There are practical concessions which are even more to be dreaded than any speculative laxities. It is one thing to decline asceticism, it is another thing to live in an almost unbroken round of business and pleasure, with only the fewest and most weary moments for prayer and benevolent effort, and the work of the kingdom. Of course amusements are needful for the young and the mature; but this necessity cannot be appealed to in excuse of the excitements, which are only varied as winter passes into summer and the tide of fashion rolls from the city to the country. It is a solemn truth, and not a piece of asceticism, that they who live in pleasure are dead whilst they live. The earnestness and aspirations of the sanctuary utterly fail, in a multitude of instances, of any realization in the daily lives of avowed Christians. It would very often be hard to say what it is, save a peculiar creed or ritual, that distinguishes the multitude of believers in the Gospel from the Jew, or the Mohammedan, or the Hindoo; certainly it is not a higher tone of living, an elevation of aims and tastes, an enlargement of the spiritual and moral nature, a refinement of the soul that makes a careless and self-indulgent life impossible.
For man or woman, for youth or maiden, the Christian life is a grand enterprise; it involves self-renunciation—sacrifices of which the cross is the perpetual symbol. Its ways more excellent are often steep, rough, and narrow. Only when preachers and people find this out, and draw a clear, sharp line between the exceeding righteousness of the true Church, and an easy-going worldliness, does the word of Jesus become the great reality of life, so precious as to need no external commendation. We make concessions, we gather the half-converted into a communion and fellowship which we would fain regard as the Church, we substitute entertainment for instruction, and those who would have given themselves, body, soul, and spirit, to a Gospel of heroism and patience, become jaded critics in chapels of ease. Large demands are often far more attractive than concessions. We must kindle a great fire, unless we would be for ever tending it. Christianity lives in the world, upon condition that it is missionary and aggressive, a proclamation of the kingdom of God in a life of love.
Oberlin's Rule of Giving.
It appears that one of the rules established by Oberlin was, that every one of his people should every year place in the treasury one-tenth part of his net income; this rule he enforced by love. The money was applied to works of benevolence or charity, and to many improvements made in that wilderness country. Le Grand told me that for some years he would not comply with what he considered an arbitrary rule, though he highly valued Oberlin; but he thought he could be his own almoner of the Lord's blessing on his temporal industry. The losses that he sustained year by year in his business induced him at the end of a few years, closely to examine into the matter, and he found that during that period they amounted to exactly ten per cent on his income, which he should have put into the treasury, according to Oberlin's rule. This discovery convinced him that Oberlin was right, and he has acted ever since on the prescribed plan; and now, instead of meeting with losses, his income has greatly increased, though he has not ceased from also being his own almoner of the blessing that God confers upon him.—Life of Stephen Gillett.
Time and Human Probation
TIME is that portion of eternity allotted to human probation.
Ponder the Paths of Thy Feet
PONDER well the paths of thy feet, so shalt thou walk surely, and thy ways shall be established.
Business Department.
By Editor
Business Notes.
WE have a number of orders for bound copies of "How to Live," which will be filled, as soon as we receive the books from the binder, which will probably be in a few days.
RECEIPTS.
For Review and Herald.
Annexed to each receipt in the following list, is the Volume and Number of the REVIEW & HERALD to which the money receipted pays. If money for the paper is not in due time acknowledged, immediate notice of the omission should then be given.
F Johnson 27-1, J Wormwood 27-1, F Linscott 27-1, A Hatch 27-1, P A Thomas 27-1, C Penoyer 27-1, J Hawks 27-18, E J Bulen 28-1, R Parker 28-1, A M Lambphere 28-1, O Clark 26-1, W E Caviness 27-1, E Lanphear 27-1, J W Raymond 27-1, H F Phelps 27-1, A D Rust 27-14, R Peck 27-1, S W Willey 27-1, J Howlet 27-1, H Patch 27-1, C B French 26-1, J Baily 28-1, R Peters 27-1, Mrs S McNall 27-1, W Munsell 27-1, J Button 27-1, each $1.
C S Lynnell 28-3, W S Fairchild 28-1, A Wright 28-1, L Potter 28-1, N Clark 28-1, C B Ells 28-1, O Frizzle 27-1, D F Moore 28-1, H Wheeler 27-8, Mrs J Day 29-1, D Wilcox for J G Walston 28-1, A R Morse 28-1, Eli Sherman 28-1, P M Cross 28-5, T A Herrick 28-1, E P Cram 28-1, W G Kendall 28-1, P E Rinter 28-1, E Colby 28-1, J Claxton 29-1, M N Cross 27-17, I Renfrew 28-1, C F Saxby 27-14, Mrs N Dennison 28-1, each $2.
W R Perry 27-1, H W Hammond 27-1, each 50c.
J M Santee $3, 28-9, E Dickens $2,44, 28-1, E Kellogg $2,50, 28-11.
Subscriptions at the Rate of $3.00 per year.
