THE VIOLATION OF THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT UNDER THE GARB OF RELIGION.
There is such a thing as degrees of sinfulness in wicked acts. Thus we may be very certain that such crimes as blasphemy, adultery, and murder, possess greater inherent guilt, than theft, or lying, or covetousness. Yet it is easy to see that even these may be fearful in wickedness, and that they can never be any thing short of damnable in their character. But it is not the distinction between sins which make no pretense to any thing good, that is here alluded to. It is the blackness of that criminality which commits sin under the garb of piety, that is the special subject of these remarks. Those sins that are cloaked under a show of piety, and that are carried on under a pretense of godliness, are so much worse than ordinary deeds of blasphemy, adultery, or murder, that while these may sometimes be forgiven after the deepest penitence and humiliation on the part of the transgressor, such crimes, in all probability, can never be forgiven. Other sins may be prayed for; but sins of this kind seem to be exactly such as John says may not be prayed for. 1 John v, 16, 17.
Our Lord has spoken something touching this kind of sin in what he said concerning those scribes “which devour widows’ houses, and for a show make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation.” Luke xx, 45–47. Religion was the pretense, and the devouring of widows’ houses was the real intent of the whole transaction. The unwary were deceived by this apparent piety, and thrown off their guard; and these men, thus getting the property of widows into their hands, because of their supposed superior piety, seized it for their own, regardless of the anguish which they caused. Our Lord has said with terrible emphasis, “THE SAME SHALL RECEIVE GREATER DAMNATION.”
But there is another kind of crime committed in this same manner, which is still more wicked and Heaven-daring than that which our Lord has placed to the charge of the scribes. It is the violation of the seventh commandment, on precisely the same plan as that pursued by the scribes in robbing widows’ houses. What language can adequately describe the guilt of that man who makes his reputation for piety the means of deceiving the unwary, and of decoying them into his snare? What words can express the magnitude of such crimes when committed in the name of religion? And if to this be added the high profession of a minister of Christ, and the sacred office of pastor, are there any words in the English language that can express the baseness of such iniquity and crime? The professed minister of Christ, wearing the garb of Christianity, but taking advantage of that most awfully responsible and sacred office, to lead the unsuspecting into sin, and crime, and ruin, and death! The apostle Jude has fitly described these persons in the following language:
Jude 4: “For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness; and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.”
These are men who profess to know God, though they deny him in works, else they would have no place among the people of God. Titus i, 16. They have crept in unawares into the church. It is evident that they are men not suspected of wickedness. They pass for pious men, and perhaps, for religious teachers. But here is the statement of the Spirit of God concerning them: they turn “the grace of God into lasciviousness.” In plain English, they make their high reputation for piety the means of leading their victims to commit adultery. They teach them the innocence of sin! They study the depths of Satan in the practice of such wickedness as would make common sinners tremble, but which they are able to carry on in the name of religion! Jude well says of them: “These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear, . . . raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever.”
These are, indeed, fearful words. It is an awful thing to commit sin in the name of religion. But when the minister of Christ, in the professed exercise of his high calling, leads the members of his flock into shameful sin and crime, there are no words strong enough to express the measure of his guilt, or to portray the dreadful retribution which awaits him.
THE ADDRESS TO THE SEVENTH-DAY BAPTISTS.
By James White; John Nevins Andrews; Ellet Joseph Waggoner; R. F. Cottrell
At the session of our General Conference in May last, a committee was appointed to write a brief address to the Seventh-day Baptist denomination, expressive of our feelings toward them as a people. This committee, having attended to the duty assigned them, forwarded the address to the Sabbath Recorder, the organ of the denomination, published at Westerly, R. I. From a late number of the Recorder, we copy this address for the columns of the REVIEW. We believe it to express the sentiments of our people as a body.
