Advent Review, and Sabbath Herald, vol. 13
April 7, 1859
RH VOL. XIII.-BATTLE CREEK, MICH., FIFTH-DAY,-NO. 20
Uriah Smith
ADVENT REVIEW,
AND SABBATH HERALD
“Here is the Patience of the Saints; Here are they that keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus.”
VOL. XIII.-BATTLE CREEK, MICH., FIFTH-DAY, APRIL 7, 1859.-NO. 20.
THE REVIEW AND HERALD
IS PUBLISHED WEEKLY
AT BATTLE CREEK, MICH.
BY J. P. KELLOGG, CYRENIUS SMITH AND D. R. PALMER,
Publishing Committee.
URIAH SMITH, Resident Editor.
J. N. ANDREWS, JAMES WHITE, J. H. WAGGONER, R. F. COTTRELL, and STEPHEN PIERCE, Corresponding Editors.
Terms.-ONE DOLLAR IN ADVANCE FOR A VOLUME OF 26 NOS. All communications, orders and remittances for the REVIEW AND HERALD should be addressed to URIAH SMITH, Battle Creek, Mich. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 153.1
“STAND UP FOR JESUS.”
BY GEO. DUFFIELD, JR. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 153.2
“Stand, therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness.” St. Paul to the Ephesians ARSH April 7, 1859, page 153.3
“Tell them to stand up for Jesus!” Dying words of Dudley A. Tyng. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 153.4
STAND up! stand up for Jesus!
Ye soldiers of the cross;
Lift high his royal banner,
It must not suffer loss;
From victory unto victory,
His army shall he lead;
Till every foe is vanquished,
And Christ is Lord indeed!
ARSH April 7, 1859, page 153.5
Stand up! stand up for Jesus!
The solemn watchword hear;
If while ye sleep, he suffers
Away with shame and fear!
Where’er ye meet with evil,
Within you or without;
Charge for the God of battle,
And put the foe to rout.
ARSH April 7, 1859, page 153.6
Stand up! stand up for Jesus!
The trumpet call obey;
Forth to the mighty conflict,
In this his glorious day;
“YE THAT ARE MEN” now serve him,
Against unnumbered foes;
Your courage rise with danger,
And strength to strength oppose!
ARSH April 7, 1859, page 153.7
Stand up! stand up for Jesus!
Stand in his strength alone.
The arm of flesh will fail you:
Ye dare not trust your own;
Put on the gospel armor,
Each piece put on with prayer;
Where duty calls, or danger,
Be never wanting there.
ARSH April 7, 1859, page 153.8
Stand up! stand up for Jesus!
Each soldier to his post!
Close up the broken column,
And shout through all the host!
Make good the loss so heavy,
In those that still remain,
And prove to all around you,
That death itself is gain!
ARSH April 7, 1859, page 153.9
THE chief things proven by him who professes to be perfect, are ignorance of himself, 1 John 1:8, and ignorance of God, Job 11:5, 6. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 153.10
Many reverse the Scripture rule 1 Corinthians 14:20, and are in understanding children, in malice men. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 153.11
THE KEY TO HEAVEN.-Sometimes, perhaps thou hearest another Christian pray with much freedom and fluency, while thou canst hardly get out a few broken words. Hence, thou art ready to accuse thyself and to admire him; as if the gilding of the key made it open the door the better.-Gurnall. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 153.12
PHILOSOPHY vs. BIBLE TRUTH
Prof. Schuyler, principal of the Seneca County Academy, Ohio, has just published a pamphlet, entitled “The human Soul; its nature and future existence.” ARSH April 7, 1859, page 153.13
The effort is to prove the immateriality of the soul, and thus to establish its immortality. The pamphlet contains only 42 pages and up to the 29th page, no scripture argument is introduced. Only about nine pages are occupied with scripture arguments and the remainder is an effort at answering objections. The whole body of the work is a mere display of human wisdom and vain reasonings in philosophy and science falsely so called. Being conscious no doubt that the scripture arguments in favor of the soul’s immortality were exceedingly weak, he dare not venture on that foundation, and so with immaterial wings, he soars away into the airy regions of nothingness; and straightway from behind a mystical cloud issue sounds which betoken only the presence of a man of learning. There are, in the work, many dark sayings against a simple truth of the Bible, that man is now wholly mortal, but is a probationer for immortality. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 153.14
“The soul that sinneth it shall DIE.” Ezekiel 18:4. That which is immortal is exempt from death, hence the soul cannot be immortal. If it be said that ‘soul’ in this text refers only to the body, we reply that it must refer to the responsible agent, before which is placed life and death. It refers to that which is conscious and has the power of choice, “the soul that sinneth” is to receive the penalty. Is the body alone the actor in transgression? or will divine justice kill the body alone for the sin of the soul and body united? But it is said the death spoken of is a “spiritual death.” To this we reply that spiritual death is a state of sin which is the crime and not the penalty. God does not pronounce the crime as the penalty of itself, saying to the wicked man, because you have become a sinner, I pronounce you in a state of sin. No no. But “the soul that sinneth, (is in a state of sin or spiritually dead) it shall die.” ARSH April 7, 1859, page 153.15
“Shall die,” in the text is the penalty of sin or spiritual death, but those already dead spiritually cannot afterwards die spiritually, except they first be resurrected from that death, which the wicked have no promise of, and hence the death threatened the sinner is literal death or extinction of life. Philosophical reasoning can never overthrow this conclusion. It commends itself to the common sense of all, and will be acknowledged by those whose judgements have not been warped by that first sermon which satan preached, namely, “Ye shall not surely die.” ARSH April 7, 1859, page 153.16
But if all men naturally possess immortal souls, then verily immortality would come through Adam, whereas the Bible teaches that it is through Christ alone, [2 Timothy 1:10] and the apostle exhorts men to seek for immortality, [Romans 2:7,] which he would not do if men have it already in possession. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 153.17
The tree of immortality is guarded with the flaming sword, and none of the family of Adam can partake of it until their time of probation has expired; therefore no man has immortality in this life; and the devil is a liar from the beginning. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 153.18
To establish any proposition by scripture, the very language of the proposition, or its equivalent, must be in the proof texts, or else it is all inference, and we know that many admitted heresies are proved by inferences. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 153.19
The proposition is, the soul is immaterial and hence immortal; but neither this language nor its equivalent is found in any text of scripture quoted by our author. It is no wonder then that his appeal is to philosophy. Men in their right minds will always lay the greatest stress upon what they consider their best arguments, and as the burden of our author’s argument is in philosophy, it is fair to conclude that in his judgment, this is the only safe course to pursue. Indeed, so much is acknowledged in his preface. He says, “Some may, perhaps, think that to demonstrate the immortality of the human soul, it is not necessary, first to demonstrate its immateriality, I have, however, pursued that course of reasoning which appears the most conclusive to my own mind.” ARSH April 7, 1859, page 153.20
I am not surprised that the Professor should take this course, after reading our books, and seeing as he must, if not blind, that the plain Bible testimony is against him; but I am astonished that he should strive to establish his proposition by philosophy after having his philosophy blown to the winds, as it was in a public discussion on the question, Has man an immortal soul? His course is strange, but ARSH April 7, 1859, page 153.21
It is a serious fact when men are driven
From Bible ground, the only standard given,
That then, whatever arguments they find,
Drawn from whatever source, whate’er their kind,
Provided, for their side they seem to tell,
To all appearance, suit them just as well.”
ARSH April 7, 1859, page 153.22
That the reader may judge of the character of the arguments the Professor used in the discussion, we give below a list of some of the words and phrases used in the pamphlet, which is very nearly a verbatim copy of his written argument in the discussion. The words Philosophy, Philosophize, Philosophic, Philosopher, Philosophical, occur 51 times. The words Material, Materialist, Materialists, Materialistic, Materialism, Immaterial, Immateriality, occur 58 times. Empiricism, 8 times. Skepticism, 10 times. Idealism, 12 times. Fatalism, 4 times. Realism, 4 times. Phenomena, 16 times. Dogmatism, twice. Phrenology and Phrenological, 6 times. Many other uncommon words and phrases are used more or less, such as Gaseous, Malleability, Ductilty, Elasticity, Extension, Impenetrability, Mysticism, Science, Geology, Institutions, Conceptions, Alkaline-base etc. etc. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 153.23
Among the authors quoted, Pythagoras, Socrates, Plato, Cicero, Seneca, Aristotle and M. Victor Cousin, of France, are conspicuous. Such arguments may appear conclusive to one that is already wedded to the immortal soul theory, but to another, the only impression made is that the author is a scholar in philosophy. But this is no argument in favor of the correctness of his religious opinions, but is rather against them, especially when he gives philosophy the prominence in giving a reason for his faith in what he calls one of the fundamentals of christianity. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 153.24
There would be no need of so much philosophical reasoning, if immortal-soulism was plainly revealed in the Bible; and if it is not plainly revealed, why does this author charge Atheism upon us for not believing it. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 153.25
What we might say against using worldly wisdom and philosophy in matters of religion and truth would perhaps be of little value, but what God has said, all men should agree is the truth. The following is what we presented in the discussion as an offset against philosophy. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 153.26
“Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this world? Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?” 1 Corinthians 1:20. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 154.1
“Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:18, 19. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 154.2
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” Colossians 2:8. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 154.3
“O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called; which some professing have erred concerning the faith.” 1 Timothy 6:20. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 154.4
The Apostles, all except Paul, were unlearned men; and he did not have any use for his philosophy after he was converted. One sermon by the unlearned Peter, converted more to Christ and truth than the learned Paul could have converted in an age, if he had used the words of man’s wisdom. He might have converted many to himself-to the belief that he was a smart, learned, wise and scientific man, but the truth of God does not lie in that direction. But how did Paul preach? ARSH April 7, 1859, page 154.5
“And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.” “And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the spirit and of power.” “Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” 1 Corinthians 2:1, 4, 13. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 154.6
The Holy Ghost has ever taught with words adapted to the capacity of the simple, the childlike, and humble, however unlearned they may be. The language of the Spirit of God is so simple that the worldly wise and high minded cannot comprehend it till they come down. It is foolishness to them. The channel of truth is low and easily found by the lowly; but the highminded are almost sure to overlook it and pass on in the broad road to death. Says the apostle “Hath not God chosen the poor of this world etc.?” James 2:5. And Paul says “Not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble are called.” ARSH April 7, 1859, page 154.7
The worldly, rich man, is esteemed by those who travel in the broad road; so is the philosopher, and the man of science; but none of these recommend a man to God. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 154.8
O that men would humble themselves in the sight of the Lord, then would they see that immortality comes through Christ alone, and if it is not sought for, never will be obtained, either in this world or that which is to come. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 154.9
M. E. CORNELL.
Green Spring, Ohio March 18th.
