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42 SCHOOL L\W
issue his warrant, under hia hand, reciting the substance
of the complaint and commanding the officer to whom it
is directed, forthwith to apprehend the person bo com-
plained of, and bring him before such justice.
Sec. L52. Upon such person being brought before
SUCh justice, it shall be the duty Of the justice to examine
fehe complaint and the witnesses which either party may
produce; and. if it shall appear to the satisfaction of the
justice that the person complained of is probably guilty,
he shall require such person to enter into recognizance,
in such sum, not exceeding two thousand dollars, with
two m- more sufficient securities as such .justice may di-
rect, to appear at the next term of the district court, and
in default of Mich recognizance, the justice shall commit
such person to jail to await the action of said disrict court.
Sec. 153. It shall he the duty of each court, having
criminal jurisdiction, to give this act in charge especially
to the grand jury, at each term.
Sec. 154. It shall he the duty of the County Superin-
tendent of Public Instruction, the district directors, clerks
and treasurers, and all sheriffe and constables, to take no-
tice of all trespasses committed on school lands in their
respective counties, and immediately file a complaint
against any person violating this act, before the proper
authorities.
Sec 155. It shall be the duty of the county attorneys
in their respective counties, to prosecute all persons
charged with the violation of this act.
Sec 156. All damages, fines and forfeitures, collected
under the provisions of this act, shall be paid into the
county treasury, for the use and benefit of the common
school fund.
KANSAS EDUCATIONAL JOUBKAL.
Kan8MEduca- Sec. 157. The State Superintendent of Public Instruc-
be"e!itJtoeachto tion is herebv authorized to send to each district clerk, in
district clerk. " , ni pi iit
every county of the State, for the use of the school dis-
trict, one volume of the "Kansas Educational Journal:"
proviso. Prorated, That at least two pages each month shall be
devoted to the duties of school district officers ; and the
w
*
&OSPIL ¥111
A MONTHLY PUBLICATION,
EDITED BY
HENRY KURTZ AND JAMES QUINTER.
VOL. XXIII. JANUARY, 1873. NO. 1. I
TERMS: One Dollar and twenty five cents
per year in advance.
DAYTON, OHIO:
H. J. KURTZ, PRINTER <fc PUBLISHER.
/ ^d \ \TrP \? M r V<2 <''• l»tt«"L Horner.
V^Ull ± EjIM lO, ten, A Rinehart, Henry Butter-
baugh, Henry Knouff; Thos D Lyon, \V„,
nDolical \ Kli i) i;
daemi i, David Kingen Geo W Smith,
Christ the I H Hines. Tilghman Coy, Walton M
!, M '•; ■He1rJ ■•',,nt,:-,,»vi;,('
HardmMn, Henry Hipj»el. \\ m H Lioht}',
rime it Fleeting it ,,, ...._,, ,. NN ,,, y u H Biough, Jpbn Ma-
Inquiry Answered 19 borney, M I well, Josiah Shultz,
rrible 8urj Sheller, Albert Vaniman, L I) \\
That I Hi.nryEllaberger,WmCMniei
her btoncr, ( Mvers, \\ Nen, \N m Mc-
Bndle on the Tongue Pike. John R Bitter, Jacob
Martyrdom of Peter 26 Crumpackcr, Elias ('ripe. Win C Miller,
Ob rist our All-in- All ell, Samuel Sheller, A Binehart,
.„, . B Landis, P H Kurtz. Aaron 11 Bal-
/"""/-v C,rrl,: tin Hartzler, W J Stout, Fran,.
unity in Pamilj nenl lohn Ridenour, Joel Ofaroart. G
>n in the Hom< r, J D Haughtelin, Henrv i
bristian manuel Newcomer. John II (Jlrich. G \V
Nl IM - Samuel Deal. Harriet
— T i ' . n m
Lowder, .J B Tauzer,
n Kate Brenizer, F W Kohler, John
SN h:it lh"n ;!1 Burner, 1) (i Vm-ner. Jacob Shook
To My Mother — Beerv, Susanna Hess. Luella M Workman,
The Little ( — •' K Byerly. Margaret A Tinsler, .J B Ro-
Solomon Henrichs, .John Smith,
ob Sprankle, Levi Kittinger, A A Guth-
m , m rie, RebeccM LShively, Mary Kieer Samuel
Rynian, Alfred Sheelev, Eli Stoner, Jacob
Letters Received. x,"t- H,'',,j 1"^;''.!vrin 'T1,0^I)r:'lt1,;n- Jo!m
, ,, , , „ MoblerrJa8 S Miller, Geo ^ Kollar, Solo-
™ W™ ( ^D^e.nse1' '' '* monCogan.Jos Rittenhouse, Jacob Snoop,
Alfred Baltimore, < H(.nrv Hubel M s MohIer D M lrwiJ
[Urk- ,):lV'1 h\ » bright, James Shively, John H Neher,
Young, John P Miller. .John Bruner, Dan- Mills Cah
iel H Heiney, Barbara Paul, C 11 Young. n • „ T , „ „ _
Nathaniel Wilson, WSGillin, Jacob Barn' . *£«! '] " Byrne John E Bowman Dan-
hart, John Arnold, A Rinehart, Mrs Mar- £ Wo,& Jr- A£" Bear??' ^ H Cafsel«' S
Odell, .! A Webster, Daniel Pefley, !S7,i?»<7if ! '^mPS Emanuel
rter, Allen Bover, G P Replogfe * ^ ,HI}" Engle, Darnel Keller Upton
ler, I H B Long, .1 D Mo8ea y\]]}"r- ^"n™ Sidle, John W Pro-
Solomon Garber, Clara J Thomas,
i A c Witmer, David B Hoff, Joi »pliia Cassel berry, Mathias
Rittenhause, Noah Dupler, Noah Long " G Hendm Abr Naff, Har-
A Whitmer, Harriet V S b^uder' Ur Amanda Lea-
J L Franta, Wra Sad- * *"}?&% Gf r?e B ,IS)1*
... w JK. Ii^ut/.-MlCassel, Daniel Ba-
Mullen, L F Brown, S **« » L ',''", ','" E Good' John D
90 Me - ' J°3,? Snowberger,
Hahn, I;M:u'Iln,)'\;,:i1!l;"^ He.ckiSf' Jr? Yam:
i. Daw. Vt ,r"; MohIer David Fike, Dr Jacob
A ,, v ., Beeghly, R Baker, Jno 1) Baer.
Stifler, 8 m »m
iimn Workmon, •( X R i in ir, .1 ic »b B
Miller, Mill rt, Mary Plain
than Spitler, .1 S , i 8 H irria, Ii
Stauffer, D R Savler, John H (i-l.r .11 R
II < 'riM'i-'ick-
I M Her, M V Thomas, R W I
I'l IliMHIIIft * \on^
WITH MONKY.
From (i R Baker, Eli Horner, John Par-
Indrew Hufferd, .1 .1 Howard,
Win Beshoar, H Eminert, Th«* D Lyon,
John (rat-.-], .Joel Ob mart, Mary Richard,
J >hn II A ae Miller, B W Bran-
^v N very busy for some weeks
making our arrangements for the newyear.
iporary disability lor about a week
and tli cold weather have interfer-
ed a little with our work, and we are behind
time with tips month's num
Our prospects for the new year thus far
■re fair — rather better than we had reason
t" L-\|»e<,t.
THE
GOSPEL VISITOR:
A MONTHLY PUBLICATION,
DEVOTED TO THE
EXHIBITION AND DEFENCE
OF
GOSPEL PEINCIPLES AND GOSPEL PRACTICE,]
IN THEIR
PRIMITIVE PURITY AND SIMPLICITY,
IN ORDER TO PROMOTE
CHRISTIAN UNION, BROTHERLY LOVE,
AND
UNIVERSAL CHARITY.
"For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to
«very one that believeth, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." Rom. 1 : 16.
EDITED BY
HENRY KURTZ AND JAMES QUINTER.
VOLUME XXIIL 1873,
D-AYTOISr, OHIO:
HENRY J. KURTZ, PUBLISHER,
gospkl yisitoe.
Vol. XXIII.
JANUARY, 1873.
No. 1.
A SYMBOLICAL VIEW OF OUR
GLORIFIED REDEEMER.
In the midst of the seven candle-sticks one
tures in which the same terms are
used.
He was clothed with a garment
like unto the Son of Man, clothed with a garment \ down to the feet. Thi8 was a
down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a
golden girdle. His head and his hairs were
white like wool, as white as snow ; and bis eyes
were as a flame of fire; and his feet like unto
fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and
his voice as the sound of many waters. And
he had in his right hand seven stars . and out of
his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword : and
his countenance was as the sun ghineth in his
strength. And when I saw him, I fell at his
feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon
me, saying uuto me, Fear not; I am the first
and the last: I am he that liveth, and was
dead : and, behold, I am alive for evermore.
Amen : and have the keys of hell and of death.
Rev. 1 : 13-18.
In the gospels we have our
blessed Kedeemer presented to us in
bis humiliation, as a man of sor-
rows, and acquainted with grief,
disesteemed and despised, an offer
ing for sin, expiring on the cross
between two malefactors. In the
apocalyptic visions he is exhibited
to us in a glory, which the grandest
objects in nature are called upon to
symbolize. In the one, we see him
as a helpless babe borne in the flight
of his parents from the murderous
Herod. In the other, we see him
seated on a great white throne,
and from his face the earth and the
heavens flee away.
The above symbolic description
of our Lord is rich in meaning, and
the ideas designed to be conveyed
by the symbols used will be readily
perceived by comparing the terms
used, with the interpretations furn
ished by other passages of Scrip-
priestly and royal robe, expressive
of purity, righteousness and honor,
[n this same book it is written,
"Behold, I come as a thief; blessed
is he that watcheth, and keepeth
his garments, lest he walk naked,
and they see his shame." Ch. 16 :
15. The righteousness of Christ is
that which covers our sins. And
the Psalmist says, "Blessed is the
man whose sin is covered," Ps. 32 :
1. And if our sins are not covered
by the righteousness of Christ, they
will appear in all their enormity, to
our dishonor and confusion. It is
also said to one of the seven
churches, Thou hast a few names
even in Sardis which have not
defiled their garments; and they
shall walk with me in white; for
they are worthy. He that over-
cometh, the same shall bo clothed
in white raiment." Kev. 3 : 4, 5. —
The robe is properly a dress of state
or dignity, as of princes, judges,
priests, etc., and hence its ube as
applied to the clothing of Christ,
indicating his royal and priestly
character, and his triumph over sin
and all his own foes and those of his
people, and the sufficiency of his
atonement to make him "the Savior
of all men."
He was girt about the breasts with
a golden girdle. It is said that when
a person was girt about the loins, it
implied he was prepared for labor;
A SYMBOLICAL VIEW OF
but when he was girt about the
breast, it implied his work was done,
and that ho was enjoying a state of
repose. Those who look at the
golden girdle with which our Lord
in his glorified stale was girded, in
this light, make it represent the
state of rest upon which he entered
after ho had done the great work he
came into the world to do, namely,
that of making an end of sin, and of
bringing in an everlasting right-
eousness. But it may refer to the
girdle of the high-priest, which was
woven with gold, and which was
called, because of the variety of
materials which constituted it, and
the peculiar use or uses to which it
was applied, the curious girdle. Ex.
28 : 8. The breast-plate, an impor-
tant part of the high-priest's
apparel, was connected with this
girdle. And the golden girdle with
which our Eedeemer was girded in
his glorified state, most probably
represented the breast plate as well
as the girdle. The breast-plate of
the high-priest had upon it the
names of the twelve tribes of Israel,
and wearing this breast-plate upon
his breast, it implied that he had
the tribes of Israel, the people for
whose religious interests he
officiated at the altar, upon his
heart. The breast- plate was also
called the breast-plate of judgment,
as it contained the Urim and
Thummim, whereby the Lord
communicated his will unto the
Hebrews on particular occasions.
Associating then the breast-plate,
Urim and Thummim with the
golden girdle with which our
.Redeemer was girded, it may repre-
sent him as the High-priest of
believers, whom he ever bears upon
his heart, having loved them and
given himself for them.
His head and his hairs were white
like wool, as white as snow. In one
of the visions of Daniel we have a
similar description : " 1 beheld, till
the thrones were cast down and the
Ancient of days did sit, whose
garment was white as snow, and
the hair of his head like the pure
wool." Dan. 7 : 9. The imagery of
the Being in the vision of Daniel
being the same as that in the vision
of John, shows they both had refer-
ence to the same character, and
that was Christ. Solomon gives us
an idea concerning the hoary head,
which will enable us to understand
this imagery : " The hoary head is
a crown of glory it it be found in the
way of righteousuess." Pr. 16 : 31.
We have also the following precept
in the Levitical law : " Thou &halt
rise up before the hoary head, and
honor the face of the old man." —
Lev 19 : $2, The hoary head, then,
is associated with, and implies age;
and age when attained through a
righteous life,indicatesgreat wisdom
and experience. The symbolic mean-
ing, then, of the hoary head of our
glorious Redeemer, points to his
great age, knowledge and experi-
rience. "Before Abraham was, I
ara," said our Lord to the Jews,
John 8 : 58. In the prophesies of
Isaiah he is called " the everlasting
Father," or, as it is sometimes ren-
dered, " the Father of the everlast-
ing age." Isai. 9 : 6. Paul makes
the following reference to him
which indicates his wisdom : " In
whom are hid all the treasures of
wisdom and knowledge." Col. 2 . 3.
His rich experience is indicated in
the following passage of scripture :
OUR GLORIFIED REDEEMER.
"What he hath seen and heard, 'thou trample under feet." Ps* 91:13.
that he testified." John 3:32. — | When the seventy disciples returned
»' For we have not a high priest to Christ and informed him of their
which can not be touched with the | success, he answered, " Boh old, I
feeling of our infirmities; but was j give unto you power to tread on
in all points tempted like as we serpents and scorpions, and over all
are." Heb. 4 : 15. So that the the power of the enemy; and no-
hoary head of the glorified Redeemer
shows that he is worthy of the
honor and glory which are due to
age matured in righteousness.
thing shall by any means hurt you."
Luke 10:19. The apostle Paul Bays
to the believers at Rome, " The God
ot peace shall bruise (marginal read-
His eyes were as a flame of fire — ling tread) Satan under your feet
Here we have the attribute of
omniscience given to the Redeemer.
It is said u the eyes of the Lord are
in every place." Pr. 15 : 3. And
again, "the eyes of the Lord run to
and fro through the whole earth. "
2 Chron. 16 : 9. " He searches the
heart and trieth the reins of men."
Jer. 17 : 10. All attempts to hide
any thing from him will avail no-
thing. '• Yea, the darkness hideth
not from thee : but the night shineth
as the day: the darkness and the
light are both alike to thee." Ps.
139 : 12. From the perfect knowl-
edge our Lord hath of all things, he
is well qualified to be the judge of
men, and " he will judge the world
in righteousness." Acts 17:31.
His feet were like unto fine brass,
as if they burned in a furnace. This
symbol is one of strength, and de-
notes the power of Christ, by which
he will subdue his enemies, when
"he shall be revealed from heaven
with his mighty angels, in flaming
fire, taking vengeance on them that
know not God, and that obey not
the gospel of our Lord Jesus
Christ." 2 Thess. 1 : 7, 8. The
psalmist, when foretelling the victo-
ries of the Redeemer, says, " Thou
shalt tread upon the lion and adder:
the young lion and the dragon shalt
shortly." Rom. 16 : 20. With the
strength implied in this expressive
symbol, the Messiah will surely
make good the prophecy concerning
him, which says he shall reign unt'l
all his enemies are put under his
feet. 1 Cor. 15 : 25. " All power is
given unto him in heaven and in
earth," Matt 28 : 18, and well may
his feet be symbolized by fine brass
burned in a furnace. " Thanks be
to God which giveth us the victory
through our Lord Jesus Christ." —
1 Cor. 15 : 57.
His voice was as the sound of many
waters. In the tenth chapter of the
book of Daniel we have a descrip-
tion of a Being, which is similar in
many respects to the symbolical
representation of the Redeemer as
given by the Seer of Patmos, and
no doubt the same glorious charac-
ter is referred to by both prophets.
In Daniel the voice of Christ is
compared to the voice of a multi-
tude, while in the representation of
John, it is compared to the sound of
many waters. These symbols are
used to show the power and majesty
of the words of Christ. The waves
of the sea when they beat against
the rocky shore, produce a great
noise. And the thunder of Niagara
is felt and heard at a considerable
A SYMBOLICAL VIEW OF
distance from the rushing cataract
The voice of the Lord is said to do
great things. Thus the psalmist
says, " He uttered his voice, the
earth melted." Ps. 46 : 6. " The
voice of the Lord breaketh the
cedars; }^ea the Lord breaketh the
cedars of Lebanon/' Ps. 29:5. —
" The voice of the Lord shaketh the
wilderness; the Lord shaketh the
wilderness of Hadesh." Ps. 29 : 8
And the Savior himself, whose voice
in the symbol is compared to the
sound of many waters, says,
" Verily, verily, I say unto you,
the hour is coming, and now is,
when the dead shall hear the voice
of the Son of God : and they that
hear shall live." John 5 : 25. And
again, " Marvel not at this : for the
hour is coming in the which all
that are in the graves shall hear his
voice, and shall come forth ; they
that have done good unto the resur-
rection of life, and they that have
done evil unto the resurrection of
damnation/' Verses 28, 29. To the
power of this voice, compared to the
sound of many waters, is ascribed
the awakening of the sleeping dead
in the resurrection by the aposile
Paul : u For the Lord himself shall
descend from Heaven with a shout,
with the voice of archangel, and
with the trumpet of God : and the
dead in Christ shall rise first." —
2 Thess. 4: 16. "In a moment, in
the twinkling of an eye, at the last
trump; for the trumpet shall sound,
and the dead shall be raised incor-
ruptible, and we shall be changed/'
1 Cor. 15 : 52. The sheep of Jesus,
being familiar with the voice of
their Shepherd, will not be terrified
or alarmed when he comes with a
shout, with the voice of an arch-
angel, and with the trump of God,
and when his voice will bo heard as
the sound of many waters. It will
be to them a signal of a glorious
epoch in their redemptive experi-
ence. But to the wicked it will
be a signal of their consummated
wretchedness.
And he had in his right hand seven
stars. These stars are explained in
the close of the chapter to be the
ministers of the different churches.
The number seven probably implies
perfection, and is designed to show
that he holds the ministers of his
calling in his hand, to protect them,
and to guide them, and to accom-
plish his purposes and work with
them. They are called stars; their
mission is to enlighten and instruct
the world. But they are only stars.
and not suns, receiving their light
from the Sun of righteousness —
the Great Light of the moral
universe.
And out of his mouth went a shar/>
two-edged sword. This sword was
evidently the Word of God. The
sword is a frequent symbol of the
Word of God. Paul says — The Word
of God is quick and powerful, and
sharper than any two-edged sword,
piercing even to the dividing asun-
der of soul and spirit, and of the
joints and marrow, and is a discerner
of the thoughts and intents of the
heart. Heb. 4 : 12. It is two-edged
— it cuts every way, and lets no sin
escape. It kills and it makes alive.
It condemns the sinner because
he has sinned, but when he believes,
it justifies bim. The sword goes out
of the mouth of our Lord, indicating
1 that the Word of God comes from
!him clothed with the highest au-
thority. He received from his
OUR GLORIFIED REDEEMER.
Father a commandment what be I 1. Looking at all the elements of
should say and what he should do. character indicated by the various
John 12:49. symbols used to represent the Re-
And his countenance was as the \deemer to us, we can not but be
sun shineth in his strength. This deeply impressed with the grandeur
symbol completes the picture of our
glorified redeemer. And it is an
expressive symbol. When the sun
shines in his meridian splendor, the
light is too great for mortal eyes to
endure. John could not endure the
sight, and he fell at the feet of his
glorified Lord as dead. He was
overcome with the glory of the
Redeemer, though he had been so
familiar with him before. What a
brightness he must have displayed
to John, and what a glorious sight
it will be to see him when he shall
come in his own glory, and in his
Father's, and of the holy angels, —
And though John could not behold
the brightness of the Savior glori-
fied, when he and all his fellow
disciples shall have put on immor-
tality, then they can gaze upon the
Ancient ot days, and enjoy the
ecstatic vision.
Such is the picture or symbolic
view here given of our glorified
Lord. And it is a rich and glow
ing one — one sketched and colored
by the divine hand, and therefore
no exaggeration. And while it
gives us this glowing picture of the
Ancient of days, as he will appear
when he comes the second time
without sin unto salvation, it is not
merely to awaken a feeling of curi-
osity to behold the sight; it has
within it a practical lesson to be
studied and applied. And if it has
its designed effect, it must be so
used. We offer the two following
practical remarks upon this grand
view of our blessed Redeemer:
of his person, the vastness ot his
power, and the variety of the pfficial
relations in which he stands to the
world ; with the justice of his claims
founded upon his divine attributes,
for our homage, adoration and wor-
ship; and with the absence of any
thing like a just reason why the
guilty and helpless sinner should
not confidently rely on him tor
salvation, and the tempted and
tried saint for grace to help in time
of need, since with such attributes
as he possesses, he is surely " able
to save them to the uttermost that
come unto God by him, seeing that
he ever liveth to make intercession
for them." Heb. 7 : 27.
2. In the glorious appearance of
the Redeemer to the Seer of Patmos,
we have a help to our understanding
of the future condition of the glori-
fied saints. The picture of the Sa-
vior that we have been contempla-
ting, and that to which the symbols
give such grandeur and dignity, is a
representation of him as he will be
" when he shall come to be glorified
in his saints, and to be admired in
all them that believe/' 2 Thess 1:10.
But according to John, Christians
are to be like the Savior at his ap-
pearing, for he says, " Beloved, now
are we the sons of God, and it doth
not yet appear what we shall be :
but we know that, when he shall
appear, we shall be like him : for
we shall see him as he is." 1 John
3 : 2. Paul testifies the same, rela-
tive to the effect of our Lord's com
ing upon his saints. His language
8
CHRIST THE GREAT RESTORER.
is this: "For our conversation is
in heaven : from whence also we
look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus
Christ: who shall change our vile
body, that it may be fashioned like
unto his glorious body." Phil. 3 :
20, 21. His glorious body was the
body he possessed when John saw
him in the midst of the seven golden
candle-sticks. And we are to be like
him.
" We speak of the realms of the blest —
That country so bright and so fair;
And oft are its glories unexpressed;
But what must it be to be there?
0 Lord, amidst gladness or woe,
For heaven our spirits prepare;
And shortly we also shall know,
And feel what it is to be there."
♦ • m
For the Visitor.
CHRIST THE GREAT RESTORER.
"For the son of man is come to save that
which was lost," Matt. 18 : 11.
Our text declares the object of
Christ's mission to earth. It also
supposes that there is something
lost, and that there are those who
are the subjects of this loss.
First, Then we shall endeavor to
notice who are the subjects of this
loss; that the entire human family
are, is clear from God's word. From
that word, we learn that man is not
what he originally was. It is stated
that God made man upright but that
he sought out many inventions.
Eccle. 7: 29. From that word we
also learn that this declension is uni-
versal, see Rom. 3: 10 — 12. Psal.
14: 3. As Christ came to save that
which was lost, it follows that this
salvation must be as universal, (or the
means of this salvation) as was the
loss. From the sacred volume we
learn that such is the case. Peter,
on the day of pentecost, declared,
"Of a truth I perceive that God is
no respecter of persons: but in ev-
ery nation, he that feareth him, and
workoth righteousness, is accepted
with him," Acts 10 : 34, 35, see also
2 Chron. 19: 7, Rom. 2:11, Bph. 6:
9; 1 Peter 1: 17, Paul in Romans
11: 32, declares that God hath con-
cluded all in unbelief, that he might
have mercy on all.
In order that we may more fully
comprehend what the loss of human
family is, we will for a while con-
sider what they once possessed. If
we turn to Gen. 2: 8 — 14 we may
learn what kind of an abode God
prepared for man.
Moses informs us that, the Lord
planted a garden eastward in Eden.
Eden in the Hebrew language means
pleasure or delight. Eden then,
must have been a lovely place, pos-
sessing, no doubt, every natural fa-
cility, having a salubrious climate, a
rich soil, and plenty of pure spark-
ling water; having so many advan-
tages and no disadvantages, render-
ed it delightful indeed.
The great Jehovah, selects a spot
in this goodly land, and fits it up in
an exqusite manner. He plants the
trees, the vines, the shrubs. "Trees
that are pleasant to the sight, and
good forfood," and no doubt redolent
with fragrance. A river from Eden
enters this garden, where it seems to
fall into a small lake, from which is-
sue four streams that intersect the
garden, and flow from thence in
four directions. Imagination loves
to linger here, to gaze at those state-
ly trees, to view those graceful vines,
and those delicate plants; to listen
to the music of those rippling
brooks, and the warbling of those
CHRIST THE GREAT RESTORER.
9
aerial songsters. This spot, is in our
version called a garden. In the
Septuagint or Greek translation of
the Hebrew Scriptures, it is called
Paradise, which means a place en-
closed for pleasure or delight.
Paradise then, or the first home
of man was a delightful garden, or
enclosure, in a delightful country.
In the midst of this garden also, was
there the tree of life. Into this
hallowed place, the Almighty con
ducted Adam, and placed him over
the entire works of hands, with di-
rections to dress it, and to keep it.
How complete his bliss, created
indeed with large capacity for en-
joyment; while here is an abund-
ance to satisfy that capacity. He
was created for the enjoyment of
(rod, and as every thing around him
was designed to minister to his hap-
piness, so every thing contained a
symbol of God's presence; every
thing spoke his love. The gentle
Zephyr that fanned his brow, the
bubbling brooks, the waving
boughs, and all animate nature
brought to his soul, through the
mej^'im ot the senses a constant
sWeam of delight, while from him
flowed in return an uninterrupted
stream of gratitude to God. And
not only was the divine presence
visible in these created objects, but
God seems personally to have visi-
ted and conversed with Adam at
times.
After the fall, Moses tells us,
"They heard the voice ot the Lord
God walking in the garden in the
cool of the day." The margin
reads, in the wind of the day. From
the circumstance of Adam's at once
recognizing this voice, it would seem
that it was nothing unusual. These
visits, had no doubt, been seasons of
special delight to this favored pair.
But alas! they did not long enjoy
this felicity. That rebel angel, who
had been hurled from the battle-
ments of heaven, artfully contrived
to infuse into their breasts the seeds
of doubt, these quickly matured in-
to an act of actual disobedience. N<>
sooner was this act committed than
all the dire consequences followed
which had been threatened. Death,
now, became the portion of this
wretched pair. Not the immediate
separation of soul and body. But a
death which is far more terrible, the
separation of the soul from God.
No longer that peace and joy, that
delight in the divine fellowship.
Again, Adam recognizes the voice
of God in the wind of the day, but
oh what a change in his conduct
now ! Instead of going forth as had
been his wont to meet his kind Cre-
ator, when that voice falls upon his
ear now he shrinks back, and vain
ly tries to conceal himself. That
voice no longer sends a thrill of de-
light through his soul, but is of all
sounds the the most terrible. Every
thing in the garden wears its usual
aspeet, but Adam, where is he? He
comes not forth, as usual, to meet
his divine visitor. What can have
happened? Jehovahs, as if surpris-
ed and grieved at this strange con-
duct calls to him, "Adam, where art
thou" ?
Adam is now compelled to admit
his guilt, and must hear his sentence,
which is quickly followed by an ex-
pulsion from their beautiful home.
Mr. Faber thinks that the site ot
this fair spot is now covered by a
sheet of water. The ancient name
of which was Arsissa. It is now
10
CHRIST THE GREAT RESTORER.
called lakoVan. It is a saltlake with-
out outlet, situated in the eastern
part of Turkey.
Those four rivers, which are nam-
ed by Moses as having their source
in Paradise, seem to have flowed
through the same channels in his
time through which they flowed
at first, though their sources were
altered. We may well imagine that
some great convulsion of nature
took place at that time, causing that
portion of the earth occupied by the
garden to sink, while mountains
were thrown up where they did not
exist before.
It were impossible to depict the
horror and gloom of Adam and his
wife, as they were thus compelled
to witness, again and again, such
signal displays of the divine dis-
pleasure. Ah, me think it would
have been intolerable, but for that
fountain that was opened for them
ere they left the garden, a little rill
from which followed them affording
them some consolation. Add to all
this the increasing wickedness of
their posterity, which they must
also behold, and it would seem their
cup of bitterness was full It is not
recorded how long Eve lived, but
Adam's life was lengthened out to
930 years, perhaps hers was not
much short of this. During that
long period they had an ample op-
portunity of witnessing the effect of
sin upon the human race.
The prophet Ezyekiel, after hav-
ing been carried captive into the
land of the Chaldeans, was favored
with some sublime and wonderful
visions.
The apostle John, when upon the
lonely Isle of Patmos wasalso visit-
ed by the great Alpha and Omega,
who delivered unto him messages to
convey to the christian church.
Eyekiel, was carried in spirit from
the banks of the river Chebar to a
high mountain in the land of Israel,
the earthly Cannan, Ezek. 40 : 2,
irom which standpoint he beheld
the gospel landscape spread out be-
fore him. But the angel of vision
under which he beheld this glorious
scene, being very acute, or circum-
scribed on account of his remoteness
from the object, the image ot that
object was but imperfectly figured
upon the retina of his spiritual eye.
He also being a Jew and sent to un-
fold the future to the house of Is-
rael, the language employed by him
to convey this instruction, abounds
in figures and images. They were
only permitted to behold the beau-
ties of the kingdom of grace
through the types and shadows of
the Jewish polity.
In chapters 40 — 47 we have an
account of the prophets vision, by
reading them carefully we may see
many points of resemblance between
them and the visions of John. In
chapters 40 — 42, the prophet gives a
description of a house which he saw.
In chapter 47 he describes a river
which he beheld issuing forth from
beneath the front threshold of the
house. This threshold was to the
east, toward the way of the dead
sea. Ezyekiel beheld this wondrous
river as it proceeded in its course,
increase in volume. At the dis-
tance of a thousand cubits, from its
souce, the waters were only to the
ankles. Again the angel measured
a thousand cubits, and the waters
were to the knees. Another thous-
and and the waters are to the loins.
At the distance of another thousand
CHRIST THE GREAT RESTORER.
11
and the waters have swelled into
a mighty river that cannot be pass-
ed over, deep and wide. A river to
swim in.
How beautifully does the above
portray the four different dispensa
tions, the Antediluvian, the Abra
hamic, the Jewish and the Chris-
tian.
We have already noticed those
four rivers which had their source
in the earthly Paradise, but through
man's fall, the source of those rivers
wasannihilated,hisearthly Eden de-
stroyed, and he cast forth a wretch-
ed, ruined being. But blessed, thrice
blessed truth, another little rill was
immediately caused to flow. The
source of which was not in an earth-
ly Paradise, but it issued forth clear
as crystal from the throne of God,
and of the Lamb. A pure life-giv-
ing, soul-reviving stream, Rev. 22: 1.
Doubtless many glorified saints,
who now walk the gold-paved
streets of the celestial city owes
their exaltation, to the fact, that at
some time in their life their earthly
Paradise was destroyed, their earth
ly hopes blasted, their earthly pros-
pects crushed.
When Jesus was smitten, the
sealed fountain of eternal love was
opened, and the waters of life gush-
ed forth irom the throne of God,
and of the Lamb. So we must be
smitten, our relish for sin destroyed,
before the waters of this life-giving
stream can be conducted to our
hearts by the Holy Spirit. In con-
versation with the woman of Sa-
maria, the blessed Jesus said, "Who-
mever drinketh of the water that I
shall give him shall never thurst;
but the water that I shall give him
shall be in him a well of water
springing up into everlasting life,"
John 4: 14. An inexhaustible, never-
failing fountain, which is continu-
ally receiving fresh supplies from
that great reservoir which was
opened for us on Calvary.
A most sublime description of
this river is given by the psalmist
David, says he, "There is a river,"
this clause is in the present tens*-,
showing that the river then existed,
"the streams whereof shall make
glad the city of our God, tho holy
place of the tabernacles of the Most
High" Psalms 46: 4, the latter part
of this sentence is put in the future
tense. With the eye of prophetic
vision David beheld this river in the
latter part of its course. Thus he
was permitted to see the felicity
of the christian church, environed
by the wall of grace, and fructified
by the crystal river that flows from
the eternal throne.
Often, very often, when the faith-
ful assemble in spirit and in truth to
commemorate the sufferings and
death of the Son of God, doth his
divine presence pervade every heart,
for he is manifested in all his ordi-
nances, enabling us to partake of
him with our spiritual senses, but
not with our natural. The tangible
elements, employed in the various
ordinances, undergo no change ;
but if we employ them in a proper
manner they will be instrumental in
changing us from carnal to spiritual.
No human ceremony can change the
elements, but if properly employed,
they change the heart.
These streams not only make glad
the city of our God, they not only
rejoice tho church when assembled
together as a body in the capacity
of worshipers, but the Psalmist
12
CHRIST THE GREAT RESTORER
says, they raako glad the Holy-
place of the tabernacles of the Most
Bigh. What does David mean by
the holy place of the tabernacles?
The Holy place of the Jewish tab-
ernacle was that part within the
veil, the residence of the Holy
Shechinah. Jesus has declared, "If
a man love me, he will keep my
words, and my Father will love him,
and wo will come unto him, and
make our abod with him." Paul, in
1 Cor. 6: 19 says, "Know ye not
that your body is the temple of the
Holy Spirit who is in you, whom
ye have from God"? The Holy
place of God's tabernacles then, un-
der the gospel dispensation, is the
hearts of believers.
In Adam, we lost God's presence,
and consequently that peace and
joy which is inseperable from that
presence. Through Christ, all is re-
stored, in the Holy Spirit, who is
given to each believer, to instruct,
to comfort, and to sanctify. This
blessed emanation from our dear
Lord, does indeed make glad the
hearts of the saints. Though in the
world we have tribulation, though sor
row, pain, and disappointment assail
us there, yet when we retreat with-
in ourselves, and close every avenue
of thought that leads out into the
world, wre may in this inner cham-
ber, (shut in from the din, and con-
fusion of the world) hear the still
small voice of the Holy Spirit,
whisper in our ear, words of com-
fort or reproof. Here he reveals
unto us the mysteries of godliness.
He points out the path of duty and
strengthens us to walk therein. Bui
alas, alas ! for fallen humanity; so
man}- of us are so much engaged
in the outer world, are so much oc-
cupied with its cares, its toils, and
its strifes, that we spend but little
time in the society of this divine
guest, hence we are but imperfectly
taught. Our affections too, are not
on things above, as Paul commands,
see Col. 3 : 2, but on things below.
Neither is our conversation often in
heaven, where the Holy apostle said
his was, Phil. 3 : 20. By such neg-
lect we may incur the displeasure of
God, and he may say of us, as he
said of ancient Ephraim, "They are
joined to idols ; let them alone,"
Hosea 4: 17.
We are indeed living in an age of
Spiritual death. The love of money,
the desire for wealth, has usurped a
large share of our affections. Oh
let us beware ! least by giving place
to these money changers, we grieve
the Holy Spirit, and he depart, leav-
ing our house unto us, once more
desolate, dreadful, dreadful doom !
"twicedead plucked up by the roots"
Jude 12.
Though our lot be cast in these
latter days of gloom and doubt, onr
Master bids us, "Look up, and lift
up our heads; for our redemption
draweth nigh," Luke 21 : 28. That
Spiritual Book which has ever fol-
lowed the church through all her
wanderings in the wilderness, 1 Cor.
10: 4, and from which she has ever
drank, is neaiing the great ocean ot
eternal love. Though mists and
darkness envelop this stream in the
latter part of it* course, yet the eye
of faith can pierce the gloom, and
see the goodly land of Canaan rise
just beyond. Long has been her
stay in this gloomy abode. Many
battles has she fought, many diffi-
culties has she encountered, but her
watch ward has ever been, onward,
THE BIRTH OF CHRIST.
13
onward. She is now approaching
the confines of this dreary waste.
Her heavenly bridegroom is prepar-
ing to receive her and present her
to his Father, clothed in spotless
robes, purchased by himself. Then
with Christ from whom she can
never be separated more; she will
inherit that heavenly Paradise,
where sin can never, never enter.
Oh glorious home for this dear
place.
"Awake my soul ; stretch every nerve
And press with vigor on."
Mattie A. Lear.
For the Visitor.
THE BIRTH OF CHRIST.
BY JOHN CALVIN BRIGHT.
God made man upright — a little
lower than the angels — in his own
image — and pronounced him, with
the rest of his creation, very good.
He placed him with his beautiful
help-meet, which he had cre-
ated to promote his happinesss, in
a delightful garden "eastward
in £0611," where the sweet,
harmonious and rapturous notes of
animated beings sounded in their
ears ; where nature's beauty shone
in its brightest luster, and (to put
the cap sheaf on their joy) where
their Creator was wont to meet,
converse and commune with them
" in the cool of the day." Behold
the happy pair ! Joy unspeakable
was their enviable lot.
But alas! alas!! alas!!! Their
happiness was of short duration. —
The law, which God gave them to
test their fealty, though simple and
easy to obey, they violated — broke ;
and the awful, awful penalty an-
nexed to that law in case of viola-
tion, which was death ; first, spirit-
ual, or alienation from God, and
thereby losing his divine image ;
second, temporal, or the body so
constituted that in time there would
be a dissolution of soul and body,
was inflicted on them. Truly " the
ways of transgressors are hard." —
The earth which has swallowed the
blood of millions of human beings
slain by the hand of man, testifies
of his depravity. The heavens
testify of the wickedness, the rebel-
lion, and the unrighteousness of
men, and the cries of the oppressed
and defrauded have entered the ears
of the Judge of the quick and dead.
And the holy oracles testify that
"the heart ot man is desperately
wicked and deceitful above all
things;" that man is under the
influence of the carnal mind, which
is enmity against God; that there
is none righteous, no, not one. —
They have all gone out of the way ;
that in such a state they are
" without hope, and without God in
the world," and that without
extraneous aid their future will be
blackness of darkness in everlasting
burnings for ever and ever. Behold
their degraded lot !
From this degraded condition
man could not extricate or redeem
himself. And the Lord, though
" the earth is his and the fullness
thereof, and the cattle on a thou-
sand hills, could not redeem man
with these corruptible things. —
Why ? Because, first, " it is im-
possible for the blood of bulls and
goats to take away sin." Second,
the undying soul can not be atoned
for by that which is ready to vanish
14
THE BIRTH OF CHRIST.
away. It was necessary for offended Bethlehem. And she brought forth
her first-born son, and wrapped him
in swaddling-clothes, and laid him
in a manger, because there was no
place for them in the inn.
And he called his name Jesus.
Wondrous condescension ! Tho
Ancient of days become the Infant
Of days! lie who created all things
became the created! — uttered an
infant's wail ! lie was rich, but for
our sakes became poor, that we
through his poverty might become
rich. He took on him the form of
a servant. " His ways are past
finding out."
Deity to bo manifest in the flesh,
tempted in all points as we are,
numbered with the transgressors,
and received up into glory, to make
a way possible. We will notice in
this essay the prophecies relative to
his birth, and the incidents con-
nected therewith.
The sentence which God pro-
nounced on our progenitors was
mixed with mercy in the consola-
tory declaration, " the seed of the
woman shall bruise the serpent's
head." God renewed this declara-
tion to Abraham in the shape of a
positive promise, when he said, " in
thy seed shall all the generations of
the earth be blessed." Jacob's dy-
ing blessing to Judah was that "the
scepter shall not depart from Judah
nor a law-giver from between his
feet till Shiloh come." Moses tore-
told the striking similarity between
himself and he that should come. —
Isaiah prophesied of his name, the
virginity of his mother, and his
lineal descent. Daniel of the time.
Micah of the place, etc. Yea, the
patriarchs, prophets, kings, and all
the faithful of God desired to see
the day when the sun of righteous-
ness would arise with healing in his
wings to dispel tho darkness and
gloom that covered a guilty world,
but they died without the sight —
received not the promise. However
the time came in the days of Herod
the king, when Caesar Augustus who
was ruler of the whole civilized
world, declared that all the world
should be taxed.
And Mary, with Joseph her hus
went up from Galilee, out of the
city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto
the city of David, which is called
" Earth is too narrow to express,
His worth, his glory, or his grace."
And laid him in a manger, because
there was no place for them in the inn.
" His parents poor in earthly store,
To entertain the stranger ;
They found no bed to lay his head,
But in the oxen's manger.
No royal things as used by kings,
Were seen by those who found him ;
But in the hay the infant lay,
With swaddling-clothes around him."
Jesus was born in Bethlehem. A
few common-place remarks about
Christ's birth-place. It was called
the city of David, and was a small
city among the thousands of Judah,
and is little mentioned in Jewish
history. Six miles north is Jerusa-
lem. Near it are Rachel's tomb,
and the well supposed to be the one
of which David so longed to drink.
2 Sam. 23 : 15-17. In tho valley of
Bethlehem, more than three thou-
sand years ago, Euth gleaned after
the reapers in the barley-harvest;
in the gate of the city she was
publicly betrothed to Boaz, and
from them David and Christ
descended. Bethlehem signifies
THE BIRTH OF CHRIST.
15
" house of bread " When we re-
member that Christ said, I am the
living bread that came down from
heaven, we will acknowledge its
appropriateness. Many incidents
might be mentioned relative to this
prince of Judah, but we forbear.
And there were in the same country
shepherds abiding in the field, keeping
watch over their flocks by night. —
These holy and humble men were
first informed that Deity had taken
on him the form of servant. God
hath chosen the things which are
despised to confound the wise : that
no flesh should glory in his pres-
ence. The angel informed these
shepherds where to find him, and
the manner of his clothes, that they
might know him. Then a host of
angels appeared in the range of
their vision and sang praises to
God, saying, " Glory to God in the
highest, on earth peace, good-will
toward men." The shepherds then
sped their way to Bethlehem to see
this thing which is come to pass. —
They found things as reported, and
returned, glorifying and praising
God for all the things that they had
seen and heard, and made known
abroad the saying which was told
them concerning the child. Well
might they glorify and praise God
for the unearthly visions they had
seen, and the appearance of the
Great Deliverer; and by spreading
the good tidings of great joy they
became the first disseminators of
the glorious gospel of our blessed
God.
Mary kept all these things and pon-
dered them in her heart. Mary's
great and unpretending humility,
her belief in God's word delivered
to her by the angel Gabriel, and her
inquiring mind, teachableness, holi-
ness, purity, chastiiy, and other
worthy traits show her fitnesH for
the position and distinction. " God
giveth grace to the humble."
His circumcision and presentation.
He was circumcised when ho was
eight days old, and when the days
of his mother's purification were
accomplished, they brought him to
Jerusalem to present him to the
Lord. Their sacrifice was a pair of
turtle-doves, or two young pigeons,
which was the sacrifice of the poor.
He descended from the humble,
holy poor; his followers were gen-
erally the common people, because
" not 'many wise, not many noble
are called." And this teaches us
not to shun the poor or to neglect
to entertain strangers, for by so
doing we may do it "unto the least
of these," which he consideres done
unto him. When he was presented
in the temple, just and devout
Simeon, who was " waiting for the
consolation of Israel," and Anna, a
prophetess, who "served God with
fastings and prayers night and
day," thanked and blessed God that
they were permitted to see the
great salvation — "the light to light-
en the Gentiles" — "the glory of the
people Israel." Again, by this
circumcision and presentation, he
fulfilled the law which he declared
he came not to destroy, but to
fulfill. We should "oboy from the
heart that form of doctrine deliv-
ered unto us."
His parents then returned with
him to their own city, Nazareth,
where they stayed long enough to
settle and arrange necessary things,
and then moved to Bethlehem. —
Some time after there was a great
16
THE BIRTH OF CHRIST.
commotion in Bethlehem, for,
Behold, there came wise men from
the east, to Jerusalem, saying, where
is he that is born king of the Jews,
for we have seen his star in the east,
and are come to worship him. This
caused a great stir. " Herod was
troubled and all Jerusalem with
him." All the chief priests and
scribes were gathered together by
order of Herod, and when be de-
manded of them where Christ
should be born, they replied that
Bethlehem of Judah was the place
designated by the prophet Micah. —
The crafty, ambitious Herod had a
private interview with these men ;
inquired of them diligently ' what
time the star appeared, and in-
structed them to bring him word
when they had found him, that he
might come to worship him also,
and then let them depart. The star
which they saw in the east went
before them till it came and stood
over where the young child was.
They entered the house, found the
young child, worshipped him, pre-
sented gifts to him, and " departed
into their own country another
way." As Herod intended to slay
all the young children of Bethlehem,
God commanded Joseph to flee
into -Egypt with his family, and
await further orders. Herod sent
forth and slew all that were in
Bethlehem, and in all the coasts
thereof, according to the time he
had diligently inquired of the wise
men. Then Jeremiah's prophecy
was fulfilled. But what a horrible,
brutal, inhuman, awful massacre
was that ! How callous the heart
of that tyrant must have been !
Well might the pealmist ask —
" What is man that thou art mind-
ful of him, or the son of man that
thou remembere8t him?" Howbeit,
Christ was safe in Egypt; those
slain infants were out of the reach
of the temptation to claim that
they were the Christ; the tyrant
Herod soou after died a misorable
death, and Joseph returned from
Egypt and dwelt in Nazareth
Now as to who these wise men
were, their occupation, religion, and
the nature of that star, scripture is
silent, and we may as well be. But
I take this opportunity to correct
the prevailing impression that they
had this star for a guide from the
east, and that they left the star and
took their own way. The scrip-
tures say not a syllable in that
direction. The scriptures teach us,
however, that these men came from
the east, that while there they had
seen a star which they understood
pointed out the place where the
king should be born. They (it is
very presumable) started direct for
Jerusalem. As the distance was
considerable, the star appeared to
them to be directly over Jerusalem,
and as all the east was expecting a
deliverer to arise among the Jews
they started for the Jewish capital.
From Jerusalem to Bethlehem they
however had it for a guide. Again,
it was necessary for Jeremiah's
prophecy relative to the lamenta-
tions to take place in Bethlehem
to be fulfilled. The wise men com-
ing to Jerusalem and inquiring for
the stranger, was the way that
Herod found it out, and laid his
plans to defeat his (as he supposed)
rival. And it is much more charit-
able to look at it as I have than to
say they left the star, and thus cast
a stigma on their character that has
TIME IS FLEETING.
17
not the slightest intimation in the1
scriptures to sustain it.
Several notes I must leave out. —
In conclusion I would say to the
reader that this same Jesus made a
way possible whereby we may es-
the wrath to come. He was obe-
dient even unto the death of the
cross. He made such regulations
for the world to obey that will
crucify the carnal mind and make,
them new creatures in Christ Jesus. !
This character is our advocate with
the Father at present. And this
same person will come again with-
out sin unto salvation, to collect his
jewels home and burn up^the chaff
with unquenchable fire. Beader,
are you prepared to meet him ? —
Have you on the wedding garment ?
Have you made your peace, calling
and election sure ? or are you of the
number of those who have eyes,
see not; ears, hear not; hearts, and
do not understand — without God
and without hope in the world —
Soon, perhaps, the last trump will
sound, the dead small and great
stand before the judgment-seat of
God, and then you will either hear
the welcome plaudit, " Come up, ye
blessed of my Father," or the awful
condemnation, " Depart, ye cursed,
into everlasting fire prepared for the
devil and his angels." Which shall
it be? Eternity will tell.
"Will you go to heaven or hell ?
One you must, and there to dwell,
Christ will come, and quickly too,
I must meet him — so must you.
The white throne will soon appear,
You and I must both be there ;
Saints will wear the starry crowD,
Sinners will be driven down."
For the Visitor.
TIME IS FLEETING.
And the angel which I saw stand upon the
sea and upon the earth, lifted up his hand to
heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever
and ever .... that there should be time
no longer. Rev. 10:6.
Another year has been swallowed np
iu the past, and a new cycle of time is
upon us j and it has not come to tarry,
for we see how swiftly the moments are
fleeting. By this we are forcibly re-
minded that the time is fast approach-
ing when the above significant text will
have its fulfillment. Minutes and hours
are of the same length now they were a
thousand or more years ago, but when
we look at the circumstances attendant
upon time and timely things, it seems
apparent we are hastening on with in-
creasing impetuosity to that momentous
era when time shall be no longer.
Looking at the world with its rapidly
changing scenes, we are made to wonder,
and conclude that with her increasing
velocity we are surely nearing that
awful catastrophe that must inevitably
burst upon a sinful world. What it
formerly took ages to accomplish is now
brought about in years; and where it
took years not long since to accomplish
certain ends, now it only takes months
or days; and not long since, distance
was measured by miles, where now 'tis
measured by time, and that too, of
moments. This is truly an age of
progress, not only in literary learning
and the sciences, but also in sin. —
Thicker and thicker grow the horrid
fogs of iniquity, and faster and faster is
the world's whirl in the wake of Satan's
thundering train. Like the stone roll-
ing down the mountain side, the further
it goes, and as it nears the bottom, the
faster its velocity; so the world, the
longer she rolls down the slope of time,
18
TIME IS FLEETING,
and the nearer she approaches the com-
ing crisis, the swifter her evolutions and
the more dazzling her glory. Blind
indeed the eye that can not see in the
not far distant future, that angel with
one foot upon the sea and the other
upon the land, and with uplifted hand
sware that there should be time no
longer. Ordinary observation of times
seems to indicate such an event at no
distant day. Divine revelations, with
the signs of the times, is ominous of its
near approach — even at the door. As
the flood came upon the antediluvians
unawares, so shall that day come upon
those that are " eating and drinking,"
" marrying and giving in marriage."
Terrible scenes shall then take place,
when that angel's voice shall reverberate
from east to west, north to south — from
pole to pole — and declare time shall be
no longer. Then shall there be an
innumerable number running to and fro
crying for time, a little time, to prepare
to meet God. Oh, then time would be
precious indeed. No time then will be
spent in studying the latest fashions —
no time then will be wasted in the
whirling dance or midnight revel. No
time then to "kill" thumbing the piano,
shuffling the cards or taking a turn at
the intoxicating bowl. No time then
for slandering neighbor or following a
in the tattler's steps No time then for
a little more sleep and a little more
slumber. The sinner will not then
listen to satan's whispering words —
"time enough." No, no; every
moment then will be valued more than
all the gold of Ophir. Oh, think,
reader, how rapidly that time is
approaching when the last day, last
hour — yes, last moment shall sink —
and time shall be no more. With you,
that time at least is not far off when
your last moment must be swallowed up
in the ocean of eternity. How then can
you be so wasteful of time, not knowing
what your stock in bank is ; a few more
drafts, and you may have all that is
allotted you. Then be saving of time.
It is said time is money ; but as
touching your spiritual interests, it is
'glory, wealth and immortality. Unto
how many during the last year was it
said, with them time shall be no more?
I And many shall during this year hear
I the same; and you, dear reader, may be
one of that number. Let your calling
! be what it may, and your prospects of
life never so bright, still gather up the
golden moments of time, rub and
brighten every one, that in eternity you
may have a crown of dazzling bright-
ness. Moments well spent to the
interest of your own soul, to the
interests of God's poor, and to all
those around you, are as so much
treasure laid up in heaven. But be
prodigal of time, and let the moments
drop away unimproved, and as atoms of
rust that continue to accumulate, they
will eventually eat a canker into your
soul. Yes, when you come to die, the
thought that you have spent your pre-
cious years, months, days and moments
in sin, will bring such remorse of
conscience as to set your soul on fire
of hell !
Ministers of God, improve every
moment and opportunity of doing good
to the honor and glory of God, and to
the welfare of precious souls, knowing
the time is fast approaching when
" time shall be no more." Ponder well
in the mind what might be done, and
go to work in order that the same may
be accomplished. Brethren and sisters,
knowing that " perilous times have
come," and time shall soon be no more,
let us improve the blessed opportunities
we have of doing good and becoming
LETTER OF INQUIRY ANSWERED.
19
co-laborers with God in the glorious! years carefully reading and studying
cause of salvation and redemption. — Paul in 1 Cor. 11, to see that he meant
Work! work to-day; for we know not, any other covering than the hair, I
when the night cometh. Work for j despair of giving you any light on the
God, work for Jesus, work for your
own dear soul, work for perishing souls.
subject.
The reason I presume, however, you
work for the church, and thus be work-, have failed to obtain light from reading
ing for eternity ; for time shall soon be i St. Paul, is " The Cross j" for you say
no more. A few more days of strife, a j if an artificial covering is meant, then
few more conflicts with the legions of you would feel it your duty to wear it
darkness, a few more moments spent at all times "which will be a cross to me."
'This being your conclusion I don't
amidst the smoke of battle, a few more
sighs, a few more sorrows amid life's
troubles, and then — ah then ! " time
shall be no more."
Then we can shout the cry of victory,
glory and honor to the Lamb for ever
and ever ! Time will have passed ; the
New Jerusalem have come down, and
the blissful reunion of saints taken
place. Then we shall have heaven in
eternity ! Then we shall live in the
love of God and our Savior Jesus Christ.
Then shall we meet to part no more ;
then shall no tears dim the eye, no
sorrows pierce the soul, or " troubles
roll across the peaceful heart." Blessed
be God for Jesus Christ !
J. S. Flory.
Orchard Vieio, H. Va.
For the Visitor.
Letter of Inquiry Answered.
November 6, 1872.
Dear Sister ,
Your letter of October 12, 1872,
asking me to prove to you that the
covering Paul speaKs of in 1 Cor. 11, is
an artificial one, etc. was received by
due course of mail, but in consequence
of many engagements I could give it no
earlier attention; and as you say I may
answer either by a private letter or
through the Visitor, I will only say
that if you have failed after six or seven
wonder you have failed to see that Paul
means any thing but the hair. How
would it be with you if you would
understand Paul to mean an artificial
covering ; would you be willing and
ready to take up the cross ? or is the
cross the reason you can't see ?
My dear sister, I met with a very
interesting sister on my late communion
visits who had a very different question
to ask on the sam-j subject. Her's is —
''I am convinced that I ought to wear
an artificial covering all the time, but it
is a cross to me, and in consequence of
it, I don't do it. Again, I met with
some very interesting unmarried sisters
who have been in the church four or
five years, and have never been one day
without the covering on their heads. —
My dear sisters, how is it that you
understand Paul so differently? The
brethren all understand him alike; none
of us will say any thing religiously with
our heads covered, and none of us fee!
it a cross to do so. I am well persuaded
that if the infidel women in Paris, and
the lewd fashionables in Washington
City would adopt the sisters' cap as
their head dress, there would be nothing
mysterious in Paul's writing on the
subject, nor would there be any more a
cross.
When I was a young man, forty-five
years ago, all women of every name and
20
A TERRIBLE SURPRISE.
creed, wore a cap. I used to see the
female catechumens of the Lutheran and
German Reformed churches stand in a
row from ten to twenty went on con-
firmation day with their pretty caps on,
and the Methodist sisters, young or old,
would kneel at the altar to take the
sacrament with their nice caps on. — I
Then it was never known, thought or|
heard of, that a sister failed to see the j
propriety of having a cap on, as a
religious head-covering. Thirty years !
ago, when 1 commenced to solemnize
the rites of marriage, no minister of the
gospel, of any name or creed, would
have united in wedlock any woman,
religious or infidel, without a cap on her
head. The wedding-cap was an indis-
pensable part of the marriage. Sisters
then had no trouble on this score j but
since then the world has changed and
gone after the infidel and lewd, and now
the dear sisters can not see how this
thing is. It is but a few years ago, the
fashionable women of the world discov-
ered that the wearing of so many under
clothes was very injurious to health,
and they procured a happy relief from
it in the hooped skirts, etc. How soon
some sisters could argue the use and
propriety of them, many of us well re-
member. But how is it now ? yesterday
a niece of mine, a dress-maker, showed
me a dress she had just finished for one
of these, in which was seventeen and a
half yards, double width, worsted goods,
equal to thirty-five yards of single width
goods — she handed it to me and said,
feel the weight of it. I said, it is
heavier than my over-coat. Now while
this is the infidel fashion, it will not be
injurious to health to hang this weight
around the loins.
Dear sister, I have referred to the
above facts to show why some sisters
can't see their way clear in the matter,
of dress, whether for the head or body.
I decline to argue the cass further while
Paul thinks even nature should teach
them, than to refer all sisters who have
written and talked to me on the subject,
to what I have written in the May
number of the Visitor, page 134. And
after reading it, pray God to give you
an humble mind and a meek spirit, and
then live in humility, and feel glad you
can be a light to the world in which
you live.
I close with a quotation which you
certainly can not understand. "I will,
therefore, that men pray every where,
lifting up holy hands, without wrath
and doubting. In like manner also,
that women adorn themselves in modest
apparel, with shame-facedness and so-
briety, not with braided hair, or gold,
or pearls, or costly array ; but (which
becometh women professing godliness)
with good works." 1 Tim. 2 : 8-10.
Dear sisters, judge ye what becomes
you professing godliness, and I bid you
God's grace. Amen.
D. P. Sayler.
A TERRIBLE SURPRISE.
We have a profound conviction that
the world is hastening to the great cri-
sis which is to close forever the present
dispensation, and witness the beginning
of a new age. Its speed is wonderfully
accelerated. There is a race, a rush of
ruled and rulers, peoples, presidents,
and princes, towards some unknown
goal which, whatever may be its precise-
nature, is instinctively felt to be en-
tirely new in the history of humanity.
Emperors, kings, statesmen, revolution-
ists, anarchists, all see it as an inevit-
able something which, whether feared
or welcomed, must be met some day not
far distant. What it will do or undo,
A TERRIBLE SURPRISE.
21
how it will affect dynasties, kingdoms, i
republics, and the innumerable institu-
tions of the world, — ecclesiastical, po- 1
litical, military, social, and scientific, —
neither princes nor people know; but
all agree in thinking that, without leave
asked, it will deal with the nations,
whether for weal or for woe, in a mood
which brooks no opposition and admits
no delay. In this they are right, " be-
cause a short reckoning will the Lord
make upon the earth. (Rom. ix, 28 )
" And the loftiness of man shall be
bowed down, and the haughtiness of
men shall be laid low; and the Lord
shall be exhalted in that day. And the
idols he shall utterly abolish. And
they shill go into the holes of the
rocks, and into the caves of the earth,
for fear of the Lord, and for the glory
of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake
terribly the earth." (Isa. ii. 17-19.)
Meantime, a desperate struggle for
pre-eminence has begun, as if each par-
ty was determined to seize and hold the
rights of the coming Lord. The proph-
ecy of the second psalm is fulfilling be-
fore our eyes. The nations rage, and
the people imagine a vain thing. The
kings of the earth set themselves,
and the rulers take council together
against the Lord, and his Anointed.
A longer lease of power is demanded by
the world's potentates. They will not
get it ! Abused stewardship must be
closed with disgrace. Supremacy is
sought by the revolutionists. They
will not get it! Men who refuse to
serve are utterly unfit to command.
Authority is claimed by the atheistical
anarchists. They will not get it. God
is not about to hand over the chief world
of his dominions to men who deny his
existence. And Science, cultured,
learned, polite, asks the management of
the earth on the ground of her supe-
rior wisdom. She will not get it To
deify law, and ignore the Divine Law-
giver, is proof positive of incapacity to
rule.
Yet, notwithstanding the pre-deter-
mined fact that none of the world-fact-
ions shall reach the coveted supremacy
over all the rest, the struggle will in-
tensify until, under its white heat, the
harvest and the vine of the earth shall
ripen for the sharp sickle. " And I
looked, and behold a white cloud, and
upon the cloud One sat like unto the
Son of Man, having on his head a
golden crown, and in his hand a sharp
sickle. And another angel came out of
the temple, crying with a loud voice to
him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy
sickle and reap ; for the harvest of the
earth is ripe. And he that sat on the
cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth ;
and the earth was reaped. And another
angel came out of the temple which
was in heaven, he also having a sharp
sickle- And another angel came out
from the alter, he that hath power
over the fire, and cried with a loud
voice to him that had the sharp sickle,
Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather
the clusters of the vine of the earth ;
for they are fully ripe. And the angel
thrust in his sickle into the earth, and
gathered the vine of the earth and put
it into the great winepresss of the
wrath of God. And the winepress was
trodden outside the city, and blood came
out of the winpress, even unto the bits
of the horses, to the distance of a thou-
sand and six hundred furlongs."
This is what is coming ! A lake of
blood so deep as to reach the bri-
dles of the horses, and so great as to
cover a space of twenty-five square
miles ! What a terrible surprise it will
be to Antichrist and the enormous ar-
mies that will serve him in Christ -defy-
*>9
A TERRIBLE SURPRISE.
ing blasphemy when the Son of Mau is
revealed from heaven in flaming fire to
take vengeance on bis enemies ! As a
" snare " shall it come upon them all,
and u they shall not escape.'' In the
dire consternation, and horror, and pan-
ic that will seize them, they will say to
the mountains and rocks, <( Fall on us,
and hide us from the face of him that
sitteth upon the throue, and from the
wrath of the Lamb ; for the great day
of his wrath is come, and who is able
to stand ?" His regal claims scorned,
his coming laughed at as the dream of
persons beneath contempt, the enemies
of the Lord will find in that day of in-
describable terror that they made an
awful mistake in supposing that the
government of the world was to be left
forever in such feeble and blundering
hands as theirs. One can easily under-
stand how distasteful many passages of
Scripture are to rulers, and would-be
rulers, who seem to think that God has
no higher end in view in the creation of
this fair world than to make it a prize
for ambition, a place for the acquisition
of wealth and power, and a theatre for
the exhibition of a splendor and glory
which all spiritual men know to be hol-
low imposture. We shall quote only
three of these distasteful passages :
"■ The Lord bringeth the counsel of the
heathen to nought : he maketh the de-
vices of the people to none effect."
(Ps. xxxiii. 10.) " He bringeth the
princes to nothing ; he maketh the
judges of the earth as vanity. Yea,
they shall not be planted; yea, they
shall not be sown; yea, their stock shall
not take root in the earth : and he shall
also blow upon them, and they shall
wither, and the whirlwind shall take
them away as stubble." (Isa. xl. 23,
24 ) " The rulers of this world are
coming to nought," (1 Cor. ii. 6.)
Rut, it may be asked, why does not
the Christian ministry, paid for the
purpose, deal faihfully with the Iruths
of revelation, and tell the great men of
the earth, — its government, rulers, and
potentates, — that it is the Divine pur-
pose to set them all aside, and to place
the supreme sceptre in Hands that will
wield it so as to bring peace on earth,
good will to men, and glory to God in
the highest ? The answer is not far to
seek. A ministry that eats at Caesar's
table, and clothes itself in scarlet and
fine linen at Caesar's cost, is not likely
to risk Caesar's displeasure by telling
him that his days are numbered, that
he has been weighed in the balances
and found wanting, and that he must
resign his throne to One infinitely bet-
ter than he. This uncuorteous language
would grate upon royal ears, and disturb
the harmony between Caesar and his
priests. Besides theology is accomoda-
ting and could easily adapt itself to the
altered state of things consequent upon
imperial favour. When the Church
was lifted out of persecution and pover-
ty, and placed among princes, it was
discovered that the true interpretation
of all those Scriptures that seem to
speak of the Son of Man as returning
to rule all nations must be reached by a
spiritualizing process. This met the
case admirably. Christ is a King be-
yond doubt. The fact cannot be de-
nied, and far be it from any theologian
to dispute a truth so blessed ; but then
he reigns in heaven, and in the hearts
of men on earth ; and when his coming
is spoken of, the meaning is that he
comes for the souls of believers at death,
to take them to immediate glory. The
world-powers were more than satis-
fied with this explanation, and the theo-
logians were held in esteem. Jesus
was quite welcome to reign in heaven
LAST GREAR DAY.
23
for ever, and Caesar, though thoroughly
approving the arrangement, evinced his
gratitude by showering favours on the
Church. There is a history which
tells us that certain occupiers of a
vineyard killed the heir, and seized on
his inheritance. The occupiers now re-
joice that He is alive again, but most
sincerely hope that He will remain
where He is, and not come back to take
possession of his property. What is
the difference between the two sets of
husbandmen ?
We shall be reminded, however, that
there are large portions of the Church
now that do not eat bread at Caesar's
table, and are therefore under no tempt-
ation to put a gloss on any part of the
revelation. True; and we are not like-
ly to forget a fact which brings with it
the painful reflection that, if unfaithful-
ness is found in the absence of tempt-
ation, the sin is proportionately greater.
The theology of Caesars bishops super-
seded the doctrines of the apostles;
but, alas ! those portions of the Church
that have seen it right to refuse the
patronage of the purple, have also seen
it right to retain and perpetuate the
mi8chevious theology, although it is at
the expense of truth, to the injury of
men, and unworthy of those who bear
the precious name of Christ. No ! It
is vain to plead the comparative merit of
one form of ecclesiasticism over anoth-
er, if God's declared purpose concerning
the kingdom of hi3 Son be either alto-
gether kept out of sight, or presented
in such distorted form as to reveal noth-
ing but the ignoranee of the speaker.
It is, moreover, a remarkable fact that,
at the present day, you will find a great-
er number of ministers of the establish
ed Church loyal to the doctrine of the
Second Advent than in all the other
large ecclesiastical bodies taken together;
and if you want to hear foolish and bit-
ter things uttered against that doctrine,
some avowed enemy of the establish-
ment will gratify you ! These undeni-
able facts, however, do not require the
alteration of a word in what we have
said above.
If, then, the manifestation of the Di-
vine King in lightning glory will be a
terrible surprise to the powers and prin-
ces, the mighty men and chief captains,
what will it be to the ministers of the
gospel who shall have disqualified them-
selves and their hearers from being
taken up to the presence of the Lord
by false teachings respecting his com-
ing? Oh ! inconceivable terror, shame,
consternation, disgrace ! Christian min-
isters not honoured with the glorious
rapture, not taken away before the
storm, not kept out of the fiery tribu-
lation ! The subject is too painful for
prolonged thought. — Rainbow.
THAT LAST GREAT DAY.
One leading feature of the great day
of reckoning — the one, perhaps, more
than any other pressed upon our regard
in Holy Writ — shall be its suddenness,
its unexpectedness, the world's unpre-
paredness for it It is to come as a
thief in the night. It is to take the
world by surprise. One cannot help of-
ten fancying to what a sharp, abrupt
and awful close the busy movements of
the busy world shall then be brought.
The day before its last shall see them
going on as usual. Over one-half the
globe its inhabitants shall be eating and
drinking, buying and selling, marrying
and giving in marriage ; the merchant
in the marketplace calculating his
gains; the scholar at his desk poring
over the ancient page; the reapers in.
the field plying their harvest task. And
24
LAST GREAT DAY.
there in the quiet churchyard a group
shall have gathered around the last
grave, the coffin shall have been lower-
ed down into it, and the grave-digger
have grasped the shovel to cover up the
dead. Over the other half of the globe,
its inhabitants shall have laid them-
selves down to rest; and the merchant
shall be dreaming there of the gains
that to-morrow's sales are to realize ;
and the politician shall be dreaming of
the measures that to morrow, in the
senate house, he is to propose, of the
oration that to-morrow he is to deliver ;
and bright visions of many happy days
to come shall be haunting many a
youthful slumberer's fancy ; and the
ball-room and the banquet-room shall
have hung out their glittering lights,
and spread their inviting tables, and
the smile, and the dance, the ringing
laugh, and the jovial song, shall all be
there. Just then, without a herald
sent, or a note of warning given, the
Son of Man shall descend from heaven
with a shout, with the voice of the
archangel, and the trump of God. That
trumpet call of heaven shall span at
once the globe, and be heard the same
moment at either pole. At its sum-
mons, the million sleepers of the earth
shall all rise up from their last repose,
their dreamings of earthly to-morrows
all cut short. A shivering terror, like
that which filled Belshazzar's hall, shall
run through the ball-room and +he ban-
quet-room, and the jest half uttered,
the song half sung, they shall stare up-
on one another, there in pale affright.
In the busy market-place the buyer
shall forget the price he offered — the
seller the price he asked. At his desk
the pen shall drop from the writer's
hand. The reapers shall fling the gath-
ered sheaves from their hands. And in
that quiet church -yard that group
around the grave shall be convulsed
with wonder, as the coffin bursts and
the dead man springs to life and stands
up by their side.
For that trumpet call of heaven shall
do more than waken all the sleeping and
arrest all the living inhabitants of the
globe. It shall go where sound never
went before — it shall do what sound
never did. It shall pierce the stony
monument; it shall penetrate the grassy
mound — far down through many a fath-
om of the ebbing waters shall it make
its way — over the deep bed of ocean
shall it roll — and the sea shall give up
the dead that are in it, and the earth
the dead that are there. And all the
dead, small and great, shall arise. And
in a moment, in the twinkling of an
eye, by the forthgoing of one fiat of
the Omnipotent, over all the vast con-
gregation of the living with which that
still vaster congregation of the dead is
to mingle — over all the bodies of the
living a change shall pass that shall
make them like to those new bodies of
the raised. And all shall be caught up
together in the clouds to meet the Lord
in the air, temporarily uplifted above
those fires by which the world that now
is, and all these its present works, are
to be burnt up. And the vast company
as it rises from the earth shall meet an-
other, perhaps vaster company, descend-
ing from the skies. For he who shall
that day come in the clouds of heaven
with power and great glory, shall come
with all his holy angels with him; and
there too shall be those angels that lost
their first estate, and who had been re-
served in everlasting chains under dark-
ness unto the judgment of the great
day : heaven, earth, hell — coming thus
for once together — that out of that in-
tervening earth, heaven and hell might
gather all that each could claim as
PUTTING A BRIDLE ON THE TONGUE.
25
its own, and then with a contrast
heightened by that one meeting part
forever. — Dr. Hanna.
Putting a Bridle on the Tongue.
u Speech is silver — silence golden,"
says the proverb. Although like most
of the wise paws in popular use, it is to
be understood with a qualification, the
saying embodies a practicel and now
timely truth. Speech is indeed, the
source of so large a share of the troubles
which disturb the peace of home, of
society and of the world, that notwith-
standing the nobleness of the faculty,
one could almost wish it were in some
way limited, at least to the expression
of wise and generous thoughts
Although the "word fitly spoken" is
declared on the highest authority to be
like "apples of gold," experience un-
happily proves thot for every word fitly
spoken thousands are uttered of so base
a quality that even the "silver" of the
proverb — though it be in value but as 1
to 16 compared with the more precious
metal — would not express their distance
from the refined gold of discreet silence.
The cultivation of the latter golden
virtue, then — of a determination to
speak only when there is something on
the lip worth saying, or at least that
it will do no harm to say — is a measure
of self-discipline that all may undertake
with advantage to themselves and others.
We may be sure there is not the slight-
est danger of carrying the reform too
far, or of any serious loss to the world
through our forbearance !
The evil of giving full rein to the
tongue is illustrated in a great variety
of familiar ways. In the domestic
circle, for instance, how frequently does
hard and irritating speech drive from
the fireside every gentle thought and
kindly sympathy. Husband and wife,
parent and child, children with each
other, often without a shadow of design
or real animosity, will render the sacred
precincts of home any thing but a para-
dise, simply because they have not
learned, or do not care, to " keep their
mouths with a bridle," to suppress the
hasty and ungenerous word that springs
to the lip at the thousand-and-one slight
provocations it is so easy to overlook, or
get angry at, as one chooses, in the daily
intercourse of life.
In society, also, the mischievous
effects of ill-considered speech are every
where visible, setting friend against
friend, family against family, and stir-
ring up strife when all should be work-
ing together for the common good. —
The wretched habit of tale-bearing,
adding to and polishing up the stories
as they go, until the narrative is
distorted out of all resemblance to the
original statement — how utterly con-
temptible is the whole miserable busi-
ness ! Yet gossip is the favorite pas-
time of the majority of people, and few
indeed are they who never condescend to
indulge in it. Our churches often suffer
severely from this cause, in the divisions
and estrangements resulting from indis-
creet gossip.
And how nearly has a single impetu-
ous speech from the lips of the English
Premier come to destroying the grandest
effort of modern times toward the settle-
ment of international disputes by the
substitution of peaceful for warlike
modes of arbitration. A "golden"
silence on his part would have gone far
to allay the dangerous excitement of the
moment; but it was no fault of his that
the negotiations are not now suspended,
and the great experiment brought to an
inglorious end.
But there are other ways in which the
26
MARTYRDOM OF PETER.
necessity of putting a check upon the
tongue is shown. Too much talk is
sometimes as objectionable in degree, as
hasty, inconsiderate, slanderous talk. —
Nothing more surely kills the spirit of a
religious meeting than long prayers,
long exhortations, the relation of long
experiences. We have sometimes
thought the "silent meetings" of the
Friends more worthy of imitation than
of the ridicule they generally receive. —
If no one has any thing in particular to
say — as sometimes happens, we fear — it
is surelv better to "occupy the time"
with silent thought or silent prayer,
than to fill it up with stale and profitless
religious twaddle. A few moments of
quiet communion with God and oneself
might perhaps suggest thoughts worthy
of utterance. Long sermons, too, except
on special occasions, and when the
subject discussed requires extended
treatment, are quite as much to be
deplored.
It is no part of our purpose to dispar-
age any harmless use of the noble en-
dowment of speech, or to frown upon
those airy graces of conversation which
a severe judgment might perhaps con-
demn as frivolous, and therefore unwor
thy of sentient beings, but which in
reality make up half the charm of
friendly interchange of thought. But
we do sincerely believe that if we could
spare a little more time for thought, our
less frequent speech would vastly gain
in interest and value. — Selected,
THE MARTYRDOM OF PETER.
It is the universal voice of antiquity,
that Peter was crucified in the persecu
Hon under Nero. Consequently, as al-
ready remarked, his death cannot fall in
the year 67, as even most later historians
give it, following Eusebius and Jerome,
but must be placed in the year 64, in
which this persecution broke out direct-
ly after the firing of the city in July,
and in which also an end was put to the
earthly labors of Paul, only perhaps
somewhat earlier and by the less de-
grading process of decapitation. As
the place of his punishment, according
to the testimony of Caius already quot-
ed, was pointed out at the end of the
second century the Vatican hill beyond
the Tiber, where lay the Circus and
Nero's Gardens, and where according to
Tacitus the persecution of the christ-
ians actually took place. There also
was built to his memory the church of
Peter, as over Paul's grave on the way
to Ostia without the city the church of
Paul.
The oldest testimony for the crucific-
tion of Peter we find already in the ap-
pendix to John's Gospel c xxi : 18, 19,
where our Lord himself, in that memor-
able dialogue, there recorded, foretells
to him that in his old age he would
stretch forth his hands, and that anoth-
er should bind him and lead whither
naturally he would not wish. Tertullian
remarks expressly, that Peter in his pas-
sion was made like the Lord. The
statement that he suffered crucifixion
with his head downwards toward the
earth, meets us first in Origin, and this
was taken afterwards as an evidence of
his special humility, by which ho felt
himself unworthy to die in the same
manner with Christ. When we read in
Tacitus of the unnatural tortures to
which the christians were subjected by
Nero, the fact of such a mode of death
seems not improbable, although the mo-
tive brought in to explain it betrays a
later sickly conception of the nature of
humility, whereas the Apostles counted
it their greatest honor and joy rather to
be like their Lord and Master in all
CHRIST OUR ALL IN ALL
27
particulars. It is related by Ambrose,
that Peter shortly before his death, be-
ing overpowered by his former love of
life, made his escape from prison, but
was arrested and confounded in his
flight by the appearance of the Saviour
bearing his cross, who in reply to the
question, " Lord, whither goest thou ?"
solemnly answered: I am going to Rome,
to be crucified again I" Whereupon
Peter hastily turned back and met death
with joy. This tradition still lives in
the mouth of the people of Rome and is
embodied in a church styled Domine
quo vadis, in front of the Sebastian gate,
on the Appian way. It is one of those
significant stories, that rest on no his-
torical fact indeed but still on a right
apprehension of the character in ques-
tion, and to which may be applied the
Italian proverb : se non e vero e ben tro-
vato. To shrink from suffering was in
truth a characteristic trait of the natur-
al Simon (comp. xvi : 22, 23, the ac-
count of his denial of Christ and what
Christ says to him John xxi: 18). But
at so great an age he had no doubt long
surmounted this feeling, and welcomed
the hour, when he was counted worthy
to seal his love to the Saviour with his
blood and permitted to put off his earth
ly tabernacle (2 Peter i : 14), for the
purpose of entering on " the inheritance
incorruptible and nndefiled and that fa-
deth not away" (1 Peter i : 4), which
he knew to be reserved for him in heav-
en.— Schaff's Church History.
CHRIST, OUR ALL-IN-ALL.
The Lord Jnsus Christ is the All in
All of his redeemed. In every want he
is their Friend. In every danger he is
their Defense. In weakness he is their
Strength; in sorrow, their Joy; in pain
their Peace ; in poverty, their Provider;
in sickness, their Physician ; in hunger
their Bread ; in trouble, their Consola-
tion ; in perplexity, their Counsellor;
in the furnace, their Refiner ; in the
floods, their Rock ; in assaults, their
Refuge ; in accusations, their Advocate ;
in debt, their Surety; in slavery, their
Ransom ; in captivity, their Deliverer ;
in the day, their Sun ; in the night,
their Keeper ; in the desert, their
Shepherd. In life he is their Hope;
in death, their Life; in the grave,
their Resurrection ; In heaven, their
Glory.