W Lawton $3, 28-21. H J Rich $1,50, 27-1. N Claflin $3, 29-1.
Review to Poor.
A Warren $1,50.
Books Sent By Mail.
W R Perry 23c. S C Perry 27c. E H Catlin 60c. S R Smith 10c. T J Gaskins $1. S M Abbott $1,10. H Sweet $1. Mrs M T Scott $1,91. M Foreacre 55c. O Hoffer 28c. S N Haskell 25c. P G Woolsey 50c. Mrs S McNall 50c.
Cash Received on Account.
D M Canright $9. J Matteson $15.
For Shares in the Publishing Association.
R M Johnson $5.
For Bro. Bourdeau.
L M Gates $10. John Byington $10.
To Pay Expenses on Draft Publications.
J F Colby $1. D Wilcox $1.
PUBLICATIONS.
The law requires the pre-payment of postage on Bound Books, four cents for the first four ounces, or fractional part thereof, and an additional four cents for the next four ounces, or fractional part thereof, and so on. On Pamphlets and Tracts, two cents for each four ounces, or fractional part thereof. Orders, to receive attention, must be accompanied with the cash. Address, Elder James White, Battle Creek, Michigan.
The Hymn Book, 464 pages, and 132 pieces of music, . . . 80 12
" " " with Sabbath Lute, . . . $1,25 12
" " " Calf Binding, . . . 1,00 12
" " " " with Lute, . . . 1,50 12
History of the Sabbath, Sacred and Secular, . . . 80 12
" " " in paper covers, . . . 50 10
Dobney on Future Punishment, . . . 75 16
Spiritual Gifts, Vol. I, or the Great Controversy between Christ & his angels, and Satan & his angels, . . . 50 8
Spiritual Gifts, Vol. II, Experience, Views & Incidents in connection with the Third Message, . . . 60 8
Spiritual Gifts, Vols. I & II, bound in one book, . . . $1,00 12
Spiritual Gifts, Vol. III, Facts of Faith, . . . 76 8
Spiritual Gifts, Vol. IV, Facts of Faith & Testimonies to the Church, Nos. 1-10, . . . 75 8
Sabbath Readings, a work of 400 pages of Moral & Religious Lessons for the Young, . . . 60 8
The same in five Pamphlets, . . . 55 8
" " twenty-five Tracts, . . . 50 8
Appeal to the Youth. Bound, . . . 60 8
" " " Paper Covers, . . . 30 2
" " " without Likeness, . . . 15 2
The Bible from Heaven, . . . 30 5
Both Sides. Review of Preble on Sabbath and Law, . . . 20 4
Three Angels of Rev. xiv, and the Two-horned Beast, . . . 15 4
Hope of the Gospel, or Immortality the Gift of God, . . . 15 4
Which? Mortal or Immortal? or an Inquiry into the Present Constitution & Future Condition of Man, . . . 15 4
Modern Spiritualism: its Nature and Tendency, . . . 15 4
The Kingdom of God: a Refutation of the Doctrine called, Age to Come, . . . 15 4
Miraculous Powers, . . . 15 4
Appeal to Mothers, . . . 15 2
Review of Seymour. His Fifty Questions Answered, . . . 10 3
Prophecy of Daniel—The Sanctuary and 2300 Days, . . . 10 3
The Saints' Inheritance in the New Earth, . . . 10 3
Signs of the Times. The Coming of Christ at the Door, . . . 10 3
Law of God. The Testimony of Both Testaments, . . . 10 3
Vindication of the True Sabbath, by J. W. Morton, . . . 10 3
Review of Springer on the Sabbath and Law of God, . . . 10 3
Christian Baptism. Its Nature, Subjects & Design, . . . 10 3
Key to the Prophetic Chart, . . . 10 2
The Sanctuary and 2300 Days of Dan. viii, 14, . . . 10 2
The Fate of the Transgressor, . . . 5 2
Matthew xxiv. A Brief Exposition of the Chapter, . . . 5 2
Mark of the Beast, and Seal of the Living God, . . . 5 1
Sabbath Institution and the Two Laws, . . . 5 1
Assistant. The Bible Student's Assistant, or a Compend of Scripture References, . . . 5 1
Truth Found. A Short Argument for the Sabbath, with an Appendix, "The Sabbath not a Type," . . . 5 1
An Appeal for the Restoration of the Bible Sabbath in an Address to the Baptists, . . . 5 1
Review of Fillio. A Reply to a series of Discourses delivered by him in this City against the Sabbath, . . . 5 1
Report of General Conference held in Battle Creek, June, 1859, Address on Systematic Benevolence, &c., . . . 5 1
The Sabbath, in German, . . . 10 2
" " Holland, . . . 5 1
" " French, . . . 5 1
On Daniel II & VII, in French, . . . 5 1
ONE-CENT TRACTS. The Seven Seals—The Two Laws—Reasons for Sunday-keeping Examined—Personality of God—Wesley on the Law—Judson on Dress—Appeal on Immortality.