Swearing an Oath, or Vowing
THERE are different kinds of oaths mentioned in the Bible: sacred, profane, and rash oaths. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 154.10
I. Judicial oaths allowable and never prohibited either in the Old or New Testament. Exodus 20:16. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor. Romans 13:9. God says he will be a swift witness against false swearers. Malachi 3:5. The law is made for perjured persons, (having sworn falsely.) 1 Timothy 1:9, 10. Where is it said, we shall not bear true witness under oath against our neighbor? Joshua 6:26. And Joshua adjured (swore) them, etc. 1 Samuel 14:24. Saul had adjured (sworn) the people. Matthew 26:63, 64. The high priest said unto Jesus, I adjure (swear) thee by the living God, etc. Jesus said unto him, Thou hast said. Here Jesus answered under oath to the high priest. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 154.11
Exodus 22:7-13. The parties shall come before the judges.... Then shall an oath of the Lord be between them both, that he hath not put his hand unto his neighbor’s goods; and the owner of it shall accept thereof, and he shall not make it good. Paul refers to this oath-taking. Hebrews 6:16. For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. To swear: “Solemnly to call on God to witness.” Union Bible Dictionary. Jeremiah 4:2. And thou shalt swear, The Lord liveth. Jeremiah 12:16. Swear by my name. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 154.12
Isaiah 65:16. He that sweareth in the earth shall swear by the God of truth. This is in the gospel dispensation, after the call of the Gentiles, and rejection of the Jews. Verse 12. Deuteronomy 6:13. Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 154.13
The nature of an oath. The making an appeal to the Supreme Being, and calling him to witness and record, constitutes the spirit and essence of an oath. “It is no matter in what form this appeal is made.” ARSH April 7, 1859, page 154.14
Bishop Hopkins says: “We find St. Paul himself more than once attesting the truth of those grave and weighty matters which he delivered in his epistles, by calling God to witness, which is the very form and nature of an oath. See 2 Corinthians 1:23. I call God for a record (or witness) upon my soul, that, to spare you, I came not as yet unto Corinth.” Dr. Clarke’s note on this is, “A more solemn and more awful form of oath, was never presented, nor taken by man, than this: no kissing of the book, holding up the hand, nor laying hand on the Bible, can add either solemnity or weight to such an oath! It is as awful and as binding as anything can be; and him who would break this, no obligation can bind.” See other similar expressions of Paul’s. Romans 1:9; Romans 9:1; 2 Corinthians 11:31; Galatians 1:20; Philippians 1:8; 1 Thessalonians 2:5. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 154.15
II. What kind of oaths did Christ and James refer to, when one says, “Swear not at all,” and the other says, “Neither by any other oath.” Matthew 5:34; James 5:12. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 154.16
1. Christ referred to a class of oaths that were to be “performed,” or something to be done, more than simply stating facts, as in judicial oaths. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 154.17
2. He refers to a class of oaths which are never used in any court of justice; as, by the heavens, by the earth, by Jerusalem, and by my head, etc. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 154.18
3. He refers to communication, or common conversation, in which such language is often used. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 154.19
4. The very class of texts that the Saviour refers to, clearly shows what kind of oaths he intended to prohibit. This we will briefly examine. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 154.20
Numbers 30:2. If a man vow a vow unto the Lord, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do (perform) according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth. This is the swearing, or oath, that has a bond in it to be performed, but not judicial oaths. This was then allowed by Moses, but is prohibited by Christ. This was the same kind of oath that the forty men bound themselves with, that they would not eat or drink till they had killed Paul. See Acts 23:21. Such kinds of rash oaths were permitted once, but are now prohibited. Deuteronomy 23:22, 23. But if thou shalt forbear to vow, it shall be no sin in thee. That which is gone out of thy lips thou shalt keep and perform; even a freewill offering according as thou hast vowed unto the Lord thy God, which thou hast promised with thy mouth. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 154.21
Psalm 66:13, 14. I will go into thy house with burnt offerings; I will pay thee my vows, which my lips have uttered and my mouth hath spoken, when I was in trouble. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 154.22
Ecclesiastes 5:2, 4. Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter anything before God.... When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 154.23
Vow-Promise to God, as they appeal to God to witness their sincerity, etc. Webster. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 154.24
Oath-To take an oath is solemnly to call on God to witness or take notice of what we affirm.-Brown. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 154.25
A solemn affirmation or declaration, made with an appeal to God for the truth of what we affirm. Webster. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 154.26
Swear-To affirm or utter a solemn declaration with an appeal to God for the truth of what is affirmed. Webster. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 154.27
Thus we see that a vow, oath, or to swear to God, are nearly the same. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 154.28
To this permission of Moses the Pharisees added their traditions. As in Matthew 23:16-22. Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple he is a debtor! Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold? And whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, is bound. Margin. Ye fools and blind, for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift? Whoso therefore shall swear by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon. And whoso shall swear by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein. And he that shall swear by heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 154.29
Now we can plainly see that Christ refers to that kind of swearing that required a bond to be performed, which cannot refer to judicial oaths. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 154.30
We can now answer the question, we think, satisfactorily to all as to what the Saviour meant by the sentence, “Swear not at all; neither by heaven,” etc.; namely, all that kind of swearing permitted by Moses or the traditions of the Pharisees, also false swearing which they were guilty of by this kind of swearing. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 154.31
To illustrate my meaning further I will refer to Dr. A. Clarke’s Com. Matthew 5:37. “The Jews were notoriously guilty of common swearing, for which our Lord particularly reprehends them, and warns his disciples against.... One of the holiest of their precepts relative to swearing was this: Be not much in oaths; although one should swear concerning things that are true: for in much swearing it is impossible not to profane.” See Lightfoot’s Works, Vol.II,p.149. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 154.32
They did not pretend to forbid ALL common swearing, but only what they termed MUCH. A Jew might swear, but he must not be too abundant in the practice. Against such permission our Lord opposes his ‘Swear NOT AT ALL.’” ARSH April 7, 1859, page 154.33
Again. “Our Lord’s command, Swear not at all, can never relate to an oath in a civil cause, taken according to the definition above given. Profane and common swearing, with all light, irreverent oaths and imprecations, etc., are certainly intended by our blessed Lord.” ARSH April 7, 1859, page 154.34
The subject is so clear to my mind that it does not admit of a doubt. By looking at the matter carefully, with the connections and references, bearing in mind the many expressions of Paul which amount to the most solemn oaths, it seems that it must be plain to all. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 154.35
III. James’ testimony. James 5:8-13. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the Judge standeth before the door. Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful and of tender mercy. But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath; but let your yea, be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation. Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 154.36
This swearing stands connected with brethren who have their patience tried like Job’s. Job 2:9. His wife said to him, “Dost thou still retain thine integrity? CURSE God and die.” If it be thought that there can be no danger of the remnant’s cursing and swearing like Peter, we will say that such has already happened. And with this agree James 3:2, 9, 10, 13. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. Speaking of the tongue, he says, Therewith bless we God even the Father; and therewith CURSE we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and CURSING. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? Let him show out of a good CONVERSATION his works with meekness of wisdom. This corresponds with, “let your yea, be yea; and your nay, nay.” If this is not James’ meaning, it will be hard to tell what he does mean from the connection. That James does not mean judicial oaths, may be plainly seen by the expressions, by heaven, by the earth, “neither by any other oath” of this class or kind; for it is not the practice to swear witnesses by heaven, by the earth, nor any other oath of this kind. J. B. FRISBIE. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 154.37
Closet Prayer
“When thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret.” Matthew 6:6. These are the words, this is the advice of the best friend you ever had. How did he show his love for men? By leaving a blissful heaven, for a world of sin and sorrow; the bosom of his Father, for a cross of agony and shame; a crown of glory, for a crown of thorns; the songs of angels, for the silence of the tomb. Yes! He knew the value of the soul of man whether man knows it or not: we learn the value which he puts upon it, by the costly price which he paid for its redemption: for “ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ.” 1 Peter 1:18, 19. It was love to the soul that, made the Son of God a man of sorrows; fastened him to the cross; laid him in the grave! And love to the soul led him to give the counsel, “Enter into thy closet and pray.” ARSH April 7, 1859, page 155.1