Let Christ, therefore, be thy All-in-
All, for time and for eternity. With
the faithful martyr say, while living,
" None but Christ." When dying, say,
" None but Christ." Through all eter-
nity say, " None but Christ." Let
this triumphant name, " The Lord our
Righteousness," settle every difficul-
ty, solve every doubt, and silence every
accusation. When conscience tells thee
thy sins are both many and great, an-
swer thou, " Christ's blood cleanseth
from all sin." When reminded of your
ignorance, say, " Christ is my wisdom."
When your ground and title to the king-
dom are demanded, say, " Christ is my
righteousness." When your meetness to
enter into those sacred walls is challeng-
ed, say, u Christ is my sanctification."
When sin and the law — when death and
Satan claim thee as their captive, reply
to them all, " Christ is my redemption."
The Law saith, Pay thy debt. Th«
Gospel saith, Christ hath paid it. The
Law saith, Make amends for thy sins.
The Gospel saith, Christ hath made it
for thee. The Law saith, Thou art a
sinner; despair for thou shalt be con-
demned. The Gospel saith, Thy sins
are forgiven thee; be of good comfort,
thou shalt be saved. — Rev. John Strven-
28
THE FAMILY CIRCLE.
<J[ami!g ($tttk
Unity in Family Government.
Upon this subjectof unity in fam-
ily government, "The Christian Ob-
server" says, that "in the whole
community, the head of a family
cannot be found, who does not
know, and who will not acknowl-
edge, that a unity, both in the theo-
ry and practice, between the father
and mother of a family, is absolute-
ly essential to the proper govern
ment of the children; and that dif-
ference in parental administration is
fatal to the best interests of those
who are its unfortunate subjects.
Even in those unhappy cases, where
an irreconcilable difference of opin-
ion exists between the father and
the mother, in regard to the best
modes or means of family govern-
ment, if they have any vestige of
good sense remaining, or any glim
mering perception of propriety,
they will keep that difference to
themselves. When before their chil-
dren, it will be one of the interdict-
ed subjects of conversation, and they
will earnestly endeavor that the
practical administration of the one
shall not counterwork that of the
other. What deplorable conse-
quences must result from an open
collision between those to whom al-
legiance is jointly due ! How can
children ever learn to obey, when a
command issued by one parent is
countermanded by theother? What
salutary efficacy can there ever be
in discipline, when the half-correct-
ed child is snatched from the hand
administering punishment, and the
offender is left to read his present
justification, and his future impuni-
ty, in the rebuke which is given to
the corrector? What selt-denial
will a child ever learn to practice, if
a dainty forbidden to him by one
parent is openly or secretly given to
him by the other? A state of an-
archy is bad enough, in which to
rear up children; but two hostile
sovereigns, alternately exercising
their authority, granting exemption
from each other's laws, and vainly
striving to enforce their own, would
ruin any kingdom, though its sub-
jects were angels."
In many instances, in matters of
family government, the mother is
not unfrequently seen openly to re-
monstrate with the father for cor-
recting a disobedient and stubborn
child. In his presence, she will
even call the father cruel and un-
feeling, and thus, by her improper
sympathy and untimely caresses, en-
courage and confirm the child in its
willfulness and disobedience.
When such a course is pursued on
the part of the mother, no proper
or efficient family government can
be instituted or maintained A moth-
er, that will thus foolishly, it not
wickedly, interfere with the father
in the proper discharge of his duty
to his child, must be weak-minded,
deficient in proper self government,
and unconscious that she is inflict-
ing a more serious and permanent
injury upon her child, than the need-
ed punishment of the father could
possibly bring.
The father, conscious of his duty
to his disobedient child, proceedsju-
diciously to discharge it, but the
mother, looking upon all punishment
and every deprivation of indulgence,
as a positive cruelty to her child,
and by her untimely caresses and
THR FAMILY CIRCLE.
29
misguided sympathy, makes of no
avail the punishment of the father,
and thus leaves their children to
grow up disobedient, without self-
government or any salutary re-
straining influence over their pas-
sions.
On the other hand, it not unfre-
quently happens, that a judicious
and faithful mother is connected
with a husband whose principles
and examples are anything but those
which sho could desire. This, though
it may indeed be a trying situation,
is far from being a hopeless one, and
she ought not to give up in dispair,
but emergencies of the case should
arouse her to more constant watch-
fulness, greater perservance and vig-
orous effort.
If the mother be judicious and
constant in her exertions, the fath-
er's confidence in her ability toman
age her family will be increased, and
he will generally leave the burden
of taking care of the children and
their government to her.
Let a mother so situated, teach
her children to be quiet and still, es-
pecially, when their father is pres-
ent. Let her make every effort to
train them up to habits of industry,
and let her do everything in her
power to render them respectful,
obedient and affectionate to their
father.
Such a course is certainly the best
that can be adopted to reclaim the
erring father. The more cheerful
that home can be made to him, the
stronger will be the inducements
for him to draw away from perni-
cious influences, and refrain from
the errors of his ways.
RELIGION IN THE HOME.
A little family circle, when entire, is
a little community divine in its consti-
tution and hedged about with sacred-
ness, consisting of father, mother, child-
ren, and to some family circles servants
are introduced to share its duties and
promote its interests and comforts. It
is important to remember that the hap-
piness of this circle is not dependent
upon its external condition. A poor
family may be just as happy as one that
has riches at command. It has nothing
to do with rank, or luxury, or fame.
People who possess these things may
enjoy the happiness of home, but it is
not these appendages that make home
happy. Some rejoice to lay down the
burden of official greatness, and retire
with thankful satisfaction to the peace-
fulness of home ; others are so bewil-
dered by the glitter of the great world
as to find the scenes and duties of home-
life dull and insipid. Be this as it may,
these outward things are but the stamp
on the gold, they are not the gold itself.
A man's genuine value depends on what
he is in himself, not what he seems to
be before the world ; he is not simply
himself there. Let me see him, not as
clad in the robes of office, nor absorbed
in the tumult of business; not as he ap-
pears in the brilliant circles of wealth,
nor even in the assemblies of worship,
but as he is at home by his own fire-
side— the husband, the father, min-
gling in the bosom of his own house-
hold; there it is you see the genuine
character.
Home happiness, then, has to do
with personal character. Each mem-
ber of the household either augments
or diminishes it. The happiness of the
whole is the aggregate of the individ-
ual happiness. One jarring string
spoils the harmony. It grows out of
30
CORRESPONDENCE.
personal qualities of each It is not
the result of circumstances or social
condition, but the manifestation of per-
sonal goodness.
THE CHRISTIAN.
He is above a mGan thing. He can-
not stoop to a mean fraud. He invades
no secret in the keeping of another.
He betrays no secret confided to his
keeping. He never struts in borrowed
plumage. He never takes selfish ad-
vantages of our mistakes. He uses no
ignoble weapons in controversy. He
never stabs in the dark. He is not one
thing to a man's face and another be-
hind his back. If by accident he comes
in possession of his neighbor's coun-
cils, he passes up~m them an act of in-
stant oblivion. He bears sealed pack-
ages without tampering with the wax.
Papers not meant for his eye, whether
they flutter at the window or lie open
before him in unguarded exposure, are
sacred for him. He invades no privacy
of others, however the sentry sleeps.
Bolts and bars, locks and keys, hedges
and pickets, bands and securities, noti-
ces to trespassers, are none of them for
him. He may be trusted alone, out of
sight, near the thinnest partition — any-
where. He buys no offices, he sells
none, he intrigues for none. He would
rather fail of his rights than win them
through dishonor. He will eat honest
bread. He tramples on no sensitive
feeling. He insults no man. If he
have rebuke for another he is straitfor-
ward, open, manly; he cannot descend
to scurrility. In short, whatever he
judges honorable, he practices toward
everv man.
Of o rres pon dcittc.
Dear Brethren and Sisters:
On Sabbath morn, Nov. 10, amid the
inclemency of the weather, we felt very
desirous of meeting with God's people
in the sanctuary, and after reaching
there, found much to our surprise, that
Bro. Daniel Snowberger, of New Entei-
prise, would address us. After reading
part of the fourth chapter of 2 Timothy,
he selected for his text these words —
" Preach the word." We never had
much of an opportunity of hearing Bro.
S. preach, but we were deeply impressed
with this sermon.
By these words we understand that
the whole word of God is to be preached.
This the brother tried to hold forth in
gospel light. We verily must not take
part of the word and preach and practice
it, and consider other passages not to be
observed and obeyed. Only a short time
ago we were conversing upon the subject
of feet-washing, when it was said that
Christ merely washed his disciples' feet
to show his humility, and if we only
acknowledge this humility of our Savior
it is not necessary that we perform the
action. We do verily acknowledge that
Christ showed his humility by washing
his brethren's feet, but if I say I can be
humble enough to wash my sisters' feet,
can any one rely upon it without me
showing my humility by performing
the action ? Certainly not.
The sermon was concluded by Bro.
James A Sell. Bro. S. preached in a
school-house at foot of Ten, same eve.- —
Nov. 10, Bro. G. Myers addressed us at
the school rnuse at Eldorado, from John
1 : 13, " Which were born," etc. Let
us diligently strive for the religion of
Christ, that we may not be " born of the
will of the flesh, nor of the will of man,
POETRY.
31
but of God." Let us not give heed to
perverse doctrine, but follow the words
and example of Christ, that we may
not be found guilty of failing in one
point, and that we may win the crown
of glory and sit at God's right hand,
for
" 'Twill not be long, our journey here,
Each broken sigh and falling tear
Will soon be gone, and all will be
A cloudless sky, a wareless sea."
Emily R. Stifler.
Hollidaysburg, Pa.
§octnj.
What then, if clouds around me break,
The fount of joy they can not take
From out this heart of mine,
Earth's merry throng may pass me by ;
Its honors from my grasp may fly
As leaves upon the blast : I
I care not, if thou lov'st me still ;
Thy love alone my heart can fill,
And hold it to the last.
I'll love thee till my latest breath ;
I'll love thee when I'm clasped in death ;
I'll love thee still on high.
While on my tide of life shall flow,
My love for thee no end shall know;
'Twill never, never die.
What Then?
What then ? I am not careful to inquire,
I know there will be tears and fears and sor-
row ;
And then, a loving Savior drawing nigher,
And saying, " I will answer for the morrow."
What then? For all my sins his pardoning
grace,
For all my wants and woes his loving kind- 1
ness,
For darkest shades, the shining of God's face,
And Christ's own hand to lead me in my
blindness.
What then ? A shadowy valley, lone and dim ;
And then, a deop and darkly rolling river ;
And then, a flood of light, a seraph-hymn,
And God's own smile forever and forever!
To My Mother.
They tell me human love was made
Awhile to bloom, and then to fade
Before the Autumn chill:
They tell me human love is sold—
A thing of traffic, bought with gold,
And subject to the will.
No falsehood this; and yet I own,
There is a love; one love alone,
With luster ever bright.
It runs through all the changing years,
Forsakes me not in smiles or tears,
And fills my soul with light.
That love, beyond all other love,
Unselfish, pure as heaven above,
Is thine, dear mother, thine.
The Little Graves.
[Lines selected on the death of my little nephew,
who died t'n Upper Alton, Illinois, August 15,
1872.]
" It's only a little grave," they said,
" Only a little child that's dead."
And so they carelessly turned away
From the mound the spade had made that day.
Ah ! they did not know how deep a shade
That little grave in our home had made.
I know the coffin was narrow and small,
One yard would have served for an ample pall ;
And one man in his arms could have borne
The coffin and its freight of clay. [away
But I know that darling hopes were hid
Beneath that little coffin-lid.
I know that a mother stood that day,
With folded hands by that form of clay ;
I know that burning tears were hid
'Neath the drooping lash and aching lid ;
And I know her lip, and cheek, and brow,
Were almost as white as her baby's now.
I know that some things were hid away,
The crimson frock and wrappings gay,
The little sock and the half-worn shoe,
The cap and its plumes and tassels blue,
And the empty crib, with its covers spread,
As white as the face of the sinless dead.
'Tis a little grave ; but oh, have care !
For world-wide hopes are buried there.
And ye, perhaps, in coming years,
May see, like her, through blinding tears.
How much of light, how much of joy,
Is buried up with an only boy !
Emily R. Stiflbb.
Hollidagsburg, Pa.
OBITUARIES.
OBITUARll>
Died, December 1, 1S72, in Logan brunch,
Logan county, Ohio, MARY ELIZA, daughter
of friend Sainuel and Elizabeth Snap, age just
3 years. Disease diptheria. Funeral preached
by M. Swanger and the writer, from Job 19: 21
and Matt. 18:3.
Also Dec. 15, 1872, in Washington township,
Logan county, 0. our old friend, FREDERICK
SHICKLY, aged 96 years, 5 months and 11
days. Died of old age. Funeral preached by
brother M. Swonger and the writer, from Psalm
103: 15, 16. J. L. Fbantz.
Died in the Upper DeerCreek church, Indiana,
Dec. 3, 1872, MARTHA L. daughter of friend
Jacob and sister Barbara Harless, aged 17 days.
Funeral by the writer, from 1 Thess. 4 : 17, 18.
A. RlNEHART.
Died in the Lower Cumberland Church, Dec.
10, 1072, brother MICHAEL WENGER, aged
70 years 5 months and 21 days. Funeral service
from 2 Cor. 5 : 1-4. Moses Miller.
Died in the Upper DeerCreek church, Indiana,
Dec. 14, 1872, LAURA J. daughter of friend
Samuel and Esther Snider, aged 1 year 8 months
and 5 days. Funeral services by elder Hiel
Hamilton and the writer from Psalm 99 : 12.
A. RlNEHART.
Died in the village of Ringgold, Md , Dec. 3,
1822, CHARLES HITESHEW GEHR, only
eon of John H. and Kittie Gehr, aged 4 years,
10 months and 5 days.
Another loved one has departed,
A cherub form has gone to rest !
Angel bearers his spirit wafted
To the blessed Sivior's breast,
Who has said of little children —
" Suffer them to come to me."
Oh, cast on him all your burden.
Those eyes that beamed on you so fondly,
E'en when death's shadow on them fell,
Will welcome thee, kind, gentle mother, f
Where griefs no more the heart will swell.
Fond parents, he your pride was lent you
To fill pour hearts and home with bliss,
To win your purest love, and lead you
To seek a better home than this.
Died Oct. 19, 1872, in Balden, Jackson Co.
Iowa, HATTIE, infant daughter of friend
Joseph and Caroline Zook, aged 11 months and
6 days. Funeral services from Matt. 18: 1,2, 3,
by the brethren.
She sleeps ! Our little Hattie sleeps.
We know that she is blest,
Cradled so soft and tenderly
On the dear Savior's breast.
Look up, ye bleeding parent hearts,
Who mourn the sweet tie riven,
And feel how blessed 'tis to have
A little child in heaven.
John Gable.
Died in the Elkhart congregation, Page Co.
Virginia, November 1, 1872, our beloved sister
MARY HALTEMAN, aged 60 years, 6 months
and 18 days. Wife of Melbert Halteman. She
was a member of the church for a number of
years. She leaves a husband and four children,
with a great many near relatives and friends to
mourn and ieol thoir Iobs, but not to mourn as
those who have no hope. She died with a
bright hope of a blessed immortality. She
seemed to be willing that the Lord's will be
done. When the messenger death came, she
was ready. She told her children in her last
moments, that she was going home to a brighter
world than this to meet those who had gone be-
fore. She was buried on Saturday the 2d, in a
family burying-ground, near the place by a
large attendance of relatives and friends to pay
their renpects to her remains. Funeral occasion
improved by brother John Huffman and the
writer. Nathan Spitler.
Died, October 4, in the Upper Deer Creek
church, Cass county, Indiana, Bro. DANIEL C.
CRIPE, aged 47 years, 5 months and 14 days.
In him the church has lost a worthy minister,
and his family an affectionate husband and
father. He leaves a widowed sister and eleven
children (six dependent ones) to mourn bis loss.
The church and family truly are mourning, but
not as those that have no hope. The writer,
being left alone in the ministry, feels sad from
the departing scene. In his dying moments he
assured us he had a clear title. He said he
knew it would oarry him through, told us to go
on boldly in the cause ot the Master, that the
cause is a good one. Then he bade his family
and all present farewell, which was solemn
indeed. He was a member about twenty-nine
years ; nearly twelve years in the ministry, with
good prospects to be useful. He had a great
oonoern for the church and his family. Disease
inflammation of the bowels, followed by typhoid
fever. Funeral occasion improved by elder
Hiel Hamilton and others from 1 Cor. 15 :51-
53. A. RlNEHART.
Died, in the Logan church district, Logan
county, Ohio, Oct. 26, 1872, brother GEORGE
SNYDER, aged 26 years, 10 months and 13
days. He leaves a kind widow sister in the
church and one child to mourn their loss. He
bore his sickness with fortitude and resignation,
and we hope their loss is his great gain. Funeral
conducted by the writer to a large concourse of
relatives and friends. Phil. 7 : 21.
Degraff, O. J- L- Frantz.
Died, Oct. 23, 1872, of apoplexv, brother
AARON BOGGS, aged 57 y. 11 m. 8 d. The
deceased was attending a communion meeting,
and feeling somewhat unwell toward evening,
concluded to return home. He entered the hack
with several others to return to his home, and
when but a short distance from the meeting, he
expired. His oampanion and several of his
children were at the meeting, but none of them
were present to witness his death. Stricken
witn grief at the unexpected tiding', they were
summoned to appear at a scene to tbem solemn
and painful. The funeral services were per-
formed in the German Baptist meeting-house in
Covington, in the presence of a large and sym-
pathising congregation. The deceased was a
worthy and devoted member of the church, and
a seepootable and useful citizen.— Stillwater
Valley Gazette.
We tu*Vv tieea dektytiU iu g'»tlibg our
premiums. Some of them were accidental-
ly destroyed. We are receiving some now
and hope to have enough soon to supply
all.
"We call the attention of farmers to the
Fakmkks' Monthly for 1873. It is a neat
rural monthly and costs only fifty cents. —
Every subscriber receives an excellent Map
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The Map is admired by all who examin-
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Bible Dictionary.
A Dictionary of the Bible comprint lag itb Antiqui-
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GOSPKL YKRO&
Vol. XXIII.
FEBRUARY, 1873.
No. 2,
THE LEARNER'S PLACE.
And they eat down at thy feet; every one
shall receive of thy words.
Deut. 33 : 3.
This expressive and suggestive
language oecurs in the benediction
Moses pronounced upon his people
just before his death. The writer
of the book of Deuteronomy intro-
duces the address of Moses in which
the language above quoted occurs,
thus: "And this is the blessing
wherewith Moses, the man of God,
blessed the children of Israel before
his death." And among the distin-
guished blessings and privileges
they had enjoyed, was that of sit-
ting down at the feet of God. This
position at the feet of God was that
of a learner. In the evangelist's
narrative of Martha, it is said,
" And she had a sister called Mary,
which also sat at Jesus' feet, and
heard his words." Luke 10 : 39. —
And Saul of Tarsus was brought up
" at the feet of Gamaliel."
There seems to be in these cases
a reference to a custom among the
. a>tern nations of the master sitting
in a higher seat, while the scholars
occupied a lower seat, and sat at the
feet of the masters. And while the
highly-favored Israelites were per-
mitted to sit at the feet of God to
receive the words of the " fiery law,"
we who are permitted to live under
the christian dispensation, enjoy the
blessed privilege of sitting with the
humble and devoted Mary at the
feet of Jesus. And let us see what
this position at our Lord's feet im-
plies. But
1. Let us see who Jesus was —
Isaiah describes him thus: "His
name shall be called Wonderful.
Counselor, the mighty God, the
everlasting Father, the Prince or
| peace." Isaiah 9 : 7. He is said by
Paul to be the u power of God, and
the wisdom of God." 1 Cor. 1 : 24.
He is a Teacher, bearing with him
the credentials of heavenly author-
ity, as affirmed by a distinguished
ruler of the Jews, who said, in
addressing Jesus, " Rabbi, we know
that thou art a Teacher come from
God : for no man can do these mira-
cles that thou doest, except God be
with him." John 3 : 2. He is
honorably referred to by John the
Baptist in the following suggestive
language: " He must increase, but
I must decrease. He that cometh
from above is above all : he that is
of the earth is earthly, and spea'<eth
of the earth : he that cometh from
heaven is above all. And what he
hath seen and heard, that he testi-
fied. . . . For he whom God hath
sent, speaketh the words of God : for
God giveth not the Spirit by meas-
ure unto him." John 3, 30-34. He
comes from above — he is of a heav-
enly or gin. lie testifies to what
he has seen and heard — he speak-
from experience, and from a per-
sonal knowledge of the things about
which he speaks and testifies. " In
him are hid ail the treasures or*
wisdom and knowledge," says Paul.
Col. 2 : o. The same authority fur-
34
THE LEARNER'S PLACE.
ther testifies of Jesus, and says, " In
him dwelleth all the fullness of the
Godhead bodily." (v. 9.) So when
Mary sat at the feet of Jesus, she
occupied a place no less glorious,
hororablo, or desirable than that
occupied by the highly-favored Jews
who sat at the feet of God.
As we all need divine instruction
to make us wiso unto salvation, at
the teet of Jesus, with the humble
Mary, we all should be found. But
can we sit at his feet now, since he
is no more in the world ? And is
he no more in the world ? Did he
not say to his disciples, " I am with
you alway, even unto the end of the
world"? And when Paul said,
" Who shall ascend into heaven ?
that is, to bring Christ down from
above: or who shall descend into
the deep? that is, to bring up
Christ again from the dead. But
what saith it? The word is nigh
thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy
heart : that is. the word of faith,
which we preach ; that if thou shall
confess with thy mouth the Lord
Jesus, and shalt believe in thine
heart that God bath raised him
from the dead, thou shalt be saved,"
(Rom. 10, 6-9) did he not mean that
the essential and needful power of
Christ is still present in the world
to affoid instruction and help to all
who feel their need of him, and who
will take their place at his feet as
disciples or learners ? It is true,
he is not here in the world with his
bodily presence, but he is here spirit
uall}7. We have his throne of grace
on which he sits, to approach; we
can enter his house in which he
dwells; we have his word through
which he speaks to us, and we have
his ordinances through which he
manifests himself to us, and we
have his promise that where two or
three are gathered together in his
name, that he will be in the midst
of them. And so we onjoy the
blessed privilege of sitting at his
feet, to hear his divine instructions,
and to profit by his heavenly les-
sons.
In his ability to teach, we may
have the utmost confidence. He is
the personification of truth itself,
and therefore can not be mistaken
upon any subject upon which he
imparts instruction. He knows
every thing, and he knows it thor-
oughly. But he does not only pos-
sess a perfect knowledge of every
thing, and a peculiar gift ior im-
parting instruction, but he can even
impart a capacity for learning, even
where this is wanting in his schol-
ars. He opened the understanding
of his disciples, who were not the
most apt learners of divine truths,
to understand the scriptures. Luke
24 : 45. As he could make the
blind to see, the deat to hear, and
the lame to walk, and even the dead
to live, so he can impart capacity
tor understanding. He renews his
disciples in the spirit of their mind,
gives them a new heart, and writes
his laws in their minds. He knows
what is in man, and consequently
he knows all the infirmities that
beset his disciples, and can suit
his illustrations and explanations
to the cases he is endeavoring to
instruct.
But there is something very win-
ning in the manner of our Lord's
teaching. There is often something
cold and even repulsive in teachers,
and in their presence their scholars
are timid and bashful, and feel
THE LEARNER'S PLACE.
35
afraid to ask their instructors for
imformation, though they may feel
they much need it. But the heav-
enly Teacher, at whose feet we are
permitted to sit and learn, is conde-
scending, patient and forbearing.
" The bending angel9 stoop'd to seo
The lisping infant clasp his knee,
And smile, as in a father's eye,
Upon his mild divinity."
He will condescend to teach begin-
ners in the school of salvation the
very alphabet or first principles of
Christianity. Some of these are
thus stated by Paul : repentance,
faith, doctrine of baptisms, laying
on of hands, resurrection of the
dead, and eternal judgment. Heb.
6, 1-2. He gives line upon line, and
precept upon precept, here a little
and there a litile, as the learner is
able to receive it. He said to his
hearers, " Learn of me, for I am
meek and lowly of heart." This
was as much as to say — Be not
deterred from approaching me, or
entering the list of my disciples,
because I am Israel's King or the
world's S'tvior. With my royalty
and majesty are blended love and
compassion to the ignorant and
guilty whom I have come to seek
and to save. I am the Son of man,
as well as the Son of God, and can
weep and sympathize with the
suffering, as well as receive the
homage and worship of angels. —
u The common people heard him
gladly," for he stooped to converse
with them, and waited to hear their
tales of woe.
And how precious is the knowl-
edge he imparls!
" Christ came from heaven ; of heaven he st oke ;
To heaven he led his follow'rs way ;
Dark clouds of gloomy night he broke,
Unveiling an immortal day,"
" In my Father's house are many
mansions," said he, when instructing
his disciples. And when an interest
had been awakened in their minds
in relation to those heavenly man-
sions, then he pointed them to him-
self, and said, " I am the way." —
And in the beautiful and explicit
language of one of his prayers, he
says, " And this is life eternal, that
they might know thee, the only
true God, and Jesus Christ, whom
thou hast sent." And it is at the
feet of our Lord, where the humble
Mary sat, that we must sit with
the humility and teachableness of a
child, if we would learn the true
import of his teachings. And if we
would bring with us to the oracles
of God when we search them as we
search for hidden treasure, this
simplicity, docilit}', and humility of
mind, implied in sitting at the feet
of Jesus and at the feet of God,
we should experience a progress in
divine knowledge which a man of
letters, and the mere critic, never
experience. Then would we have
that experimental and scriptural
knowledge of the divine character,
which is said iu the language of our
Lord abovjB quoted, to constitute
eternal life !
Paul was brought up at the feet
of Gamaliel, and he was a successful
student there in acquiring the learn-
ing that was there taught. And
although he did not despise science,
he valued the knowledge he obtained
under the teaching of Jesus so much
higher than all other knowledge
that ho exclaims, "What things
were gain to me, those I counted
loss for Christ. Yea, doubtless, and
I count all things but loss for the
excellency of the knowledge of
36
A GLANCE AT THE
Christ Jesus my Lord." Phil. 3 :
7, 8. This knowledge is indeed lite
eternal. Other knowledge may pull'
up, but this edifieth.
We need not he strangers to God,
nor to the covenant of his grace. —
N either need he be a stranger to 08.
It is not his will that we should
wander through the world as chil-
dren without a father, or as sheep
without a shepherd. It is his will
that we should come to the knowl-
edge of the truth and be saved. At
the feet of Jesus, or in the humble
and teachable state of mind which
that position implies, that knowl-
edge is obtained. Here at the feet
ot Christ, or in him as a disciple, the
Father meets us, welcomes us to his
arms, and to all the blessings of
redemption. Keader, it is your
privilege, whoever you may be, to
sit at the feet of Jesus and enjoy the
advantages of his teaching. But to
do so, you must humble yourself
and renounce the world. And if
you thus humble }Tourself as a learn-
er at his feet, in due time you shall
be exalted to his throne and reign
with him. J. Q.
For the Visitor.
A GLANCE AT THE PRESENT
STATE OF THE WORLD.
The world moves in art, invention,
science and crime. It moves by im-
pulse rather than reason, by applause
rather than charity. A city is swept
by a conflagration, and the world
responds with charitable contribu-
tions; millions famish for bread on
the plains of Persia, and the world
makes no effort to mitigate their
sufferings.
Invention gives to labor an im-
petus exceeding tho philosophic
dreams of jToro, yot human life is
not regarded amid the din and bus-
tle of mechanical industry hurling
its thousands to eternity without a
moment of warning. Art, twin sis-
ter to invention, regales the eye
with every novelty in mechanism,
architecture and nature. She
spreads her fair fingers in museums,
temples, churches, houses, books,
pamphlets, albums, even in the
bible.
But the chief art of the day is the
art of living well without work. —
Science is much concerned about the
age of the earth as developed by its
geological formation ; about the pri-
meval state of man, how long and by
what means he gradually developed
himself from an orang-outang into
a perfect man. The safety of the
globe we live on is a fruitful eource
of scientific investigation. Does
light reach us from the sun by radi-
ation or undulation ? If the wave
hypothesis be true, science declares
all nature must collapse in a succes-
sion of concentric collisions and
conflagrations, until somewhere in
the far off ages to come, light will
go out, the universe will be void,
and all things will cease to exist.
Cold, cheerless, Godless science !
At times the astronomer fancies his
glass reveals the approach of a dis-
tant star with the velocity of many
miles a second, and he calculates
the time the earth will be habitable
before it be annihilated by the ap-
palling collision. Quite recently it
has been discovered that the sun at
times emits prodigious tongues of
flame, thousands of miles in length,
with such exceeding ve'ocity that
PRESENT STATE OF THE WORLD.
37
the earth is in danger of being
licked up in a moment. Thus God
and the bible are ignored by modern
scientific speculation.
The world evidently advances in
crime. True, the dark ages are
past; healhenish idolatry no longer
asserts its sway over civilized com-
munities; but murder, suicide, rob-
bery, divorce, prostitution, enlight-
ened debauchery, infanticide by
abortion, were never so prevalent
in high circles.
The religious world also moves,
but its motion is more truly retro-
grade than onward. Popery has
lost its prestige and power, and
protestants are fighting the old
battles of Rome over again. The
missionary goes to teach the hea-
then with the bible in one hand, and
the sword in the other. In England
and other European countries, the
church is supported by state, and
the highest ecclesiastical dignitaries
have also the highest power in the
state. This is protestantism on the
road to Rome. In the United States
no single denomination has had
either prestige or power to demand
a union of church and state : and a
concerted action is wanting on the
part ot the churches aspiring to that
power, before it will ever be effected
in this country. The " associations
for the promotion of holiness/' held
in different parts of the United
States within the last few years, and
participated in by different leading
denominations, bear a remarkable
feature ot a move in that direction.
Jarring, discordant elements before
God and man, they would come
together and agroo to disagree. —
Amid all the confusion arising from
sectarians, creeds, and disciplines,
the bible, the true witness, goes
forth in its purity, beii g faithfully
translated into all the principal lan-
guages and sent out into the differ-
ent parts of the world. God is thus
faithfully represented among the
nations, by his written word, if not
by his ministers.
The researches of the American
Bible Union on the subject of bap-
tism have forever settled that long
disputed point to all candid, un-
prejudiced minds. Whatever theo-
logians may think will do for bap-
tism, it is a remarkable fact that no
translator has over ventered to ren-
der the words, bapto, baptizo, by
sprinkle or pour. All the advocates
for aspersion hitherto have ac-
knowledged immersion to be valid.
This, however, is now denied by
some who are unable to sustain the
position such acknowledgment for-
ces them to take. Some are even
so rash as to declare that immer-
sion can not be found in the bible,
the evidence of the learned world to
the contrary notwithstanding. The
position of protestants who try to
sustain sprinkling and pouring, to
the exclusion of immersion, is
pitiable in the extreme; they claim
not the power to change immersion
to sprinkling, as the catholics
honestly confess they have done,
and had the power to do, and then
in face of all the evidence, sacred
and profane, they would shift the
difficulty by denying that immer-
sion is baptism at all. As it stand-
before the world now, it no longer
presents a field for controversy. —
The advocates of aspersion fail to
meet the overwhelming evidence
produced by the defenders of im-
mersion. They are well aware that
38
THE PRESExNT STATE Or THE WORLD.
the secret of their power in propa-
gating their faith lies in rocking
their hearers to repose in the cradle
of carnal security, and not in pro-
voking debate.
Pedo-baptists are driven, or
rather have suffered themselves to
float, into a position wholly inex-
plicable, and which presents an
enigma the wisest among them will
ever be unable to explain. They
hold the position that baptism is
not essential to salvation, and then
claim that infants, in order to enjoy
the benefits of salvation, must be
baptized.
XJniversalists believe that all will
be saved, yet they take all the
trouble to spread their doctrine as
though the salvation of the world
depended upon accepting the faith
they teach. Equally unreasonable
is the action of those who hold the
doctrine of election and reprobation
and zealously herald their views
from the pulpit and through the
press. In the one case, if all will be
saved, reason would sajT, fold hands
and keep quiet. In the other, if it
be decreed from eternity that cer-
tain individuals shall be saved and
all others lost, why preach ? (As
though it were possible to change
the decrees of Jehovah ! ) Thus
have erroneous ideas, descending
from father to son, become so in-
grained in human nature, that
reason is dethroned ) and for the
light of truth, creeds, disciplines
and the acknowledged heads and
founders of churches are consulted
as authority. Like the churches in
Europe, by such glaring corruption,
creating an atmosphere for the
spread of atheism within the last
decade, so these and similar organ-
izations are destined, at no distant
day, to become the infectious ele-
ment for the spread of infidelity
throughout the land.
All things move, and the end
approaches. Power is beginning to
usurp the place of reason. Error
exposed to the piercing rays of
truth, will resort to physical force
to hold its sway. Already do we
hear from the pulpit the declaration
charging the translation of the
scriptures into plain English to be
the work ot the adversary. Such
characters, unable to stand in de-
bate against the unfolding of the
truth, as developed by the research-
es of the learned through the annals
of the church and by the critical
translation and interpretation of the
sacred text, (and having their own
platform knocked from under them
by their own weapons, and thus
rendered powerless in meeting and
sustaining the charges they make
against the faithful translation of
the scriptures,) would employ secu-
lar power in forcing the world to
accept their views independent of
that reason with which God has
endowed them.
As invention and the arts advance
in the world, political and relig-
ious (? ) so faith in God and his
word is departing from the rainds
of the people. Where is now the
faith and patience of the saints that
once withstood fire and sword, the
spoiling ot their goods, the confisca-
tion of their estates, and with unfal-
tering trust forsook all that they
might win Christ? Where is the
faith that would cause the ravens
or even angels to bring food to the
servant of God of the nineteenth
century ? What mean these asso-
REMARKS ON MATT. 19 : 23, 24.
39
ciations, societies and companies,
organizing in all parts of the coun-
try with the ostensible purpose of
aiding the great mission ot the Gos-
pel ? Is not this the work of the
enemy to weaken the faith ot the
servants of God and even to destroy?
What organization need we outside
of the strongest ? God is in the
midst of thee, O Zion ! whither
wouldst thou go for protection ?
When the Son of God comes will he
find faith on the earth?
Already the prophetic cry of
"peace and safety" is on its mission
through the world. The inaugura-
tion of universal peace among the
nations by all the great powers, has
been in contemplation for some
time. Safety is what is sought by
all organizations outside of the
church. Safety in the possession of
worldly goods, independent of the
will of Providence, is a fruitful
source of petty organizations
"making merchandise of you" and
laying the foundation for that re-
pose which will only be disturbed
when the last day will come with
" sudden destruction."
D. H.
For the Visitor.
REMARKS ON MATT. 19: 23,24.
In order to learn the import of the
above words, it will be necessary to
examine their context. By com-
paring the corresponding texts as
recorded by Luke and Mark, we
learn that there was a certain
"young man," a riiler, who had
great possessions, and " was very
rich," that "came running, and
kneeled to Jesus, and asked him,
Good Master, what shall I do that
L may inherit eternal life? Jesus
answered him, if thou wilt enter
into life, keep the commandments."
In answer to the query of the rich
young ruler, Christ named the com-
mandments, to which the young
man replied, "all these things have
I kept from my youth up; what
lack I yet?" This no doubt, was
only self-justification, as the sequel
plainly proves, and Christ knew it,
for he answered him, " If thou wilt
be perfect, go sell that thou bast
and give to the poor." Could this
young man have loved his neighbor
as himself, and yet be sorrowful,
sad and grieved when Christ re-
quested him to give to the poor?
The gospel was not then written as
now, and in order to receive the
benefit of Christ's gospel, it was
necessary for him to sell all that he
had — in that Christ traveled from
place to place — so that his riches
could be used. Christ did not re-
quire him to give all to the poor, if
so, he would have told him to give
it to the poor, but it is not men-
tioned. This view being correct,
could the}Oung man have loved his
neighbor as himself? Reason says
no; conscience answers no.
It is said that there is a saj'ing
among the Jews that this rich man
was the one Christ referred to when
he said there was a certain rich
man, etc. at whose gate Lazarus
was laid. Let that be as it may,
one thing is certain, namely, that
Christ considered the young man's
condition a very hopeless one, un-
less the divine power be displayed
in his behalf. Christ sa}'8, " verily,
I say unto you, that a rich man
shall hardly enter into the kingdom
of heaven."
40
REMARKS ON MATT. 19 : 23, 24.
When the disciples heard tin's
Baying, they were astonished at his
words; therefore Christ adds fur-
ther, " how hard it is for them that
trust in riches to enter into the
kingdom of God." And to show
them the condition of such, Christ
adds, " It is easier for a camel to go
through the eye- of a needle, than
for a rich man to enter into the
kingdom of God," or as Luke has
it, " a needle's-eye."
As some remarks have already-
been made on the above words, I
hope the readers of the Yisitor will
compare those views with the views
I may now present, and all with the
word.
I used to hold the views on this
passage that have been given in the
December number ot ihe Yisitor,
but do not now. It is true, as the
writer stated, that there were gates
that were called " needle-eyes." be-
cause of their being shaped like a
needle's eye, but there is no argu-
ment or analogy between the
expressions a needle-eye, and the
eye of a needle, or a needle's eye;
and if Christ had had reference to
those gates, he would have used
language conveying the fact. A
camel to pass through the eye of a
needle, was a mode of expression
common among the Jews, and
always signified a thing impossible,
and this was the understanding that
the apostles had of the expression,
as we infer from their question,
"who then can be saved?" and
Christ's answer, " with men this is
impossible." And as the writer has
proven that it is possible for men to
take a camel into or through a
needle-eye, bj- unloading him, and
making him kneel, we infer that
Christ's words stand against his
views, for he says himself expressly,
that it is impossible with men. So
then Christ could not have had any
reference to those needle-eye gates,
but to what ho says, namely, a
needle's eye or the eyo of a needle.
This would be impossible with men,
but not with God, for with God all
things are possible.
I believe that it would be just as
possible for man to put a camel
through a needle's eye, as it would
be for him to create an arm or a
world. God has done the one, and
can do the other; but man can do
neither. Conversion, regeneration,
etc, is the work of God ; although
he may use man as an instrument
in his hand.
Blessed be God, for he can work
in us, both to will and to do, of his
good pleasure. He can make a saint
out of a sinner. God can cause to
fall and then raise again. He can
form anew. God is omnipotent. —
God alone can take the love of the
world out of the human heart, and
we know that as long as the love of
the world dwells there, the love of
the Father is not there.
" The love of money is the root
of all evil," or as the Germans ren-
der it, a root. And as coveting after
money has caused some believers to
err from the faith, it is no wonder
that it will keep the unbeliever from
believing. " If the righteous
scarcelj7 be saved, where shall the
ungodly and the sinner appear?" —
There is but one who can save us,
and as long as man trusts in his own
riches or power, he will never come
to Jesus, and put his trust in him,
and as a consequence can never be
saved.
LETTER TO ELD. A. J. WELTON.
41
A man mu8t first humble himself,
mast first forsake all that he hath,
and become poor, before he will seek
the help of the Mighty One. Who
are the rich Christ referred to ? Is
my neighbor rich because he has so
many hundreds more than 1? Not
unless he gets all he can, saves all he
can, and then keeps it all to himself,
and sets his heart thereon. There-
fore if riches increase, set not your
heart thereon. Trust not in uncer-
tain riches. It was this chord that
Christ touched when he told the
young man to give to the poor. It
is this laying up earthly treasures,
and hoarding them for our god — no,
but our idol — that is the great root
of evil that omnipotence alone can
sever. It is not possible for a man
to serve God and mammon. Money
is not so bad as some seem to think,
but the love thereof is. Therefore
says Christ, uhow hard it is for
them that trust in riches to enter
into the kingdom of God/' All the
human power that dwelt in the
Eastern world in the time of Saul,
could not have forced him into the
kingdom of God. But, thanks to
God, the Lord could do it.
This reminds me of the deplorable
condition in which man dwells
when out of Christ. Is there one
who doubts the fact that it would
be easier for a camel to go through
the eye of a needle, than for a man
to enter the kingdom of God, inde-
pendent of the assistance of the
divine power of God manifest in
the flesh ? These things should
cause the rich, as well as the poor,
to flee to Christ, " for there is none
other name given under heaven
whereby man can be saved." Let
none doubt, for all power is given
unto him in heaven and in earth,
and he that cometh to him, he will
in no wise cast out, for ho will have
all men to be saved, and to come to
the knowledge of the truth ; there-
fore come unto him all ye ends of
the earth, and be ye saved.
The camel and needle's eye re-
minds us of something that is im-
possible with man, but possible with
God. And as a camel can be forced
through a needle-eye gate, Christ
could not have meant those gates.
His words, as well as the context,
show that he meant a needle's eye,
and nothing else.
Noah Longanecker.
LETTER TO ELD. A. J. WELTON.
Moulton, Iowa, 1872.
Dear Friend :
In fulfillment of my promise to you,
as to the key to the question " Did
Christ eat the Jews' passover the night
of his betrayal V I have concluded
that if I were to give you a mere
reference to the passages of scripture
that I believe reveal the matter, I might
perhaps be misunderstood. Therefore I
will write them out as briefly as 1 can,
so as to give you a full understanding of
them.
I take the negative of the question
under debate. It is true that the meal
that Jesus ate with his disciples that
night seems to be called the passover —
But we feel as though we might deny
that with more show of sincerity than
was displayed in several instances duriDg
the debate we have listened to during
the last few days. But we do not think
it necessary to the success of our posi-
tion. You will agree with me that we
must give equal credence to all the
42
LETTER TO
sacred historians unless it can be fully
proven that there are interpolations in
their narratives.
With this view before us we start out
We begin with the law of the Lord
concerning the passover. " On the
fourteenth day of the first month is the
Lord's passover, and on the fifteenth day
of the same mouth is the feast of
unleavened bread ; seven days ye must
eat unleavened bread. On the first day
ye shall have an holy convocation; ye
shall do no servile work therein." —
Leviticus 23 : 5-7. This gives us three
points to be noticed.— First, the four-
teenth day is the Lord's passover. —
Second, the fifteenth is the first day of
the feast. — Third, it is a Sabbath.
There could be no deviation from this
law without incurring guilt (Numbers
9:13) except in case of unavoidable
defilement or being on a journey. The
persons thus prevented from eating at
tn at time must eat on the same day the
following month (Numbers 9:10,11 ) —
The lamb was both typical (1 Cor. 5:7)
and commemorative (Ex. 12: 26-27) —
typical of the character and death of the
Lamb of God — of his purity, meekness
and innocence. It was to be without
blemish. (Ex. 12:5). It was commemo-
rative of the deliverance of the Lord's
people from the grievous bondage and
servitude of Egypt (Ex. 12:27). It was
typical of the deliverance of the same
people from the curse of law (Gal. 3:
13) and the world from the galling effect
of Adam's sin (1 Cor. 15:22).
Hence it pointed backward and for
ward (Ex. 14 9). It pointed to the
character, the purpose, and the time of
the sacrifice of the Lamb of God (1
Peter 1:19 and 2:18). Having premised
this much, we now examine the evan-
gelists. We discover that there was a
Sabbath followed the day of the cruci-
fixion (Mark 15-42, Luke 23:54, John
19:31) which as we have seen must be
according to the law (Levit. 23: 7-15).
We learn from Matthew that Christ was
crucified on the day of the preparation.
(27:62 ) Mark says, " the preparation,
that is the day before the Sabbath."
(15:42 ) Luke says it was " the prep-
aration, and the Sabbath drew on."
(23:54 ) John says it was " the prep-
aration of the passover (19:14) and that
the next day was "an high day" to the
Jews (19:31) ; also that it was the Jews
preparation day. (19:42.) Hence it
was the day that "the passover must be
killed" — the day before the Sabbath —
the fourteenth day of the month Abib.
He died at 3 o'clock — the ninth hour —
(Mark 15:25) the hour at which the
lamb was to be slain. Ex. 12:6.
Not a bone was broken. Ex. 12:46,
Numb. 9:12. Hence he was the perfect
fulfillment of the type (1 Cor. 5:7) and
of the law. Matt. 5:17 That this is
correct scarcely needs further proof. —
But we wish to make it plain, therefore
we take up another line of argument.
We hear the Sauor say, " Destroy this
temple, and in three days I will raise it
up." John 2:19. "The Son of man
must suffer," etc. " and after three days
will rise again." Mark 8:31 "As
Jonah was three days and three nights
in the whale's belly, so shall the Son of
man be three days and three nights in
the heart of the earth." Matt. 12:40.
Paul says he ro3e the third day, accord-
ing to the scriptures. 1 Cor. 15:4.
The two first quotations are prophetic,
the last is historic. He rose on the
first day of the week, early. Mark 16:9.
According to A.Clarke, "three days
and three nights should be rendered
three evenings and three mornings."
We now count back three evenings and
three mornings, and it brings us to
ELD. A. J. WELTON.
43
Thursday for the crucifixion and burial
of our Lord, thus proving that it was on
the fourteenth day of the month. Fri
day was not the weekly Sabbath. Hence
the Sabbath spoken of by the evange-
lists must be the holy convocation of
Leviticus 23:7, the fifteenth of the Jew-
ish month Abib, which again places the
crucifixion at the precise time when the
lamb must be slain. Ex. 12:6. It was
expressly agreed among the elders that
Jesus should not be "killed on the feast
day, lest there be an uproar among the
people" (Mark 14:2) and thereby the
Sabbath be profaned. How shall we
account for the fact that Mary Magda-
lene and the other Marv did not go to
embalm him (Mark 16:1) until the
third day, except by the fa^t that two
Sabbaths fell together, it being unlawful
for them to handle any dead body on
either Sabbath.
Thus wc have proven from the written
testimony of the four evangelists and
the law that Jesus was crucified on the
preparation day — the preparation of the
passover — the day before the holy con-
vocation. Hence John calls the next
day an high day. 19 : 31.
We now pursue another line of proof
which is found in the identity of two
suppers recorded by the evangelists. —
We will show that the supper John
records in chapter 13, is the same as
that of Matthew, Mark and Luke —
commonly denominated the passover.
We presume it is conceded that the
supper of John 12 is not the same as
that of John 13, as it is plain that after
the supper of John 12, and be/ore the
supper of John 13, Christ went to
Jerusalem. John 12:12. But lest it
might be supposed that they are the
same, we will investigate. Matthew
says of the supper in Bethany, " There
came a woman having an alabaster box
of ointment, very precious, and poured
it on his head; the disciples had indig-
da ion, saying, to what purpose was this
waste? it might have been sold for
much, and given to the poor. . . . Jesus
answers, ye have the poor always with
you. . . . She wrought a good work on
me in that she poured it on my body ;
she did it for ray burial. 26 : 7-12. —
Mark tells the same narrative, but gives
the kind of ointment and its probable
value. Mark 14, 3-8. John seems to
have aimed to supplement the others,
and tells who poured the ointment on
his body, and says she poured it on his
feet, and gives the quantity, and who it
was that murmured, and the value of
the ointment. John 12, 2-8. We then
have a complete history of the whole
transaction. This identifies the supper
of Matt. 26, 7-13 and Mark 14, 3-9,
with that of John 12, 2-8. These
were two days before the feast of the
passover. Mark 14, 1-3.
We now turn our attention to the
supper of the following evening, and
will show that notwithstanding Matthew
and Mark seem to call it passover, it
was on the following evening, and not
two days after. John 13:1 In order
to do this we must identify it with the
supper of John 13, at which the traitor
was made known (v. 26). And as they
did eat, he said, verily I say unto you,
that one of you shall betray me. And
i they were exceeding sorrowful, and be-
gan every one of them to say, Lord, is
it I ? He answered and said, he that
dippeth bis hand with me in the dish,
the same shall betray me. 26, 21-23.
This did not identify the traitor, because
Mark gives it, " It is one of the twelve
that dippeth with me in the dish/'
(14:20) showing that they were all
dipping with him in the dish. John
clothes the same idea in different Ian-
44
LETTFR TO
gunge, saying, u he that eateth bread
with me hath lifted up his head against
me." 13:18. They require something
more definite ! Therefore Peter beckons
to Johu "to ask him who it should be."
He answers, " be it is to whom 1 shall
give a sop when I have dipped it." —
John 13:26 While these things were
being enaeted, Judas, seeing the
crisis approaching, and cowering under
the certainty of being pointed out as
the man, consummates his hypocrisy by
asking, " Master, is it I ?" Matt. 26:25.
At the same moment, Jesus hands him
the sop, (John 13:26) and announces
the startling declaration " Thou hast
said." Judas, unable any longer to
bear the reproachful frowns of the
eleven, immediately goes out (John
13:30) undet the Master's injunction
I* what thou doest, do quickly." John
13:27. But it is said the disciples did
not understand the matter and thought
that Jesus had commanded Judas to buy
sucb things as they had need of against
the feast. John 13, 28-29. They did
not know what important events were
to transpire that night. But Jesus
knew, hence, " what thou doest, do
quickly."
No such things are recorded as having
taken place at the supper in Bethany.
Luke does not give the designation of
the traitor, but says they began to
inquire among themselves which of
them it was that should do this thing
22:23. If we presume that the supper
of John 13 was in Bethany at the house
of Simon, and that Jesus dipped the sop
and gave it to him saying, " thee it is,"
why do they now inquire among them-
selves who it should be ? Such a thing
would indeed be unaccountable. But
it is assumed by some that the supper of
John 13 is the same as that of John 12,
b:caus3 Luke says that " Satan entered
into" Judas before he went to commune
with the chief priests, (Luke 22:3) and
because he went fro n the supper in
Bethany (Matt. 26-24) ; because John
in his 12th chapter says nothing about
the devil entering into him; also
because John 13 : 1 says u the devil
having now put it into the heart of
Judas to betray him," and because
when Jesus gave him the sop, he
" entered into him." 13:27. But
John 12:6 says " he was a thief." —
Hence he must have stolen previously.
Hence the devil was in him before, be-
cause he could not have stolen unless
the devil was in him. But when Jesus
reproved him for his covetousness, he
became angry, hence the devil entered
into him. When Jesus gave him the
sop he again manifested his displeasure,
hence satan entered into him.
" Having now" (John 13:1; is in the
past tense, therefore has reference to the
determination of Judas the previous
night to betray the Master. Again —
why should it be thought necessary or
even probable that John shiuld give a
partial history of the supper in Bethany
and connect it with events of the next
day and then again recur to the supper
of Bethany ? We see no reason for
such an assumption. And why should
he so closely connect his narrative of
events from the going out of Judas to
his apprehension, if two days and the
passover intervened ?
Why did the Jews refrain from going
into the judgment-hall " lest they be
defiled but that they might eat the
passover" (John 18:28) if the passover
was already eaten ? Why does John
say it was the preparation of the
passover, when Jesus was before Pilate
and only three hours before he was
nailed to the tree ? 19:14. Why were
the Jews so particular about the proper
ELD. A. J. WELTON.
45
observance of the next day if it was not j ning with A D 29, there was but one
the lawful day of the holy convocation ? year in which the full moon fell onThurs-
19:42. We have seen that the supper day, which was A. D 30. (Thurman's
at Bethany was two days before the feast Chronology, page 194.) Since we have
of the passover; that the supper of seen that Jesus must have been crucified
John 13 was the same as tbat commonly on Thursday ; (hat there was but one
called the passover; that it was be/ore1 y cat between two given dates of which
the feast of the passover. John 13:1.
Hence that it was the night after the
supper at Bethany that Judas goes
from the supper of John 13, and the
same night seeks Jesus in the garden,
where he is apprehended. Hence he
could not have eaten the Jews passover
that year. 13:30 to 18:2.
We will now notice a few other mat-
ters connected with this question. It is
said that when Jesus observed any pro
virion of the law, he observed it to the
letter. Granted. We ask then did the
priests sprinkle the blood of the lamb at
that time ? Were the houses of the
apostles all "next to" each other?
Were their families present ? ( The
lamb was to be roast with fire not
sodden with water. Ex. 12:9 ) What
did Jesus dip the sop into? Did they
go through the ceremony of asking and
Christ must have been crucified that the
full moon fell on Thursday; that he
was crucified on the preparation of the
passover — the day defore the " paschal
Sabbath"; that the Jews had not eaten
their passover (John 18:28); it proves
both the year and day of the crucifixion.
Since we have seen that the passover
must be at the full moon ; that the Jews
always announced the beginning of the
month by the blowing of the trumpet;
that they knew precisely when the full
moon would occur; that whenever they
kept the passover they kept it at the
full moon ; it proves that he was cruci-
fied A. D 30, on the fourteenth day of
the Jewish month Abib, consequently he
did not eat the Jews passover that year.
But what is to be done with Matthew
^6:17 ? " Now on the first day of the
feast of unleavened bread, the disciples
answering questions concerning the came to Jesus, saying, where wilt thou
Ex. that we go and prepare tor thee to eat
the passover ?" We have already clearly
seen that the first day of the feast of
unleavened bread always fell on the day
following the killing of the passover;
that the day on which the passover was
killed was called the preparation ; and
that Matthew himself says that it was
the day following the preparation that
the chief priests and pharisees desired
Pilate to make the sepulcher sure. —
27:62. There is a discrepancy in Mat-
thew's history as rendered by the trans-
lators, acnd since the first day of the
feast would place it after the proper
time, we must conclude that there is an
interpolation here.
purpose and origin of this feast ?
13:8.
It is useless to assume that the Jews
were not on time with the passover that
year, for "in the beginning of months
ye shall blow with the trumpet (Numb.
28 11) and they were able to tell the
very day on which the new moon could
be seen." And we venture the asser-
tion that there is not on record a single
instance in which they kept the passover
on the wrong day of the month. When
it was not kept on the proper day of the
month, it was not kept at all, 2 Chron.
30:15 and 35.1.
It has been shown by astronomical
calculations that in eight years begin-
46
A LETTER.
When we consider the fact that the
translators did sometimes insert words
uot found in the original, and that such
words are usually distinguished by being
placed in italics, by examination of the
text there remains no longer a doubt pn
this matter. Since such discrepancy does
exist in our version it becomes our duty
to examine the question carefully and
critically, guided by reason and all the
circumstances connected with the case,
and accept that which is most in har-
mony with the facts, the world to the
contrary notwithstanding.
G. 13. Replogle.
APPENDIX.
" The law was a shadow of good
things to-come. " Hence the bondage
of the Jews in E^ypt was a figure of the
bondage and servitude of the sinner to
the propensities to sin. Their libera-
tion was typical of the liberation of
Adam's posterity from the bondage of
sin. The journey in the wilderness was
a figure of the trials, temptations and
adversities through which the christian
must pass. The lamb was a type of the
sacrifice necessary to satisfy the demands
of justise. The time of the slaying of
the lamb indicated the day of the year
and month that Christ should be slain.
We can not for a moment conclude that
the time of the crucifixion was a mere
matter of chanoe.
Hence if the sacrifice of the lamb was
a type of the sacrifice of Christ, the time
was also typified. Jesus says, <; my
time is at hand." Matt. 26:18 " For
this cause came I to this hour." John
12:27. Showing that the hour was
predetermined. By a careful examina-
tion of types and prophecies (Dan. 9:12)
it is very plain that the time was prede-
termined, as well as the manner in which
it should be done. Isaiah 53.
A LETTER,
My dear daughter and fellow traveler
to the bar of God : Your letter of inquiry
is before me, asking me to answer several
questions which by the help of God I
will try to do. The first question is our
reason for leaving the Methodist Epis-
copal Church and joining the German
Baptist (dunkard) Church ? Answer.
As you may not know my warfare in
the M. E. Church, I will give you a
short history of it. Twenty-nine years
ago last month I joined the M. E.
Church, and did all 1 could to keep the
church in its primitive state. The first
year they urged me to lead a class. They
gave me sixteen young converts (girls)
in my class, and 1 fitted up a room in
my house, and I did all I could to Keep-
them in the narrow path of duty. (I will
here state that 1 would not agree to take
charge of the class till all the officials,
eight in number, agreed to stand by me
to keep my lambs in the narrow way.)
Well, things passed on smoothly for
some time, and finally the wolf entered
my little flock — two of them came to
class meeting with artificials in their
bonnets, which was then against the
rules of the church. After dismissing
my class, I privately asked them to stay
after the rest left. I preached them a
little sermon against pride, and they put
off their superfluities. This did not suit
the mothers of the children, but soon
the wolf came again and I brought a
charge against them before the church,
and had a test of the officials, and they
all flew the track — all but one local
preacher. So I delivered my class book
to the officials, and told them that I was
not the right man to suit them, and
that they might make a tool of me in
secular affairs, but when it came to
church affairs I would not prostitute the
church. I told them I would remain in
A LETTER.
the church as a drone, and I am sorry the Ancient order of Masonry. The
to say that I have only to truly been a Odd Fellows are nearly the same. They
drone in the church for twenty-seven j have all kinds of vanity and idolatrous
years, and the good Lord has spared emblems in their lodges as well as the
my unprofitable life to the age of three Masons, 6uch as skull bones, thigh
score years. bones, coffins, serpents, &c, &c, and
Now, I will give you my reasons for they have any amount of idolatrous
leaving the M E Church. Last year novelties in their secret abodes. Now,
I was at a funeral in Girard The man \ I want you to understand my position
that was buried was a Free Mason, and; fairly. When I am talking of societies
was buried according to the rules of
Free Masonry. They marched through
the streets with their regalia on, and the
or churches I am not speaking of
single individuals, but the order and
laws of the societies and churches.
Holy Bible put on clasps and open and : Several of the charges against these
carried by an avowed infidel ut th<j 'societies, carrying the Bible by an In-
head of the procession. Marching to fidel is sacrilege. Carrying on as they
the church, they blew the trumpet on the do in their lodges and burying their
highway, and the corner of the streets dead, is idolatory. Their regalia is
to try to make the peoplo believe that 'vanity. In Udd Fellows manual, I
they are governed by that sacred book think page 366, you find that a solemn
the Bible, with a conglomerated set of j occasion of burying their dead, they
human beings following including in- have their address and prayer laid down
fidels, drunkards, and professed embas-
sadors of Jesus Chris , (I say shame on
to repeat after the dead are deposited in
their last resting-place, and the
the latter part,) also, lay church mem -| same place says you may omit them if
bers, and furthermore they include part 'you want to, but it is unlawful to sub-
of all Christendom as members of their Lstitute any other address or prayer,
order. The test to join the order is ! Why is it unlawful ? I think it is be-
they must say they believe in a God. | cause they fear they might pray in
Now, the Jews and Mahomedans and Christ's name. I am fully persuaded
some infidels will say they believe in a that these secret institutions are anti-
God, but they deny Christ. The law christian. The above is one of the
of Ancient Freemasonry as it exists reasons that [ can not fellowship
here is they dare not say or do anything! those that uphold and fellowship those
in the lodge to offend a brother Mason,
therefore, they dare not pray in the
lodge in the name of our Savior Jesus
Christ without transgressing the laws of
the order, or they will offend some of
anti christion institutions. Whenever
we willingly and knowingly do we are
guilty partakers of those evils as they
are anti christian. I presume you are
aware that the majority of Methodist
the brethren, the Jews, Mahomedans 'preachers belong to one or both of those
or their lufidel brethren. Now, they I orders. Our preacher here belonged to
will tell you that they do pray in their 'both. The dunkards make it a test of
lodges in Christ's name, but that don't i membership I agree with them. You
exonerate them; when they do they lean not be christian and anti christian
transgress their vows and oaths, for
they have vowed or sworn to conform to
at the same time. You can not serve
God and mammon. You ask whether
48
A LETTER.
I don't think as far as dresfl ta concern
ed it has little to do with us in com-
parison of some other sinful acts, and
again you say s'>me people are proud of
their dress, some of their fine houses,
some of their fine farms, and some of
their line horses. Farms and houses are
not superfluities, but you put them on.
You again argue that pride does not
consist in fine dress. You say it is not.
the outward appearance, it is the in-
ward feeling You say you once had a
notion to join the dunkard's church,
you thought thoy dressed so plain
Now my dear daughter, if you have been
converted different from that of plain
dressing it was not of Christ's spirit,
nor did you find any thing in Christ or
the apostles' teaching that will teach
you that will uphold superfluity of ap-
parel. You will find by my argument
that I am opposed to the different
churches, including the M. E. Church
from apostatizing from its old land mark
and you know that I always was opposed
to superfluity of apparel. You can well
remember when the hoops came in
fashion, and started as they were in the
sinlipit of infidelity, in Paris, France,
by the profligate Empress to hide a
natural deformity. I warded them off
for several years out of cur family after
all the neighbors and church members
wore them, you and your sisters went to
church without them. Now when you
say that I raised you a Methodist, you
must include the advise I g ve you. I
always tried to influence my children to
be christians. Your oldest sister joined'
the dunkard church some twelve years
ago, and you never heard me say a word
against it, but I said amen to it. Che
thing is strongly advocated by many of
the different church members. No dif-
ference how you dress, so that your
heart will be right. Now I have al-
ways opposed that doctrine. The true
doctrine is, you shall know a tree by its
fruits. Now if you would see a show
casein town with saddles and bridles in
it, you would not go in to buy dry goods,
or a 6ign of boots and shoes, you would
not go in to buy a handsaw, or a scoop
shovel. Now I claim that they are not
generally false sigus — the majority of
them are true. Therefore you shall
know a tree by their fruit. When 1 was
a boy the lewd women could be distin-
guished by their dress and superfluities,
they were true to their avocations. But
when professed christians want to carry
the mark of lewd women in their signs
and Christ's spirit in their heart, it is a
fair contradiction of every doctrine in
holy writ 1 would say to you never
advocate the doctrine of no difference of
the outside if the heart is only right. I
always claimed that doctrine did not
emanate from Christ. You may think
I am talking a great deal on pride and
superfluity of apparel, because it is one
of the differeut reasons that left the
church swimming down stream with the
kingdom of this world. To show you
how the M. E. Church has degenerated
into pride, I will quote you some of the
founders of Methodism doctrine on the
subject :
John Wesley says : " I exhort all
those who desire me to watch over your
souls, wear no gol'd, no pearls or pre-
cious stones, use no curling of hair or
costly apparel how grave soever, I advise
those who are able to receive these say-
ings, buy no velvets, no silks, no fine
linen, no superfluities, no mere orna-
ments though ever so much in fashion.
Wear nothing though you have it al-
ready which is of a glaring color, or
which is in any way gay, glittering and
showy, nothing made in the hight of
fashion, nothing apt to attract the eyes
A LETTER.
49
of bystanders. I do not advise women
to wear rings, earrings, necklaces, laces
(of whatever ki;:d or color,) or ruffles
which little by little may easily shoot
from one to twelve inches deep, neither
do I advise men to wear colored waist-
coasts, shining stockings, glittering or
shining buckles or buttons, either on
their coats or on their sleeves, any more
than gay, fashionable and expensive
perukes." He maintained that the
curling the hair and wearing gold, pre-
cious stones and costly apparel, were ex
pressly forbidden in the scripture and
so do I. "And whoever says that there
is no harm in these these might as well
say there is no harm in stealing and
adultery. " Now what do you think
would become of John Wesley if he
could appear in some of the fashionable
conferences of the M. E Church in this
our day. "This," said Wesley, "is a
melancholy truth. I am ashamed of it,
but I know not how to help it. I call
heaven and earth to witness this day
that it is not my fault. The trumpet
has not given an uncertain sound. For
nearly fifty years last past, I have borne
a clear and faithful testimony. In
print, in preachiug, in meeting the
society, I have not shunned to declare
the whole counsel of God. I am there-
fore clear oi the blood of those that will
not hear. It lies upon their own heads :
" Let your dress be cheap as well as
plain. Otherwise you do but trifle with
God and me and your own souls." I
think Wesley speaks the scriptural
truth on gaudy dress. Now if you
would see this language without know-
iug where it came from, you would
think it came from some duukard,
which is the same opposing doctrine to
gaudy dress that the duukards hold at
this day. The difference is that the
duukards enforce their rules, but the
church in England got so far ahead of
Wesley that he could not stop the cur-
, rent. But the Wesleyans started up in
the United States on his principles, and
kept superfluities out of the church til)
within the last fifty years. But they
are now going with the current. They
now belong to the secret societies — the
majority of the preachers do. They
have organs in their churches. They
are as extravagant as any other class of
people. When you show me any thiug
in the scriptures that will sustain these
abominable heresies, then I will ac-
knowledge that I do not understand
Christ's doctrine I will ag»in ask you
are not my reasons right, just and true?
I will give you one more objection — a
growing evil — that is, these got up
t church suppers by many of the different
churches, including the M. E. Church.
They meet and have a jolly time of it.
I never heard whether they have any
! prayer, (I never was at any,) but that
I they carry it into a species of gambling
is an admitted fact, and I have seen it
published iu the newspapers about these
gambling suppers. Well, that you must
admit is contrary to Christ and the
apostles' teachings.
I have now given you the reasons for
withdrawing from the M. E. Church.
And you say you have read the Testa-
jment through during the winter ; so if
you fully comprehend and understand
Christ and the apostles' teachings, you
will certainly agree that my position
and cause is in accordance with their
teachiug. There is one thing that you
assert you believe that you did not find
in the Testament; if you did, please
give me the chapter. — That it was
ordained from God that there should be
more than one church. Now thero is
! nothing in the Testament that the
( apostles contended more strenuously
50
A LETTER.
for than the uuity of the church of
Christ. It is to be one body (not
divided). A house divided against
itself can not stand. Christ said to his
disciples, 1 am the vine and ye are the
branches. Then if these are the bran-
ches of the vine, Jesus Christ, they
must all bring forth the same fruit. If
the fruit is not the same, they can not
be of the same vine. Now if church
members commit idolatry, sacrilege and
vanity knowingly and premeditatedly,
and as Wesley says that pride is as bad
as stealing or adultery, 1 ask can those
members be of those branches ? Christ
says not. But true religion brings forth
gool fruit by obedience to the gospel,
and where obedience to the gospel com-
mands does not exist, there the love of
God and the religion of Jesus Christ
can not exist. If the soul is truly con-
verted to God, the good fruit of obedi-
ence to the gospel commands must
follow as its effect, because a good tree
can not bring forth evil fruit. Did not
Christ and his apostles teach non-con-
formity to the world ? If they did so
teach, then those who teach the contrary
are anti-christian. This position can not
be controverted.
We may say with the apostle Paul, if
Christ and the apostles do not teach
non-conformity to the world, then is our
preaching in vain and we are found false
witnesses of God, because we have testi-
fied that Christ and the Holy Spirit
teach it. If so be that it is either the
duty or the privilege of God's children
to walk in the manner referred to. The
people and men of old did not denounce
the idolators, and then worship with
them. Look at Daniel and the men
that were cast in the fiery furnace. —
They would not worship idols. If the
Methodists think they are right on those
controverted points in the foregoing
lines that I have pointed out to you,
I have thought it ray duty to myself
and my God to withdraw from the
church and have no more fellowship
with them, as I knowingly would be
partaker of those evils, and I find my-
self constrained to protest against and
avoid such teachings. And I think
that you will now agree that my posi-
tion is in accordance with the teachings
of the Bible. Paul writing to the
Romans says, "Now I beseech you,
brethren, mark them which cause
divisions and offenses contrary to the
doctrine you have learned, and avoid
them."
You talk of enjoying yourself well in
the M. E. Church. So do most all
societies, the Roman Catholics, Odd
Fellows, Freemasons, and many other
societies and churches. With their
three-thousand-dollar pews, there is no
doubt they enjoy themselves highly in
Beecher's church on their flowery seats
of ease. But that don't always imply
that we are doing God service when we
enjoy ourselves.
You appear to take it hard that we
left the M E. Church. Don't weep
over us unless y »u can see that we have
taken a false step. After we withdrew
from that church a friend was talking
to me about it, and I told hira if there
was any other church that came near
filling the requirements of Christ and
the apostles' teachings, I would cast my
lot with them, but he could not do it. —
And last Sunday your mother and I
were baptized, and are now members of
the German Baptist Church (called by
some, Dunkard Church, for short). —
You want to know how we feel after
joining the Dunkard Church. I would
say in sincerity and truth that we feel
right at home. We have all things
very plain and common. We will take
NOT WEARY, BUT GAINING STRENGTH.
51
care of our poor and widows and
orphans. We have good order in
church affairs. You say something
about women wearing caps. If there is
any thing wrong in us wearing uni-
formity of dress, either men or women,
please let me know. If a shepherd has
a flock of sheep and he marks them, he
will mark them as uniformly as he can.
He will not mark one with red chalk on
the hack, and cut the right ear of one,
and the left ear of another. But he
will mark them so he can tell his own
amongst others. Now we know each
other by our uniformity of dress at
home or abroad, and I insist it is a very
good rule, and we will cheerfully sub
mit to the order. In answer to the
scissor-tailed coat, I will give you the
quotation of an old friend, " A degene-
rate Christendom never did nor never
will observe the whole counsel of God
She always cuts her coat to suit the
times." (I suppose he meant, to suit
the fashions.)
Dear daughter, I have briefly answer-
ed your inquiries. I could write you a
quire of paper and then the subject
would not be half exhausted. This is a
subject that is inexhaustible. If I have
written any thing that is not in accord-
ance with the Bible, please point it out
to me and I will answer it.
couragement to the careless to procras-
tinate the all-important preparation for
death until death is seen u grinning at
the door?" May it not be an incentive
to a false hope?" Are we not liable to
be deceived as to the real condition of
the mind when the body is racked with
pain, and the mind frenzied with fear
and remorse.
The writer is acquainted with a case :
when a young man was so received, he
appeared fully conscious and seemed to
enjoy the ceremony, promising that if
God would spare him, be would when
sufficiently recovered submit to baptism.
He recovered and when approached on
the subject appeared entirely ignorant
of the occurrence. This occurred some
years ago. He is still living out of the
covenant of promise.
I have always doubted the validity
and propriety of such receptions. I see
no good in them. They are either good
or evil, if evil, let the practice be aban-
doned at once. If good let some wise
man speak to our edification.
G. B. Replogle.
Moulton, Iowa, Dec 26, 1872.
Your well-wishing
Father.
For the Gospel Visitor.
How is It?
Occasionally we read in the obituaries
of our periodicals, " Received into the
church with the exception of baptism, "
or some similar announcement — see
December No.) We ask, how is this ?
Where is the scriptural authority ex-
pressed or implied? Is it not a dan-
gerous practice ? Does it not give en-
For the Visitor.
Not Weary, but Gaining Strength.
BY D. B. MENTZER.
Christian brother, sister, when
you think of how much Jesus did,
and still does for you, do you feel
weary in welldoing? Does the
cross feel very heavy and the yoke
galling? Nay, rather, does it not
increase your faith and augment
your strength ? I am glad to be-
lieve that many will say — To think
of what Jesus did for me, gives life
and vigor to my soul, confirms my
faith anew, and makes me iorget
52
NOT WEARY, BUT GAINING STRENGTH.
all my trials, all my soul stirrings,
all my pride, all my selfishness, and
causes mo to count all things but
loss for Christ, and his commands
and promises are my constant joy
and daily comfort. This is the tenor
of the blessed son<j: which swells
forth in rapturous strains through
the whole temple of the Hoi} Spirit
in you.
When we think of the condition
and circumstances of Jesus when
he was hero among men, we forget
our own condition, and feel the holy
meaning of brother Paul's experi-
ence when he said, " I have learned
that in whatsoever state I am,
therewith to be content, " and of
that grand old proverb, " Better is
a dinner of herbs where love is, than
a stalled ox (or iatted calf) and ha
tred therewith. " The more we
think about Jesus, the less we will
think of our poor selves, the less we
will desire or try to fashion after the
styles and customs, and associations
and jokes, and indulgences, and
habits, and creeds of this wicked
world. All these things will sap
our strength and vitality, if so be
that we have received of the fullness
of Jesus. These vanities are not
compatible with Christ's life, and
therefore if we can take pleasure in
these things, let us take heed unto
our way, for the end may be death.
But " let us examine ourselves, and
see if we be in the faith," as the
word was delivered in the begin-
ning, and as the apostles wrote to
the believers. I just think what a
pity if we name the holy name of
Christ and then live contrary to his
teachings. O let us not be weary !
If we do not wake up to our duties,
watch and pray, and deny ourselves
of forbidden indulgences, we must
sink down to perdition with all the
" nations that forget God." What a
shipwreck !
The religious world claims that
the sacred scriptures contain "non-
essentials." So we say with much
regret that brethren and sisters are
rising up among us and Baying the
same, or in other words, when we
find those who say we need not be
so particular in our appearance, or
are liberal in their views of religion,
we think they are getting weary. —
Not stronger, but weaker. Why,
brethren, what road is this? Is
this the "narrow way" to the re-
deemed land — the christian's home
in glory ? We suggest you measure
it in the light of God, and by his
word, and see if it is not so wide
that a corrupt, divided, perverse,
proud world ma) — yea, is walking
on.
Let us each day with bended
knees in submission, and closed eyes
to " this present evil world," come
penitently, trustingly, talking with
God, and ask him for grace, for
wisdom, for strength, for a meek
and holy heart, so that he may help
us '• let our light shine." So shall
we be examples to the believers,
and stars in society, reflecting the
light of the word ot God. We aro a
"peculiar people, (?) zealous of
good works," and the times even
demand that we " seek to excel to
the edification of the church." Let
us work and strive together to cheer
and sustain the weary, and increase
our strength in the Lord.
Waynesboro, Pa.
There is some promise in your
Bible adapted to every trying hour.
HOLDING OUR OWN.
53
"HOLDING OUR OWN."
Once in a while a church reports,
" we are holding our own." By
this we understand that its numeri-
cal strength is kept, generally, at a
stand-still; that the increase of
membership by immigration and
profession is about equal to the
decrease by death and emigration.
We will not say that such a con-
dition in a church is a sure sign of
too little lovo for the Christ, of too
little fellowship with him in suffer
ing born of love to God and man, of
too little growth into Christ-likeness
and Christ-mightiness, of too little
fellowship among the members in
the blessed work of preaching the
gospel to the world : but this we
would say, holding our own is not
enough for us christians to do.
The attitude of Christianity is
aggressive. Its aim is conquest. It
would conquer the world for the
Anointed. It would win all hearts
into glad subjection to him. It would
grow, like the mustard-seed, into a
mighty tree. It would work its
wonderful changes wider and wider,
like the leaven in the midst of meal.
The thought that the kingdom of
heaven is to spread and prevail, is
the key upon which the prophets
pitched their stirring strains.
It was that which held a promi-
nent place in the teachings of the
Master. In the Apocalypse it is
clothed upon with great power. In
the vision of the seer, the word of
God, as a rider on a white horse,
goes forth conquering and to con-
quer. He is armed with a bow
merely. He has but one crown. —
When John again sees him, his
weapon is the sword, his followers
a multitude, the crowns he has won
are many.
Such grand visions of triumph to
the church had they of ancient
times who were filled with the spirit
of the Lord Jesus.
But why cite almost needlessly
these testimonies? Certainly not
for proof. It is a matter too plain
for the labor of proving, that Chris-
tianity from its nature and design
must continually multiply its con-
verts.
The only question is, how shall
this be done? The answer is near
at hand — largely through the
church. It is the mission of the
church, the aggregate of all believ-
ers, each one oi whom has Christ
formed within 'the hope of glory j
each one of whom is animated by
the indwelling Spirit — it is the mis-
sion of the church, we repeat, to
push on evermore the conquest of
the world for Christ.
But this can never be done by
simply " holding our own." Such a
course not only does violence to the
genius of Christianity, but it is con-
trary to the desires of everv true
christian.
If any man have found Christ
precious, will he not above all
things desire that his neighbors and
fellows also find him precious ? Will
he not of glad choice make this his
resolve :
" Then will I tell to einners round,
What a dear Savior I have found."
That was an Arab of noble im-
pulses, who, after he had watched
and warred with an enemy all the
sultry day long, after he had parted
from him at eventide with the in-
tention of renewing the conflict on
54
WHITER THAN SNOW.
the morrow, coming sudden^ upon
a glad spring of living water, forth-
with galloped hard after his late foe,
to persuade him to return and drink
and be at peace.
How much more should hate and
selfishness be destroyed and noble
generous impulses quickened to life
in them who have drank deeply, yes,
or tasted even, of the grace of God
in Christ Jesus.
As a general thing, a church in a
holding-our-own condition deserves
nothing better; it desires nothing
better.
It is the Father's good pleasure
to give the increase of the kingdom
to them who desire it and pray
for it and purpose great things
for* it and act noblj7 for it. The
kingdom of our God is a "within"
kingdom first, then one of outward
growth.
Let a church be " baptized with
fire/' as brethren among the denom-
inations have too hotly expressed
it; or be "baptized with the Holy
Spirit," as others more rightly7 have
it; or "have the mind of Christ/'
as Paul plainly says, then will the
word run and be glorified from and
by means of that church, in spite of
its locality, its poverty, its poor
mouth-pieces, and its opposition.
Yes, when the members of a
church all or nearly all rise up into
fellowship with Christ in his love,
suffering and self-denial for man ;
when they bind themselves to God
by a beautiful trust that makes his
cause their cause, and his work
their work; when they will resolve
upon something worthy the name
of work for Christ, and according to
the ability of each, labor as one
man for the accomplishment of that
work — then they can do marvels
toward the conversion of the world
to Christ.
Their way can not be hedged up,
for the Lord will bo mightily with
them. — Evangelist.
m •
WHITER THAN SNOW.
" Whiter than snow." Such will
be the end of our redemption. —
Whatever God begins he finishes
in a glorious manner. And that
which issues in the most glorious
results, he often begins in the sim-
plest mode. The act of repentance
is unimposing — no pomp, no cere-
mony— we see the burdened soul,
with anxious countonance and tear-
ful eye, asking the way to the cross,
and rolling the load of its sorrows
on the arm of one who though
invisible is felt to be mighty to save.