The Seventh-day Adventists, to the Seventh-day Baptists:
DEAR BRETHREN,—We desire briefly to address you on matters pertaining to the cause of Christ. You stand before the world distinguished by the fact that you observe the hallowed rest-day of the great Creator. You sacredly observe, not merely nine precepts of the decalogue, but with them that precept also which, for long ages, the mass of mankind have trampled in the dust. God has honored you by making you in his providence the depositaries of his great memorial, the Sabbath. As a people, you form a part of that grand succession of witnesses, who, from the creation of the world to the present time, have hallowed the day of the Creator's rest; for God has never, in any age of the world, left himself without witnesses to the grand central truth of his moral law. The day hallowed by the Creator in memory of his rest from the six days of creation, you hallow as a day of sacred rest, and solemn commemoration. We honor you for cleaving to this sacred institution, at the expense of convenience, of reputation, and of worldly advantages. The sacrifice, with those of you who were trained up from childhood to observe the Sabbath of the Lord, may not be so great as with the earlier generations of your people, who have suffered much, in behalf of this divine institution. Yet we are persuaded that some measure of this spirit still53remains with you who honor God in the actual observance of the fourth commandment. For your fidelity to the truth in this good work, we honor you. For the valuable works which you have given to the world in vindication of the law of God, and in defense of his ancient Sabbath, we acknowledge our heartfelt gratitude. In all the effort put forth by yourselves to hallow the Sabbath of the Lord, and to lead men to its sacred observance, you have our cordial sympathy, and our earnest prayers for your success. In all this our hearts are as yours.
We have, as a people, been called to the observance of the Bible Sabbath, while deeply interested in the doctrine of the speedy advent of the Son of God. We may even add, that our connection with the Advent movement has led us directly, and almost inevitably, to the observance of the Sabbath of the Lord. We refer to the subject of the heavenly sanctuary with the ark of God's testament, and to the proclamation of the third angel relative to the commandments of God.
To us, the doctrine of the immediate advent of Christ is a theme of most absorbing interest. In view of the swift-approaching Judgment, we are constrained to labor earnestly, that we may lead as many of our fellow-men as possible to observe, in letter and in spirit, every precept of the moral law, that they be able to pass its searching, awful test. The Lord has been pleased to bless our efforts to some extent in the conversion of men to the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Yet we are constrained to acknowledge that the circumstances of the case have demanded at our hands far greater zeal and consecration to the work than we have ever manifested therein.
We respectfully invite our Seventh-day Baptist brethren to weigh the evidences of the near approach of the kingdom of God. The subject is in itself one of momentous interest. We think you cannot fail to see that there are weighty reasons for expecting the speedy advent of the Redeemer. We believe, also, that it will quicken your love for him, and your zeal in behalf of his down-trodden Sabbath. We have not found it difficult to convince our fellow-men that the Sabbath of the great Creator is still a part of his moral law, sacredly binding all mankind in its obligation. But we have found the doctrine of the swift-approaching Judgment a powerful means of constraining men to obey their convictions of truth and duty in this important matter. We have found this doctrine a strong incentive to activity in the cause of God. We believe it to be worthy of your candid and prayerful attention.
We are using our best endeavors to induce our fellow-men to turn away their feet from the Sabbath, and to cease trampling it in the dust. This work is, in a peculiar sense, yours also. We are interested in every effort of yours in this direction. In your prosperity in the conversion of men to the keeping of God's commandments, we sincerely rejoice. And in this work we bid you God speed. Perhaps direct co-operation is impracticable; but we believe that friendly and Christian relations may be established and maintained between our respective bodies, as they already exist between many of us as individuals. We extend to you, as a people, our Christian sympathy and our hearty good will.
We deeply regret the fact that errors have been committed, on the part of various individuals, which have been well calculated to produce alienation of feeling between us. We will name, in particular, the course pursued by D. P. Hall and J. M. Stephenson, at Meadville, Pa. These persons were not at that time in sympathy with our people, and, indeed, had only a nominal connection with us, which very soon after gave place to open hostility on their part. They acted solely upon their own responsibility in that whole matter; and their course has been wholly disapproved by us from the time that we first correctly understood it. We have no desire to excuse any fault on our own part. Whatever demands correction at our hands shall receive it promptly when that fact is understood by us.
Having thus expressed to you the feelings of our hearts, we submit the whole subject for your consideration, and subscribe ourselves, with much respect,
Yours in the hope of everlasting life at the appearing of Jesus Christ our Lord.
JAMES WHITE, J. N. ANDREWS,
J. H. WAGGONER, R. F. COTTRELL,
In behalf of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, assembled at Battle Creek, Mich., May 18, 1869.
LET US PREPARE FOR THE CAMP-MEETINGS.
THE grand secret of a successful camp-meeting, so far as ourselves are concerned, is found in the work of preparation. We need a suitable location in every case. It should be central, accessible, commodious, suitable. It should be fitted up in such a manner as to favorably impress those who come as even mere spectators. This is the business of the committee. Many things are needed during the meeting, which it will be the duty of the committee to be able to furnish at reasonable expense. Also every tent's company should come upon the ground prepared to stay during the meeting, having a suitable shelter for themselves, and proper provisions for their own sustenance.