Do you say “I have no closet; I have no room which I can call my own; into which I can retire whenever I please; and where I can be as long as I please? Well! you are probably not more unfavorably situated in this respect than many of our Lord’s disciples were; and certainly not more so than their Master was, who said, “The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.” Matthew 8:20. He came not only to suffer for us as an atoning sacrifice for sin, but to leave us “an example, that we should follow in his steps.” 1 Peter 2:21. He has left us an example of secret prayer; and example exactly suited to the circumstances of those who cannot command a room of their own. He made a mountain his place of private prayer. Mark 6:46. Whenever we can be alone with God, wherever we can pray to him-whether it be on the sea-shore, in the field, the shop, the bed-room-there we may have a closet. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 155.2
A minister of the Gospel, “whose praise is in all the churches,” was once spending the night at a large inn. “It is my custom,” said he to the mistress of the inn, “wherever I am, to have family worship. I am now going to have it with my wife, and I shall be glad if you, and as many of your servants as can come in, will join us.” “I shall be very happy,” was the reply; “and all the servants, shall come in.” Accordingly, she gave her directions to this effect; and all the servants, waiters, chambermaids, ostlers, and postillions, attended. The minister before he prayed, expounded a portion of Scripture; and at the close of his exposition, with much affectionate and earnest solemnity, exhorted his hearers to pray for the Holy Spirit. About a year after, he was traveling the same road. As he drew near the inn, he was accosted by a post-boy, “Sir, do you remember me?” “No, my friend, I cannot say that I do.” “Well, sir, I recollect you. You were here some time ago, and had us all into your room in the house, and explained a chapter in the Bible, and prayed for us. And when you were explaining the chapter, you told us, if we had not been accustomed to pray, to begin at once, and to pray, ‘Lord give me thy Holy Spirit. Lord convert my soul.’ I thought much of those words, and was determined to follow your advice. But then I was at a loss for a place in which I could be alone to pray the Lord to give me his Spirit. At last I thought of the stable; and I used to take the key, and lock myself in, and kneel down, and pray that the Lord would convert my soul. And I bless God, I have reason to believe that he has heard and answered my prayers; that he has given me his Spirit, and converted my soul.” This shows the truth of the old saying, that, “where there is a will, there is a way.” The God of grace had given the poor postboy the will to pray, and he found a closet in a stable. Remember, that wherever you are, there God is. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 155.3
Those who neglect secret prayer, are in the most awful condition in which any can be on this side of eternity. A prayerless state is a graceless state. To live without prayer, is to live without God. But can you do without God? Can you do without his blessing, without his favor, without his grace, without his guidance, without his guardianship? And will he not “be inquired of for these things?” We have a very clear direction, and very strong encouragement in the divine promise; “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you.” Matthew 7:7. But if we do not ask, we have no right to expect that we shall receive; if we do not seek, we must not wonder if we never find; if we do not knock at the door of mercy now, we may knock too late hereafter, and receive only the answer, “Verily, I say unto you, I know you not.” ARSH April 7, 1859, page 155.4
Is it not a rich mercy, an unspeakable privilege, that we are permitted at all times, and under all circumstances, to approach, and to hold converse with the God of heaven and earth; to “cast all” our “care upon him,” in the delightful assurance that “he careth for us;” in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, to let our requests be made known unto him? Philippians 4:6. See how the servants of God, in the days of old, realized this, their blessed privilege. Jacob was “greatly afraid and distressed,” when he heard that his brother Esau was coming to meet him, as he had every reason to believe, with the thoughts and the feelings of a bitter and revengeful enemy. Encumbered with a train of women, children, servants and cattle, he knew, that as far as human strength and human means were concerned, he was no match for Esau and his four hundred armed warriors. But he knew also, that “in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength;” he knew that “man’s extremity was God’s opportunity;” that there are no dangers, from which the Lord cannot rescue; no enemies, from which he cannot deliver. Accordingly, he went into the closet; not that he had any room at hand, in which he could shut himself up for the purpose of prayer to God; the bare earth was his floor; the broad canopy of heaven was his roof; he had sent his family over the brook; “Jacob was left alone;” (Genesis 32:24.) and there he wrestled and prevailed. The psalmist pursued the same course, and met with the same success. “In my distress I called upon the Lord, and he heard my voice.” Psalm 18:6. And how many can, from their own experience, bear a like testimony! ARSH April 7, 1859, page 155.5
Do not think it enough that you pray in the sanctuary. It is, indeed, “good to be there.” Many a true Christian has there been filled with joy unspeakable. Every true Christian loves the habitation of the Lord’s house, and the place where his honor dwelleth. But the sanctuary does not render the closet unnecessary. This “ought you to do, and not to leave the other undone.” If the closet is unfrequented, if secret prayer is neglected, you will be like Samson when his hair was shorn, and his strength gone; you will be an easy prey to your spiritual enemies. If you would not be entangled in the snares, by which you are on every side surrounded, in a world which “lieth in wickedness;” if you would not yield to the temptations to which you are continually exposed; if you would “fight the good fight” against sin, Satan, and the world, “not as one that beateth the air; if you would so “run the race that is set before you,” as to win and to wear the “incorruptible crown;” it is in secret prayer that you must especially seek the needful supplies of strength. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 155.6
But perhaps you say, “I find nothing so difficult as secret prayer. When I attempt it, my heart is so cold, my thoughts are so prone to wander, that I am discouraged, and obliged to give it up, hoping that I shall be in a better frame at another time.” Oh! beware of this: when you are thus induced to give it up, you are just affording the great enemy of your soul the advantage over you, which he so earnestly desires and seeks. It is his great aim to keep you from private prayer. If he can accomplish this, he accomplishes all. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 155.7
No wonder, therefore, that when you enter your closet you find him there, ready to fill your mind with vain, and wandering, and worldly thoughts. No wonder that you are tempted to leave the closet at this time, hoping to enter it in a better frame at another. Say, when the thought rises in your mind, “this is the suggestion of my great enemy.” Be not “ignorant of his devices.” Listen not to his pernicious counsels. Call earnestly upon God to give you his Holy Spirit, and to strengthen you against the insidious attacks of the tempter. Let your watch-word be, PERSEVERANCE. Let your resolution be that of Jacob the successful wrestler, “I will not let thee go except thou bless me.”-Sel. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 155.8
Growth of the Great West
JUDGE Meekin, of Minnesota, in a recent speech on the subject of Mail service between the head waters of lake Superior and the Pacific ocean, stated some remarkable facts in relation to the wonderful growth of the west. He said, that in 1816, the first effort in good faith was made to navigate the lakes. In 1841 their commerce reached an aggregate of sixty-five millions of dollars. In 1856 it swelled to the enormous sum of six hundred and eight millions. Cities in the meantime arose on their shores like magic, vieing in population and business with others that had been growing for centuries. Buffalo, Chicago, Millwaukie, Cleveland, Detroit, and others are classed among the cities and commercial centres of the world. In a speech delivered in New York more than twenty years ago, Mr. Webster, in alluding to this subject, said: “These great lakes, stretching away many thousands of miles, not in a straight line, but with turns and deflections, as if designed to reach, by water communication, the greater number of important points through a region of vast extent, cannot but arrest the attention of any one who looks upon the map. They lie connected but variously placed, and interspersed as if with studied variety of form and direction over that part of the country. They were made for man and admirably adapted for his use and convenience.” “Looking,” says he, “over our whole country, comprehending in our survey the Atlantic coast, with its thick population, its advanced agriculture, its extended commerce, its manufactures and mechanic arts, its varieties of communication, its wealth and its general improvements; and looking then into the interior, to the immense tracts of fresh, fertile, and cheap lands, bounded by so many lakes, and watered by so many magnificent streams, let me ask if such a map was ever before presented to the eye of any statesman as a theatre for the exercise of his wisdom and patriotism? And let me ask, too, if any man is fit to act a part on such a theatre who does not comprehend the whole of it within the scope of his policy and embrace it all as his country!”-Sel. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 155.9
Acquaintance with God
CERTAINLY the greatest, the noblest pleasure of intelligent creatures must result from their acquaintance with the blessed God, and with their own souls. And oh, how divinely pleasant and entertaining it is to look into our own souls, when we can find all our powers and passions united and engaged in pursuit after God, our whole soul longing and passionately breathing after a conformity to him, and the full enjoyment of him! Verily, no hours pass away with so much divine pleasure, as those that are spent in communicating with God and our own hearts. How sweet is a spirit of devotion, of seriousness and solemnity; a spirit of gospel simplicity, love, and tenderness! Oh, how desirable and profitable is a spirit of holy watchfulness and godly jealousy over ourselves; when our souls are afraid of nothing so much as that we shall grieve and offend the blessed God, whom at such times we apprehend, or at least hope, to be a father and friend; whom we then love and long to please, rather than to be happy ourselves, or at least we delight to derive our happiness from pleasing and glorifying him. Surely this is a pious temper, worthy of the highest ambition and closest pursuit of intelligent creatures. Oh, how vastly superior is the pleasure, peace, and satisfaction derived from these divine frames, to that which we sometimes seek in things impertinent and trifling!-Sel. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 156.1
THE REVIEW AND HERALD
“Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth.”
BATTLE CREEK, FIFTH-DAY, APRIL 7, 1859.