How little does the world think of
the consequences springing from
that simple act. In it, is the germ
of the blessedness of heaven — of
those fruits of holiness, of joy, with
which the full grown soul, a tree of
righteousness in the paradise of God,
(Isa. 41:3) is richly laden — the first
outpouring of that fountain of peace
and righteousness, which flowing
onward, becomes as a river and as
the waves of the sea — the first dawn
of that pare light on the soul whio'A
shineth more and more unto the
perfect day — the first shade on our
hearts black with guilt, of that
cleansing which makes us whiter
than snow.
We are enabled to form opinions
concerning the invisible spirit,
chiefly or entirely through material
illustration. We see the effects of
sin on the soul, in the pollution on
WHITER THAN SNOW.
55
the bod}T, and shall hereafter wit-
ness the glorious state of the re-
deemed spirit, in the glorified bod-
ies of the saints. The curse on man
began on the sonl with its sin; and
not until the soul had first sinned and
died, did the body become subject
to death. Then also in the soul,
does the Holy Spirit begin our res-
toration to glory, — and having be
gun spirtual life in the soul and
carried this on to completion, takes
up the body when laid down in the
grave, and makes it like the sanc-
tified spirit, whiter than snow.
Where can we see the strongest
emblem of the corruption spread
through the soul by sin ? In the
the dark and hidden corruption of
the grave.
But that body as well as the spirit
once inhabiting it shall be made
whiter than snow. One end had in
view by the Lord Jesus in the trans-
figuration, was to give his disciples
a view bright as they could bear, of
the glory he had with the Father
before the world was, and with which
notwithstanding his sufferings then
near at hand, the Father would
glorifiy him again. The conse-
quence was that his face did shine
as the snow, and his raiment was
white as the light, — so white as no
fuller on earth can white them, ex-
ceeding white as snow. Mark 9:3;
Matt. 17:1. "Beloved, now are we
the sons of God, and it doth not yet
appear what we shall be j but we
know that when he shall appear
we shall be like him." 1 John 3:2
Like Jesus, not as when sitting by
Jacob's well — not as in Gethse-
mane — not as on the road to Era-
maus — not as when from the
top of Olivet he ascended to
Heaven : — yea, not even as he ap-
peared on Tabor amid a few beams
of his glory: — but as he shall appear
amid the blaze of glory on the great
white throne, from whose face the
earth and the heaven flee away,
Rev. 22:11. Whose garment was
white as snow. Dan. 8:9. As he
shall appear in the heavenly Jerusa-
lem, where the city had no need of
the sun neither of the moon to
shine in it; for the glory of God did
lighten it, and the Lamb is the light
thereof. Rev. 21:23. And oh! have
we not the word of him who can
not lie, that he shall change our
vile body that it may be fashioned
like unto his glorious body. Phil.
3:21. So white shall these dark
bodies of corruption be made by the
working whereby he is able to sub-
due all things unto himself, — and
this the index of the purity which
by washing of the Holy Ghost, is
spread over the whole soul, — that
perfect holiness in which consists
our perfect conformity to the
perfect image of God. The woman
clothed with the sun, and the moon
under her feet, and upon her head
a crown of stars, Rev. 12:1, was an
emblem of the church and of its in-
dividual members : Who can speak
of the glory ot the saint when
standing on the moon, clothed with
the sun, and on his head a crown of
righteousness, of stars, among
which on his forehead shines as the
brightest gem that which is the gift
of him who has said: "I will give
him the morning star." Rev. 2:2.
Nay, so surpassing is the blaze of
glory in which the path on which
we enter at repentance, ends — that
like the sun at mid-day — we are
dazzled with the brightness and
56
GOD'S WORK AND MAN'S WORK.
turn away bewildered and overpow-|
ered — rejoicining that by proving I
faithful unto death, very noon thisj
corruptible shall put on on incor
ruption; and receiving a spirtual
body like unto the glorious body of
Jesus, we shall be able to get up
into the mount and there wish to
go no more down, under the shadow
of his unveiled glory.
God's Work and Man's Work.
BY REV. JAMES SMITH.
I sometimes meet with people who
can not, or or will not, distinguish be-
tween God's work and man's work.
In the economy of grace there is both ;
God works in us, and we work out our
own salvation. There are some things
men can not do, and there are some tbings
God will not do. Man can not do God's
work, and God will not, do man's. It
i3 so in nature ; man can not command
the rain, the winds, or the sun ; and
God will not plough, manure, or sow
the land. The latter is man's work,
and he must do it, or have no crops;
the former is God's work, and He does
it, as Jesus said, "My Father worketh
hitherto, and I work." God will not
dispense with man's efforts, and yet He
will keep man dependent. He holds
him responsible, while he proves him
weak.
Just so in grace. We can preach,
teach and pray, but we can not command
the blessing. God will not dispense
with our efforts, nor put the blessing in
our power. He will be the agent, but
he will have us to be the instruments.
Yet in general he has so connected the
blessing with the means, that if we
use the one we may expect the other,
though he always leaves room for the
exercise of his own sovereignty. Not
that we can not labor in vain, if our
motive is good, and the means we em-
ploy are scriptural, for if we do not ac-
complish the end upon which our heart
may be set, we may be sure to get a
blessing for ourselves. "Ye know,"
said Paul, "that your labor is not in
vain in the Lord." And again, "In
due season ye shall reap if ye faint not."
Let us then be always at work for God,
cither writing, or speaking, or giving;
remembering that it is as much my bus-
iness to work, as if I could command
success, and all rested upon me; and
yet while I work, I will endeavor to re-
alize, that Paul may plant and Apollos
water, but God giveth the increase.
Some will not work, unless they can be
agent?; this is pride. Others will not
work, except for wages; this is selfish-
ness. But there are some who work
from love, and consider themselves hon-
ored in being permitted to do any thing
for God. Lord, I would work for thee;
I would not only work for thee, but I
would work from a right motive. I
would be satisfied to be any thing, the
meanest instrument, that thou mayest
be the almighty agent; to do all I can,
and then ascribe all the glory to thee.
Give me grace that I may plough up
the fallow giound, sow the good seed
of the kingdom, and expect to reap
thirty, sixty, or an hundred fold; and
then enable me to pray, look up, and
wait upon thee for the blessing, saying
with Paul, "So then neither is he that
planteth any thing, neither he that
watereth ; but God that giveth the in-
crease"— to whom be the glory, all the
glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
If we have ever been made to feel
the evil of sin, no one can persuade us
that it is not an evil.
THE FAMILY CIRCLE.
57
Jamilj dfirtle.
Pray With Your Children.
A young mother made it her daily
practice to carry her litttle ones in sup-
plication to the throne of grace, and yet
complained of a want of faith and de-
finiteness in asking for them the in-
fluence of the Holy Spirit.
" Do you pray for each child separ-
ately, and by name V inquired the
pastor.
" No, that has never been my habit,"
was the reply.
l< I think it of much importance as a
help to our faith, and to the clearness
and intensity of our desire on their be-
half. You pray with them, I trust, as
well as for them ?"
" Sometimes I do, but not often."
"Let me persuade you, then, to take
your little son and daughter each separ-
ately to the place of prayer, and kneel-
ing with them before the Lord, tell him
the name, and daily history, the special
want of each, and see if your heart is not
opened to plead for them as you have
never done before."
Tears were in the eyes of the young
mother as she said, with trembling lips,
"Til try."
As evening came she had not forgot-
ten her promise ; but as she saw that
Sarah, her daughter, was unusually
peevish, she thought it best to take her
little son first to her chamber. Willie
was a bright and pleasant boy of five
years, and when his mother whispered
her wish to pray with him, he gladly
put his hand in hers and knelt by her
side. As he heard his name mentioned
before the Lord a tender hafh fell upon
his young spirit, and he clasped his
mother's fingers more tightly a§ each
petition for his special need was breath-
ed into the ear of his Father in heaven.
And did not clinging of that little hand
warm her heart to new and more fre-
quent desire as she poured forth her
supplication to the Hearer and An-
swerer of prayer ?
When the mother and child rose from
their knees Willie's face was like a rain-
bow, smiling through tears.
" Mamma, mamma," said he, " I am
glad you told Jesus my name ; now he'll
know me when I get to heaven. And
when the kind angels that carry little
children to the Saviour take me and lay
me in his arms, Jesus will look at me so
pleasant and say, ' Why, this is Willie
Huston ; his mother told me about him ;
how happy I am to see you, Willie.'
Won't that be nice, mamma ?"
Mrs. Huston never forgot the scene.
And when she was permitted to see not
only her dear Willie and Sarah, but the
children afterward added to her family
circle, each successfully consecrating the
dew of their youth to God, she did
indeed feel that her pastor's plan was
" the more excellent way." So she
resolved to recommend it to praying
mothers by telling them this touching
incident — Christian Advocate
Style, Not Taste ; Fashion, Not Re-
finement
I observe that almost all persons, who
discuss fashions, apologetically, fail to
make certain important discriminations.
They talk of beauty, taste, art and
refinement, as if those things were sy-
nonymous with style or fashion.
They point to the beautiful green
earth, with its endless profusion of
beauty, in the forms and colors of its
vegetation. They point upward to the
spangled heavens, all radiant with celes-
58
THE FAMILY CIRCLE.
tial splendor. They tell us that God
has made everything beautiful in his
tim<\ and that we should imitate his ex-
quisite creations.
If it was really a question of taste,
art, beauty, or refinement, this argument
would be relevant and weighty. We
may certainly aim to build and dress in
good taste and with refinement.
But the argument is almost entirely
irrelevant.
Style is not taste, and fashion is not
refinement. The prevailing styles sel-
dom correspond with good taste, and then
only accidentally. The female dress-
fashions of to day, as all persons of cul-
ture and refinement well know, are made
up of horrid deformities, tawdry finery
and costly vulgarity.
The demi-monde , who invent them,
and *he journalists, who spread them,
are not true artists. Indeed, from these
inventions, we might almost suppose
them to be barbarians.
A painter or sculptor would destroy
his art-reputation, if he were to present,
on canvass, or in marble, almost any
part of the form which a girl of the
period presents to the eye. An angel
attired in fashion would present the ap-
pearance of a monster.
It is amazing, that cultured American
women should submit to such deformi-
ties and vulgarities — women who really
possess
" A discerning sense
Of decent and sublime, with quick disgust,
From things deformed, or disarranged, or gross
In species."
Refined culture, then, does not ori
ginate fashion. Fashions have their
origin in " the lust of the flesh, the lust
of the eyes and the pride of life." The
proflifiate women of our modern Sodom
invent most of them to set off their
female charms in a bewitching manner.
Several intelligent and respectable
ladies of Paris lately visited their haunts
in disguise, and they have reported that
their style of dress is the chief element
of their peculiar influence over the other
sex " It sets on fire the course of
nature, and is set on fire of hell."
Gay and immodest attire was the
badge of vice in Bible times
No respectable lady can walk the
streets of a European city to-day, clad
in fashionable attire and unattended,
without exposing herself to suspicion
and insult.
Among our respectable American
women, fashion is founded mainly on
pride. It is an effort to attain the dis-
tinction of superior excellence, wealth
and happiness. It is an effort to out-
rank the masses, by outstripping them
in changing our clothes. It is an effort
to prove that "we are as good as any
body," by dressing as gay and as stylish
as any. It is the lowest arena and the
silliest struggle that pride has ever en-
tered.
New styles almost uniformly appear
hideous indeed. But they are soon as-
sociated with wealth, pleasure and aris-
tocracy; and by an illusion of fancy,
they are invested with a kind of ficti-
tious beauty and loveliness. In dis-
cussing this subject, then, we should
clearly understand that style does not
usually originate in taste, but in lust and
pride, and that fashion is not usually an
exhibition of refinement, but of vulgari-
ty.— Mother's Magazine.
The Midnight Supper.
A married woman was effectually
called by divine grace, and became
an exemplary christian, but her
husband was a lover of sinful pleas-
ure. When spending an evening,
as usual, with his jovial companions
THE FAMILY CIRCLE.
59
at a tavern, the conversation hap
pened to turn on the excellencies
and faults of their wives. The hns
band just mentioned, pronounced
the highest encomiums on his wife,
saying she was all that was excel-
lent only she was a christian. And
then he said, " Notwithstanding
that, such is the command which
she has of her temper, that were I
to take you, gentlemen, home with
me at midnight, and order her to
rise, and get you a supper, she
would be all submission and cheer
fulness."
The company regarded this as a
merely vain boast, and dared him to
make the experiment, by a consid-
erable wager. The bargain was
made, and about midnight the com-
pany adjourned, as proposed.
Being admitted, " Where is your
mistress?" said the husband to the
maid-servant who sat up for him.
" She has gone to bed, sir." " Call
her up — tell her I have brought
some friends home with me, and
that I desire she would get up and
prepare them a supper/' said he.
The good woman obeyed the un-
reasonable request, dressed, came
down and received the company
with perfect civility ; told them she
happened to have some chickens
ready for the spit, and that supper
should be got as soon as possible. —
It was accordingly served up, when
she pei formed the honors of the
table with as much cheerfulness as
if she had expected company at the
proper time.
After supper the guests could not
refrain from expressing their aston-
ishment. One of them particularly,
more sober than the rest, thus spoke
to the lady :
" Madam, your civility fills us all
with surprise. Our unreasonable
visit is the consequence of a wager,
which we have certainly lost. As
you are a very religious person, and
can not approve of our conduct, let
me ask what can possibly induce
you to act with so much kindness
to uh ?"
She replied, " Sir, when I mar-
ried, my husband and myself were
both unconverted. It has pleased
God to take me out of that danger-
ous condition. My husband still
continues in it. I tremble for his
future state. Were he to die as he
is, he must be lost forever, there-
fore I think it my duty to render
his present existence as comfortable
as possible."
This wise and truly faithful reply
affected the whole company. It left
a deep impression on the husband's
mind. He said to her, " Do you,
my dear, really think I should be
eternally lost ? I thank you for the
warning. By the grace of God, I
will change my conduct." From
that time he became another man, a
serious christian, and consequently
a good husband.
They Won't Trouble You Long.
Children grow up— nothing on
earth grows so fast as children. It
was but yesterday, and that lad was
playing with tops, a buoyant boy.
He is a man and gone now ! There
is no more childhood for him or for
us. Life has claimed him. When a
beginning is made, it is like raveling
a stocking; stitch by stitch gives
way till all is gone. The house has
not a child in it. There is no more
noise in the hall — boys rushing pell-
CO
THE FAMILY CIRCLE.
mell ; it is very orderly now. There
lire no more skates or sleds, bats,
balls or strings left scattered about.
Things are neat enough now. There
is no delay for sleepy folks; there is
no longer any task, before you lie
down, of looking after anybody and
tucking up the bedclothes. There
are no disputes to settle; nobody to
get off to school; no complaint; no
importunities for impossible things;
no rips to mend ; no fingers to tie
up; no faces to be washed, or collars
to be arranged. There was nover
such peace in the house! It would
sound like music to have some feet
to clatter down the front stairs!
Oh, for some children's noise ! What
used to ail us, that we were hushing
their loud laugh, checking their
noisy frolic, and reproving their
slamming and banging the doors?
We wish our neighbors would only
lend us an urchin or two to make a
little noise in these premises. A
home without children ! It is like
a lantern and no cradle, a garden
and no flowers, a brook and no wa-
ter gurgling and gushing in its chan-
nel.
We want to bo tried, to be vexed,
to be run over, to hear children at
work with all its varieties. During
the secular days this is enough
marked. But it is the Sabbath that
puts our homes to the proof. That
is the Christian family day. The
intervals of public worship are
spaces of peace. The tamily seems
made up that day. The children
are at home. You can lay your
hands upon their heads. They seem
to recognize the greater and lesser
love — to God and to friends. The
house is peaceful, but not still.
There is a low and melodious thrill
of children in it. But the Sabbath
comes too still now. There is a si-
lence that aches in the ear. There
is too much room at iho tablo, too
much room at the hearth. The bed-
rooms are a world too orderly.
There is too much leisure. How
gladly would we recall them, but we
can not.
♦•♦
Thorns.
Every one has a thorn sticking
him. Tho housekeeper finds it in
unfaithful domestics, or an inmate
who keeps things disordered, or a
house too small for convenience or
too large to keep cleanly. The
professional man finds it in perpet-
ual interruptions, or calls for "more
copy." The Sabbath-school teacher
finds it in inattentive scholars, or
neighboring teachers that talk loud,
and make a great noise in giving a
little instruction.
One man has a rheumatic joint,
which, when the wind is northeast,
lifts the storm-signal. Another a
business partner who takes full half
the profits, but does not help earn
them. These trials are the more
nettlesome because like Paul's thorn
they are not to be mentioned. Men
get sympathy for broken bones and
mashed feet, but not for the ends of
sharp thorns that have been broken
off in the fingers.
Let us start out with the idea
that we must have annoyances. It
seems to take a certain number of
them to keep us humble, wakeful
and prayerful. To Paul the thorn
was as disciplinary as the shipwreck.
If it is not one thing it is another.
If the stove does not smoke, the
boiler must leak. If the pen is good,
the ink must be poor. If the edito-
THE FAMILY CIRCLE.
61
rial column be able, there must be a
typograbhical blunder. If the thorn
does not pierce you in the knee, it
must tako you in the back. Life
must have some sharp things it it.
We can not mako up our robe of
christian character without pins and
needles.
We want what Paul got, grace to
bear these things. Without it we
become irascible, censorious and
cross. We get in the habit of stick
ing our thorns into other people's
fingers. But, God helping us, wTe
place these annoyances in the cate-
gory of the " all things that work
together for good." We see how
much shorter these thorns are than
the spikes that struck through the
palms of Christ's hands, and remem-
bering that he had on his head a
whole crown of thorns, we take to
ourselves the consolation that if we
suffer with him on earth we shall
be glorified with him in heaven. —
Selected.
^-•-«
Walk in Christ's Territory. —
If we are to walk with God, we must
go nowhere that Christ will not go Oh,
how many venture beyond the territory
in which they ought to walk, and they
wonder why they have not the enjoy-
ment of religion ! They go where Jesus
will not go. "Blessed is the man that
walketh not in the counsel of the un-
godly, (Christ is not there,) nor sitteth
in the seat of the scornful." (Christ is
not there.) If you would walk with
Christ, keep out of all evil places, from
every place where you can not go in the
spirit of Christ, and that, if upon earth,
you might not expect to meet him there.
If you go out of the territory where he
walks, you need not expect to find him.
— Bishop Simpson.
The Enemy Indoors-
BY THEODORE L. CUYLER, D. D.
A few Saturday evenings since,
Boston locked up her great ware-
houses, and went home to get ready
for the Sabbath. No external dan-
ger alarmed her. No hostile fleet
lay off her harbor; no enemy's bat-
teries threatened her from Dorches-
ter Hights. But a little secret seed
of fire was nestling under one of her
own roof-trees, which soon sprang
into a horrible harvest of conflagra-
tion. Boston's enemy was within.
Thisis the physical illustration of
the moral truth — a truth that
quotes itself to me oftener than al-
most any text in the bible — that "a
man's foes shall be they of his own
household." This truth has a
thousand applications. Where do
most men find their greatest help or
their greatest hindrance to success
in their business ? At home! Fru-
gality there commonly means pros-
perity. Extravagance there com-
monly means vexation, temptation
to business gambling, and to even-
tual ruin. Half the married men
who practice swindling are pushed
on to it by an unprincipled mistress
or an extravagant wife and family.
A man's wife is either his best
friend or his worst enemy.
Where lies the sorest sorrow that
disturbs the heart peace and spoils
all the luster of worldly gains or
promotions ? It is the worm at the
root of the home life. It is nothing
to a man to be prosperous in his
store, or his office, or even in his
pulpit if he is wretched at his own
hearth-stone. Nor does the neglect
or the social injustice of a whole
62
THE FAMILY CIRCLE
neighborhood cut so deeply as the
treachery or neglect of those near-
est and dearest to us. A wife can
bear to bo ignored by all her neigh-
bors il her husband is only loving
and her children are affectionate
and obedient. But her husband's
unkindness is a dry sorrow that
drinks her very heart's blood. Our
severest wounds are often inflicted
by the hands which ought to clasp
our own the most closely. The be-
traying ot family secrets, the start-
ing of damaging rumors, often pro-
ceed from some long, loose, limber
tongue in our own household.
There, too, lurks the most fre
quent stumbling-block to religious
improvement. The divine Teacher
spoke about fathers being at vari-
ance with their own sons, and about
mothers striving to keep their
(laughters out of his "kingdom."
Well, it is just as true now as it was
then that one's spiritual "foes may
be they of his own hout-ehold. " A
parent's piety is often reproduced
in his children. But so are a
father's bad habits or downright ir-
religion. Saying nothing about
the hereditary taint of drunkenness
and licentiousness, which often goes
in the blood, there is a legacy of sin
bequeathed by a father's example. —
In looking over my circle of acqain-
tances, I find that, while several
good parents have bad children,
there are not many prayerless, un-
godly parents who have converted
sons. The pull of the parents down-
ward is too strong for the upward
pull of the pulpit and the Sabbath-
school.
Did you erer know a good man
or a pure woman utterly ruined by
outside attacks upon their reputa-
tion ? I never did. The abuse of a
good man is commonly the head-
wind that fans the fires of his own
furnace and gives him the greater
headway. No true man was ever
put down and kept down while he
was true to conscience and to God.
When character is destroyed it is
never murder; it is suicide. Kind
reader, the only person in the uni-
verse who can put you down is one
who lives in j^our own heart house.
If the living Jesus lives there and
rules there, you are safe. You will
be kept by the power of God
through faith unto salvation.
If your safety is from an indwell"
Christ, so is your danger from an in-
dwelling sin. The "world" never
harms a Christian so long as he
keeps it out of his heart. Temta-
tation is never dangerous until it
has an inside accomplice. Sin with-
in betrays the heart to the outside
assailant. The reason that Joseph
did not fall was because he kept
the sin out of his soul. The reason
whv David didfatt was that the sin
within him ignited at the view ot a
wicked opportunity. The inward
lust conceived and brought forth
death.
There is a pretty sharp practical
sermon in that old familiar fable of
iEsop about the countryman who
discovered the frozen snake in his
field. There was no danger from
that benumbed serpent while left out
in the cold. But the foolish man
carried it into his own house and laid
it beside the fire. He domesticated
it. And as soon as the reptile
thawed it began toslido about among
the children, and to shoot its deadly
fang.
Ah ! it is the snake that we bring
POETRY.
63
into our hearts and warm there that
stings us! Sin without us is harm
less. Sin within us poisons and
kills. Our foe is of our own house-
hold. This is the scriptural way of
putting the homely aphorism that
"every one is his own worse ene
my." This truth often comes to my
door in the person of a broken-down
creature, whose ill flavored garments
and bloated face are hanging out
signals of distress. I knew him in
his better days. He has a doleful
story about u losing his situation,"
and " having no friends," and
"every body turning against him."
Poor victim of his own sin, he may
well say that he has no friend when
he is his own worst enemy. His
Almighty Friend in heaven can not
help him as long as he determines
to be his own destroyer. Oh ! there
is no more pitiable spectacle on earth
than that of a person who has exiled
all of his best impulses and all the
best teachings of childhood, and has
driven away the Spirit of God, and
given up his soul to the dominion of
the devil. Of such an one it is aw-
fully true that "his house is left
unto him desolate."
My column is up. I only have
room for a word of practical counsel.
Beware of yourselves. Watch your
own heart-door. When you are
tempted, imagine that you hear
Satan trying at the latch. Slide in
the bolt of prayer. The devil is
harmless while locked out; it is only
the indoor enemy that destroys the
house. That heart alone is securely
guarded for all eternity that has the
Lord Jesus Christ dwelling within
it and keeping the keys— Indepen-
dent.
NOTICE.
A brother writes us from the
George Creek congregation, Fayette
county, Pa., that two speakers were
elected in their congregation during
the last year, namely, brethren
William Johnson and Ross Reed. —
In a little report published in last
July No. the name of the latter was
omitted.
|aetrjj.
Heavier the Cross-
Heavier the cross, the nearer heaven ;
No cros-< without, no God within —
Death, judgment from the heart are driven
Amid the world's false glare and din.
Oh ! happy he with all his loss,
Whom God hath set beneath the cross.
Heavier the cross, the better christian ;
This is the touchstone God applies.
How many a garden would be wasting,
Unwet by showers from weeping eyes !
The gold by fire is purified,
The christian is by troubles tried.
Heavier the cross, the stronger faith ;
The loaded palm strikes deeper root;
The vine-juice sweetly issueth
When men have pressed the clustered fruit ;
And courage grows where dangers come,
Like pearls beneath the salt sea-foam.
Heavier the cross, the heartier prayer ;
The bruised reeds most fragrant are.
If the sky and wind were always fair,
The sailor would not watch the star.
And Divid's psalms had ne'er been sung,
If grief his heart had never wrung.
Heavier the cross, the more aspiring;
From vales we climb to mountain crest.
The pilgrim of the desert tiring
Longs for the Canaan of his rest.
The dove has here no rest in sight,
And to the ark she wings her Sight.
Heavier the cross, the easier dying ;
Death is a friendlier face to see.
To life's decay one bids defying,
From life's distress one then is free.
The cross sublimely lifts our faith
To him who triumphed over death.
64
OBITUARIES.
Tbou crucified ! the cross I curry,
The longer may it dearer bo.
And lest I faint while hero I tarry,
Implant thou such a heart in me
That faith, hope, love may flourish there,
Till for the cross my crown I wear.
[ From the German.
MARRIAGES.
Married at the residence of the bride's
mother, in Warrensburg, Missouri, Thursday
morning, January 16, 1873, by elder Andrew
Hutchinson, JOHN M. McKINSTRY, of New
Windsor, Maryland, to Miss SALLIB A.
BAILE, late of Preblo county, Ohio.
Married January 2, 1873, at the residence of
the bride's brother, by J. W. Keizer, brother
SAMUEL LANDIS and sister ELIZABETH
EMIG, both of Williams county, Ohio.
OBITUARIES.
Died in Union church settlement, Hardin
county Tennessee, bro. STEPHEN AUSTIN,
aged 62 y. 9 m. 27 d. He was afflicted with
rheumatic pains nearly forty years ago, and was
a cripple from that time until his death. He
was struck with the dead palsy last winter. He
Wis helpless nearly one year. Brother Austin
joined the brethren about five years ago, and
lived a devoted member of the church. He left
a wife and large family of children to mourn his
loss, yet we are satisfied their loss is his gain. —
He was a faithful member of the church, a good
neighbor and a good citizen. He will be much
missed by the church and neighborhood. —
Funeral services by the writer, from John 5 :
25-28. John W. Scott.
Died in the South Bend branch, St. Joseph
county, Indiana, Docember 13, 1872, of typhoid
pbeumonia, ABRAHAM WHITMER, aged 66
years, 10 m. 1 d. His funeral which was largely
attended, took place on Sunday at the meeting
house on his farm. Services by elder D. B.
Sturgis and others.
He was born in Lancaster county, Pa. At
the age of 16 years he came to Montgomery Co.
Ohio, and soon attached himsell to the church.
At the age of 23 he was married to Catharine
Bowman, daughter of elder Jacob Bowman —
They had eleven children, ten of whom survived
him, six sons and four daughters, all members
of the church except one. Two of his sons are
. deacons, and M. D. is a minister in the second
degree. In September, 1831, witb the Bowman
family, he came to St. Joseph county, Indiana,
where he was soon appointed to the ministry,
and helped to build up the church from its
infancy. lie faithfully discharged his duty:
and for nearly 30 years served as an ordained
elder. Thus the widowed sister, children, and
church mourn their loss, but not without hope.
Eld. C. Wenger.
Died in the Eagle Creek branch, Hancock
county, Ohio, November 25, 1872, sister POLLY
ROTHTROCK, wife of bro. Joseph Rothtrock,
aged 48 y: 11 m. 24 d. Sister Rothtrock was a
consistent memb t, and was beloved by all
around her. She leaves a kind husband and
family of children behind to mourn their loss of
a kind wife and mother. Funeral discourse by
the brethren. Eleazar Bosserman.
Died in the Grecntown church, Grant county
Indiana, at the residence of his uncle, friend
Johu Ringo, Nov. 22, 1872, of consumption,
brother SAMUEL ELLIOTT, aged 24 years
and 20 days. He was the only son of brother
David Elliott, formerly of the Nettle Creek
church, Wayne county, Indiana. The subject
of this notice was in an unconverted state until
the 19th of November, which was four days
previous to his death, when the writer hereof
was called upon, with the brethren, to baptize
him, which was done. Thus we see of how
short duration our young brother was in the
vineyard of the Lord here on earth. He was as
one that came in at the "eleventh" hour. But
we have reason to believe that he made his es-
cape from perdition, and will receive the hire of
his labor, and our loss of hitn here on earth will
be hia great gain in heaven above. Funeral
services conducted by the brethren, from 2
Peter, chapter 1.
Oh, dear reader, if you are yet out of the
vineyard of the Lord, wait not until the
eleven' h bour, for shortly after, the door will
be shut, and you will then fail to enter in.
J, B. Grow.
Died in the Middle Fork of Wild Cat church,
Clinton county, Indiana, Nov. 3, 1872, brother
JACOB SHIVELY, aged 67 years. 3 months
and 21 days. Disease lung fever. Sick only 4
days. He served as a deacon in this church for
many years. Funeral occasion improved by the
brethren from 1 Thess. 4: 13-18.
Stephen Srively.
Died in Nevada City, Vernon county, Mo.
in the Nevada congregation, Nov. 21, 1872,
bro. JOHN BRILEY, aged 73 years, 1 month
and 17 days. Bro. Briley was born in Oswego
county, N. Y. From thence they moved to
Montreal, Canada, where he served an appren-
ticeship in the shoe-making trade, and at the
age of 22 .years left, and after some time return-
ed to N. Y. again, and married to Mary Dugal,
daughter of Alexander and Sarah Dugal.—
After which they emigrated to Wisconsin, and
from thence to Iowa, where both him and his
wife were received to the brethren. After some
time they moved to Atchison, Kansas, and from
thence to Nevada City, Missouri, and after six
years died in the triumph of a glorious resur-
rection, leaving a widow with seven grown
children to mourn their loss. Funeral services
by brother S. Click and the writer, from John
5 : 28, 29. J- *>• Yoder.
[Companion please copy.]
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i a T7- -i. -u i. one mile from a Flour and Saw Mill, 400 ACRES
can order the Visitor to poor members at OF GooD Prairir Land, of which nearly 300
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90 acres of limber Land. Frame House with
permit us to continue sending as many plenty rooms and out buildings, a well of living
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Postage on Papers.— The postage on
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to one person is one cent for every four . '
r _ A Treatise on the Fracttce <>/ Medicine, adapted
ounces or fraction thereof. A package of to popular unet and made familiar to the ordinary
eight Children's Papers weighs about four r'r<de>''
=> r It describes the various diseases incident to
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son. Five Visitors to one address cost but mejous engravings-about a hundred fine cuts
ot the most eoinm »n medical plants, with the
two cents a month, and five Farmers' description, locality and habit.-, and medical
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Monthleys one cent. tlie technical terms, and also a complete index.
024 pp. 8vo.
Clubs at Different Offices. — Agents The hook is strongly bound in leather. The
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Post-office Otherwise the book is in good order. Only a
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Dictionary.
Books. — We are frequently compelled to
delay the filling of orders for hymn books
because we have not a supply of books on jt Contains over 1,000 closely printed, double-
hand Sometimes wp nviv nl«o be out of 1 column octavo pages, and is illustrated with
nana, sometimes we may also oe out oi over 200 engravings, and a series of fine, au-
other books on our book list. thentic g&PJ; IX, , „,. , ,. ,.
This DICTIONARY embodies the results of
_ , the most recent study and research of over six-
Credit ox Books. — As we have to pay ty of the most eminent Biblical sohqlars in the
on cb for nil wm Witt onrl ou nrn, nrc olroaAw world. Clerpy men of all denom ina tions regard
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... , .. , , , . every Bible reader.
our publications, we shall do our book bus- it is a great library in itself. The labor and
iness on the cash astern Those who owe learning of centuries are gathered in this one
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L" , . , * meeting with unprecedented success. One re-
the balance due us at once. ports 5S orders taken the frrst three days of his
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any who may want it. Ohio.
FOR SALE AT Till OF THE
"GOSPEL WSI/OK."
Read's Theology 1,45
^ isdoro and Power of Cod 1,46
Debate on Immersion ,7.">
Parable of the Lord's Supper ,l'o
Plain Remarks on Light nlindedness ,10
Wandelnde JSeelt I German] 1,15
YfaUfahri nach Zxomthal ,00
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Plain Bheep binding ,75
Per dozen, by express 7,25
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Per dozen, by express 12,00
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Per dozen, by express 9,00
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Germ a. l and English Testament ,60
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Address II. J. KURTZ, Dayton, O.
The Children's Paper.
An illustrated paper devoted to the instruc-
tion of the Children.
1 copy, per year .;! $0 30
4 copies " " .' 100
13 " " " 3 00
20 4 00
25 " " " ■..' 4 50
We ask the cooperation .of the brethren and
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and in getting subscribers if or it as well as in
furnishing reading matter for the children.
Special terms to schools when packages are
addressed to one person only.
Specimen copies on receipt of stamp.
Address all orders and communications to
H. J. KURTZ, Dayton, 0.
Blood Cleanser
«'r
PANACEA.
Many Ministering Brethren use and recom-
mend it. A tonic and purge, for Blood Disea-
ses and Female Complaints. Many testimoni-
als. SI, 25 per bottle. Ask or send for the
" Health Messenger," a medical paper publish-
ed gratis by the undersigned. Use only the
" Panacea" prepared at Chicago, 111. and by
Fahrney's Brothers & Co.,
Waynesboro, Franklin Co., Pa.
To the Brethren and Friends.
I hereby propose to sell my books — Treatise
rnShrine immersion, The iJofd's Supper, New
ptB T, and Xon-ResistanJiejrr.at 50 cents per
copy, postpaid, or to a ' per hundred,
oame proposition lor a er, purchasers
iaying transportation.
B. F. M0O> .Bpnsaoks, Va*
HE HHKTHKEN'S
Containing the United ■ d Conclusion*
of the Hrethiu n at th< ir Annual Moling;. Jly El-
Her HENRY KURTZ.
The work neatly bound together with
" Alexander Mack's Writin
1 copy sent by mail postpaid 41,W
Of those ho mid there are out few left, and as
the "Mack's " are out of print, when th •><■ few
are disposed of, hence friends who wish to have
a copy had better send orders Boon. I If the En-
cyclopedia in pamphlet form (withoul Mack)
we have yet some more than of the bound ones
and to have them more speedily spread through-
out our brotherhood we will reduce the price
and send them postpaid for
Address HENRY KURTZ,
Columbiana, 0.
Bible Dictionary.
A Dictionary of the Bibh n its Antiqui-
'ography, Geography, a History.
This work contains every name in the Bible
respecting which anythi -aid. It em-
braces the results of Historic Research, Anti-
quarian Investigation, the study of Languages
and Dialects, and the discoveries of modern
travelers and explorers in the Holy Land.
The book is printed from new Stereotype
Plates, on good paper, and is appropriately il-
lustrated with over One Hundred and Twenty
Engravings of Scenes, Ancient Cities, and
Memorable Places of the Holy Land, descrip-
tive Figures and valuable Maps.
Tt will contain nearly 800 closely printed dou-
ble column octavo pages, including over twenty
tine full page steel and wood engravings.
For thirteen subscribers to the Gospel Visitor
for 1873 and §13,00 i nd a copy of this
Dictionary, hound in Cloth.
For f 'milt* < I 'isitor
for is;:; and 318,00 we will send a copy of the
Dictionary hound in Le I
The books are sent 1,
Address II. J. JOJRTZ, Dayton, 0.
TRINE IMMERSION^
Traced to the Apostles:
Being a collection of historical quotations from
modern and ancient authors, proving that a
three-fold immersion was the only method of
baptizing ever practiced by the Apostles and
their immediate successors. By .1 . 11. Moore.
-•cut-: Five copies §1,10 : Ten copies
$2,00. Sent postpaid to anypart of the United
States. Address 11. J. KURTZ, Dayton, 0.
ONLY F I F T V (' E N T S for the Fabmres'
Monthly for 1873 and a new County and
Town-hip Map of Ohio free. Five cents must
be added for postage on map when sent by mail.
Address II. J. Kurt/, Dayton, 0.
Book* on Freemasonry !
LIGHT ON FREEMASONRY,
BY ELDER D. BERNARD.
To which is appendei
A REVELATION OF THE
Mysteries of Odd-Fellowship,
By a Member of the Craft.
The whole containing over five hundred pages.
Will be sent, postpaid, to any address, on re-
ceipt of price
AddresB H J. KURTZ, Dayton, 0.
sY
THI
o now ill
PBL TISITSE
A MONTHLY PUBLICATION,
EDITBb BY
HENRY KURTZ AND JAMES QUINTER.
VOL. XXIII MARCH, 1873. NO. 3.
TERMS: One Dollar and twenty five cents
per year in advance.
DAYTON, OHIO:
H. J. KURTZ, PRINTER & PUBLISHER
>A
A\
CONTENTS MoDi^ Nold SWlingw ^ Co, Jacob W
^^^ ■*■ *-"-^ J-^* Bowman, C Weaver, W Arnold, Jnmea
This Same JeniP 65 Smith, Rhoda A Brown, John B Miller,
n, ,. . v; . , John II Fairburn, Josiah Rensberger, Bar-
^e Great Victory 68 1);1,.;l Pmll) S Hockert, .Jamb Canfp, John
ALettcr 71 Wise. . I., hi. W P nsley, B Snyder, James
The Immutability of God's Word 75 Ogg, ST Bosserman, John Sling luff, A F
Why Is It 78 Bnyder, Geo Block, N Littler, M J C Eeker,
a AV-.i-iiii».r vV;..V." " 70 James Wirt. Mrs Barbara Hut, Reason
/v >>. lining > oitv ii» xi i -r> iii i -,> -,-. , , ,
B Maugaus. J P Wampler, P Fahrney, John
rheDranin 84 Stretch, Israel Hoop, L II Dickey, Asa
Entering into the Kingdom of God £6 Bearss, R II McCartney, David Garbcr,
The Blind Eye Opened b8 Hebcrcn Wolverton, J W* Dickey, Ephraim
mu» n i ' ,• i- i n W Stoncr, A C Walker, Aaron Fike. Da-
1 lie Garden ot Ldcn 0 ., n, ,, . ., ■ „ ,, ' "
vid C lern, v B Shoemaker, Ezra E Frantz,
llu Family Circle: D j Whitmore, Sara). Mericle, Jacob
.Marriage and the Family 91 Mitehel. E Mishler, David Geiser, Georgie
Church News 93 Stump. J C McMullen, Israel Roop, Tobias
Notices " 93 Fike. Levi Shaw, Elij Englar, V Reichard,
Lewi- II Ruhlman, Mary Hedge. John A
Poetry. Webster, Henry Swank/ Aaron Brower, A
A Voice Across the Tide 93 W Mcntz. Uriah Hollopeter, C Newcomer,
Marriages 94 J"!"1 W Horn, II II Foch, G AV Widener,
Ositiinri ui Jacob Chook, .lulia A Daitner, Nicholas
"a d4 Martin. JS Barb, Jacob D Rosenberger, 0
«^^_e^ Flora (.; C Merritt, Mathias Pannebaker,
AT Hoffman, W R Lierlie, A 11 Cassel,
letters Received. Cyrus Vandolah, Eliz Schmachtenborger,
a'i:^ rrr A „ . , , M Ella Suavely, G W Priser, J S L Miller,
From S C Keim, Worden Edinjster, Ja- Robei.t McLeland, MRosscrman, Benjamin
cob Michael, Jacob MDetweiler, AS Beery, Wise, C Leth, Rosio L Hush, S L Eiken-
Peter Hockman, David N.edy Kate Bren- b(>ITV ,, w Butterbau-h, John Kline, John
izer, C Myers John B Kline, H Hofl.nan R Stager, OF fount, John Mohlcr, Noah
(no money) C Newcomer. John A Webster, Snhlei. E P L DowP| Martin Cosner, Mich
Wm b Jones. Win C Leeler, Lid Darnel Zi„ler AV j H Rauman, w K Roberts. Geo
Zook, Levi Huff, b M Minn.eh Len Ste- Detrich, Wm Sadler, J 1 Cover. Mos«s
phen, WmH Liehty, Benj b Meyers. BF Miller, A H Ca'scl, S J Shacfcr, John
Bogus, D C Clme. Jacob Lehman, Reuben C[\\K j s Snv k-r, David Bralver, G B Mel-
Young, T C Robinson, John H Gehr, John lin„.er As}, ftearsS| Thog M Bowman, Johu
B Kline, Lewis Glass, Sarah (Jonnell, S Zar- g Ayres, Martin Kershner, Hannah Eas-
baugh, A Rmehart, Mattie A Lear. D B torn. Asa Harman, Dr. A Simmons, S V
Wentzer, Callie Bowers, S A Sisler, L Yo- Walker, Enh Fry, Wm E Snavely, Lewis
cum, David W Roland, Mr, C A Bardwell, Kimmel, .I'll VVampler, Kate Shaw. G W
J K Byerly, Abr Bowman, Elias Cnpe, \Y 1VlM>1. KM j.,can Miller, Hetty Engel, Abr
M Frame. Henry M Shorfy, W m H Lich- Molsbee, John It Ritter, E B L Dow, A
ty, A 11 Snowberger, Lydia Anglemyer, Longanccker, J II Kurtz. Peter Hockman,
Magdalemi Miller. Michael Glotfelty, J B Samuel Shauer, Samuel Sencc, A B Wal-
Mishler, J K Byerly, J L Frantz, Alfred ],;ck< jon Eckman, Eli Yourtee, Mrs M J
Longanecker, John F C Fox, E Heyser, Myers. Martin Myers, Wm Beshoar.
Susan Lesher, W N Moore, Mich Weyand,
H F Rosenberger, Isaac Hawkins, M E
Roberts, Jos Miller, Asa Bearss, John
Brindle. John T Bear. J A Yost, J K By-
erly, Michael Zigler. Catharine Buttefbaugh,
S C Warner, John II Lemon, C Myers,
Aaron T Cosner, Eli Horner. Reason Mau-
gan, Jacob Zigler, 1) Kob. E S Miller, j G
Royer, Daniel M Miller, C Hoover, A But-
terbaugh, G B Ueploglc, John Friedly, J s
Wariiefd, Wm Buchlow. E Yourtel, S M
Shuck. James A Kinir, Pom Beckner, J
H Moore, Catharine White. M Pannypach-
er, John Shepherd, M J Thomas, AS Mil-
polland, David A Friend, Jos Rittenhouse,
D Zigler, Geo M our or, John Leedy, A
Brumbaugh.
WITH MONET.
From Moses Reist, Emma Miller. Solo-
mon Swihart, Michael Weyand, W N
DISTRICT MEETING OF SOUTH-
WESTERN OHIO.
The District Meeting for this District will
be held on the 13th of May in the Oakland
Church, in Darke County. Ohio. Brethren
coming from the South will take the Day-
ton and Mich gan R. R. to Piqua, and there
take the Pit sburgh, Cincinnati and St.
Louis R. R. to Bradford Junction, and here
take the Chicago Branch of this same road
to Horatio, th -. first station west of Brad-
ford. Horaci > is one mile from the place of
meeting. Brethren going to the meeting
and living near the Bellfontaine R. R. will
stop at Versailles. Those coming from the
fil ®©§P!L IBITOR
Vol. XXIII.
MARCH, 1873.
No. 3.
THIS SAME JESUS.
And while they looked steadfastly toward
heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood
by them in white apparel; which also said,
Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up
into heaven ? this same Jesus, which is taken
up from you into heaven, shall so come in like
manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
Acts 1: 10, 11.
If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ,
let him be Anathema, Maranatha.
1 Cor. 16 : 22.
It is evident from this language of
the apostle Paul, that the want ot
love to Christ is a crime of no com-
mon magnitude. As he is "alto
gether lovelj'," a want of moral
discernment to discover this loveli-
ness in the Eedeemer shows a very
depraved heart. But a renewed
mind appreciates moral excellency
and beauty wherever they exist.
and as they exist in perfection in
Christ, he will be greatly endeared
to all who have a love for what is
pure and good, and all wh/> are
assimilated to his holy and lovely
character.
Hence, love to the Master is one
of the grand characteristics of the
disciples of Christ. His first disci-
ples were much attached to him,
and loved him fervently. When
they thought that Jesus would be
stoned to death in Judea when
he went there to raise Lazarus,
Thomas said, and probably his lan-
gnrge expressed the feelings of the
rest of the disciples as well as his
own, aLet us also go, that we may
die with him." John 11:16. And
when Peter was questioned by the
Lord relative to the strength of his
affection to him, he exclaimed,
apparently with almost impatient
zeal, "Thou knowest all things;
thou knowest that I love thee " —
John 21:17.
The disciples having the love for
the Savior they had, his departure
from them was a severe affliction to
them. Therefore the men clothed
in white — the angels that stood by
the disciples while they were
watching their ascending Lord,
spake as they did. And we can not
see how their words could have
been better adapted to the occasion
than they were. Their words were
not numerous, but very suggestive.
" Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye
gazing up into heaven? This same
Jesus, which is taken up from you
into heaven, shall so come in like
manner as ye have seen him go into
heaven." The angels did not only
inform the disciples that their
beloved Lord would return again to
the world from heaven, but also
that he would return the "same
Jesus "
This same Jesus. From this lan-
guage we may learn that the royal
personage that bears the honorable
title, King of kings and Lord of
lords, and who will return to the
earth accompanied with myriads ot
angels in power and great glory, is
the same being that" in his first
advent entered the world in the
torm of a human babe; that was a
tnend of publicans and sinners;
THIS SAME JPISUS.
that took littlo children in his arms
and blessed them ; that conversed
familiarly with the woman of
Samaria at Jacob's well ; that in the
house of Simon permitted Mar}T to
wash his feet with her tears, and to
wipe them with her hair; that was
baptized by John in Jordan ; that
washed the feet of his disciples ;
that went about doing good, in
instructing the ignorant, in pardon-
ing the guilty, in healing the sick,
in raising the dead, and in comfort-
ing the distressed. His separation
from the world, and his exalted
position in heaven at the right,
hand of God, will have produced
no change in the character of
Jesus.
When he comes " in flaming fire
taking vengeance on those that
know not God, and that obey not
the gospel of our Lord Jesus
Christ," he will be the same Jesus
that wept at the grave of Lazarus
and over the doomed city of Jeru-
salem, and that welcomed the
weary and heavy laden to him, and
refreshed them with his free and
pardoning grace. Ages spent in the
mansions of heavenly bliss, and in
the society of angels and glorified
saints by whom he will have been
worshipped and adored, will not de
tract in the least from any of those
traits of character which made our
Lord when on earth, the approach -
able friend and the reliable Savior.
His interest in his people is a part
of his being. " For the mountains
shall depart, and the hills be re-
moved ; but my kindness shall not
depart from thee, neither shall the
covenant of my peace be removed,
saith the Lord that hath mercy on
thee." Isaiah 54:16.
This same Jesus. He can never
lose that strong sympathy for suf-
fering humanity which endeared
him so much to the true penitents
of our guilty race. He is the Son
of man still in all his glory and
majesty. Joseph is classed among
the t}Tpes of our Lord. The story
of his exaltation in Egypt is highly
suggestive, and supersedes the
necessity of any tales of fiction to
paint the strength of a brother's
love under the severest trials and
temptations. " A brother is born
for adversity." Pr. 17:17. Such a
brother was Joseph, and such a
brother was Jesus.
From tha condition of a prisoner,
Joseph was raised to a position in
Egypt but little below that of the
king himself. /'And Pharaoh took
off his ring from his hand, and put
it upon Josephs hand, and arrayed
him in vestures ol fine linen, and
put a gold chain about his neck;
and he made him to ride in the
second chariot which he had; and
they cried before him, Bow the
knee, and he made him ruler over
all the land of Egypt. And Pharaoh
said unto Joseph, I am Pharaoh,
and without thee shall no man lift
up his hand or foot in all the land of
Egypt." Gen. 41, 42-44. Such was
the high degree of honor to which
Joseph was promoted. But as his
principles were those of genuine
piet}', they preserved him from
vanity and revenge, though he had
strong temptations to these dan-
gers. Under the appearance of
royal ty, there beats a true and
loving brother's heart.
And when every thing was ready
for the disclosure of himself to his
brethren, he said, in giving vent to
THIS SAME JESUS.
6
the real feelings of his heart, " I am
Joseph." Neither the unkind treat-
ment that Joseph had received from
his brethren, nor the distinguished
honors he had obtained from Pha-
raoh, could chill the flow of broth-
erly affection that coursed through
his tender heart. Sincere love is
proof against both cold indifference
and persecution, and honor and
flattery.
Whether there i* any thing really
typical or not in this part of
Joseph's history, it is suggestive —
He was still the faithful brother
born for adversity, though exalted
to the honors of a prince. So with
our blessed Lord. Though ho has
gone up far above all heavens, and
received a name above every name,
" His tender heart is still the same,
And melts at human woe."
And it may be that when he appears
in his glory, some at least ot his
disciples, like Joseph's brethren,
will at first experience an unpleas-
ant agitation of feeling in his pres
ence, similar to the alarm they felt
when they saw him walking on the
sea, and took him to be a spirit. —
But as in the case just referred to,
when the Savior said, to allay their
tears, " Be not afraid, it is I," so
when he comes in the clouds
of heaven, on a white horse, and
having on his vesture and on his
thigh a name written, King of
kings, and Lord of lords, should
any of his disciples at his first
appearance be alarmed, when they
understand, as they soon will, thut
it is the same Jesus that died tor
their sins, and that graciously
received them when they applied to
him tor pardon and salvation, their
fears will be removed, and the}7 will
be filled with holy jo}T when they
recognize in the royal Conqueror
their Shepherd, Friend and Brother.
As it will be the same Jesus that
will come in the clouds of heaven
with power and great glory, that
the disciples saw taken from them
in a cloud, and that was with them
all the time of his public ministry,
performing the duties of the most
devoted friend, and the works of an
all-sufficient Savior, instructing the
ignorant, encouraging the tempted
and unfortunate, and pardoning the
guilty, so it is the same Jesus that
now occupies ^the mediatorial
throne, and who still lives to save,
that was once here on earth, and
who endeared so many to him by
the miracles of mercy which he
wrought, and by the words of
eternal life which he taught.
While every thing around us is
changing, he changes not. His love
changes not. Ilis power changes
not. He still " hates iniquity," and
" loves righteousness."
In the light of the unchangeable-
ness of our Redeemer, what encour-
agement we all have to confide in
him. He still lives to make inter-
cession for his saints, and to save
sinners, We sometimes almost envy
those who lived in the time of his
incarnation, and who enjoyed the
many and great advantages of his
friendship. But what advantages
had they that we have not ? He
may be all to us that he was to
them since he is the same Jesus
now, nineteen centuries after his
ascention, that he was when on
earth, and will be the same Jesus
when he comes again that he was
when he left it. J. Q.
THE GREAT VICTORY.
For the Visitor.
THE GREAT VICTORY.
BY J. 8. FLORY.
For whatsoever is born of God overcometh
the world ; and this is the victory that over-
cometh the world, even our faitb.
1 John 5 : 4.
John, the beloved apostle, in dis-
coursing upon the gospel of the
Lord Jesus Christ, often speaks of
love, and no doubt often felt fche
wonderful power of that peculiar
characteristic ot the Christian
religion Just following some of
his most sublime thoughts upon the
subject ot love, we find the above
text, and we m*ust conclude that
the victory over the world must be
obtained through that " faith that
worketh by love," as the apostle
speaks of.
We here see that they who are
born of God — notwithstanding the
gospel is a gospel of peace — must
enter upon a warfare. Well might
it be said the Savior brought a
sword, so that those even of the
same natural household should be
arrayed one against another.
Every christian is enlisted as a
soldier under their captain to fight
the. fight of faith — to overcome the
world. Yes, the world, that never
mortal man with all his powers,
ever did. Did Alexander the Great
overcome the world ? Nay. Though
he wept because there were not
other worlds to conquer, yet he,
the conqueror, was overcome by
the world — the victor was taken
captive, and died a prisoner to
lust !
Shall a poor soul undertake a task
so hard — overcome the world ? Yes
it must be done, but not in thy own
strength, ah, no; but he that
" overcame the world" will help to
fight so that by active faith in the
Lord Jesus Christ we may over-
come all things necessary to our
we I tare.
He or she that is born of God
soon, very soon, has to stand
arraigned before the tribunal bar of
the world. Then the conflict begins.
The world demands that the chris-
tian shall yield to custom; by way
of argument appeals to the rights of
courtesy, the established rules that
belong to a high tone of civilization,
and with an exulting flourish of
argument appeals to the example
of many who profess to be God's
people and have yielded to worldly
customs, and bow to the shrine of
the image of king Nebuchadnezzar.
But whosoever is born of God, says
nay, we are a " peculiar people,"
" separate from the world." " Love
God's law rather than man's." We
will stand aloof, for what lellowship
hath light with darkness, or Christ
with Belial ?
The christian stands his ground ;
the legislative councils of the world
move him not; their vain efforts fail
to make a breach in the christian
bulwark of faith. Exasperated by
their futile efforts, a more desperate
effort on the part of the world, may
be looked for. The savage dogs of
war are let loose; Satan marshals
his army, and cries aloud to demons
carnate and incarnate to let fly
missiles tempered and poisoned by
the fires of hatred, envy and scorn.
Come, slanderer, with tongue
dipped in bitter persecutions, call
him or her a hypocrite, a fanatic, a
narrow-minded, selfish, ignorant
pretender; do all you can to injure
THE GREAT VICTORY.
69
their religious character. Come, ye
ready spirits from hell's confines,
and hiss between the teeth of
professors, scouting words and ges-
tures of reproach, and contract the
brow to a scornful look, any thing
and every tiling to gain the battle
Leave no stone unturned, stir up
"saint" (!) and sinner to the con-
test, but, ah ! see how the missiles
hot from Satan's artillery glance
from the christian's shield of faith,
and fall short of the intended mark,
because he rejoices that he is
counted worthy to suffer persecu-
tions for the sake of Christ. Satan's
failure only causes him to redouble
his diligence, and as he tempted
Christ in different ways, so he will
those who are born of God.
Having failed in his terrble on-
slaught, he now may change his
base of operations in another
direction, and entirely on differ-
ent principles. He lays aside
those harsh weapons of warfare,
unmasks the faces of his confeder-
ates, and bids "love" beam from the
eyes, and sounds of praise come
forth from the lips. Take care !
take care ! child of God, your strong
hold of faith will now be in danger.
Much greater the danger now when
the sunshine of love and praise
come from the world than when
hatred gushed up from the slimy
pool of persecution. Believe it, dear
reader, a smiling world is more dan-
gerous than a frowning one. Blows,
kicks, and frowns have failed; now,
says the world, we will try what
virtue there is in a kiss. Madam
Bubble, Bunyan says, speaks pleas
antly and smiles so sweetly. She
says :
" Come, I will introduce you into
the society of the popular and re-
fined classes — come alung, and you
will be more thought of ! no harm
to indulge in this or that innocent
play, or walk along and see and ad-
mire the beauties of Vanity Fair —
going to have & church fair, that is
a noble way you know to do good;
some narrow minded old-fashioned
christians call it pious gambling!
But that is nonsense. Here take my
hand and I will lead you to in no
cent joys — you are accomplished
and attractive, put off that notion
of being so singular from other peo-
ple. There is no religion you know
in outward appearance, so here is
money ; go and spend ii for such
things as will make you equal
with us in such things as the world
loves."
In the days of persecution's cold
storm, the robe of Christ's righteous-
ness was drawn closely — being
clothed upon in meekness and hu-
mility, bnt now the world smiles,
the sky seems clear, and the sun
shines, now there is danger of the
soul throwing off the robe, and
stand naked before the world.
Truly it takes a strong and abid-
ing faith to withstand the tempta
tions of Satan, but the "born of
God" remember that it is said he
that is a friend to the world is an
enemy to God, and if we love the
things of the world the love of the
Father is not in us. " The lust of
the eye, the lust of the flesh and the
pride of life is not of the Father." —
So faith again comes out victor.
Often Satan will tempt the child of
God by offering him riches in a way
the world indulges, though not
strictly honest; yet it is according
to custom, and because he yields not
70
THE GREAT VICTORY.
Le is called over-precise, and the
scoffers laugh at him. Faith in
what is written so nerves the heart
of those that are " born of God"
that they triumphantly ezclaim
"touch not, taste not, handle not
the unclean thing/'
Often when adversity and afflic-
tion come as surging billows around
the heaven-bound pilgrims, Satan is
busy tempting them to murmur
against God, the rugged path, and
narrowness of the way; but here,
too, faith shields the beloved of God
so that they c^n say those things
work for us a more eternal weight
of glory in the world to come.
Take health, take wealth, take
houses, lands, living, wife, husband,
children, friends, yea, take all; yet
will I trust in God who scourgeth
those he loveth. Take all except
Christ, and I shall praise the God of
my salvation. Let storms come
never so furious, yet to the cleft in
the Rock ot Ages 1 will flee; there
is shelter, and there peace to the
faithful soul. Thus, through faith,
the " born of God" yield to none of
Satan's temptations.
Truly it taketh something more
than simply a moral reformation to
withstand all Satan's devices in the
great conflict with the world. —
Nought but a soul regenerated and
born again — born of God — can stand
the tempests of this life and the
allurements of the world. Through
the power of God's might and the
leadership of our Captain, we may
conquer and gain the victory over
the world.
If the chosen apostles desired an
increase of faith, and prayed for it,
should we not all, beloved, pray for
an increase of faith. We must have
on the whole armor of God, and at
all times be a soldier ready for duty.
There are no furloughs granted
while the war continues, and that
is through lite. We must be either
amid the smoke and din of battle or
in the field ready at a moments
warning. Never, no, never, lay
down the weapons of our warfare,
until the victory is won and the
glorious day ours. Then we can
shout the cry of victory, leave the
theater of war, and cease from our
labors and enter into rest. Ob;
what a glorious entrance the vic-
torious armies of God will have —
the battle is won — into the land of
promise, where there is no war, no
sickness, no sorrow. Where peace
reigns throughout the heavenly
land. Whero all is joy and eternal
bliss.
" He that overcometh, the same
shall be clothed in white raiment,
and I will not blot out his name out
of the book of life, but 1 will confess
his name before my Father and be-
fore his angels."
" Him that overcometh will I
make a pillar in the temple of my
God and I will write upon him
my new name."
" To him that overcometh will I
grant to sit with me in my throne,
even as I also overcame and am set
down with my Father in his throne."
Rev. 3 : 5, 12, 21.
" Ho that overcometh shall inherit
all things; and 1 will be his God,
and he shall be my son." Rev. 21:7.
Having such promises from our
Captain, will we not be true and
faithful soldiers of the cross; be
obedient and faithful unto the end ?
Now we have to endure the trials
A LETTER.
71
and hardships of the war, but it is
said, My grace is sufficient for thee.
Therefore trusting in God we will
count all things loss that we may
win the glorious victory through
faith that worketh by lovo.
Blessed be God for Jesus, the
Captain of our salvation.
Orchard View, W. Va.
For the Visitor.
A LETTER.
To the Members of the Manor Church,
Maryland, who are scattered abroad,
Greeting :
" Grace be unto you, and peace
from God our Father, and from the
Lord Jesus Christ."
It is a long time since I conversed
with you through the columns of the
Visitor, in the silent language of the
pen. In the interim, I have passed
through many vicissitudes, and sev-
eral times have been near death's
door j so near that I believed 1
already felt the stamp of his dread
signet on. my brow, and the chill of
his icy breath in my veins. But I
have been spared by the will of the
Most High.
How mysteriously are life and
death blended in this world. How
often when dissolution seems inev-
itable, are we suddenly raised as by
some miraculous power; and, on the
other hand, how often we are on the
very brink of eternity when we
believe ourselves farthest removed
from danger.
Many times during my illness,
and especially in my convalescence,
my thoughts and affections went
out yearningly after you all— ye
scattered sheep of the Manor fold.
There is not one, old or young,
whose image is not pictured, hung,
and most tenderly treasured in the
halls of my memory, and who is not
included in my earnest prayer —
" Father, keep them from evil." It
is not many years since wo all met
around the Lord's table in the dear
old church on the hill, happy in our
love to God, in each other's society,
and in the blessed security of the
church that grew and fostered our
faith in Jesus the Redeemer. Now
we are indeed scattered — over the
pleasant savannas of the south, the
bleak hills of the north, and very
widely over the prairies of the west.
No longer guarded by the careful
oversight of the church and wrapped
in the protecting folds of its security,
we have gone forth into the world
to meet life's exigencies, and to bear
its responsibilities. New scenes, new
associations, and, (may I not add?)
new dangers surround us.
Do you understand me to say
that no dangers assailed us when
at home, immediately under the
church's banner? No, no; the very
sen 86 of security that filled every
heart so entirely, may have been
our greatest danger; for the arch
enemy is very wary, and bis devices
to ensnare the souls of God's chosen
people are legion. Our Savior well
knew this, hence, during his incar-
nation, the many injunctions to his
disciples to be watchful. Even when
he spoke to them in parables con-
cerning the end of the world, his
first word was an exhortation to
prudence, and his last an exhorta-
tion to watchfulness and readiness.
; " Watch, therefore, tor ye know
' neither the day nor the hour
I wherein the Son of man cometh."
72
A LETTER.
" Be ye also ready, for in such an
hour as ye think not the Son of
man cometh."
Though these words were uttered
by the Savior many centuries ago
in direct address to his disciples,
they are no less addressed to his
followers of the present; and to us
who are scattered so widely, some
entirely separated from the breth-
ren, they should come with thrill-
ing force and power. Christ spoke
them in connection with his
prophecy of the end of the world
The uncertain day of his death is
to every one his last day, and how
solemnly has God sealed the secrecy
of that last day. How secure we
feel of lite as day after day brings
us health and strength, and light
and joy and blessing! But this
sense of security is a dangerous
defense. All the days of judgment
since the time of Noah, have been
preceded by feast-days of carnal
security.
Cramer says, " The more secure,
the nearer the Judge," and how
often we are appalled at the verifi-
cation of these words by the sudden
presence of death in our midst. —
Oh, the fearful solemnity of the
thought that the Judge of the
world may come at any moment —
as quickly as thought flies — as
suddendy as did the flood. Our
lives are as insecure ag if our bodies
were suspended by a single thread
over a yawning chasm; and a just
appreciation of our danger will
show us the necessity for constant
watchfulness now; for when God's
angry judgments are commenced,
there is no more room for watchful-
ness or hope. Pleasant places and
strong defenses are of no use when
his rebukes are sent; they must
be forsaken. Watchfulness is the
distinguishing characteristic of the
christian.
1. It is a tribute to the treasure
to be guarded ; and how inestimable
is the treasure. Can any language
be adequate to express the vastness
of the wealth which the child of
God possesses, who has enshrined
within his heart the " pearl of great
price"? The hope that lightens
adversity, the faith that trusts at all
times, the wisdom that comes from
above, the meek and quiet spirit
that is of great price, the charity
that endureth all things, are riches
greater than gold, or silver, 01 pre-
cious stones. Oh, my dear brethren
and sisters, the " reproach of Christ
is greater riches than all the treas-
ures of Egypt." We are bought
with a price, even tho blood of the
God-man; and through the redeem-
ing efficacy of that blood we are
become heirs of God, joint-heirs
with God's only Son, Christ Jesus —
heirs to a wealth only estimated in
the numerical language 6t heaven
to companionship with the crowned
heads of paradise, to a crystal palace
in the city of light, a city whose
walls are jasper, whose gates are
pearl, whose streets are gold, whose
flowers are fadeless, whose rfvers
are waters of life, whose duration is
eternal, whose prince is Emmanuel.
What greater riches could we hope
or wish to obtain ? To guard such
a treasure requires the utmost vigi-
lance lest Satan stealthily purloin
the key of faith which unlocks the
door to this wonderful inheritance.
2. It points to conflict with an
enemy ; and our enemy is not only
A LETTER.
strong and powerful, but very
subtle and cunning. If we would
overcome him we must be watchful
arid wary, wise as serpents and
harmless as doves. He weaves his
meshes around us incessantly. We
are beset behind and before, within
and without It is not enough that
we shout victor in the great trials
of life, but we must also bear with
meekness and submission the little
petty troubles that ruffle our way.
It is the trifles of every-day life
that fret the temper and wear out
the spirit of watchfulness. It is
here that Satan makes his greatest
inroads into the heart of the servant
of Christ. It is here that he works
most constantly and assiduously
to throw us off our guard; for he
well knows that it is the little evils
that stain the garment, the little
sins that corrode the heart, the
little obstacles, scarcely worth
notice, that hinder our progress
heavenward, " the little foxes that
spoil the vines." Then let us be
careful each day to gird on the
armor of God, that we may be able
to withstand the wiles of the devil,
tor we wrestle not against flesh and
blood, but against principalities,
against powers, against the rulers
of the darkness of this world,
against spiritual wickedness in high
places. Wherefore let us take the
whole armor, praying always with
all prayer and supplication in the
spirit, and watching thereunto with
all perseverance and supplication
for all saints. We are indeed weak
but through God we shall do
valiantly. Let us be "strong in
the Lord and in the power of his
might;" stand firmly for Jesus,
tight for him right where we are in
the world. With our eyes fixed on
the bright Morning Star, let us
unsheath our swords, and press on
in the narrow way, watching right
and left for the snares of the foe,
the treacherous by-paths and the
appalling dangers, fighting every
thing that Satan interposes, and
always conquering, through grace
divine. When the sterner discipline
conies, when Satan brings his
whole force against us, and we are
harassed, perplexed and troubled,
let us not faint by the wayside, or
pine and pray for release from
suffering and trial and darkness, but
rather pray for strength to bear the
trials, remembering that "Out of
six troubles God will save us." Job
5:19. Why should we pine? "Shall
not God deliver his own elect?"
Luke 18:78. In due time the release
will come — rest so sweet after the
toil is over, glory so bright after the
darkness is passed, victory so grand
that we shall not wish the conflicts
to have been less fierce or the perils
less numerous by the way.
3. It points to the danger of the
time of night. When it is day, the
light reveals the dangers that may
threaten us; but we know not in
what nour of the night the thief will
come; hence we must watch and be
always ready. Live every day as if
it were our last. Watch our thoughts
and actions. Keep our lamps ever
trimmed, our vessels filled with oil
that we may be ready for the mid-
night cry, Behold the bridegroom
cometh, go ye out and meet him.
4. It points to fidelity in waiting
for his coming, and fidelity is one
of the most beautiful traits of the
christian. Let us all be faithful
74
A LETTER.
to our high calling. Christ is no
where to be found but in the word
and sacrament ; neither is Christ or
his kingdom confined to any time
or place. Let us only be faithful.
He is always ready to hear the
feeblest cry sent from the feeblest
saint to him for .aid. While he
keeps a strict eye on his elect, he
watches our individual lives with
compassionate love, and though we
may impose on those around us by
a semblance of fidelity to God, we
can in no wise deceive him, or evade
his vigilance. Let us keep our
hearts faithful, our conversation
chaste, coupled with fear, our '• gar-
ments pure and unspotted from the
world."
We are strangely separated. —
Some are transplanted into the
bosom of some other arm of the
church; some are partially, others
entirely removed from all fellowship
with the visible church; but to all
comes the caution alike — watch.
The pleasures of the world are very
seductive, Satan is very wily, and
our own hearts full of human weak-
ness. Oh, how we need to watch
with prayer and fasting. How we
need to bring daily to the holy of
holies a broken heart and a contrite
spirit, and humbly repeat in the ear
of Jesus these beautiful lines :
The box is not of stainless alabaster
Which at thy feet I br.ak :
Nor filled with costly ointment, gracious Master,
Poured for thy sake.
But rather in this fashion :
A living heart —
Dashed all across with scarlet stains of passion,
And broke in part.
Ay, a broken heart he will not
despise, nor turn a deaf ear to the
prayer of the faithful. O my dear
ones, let us then, whether in the
folds of the church, or fighting the
foe alone, watch and pray continu-
ally, lest the Master coming sud-
denly, should find us sleeping. Let
us keep the word ever before us, not
only reading its sacred pages, but
pondering its divine truths, and
trusting its rich promises; and if we
sometimes go astray, let us remem-
ber that
We are (only) the mariners, and God the sea;
And though we make false reckonings, and rua
Wide of a righteous course, and are undone;
Out of his depths of love we can not be.
Once more, beloved, let us be
humble and diligent, watchful and
wary, faithful and obedient, that
when the great ingathering shall be
made at the last day, and the num-
ber shall be named — when those
who have already crossed the flood
shall mingle with those who are
crossing now, and those who are
faithful till the end, that we shall
all be there. That not one link
shall be missing from the chain,
not one loved one missing from the
happy circle. And now, ere I close,
what I say unto you, I say unto all,
at home or abroad — watch.
M. Ella Snavely.
(rolconda, Ills. Jan. 25, 1873.
The company of a good-humored
man is a continual feast. He is wel-
come every where. Eyes glisten at
his approach, and difficulties vanish
in his cheering presence. Franklin's
good humor did as much for his
country in Congress, as Adams' fire
or Jefferson's wisdom. He clothed
wisdom with smiles, and softened
contentious minds into acquiescence.
IMMUTABILITY OF GOD'S WORD.
75
For the Visitor.
THE IMMUTABILITY OF GODS
WORD.
BY JOHN CALVIN BRIGHT.
By the immutability of God's
word we understand " the quality
that renders change or alteration
impossible." The following scrip-
tures plainly teach this doctrine :
" Heaven and earth will pass
away, but my word will not pass
away." Matt. 24:35; Mark 13:31 j
Luke 21:33.
" The word of the Lord endureth
for ever." 1 Peter 1:25.
The above scriptures from the
word incarnate and his apostle,
demonstrates this, methinks, lucid-
ly enough for the most fastidious
cavilers.
This doctrine is further taught
from the character of God. One of
his attributes is immutability. —
Indeed, all things save God and his
word are mutable. Though " All
flesh is as grass, and all the glory
ot man as the flower of grass." (or
in other words) though
** Children of men arise and pass
Out of the world like blades of grass,"
and though the heavens and the
earth " wax old as doth a garment,"
yet " God is the same yesterday, to-
day and forever," and u his ways
are past finding out." His immuta-
bility is taught in the following
passages of scripture :
" But he is in one mind, and who
can turn him? and what his soul
desireth, even that he doeth." Job
23:13. "The counsel of the Lord
standeth for ever, the thoughts of
his heart to all generations." " For
ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in
heaven. Ps. 33:11 ; 89:90. "Fori
am the Lord, I change not." Mai.
3:6 Besides it is declared that God
is not a man that he should lie,
neither the son of man that he
should repent; that in him there is
no variableness, neither shadow of
turning. It would be superogation
and folly to extend this part of our
essay further. God's immutability
is sustained by the scriptures, and it
necessarily follows that his word is
immutable also.
We present as further evidence to
the immutability of God's word,
some of his declarations and pro-
phecies which have been fulfilled. —
When he said, Let there be light,
there was light ; and in all his great
acts of creation in the beginning,
he worked every thing after the
counsel of his own will. When
God declared that he would bring a
flood of waters upon the earth to
destroy all flesh, after the necessary
preparation, " all the fountains of
the great deep were broken up,
and the windows of heaven were
opened," and the whole earth was
submerged. " And every living
substance was destroyed which was
on the face of the ground, save
Noah ai d they that were with him
in the ark." The destruction of
Nineveh, the capital of the Assy-
rian empire; of Babylon, called the
metropolis of the world, the lady of
kingdoms, and the golden city, by
the indomitable Cyrus, and of that
commercial emporium, Tyre, by
the ambitious Alexander, were
foretold years before, and were
all fulfilled to the very letter. —
The prophecies relative to the
76
THE IMMUTABILITY
birth, life and death of Christ
were strikingly fulfilled. And
Christ's prophecies relative to the
destruction of Jerusalem were
fulfilled by a high hand. These
facts demonstrate that God's word
has been immutable heretofore, and
coupled with the argument that he
is immutable, prove that what he
has said concerning the future
happy or miserable lot of man is
incontrovertible. But we are an-
ticipating a point yet to be con-
sidered.
Another point. — If God's word is
immutable, why have we two cove-
nants in the Bible? We answer —
there was fault found with the first,
It was broken again and again on
the part of man, and hence there
was a necessity for a second; for
" The law made nothing perfect,
but the bringing in of a better hope
did." Heb. 7:19 Again, as there
was a change iu the priesthood,
there must of necessity be a change
in the law. Heb. 7:12.
To illustrate: My neighbor lo-
cates a farm, intending to bring it
to a high state of improvement.
He changes his mode and opera-
tions occasionally, however always
having the improvement of his
farm in view, and at length he has
brought it to the highest perfection.
So Deity, in reconciling the world
unto himself, gave the law of
Moses, the less perfect; the New
Covenant, the more perfect; and
finally will give the absolutely
perfect, the Eeign of Christ, the
meek inheriting the earth, and
who will be presumptuous or arro-
gant enough to charge him with
inconstancy or mutability? God
declared by Isaiah, that as the rain
and the snow fulfills that which he
ordained it, to bring forth the bud,
give seed to the sower and bread to
the eater, so his word would accom-
plish that which he determined
it should, and not return unto him
void. Isa 55: 10, 11. When the
law of Moses was ready to vanish
away, God established the New
Covenant, upon better promises,
and when it shall have accom-
plished that which he designed
it should accomplish, then the great
Sabattical cycle shall be introduced.
So much as we pass along.
Again, each and all of the attri-
butes of God argue the immutability
of his word. It would be palpably
inconsistent for the omniscient,
omnipotent, uncreated Jehovah,
knowing the thoughts and intents
of the heart, having all power in
heaven and in earth, without be-
ginning of days, to change his base.
I can not conceive how a being
whose power is so great that he
created the universe out of nothing,
and whose wisdom is so infinite
that every part of it works in har-
mony, can be mutable, unstable,
variable, fickle. If we are sane
our imagination must be placed
on the stretcher awhile before we
will entertain such an idea of our
Maker.
Then the idea that God's word is
immutable being sustained, and the
further thought that therein is
contained the world's history, the
church's history, and our own his-
tory, should cause us to respect it,
and search it, comply with its
requisitions, and be " made wise
unto salvation."
From this word we learn the
following facts :
OF GOD'S WOED.
77
1. Man was created in the imago
of his Maker, upright and without
sin.
2. He violated God's law, fell
from his high estate, became tainted
with sin, and the whole human race
degenerated. Rom. 3, 10-12; 1 Cor.
15:22.
3. A salvation as universal as
was the loss was made by Deity, in
the vicarious sacrifice of the Second
Person. 1 Cor. 15:22 ; Heb. 2:9.
4. Though this great, common,
universal, eternal and everlasting
salvation is a free gift of grace, yet
the following demands must be
complied with on the part of man,
if he would have his sins remitted
and be prepared for " joy unspeak-
able and full of glory," to-wit:
Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ that
works by love. Acts 30:21 ; Gal. 5:6
Godly sorrow for sin which work-
eth a repentance toward God not to
bo repented of. 2 Cor. 7:10; Acts
50:21. A trine baptism (immersion)
in the names of the tri-personal
Jehovah, for the remission of sins
Matt. 38:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38
A reception of the Holy Spirit
which follows baptism, and is prom-
ised to all them that ask God for it,
and obey his word. Acts 3:28;
Luke 11:13; Acts 5:32. Keep the
ordinances as they were originally
instituted, cultivate all the christian
graces, press forward toward the
mark of the prize of the high
calling in Christ Jesus, preach the
word by your godly walk and
chaste conversation, and fight the
good fight of faith faithfully unto
death. This will fit us for future
happiness, of which t shall animad-
vert briefly.
5. After death angels will bear
us to Abraham's bosom. In the
morn of the first resurrection our
bodies and spirits will be re-united.
6. We will rise to meet our
Redeemer in the air, our bodies
fashioned like unto his own glorious
body, descend with him to the
earth, where we will reign with
him a thousand years in undisturb-
ed bliss, which will be augmented
by the thought that second death
will have no power over us, and
our happiness to be coeval with
eternity. And our happiness will
be continually immeasurably in-
creased. O what joy there will be
to tread the golden streets of the
New Jerusalem, see the pearly
gates and jasper walls, drink of the
waters of the river of life, eat of
the twelve manner of fruits, dwell
in mansions whose beauty wants a
name, cause the heavens to rever-
berate with our songs of free grace
and triumph, and bask in the light
ot the Lord God, who shall wipe all
tears from our eyes, and banish
sickness, sorrow, pain, care and
death for ever from its precincts!
But I have gone far enough with
this. " Eye hath not seen, ear hath
not heard, neither has it entered
the heart of man, the joys the
Father has prepared for those that
love him."
7. Another fact (and a sad fact,
too) is the punishment which will
be inflicted on ungodly men, and
those " who hold the truth in un-
righteousness." It will be awful
in the extreme. My ink curdles,
my understanding darkens, and my
heart swims in tears when I con-
sider it. Oh, the horrors and
unutterable agonies of the damned !
78
WHY IS IT ?