But all these amount to only a small part of the work. The object of the camp-meeting is to seek God. We go out to the tented grove to get away from worldly business, and to wait upon God without distraction. If we desire that our meeting shall be productive of real good to ourselves, we must begin to seek God now. Let us, like the people of God in ancient times, prepare our hearts to seek the Lord. Let us give up our idols before we go to the camp-ground. Let us confess our sins now. If we are overcharged with worldly business, let us cut it down at once by sacrificing to the Lord. If we have been setting a bad example before our neighbors, let us go to them and confess before we go to the meeting, and not merely after our return. Let us break our hearts preparatory to the meeting. Let us 'not think there will be so many at the meeting that we shall be hidden in the crowd, and no responsibility will come on us. Rather than go thus, do not go at all. You will stand as one single individual in the Judgment. Act now as though you had an individual preparation to make.
We cannot afford to trifle. Those who are willing to be lost, can be allowed this privilege if they claim it. But we who hope to be saved must be awake and in earnest. The camp-meetings of this fall will be the last ones that many of us will ever attend. With some of us they will be the turning-point, either for Heaven or hell. None of us can afford to waste so precious a privilege. Let us awake to the work of preparation. These meetings will soon be in the past. It is for us so to seek God that he shall come and rain righteousness upon us. But if we are careless and indifferent, the season will be wasted, and in the Judgment it will come up against us. If we wish to have excellent camp-meetings, we can make this sure by entering earnestly into the preparation for them now.
REPLY.
By J. H. Waggoner
1. The Scriptures teach that “The wages of sin is death;” and, “The soul that sinneth, it shall die.” Looking forward to the ultimate result—to the hopeless and irrecoverable loss of life to the wicked, we say they suffer eternal death; and because it is suffered subsequent to a resurrection, it is called the second death. But neither of these terms are used in the declaration of the penalty, nor are they necessary. It is death, whether the subject remains dead a single hour, or to all eternity. On this subject the objection, by no means new, has always appeared to me as of no force or consequence.
2. The opponents of the truth on the atonement seem always to lose sight of the relation of facts and principles, and array themselves against each other on opposite extremes. One class affirms that the atonement is a doctrine of mercy only, and not to be advocated or explained on grounds of justice. On this side we find Dr. Barnes, and other writers. Others make the death of Christ a matter of justice alone, so that pardon is inadmissible and reformation unnecessary. All reasoning is of little consequence unless we keep the Scripture facts in view. We notice the following points taught in the word of God:
(1) Christ’s death is set forth in the Scriptures as the means of dispensing mercy to those condemned to death on account of their sins. This, all will admit. But it will readily appear, that if mercy were the only object in view, that could be granted without his death; as it is quite possible to forgive one man without condemning another in his place. And, indeed, if mercy were the only principle regarded in the transaction, the infliction of the penalty upon a substitute would not be admissible.
(2) His death is set forth as the means of dispensing mercy consistently with justice; that is, “that God might be just and the justifier of him that believeth in Jesus.” Rom. iii, 26. Now we have in his death a coincidence of two principles which, in the sinner’s case, would forever stand in conflict without such means. This is clear evidence that his death meets the demand of the law in the sinner’s behalf; and how else does it enable God to be just in the justification of him who has violated the rule of justice? This view is reasonable, and the Scriptures teach it. “He was bruised for our iniquities;” he “died for our sins.” Why should he die for our sins? Because “the wages [or penalty] of sin is death,” and the law holds us under condemnation until justice is satisfied. If any one is disposed to dispute this, let him give an exposition of Rom. iii, 23–26, on any other view.
(3) Man must accept the offering made to the law and to justice, and fulfill the conditions annexed, in order to be saved thereby. This I need not attempt to prove; it will be admitted at once. But if any question should be raised on the ground that justice must be satisfied without this, according to our second point, we reply that the objector loses sight of one great object of the atonement, to wit, the renovation of man’s nature, and the reformation of his life. If “remission of sins that are past” were the only object to be gained by the gospel, the objection might have some force; but with another great and indispensable object in view the objection is really groundless.