RUMORS of a European war are rife. Indications are thickening that that time is upon us which the prophet saw, when, looking into the dim future, he exclaimed. “The nations were angry.” What follows? “And thy wrath is come,” is the next utterance of the prophetic word. Revelation 11:18. We know from the chart of our voyage that it will close in perils. We know from the sure word of prophecy that trouble awaits the world-distress of nations with perplexity. The prophetic command has gone forth, “Prepare war, wake up the mighty men!” Are we seeking that righteousness and meekness which will procure for us a hiding place in the avengeful day? We might do this with more heart and zeal, some may say, if affairs were not at present quiet-if the storm was already bursting. But do you not see it gathering? Do you not behold its thickening gloom? Do you not hear its distant mutterings? Is the dread stillness that just precedes its awful fury the time for sloth and stupor? Must we wait till the tornado breaks upon us ere we commence the work of preparation? A prudent man foreseeth the evil, says the proverb, and hideth himself. Now is the time to work. Would that we could echo through all the land the divine and imperative warning, “Seek ye the Lord all ye meek of the earth!” ARSH April 7, 1859, page 156.2
It is recorded of Tyndale that having once escaped the cruel hands of his enemies, and entertaining nothing but the tenderest charity towards them, he said to them: “Take away my goods, take away my good name, yet so long as Christ dwelleth in my heart, so long I shall love you not a whit the less.” This is the spirit we like to see; and all in whose hearts Christ dwells will not be slow to show it forth. That selfish sensitiveness in regard to our own rights, our own honor, and our own property, which so often reigns in unsanctified hearts, melts away before the spirit of genuine christianity. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 156.3
THE CHURCH TAKES THE LEAD IN SLAVERY. In a “Tract for the Times,” by Henry T. Cheever, we find the following facts which it would be well to remember. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 156.4
“In the year 1833, the Presbytery of Chillicothe, Ohio, adopted a strong paper, reprobating the system of slavery, and setting forth its intrinsic, inherent, and inexcusable wrongs. A copy was sent to the Stated Clerk of the Synod of Mississippi, embracing at that time the States of Mississippi, Louisiana, and South Alabama. At the meeting of the Synod in the Fall of 1834, at Port Gibson, in the church of which Rev. Zebulon Butler, D. D., was then and still is the pastor, Rev. James Smiley preached the opening sermon, in which he argued the righteousness of slavery from the Bible.... This was the beginning of Bible slavery in this country. The year after, Mr. Smiley amplified his sermon into a book, now famous as ‘Smiley on Slavery.’ .... To Dr. Smiley belongs the honor, or dishonor, of first endorsing and defending Slavery from the Bible. Rev. Dr. Fuller, an eminent Baptist clergyman, then of Charleston, South Carolina, next followed; then Dr. William Winans, of the Methodist Church; then and not till then, politicians chimed in, and made the welkin ring with the ‘God-ward side’ of slavery.’ ARSH April 7, 1859, page 156.5
Although this defense of Slavery was at first strongly condemned by the churches generally, yet it reveals to us the fact that the attempted justification of Slavery by the Bible, originated in the church; and this the church South have now generally adopted. We find in this enough to justify the remark of Albert Barnes, that “there is no power out of the church that could sustain slavery an hour, if it were not sustained in it.” ARSH April 7, 1859, page 156.6
“Every one of these” (the great moral laws announced at Sinai), says Tappan, “utters a universal and necessary moral truth. Duty as here presented is not arbitrary but rational. Logic, p.241. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 156.7
GURNEY ON THE SABBATH
FROM a small work on the Sabbath, by J. Gurney, an English author, the American edition being edited by Prof. Stuart of Andover (Mass.) Theol. Seminary we make the following extract. Although Mr. Gurney observed Sunday and taught men so, he says some good things relative to the Sabbath, previous to the time when he finds it necessary to make a change. In all such cases, we believe in gathering the good into vessels and casting the bad away. On the distinction between moral and ceremonial laws, Mr. Gurney says: ARSH April 7, 1859, page 156.8
“Nothing can be more palpable than the distinction maintained in the Scriptures between the ten commandments (those delivered from mount Sinai) and the civil and ceremonial institutions of the Mosaic code. The former were laws as old as the world itself, applicable to all men, and essential to the maintenance of a true theology and of a righteous life. The latter, though mixed up with much that was moral, (or derived from these laws,) were intended for the national welfare and adapted exclusively to the peculiar religious circumstances of the Hebrews. Accordingly the former were pronounced by Jehovah himself during a visible and awful display of his glory; whereas the latter were communicated to the people only through the intervention of a human lawgiver. 1 On the same ground, while the civil part of the law of Moses, was committed to the magistrate, and the ceremonial part to the priest; each was steadfastly maintained as important for its particular purposes. It was the moral part of that law-it was the ten commandments both in their principles and in their details, on which the preachers of righteousness ever delighted to dwell. These were the constant theme of the rebukes, the entreaties and the exhortations of the prophets. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 156.9
“In taking this view of the subject, it seems impossible to separate the fourth commandment from those which precede and follow it. It was delivered with the same solemnity as its fellows, and was written on the table of the covenant by the same finger. It is, moreover, important to observe that it fitly concludes the first table of the covenant, and as fitly introduces the second. The first table relates to the worship of the true God. It proclaims his unity and the sanctity of his name, and forbids all idolatry. How could it be better concluded than by the law of the Sabbath, which renders the worship of God practicable, by breaking the train of our temporal pursuits, and by setting apart one day in seven for this express purpose. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 156.10
“So also the strength of the second table which unfolds the moral obligations of man to man, will ever be found to lie in the remembrance of the Creator of the universe; because on his will alone are these obligations founded. Now the Sabbath was the appointed means of perpetually reminding man that he is himself a creature, and that God is his Creator, and Sovereign. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 156.11
“It was a current saying among the talmudists that, ‘he that denies the Sabbath, is like to him who denies the whole law.’ Rabbi Levi of Barcelona says, that ‘the object of the Sabbath to the Israelites, was that, having no other business, they might fasten on their minds that the world had a beginning, which is the authority that draws after it all the foundations of the law.’ ARSH April 7, 1859, page 156.12
“Accordingly we find that while most of the ceremonial law was instituted by Moses, perspectively, that is, with a view to its being put into practice after the Israelites had settled in the land of Canaan, the Sabbath was strictly observed even during their journey in the wilderness.” pp.33-35. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 156.13
REPORT FROM INDIANA
ON Fifth-day, 17th inst., I left Bro. Hull to finish up our meetings in Marshall Co. and went to North Liberty, St. Joseph Co. I found Bro. Harvey strong in the faith, and in daily expectation of the arrival of Bro. Loughborough. I commenced holding meeting in the school-house on Sabbath evening, and continued every evening for a week. There had been as many lectures given there by different brethren at different times, that the prospect was a dull one; but the attendance was good, and I hope good may result. One more fully resolved to keep the Sabbath and others are thoroughly convinced, and I have hope of some of them. Bro. Harvey is doing all that he can to place the truth before his friends and acquaintances in that section of the country, but in North Liberty the prejudice and opposition is strong. The M. E. minister attended one evening, and, I was told expressed a desire to hear all the lectures but his appointments forbade. After Bro. Loughborough was there about a year ago, the church voted to close the meeting-house against preachers of our views; and it appeared singular to see the members of the same church sit from one and a half to two hours on the rude, uncomfortable seats of the old school-house, to hear what they would not allow to be preached in their house. Whether they feared these doctrines would harm their church building more than their church members, I cannot tell. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 156.14
On First-day, 20th, I went about six miles north and held one meeting. There was a strong desire to hear, in that neighborhood. On the 21st, Bro. Hull arrived, reporting success as good as we anticipated in Marshall Co. It was deemed advisable for him to go into the north neighborhood, while I continued in Liberty. When I last heard from him he was having the school-house crowded with anxious listeners. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 156.15
By request I came to La Porte last Sixth-day. The church were in a dull, lukewarm state; but the testimony of the Word was gladly received, and all appear to feel cheered and encouraged. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 156.16
Spiritualism has a strong hold in this place, and the truth, of course, will be unpopular. There was once quite an interest amongst the foreigners, especially the Swedes on the Third Angel’s Message; but the sound went forth, and the Lutherans from other places rallied and built a house of worship in their midst, to oppose it. Who can tell the consequences of their blind zeal? ARSH April 7, 1859, page 156.17
We, as a people, must be more determined and persevering in our efforts to build up the truth and oppose error. Our opponents often present examples of faithfulness and zeal to accomplish the purposes of the enemy that we should do well to consider. “Who is a faithful and wise steward?” May the Lord enable us to “give all diligence” that we “may be partakers with them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” ARSH April 7, 1859, page 156.18
J. H. W.
La Porte, Ind., March 28th.
FORESIGHT AND PERSEVERANCE OF THE DEVIL
UNBELIEF is the parent of sin. Had not the word of God been doubted, sin would not have entered the world. But doubt entered first, and was followed by transgression. Hence, in order that fallen man may be benefited by the gospel of salvation, and restored to the favor of God, first of all things, faith is necessary, and obedience follows as a natural consequence. There can be no acceptable obedience without belief, “for without faith it is impossible to please God.” ARSH April 7, 1859, page 156.19
Our faith must have a controlling influence upon our actions; and therefore it is vastly better to believe the truth than to believe the opposite of the truth which is a lie. Hence the idea that it matters not what one believes if he is only sincere, is a great mistake, and will prove fatal to thousands who choose to believe a lie rather than to obey the truth. Jesus prayed for his disciples, “Sanctify them through thy TRUTH; thy word is truth.” Those that receive not “the love of the truth,” are left “to believe a lie;” and the consequence is condemnation. That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. John 17:17; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 156.20
Satan knew that he could not introduce sin into the world while faith in the word of God remained unshaken. Hence he first whispers a doubt: Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? He then comes out boldly and contradicts the word of the Lord, saying, Ye shall not surely die. For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened; and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.” ARSH April 7, 1859, page 156.21
This is the first discourse on the immortality of the soul. Like many an orthodox sermon, it has three grand divisions. 1. Ye shall not die. That is, you are immortal and cannot die. This doubtless was the idea conveyed. 2. There are more gods than one. 3. Man may become a god. Ye shall be as gods. By disobedience you may obtain desirable knowledge and be as gods. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 157.1
Here, happy creature! fair, angelic Eve!
Partake thou also, happy though thou art,
Happier thou may’st be; worthier canst not be;
Taste this, and be henceforth among the gods,
Thyself a goddess, not to earth confined,
But sometimes in the air, as we, sometimes
Ascend to heaven, by merit thine, and see
What life the gods live there, and such live thou.”