TWO-CENT TRACTS. Institution of the Sabbath—Sabbath by Elihu—Infidelity and Spiritualism—War and Sealing—Who Changed the Sabbath?—Preach the Word—Death and Burial—Much in Little—Truth.
THREE-CENT TRACTS. Dobney on the Law—Milton on the State of the Dead—Scripture References—The Mark of the Beast and Seal of the Living God—Spiritual Gifts.
CHARTS, Prophetic and Law of God, the size used by our Preachers. Varnished, a set, with Key, . . . $4,00
A Set on Cloth, with Key, . . . 3,00
On Cloth, without Rollers, by mail, post-paid, . . . 2,75
Small Chart. A Pictorial Illustration of the Visions of Daniel and John 20 by 25 inches. Price 15 cents. On Rollers, post-paid, 75 cts.
E. G. Rust and H. C. Miller’s Address
Brn. E. G. Rust and H. C. Miller of Chicago, desire to state for the benefit of those visiting that place, that they are not now residing in the city, but at Woodlawn, 8 miles out, on the Hyde Park, R. R. Their P. O. address remains as usual.
"RELIGIOUS MEETINGS
By Isaac D. Van Horn; Dudley Marvin Canright
From the Mich. Tent.
Bro. WHITE : Three weeks have passed since we commenced meetings in this place, and the plain truths of God's word are producing quite a favorable impression on the minds of many who have listened with attention and interest. A few have already decided to keep all the commandments of God.
The weather for the last two weeks has been quite unfavorable for meetings. This brought discouragement upon us, and we began to fear that our effort here would be in vain. But the darkness is now breaking away. The Lord is carrying on his work in the minds and hearts of the people. Truth is triumphing over the prejudices of the people, and is sure to gain the victory.
The following article we take from the "Tuscola County Pioneer," published at this place, which expresses the sentiment of the people.
The reference therein made to "Credentials" was probably called out by the assertions which the Presbyterian minister of this place made in public, that we were vagrant preachers, without credentials, and of doubtful characters.
"RELIGIOUS MEETINGS.
"Elders Canright and Van Horn, Second Advents, have been holding meetings some over three weeks in this place, in their own house which they brought with them. The Bible is their lamp, that lights up their minds, and which enables them to present truths to the people, both new and old, in so plain a manner that the unlearned can but be instructed in the way of life. A deep interest is manifested in their meetings, from the fact that they open up the truths of the Bible so plain, that the people can understand their duties to each other and to God; so that it is truly a feast to the mind of every one that goes to hear. It has been imputed that they are here without 'Credentials.' We wish that more at the present day would take their 'credentials,' as the rule and guide of their lives. Their 'credentials' is the Holy Bible, which is sufficient for all."
We are encouraged to continue our labors to advance the cause of truth, and feel willing to render all the praise and honor to the Lord, for the visible manifestations of his goodness to us. Pray for us.
I. D. VAN HORN,
D. M. CANRIGHT.
Vassar, Mich., June 27, 1865.
A Call for the Proof.
By E. Lanphear
Bro. White: Desiring to obtain all the light possible in reference to the various doctrines preached in the world, I propose to ask a few questions through the Review by your permission.
1. Will some one tell me where to find the chapter and verse in the Bible which says that the first day of the week was ever called the (weekly) Sabbath; or that Christ or any of his followers ever observed it as such.
2. The chapter and verse that calls anything but immersion, baptism.
3. The chapter and verse that says that man has an immortal soul.
4. The chapter and verse that says the wicked shall have immortality, or endless life in the future world, or endless punishment.
5. The chapter and verse that says that all mankind shall be saved or redeemed.
These are doctrines preached and taught by various men and denominations in the world; and not knowing where to find the evidence I must pronounce them all unscriptural until the evidence is produced. Give us the law and the testimony that we may receive the light.
E. Lanphear.
Nile, N. Y., June 28th, 1865.
Prophecy Fulfilling.
By H. S. Gurney
Bro. White: I love the ways of the Lord, especially in the paths of present truth. It is cheering to contemplate the joys of an endless life, a world of light—a crown of glory that fadeth not away—an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled. Having lived under the effects of the curse in this world where sorrow and death reigns, we shall there in heavenly raptures draw the contrast, and exclaim, Heaven is cheap enough.
Our meetings are free and interesting. We hear the voices of those who have recently started in the good cause with a full determination to go with the remnant people of God. Here are they that keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. How clear that this prophecy is now being fulfilled. The harvest is ripening, the end is near when Jesus will send his angels to gather his people home.
Yours in hope of life.
H. S. Gurney.
Memphis, Mich.
Growth in Sabbath Keeping
Sister E. S. Tenney writes from Grapeland, Minn. : May 28th I attended a meeting and heard sixteen speak of the goodness of God, and their determinations to keep the Sabbath, where eight months ago there was perhaps only one in thirty miles. Pray for us that we may be found having on the wedding garment when our Lord shall come.