We think the Scriptures plainly show that the above three points are all intimately connected with the death of Christ; or, his death was necessary to dispense mercy, to vindicate and satisfy justice, and to secure a reformation of character. And if so, the objections now under consideration are not against “Testimony No. 17,” but against the Bible. And as the objector professes to believe the Bible, we leave it here for the present, inviting him to do one of the following things: 1. Deny that the above three objects are all secured by the death of Christ, or, 2. Admit that his objections are based on a limited view of the atonement, or, 3. Show that his objections are valid, the above three points being admitted as true. We shall be pleased to notice this matter further, if desired, when he complies with this request.
J. H. WAGGONER.
REPORT FROM CALIFORNIA.
By John Norton Loughborough
Our meetings still continue in Healdsburg, with increasing interest. Last Sabbath six new ones arose to keep the Sabbath. Others have since decided. We expect to hold on at least a fortnight longer. Ministers have opposed in private, as usual, and there is now a prospect of a more public effort. At Santa Rosa, three opposition sermons have been given. Two on the Sabbath question, and one on Spiritual Gifts; which have served to raise the interest higher, and to bring some others to a decision, as we have replied to each of the discourses.
The first discourse was by Eld. Jenks, Episcopalian, from Petaluma, taking the ground of the change of the Sabbath. He put but little force in the texts usually quoted for Sunday-keeping, having previously read “History of the Sabbath.” He said that probably Christ met many times with his disciples during the forty days before his ascension; but the fact that the two cases in John xx, of his meeting on the first day of the week, the day of his resurrection, and “after eight days,” the next first day, only being recorded of his meeting with them, showed that the evangelists designed to mark, in their record, the first day of the week. The Elder forgot John xxi, 1–4, where Christ met with them the “third time” after his resurrection, on a fishing day.
He admitted, on Acts xx, that Paul traveled on the first day of the week, but said that ships were scarce; that there was no evidence that they had control of the ship; they had to sail when the ship went, if it was on the first day. Verses 13 and 16 show positively that Paul had the control of the ship, so as to say where it should stop, &c.
He claimed that the council of Nice fixed the matter of Sunday-keeping, and it was “morally impossible for that council to err in their decisions.” That we had54no right to reject their decisions; “It was the voice of the church,” and the Scriptures commanded us to “hear the church.” As he was about closing, he bethought himself, I suppose, that some might wish Bible authority. He said the early church were so well instructed in the matter of the change of the Sabbath, that it was not necessary for the New-Testament writers to say anything on the subject. The whole effort had a tendency to show the people that what we had preached was true; that Sunday-keeping rested upon the authority of the church.
Eld. Hallam, Disciple minister, gave the second discourse on the Sabbath question, taking the no-law and Sabbath-abolished position. Nothing especially new was elicited by him till after he had, as he supposed, got the seventh-day Sabbath killed, when he undertook a contrast between the seventh and the first day. The new point was, that while the seventh day was the day in which creation was completed, the first day was the one on which the great work of creation was commenced.
The discourse on the gifts was also by Eld. Hallam. He contended that miraculous gifts were confined to the apostles, and those on whom they laid their hands, and that those on whom hands were laid could not confer it upon others, so that when the apostles, and those they laid their hands on, were dead, the gifts must necessarily cease. Said that history showed that the gifts ceased at the beginning of the second century; but he quoted no history to prove it. We claimed that the Bible showed that the church, during this dispensation, was to have the promise of the Spirit, and that the gifts were only different manifestations of that Spirit, and were not limited by human power; that the church who should be waiting for the coming of Christ, should “come behind in no gift.” 1 Cor. i. Quoted thirteen authors to show that the gifts continued in the second, third, and to some extent, in the fourth century, until apostasy corrupted the church; and that in the reformation, in the days of Luther, Wesley, &c., God again manifested his power.
The interest is better at Santa Rosa than when the tent left. The Piner school-house he closed against us. The Monroe school-house was closed; then opened by a vote of the majority of the district, and we held two meetings in it, when two of the trustees took upon themselves the authority to close the house again. Last Sabbath the Santa Rosa church met with us here, and expect to do the same next Sabbath.
It seems to be a matter of necessity to build a meeting-house at Santa Rosa. About $1100 are already pledged toward it. We think this can readily be increased to $1500, which will buy a lot 80 by 100 feet, and enclose and temporarily seat a house 32x60. In this climate a house is quite comfortable for a time without plastering. They are frequently used two or three years before plastering, and “re-opening.”