ARSH April 7, 1859, page 157.2
This grand plan of the enemy, laid in the garden, has been followed out with the most unconquerable perseverance. The grand fundamental idea is that man is immortal-that he cannot die. And though death entered into the world, and men say the awful sentence, Dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return, verified before their eyes, yet Satan was not long in persuading the heathen philosophers that the man proper did not die, that man had an immortal soul that went to be with the gods when separated from the body by what is called death, and that those that distinguished themselves in this life-the mighty emperors and heroes-were deified, or became gods. And, as a consequence, these human gods were worshiped under the title of demons. Hence, what is called “doctrines of devils,” in 1 Timothy 4:1, is more properly rendered by Macknight, “doctrines concerning demons,” and by Wakefield, “doctrines about dead men.” Thus Satan stuck to his text, Ye shall not die, but be as gods. He knew that if men believed this, they must disbelieve the word of God, Dying thou shalt die. They could no longer believe man was of the dust and turned to dust again; but when the body fell, the man himself-the little god that had dwelt in the flesh-migrated to fairer climes, the elysian fields, or the spirit-land that we hear so much about at the present day. Thus what was called death, by the Author of life, was only an migration-a thing not to be dreaded as expressive of God’s abhorrence of sin, and the penalty of transgression against his holy law. So the heathen were blinded and made to believe Satan’s lie in preference to God’s truth. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 157.3
But it is objected that the Jews, as well as heathen nations, held the doctrine of the immortality of the soul. To this we reply, that the question is not what professed Jews or Christians have believed upon the subject, but what do their oracles teach? If we follow the faith and practice of apostate Jews, we may have other gods besides the one only living and true God set forth in their Scriptures. If the belief of Jews in the immortality of the soul is to be taken as proof of the doctrine, their frequent idolatries may be taken as a proof of a plurality of gods. Why refer to false professors of religion, and those that the Lord Jesus called hypocrites, to prove one point of faith, and reject their testimony in other things? To leave the Scriptures that God gave the Jews, and talk about what the Jews believed, is like quoting the faith of the Roman Catholic church for christian doctrine, instead of the New Testament. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 157.4
Satan has always been persevering in his efforts to make men believe his lie, and the Jews were always too ready to receive the fables of the heathens with whom they came in contact. Dr. Campbell says, “Before the captivity, and the Macedonian and Roman conquests, the Jews observed the most profound silence upon the state of the dead, as to their happiness or misery. They spoke of it simply as a state of silence, darkness and inactivity. But after the Hebrews mingled with the Greeks and Romans, they insensibly slided into their use of terms, and adopted some of their ideas on such subjects as those on which their oracles were silent.” ARSH April 7, 1859, page 157.5
This, and many other testimonies that might be cited, will show how Jews obtained this doctrine. Satan has done his best to make all men believe it; for he has a grand, ultimate design in view. His plan has ever been to cause men to reject the word of God. That word has lived, and there have always been a few that have believed it. It seems that Satan foresaw that copies of the Bible would abound in the last days, and has been, from the beginning, pursuing a regular plan of operations to increase his temptations as light increases, so that the last generation of men, by a belief of his first lie, may be prepared to reject all the increasing light of divine truth, and come out boldly, and totally reject the word of God. Like a cunning gamester, he has concealed his “hand,” professing that his doctrine is the doctrine of the Bible, thus preparing the way to play off his “last card,” and make men openly reject that very Bible that they have claimed as teaching the prime article of their faith-the immortality of the soul. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 157.6
This last card, by which Satan intends to “sweep the board,” is Spiritualism. After getting his favorite doctrine into the creeds of all the churches, and generally admitted by those outside of the churches, he opens, as it were, a new plan of operation, and, in the character of an angel of light, proposes “to draw mankind together in harmony, and convince skeptics of the immortality of the soul.” A skeptic, in Satan’s vocabulary, is one who believes the Bible means what it says, on the subjects of death and immortality. The number of these, though few, was increasing at the time when spirit manifestations arose. The Advent doctrine and the unscriptural theories by which it was opposed, had awakened a spirit of inquiry in honest minds concerning what the Bible taught on these momentous subjects, and the result was, that Bible students were receiving God’s truth, and rejecting Satan’s lie. Therefore, though the mass of men believed the lie, something must be done to head this skepticism, which was opposing itself against his most ancient and favorite doctrine. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 157.7
R. F. C.
(To be Continued)
CONSCIENCE
It is not uncommon to hear conscience spoken of at the present time, as approving of a course which we think the word of God condemns. It is also frequently spoken of as some unerring or infallible faculty or power of the mind, which always keeps a close and untiring watch over all our actions, and never allows us to move wrong without a timely reproof or admonition. Hence it is not an easy matter to convince those entertaining such a high respect for their consciences, of any wrong practice, except they first feel the smitings of this monitor. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 157.8
I have, says one a monitor within my breast, which approves when I do right, and disapproves when I do wrong; and as I feel no condemnation for pursuing this or that course, therefore it cannot be wrong. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 157.9
But we apprehend that, with many, the difficulty lies here: they do not consider that our conscience is dependent upon our education, and that it may be quick and active, or stupid and inactive. The man who desires to enjoy the approbation of his divine Master, will find his conscience approving when he does what he has been made to believe is right, and disapproving when doing that which he was educated to believe is wrong. Hence if his education has been right, his conscience will naturally lead him in the right direction, and so vice versa. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 157.10
Says Covel, “A conscience well informed, and possessed of sensibility, is the best security for virtue, and the most awful avenger of wicked deeds; an ill-informed conscience is the most powerful instrument of mischief. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 157.11
“The rule of conscience is the will of God, so far as it is made known to us, either by the light of nature, or by that of revelation. With respect to the knowledge of this rule, conscience is said to be rightly informed, or mistaken; firm, or wavering, or scrupulous, etc. With respect to the conformity of our actions to this rule when known, conscience is said to be good or evil. In a moral view, it is of the greatest importance that the understanding be well informed, in order to render the judgment or verdict of conscience a safe directory of conduct, and a proper source of satisfaction.” ARSH April 7, 1859, page 157.12
Says another writer, speaking of conscience, “It may be weakened, perverted, stupefied, defiled, and hardened, in various ways; and its decisions are more or less clear, just, and imperative, according to the degree of improvement in the understanding and heart, and especially according to the degree in which its purity and sensitiveness have been preserved and cultivated.” ARSH April 7, 1859, page 157.13
I have often been surprised while conversing with our First-day friends on the claims of the fourth commandment, to find so many of them apparently perfectly contented with the observance of the First-day Sabbath, simply because they do not feel the reprovings of conscience. Now we ask. Is this a safe course to pursue? Here is the word of God blazing before us. “The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God.” But conscience says the first day is the Sabbath, and you will be safe to keep it. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 157.14
This course reminds us of the Apostle’s question respecting the unbelieving Jews [Romans 3:3, 4.] “For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar.” ARSH April 7, 1859, page 157.15
But let us come to the word of God, and see if we can find license there for holding conscience as an infallible guide. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 157.16
Thy word the choicest rules imparts,
To keep the conscience clean.”
ARSH April 7, 1859, page 157.17
Says Paul, “I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.” Acts 23:1. See also chap 24:16; Romans 9:1; 2 Corinthians 4:2; 1 Timothy 1:5, 19; 3:9; 1 Peter 3:16. In these quotations the Apostle speaks of a conscience void of offense toward God and toward men. Also of a “good” conscience, and a “pure” conscience, etc. And well would it be if conscience were always kept thus. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 157.18
But this is not so, for we hear the same Apostle speaking in Titus 1:15, of a defiled conscience. Says Cruden on this text, the conscience becomes defiled “when it is blinded and perverted so that it cannot judge of its own actions. This evil conscience is sometimes quiet, sometimes stirring and troubled. It accuseth when it should excuse, and excuseth when it should accuse. The conscience also even of the best, is now and then erroneous and doubtful.” ARSH April 7, 1859, page 157.19
Again, we read of an “evil” conscience, [Hebrews 10:22] and again of a class in the last days, “speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron.” 1 Timothy 4:2. A seared conscience we understand to be, “quite extinct and out of or utterly hardened, which has lost all sense of feeling.” ARSH April 7, 1859, page 157.20
From the facts thus far gathered from the word of God on this subject, the conclusion is undeniable that conscience is by no means a safe guide at all times. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 157.21
We would say then to all desirous of a conscience “void of offense toward God, and toward men,” earnestly and perseveringly seek for the light and truth from the word of God, educate and regulate conscience by the Bible, and not the Bible by conscience. Be sure that it is kept good, and pure, and then act in accordance with your sober and honest convictions of duty. Otherwise the conscience that would lead one to do right to-day, may become defiled and seared and excuse him for doing wrong in the future. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 157.22
In further demonstrating this fact, we shall perhaps be allowed to insert here the Indian’s figure bearing on this point. He said that conscience might be represented by a three-cornered instrument in the breast, having sharp points, and capable of a revolution. The first time one does wrong a revolution is produced, which scrapes and hurts severely; and so on, the revolution continuing with each succeeding wrong. But said he, some men’s conscience has turned over so many times that the corners are rounded and smooth, so that he is not hurt though it revolve again and again. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 157.23
Is not this actually a solemn fact with some at the present time? Has not conscience often urged them forward to duties which they have continued to neglect, till they suppose it is a good conscience that justifies them in their disobedience? “EXAMINE YOURSELVES.” ARSH April 7, 1859, page 157.24
A. S. HUTCHINS.
WILL YOU BE A PILGRIM?
WILL you come in with the pilgrims, though a remnant they may be,
And know the blessed privilege of gospel liberty?
Will you take the name of Christ, and be redeemed by sovereign grace.
And find in him from every storm a sure, safe hiding-place?
ARSH April 7, 1859, page 158.1
Will you part with earth’s delusive joys, with all its vain delights,
And “bear the consecrated cross,” to have the christian’s rights?
They have a right to call on God; and he’s vouchsafed his aid.
The ancients said, We’ll trust in thee, nor ever be dismayed.
ARSH April 7, 1859, page 158.2
They said ‘tis nothing Lord, with thee, with many or with few,
To put a mighty host to flight, and all our foes subdue.
Will you go against the multitude, in his own strength and name?
He fought their battles and he’s still unchangeably the same.
ARSH April 7, 1859, page 158.3
Their hope’s an anchor to the soul, both sure and steadfast too.
And buoys their spirits up in all the conflicts they go through.
Will you have this hope to cheer you, to an unfading crown -
A crown that far outshines this world, with all its grand renown?
ARSH April 7, 1859, page 158.4
They’ve no abiding city here, but look for one to come,
A glorious city all illumed to be their final home.
O will you suffer sorrow here, and have a home in heaven,
A kingdom that will shortly be, to all the faithful given?
MRS. R. SMITH.
West Wilton, N. H.