Confined in a lake of fire burning
with brimstone! Deprived of a
drop of water to cool their parched
tongues! Having a knowledge of
the blips of the righteous! And a
recollection that it was their own
la u It that they are in unutterable
woe! And the awful association**
of the place ! Prepared for the devil
and his angels! And having them
and all the monsters in vice of all
ages for companions, will not lessen
the punishment! The wailings and
groans of despair ! The weeping
and gnashing of teeth ! And the
thought that the " fire never shall
be quenched" makes it all the less
desirable. However the pen, the
tongue and the pencil are wanting
to portray the miseries of those who
have heaped up to themselves wrath
against the day of judgment.
Readei — " Choose this day whom
you will serve." Acknowledge your
sinfulness, plead for mercy, and
comply with the conditions of sal-
vation. " Walk in the light as he
is in the light," and the blood of
Jesus Christ will cleanse you from
all sin, and then when your days on
earth are numbered, you can make
an exit out of a sinful world into
climes of immortal glory. Improve
the passing moments as they fiy. —
Make your calling and election sure
in Christ Jesus. " Obey from the
heart that form of doctrine deliv-
ered unto you." Purify your souls
by obeying the truth. Have the
power as well as the form of godli-
ness. And pray without ceasing,
trusting in the Lord, and it shall be
well.
On the other hand, if you neglect
your duty, trifle with time, live in
sin and folly, mock at religion,
procrastinate, change the truth of
God into a lie, worship the creation
more than the Creator, and thus
trample mercy under your leet,
" how can you escape the damnation
of hell ? "
Dayton, Ohio.
m 9 m
For the Gospel Visitor.
Why is It?
After the holy example which
Christ our pattern has set before
us, the instruction which he has
given us, and the example and
instructions of our aged brethren
who have gone before us and labor-
ed for the prosperity ot the church,
why is it that we find so many of
our young brethren and sisters
following after the foolish fashions
of this wicked world ? Do they
mean to insult Christ and despise
the counsel of the church ? do they
mean to carry fashion on one shoul-
der apd the cross on the other? or
are they so dazzled by the allure-
ments of the world that they can
not take proper views of the char-
acter of Christ, the authority of the
church, and the self-denying, undi-
vided effort required to carry the
cross ?
Why is it ? Young members, ask
yourselves that question when you
put on this or that article of adorn-
ment. Ask yourselves — Is this for
comfort, or " to be seen of men"?
Why is it? May this question be
a monitor to us in our daily walks.
Let us ask ourselves — Will this or
that benefit any one, or be for the
glory of God ? Let us labor wholly
for the Lord ; for the reward is great,
the Lord has been good, and after we
do all that we can do, we shall have
done no more than our duty. *
A WARNING VOICE.
79
A WARNING VOICE.
There has not occurred in the history
of the church a time when it was more
infidels, consequently we assume much
to be true that caviling minds would
question. We address christians, and
necessary than at present to warn its . would urge them, as truth is many sided,
members of the dangers that surround | patiently to examine it from various
stand-points, and under different lights,
and if we succeed in clearing away any
of the rubbish likely to obstruct the
high road to knowledge, to him who is
the Truth be all the praise.
In seeking for truth, whether in
physical or moral scieuce, or in religious
knowledge, we have an unerring guide
if rightly understood, that is, the voice
of God, as revealed to us in his written
word and by his created works. These
great store-houses of all knowledge arc
mutually illustrative, nor can either be
neglected by the christian stuient with-
out corresponding loss being sustained.
Their teaching can not be contradictory,
since they emanate from one mind,
though we often fail to reconcile appa-
rent discrepancies. Hence we would
claim for the written word supremacy,
not on account of its higher intrinsic
their path. The prophetic teachings
concerning the church and the world
during the latter days seem to be now
rapidly receiving their fulfilment. We
desire then to point out the fundamental
error and root of heresies which are
spreading their contaminating influences
throughout all classes.
Mental as well as physical activity is
a prominent feature of the age we live
in, and one of its resultant consequences
is that changes of principle occur more
frequently than formerly, not only in
the sphere of politics and social life,
but in that of religious thought, and
new phases of faith spring into existence
with startling rapidity, suggesting to
many minds the bewildering inquiry —
What is truth ? Changes have taken
place in theological doctrines, some
desirable, others to be deplored, which,
owing to their rapid growth, escaped
being welded into, or being absorbed by
the old orthodox (so-called) creeds, and
effectually prevented the readjustment
of the latter on broader and more liberal
grounds, so as to embrace, or at least
not contravene, such of these develop-
ments of modern religious thought as
reason and conscience would sanction,
and the Bible not contradict. It is
quite another question whether this, if
possible, would have been advisable; we
state the fact, and it has caused much
division in the christian church either| doctrines arise, corresponding in the
by direct secession, or fruitless attempts I degree of their departure from truth in
to mend the old garment with the new j direct ratio to the subordinate position
piece, fully justifying the foretold con- (assigned to the word. When the divine
sequence. It must be remembered it is! authority of the Bible is rejected and
not our object to convert atheists, or i its sacred records received as mere
expose the inconsistencies of so-called i tradition, there is no limit, save the
value as regards truth, but, in a sense,
relative to man, and in deference to his
sinful ignorance and finite mind, which
need the cleansing and restraining
power of the cross of Christ to bring
into captivity every thought that would
exalt itself against the knowledge of
God.
Here lies the great safe-guerd against
all error; for, in proportion as this
principle, ascribing supremacy to the
written word, is tampered with, and
either wholly or partially set aside, false
80
A WARNING VOICE.
grace of God to check the wanderings
of man's unbridled tuind. It would be
I aside our present purpose to adduce
proofs of the inspiration of scripture,
and after all, the real proof is practical
acquaintance with the real regenerating
properties of the word itself, which, like
a seed, contains the life g»rm and awaits
certain required conditions to spring
forth; nor will the most powerful
skeptical argument carry any weight to
the soul that has experienced its quick-
ening power.
But short of the entire rejection of
the Bible as God's word, there are
countless degrees in which its authority
may be modified and its teaching varied ;
by the interposition of an interpreter
between the individual soul and the
written message, such as the church,
the tradition of the fathers, man's con-
sciousness, the light of science, the bias
of early training, and even the Holy
Spirit himself The last named is G-od's
appointed interpreter, but not acting as
some would have us believe, who base
their faith on such passages as John
16:13, and 1 John 2:27, and expect a
kind of direct intellectuol illumination,
which were it true, would be a present
personal inspiration, exercising a limit-
ing power and control over the writings
of inspired men of old. This may have
its attractions for imaginatively pious
minds, but must result in false and
narrow views of God's truth. Now we
believe that God in giving his word lias
not withheld from us the means of
understanding its leading and saving
truths, which we may do by the intelli-
gent uee of our rational faculties; while
on the ether hand, we are sensible that
ti enter fully into the teachings of the
Bible — to understand its hidden myste-
ries and the deep things of God (1 Cor.
2; 10-14) requires, as in the case of
any other book, a moral sympathy or
oo rani unity of interest with the author.
This we receive when wo are made
" partakers of the divine nature" by the
gift of the Holy Spirit, which God has
promised to all who repent and believe
the gospel. "The spirit of man is the
caudle of the Lord," therefore let us
use it in the study of his revealed will,
availing ourselves of every light that
science may discover, assured that God
can not contradict himself. The Bible
to us the moral government of God, and
is written to teach man his duties, and
to guide him through life on earth to
life in heaven. We need not then
expect to find in it the teaching of a
text-book to physical science or meta-
physical philosophy, in fact its relation
to these branches of knowledge is that
of accurate illustration, not systematic
teaching While avoiding the errors of
the Hutchinsouians, we mu°t, however,
guard against the idea that the inspired
writers were allowed to fall into any
inaccuracies in their scientific state-
ments, but in examining those state-
ments we must consider the character of
human language, which can never be
clearer than human thoughts; and since
we can not arrive at tha essential nature
of things, they must be described as
they appear; so we find such expres-
sions as sunrising and sunsetting, are
used even now in some of our most
scientific books, as for instance, the
Nautical Almamac Thus we will look
to the Bible for such help in the study
of science as may be afforded by isolated
hints, or accurate descriptions of some
phenomena ; but, as in nature, our first
received impressions have to be cor-
rected by experience and some further
acquaintance with its laws, the rule also
applies to biblical statements in which
the analogy of phenomena is maintained.
A WARNING VOICE.
81
The study of nature iu search of
truth, has made us acquainted with a
great chain of cause aDd effect, which
certain philosophers are pleased to call
natural order, designating the power
which produces unusual events super
natural, as acting from without this
chain; while they maintain that both
together constitute the one system of
God. The object of this theory was to
defend from the attacks of materialists
the miracles, which were regarded as
proofs of the doctrines of Christianity
Now, although we believe the careful
reader will find that miracles were given
not so much to prove doctrines as to
accredit persons, and that the keystone
of Christianity is Christ's resurrection,
of which there was abundant proof, yet
we hold it is our duty, so far as in us
lies, to a eet the objections now so often
urged against the miracles as proofs of
authoritative revelation. The argument
used by Hume and his followers of the
insufficiency of human evidence to prove
their truth, is now generally abandoned,
and they are accepted as recorded in
the gospels, not as inspired accounts,
but as historically true; and attempts
are made to account for them on purely
scientific principles. Now as we regard
the miracles there is nothiug incompre-
hensible about them, for we make no
distinction between natural and super-
natural j in point of fact we deny the
existence of the latter, and consider it
but a term used to cloak our isnorance
"natural phenomena," and combina-
tions of the higher laws still unknown
to us are the cause of unusual effects. —
He who made the laws foresaw the end
from the beginning, and adapted them
to the purposes they have since fulfilled,
and be alone understands their secret
working. Many have erred from the
truth on this point, giving ear to the
"opposition of science falsely so-called,"
urged by the irreligious to shake or
overthrow scriptural truth, and have
followed the lead of notable men. The
majority are unable to reason out and
trace for themselves the truths of nature,
yet have an appreciative talent for the
discoveries of others. This, when com-
bined with a skeptical mind, leads to
the worst results. There is not that
depth of reason and power of intellect-
ual grasp which, when guided by the
pure love of truth, inspires the hope
that the scoffing philosopher will at last
grope his way to the light. On the
other hand, christian philosophers have
here a wide field for observation from
which to learn much of God's character,
but natural capability is required, as
we'll as education and training of the
mind, to enable them to grapple suc-
cessfully with the many difficulties to be
encountered, and since this is denied to
the majority of men, the Bible is a
witness to the great mercy and love of
God. We ever find that abstract truth
is less easily understood than when
the same is expressed in a concrete
The reign of law is universal, and it is form.
by combinations of the individually. Reason and faith must go hand in
immutable laws that effects are produced, hand iu the search for truth, whether
which we fail to trace to their cause in the word or works of Gud. Sepa-
because of our ignorance of the various rated, the former proves barren, aud
contrivances adapted to the execution of the latter degenerates into superstition
purpose, which apply, control and guide or fanaticism; and man, failing to find
the powers of na ure. Thus knowledge sure footing whereon to rest' his hope,
becomes the measure of what we call flies into the arms of an infallible
82
A WARNING VOICE.
church, or is driven into boundless
scepticism. There is an impression that
faith is synonymous with credulity, and
tyrannises over reason : but we maintain
that there can be no faith without reason.
True, we can not understand many of
the objects and subjects of faith ; but
we can weigh and judge of the evidence
for or against the testimony that reveals
them. For the present purpose we
would define thesu terms as follows.
Reason is the intellect, understand
ing and conscience; or, in other words
the source of intuitive a priori truths,
the faculty of reasoning, and the moral
sense of right and wrong. Faith has a
twofold meaning, and may be consider-
ed as merely an intellectual belief, or
as confidence and trust in that belief
that leads us to commit ourselves to it.
The latter is of a moral nature, and
must embrace the former, though much
may be believed in a purely intellectual
way, without even the possibility of
giving exercise to faith as fully defined.
Faith is neither a creative nor percep-
tive power, but simply receptive; it can
but lay hold of what we are otherwise
convinced of, and, therefore, must
have grounds upon which to rest. In-
ternal consciousness is its own witness ;
if we know any thing, we know that we
know it. External perception likewise
carries its own evidence with it. If
we see an object, we need no further
proof that we exercise the power "of
sight. So with the intuition of the in-
tellect or conscience, such as God, the
soul, the sense of right and wrong,
these are self-evident.
But faith, in grasping its object, re-
quires to see its truth, and this being
clear, absolute necessity torces us to be- \
lieve it. We may be very sorry, or it
may be a very unpleasant truth, and'
we may even deny that we believe it,
but if it commends itself to our reason,
we must give it credence. Faith as
thus defined, is as necessary to the nat-
ural philosopher as to the reader of
God's word ; and it must be exercised
by him in its fullest meaning of trust-
ing in and acting on the truth, believ-
ed on evidence afforded by the reason.
Now the man of science has to take a
vast amount of truth at second hand,
having neither capacity or opportunity
of verifying for himself, otherwise we
could never pass the threshold of knowl
edge ; so it is not within the range of
every scripture student to examine the
evidences of inspiration of the sacred
volume ; nor is the individual responsi-
ble but for the proper use of the talents
he possesses, nor accountable but for
the opportunities be is afforded.
The exercise of reason is equally need-
ful, though more rare, to the biblical
student as to the philosopher; for, until
the truth is discovered, it can not be be-
lieved. Its limited use has caused
much error, and given rise to differ-
ences of opinion between those claim-
ing to be guided by the same rule. In
short the ^intelligent reading of the
Bible is the practice of the majority: it
is too little considered as a whole, and
leading by chapter and verse often des-
troys the sense. Verses and passages
are detached from their context and ap-
plied at the will of the expounder, and
often used to clothe his own thoughts,
so giving them an authority and weight
to the unlearned they are not entitled
to ; dispensational teaching is generally
ignored , promises are indiscriminately
appropriated ; errors prevail regarding
the Holy Spirit and inspiration ; spiri-
tualising too often finds its limits in
the imagination and plain statements
are explained away or interrupted by
church creeds; divinely revealed facts
A WARNING VOICE.
83
are not distinguished from human in-
ferences. All this being true, can we
wonder at the confused and opposite
opinions held by christians on such
subjects a? — the hope of the church,
the kingdom of heaven, the two resur-
rections, the final judgment, the second
death, not to speak of the diversity of
interpretations given to our Lord's
teaching in parables ? Let us guard
against these errors. We have endeavored
to show the necessity of seeking ac- \
quaintance with God, both in his word
and works, by the use of the intelligent;
faculties we possess; we will now brief I
ly refer to some of the heresies before
mentioned, and they are to be regarded
rather as tendencies than developments,
but all spring from rejection of the j
written word. There-action from the
iron yoke of authority imposed by the
clergy of the middle ages has been
very great, nor has it reached its maxi- !
mum, and the day is passed when power J
could be maintained depending for its1
existence on the ignorance of its vic-
tims. " Progress" is now the motto,
but that must be checked and guided by
prayerfulness and watchfulness would
we escape being swept into the current
of false teaching, allured by the attrac-
tions offered in liberal views on many
subjects.
A change is taking place in the sys-
tem of theology. Formerly all religious
teaching was considered to bed. rived
from revelation supported by miraculous
evidences of its truth ; but now the ten-
dency is to ignore any higher inspiration
in the scriptures than is to be found in
the works of Plato and Socrates. This
at once transfers the ground of faith
from authority to inner consciousness,
and makes the heart and soul of man
the ultimate test of truth. In a word,
it substitutes a variable guide for a
divine law, a transmitted for a direct
light — the media being darkened with
stains of sin Christianity is over-
thrown and pure theism rises in its
plac*1, which refuses to receive sueh
doctrines as — the fall, the atonement by
blood, the divinity of Christ, the personal
existence of the devil, a local heaven,
fiual retribution, and many others; but
regards God as the Father, in the
fullest sense, of each individual soul
which he made, with all its faults and
imperfections, and inspired with his
own Spirit.
A consequent change is taking place
in the idea of the divinity. The central
light of every religion is the character
of its God, which colors every other
doctrine. Overthrow revelation, and
we see no limit to the perplexities
in which we would be involved, extend-
ing even to such questions as — Is there
a God at all ? If so, is he good ? No
doubt all will admit the existence of a
unity of intelligence pervading nature;
but this admission is the very ground of
Comte's Positive System of Philosophy,
erroneously called religion. Now the
essence of religion is allegiance to a
person, while Mr. Mill, in speaking of
religious sentiment, says, " It is a great
advantage, though not absolutely indis-
pensable, that this sentiment should
crystalize, as it were, around a concrete
object; if possible, a really existing
one." Here we have a Godless reiigion !
But from a mere observation of facts we
would be led to conclude that the author
of the universe was not universally or
unconditionally benevolent; this is
logical deism, and characterises God as
finite and imperfect. Theism, such
as we are considering, corrects these
impressions by appeals to man's inner
consciousness, and ascribes to the
Creator the sum of the virtues fouud in
84
THE DRAMA.
the creatures, and regards him as infi-
nitely holy, and righteous, and loving.
But the foundation is sapped, the per-
sonality of God laid open to question,
and omnipotence eliminated from his
character; while the advocates of this
creed are brought face to face with the
great problem concerning the origin of
evil without any means of consistent
escape, for their theory of future com-
pensatory dealing does but evade the
point at issue.
When scripture is regarded merely
as history, Christ's character loses its
divinity, and his bodily resurrectisn is
denied as incredible, although he
still is placed at the highest point
ever assigned to human nature. —
We may perceive and mourn over the
strong tendency toward this in very
much of the preaching of the day
evinced in dwelling almost exclusively
on the human attributes of the Lord's
character.
Sin has lost much of the definiteness
of character from the personality of the
evil one being denied, and is held to be
finite in its extent and punishment,
whether here or hereafter. It is con-
sidered hateful and grievous, as being
committed against a God of goodness,
and its antidotes are love and trust —
We here see the re-action produced by
such a doctrine as Augustine's hell,
affecting as it did God's character. —
Reason and conscience alike rebelled
against the idea that God would keep
certain of his creatures in endless suffer
ing; so man, having rejected revelation,
flies to the other extreme, and treats sin
too leniently, and considers its punish-
ment as capable of being borne either
partially or entirely in this life, instead
of taking the simple meaning of plain
statements in the Bible, which prove
conclusively that there can be no
cNrnity of evil. Further, the natural
pride of man's heart refuses to submit
to the truth of the doctrine concerning
his original fall as recorded in scripture,
consequently the atonement and final
judgment fiud no place in the creed of
those who reject Christianity for this
form of theism. Prayer, when offered
to such a God as they adore, becomes
self-reflective, its apparent tflicacy
arising from the increased vigor due to
the exercise of the moral feelings. —
Mysticism gradually but surely will soon
envelop and pervade every thought of
their religious life.
Space prohibits more detail. Enough
we trust has been said to show the
tendency and source of some of the
deadly errors and soul -destroying here-
sies widely diffused in the present day,
and to guide christians in their search
for truth. Let us take warning and
cling to the revealed word, which is not
only God's appointed means for commu-
nicating life, but likewise for nourishing
it, and in it alone will we find the sure
foundation on which to rest our hope,
even God's words of promise. (1 Peter
1:23
2:2; 2 Peter 1, l\)--ii)-Raiuboi
[Published by lequest.]
THE DRAMA.
The following is a copy of the Rev.
Rowland Hill's original and celebrated
play-bill, which was posted up at Rich-
mond, Englaud, June 4, 1774, close to
the play-bill of the day, and which
helped to close the theater.
By Command of the King of Kings,
And at the desire of all who hue his
appearing.
AT THEATER OF THE UNIVERSE
ON THE EVE OF TIME,
tVill be performed,
THE DRAMA.
85
THE GREAT ASSIZE:
OR
DAY OF JUDGMENT!
The Scenery, which is now actually
preparing, will not only surpass every
thing that hath yet been seen, but will
infinitely exceed the utmost stretch of
human conception. There will be a just
representation of ALL the inhabitants of
the world, in their various and proper
colors ; and their customs and manners
will be so exactly and minutely deline
ated, that the most secret thought will he
discovered
"For God shall bring every work
into judgment, with every secret thing,
whether it be good or whether it be evil.
Eccl 12:14.
This theater will be laid out on a new
plan, and will consist of Pit and Gallery
only ; and, contrary to all others, the
gallery is fitted up for the reception of
the people of high (or heavenly) birth,
and the pit for those of low (or earthly)
rank !
N. B. — The Gallery is very spa-
cious, and the Pit is without
BOTTOM.
To prevent inconvenience there are
separate doors for admitting the com-
pany, and they are so different that none
can mistake that are not wilfully blind.
The door which opens into the gallery
is very narrow, and the steps up to it
are somewhat difficult, for which reason
there are seldom many people about it.
But the door that gives entrance into
the pit is very wide and commodious,
which causes such numbers to flock to
it, that it is generally crowded.
N. B. — The strait door leads toward!
the right hand, and the broad one to the
left.
It will be vain for one in a tinseled
coat and borrowed language to personate
one of high birth, in order to get admit-
tance into tue upper places ; for there is
one of wonderful and deep peuetration,
who will search and examine every in-
dividual, and all who cm not pronounce
Shibboleth, in the language of Canaan,
or have not received a white stone, or a
new name, or can not prove a clear title
to a certain portion of the Land of
Promise, must be turned in at the left
hand door.
the principal performers
are described in 1 Thess. 4:16 ; 2 Thess.
1, 7-9; Matt. 24: 30, 31 ; 25: 31, 32 ;
Daniel 7: 9, 10; Jude 14:15; Rev. 22:
12-15. But as there are some people
better acquainted with the contents of a
play-bill than the word of God, it may
not be amiss to transcrice a verse or two
for their perusal.
"The Lord Jesus shall be relealed from
heaven, with his mighty angels, in flaming fire,
taking vengeance on them that obey not the
gospel, hut to be glorified in his saints. A
fiery stream issued and came forth from before
him. A thousand thousand miuisterod unti>
him, and ten thousand times ten thousand
stood betore him. The Judgment was set, and
the Books were opened: and whosoever was
not found written in the Book of Life was cast
into the lake of fire."
ACT I
of this grand and solemn performance
will be opened by an archangel with the
trump of God.
The trvmpet shall sound, and the dead
shall be raised. 1 Cor. 15:22.
ACT II
will be a procession of saints in white,
with golden harps, accompanied with
shouts of joy and songs of praise.
ACT III
will be an assemblage of all the
unreijenerate. The music will consist
86
ENTERING INTO THE
chiefly of cries ; accompanied with
weeping, wailing, mourning, lamenta-
tion and woe.
To Conclude with
AN ORATION
By the Son of God,
as it is written in the 25th of Matthew,
from the 34th verse to the end of the
chapter. But for the sake of those who
seldom read the scriptures, I will here
transcribe two verses.
" Then shall the King say to thorn on the
right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father,
inherit the kingdom prepared lor you from the
foundation of the world."
" Then shall he say unto them on the left
hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into ever-
lasting fire, prepared for the devil and his
angels."
AFTER WHICH
THE CURTAIN WILL DROP—
Then, 0 to tell
Some raised on high— others doomed to hell,
(John 5: 28, 29)
These praise the Lamb, and sing redeeming love,
(Rev. 5: 8, 9; 14: 3, 4)
Lodged in his bosom, all his goodness prove,
(Luke 16: 22, 23)
While those who trample under foot his grace,
(Luke 19: 14, 27)
Are banished now forever from his face,
(Matt. 25:30; 2 Thess. 1:9)
Divided thus, a gulf in fixed between,
(Luke 16:29)
And (everlasting) closes up the secne.
(Matt. 25:46)
" Thus will I do unto thee, 0, Israel; and
because I will do thus unto thee, prepare to
meet thy God, 0 Israel." Amos 4.12.
TICKETS FOR THE PIT,
at the easy purchase of following the
vain pomps and vanities of the fashion-
able world, and the desires and amuse-
ments of the flesh — to be had at every
flesh-leasing assembly.
"If ye live after the flesh ye shall die."
Rom. 8:13.
TICKETS FOR THE GALLERY,
at no less rate than being converted,
forsaking all, denying self, taking up
the cross, and following Christ iu the
regeneration — to be had nowhere but in
the word of God, and where that word
appoints..
" He that hath ears to hear, let
HIM HEAR."
" And be not deceived; God is not
mocked For whatsoever a man soweth,
that shall he also reap." Gal. 6:7.
N. B. — No money taken at the door,
nor will any tickets admit to the gallery
but those sealed by the Holy Ghost,
with Immanuel's signet.
Watch therefore : be ye also ready, for
at such an hour as ye think not, the Son
of man cometh. Matt. 24, 42-44.
— [Harpers' Monthly.
For the Visitor.
Entering Into the Kingdom of God.
Not every one that saith uato me, Lord,
Lord, shail enter into the kingdom of heaven,
but they that do the will of my Father which is
in heaven. Matt. 7 ; 21.
From this quotation of our Lord
and Master, her plainly gives us to
understand that not every one that
calls on the name of the Lord, or
that says, Lord, Lord, shall enter
into the kingdom of heaven, but only
they that do the will of his Father
which is in heaven. Christ himself
came not to do his own will, but to
do the will of his Father, and to
save that which was lost. God tells
us in his word that he would not
that any should be lost, but that all
should come to the knowledge of
the truth and be saved. Then let
us, as believers in Christ Jesus,,
strive with a full purpose of heart
KINGDOM OF GOD.
87
to attain to a knowledge of the
truth as it is in Christ Jesus. That
we may obey his precepts and keep
his commands, and diligently follow
every good work. That we may
enter in with him into his glory,
in triumph, for the declaration of
Christ is true that not everyone
that saith, Lord, Lord, shall enter
into the kingdom of heaven, but
they that do the will of the Father
in heaven.
Now it is the will of our heavenly
Father that we deny ourselves, take
up our cross, and follow Christ. In
the first place, 'in order to follow
Christ we must deny ourselves of
all the ungodliness of this world. —
That is, we must forsake our own
will, and surrender ourselves to the
will of Christ our Lord and Master,
that we may live no more unto our-
selves, but unto Christ, who died tor
our justification, aud rose again
that he might bring us unto God;
yet how unwilling we seem to be to
deny ourselves of the pleasures of
this world that we may walk no
more after the fiesh, but aftar the
spirit.
The apostle Paul tells us that
there is no condemnation to them
who walk not after the flesh, but
after the spirit. " For they that are
after the flesh do mind the things of
the flesh, but they that are after the
spirit do mind the things of the
spirit. If ye live after the flesh, ye
shall die : but if ye through the
spirit do mortify the deeds of the
body, ye shall live- For as many
as are led by the Spirit of God, are
the children of God." Moreover we
must follow Christ Jesus out of
sincere love and pure motives, unto
the end ; and not like some, who,
taking offense at the words of their
Lord and Mafter, say — This is an
hard saying; who can bear it? and
from that time go back and walk n<>
more with hin.
Alas, there are too many at thin
day who are unwilling to hear
the salutary words of our Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ; but if one tells
them that Christ has made a promise
of afflictions and tribulation unto all
his servants and his disciples, they
will reply from an embittered mind
and a rebillious heart — This is a
hard saying, who can hear it ? —
They will not receive the doctrine
of Chri3t Jesus, nor the gospel ot
glad tidings that was given us from
heaven by the Holy Spirit, and
sealed by the precious blood of our
Savior. But if a false prophet or
false teacher should come and pre-
dict or promise temporal ease and
pleasure, him would they hear and
reject the words ot our blessed
Savior, who hath promised peace
and eternal life unto all them that
believe on him. But they will
forsake the good Shepherd who
spared not his own life for our sake,
but delivered it unto death for the
great love wherewith he loved us;
and place their confidence in the doc-
trine of man which hath no dura-
tion but in a short time must pass
away. Of whom the apostle says,
their assistance availeth not.
neither can they help themselves,
for their spirit departeth from them,
and they return again to the earth.
And all those who put their trust
in man and who have pleasure in
unrighteousness shall utterly perish.
All true believers must there-
fore follow no man, but follow
Christ Jesus our Lord, who the
88
THE BLIND EYE
apostle Peter says has suffered for
us, leaving us an example that we
should follow his footsteps. The
sentiment is expressed by the apos-
tle Paul in these words, saying — let
ue lay aside every weight and the
sin which doth so eaisly beset us, and
let us run with patience the race
that is set before us, looking unto
Jesus, the author and finisher of
our faith, who that for the joy that
was yet before him endured the
cross, despised the shame, and is
now set down at the right hand of
God on high.
Here we perceive by the teach-
ings of the apostle that we as be
lievers in Christ Jesus that we are
not to live after our own will, or
after the lust of the flesh or alter
the pride of the eye or the vain glo
ries of this world, but that we must
lay aside ever}' weight and the sin
that doth so easily beset us. We
must lay aside every idea of the
heart with all ungodliness and the
kingdom of darkness with all that
pertains thereunto ; and to take up
our cross and to follow Christ Jesus
and to look unto him as the Cap-
tain of our salvation and the Shep
herd of our souls, and to be led
and guided by the Spirit of God,
for as many as are led by the Spirit
of God they are the children of
God, or sons of God, and if God be
for us, who can be against us?
Who shall separate us from the love
of Christ? Shall tribulations, or
distress, or persecution, or famine,
nakedness, or peril, or sword ? JNay,
neither death nor life, nor angels,
persecutions, nor powers, northings
present nor things to come, nor
light nor death, nor any other crea-
ture, shall be able to separate us
from the love of God, which is in
Christ Jesus, and wilh all the solem-
nity of he;irt and you take our
Savior for an example and with
patience bear your light afflictions
with the persecutions and tempta-
tions and the tiery trials of this
present life for a short time, for the
apostle says — our light afflictions
which are for a moment shall wi;rk
out for us a for more exceeding
and eternal weight of glory, and if
we suffer with Christ we shall also
reign with him, and the sufferings
of this present life is not worthy to
be compared with the glory which
the Lord our God hath prepared for
all them that love him.
Hence, dear brethren and sisters,
let us be faithful in Christ Jesus,
that we may not be found in that
number that say, Lord, Lord, but
cannot enter into his kingdom. But
by the grace of God let us obey
his precepts and obey his commands
that we ma}T enter in through the
gates into the city that we may
join that innumerable company
which John saw around the throne of
God, that when Christ, who is our
Lord, shall appear that we may also
appear with him in glory.
J. W. Burns.
The Blind Eye Opened.
I have recently read of a young lady,
twenty-five years of age, who had been
blind from birth. For twenty- five years
she had lived in midnight darkness,
groping through the gloom of an un-
broken night. She could not form the
faintest conception of the features of
those she loved, of rainbow hues, of a
summer's morning, of the sublime love-
liness of the expanded ocean, earth and
OPENED.
89
sky. As her friends endeavored to
picture to her the scenes, exhausting the
powers of language and illustration in
the attempt, her soul struggled in sad
and unavailimg efforts to form some
conception of the wonders which light
could reveal.
A successful operation was performed
and sight was restored. For several
days she was kept in a partially dark
encd chamber, until the visual organs
gained strength, and she had become
a little accustomed to their use. Then,
on a lovely, pure morning, the window-
blinds were thrown open and she was
allowed to look out, for the first time, in
her life, upon the wonderous workman-
ship of God's hand. Then was unfold-
ed to her enraptured gaze the verdure
of the carpeted earth, the luxuriance of
its vegitation, the flowers, the towering
trees waving their leaves in the gentle
air, the widespread landscape extending
apparently into infinity, and the gran-
deur of the overarching skies, with their
gorgeous drapery of clouds
She nearly fainted from excess of
rapture. Tears of more than earthly
delight gushed from those eyeballs
which had so long been sightless. "0,
wonderful, wonderful \" she exclaimed ;
heaven surely can not surpass this. I
never dreamed of aught so lovely.
On such a scene I could gaze for ever,
eyes, and entering in at the golden
gates, the splendors of the celestial par-
adise shall be opened to your view.
Your eyes are now blinded. No des-
cription can give you any adequate idea
of the glory and splendor of heaven.
Christ will then open these splendors
to your sight. And 0, what an en-
trancing view will then astonish and
enrapture your soul ! The celestial
Eden, the pardise of God, the metropo-
lis of the Empire of the Almighty,
around which the majectic orbs of a
limithss universe revolve in adoration
of the Monarch there enthroned ! Who
can imagine the magnificence of such a
scene ? It will be as far superior to all
your earthly conceptions as were the
splendors of one of earth's most bril-
liant mornings to one whose sightless
eyeballs had never witnessed but black-
ness and darkness and gloom. —
Then you shall see the Almighty
Father as he is, hear his voice, and be
entranced by his smile. Myriads of
angel lornis, in all the varid ranks of
heaven's peerage, archangels, cherubim,
seraphim, shall wing their flight before
you, sweeping immensity with pinions
which never tire, and flashing in hea-
ven's brilliance plumage whose beauty
never fades. The green pastures, the
still waters, the towering hills of God,
where myriads of celestials take glori-
for ever, unwearied. No language can I ous pastime, the golden city, the man-
describe such grandeur and loveliness, sions upon whose archit ctuial beauty
O God! this must be thy dwelling- infinite wisdom and almighty power
place, thine effulgent home.
have lavished their resources, — these
Thus in ectasy of bliss she gazed, I are the visions, now utterly iuconceive-
exhausting the language of admiration, able, which shall then burst upon your
till fearing the effect of excitement so in
tense, closed the blinds
And thus shall it be with you, O
view, and where you shall spend
immortality, loving and beloved.
your
Child of sin and sorrow, uncheered
happy, happy disciple of Jesus, when by christian hopes, can you reject that
the film which earth and sin have in- loving Savior who offers you all this
crusted shall be removed from your ( without money and without price, — all
90
GARDEN OF EDEN.
this, if you will only turn with a peni-
tent heart to God, abandon sin, aceept
Jesus as your atoning Savior, seek the
influences of the Spirit to enable you to
live a holy life, and thus allow our
kind heavenly Father to adopt you as
his child and heir ?
" There'll be no sorrow there, there'll be no sor-
row there,
In heaven above where all is love."
— Selected.
The Garden of Eden.
The description in Genesis of the
Garden of Eden has given rise to a vast
amount of research and speculation. —
The main difficulty has naturally been
the location of the garden — to find some
spot with topographical features corres-
ponding with the sacred narrative. It
was eastward in Eden — bnt where was
Eden ? And where now is the river
that " went out of Eden," and parting,
" became four heads"?
In regard to the first point, Conant
says of the theory which locates it in
the mountainous regions of Armenia,
that as may be seen by an inspection of
a correct map, M all the principal rivers
of this region have their origin within a
short distance of each other, around a
central body of water, and run thence
in different directions, that is, divided
or parted thence, as the sacred writer
expresses it." The identity of two of
the four heads — the Hiddekel or Tigris,
and the Euphrates — with the modern
rivers of that name, is not seriously
questioned; but the other two have not
been certainly ascertained, and probably
never can be. Yet it may be said that
the Halys (Rizil Irmak), emptying into
the Black sea, and either the Kur or
the Araxes, flowing to the Caspian, may
be respectively the Pison and Gihon.
But it is not essential to the truth of
the narrative that the sacred writer
should furnish a minute description of
the locality, and siace the general fea-
tures he mentions are satisfied in this
Armenian region, there is no valid
reason either for doubting the accuracy
of the narrative, or for devising faDciful
explanations of the writer's leaning —
We are justified in assuming that Eden
was probably located in the region of
the head waters of the Tigris and the
Euphrates. More than this we do not
need to kuow.
It is worthy of notice that the belief
in a " Garden of Eden" — that is, of
" pleasure" — is by no means confined
to those who accept the divine revelation
concerning it. Among all nations pos-
sessing ancient religious traditions, the
idea of a " garden of pleasure," an
earthly paradise, the abode of innocence
and peace, is prevalent. The Chinese
have their enchanted gardens, high up
on the summits of the Hou.mlun moun-
tains, through which flow four streams
springing from the fountain of immor-
tality. The Arabs tell of a garden in
the east, on a mountain of jacinth, inac-
cessible to man, a garden of rich soil
and equable temperature, well watered,
and abounding with trees and flowers
of rare colors and fragrance.
Now how ought we to regard the
striking resemblance in these traditions
to the biblical account? As skeptics
do, who see in them only a proof of the
mythical character of the Mosaic narra-
tive ? Rather should we discover in
them a remarkable confirmation of its
truth, as showing the unity of the race,
and the universal recognition of a higher
state from which man has fallen, and to
which he is constantly longing to be
restored. The absurd human inventions
which disfigure these traditional ac-
THE FAMILY CIRCLE.
91
counts serve but to show the necessity
of a divine revelation of the primeval
innocence and fall, in order that their
true character and their relation to the
great plan of salvation may be clearly
understood.
cjfamilg Cprrle.
Marriage and the Family.
Woman was made to be a helper
meet or suitable for man — "not from
his head to rule over him, nor from his
feet to be a servant to him ; but from
his side to be equal with him, and from
beneath his arm to be protected and
cherished by him." The nature of their
union as husband and wife is indicated
in Gen. '2:24, "Then shall a man leave
his father and mother, and shall cleave
unto his wife, and they shall be one
flesh. " When the Pharisees asked
Christ if it was lawful for a man to
put away his wife, the Savior repeated
the same thought in nearly the same
language, and added : "So then, they
are no more twain, but one flesh "
What therefore God hath joined to
gether, let no man put asunder — Mark
10:7-9. In these added words we find
not only the most unqualified approval
of the marriage relation on the part of
God, and his agency in the act that
unites husband and wife, but also a pos-
itive command against destroying that
relation.
The word "man" evidently refers to
both man and woman, as it is put over
against "God" as the author of the
bond. Hence it is not the judge who
grants a divorce for scriptural cause
(Matt. 5:32) who violates Christ's
command, but the husband or wife
who commits the crime which destroys
that unity and sanctity which are
the distinguishing features of the mar-
riage relation. And it is only when
thus broken, that the Saviour recog-
nizes any release from this relation, and
he declares another marriage on the
part of the criminal to be a repetition
of the crime.
It is upon marriage thus ordained
and thus guarded, that home with
all its precious associations and loving
ministry depends. It is in the tender
relation of husband and wife, parent
and child, brother and sister, and the
delights of home, that is found the
truest type of the joys of heaven.
The value of a christian home and
of a godly ancestry is beyond all price.
Habits and tendencies of the mind are
hereditary, as well as those of the body;
and it is thus that parents incur the re-
sponsibility of seeing their own iniqui-
ties visited on their children, and thus
also may they secure for them innum-
erable blessings. The man whose life
is wrapped about with memories of a
mother's kiss and a father's prayer, of
a sister's song and of joyful and holy
Sabbaths, has the most effectual shield
against temptations to sin. Unseen
forms of goodness, purity and truth con-
tinually hover around him, and hard
indeed must be the heart that can resist
their ennobling influences, and turn
aside to the allurements of vice.
No words of man can add to the
defioiteness with which the nature of
the marriage relation is set forth
in the word of God. Man and
woman become "one flesh," and that
for life. Nothing but death or crime
may separate them, and what crime is
distinctly specified. All social history
is a commentary upon the wisdom and
love which ordained the marriage and
family relation, and every attempt to set
92
CORRESPONDENCE.
aside or evade the obvious meaning of
sciipture on this subject has only mul-
tiplied and aggravated the evils which
it sought to cure.
(|o prca pon dcnce.
Editors of the Gospel Visitor :
We often see in our religious papers
communications headed Church News,
which are read by many with pleasure
and profit, being often the means of our
forming acquaintance with each other.
Bound as we should be with cords of
love, we in a manner partake af each
other's joys and sorrows. By our papers
and letters we can learn of each other's
welfare, though we may reside in differ-
ent parts of the earth ; being blessed
with many privileges in this our day
which the early christians did not enjoy,
for we read that in the days of Paul, he
" said unto Barnabas, let us go again
and visit our brethren in every city
where we preached the word of the
Lord, and see how they do."
Dear brethren, how we love the good
old way still, in preference to any new,
in that we can exchange greetings with
one another. The church here (Maho-
ning county) was long the home of the
Gospel Visitor, as some of its readers
may remember seeing it published near
Poland, Mahoning county, and later in
Columbiana, Columbiana county, Ohio,
where the pioneer editor and publisher
still resides with the remainder of his
family.
The brethren here are few in number
and live somewhat distant from each
other. In the counties of Columbiana
and Mahoning they were permitted to
build a house of worship last summer,
in a central part of the church, to the
north of Columbiana, yet in sight of
town, in a neighborhood which they tell
us was once a settlement of brethren at
an early age of our country, and had
given a lot of ground to be used by the
church and friends to bury their dead
therein, and for a site for a meeting
house, but it was not used for the latter
purpose uutil last fall ; and fifty long
years came and passed ere that for
which it had been given was accom-
plished. Indeed the mounds which had
marked the last resting place of the
donors had sunk beneath the level of
the surrounding ground.
But on the third day of November
the brethren and friends met and used
the new meeting-house as a place of
worship for the first time. C. Caylor
speaking in the German, and J. K. L.
Swihart and J. B. Shoemaker in the
English, from 1 Cor. 3: 16, 17. We
try to have meetings on alternate Sun-
days ever since. Our last meeting at
this writing was January 26, by elder
H. Kurtz. Old and feeble as he is in
body, he is yet strong in the faith once
delivered to the saints. By this, those
interested may obtain a glimpse of
" how we do."
We often desire such men like Paul
of old, to call and see us, when they can
make it suit, when they pass through
Columbiana by rail or otherwise, for we
think we have good ground to sow the
word in. We need grace from our God
and encouragement from his servants, in
our little flock as we see that grand and
awful day approaching. I close, hoping
that many will write for the Visitor
during the coming year.
A. W. LONGANECKER.
East Lewiston, 0.
POETEY.
93
|jtfl»s from the (purthefc
Accessions.
The North Coventry church, Pa., had
an accession of ten by baptism, lately,
and more are expected to come.
Ten were received into the Rock river
church, Indiana, and four into the Ship-
swancy church (same State) by baptism.
At Mifflintown, Pa., the brethren
baptized four
The Springfield church, Noble county
Indiana, reports accessions to the num-
ber of over a dozen during the last year.
Randolph county, on Friday and Satur-
day, May 9 and 10. For any further
information address the undersigned.
A. Harman,
Mouth of Seneca ,
Pendleton Co. W. Va.
By order of the church.
Extract.
You will see on your book a name,
Rhoda A. Brown. I sent her the Gospel
Visitor. She read it for several years,
and last fall she traveled fifty miles be-
fore she came to a place where she could
be baptized. She is now a sister of the
brethren, and a subscriber to your paper.
We appointed a special meeting for that
purpose. Soon we learned that there
was another one to be baptized. So we
still see the good work of the Lord go-
ing on Peter Beer.
Indiana Co. Pa.
The brethren in Champaign county,
Illinois, have appointed their love-feast
on the 7th and 8th of June next. It
will be held at brother George Dilling's,
five miles east of Urbana, commencing
at 10 o'clock on Saturday. A hearty
invitation is extended to all, especially
the ministering brethren.
J. H. Moore.
|<tttrg.
Jlotircn.
February 9, 1873.
Brother II J Kurtz :
Phase make the following announce-
ment in the Gospel Visitor: The
district meeting of West Virginia will
be held iu Seneca district, eight miles
west o( Mouth of Seneca, at the Union
school house, Dry Fork township,
The Voice Across the Tide.
BY ALICE WILLIAMS.
One time our Lord wont up alone to pray,
Upon a mount apart, in Galilee ;
And sent bis friends before biin on their way
Over the dark waves of the placid sea.
And when the evening came he was alone.
No voice save his fell on the damp night air,
As pro trnte there before the Father's throne
He wrestled in the fervency of prayer.
Meantime a storm arose upon the sea;
The little ship high on the heaving wave
Was tossed by cruel winds. All soon would be
Destroyed, without some power divine to save.
"0 that our Lord were with us," loud they cried,
To calm the tempest by his wondrous power;
To quell, as once before, the angry tide —
Would that he were beside us in this hour !
And lo ! About the fourth watch of the night,
A light shone shoreward upon Galilee.
And calmly gliding on their doubting sight
The Lord come to them— walking on the sea.
94
POETRY— MARRIAGES— OBITUARIES.
"It is a spirit," the timid seamen cried,
And faint hearts in them were all dismayed ;
Until the Master called across the tide,
"Be of good cheer; 'tis I; be not afraid."
Then from the hearts of all, departed dread.
Breaking the spell of fear that held him dumb,
"Lord, if it be thou," Cephas boldly said,
"Bid me to thee upon the waters oome."
The Master smiling answered Come, and straight
The rash disciple stepped upon the wave ;
But, faint of heart, drawn by his own weight,
Sinking, he cried, "I perish, Master, save."
"0 thou of little faith," the Master said,
And reached unto the drowning one his hand,
Then entering in the ship, the storm was stayed,
And ere the morn they anchored on the land.
Master and Lord, be near me when I call,
By throng woes and evils sore dismayed.
When tempests rave and billows rage, o'er all
Speak to my soul — 'Tis Ij be not afraid !
And if, like Cephas, I try like thee
Supreme to walk upon the angry wave,
And, doubting, sink ; stretch out a hand to me :
Rebuke my wavering faith — but also save !
Then calmly on life's ocean I embark,
With trustful heart upon the waves I ride ;
Knowing, when billows rage and skies are dark;
Thy voice will come to me across the tide.
Cincinnati, Dec. 6, 1872. —Standard.
MARRIAGES.
Married at the residence of the bride's parents,
May 14, 1872, by elder L. Kiminel, Mr. JOHN
ELGAIN to sister MARY KELSO, both of
Armstrong county, Pa.
Married at the residence of the bride's parents,
February 14, 1873, by elder L. Kimmel, brother
JACOB WH1PSKEY to sister ANNIE KELSO,
both of Armstrong county, Pa.
OBITUARIES
Died September 27, 1872, near Upton, Frank-
lin county, Pa. sister CATHARINE MOURER,
wile of brother Peter Mourer, aged 33 years, 4
months and 8 days. Sister Catharine was sud-
denly called by the heavenly messenger, and left
a kind husband, two daughters and many sor-
rowing friends to mourn her sudden departure,
which truly was in the full triumphs of faith in a
glorious immortality. Funeral services from
Zeph. 1:14,15, by brethren Daniel ir . Good and
Adam Phi 1.
At the same place, October II, GEORGE H.,
infant son of brother Peter and sister Catharine
Mourer, aged 15 days. The little infant survived
the mother a few days, but now is sweetly sleep-
ing at its mother's side.
Sweet little George sleeps on Jesus' breast,
Safe in the Shepherd's arms he'll rest,
No pain can reach, no harm come nigh
The lambs that in his bosom lie.
Yes, they are gone ; do not. mistrust,
But meekly to his wisdom bow.
He's laid the loved ones in the dust,
With ange. spirits resting now.
George Mourer.
Died near Davton, Ohio, January 24, 1873,
brother JOSEPH B. MILLER, aged 57 years,
6 months and 24 days. Disease strangulated
hernia. The noiseless footsteps of death crossed
the threshold and removed the center of family
attraction and delight. Brother Miller was
afflicted several months, and suffered much.
He bowed in humble submission to th afflict-
ing hand of providence, and was resigned to
the Master's will, whether to live or whether to
die. Seeing the will of the Lord concerning
him indicated a departure to the spirit land, he
arranged his temporal affairs, providing liber-
ally for his dear, but now bereft companion,
whom he committed to the " widow's I usband"
above. In the earl- part of his illness, he
called on the elders of t.e church, and was
anointed with oil in the name of the Lord. He
calmly met the approaching meesage, and
resigned his departing spirit to the care and
keeping of the Savior. Funeral service by
brethren Nead, Brubaker and others, from Rev.
14: 13.
Whilst in the tomb our father lies,
His spirit rest? above ;
In realms of bliss it never dies,
But knows a Savior's love. W.
[Companion and Pilgrim please copy.]
Died in Eel river Church, Kosciusko county,
Indiana, brother SAMUEL BUTTERBAUGH.
He was taken away very suddenly June 15,
1872. He went about five miles from home, his
health being as good as usual, and his wife went
with him. About one o'clock in the afternoon
he took sick, he fell off his chair in less than
fifteen minutes, and he did not know any thing
more from that time until he died. On the !6th
he was taken home in a spring wagon. It was
a sad sight to see him sutler. On the 17th fol-
lowing, at half past five o'clock in the moruing,
he breathed his last. His disease was <poplexy.
He was a faithful member of the church nearly
thirty-five years. He was the father of nine
children, the oldest deceased in its infancy. He
leaves a sorrowing companion (a sister), and
eight children to mourn the loss of a departed
father — six sons and two daughters, four of
OBITUARIES.
95
them are married, and also five of the children
are members of the cburch — the youngest child
is fourteen years old. Oh, how hard it is to
to part with one we loved so well. We hope he
has gone to rejoin those with whom he lived
and worshipped on earth, in the heavenly land,
to rest from his labors and sorrows, and to be
with the Lord in peace. Many of his friends
are gone to their long eternal home, and many
more after him must go. The age of deceased
59 years. 10 months and 24 days. The funeral
service was performed to a large concourse of
people, by brethren David Bechtelheimer and
Joseph Gripe, from 2 Tim. 4, 6-8.
Our father's gone to the spirit land,
And we trust he's free from all pain ;
United with the angelic band,
Our loss is his eternal gain.
There's glory, rest, and peace and love
In that grand region up above,
Which I enjoy, and long to see
You ready for my company.
Farewell, farewell, my children dear,
For sweetly lay 1 sleeping here;
Then ready be, for die you must,
With your kind father sleap in dust.
Farewell my dear companion, too,
We'ye parted for a time, ''is true,
If garments white you do retain,
We'll meet and no more part again.
Miss Catherine Butterbaugh.
Died in Springfield, Clarke county, Ohio,
January 24, 1873. of hasty consumption,
MARY ANN DONOVAN, wife of George
Donovan, aged 27 years. 8 months and 13 days.
Funeral January 26, from 2 Timothy 2 : 11-13,
by Aaron Frantz.
The subject of the above notice was sick
about five weeks, and when death's cold arms
began to encircle her mortal body, when all
medical skill failed, and it was evident that her
soul would soon wing its way from this earthly
scene, she had great anxiety to see the sister
who reared her from childhood, to whom she
was very much attached with the strongest
bonds of love and affection — the present com-
panion of elder George W. Studebaker— her
own mother having died when she was a child.
The news was sent to sister Studebaker, who
resides near Muncie, Indiana. She arrived to
see her adopted daughter, January 21, and
found her undergoing intense suffering appar-
ently in consequence of breathing. Large drops
of sweat flowed like the laborer in the harvest-
field, three successive days. She did not lay in
the bed for one week before she died, in conse-
quence of breathing. She breathed her last
breath in her chiir. On the twenty-second she
askeil, "Mother ain't 1 a long time dying ?"
and said she must leave us, and was going to
rest. When asked how she felt, she said,
" Mother, I have prayed day and night to my
Savior, to take my poor soul to rest, and the
way looks clear before me." She then said
what should be done with her children, desired
that mother should take her little Lizzie, and
her companion should keep her little boy Elmer.
Stated how she wanted to be buried. She
wanted nothing fancy on her remains, and
wanted brother Aaron Frantz to preach her
funeral Then she said, " Mother, I want you
to pray for me." She then desired them to sing
for her. When asked what she wanted sung,
she said,
" Jesus my all to heaven is gone,"
and she helped to sing the hymn through, then
desired that mother should pray for her again,
said, " I want to hear your voice once more in
prayer." Then said that while she was singing
the Lord came and got her soul. After which
time she did not talk so much, but said, " Tell
Belle (meaning the companion of the writer,
who was also raised by the same sister)
good-by for me ; tell her I have gone to rest,
and she shall meet me in heaven. Tell papa
(meaning elder Geo. W. Studebaker) good-by,
I am going to meet him in heaven." She also
S'id, " Mother, don't have anything done to me
until you know I am gone," and said, " Mother,
you will feel so much better when I am gone
and you know I am at resc." She was perfectly
sensible until the last, but did not speak for
about an hour before she died. Our hope and
prayer to God is that our loss is her eternal
gain, and that we sorrow not as others who
have no hope. She was baptised by elder
John U. Studebaker, in May, 1868, in the
Mississinawa church, Delaware coi'-nty, Ind. —
She visited her friends in Indiana, las' autumn
in perfect health, and now her remains rest
beneath the clods of the valley. When we
reflect on our conditio ., the language of in-
spiration rises distinctly before us, " Set thy
house in order, for thou shalt die and not live."
Let us all take warning, and be prepared to
meet our sister in heaven, and not forget to
pray for her husband who is left to mourn the
1 jss of a faithful and true companiofi.
William Gump.
Died in Preble county, Ohio, September 30,
1873, friend JACOB M. NETT, who was not a
member of our church, but died \p the faith. —
He sent for the writer; I visited him Sabbath
morning, when he said to me that he would
like to be received into the church by baptism,
but it was too late ; he would have to die, and
he desired me to pray for him, which I did. I
then asked him if he had any hope; he said he
had some hope and died on Monday morning —
age 57 years, 3 months and 20 days, leaving a
sorrowing companion and several children to
mourn bis loss, Funeral improwed by the writer
from Matt. 24, 44-46. A. Younce.
Died, February 3, 1873, in Maggodee con-
gregation, Virginia, of pneumonia, after one
week of suffering, our beloved brother, elder
ABRAHAM NAFF, aged 66 years, 11 months
and 8 days, having been in the ministry about 40
years. Funeral attended by the writer, in con-
nection with other brethren, in the midst of an
unusually large congregation, who manifested
the deepest sympathy for the irreparable loss to
the church and society of so worthy a minister
and citizen. He leaves a widow, three sons (two
in the ministry and one a deacon) and two
daughters living, with many relatives and
friends to mourn theit loss.
John H. Lemon.
96
OBITUARIES.
Died in the Delaware congregation, Knox
county, ()., Dec. 7, 1872, BETST MYERS,
wife <>f brother Jacob Myers, aged 72 year.-,
6 months and 23 days. She had never been
B member of any church, and made no pro-
fession of Christianity, until she came to her
death-bed, where she Bought the pardon of
her sins, and an interest in the welfare of
her soul, and finally said that she had found
peace, and was willing to die, and had no
desire to live. She appeared to be very
prayerful until the last. But oh, how much
wiser would it be for us to spend our whole
lives in the service of our Lord and Master;
then in the end we could claim the sure
promises. The funeral services were im-
proved by the writer.
But the messenger of death did not stop
here. Although brother Jacob Myers did
not feel to mourn as they that have no hope,
but rejoiced in the thought of one day
meeting his beloved companion in a better
world, yet he wept and mourned over his
loss and his cheeks had scarcely been dried
of tears, when the mighty hand of death
took a fatal hold upon his frail body, and
the 28th day of December ended his earthly
career. An old lady who had been making
her home in brother Myers' family for some
time, was afflicted with erysipelas, and was
somewhat deranged, and as brother Myers
was in the act of helping her into her bed,
he received a scratch from her finger-nails
on the back of his hand; the erysipelas set
in, which is supposed to have been the cause
of his death. He was sick only about four
days, and died in just three weeks from the
death of his wife. The church has lost a
worthy brother, who, we have reason to
believe, died in the triumphs of a living
faith. He left no children. Brother Myers
was born in the State of Maryland, where
he lived until 1836. Since that time he has
been a resident of Ohio. His age was about
75 years The funeral services were im-
proved by brother Christian "Wise and the
writer. W. Edmister.
[Companion please copy.]
Died December 23, 1872, near Dayton,
Rockingham county, Virginia, our beloved
brother CONRAD SENGER, aged 73 yrs.
9 m. 18 d. He leaves six sons and one
daughter to mourn their loss, but they
mourn not without hope; their loss is his
eternal gain. Their faith is that his last
years and days were his best. He was
found daily lifting up holy hands to God in
prayer. His disease was pneumonia, which
settled on the lungs. His suffering was
great, but he bore it with patience, wishing
for his days to be few, and to end his
sufferings in death. All that appeared to
grieve him during his illness, was to leave
the ltttle grand-children around him. He
told them how to live so as to meet him in
a better world. Funeral occasion improved
by elder Solomon Garber and others, to a
large attendance of relatives and friends,
from Rev. 14:13.
Died in the Black river congregation,
Medina county, O., Feb. 1, 1873, our much
beloved sister SARAH JANE HAWK,
wife of Theodore Hawk, and daughter of
brother Peter and sister Sarah Drushal,
aged 29 years, 10 months and 1G days. —
She leaves a husband and two little girls,
and a number of other relatives to mourn
her untimely death, but yet we mourn not
as those without hope, for we trust that our
loss is her eternal gain. Funeral occasion
improved by brother Joseph Rittenhouse,
from 2 Sam. 12:23, to a large and sorrowing
congregation.
Dear as thon wert, and justly dear,
We will not weep for thee;
One thought shall cheek the starting tear —
It is that thou art free.
Catharine Wiiite.
[Companion please copy.]
Died near Degraff, Logan county, Ohio,
January 19, 1873, friend WM. SNAPP,
aged 44 years, 11 months and 15 days —
disease lung fever. He leaves a kind com-
panion (sister in church) and six children
to mourn their loss. Funeral preached by
brethren J. L. Frantz and M. Swonger,
from 1 Cor. 15: 2 2, 23.
Also at same place and out of the same
family, Jan. 26, 1873, JABEZ L. SNAPP,
son of William and Mary Snapp, aged 18
years, 10 months and 8 days — disease lung
fever, Funeral preached by brethren J. L.
Frantz and M. Swonger, from Ps. 90: 9. 10.
J. L. Frantz.
Died January 23, 1873, in the Luney's
creek congregation, Grant county, West
Virginia, our"loved sister LYDIA LYON,
aged 70 years and some months. She was
a faithful member of the church for many
years, and manifested faith, patience, hope
and resignation to the last. Her husband
had been dead about fourteen years. She
leaves seven children, Martin Cosner.
In the Augwich branch, Huntington Co.
Pa. Dec. 30, 1872, bro. JOHN LUTZ, aged
74 y. 2 m. 14 d.
Funeral services bj the brethren, from
Job 14:14.
In the same house, January 5, 1873, sister
MARY LUTZ, wife of the above named
bro. Lutz, aged 71 y. 10 m. 1 d.
Religious services by the brethrer, from
Job 14:24. The hymns 605 and 6i8 were
used on both occasions by requet of friends.
A. L. Funk.
[ Several obituaries crowded out.]
vest will stop at Gettysburg. There will
>e means for conveying persons from both
Versailles and Gettysburg to the place of
neeting.
Boston, Indiana, ">
February 12th, 1873. /
Brother Henry: Pleasdannounceinthe
jO.si'KL Visitor that the District meeting
>f Southern District of Indiana, will bo held
fa tbe (lotb and 11th) of April in the
Bret hern ^Ieetinc;-hou*e in Fonrmile Con-
gregation, Uuion County, Indiana, tenmiles
southeast of Richmond.
Brethren coming on the Cincinnati and
Chicago Road will stop off at Richmond.
rbose coming on tbe Cincinnati, Hamilton
ind Indianapolis Road will stop at College
Joiner. There will be conveyances there
>n the 9th to take Brethren to place of
neeting. There will he no conveyances af-
£r Hie 9th bj the Brethren.
Jacou Kiik.
PUBLISHER'S NOTES
Since issuiii"; the February number, wo
red our office to another room.
ind in consequence this issue is a little late.
if life and health 1 we hope to is-
u" more prompt and regular hereafter.
\\ e ho] •• i ho friends of our papers will
lid in increasing their circulation The
Jospicl Visitor fe known throughout the
Brotherhood generally, but there are here
Ad there isolated members who may not be
jpquainted with it There are also here and
here others who are seeking truth and de-
ire to know the Brethren's teachings, who
vould take the Visitor if it were present-
Kl to ihem. If you have any friends who
pou think might be interested in reading it
•end their name- to us and stamps for pos-
d we will send copies, or send fifty
:ents and we will send it a year to them.
It will be understood that our fifty cent of-
fer i- only for charitable pur;
We rcceivo letters now and then stating
hat some papers do not come. In entering
lame- on our mail-hooks we try to be very
:areful. but if mistakes should occur on our
urt we will correct as soon a- informed, and
my numbers that may fail to reach their des-
olation either through our mistake or other-
wise, will be pent again at once if informed
)f it, provided we have them on hand.
Our premiums are not all sent out yet,
lot having a sufficient number on hand. By
■e time this number reaches its destination
we expect to have the Bible Dictionar
under way. and the Map premiums wo hope
to be able to send all up to date during this
month (March.)
Extraordinary Offer.— Having some
full volumes of the Gospel Vis,
oral years and wishing to dose them out
quick on account of storage room, wo will
give a back volume such as we have, fco ev-
ery new subscriber to the Visitor for the
* year at $] 25. When to be sent by
mail ten cents must be added for p -•
We also have some of Volume I, of the
■a1 Mohthby, and wishing to die
them quick for the same n above,
we will send the Monthly for the present
I volume 1 f<T 80 cents. No map
premiums will be given with this offer.
Now. friends, we need money to carry on
our business, and anything that you n
by making known the above offers or
otherwise will be gratefully received.
FARM FOR SALE.
The undersigned offers his entire farm f I
Situate in Johnson County, Missouri, six miles
North of th< lie R. R., and about
one mile from a Flo^r and Saw .Mi!!. 400 Acres
or Goo 7\>i>, of which near!
acres is in cultivation, the balance in crass and
00 acres of Timber band. Frame House with
rooms and out building, a well of livinR
i orchard with about
100 bearing fruit trees. Terms $30 per acre, one
half down, balance in two equal annual payments
withinterest at six per cent. For further inform-
ation, addri
J. E. & A. LESH, Knobnc
Or J. L. LESH, Eaton, 0.
DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
.1 Treatim <>n the Prnctia of Medicine, adapted
to popular u«c, and made familiar to the ordinary
It describe.- the various diseases incident to
the human family, with appropriate remedies
— the best known v and the general treatment
required in each case. It is illustrated with nu-
- engravings— about a hundred fine cuts
of the most common medical plants, with the
tion, locality and habits, and medical
them. A Glossary ie annexed defining
the technical terms, and also a complete index.
•3:24 pp.
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A Two-fold Revelation of Christ 97 Walter Needs, EliaaCripe, Emanuel Pop-
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Vol. XXIII.
APRIL, 1873.
No. 4t.
A TWOFOLD REVELATION OF
CHRIST.
To reveal is to disclose j to make
known something before unknown
orunrevealed. And to reveal or make
known the Son of God, is one of the
great designs of the scriptures. He
is the Alpha and Omega, in the
great system of redemption. "There
is none other name under heaven
given among men, whereby we must
be saved " He is the life of the soul.
"He that hath the Son hath life;
and he that hath not the Son of God
hath not life." "Christ is all, and
in all." And the scriptures recog-
nize various revelations or manifest-
ations of Christ.
I. There is a revelation of him to
us. This revelation was first made
in promise. The Lord said to the
3erpent, "I will put enmity between
thee and the woman, and between
thy seed and her seed ; it shall bruise
thj' head, and thou shalt bruise his
heel." This is a most gracious
promise ot Christ as the Saviour ol
fallen man from the power of Satan.
And though it was not given direct-
ly to our first parents, it was prob-
ably given in their presence and
within their hearing, and afforded
them a ground of hope. It was the
first streaks of light caused by the
approach of the gospel day. It was
such a revelation of Christ that
would and that did enable the pa-
triarchs to believe and confide in
him for salvation. He said to the
Jesw, of Abraham, "your father
Abraham rejoiced to see my day :
and he saw it, and was glad." He
appreciated the promise of the con-
quering seed, and his faith embraced
it, and he drew comfort from it.
2. We have a revelation of him to
us in the types of the Mosaic law
(a). In the passover. The mourn-
ful night finally arrived in which
the destroying angel was to smite
all the first-born of Egypt. This
last and most severe of all the
plagues that were sent upon Pha-
raoh to make him consent to the
departure of the Israelites from his
dominion, touches his heart, and he
called for Moses and Aaron by night,
"and said, rise up, and get you forth
from among my people, both ye and
the children of Israel ; and go, serve
the Lord, as ye have said. Also
take your flocks and your herds, as
ye have said, and begone; and bless
me also." But amid all the prevail-
ing sorrow that reigned that night
in Egypt, the Israelites were pro-
tected and no evil came near their
dwelling. They are directed by the
Lord to sprinkle on their door posts
the blood of a lamb. The manner
of its death, and the ceremonies
which were to accompany the eat-
ing of its flesh, were minutely giv-
en, as it was to be an ordinance
among God's chosen people. It*
meaning we are not left to conjec-
ture; for it was a type and a very
expressive one of the Son of Grodj
who as a lamb, was to be sacrificed
for the sin of the world. And henoo
the apostle declares, "Christ our
passoveris sacrificed for us," 1 Cor.
5: 7.
98
A TWO-FOLD
(6) The ordinance of the scape-
goat. This was among the most ex
pressive ceremonies of theLevitical
law, and evidently had in it gospel
n^steries. Two kids of the goats
for a sin-offering were to bo brought,
to the door of the tabernacle of the
congregation. But only one was to
be killed. The other was to be pre-
sented alive before the Lord, and
Aaron laying both his hands upon
its head, was to confess over him
"all the iniquities of the children of
Israel, and all their transgression in
all their sins, putting them upon the
head of the goat, and shall send him
away by the hand of a fit man into
the wilderness: and the goat shall
bear upon him all their iniquities
unto the land not inhabited : and he
shall let go the goat in the wilder-
ness," Lev. 16: 21, 22. The first
goa^ may 8ign'fy Christ crucified.
The blood of the slain goat was to
be carried within the veil. And
Christ was to appear in the pres-
ence of God for us with his own
blood.
The second goat may signify our
risen and living Lord, who ever
lives to make intercession for us,
and to exercise his pardoning power
on earth by which he forgives the
sin of the believing and obedient
penitent, and removes them as far
from him as "the east is from the
west," "He was delivered for our
offences and was raised again for
our justification/' Kom. 4 : 25. For
if, when we were enemies, we were
reconciled to God by the death of
his Son: much more, being recon-
ciled, we shall be saved by his life,
Eom. 5: 10. And in our suffering,
crucified, risen, and ascended Lord,
we have a Saviour who "is able to
save them to the uttermost that
come unto God by him," Heb. 7:
25. But it is unnecessary to follow
the typical revelation of our Lord
further.
"Israel in ancient days,
Not only had a view
Of Sinai in a blaze,
But learn'd the gospel too;
The types and figures" were a glass,
In which they saw the Saviour's face.
The paschal sacrifice
And blood-besprinkled door,
Seen with enlighten'd eyes,
And once appli'd with pow'r,
Would teach the need of other blood,
To reconcile us to our God.
The Lamb, the Dove, set forth
His perfect innocence,
Whose blood of matchless worth
Should be the Soul's defense ;
For he who can for sin atone,
Must have no failings of his own."
3. We have a revelation of him
to us in prophecy. "To him give
all the prophets witness, that
through his name whosoever believ-
eth in him shall receive remission of
sins," Acts 10: 43. He was the
Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty
God, The everlasting Father, The
Prince of Peace, and the man of
sorrows of Isaiah ; the righteous
Branch of Jeremiah ; the Messiah
of Daniel; the Sun of righteousness
of Malachi. Thus the prophets
with more or less directness and ful-
ness prophesied of Christ.
4. We have him revealed to us in
his human form in the incarnation.
This was a clear and convincing
revelation of him. "When the ful-
ness of the time was come God sent
forth his son,,, made of a woman,
made under the law," Gal. 4:4. In
his incarnation we have the prom-
REVELATION OF CHRIST.
99
ise seed, the antitype of many of
the types of the law, and the char-
acter which constituted the burden
of man}- of the prophecies. He was
God manifested in the flesh. His
life and doctrine were a revelation
of God. And hence he said to
Philip, "he that hath seen me hath
seen the F.ather.,, In the revelation
we have of him in the seed of Abra-
ham, he comes so near to us, and
under such aspects, as to attract our
attention as a perfect specimen of
our common humanity; and by the
wonderful combination of the hu-
man with the divine nature, we
have a Saviour that can save the
chief of sinners.
5. The last revelation of Christ to
us will be his revelation in glory.
The apostle Peter uses the follow-
ing language in exhorting Chris-
tians: "Gird up the loins of your
mind, be sober, and hope to the end
for the grace that is to be brought
unto you at the revelation of Jesus
Christ," 1 Peter 1 : 13. We have a
reference to this glorious and future
revelation of our Lord, in the fol-
lowing words of Paul : "And to
you who are troubled rest with us,
when the Lord Jesus shall be reveal-
ed from heaven with his mighty an-
gels, in flaming fire taking ven-
geance on those that know not God,
and that obey not the gospel of our
Lord Jesus Christ: who shall be
punished with everlasting destruc-
tion from the presence of the Lord,
and from the glory of his power;
when he shall come to be glorified
in his saints, and to be admired in
all them that believe (because our
testimony among you was believed)
in that day/' 2 Thess. 1: 7-10.
In the various revelations we have
of Christ to us, we have him pre-
sented to us under various aspects.
In this divine character he claims
our worship; in his sacrificial char-
acter we have the ground of our
hope as guilty sinners; in his royal
character he claims our obedience to
his laws; in the perfect moral char-
acter that he exhibited in his life,
we have a pattern for our imitation ;
and in his character as a Saviour of
our ruined and wretched race, he
presents claims for our love and
gratitude.
II We have a revelation of Christ
in us. "When it pleased God" says
Paul, "to reveal his Son in me."
And this revelation of Christ in
Paul, was no special revelation to
him to prepare him for the apostle-
ship, but it was what every true
Christian experiences. Hence Paul
says in writing to all the members
that comprised the churches of Ga-
latia, "my little children, of whom
1 travail in birth again until Christ
be formed in you," Gal. 4: 19.
Christ formed within us and Christ
revealed in us, express the same
thing in Christian experience. The
following suggestive language oc
curs in Paul's epistle to the Collos-
sians : In speaking of his apostle-
ship he says : "Whereof I am made
a minister, according to the dispen-
sation of God which is given to me
for you, to fulfill the word of God;
even the mystery which hath been
hid from ages and from generations,
but now is made manifest to his
saints: to whom God would make
known what is the riches ot the
glory of this mystery among the
Gentiles; which is Christ in you
the hope of glory," Col. 1 : -1^-11.
We have not only in this pa
100
SAVING FAITH AND WORKS.
the precious truth that Christians
have Christ in them, but wo also
learn from it that Christ revealed in
us or formed in us, is the hope of
glory, and the grand practical result
of believing and obeying the gos-
pel.
The revelation of Christ to us, is
designed to prepare the way for the
revelation of Christ in us. The rev-
elation of Christ in us implies more
than a revelation of Christ to us,
since many who have the gospel
preached to them will perish ; while
all who have Christ revealed in them,
and retain this revelation of him,
have the hope of glory, and will be
saved. In the revelation of Christ
to us we hear of the things taught
in the gospel, but in the revelation
of him in us, wo see and experience
their reality and excellency. And
this experimental knowledge is eter
nallife. Our Lord said in his pray-
er, John 17: 3, "And this is life eter-
nal, that they might know thee the
only true God, and Jesus Christ,
whom thou hast sent."
Reader, be satisfied with nothing
less than a revelation of Christ in
you. But this will not be a new
revelation of itself, but new in its
effects and experience, for such a
revelation of Christ will produce a
new creature. Has Christ been re-
vealed in you? Have you such an
appreciation of him that you would
be willing to sacrifice every thing of
a worldly cnaracter that you may
win him, and possess him for ever?
If you have not, seek the gospel
revelation of him in you, and then
he will be indeed precious to you.
J. Q.
For the Visitor.
SAVING FAITH AND WORKS.
BY J. S. FLORY.
"For by grace are ye Baved through faith ;
and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God •
not of works, lest any man should boast. For
we are his workmanship, created in Christ
Jesus unto good works, which God hath before
ordained that we should walk in'tbetu." Eph.
2: 8, 9, 10.
The first clause of the above text
contains the sum and substance of
Salvation through Chiist. It was
through the love, favor, or grace of
God that He sent His Son into the
world to save us. Now by that
grace through faith we are saved, if
saved at all.
This being saved by grace through
faith being the grand pillar of truth
which upholds the fundamental
principles of the scheme of redemp-
tion is a matter of the greatest im-
portance, and a subject we fear often
abused by way of disconnecting it
from everything else that should, in
consequence of God's will, cluster
around it, or be in harmony with it.
And we who believe and teach that
the Gospel in all its bearing is the
power of God unto salvation to them
that believe" are often misrepresent-
ed relative to the subject of faith
and are sometimes charged with put-
ting our main dependence in works.
We propose in this article, to give
our views in as brief a manner as
possible, upon the subject of being
"saved by grace through faith" and
shall try to prove our views to be
in harmony with God's word.
First we remark "the grace of
God which bringeth salvation hath
appeared" and that too to "all men"
for to teach them the "denying of
ungodliness, worldly lust" etc., and
SAVINF FAITH AND WORKS.
101
how to live in this "present world"
that we may be saved. This grace
is effective through faith, therefore
those who put their trust in the
grace and mercy of God, irrespective
of a practical living taith, must and
will be disappointed.
That we may have a proper con-
ception of the subject of faith we
will glance at the different Scriptur-
al meanings of the term.
Sometimes it is used for the faith
fulness and veracity of God, (see
Rom. 3:3). Also it is sometimes used
for the persuasion of the mind as to
the lawfulness of things of an indif
ferent nature (see Romans 14 c 22,
23). And it is frequently put or
used for the doctrine of the Gospel.
As instances we quote : "The word
is nigh thee even in thy mouth and
in tby heart, that is the word of
faith, which we preach." Rom. 10:8.
Felix wanted to hear Paul "con-
cerning the faith in Christ." Paul
seys, "strive together for the faith
of the Gospel." Jude says "The
faith that was once delivered to the
Saints."
Paul to Galantians says he now
preached the faith he once destroy-
ed. Also of "hearing the faith."
And Gal. 3:23 "But before faith
came we were kept under the law,
shut up unto the faith which should
be revealed."
"I have kept the faith." "Some
shall depart from the faith." "Hath
denied the faith." Paul says "my
Son after the common faith." In
Revelations Christ says, by the
spirit, concerning the church in Per-
gamos thou "hast not denied my
faith" and in chap. 14: 12. "Here
are they that have kept the com-
mandments of God and faith of
Jesus." "Examine yourselves
whether you be in the faith." (2 Cor.
13 : 5). Much more might be pro-
duced to show that often where the
word "faith" is used it has a refer-
erence to the Gospel and law of grace
and faith.
We next will examine the subject
as applicable to individuals, or under
the head of personal faith. In this
respect faith in Scripture is present-
ed in two leading views. 1st, As-
sent or persuasion ; 2d. that of con-
fidence or reliance. The first may
stand disconnected from the latter,
but the latter cannot exist without
the former.
Many have an assenting faith in
the Scriptures — that Jesus Christ is
the Son of God and the Saviour of
the world. James seems to infer
such a faith is allowable to devils,
and even professed christians may
have nothing more than snch a dead,
inoperative faith as Christ plainly
teaches when speaking of those that
shall at the last day come up and
say, "Lord have we not prophesied
in thy name?" etc., and he shall
say "depart from me I never
knew you. Those characters will
be condemned not for a want of sin-
cerity in their faith but because of
their works of iniquity. We may
rightly conclude, assent to the truths
of the christian religion, may follow
examination and conviction of their
truthfulness, yet the spirit be un-
renewed and the conduct sinful, so
that believers may be and often are
"workers of iniquity."
Faith, necessary as a condition of
salvation, must have implicit con-
fidence and firm reliance in God's
promises, connected with assent.
Through such faith as implies trust
102
SAVING FAITH AND WORKS.
and confidence in God, Noah moved
with fear* went to work and ulti-
mately condemned the world '-'and
became heir of the righteousness
which is by faith." Ity such faith
Abraham obeyed God and to him it
was counted for righteousness. By
such faith "the ciders obtained a
good report."
Seeing then that implicit con-
fidence and trust is the necessary el-
ement to make faith of a saving
nature, we are next made to enquire
from whence cometh such faith.
Our text says, "and that not of your-
selves, it is the gift of God." Of our-
selves we may assent to the con-
tents of the Bible as we do to any
other authentic book, but the saving
element, trust and confidence cometh
from God or through the workings
of His spirit. Jesus says, "No man
can come to Him except the Father
draw him." ''Faith cometh by
hearing," by hearing the Truth as it
is in Jesus. "The dead in tresspasses
and sins" are made to hear the voice
of the Son of God "and they that hear
shall live." "The light that lighteth
every man" appeareth ; the sinner
then can see where he standeth j
the Gospel as a mirror reflects to
him his awful state and standing;
the convictions of God's spirit im-
pels him to trust in Jesus according
to the authority and direction of
God's word ; repentance and turning
to God is the consequent result. His
faith will necessarily prompt him on
to obedience. His trust and con-
fidence in God made effective
through that "faith that worketh by
love" will never say to him, stop,
short of obedience to God's com-
mand upon which hangs salvation
through the merits of Jesus Christ.
It is a positive injunction or prom-
ise of the Lord, "He that believeth
and is baptized shall be saved," He
that believeth with entire confi-
dence and trust in God, it being
such faith as is "the gift of God"
will be baptized and therefore mus-
be saved — saved from the condemn
ing power of all past sins — all hav-
ing been washed away through the
blood of a crucified Savior, and then
the Holy Spirit, a "gift of God"
shall illuminate the "new creature"
unto the light of "perfect day."
"Not of works, lest any man should
boast." Now were man to merit
Salvation by his works he would
have something to boast of. Sal-
vation then would be a matter of
debt; this cannot be, for after we
have done all we are commanded to
do we are counted unprofitable ser-
vants. There can be justly noth-
ing due an unprofitable servant,
but punishment and denunciation
tor his conduct. So with men all
are sinners, at the best unprofitable ;
but God so loves us as to grant
pardon, justification and Salvation.