The interest increases daily in this State. We see not much before us but work, and thank God that some success follows our work. Every effort of opposition stirs up interest somewhere. The article Bro. B. mentioned in the Advocate against us, fell into the hands of an Adventist at Virginia City, Nevada. We received a letter from him last night, telling us how he found out there were Adventists in the State, requesting us to send him books to read. Bro. Kellogg is trying to so shape his affairs as to take hold with us in speaking the truth.
Brethren, still pray that God may bless the work here, and give the truth success over all opposition.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
Healdsburg, Cal., July 22, 1869.
AN OBJECTION AND A REPLY.
By J. B. F.
Dear Bro. Smith: I received Testimony No. 17. I will quote a few sentences from her vision, and append a few thoughts as they present themselves to my mind, and send them to you for your consideration:
Testimony No. 17, page 5: “The sins of the world were upon him. He was suffering in man's stead as a transgressor of his Father's law. The wrath that would have fallen upon man, was now falling upon Christ. The sins of a lost world were upon him, and overwhelmed him.” Page 11: “The glorious Redeemer of a lost world was suffering the penalty of man's transgressions of his Father's law. He was paying the just claims of God's holy law.” Page 12: “The sin of the world, with all its terribleness, was felt to the uttermost by the Son of God. The displeasure of the Father for sin, and its penalty, which was death,” &c. Page 13: “Salvation has been purchased for them [sinners] by the suffering and death of the Son of God. Their [the sinners'] wages, which is the wrath of God and eternal death.” Page 17: “Some have limited views of the atonement, and think that Christ suffered only a small portion of the penalty of the law of God,” &c. Page 18: “The sins of the world are upon him. * He suffered the penalty of the law,” &c.
REMARKS.—If the wrath of God and eternal death are to be the wages of sin, and if Jesus suffered the penalty of his Father's law in the room and stead of sinners, to the full extent, to purchase their salvation, then Christ must have suffered eternal death. And if this be true, then Christ is still dead, and must eternally remain dead, in the second death. But this is not the fact, Jesus having risen from the dead. Therefore he did not die the death of the sinner in his room and stead, the second death.
And, furthermore, if Jesus has suffered the full penalty of the Father's law, as a substitute for the punishment of the sins of the whole world, and if sinners have to finally suffer the punishment due (or rather not due) for the same sins, then sins are punished twice: first, in the substitute, and secondly, by the transgressors themselves. And thus the debt of punishment is paid twice to divine justice. And what reason is there for all this? Answer. Because the sinner did not believe and obey the law of God. For these were the conditions.
I will try to illustrate this by a simple supposition. Suppose a man commits murder under laws where he must suffer death. Suppose an innocent substitute should offer to die in his stead, and were accepted by the legal authorities, and thus he hanged by the neck till dead. Then because the offender would not believe that the innocent man could have been so good as to do this for him, they should hang him also. Would this be right? J. B. F.
OVERCOMING.
By A. S. Hutchins
Says the blessed Saviour, “Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John xvi, 33. It is the privilege of the disciple of Jesus to feel an assurance from day to day that he is overcoming. That he is gaining victory over the devices and power of Satan; over the allurements and temptations of the world; and over the evil traits of his own nature, and the secret sins of his heart. The deep and earnest cry from the soul, fixed to overcome and gain the victor’s reward, will ever be, “Cleanse thou me from secret faults,” as well as, “Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins.”
To overcome in all things, and be numbered with the conquerors at last, is no small thing. The heart must be watched with a godly jealousy. It must be kept with “all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” The treasure of the heart, is good or bad. Good or evil things proceed therefrom. Now to have the heart in that condition, that its issues will be good, and tend to life, it must be guarded with constant care.
“Casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” If we live in obedience to God, the blood of Christ is adequate to cleanse us from the dark stain of every sin.
“If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Christ, his Son, cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John i, 7. Oh! the unspeakable privilege of being cleansed from all sin; of being made white, free, and pure; of being made ready to meet the Lord when he cometh.
This preparation of heart will only be attained unto by overcoming everything unholy, impure, and wrong, in the sight of God. The remnant church will attain unto this eminent state of piety and happiness, by keeping the “commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” And when the final victory is gained, it is said of them, “And in their mouth was found no guile; for they are without fault before the throne of God.”