ARSH April 7, 1859, page 158.5
Our Mother
MOST of the professing christians of our day have much to say about our Father, while our Mother is not known among them, or if known, is not appreciated as a mother ought to be. But who is our Mother? some will ask. Let us examine the Scriptures and learn. It is admitted by all that Christ is the Father of his people. Those who will be saved are counted as the seed, or children of Christ. “A seed shall serve him, it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation.” Psalm 22:30. “His seed also will I make to endure forever, and his throne as the days of heaven.” Psalm 89:29. Here the righteous, or those who will be saved, are meant, for they are to endure forever. Who does not see the propriety of calling the faithful his seed, or his children? Seeing then that we are counted as the children of our Lord Jesus Christ, if the simile is a good one we must have a mother also. And if we are legitimate children, our mother will be the wife of our Lord. But who is the wife of our Lord? See Revelation 21:9, for an answer. “Come hither, I will show thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife. And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me that great city, the New Jerusalem.” This is sufficient here to show who the wife is. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 158.6
Let us now see if we are the children of the New Jerusalem. Paul, speaking of the Jerusalem that now is, says that she is in bondage with her children. “But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all,” and then he quotes Isaiah 54:1, to prove it. By reading the remainder of the chapter, we find that the New Jerusalem is the subject of the prophecy. Compare verse 5 with Revelation 21:9; also verses 11, 12 with Revelation 21:18, 19. The gathering of the nations is also mentioned. Compare verse 15 with Revelation 20:7-9. “This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord.” Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were the acknowledged servants of the Lord. This then is their heritage. But they looked for a city whose maker and builder is God, and he hath prepared for them a city. See Hebrews 11. We learn also [Isaiah 54:5] that the maker and builder of the city is also her husband. This city is also called Zion. Hebrews 12:22; Isaiah 60:14. “And they shall call thee, The city of the Lord, the Zion of the Holy One of Israel.” ARSH April 7, 1859, page 158.7
Having now found that we are, or shall be, the children of both our Lord Jesus Christ and the New Jerusalem, let us inquire if we are yet born unto her: if we are now being “dandled upon her knees,” or are now being comforted “as one whom his mother comforteth.” It is well known that the marriage of the Lamb is to immediately precede the second advent of Jesus, and immediately after the advent, the saints eat the marriage supper. Now Christ is ministering before the ark, consequently the marriage is not yet consummated. If Zion’s children are born before the marriage takes place, they will be illegitimate, consequently it is plain that they will not be born until afterwards. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 158.8
It is evident from reading Isaiah 66, that Zion’s children will not be born until after the voice of the Lord is heard roaring from on high, [compare verse 6 with Joel 3:16; Amos 1:2; Jeremiah 25:30; Isaiah 42:13] which evidently does not take place till the day of recompense to his enemies, which will be at his second coming, when Zion’s children will be manifested, for the earth will cast out the people of God now hid away in her pits and vaults. Then will “a nation be born at once,” for the earth shall cast out her dead, and the dead in Christ shall rise first, wakened by the sound of the trumpet, or the voice of God roaring out of Zion. Then, and not till then shall we be “dandled upon her knees,” and nourished by the tree of life in the midst of Zion. Then the new birth is the resurrection or the change to immortality. As Christ is the first born from the dead, we shall expect to see in him one who has been born again, as a specimen of Zion’s children, and of what we shall be. We see him like the wind, appearing suddenly, and disappearing in an instant; so will all be who are born from above; and we, not being in that state yet, it follows that we have not been born again. Though not born, yet we may have been begotten by our Lord Jesus Christ, through the gospel; not by hearing the word preached, but by believing and obeying, manifesting our faith in Christ by our actions. The first action which shows our faith in a risen Saviour, is baptism; then having put off the old man with his deeds, and put on the new man, we have a prospect of rising in the first resurrection. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 158.9
To those who are ready to cry out because we believe that a man is not regenerated till the resurrection, we will say that we would not undervalue the importance of conversion, or the necessity of putting off the old man, but let us not denominate this change of feelings the new birth. It is a popular doctrine, and one well calculated to lull the world to sleep, that the Jews will be gathered into the land of Palestine before the Saviour comes. With such, Israel and the Jews are one and the same. Let us see how long they are to be given up to be despised and cast off. “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me, that is to be Ruler in Israel: whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. Therefore will he give them up, until the time that she which travaileth hath brought forth; then the remnant of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel.” Micah 5:2, 3. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 158.10
We learn from Isaiah 66, that Zion is “she which travaileth,” consequently they will be given up until the resurrection, when they will be redeemed from the hand of him that was stronger than he, by being redeemed from the grave, where they are kept until Zion brings forth her children, when the remnant shall join the resurrected dead, and together go to Zion. May your name, kind reader, be among those dear children who will rejoice in the lap of our mother, Zion. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 158.11
E. B. SAUNDERS.
Letters
“Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another.”
From Sister Steward
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I have often been admonished and encouraged by reading your communications, and feeling willing to cast in my mite towards the support of this most interesting part of our interesting paper, I try, for the first time to write to you. I feel a union with the people of God. Do we not all belong to one family-our mother the New Jerusalem, our Father, God, our elder brother, Jesus? And what a perfect family we’ll all make at last, when we get home. I rejoice that God requires us to be perfect; that eventually our dear, blessed family shall bear no “spot or wrinkle, or any such thing.” Glorious thought. I feel that God’s requirements are all, not only just but reasonable and merciful, and I am glad that we may and can “yield ourselves servants to obey” him; that there is One so great and good to whom we may give ourselves, all our cares and enjoyments, our all, and feel that he will take care of us and that he knows just how to use us where we can do most for his blessed cause. Yes, thank the Lord that today I feel that I can submit my all to him and cling to him as a little child does to an earthly parent, while passing through dangers and darkness. But I long for more, even perfection. God help me to attain to it. My mind has been dwelling upon the promises of God. How vast they are. No wonder that Peter called them “exceeding great and precious promises” too, and Paul declared he counted all things out loss etc., that he might win Christ. And can not we, dear brethren and sisters, count all earthly possessions and enjoyments but loss, that we may secure Jesus and a home in his everlasting kingdom, with immortality and eternal life? What a promise! exceeding great and precious! How our minds run out and our hearts swell in trying to reach its extent. It is inconceivable; and then it is a life of happiness, a life of holiness and love-love running and returning from heart to heart. Not a discordant or unholy thought or feeling will be in all the countless multitudes of the redeemed. And can it be this state is attainable by poor fellow mortals, even ourselves? Oh it is of the wonderful condescension of God! And how can it be our hearts are not always overflowing with love and thankfulness to him who has done, is doing and has promised to do so much for us? Bless his holy name, he knows we are but dust, and so his mercy and love is with us day after day. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 158.12
We find the churches here, at Adario and Mackford, in a prospering condition. I think the Holy Spirit makes his abode with many dear brethren and sisters in these places. May they be kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation. I believe God has a people in this State; but my heart is pained while I remember many whom I have loved in the truth, now far away in the Age-to-come. Oh can not such see that a doctrine that bears such “fruit,” that leads to coldness and death, (spiritual,) cannot be accepted of God? Even admitted it were truth, in what does it concern you? can it lead you to a closer walk with God? does it cleanse from any sin? do you feel after dwelling upon it, better fitted to lead dying souls to Jesus? “Ye shall know them by their fruits.” Do remember “now is the accepted time: behold now is the day of salvation;” not after the change of dispensations and the Saviour has left the mediatorial seat. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 158.13
Brethren in Wisconsin, look at the effects of this doctrine in our own State. How many of all who believe it have not left practical godliness and consecration to God, for a dying, theoretical religion? Few indeed, as far as I can learn. Has not this fact a voice for you? Time has been when God accepted and blessed you-your sick were raised, (Do not now tempt God by attributing the works of his Spirit to any other cause.) I recall the happy seasons we have spent together. My heart turns to you as it did then, but it is to remember that devotion has given place, I fear to a fearful extent, to theory and coldness. Is it not so? Search your own hearts, be true to yourselves and to God. Oh it pains my very soul, when I contrast those days with the present. You certainly can yourselves see the change. And may we never again around your family altars and in your prayer-meetings witness what we have in by-gone days? Arise! “arise from the dead and Christ shall give you light.” Do you not see that in your present dark situation, you are not prepared in many instances to discern truth from error? Otherwise what did Paul mean when he said, “The things of the Spirit, are spiritually discerned.” And why then are you so sure you have the truth? Oh do, I entreat, make one more effort. Come to Jesus, humble yourselves, submit all into his hands just as you are, and go about doing his will, asking of him guidance, not only regarding your duty, but also his truth. He has promised wisdom to those who lack. Be persuaded to ask for his assistance, and go about getting perfected for the kingdom of God. Do have some care for yourselves and your own probation, which you admit will soon close, than for theorizing upon a probation for a race of beings no more precious than the sinners of our own land, whom you might now be instrumental in leading to a saving knowledge of Jesus. Do try to get into a position where you may use all the talents God has given you for the salvation of the many around us seeking fast, we may say, almost daily, beyond the reach of mercy. Get a religion that has a life, a present zeal and work in it; and then while you may never take of the “heathen” for followers of the Lamb, you may be sure of other stars in the crown of your rejoicing. If God has called you, it is into a vineyard, and he expects you to labor; otherwise, your places will be filled with others who will eventually take your crowns-so that the kingly and priestly office of the saints you will never fill after all. We can trust the future with our kind heavenly Father, and be assured, dear brethren, we shall with David be satisfied when we awake in his likeness. Then let us give our attention to present truth and present duty, and we shall find enough to occupy our entire hearts and time. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 158.14
Dear brethren and sisters, pray for us that our whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” ARSH April 7, 1859, page 159.1
MYRTA E. STEWARD.
Hancock, Wis., March 21st, 1859.
From Bro. Chaffee
BRO. SMITH: I have been attending meetings near Portage City, Wis., with Bro. Welcome and some others. There was good attendance and very good attention from the people, also a great interest for the salvation of souls. Much of the Spirit and power of God was manifest there, and many were made happy in a Saviour’s love. Our labor was to get souls converted to God, so that they would love him with all the heart, and then let them take the Bible and live according to the rules therein laid down, and not on doctrines, without the grace of God in the heart. I like to see christians that have enough religion in the heart to lead them to obey a truth when they see it. Paul says, I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 159.2
Now when we have once consecrated all to God, let us keep all upon the altar, and then we shall grow in grace; but remember, as soon as we take anything off the altar, we shall begin to grow cold in the service of God. Then pride will creep in and begin to manifest itself in our dress or appearance, and instead of reading the Bible, it will be the magazine, perhaps, or some novel, or painted story in the newspapers, and next will be mingling with the world, etc. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 159.3
Brethren and sisters, let us examine ourselves every day, and see if we are in the faith, and that we continue in the love of God, keeping ourselves unspotted from the world. It is a very sure sign when a brother or sister’s vacant seat is seen in the prayer-meeting, without a good cause, that there must be something wrong. Let us search our hearts and see if we have not let in something which has crowded out the love of God. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 159.4
There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit. Let us see that we have no condemnation resting upon us. O, the blood of Christ can cleanse from all sin, and the least stains that sin has made. O that no brother or sister would rest short of this free and present salvation. O that I for one might be an Israelite indeed in whom is no guile. I feel to praise God for his goodness towards unworthy me. I have encouragement to press my way on, for grace is sufficient for us. My trust is in God. Although I walk through the valley and shadow of death I will fear no evil, for his rod and his staff they comfort me. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 159.5
Yours in hope of eternal life.
I. S. CHAFFEE.
Ordino, Wis., March, 1859.