Oh grace is free grace indeed ! We
can not merit Salvation by our faith
or works. A living working faith
is simply the condition upon which
God has seen fit to suspend Salva-
tion through His free grace.
"For we are His workmanship,
created unto Christ Jesus unto good
works. "Faith without works is
dead" therefore works must hold a
prominent place in the "law of faith"
We now propose to designate its
position, and remark in the language
of the great reformer, M. Luther,
"Faith ought to produce good works
purely in obedience to God and not
in order to our justification."
SAVING FAITH AND WORKS.
103
Works is to faith as the spirit is to
the body, without the spirit the
body is dead, inactive, a dead mass
hastening to corruption. Says James
"show thy faith without thy works
and I will show thee my faith by
my works." When Faith is made
alive by the Spirit of God it becomes
active just as Adam "became a liv-
ing soul" when God breathed in him
the breath of life. Every pulsation
of such a living faith will beat in
unison with God's word, therefore
truly, "faith ought to produce works
purely in obedience to God."
It therefore stands as an unmis-
takable evidence of being alive to
God. God may know what is in
the heart but his scheme of Salva-
tion is such that he has given com-
mandments of such a nature that he
may have an outward manifestation
of our faith in him. They are given
to test our faith. Thus He tested
Abraham's faith! By faith the walls
of Jerico fell down; but through
works — obedience to the command
— faith brought the power of God to
be effective in demolishing those
walls. When James speaks of works
even to say "Ye see then how that
by works a man isjustified, and not
by faith only," he is showing that
justifying faith can not stand dis
connected from works no more than
the spirit can be disconnected from
the living body, they must stand to-
gether. Works is the outgrowth of
faith, just as the movements of the
body is the result of the life within.
We agree with Paul we are justified
by faith, but only by such a faith
which produce works "purely in
obedience to God." We see Paul did
not discard the necessity of being
obedient to faith. From Jesus
Christ he claims to have received
grace "for obedience to the faith
among all nations." Rom. 1:5. Al-
so speaks of the work of faith ; in
Thes. 1:3 saya "Remember your
work of faith." And 2 Thes. 1: 11.
"That God would fulfill in you the
work of faith with power."
We next shall examine the evi-
dences necessary to produce or cause
saving faith to center in the heart.
In nothing can the saying "like be-
gets like," be more appropriately ap-
plied than in this subject of faith.
If the truth, the whole truth, and
nothing but the truth, are the evi-
dences presented, faith will be such
that the believer will "do the truth,"
the whole truth and nothing but
the truth! There must be evidence,
before there can be faith. The doc-
trine of the Gospel must be heard
for "faith cometh by hearing," and
then faith in the same will cause the
individual to act accordingly. But
let the truth be "changed into a lie"
or a portion of God's word be sup-
pressed and the believer will in
actions give God the lie and say this
and that is nonessential. It follows
then that such faith that produces
works not in harmony with God's
word is not saving faith and by such
faith that lacks this test no one is
justified. No faith is saving other
than that which causes the posfi -
or to "obey from the heart that form
of doctrine delivered unto us." Why
is Christ "become the author of Sal-
vation to all them that obey him?"
Because all such have true saving
faith. Why have those that do His
commandments the glorious prom-
ise of entering into the city? Be-
cause the doing of his command-
ments is evidence of a genuine liv-
ing faith in God.
104
ASHAMED OF JESUS.
" We are God's workmanship cre-
ated unto good works which He hath
before ordained we should walk in
them. God so ordained it, so de-
termined, so decreed, and so com-
manded, that all who were recreated,
regenerated, in Christ Jesus by His
grace through faith, should walk in
them, yea will walk in them.
It is an unalterable law of God
that every seed produces a plant or
tree of its kind. Seeds of religious
error planted in the heart will pro-
duce a religious life full of errors
and delusions. But truth — the word
of God, planted in the heart, will
bring forth a tree full of truth, love
and obedience. Think oi it profess-
or. Have you that proof that bears
testimony that you have saving
faith ?
God is now putting the test to
your faith, now is the day of your
trial — state of preparation. See to
it are you doing your duty, are you
from the heart, obeying all His
commands and keeping the ordinan-
ces as delivered unto you by Christ
and the Apostles ? Oh ! when you
and I are weighed in the scales of
God's justice, may we not'be found
wanting.
For the Visitor.
ASHAMED OF JESUS.
Whosoever therefore shall be
ashamed of me, and of my words, in
this adulterous and sinful genera-
tion ; of him also shall the son of
man be ashamed, when he cometh in
the glory of his Father and the holy
Angels. Mark. 8: 38. The above
text is one of great importance.
Whosoever, or any one, therefore :
as much as to say for this reason —
which is given previous to the text.
Christ says, whosoever shall be
ashamed of me and of my words. We
have, in the sentence, two import-
ant ideas; the first is that of being
ashamed of Christ: the second, that
of being ashamed of his word, which
perhaps claims the greater attention.
We, (in order that we may be fully
understood in our views), will first
try to offer a tew thoughts on the
first subject. We find that, the
priests in the temple at one time be-
lieved on Christ: for fear of the
people, they did not acknowledge
him, lest they should be cast out of
the temple. Wo find again, that the
love of God casteth away all fear.
They, for fear of the people, did not
acknowledge him, lest they should
be cast out of the temple ; and why ?
because they loved the praise of man,
rather than the praise of God.
Hence, they were ashamed of Christ;
by whom, and for whom all things
were made. We are the creatures,
and he the creator. And it is to be
lamented, that in our days, there
are scores of such characters. The
second subject is that of being asham-
ed of the words of Christ : which, as
already said, claims the greater at-
tention. It is to be lamented, that
people are so often ashamed to con-
verse with their creator.
But this, at the present day, has
become a means by which the honorl
of men is sought. Hollering, and
hooping, and shouting, in our days,
take the lead, rather than a genuine
conviction. The prayers that are
offered, must be offered in the cor-
ners of the streets and in their large
ornamental houses with the highest
flow of language that can be found:
and if a secret prayer is offered it
ASHAMED OF JESUS.
105
must afterwards bo made public in
order that the praise of man may be
gained. "Cursed is the man that
putteth his trust in the armor of
flesh." Ashamed of Christ and his
words ? Yes, ashamed to go down
into the pebbly brook in order to be
buried with their blessod Kedeemer;
lest by any means they might be
raised with him and walk in newness
of life; upon which we have the
promise of the Holy Ghost. One
day we see them crying, and weep-
ing, and praying. The next in the
saloon, or at a show, or perhaps at
the card table, or in the ball room,
or at a dance enjoying themselves in
the things of the lower, and darker
world. Ashamed they are to lay
aside their garments, and stoop to
wash their brethren's feet, and to
refrain from wearing costly array,
and broidering the hair : but they
eat the feast with the leavened bread
of maliciousness and hatred ; and
wearing hoods, and veils, ear-rings,
and bracelets, and every high and
exalted thing; all because they are
ashamed of the words of Christ:
and because the adversary has the
uppermost seat in the heart. "Spots
they are in your feasts of charity."
"Wells without water;'7 having
neither the truth nor the spirit of
God in them.
He says again, that they heap up
to themselves teachers, having itch-
ing ears, who have become the min-
isters of light; and no marvel, for
Satan himself is transformed into an
angel of light. Paul says, the gos-
pel of Christ is the power of God
unto salvation unto every one that
believeth. Again, "by this we do
know that we know him, if we keep
his commandments."
Young brethren and sisters, be
faithful; stand upon the rock, Chi 1st
Jesus : bo not ashamed of the words
of Christ, to acknowledge and do
them : for he that is ashamed of me
and of my words, of him shall also the
son of man be ashamed, when he
cometh in the glory of his Father
and the holy angels. Dear and much
beloved brethren and sisters, be not
ashamed to acknowledge Christ and
his words ; be not ashamed to be
clad with modest apparel, and to
stoop to wash your brethren's feet;
and to be sober when you see the
world rejoice in uncertain pleasures
— and also to reprove them when
they err. Although they may some-
times laugh you to scorn, you are
honored of your Heavenly Father.
Christ says, I am not come to send
peace on the earth, but a sword,
which is the word God ; and again
my words shall judge you in the last
day. Paul says, judge yourselves,
lest ye be condemned with the world.
The time is last approaching and
hastening on, when all must appear
before the judge of quick and dead ;
and give an account ot the deeds
done in the body : those that have
done good, unto the resurrection of
life, and those that have done evil,
unto the resurrection of damnation
— those who have been ashamed of
Christ and his words; to meet a God
who is ashamed of them. Those
who have loved the commandments,
shall then rejoice, and shall shine
forth brighter than the sun : But
his enemies shall thon bo made his
foot stool ; it shall then be said to
them, depart from me ye workers of
iniquity, for I never knew you. O,
the shrieks and cries that shall then
be uttered !
106
WINTER.
They shall then cry for rocks and
mountains, to fall upon them : but
nothing will then appease the wrath
of an angry God, but to cast them
into the place that was prepared for
the devil and his angels; where there
is weeping, and wailing, and gnash
ing of teeth; where the worm dieth
not, and the fire is not quenched.
"For," says Paul, "I am persuaded,
that neither death, nor life, nor an-
gels, nor principalities, nor powers,
nor things present, nor things to
come, nor height, nor depth, nor any
other creature, shall be able to sepa-
rate us from the love of God which
is in Christ Jesus our Lord" : but
the reason, that we so often are
ashamed of the words of Christ is,
that we never have attained unto
that love. Whenever we have the
love of God within our hearts, we
are not ashamed of his words; neith-
er do we find one commandment,
that is not necessary to the salvation
of the soul.
Dennis Weimer.
For the Visitor.
WINTER.
The chilling winds may howl and
storms of snow may scatter their
downy flakes around us until all is
drifted full. The cold increases un-
til we barely dare venture out to at-
tend to the duties we owe to each
other to sustain life. In this beau-
tiful country of ours, a land of peace
and plenty, the people can prepare
themselves for the approaching
storms of winter. The farmer has
his barns well filled with good pro-
vender for his domestic animals, his
garner is well filled with choice grain,
his cellar with the best productions
of his orchard, his wood-houso filled
with dry fuel. The citizens of the
towns in this country can purchase
the necessaries of life and when the
cold winter comes with its stormy
blasts and chilling winds, we can sit
by our heated stoves in our cozy lit-
tle homes and enjoy the benefits of
our plenteous supply. If we wish
to attend to out-door duties we can
put on our warm coats, &c, and face
the storm without injury from frost.
But is this the case with humanity
at large? Think of the poor. Way
out yonder is the little cottage with
its inmates consisting of parents and
children, the father works hard to
earn daily food for his dear ones.
The mother sits bent over her sew-
ing until late hours summon her to
retire to rest. All this is done for
the sustenance of the family. Yet
starvation stares them in the face.
They own no mansion, no fancy par-
lor; not even the humble little cot
in which they live. The summer
season may pass over their heads
finding them comfortable, but ah !
the cold winter, how does it find
them ? no garners full of grain, no
cellar of fruit, no supply of fuel and
no warm garments. The night pass-
es over their shivering forms, the
morning dawns; the children as-
semble around the few blazing fagots,
crying "Ma I'm cold." Oh my
friends don't forget the poor. Go to
the city if you please, you see a lit-
tle news-boy with torn, dirty clothes,
calling out "The morning news,"
"only five cents." Follow him
awhile, he makes a few sales, then
hastens home, you pursue him, he
goes down some back alley to an old
rickety building, he goes up a pair
of creaking stairs and back a dark
LIVING ON GOD.
107
hall and at last enters a room in
which lies a sick form upon a bed of
straw; a poor emaciated mother
watching the fleeting breath as it
leaves the body. All look sad and
gloomy, nothing to buoy them up.
You enquire the cause of this pov
erty in theextrome,perhaps unavoid-
able, perhaps through indolence and
perhaps from a cause far worse —
drunkness with all its baneful effects.
Those of us who have good homes
to live in and plenty around us and
to spare, do we appreciate it? With
what thankfulness should we ap
proach our Maker for those innu-
merable and unmerited blessings.
When we are seated around our
warm firesides and our richly serv-
ed lables, let us think of the poor,
and that it is God who has so richly
blessed us, let us whenever we have
opportunity lend a helping hand to
those in distress. How man}7 hearts
can be made to rejoice in this way ;
how many burdens made lighter.
Our conscience is at ease and happi-
ness crowns our pathway while we
live upon earth, and a brighter crown
awaits us in eternity.
S. T. Bosserman.
Dunkirk, Ohio.
LIVING ON GOD.
Whosoever surveys the state of the
church in this day of alternate elevation
and depression, must be convinced that
there is something wanting to give a
more stable character to the faith of
Christians — a greater uniformity to their
devotion and practice. Religion in the
heart is a deep stream, unaffected by
the temporary rains, always flowing and
always full , rising from its great foun-
tain God, and partaking, in some degree
at least, of his purity and unchangeable-
ness. It is not at one time a torrent,
noisy and destructive in its course; and
anon a brook almost stagnaut and dry.
It"is permanent life.
If we inspect the hearts of men, we
shall find there are two sources from
which they derive their active impulses.
There are some who derive all their mo-
tions from within ; they act from the
individuality ot their own character.
Like a steam hoat, they carry the im-
peling power In their own bosoms, and,
through oceans and winds, from what-
ever quarter they blow and roll, they
make their way to the point of destina-
tion. Others receive all their incite-
ment from external causes. Like ships,
which are dependent on the wind, they
advance only when the wind is propiti-
ous. Their passive hearts reflect the
image of the woild around them.
Among the followers of Christ, too,
some live directly on God ; they seem
to have a constant vision of the Holy
one. The promise of Christ is verified
in them — Whosoever drinketh of the
water that I shall give him, shall never
thirst; but the water that I shall give
him shall be as a well of water springing
up unto everlasting life. As the dews and
showers descending from the sky support
vegetable life, so the Spirit of God, de-
scending from above, supports spiritual
life. It is the source of all the practical
holiness and secret joys that spring up
in the heart of a proficient Christian.
Drinking into this Spirit, without de-
pending on impulses, is what we mean
by living on God.
Religion in the Bible is frequently
called life. There is appropriateness in
the term. For, as natural life is the
source of all bodily sensation and activ-
ity, so religion is a principle in the
heart, which is the source of spiritual
108
LIVING ON GOD.
activity and holiness. It is a life par
excellence) without it, morality is but a
dead principle, and our best actions but
specious sins. It is a quickening power
planted amidst the sensibilities of our
nature, by tho Holy Spirit. It is the
divine nature with us; and makes us
one with God and Christ. It gives
meaning to certain passages of Scripture
not before understood. It is the root of
holiness in our inmost souls, and the
tree sprouting from it will blossom and
bear fruit forever.
Christians in this age, are in great
danger of substituting other principles
for this vital religion, and living on oth-
er objects than on God.
The love of God is the soul of relig-
ion. It is the central grace, around
which the others cluster. It arises at
first from a spiritual discovery of God's
real existence and character. No more
viewing him afar, the believer realizes
that he is, and is the rewarder of all
such as diligently seek him. In the
heavens, the earth, the sea, the stars,
he sees nothing but the slender curtain
drawn before his eternal throne. God
is everywhere; in all, supporting all,
controlling all, blessing ail. His "in-
corruptible Spirit is in all things;" and
every wind speaks his power, and every
star twinkles to his praise. — Whether
the Christian walks abroad in the early
dawn, or to watch the last ravs of the
his character. He takes him as he
proclaims himself and overlooks no at-
tribute. He rejoices that he is holy ;
he is willing that he should be just. It
is not from nature alone, or from specu-
lation, that a spiritual man derives his
conception of God. He reads his word ;
he hears him speak in his own inspired
pages. He bows before the proclama-
tion of his own authority. But he does
not stop at the naked letter of Scripture.
To him the words spoken by Christ are
spirit and life, because the Eternal Spir-
it has stamped them on his heart. All
is real, because all is deeply felt.
Living on God implies the habit of
daily meditation on divine things. The
want of this is the principle defect of the
present day. The manuals of meditative
devotion are becoming so much obselete
lumber; and magazines, miscellanies,
biographies, religious novels and narra-
tives, half fiction at least, are supplying
their place. We live on the husks of
piety, and throw away the substantial
corn. Who now reads Kempis ? Who
tries his heart over Edwards on the
Religious affections ? Who imbibes the
spirit of Leighton, of Howe and Mead,
of Owen and Flavel ? Especially, who
drinks in the spirit of the blessed Bi-
ble? This has been styled an active
age; but let it be remembered, that the
river without the fountain will soon flow
away and leave its channel empty and
receding sun, he walks with God. In dry. Is it not possible for a man to
the thunder he hears his Father's voice;
in the flowers he sees his beauty. He
is never less alone than when, retired
from the world, and buried in the
deepest solitude, he fee)3 his Father's
presence. As then he muses, the fire
burns.
The Christian who thus lives on God,
has not only deeper views of his pres-
bustle in religion, without any princi-
ple ? Have not some rushed to the
work of God without knowing what
spirit they were of? It needs principle
to fortify the heart against the rockings
and agitations of this mutable age ; and
deep principle is fostered in deep re-
tirement. A man always moving with
a crowd, though it be a religious crowd,
ence, but also more consistent views of | will have a very superficial religion. He
LIVING ON GOD.
109
will be spattered by the foam, blown
from the restless noisy wave, which rolls
and breaks around him ; but will never
bathe in the deep calm sea, that drench-
es and purifies the inward frame. The
habit of meditation is enjoined by tbe
precepts of God, and the example of
inspired saints. "Meditate on these
things. When thou prayest, enter thy
closet aud shut thy door." This is the
voice of him, who recommended his pre-
cepts by the example of going into the
mountains, and spending whole nights
in prayer. Jesus began his ministry
by spending forty days in the wilder-
ness; and holy David says, "at mid-
night I will arise and give thanks unto
thee, because of thy righteous judg-
ments." Blessed men ! It was your
sweet prerogative to live on God.
We need something certainly, to re-
sist the superficial tendencies of this su-
perficial age. We may say of some of
our revivals of religion, what King
Pyrrhus said of his victories, — "A few
more such victories, and I am undone."
A few more such revivals, and religion
will decline to a state from which we
shall not soon see it revived again.
Some good men seem to be stifled, if
they are not breathing the atmosphere
of a volcano; they are asleep and retro-
grade, if they are not riding at the
swift speed of the whirlwind. They de-
pend on the news of the day for all their
animation in religion. — They live on
the circumstances of religion, not its es-
sence; like caterpillars, they chew the
leaves of the tree, and do not taste its
fruit. Thus they go through life. Like
a vessel, now riding on the summit of a
mountain wave, then driving into the
yawning gulf, they are always above the
proser level, or below it. Snch men
have no healthful life. Their whole
moral existence is a fever or a sleep.
Living on God implies that we have
a deep sense of our dependence on him,
and no dependence on any other source
of activity or consolation. To exalt
God, and depress men, is the very
genius of the Gospel.
"I find," says President Edwards,
in one of the pages of his private dairy,
"by experience, that, let me make reso-
lutions, and do what I will, with never
so many inventions, it is all nothing and
to no purpose at all, without the motions
of the Spirit of God; for if the Spirit
of God should be as much withdrawn
from me always, as for tbe week past,
notwithstanding all I do, should not
grow, but should languish and misera-
bly fall away. There is no dependence
on myself." But this truth rests on
higher authority. "Abide in me, and
I in you. As the branch cannot bear
fruit of itself, except it abide in the
vine ; no more can ye, except ye abide
in me. I am the vine, ye are the
branches. He that abideth in me, and
I in him, the same bringeth forth much
fruit; for without me ye can do noth-
ing." Blessed Jesus ! How sweet are
thy promises ! On these, my weak and
helpless soul, beset by dangers, and al-
most sinking in the strife of its foes,
can rest, and will rest, with undivided
trust !
1 have said we must have no other
dependence ; for why should a man
trust to a floating rush, when he can
stand on an immovable rock ? We
must learn to go direct to God ; and,
confessing our sins before him, derive
ftom him pardon, peace and the entire
support of our spiritual life. The child
of God has a spring in its own garden,
which never fails; why then, when
pressed by thirst, should he resort to the
cisterns of an arid wilderness ? There
is a God who giveth songs in the night,
110
AN OLD HEBREW PARABLE.
and his true children can live on him
in the darkest times.
Some Christians move only on the
rising and falling of social emotion. If
the church is engaged, they walk on Ihe
scaffolding of piety, not on its solid
dome ; they are impressed by the picture,
not by the substance. But if a man
lives on God, his heart will be the same,
while God is the same. He moves by
a deeper power than other men. Tnis
is part of what the apostle means, when
he says, "We walk by faith not by
sight."
The truth is to the deep-seated piety
of the Christian who lives on God and
God alone, a time of general religious
declension is precisely the time of his
highest diligence in duty. So it was
with Paul at Athens ; his spirit was
stirred within him, when he saw the
city wholly given to idolatry. And the
holy Psalmest gives us the essence of
his deep religion, when he says, "Riv-
ers of waters run down my eyes, be-
cause they keep not thy law." When
night settles over the sea, then are the
guiding beams of the night most necessa-
ry and cheering to the voyager over the
dark and trembling billows.
But we will not attempt farther to
describe the life in God, which after all
can be understood only by being posess-
ed. Reader, if your religion is founded
in humility, and a deep acquaintance
with your own heart : if your own piety
is meditative as well as active ; constant,
and not periodical and fluctuating; a
deep principle and not a sudden im-
pulse ; characterized by love to God and
an abiding sense of dependence on him ;
if your warmest affections arise in the
closet; if your purest joys flow directly
from the divine presence — if, in times
of darkness and disappointment, as well
as seasons of light and mercy, you main-
tain an unwavering faith ; then you do
know, by the best of all teachers, your
own sweet consciousness, what it is to
live on God. — Selected.
AN OLD HEBREW PARABLE.
"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit : a
broken and a contrite heart, 0 God, Thou wilt
not despise." — Psalm li. 17.
The Israelites were required to offer
for sacrifice not onlv clean beasts, but
those which were without blemish ,
without defect. The blind or mained ,
that which "had anything superfluous or
lacking in its parts ," that which was
bruised , or crushed , or broken , or cut,
was not accepted. It was an offense to
God to offer it. An Israelite came to
the door of the Tabernacle with a lamb
for a sin-offering. The priest received
it from his hands, but found it maimed.
He called the offerer, "Dost thou not
know the law?" "But, my father, I
am poor!" "Why then didst thou not
bring two turtle-doves , as the law al-
lows thee?" "Nay, my father, but the
lamb was more valuable, and I was
ashamed to bring so small a sacrifice to
our God, and before His people."
"And dost thou think, my son, that
God is pleased with the value of thy
offering? If he needed offerings, He
would not tell thee; for the cattle upon
a thousand hills are His. He demands
obedience ; and a spotless dove is more
acceptable than an ox that is blemished.
Go, and subdue thy pride, and bring a
double offering, if it be but two ephahs
of fine flower, for this new disobedi-
ance." The Israelite went his way sor-
rowful and ashamed. The penitential
psalm of David was a part of the
service of the temple of that
day. A poor penitent came up to
worship before the Lord , who had j ust
ADVENT.
Ill
risen from a sick bed , where he had
lingered for many months, longing and
fainting for the courts of the Lord. He
could scarcely sustain his tottering
limbs; but he came "with the people
that kept holy day," to witness the
morning sacrifice. He heard those de-
lightful words: "Thou desirest not
sacrifice, else would 1 give it. Thoude-
lightest not in burnt offering. The sac-
rifices of God are a broken spirit; a bro-
ken and a contrite heart , O God , Thou
wilt not despise." They were like a
cordial to his sinking spirit. The ser-
vice was fiuished. One after another
brought his sacrifice, and was accepted
and dismissed; but the penitent had
none. At length he drew near, and
prostrated himself bofore the priest.
•'What wilt thou, my sonj?" said the
venerable man ; "hast thou an offering ?"
"No, my father; the last night a poor
widow and her children came to me ,
and I had nothing to give her but the
two young pigeons which were ready
for sacrifice." "Bring, then, an epah of
fine flour." "Nay, my father, but this
day , my sickness and poverty had left
only enough for my own starving chil-
dren , and I have not even an ephah of
flour." "Why then art thou come to me,
my son?" "I heard them sing, 'The sac-
rifices of God are a broken spirit/ will
he not then accept mine ? God be mer-
ciful to me a sinner !" The old priest
was melted, and the tear started in his
eye as he lifted the feeble man from the
ground. He laid his hands upon his
head: "Blessed be thou, my son!
Thine offering is accepted. It is better
than thousands of rivers of oil ; Jeho-
vah make His face to shine upon thee ,
and give thee peace !"
^~#-
Graces— Faith, Hope, and Charity.
ADVENT.
The coming of our Lord in glory is
held as an article of faith by all true
Christians. But there is a difference
between holding it as a christian doc-
trine and as a hope. We may believe
in it , as a fact yet to be accomplished ,
and still not desire it. We know that
God's promise , respecting His Son's re-
turn to earth , must be fulfilled , and we ,
nevertheless, may offer no prayer for its
fulfillment, and even look upDn it with
indifference.
It will not be questioned that the at-
titude of the early Chnrch was one of
constant waiting for Him who had as-
cended to God. His promise , that He
would come again was fresh in their
minds , and they hoped to see it speedily
fulfilled. But many centuries have
passed , and great changes have come
over the world and the Church. There
are multitudes who now say of the long
absent Christ, as the Jews said of
Moses when he delayed to come down
out of the Mount, "As for this man ,
we wot not what is become of Him."
It is not uncommon to hear all that is
said in Scripture of His return so inter-
preted as to apply to some operation of
the Holy Spirit or providential acting of
God. Perhaps we may say that, to the
majority of men, the thought of the
Lord's personal return is becoming more
and more strange and unwelcome.
But there are those , and our words
are meant only for them , who love the
Lord's appearing. It is their hope and
their prayer. As there were those "who
looked for redemption in Jerusalem,'
and were "waiting for the consolation of
Israel" when the Son of God came the
first time into the world, so now are
there many who are looking and waiting
for His return. To such the season of
Advent is a blessed season. They are
112
ADVENT.
glad ho be quickened in their hope, and
strengthened in their faith, by the serv-
ices of the church , and into her prayers
they pour all the fullness of their hearts.
They are never weary of saying:
'fCome, Lord Jesus, come quickly."
The desire to see the Lord is the natural
impulse of Christian love, and grows
stronger the more ardent that love be-
comes. If the church, the bride of the
Lamb , does not hasten the day of the
marriage , it is because love has grown
cold. Till that day comes, she should
never rest nor be silent. It is the bur-
den of her petition to see Him, and to
be made like Him. Not till He comes
can the saints be perfected and enter in-
to glory. Even the blessed dead are
not perfected , for they wait for their
bodies. Not till He comes again to the
earth can the power of death and hell
be broken, and mortality be swallowed
up of life, and the peace and order of
heaven be seen.
It is most unhappy that the day of
Christ is chiefly associated , in many
minds, with thoughts of judgment and
terror. It is true that He comes to
judge the world, and to give to every
man according to his works, but His
day is pre-eminently the day of salva-
tion. It is not the end of human histo-
ry , but the opening of a new age, and
an age of such blessedness and glory as
has not entered the heart of man.
To prepare the Lord's way, two things
are necessary on the part of the
church, one external , the preaching of
the Gospel to all nations , and one in-
ternal , the preparation of the Saints.
And the two should go on together, for
they are most intimatly connected, and
must both be done in the power of the
Holy Ghost. The Gospel is preached
most effectually when the church is full
of spiritual life. But where it has been
preached, and the glad tidings have
been sounded among all nations, the
work of the Church, in this regard, is
done. To conquer the world, and take
posession of it for her Lord , is not her
commission nor her work; that the
Lord has reserved for Himself to be ac-
complished by acts of kingly power and
by the manifestation of His Glory. To
act as His herald and ambassador is the
work of the church, but to reign on the
earth is not hers, till she sits as the
glorified queen with Him on His
throne.
The preparation of the saints to meet
the Lord, is found in their spiritual
likeness to Him , and this is effected by
the Holy Spirit , through all the ordi-
nances and ministries and means of
grace which are in the church. This
spiritual likeness is what He now seeks
to perfect in every member of His body ,
as preparatory to our change into the
image of His glory. Hence the neces-
sity that our eyes be ever fastened up-
on Him, as he now is; not that we
should substitute the imperfect for the
perfect, and be satisfied with something
that comes very far short of our true
standing in Him. The heavenly, the
immortal , the incorruptible is set be-
fore us as our goal — likeness to the
glorified Man — and with anything less
than this we cannot be content; not a
peaceful death, not the disembodied
state , but the fullness of life — life that
embraces body, soul and spirit, and
glorifies our whole humanity.
To keep the advent of her Lord con-
tinually before herself, is thus a matter
of vital interest to the church. Forget-
ting it, neglecting it, marks the ab-
sence of love , and is the sure symptom
of the worldly mind. To be made
ready for her Head , and to be presented
unto Him, is the theme which the apos-
WORLDLY AMUSEMENTS.
113
ties urge in all their epistles , and it is
the hope of this union to Him which is
the great incentive to holiness of life
and the faith fnl performance of every
duty. The church, truly waiting for
her Lord, cannot but be a church full
of all good works, diligent in the
preaching of the Gospel, zealous in the
use of every means of grace, unworldly
in spirit, peaceful amid all the agita-
tions of the times, a holy witness to
God's truthfulness, when scoffers all
around are crying: " Where is the
promise of his coming ?" — The Church
man.
WORLDLY AMUSEMEMTS.
In this article 1, of course, use the
term amusements in the popular sense
of pleasure seeking by a resort to world
ly entertainments, — agreeable sports,
and pastimes. The question often arises:
"Are we never to seek such amuse-
ments?^ I answer: It is our privilege
and our duty to live above a desire
for such things. All that class of de-
sires should be extinguished by living
so much in the light of God, and having
so deep a communion with him as to
have no relish for such amusements
whatever. It certainly is the privilege
of every child of God to walk so closely
with him ; and maintain so divine a
communion with him as not to feel the
necessity of wordly excitements, sports,
pastimes, and entertainments, to make
his enjoyment satisfactory. If a Chris-
tian avails himself of his privilege of
communing with God, he will naturally
and by an instinct of his new nature ;
repel solicitations to go after worldly
amusements. To him such pastimes
will appear low, unsatisfactory, and even \
repulsive. If he is of a heavenly mind,
as he ought to be, he will feel as if he I
could not afford to come down and ask
enjoyment in worldly amusements.
Surely, a Christian must be fallen from
his first love, he must have turned back
into the world, before he can feci the
necessity or have the desire of seeking
enjoyments in worldly sports and pas-
times. A spiritual mind cannot seek
enjoyment in worldly society. To such
a mind that society is necessarily repul-
sive. Wordly society is insincere, hol-
low, and to a great extent a sham.
What relish can a spiritual mind have
for the gossip of a worldly party of
pleasure ? None whatever. To a mind
in communion with God, their worldly
spirit and ways, conversation and folly
is repulsive and painful, as it is so
strongly suggestive of the downward
tendency of their souls and of the desti-
ny that awaits them. I have had so
marked an experience of both sides of
this question that I think I cannot be
mistaken. Probably but few persons
enjoy worldly pleasure more intensely
than I did before I was converted; but
my conversion and the spiritual bap-
tism which immediately followed it,
completely extingnished all desire for
worldly sports and amusements. I was
lifted at once into entirely another plane
of life and another kind of enjoyment.
From that hour to the present the mode
of life, the pastimes, sports, amuse-
ments, and worldly ways that so much
delighted me before have not only failed
to interest me, but I have had a positive
aversion to them. I have never felt
them necessary to or even compatible
with a truly rational enjoyment. I do
not speak boastingly ; but for the honor
of Christ and his religion I must > iy
that my Christian life has been a hap-
py one. I have had as much enjoy-
ment as is probably best for men to
have in this life, and never for an hour
114
WORLDLY AMUSEMENTS.
have I had the desire to turn back and
seek enjoyment from anything the world
can give. But some may ask: "Sup-
pose we do not find sufficient enjoyment
in religion, and really desire to go after
worldly amusements, If we have the
disposition is it not well to gratify it ?"
"Is there any more sin in seeking
amusements than in entertaining a long-
ing for them ?" I reply that professed
Christians are bound to maintain a life
consistent with their profession. For
the honor of religion, they ought to de-
ny worldly lusts ; and not, by seeking
to gratify them, give occasion to the
world to scoff and say that Christians
love the world as well as they do. If
professors of religion are backslidden in
heart and entertain a longing for world-
ly sports and amusements, they are
bound by every consideration of duty
and decency to abstain from all outward
manifestaiions of such inward lustings.
Some have maintained that we should
conform to the ways of the world some-
what— at least enough to show that we
can enjoy the world and religion too ;
and that we make religion appear re-
pulsive to unconverted souls by turning
our backs upon what they call their in-
nocent amusements. But we should
represent religion as it really is — as a
living above the world, as consisting in
a heavenly mind, as that which affords
an enjoyment so spiritual and heavenly
as to render the low pursuits and joys
of worldly men disagreeable and repul-
sive.' It is a sad stumbling block to
the unconverted to see professed Chris-
tians seeking pleasure or happiness from
this world. Such seeking is a misrep-
resentation of the religion of Jesus. It
misleads, bewilders, and confounds the
observing outsider. If he ever reads
his Bible, he cannot but wonder that
souls who are born of God and have
communion with him should have any
relish for worldly ways and pleasures.
The fact is thatthoughtful, unconverted
men have little or no confidence in that
class of professing Christians who seek
enjoyment from this world. They may
profess to have, and may loosely think
of such as being liberal and good Chris-
tians. They may flatter them, and
commend their religion as being the op-
posite of fanaticism and higotry, and as"
being such a religion as they like to see;
but there is no real sincerity in such
professions on the part of the impeni-
tent. In nay early Christian life I
heard a Methodist bishop from the
South report a case that made a deep
impression on my mind. He said there
was in his neighborhood a slaveholder,
a gentleman of fortune, who was a gay
agreeable man, and gave himself much
to various field sports and other amuse-
ments. He used to associate much
with his pastor, often invited him to din-
ner and accompany him in his sports
and pleasure-seeking excursions of vari-
ous kinds. The minister cheerfully
complied with these requests; and a
friendship grew up between the pastor
and parishioner that grew into an in-
timacy which continued till the last
sickness of this gay and wealthy man.
When the wife of this worldling was ap-
prised that her husband could live but a
short time she was much alarmed for
his soul and tenderly inquired if she
should not call in their minister to con-
verse and pray with him. He feelingly
replied: "No, my dear; he is not the
man for me to see now. He was my
companion as you know, in worldly
sports and pleasure-seeking; he loved
good dinners and a jolly time. I then
enjoyed his society and found him a
pleasant companion. But I see now
that I never had any real confidence in
THE GIFT AND THE
115
his piety and have now no confidence
in the efficacy of his prayers. I am
now a dying man, and need the in
struction and prayers of somebody that
can prevail with God. We have been
much together; But our pastor has
never been in serious earnest with me
about the salvation of my soul, and he
is not the man to help me now." The
wife was greatly affected, and said:
'What shall I.do then V He replied, "My
coachman, Tom is a pious man, I have
confidence in his prayers. I have often
overheard him pray when about the
barn or stables, and his prayers have
always struck me as being quite sincere
and earnest. I never heard any fool-
ishness from him. He has always been
honest as a Christian man. Call him."
Tom was called, and came within the
door, dropping his hat and looking ten-
derly and compassionately at his dying
master. The dying man put forth his
hand saying: "Come here, Tom. Take
my hand. Tom, can you pray for your
dying master V Tom poured out bis
soul in earnest prayer : I cannot remem-
ber the name of this Bishop, it was so
long ago ; but the story I well remem-
ber as an illustration of the mistake in
to which many professors and some
ministers fall, supposing that we recom-
mend religion to the unconverted by
mingling with them in their pleasures
and their running after amusements. I
have seen many illustrations of this
mistake. — Christians should live so far
above the world as not to need or .seek
its pleasures; and they recommend re-
ligion to the world as a source ot the
highest and purest happiness. The
peaceful look, the joyful countenance,
the spiritual serenity and cheerfness of a
living Christian recommend religion to
the unconverted. Their satisfaction in
God, their joy, their living above and
shunning the ways and amusements of
worldly minds impress the unconverted
with a necessity and desirableness of
a Christian life. But let no man think
to gain a really Christian influence over
another by manifesting a sympathy with
his worldly aspirations. — Charles G.
Finney.
The Gift and the Growth of Faith.
God has means to educate men in
faith, such as that which is indicated in
bringing the Israelites up out of Egypt.
Now they are elated, and now they are
troubled by fear and anguish. It is as a
dream when one is hungry and his soul
fainteth, and he awaketh and is not sat-
isfied, or as one bending over an abys9
who is suddenly snatched from destruct-
ion. Even so were the Israelites when
they left Egypt. Pharaoh and his army
were behind them, and the Red Sea
was before them, and they began to
murmur at Moses and Aron. Wealth
to be appreciated, must be acquired by
labor. Some may obtain it without labor;
but this is the exception and not the
rule, and it is not so sure as when we
work for it, nor is it so readily kept by
us A man who has not toiled for his
possessions rarely knows their value, and
what comes easily goes easily also, be-
cause it lacks the retaining weight of
labor which can keep it. It is even so
with spiritual riches. Gifts of the
heart and of the mind must come by
labor. Genius is as much a gift of
God as are the hands of a man. But if
a man keeps his hands all day in his
pockets, or bangs them listlessly by his
side, he will never become rich, he will
never cease to be a pauper. And, if a
man will not cultivate and develop the
genius and talent which God gives him,
he too will remain poor iu the wealth of
116
GROWTH OF FAITH.
heart and intellect. The old philoso-
pher was right when he compared
genius to a rich ground. The fatter it
is, the more thorns and weeds will it
produce if it is at all neglected, and
genius neglected will produce only vices
and not virtues, poverty of mind, and
not wealth. I went once to a school,
and asked the teacher to show me the
best one of his pupils. He was called
out, and as I looked in his countenance
I saw earnestness of purpose and an iron
will depicted there. Near him sat
another boy whose face betokened geni-
us, and was full of high promise. He
blushed in disappointment, that he was
not called out as the best boy. While
I looked approvingly at the best, I also
made inquiries concerning this lad.
The teacher said the blushing youth
was the greatest genius, but the other
was the most diligent. The ease with
which the boy of genius learns makes
him undervalue the instruction he re-
ceives, and 1 fear said the teacher, that
he will not retain it. Knowledge will
not become culture to him. But in the
other boy's mind every sentence carries
with it the leaden weight of labor spent
in learning, and the lessons will never
be lost out of his mind or heart. Earn-
est labor is, therefore, better than ge-
nius. Faith is the highest grade of
spiritual culture, and the study of the
holy Scriptures brings the mind to this
end and ehnobles it in this way. But
faith, to accomplish this, must have the
assistance of a man's heart and mind.
The operation of faith is various in dif-
ferent minds, and this fact should be
known and remembered. I imagine
that the psalmest opened his Bible, and,
as he read, his mind was filled with
care and his heart with sorrow, and he
let a tear fall on the sacred page. That
is the rain cloud before the rain cloud
before the bright shining of the sun
The bow must appear ere the peace
comes. He read, and his heart was
consoled. He could remember the
years of the right hand of the Most
High j he thought on the works of the
Lord and his wonders in the days of
old, and, as he meditated of that work
and talked of His doings, he was com-
pelled to ask himself, "Who is as great
a God as our God, whose way is ia the
sea and His path is in the great waters,
and his footsteps are not known ?" He
could, therefore, trust in God, and be
would pray to Him. But another man
opens his Bible, and its reading only
excites criticism in his mind. It is
false and contradictory, and if he had
the writing and editing of it, he would
not leave it open to such errors and
misstatements. His heart, of course,
remains cold and unmoved. So it is
with prayer. To one it is the ladder
that Jacob saw, strong enough to bear
its sorrows and cares, and the higher he
steps, the lighter these sorrows appear
to him, and the stronger becomes his
hope and trust ; and all the words his
lips utter turn to angels of peace, and
fall back again upon his heart, as the
angels on Jacob's ladder ascended and
descended. To another the idea of
prayer seems absurd. He looks upon
every one who bends the knee or moves
the lips as Eli upon Hannah— as one
intoxicated. He doubts the efficacy of
prayer, because he never felt its power
and peace in his own heart. If he at-
tempts to pray, it is to a god of his own
making, and not to the God of the uni-
verse ; and his words fall like flakes of
snow, back upon his heart. But is it
the fault of faith ? Is not faith the
same to all and for all ? Is not the sun
the same sun to the blind, as to the man
who can see ? Certainly ; but in one
REFORMERS.
117
the organ of sight is active, while in the
other it is lost or dormant. Hence men,
who receive nothing but barrenness in
answer to their prayers, argues that the
effect of the prayer of faith is alto-
gether imaginary. But let them bring
a willing heart and a ready mind to the
Word of God, and they will find a flood
of light from its sacred pages shining
into their souls; and they shall see such
magnificent sights as they never con-
ceived of nor saw with the bodily eyes.
But, while this faith is the gift and
grace of God, it must be maintained and
cultivated by mental activity. Bread
does not grow in the earth, but the seed
from which it is made does and there is
a long chain of labor between the seed
and corn and the bread. Israel left
Egypt with unleavened bread — an em-
blem of the crude faith which they pos-
sessed. They had done nothing them-
selves to cultivate it. They would not
believe Moses until they had seen the
miracles. They could not trust God in
the cloudy day, as well as in the sun-
shine. Hence when they stood before
the sea, and saw Pharoah's army gain-
ing on them from behind, they said to
Moses, "Were there not graves enough
in Egypt, that thou hast brought us
here to die in this wilderness ?" And
another deemed it better to have served
the Egyptians than to have come hith-
er. They thought of everything but of
God, whose power they had seen in
Egypt. And when Moses bade them
stand still, and see the salvation of God,
he too thought that God would do all
now, as heretofore, and the people do
nothing; but the Lord told him to bid
the children of Israel "go forward."
And whither forward ? Into the sea ?
Yes. And this venturing of themselves
upon the command of God added to
their faith — a faith which in after ages
became grandly sublime. And hence,
when they had crossed the Red Sea,
and their enemies were swallowed in
its debths, the sacred historian adds
that they believed the Lord and His
servant Moses. Anguish and trouble
educate men into faith, and faith, thus
perfected, trusts God anywhere, and at
all times; because it sees him, whose
way is in the sea, and His path is in the
mighty waters, and whose footsteps are
not known.
m * m
REFORMERS-
When William Wilberforee wad
young in his Christian course, and
was trying to establish a society for
the reformation of morals in Eng-
land, a nobleman at whose house he
visited said to him, "So, young man,
you wish to be a reformer of men's
morals. Look there, and see what
is the end of such reformers," point-
ing, as he spoke, to a picture of
Christ's cruciflction. Well was it
for the world that the young man
thus warned was not discouraged,
but willing to bear the cross, and per-
severe unto the end. His life appears
more prosperous than that of many
reformers; and yet, perhaps, if all
his secret trials, rebuffs and slanders,
his conquered ambition and deferred
hope, were fully set forth, his lot
would appear far from being a smooth
or easy one.
This remark, made b}- the noble-
man perhaps in derision, was indeed
true. A reformer's life is a thorny
path ; and, if not ended in violent
death, is beset by opposition and bit-
ter hate, even from those ho seeks
to bless. He starts in life full of en-
ergy and zeal, determined to benefit
his fellow men. He sees vast evils
118
REFORMERS.
to be fought, injustice to be exposed,
and truths to be proclaimed, and
goes to work with all the lire and
devotion, of youth. Before he has
proceeded far, ho is beset by opposi-
tion, slander and malicious hate;
and, unless endowed by nature with
an iron will and bold energy, and
possessed of true love for the cause
he advocates, he soon lays his armor
by, and gladly retires from the field.
Thus each generation is sifted and
purified of its spurious reformers ;
and while many start on the course
like Obstinate and Pliable, the true
reformer, like Bunyan's Pilgrim, is
generally left to walk alone.
Mankind love not the truth, and
do not wish to be disturbed in hab-
its of wrong-doing. "Remove not
the ancient land-marks," they cry,
as they shut their eyes and close
their ears. Many listen at first to
the words of the reformer, and feel
their souls stirred by his startling
truths; but when the practice of his
precepts begins to bear upon their
prejudices, they cry him down as
"wildfire" and "radical," and none
but a man of giant force can main-
tain his stand. Thus, many who go
on for a time, and are the means of
real good, become weary of the
struggle, and sink into obscurity; so
that the old steadfast reformer, who
perseveres unto the end, bears the
cross, and obtains the crown, is in-
deed worthy of the remembrance of
posterity.
The man who seeks to reform his
fellow men should count well the
cost. His name may be emblazon-
ed in glowing colors upon banners
or flags, or carved in splendor upon
a lofty mountain, long after his
death; but in life, he must stand
upon pillory, exposed to insult and
injury. He will hear slanders in-
vented with cruel ingenuity; his
language will be distorted and mis-
represented, and his best deeds vili-
fied, even by those for whom he is
laboring. As a true reformer con-
tends for right, and not for party or
sect, he can have no chosen clique
to rally round him in the hour of
danger,but must fight single-handed,
trusting to posterity to do justice to
that reputation which his high vo-
cation leaves him no time to guard.
He may be thankful if his life is not
hastened and his dying pillow har-
rassed by the enemies of the truth,
who never sleep till death has stilled
the reformer's voice.
"Who, in the face of all these dif-
ficulties, and with the picture of the
greatest reformer who ever lived,
hanging bleeding upon the cross,
will try to make his voice be heard
in the cause of progress and improve-
ment in morals and religion? 1
answer, he to whom God has given
grace to "bear the toil, endure the
pain," looking beyond the grave for
his reward. He can persevere, for
he knows "the end is not yet."
"The end" which to the worldling,
(who looks only at the toil-worn
body and cruel death) seems naught,
is glorious beyond description. It
is a heaven of peace and joy, when
this toil is over; a glorious home
from whence he can see the work in
which he spent his short life ever
advancing, and blesssing future gen-
erations. It a man would be a true
reformer — if he would rise above op-
position, smile at base calumnjT, and
persevere unto the end — let him
look beyond the grave for his glory
and victory.
PRACTICE WHAT YOU PROFESS.
119
PRACTICE WHAT YOU PROFESS.
I have not chosen the above for
my text because I am in an angry
mood for criticism, bat because I am
grieved by the inconsistency of some
who profess to be Christians — even
to lead others in the narrow way,
and because I hope a few plainly
spoken words may be instrumental
in leading some one at least to seek
an honest answer from their own
conscience as to whether they really
practice what they profess.
For instance, one church member
does his duty promptly so far as at
tending public worship, speaking,
pra}Ting, etc., is concerned ; but he
drinks beer; says he considers it a
harmless beverage, that conscience
does not reprove him. But some
non-professorsays, "If church mem-
bers can drink beer, it surely is no
harm for me to do it." So he drinks
more and more — by and by he takes
something stronger; after a while
all the horrors of drunkenness sur-
round him, torment him, drag him
down to ruin, perhaps innocent ones
with him. The pastor sees the
wrong, but his predecessor spoke
against it boldly, and gained only
enemies — was deserted by so many
that his salary was not half paid, so
what is the use of saying anything.
That theme is cautiously passed by.
The pastor is very popular, is well
paid ; but somehow the spiritual af-
fairs of the church do not prosper,
sinners are not converted, backslid-
ers not reclaimed, and true-hearted
ones get discouraged.
Another tampers with temptation
until guilty of opening immortality,
and the church expels him, but is
that the end ? All eyes are watch-
ing, some sneer, some laugh, others
"almost persuaded," needii g such
help as the church can give, capable
of developing into useful Christians.
are disgusted, stumbling over the
sin and are lost in a fog of perplexi-
ty, perhaps become sneering skep-
tics, or acknowledged infidels.
Still another, gratifying natural
taste for vain display, obeys every
command of fashion, no matter how
inconsistent, and many a young girl
is spoiled by obeying the same tyr-
ant, justifying herself with the plea
that church members are just as
bad.
It is unjust to judge Christianity
by the faults of those who profess
to be Christians, but the world will
do it, and while they do, it becomes
us to give no cause for offence. We
must have Christ with us at home,
at places of business, during hours
of recreation, by night and by day,
if we would convince the world that
we are Christians in reality as well
as in name, if we would be instru-
ments such as God can use in doing
good.
Too Good for God.
Some people act as though their
best things were too good for God.
Their highest endeavors are the
world's. Their corn and wine and
oil gladden their own hearts, and on
particular occasions the hearts of
their friends. But they givegn
ingly to God.
Their children are trained for the
world. That bright earn est- eyed
boy is too good to be a minister; he
is too good to bo a missionary; he
is too good for God.
The writer of this knew a young
man who wanted to be a mission-
120
WHAT IT IS TO BE A CHRISTIAN.
ary; but his wealthy and worldly
father thought he was too good for
that, so he made a merchant of him.
The young man went sadly about
his daily tasks. Like the statue of
Columbus at Genoa, which is made
ever to look longingly westward,
the heart of the disappointed young
man would look longingly toward
the ministry — toward the sublime
service of that Prince of missiona-
ries, the Lord Jesus Christ.
" Too good for God" Look out,
professor of religion, lest in the
great day you who have thought
your best earthly possessions too
good for God, shall find that heaven,
Christ and everlasting glory are too
good for you. — American Messenger.
WHAT IT IS TO BE A CHRISTIAN.
BY THE REV. J. M. BUCKLEY.
Not long since I heard an earnest
debate on "what it is to be a Chris-
tian"; and the difference and even
antagonism of views expressed have
led me to prepare the following re-
flections on the subject. The name
Christian was first applied to the
disciples of Christ at Antioch, and
afterward adopted by St. Peter,
writing under inspiration. In gen-
eral terms, to be a Christian is to
have a Christian life; for it was of
belief, experience, andlif'ethat Christ
taught. Some think that belief is of
no importance, and the multitude of
Romanists and High Churchmen of
all names maintain that what the
Church teaches is the rule of belief.
That belief is of great importance
Christ continually declared. And,
being so important, we should have
no difficulty in determning what
must be believed. The sources of
information are abundant, tor Christ
preached three years, and the apos-
tolic writings cover nearly or quite
fifty years. Jesus and his apostles
dealt with pious Pharisees and hypo-
critical Pharisees, with Sadducoes,
philosophers, pagans, religious im-
postors, and persons without any re-
ligion. Many representatives of
these classes became Christians.
And, if we examine what was
preached to them, we can determine
the minimum of a Christian belief.
The substance of Peter's sermons
has been preserved, and is that Je-
sus is the Christ according to proph-
ecy, and that he came to give re-
mission of sins. Therefore, repent
and be baptized every one of you.
This is the stone that was set at
naught of your builders. Neither is
there salvation in any other, for there
is none other name under Heaven
given among men whereby we must
besaved. Philip preached the things
concerning the Kingdom of God
where they had believed and follow-
ed Simon the Wizard; but they re-
jected him and believed Philip. The
same evangelist taught the Eunuch,
who was a pious man, but entirely
uninstructed concerning Christ. The
conversation was short. The ser-
mon preached was, "The prophet
speaks of Jesus, who is the Saviour";
and the Eunuch believed, was bap-
tized, and went on his way rejoic-
ing. Similar was the preaching of
Peter to Cornelius, and the conver-
sation of Paul and Silas with the
jailer; and the sermon of Paul on
Mars Hill contains the same simple
statements in a more philosophical
style of address. In these discours-
WHAT IT IS TO BE A CHRISTIAN.
121
es we find no painfully elaborated
creed, no metaphysical subtleties.
But in them all we find assumed and
declared that Christ is the Son of
God j that man is helpless, ignorant,
and guilty; that Christ has saving
power, kingly authority, and the
prerogative of final judgment ; and
that through him remission of sins
is offered to every man. As these
were the elements of apostolic preach-
ing, and these the Christianizing
truths, every man who believes him-
self guilty before God, and believes
Jesus a manifestation of God recon-
ciling him, the guilty sinner, to his
Father in Heaven, has a Christian
belief, whatever opinions he may
conscientiously entertain on the prop-
ositions, superficial or profound.
If the preaching of those simple
elements produced the experience of
Christians, then the experience must
be such as would naturally arise
from the belief of them. A man
who believes himself to be a sinner
against God should feel toward God
just as, under similar circumstances,
he would feel toward his earthly pa-
rents. He should sorrow for trans-
gressions that Jesus is a teacher come
from God, he should reverse him, and
be solicitous to know his will and
ready to obey. If he feels guilt and
fears condemnation, he should be
equally alarmed and concerned to
secure pardon. If in this state of
mind he comes to feel that Jesus
died to save him, and that through
him he may find free forgiveness, he
should be confident and hopeful as
to himself, and undying for his Sa-
viour. If, now, his views of Christ
and of his work expand, and he ful-
ly perceives that even his trials and
difficulties are under the control of
the same gracious Redeemer, not
only will he be "patient," but will
even "rejoice'' in tribulation. And
when he feels that Christ's words,
"In my Father's house are many
mansions. . . . I go to prepare
a place for >ou," are for him, he
"will rejoice with joy unspeakable
and full of glory." This is the
Christian experience, the natural
result of the Christian belief. Jesus
used different language on different
occasions : to Nicodemus, "born
again"; to others, "bo converted";
in the Sermon on the Mount, "poor
in spirit," "mourn," ''hunger and
thirst after righteousness." "Con-
version," "born again," "regenera-
tion" are terms defining the process
of coming to right feelings toward
God through the Gospel of his Son.
These terms have respect to the
agency of the Holy Spirit in pro-
ducing these natural feelings; while
repentance and faith and coming to
Christ distinguish the process, as we
are conscious of acting during it
ourselves.
As the experience grows from the
belief, so the lifo is the natural fruit
of the experience. "Ye are my
friends if ye do whatsoever I com-
mand you." We, therefore, renounce
all we believe to be sin, and obey
every precept of Christ. When
overtaken by sin, we repent and
turn at once to the advocate by
faith, resume our peace, and go on
our way, never excusing ourselves
in sin, never deliberately commit-
ting it, but trusting in Jesus for Bins
hastily committed and for "secret
faults." Owing all to Christ, the
Christian cheerfully confesses him,
and counts it his highest honor to
teach others "like precious faith."
122
EVERY TRUE CHURCH A WORKING SOCIETY.
It is clear that those greatly mis
take who trust in a general belief
of the Gospel without an experience.
Snoh a belief is destitute of power
to produce repentance, love, or
heart-eonfidenbe in Christ. The ex-
perience is vital, for without it the
life is impossible. He who has not
a deep sense of want and weakness
cannot pray 10 God through Christ;
and he whose heart is not interested
in Christ cannot obey him or be in-
terested to turn others to him. The
morality and formal piety which
some attain without the experience
is in the wrong direction. Jesus
everywhere places the experience
before the life. "Repent," "believe/'
"obey." And so plainly do the
teachings of Christ exhibit the sim-
plicity of faith, the naturalness of
experience, and the rule of life that
it ought not to be so difficult for any
one to become a Christian, to remain
a Christian, and to be humbly confi-
dent that he is a Christian. May all
who read these reflections be num-
bered among "those who are new
creatures in Christ Jesus/'
EVERY TRUE CHURCH A WORK-
ING SOCIETY-
BY GEO. H. GRIFFIN.
In reading the history of the Church
of Christ — in the days of the apostles —
as recorded in the Book of Acts, one can
not help being impressed with the fact
that the brethren who composed its
membership were earnest, cheeful,
working Christians.
"They went everywhere preaching
the Word," "and daily in the temple
and in every house, they ceased not to
teach and to preach Jesus Christ." It
is very evident they did not join them-
selves to the body of believers for the
sake of "keeping up good appearances,"
nor for the purpose of having an easy
and pleasant time of it. A pleasant
time, indeed, they had — for "they did
eat their meat with gladness and single-
ness of heart, praising God and having
much favor with all the people ; but they
had no easy time, excepting as the love
of Christ made his yoke easy, and his
burden light.
Those early Christians came into the
Church that they might increase its
working power to the extent of the abil-
ity which God had given them.
The inquiry with which they entered
the ranks of disciples was not "Lord,
what wilt thou give me if I will serve
thee? What enjoyment shall I have ?
What honors shall I reap?" No ! not
this : but, "What wilt thou have me
do ?" They came to do something for
Jesus — who had done and suffered so
for them. They knew that Christ
meant work when he invited them to
take his yoke upon them — just as the
farmer means work when he puts the
yoke upon the necks of his oxen.
When they enlisted in the army of
I the Lord, the idea was deeply impressed
.upon their minds that good soldiership
| involved far more than putting on the
I uniform and going through "dress pa-
rade," or marching in grand military ar-
ray on festival days; they fully realized
the necessity of enduring hardness and
watching unto prayer if they would not
only gain the victory for themselves,
but also secure others as captives unto
the obedience of Christ.
Such was the spirit which actuated
our brethren of the apostolic age.
"To the question, "What is the
! church for ?" it may be answered in four
simple words — worship, instruction, f el*
THE TEACHER'S REWARD.
123
lowsh'p and work. In the grand ideas
expressed by these words the root of the
whole matter may be found. The
Church of Christ has been established on
earth for the perpetuation of the wor-
ship of the only living and true God ;
for the instruction of the people in the
things pertaining to righteousuess ; for
the cultivation of a social and fraternal
spirit among all who love Christ ; and
for the accomplishment of united work in
behalf of souls. Each of these ideas is
of sufficient importance to demand an
entire article for its full consideration ;
but the last is the point to which I wish
at present to invite special attention, viz:
the church as a working society; and,
if any distinction may be drawn between
the relative importance of the four
thoughts above mentioned, this, I think,
may be considered the chief, yea the
very cornerstone of the building.
It is certain our Lord never designed
the church to be what it is indeed far
too generally — a kind of "Saint's Rest,"
wher the people of God can come togeth-
er on the Sabbath, sit in their softly
cushioned pews, listen to fine music and
eloquent preaching, and have their
emotional and esthetic natures pleasant-
ly affected. No, No ! a thousand times,
no ! How loth Christians are to learn
the lesson that the "means of grace" are
only means and ends) delightful in
themselves, indeed, but not to be en-
joyed for their own sake; rather for the
strength and courage they may impart
to us for earnest work and valiant ser-
vice along the dusty roads and the
scarred battle-fields of daily life.
Every church, which is true to its
mission, may be compared to a regiment
of soldiers ; each member knowing his
place, all marching in step under the
leadership of their faithful colonel; al-
ways ready for service, even though du
ty call them to stand face to face with
bristling bayonet or shotted cannon.
What sort of a regiment would that
be which allowed their colonel and sub-
ordinate officers, and a few trusty pri-
vates, to do all the fighting ? Just as
good for a regiment, I answer, as that
body of Christians is for a church, who
let their ministers, and elders, and a few
lay members do all the work that is
done for the honor of Christ. When
our churches shall all attain unto the
standard of working societies for Jesus,
we shall be very much nearer the millen-
nium than we are now. — Christian at
Work.
THE TEACHER'S REWARD,
Faithful Sabbath-school labor is a
free-will offering; yet, the true teacher
is ever anxiously looking for and most
earnestly seekly reward, to gain which
special adaptation by cultivation is nec-
essary. While punctuality, order, zeal
and love are the outlines of success,
there is an inner working — a filling up
— without which there is great loss and
consequent disappointment. The teach-
er must not forget that he was once a
learner, and required simplicity of ideas
and plainness of speech in order to un-
derstand the lesson and its explanation.
He should also remember that all have
not proper helps to study, and that
things which seem clear to him are per-
haps obscure to them and need to be va-
riously repeated. Illustrations should
be often made from personal experence,
as well as the Bible, with such vividness
as to fasten upon the mind with an in-
delible impress
The hope of reward is inspired in pro-
portion to the interest manifested by
the class. If the scholars often observe
that the teacher's voice is choked with
124
THE FAMILY CIRCLE.
emotion, sympathetic eyes are dimmed
with tears, and the heaving breast, to
gether with every expression of the
countenance, betrays, from Sabbath to
Sabbath, deep anxiety of Soul and real
love of heart, they will reciprocate, and
the teacher's reward is begun. Anoth-
er meaDS of giviug confidence is for the
teacher to cheerfully sacrifice personal
ease and comfort, by improving every
opportunity to serve the whole school
privately if he may, and publicly if re-
quired. Like as the parent is ever
pleased to see his child creditably per-
form a public duty, so the scholar is al-
ways delighted when his teacher takes a
prominent part in the Sabbath school,
temperance meeting, or other public
effort; and if he reads an essay, or
makes a speech, none need be surprised
to hear somebody whispering, " That's
my teacher, and 0 ! you don't know
how the class all love him." Is not
this a reward ? Most certainly. And
now that teacher can, with the blessing
of God, lead his class into great good —
the result of that kind of zeal which
inspires gratitude and though tfulness —
reaching the highest object of the Sab
bath -school — the conversion of the
scholars. — Selected.
Jamilg dprtk
Praying for and with Children.
The pastor of a young mother,
who had recently joined his church,
was talking with her about her ma-
ternal responsibilities, and urged the
duty of constant and believing pray-
er for the early conversion of her
children. She assured him that it
was her daily practice to carry her
little ones in supplication to the
throne of grace, and yet complained
of a want of faith and of definiteness
in asking for them the special influ-
ences of the Holy Spirit.
"Do you pray for each child sep-
erately and by name?" inquired the
pastor.
"No, that has never been my hab-
it," was the reply.
"I think it of much importance,
Mrs. Huston, especially as a help to
our faith, and the clearness and in-
tensity of our desires on their behalf.
You pray with them I trust, as well
as for them ?"
"Sometimes I do, but not often.
They seem a little restless, and in-
clined to whisper together while my
eyes are closed j and so I have felt
less embarrassment to be alone on
such seasons."
"Let me persuade you, dear Mrs.
Huston, to try a different plan.
Take your little son and daughter,
each separately 7 to the place of pray-
er, and kneeling with them before
the Lord, tell him the name, the
daily history, the special want of
each, and see if your heart is not
opened to plead for them as you
have never done before."
Tears were in the eyes of the
young mother as she said with
trembling lips, "I'll try."
As evening came she had not for-
gotten her promise ; but as she saw
that Sarah, her daughter, was unus-
ually peevish, she thought best to
take her little son first to her cham-
ber. Willie was a bright and pleas-
ant boy of five years; and when
his mother whispered her wish to
pray with him, he gladly put his
hand in hers and knelt by her side.
As he heard his name mentioned
before the Lord, a tender hush fell
upon his young spirit, and he clasped
THE FAMILY CIRCLE.
125
his mother's fingers more tightly as
each petition for his special need
was breathed into the ear of his
Father in heaven ; and did not the
clinging of the little hand warm her
heart to new and more fervent de-
sire, as she poured forth her sup-
plication to the hearer and answerer
of prayer ?
When the mother and child rose
from their knees, Willie's face was
like a rainbow, smiling through
tears. "Mamma, mamma," said he,
'•'I'm glad you told Jesus my name;
now he'll know me when I get to
heaven j and when the kind angels
that carry little children to the Sav-
ior, take me and lay me in his arms,
Jesus will look at me so pleasant,
and eay, 'Why, this is little Willie
Huston ; his mother told me about him.
How happy I am to see you, Willie!'
Won't that be nice, mamma?"
Mrs. Huston never forgot that
scene; and when she was permitted
to see not only her dear Willie and
Sarah, but the children afterwards
added to her family circle, each suc-
cessively consecrating the dew of
their youth to God, she did, indeed,
feel that her pastor's plan was "the
more excellent way." So she re-
solved to recommend it to praying
mothers, by telling them this touch-
ing incident. When we meet our
children at the last great day, may
Jesus own as his those whom we
have "told him about" on earth.
MAKE OTHERS HAPPY.
There are those who move through
life scattering gladness on every
side, like a band of music passing
through the streets, discoursing
sweet pleasure, or, as the bright and
glorious sun darts beams of joyous-
ness over all. Some one has said :
"As in October days the orchards
fill the air with the perfume of ripe
fruit, so do some men surround
themselves with a halo of sweet-
ness, and some women fill their homes
with fragrance of love, as the hon-
eysuckleclingingover the door sends
out its subtle odor to all' the region
around."
The happy mother watching the
sunlight play in the golden curls of
her child, and seeing her little one
trying, with all eagerness, to im-
prison in its tiny palm the beams or
clapping its little hands in childish
merriment as it dances through the
shining stream, could but feel the
power of sunshine. Oh, what a roy-
alty has that soul that has the pow-
er to make all happy ! To live for
that only could not be unworthy.
"Kind words never die," is as true as
anything: how much easier we bear
our burden when some sympathiz-
ing friend has spoken to us. It does
not take much to make us happy,
yet how few are really joyful. The
little girl who answered the question,
"Why are you so happy ?" by say-
ing, "Because I make others happy,"
had the whole philosophy of it. Jen-
ny Lind was singing at a charity
concert in London, and noticing the
electrifying effect, exclaimed, "Is it
not good that I can sing so ?" "Yea,"
answered the conductor, "and that
you will."
Surely the churning of milk bring-
eth forth butter, and the wringing of
the nose bringeth forth blood; bo the
forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.
126
CORRESPONDENCE.
(f orres pcndtnc*
For the Gospel Visitor.
MOUNTAIN DEPARTMENT.
During the late civil war in the
United States, that part of the country
which now comprises the State of West
Virginia, was called the Mountain De-
partment. There are perhaps few, if
any States in the Union which present
greater difficulties to an invading army,
such as mountains, dense forests, broken
valleys, and rapid streams. And the
same may be affirmed in regard to Mis-
sionary enterprise, in this State. We
have heard through the Visitor from
different parts of the Brotherhood, about
the success of the good cause, and it
makes us feel glad to know that there are
still some willing to follow the Savior
in his humiliation. And I have
thought perhaps it may be interesting
to some of the dear brethren and sisters
to hear about the prosperity of the
church here. I have no taste, neither
qualifications for writing, but I will try
to give you a brief sketch. I shall com-
mence at the date of our Love Feast
last fall which was on the 9th and 10th
of November. An unusual number of
Brethren and Sisters and friends assem-
bled on the morning of the 9th but were
sadly disappointed. For we had previ-
ous notice from the north, and from the
south, and from the west that some able
laboring brethren would be with us.
Brother Elias Anvil come to us, and all
the rest were prevented on account of
sickness or high water, (as we afterward
learned). But the disappointment was
premature. Brother Anvil labored faith-
fully among us and it soon became evident
to all that this was destined to be the
most interesting meeting that ever was
held in this arm of the church. I think
the brethren and sisters all felt that it
was good to be here. This meeting has
been followed by large accessions to the
church here, up to this date we have re-
ceived thirty-six members, and have
several more applicants for baptism.
This congregation is the most eastern
organization of the brethren in thi3
State. The adjoining counties east and
south of us call loudly for ministerial
labor. And we have spent much time,
and traveled through heat and cold,
rain and snow, te preach the word of
life to these dear hungering, starving
souls. But we feel that we are not
equal to the emergency, and we feel
like praying the Lord of the harvest
that he may send more laborers into the
field. And now dear brethren, while
we are receiving so many additional calls
for preaching, we feel like saying to you
in the spirit, "Come over into Macedo-
nia and help us," for 1 believe that your
labor will be productive of much good.
You will not find a wealthy people, but
this is no excuse for the Savior said,
>'The spirit of the Lord is upon me be-
cause He has annointed me to preach the
Gospel to the poor." And also in
another place. "The poor have the
Gospel preached unto then. And the
Savior also said relative to the one who
went in search of the wandering sheep,
"Doth he not leave the ninety and nine
and goeth into the mountains." Now
dear brethren come to us from the
north, and from the south, from the
east and from the west, we so much
need your help, the laborers are so few
here. I have just returned home from
a trip twenty-five miles east in company
with Brethren Solomon Biser and D.
W. George. We received ten new
members on this trip. I feel like clos-
ing with the poet:
Oh may we feel the worth of souls,
Be men of God whom grace controls,
Fight the good fight and win the crown,
And by our father's side sit down.
Daniel B. Arnold,
Burlington, Mineral Co., W. Va.
NOTICES.
127
Farmington, Pa.
Dear Brethren :
I will inform you that I have not seen
as yet our little labor of love we had last
fall We held a little series of meet-
ings of about eleven days, in our new
meeting house we built last summer,
and the grace of the Lord added eleven
to our number, nine by baptism and two
reclaimed. In love,
Solomon Workman, Sen.
Goshen, Ind., March 18, '73
Dear Brother: — Publish in the
Visitor for April, that our District
meeting for the Northern District of
Indiana, will occur on Thursday, four
weeks before Pentecost, on the 1st day
of May and an invitation is extended to
all. We hope that each individual dis-
trict will be represented. The meeting
will take place at our meeting house at
Goshen in the Elkhart District.
Elder D. B. Stutsman.
The District meeting of Eastern
Pennsylvania, will be held, the Lord
willing, with the brethren in the West
Conestoga congregation, at the house of
brother Josiah Pfautz, Lancaster county,
half a mile from Rothsville Station, on
the Reading and Columbia Railroad, on
Thursday, May 15th. 1873. We will
meet the day before about four o'clock
at the said house. Brethren arriving
by railroad stop at Rothsville Station
where there will be conveyance to take
them to place of meeting.
C. BOMBERGER.
Brooklyn, Iowa.
The Brethren in the Middle District
of Iowa purpose holding their District
Council meeting with the Brethren in
Dallas county, in their meeting house,
on Monday the 19th of May, 1873. We
expect a good representation of dele-
gates. Abo a general invitation to the
brethren to be with us.
J. S. Snyders, Cor. Sec.
The District meeting for the First
District of Virginia is to be held no pre-
venting providence, on Friday and Sat-
urday before the fourth Sunday in
April, at the Valley Meeting House in
Bottetourt county, one mile south of
Amsterdam.
RAILROAD PRIVILEGES.
Asrangements have been made from
Chicago to Pittsburgh on the Pan
Handle Road, for the Brethren going to
the Annual Meeting to be held in Dale
City, Pa., in June next on the following
terms : Those going to the Annual
Meeting must leave at Chicago on
Thursday morning, May 27th. They
should club together. Clubs from twen-
ty to thirty in number, will pass for
five cents a mile; from thirty to thirty-
nine, four and a half cents, and forty
and upward for four cents and return
free.
The idea of leaving Chicago at the
time named is to connect with others so
that if their club is not filled they may
meet them by the way. The brethren
at Richmond, Ind., will start May 30th,
at 3 o'clock A. m., and those at Piqua,
Ohio, May 30th at 7 A M.
Those being of this number will call
for their free return ticket at the office
on their way to the Annual meeting.
Those free return tickets will be good
for thirty days. Understand me this is
only on the Pan Handle R. R.
John Beechly.
128
POETRY— OBITUARIES.
jJoetnj.
Poff tin' Visitor.
THY WILL BE DONE.
HV LAURA.
Mortal mourning e'er the pwti
Look tlicii up though toon full fast,
Learn to Um the hoary rod,
kO bow thy will to God.
Book thy murmuring tones awhile,
Look und seo tho Savior smile,
Thy will be done.
What though from thy hearth and home
>»o sweet voice of welcome come;
Whal though from that worshipped shrine,
God has ta'en thy idols — thine,
Ta'en them from thoe for his own j
Claim'd what he could only loan.
Thy will be done.
You will find them all ere long,
In tho land of light and song,
lost, but gono before
'. other brighter shore,
Waiting in that sunlit home,
WheN with joy they bid you come.
Thy will be done.
OBITUARIES
this life, October the 13, J 872, in
the Upper Twin Creek Church, of cataarh of the
bladder, Brother DAVID OCKERMAN,; in the
72nd year of hib age, hav'ng been a member of
the church over filty years in whioh time he
icon forty-five years. He leaves an
afilh-tcd companion and four children to mourn
his loss, though we do not mourn as those that
I hope. Having been present with him
ral weeks before his death he often ex-
pressed a willingness to depart and be with
CuriM und his children, of which five died in
their infancy. Funeral services by Brother
Nathan Haywood and others.
John Ockerman.
One by one the Saints are going
their heavenly home above,
the peaceful streams are flowing,
Where there's endless light and love.
All the heart one life bestowing,
In the service of their Lord,
One by one the saints are going
To receive their blest reward.
Died Feb. 4th, 1873, Brother SAMUEL
FISHER, aged 48 years and 20 days; also Fob.
5th, 7:; BLIZ kBBTH F. daughter of the above,
and Sister Rebecca Fisher, aged 8 years, 1
month and 9 day*. Both died of brain fever,
being sick only B few days, truly a solemn
scene, on the 6th their funeral was very largely
attended by sympathizing and weeping friends
end relative* ; and the occasion improved from
Phillipians 1: 21, by brother Joseph Amich and
tho writer. Our brother was a native of Frank-
lin oounty, Va., where he united with the
church in early life and continued faithful until
death ended his labors. Since he was a resi-
dentTof Carroll county, Ind., he underwent some
lossesjin his family. In 68 one of his sons was
killed by lightning ; in 72, another was taken
from them by brain fever, and now father and
daughter at the same time had to go, which
makes the dear sister feel sorrowful, yet in all
this we heard the expression were it not for that
hope of meeting them again we could not give
them up. But the will of the Lord be done.
May God give grace under these sore trials.
John S. Snowberger.
Monticello, Ind.
Died in tho Tuscarawas congregation, Stark
county, Ohio, Feb. 3d, 1873, of lung fever,
DAVID HENRY SHIDELER, only son of
Uriah W. and Sister Sarah Shideler, aged elev-
en years and one day. Funeral services by
Elder J. K. L. Swihart and Conrad Kahler,
from First Cor. 15th chapter, 22 and 23 verses.
Died in the Lost Creek District, Miami Co.,
0., CAROLINE BELLE RUTTER, daughter
of friend James and Ann Rutter, aged 19 years,
3 months and 14 days. Funeral services by
Isaao L. Studebaker and the writer from
Isaiah 40: 6.
H. D. Daw.
Died in Franklin Township, (county not giv-
en) Feb. 11th 1873, Sister SARAH BEECHER,
daughter of David and Elizabeth Beecher;
aged 20 years, 6 months and 16 days.
Funeral text; the latter part of the 52d verse
of the 8th chapter of Luke : 'She is not dead,
but sleej.eth."
Gone home, from the Bear Creek Church, near
Davton, Ohio, March 19tb, 1873, Sister HAR-
RIET BRUBaKER, Consort of Brother Nicho-
las Brubaker; aged 37 years, and 1 day.
Funenl occasion improved from the text,
'•Be thou faithful until death, and I will give
thee a crown of life."
Died in Miami county, Ohio, February 18th,
1873, Friend HENRY WELBAUM, aged sev-
enty-four years, two months and nine days.
Funeral by the brethren.
Samuel Mohler.
Departed this life, Feb, 27th, 1873, in the
Sugar Creek branch of the church, Allen County,
Ohio, Brother JOHN CUPP; age, 63 years,
9 months and 10 days. He leaves a sorrowing
widow, children, and many sympathizing friends
to mourn their loss.
Funeral occasion improved from Rev., 14: 13
by the Brethren: Daniel Brower.
[Pilgrim please copy].
Wo also have some of Volume T, of the
Farmers' Mohthly, and wishing to disposeof
them quick for the same reason aa above.
we will send the Monthly for the present
year and volume I for 80 cents. No map
premiums will be given with this offer.
Now, friends, we need money to carry on
our business, and anything that you may do
for us by making known the abo\ e ofi
otherwise will be gratefully received.
THE GROUNDS FOR A
Forward and Backward
MODE OF
BAPTISM
Briefly vet carefully examined, and the
TRUE and CORRECT mode so clearly set
ft. rtli that none can help but understand.
This little book contains 36 page-, neatly
put up in paper cover. Price per doz $1.25,
add in cents for po>ta<re. Two copies, 25
: One copy, 15 cents free ^i' postage.
Address SAMUEL KINSEY,
Dayton, O.
VCj* Mult um in Pamo.J^Q
THE
FARMERS' MONTHLY
FOR 1873.
The Farmers' Monthly for 1873 will contain
16 pages each ninnth and will be devoted to
Raising. Farming, Fruit and Vegetable
Culture. Health and Hume Interests. The pre-
paration and selection of matter is made with a
\ie\v to utility and profit. Terms 50 cents.
Eight Copies S3. 50. Every subscriber receives
a large County and Township
MAP OF OHIO
Containing all the Post Offices in the state,
all Rail Roads built and building, <fcc.
Five cents must be added for each map when
sent by mail. For.ten cents extra the map will
be furnished with a over. Add:
11. J. Kurtz, Dayton, 0.
DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
.1 Treatiae on the Practice of Medicine, adapted
to popular u*e, and made familiar to the ordinary
/. ad* r.
It describes the various diseases incident to
the human family, with appropriate remedies
- the best known— and the general treatment
required in each ease. It is illustrated n
■aerous engravings— about a hundred fine cuts
•1 the most commjn medical plants, with the
description, locality and habits, and u
them. A Glossary is annexed defining
the technical terms, and also a complete index.
624 up. 8vo.
The book is strongly bound in leather. The
binding of some of the books is slightl
mi not to materially injure its durability.
Otherwise the book is in good order. Only a
i number of these books is f r
those wanting a copy must order ■
Family should have a work of the kind. Sent
postpaid for $2,15 or by express . This
about half price.
II. J. » ay ton, 0.
FARM FOR SALE.
'I he undersigned offers his entire farm f
Situate in Johnson Cou
North of the Mo. Pacific I
one mile from a Flour and S i
oi- Good Pb iirir I. wo, of \s bich net
- in cultivation, I
- of Timber Land. Frame
plenty rooms and out buildin .
water, cistern, etc.
i in!/ fruit t i
half down, balance in two equn '
within ■ . per •■'■ut. For Fui th
ation, add
\. LESH, Km I
MAP OF PALESTINE.