Priceless treasure! Inestimable blessing! to be “without fault before the throne of God;” before Him who “searcheth all hearts.” Shall not this one thought inspire us cheerfully to suffer and toil on in the work of overcoming? Yea, is it not sufficient to make up for all our tears and trials? But, dear saint, dear brother, this is not your reward. No; listen to the Master’s promise to the overcomer: “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.” Rev. xxi, 7.
A. S. HUTCHINS.
THE SCHOOL OF CHRIST.
By John Matteson
JESUS is the great teacher, as Nicodemus said: “We know that thou art a teacher come from God.” And in his own words: “I sat daily with you, teaching in the temple.” Every one who learns from Jesus can with propriety be called his disciple. Some scholars are apt, others slow to learn. Some study hard, others are very indifferent about their study. Some bid fair to obtain the qualifications necessary for a graduate; others make so slow progress that it is very doubtful whether they will ever go through; again, others have already got tired and left the school.
It is a blessed privilege to be taught of God. “Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O Lord, and teachest him out of thy law.” Ps. xciv. The great God of Heaven condescends to teach the children of men, and the school is free for all. Yet how few are willing to be taught.
Suppose there is a free school in a certain place. Teachers are there at certain hours, ready to instruct all who will come. Some do not go to the school at all. Of course they receive no instruction. You hear some say: I would really like to go; I wish I could; yet they do not make proper efforts to get there. These also learn nothing. Others go, but when there, their minds are most of the time on play, or something else separate from the interest of the school. These, too, learn nothing. But some go, and while at school apply themselves to their studies with all their energy, and receive instruction with all willingness. These are true disciples.
Christ does not now personally go about in this earth, teaching. Nevertheless, his school is in operation every day. He has left us his word: “I will instruct thee, and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go.” Ps. xxxii. “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name he shall teach you all things.” Was this spoken only to the disciples of old? No. It applies to all ages until the Master comes. “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; that they all may be one.” “And lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” No doubt the following is also written of the Holy Spirit: “But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: [men who have not the fear or knowledge of God,] but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, [necessary to godliness and salvation] and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.” 1 John ii, 27.
We can learn of Christ when our minds are in such a condition that we are ready to receive impressions by his word and Holy Spirit. This world, with its many evil and useless habits, has been stamped on our minds.
We need to be converted. Our minds need to be moulded over. This is done when we walk with God, and commune with him, leave out the world and wait before the Lord. We can commune with God through the reading and study of his word, through prayer and holy meditation; attending preaching of the truth, and meetings with brethren where the good Spirit moves on the minds. And especially can we draw near to God by sacrificing our own comfort, convenience, time or property, to do others good. On missions of love, to deal our bread to the hungry, to clothe the naked, visit the sick, comfort the afflicted, seeking after the lost, bringing souls to Jesus, giving up self, living for others to do them good; all such are excellent opportunities to learn of Christ, to have our minds molded for the kingdom of Heaven.
Dear reader, do you daily attend the school of Christ? You say you feel so weak; it is so difficult to overcome. Come, learn of the Master, this will make you strong. Come daily, come often. Make strong efforts to learn, until you may become a graduate for the kingdom of Heaven. JOHN MATTESON.
DETACHED THOUGHTS.
By J. Clarke
By anticipating the storms of winter, we provide for its necessities: so by anticipating future judgments, we realize the protection of God.
If we have a style of dress, or of deportment, for ourselves and for the church, which we lay by, adopting another for our intercourse with the world, there is danger of being considered as traitors to the cause of truth.
There is danger of sometimes being too much affected by little things; there is still more danger of considering our own faults as small, and others' great.
By inviting the Lord Jesus to take possession of our hearts, we prevent Satan from taking control of them.
It is a great virtue to take the trials of life, not merely with patience and fortitude, but pleasantly, as though we looked beyond them.
Fear of the world keeps many from the service of God; but the fear of God keeps a few from the service of the world.
It is fickleness to justify that in our conduct which we repented of yesterday.
If we pray for God to save us, let us not be hurt at the means he takes to do it for us.
To avoid low spirits, go to doing good.
Parents should never be fretful toward their children, or to any one, nor allow them to be so toward each other, or toward any one. This would prevent a host of evils.
To be wisely sensitive is a virtue; to be unwisely sensitive is a vice.
Respect for our contemporaries goes far toward securing our own safety and usefulness and happiness.
J. CLARKE.
Submission, Honesty, and Courage
SUBMISSION to the will of God, with experience of his support in pain, sickness and affliction, is a more joyous and happy state than any degree of health or worldly prosperity.
