and actions contradict my profession, and thereby injure the precious cause which I love more than this mortal life."

LINES,

By James White

On the grave of the little loved one sleeping.

Scatter no flowers o'er his tomb, But let a thorn be planted there; Death robes the charnel house in gloom— Then let it not joy's seeming wear.

Say not that he has conquered death— The King of Terrors mocks the claim; Say not that at his parting breath, The Savior in his glory came.

O death, thy domain is too drear To give us hope, or leave us joy; The grave has not one ray to cheer The cold couch of our sleeping boy.

When our dear Savior came to earth, Though heir of glory—Son of God— His life was lowly as his birth, And toilsome was the path he trod.

He suffered, as we suffer now; He meekly bore the world's cold frown; He murmured not, though on his brow The mockers set a thorny crown.

The crown—a mockery of his right; The thorn—the curse of groaning earth; The robe—the reed—his scepter light— Were subjects of their cruel mirth.

He died! all nature was arrayed In sable garb of deepest woe; But glory shone where he was laid— He died! but soon he triumphed too.

Then let us with him wear the thorn, And with him bear the world's cold frown; Let not the rose the place adorn Where we have laid the loved one down,

But oh! let endless glory shine, When he receives immortal breath; When Jesus, robed in power divine, Shall set him free, and conquer death.

Dear Savior! thine shall be the praise; We court not death; oh, set us free; And when we songs of victory raise, We'll give the glory all to thee.

E'en now we wait for that glad day; Let faith drive all our fears away. Let sorrow flee before thy word; In hope we wait for our reward, Securely hid in Christ our Lord. J. H. W.

C O M M U N I C A T I O N S.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

"Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another."

From Bro. Cartwright.

BRO. SMITH:—There was a Conference held in Sullivan, Wis., May 24, 25, one week earlier than was announced through the "Messenger." There was not as good an attendance as there would have been had the appointment been fully circulated before. Brn. Hall, Reed, Steward, Sheffield and Phelps were there. Brn. Hall and Reed took the position that the Three Angels' Messages are in the future, and that the United States are not represented by the two-horned beast of Rev. xiii. The rest of the lecturing brethren were on the opposite side of the question. Bro. Hall also holds that children and heathen will have no resurrection.

These views do not look like Bible truth to me. I fear that errors gross and destructive are creeping into our midst. O, brethren, let us look well to our steps that they slip not into error. Let us look to the Word as the guide of our steps; for it is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, and full well we know it is a perfect light that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

Let us, my brethren, awake and put our hand to the plow with redoubled zeal; for the day of the Lord hasteth greatly, and who shall be able to abide the fierce anger of his coming? He that hath clean hands and a pure heart. But alas! how few there are at present who can claim the latter distinction as theirs. My heart aches as I look abroad over the face of the world, and see it so entirely swallowed up in iniquity; but my eye turns to the New Earth, where no temptation or sin will ever enter. I rejoice that the way of salvation has been revealed to poor fallen man, that they may, if they will, have a share in the glorious future—eternal life in the kingdom of God! Why, my brethren, what ought we not to be willing to encounter for this privilege? Let us be faithful that we may be of the "little flock."

Your unworthy brother, D. W. CARTWRIGHT. Oak Hill, Jeff. Co., Wis.

SELECTIONS.

Dr. Chalmers' Prayer.

In Dr. Chalmers' Sabbath Scripture Readings, for 1844, while at an advanced age, and only a few years before death, he was toiling to gather a missionary congregation, and build a church and school in one of the most depraved parts of Edinburgh, I have noticed the following fervent and simple prayer on this very point: "Let me not faint, O Lord, under the toils of that ministry which thy providence hath put into my hands. Give me wisely to husband my strength; but let me be unwearied and most tenaciously persevering in my enterprise for the families of the West Port. Save me from all dishonesty and deceitfulness in handling thy Word. And let me walk on a visible platform, and in the daylight of an open manifestation. O may I find a way to the consciences of many, by the godly sincerity of my conversation in the world, and above all, by the power of that gospel which do thou, O Lord, cause to enter the hearts of those among whom I labor, with power and the Holy Ghost, and much assurance. Give me the light of thy glory in the face of Jesus Christ, and in his great work of redemption. Lift the veil from my mind, that it may be in darkness no longer, but that in thy sight I may clearly see light. And O let a sense of the coming immortality sustain me amid all my present discomforts and despondencies, and that while my outward man perisheth, my inward man may be renewed by that light and confident anticipation. O for a realizing sense of futurity, an efficient and practical apprehension thereof, so that I may not only rejoice in hope of the glory of God, but learn to joy in tribulation also."

OBITUARY.

By James White

FELL asleep in Jesus, May 30th, 1856, Clarissa M. Bonfoey, aged 35 years. She had been a member of my family most of the time for eight years, during which time she has been an invalid, and has suffered much, first with disease of the lungs, and later, with a tumor in the side. She remained as well as usual up to the noon of May 29th, when doubtless an eruption of the tumor took place, followed by mortification, which closed her mortal life the 30th, about 7 o'clock at evening. Her loss will be greatly felt in the Church and in my family. She has acted her part as a Christian faithfully and well, has been a pattern of piety in life, and now rests in hope of immortality. Brn. Frisbie and Cornell joined in the funeral services on First-day. The house was crowded, and a long burial train followed to the resting-place of our beloved sister. "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord."

JAMES WHITE.

Battle Creek, Mich.

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