From Bro. Burdick
BRO. SMITH: It has been about three years since I first embraced the Third Angel’s Message and have tried to keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus. During this length of time I cannot say that I have lived as faithful to the cause of God as I should, being placed in a neighborhood where there was no one but myself that tried to keep the Sabbath, being deprived of the privilege of meeting with the people of God, and having my mind somewhat taken up with the things of this world, I began to grow discouraged, and lost a great deal of enjoyment, which was my privilege to possess. I remained in this position till last fall, when Bro. Fuller came into an adjoining neighborhood and held a series of meetings, and the word preached seemed to have its desired effect. I began to examine myself to see if I was fully prepared to meet the Lord. I soon found that I needed a deeper work of grace in my heart, and without it I should never be saved. I saw that I was a poor sinner in the sight of God and must be lost unless he would have mercy upon me. I began to pray and call upon the name of the Lord. I felt willing to do anything for the sake of Jesus. I felt willing to give up all, and consecrate everything that I had upon the altar. When I was willing to do this, I found that God was pleased, and felt my sins forgiven. I have been striving with all my heart from that time till the present to keep the Commandments of God and have the Faith of Jesus. In that neighborhood, since last fall and winter, ten or twelve have come out on the Lord’s side and have resolved with all their hearts to walk in his commandments. Many have been the refreshing seasons I have been permitted to enjoy with them. I feel greatly encouraged, and we are resolved to go on, believing that the Lord is soon coming to gather his children, and to deliver them from the power of Satan. I feel that the conflict is almost over. Soon the last battle will be fought; then we shall take the kingdom and enter upon an everlasting reward. Oh what a blessed prospect lies just before us. Brethren, be encouraged, let us put on the armor of God and fight like valiant soldiers in the army of the Lord, and the crown will soon be ours. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 159.6
Yours striving for the kingdom. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 159.7
HIRAM BURDICK.
Clymer, Pa.
Extracts from Letters
Bro. J. M. Foster writes from Allegan, Mich., March 27th, 1859: “The church here are striving to arise. We have had some conflicts with the enemy, and unruly members, but praise the Lord, he has sent deliverance in time to his chosen ones. Bro. Rhodes has been laboring with us. I feel that the strait testimony will separate the precious from the vile. I praise the Lord for the strait truths put forth by God’s messengers in these last days. My desire is to live by every word of the Lord, that I may be accounted worthy to be redeemed with God’s people when the Lord shall come attended with all the holy angels in the clouds of heaven.” ARSH April 7, 1859, page 159.8
Bro. & Sr. Mills write from Conway, Mich.: “We have lately been made to rejoice in seeing one of our neighbors turn from the first day of the week to keeping the Sabbath of the Lord. It is our earnest desire to so live that our neighbors may see by our daily walk and conversation, that we have been with Jesus and learned of him the way. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 159.9
“We think if some one of the messengers would come here and give a few lectures on present truth some would embrace it.” ARSH April 7, 1859, page 159.10
Bro. S. A. McPherson writes from Berlin, Mich.: “BRO. SMITH: For the first time I now attempt to say a few words in favor of the Review, although I cannot express the satisfaction and comfort I have taken in reading it and comparing it with the word of truth. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 159.11
“It has been but about one year since I embraced present truth, and I praise the Lord that I was ever led to see my lost condition, without hope in the world. By searching the word I soon found that I must keep all the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus if I would have a right to the tree of life. And now my prayer is that I may walk in the light while we have it, lest I be left in darkness. While I read the letters from the brethren and sisters, I obtain strength and new courage to press my way on, trusting in Jesus, who is able to deliver the godly out of temptation. My determination is to apply more faithfully the eye-salve, adding to faith, virtue; to virtue, knowledge, and by his grace assisting, to stand with the children of God amidst their trials and conflicts here, that I may stand with them on mount Zion.” ARSH April 7, 1859, page 159.12
Sister M. A. Burnett writes from Ashfield, Mass.: “Let us remember what is going on in the most holy place in the heavenly Sanctuary-the judgment of the living saints. O solemn thought! Is it not enough to bestir us to action. Soon every case will be decided, and he that is holy will be holy still, and he that is filthy will be filthy still. Shall we not now have untiring zeal in the cause, and be zealous and repent of our lukewarmness, and confess and forsake all our sins?” ARSH April 7, 1859, page 159.13
Bro. Saml. H. Ives writes from Big Stream, N. Y.: “As for myself, while striving to get ready for the appearing of the Lord Jesus, God has poured out some of the latter rain upon me. Thank his holy name! At first the message seemed to be confined to my own house; but, glory to God, its warning voice is now heard, and many listen with interest. I am permitted to meet with a few to reason out of the Scriptures. I have been informed that measures are being taken to obtain the M. E. Church for meetings. Pray for me that I may be sustained. I feel the necessity of heeding the counsel of the true Witness. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 159.14
“O brethren, cry aloud and spare not. I feel that we have great and glorious encouragement in that we are permitted to bear the persecutions of the saints, for they that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. This is strong consolation. O, we may lift up our heads and begin to rejoice, knowing that our redemption draweth nigh. I have the privilege of adding that two more have embraced the truth, and are trying to keep all the commandments.” ARSH April 7, 1859, page 159.15
The Test
“CAN two walk together, except they be agreed?” Amos 3:3. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 159.16
Reader, I suppose thee a religious person, one that has been converted by the power of grace; one that is desirous to glorify God in life and conversation; one that has an interest in Jesus, and wants to have it made more manifest to thine own self every day; one that considers this life as a passage to a better, and would be glad of a spiritual companion to go along with thee, for “two are better than one.” Give not the right hand of fellowship to any before thou hast tried him; for two cannot walk comfortably together, except they be agreed: bring him to the Law of God-the Eternal, Moral Law of God, contained in the Ten Commandments-and ask him, does he look upon that law of God as the rule of his life? If he denies it, avoid him. If he says he is not under the commanding power of it, turn away from him. But if he says that he sincerely takes it as God’s revealed will to him, owning the authority thereof over his conscience and conversation, “Thus saith the Lord,” breathing after universal obedience, repenting and mourning where he falls short, and fleeing by faith to Christ for all peace and pardon, take such a one for a friend and companion.-C. H. V. Bogatzky, Halle, 1746. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 159.17
The Soul’s Rest
HEAVEN is the very element, and Christ is the center of every gracious soul; heaven only is the breathing place, and Christ only is the resting place; there is the place of its respiration, and here is the seat of its repose: it cannot live out of that element, and it cannot rest out of this center. It is always struggling till it gets to heaven; always roving till it comes to Christ. Return unto thy rest, O my soul, said David; Lord, let me draw no breath, out of that which I fetch from heaven; and never let me rest till I rest in thee.-Sel. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 159.18
THE REVIEW AND HERALD
BATTLE CREEK, MICH., APRIL 7, 1859.
WE must make thorough work for the kingdom of God. We must have a preparation in which there is not a single lack. We must have on an armor with no piece missing. We must have a passport, that will carry us inside the holy walls of the city above, and give us a right to the tree of life. We are like Lot fleeing from Sodom. Shall we tarry in all the plain? At our peril we do it. What should we have thought of Noah, if he had settled down outside the ark, saying, in his heart at least, I will wait and see whether or not it begins to rain before I go into the ark: I will have all my plans and arrangements going on as usual, so that if the flood does not come, they will not be interrupted. But Noah could not take such a position. He must leave all and go into the ark, before ever there was a sign of rain. We are not called upon to exercise so great faith as Noah’s; for we have abundant signs of the coming flood of Jehovah’s wrath; abundant signs that the last sands of time are falling; and that the Life-giver will soon appear. Let us then remember this fact, during our weekly toil, as well as in the house of worship, through the week as well as on the Sabbath, when we rise up as when we sit down, when we go out as when we come in-that we are doing up work for eternity, and it must be prompt and thorough. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 160.1
The French Mission
BRO. SMITH: For three weeks past it has been my happy lot to labor with our dear brother Lawrence; and it may be proper for me to write you further about our mission. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 160.2
The 9th inst. we gave a discourse to the French Methodists in Dickinson; and at the close of our meeting they unanimously invited us to give them another lecture the next Sunday. We gladly accepted their invitation, and according to their request, we met with them the 13th inst., and spoke with good freedom on the subject of truth. Our congregation was quite large and attentive, and manifested a good spirit. Here we came in contact with Eld. La Clair, who exerted his influence against us, and with whom we had the following conversation: ARSH April 7, 1859, page 160.3
Eld. L. I believe you are sincere; but you have not the truth, and the subjects you treat have a tendency to divide the church. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 160.4
Ans. Is it only error that divides the professed people of God? Is it not a fact that truth divides or sifts the church, and draws a line between whole-hearted christians and those who only have a form of godliness? If so, we certainly should not be hasty in condemning those who differ from us; we should ever ask ourselves the question, Have they got the truth? ARSH April 7, 1859, page 160.5
Eld. L. We are united, and the Lord blesses us. You believe the Lord’s coming is right upon us; you should therefore preach to the wicked, and not to us. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 160.6
Ans. We do not doubt but what the Lord has blessed you, and blesses, you still; but should this prevent us from preaching you the truth? I appeal to your reason. I appeal to John Wesley, who was a man of God, and whom you consider as the founder of Methodism. What course did he take when the Lord gave him light on the doctrine of sanctification, which was so well calculated to awaken and stir up the lukewarm church with which he was associated? Was he silent? No. Did he preach this truth only to the wicked? No. He preached it to those who could be benefitted by it: he preached it to his brethren. Now don’t condemn us for imitating Mr. Wesley. Be consistent when we present to our brethren the stirring truths of these last days. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 160.7
We have no need to say that this interview was more agreeable to us than the one we had with Eld. L. among the French in Constable. We saw that Eld. L. was sincere, but laboring under wrong impressions in regard to those who are preparing for the coming of Christ; and we left Dickinson with the ardent desire that Eld. L. and all the honest whom he is called to teach, might understand that we are not false prophets, but lovers of truth. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 160.8
Sabbath the 19th, we met with the little company of Sabbath-keepers in Constable, and were encouraged in seeing them disposed to persevere in the way of life. They begin to realize that it is through many afflictions that they must enter into the kingdom of heaven. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 160.9
A certain Frenchman who embraced the truth in Constable about a fortnight ago, and who had been accustomed to use tobacco for years, on seeing the straitness of the way, resolved to give up using the filthy weed. We remarked that he needed courage to carry out his resolution. He replied. “A man can overcome this habit; and the Lord is willing to help those who are striving to deny themselves.” And he added. “When I was a Catholic, I used to be in the habit of profaning God’s holy name: but as soon as I saw the light, I decided to no more take the name of the Lord in vain; and before I was aware of it, I found myself freed from the temptation of swearing. Now the Lord can enable me to leave off using tobacco.” He was consistent. He laid aside his pipe and tobacco, and the last time we saw him, he said that he was no more tempted to use the filthy weed, than he was to profane the name of the Lord. Thus we see that where there is a will there is a way; and those who truly desire to glorify God with their bodies and spirits which are his, can overcome all their evil inclinations, and the works and lusts of the flesh. We learned that most of the French Protestants of Constable were much agitated on the subject of the Sabbath, and were surprised to see that no scripture testimony could be produced in favor of Sunday-keeping. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 160.10
The 20th we gave three lectures in English in the town house of Constable to quite a number of candid hearers, and sold a few English tracts. It had been noised abroad among the Americans that we were abusing and deceiving the poor Canadians; and we thought that God would be glorified if we should deliver a few discourses to our American friends. We gave in all six lectures on present truth in the town-house, and providentially met with honest individuals whom we had known in Vermont, and who gladly received us, requesting us to teach them the truth. We also held meetings in Bangor and Westville, where we found some who had ears to hear, and seemed to relish the truth. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 160.11
The more we labor in this good cause, the more we are convinced that the message will soon go with a loud cry; and while we come in contact with such as are willing to receive the truth and live it out, we tremble for ourselves, and for those who are not disposed to arise with the message, but act as though they could be saved without working for the salvation of others. Brethren, let us bestir ourselves, and see that no man take our crown. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 160.12