A beautifully colored map
mtaining
The Ancient an 1 Mpd
A table of the Seasons, Wea
&c.
Tho journey of tho Israelii
The World as known to the I1
The Travels -I' the Vpostle Paul.
Tlie Holy City ef Jerusalem.
tudes in English feet
Texts of Scripture ci
■
ill send fi
this excellent map.
For < ighteen subscriber? to tl
for 1873 and 14,50 we will Bend the map :.
ed on rollers. Send fiv
on each map.
Add II. J. ■«. 0.
Sebastian Demphle
2T Main Street, opposite Market House,
Dayton, O.
DEALER IX E
Japanned and Pressed W
Spouting done <t© order. A Oral -
Boiler for sale. Give me a call.
Th* L»r$:e«t M
Correct in the V
IRO.N wo.
1 \i n R] .;.
i
tl.00 per year. No hat
very machinist a
illustration* of turn
Sent four week* on trial for ?
IkON W
Y«ar, or on tr. i
Tawn. Couniy »■
-.
IJT a«<- u waotod on Salary or Cobwqh
«(/A. Tfl, -, « Trnn Buch, Abr Miller, D B Metzer, Conrad
CON 1 I>N I S. 'v"1'1"'-^''"'1, tsT°*wJE£ Jf Dt
wiler, Elizabeth Englar, J w Butterbaugh,
i L29 Kid Jacob Miller, Andrew Huftord, Sarah
L30 Meriole-
136 WITH MONEY.
" 1;;T Prom Eii Stoner, John Oster, Abed Mil-
l38 ler, Eli Yourtee, James A Murray, GW
i 140 Bodrich, S.\ Walker, S Aj Shaver, Isaac
I the Bible 141 Dell, Joseph Bolsomple, Washington Wy-
... land, .John Tool, Wm J Stout, Frances Re-
U1 plogle, Eld C Harader, Noah Dupler, Geo
mpathy in the Church. 142 Throne. Jacob Paw, Lewis NelF, Abner
: Thought H2 Fidler, S. R. Miller, John B Kline, Rufua
or heart be troubled" 143 w Branoon. Jacop Haldeman, Mich Glot-
. .. felty, 1) P [Jllery, .John Garver, L Eekerle,
11.) , ,- i ■..- . . 1, . ~ . >
John Erbaugh, \\ m Johnson, Mark Coats,
l4B Mary Hart. Dr S Brown, Jacob Deardorff,
Exhortation 1 1<"> Bph W 8tower, David Hollinger, Nathan
isohold 147 Miller, Isaac Weaver, Sen. David Soth, Jr..
j.« John Miller, [saac Price, John Sonafrank.
Havre 150
1 I scold l.r>3
",li(l in K,""l"' 154 Death of Elder John H. Umstad.
lr'4 The following just came to han^befor put-
Futurity :r^ ting tho cover to pr<
:l,,'rl""rl1 l6fi Schuylkill, Pa, April 30, 1873.
re of one Sin If.G
,, , , ,iii. ,-. Please inform that hrother John H.
-K * bad habit..- 156 Umsta1) (li,d on Sunday morning, April
157 27th, at the house of his son-in-law in Bal-
M timoie, of paralysis. Aged 71 years 3
K:iilr. » t 1 N months and 26 days. His remains were
brought home to !>.• deposited with his fam-
ily in a piece of land devoted by him years
"tv" 158 ago to tne church under his charge. Tho'
B r up dead yet he liveth in the hearts of his peo-
ple, while hia body sweetly sleeps in the
()|iil(i ' grave embalmed by Jesus. Isaac Price.
Letter* Received.
n .1 I! Bockenberry, J W Eawn, R
• l Boone, Q II Merritfc
John Rowland D B Stutzman, Jos I
B Bolsinger, Solomon Buck*
1 i< ob Pyoch, .1 K Byerly, [saac
W Arnold, Lottie B Bowen,
1 lable II B Brenneman, L 11 Dickey,
M Hiteshew, Nettie Burs,
John Brindle, A .) Hixson, Jas C Work-
man, h-a Boarn, David Moore, John Bru-
A Kinehart, A Simmons,
N' !»• C Myers, II D Daw. A Punk, Jno
fie, Albert Van i man, Jacob Crum-
DRi Joe Crumrine, .1 8
Milton L Ebert, Betty Engle.
ii. Abr Bowman, M Zigler,
' • ' 1 1 W Mathiae, E R Stmer,
l' I) Waggoner, Gide
\ Webster, Wm 0 Teeter,
Reich-
tt, Gabrial Swihart, Benry
Brother Conrad Raider's address is
changed from Bolivar, Tuscarawas County,
Ohio, to Canton, Stark County, Ohio.
PUBLISHER'S NOTES
It seems we are still compelled to disap-
point some of our friends who have ordered
hymn hooks. We have orders on our books
now two months or over and no books to
till them. We are now promised some
shortly.
Saving had some calls for the old selec-
tion of hymn books, we expressed an inten-
tion to have some bound again and hoped
to have some ready several months ago but
our moving and financial difficulties have
so far hindered us from fulfilling our inten-
tion.
fll G08PKL
Vol. XXIII.
MAY, 1873.
No. 5,
For the Visitor.
TRUST IN THE LORD-
"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose
mind is stayed on thee; because he trusteth in
thee." Isaiah 26. 3.
In reading the sacred Scriptures
we find those persons who put their
whole trust in the Lord, led the
most peaceable lives. When God
commanded them to do a certain
work they cheerfully complied with
the means to accomplish the result,
having their minds stayed on the
Lord they were unmovable always
abounding in his works. All the
accounts we have of the holy men
that have lived in ages past that
lived in the fear of God, while they
stayed their minds on the Lord were
kept in perfect peace, nothing to
mar their enjoyment. But those
who trusted in man or in the riches
of this world, those did not enjoy
that peaceful mind that character-
izes the Christian. When the rich
man approached the Savior inquir-
ing of him what he must do to in-
herit eternal life, the Savior refers
him to the commandment which the
rich man claims to have observed
from his youth. Yet Jesus says,
"One thing lackest thou yet." Sell
whatsoever thou hast and give to
the poor and thou shall have treas-
ures in heaven and come and take
up thy cross and follow me." St.
Alark 10: 21. The rich man went
riches, and the idea of having to
part with them was grieving his
very soul, when Jesus beheld his
griet he saith unto his disciples
"How harlly shall they that have
riches enter into the kingdom of
God." How many people have we
now who seemingly put more trust
in the abundance of their riches
than in their God. How many men
of the present age when suddenly
losing their wealth were made rav-
ing maniacs. Had they their minds
stayed upon God they would have
been kept in perfect peace. The
whole tenor of the Scriptures ex-
horts us to love God supremel}- and
in Him should we put our trust, so
that whatever calamity may befall
us we may be ready to receive it
and that we may still have out-
minds stayed on God, as that will
insure unto us perfect safety. How
pleasing the thought to the dying
Christian. When he draws the
scene of his past life before him and
sees that his whole life was devoted
to God, that he obeyed the Lord in
all his commandments, had his mind
stayed on the Lord, he can then
with the Psalmist David "Yea,
though I walk through the valley
of the shadow of death, 1 will fear
no evil, for thou art with me; thy
rod and thy staff they comtort me."
Thus the advantages of early piety.
When the youth emerge from cbild-
Because hood to adult age, or as thej ap«
away sorrowful. Why?
he had great possessions. Instead | proach the place of two roads, one
of having his mind stayed on the I leading to joy 8 on high and the oth-
Lord he stayed his mind on his; er to endless misery, what eatisfac-
L80
Tin: WONDERFUL PROMISE.
lion t<> tlw parents to Bee them Btep
over into the paths of obedience,
oenter their mind npon God and
Obey blfl will. Thus the case of our
two youngest brothers who with
of hers, the present winter daring b
sol meetings joined the church
oi tin* brethren and though }*oung
disciples we pray God that they will
p forsake hie way, hut grow in
grace and in the knowledge of his
everlasting truth, that they may
ever through life have their minds
i upon God, he an ornament
to BOoiety, inducing others to go
with them band in hand serving the
true and living God. "Thou wilt
keep him in perfect peace, whose
mind is stayed on thee; because he
trostetfa in thee. What a pleasing
olation to the Christian. When
be exercises faith in the word of
(in 1 and does his will he can then
justly claim "the Lord keeps me in
perfect safety." They that trust in
the Lord shall be as Mount Zion,
which cannot be removed, but abid-
etfa forever." Psalm 125: 1. The
Lord will ever protect his children.
Be has in all ages past and will in
all futurity, though they have to
many times, through great
tribulations, but will come out of
the furnace oi affliction purified as
Bilver, tit moat for the Master's use.
BS all go on in the good work
of ibe Lord, over he found in the
path of duty "Be diligent that we
•and of him, without spot
and blam<
S T. BOSSERMAN.
Dunkirk, Ohio.
THE WONDERFUL PROMISE.
Familiarity from childhood with
sentences of Holy Scripture has the
effect of weakening their force, and,
to a considerable extent, of obscur-
ing their meaning. .We read the
words from time to time, get ac-
quainted with them as words, at-
tach to them a certain meaning, very
gracious or very terrible, as the case
may be; and our religious instruct-
ors, not daring or caring to question
the traditional interpretation, or
honestly believing it sin to do either,
have deepened the thought thatsuch
and such only is the divine meaning
of the familiar phrase. Hundreds
of instances might be selected in il-
lustration of this remark ; for we are
prepared to prove, with all humility,
and yet with unflinching firmness,
that no book in the world has been
so mournfully misunderstood as the
only book that contains an inspired
revelation of the Creator's mind to
his creatures; but we shall content
ourselves at present with one re-
markable example, which may fairly
be accepted as representing many
others.
In the first epistle of John, we
read (ii 2ft), "And this is the prom-
ise that he hath promised us, even
eternal life." On "this" strong em
phasis is laid ; "Tins is the promise,'
something so remarkable, precious
wonderful, that it cannot fail to ar
rest and fix attention. This to us.
He promised this unto us — everlast
ing life; He himself promised it
We poor frail creatures of the dust
sinful, mortal, helpless, have the as
Burance of One who cannot deceive
us, that we shall triumph over all
forms of evil, and get rid of all our
infirmities, and even of mortality
itself through Him. And should
we not always be profoundly thank-
ful for that? What a triumphant
redemption this is! No thought
THE WONDERFUL PROMISE.
131
can fully grasp it, no languare can
do it justice. Well may it be called
the gift of God ! It is alone in his
possession, an absolutely exclusive
attribute of the eternal God; and if
anjr creature is to be raised from
mortality to the sublime enjoyment
of life without end, it can only be by
the amazing gift of God in Christ
Jesus. Life is the grand key-note
which thrills gloriously through the
gospel of our adorable Emanuel; let
us keep that therefore, before us
whilst we look at some thoughts
suggested by the passage before us.
In his gospel the beloved disciple
reports this gracious declaration of
our Lord : "My sheep hear my
voice, and I know them, and they
follow me j and I give unto them
eternal life and they shall never per-
ish, neither shall any pluck them
out of my hand." In his epistle, —
memory going back to "that which
ho had heard," — he writes : "And
this is the promise that he hath
promised us, even eternal life."
John was a believer! What his
Master said was to him truth, —
certain, perfect, absolute. He did
not wait to go the round of the
probabilities and possibilitiesfor and
against any utterance of his Lord,
however startling and mysterious it
might seem. It was enough for him
that "the Truth" said it. With dif-
ficulties, such as that of transform-
ing mortals into immortals, he had
nothing to do. He could take no
part in this amazing transformation;
it was infinitely above and beyond
all the regions of speculation, philos-
ophy, and science ; it was not a thing
to be accomplished by the aid of
men; human instrumentality could
not be employed in the case; it
rested exclusively with the Lord :
"This is the promise that he hath
promised us;" "I myselt heard the
words from his lips, and I believe
Him) He said this, and that is
enough for me; for I am sure that
He will keep his word and fulfil his
promise."
I. This promise assumes the
mortality of the human race. "By
one man sin entered into the world,
and death by sin ; and so death
passed upon all men, for that all
have sinned." There is the undeni-
able proposition, which includes in
its fatal embrace the entire world
of men. We see its truth every-
where around us. The history of
humanity is the stern witness to the
fact that "death reigns." Generation
after generation has passed away to its
original dust. No class or condition
has been privileged to escape the pen-
alty. Saint and sinner, sage and sav
age, have alike yielded to the inexora-
ble demand. No physician haw had
skill enough to avert the universal
consumption ; no science has invented
an elixir of life whose potent spell
could keep the "king of terrors" at
bay; and God himself has done noth
ing to supercede the law of mortality,
even in favor of those who love him
best. But in this there is nothing
remarkable; for he does not set aside
his own laws until their purpose is
fully accomplished. The exceptional
cases of Enoch and Elijah, it indeed
they eventually prove exeptiona,* do
but confirm the universal rule. Nay,
children, who have committed do
actual sin, droop and die by rail I ion a
— as the beautiful bloom on many a
promising orchard is killed by mil-
dew or frost, — for the ills that flesh
is heir to come upon them in e<
132
TlIK WONDERFUL PROMISE.
>€ ol their connection with the
mortal parent stock. The grave is
r "satisfied," and will not be un-
til it- "power" is effectually destroy-
ed bj the mighty Deliverer, whose
promise ie the anchor of iaith, and
iming ifl the hope of saints
II. Reoonoiliation to God in
Christ, whilst it graciously affects
elation of believers to his moral
government, introduces no visible
change in their relation to the phys-
ical world Christians — followers of
-t — are delivered from condem-
nation, yet they die like other men ;
the Spirit of adoption enables them
.11 God "Father," yet, myster-
ious though it seems, they suffer
bodily pain and mental sorrow as
much as — frequently more than —
men who hate God, and curse him
to bifl face. Although they have the
fld privilege ot laying their pe-
titions at the foot of the throne, and
consolation of thinking that
• petitions are not cast into
the King's waste-basket, yet
they have no immunity from head-
and h tart-aches, no charter of
option from crosses and losses,
failure in business, disappointed ex-
. os, accident, bereavement,
poverty, and death. The fire may
devour, the storm may wreck, the
flood may ruin tho substance
"i tli«' man who commits him-
self and all he has to his Father
in Heaven. The pious worshiper,
Surrounded with the necessaries of
a the morning may be a pauper
ere the day's sun has run his appoint-
ed r;u-e. The parents who commit-
tal their sons to the protection of
i may havo one of them
brought back at midnight a corpse;
and the man who gave himself to
God before he undertook hie journey
may be killed in a railroad catastro-
phe leaving a helpless widow and or-
phans to mourn their terrible loss.
To attempt to conceal these things
even if it were possible is not wise.
The doctrine of Divine Providence
is not affected by them, although
scepticism boldly affirms that it is.
A man whe holds a prominent place
among the London unbelievers
taunts Christians about the useless-
ness of prayer, and asks why their
God, if there be one, does not pre-
vent the fearful accidents which are
of such frequent and fatal occur-
rence. The taunt has not even the
solitary merit of novelty. It dis-
tressed David in the time of his af-
flictions : "As with a sword in my
bones mine enemies reproach me,
while they say daily unto me, Where
is thy God ?" Joel refers to it thus:
"Spare thy people, 0 Lord, and give
not thine inheritance to reproach,
that the heathen should rule over
them : wherefore should they say
among the people, Where is their
God?" And, most affecting of all,
our blessed Lord's confidence in his
Father was hurled at him like a
barbed arrow as he hung upon the
cross : "He trusted in God ; let him
deliver him now if he will have
bim."
It is useless to tell men who deny
the divinity of Scripture, and the
very existence of God, that there
have been countless millions of an-
swers to prayer, some of them mir-
aculous, in the history of the world,
and that there are numberless an-
swers to prayer constantly attesting
the tender goodness and watchful
providence of God. But though it
is vain to cite these facts to men
THE WONDERFUL PROMISE.
133
who will not believe the witnesses,
they are nevertheless absolutely
true , and the admissions we have
made do not in the slightest degree
weaken the evidence thej^ afford for
the reality of intercourse between
the living God and his believing
worshippers. We know whereof we
speak. The wish is not father to
the thought in this case. To call
in question the veracity of the wit-
ness rather than admit a doctrine
which demolishes the miserable su-
perstructure of infidelity is perfect-
ly easy; but it is neither just, nor
reasonable. Nor is the testimony of
one, or one thousand, that would
thus be branded with falsehood, but
that of "a great cloud of witnesses"
in all generations. Every day that
passes over our world, God's children
express their gratitude at the throne
of grace for their Father's goodness,
and ask him for protection and help
and blessing. Sometimes they ask
things that they do not receive ;
but, for all that, they are quite sure
that they are heard, and they resolve
the denial into a wisdom greater
than their own, and feel calmly cer-
tain that the Father's will respect-
ing them is not only kind, but won-
dronsly far-reaching, taking in the
future of the present life of which
they know nothing; and sometimes,
as has been said, they are visited
with great sorrow, plunged into
grief which pierces the heart and
makes the strong man stagger; but
even out of these visitations, which
are the sceptic's "strong reasons"
for the untruthfulness of Scripture
and the non-existence of a personal
God, there comes the blessings of
resignation, profitable chastisement,
peace, and hope.
But this is only part of our an-
swer to the objector. We have ad-
mitted the fact that there is no visi-
ble shield thrown between the be-
liever and the ordinary trials and
dangers of human life; but the sub-
ject is too momentous to be dismiss-
ed thus at a time when the "think-
ers" and "philosophers" are calling
in question everything essential to
the Christian faith, — denying Grod
and Christ, and the veracity of the
documents from which all our
knowledge of the unseen and the
future is derived, and hastening on-
wards and downwards to that dark
day of atheism and blasphemy in
which evil under the prince of the
foretold apostasy, will reach its cli-
max, and meet its doom. We now
assume the aggressive, and charge
the leaders of this modern revolt
against God and humanity with the
deepest crime of which moral agents
are capable. They forget — no, that
word is too charitable for men who
boast a monopoly of wisdom, and
look with scorn on the man who is
fool enough to trust in the Almghty
Maker of the universe; — they ignore
the fact that the gracious and pa-
tient God, whom they deny, spares
them and bears with them because
of the presence among them of the
very people whom they despise as
fanatics, or idiots, or both. These
Christians, whatever superiority
the free-thinking philosophers may
assume over them, are the salt of the
earth, but for whose presence in it
the mass of humanity would speedily
become so intolerably corrupt, that
God would consume it oat of his
universe as an abomina
ger to be endured. TLei
tians, scorned by the Chri
184
THE WONDERFUL PROMISE.
the dup< b of b mere so-
• : .11. :n e the dirinely appoint-
ed light of the world, bat for which
it should be shrouded in gross dark
>eoting the highest, purest,
and most glorious truths that can
be presented to the human mind.
An<l these Christians, notwithstand-
ing the ingratitude of "the wise
nun" for the boon, are God's spir-
itual priesthood, whose intercession
for the an godly is well pleasing to
him as the fruit Ot his grace; and
ase ol this intercession — atonce
subordinate to, and tho result of,
thai of the glorious High Priest —
tl c period of probation is length-
ened oven to the infidel and the
atheist whilst they are engaged in
the tearful work of deluding the
minds of their fellows and denying
the being of their Creator.
Prayer ! Yes, as one of the estab-
li shed agencies under the moral gov
ernment of God, prayer is answered
never it is possible to grunt the
answer without interfering with
tin- far-reaching purposes of Heaven
respecting the individual and the
I'll" intercession of Abraham,
the lather of the faithful, for the
guilty inhabitants of Sodom would
bave been successful had the abom-
inahle city contained ten righteous
ns And. not to mention many
Other instances which must occur to
memory of men who are ac-
quainted with the Scriptures, Peter
lelivered from prison inanswer
to the petition ot' his fellow-believ-
ers j and the passengers and crew
of the ship in which Paul was a voy-
agerwere Baved from a watery grave
on his account. The light ot the
blessings which have been bestowed,
and the deliverances from danger
and death which have been exper-
ienced in the history of our world,
as the direct answers to the believ-
ing petitions of Christians. The
men whose sarcasms against the
disciples of Jesus are the keenest,
and whose ravings against the
truths upon which the stability of
the universe rests are the wildest,
are daily in the receipt of mercies in
answer to the prayers of men whose
faith they treat with contempt.
"Why does not your God prevent
these accidents V* asks the sceptic,
as if the very question annihilated
the entire Christian system, and
proved that the God we worship and
love is only a phantom of fancy.
We ask the querist and his fellow-
unbelievers if they can account for
the fact that accidents are so few,
bearing in mind the myriads that
are rushing on the iron road day
and night from tho beginning to the
end of the year, on any other hy-
pothesis than the watchful provi-
dence of God ? Does he, do they,
know that Christian travellers habit-
ually begin their journey by breath-
ing a silent prayer that they and
their fellow travellers may be pre-
served ? Is he or they at all aware
how many unknown perils have
been escaped by ungodly men in
consequence of the petitions of Chris-
tians travelling in the same train?
We dare say this is a view of mat-
ters that has not presented itself to
their minds, although they are, in
their own opinion, men of great
breadth of intellect. A highly es-
teemed Christian brother, whose
future age can alone reveal the con- 1 profession requires him to travel
versions which have taken place, the many thousands of miles every year,
THE WONDERFUL PROMISE.
135
has just informed us that he has
travelled thus for a quarter of a
century without the slightest acci-
dent. He and such as he are our
real railway "guards," and it will
be a disastrous day for England and
the world when men who fear God
and call upon his name disappear
from the walks of literature and the
busy scenes of commerce to give
place to men who have no gospel,
no Christ, no God, and no hope.
There will be nothing then to "hin-
der" the manifestation of the Anti-
christ, and the descent from heaven
of the apocalyptic bowls of wrath;
but, alas ! for the scoffing sceptics
and the arrogant atheists at that
day j for be it well understood that,
continuing to reject the great salva-
tion, for them there is no share in
tne Saviours's splendid gift.
III. The fulfillment of the prom-
ise will solve all the mysteries of
the present economy, and gloriously
crown the Redeemer's work. We
have admitted mystery — which is
really nothing more than incom-
pleteness, not in God's amazingly
comprehensive design in relation to
the universe, but in the actual real-
ization of that design. Whilst ad-
mitting this incompleteness, — which
is in truth an argument for confi
dence in the Lord, instead of being
a justification of unbelief, — we have
stated and supplied some proof for
the truth of the statement, that be-
lievers are highly privileged men
whose prayers for themselves and
others are pleasing to God, and
whose presence in the world — all
their imperfections notwithstanding
— actually preserves the human
race from utter corruption and
darkness, "salt" and "light" being
the symbols used by the Great
Teacher to indicate the fact. Bat
the time is coining when God will
take away the rebuke of his people
from off' all the earth ; when the
scornful adversary will no longer
ask, "Where is yoor God?" and
when persecutions will eease and
trials come to an end ; for lie who
has begun the good work will carry
it on to perfection ; and triumphant
faith, rising from the furnace which
tested its divine quality, shall meet
with the applause of the Master,
and enter on the possession of the
promised immortality. It will then
be seen that the things which befell
the servants of the Lord daring the
journey of mortality were neither
the results of blind chance nor evi-
dences that they were uncared for
by their Father in Heaven, but
parts of a gracious system of educa-
tion under which that Christ-like
character was formed which will
find its goal and its glory in the lite
of the age to come. The redemption
undertaken by Christ means the be-
I stow meet of eternal life upon the re-
deemed. That is its sublime and
! transcendant purpose. His reward
land the glorious crown of his work
jare involved in its accomplishment
|The resurrection of his brethren in
bodies like his own was part of the
original design when they were
chosen in him before the foundation
of the world, and that design will
be realized, in its fullm
and honour, and glory, when b
turns from heaven to earth t»< fulfil
his wonderful promise -
Bow irreconcilable is the
who is offended without OS
186
TO THE WATCHMAN.
For tho Visitor.
TO THE WATCHMAN.
"i> Boo of iimn, 1 hovt fet tlioo a watchman
' >• hoojo of Israel; therefore thou shalt
prord ut my mouth, and warn them
from iin-." BiekSel 88: 7.
By tl\is scripture wo understand
that God in anciont days had set
watchmen: among them
kiel. Ee says, "I have set
thee in this office, not man, there-
bhou shalt hear the word at my
mouth and not at man's mouth and
wain them from me." Thus we see
ihat warnings come from God who
60 much concerned about the
happiness of the children of men at
that age of the world. O son of
man, I have set thee in a position
that thou art not only held account-
able for thy sins, but for others also
If thou warn them not. God is con-
cerned to-day about the children of
men and has sot watchmen also. I
need not call up scripture evidences
to prove this for there are too many
of us traveling to and fro claiming
to be watchmen and give warning
Let us then bo very careful from
whence we have the message that
wc are carrying. Let us deeply
ler whether we have it from
the mouth of God or from the mouth
of man. () watchman, ever keep in
view the desired object, that is the
salvation of those you are warning
Keep wide awake. There is a pos-
sibility ot the watchman himself
going to Bleep, and if we warn not
and the sinner dies in his sins, his
blood will be required at our hands.
This ought to cause us all to stand
manfully upon the watchtower and
warn the innumerable multitude that
.!■ exposed to danger; warn them
of the awful punishment that awaits
the ungodly and sinner; warn them
of tho many false doctrines that are
carried about by those who have
became like those which God by
the mouth of his prophet Isaiah
speaks of. He says his watchmen
are blind. Why are they blind ?
Because they have failed to comply
with the word ot God and therefore
never recoived the Holy Ghost as
an eye salve to anoint their eyes
that they might see. They are all
ignorant. Why are they ignorant?
Because they have only learned the
wisdom of this world, which is fool-
ishness with God, and have failed to
take the direction of the apostle
James. If any man lack wisdom,
let him ask of God. They are all
dumb dogs; they cannot bark. The
bark of a dog is intended to alarm.
Those watchmen are said to be
dumb; they can't alarm. Why?
Because they are not alarmed them-
selves. A man is not apt to give an
alarm before he is alarmed himself.
The reason is this: they are sleep-
ing, lying down, loving to slumber.
Yea, they are dogs which can never
have enough, and they are shepherds
that cannot understand. They all
look to their own way, every one
for his gain from his quarter. Isaiah
5: 6, 11.
There is a possibility of the watch-
man looking to his own way and
forgetting God's way. God declares
that my ways are not your ways,
and as man's ways are not God's
way8> just l°°k at the thousand so-
called watchmen in our day. Ac-
cording to the Bible, deceivers will
wax worse and worse as God declares,
"in that day they all look to -their
own way." Need we wonder that
there are so many ways held forth
by the watchmen, said to leed to
ASTONISHING ACCURACY OF THE BIBLE.
137
that world of eternal bliss. It is
said, every one for his gain. O
watchman, you have lost sight of
the first object. The gain belongs
to God. All the glory and honorand
the souls of those that you were to
warn, justly belong to God. O
watchmen, let us all examine our-
selves and see what we are doing
and what we have done. Let us
look at the human race and see the
awful condition they are in. They
are so confused and deranged that
the warning of the good watchman
or shepherd can no more be heard.
So many watchmen have forgotten
God's way and look to their own
way and the object in view is their
own gain. They try to gain all the
honor and glory to themselves. This
is not all. The gain, gold and sil-
ver, this seems to have the highest
seat in the heart of the watchman.
I would therefore say with language
of the apostle Paul, "And that
knowing the time that now it is
high time to awake out of sleep."
Yea the time is fast approaching
when that angel will proclaim the
awful news, "Time shall be no lon-
ger." O then there will be no more
time for the watchman to give the
alarm, but himself with all the con-
fused and deranged multitude will
be alarmed by the trump of God.
Oh, then God's declaration, my
ways are not your ways. Dear
reader, here God's way must do and
will prevail over all. Here the
watchman must stand with all the
multitude around him, no doubt as
evidences against him. Here gold
and silver will be forgotten ; honor
turn to dishonor. Here God's word
will be understood by all alike. Here
all must obey. Here all must bow
the knee unto God and confess that
Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of
God the Father; yes confess that
Jesus was the only way though man
had sought out many.
In conclusion I would say to both
saint and sinner, let us all search the
Bible. O saint, watch and pray,
lest you enter into temptation. Ar-
ray yourself for battle. The enemy
is strong and he knows he whs out
a short time to fight. O sinner no
more look upon the word of God as
being impure. Read it and you
will hear the awful punishment pro-
nounced upon you and also the lov-
ing invitations, Come unto me all ye
tjpat labor and are heavy laden and
I will give you rest. The spirit and
the bride say, Come and what is it
that does not say come but yourself
and adversaries. To-day if you
hear his voice harden not your
heart. F.
ASTONISHING ACCURACY OF THE
BIBLE.
An astonishing feature of the word
of God is, that notwithstanding the
time at which its compositions were
written, and the multitudes of the
topics to which it alludes, there is
not one physical error — not one as-
sertion or allusion disproved by the
progress of modern science. None
of those mistakes which the science
of each succeeding age discovered in
the books of the proceeding ; above
all, none of those absurdities which
modern astronomy indicates in such
great numbers in the writings of the
ancients — in their sacred
their philosophy, and even in the
finest pages of the fathers of the
church not one of these error
IN
srH.MISSIVKNESS.
I in any onr BftOred book8.
ill rvt-r contradict
that which After BO many ages the
,,f the learned world
, ft] to Qfl on the
re oni Scriptures
! tO the other, to find
h spots : and whilst youap-
thifl examination,
mber that it is a hook that
r everything, which des-
atnre, which recites creation,
fie us of the water, of the
sphere, of the mountains, of
nimato, and of the plants. It
I that teaches us the first
revolution of the world, and whicfc
tells its last. It recounts
them In the circumstantial language
of histMry. it extols them in the su-
blfmesl Btraina of poetry, and it
I em in the chasms of glow-
It is a hook which is full
■• iental rapture, elevation, varie-
ty and boldness. It is a hook which
speaks oi the heavenly and invisible
. whilst it speaks of the earth
and things visible. It is a book
which nearly fifty writers of every
■ cultivation, of every state,
. and living through
: fifteen hundred years,
aired to make. It rs a
whioh was written in the cen-
d the Bands of Arabia,
and in the deserts of Judea; in the
4 the temple of the Jews, in
'he n of the prophets of
■ rioho, in the sumptu-
- of Babylon, and on the
idolatrous hanks of the Chebar; and
Anally, in the '-enter of the western
civilisation, in the midst of the Jews
I their ignorance, in the midst
rtheism and its idols, as also
in tho bosom of pantheism and ita
sad philosophy. It is a book whose
first writer had been a pupil of the
magicians of Egypt, in whose opin-
ion the sun, the stars, and the ele-
ments, were endowed with intelli-
gence, reacted on the elements, and
governed tho world by a perpetual
alluvium. It is a book whose first
writer preceded by more than nine
hundred years the most ancient phil-
osophers of ancient Greece and Asia
—the Thaleses, and the Pythagora-
ses, the Zalcuses, the Xenophons,
and the Confuciuses. It is a book
which carries its narrations even to
tbe hierarchies of angels; even to
the most distant epoch of the future,
and the glorious scenes ot the last
days. Well, search among its fifty
authors, search among its sixty-six
books, its 1,187 chapters, and its
21,173 verses, search only for one of
those thousand errors which the an-
cients and the moderns committed
when they spoke of the heavens or
of the earth — of their revolutions,
of the elements; search, but you
will find none.
STTBMISSIVENESS.
There are many passages in the
Bible which indicate plainly that
it is our duty to submit our will to
the guidance of the will of God. It
would seem that Paul had so fully
imbibed this idea, and the spirit of
it, that he had utterly lost his own
will, and acted by a will above his
own. He says, in one of his mo-
ments of loftiest exaltation, "I am
crucified with Christ: nevertheless
I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth
in me." So, also, the Savior himself
has the same thought: "Whosoever
SUBMISSIVENESS.
139
will come after me, lot him deny
himself and take up his cross and
follow me." Let him lose his will
to plan and execute, unless under
the guidance of a Power above him.
This utter merging of the will of
the creature into the will of God has,
to many minds, something of the
nature of slavery or a loss of man-
hood. It is asked : If God has
given us independent wills, why is
it wrong for us to use them as we
please? If we are to do as some one
else wills, what better are we than
the horse ? What is the need of a
free will, if we are never to exer-
cise it without first consulting an-
other will?"
Now there is evidently a misap-
prehension here, and if we can point
it out it may be of use.
Jesussaid: "I came down from
heaven, not to do mine own will, but
the will of Him thatsentme." Again,
in the darkest hour of his life, he ut-
tered those ever to be remembered
words, "Not ray will, but thine be
done." i think if we examine the
life of Jesus, we will find ourselves
drawn to him more by this spirit of
submissiveness than by any other.
His action in Gethsemane is one of
the noblest of his whole life on earth.
So we generally esteem it, I think;
as surely Paul did, when he said, in
speaking of Christ's humility : "He
humbled himself and became obedi-
ent unto death, even the death of
the cross : wherefore God also hath
highly exalted him, and given him
a name which is above every name."
Surely this act of Jesus, which is
so sublime, and merited so great re-
ward, could not have been perform-
ed by a man oi cravan spirit, or one
devoid of highest manhood. We do
not look upon it so, but rather us
the crowning test of his transcend-
ent manhood, and godhood too.
Neither does this perfect submissive-
ness of our will to a higher will par-
take aught of servitude unless that
submission isforced. A willing sab-
mission is always esteemed the
highest virtue. Especially is this go
when the submission brings great
sacrifices; as when a soldier, upon
the eve of a great battle, hears that
his wife is dying, and longs to see
him once more on earth, yet, sub-
missive to the will of his general,
gives no heed to the voice that would
call him from the battle field to the
bedside of his dying wile. He has
given up his will, merged it into the
will of his commander; and though
his heart longs for one moment of
communion with her he holds dear,
he leaves her to die alone, and
marches bravely against the foe. It
is only after he has learned the les-
son of perfect obedience that he is
really a good soldier. It was Napo-
leon the Great who said: "No man
is fit to command until be has learn-
ed to obey." Far more truly can we
say, no man is worthy to be a fol-
lower of Jesus who has not learned
the lesson of obedience.
The merchant does not think his
clerk is craven-hearted because he
makes no plans but those that accord
with the will of his employer ; on
the contrary, he expects, and right-
ly, that no plan of the servant shall
be in opposition to the will of the
master. He only wishes as t<> form
no plans that are contrary t<> hie
will. He is the Commander of an
army, and he expects every BOldier
to be always ready to do his bidding.
He can not do batile with the pow-
CROSS-BEARING.
: if his aokltera are follow-
. ;lu- dtotatea oi their own
will regavdleaa of bis commands.
direction,
B will go one way, an
. | Oflite, what will bo ac-
ithing will do but
labnuesioo to one central,
- : ..• will that has the
| ;iu of the field before him,
and knows best, where to placo each
When we think of losing our will
will, we do not mean that
we have no will left to plan and ex-
■•; only that wo do not allow
will of ours to go beyond or
contrary to God's will.
G wiehes us to have strong wills
acute his commands. In the
Bpbt re lie places us, he wishes us to
bend op our will to its highest ten-
,i net as ro engineer wishes his
QOtive to exert all its mighty
}• to draw the ponderous train ;
hut b BS it to remain on the
. and act as all properly-behav-
rd locomotives should. So God
- us to act with all our might,
'ways be careful to stay upon
where bo has placed us.
only upon the railroad track
that the I ; ve can run to ad-
and so thero is only ono
path OD which the will of man can
rly. In that path God
it, and says, ''Ran there;" and
it it properly appreciates its position,
it Will not wish to leave that path,
• ben ita will is GtooVa will. So
Id man OOuld very properly -ay:
ill rain today if I want it to )
batever God wants I want."
Only on the track that the loco-
ia really free. So that soul
really free who lives, and
. and acts where God has placed
it
CROSS-BEARING.
We cut from the conclusion of an ar-
ticle iu the Standard:
Was it only the wooden cross, which
the Cyrenian was able to bear after him,
under which the man of sorrows wear-
ied and fainted? Was there not in
Gethseinaue a weighty cross, reaching
from earth to heaven, burdened with the
sins of all people and nations, which a
father's hand was pressing down upon
the shoulders of the Savior so that he
sweat as it were great drops of blood,
and the still night air trembled with the
cry of his bitter agony? And again,
when the work of torture is completed ;
no angel having bid the knife be stayed,
as in the case of Isaac — there goes out
with His life the cry, "My God, my
God, why hast thou forsaken me V* and
He in whom and through whom so much
has been promised skeps in the tombs;
and despairing disciples murmur, " We
trusted it had been He who should have
redeemed Israel." Faith whispers
faintly to a few, " God will provide "
And in the resurrection, without which
all prophecies, and promises, and even
the death of Christ itself, would have
been of no avail, through faith the cross
triumphs.
There is a cross for every Christian —
something which renders flesh and soul
— and Jesus has said if we hear it not
after him we are not worthy of him.
But let us take up some lighter thing in
its stead and magnify it, nor shrink and
falter when the burden seems heavy the
way long. Soon faith will be lost in
sight, tears in praise, grief in joy, and
crosses will be exchanged for crowns.
Let us not complain, nor claim merit for
cross-bearing, while discharging duties
which should be esteemed among our
most precious privileges.
NEIGHBORS' THISTLES.
141
SCIENCE AND THE BIBLE,
The thing to be lamented is that the
moment men of science get hold of a
fact they instantly begin to set it in op-
position to God's word. But the vaunt-
ed "fact" of Tuesday often takes an-
other shape on Wednesday, and by
Thursday is found to be no fact at all,
the truth is that geology, as a science,
consists mainly of probable guesses.
"That field of peat," says Sir Charles
Lyell, "has probably been seven thou-
sand years in course of formation."
" No," replies a friend of his own, in a
published criticism, " I think it quite
possible that it has only been seven
huudred years in growing." A piece
of pottery is found in Ihe valley of the
Nile, and geologist immediately argues
that it must have lain there more than
twenty thousand years. But an anti-
quarian soon points out marks upon it
which show it to be less than two thou-
sand years old. Yet it is upon guesses
of this kind, which do not amount to a
tenth part of a proof, that the Lyells,
Owens and Colenso venture boldly to
assert that it is clear that Moses knew
nothing whatever of the subject on which
he was writing. Just in the same spir-
it do Bunson and his followers unhesi-
tatingly assert that the growth of lan-
guages proves that the world must be
more than twenty thousand years old.
We refer them to the confusion of
tongues described by Moses, which at once
dissipates their dream. " Oh ! but that
was a miracle," they replied, "and we
have made up our minds never to be-
lieve a miracle." Very well, gentle-
men, there we must leave you; for men
who make up their minds before inquir-
ing are not acting like reasonable beings.
A dozen other little juntos are now at
work in the same laudable fashion.
One set is
was "developed" out of an apo. Well,
and what was the ape "developed" out
of? They do not know. Our comfort
in all this is that this influenza will wear
itself out like the Tractarian,or like the
infidel fashion of the days of Boling-
broke. Men have been striving to get
rid of the Bible and its inconvenient
morality for these two thousand 3
but they were never further off from
their end than they are at present. —
Shaftesbury.
NEIGHBORS' THISTLES.
A person was once walking with a
farmer through a beautiful field, when
he happened to see a tall thistle on the
other side of the fence. In a second,
over the fence he jumped and cut it off
close to the ground.
"Is that your field V* asked his com-
panion. " Oh, no !" said the farmer :
" bad weeds do not care for fences ; and
if I should leave that thistle to blossom
in my neighbor's field, I should have
plenty of my own."
Evil weeds in your neighbor's field
will scatter seeds of evil in your own J
therefore every weed pulled up in y< di
neighbor's field is a dangerous enemy
driven off from your own. No one liv-
eth or dieth to himself. All are linked
together.
Sages of old contended that no sin
was ever committed whose consequ
rested on the head of the sinner alone ;
that no man could do ill and his fellows
not suffer. They illustrated it thus:
" A vessel sailing from Joppa earned 1
passenger, who beneath his berth
hole through the ship'
the men of the watch expoetalated with
him, 'What doest thou, () miserable
man V the offender calmly replied, ' What
matters it to you ? The hole I have
ot quite certain that man I made lies under my own berth.' "
1 i
[NDBPBMDBNOB OF THOUGHT.
PI | le is worthy of the
ridetation. N>> man perishes
in In- iniquity ; no man can gue88
: his transgres-
rioo.
Courtesy and Sympathy in the Church.
It may !>-• paid by some that there is
;,], d ten ]• n v in OUT Ige to accom-
plish by devises srbat can only be ef-
| by the gosp I This is sadly
. but th.-re is often a lack of that
tiori to minor matters in thechurch,
whiofa Ifl fruitful of evil consequences.
I i }.. rare, Paul taught that the king-
D was not meat and drink,
but righteousness, and peace, and joy in
tl 11 I j Ghost j hut he also taught his
brethren to be kind, to be courteous,
and even sympathetic. "Rejoice/'
says he. " with them that do rejoice,
ami weep with them that weep/'
Tm- sympathy and courtesy need not
l d alone in the iamily circle
in the ordinary social walks of life.
■ u!d not have this precept at
when they repair to the house of
IJ and sympathy should
• of the holy place — not
m ; not for gain ; not for proselyt-
use it is right ;
; it is a pleasure; it is for the
Gfod and the prosperity of his
T i Christians, to friends, to
-f delicate spirit of
ihould be shown. It makes
happy ; it gives happiness in return.
It itrengthens fainting souls. It is cor-
dial to a wounded spirit. It wins to
I house; it wins to Christ It
but affords riches to the
of those who give and those who
lebrity of the American
pulpit recently pave his ushers public
charge to treat strangers attending his
church with marked respect. This is
wise, whether considered as worldly-
wise or heavenly-wise. Such a course
is wise every way. This policy pursued
in the spirit of Christ would win multi-
tudes from non. attendance on public
worship. What is sweeter than unaf-
fected Christian courtesy and sympathy ?
There is in them all the fragrance of a
garden of the choicest flowers. They
should be cultivated assiduously.
INDEPENDENCE OF THOUGHT.
The importance of correct thought
can not be easily overestimated. There
are enough who are willing to relieve us
of the arduous task of doing our own
thinking, and who proffer us forms of
correct sentiment, and precepts for prac-
tice— all on very moderate terms. We
will not say that these do their own
thinking very efficiently or profitably.
Not a few in this, as in other things,
manifest the most industry in other
men's matters. But however willingly
and well others may propose to do our
thinking, we are all under obligation to
do our own, unwelcome a task as it may
be; for we all are responsible to God for
our actions, the fruits of our minds and
hearts. But while we are to think, and
think independent of human dictation,
it is best not to undertake it without a
respectable stock of material. Indus-
trious intellects, prompted by conscien-
tious motives, have been for ages gath-
ering materials and putting them in
shape for the use of those who come af-
ter them. It would therefore be very
foolish in us in this age to despise all
this material made ready to our hand.
It is true that the workman, contemning
the material in the lumber-yards, can go
to the green woods and procure such
material as he needs in the edifice which
"LET NOT YOUR
143
be proposes to erect; but it is likely! began to say to the Savior: "Lord,
that loss of time would not be all that i is it I?" But the Savior giving
he would sacrifice by so doing. Someithem no direct answer, John, one
of his timber untried, would prove not of the disciples whom Jesus loved,
to be valuable, and perhaps all would be
the better for being subjected to the
shrinkage which time and fiery ordeals
who was then reclining on the .Mas-
ter's bosom, inquired of him which
of tbo disciples could bo guilty of
best insure. So in the building of cor- such a horriblo crime. The Savior
rect edifices of thought; while the two.answered him: The one to whom
independent mind may gather new ma-' he should give the sop alter be bad
terial, — though it be old enough to have dipped it, the same should be the
been rejected by the experience of suc-
cessive ages,
■it would do well not to
slight the depositories of thought which
one who should betray him. And
when he had dipped the sop in the
dish he gave it to Judas Lscariot,
better intellects have gathered, and! and at the same time said unto him,
which have stood the test of time and "That thou doest do quickly." The
thorough examination. Likely if it per- 1 betrayer, namely Judas, received
sists in this folly it will find that shrink- ; the sop without being aware of
age and decay will make a large part of j what the Savior had told his be-
the material which it has gathered, and ! loved disciple. None of the disci-
its edifice will crumble and perhaps i pies but John harbored the least
crash before its possessor has slept his j suspicion that Judas should betray
long sleep their Master. The disciples were
Then, while independence of thought! so greatly troubled when the Savior
is a duty and a virtue, it should be of1 told them that one of them should
that kind which discriminates in the ma- 1 betray him, that they no doubt
terial to be appropriated, rather than feared that it should be them, for
that sort which rejects every grand or they were continually asking of
useful thought which did not originate him which one of them it should be
in one's own brain. Those who pride that would be guilty of thi* base
themselves excessively on originality of, crime, namely, in betraying the
thought are apt to combine stupidity j meek and lowly Lamb of God into
with hypocriys. j the hands of sinners. By their im-
portunity he at last became willing
to tell them, declaring that it should
'Let not your Heart be Troubled."! be the same that would dip his hand
John 1 : u. with him in the dish. To the eleven
The Savior's reason, no doubt, for innocent ones this must have been
speaking these words was because ja joyful declaration but to poor Bin-
his heart was greatly troubled, to j ful Judas it was confounding in the
think that one of his disciples highest decree. For the Savior had
should prove his enemy. He com-
plained of it at the table, declaring
that one of them should betray
him. These words greatly affected
his disciples and every one of them
pointed him out so pointedly that
he could plainly see that the 1
Christ's disciples well knew who it
was that the Savior had reft rence
to.
lit
HBABT BE TROUBLED."
: ar reader, and let us
r whether we, like Ju-
betrayfng the dear Redeem-
er i'v heading Bery ooala upon his
head, with our multitude of sins and
tranBgn Wiona which wo arc com-
mitting day alter .lay, and not onco
log that we arc bringing
B upon our own souls; so
that when we lav upon our couches
we almost dread to close
for U ar that before we can
again open them we will bo called
time into eternity to appear
re that immaoonlate Lamb (who
we ate daily crucifying afresh) then
and there in his divine presence to
render an account of our steward-
ship while in this life.
No doubt Judas felt secure in his
own heart, thinking that his bypoc-
riey was entirely unknown to the
Savi<>r ; therefore asking whether it
lie who should betray him.
he not thought that tho Savior
. nothing of what ho harbored
within his deceitful heart he would
r have asked him, saying:
1, ia it IP1 Therefore Paul in
pietle to the Corinthians says:
"Wherefore let him that thinketh
ill take heed Lest he fall,"
for they that seem the most secure
commonly the least safe; it is
who betray their own wealt-
hy depending too confidently in
their own Strength.
While JeSUS was telling them of
i.nkindness he should receive
90me of them, they were
ly troubled not knowing whose
turn it would bo to be told next of
ill thing they should do. But
Christ, seeing this, comforts them
belling them: "Let not your
fea be troubled;" lor they be-
lieving in God believed also in him.
The Savior also told them that they
must shortly hear him loaded with
reproaches and see him barbarously
abused and put to death. This was
piercing to their souls for they loved
tho Savior and left all to follow
him. When we think how the Sa-
vior was pierced for our sins we
cannot feel otherwise than sad ; but
looking forward and seeing the glo-
ries thereof we cannot but be com-
forted; yet oh, how desolate, how
depraved are those who see no fur-
ther. Wo know and must acknowl-
edge how7 little presence of mind we
have in difficult emergencies; hence
we cannot count upon anything but
being ruined if we leave the Savior.
But let us firmly say, the Lord shall
be my staff and stay, and by giving
ourselves under his mild sceptre our
hearts will not be troubled. The
heart is the main fort and whatever
we do trouble should bo kept from
the heart. However others are
overwhelmed with tho sorrows of
time, be not you. "Let the sinners
in Zion tremble, but let the sons of
Zion bo joyful in their King." So
we as Christ's disciples should keep
our hearts from trouble though ev-
erything else bo in commotion.
But in concluding this my hum-
ble writing permit mo yet to say,
build with confidence upon that true
christian religion and acknowledge
God as the most holy, wise, good
and powerful of all beings, who has
the sovereign disposal of all events.
Comfort yourselves in that sacred
doctrine he has left us, for through
it we are brought into covenant with
God and become initiated into his
favor, whilst otherwise as sinners
we must despair with the remem-
HOW IS IT?
145
brance of God from whence origi-
nates all our trouble.
Fasten yourselves upon that firm
and immovable Bock, for wo are
subject to many and great miseries
and much contempt, pain and insult
even to an ignominious death; but
with all this, let not your hearts be
troubled. — Selected.
Forgive, Forget
When injured or insulted our first
inclination is to resist the action
and return evil for evil, or if our
enemy is not present we resolve
that when we do meet him it will
be to his sorrow. Oftentimes in
thus brooding over the unkindness
or selfishness of others we magnify
our wrongs and excite our passion
to a high pitch. We forget God and
his commands. Where love is not
God does not reign, for God is love
The heart that is overcome by feel
ings of anger, drives the Holy Spirit
away and invites demons to take his
place. The Bible tells us that the
heart is desperately wicked and
nothing but God's grace can change
it. Oh how we should strive to
keep God in our hearts and evil out
that we may live blameless before
him. How we should guard against
outbursts of passion which deprive
us of his love.
Through his Son Jesus Christ he
has taught us that unless we forgive
those who wrong us, he will not
forgive our sins. Let us then ever
have mercy on those who sin
against us, that we may claim the
same from him for the many sins
we daily commit. As often as we
come to him feeling that we have
sinned and express our sorrow for
ho receives it, us anew into hie fa-
vor. Thus ho wishes us to do.
Thus we will do if wto are his chil-
dren. We must freely forgive and
forget, not only onco, twice or I
times, but one hundred tim<
necessary. Then can we with faith
repeat that prayer which the Lord
has taught us and say :
'•Forgive our transgressions and teach us to
know
The humble compassion which pardons each
foe."
How happy wo are when wo feel
the Lord has forgiven us and re-
members our past sins no more.
Let us then forgive, forget, freely,
fully, forever, and our joy will be
full. — Selected.
HOW IS IT?
Brother G. B. Eeplogle, of Iowa,
asks the above question in the Feb-
ruary No. of the Visitor, and -
Occasionally we read in the obitua-
ries of our periodicals, 'Keceived in-
to tho church with the exception of
baptism or some similar announce-
ment/ and asks further, 'Where is
tho scriptural authority expressed
or implied/ In answer I wouhi
I think it would bo no hard taak to
show that such authority is nowhere
expressed or implied, between the
lids of the Now Testament. Bat M
Annual Meeting has frequently de-
cided that question, and beli«
that the old brethren are well p
in the scriptures, I will therefore
make a few quotations from the
minks of Annual Meeting, and let
that suffice for tho present,
minutes of 1855.
Article 6th, reads M folio
"Is it consistent with th-
146
EXHORTATION.
to receive persons into the oborofa
with hand and klBS, when eircinn-
Btanoes will nut permit baptism to
bep irfornu .1 1 Considered, that it is
rding t<> the gospel to con-
Bider persona as members of the
church without baptism j yet they
should he encouraged, and if they
wish it, their oases may he taken in-
msideration by the church in
ooonsel, and they he received as can-
didatee for baptism, which is to bo
rmed as soon as circumstances
will ] term it."
Article 4th of* I860 reads as fol-
lows :
"Shall it be an order among the
brethren to receive persons into the
church as members when they are
sick, without baptism, with the
promise that they will be baptized
when they get well ?"
Answer. Let persons who wish
to be received into the church, and
who are too sick to have the ordi-
nance of baptism administered to
them, bo considered candidates for
baptism, to receive the ordinance as
soon as circumstances will permit,
but not in full membership, until
tbey are baptized.
Article 25th of 1864 reads as fol-
low- :
"Is it in accordance with the gos-
We consider that no unbaptized
person can bo a member of the
church, and therefore cannot be an-
ointed.
I think that some of the wisest
of our brethren have spoken on this
subject and let this suffice.
Daniel Miller.
For the Gospel Visitor.
EXHORTATION.
Let no man despise thy youth ; but be thou
an example of the believers, in word, in con-
versation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in pu-
rity. I. Tim. 4: 12
The above is the language of
Paul. Again he tells us above all
things to have fervent charity
among ourselves, for charity covers
a multitude of sins; that we should
walk worthy of God who has called
us into his kingdom and glory, for
God has not called us to uncleanness
but unto holiness. Now in order to
arrive at this we must never grow
weary in well doing — pray without
ceasing And think how ofttimes
it is all idle and vain words, and
how few times we devote time and
attention to the Lord and princi-
pal^7 to the cause of Christ our Re-
deemer. How very apt we are to
envy and speak reproachfully of our
neighbors when we are commanded
pel and the order of the brethren, |t0 jove them as we love our8eives.
for the church to receive and take
candidates in with (or by) hand and
kiss previous to the reading of the
lvth chapter of Matthew, and then
baptize them upon their public con-
fession. "
Answer. Wo think it is neither
in accordance with the gospel nor
the order of the brethren to do so.
Answer of Article 17th reads as
follows :
Love and kindness, it is measured
By this simple rule alone :
Do we mind our neighbor's pleasure
Just as if it were our own.
Thus I'm resolved before the Lord :
Now I will watch my tongue,
Lest I let slip one sinful word,
Or do my neighbors wrong.
H. C. Lowder.
CHRIST IN THE HOUSEHOLD.
K7
Christ in the Household.
No one can be a careful reader of
the bible without being impressed
with the prominence given in its
teachings to the domestic and so-
cial affections. Classic literature is
strikingly and sadly defective in its
delineations of the family and the
fireside. But the bible does great
honor to the family relation. "In
the whole range of eastern story
there is nothing richer than the ac-
count of Isaac's courtship. The
witching pages of fiction have never
yet surpassed the story of Joseph
and his brethren. And the sweet-
est refinement which modern taste
has thrown around the grave is in-
ferior to the simple pathos of the
aged Jacob as in his dying moments
he said : 'Bury me with my fathers
in the cave that is in the field of
Ephron the Hittite. There they
buried Abraham and Sarah his wife;
there they buried Isaac and Eebeka
his wife, and there I buried Leahy
But the history and life of Jesus
even more strikingly and beauti-
fully illustrates and consecrates the
social affections, and infuses the
true charm into our domestic rela-
tions. His most wonderful miracles
were directed to the happiness of
social life, and he selected a mar-
riage festival as the scene of the
first. The love of parents and
brothers and sisters, the attach-
ments of the home circle, and the
sacred relations of friendship, all
seemed to be subjects of special in-
terest to our Lord, and always
claimed his peculiar regard. He
himself was a most dutiful son, and
doubtless the household of Joseph,
with such a child, was a very happy
circle. All must remember that
most touching incident, when, bend-
ing from the bloody cross in the
agonies of death, he commended his
mother, "his last earthly care," to
the beloved disciple. Himself a
homeless man, his presence brought
a blessing to every home where he
was but a transient guest. And it
brings a blessing now. Who can
estimate the value of religion — the
pure, simple religion of Jesus Christ
— in the family ! What a blessing
it is when a husband and wife can
sympathize with each other in the
religious life. What a crown of un-
fading beauty does piety put upon
a woman's brow, whether she be
wife, mother or daughter. How
much it adds to her usefulness at
the head of her household. How it
helps her to bear the little trials of
every-day life, which often draw
more heavily on faith and fortitude
than greater ones. How it conse-
crates her image in the hearts of
her children. A christian wife and
mother is God's richest blessing to
a family.
And a christian father, too; what
a dignified and honorable position is
his. How right and becoming it is
that a father should honor God in
his household, and train up his chil-
dren "in the nurture and admoni-
tion of the Lord." He should be a
priest in his family, daily expound-
ing the word of God, daily leading
the devotions of the household at
the 6acred altar of domestic piety.
There are few memories that are so
fresh and powerful in after years as
the memories of the household al-
tar. I can travel back over the
path of forty years and recall the
very tones of my father's voie«
he reverently read the bible and de-
14«
CHRIST IN THE HOUSEHOLD.
voutly prayed in the midst of his
family. I can remember how he
prayed for his children; how faith-
fully he taught them the lessons of
christian truth and duty in those
thoughtless days ot j-outh, and I
bless his memory now for what I
did not appreciate then. I believe
that the memories of christian pa-
rents and the early associations of a
christian home scarcely ever die out
of the heart. Kev. Dr. Adams, in
his beautiful book en "Thanksgiv-
ing Memories/' gives us the follow-
ing incident:
"In the Cathedral of Limerick
there hangs a chime of bells, which
were cast in Italy by an enthusiast
in his trade who fixed his home near
the monastery where they were first
hung that he might daily enjoy their
sweet and solemn music. In some
political revolution the bells were
taken away to a distant land, and
their maker himself became a refu-
gee and exile. His wanderings
brought him after many years to
Ireland. On a calm and beautiful
evening, as the vessel which bore
him floated on the placid bosom of
the Shannon, suddenly the evening
chimes pealed from the cathedral
towers. His practiced ear caught
the sweet sound, and he knew that
his lost treasures were found. His
early home, his old friends, his be-
loved native land, all the best asso-
ciations of his life were in those
sounds. He laid himself back in
the boat, crossed his arms upon his
breast and listened to the music.
The boat reached the wharf, but
still he lay there, silent and motion-
less. They spoke to him, but he
did not answer. They went to him
but his spirit had fled. The tide
of memories that came vibrating
through his heart at that well-
known chime had snapped its
strings!"
And so, sometimes, in after life,
when the feet of some wayward
man have strayed far away from the
home of his youth, and his heart
has wandered from his father's God,
some memory of the past, like the
sweet, sad melod}7 of the evening
chime, may wake long-slumbering
echoes and stir long-sealed foun-
tains; and a father's counsels and a
mother's prayers will come up again
from the sacred burial-place of the
past with wondrous power to melt
and win the wayward heart.
Yes, a family ought to be a little
church of Jesus Christ. The father
should be its pastor, conducting its
daily worship and leading the dear
circle in the way of truth and duty
Christ should be acknowledged as
the Savior, the Friend, the .Ruler of
the entire group. Every affection
should be consecrated by faith in
Jesus and love to him. Every tie
which binds one loving heart to
another should be made stronger
and more tender by the influence of
a common tie to Jesus. Their cir-
cumstances majT be humble and
their lot may be lowly, but if they
have Christ in the family there will
always be sunshine, joy and peace.
That house cannot secure the high-
est domestic joy which, like the inn
at Bethlehem, has no room for Je-
sus.— Rev. E. P. Rogers, in JST. Y.
Observer.
Conversation enriches the under
standing, but solitude is the school
of genius.
TOBACCO.
149
TOBACCO.
DR. TWlTCHELl/S THEORY OF SUDDEN
DEATHS BY THE USE OF TOBACCO.
In discussing this subject, the doctor
first described the effects it has on the
nervous system, particularly the nerves
of involuntary motion, — those whose
function it is to carry on the action of
the lungs, heart and stomach. These
nerves are placed beyond the power of
the will, acting without our conscious
ness, in sleep as well as when awake.
And it is on these, he said, the habitual
use of tobacco produces its most perni-
cious effects, by paralyzing their action.
It first manifests itself in the respir-
ation, which is imperfectly performed j
the blood is not fully purified, and a
sense of anxiety or incipient suffocation
is felt; to relieve which a voluntary ef-
fort is made to expand the chest to take
in more air; and, every now and then,
a deep inspiration or sigh is the result,
giving momentary relief.
But, during sleep, especially when
first going to sleep, the will not being so
easily excited to action, the sense of suf-
focation is longer endured, till, at length
becoming urgent and painful, a degree
of consciousness is awakened; the in-
dividual begins to feel his condition,
and rouses, perhaps suddenly starts and
sits up in the bed in alarm, his heart
palpitating violently ; and having ob-
tained relief, soon goes to sleep to pas3
through the same scenes again.
But, as the habit continues, the whole
nervous system becomes affected; the
muscles become tremulous, the sensibil-
ities diminish, respiration and the
action of the h^art become more imper-
fect, and suffocation more urgent; but
consciousness now fails to be roused to
put forth a voluntary effort for relief;
and the poor abused and languishing
nerves, whose office it is to stand senti-
nel at the fountains of life, obtaining no
help from the muscles of volition, at
l^st are compelled quietly to yield up
the struggle ; and the person is found
dead in his bed, the cause not known.
Yet it is a foolish sacrifice of life to the
vile but enchanting habit of using to-
bacco.
There are doubtless some few who
are found dead from disease of the
heart. But the doctor said he had for
many years been extending his inquir-
ies on this subject, and that he had
found almost every individual, who had
died during sleep had long been in the
habit of the free use of tobacco, and it
was his full conviction that that was al-
most the only cause of such deaths.
The habitual use of tobacco, he said,
was a most fruitful source of disease.
And this would appear evident when
we consider its effects upon the nervous
system. It lowers down the power of
those nerves npon which life depends ;
the blood does not fully undergo that
change in the lungs which respiration
is designed to effect, and goes to the
heart impure and purple; the heart has
not its original power to send it forward
in its circulation through the body; and
an impure, sluggish circulation is the
consequence, which predisposes to al-
most every disease the human system is
subject to.
Among the diseases caused by tobac-
co, the doctor enumerated palsy, in-
veterate nervous headache, palpatation
of the heart, disease of the liver, indi-
gestion, ulceration of the stomach, piles
and many others; and finally he said
he hardly knew that there was any dis-
ease it did not at times produce. He
did not undertake to assert that all who
use tobacco must necessarily have these
diseases fully developed. But he said
150
THE SAILOR BOY OF HAVRE.
individuals often experienced annoying
and alarming Bymptoms, the result of
tobacco, which render them infirm and
wretched, while they are altogether ig-
norant of the OVUM. Be mentioned
giddiness, pain in the head, palpitation
of the heart, faintness, and gnawing
BensatlOD oi the stomach, neuralgic
pains, trembling, sudden loss of strength,
loss of recollection, starting in sleep &c. ;
that he had been called to prescribe for
a great many persons, whose diseases
have spontaneously disappeared on their
discontinuance of tobacco.
The particular form in which tobacco
i< nsed is not of very material conse
quence. He thought tobacco more fre-
quently produces palsy than all other
causes, and that snuff is more likely to
bring it on than any other form in
which it is used ; but that chewing is
more injurious to the digestive organs,
affecting them in a three fold way. It
robs the stomach of its saliva, lessens
its nervous power, and diminishes its
peristalic motion ; and all the cases he
had seen of ulceration of the stomach
were manifestly the effects of tobacco.
One day Dr. Twitchell had been de-
scribing in his exquisitely graphic man-
ner, the gradual inroads made by tobac-
co upon the human system. He first
displayed the gentlest effects of this "ce-
lestial drug" The slightest nervousness
or most trivial pain was perhaps all that
the sufferer noticed. Then came the
horrid dreams and nightmares dire, in-
digestion and all its miserable train.
After talking thus for some time, he
proceeded still further, and had just
touched upon the point where, accord-
ing to his theory, the victim of appe-
tite will see death staring at him. All
his audience were listening with deep
interest, and silence reigned in the
room, when suddenly one gentleman
dropped senseless. He had listened
with great attention, and was horror-
struck at fancying that he had arrived
at the fatal point on his journey as a
tobacco chewer. He however, soon
recovered from his swoon, and from
that inomont forswore the use of the ar-
ticle in any shape.
Speaking of the effects of tobacco in
certain cases, Dr. Twitchell says, 'In
six cases palpatations were produced;
and in eight pain in the chest, usually
over the heart, but at times at the right
side of the breast. In two of these it
was noticed particularly after immoder-
ate use of tobacco. Head-ache was ob-
served four times, and frightful and se-
vere dreams in four more cases. Nerv-
ous tremors, cramps, starting, etc. were
found eleven times. In one case the
memory was benumbed, and the pa-
tient became stupid " — Dr. Bow ditch' s
Life of Dr. Twitchell.
THE SAILOR-BOY OF HAVRE.
A French brig was returning from
Toulon to Havre with a rich cargo and
numerous passengers. Off the coast of
Bretagne she was overtaken by a sudden
and violent storm. Captain P , an
experienced sailor, at once saw the dan-
ger which threatened the ship on such
a rocky coast, and he gave orders to put
out to sea ; but the winds and waves
drove the brig violently towards the
shore, and notwithstanding all the efforts
of the crew she continued to get near-
er land.
Among the most active on board, in
doing all that he could do to help, was
little Jacques, a lad of tvlelve years old,
who was serving as cabin-boy in the
vessel. At times, when he disappeared
for a moment behind the folds of a sail,
the sailors thought that he had fallen.
THE SAILOR BOY OF HAVRE
151
overboard; again, when the waves
threw him on the deck, they looked
round to see if it had not carried away
the poor boy with it ; but Jacques was
soon up again unhurt.
"My mother" said he, smiling, to an
old sailor, "would be frightened enough
if she saw me just now."
His mother, who lived at Havre, was
very poor, and had a large family.
Jacques loved her tenderly, and he was
enjoying the prospect of carrying to her
his littlet reasure — two five-franc pieces
-which he had earned as his wages for
the voyage.
The brig was beaten about a whole
day by the storm, and, in spite of all
the efforts of the crew, they could not
steer clear of the rocks on the coast
By the gloom on the captain's brow, it
might be seen that he had little hope of
saving the ship. All at once a violent
shock was felt, accompanied by a horri-
ble crash ; the*vessel had struck on a
rock. At this terrible moment the
passengers threw themselves on their
knees to pray.
"Lower the boats!" cried the captain.
The sailors obeyed; but no sooner were
the boats in the water than they were
carried away by the violence of the
waves.
"We have but one hope of safety,"
said the captain. "One of us must be
brave enough to run the risk of swim-
ming, with a rope, to the shore. We
may fasten one end to the mast of the
vessel, and the other to a rock on the
coast ; and* by this means we may all
get on shore."
"But, captain, it is impossible" said
the mate, pointing to the surf breaking
on the sharp rocks. "Whoever should
attempt to run such a risk would cer-
tainly be dashed to pieces."
"Well," said the captain in a low
tone, "We must all die together." At
this moment there was a slight stir a-
mong the sailors, who were silently
waiting for orders.
"What's the matter there?" inquired
the captain.
"Captain," replied the sailor, "this
monkey of a cabin-boy is asking to
swim to the shore with a strong string
around his body, to draw the cable after
him; he is as obstinate as a mule!" and
he pushed Jacques into the midst of the
circle. The boy stood turning his cap
round and round in his hands, without
daring to utter a word.
"Nonsence ! such a child can't go"
said the captain, roughly.
But Jacques was not a character to be
so easily discouraged. "Captain," said
he, timidly, "you don't wish to expose
the lives of good sailors like these; it
does not matter what becomes of a 'little
monkey of a cabin-boy/ as the boatswain
calls me. Give me a ball of strong
twine, which will unroll as I get on,
fasten one end round my body, and I
promise you that within an hour the
rope will be fastened to the shore, or I
will perish in the attempt."
"Does he know how to swim?" asked
the captain.
"As swift and as easily as an eal," re-
plied one of the crew.
"I could swim up the Seine from
Havre to Paris," said little Jacques.
The captain hesitated; but the lives of
all on board were at stake, and he yield-
ed.
Jacques hastened to prepare for his
terrible undertaking. Then he turned
and softly approached the captain.
"Captain," said he, "as it is not impos-
sible that I may be lost, may 1 ask you
to mind something for me?"
"Certainly, my boy," said the cap-
tain, who was almost repenting of hi?
152
THE SAILOR BOY OF HAVRE.
having yielded to his entreaties.
"Here then, captain," replied Jacques,
holding out two five-franc pieces, wrap-
ped in a bit of rag; "if I am eaten by
the porpoises, and you get safe to land,
be so kind as to give this to my mother,
who lives on the quay at Havre ; and
will you tell her that I thought of her,
and that I loved her very much, as well
as my brothers and sisters?"
"Be easy about that my boy. If you
die for us, and we escape, your mother
shall never want for anything."
"Oh !then I will willingly try to
save you," cried Jacques, hastening to
the other side of the vessel, where all
was prepared for his enterprise.
The captain thought for a moment.
"We ought not to allow this lad to sac-
rifice himself for us in this way," said
he at length. "I have been wrong. 1
must forbid it."
"Yes, yes," said some of the sailors
round him; "it is disgraceful to us all
that this little cabin-boy should set us
an example of courage; and it would
be a sad thing if the brave child should
die for old men like us, who have lived
our time. Let us stop him!"
They rushed to the side of the vessel,
but it was too late. They found there
only the sailor who aided Jacques in
his preparations, and who was unrolling
the cord that was fastened to the body
of the heroic boy;
They all leaned over the side of the
vessel to see what was going to happen,
and a few quietly wiped away a tear,
which would not be restrained.
At first nothing was seen but waves
of white foam, mountains of water
which seemed to rise as high as the
mast, and then fell down with a thun-
dering roar. Soon the practiced eye of
some of the sailors perceived a little
black point rising above the waves, and
then again distance prevented them
from distinguishing it at all. They
anxiously watched the cord, and tried
to guess, by its quicker or slower move-
ment, the fate of him who was unroll-
ing it.
Sometimes the cord was unrolled rap-
idly. "Oh, what a brave fellow!" they
said ; "see how quickly he swims!" At
other times the unrolling of the ball of
string stopped suddenly. "Poor boy,"
they said, "he has been drowned or
dashed against the rocks!"
This anxiety lasted more than an
hour; the ball of string continued to
unroll, but at unequal periods. At
length it slipped slowly over the side of
the vessel, and often fell as if slackened.
They thought Jacques must have much
difficulty in getting through the surf on
the coast.
"Perhaps it is the corpse of the poor
boy that the sea is tossing backwards
and forwards in this way," said some
of the sailors. The captain was deep-
ly grieved that he had permitted the
child to make the attempt; and not-
withstanding the desperate situation in
which they were, all the crew seemed
to be thinking more of the boy than
of themselves.
All at once a violent pull was given
to the cord. This was soon followed by
a second, and then by a third.
It was the signal agreed upon to tell
them that Jacques had reached the
shore. A shout of joy was heard on
board the ship.
They hastened to fasten a strong
rope to the cord, which was drawn on
shore as fast as they could let it out,
and was firmly fastened by some of the
people who had come to the help of the
little cabin-boy. By means of this
rope many of the shipwrecked sailors
reached the shore, and found means to
"DOES GOD EVER SCOLD?
153
save the others. Not long after all had
safely landed, they saw the vessel go to
pieces.
The little cabin-boy was ill from the
consequences of his fatigue, and from
the bruises he had received by being
dashed against the rocks. But he did
not mind that, for, in reward of his
bravery, his mother received a yearly
sum of money, which placed her above
the fear of want. Little Jacques re-
joiced in having suffered for her, and,
at the same time, in having saved so
many lives. He felt that he had been
abundantly rewarded.
This true story makes us think of
Jesus our Savior, who gave His life to
save our souls from eternal death.
"For while we were yet sinners, Christ
died for us." — Standard -Bearer.
"DOES GOD EVER SCOLD ?"
"Mother," said a little girl, "does
God ever scold?" She had seen her
mother under circumstances of strong
provocation lose her temper, and give
way to the impulse of passion j and pon-
dering thoughtfully for a moment, she
asked :
"Mother, does God ever scold V
The question was so abrupt and start-
ling that it arrested the mother's atten-
tion almost with a shock ; as she asked :
"Why, my child, what makes you
ask that question ?"
"Because, mother, you have always
told me that God is good, and that we
should try to be like him, and I should
like to know if he ever scolds "
"No my child, of course not."
"Well, I'm glad he don't for scolding
always hurts me even if I feel that I
have done wrong, and it don't seem to
me that I could love God very much if
he scolded."
The mother felt rebuked before her
simple child. Never before bad she
heard so forcible a lecture on the evils
ofscolding. The words of the child sank
deep into her heart, and she turned
away from the innocent face of the lit-
tle one to hide the tears that gathered
to her eyes. Children are quick observ-
ers ; and the child seeing the effect of
her words, eagerly inquired —
. "Why do you cry, mother? Was it
naughty for me to say what I said ?"
"No, my love — it was all right ; I was
only thinking I might have spoken
more kindly, and not have hurt your
feelings by speaking so hastily and in
anger as I did."
"0 mother, you are good and kind,
only I wish there were not so many bad
things to make you feel and talk as you
did just now. It makes me feel away
from you so far, as if I could not come
near you as I do when you speak kindly,
and oh, sometimes I fear I shall be put
off so far that I can never get back
again."
"No, my child, don,t say that" said
the mother, unable to keep back the
tears, as she felt how her tones had re-
pelled her little one from her heart —
and the child wondering what so affect-
ed her parent, but intutively feeling it
was a case requiring sympathy, reached
up, and throwing her arms about her
mother's neck, whispered —
"Mother, dear mother, do I make you
cry ? Do you love me ?"
"Oh yes ! I love you more than I can
tell," said the parent, clasping the little
one to her bosom, "and I will try never
to scold you again, but if I have to re-
prove my child, I will try to do it not
in anger, but kindly, deeply as I may be
grieved that she has done wrong."
"Oh, I am so glad I can get so near
to you if you won't scold, and do you
154
IS THIS OURS?
know mother, I do want to love you so
nun -li. and I will try always to be
good."
The 168BOO was one that sank deep
into the mother's heart, and has been
an aid to her for many a year. It im
pressed the threat principle of reproving
in kindness, not in anger, if we would
gain the great end of reproof — the great
end of winning the child, at the same
time, to what is right and to the
parent's heart.
The Coming Conflict of Europe-
A dispassionate article in the London
Contemporary Review, entitled "The
Jesuits in England," predicts troub
lous times for Europe outside of Eng-
land. This writer says :
"Although there is not much proba-
bility of any revived persecution of the
Roman Catholic religious orders in this
country, it will not be amiss that we
should, at this present time, review the
relationship in which they stand toward
the state and toward society in general,
in reference to the great principles of
civil and religious liberty. The expul-
sion of the Jesuits from Germany
through the resolute action of Prince
Bismarck is an act which can not pos-
sibly be isolated in its results. Setting
aside all questions as to its immediate
and indirect influences upon the position
of Catholicism in Germany itself, it has
already helped to make the consideration
of the social and political effects of Jes-
uitism one of the hottest of 'questions
brutantes' of the hour. Once more we
are threatened with a revival of the old
controversies respecting the character
of the famous institutes of Loyola,
while the power of the Jesuit with the
Roman Church, so far from being les
sened by the attacks that are specially di-
rected against them, i3 unquestionably
strengthened and deepened ; at the very
crises, too, when these principles have
recently won the most signal dogmatic
victory which they ever achieved over
, thenou Jesuitical sections of the Church
of Rome In almost every European
! country, moreover there are signs of a
renewal of tint passionate indentifica-
tion of theological and political animosi-
'ties which so terribly embittered the
I hostilities of the sixteenth and seven-
teenth centuries. Everywhere men are
taking sides according to their religious
beliefs and religious hatreds. Multi-
tudes who care nothing for any one
special form of Christianity, as the prac-
tical guide to their own personal con-
duct are beginning to constitute them-
selves champions of this or that creed,
solely because by its aid they expect to
promote their national or political
IS THIS OURS ?
I once heard a father tell that when
he removed his family to a new resi-
dence, where the accommodation was
much more ample, and the substance
much more rich and varied than that
to which they had previously been ac-
customed, his youngest son, yet a lisp-
ing infant, ran round every room, and
scanned every article with ecstacy, call-
ing out, in childish wonder, at every
new sight, " Is this ours, father, and
is this ours?" The child did not say
" yours," and I observed that the father,
while he told the story, was not offend-
ed with the freedom. You could read
in his glistening eye that the infant's
confidence in appropriating as his own
all that his father had was an impor-
tant element in his satisfaction.
Such, I suppose, will be the surprise,
LUCY AND THE CHURCH.
155
and joy, and appropriating confidence
with which the child of our father's
family will count all his own when he
is removed from the comparatively mean
condition of things present, and enters
the infinite of things to come. When
the glories of heaven hurst upon his
view, he does not stand at a distance,
like a stranger, saying, "0 God, these
are thine." He bounds forward to
touch and taste every provision which
those blessed mansions contain, exclaim-
ing, as he looks in the father's face,
"Father, this and this is ours." The
child is glad of all the father's riches,
and the father is gladder of his dear
child. — Arnot.
IGNORANCE OF FUTURITY.
You know as much as is good for you.
For it is with the mind as it is with the
senses. A greater degree of hearing
would terrify us. If our eyes should see
things microscopically we should be
afraid to move. Thus our knowledge is
suited to situation and circumstances
Were we informed beforehand of good
things provided for us by providence,
from that moment we should cease to
enjoy the blessings we possess, become
indifferent to present duties, and be fill-
ed with restless impatience. Or sup-
pose the things foreknown were gloomy
and adverse, what dismay and despond-
ency would be the consequence of the
discovery ! And how many times
should we suffer in imagination what we
now only endure in reality ! Who would
wish to draw back a veil which saves
them from so many disquietudes ? If
some of you had known the trouUes
through which you have since waded,
you would have fainted under the pros-
pect. But what we " know not now we
shall know hereafter." --Jay.
LUCY AND THE CHURCH.
"Mother," whispered a little girl,
slipping her head through her mother's
arm, and resting it on her mother's shoul-
der, ''mother, may I join the church?"
"You, my child, you are too young,"
said the mother, surprised into a reply
that she would not otherwise have made,
perhaps. — The child blushed, and a
tear sharted in her eye.
'•Did my Savior die for me, mother?"
asked she, presently.
"Yes, Lucy."
"I know it," said Lucy, "and I pray
to him, and L love him, and I say to
myself over and over again :
"Jesus, 1 would follow Thee,
I thy little lamb would be:"
and, mother, he will not shoo me off,
will he?"
Oh, no," cried the mother, clasping
her child in her arms, lest she might
be thought doing so.