HORACE GREELEY says that the darkest day in any man's earthly career is that wherein he fancies there is some easier way of gaining a dollar than by squarely earning it.
REGRET not a golden age that is behind you. There is one before, and it beckons you. Its rewards are not for the idle, but for the brave hearts disciplined to toil.
Obituary Notices.
Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.
Died, in Bourbon Co., Kansas, July 21, of consumption, Sister Dorind Hackett, wife of James Hackett, aged 44 years and 2 months. The deceased embraced present truth a little over three years ago, and received baptism at the hands of Eld. Ingraham, on the third of last January. Her life has certainly been an ornament to the truth that she professed, as was also her death.
She leaves a husband, two children, and a large circle of relatives and friends, to mourn her loss. But we confidently expect she will come forth in the first resurrection.
J. H. COOK.
Died, at Clarke Grove, Minn., July 21, 1869, son of Bro. C. and Sr. M. Nielson; aged 2 years, 7 months, and 3 days.
JOHAN HANSEN.
Lessons from the Oakland Tent Meeting
By Mary Van Horn
From Sr. Van Horn.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I would like to say to you that I realize in a measure that God is very good to us. I attended the tent meeting in Oakland, and was greatly blessed; and I feel as if the strength I gained there would sustain me many days. Let us all praise the Lord. I had the privilege of meeting with Sr. White, whom I receive as God's chosen instrument to unite a people to stand amid the perils of these last days. I saw the wisdom of God in choosing a woman, for the ears of this generation are dull while listening to the word spoken by men; but I noticed great attention when she spoke.
I heard the remark that God was not so particular as to notice in what fashion our dress was cut. Such do not remember the dealings of God with his children, and would have thought Jeremiah a fanatic, when he went and obtained a linen girdle, and wore it awhile, and then put it where it would rot. They forget, also, the case of the children of Israel, when they wore a hem of blue in their garments. God is not changed; he takes notice of what men term small things, as well as great. Let us love and trust like little children, and God will lead us. Let us follow the Lamb of God, and soon we shall enter the green pastures, and drink the living waters. Praise the Lord for the prospect. MARY VAN HORN.
Macomb Co., Mich.
JESSE TOMLINSON
By Jesse Tomlinson
From Bro. Tomlinson.
ARE we workers in the cause of God? Are we spending the time that is being given us in the way that the Lord would have us? Have we been living in a way that our lives have reflected the image of Jesus in our dealings with our brethren or neighbors? Have we shown to those around us that there is a reality in what we profess to believe concerning Jesus's soon coming? Does this inspire our hearts with zeal and energy? or has it become so familiar that it makes but little impression on our hearts? Do we act as though we believe that we are not our own, but that we are bought, and cost the life of the Son of God? The greatest price ever paid has been laid down for sinners.
He is ready and willing to make our bodies a fit temple for his Spirit to dwell in. If we are willing and obedient, we shall eat the good of the land; but if we refuse, and rebel, we shall not taste of it. He has gone to prepare a place for us, and he will return again, to gather his children home, so that where he is we may be also. Are we getting ready? He will wait but little longer. He has been pleading with us to follow him. He has told us to take his yoke upon us, for it is easy, and his burden is light.
If trials come, and difficulties are on every hand, can we have faith to believe that all things work together for good to them that love the Lord? If so, we should endure it with patience. Let us endeavor to get on the whole armor of God, and fight the good fight of faith, that we may lay hold on eternal life. What an example our Saviour has set for us to follow! His joy will not be full, till he comes again, and takes his waiting children home. I want to be one that will help to make up the number. Pray for me, that this may be my happy lot.
JESSE TOMLINSON
Linn Co., Iowa.
L. VINCENT
By L. Vincent
From Sr. Vincent.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS; I feel very unworthy to attempt to address a few lines for the REVIEW; but, unworthy as I am, I can truly say that I love the cause of God and present truth, and it is my determination to try to live it out. But oh! how sad I feel when I see those in whom we have had the utmost confidence, turning their backs upon the truth, and bringing shame and disgrace upon the cause of God and his people.
Yet I believe there are some who will overcome, and walk with Him in white; and I want to be one of that number. How careful we must be to watch and pray, lest we enter into temptation. I want the prayers of God's people, that I may be an overcomer, and have an entrance into that beautiful city, where sickness and pain cannot enter, and the weary saints shall rest.