D. T. BOURDEAU.
Movers, N. Y., March, 1859.
A New Feature
WE have some of the small charts pasted on cloth, mounted on rollers and varnished, in very good style-just the thing for family use and fire-side lecturing. We will send them by mail post-paid for $1,00. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 160.13
BLANK BOOKS-Prepared expressly for those churches who engage in the proposed plan of Systematic Benevolence. Price (post-paid) 15 cents. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 160.14
APPOINTMENTS
PROVIDENCE permitting Bro. and Sr. White will meet with the churches as follows: ARSH April 7, 1859, page 160.15
Convis. April 9th and 10th.
Ceresco,” 16th and 17th.
Hillsdale,” 23rd and 24th.
Monterey, May 7th and 8th.
NOTE. I design to preach at each place, on Sabbaths at 10 1/2 A. M., and First-days at 2 P. M. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 160.16
JAMES WHITE.
Business Department
Business Notes
A. J. Richmond: Nine cts. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 160.17
The P. O. address of E. D. Cook is Kirkville, Onon. Co., N. Y.
Letters
Under this head will be found a full list of those from whom letters are received from week to week. If any do not find their letters thus acknowledged, they may know they have not come to hand. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 160.18
N. N. Lunt, S. A. McPherson, A. Worster, I. S. Chaffee, L. Pettis, A. J. Richmond, E. M. L. Corey, J. M. Porter, E. A. Kathan, J. Butler, Geo. Busk. Eld. S. Davison, J. Fisher, G. W. Edwards, J. H. W., J. L. Locke, F. J. Butler, E. D. Cook, D. Seely, G. Lowree, B. F. Curtis, R. Sawyer, J. L. Hakes, A. B. Hanner, A. W. Appleby, T. Ramsey, D. T. Bourdeau, E. Day, M. S. Avery, A. H. Lewis, N. P. Stearns, C. O. Taylor, S. N. Smith, A. Byington, J. Clarke. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 160.19
Receipts
Annexed to each receipt in the following list, is the Volume and Number of the ‘Review and 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. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 160.20
FOR REVIEW AND HERALD
A. A. Dodge 1,00 xiii,1. J. M. Foster 1,00,xiii.18. M. C. Trembly 1,00,xv,1. J. Butler 1,00,xiii,24. I. S. Chaffee 1,00,xiv,5. J. B. Merritt 2,00,xiv,20. Wm. S. Higley 2,00,xiv,15. Jno. Wolf 1,00,xiv,7. Amanda Davis 1,00,xiv,1. J. L. Locke 1,00,xv,1. S. N. Smith 2,00,xv,14. Geo. H. Wells 1,00,xiv,9. H. Rowe 0,50,xv,1. A. H. Lewis (for N. Gilbert) 0,59,xiv,20. A. H. Lewis 1,00,xiii,14. T. Ramsey 1,00,xiv,1. O. Oliver 2,00,xiv,13. Mrs. A. Thurber 3,00,xvi,1. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 160.21
Books for Sale at this Office
HYMNS for those who keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus. This Book contains 352 Pages, 430 Hymns and 76 pieces of Music. Price, 60 cents.-In Morocco 65 cents. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 160.22
Supplement to the Advent and Sabbath Hymn Book, 100 Pages-Price 25 cents. In Muslin 35 cents. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 160.23
Spiritual Gifts, or The Great Controversy between Christ and his angels, and Satan and his angels, containing 224 pages, neatly bound in Morocco or Muslin-Price 50 cents. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 160.24
Bible Tracts Bound in Two Volumes. These Volumes are of about 400 pages each, and embrace nearly all of our published Tracts. We are happy to offer to our friends the main grounds of our faith in a style so acceptable.-Price 50 cents each. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 160.25
Sabbath Tracts, Nos. 1,2,3 & 4. This work presents a condensed view of the entire Sabbath question.-184 pages. Price 15 cents. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 160.26
The Three Angels of Revelation 14:6-12, particularly the Third Angel’s Message, and the Two-horned Beast. This work maintains the fulfillment of Prophecy in the past Advent movement, and is of great importance in these times of apostasy and peril.-148 pages.-Price 15 cents. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 160.27
The Atonement. 196 pp. 15 cents. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 160.28
Man not Immortal: the only Shield against the Seductions of Modern Spiritualism. 148 pp, 15 cents. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 160.29
An Examination of the Scripture Testimony concerning Man’s present condition, and his future Reward or Punishment. In this work we consider all objections to the mortality of man and the death of the wicked fairly and fully met. Price 15 cents. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 160.30
The Bible Class. This work contains 52 Lessons on the Law of God and the Faith of Jesus, with questions. It is peculiarly adapted to the wants of those of every age who are unacquainted with our views of these subjects, especially the young. Bound, 25 cents. Paper covers, 15 cents. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 160.31
The Nature and Tendency of Modern Spiritualism-an able exposure of that heresy. 84 pp. 10 cents. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 160.32
The Two-horned Beast of Revelation 13, a Symbol of the United States. Price 10 cents. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 160.33
The Sanctuary and 2300 days by J. N. A. Price 10 cents. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 160.34
The Law of God. In this excellent work the testimony of both Testaments relative to the law of God-its knowledge from Creation, its nature and perpetuity-is presented. Price 10 cents. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 160.35
The Bible Sabbath, or a careful selection from the publications of the American Sabbath Tract Society, including their History of the Sabbath. Price 10 cents. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 160.36
Sabbath and Advent Miscellany. This work is composed of seven small tracts on the Sabbath, Second Advent, etc, and presents a choice variety for those who commence to seek for Bible truth. Price 10 cents. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 160.37
Facts for the Times. Extracts from the writings of eminent authors, ancient and modern. Price 10 cents. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 160.38
The Signs of the Times, 10 cents. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 160.39
The Seven Trumpets-10 cents. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 160.40
The Nature and Obligationof the Sabbath of the Fourth Commandment, with remarks on the Great Apostasy and Perils of the Last Days. Price 5 cents. The same in German, 10 cents. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 160.41
Bible Student’s Assistant. This is the title of a work of 36 pp. Price 5 cts. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 160.42
A Refutation of the claims of Sunday-keeping to Divine Authority; also, the History of the Sabbath, Price, 5 cents. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 160.43
Why Don’t you Keep the Sabbath? Extracts from Catholic works. Price 5 cents. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 160.44
The Celestial Railroad. Price 5 cents. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 160.45
The Sabbath. Containing valuable articles on 2 Corinthians 3, Colossians 2:14-17. Who is our Lawgiver? The two tills of Matthew 5:18, Consistency, etc. Price 5 cents. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 160.46
Perpetuity of the Royal Law.-Price 5 cents. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 160.47
Last Work of the True Church.-Price 5 cents. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 160.48
Review of Crozier. This work is a faithful review of the No-Sabbath doctrine as set forth in the Advent Harbinger by O. R. L. Crozier. It should be placed in the hands of those who are exposed to that heresy-Price 5 cents. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 160.49
The 2300 Days and Sanctuary by “U. S.” Price 5 cents. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 160.50
Brief exposition of Matthew 24. Price 5 cents. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 160.51
Review of a Series of Discourses, delivered by N. Fillio in Battle Creek, Mich., March 31st, to April 4th, 1857, on the Sabbath question. By J. H. Waggoner. Price 5 cents. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 160.52
Brown’s Experience-5 cents. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 160.53
The Truth Found-A short argument for the Sabbath. Price 5 cents. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 160.54
Who Changed the Sabbath?-$1,00 per 100. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 160.55
Wesley on the Law-50 cents per 100. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 160.56
Home Here and Home in Heaven, with other poems. This work embraces all those sweet and Scriptural poems written by Annie R. Smith, from the time she embraced the third message till she fell asleep in Jesus.-Price 25 cents In paper covers, 20 cents. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 160.57
Time and Prophecy. This work is a poetic comparison of the events of time with the sure word of Prophecy.-Price 20 cents. In paper covers, 15 cents. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 160.58
Word for the Sabbath.-Price 5cts. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 160.59
The Chart.-A Pictorial Illustration of the Visions of Daniel and John 20 by 25 inches-Price 25 cts. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 160.60
The above named publications will be sent by Mail post-paid, at their respective prices. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 160.61
When not sent by mail, liberal discount on packages not less than $5 worth. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 160.62
All orders to insure attention, must be accompanied with the cash except they be from Agents or traveling preachers. ARSH April 7, 1859, page 160.63
Address URIAH SMITH, Battle Creek, Mich.