"Mother," continued the child,
"didn't the minister, last Sunday, call
the church Jesus' fold ; and is'nt it better
for me to be inside? For if I stay out-
side, I might stray away off and be
lost, and then, mother, all the dear,
good, pious people will be watching me.
Oh, may'nt I join them and get closer
to Jesus?"
The child's plea deeply touched the
mother's heart.
Lucy still clinging to her neck, re-
peated her request.
"Yes, my child, Jesus bids little
children come unto him."
"I have prayed that I might be
brought to Jesus, mother."
"And we hope he has heard your
prayer, my child."
She had prayed for her child's con-
version, and yet when she found her
one of Christ's little ones, pressing into
the same company of believers with
156
BEWARE OF ONE SIN
herself, she was so surprised that God
had answered her prayer and so back-
ward, too, in enooumging her to follow.
The minister and the deacons, too,
whom Bhe consulted, shook their heads,
and were afraid lest she was too young
to know what she was about.
Lucy was sorrowful.
"Then if I die and go to Jesus,"
said she, "and he asks me why I did
not Mo this in remembrance of me,'
shall I tell him that you and the minis
ter would not let me, mother?"
And a solemn inquiry it was.
Did not Christ make the condition of
faith ; and ought we not to bring be-
lieving children into its sacred fellow-
ships and holy responsibilities, thus
giving them all the helps to a holy
training in the Lord ?
Lucy joined the church at eleven and
grew up a lovely christian woman.
BEWARE OF ONE SIN.
While I was walking in the garden
one bright morning, a breeze came
through and set all the leaves and flow-
ers a fluttering. Now that is the way
flowers talk, so I pricked up my ears
and listened.
Presently an elderly tree said, "Flow-
ers, shake off your caterpillars."
"Why?" said a dozen altogether, for
they were like some children who al-
ways say "why," when they are told to
do anything. Bad children those.
The elder said, "If you don't they'll
gobble you up.
So the flowers set themselves shak-
ing till the caterpillars were shaken off.
In one of the middle beds there was
a beautiful rose ; who shook off all but
one, and said to herself, "Oh, that's a
beauty, I'll keep that one."
The elder overheard her, and called
out, "One caterpillar is enough to spoil
you."
"But," said the rose, "look at his
brown and crimsou fur, and his beauti-
ful black eyes, and scores of little feet.
I want to keep him. Surely one wont
hurt me."
A few months after, I passed the
rose again. There was not a whole
leaf on her; her beauty was gone; she
was all but killed, and had only life
enough to weep over her folly, while
the tears stood like dew drops on her
tattered leaves. "Alas I didn't think
one caterpillar would ruin me."
One sin indulged has ruined.
How to Break Oneself of Bad Habits.
Understand clearly the reasons,
and all the reasons, why the habit
is injurious. Study the subject un-
til there is no lingering doubt in
your mind. Avoid the places, the
persons, and the thoughts that lead
to temptation. We are responsible
even for our thoughts. Frequent
the places, associate with the per-
sons, indulge the thoughts that lead
away from temptation. Keep busy;
idleness is the strength of bad hab-
its. Do not give up the struggle
when you have broken your resolu-
tion once, twice, ten times, a thou-
sand times. While there is life,
there is hope, and that only shows
how much need there is to strive.
When you have broken your resolu-
tion through lack of firmness and
moral sense, just think the matter
over, and endeavor to understand
why it was you failed, so that you
may be on your guard against re-
currences of the same cirsumstances.
Do not think it a little or an easy
thing that you have undertaken. It
is folly to expect to break off a hab-
it in a day which may have been
gathering strength in you for years.
Bo manly, be brave. Learn to say
No, and to keep your word.
CORRESPONDENCE— NOTICES.
157
Dear Brethren and Sisters: I would
like to say a few words through the Vis-
itor to those that contributed to that
poor family that I made request for a
few numbers back.
We heartily thank you for the help,
and pray that God's best blessing may
rest upon you here in this life, and
that God will reward you in the world
to come, for your liberality as faithful
workers in the vineyard of the Lord.
The money that was sent, all came
through safe as far as we have found
out.
The family have now got a start e-
nough that if the Lord grants them
health, they can now make a start,
having got a small yoke of oxen and a
cow and other necessary things.
Your well-wishing brother in the
Lord,
John Sonafrank.
Houston, Mo.
DISTRICT MEETINGS.
For the District of Northern Illinois,
with the brethren of Cherry Grove
church, Carroll County, Illinois, on
the 12th of May.
For the North Eastern District of
Ohio, in the Jonathan's Creek congre-
gation, Perry Co. 0., on Tuesday the
20th of May. Brethren and Sisters
coming to the meeting, must come to
Newark, Ohio, thence down the New-
ark, Somerset & Straitsville Railroad to
Genford Station. There the brethren
will meet those who come and convey
them to the place of meeting, three
miles off. Those who intend to come
will please write us and we will have
the necessary arrangements made.
W. Arnold.
Somerset, 0.
For the Western District of Pennsyl-
vania, in the Georges Creek congrega-
tion, Fayette County, Pa. at the Fair-
view meeting house, 12 miles south
west of Uniontown, commencing on the
21st of May. Also, Communion at
the same place on the evening of the
20th.
Brethren going by Railroad, will
stop at Uniontown, where they will be
met and conveyed to the meeting.
Those going by the Monongahela River,
will land at Sterling's Ferry, two and
a half miles from meeting, where they
will be met.
Wm. Moser, Sec.
Uniontown, Pa.
NOTICE.
April 18, 1873.
Notice to Brothers and Sisters going to
Annual Meeting:
I to-day made arrangements with the
Baltimore & Ohio R. R. company, with
its branches, frcm Baltimore to Wash-
ington, Weavertown to Hagerstown,
Harpers Ferry to Harrisonburg, and
Grafton to Parkersburg, for half fare.
No farther west than Wheeling, Friend
C>le having no authority to control the
division west of the Ohio river in such
matters.
The conditions are the same as they
were on former occasions on this road :
those going will start when they choose
and pay their full fare to Cumberland,
asking no questions, as agents aloDg the
line know nothing at all about it and of
course can give no information. At the
place of meeting I will furnish all who
apply and have complied with the con-
ditions with a certificate which will pass
them to place of starting free of charge.
If some one would, or could, arrange
with some line of road west of the
V*
POETRY— OBITUARIES
Ohio river to connect these arrange-
ments at Wheeling or Bellair, this
would be the route for all living west
and south of west to take And where-
as the B. A: O. railroad company has
never refused to grant the brethren half
fare privileges, while the Pittsburg, Ft.
W ftyne & Chicago has rarely if ever
granted it, I think the brethren are in
duty bound to consider it. Last year
this road would not abate one cent of
my full fare going and coming; while
the Pittsburg & Connelsville road sent
me by telegraph a pass to return free
over their road.
D. P. Sayler.
P. S. — I am already furnished there-
turn certificates. D. P. S.
For the Visitor.
The following lines were printed on a skull
found in a London Mansion over fifty years ago.
The author unknown.
Behold this ruin ! 'tis a skull,
Once of Etherial spirit full ;
This narrow coll was life's retreat,
This space was thoughts mysterious seat,
What beauteous visions filled this spot !
What dreams of pleasure long forgot !
Nor hope, nor joy, love nor fear,
Have left one trace of record here.
Beneath this mouldering canopy
Once shone the bright and busy eye ;
But start not at the dismal void ;
If social love that eye employed —
If with no lawless fire it gleamed,
But through tho dew of kindness beamed,
That eye shall be forever bright,
When sun and stars are sunk in night.
Beneath this hollow cavern hung
The ready, swift and tuneful tongue ;
If falsehoods honey it disdained,
And where it could not praise was chained
If bold in virtues cause it spoke
Yet gentle concord never broke,
This silent tongue shall plead for thee
When time unveils Eternity.
Say, did those fingers delve the mire ?
Or with its envied rubies shine ?
To hew tho rock or wear the gem
Cun little now avil to them;
Bu,t if tho page of truth they sought
Or comfort to tho mourner brought,
These hands a richer mead shall claim
Than all that waits on wealth or fame.
Avails it whether bare or shod,
These feet the path of duty trod ?
If from the halls of ease they fled
To seek affliction's humble shed!
If grandeur's guilty bribe they spurned
And honor to virtues cot returned,
These feet with angels wings shall vie,
And tread the palace of the sky.
For the name of the author of these lines the
sum of fivo hundred pounds was offered, but all
efforts to find the name were unavailing.
Emily R. Stifler.
Hollidaysburg, Penn.
BEAR UP.
Bear up, bear up, 0 sinking heart ;
Though threatening waves surround thee now
A sunbeam stoops to kiss thy brow,
And bid thy fears depart.
0 yield not weakly to dhpair;
Put forth thy strength, the land is near,
Whcie loving friends and kindred dear
For thee a feast prepare.
0 struggling heart, despond no more;
The very waves thou fearost so
Are hearing thee with steady flow
Toward the sheltering shore.
Toward the verdant flower-strewn height,
Where thou shalt find thy longed-for rest,
Where love and friendship, truest, best,
Shall tend thee with delight.
MARRIAGES.
BEERZ— WAGONER— Married at the resi-
dence of the brides parents, March 23d, 1873,
by Henno Stonfier, Brother Ephraim Beerz to
Sister Lydia Wagner.
WOLF— SPRAY— Married at the residence
of the bride, by Elder Abraham Miller, Brother
William L. Wolf to Miss Henrietta Spray, all of
Fulton County, Ind.
OBITUARIES.
Died in the Georges Creek Congregation,
Green County, Pa., March lfi, 1873, of Con-
sumption, Sister MARY ANN EWING, wife of
Brother Oliver Ewing, aged 39 years 4 months
and 26 days.
OBITUARIES.
159
Sister Ewing wis a consistent member of the
church during the time she allotted to be in
fellowship with the church. Though compara-
tively young, she sat our example in humility
and honesty with tender heartedness, and many
other christian graces that many of her elder
sisters might well envy. She bore her afflictions
with deep resignation, and was anxious to de-
part and be with Christ which is far better. Fu-
neral occasion improved from Acts. 2: 26, 27,
28, by Brother Davis Younce and the writer,
Eld. Jos. I. Cover.
Died near Logansport, Indiana, March 26th,
1873, WM. W. DARROW, son of Friend Wil-
liam and Sophia Darrow, aged 1 year 4 months
and 12 days. Funeral discourse by the writer
from Job. 14 chapter, 1st and 2d verses.
A. RlNEHART.
Died March 2d, 1873, near Middleberry, Clay
County, Indiana, ELIAS SPANGLER, aged 43
years and some months. He left a lonely wid-
ow and 3 children to mourn his loss. Funeral
services by the writer from James, 4 chapter, 14
verse. A. Hensel.
Died in Champaign County, 0., March 17th,
of Typhoid Neumonia, MANDA, daughter of
brother and sister Maria Forry, aged 5 years, 5
months and 12 days. Funeral preached by the
writer from Matthew, 18 chapter, 3 verse.
J. L. Frantz.
Died March 23d, 1873, of Brain Fever, at his
Grandfathers, brother George N. Snider, in the
Jonathans Creek Congregation, Ohio, GEORGE
HENRY, son of Brother Amos and Sister Lou-
isa Focht, aged 11 years 8 months and 26 days.
Funeral services by the writer,
W. Arnold.
Died March 4th 1873, near Middleberry Ind.,
of Typhoid Fever and Erysipelas, ELIZABETH,
wife of Abraham Welty, and daughter of David
and Barbara Miller, aged 68 years 1 month and
3 days. She was born in Pennsylvania, and
emigrated with her parents to Ohio in the year
1829. She was mai-ried to Abraham Welty, son
of Abraham and Elizabeth Welty, and in 1854
they moved to Clay County, Indiana, where they
remained until her death. She 1 aves a lonely
husband of 72 years old, and 2 children living,
both married; and 10 grandchildren living and
many relatives to mourn her loss, but we hope
our loss is her eternal gain. She was the moth-
er of 3 children and 11 grandchildren, (she was
a member of the Menonite church) and was
much respected of nil who knew her. Sho is the
mother in-law of the writer. Funeral services
by Hufferd (a Menonite minister) and brother
Elder David Cubler, from Rev. 14th chapter,
18th verse, to a large concourse of people.
Farewell dear husband
Farewell dear children,
Farewell vain world I am going home,
My Savior smiles and bid? me come ;
Bright angels beckon me away ;
To sing God's praise in endless day.
Ananias Hensel.
(Companion please copy.)
In the Astoria Congregation, Fulton County*
111., March 14th, Sister BARBARA HORNER,
aged 85 years and 7 months. She was confined
to her bed four years, and died in the hope of a
blessed immortality beyond the grave. She was
the mother to 14 children. Had 52 grandchil-
dren, 69 great grandchildren and 2 great, great
grandchildren. Funeral services by brethren
Solomon Horn and John Fitz, from 2 Timothy 4:
6, 7, 8, that being her own selection.
Jonas Heltzel.
Died in Logan County, 0., February 19, 1873,
of Lung Fever, our old friend JOS. B. SNAPP,
aged 72 years 1 month and 27 days. He was a
member of the Baptist Church. He leaves an
old companion, three children and twelve grand
children, and many relatives to mourn his loss.
Funeral preached by the writer in English, and
John P. King, minister of the church, in Ger-
man, by request, from Rev. 14th chapter, 13th
verse.
J. L. Frantz.
Degraff, Ohio.
Died in the Georges Creek congregation, Fa-
yette county, Pa., March 26, 1873, sister SUSAN
MOSER, companion of brother Daniel Moser,
and first mother-in-law of elder J. Quinter, aged
85 years, 5 months, and 10 days. Funeral text
Phillippians 1 : 21. Service by brother Davis
Younce and the writer. Sister Moser was ad-
dicted to a large share of fervent piety ; was of-
ten given to speak of Jesus as the ground of her
hopes, and of his gospel as the "Word of God."
This is a good symbol of God's children; they
will keep the sayings of Jesus. Her hospital-
ity was large and those who knew her best al-
ways found her diligent to perform every good
work. Her last years were enfeebled — much —
yet devoted to God in keeping the good faith.
She was in usual health up to 30 minutes of
her death. Jos. I. Cover.
Died in lower Shenandoah, Va„ March 29,
FRANKLIN HAWN, son of brother Henry
Hawn. The deceased had been in Baltimore
with some stock. On his return he stopped in
the city of Washington and between the sta-
tion and the tavern he was killed and robbed.
He was brought home on the 2d of April and
buried on the 3d. He, leaves a young widow
but no children, a sorrowful father and mother,
one brother and two sisters and many friends to
mourn their loss. He was much loved by those
that knew him. Funeral service by the writer,
from Job 14: 1,2. It was one of the largest
and most solemn funerals lever witnessed. Aged
24 yrs, 6 mos. and 5 days. Jacob Wine.
Died near Liberty Furnace, Shenandoah co.,
Vn., February 11, 1873, ROBERT VAUN, aged
2 years, 9 mos. and 26 days. Funeral service
by the writer from Deuterouomy, 1st chapter
and 39th verse. Jacob Wine.
Died in the Neosho Valley ofcurch, Woodson
county, Kansas, sister SUSAN HERSHEY, wire
of elder Isaac Hershey, aged 58 years, 6 mos.
and 8 days. The death of our dear sister was
a sore affliction to her husband and children but
they have hope that her end was that of the
righteous. She was much beloved by all who
knew her. Funeral service by Jesse Studeba-
ker, from I. Peter 1 : 24, 25.
Nancy E. Studebaker.
[Companion and Pilgrim please copy.]
1G0
OBITUAKIES.
Died in tbo Middlocreck Congregation Somer-
set Countv, Pa., February 2, 1873, Sister
CATHERINE SNYDER, companion of Elder
A. F. Snyder, aged 57 years 4 months and 2
days. The deceasod left besido her husband a
largo family of children and a large number of
grandchildren, and three great grandchildren,
and the reputation of boing a faithful and con-
sistent member of the church, of which sho had
been long a mombor, died in triumph of faith.
The family Lot! • loving mother, but their loss
is her groat gain. Funeral services were per-
formed t>y the Rrothron in the presence of a
largo congregation of sympathizing friends.
Text, 2d Cor. 5th chapter, 1st stanza.
Eld. Tobias Myer.
The subject of this last notice gave her hand
twice to her husband as a token of farewell.
Farewell, vain world, I'm going home.
My Savior smiles and bids me come ;
Bright angels beokon me away,
To sing God's praise in endless day.
There shall I see my glorious God,
And triumph in his blest abode;
My theme through all eternity,
Shall glory to my Jesus be.
Was schadets mir dasz mein Gebein
Musz in die Erd verscharret sein;
Meine Seele schwebet ohne leid,
Im Himmelsglanz und Herrlichkeit.
S. A. F.
Died in the Raccoon Church, Montgomery
County, Ind., February 17, 1873, ELIZABETH
ANN EVERGAN, aged 36 years 1 month and 8
days. She was the daughter of Matthias and
Sally Frantz, had been a member of our church
about two years. She suffered nearly a year of
almost entire confinement to her bed, but in all
her affliction, blessed with great patience and
unwavering faith and hope in the blessed Sa-
vior, desiring to obey the whole will of her
Heavenly Father, she was annointed a few days
before her death. The day she died she asked
her husband and her father to sing for her while
ehe would sleep, so we see the dying christian
whose hope and trust was in God, longed to hear
the songs of Zion, greeting them last on earth
and first in Heaven. She left a husband and
four children, an aged father and mother, one
brother and sister-in-law, but many friends and
relatives, especially brethren and sisters in the
church, to mourn her loss. Funeral services
before she was buried, in presence of a large
congregation by John Gish, of Woodford Coun-
ty, 111., and R. H. Miller, from Rev. 14: 13.
R. H. Miller.
[Pilgrim please copy.]
On the 15th day of March, in the Sandy
Creek branch, Preston County, \V. Va., Sister
ANNE MUSSER, widow of brother Christian
Musser, who died some twenty years ago. Her
age was 94 years and 27 days. She was muoh
beloved and respected by all that knew her. She
lived with her youngost daughter, who is mar-
ried to John Robinson, a Methodist preacher,
very respectable man. I visited our aged sister
a fow days previous to her death, and had some
devotional exercises with her. She told me her
departure was at hand, and she felt ready to go.
Funeral services by the writer and brother Jo-
seph Beckner, from 2d Timothy 6: 8.
Jacob M. Thomas.
In tho Mill Creek Congregation, Adams Co.»
Ills., March 19th, our beloved brothor and co-
laborer in Christ, JOHN McCLlNTOCK, aged
65 years. His sickness was protracted, and his
Bufferings wore very great, yot he was patient in
his affliction, bearing up under it all with a
great degree of Christian fortitude; so much so,
that is is but seldom we find a parallel. He was
worn down by disease, and weak in body, yet his
faith was strong. His mind was clear and
bright, without a cloud of doubt to dim his pros-
pects in a blessed immortality. He had that
faith that reaches beyond the vale, whither his
forerunner, before him, had entered, waiting to
welcome him home. He has been a member of
the body of Christ about 25 years — the most of
that time in the ministry. Like Moses, bo was
meek and retiring, always preferring his breth-
ren to himself. Never manifesting an aspiring
spiri*, but in time of trouble would never flinch
from duty, but manfully stood up for the right.
His mind was strong, far-seeing, and clear.
Slow and cautious, yet firm and true. In his
death the wife, and sister, has lost a kind and
loving husband, tho children an affectionate
father the Church her most prudent, and ablest
counsellor, the community a good and peaceable
citizen. In his departure we have sustained a
loss that can only be known by those who real-
ize it. He has gone to bis reward, awaiting our
arrival there. He requested that before bis
body was removed we should engage in singing,
and read a portion of seripture, and pray. Wc
made use of the 611th hymn, and read the last
part of the fourth, and the first part of the fifth
chapters of 2d Cor., with a few closing remarks.
He was followed by many sorrowing hearts,
mingled with a hope of a reunion, where sorrow,
sickness, pain and death will be feared nor felt
no more. David Wolfe.
Died near Muncie, Delaware County, India-
na, March 23, 1873, JOHN F.BRANSON, aged
16 years 5 months and 28 days, of disease of
the head, caused by a fall on the ice January 19,
1873, from which he suffered a great deal for
seven long weeks.
The deceased was a brother of Hiram Bran-
son, who, for several years has labored in the
Ministry. He leaves a large number of friends
and relatives to mourn his loss, but we mourn not
as others that have no hope. Funeral not
preached on account of a sister of the deceased
being sick, but is getting better.
Brother, thou art gone to the grave, but we
will not deplore the
Since God was thy ransom, thy guardian thy
guide,
He gave thee, he took and he will restore thee,
And death hath no sting since the Savior has
died.
Rufus R. Branson.
[Companion please copy.]
We have had quite a number of com-
plaints lately about papers not coming reg-
ular. Some mistakes were made in trans-
ferring names on mail books and these we
have corrected as soon as detected. Many
of the failures are chargeable to the mails
as we have had to send some papers the
third time before they were received. We
always supply missing numbers when in-
formed if we have them on hand.
Our Premiums. — The Bible Dictionaries
have been all sent out except a few to be
sent with other books and for clubs lately
filled. The books are well gotten up and
some of our friends have expressed them-
selves as well pleased. We have sent a few
that, went to a considerable distance by
mail without special orders. We did this
thinking it would be cheaper than by ex-
press. We hope those who have thus re-
ceived them and not paid us the postage yet
will please do so as soon as convenient.
We have sent out several lots of our
Map Premiums but still a goodly number
have not b< en supplied. We just received
another lot which we think will supply all
to date. Our Map Premiums were ><>me-
thing new to us and there has been consid-
erahle delay in supplying them. So far
they have given very general satisfaction.
A Mistaken Idea. — A friend lately
asked us if every subscriber to the Chil-
dren's Paper received a map. The ques-
tion was a surprise. We told him it was
one map for a club only. We hope all
will understand our proposition now.
Appeal. — We appeal to all those friend-
ly to our publications to aid us in getting
subscribers for us. We have still some
back numbers of the Visitor, Children's
Paper, and Farmer's Monthly on hand
and new subscribers will receive the full
volumes.
Extraordinary Offer. — Having some
full volumes of the Gospel Visitor of sev-
eral years and wishing to close them out
quick on account of storage room, we wil-
give a hack volume such as we have, to ev-
ery new subscriber to the Visitor for the
present year at $1 25. When to be sent by
mail ten cents must be added for postage.
We also have some of Volume I. of the
Fanm rs Monthly, and wishing to dispose of
them quick for the sa ason as above,
we will se - the present
■Bar and volume 1 for , . > No map
premiums will be given wilh this offer.
CATARRH.
Thanks to Dr. D. M. Mvrray for curing
me of Catarrh in the head and throat.
J. A. "Woodman >y,
Dayton, O.
Send 50 cents and get* a package of the
medicine by return mail and be cured be-
fore your catarrh runs into consumption
and death.
Address Dr. D. M. Murray,
Dayton, C.
K^Multiim in Parvo.J^Q
THE
FARMERS' MONTHLY
FOR 1873.
The Fakmkks' Monthly for 1873 will contain
16 pages eacb month and will be devoted to
Stuck Raising. Fanning, Fruit and Vegetable
Culture, Health and Home [nterests. The pre-
paration and selection of matter is made with a
view to utility and profit. Terms 50 cents.
Eight Copies |3.50. Every subscriber receives
a large County and Township
MAP OF OHIO
Containing all the Post Offices in the state,
all Kail Koads built and building, Ac, &c.
Five cents must bo added for each map when
sent by mail. For ten cents extra the map will
be furnished with a cover. Address
11. J. Klutz, Dayton, 0.
DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
A Treatiae on the Practice of Medicine, adapted
to popular we, and made familiar to the ordinary
reader.
It describes the various diseases incident to
the human family, with appropriate remedies
— the best known — and the general treatment
required in eaoh case. It is illustrated with nu-
merous engravings— about a hundred fine cuts
of the most commjn medical plants, with the
description, locality and habits, and medical
uses 01 them. A (ilossary is annexed defining
the technical terms, and also a complete index.
624 pp. 8vo.
The book is strongly bound in leather. The
binding of some of the books is slightly marred,
but not to materially injure its durability.
Otherwise the book is in good order. Only a
limited number of these bookai is for sale and
those wanting a copy must order soon. Every
family should have a work of the kind. Sent
po8tpaid>for $2,15 or by express for $1,75. This
is just about half price. Address
H. J. Kurtz, Dayton, 0.
Sebastian Demphle
27 iMain Street, opposite Market House,
Dayton, O.
DEALER IN STOVEfi \M> TINWARE,
Japanned and Pressed Ware. Roofing and
Spouting done to order, a first tUmm Farm
Boiler tor sui«-. Give me a call.
roll BALE AT THE OFFICE OF THE
"GOSPEL VSS1 POR."
Theology 1,45
r of God 1,46
m and 1*
Debate on 1 mmereion ..
Parable of the Lord's Supper
Plain Remarks on Light Mindedness.
Wundilwlt Seele 1 German 1 1,15
Waltfahrt nach Zxonsthal ,00
Bbbthrkn'B Hymn Hook [ new selection ]
Plain Bheep binding 75
Per dozen, by express 7,2.0
" arabesque 1 >i n il i n ^c .. ,75
Per dozen, by express 7,25
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Per dozen, by express 10,00
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Per dozen, by express % 12,00
.Y« w <i rman Hymn B<><>'ic.
Plain sheep binding, single 50
Per dozen, by express 5,00
German and English bound together.
Turkey morocoo 1,25
Per dozen, by express 12, no
Arabesque plain l.oo
Per dozen, by express 9,00
Plain sheep binding 1,00
Per dozen, by express 9,00
Hymn Books [ old Selection ]
German and English 76
English, Bingle ,40
•• per dozen 4,25
Kost's Domestic .Medicine, 624 pp Svo 2,15
Germa i and English Testament ,(30
Sent postpaid at annexed rates except when "by
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red in r. Always state by what way you want books
tent. Remittances by mail for books, ice, at
the risk of the sender. P. 0. Orders at our risk.
Names nut on books to order for 15 cents eacb
Address 11. J. KURTZ, Dayton, O.
the Children's P;
iiper.
the instruc-
An illustrated paper devoted to
tion <>f the Children.
1 copy, per year $0 30
4 copies " " 100
13 " " " 3 00
20 " " -4 4 00
25 " " " 4 50
We ask the cooperation of the brethren and
sisters everywhere in introducing the Paper
and in getting subscribers for it as well as in
furnishing reading matter for the children.
Special terms to schools when packages are
addressed to one person only.
Specimen copies on receipt of stamp.
Address all orders and communications to
H. J. KURTZ, Dayton, 0.
11 SO. Dv. FAHRNEIT'S ib72.
Blood Cleanser
Of
PANACEA.
Many Ministering Brethren use and recom-
mend it. A tonic and purge, for Blood Disea-
and Female Complaints. .Many testimoni-
als. $1,25 per bottle. Ask or send for the
" Health Messenger," a medical paper publish-
ei gratis by the undersigned. Use only the
" Panacea " prepared at Chicago, 111. and by
Fahrney's Brothers & Co.,
Waynesboro, Franklin Co., Pa.
To the Brethren and Friends.
I hereby propose to sell my books — Treatise
rnShrine Immersion, The Lord's Supper, New
ptB T, ami Non-Resistano< — at 60 cents per
eopy, postpaid, or to agents at $30 per hundred,
eame proposition for a less number, purchasers
iaying tra asportation.
B. F. MOOMAW, Bonsacks, Va.
THE BKETHEEN'S
5 Containing th> United Counsels and
'UK-fusions
,20 of thi Ilrcthren at their Annual Meeting t. By EL
10 4er HENRY KURTZ.
The work neatly bound together with
" Alexander Mack's Writ in
1 eopj sent by mail postpaid ;, #1,70'
Or those bound there are but few left, and as
the " Mack's " arc oul of i>rint. when tli
are disposed of, hence friends who i
a copy bad better send orders soon. O;' the Kn-
cyclopedia in pamphlet form (without .Mack)
we have yet some more than of the bound ones'
a ml to ha \ e them more speediiy spread through-
out < . 1 1 ?- brotherhood we will reduce the price
and send them postpaid ■ nts.
Addres* HENRI KURTZ,
Columbiana, 0.
IS i hie Dictionary.
A Dictionary of tht Bibh comprising its Antiqui-
ties, Biography, Geography, and Natural History.
This work contains every name in the Bible
respecting which anything can be said.
braces the results of Historic Research, Anti-
quarian Investigation, the study of Lan
and Dialects, and the discoveries of modern
travelers and explorers in the Holy Land.
The book is printed from new Stereotype
Plates, on good paper, and is appropriately il-
lustrated with over One Hundred and Twenty
Engravings of Scenes, Ancient Cities, and
Memorable Places of tin Holy Land, descrip-
tive Figures and valuable Maps.
It will contain nearly son closely printed dou-
ble column octavo pages, including over twenty
fine full pagt steel and wood engravings.
For thirteen subscribers to the Gospel Visitor
for 1873 and $13,00 we will send a copy of this
Dictionary, hound in Cloth.
For eighteen subscribers to the Gospel Visitor
for 1873 and $18,00 we will send a copy of the
Dictionary hound in Leather.
The books are sent by express.
Add H. J. KURTZ, Dayton, 0.
TRINE IMMERSION-
Traced to the Apostles:
Being a collection of historical quotations from
modern and a indent authors, proving that a
three-fold immersion was the only method of
baptizing ever practiced by the Apostles and
their immediate successors. By J. II. Moore,
cents: Five copies SI, 10; Ten copies
$2,00. Sent postpaid to any part of the United
States. Address H. J. KURTZ, Dayton, 0.
ONLY FIFTY CENTS for the Parmkbs'
Monthly for 1873 and a new County and
Township Map of Ohio free. Five cents must
be added for postage on map when sent by mail.
Address II. .1. Kurtz, Dayton, 0.
Books on Freemasonry !
LIGHT ON FREEMASONRY,
BY ELDER D. BERNARD.
To which is appended
A REVELATION OF THE
Mysteries of Odd-Fellowship,
By a Member of the Craft.
The whole containing over five hundred pages.
Will be sent, postpaid, to any address, on re-
ceipt of pric<
Address 11, J. KURTZ, Dayton, 0.
o>fc
m
A MONTHLY PUBLICATION,
EDITED BY
HENRY KURTZ AND JAMES QUINTER.
VOL. XXIIL JUNE, 1873. NO. 6.
TERMS : One Dollar and twenty five cents
per year in advance.
DAYTON, OHIO:
H. J. KURTZ, PRINTER & PUBLISHER.
CONTENTS.
Origin of the Mourner's or Anxious
Bench 161
The Laying on of Hands 163
Condemning Sin in the Flesh L66
The Law of the Near Kinsman no
Sing Praises 172
The Bouse of God made a Eouse of
Merchandise 175
The Blissof the Millennial Times 177
Mothers 188
Design of the Church 189
The Two Systems 190
Obituaries 191
Letters Received.
From C Lesh, David Anglemyer. S K
Rnhrer, Sally Deardorff, IS F Kittingei.
M Glotfelty, W C Leinhart, J PHetrick, II
R Holsinger, 2. J C McMullen, AMce 0
Welbom, Jos D Groff, A S Kulp, David
Xeilson. Emma E Sperry, C K Paicre, John
Eisenbise, Thos W Williams, Daul Bow-
ser. A Hensel, John Fable, J H Wilson,
J II Cable, Cyrus Hoover, Elias Cripe, Ja-
cob M Thomas, Noah Miller, J Stutzman,
Kate Brenizer, Dennis Weimer, 8 T Bos-
serman, J B Tauzer, Abed. Miller, Isaiah
Horner, Daniel Hollinger, Daniel Zook,
Washington Wyland, Ezra A Brown, H
H Riggleman. Andrew Cosner, Daniel
Hollinger, Esther Stoner, AW Longaneck-
er, Jos Holsopple, Henry Sink, Z Annon,
T N Lucihart, W Arnold, Eph Fry, Hen-
ry Stoner, John Pool, J H Price, John W
Fike, J W Perry, Danniel M Miller, Al-
bert Lierlie.
WITH MONEY.
From John B Lehman, Nancy Kilch, S
C Keim, Abraham Bowman, J W Byrne,
Sam! Clich, Jacob Shook, Z Annon, Lewis
Kimmel, Wm George, Lewis Glass, Samuel
Metzger, A B Snider. WTm Ronk, E W
Slifer, Peter ReitZ, Nancy Schrantz, S A
Walker, Daniel Brugh, Mary Early, J R
Fry, Jacob Gerhardt, Margaret Stalker, J
D Haugbtelin, Eugene A Brown, A W
Mentzer, R R Goshdrn, C Bucher,
A REQUEST.
The Visitor is sometimes not as well
supplied with original matter as it is desir-
able it should be. As a disseminator of
religious truth the magazine has many ad-
vantage- over common religious newspa-
pers. The former is generally preserved,
while the latter is not. Brethren and
sisters, write down your best thoughts and
send them to the Gospel Visitor.
PUBLISHER'S NOTES
Before our next issue the Annual Meet-
ing will take place. We expect to print
the minutes and our subscribers (to the Vis-
itor will he supplied as usual. We also
expect 10 prfnt some to sell We will
also make a translation and print them in
Gentian a- soon us we <•< nveniently can
after t he meeting.. l'nles< the amount of
matter should considerably exceed that
of other years the price will be the same as
last year, viz: single copy 10 cents or 75
cent- per dozen.
The June number of the Children's Pa-
per is an unusually interesting one. On the
iirst page is a fine large picture represent-
ing a "Rookery" with descriptive article.
On the second page is a very interesting
letter to the children by a new contributor.
The third page i- mostly occupied by let-
ters from the children — They are very in-
teresting.— We abo begin a series of illus-
trated articles "Among the Plants," and an-
other on spiders, also illustrated.
We hope the friends of the children will
aid us by helping to increase our subscrip-
tion list. We will thus be enabled to make
a better paper for the children.
£r5= Mult um in Parvo.J^B
THE
FARMERS' MONTHLY
FOR 1873.
The Farmers' Monthly for 1873 will contain
16 pages each month and will be devoted to
Stock Raising. Farming, Fruit and Vegetable
Culture, Health and Home Interests. The pre-
paration and selection of matter is made with a
view to utility and profit. Terms 50 cents.
Eight Copies $3.50. Every subscriber receives
a large County and Township
MAP OF OHIO
Containing all the Post Offices in the state,
all Kail Roads built and building. Arc, &c.
Five cents must be added for each map when
sent by mail. For ten cents extra the map will
be furnished with a cover. Address
11. J. Kurtz, Dayton, 0.
DOMESTICMEDICINK
A Treatise on the Practice of Medicine, adapted
to popular a ne, and made familiar to the ordinary
reader.
It describes the various diseases incident to
the human family, with appropriate remedies
— the best known — and the general treatment
required in each case. It is illustrated with nu-
merous engravings — about a hundred fine cuts
of the most coinm »n medical plants, with the
description, locality and habits, and medical
uses of them. A Glossary is annexed defining
the technical terms, and also a complete index.
624 pp. 8vo.
The book is strongly bound in leather. The
binding of some of the books is slightly marred,
but not to materially injure its durability.
Otherwise the book is in good order. Only a
limited number of these books is for sale and
those wanting a copy must order soon. Every
family should have a work of the kind. Sent
postpaid for 82,15 or by express for SI, 75. This
IS just about half price. Address
H. J. Kurtz, Dayton, 0.
THI G08PIL
Vol. XXIII.
JUNE, 1873.
No. 6.
ORIGIN OF THE MOURNERS, OR
ANXIOUS BENCH.
Dear Editors and Brethren: It be-
coming known that I was making
efforts to ascertain the origin of the
mourners bench, I have been strong-
ly solicited and urged by many to
have it published in ourpapers, some
naming one and some another one,
etc., and having at last found it in
the Life and Labors of James
Quinn by John F. Wright. And
although the work was published in
1851 it is nevertheless out of print,
and I had a long and tedious search
before I obtained a copy in a second-
hand book storo in Baltimore. And
whereas our brethren and readers
generally are not overmuch con-
cerned in procuring biographies of
Methodist preachers, I will for their
information give the historical ex-
tract, and without partiality I will
endure the toil of writing and give a
copy to the Visitor, Companion and
Pilgrim. It is as follows :
"This year (1838) he (Kev. James
Quinn) frequently invited penitent
souls to the seats vacated for their
accommodation, that they might
have the advantage of the instruc-
tion of himself and others, and re-
ceive the concentrated sympathy, so-
licitude, and prayers of such as had
access to the throne of grace, and
influence at the court of heaven.
About this time the question was
agitated as to the distinguished in-
dividual who first introduced the
practice of inviting penitent per-
sons to the mourners bench. Hear
Mr. Quinn on this subject:
"Something has been said, in a
late number of the Christian Advo-
cate and Journal, on the subject of
inviting mourners to the vacated
seat or railing around the commu-
nion table — for I dislike the term
alter, or alter for prayer, on such oc-
casions. A Jew or Catholic may
use the term consistently with his
faith on the subject of alter and
sacrifice, but an enlightened Prot-
estant believer, when he thinks,
speaks, sings, or worships, extends
his views beyond temples made
with hands. . . . But to return.
The writer (in the Christian Advo-
cate referred too) seems to think
that L. Dow first introduced the
practice in 1802-3; but the first I
(Quinn) ever saw or heard of it was
in 1795 or 6, at a watch-night held
at the house of that mother in our
Israel, the widow Mary Henthorn,
near Uniontown, Penn. The per-
son who conducted the meeting was
that holy, heavenly-minded man,
the Eev. Valentine Cook — blessed
man, in imagination I view him
now, near or quite six feet in stat-
ure, quite stoop-shouldered, dark
complexion, course black bushy hair,
not much taken care of, small, deep-
set, black eye, and full of the fire
of intelligence, strong, well arched
brows, high cheek bones, and an un-
usually— largo mouth. He was not
handsome; but when he conversed
on the subject of religion — and it
was almost his constant theme
— and more especially when he
162
ORIGIN OF THE MOURNERS, OR ANXIOUS BENCH.
preached, there was a Bweet and al-
most heavenly benignity beaming
in bis countenance, presenting rath-
er an unearthly attraction. It was
next to impossible for the most heed-
less to remain uninterested under
the sound oi his voice. Mr. Cook's
subject was the qualfications, duties,
and awful responsibilities of the
watchman. His sermon was close
and argumentative, giving to the
greedy and sleepy dogs, as the proph
et styles the avaricious and slothful
ministers, their portion, observing
as he passed along, that those who
were the least laborious were often
the most clamorous for their world-
ly gain. The sermon was closed
with an almost overwhelming ex-
hortation, which appeared as if it
must carry all before it. Then came
the invitation to the mourners to
come to the vacated seats, to be
prayed with and ior. I think this
was new, perfectly new, for the peo
pie appeared panic struck ; and 1
confess I was greatly moved, for it
appeared to me as it the two worlds
were coming together. Verily, me
thought the very hairs ot my flesh
stood up. He, however, was very
particular in giving the Scriptural
character of a true penitent, and, in
the most affectionate and encourag-
ing manner, invited such, and none
but such, to come ; alledging at the
same time, that if any should dare
to act as did Ananias and his wife,
they might be met as these were.
O, it was an awful, yet glorious time
of the gracious power and presence
of God ! Several souls found peace
with God through our Lord Jesus
Christ, and some obtained the bles-
sing of perfect love. But brother
Cook, and most of those who unit-
ed with him in that meeting, have
passed away ; yet have they a more
distinct recollection ot what then
and there took place than the old
man, who, by the forbearance of
God, lives to write about it. Since
that time I have heard many invit-
ing mourners to the place prepared
for the purpose — have not always
been suited — have often attempted
itr myself, and frequently failed ;
and it does appear to me that a com-
bination of time, places, persons,
talents, etc., must concur; other-
wise, not only no good but some
harm may be the result of a mis-
guided and premature effort. We
may have seen, as well as read of
sparks of our own kindling."
My dear brethren I have given
all 1 can find written on this sub-
ject, and 1 feel assured that a gener-
al knowledge of the origin of this
man-made idolatry will do more to
overthrow this .Baal than all the Es-
says, Treatises, or tracts we can write
on the subject. Mr. Quinn was ad-
mitted into the itinerant ministry
of the M. E. Church by the confer-
ence held in Baltimore, May 1, 1799,
and served in it till 1849 when he
died after 48 years services, and
herein he knows whereof he affirms.
It appears that Cook the originator
was very cautious at first what class
of mourners he invited. And he
Quinn thinks unless under certain
combinations no good, but harm
might result from it, by raising
sparks of our own kindling. And
it does not appear that the plan was
soon generally adopted even among
the Methodists, as Mr. Quinn writ-
ing in reference to camp meetings
in 1804-6 says. "There were no
others, no mourners, leaders, or anx-
THE LAYING ON OF HANDS."
163
ioii3 seats in those days, nor were
any invitations given to seekers of
salvation to present themselves for
the prayers of the church." How
has this idol grown ? Now arc not
only a certain class of Scriptural
penitents invited, but boys, girls,
and even children are fairly draged
out, and that, as I have known by
men who were drunk le*s than a
week before, and again drunk and
lying in the mud less than twol
months after. This is a hard say-
ing, but, truth not only justifies, but
demands it.
By the minute description Quinn
gives of Cook a physiognomist
would pronounce him one of the
most violent fanatics, full of elec-
tricity, fully competent for the wild
est freaks of fanaticism. This is
the character of the man who is the
creator of the mourners bench which
Mr. Quinn said was new, perfectly
new, and at its birth panic struck the
people, and made the very hair on
his flesh stand up, has now grown
to full* stature, and hns become a
great idol, of such popularity in
certain quarters that to say aught
against it, stirs up the fires of hell,
and woe be to the one who dares
stand in the range of its shot and
shells. Well brethren I am one that
will dare stand before its hottest fire,
and will not be afraid to open my
mouth against it and take the mon-
ster by the horns, if the Editors are
not afraid to print it. Valentine
Cook being the creator of the mourn-
ers bench, he is the God of it, and
his Spirit is the Spirit of it, and
they who are born under its influ-
ence are born of Cook and not of
and know them to be. From this
idolatry, good Lord deliver the peo-
ple. D. P. Sayler.
God.
This being so, is there any
wonder its converts are what we see
"THE LAYING ON OF HANDS.''
The above is one of the prominent
features of the doctrine of revealed
religion; unhapily, however, it has,
like many other of its tenets, grown
almost extinct in modern Christen-
dom.
We purpose, in the fear of the
Lord, to hold forth in this essay, the
doctrine of the above subject, as
portrayed in the words of Divine
truth. We shall notice it under the
following heads, viz: 1st. When
Instituted. 2d. Its Design. 3d.
Its Perpetuation. 4th. Its Objec-
tions.
First. When instituted, We find
no occasion of its practice until af-
ter Pentecost. It is true the Savior
laid hands on diseased persons at
different times, thus restoring them
to health; but as a religious rite, it
was never in vogue until the apos-
tles were fully qualified lor the work.
The first instance recorded under
our notice, is Acts 6 chapter; where
the apostles called seven persons to
their assistance in the labor of the
church; "whom they set before the
apostle and when they had prayed
they laid their hand on them."
Second, Its design, which is two-
fold; first, with a view to receive
the Holy Ghost. We have in the
8th chapter of Acts narrated the
event of Samaria's receiving the
word through Philip's preaching
who it seems baptized his converts,
but omitted the laying on of hands
either for want of qualification or
through omission of duty.) But
104
THE LAYING ON OF HANDS."
when Uioy at Jerusalum hoard these
glad tidings, they sent unto them
Peter and John: "who when they
were come down prayed for them,
that they might receive the Holy
Ghost; lor as yet he had fallen on
none of them, only they were bap-
tized in the name of the Lord Je-
"Thon they laid their hands
Oil them, and they received the Holy
Ghost."
A second instanco setting forth
the design of this ordinance, is seen
in the 19th chapter of Acts. Where
Paul found ''certain disciples," who
it seems had been baptized as they
supposed unto John's baptism; but
had not so much as learned that
there be any Holy Ghost. Paul
preached Christ to them. When they
beards this they were baptized in
the name of the Lord Jesus, and
when Paul had laid his hands on
them, the Holy Ghost came on them.
Wc have now given two instances,
which clearly evidence the fact, that
the laying on of hands was observ-
ed, with a view to impart the Holy
Ghost. Kind reader; have you been
baptized ? if so, have you had the
hand of the administrator laid upon
you, in connection with prayer? if
not, the work is deficient, and we
urge upon you, in harmony with
the example above, to send for those
who are qualified to complete the
w7ork.
A second design of the laying on
of hands was, to set persons apart
for an especial work; this was the
case in the 6th chapter of Acts, al-
luded to above; those seven per-
sons were chosen and set apart to
aid the apostles in their labor.
Again Acts 13th chapter affords
us, with one more evidence of the
above truth j where we observe that
there were certain prophets and
teach ere at Antioch, who minister-
ed unto the Lord; "and while they
fasted, the Holy Ghost said separate
mo Barnabas and Saul to the work,
whereunto I have called them. And
when they had fasted and prayed,
they laid their hands on them and
they sent them away." Paul had
preached before but ho had never
been set apart, never been fully
qualiiied for his mission ; until pray-
er fasting, and the laying on of
hands was observed ; then they, Bar-
nabas and Paul, went forth fully
qualified for their mission. We now
have given two evidences showing
the second design of the laying on
of hands; and the Savior tells us,
that "in the mouth of two or three
witnesses every word may be estab-
lished." We have in the above, in
part sustained our third point i. e.
its perpetuation. But under this
head we wish especial attention to
the thought, that the apostles as we
see above practiced it, in the first
stages of their labors. Paul was
subject to its observance and in turn,
like tho faithful became teacher of
the same doctrine; in 11 Tim. 1: 6,
he remarks; "I put thee in remem-
brance that thou stir up the gift of
God which is in thee ; by the put-
ting on of my hands." Hero we learn
tho fact, that Timothy was subject
to the imposition of hands by Paul.
And in 1 Tim. 4: 14 he tells Timo-
thy; "not to neglect the gift that is
in thee by the putting on of the
hands of the presbytery." Also 1
Tim. 5: 22; "lay hands suddenly on
no man." But as he elsewhere re-
marks; "let them first be proven."
Many churches have suffered much
"THE LAYING ON OF HANDS.
165
by notheeding the connected thought
of the last two quotations. Laying
hands suddenly, on those in the
church, who are not proven, is not
commendable. We remember some
years since of seeing a letter, in
some of our periodicals from the
West; warning brethren, against
the evil of "laying hands suddenly"
on brethren, for the eldership, who
were not proven, but were mere
"novices." It is certain that many
congregations have suffered much
a want on the part of those who
have the case and oversight of the
church. All evils are contagious,
let them prevail in any rank in re-
ligious society they will, but when
it exists in the official department
of the church, the evil is greatly
aggravated ; hence we see the pro-
priety of the apostle so minutely
setting forth the character of el-
ders or bishops and deacons.
In Hebrew 6th chapter, the apos-
tle takes occasion to enumerate sev-
eral christian duties, and among
them is that of the "laying on of
hands." From the above testimo-
nies, we think it evident, that the
''laying on of hands" was perpetual.
"Imposition or the laying on of
hands was an ancient and venera-
ble rite; used in the primitive church
on several occasions; particularly
in ordination, in absolution of peni-
tents, in healing the sick, in confer-
ring the gifts of the Holy Ghost."
Burkit. Buck also sanctions the above
historical statement.
Lastly we come to notice the ob-
jections; a prominent one of which
is. that "the laying on of hands was
practiced by the apostles in the day
of miracles and, as the day of mira-
cles has ceased, so the laying on of
hands should cease." To this ob-
jection we would simply remark,
that if all was to cease that origi-
nated in the day of miracles our
Holy Religion would be included.
The imparting of the Holy Ghost
b}' the laying on of hands, is no
miracle, although not unlike many
other religious duties, originated
and was performed in the day of
miracles. We would call the atten-
tion of the reader to the fact that
we baptize "for the remission of
sins;" by which the evil inhabitant
is driven out, "the house is empty,
swept and garnished." Now in
turn as a next step, we observe the
"laying on of hands" by which the
Holy occupant is invited in. In the
above we tail to see which of the
two steps is the most miraculous,
they are both important attain-
ments to which we arrive, by a sim-
ple train of obedience. In the sec-
ond place our opponents remark
the "laying on of hands" was ob-
served with a view to impart "the
gift of the tongues." Wherefore
tongues are for a sign, not to them
that believe, but to them that be-
lieve not." (Cor. 14: 22.) Here we
have the object of "the gift of
tongues" clearly stated. It is true,
we have one instance in which, "the
gift of tongues," followed "the gift
of the Holy Ghost," which was con-
sequent to "the laying on of hands."
(Acts 19: 6.) And two instances
in which it followed the miraculous
descent or gift of the Holy Ghost,
(Acts 2: 4, and 10, 1(5,) but that the
gift of tongues was not the uniform
result, of the laying on of hands is
evident; neither had they a prom-
ise to that effect. It is further to
be observed, that "the gift of
166
CONDEMNING SIN IN THP: FLESH.
tongues" always followed, and never
preceded the reception of the Holy
Ghost, for it la quite conclusive, that
no one was ever fully empowered
to the work of miracles, until their
conversion was matured.
A third objection that we are call*
ed upon to notice is, that it is as-
serted that the "laying on of hands"
originated and ceased with the apos-
tles. This isa mere assertion; and as
sertions in the absence of proof
avail nothing either pro or con. We
have seen in the above that the
apostles (directed from the Savior)
practiced it. Paul "who was not
taught by man, neither did he re
ceive it of man but by revelation of
Jesus Christ," was subject to it,
pressed it upon the Hebrews, and
in his dying words urged it upon
Timothy — told him not to neglect
it. There is not even a hint of the
kind relative to its having ceased in
the scriptures.
In conclusion dear rea lev we
would say, "to the law and to the
testimony; if they speak not accord-
ing to this word, it is because they
have no light in them."
1. J. KOSENBERGER.
Gilboa, Ohio.
-»-♦-*•
For tho Visitor,
CONDEMNING SIN IN THE FLESH.
"For what the law could not do, in that it
was weak through the flesh, God sending his
own son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for
sin, condemned sin in the flesh." Roirans, 8: 3.
In verse 2d, Paul tells us that the
the law of the spirit of life in Christ
Jesus had made him free from the
law of sin and death. Then in the
words of our text he says, For what
the law could not do, that is the law
promulgated from Sinai could not
do for him what the law of the
spirit of life in Christ Jesus had
done. Why'/ because it was weak
through the flesh.
It pleased God in his wisdom to
create man a compound being,
composed of soul and body. What
a wonderful being, constructed by
divine skill, of the same material of
which the bulky earth was compos-
ed, into a most delicate, complicat-
ed, and beautiful piece of mechan-
ism. This exquisite piece of work-
manship was then made the abode
of a divine principle, an emanation
from Deity himself.
Moses in Gen. 2 : 7 gives a most
elegant account of man's creation.
"And the Lord God formed man of
the dust of the ground, and breath-
ed into his nostrils the breath of
life; and man became a living soul."
This complicated being, having both
an earthly and divine origin. (The
divine principle being the active
controlling a^ent, while the mate-
rial part was the obedient instru-
ment, through which all its opera-
tionsareperiormed ) God placed him
in Eden surrounding him with ev-
erything calculated to perpetuate his
happiness. But that rebellious spir-
it, whom Peter describes as a roar-
ing lion, walking about seeking
whom he may devour, soon espied
this favored nook, with its peaceful
and happy inhabitants; and he im-
mediately formed his malevolent
plan to drag them down from
their high and holy position, into
degradation and ruin. How well he
succeeded, the sequel will tell. But
in presenting his plan he did not
appear to them in his true character,
for had he done this, they would
CONDEMNING- SIN IN THE FLESH.
16"
hare recoiled from him in horror.
Neither did he acquaint them with
his ultimate design, for this too
would have frustrated his plan. Had
he told them that he was an enemy
to God, and that it was his constant
purpose to do him all the injury
that lay in his power; that it was
his one great aim to mar as much of
his works as possible; that ho desir
ed them to rebel against their Crea-
tor, and enter into a compact with
him to deface and ruin all that he
had made; that this would introduce
them to sin, and place themselves
and posterity under its control.
Had he thus explained to them his
real motive, and shown them what
tbe result would be, they would
have shrunk back with disgust and
horror from so daring, and blasphe-
mous a proposal, and would have ban
ished this impudent foe, forever
from their home. But he pursues
an opposite course from this. In-
stead of coming to them in his own
hideousness, he employed one of the
most beautiful, and no doubt, the
most favorite animal as his instru-
ment. And then with the most
consummate skill, he presents his
proposal. His first aim is to pro-
duce in them a feeling of dissatis-
faction, accordingly his language is
adroitly chosen to produce this ef-
fect. "Ya hath God said ye shall
not eat of every tree of the garden."
Immediately our ancient mother, be-
gins to muse. It is strange indeed;
why does God forbid us to partake
of that beaut ful lruit ? What ob-
ject can he have in making this pro-
hibition? Filled with such reflec-
tions, she answers his question.
Emboldened by her reply, he plies
the temptation in a more unmasked
form, even daring to contradict the
word of God. "Ye shall not surely
die: for God doth know, that in the
day that ye eat thereof, that your
eyes shall be opened; and ye shall
be as Gods, knowing good and evil."
Dreadful words, enough to have
aroused her at once to a sense of
her danger. How rapid the pro-
gress of sin. First a feeling 01 discon-
tent, then doubt, then a rebellious
thought, then an act of disobedi-
ence.
Dear reader, let us here pause for
reflection. Satan is ever the same
wily foe that he was when he in-
truded himself into the garden of
Eden. It is ever his favorite scheme
to get the children of men to doubt
God's word. He doos not at once
come out and tell us that that word
isfalse. Oh no! If he did we could
more readily detect him. But he
will insinuate that we need not be
so careful, that we need not make so
many sacrifices. He will even inti-
mate that it is impossible for us to
obey that word in every point. He
will tell us the word contains some
mystical meaning, which if we un-
derstood, we would see that we were
taking much unnecessary pains. If
he can but succeed in getting us to
doubt one syllable of God's word, or
induce us to seek for some meaning,
that will not require a comple sur-
render of ourselves into his hands.
then this enemy has gained a foot-
hold upon us, that will, unless di-
vine grace is interposed, drag us
down to ruin. God's word requires
nothing less than a complete surren-
der of ourselves, with all we have
and are.
Temptations are presented i.
many forms, that unless we are well
168
CONDEMNING SIN IN THE FLESH.
acquainted with the holy scriptures,
we oan easily be misled. Wo- find
that at one time this arch deceiver
IV-ter, one of the most favorite dis-
ciples, to present a temptation to
the Son of God. Little did Peter
think that he was being used as Sa-
tan's agent, until his Master's lan-
guage, "(Jet thee bohind mo, Satan-
thou art an offence unto me; for
thou savorest not the things that be
of God, but those that bo of men,"
Mat. 16: 23, undeceived him. Our
temptations also, sometimes come
from sources that make them very
painful. Yet if the word of God be
;; lamp unto our feet, and a light
unto oar path, Psalms, 119: 105,
and with David we have sought the
Lord with our whole hearts, and
like him have hid his word in our
hearts, that we might not sin, then
can we find our way through the
thick darkness, and not be over-
come.
As we have already seen man is a
two-fold being. The body or fleshy
part, being the chain of communi-
cation between the soul and the
material world. Accordingly the
temptation was of a nature, well
calculated to appeal to the outer
senses. For, "When the woman
saw that the tree was good for food,
and that it was pleasant to the eyes,
and a tree to be desired to make one
wise, she took of the fruit thereof,
and did eat;" Gen. 3: 6. John tells
us that "The lust of the flesh, the
lust of the eyes, and the pride of
life, is not of the Father, but is of
the world," 1 John 2: 16. This first
temptation was so skillfully applied,
as to appeal to all these three. For
they could see in this fruit some-
thing to gratify the flesh, something
to please the eye. And there was
something in it to excite the passion
of pride. Something, that begat
within them a desire to be what
they were not. Formerly thoy had
never known one care or one anx-
ious thought. With a sweet filial
trust they had reposed themselves
in God, their kind tender Father.
Now a foreign thought intrudes it-
self upon them. Another world is
pictured forth and presented to their
imagination. And for the first time
do they have a thought, or a desire
beyond their lovely home, and how
soon did that desire cause them to
break loose from the object. James
says, "When lust hath conceived, it
bringeth forth sin : and sin ; when
it is finished, bringeth forth death,"
James 1: 15.
But the inquiry is frequently
made, Why did God place one tree
in the garden which he forbade man
to partake of ? Though God design-
ed that man should serve and obey
him, yet he required a voluntary
service, a willing obedience. If no
prohibition had been given his loy-
alty could not have been tested.
Though the soul which was the
offspring of Jehovah, was the pre-
siding, controlling, acting agent, yet
all its operations were carried on
through the flesh. This served not
only as the chain of communication
between it and the material world,
but also as the chain of communica-
tion between it and God himself. It
therefore follows, that should this
link be deranged in some way, it
would but imperfectly perform its
office, and the result would be, spir-
itual confusion and ignorance.
Jesus said, "The light of the
body is the eye; therefore thine eye
CONDEMNING SIN IN THE FLESH.
169
be single, tby whole body shall be
full of light," Mat. 6: 22. The phy-
sical eye is the medium through
which light enters the body. If
this organ become impaired, vision
will be imperfect. God adapted the
light to the eye, and the eye to the
light, no other organ can perform
the office of the eye. Though the
sun should continue to emit his rays,
and give to nature all her varied
beauty and loveliness, all this would
be lost to us if tbe eye should re-
fuse to perform its office. Just so,
God made man and gave to him a
law, holy, just and good, Rom. 7:
12 j a law that was perfectly
adapted to him in his state of prim-
itive purity, for God ever governs
his rational creatures by a law as
the rule of their obedience to him.
This law was rendered inefficient by
the fall, not that the law became in-
trinsically impaired. It remained
the same, but the medium through
which that law operated upon the
soul, became impaired. Hence, in
our text Paul tells us, The law was
weak through the flesh.
But blessed be God though his
divine rays were thus intercepted
by sin. Though the original me-
dium through which he designed to
manifest himself to mankind was
frustrated, he did not cast off the
human family and leave them forever
to grope their way in darkness.
No, thrice blessed truth, "what the
law could not do, God sending
his own Son in the likeness of sin-
ful flesh and for sin, condemned sin
in the flesh.''
We have already seen that God
originally made man in his own im-
ago, that is, his spirit was the child
ol God. This was indeed a wonder-
ous work. How unspeakably con-
descending would it have been, had
that Creator after he had formed
man from the dust of the ground,
clothed himself in the flesh and
dwelt within him on an equality
with him, sharing with him the
pleasure of Paradise.
But wonderful beyond the com-
prehension of man or angel, after
I man by disobedience hud defaced
.that divine image; after sin had
snapped asunder that link of com-
munication between him and bis
Maker, then, in that wretched situ-
ation, far beyond the reach of any
created help, Christ, (the only be-
gotten Son, who is so beautifully
called our elder Brother, and how
appropriate the term elder, for Paul
says, "He was the first born of ev-
ery creature," Col. 1: 15,) came to
them in their enslavement, and,
"Forasmuch then as the children
.are partakers of flesh and blood, he
also himself likewise took part of
jthe same; that through death he
might destroy him that bad the
power of death, that is, the devil ;
and deliver them who through fear
of death were all their life time sub-
ject to bondage." Heb. 1: 14, 15.
The first Adam, who was made a
living soul 1 Cor. 14: 45 having died,
in consequence of sin having sieged
all the avenues that communicated
between him and his divine Father,
thus bearing that offspring of God,
bis soul shut up in a prison-house of
sin, in order to emancipate these
captive children, and again give
them access to himself, his Son.
"Who being in the form of God,
thought it not robbery to bo equal
with God ; but made himself of no
reputation, and took upon him the
170
TFIE LAW OF THE NEAR KINSMAN.
form of :i servant, and was made in
the likeness of men : and being found
in fashion as a man, ho humbled
himself, and became obedient unto
death, even thedeath of the orossj"
Phil. 2: 6-8. Tins divine person,
though equal with Grod, after cloth-
ing himself in flesh, made himself
of no reputation, but took the place
of a servant. Having assumed that
humble place, he undertook the
ureal work of conquering that fell
tyrant by whom man was enslaved.
He came for sin, and the glorious
sequel is, he condemned sin in the
flesh. But before this result was
accomplished, ho suffered untold ag-
ony in the flesh. "The Captain of
our salvation was made perfect
through sufferings, " Hob. 2: 10 By
exposing himself to all the rage and
malice of Satan. By submitting to
every form of evil that sin could in-
flict, and yet remaining pure, and
undefiled. For he was in all points
tempted like as we are, yet without
sin/7 Heb. 4: 15. From this fiery
ordeal, he came pure. "Holy, harm-
less, undefiled, seperate from sin-
ners/' Heb. 7: 26, therefore he gain
ed a perfect victory over sin.
[To be Continued.']
The Law of the near Kinsman.
Among the benevolent laws given
by the Lord to the Israelites, there
is one we may call The law of the
near Kinsman. Reference is made
to this law in the following passage :
"The land shall not be sold forever:
for the land is mine; for ye are
strangers and sojourn with me.
And in all the land of your posses-
ion ye shall grant a redemption for
the land. If thy brother be waxen
poor, and hath Bold away some of
his possession, and if any of his kin
come to redeem that which his
brother sold; And if the man have
none to redeem it and himself be
unable to redeem it; then let him
count the year of fhe sale thereof,
and restore the overplus unto the
man to whom he sold it; that he
may return unto his possession.
But if he be not able to return it to
him, then that which is sold shall
remain in the hand of him that
hath bought it until the year of ju-
bilee: and in the jubelee it shall go
out, and he shall return unto bis
possession." Lev. 25: 23—28.
The Hebrew word goel or kins-
man-redeemer, was the term used to
express the person who was nearest
related to his destitute kinsman.
If an Israelite through poverty had
mortgaged his inheritance, the goel
was to buy it back. If he had sold
himself into bondage, the goel was
to pay the price necessary to obtain
bis freedom. If he died without
children, the goel might marry his
widow and raise up children unto
his brother. If he was murdered
the goel was to avenge the blood of
his murdered relative.
The term goel was applied to our
Lord as well as to the nearest rela-
tive among the Israelites. And the
Savior became our near kinsman or
goel, took our nature upon him.
"For verily he took not on him the
nature of angels; but he took on
him the seed of Abraham." Heb.
2: 16. So affirms Paul. He says
further in relation to our Lord's as
suming our nature. ''For as much
then as the children are partakers of
flesh and blood, ho also himself like-
wise took part of the same." Heb.
THE LAW OF THE NEAR KINSMAN.
171
2 : 14. How fully did onr Lord
identify himself with humanity!
He is born of a virgin. Ho is a
feeble infant and needs a mother's
tender ca;e. His mode of subsis-
tence was that of ordinary men; he
ate common food, he drank of the
water of Jacob's well, and he slept
as other men do. His human fac-
ulties expanded gradually, and did
not reach maturity at once. He
became our brother or near kinsman
indeed, that he might redeem not
only our lost inheritance, but also
ourselves, as wo were sold under sin.
And it is with much propriety that
the near kinsman among the Jews,
and our Lord himself are both call-
ed by the same name in the lan-
guage of the Hebrews. For why
should the name of Goel be applied
to him that acted the part of a re-
deemer to the unfortunate among
the Jews, and to the Savior of sin-
ners, if there was not a striking re-
semblance between the kindly offices
the}- fulfilled? When we look at
the duties enjoined upon the Goel
among the Jews, and the work our
Lord came to do, a very strong re-
semblance between their missions
will appear.
Wre find in the law relative to the
Goel among the Jews, that he was
to redeem the mortgaged inherit-
ance of him for whom he asked as
Goel or near kinsman. So man's
rich and happy possessions in Eden
were forfeited by his violation of the
law of his Creator and Sovereign.
And in the forfeiture of Eden, was
involved the forfeiture of everlast-
ing life. The impossibility of man
himself to recover his lost posses-
sion, is one of the plainest truths
taught in the gospel. "None of
them can by any means redeem his
brother, nor give to God a ransom
for him." Ps. 49:7. Surely not,
since we are all involved in the same
ruin. Neither could angels redeem
us, for they needed all their holiness
themselves. But what man or
angels could not do for us, the Lord
Jesus Christ has done. He has re-
deemed us and that with his own
precious bluod. He hath both re-
deemed the earth for us, and us also
for the earth. "I am carnal, sold
under sin," says Paul, Rom. 7 : 14.
For being reduced to the lowest de-
gree of poverty by the loss of his
original rightousness, and commun-
ion with God, man, like the prodi-
gal in the parable, sold himself, for
a wretched sustenance of his mere
animal nature, to the devil. From
this state of slavery, we could not
by any means have delivered our-
selves. But our near kinsman, the
Redeemer, came to our assistance,
and by offering himself "a ransom
for all," has made provision to "re-
deem us- from all iniquity, and to
purify unto himself a peculiar peo-
ple zealous of good works," and
adapted to that holy state of things,
which will take place after the cre-
ation of the new heavens and the new
earth, when the tabernacle of God
shall be with men, and when he shall
dwell with them, and when they
shall be his people, and when God
himself shall be with them, and be
their God. Rev. 21: 3.
In the beautiful and simple story
of Ruth, we have an illustration of
the advantages of the law of the
near kinsman. An appeal was
made to this law by Naomi, Ruth's
mother-in-law, to Boas in behalf of
Ruth. Boas was a near kinsman to
172
SING PRAISES.
Ruth. Ho took her under his pro-
tection Qfi hie w ife, md in thus keep-
ing the law of the \a^vi\, promoted
bis own happiness as well us that of
bis wife. And while other of Ruth's
kinsmen were afraid oi marring
their inheritance by marrying Ruth,
out of regard to the law of bis
God did so and was thereby brought
into the genealogy of the .Messiah.
We have hero an illustration of the
principle that God will honor those
that honor him. Our Lord Jesus is
our God, our Redeemer, our everlast-
;- r Redeemer; he looked, like Boas,
with compassion on the deplorable
^tute of fallen mankind; at a vast
expense he redeemed the heavenly
inheritance for us, which by sin was
mortgaged, and forfeited in the
hands of divine justice, and which
we could never have been able to
redeem. He likewise purchased a
peculiar people, whom he would es-
pouse to himself, though strangers
and foreigners, like .Ruth, poor and
despised, that the name of that
dead and buried race might not be
cut off forever. He ventured the
marring of his own inheritance, to
do this, for though he was rich, yet
for our sakes he became poor; but
he was abundantly recompensed for
it by his lather who, because he
thus humbled himself, hath highly
exalted, and given him a name
above every name. Let us own our
obligations to him, make sure our
contract with him, and study all
our days how to do him honor.
J. Q.
For the Visitor
SING PRAISES.
Giving to needy fellow beings fur-
is a-n inexhaustible source of
happiness to the true Christian.
BY JOHN CALVIN BRIGHT.
Sing praises unto God, sing praises: sing prais-
es unto our King, sing praises. Ps. XIVII, 6.
Is any merry ? lot him sing psalms. James
V, 13.
In reading the Book of Psalms
my attention was frequently called
to the number of times and multi-
plicity of forms in which the Sweet
Singor of Israel expresses the thought
contained in the heading of our ar-
ticle. In our text he mentiones it
tour times, in some chapters more
than a dozen times, and in the
whole book he hundreds of times
and ways holds forth the same com-
mendable idea. It seems that in
whatever direction his mind ran or
in whatever condition he was —
whether despondent or hopeful, re-
joicing or sorrowing, "cast down"
or "lilted up," he called on the ani-
mate and inanimate creation of the
universe and on all the intelligent
beings of heaven and earth to praise
and adore His Eternal Majesty. I
purpose penning a few of my re-
flections on this subject for the Vis-
itor and though I shall confine my-
self principally to the Psalms I may
from time to time call some of the
other inspired writers to the wit-
ness stand.
1. Praise is due God, or in other
words, God is worthy of praise. This
none but an atheist will deny.
Again few perhaps appreciate or un-
derstand this to the extent they
might or should. Though man was
created but a little lower than the
angels, and bad dominion over the
whole earth yet in consequence of
SING PRAISES.
173
the Fall he is so depraved in morals1
and his intellectual capacities so
narrowed and circumscribed by reas-
on of sin and inbred corruption that
he does not fully appreciate the in-
numerable blessings which heaven
showers upon him and in his path,
or acknowledge them with the hu-
mility and thankfulness that the
circumstances of the case or reason
would seem to demand for him.
To help us to see the propriety and
necessity ot praising God wo shall
devote a paragraph.
We will notice His attributes as
displayed in the Creation, Provi-
dence and Redemption of the world.
1. Power. The mighty God, even
the Lord hath spoken, and called
the earth from the rising of the sun
unto the going down of the same.
Psalm 50, 1. "He ruleth by his
power forever." . 66, 7. "The
Lord on high is mightier than many
waters." . 93, 4. The many
millions of spheres of the universe,
the great mountains and rivers of
the earth and numerous forms of
vegetable and animal life are evi-
dences of His almighty power.
2. Wisdom. "With him is wis-
dom and strength, he hath counsel
and understanding." Job 12, 13.
The wisdom ol the almighty is seen
in the harmony that prevails
throughout the universe, in the a-
daption of all things to the ends de-
signed for them, and in the Redemp-
tion of "the world that lieth in
wickedness."
3. Love and Mercy. These at-
tributes of Deity deserve more than
a passing notice from fallen human-
ity. They are our strongholds, for
"God so loved the world that he
gave his only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth on him should
not perish but have everlasting life."
John 4: 16. And here let me re-
mark that this same kind of love is
the badge of discipleship and if we
lack it when the final test of all
things shall bo made, we, though we
may have "great possessions," and
"all the wisdom of Egypt" will have
to depart in a sorrowful manner af-
ter the example of one of old. To
resume our train of thought, God's
mercy is frequently spoken of in
Holy Writ. Thirty times the
Psalmist declares "His mercy en-
dureth forever," and in considera-
tion of which he says that "Good-
ness and mercy will follow me all
the days of my life." Psalm 23, 6.
God's Love and Mercy are the ave-
nues through which wo can make
our wants and petetions known and
whereby we present our praises be-
fore the throue of graco. And the
attribute — Omnipresence, Immuta-
bility, Goodness, Justice, Long Suf-
fering, Holiness, Impartiality, Ve-
racity, Fore-knowledge and Com-
passion each of which might be
commented on beyond the limits of
this essay together with those wo
have already noticed and left un-
mentioned none of which can be de-
nied God ; but each of which he has
to perfection leads the writer to
conclude that He is certainly worthy
of praise. And when we consider
the inestimable blessings which God
in the exercise of his various attri-
butes has showered on humanity in
creating them in his own image
and placing them in a delightful
garden eastward in Eden which con-
tained the tree of life, and after
they raised the puny arm of rebel-
lion how He followed them through
174
SING PRAISES.
many years and different dispensa
tions trying
"To bring them baok to God again."
And the many temporal blessings —
caused the sun to rise on the evil
and the good and sent rain on just
and unjust, filled our garners and
storehouses with the necessaries
and luxuries of life, our brooks and*
d linking places with good water,
and many other favors too numerous
for language to express. We will
certainly conclude that mankind are
under the most solemn obligations
to render at least part of the praise
due the Maker. And I further
opine that if we neglect to begin to
render praise here, it will be to late
when we get "over there" and con-
sequently in the bitterness of tor-
ment we w i 1 1 curse ourselves and
our blind guides for bringing us
thereto. "He that hath ears to hear
let him hear."
2nd. We proceed to consider
How shall we render praise to God,
For all his kindness shown ?
One of the meanings of praise is
to do honor, hence to praise God is
to honor him. This can be done by
actions as well as by words because
"actions speak louder than words."
In this way every thing praises
the Lord when they accomplish or
fulfill that which he intended or de-
signed them to do. When the sun
"rises on the evil and the good" and
gives light and heat to the earth
Liid all therein; when the moon ru-
leth the night and when the "Fire
and hail; snow and vapour; and
stormy wind fulfills his command,"
they praise the Lord. When the
stars in their courses fought against
Sisera, when the floods swept away
the enemies of God, when the hail.
stones killed great numbers of Isra-
el's adversaries, when the Red Sea
parted and [srael went through on
dry land and then flowed together
and drowned Pharaoh and his host,
when the walls of Jericho fell down
at the blowing of ram's horns &c.,
and when at the command of Jesus
the raging elements ceased their fu-
ry and "there was a great calm,"
God's name was glorified. And
when men and women obey the re-
quisitions of heaven and tench them
to their children, learning them to
lisp their Maker's praise while dand-
ling them on their knees, when
young men and maidens do truth
and lend their influence on the side
of virtue and purity, spending the
flower of their lives in the service of
the Near Kinsman, and when young
children honor their parents with
the respect due them, our Father's
name is praised. Thus every thing
can extol the Majesty of Heaven.
But before we conclude we will
indite a few thoughts on vocal
praises because "Singing is of divine
authority and was enjoined by God
on both the Jews and Christians."
Singing always was used and ever
will be a part of the public praise of
God. David frequently speaks of
"praising the Lord" in the courts,
sanctuaries and congregations of the
Lord and in ihe gates of the daugh-
ter of Zion. And Paul instructs
his brethren to admonish "one an-
other with psalms and hymns and
spiritual songs making melody unto
the Lord."
Singing the praises of God either
in public or private should be done
"with the spirit and with the under-
standing also" to be acceptable to
him. And in our New Hymn Book
THE HOUSE OF GOD MADE
175
and Tune Book, works of no little
merit, we can find songs and tunes
adapted to every occasion.
3rd. Singing praises to God shall
never cease. Glorious thought! The
man after God's heart declared some
fourteen times that he would sing
the praises of God forever- And
says the poet
Hero shall our praises be begun
But carried on in heaven.
This world is not the end ot it then?
O no! We are just taking our first
lesson — just the rudiments — the al-
phabet. And the thought that this
is a characteristic that the church
always had and always will have
should make us diligent scholars in
this exercise. Sing the praises of
God forever? Y^s for
When we've been there ten thousand years,
Bright shiDing as the sun,
We've no less days t3 sing God's praise
Than when we first begun.
And consider the songs that will
be sung then. The Song of Moses
and the Lamb of Free Grace and
others of which we are yet totally
ignorant. But the raptures of that
music and the bliss of those who
take part in it can not be described.
If we revert to the other side of the
gulf instead of harmony and praises
and happiness, we discover nothing
but discord, cursing, groans of un-
utterable despair, and bitter tor-
ment.
Dear reader, in view of these
facts, would I offend you by asking
you to begiD to sing God's praises
nowf Would I exceed the bounds
of propriety and courtesy by ad-
monishing you to honor God by
your walk and conversation now?
Would it not be the part of a wise
time and means in worshiping Him
who is worthy of all praise? "How
think ye." In conclusion sing the
48th, 58th, GSth, 78th and 88th
hymns.
Dayton, O. April 6th, 1873.
For the Visitor.
The House of God made a House of
Merchandise.
"And the Jews passover was at
hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusa-
lem, and found in the temple those
that sold oxen, and sheep, and doves,
and the changers of money sitting:
And when he had made a scourge
of small cords, he drovo them all
out of the temple, and the sheep,
and the oxen ; and poured out the
changer's monejT, and overthrew the
tables; and said unto them that
sold doves, take these things hence:
make not my Father's house a house
of merchandise." John 2 : 13, 14,
15, 16.
Christ, in this language, undoubt-
edly, has reference to the temple in
Jerusalem, which was typical of
that spiritual temple; which, ac-
cording to Paul's language, is the
church of Christ. Paul says,
"know ye not that ye are the tem-
ple of God, which temple is holy."
Now he directs the language to the
church, and says they, (the mem
bers thereof,) are the temple of God ;
which temple, says he, is holy; but
warn the . brethren, not to defile
that temple; saying, "If any man
defile the temple of God, him shall
God destroy: for the temple of God
is holy, which temple ye are." We,
the members of the Christian church,
constitute the spiritual temple of
man for us to spend our talents, ' God, in which God will walk : as we
17-.
A HOUSE OF MERCHANDISE.
infer from 1 Cor. (i: 1(1, which pas-
sage I will transcribe. "And what
agreement hath the temple of God
with idols'/ for ye are the temple of
the living God; as God hath said, I
will dwell in them, and walk in
them; and I will be their God, and
they shall be my poople." We, in
other passages, are nominated as
the house of God; and Christ says,
"make not my Father's house a
house of Merchandise." Now, breth-
ren, here, I think, we need some ad-
monition. When we come together
to worship the Lord, there is too
much merchandise brought along.
But, says one, who brings merchan-
dise to the house of God? We say,
too many of us. We bring it in our
hearts, and hear it proceod out of
the mouth. -'For of all the abund-
ance of the heart, the mouth speak
eth." Now, brethren, it is too often
the case, when we assemble our-
selves together, that the first thing
is, — how are yon holding out in feed.
And from this it goes on until it
comes to the hogs and chickens.
And thus the conversation contin-
ues until they are called to order
for worship. By this time the mind
is scattered to and fro over the
earth : and if a spiritual mind was
there it is also scattered. Now,
brethren, "these things ought not
so to be." This is the reasen that
we have many dry meetings, and so
much unsuccessful preaching. To
these things, Christ would say, take
them hence, "make not my Father's
house a house of merchandise."
We should endeaver, when we come
together, to make the place a "house
of prayer;" and not of "merchan-
dise." And, brethren, this is not
the only place that we constitute
the "house of God ;" but we consti-
tute that house when we are scat-
tered abroad over the wide world.
And we should remember, that, in
our families, we constitute a part of
that building which is "fitly framed
to go together;" and it is our high-
est duty to first attend to the things
of the Lord; and not, (after the
Lord has spared, and brought us
through the night,) to rise unthank-
ful, and let our first thought be cast
over our farm kc: but let thy first
thought be cast in the past; and re-
flect each morning, and each eve-
ning, and think what the Lord has
done lor you; and return your
thanks to him for the same, asking
him to strengthen you, and to give
you grace to conquer when the ene-
my makes his approach. In the
words of the poet :
"Take your companion by the hand, and all
your children in a band,"
and present yourselves before the
Lord, asking him to help you to
bring them up in the nature and ad-
monition of the Lord : for if the
child is brought up in the way he
should go, he will never depart
therefrom. .Remember, dear breth-
ren and sisters, "That if two of you
shall agree on earth, as touching any
thing that they shall ask, it shall be
done for them of my Father which
is in heaven."
Now then, if we, as parents and
companions, agree to pray unitedly
in behalf of those dear ones, whom
God has given as but for a season,
it is impossible that they should be
lost; or, at least, almost so, unless
we are wavering in our prayers.
For "he that wavoreth is like a wave
of the sea." Seek not uncertain
riches: for if you do, you will tug,
THE BLISS OF THE MILLENNIAL TIMES.
17'
and strive, and abuse your own body;
as well as the body of your children,
and will provoke them to anger.
And the apostle says, "Fathers, pro-
voke not your children to anger,
lest they be discouraged." Let all
things be done in love, and in the
fear of the Lord.
I must now say something to the
children, especially those in the
Lord. The command is to you,
"children obey your parents, for
this is well pleasing in the sightof the
Lord." And again he says, "this is
the first command with promise."
Seek not to please yourselves, but
the Lord. And this is well pleas-
ing with the Lord, if ye obey your
parents. When ye serve, "serve!
not as with eye service; but as fear-
ing the Lord;" for the Lord's pen-
etrating eye is at all times on you,
and there is nothing hid from him.
I would not be understood by the
reader, that I think it wrong to la-
bor, and take care of earthly things:
for the apostle says, "he that pro-
videth not for those of his own
household, hath denied the faith,
and is worse than an infidel." So
we must be careful on either hand.
But Solomon says, "'there is a time
for all things." Therefore there
must be a time to labor, and a time
to worship God. Then since there
is a time for all things, let us use
every moment aright, and in its
proper place. I will now give you
the words of one of our old breth-
ren, who is in his grave. "Live
each day as though you knew that
the next day is your last. And
work each day as though you ex-
pected to live forever."
Dennis Weimer.
The Bliss of the Millennial Times.
'The world to come, whereof we speak." —
Heb. ii. 5.
These words occur in connection with
the apostle's endeavor to impress his Jew-
ish brethren with a sense of the great-
ness and glory of the Lord Jesus and
of the salvation which is preached in
his name. He begins the epistle by
announcing the Savior to them as the
Son of God, — the appointed heir of all
things, — the Maker and upholder of
the worlds, — the brightness of the
Father's glory and the express image
of his Person, who has been exalted to
the right hand of the Majesty on high.
These were sublime statements, and
needing to be well substantiated to be
made acceptable. He, therefore, insti-
tuted various lines of argument, adapted
to the Jewish mind and founded upon
the Scriptures, which all held to be di-
vinely inspired. And as the Jews re-
garded angels as the highest created
orders, and as standing next in the
scale to the eternal Father himself,
Paul's first effort was to prove from
prophecy that Christ is superior to the
angels. He introduces three points in
which this super-angelic dignity is
shown. The first is, that Christ is
assigned a higher name than the angels ;
the second is, that he is clothed with a
sublimer honour than the angels, — they
being only ministering spirits, whilst he
is spoken of as a divine King, whose
throne is for ever and ever, and the
sceptre of whose kingdom is the sceptre
of righteousness. The princely invest-
iture and reign of the Messiah is thus
distinctly deduced from the Old Testa-
ment, and used by the apostle as the
sublimest demonstration of the Savior's
personal dignity. And this Messianic
dominion he applies particularly to what
is hereafter to grow out of the gospel
178
THE BLISS OF THE MILLENNIAL TIMES.
economy. He tells us that it is pecu- may consume cities, destroy armies, and
liarly "(he world to come1* over which affect some important meteorological and
the Messiah's reign is to be recognized, 'geological changes; but men and uaiious
"For unto the angels hath he not put in wili survive them and still continue to
to subjection the world to come, whereof live in the flesh. The earth is to be
we speak;" thus proceeding upon the renovated and restored from its present
implied assumption that it has been by depression and dilapidation, and thus
promise, put into subjection by Jesus ( become "the new earth" of which the
Christ; and that all these allusions to t Bible speaks. It is to pass through a
the Savior as a King have their chief ("regeneration" analogous to that
application and ultimate fulfillment in [through which a man must pass to see
that "world to come." The Messiah's ; the kingdom of God: but there will be
reign and this world to come according-
ly belong together, and co exist in the
same period and locality. By deter-
mining, then, what is meant by this
"world to come," we may form an idea
or what is included in the Messianic
kingdom ; or if we already know what
the consummated Messiac reign is, and
where it is to be, we have it already
decided what we are to understand by
this "world to come."
There is no alternative but to under-
stand this world to come as the millen-
nial world, or the world as it shall be
a continuity of its elements and exist-
ence, just as a regenerated man is con-
stitutionally the same being that ho
was before his renewal. It will not be
another earth, but the same earth under
another condition of things. It is now
laboring under the curse; but then the
curse will have been lifted off, and all
its wounds healed. At present it is
hardly habitable, — no one being able
to live in it for ever, without knowiDg
what death is. It is now the home of
rebellion, injustice and guilt; it will
.then be the home of righteousness. It
when Christ shall have restored the j is now under the dominion of Satan; it
throne of David, and entered upon his j will then come under the blessed rule
glorious dominion as the sovereign of of the Prince of peace. Suc'^at nny rate
the nations and Lord of the whole earth
And to this agrees exactly the original
word oikoumene, which means the
habitable earth, — the domiciled globe on
which we dwell, — and not some remote
supernal region as we sometimes imag-
ine. The world to come, then, or the
oikoumeneen teen mellousan as the apos-
tle calls it, is nothing more or less than
this selfsame world of ours in its final
or millenial condition. This earth is
not to be annihilated. God never ob-
literates his own creations. The dissolv-
ing fires, of which Peter speaks, are for
"the perdition of ungodly men;" and
is the hope set before us in the Word of
God; and this I hold to be uthe world,
to come" of which the text speaks. It
cannot be anything else. It cannot be
what is commonly called heaven, for'the
word oikoumenee cannot apply to heaven.
It is everywhere else used exlusively with
reference to our world. Neither can it
be the present gospel dispensation, as
some have thought; for that begun long
before this epistle was written, and
could not, therefore, have been spoken
of by Paul a3 yet "to come." We are
consequently compelled to understand
it to mean our own habitable world in
not for the utter depopulation and de- jits millennial glory. And as the proph-
struction of the whole world. They 'ecies concerning the Messiah's eternal
THE BLISS OF THE MILLENNIAL TIMES.
179
kingship are here referred to as having!
their fulfillment in the subjection of the1
millenial world to his dominion, we are I
furnished with anorher powerful argu-
ment of Scripture in favor of the doc-;
trine ot Christ's personal reign as a
great Prince in this world. Indeed the ]
Bible is so full of this subject, and its
inspired writers are so constantly and
enthusiastically alluding to it, that I am ;
amazed to find so tnauy piuus ^nd Bible- '
loving people entirely losiDg sight of it
Ever and anon the Scriptures return to
it as the great and animating hope of I
the church in all her adversiti s and ;
depressions; and it does seem to me
that we are depriving ourselves of much '
true Christian comfort by the manner j
in which we have been neglecting and I
thrusting aside that glorious doctrine. I
That "the world to come" is a highly
blessed world, and a vast improvement'
upon the prc-ent scene cf things, will
be inferred on all hands without argu-
ment It could not be a subject of hupe|
if it were not. The Savior himself ex (
hibited a model ot it whin in the Mount
of Transfiguration; from which, perhaps,
we may obtain *s deep an insight of its
glories as from any other portion of
Scripture. That he designed that scene
as a minature model of what his future
coming and kingdom is to be, is obvi-
ous. A week before it occurred, he
told his disciples that ' the Son of Man |
shall come in the glory of the Father,!
with hia anyels or messengers with1
him :" and that thtre were some stand-
ing there when he made the declaration
who "should not taste of death till they
mw the Son of Man coming in his
kingdem." This coming in his king-
dom, which some of his diciples were to
live to see, is not the final advent; for
the disciples are all dead, and the final
idvent is still future. Neither is it the
destruction of Jerusalem; for but one
of the apostles lived to see that catastro-
phe, and the Son of Man did not then
come in his kingdom. And yet some
of the apostles were to have ocular dem-
onstration of the Son of Man's coming
in his kingdom before tasting of death.
Search through apostolic history as we
will, we shall find nothing but the trans-
figuration to which the Savior's words
will apply. That, then, was, in some
sense the coming of the Son of Man in
his kingdom: It was not indeed, the
coming itself, but it was an earnest and
picture of it. It was the coming of
the S<>n of Man in his kingdom, as the
bread and wine in the Eucharist are
Christ's body and blood. Peter says,
"the power and coming of our Lord Je-
sus Christ" are not "cunningly-devised
fables." He declares that he was cer-
tified of their reality by the testimony
of his own senses. We were eye wit-
nesses, says he, uwhen ice were with him
in the holy mount." We thus have
clear inspired testimony that the scene
of the transfiguration was a demonstra-
tive exhibition of the coming of Jesus
in his kingdom Hence, whatever we
find in the description of that scene, we
may confidentially expect to be realized
in that "world to come whereof we
speak." As Christ appeared in that
glorious scene, so he will appear when
he returng'to this world. As he was
then personally present as the Son of
Man, so he will be personally present in
the millennial kingdom And as he
was there attended by different classes
of persons, so will his glorious kingdom
consist of similar classes. The first will
be the risen and glorified saints, repre-
sented by Moses; the second will be
the transformed saints represented by
Elijah who was caught up without
tasting of death ; and the third and
ISO
THE BLISS OF THE MILLENNIAL TIMES.
most numerous class will be those who
.shall live iu the body, represented by
Peter, James, and John, as they bowed
• fore his mighty power, and looked
with transport and wonder on his incflfa
ble glory.
Let us, then, endeavor to draw out
before us some of the more striking
features of "the world to come" and by
the contemplation of its attractiveness,
endeavor to school our hearts into more
ardent thirst to participate in the bliss-
ful scenes.
I do not wish to depreciate in the
least those gracious arrangements of
heaven under which we now live. It
is a blessed thing to have the Bible,
and to attend properly on the means of
grace, and to enjoy the renewing and
comforting influences of the Holy Ghost.
In giving to us these things, God has
endowed us with mercies for which we
can never be sufficiently thankful. But
he authorizes us to look for greater
things than these. The present econo-
my is only preparatory to something
higher and more blessed.
We're now but in creation's vestibule,
And acting the mere prelude unto joy
Immortal, universal.
There is another and more exalted
scene of things to follow after the pres-
ent. If we are faithful to our Lord,
there remains for us "a new earth,
wherein dwelleth righteousness." And
one of the most remarkable and sublime
features of that "new earth" is, that it
is to have in it the personal, visible, and
illustrious presence of the Son of God,
its great King. It was the presence of
Jesus in his glory that made Peter
wish to stay in the mountain rather
than return again into the cold and
heartless world below. That gloiious
presence was more than all earth be-
side. We may thus gather some idea
of the preciousness of that promise that
the pure in heart shall see God." The
mere vision of Christ in his glory will
be heaven to the soul that leans on him
as the Redeemer.
There is no thirst in man more crav-
ing than the desire to behold God. All
the image in heathen temples, and all
the idolatries of the world, are but ex-
pressions of this perpetual sigh of hu-
manity. Moses himself coveted most
of all things to see him who was accom-
plishing such wonders by his hand.
And very few, if any, can pray without
first forming to the mind some image of
God We are creatures of sense. Ab-
stract spirit is a cold and uninviting
conception. All our deepest impress-
ions, and all our ideas, are received by
means of the outward senses. And
there is no glory of God which we can
conceive that can possibly be so satisfy-
ing and transporting as that of behold-
ing him, and for ourselves seeing
his glory. All Christ's sublime teach-
ing did not so impress and rejoice the
hearts of Peter, James, and John, as
that one short vision of the Savior, as
he was transfigured before them. Not
all the sublime experience of Moses so
satisfied him, and when God gave him
some manifestation of his glory. When
John sums up the highest prospects of
believers, he makes their fullest satis-
faction and rapture depend on seeing
Jesus as he is. And Peter, when he
came to his strongest reason for holding
Christianity to be a reality, referred to
what he had seen on the holy mount.
It was a glad thing to see Jesus, even
in his humiliation. We sometimes wish
that we had lived in those days, that we
might have looked upon his face and
heard the tones of his voice. If we
could refer to one single glimpse of him,
we would treasure it as a blissful thing.
THE BLISS OF THE MILLENNIAL TIMES.
181
We would ever recur to it*with pleasure.
If there were now a spot on earth where
we can see him even as he then was,
millions would spare no expense or
pains to gain a look upon him, and mul-
titudes would throng to the place, cry-
ing, "Sirs, we would see Jesus /" And
if it would be a high and lawful grati-
fication to see Christ as he once lived
on earth, how sublime would be the por-
tion of seeing him in the glory of his
kingdom ! Would it not afford a cer-
tainty to our faith, and a rapture in our
hearts worth living for ? Look at the
case of the queen of Sheba, when she
came to see the glory of Solomon, — the
type of the greater than Solomon. She
had "heard of his fame concerning the
Lord," as we have heard of Christ and
his glory ; but there was an air of ro-
mance about it which made her doubt
ful, just as many even Christian people
are with respect to revelation. There
was something wanting to complete her
enjoyment. She needed yet to see the
reality of wbich she had heard. To se-
cure this, a journey of months through
exposure and danger she deemed of
small account. And when she had seen
all Solomon's wisdom, and the house
that he had built, and the meat of his
table, and the sitting of his servants,
and the standing of his ministers, and
their apparel, and his ascent by which
he went up to the house of the Lord,
there was no more spirit in her;" she
fainted for very ecstasy. Now she could
say that it was a true report which she
had heard, and that the half had not
been told her. Never could she have
forgotten that visit. Never could that
vision of Solomon's glory have passed
from her delighted memory. Never did
it cease from being a sunny spot in her
recollection to which to recur as the
happiest event of her life. And if the
sight of the glory of the mere human
type of the Messiah was thus transport-
ing and overpowering, what a joy would
it be for the Christian to see the blessed
Jesus himself in the glory of his ineffa-
ble kingdom? If to see Solomon's
grandeur was an event worth living for,
who shall estimate the heavenly rapture
of beholding the Savior on his high
throne of glory, clothed with light a3
with a garment, crowned with all the
sublime beneficence of heaven, thous-
ands ministering unto him, ten thous-
and thousands standing before him, and
multitudes of celestial spirits ever shout-
ing to his praise, "Holy, holy, holy,
Lord G-od Almighty !" Would it not
be a high .privilege to see all this ?
Would it not set his whole nature in a
glow with heavenly inspiration, and
consecrate him as a new apostle just
from the third heaven ? Would it not
impart a richer pleasure, and a more
satisfying joy, than all the gifts of Pen-
tecost ?
From this we may, then, infer some-
thing of the bliss of millennial times,
when Christ shall be upon earth, array-
ed in all the glory of his kingdom. Then
we shall see him as he is. The glorified
saints shall* ever be near him, in the
close communion with him, for he is
their brother as well as their Redeemer
and King. And those who live in the
flesh shall not be excluded from near
visions of his glory and rapturous ap-
proaches to his person and presence.
The ransomed nations shall continually
send up their streams of worshippers to
Jerusalem, where they shall usee the
King in his beauty" and receive his
communication and be made glad in his
favors. Then with overflowing hearts,
shall men say, "It was a true report
which we heard ; our eyes now have
seen ; and, behold, the half was not
182
THE BLISS OF THE MILLENNIAL TIMES.
told
Doubt ami unbelief will then , that has been faithful over ten talents
be no more. Harassing fears will be 'shall have dominion over ten cities ; ev-
cast up. Christ's existence, triumphs ery man according as his work has been.
And so "the kingdom and dominion,
and the greatness of the kingdom under
the whole heaven, shall be given to the
saints of the Most High." They are to
sit on thrones, and judgment shall be
given them, and they shall be priests of
God, even of Christ, and shall reign
with him the thousand years. They
are to wear crowns of righteousness,
which God the righteous Judge will
give unto them at that day. Having
exercised meekness, they shall inherit
the earth ; and by the righteousness of
faith made "heirs of the world," they
shall enter upon their inheritance.
Jesus is the heir of all things, and the
saints are joint-heirs with him Having
suffered with him, they shall be glorified
with him. They shall have a city of
habitation becoming their high nature
— " a firmly founded city, whose build-
er and maker is God." They are to
eat and drink with Christ, at bis table,
in his kingdom, "They shall see his
face, and his name shall be in their
foreheads, and they shall reign for ever
and ever." They shall neither marry
nor be given in marriage, but shall be
as the angles of God. "Oh, what un-
tried forms of happy being, what cycles
of revolving bliss, await the just ! Con-
shall be in them, and their delight shall jception cannot reach it, nor experience
and unspeakable glories will thenbe vis-
ibly demonstrated, and the world shall
be lifted out of the grave of its dark-
ness and misgivings into the glorious
light aud liberty of the sons of God.
For if Christ's presence in the transfig
uration con verted the rugged mount in-
to all that Peter could desire of heaven,
his sublime and gracious presence in his
kingdom cannot make this world less
than a paradise of God.
A second great feature of the "new
earth," or "world to come," is the ex-
altation, presence, and ministrations of
the church of the first-born. Paul tells
us, that when Christ comes, the holy
dead shall be raised, and the pious liv
log changed, and both these classes to-
gether enter into their high and pecu-
liar estate. These will the Savior bring
with him, and have associated with hiui
in the princedom and sublimities of his
glorious empire. They shall then have
spiritual bodies, like the glorious body
of their Lord. They will not return
to the earthly life which they once
lived in the flesh; but they shall live
a life like that which Jesus lives. They
shall be in the closest union with Christ,
for they constitute his Bride, and are to
"be ever with the Lord." His delight
be in him. They will share in his glor-
ies, and be partakers of his throue. They
present materials for the picture of its
similitude; and though thus figured out
are to "reign with Christ." They are with the choicest emblems, they do no
to judge angels and to judge the world, more represent it, than the name of
The twelve apostles are to have twelve
thrones, judging the twelve tribes of
Israel Having overcome, and kept the
Savior's sayings to the end, they shall
have power over the nations. He that
has been faithful over five talents shall
have dominion over five cities; and he
Shepherd describes the watchful guard-
ianship of Christ, or the name of Fath-
er the unspeakable love of God." "It
doth not yet appear what we shall be."
What shall be the precise nature of the
authority, priesthood, heirship, and
glory of the saints, cannot now be told.
THE BLISS OF THE MILLENNIAL TIMES.
183
But this "we know, that when he (the
Savior shall appear, we shall be like
him, and shall see him as he is." A
world of wonders is in every word of
this promise. But how great shall be
the believer's happiness, what his pe-
culiar circumatances, how large his pos-
sessions, and what the exact nature and
dignity of his employments, tongue
cannot tell, nor heart conceive. We
cannot understand the soul's faculties
now ; and they shall be greater here-
after. Sublimo are the Christian's re-
lations now; and they shall be sublimer
then. Wonderful are the offices and
mission of good men now; and they
shall be a thousend times mere wonder-
ful then. A thoroughly converted and
enlightened man, even whilst in the
corrupt flesh, is a noble object to behold.
Even the angels are not ashamed to be-
come ministering spirits to him. What
then shall be his glory when he shall
come to occupy his throne with the
adorable Jesus in the dignity of eternal
empire ?
That the glorified saints will, to some
extent, mingle with those who live in
the body, and at times unveil their ra-
diance to them, I think there is reason
to believe. Their offices would seem to
imply it. If they are to govern, direct,
and minister to those in the flesh, it is
natural to suppose that they will also
be visible, at least occasionally. Angels,
in the performance of similar offices,
have often been manifested to living
men ; and why should it not be so with
Christ's servants, in the wonderful ad-
ministrations of his glorious kingdom ?
The earth will then be much nearer to
heaven than ever it was before, and the
intercourse between them will doubtless
be more free and intimate. Glorified or
spiritual bodies are, perhaps, in their
nature, invisible to our earthly senses.
Christ, after his resurrection, was not
visible except at certain times when he
manifested himself. The angels are in-
visible, and yet we have many instances
in which they were revealed to the view
of mortals. And in that new world in
which the glorified saints are to be en-
throned, and commissioned, as the min-
isters of Christ the great King, to exe-
cute his orders and administer his gov-
ernment over the nations, we may rea-
sonably expect that they will often ap-
pear, and converse with those who live
in the flesh, and that intercourse be-
tween them and those in the body will
be as real, familiar and blessed as that
which Adam enjoyed with heavenly be-
ings in Paradise.
But whatever may be the specific na-
ture of the knighthood and priesthood
of the glorified saints, or whatever way
they may discharge their sublime min-
istrations, we may rest assured that
their relation to the world will be '
for good and blessing. Christ will thus
associate them with him in his kingdom
only the more gloriously to fulfil his
grand design of love and mercy. He
came into this world to seek aud to
save that which was lost. He came to
reveal God to man and to lift up man
into harmony with God. He came
amidst the grovelling, the selfish and the
earthly to tell a tale of disinterested love
at which selfishness might hang its head.
He came amidst the guilty, the wretched,
and the lost to reveal a design or mer-
cy at which angels rejoice with exceed-
ing joy, and before which the aching
and the burdened heart may throw off
the load under which it labors. He
suffered, died, rose agrin, now lives in
heaven, and will soon return to earth,
all to cast out the evil which has come
upon man, and to bring in Paradise.
And this espousing to himself of an
184
THE BLISS OF THE MILLENNIAL TIMES.
elect, ransomed and glorified church can
be for no other purpose than that which
he has already manifested in his won-
derful doings hitherto. Much of the
great plan of redemption yet remains
unfulfilled; and this church the first-
born is exalted to its high place, not
only for its own glory and the Savior's
but as another great link in the chain of
agencies and administration by which
the entire world is to be brought to the
higher sphere for which it was destined.
These children of the resurrection are to
constitute an elect and immortal college,
connected with the Savior's own glori-
fied humanity, that he may thus con-
summate his wonderful designs in the
ultimate and entire repeal of the curse
under which the earth groans, and the
recovery forever of the lost heritage of
man. Why does he call and constitute the
church as we now have it ? Certainly
not only that those who enter it may
be justified and accepted. There is
another object. It is that he may work
in and through the church, and carry
light, civilization, truth and hope to the
children of men. And Christians are
not done with this world when they die.
When this elect church shall have been
completed, and its members come to be
priests and kings with Christ in the
glorious Messianic kingdom, the
same general calling which they now
fill will continue. These sublime prince-
doms of the eternal empire are a part of
God's great plan to let forth his love,
wisdom and blessing upon the earth's
future generations. Blessed, blessed
shall it be then for the world, when
once the saints shall be installed with
their promised dominion, and sit with
Christ upon his throne ! \
Another characteristic of the millen-
nial world will be the entire absence of
all the confederations and powers of
wickedness. When the Savior comes,
Antichrist in all its shapes, will be de-
stroyed. The wild beast and the false
prophet are cast alive into the lake of
flrej; their supporters and adherents,
are slain with the sword. The last ren-
ovating fires which are to be kindled in
the day of the Lord shall carry all the
confederates in usurpation and wrong
to their merited perdition. The dragon
that old serpent, which is the devil,
even Satan, shall then be seized, and
bound, and confined in the pit, to de-
ceive the nations no more till the thous-
and years be fulfilled, and after a brief
release consigned to the lake of fire. In-
stead of depotism and tyranny shall be
justice and charity. Those that now
corrupt and destroy the earth will then
have been destroyed. The filthy dream-
ers, who despise government and speak
evil of dignities, will then have passed
away. The raging waves of popular
revolution, foaming out their own shame,
shall have been stilled, to rise no mora.
Those wandering stars in church and
state, by whom so much disturbance is
now experienced, will then have gone
to the blackness of darkness appointed
for them. Might shall not then trample
upon right. The course of nature, now
set on fire of hell, shall then be made to
flow in all the smoothness and tranquil-
ity of heaven. "The Son of man shall
send forth his angels, and they shall
gather out of his kingdom all things
that offend , and them which do iniqui-
ty, and shall cast them into a furnace of
fire." False prophets and false teachers,
with all their "damnable heresies," shall
then have gone to their destruction.
Nations shall cease their fierce works of
war, and armies no more butcher each
other upon the bloody field of battle.
Violence will no more be heard in the
land, nor wasting and destruction with-
THE BLISS OF THE MILLENNIAL TIMES.
185
in its borders. Satan will be deprived
of his power to stir up rankling passion,
and the sway of oppression and iniquity
will be ended. The greatest of the
world's burdens will thus be lifted off,
and the millstone that has weighed it
down so long will be loosed from its
neck for ever.
A fourth feature of the millennium,
or new ^arth, will be the great exaltation,
piety, and glory of the Hebrew nation,
and of the world through them. This
people is to be restored to Palestine ;
Jerusalem is to be rebuilt in more than
its former glory ; the throne of David is
to be re-established; and the Prince
Messiah is to be their King. "For lo !
the days come, saith the Lord, that I
will bring again the captivity of my
people Israel and Judah, and I will
cause them to return to the land that I
gave to their fathers, and they shall
possess it. And they shall serve the
Lord their God and David their
King, whom I will raise up unto them :"
(Jer- xxx. 3-9.) "They shall all of
them be righteous, and shall inherit the
land for ever." Their land that was
desolate shall become like Eden, and
even its deserts like the garden of Je-
hovah. "In that day shall the branch
of the Lord be beautiful and glorious,
and the truit of the earth shall be ex-
cellent and comely for them that are es-
caped of Israel. And he that is left in
Zion, and he that remaineth in Jerusa-
lem, shall be called holy." God says
of the house of Jacob, "The Gentiles
shall see thy righteousness, and all
kings thy glory. Thou shalt be a crown
°f glory in the hand of the Lord, and a
royal diadem in the hand of thy God.
Ye that make mention of the Lord,
give him no rest till he make Jerusalem
a praise in the earth. Say to the
daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salvation
cometh. And they shall call them, The
holy people, The redeemed of the Lord."
"Rejoice ye with Jerusalem, and be
glad with her; for thus saith the Lord,
Behold I will extend peace to her like a
river, and the glory of the Gentiles like
a flowing stream." "At that time they
shall call Jerusalem the throne of
the Lord ; and all tne nations shall
be gathered unto it, to the name of the
Lord to Jerusalem." "I the Lord will
be their God, and my servant David a
prince among them. And I will make
them and the places round about my
hill a blessing. And I will raise up
for them a plant of renown. Thus shall
they know that I the Lord their God
am with them, and that they, even the
house of Israel, are my people." "I will
be as the dew unto Israel ; he shall
grow as the lily, and cast forth his root?;
his branches shall spread, and his beau-
ty shall be as the olive-tree, and his
smell as Lebanon." "And many na-
tions shall come and say, Come, and let
us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
and to the house of the God of Jacob ;
and he will teach us his ways, and we
will walk in his paths ; for the law shall
go forth of Zion, and the word of the
Lord from Jerusalem." Jesus himself
shall descend among them, and be their
King. He shall fight for them in the
day of battle, and slay all their enemies.
For "God shall give unto him the
throne of his father David, and he shall
reign over the. house of Jacob for ever,"
and "before his ancients gloriously."
These are glowing promises. Well
may they cause the Jew to be hopeful
amid all his long-continued spoliations,
and to sing still, "If I forget thee, 0
Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her
cunning ! If I do not remember thee,
let my tongue cleave to the roof of my
mouth !" And when these glad pre-
186
THE BLISS OF THE MILLENNIAL TIMES.
Qfi sliall be fulfilled, nil the nations
shall share in the sublime exaltions of
God's anoieni people and their glorious
King. Then all the nations of the
earth shall be bletaed in Abraham's
seed. 'Israel shall blossom and bud,
i
and fill the place of the earth with j
fruit " Tbe remnant of Jacob shall be
in the midst of many people as a dew
from the Lord, and as showers upon the
grass." They shall be called the priests
of the Lord ; and men shall call them
the ministers of our God." When Zion,
the city of the Lord, shall arise and
shine, the Gentiles shall come to its!
light, and Kings to the brightness of its
rising. When the new Jerusalem ap- !
pears, "the nations of them which are
saved shall walk in the light of it." In
that day, Israel's King, even "the Lord,
shall be King over all the earth." "All
people, nations, and languages shall
serve and obey him." "The heathen
shall be given to him for his inheritance,
and the uttermost parts of the earth for
his possession." "Kings shall fall down
before him and all nations shall serve
him." "He shall rei<in and prosper,
and his rest shall be glorious." "The
world to come, whereof we speak," has
been put into subjection unto him. The
kindoms of this world are to be his
kingdoms. Every knee shall bow, and
every tongue confess that he is Lord.
He must reign until he hath put all
enemies under his feet. Morally, spir-
itually, and politically, all people must
be eventually subjugated unto him.
"For the earth shall be filled with the
knowledge of the glory of the Lord as
the waters cover the sea."
All these are God's own revela-
tions. They are full of mystery,
but full of hope, how they are to be
fulfilled may be a subject of wonder
but that they will be fulfilled is as
certain as the existence of God. It
may not all be done at once. It
will bo an achievement of moral
force, and not of mere arbitrary
coercion. It may require years up-
on years to accomplish all ; but Ho
who has promised knows how to
perform what he has uttered. Tbe
new, august, and momentous per-
sonal manifestations of Christ for
which we are taught to look, the
enlarged gifts of the Holy Ghost
which are yet to be bestowed, the
appointment of other, better equip-
ped and more efficient ministerial
agencies, the probable rcvivai of mir-
acles, the shaking of the nations with
the terrors of coming judgments,
the increased power of the Bible de-
rived from the fulfilment of its
prophecTes, and the removal of Satan
and all his treacherous opposition,
certainly will leave it no difficult
task to make a speedy conquest of
all the great nations to the glorious
dominion of the Son of David, come
down from heaven to be their King
and Lord for ever.
But the new earth has yet anoth-
er blessed characteristic. It is to
present the glorious spectacle of the
entire repeal of the curse of sin. It
is true that the complete and entire
repeal of the curse will not be con-
summated until the end of a thous-
and years, when all wickedness and
the wicked shall finally be cast out
from the earth forever. But from
the time Christ comes and takes do-
minion of the world with his glori-
fied saints, everything will advance
closer and closer and closer, until it
reaches his final and transcendent
consummation. His coming is styled
"the regeneration," — "the day of
the restitution of all things," — the
THE BLISS OF THE MILLENNIAL TIMES.
137
time when God shall "make all
things new, " — "the manifestation of
the sons of God," for which the cre-
ation groans and waits, — the day of
redenption, when "the creature it-
self phall be delivered from the
bondage ol corruption, into the
glorious liberty of the children of
God." Christ is the Eedeemer and
Lord of the whole creation, as well
as of the human soul. When God
made man, he said to him, "Have
dominion over the fish of the sea,
and over the fowl of the air, and
over the cattle, and over all the earth,
and over every creeping thing that
creepeth upon the earth." This do-
minion Adam lost. The rebellion
of the soul against God brought
with it the rebellion of the flesh
against the spirit, and of nature
against the entire man. Discords,
antipathies, and a thonsand evils
ensued. Christ is the second Adam,
and by subverting the empire of
Satan, he regains the dominion
which Adam lost and carries his re-
demption as far as the consequences
of the fall have reached. Otherwise,
the entire breach is not healed; and
salvation is imperfect. The curse
that was put upon the ground for
Adam's sin, filling it 'with thorns
and thistles, infusing sweat and pain
into all our participations of its
products, must be taken oft. The
evils and confusion which sin has
brought into the world must be
driven out. And this is exactly
what is promised under the reign of
Christ and his saints. "The Spirit
shall be poured from on high, and
the wilderness bo a fruitful field,
and the frnitful field be counted a
forest. And the work of righteous-
ness shall be peace ; and the effect
of righteousness, quietness and as-
surance for ever." The mountains
and the hills shall break forth into
singing, and all the trees of the
field shall clap their hands, instead
of the thorn shall come up the fir-
tree, and instead of the brier shall
come up the myrtle-tree : and it
shall be to the Lord for a name, for
an everlasting sign that shall not
be cut off." "Then the eyes of the
blind shall be opened, and the ears
of the deaf shall be unstopped.
Then shall the lame man leap as an
hart, and the tongue of the dumb
sing; in the wilderness shall waters
break out, and streams in the desert.
And theparched ground shall become
a watered place, and the thirsty
land springs of water; in the habi-
tation of dragons there shall be
grass, with reeds and rushes :" And
the inhabitants shall not say, 1 am
sick." There shall be no more
thence any dying in infancy, or of
men who have not filled out their
days. "They shall not labor in
vain, nor bring forth trouble. The
wolf and the lamb shall leed togeth-
er, and the lion shall eat straw like
the ox: and dust shall be the ser-
Ipent's meat. They shall not hurt
nor destroy in ail my holy moun-
tain." (Isa. lxv. 17-25.) "The wa-
ters of the Dead Sea shall be healed."
Trees shall grow Which shall "yield
their fruit monthly, and the leaves
thereof shall be for the healing of
the nations." "ThcyT shall not hun-
ger nor thirst, neither shall the heat
nor sun smiie them." "And there
SHALL BE NO MORE CURSE." And
God shall wipe away all tears from
their eyes; and there shall re no
MORE death." "The last enemy
that shall be destroyed is death."
188
MOTHERS.
He may linger through a brief and
feeble existence in some of the out-
skirts of the millennial world; but
he must be entirely destroyed.
"Then shall be brought to pass the
Baying that is written, Death is
swallowed up in victory ;" and
earth's rodeomod and undying gen-
erations shall take up the song, "O
death ! where is thy sting ? O grave !
where is thy victory ? Thanks be
to God, which giveth us the victory,
throug our Lord Jesus Christ I"
Such, then, is the glorious con-
summation to which the works of
Providence and grace are tending.
Such is the finishing of the mystery,
which God hath spoken by the
mouth of all his holy prophets. This
battle-field of hell and heaven shall
rise up out of its desolations. The
bliss of Paradise shall yet dwell in
its valleys, and the glory of God
shine on all its hills. Though a
lazar-house for so many ages, it
shall be the home of righteousness
and peace and a temple of blessing
and glory, whose vaulted dome
shall echo for ever with redemp-
tion's songs. Things may look un-
promising now; but everywhere
heaven is pouring into it. Tyran-
ny, war, distress and wickedness
may seem to be triumphant; but
their end is near; and the desire of
nations approaches. Satan and his
emissaries may struggle in their
desperation ; but they shall not be
able to keep the world from the res-
urrection to which it is moving.
The sore travail of the Savior's soul
shall yet be seen in an everlasting
equation between it and heaven.
Jesus himself shall set up his throne
in it and brighten it with the glor-
ies of his ineffable personal presence.
The holy ministries of the children
of the resurrection shall cover it
with a mantle of peace and light.
Satan and all his works shall be
rooted out of it forever. All its
long-erring nations shall be reclaim-
ed, and all its discordant elements
recovered to harmony and rest.
Over all this place of graves the
flowers of immortality shall bloom.
Instead of the coffin shall be Elijah's
chariot, and in place of the death-
struggle shall be Enoch's rapture.
And from all God's great universe
shall break forth the song of joy
and praise over a world that was
lost and is found ; over this blasted
earth made now again and glorious
for ever. — Rainboio.
MOTHERS.
My task is but half
Completed. Hitherto I have reveled
In the poetry of maternal love, —
But there is sterner work for her to do,
Who trains her child for purity on earth —
And for health immortal in heavenly spheres.
Fearful realities demand firm nerve.
Facts have come to my obseva-
tion that startle me into a conscious-
ness of a mother's responsibility.
A youth who, comparatively was
Heaven's favorite, for he was sur-
rounded with advantages which the
multitudes do not enjoy, thus ad-
dressed me:
"Do not waste your sympathies on
me a blight is on my body and on
my soul ! Why was I permitted
thus unwittingly to work on my
own ruin? If I had only known it
was wrong! Then such evils lie in
the path of the young, what are
their guardians about that they are
left unwarned ! While such pit-falls
exist in our way, there is no need
DESIGN OF THE CHURCH.
189
for preaching a future hell-fire. The
torments of these evils are a worse
hell than we have reason to dread
in the coming future." This young
man is but one of a countless multi-
tude who constitute the vast pro-
cession that send back a pitiful wail
from the vergo of the yawning gulf.
As philanthropists even, can we bo
thus appealed to and not feel our
entire being stung by so just a re-
proach? While there is so much
done to pamper the body, — so much
preciou3 time, money, and energy
given to the toilet and the table,
some duties must of necessity be
neglected.
As mothers, the great Supreme
has intrusted to our keeping the
richest treasure that was ever drawn
from the bank of heaven. The
casket is admired, and the utmost
skill is taxed to perfect its adorning
according to the approved style of
the times. Sorue of you, perhaps,
tire anxious, if another has succeed-
ed better than yourselves in trans-
ferring the latest modes from the
fashion plates so as to best effect the
charm of gracefulness upon the "al-
abaster" that contains these jewels;
but while such trifles have absorbed
the attention, a deadly virus may
have been insinuated through the
loosened clasp, and ere you are a-
ware, in the sight oi Him who holds
the bonds of your guardianship, the
luster of that priceless gem is gone:
bartered away for less than "a mess
of pottage."
When I see a professedly Chris-
tian mother discussing the latest
fashion for the arranging of frills
and jackets, until herbrain reels, —
or wearying in toil over tempting
viands, a feeling of commiseration
comes over me, and a query — could
she attach importance to these mat-
ters if she realized that sixty thou-
sand of the youth of our land are
dying annually from the effects of a
hateful habit which was contracted
while yet children? j
^Alas! these same little cherubs
that are now sporting with your
tresses, pulling at your jewels, and
cunningly winning your fondest ca-
resses, oven now demand your vigil-
ance. You may consider them as
only infants, and while you are at-
tending to the supposed claims of
social life, they are turned over to
the care of hirelings for a few brief
years, the die is cast, and you awake
only to hear the pitiful wail, "If I
had known it was wrong!" When
that wail comes up to you from the
opening grave of your own child,
then and there, you will learn the
supreme value of mental culture
over temporal adornments.
And, when in that coming future,
the light of eternity falls upon heav-
en's ledger, we shall comprehend the
nature of those bonds which hold
the mother responsible as the guard-
ian of her child.
*» § m
DESIGN OF THE CHURCH.
1;It is but too evident that the church of
this age, and perhaps, with few exceptions,
the church of every age has but imperfect-
ly and inadequately understood her voca-
tion as a testifying and proselyting body.
She has been too secular aud too selfish.
She has not allowed the wondrous truths
which she professes, to exert their power,
and has quenched the Divine Spirit which
dwells in her as a bodily temple. Chris-
tians seem to be trying the dangerous and
desperate experiment of gaining just relig-
ion enough to save them from hell, and
take them to heaven, rather than putting
190
THE TWO SYSTEMS.
forth all their desires and to Bee
how much of the light and power, and joy
of godliness they can - They seem
as if they would be content to float into the
haven of eternal rest, upon any plant or
fragment of the ship-wrecked vessel, rather
than intensely long to make a prosperous
d have "an abundant entrance,11
with Grary sail set, the precious cargo all
and to drop tlu.-ir anchor ami. I
the acclamations of the admiring multi-
tudes who throng the heavenly strand.
We can conceive of a time, when the
heavenly and holy calling will be better
understood and more perfectly exhibited.
When Christians will be seen on every
hand, taking up, as a rule of conduct, the
apostle's epitome of his whole moral self,
and say, "For me to live is Christ ;" when
personal ease, domestic comfort, and the
acquisition of wealth, knowledge or fame,
though not neglected, will be considered
as very secondary and subordinate matters
to the bearing testimony for Him and con-
verting the world to God; when they will
feci that the Lord hath set apart him that
is godly for himself ; when they shall con-
sider themselves as sacred to God, formed
for himself to show forth his praise; in-
stead of looking with envy and an imita-
tive propensity on the men of this world,
who devote themselves wholly and success-
fully to the acquisition of wealth, grandeur^
and power, they will pray to be delivered
from them as pursuing a low, sordid and
sinful course, compared with their own, in
witnessing for God, and spreading the sa-
vor of his knowledge through the world,
and will feel that, so that they do but ful-
fill their mission, they can be content to be
the witnesses who prophesy in sackcloth.
They will no more dream of giving them-
selves up to personal ease and enjoyment,
as the great object of desire and pursuit, to
the neglect, or lukewarm pursuit of their
object, than would an ambassador, sent to
bear testimony for his sovereign and his
nation in a foreign court, and before an an-
tagonistic and hostile people.
Up, then, ye soldiers of the cross — gird
ye for the conflict — quit you like men. The
world is all before you. The commission is
n your hands. Victory awaits you. With
such a Captain and such a cause, what
enemy could prevent you from winning the
world for Christ, and immortal honors for
yourselves !'
Their exist-
and one that cannot be
THE TWO SYSTEMS.
Keader, there are two distinct and sepa-
rate systems of Christianity at the present
day. It is usele.-s to deny it.
:t -rent fact,
too clearly shown.
According to one system, religion is a
mere corporate business. You are to helong
to a certain body of people. By virtue of
your membership in this body, vast privi-
leges, both for time and eternity, are con-
ferred upon you. It matters little what
you are, or what you feel. You are not to
try yourself by your feelings. You are a
member of a great ecclesiastical corporation.
Then all its privileges and immunities are
your own. Do you belong to the one, true,
visible ecclesiastical corporation ? That is the
grand question.
According to the other system, religion
is eminently a 'personal business between
yourself and Christ. It will not save your
soul to be an outward member of any ec-
clesistieal corporation body whatever,howev-
er sound that body may be. Such mem-
bership will not wash away one sin. or give
you confidence in the day of judgment.
There must be a personal faith in Christ,
personal dealings between yourself and
God, personal felt communion between
your own heart and the Holy Ghost. Have
you this personal faith ? Have you this
felt work of the Spirit in your soul ? This
is the grand question. If not you will be
lost.
Reader, this last system is that which
those who are called evangelical ministers
cleave to and teach. They do so because
they are satisfied that it is the system of
holy Scripture. They do so because they
are convinced that any other system is pro-
ductive of most dangerous consequences,
and calculated to deluge men fatally as to
their actual state. They do so because
they believe it to be the only system ol
teaching which God will bless, and that nc
church will flourish so much as that in
which repentance, faith in Christ, conversion
and the ivork of the Sjririt, are the grand
subjects of the minister' s^sermons. — Rev. J
C. Ryle, B. A.
OBITUARIES.
191
OBITUARIES.
Died near Middlebury, C'nv County, Ind.,
March 17th, 1873, HANNAH BURNER, daugh- \
ter of Christian aud Eve Burger. Aged 5 mos. I
and 17 days. Funeral occasion from Matthew
]9 chapter, 13 and 14 verses, by the writer.
Departed this life, April 13th, 1873, in Clay
County, Ind , near Middleburry, PERRY CHER-
RY HOLMES, aged 45 years, 4 tuos. and 2 days.
Funeral occasion by the writer and brother el-
der David Culler, from 2d Cor. 5th chapter, 10th
verse, to a large coucourse ot people.
Holmes lived in the river bottom, and a few
days before his death the high water compelled
him and his family (composing himself, wife
and three children,) to leave their home. So
they came to brother Daniel Summer's to stay
until the water would fall, so as to go back to
their home. But a quick change indeed, took
place. On Friday they got to brother Sum-
mer's, and by Suuday he lay a corpse, and on
Monday :4th, he was deposited in his mother
earth. Ho leaves a wife (a sister,) and three
children to mourn his loss. Another warning.
Death comes quickly, and there is no time to
prepare. So, 0 man, prepare to meet thy God
while it is called to-day: for we know not what
tomorrow may bring forth.
(Companion please copy.)
Died near Johnstown, Owen County, Ind.,
April 14th. 1873, AARON, son of William and
sister Catharine Fisky. Aged 7 months and 14
days. Funeral occasion from Matthew 19 chap-
ter, 13 th and 14 verses, by the writer.
(Companion please copy.)
Died in the Maquoketa Church, Clinton Co.,
Iowa, March 10th, 1873, HILTA CROFFORD,
adopted daughter of brother David and Bister
Sally Ann Crofford. Aged 3 years and 6 days.
Funeral service from St John the 11 chapter, by
the brethren.
Ye mourning saints whose streaming tears
Flow o'er your daughter dead,
Say not in transports of despair
That all your hopes are fled.
Though your young branch's torn away,
Like withered trunks ye stand;
With fairer verdure shall ye bloom
Touch'd by the Almighty's hund.
J. Gable.
Died November 29th, 1S72, in Balden. Jack-
unty, Iowa, MILTON, (deaf and dumb)
son of friend Isaac and Elizabeth Stutsman!
Age 23 years 3 mouths and 24 days. Disease
ooosomption. Funeral services by brother J.
Shul'z.
Farewell conflicting hopes and fears ;
Where lights and shades alternate dwell,
How bright th' unchanging morn appears:
Farewell inconstant world farewell.
John Gable.
In the Cove district, Md., Oct. 11, 187:-!, WM.
R. M., twin son of Daniel and Sally Beeghly,
aged 1 ;year and 3 months. Funeral services
by the writer and Jacob M. Thomas, in the
Lutheran church, Bear Creek, Md.
In the lower Deer Creek congregation, Car-
roll County, Indiana, March 25th, our much
esteemed brother REUBEN YOUNG, aged 40
years and 5 months. Desease erysipelas. He
leaves a sorrowing wife and three small children
to mourn their loss ; yet we think they need not
mourn as others, who have no hope. In him
the Church has lost a worthy brother, and the
family a kind father. Brother Reuben was
elected to the office of deacon a little over a
year ago, where we think he discharged his du-
ties faithfully; ever seeming to be willing to do
what duty seemed to require.
Funeral services by C. Lesh and Henry Gish.
J. D. Mussleman.
On Sunday morning, April 27th, of paralysis,
in Baltimore, at the house of Louis Detrick,
his son-in-law, elder JOHN H. UMSTEAD,
aged 71 years, 3 months and 26 days.
His remains were brought home for inter-
ment with his family at Green Tree Cemetry, a
piece of land he donated to the people of his
charge. Though dead, yet he liveth in the
hearts of his beloved flock, and his many friends,
while he sweetly sleeps in Jesus.
In Frodrick County, Va., April 20th, elder
JAMES D. TABLER, aged 68 years, 10 mos.
and 14 days. Funeral occasion improved by
elder G. Shaver, J. Wakeman and the writer,
from Proverbs 14 : 13.
Sister Tabler, his wife, preceded him to the
silent tomb about two years. She was in her
68th year,
Samuel A. Shaver.
Sister HANNAH REAECCA TURNEY, for-
merly the widow of William Fike and daugh-
ter ot Michael M. Thomas. She was annointed
with oil in the name of the Lord and the bread
Mid wine or the communion administered short-
ly before her death. She died in the triumph
of faith, aged 33 years 9 months and 2 days.
She leaves a sorrowing husband and 4 children
and father and sister and brothers and friends
to mourn their loss. Funeral service by elder
Jacob M. Thomas and the writer from Isaiah,
3Sth chapter and latter part of the first verse.
"Set thine house in order for thou shall die and
cot live.'' Jacob Beeehlv.
In the Lost Creek congregation, Juniata Co.,
Pa., on Sunday, December loth, after a severe
illness of about thirty-five hours, sister SARAH
PRICE ANDERSON, aged 72 years, 4 months
and 7 days. Sister Anderson was born in
Montgomery County, near Indian Creek, and
lived about fifty years there. From there stie
moved to McAllistersville, where she spent the
remainder of her days. Mother A. was a fre-
quent visitor at my house, of late, and I knew
by her enlightened conversation on the holy
scriptures, tbat she was strong in the faith once
delivered to the saints, and strove to lead a
Christian life : and we hope she has received
the reward of the just, with many bright stars
in her crown. Her body was interred in the
Presbyterian graveyard. Funeral improved by
brother Elias Landis.
Fannie C, Myers.
McAUisterville, Pa.
192
OBITUARIES.
In Lamotte Prairie, Crawford County, Ills
of spotted fever, March 5th, PETER, son of
Peter llausch, aged S years, 1 month and 3 days.
Also, on 7th of March, of same disease,
MARY RAUSCH, daughter of same parents,
aged 5 years and 9 months. Funeral services
by brother Absolom Hyre.
Also in samo vicinity, of same disease, March
20th, JOSEPH WELLER, aged 17 year.?, 3
months and 25 days. Funeral discourse by
Jesse Heistand.
Also in same vicinity. March 22d, of same
disease, ROSA, daughter of Peter King, aged 2
years. Fuueral servicos by A. Ilyro and the
writer.
Also in same vicinity, of same disease, March
22d, ANNIE, daughter of A. G. Sutherland,
aged 11 years.
Also in Hutsonville, Crawford County, Ills.,
March 25th, MISS ROSE DOOLITTLE, aged
about 15 years.
Also a daughter of Noah Evans at same
place and at same time.
J. P. Horning.
In Huntersville, Madison Couuty, lnd., April
ISth, 1873, of inflammation of the bowels, SI-
LAS A. TRAYER, aged about 48 years.
The deceased was not a member of any
church, but that he was respected as a citizen
was attested by the unusually large attendance
at his burial. Funeral preached on the 27th of
April from Job 14 chapter and first clause of
14th verse by the writer and Samuel Bock.
M. J. McClure.
Died October 6th, 1872, in the Lower Stillwa-
ter congregation, QTJINTER C. OAKS, infant
son of Simon and Mary M. Oaks, aged 6 mos.
and 23 days. Funeral service by Abraham
Flory and John Smith,
Also on the 28th day of March 1873, MARY
M. OAKS, mother of the above infant and wife
of Simon Oaks, at the residence of her father
and mother in Sandy Creek congregation, while
on a visit to her friends. Aged 29 years and 2
days. Disease, congestive chills.
She was a faithful and humble follower of the
Savior, and her friends do not sorrow as those
that have no hope. Funeral service by Joseph
Recknor and the writer. Jacob M. Thomas.
(Companion and Pilgrim please copy.)
Died near Markle, Wells County, Indiana,
April 28th at 5 o'clock p. m. brother ANDREW
J. SPARKS, aged 38 years 10 months and 13
days. Disease, spotted fever. Funeral at the
residence of the deceased. Occasion improved
by elder Samuel Murray and the writer from
Job 14: 14, first clause, and other Scripture in
connection. The remains of our dear brother
were deposited at about 5 o'clock in the grave-
yard on the farm.
Brother Sparks was born in Rush County,
Indiana, June 15th, 1834, and came to this
place with his father when two years old, where
he lived up to the time of his death. He was
married to Mary Eikenberry, June 25th, 1854,
and they lived together consisant for sixteen
years. He worthily filled the office of deacon
two years, was then elected to the ministry in
which he served up to the time of his death.
He died with a glorious hope. He leaves a
wife and live children to mourn their loss.
Lonesome hours attend our dear sister and the
kind children. In their behalf we earnestly
solicit the prayers of the church that they with
us all may be permitted through the divine
graco of our heavenly Father to so fully quali-
fy ourselves that when called upon to depart
this life we may look forward beyond the grave
with a bright anticipation of that glorious im-
mortality held in reservation for all who love
and look for the appearing of our dear Redeem-
er. Wm. M. Hamilton.
In Beaver Creek congregation, Montgomery
County, Ohio, March 10th, sister HANNAH
ARNOLD, wife of brother Samuel Arnnld and
sister-in-law of the writer. Her discaso was
rather a mysterious one, as the doctors were
very much bafiled about it. She had been ail-
ing for about twelve month previous to her
death. Her age was 51 years 11 months and
17 days. Funeral occasion improved by the
1 rethren present, to a large concourse of people,
from John 14: 1 — 4.
Sister Arnold leaves a sorrowful husband, (a
deaeon) two sons and one daughter to mourn
her loss; but we hope their loss is her gain.
She raised all her offspring to maturity, two of
which are married. She wa3 buried in the
brethren's graveyard near tbe residence of her
husband.
Also in the same congregation and county,
March 19th, of consumption, sister HARRIET
BRUBAKER, aged 37 years and 1 day. Fu-
neral improved by brethren P. Nead and Dan-
iel Miller, from the words, "Be thou faithful
until death, and I will give thee a crown of
life," the latter clause of the 10th verse of 2d
chapter Rev.
Sister Brubaker was one of our plain sisters,
and one who adorned the doctrine of the Savior
by her walk and chaste conduct and examples
of piety. She obeyed her Master's call in early
days, and lived and died a consistent member.
Her chief desire waB that she might be absent
from the body and present with the Lord. Her
mind was perfectly rational until the last mo-
ments of her life. A few hours before her de-
parture she requested the brethren to meet
with her in prayer, and anoint her with oil in
the name of the Lord. Her request was imme-
diately attended to. She leaves a kind hus-
band, (a minister in the second degree,) and
five children to mourn the loss of a kind com-
panion and mother; but not as those that have
no hope, for their loss is her eternal gain. She
was buried in the Brethren's grave-yard in the
above named church, where many sorrowful
tears were shed. H. H. Arnold.
In the Lower Miami Church, Montgomery Co.,
Ohio, April 12, '73, Sister MARY NOFFSIN-
GER, aged 80 years and 3 months. Funeral
occasion improved by the brethren from 2 Tim.
4: 6, 7, 6.
In the Valley River Congregation, near Beal-
ington, Barbour County, W. Va., our beloved
sister DELILA F. ROW, aged 32 years.
Appeal. — We appeal to all those friend-
ly to our publications to aid us in getting
subscribers for us. We have still some
back numbers of the Visitor, Children's
Paper, and Farmer's Monthly on hand
and new subscribers will receive tin; Cull
volumes.
Extraordinary Offer. — Having some
full volumes of the Q-08PEL Visitor of sev-
eral years and wishing to close them out
quick on account of storage room, we wil-
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HATS, HATS.
The Brethren can find their style of hats of
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DAYTON, OHIO.
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lenses, and all other necessary buildings, two
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Railroad station with Telegraph and Express
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Of worship accessible. All on a good
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Addre.-- Dr. 1). M. Murray,
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Blood Cleanser
or
PANACEA.
Many Ministering Brethren use and recom-
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Bible Dictionary*
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TRINE IMMERSION
Traced to the Apostles:
Being a collection of historical quotations fron
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three-fold immersion was the only method o
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LIGHT ON FREEMASONRY,
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A REVELATION OF THE
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¥
fi^yi^
08PIL YIBITO
A MONTHLY PUBLICATION,
EDITED DY
HENRY KURTZ AND JAMES QUINTER.
VOL. XXIIL JULY. 1873.
NO. 7.
TERMS: One Dollar and twenty five cents
per year in advance.
DAYTON, OHIO:
H. J. KURTZ, PRINTER & PUBLISHER.
CONTENTS.
The Priesthood of all Christiana 193
Condemning Sin in the Flesh 195
The hope of the Church 199
If thou canst believe 202
Be like Christ 20a
The names of God 204
Marriage of Believers 205
Commands arc essential 206
The Ways of Death 2<)7
Sanci ideation — Holiness 209
A Short Sermon 210
Need of enthusiasm 211
Forgive your enemies 211
Antiquity of the Scriptures 214
The Christian in his business 215
Individual Tower 216
Tobacco 217
Associations with the wicked 219
The Lord's Jewel 220
Gospel Journalism 220
Humble or humbled 221
Keep your eye on the copy 222
The miseries, of self-importance 222
Poktry.— Home 223
The meeting place 223
Prayer 224
Obituaries 224
Letters Received.
From J R Fry, J S L Miller, S D Hoo-
ver, Eliz Slifer, Mark Coats, J W Byrne,
James Englar, Caroline Hiteshew, P H
Kurtz 2, Landon West, Abr Bowman, D
B Mentzer, John Harley, Lewis Kimrnel,
B B Bollinger, Susanna Swalley, Mary A
Benshoff, Ira S Sonafrank, H C Lowder,
J D Haughtelin, Annie R Gerhart, S A
Sisler, Clara B Swihart, L O Tomlinson,
Alice M Stoner, Eld John Murray. M
Glotfelty, Isaac Wagoner, David Moyer,
Asa Bearss, J R Fry, Rachel J Wimer,
Mary E Wise, T W Williams, Lydia
Anglemyer, J W Huffman, G B Replogle,
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John B Lehman, Gideon M Brewer, D F
Hoover, G W Hoxie, Wm N Moore, Jac
Sprankle.
WITH MONEY.
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win, T W Stem, S Hoover, J H Cable,
Susanna E Graham, James Englar, Benj
Balsbaugh, D L Bowman, Allen Boyer,
C F Wirt, A Hensel, C Lesh, Abr Earn]
Nich Burkit, H Hiteshew, Benj Benshoff,
S W Bollinger, John Flory, G W Butter-
baugh, Margaret Stalker, S C Smucher,
Dr J J Solomon, Jos M Thomas, D E Ger-
ber. Joel Ohmart, Lewis Woodward M D,
C Myers, N Burkitt, Joshua Slmltz, Nan-
cy Batch, J M Replogle, Lewis Kimrnel,
Abr Flora. S T Swihart, Jac F Flory, .J It
Fry. James Harvey. David Buckingham,
.1 Hershey, David Brubaker sen, G Mock,
G II Merritt. 11 J Weyant, G B Replogle,
Wm Sadler, Z Annul), Amelia C Nofziger
D L Carver, C Khy, David Moyer.
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fii mnmi yuhtor
Vol. XXIII.
JULY, 1873.
No. 7.
THE PRIESTHOOD OF ALL CHRIS-( and priests unto God and his father;
TIANS. to him be glory and dominion forever
"But ye nrc a chosen generation, a royal ; and ever," Rev. 1: 6. The resem-
priesthood," 1 Peter 2 : 9.
It is, or should be a very profita
hie exercise for Christians to engage
in, to contemplate their own estate,
and the honor and dignity and bless
edn ess connected with it. The apos-
tle Peter in the part of his first epis
tie from which the words heading
our article is taken, dwells at some
length u«pon the dignified character
of Christians, and he seems to have
biance between the Levitical priests
and Christians is very strong.
1. It was necessary that the
priests should descend from the
tribe of Levi and from the family of
Aaron. And unless they could prove
by their genealogy that they thus
decended, they could not lawfully
become priests. So all the saints,
are spiritually born of God. This
is made a condition of their fitness
had two objects in view in dqipg so. | for heaven, ''Except a man be born
The first was to remind them that t again," said Jesus, "He cannot see
their Christianity afforded them the kingdom of God," John 3 : 3.
such glory aud happiness, that they! The same high authority further de-
were abundantly compensated forlclares "Except a man be born of
all the sufferings they were called
upon to endure for Christ's sake.
And, secondly, he made their hon-
orable characters the ground upon
which he urged them to Christian
faithfulness. For it would have
water and of the Spirit, he cannot
enter into the kingdom of God/' ver.
5. And the evangelist John, in re-
ferring to the reception our Lord
met with when ho came into the
world, says, "He came unto his own,
been very unbecoming and very in-j and his own received him not. But
consistent for them, making the hon- 1 as many as received him, to them
orable profession they did, to walk! gave he power to become the sons
rderly and ungodly. I of God, even to them that believe
Lt was foretold by the prophet! on his name : which were born not
Isaiah, that the true people of God; of blood, nor of the will of the flesh,
• to be called the priests of the\ nor of the will of man, but of God,,;
Lord, Isaiah 61: G. And the com- John 1: 11-13. And as the pri
pany of the redeemed in heaven as under the law were set apart, and
seen by John, was clothed in white consecrated to God, to wait upon
robes, the badge of their priestly1 him in his holy service, so Chris-
character. And in their ascriptions tians are separated from the world,
of praise, they are ^represented as and sinful customs to the holy ser-
saying, "Unto him that loved us, vice of God. The Psalmist si
and washed us from our sins in his "The Lord hath set apart him that
own blood, and hath made us kings is godly for himself," Pa. 4 : :j.
194
THE PRIESTHOOD OF ALL CHRISTIANS.
2. There is a resemblance between
the consecration of the priests and
the consecration of Christians. The
priete were washed with water at
their consecration, Ex.29: 4, signi
fying that Lhey must be clean who
bear the vessels of the Lord, Isaiah
fi2 : 11. At their consecration the}-
were to bo washed all over; but af-
A
ter that they were only to wash
their hands and their feet when they
went in to minister unto the Lord,
Ex. 80 : 19. So there is the wash-
ing of regeneration ot which all
Christians partake at their conse-
cration or conversion. "He saved
us," says Paul, "by the washing of
regeneration, and renewing of the
Holy Ghost/' Titus 3 : 6. This is
in allusion to our baptism. In our
baptism the entire body is washed,
signifying our great defilement and
also our thorough cleansing through
the blood of Christ which "cleans
eth us from all sin," 1 John 1 : 7.
There were also various offerings to
be made to theLord at the consecra
tion of the priests, "for," as Paul
says, the law maketh men high
priests which have impunity; and
hence they must first offer for their
own sin, before they could make
atonement for the people, Heb. 7 :
27-28. So Christians in their con-
secration have supreme regard to,
and faith in Christ as their offspring
for sin. And in the language of
confiding faith in Christ, the believ-
ing soul in. its approaching Christ
for pardon, says,
"My faith would lay her hand
On that dear head of thine.
While like a penitent I stand,
And there confess my sin."
And the believer in feeling his
uilt, and in accepting of Christ as'
his onl}r ransom, is baptized into
him and puts him on according to
Paul's language, "For ye are all the
children of God by faith in Christ
Jesus. For as many of you as have
been baptized into Christ have put
on Christ," Gal. 3 : 26, 27. Mac-
night upon the passage last quoted,
has the following remarks : "In the
expression 4I have put on Christ,'
there is an allusion to the symboli-
cal rite which in the first age usual-
ly accompanied baptism. The per-
son to be baptized put off his old
clothes before he went into the wa-
ter, and put on new or clean rai-
ment when he came out of the wa-
ter; to signify that he had- put off
his old corrupted nature, with all
his foipier bad principles and prac-
tices, and was become a new man.
Hence the expression, 'putting off
the old man,' and 'putting on the
new," Eph. 4: 22, 24.
At their consecration the priests
were to be clothed with holy gar-
ments. And as we have seen Chris-
tians in their baptism put off the
old man and put on the new man,
which is Christ, and in doing so,
they put on the white garments
which the bride of the Lamb, that
is his church, is represented as wear-
ing; in her marriage with the Lamb:
"Let us be glad and rejoice, and
give honor to him; for the marriage
of the Lamb is come, and his wife
hath made herself ready. And to
her was granted that she should be
arrayed in fine linen, clean and
white: for the fine linen is the
righteousness of the saints," Rev.
19: 7, 8.
Again; The priests at their con-
secration were anointed with the
holy oil, "Then shalt thou take the
CONDEMNING SIN IN THE FLESH.
195
anointing oil, and paur it upon his
head, and anoint him," Ex. 29 : 7.
In this respect there, is a resem-
blance between Priests and Chris-
tians. The latter are anointed as
well as the priests. The apostle
John says, in addressing Christians,
'•ye have an unction from the Holy
One, and ye know till things," 1
John 3 : 20. And Paul says, "Now
he which stablisheth us with you in
Christ, and hath anointed us, is
God; who hath also 'scaled us, and
given the earnest of the Spirit in
our hearts," 1 Cor. 1:21, 22. That
with which Christians are anointed,
is the Holy Spirit, of which the oil
used in the consecrations of the
priests was au emblem. It is said
in relation to the anointing of our
Lord, uGod anointed Jesus of Naza-
reth with the Holy Ghost and with
power," Acts. 10 : 38.
3. The priests under the law were
admitted to approach near unto God,
and to hold communion or have spe-
cial communication with God. Un-
der the Gospel dispensation, all
Christians can come near, very near
to God. Paul in speaking of Christ,
says, "through him we both (mean-
ing both Jews and Gentiles) have
access by one Spirit unto the Fath-
er " Eph. 2: 18. And in view of
our distinguished privilege of ap-
proaching unto God, and of holding
familiar intercourse with him, the
apostle exhorts believers "to draw
near with a true heart in lull assur-
ance of faith." Heb. 10 : 22.
4. The Priests offered sacrifices to
God : so the saints offer up spiritual
sacrifices, acceptable to God through
Jesus Christ. 1. They offer up their
bodies and their spirits, "A broken
and a contrite heart." 2. They of-
fer up their prayers. 3. They offer
their substance as God calls for it,
which is a sacrifice well-pleasing in
his sight.
We see then that it is no mean
thing to bo a Christian. It is a
holy, an honorable, and a happy
state. It cannot be esteemed too
highly, and but very few esteem it
as they should. With what eager-
ness should all men seek to become
Christians, as it confers such honor
and blessedness upon them ! And
with what true greatness of mind
and dignity of conduct should Chris-
tians walk, that they may not dis-
honor their character, which is that
of kings and priests.
J. Q.
CONDEMNING SIN IN THE FLESH-
[CONCLUDED.]
After sin had wielded an undis-
puted scepter over the flesh for so
many ages, at last one clothed in
flesh completely vanquished it, and
condemned it in the flesh. Hence
he is a perfect Savior, a complete
Deliverer. He has unbarred our
prison doors, and once more the
soul which is the offspring of deity,
may find its genial element. That
aching void within, which naught
of earth can fill, may now be filled
with the* fullness of God. The invi-
tation of this dear Savior is, "Come
unto me all ye that labor and are
heavy laden, and I will give you
rest. Take my yoke upon you> and
learn of me; for I am meek lowly
in heart; and ye shall find rest unto
your souls. For my yoke is easy,
and my burden is light," Matt 11 :
28-30. How kind his invitation,
how tender his words; art), he will
196
CONDEMNING SIN IN THE FLESH.
deal gently with those braised and
wounded ones who have ho long
been under the Bhackles of sin.
They are now required to learn o(
him, and submit to his authority.
Long they have been taught in the
■•! of Satan, and have long borne
his galling yoke. Now Christ Bays
take my yoke upon you, engage in
MY service, and follow me. "1 am
the way, and tho truth, and the life:
no man cometh unto the Father but
by me," John 14 : G. This dear Je-
sus, who is at once our Deliverer
and our example before he com-
menced his great contest, first him-
self submitted to that ordinance
which was to be the rite by which
believers were to be inducted into
his kingdom. This rite he received
at the hands of his servant John in
the river Jordan.
Never was anything more signal-
ly owned and approved by the great
Triune God, than was this. The
Son in the flesh literally complying
with the ordinance. The Father
publicly owning him as his Son,
and expressing his entire approba-
tion of him. The Holy Spirit de-
scending upon him by wThom he re-
ceived that holy anointing, which
was to strengthen him for his fu-
ture conflict.
Now as we are commanded to fol-
low him, if we would become citi-
zens of his kingdom, we must be in-
ducted into that kingdom as was he,
and if properly indueted, that is, if
we comply with this ordinance in a
spiritual intelligent manner, right at
the thresh hold of this kingdom, we
will be received by that Tryune
God into whose name we reeeived
the rite. The Father will receive us
as his ^adopted children, created
anew in Chris! Jesus. He will ac-
cept Christ as our righteousness and
will cancel all our former guilt. He
will give us the spirit of adoption,
and permit us to say Abba Father.
The Son will receive us as his spouse,
and will engage to succor and sus-
tain us amid all our conflicts here,
John 14
The Holy Spirit will
receive us into his care to comfort
and instruct us, John 14: 26. This
divine person wiil remain with us
forever, John 14: 1G. Helping our
infirmities: for the spirit itself
maketh intercession for us with
groanings which cannot be uttered,
Rom. 8 : 26.
After we have been adopted into
the family of God, we need much
training and culture before we are
prepared to associate with that re-
fined society who dwell within the
Jasper walls of the celestial city.
We are but rough rocks hewn from
the quarry of nature, Isaiah 57 : 1,
and we need much shaping and pol-
ishing before we can be placed as
pillars in the temple of God, Rev.
3: 12. We have now entered upon
a new career, a vast work is ours.
Too vast for our minds to grasp at
once. Our relationship is now
changed. We who were once em-
ployed in the service of Satan, and
who lived according to the lusts or
desires of the flesh, have now en-
tered the service of Christ. We
have now7 taken his yoke upon us,
and thereby have publicly express-
ed our determination to learn of
him. Oh may we, with the apostle,
determine not to know anything
from henceforth, save Jesus Christ
and him crucified, 1 Cor. 2 : 2. May
it now be the one great aim of our
life to imitate his holy, pure and ex-
CONDEMNING SIN IN THE FLESH.
1 7
alted example. But what a change
must we undergo before we can
reach that high standard ; however,
wc have now been received into a
school where we can be taught those
holy lessons, the practicing or word-
ing out of which will make us par-
takers of the divine nature, 1 Peter
1 : 4. For, while God works with-
i" us both to will and to do of his
good pleasure, wo can work our
own salvation with fear and trem-
bling, Phil. 2: 12, 13.
In this school we enjoy every fa-
cility. We have placed before us
the best and noblest example whom
in all things we are to imitate, for
lie not only gave us the lessons
which we are to learn, but he prac-
ticed those lessons himself, setting
ua an example or rule by which to
brance and enables us to compre-
hend the words of Christ, which
words we must first learn. Our
Teacher is also kind and patient, he
will not upbraid us for our ignor-
ance or our dullness, but he will
help the infirmities of the weak, by
giving them comfort and encourage-
ment. And even toward the incor-
rigible, he exercises pity, making
intercessions for them with groan-
ings which cannot be uttered, plead-
ing that they may be allowed to re-
main in the school until every means
has been used to induce them to sub-
mit to the laws of that school.
As God has done, and is doin_r -
much for us, we certainly ought, as
Peter advises, "Gird up the loins of
our mind, be sober, and hope to the
end for the grace that is to be
pattern after. And then we have j brought unto us at the revelation of
the best of text books which con-' Jesus Christ, 1 Peter 1 : 13. Paul
tains all the truth and no error 'tells us, "If Christ be in you, the
Every rule is perfect, there are no 'body is dead because of sin ; but
exceptions. Though it treats upon j the Spirit is life because of righte-
fche most sublime subject, it unfolds jousness," verse 10. Again inverse 3
the very perfection of wisdom, yet ! of chapter 6, he says, "Know ye
the language is plain and compre- not that so many of us as were bap-
ve, it does not abound in tech- tized into Jesus Christ were baptiz-
nicalities. And then our teacher, |ed into his death ?" It is impossible
how perfectly qualified ; for he 'for us at the same time to please the
seareheth all things, yea the deep (flesh, and also to obey the teachings
things of God, 1 Cor. 22: 12, and j of the Spirit for "The carnal mind
wisdom he is ever ready to im- J is enmity against God; it is not
part to us if we will but place our- subject to the law of God, neither,
- in the way of his instructions, [indeed, can be. So then they that
-aid Jesus, "The Comforter, |are ,n the flesh cannot please God,"
which is the Holy Ghost whom the verse 7, 8. If then Christ be in as,
Fathjer shall send in my name, he j** we have yielded up our inner life
shall teach you all things and brin«-'t0 ^s authority and his holy laws
all things to your remembrance : are placed within the inner sanctu-
whatsoever I have said unto you," ai7 °f these tabernacles, preparing
John 14: 26. The Holy Spirit does them for t1ie reception of the Holy
not give unto us any new revelation, Spirit, this divine Being will then
but simply brings to our remem- ! become tho guest of our souls, im-
19S
CONDEMNING SIN IN THE FLESH.
parting unto them life and vitality.
The Spirit will then bo life because
of righteousness, because of the
abode of righteousness. Now it
can receive proper nourishment bj
which it may increase and develop.
But the body will be dead be-
cause of sin, because of its being
the medium through which sin op
erates and brings us into captivity
It was through this medium that
Satan first gained access to the hu-
man family, and it is through this
medium that he has continued to
hold them in bondage. But as
Christ in the flesh condemned sin,
we too may condemn it in the flesh
if we follow closely in his footsteps
Of him it is written he pleased not
himself. We are also commanded
not to please ourselves, Eom. 15: 1,
3. Not to act according to our in-
clinations or desires, but make our
wills yield to the will of God, and
shape all our conduct, and bring all
our words and even our thoughts
under the control of his holy word
But to bring about this complete
transformation of ourselves, and
make the whole current of our
lives follow into a different channel,
requires patience, perseverance, and
a constant vigilance. Though the
Spirit may be willing, yet the flesh
is weak and often rebellious. Many
a struggling saint can say with the
apostle, "I find then a law, that
when I would do good, evil is pres-
ent with me. For I delight in the
law of God after the inward man.
But I see another law in my mem-
bers, warring against the law of my
mind, and bringing me into captivi-
ty to the law of sin which is in my
members," Eom. 7: 21-23.
Paul felt the weakness of his
flesh to be an intolerable burden to
biro while trying to live according
to the Spirit.
If Christ be in us, the body is
dead because of sin. After we have
once enjoyed his blessed fellowship
and have tasted of that purity and
holiness which a spiritual union
with him gives us, we no longer rel-
ish the groveling pleasures of sense.
The desires and longings of the
Spirit are in direct opposition to the
desires of the flesh. The Spirit
wars against the flesh, and the flesh
against the Spirit. A very incon-
gruous union now exists between
the flesh and the Spirit, while the
Spirit delights in the law of God,
the flesh is constantly inclining to-
ward the earth. This lifeless cor-
rupt body, what a hindrance to us
in our spiritual life, how it pinions
our flight. The great apostle whose
love for Christ was so great that he
counted all things lost for Christ,
Phil. 3: 7, in language moat pathet-
ic laments his union with so uncon-
genial a companion.
History informs us that the an-
cient Romans used to inflict upon
their unfortunate captives, a species
of cruelty of the most shocking
character, which was to couple a
dead corpse with a living body. It
is said, these poor wrethes as they
wandered about dragging their
loathsome burden, cried out most
pathetically, Oh wretched man that
I am ! who shall deliver me from
the body of this death? Paul who
no doubt had been an eye witness
of this affecting scene, felt that he
in a spiritual sense occupied a posi-
tion similar to theirs, and implies to
himself the language of those poor
sufferers.
THE HOPE OF THE CHURCH.
199
Though to condemn sin in the
tiesh requires great labor and occa-
sions great sufferings, yet the re
ward is infinitely greater. Even
for the taste which we now have of
God's love is far superior to all the
pleasures of the flesh j but if we
come off victors in this great con
test, then is their laid up for us a
crown of righteousness, 2 Tim. 4: 8.
Then is there reserved for us in
heaven an inheritance incorruptible
and defiled, anoV that fadeth not
away, reserved in heaven for us, 1
Peter 1 : 4.
If we purify our souls by obeying
the truth, and condemn sin in the
flesh, then when our Master bids our
Spirits leave these tenements of
clay, but oar bodies also, knowing
that the same Spirit who quickened
us spiritually, and cleansed our souls
from the contaminations of sin, will
also quicken our mortal bodies and
bring them forth irom the loath-
some grave, beautiful and pure,
fasbioned-like unto the glorious body
of our Lord. As he became a par-
taker of our sinful flesh, so we shall
be made partakers of his divine na-
ture and his glorified body, for we
shall be like him when we shall see
him as he is.
Mattie A Lear.
THE HOPE OF THE CHURCH.
The first advent of the Redeemer
was the pole-star of hope, under the
Old Testament, to the congregation
of the Lerd whose sacrifices pointed
to him that was to come. The sec
ond advent is the pole star of hope,
under the New, to the church of
God whose sacraments point to him
"until he come" again. The proph-
ets of the old economy often preach
the second advent without allusion
to the first, but never the first with-
out including the second, and this
they did without fully comprehend
ing the import of their own message.
•'Of which salvation the prophets
have inquired and searched diligent-
ly, who prophesied of the grace that
should come unto you; searchiiiu-
what, or what manner of time the
Spirit of Christ which was in them
did signify, when it testified before-
hand the sufferings of Christ, and the
ijlory that should follow. Unto
whom it was revealed that not unto
themselves, but unto us, theyT did
minister the things which are now
reported unto you by them that
have preached the gospel unto you
with the Holy Ghost sent dovvn
from Heaven ; which things the an-
gels desire to look into. Wherefore
gird up the loins of your mind; be
sober, and hope to the end for the
grace that is to be brought unto
you at the revelation of Jesus
Christ. '" The apostles of the New
refer to the first advent as the only
basis of christian faith, and to the
second as the only object of chris-
tian hope.
We trust that we may not he un-
derstood as wanting in due respect
to the sacred office, when we sug-
gest that the preaching, which
leaves out of view this doctrine as
the substance of evangelical hope,
is not the preaching of the whole
gospel; and not only that, but the
omission is an ignoring of the best
part of the glad tidings. If the
church of the old economy looked
forward to Christ crucified, and the
church of the new look forward to
Christ glorified, surely both doe-
200
THE HOPE OF THE CHURCH.
trines should bo preached in due
proportion with revel an cy and pre-
cision <>f statement. The former is
no longer an object of hopo, the lat-
ter is. And to show tho prominence'
that ought to bo given to it in these,
last days, we have only to refer to;
the fact that Christ himself spoke,
sparingly to his disciples of his own
death, but frequently and publicly
of his second coming. When he
commisioned tho apostles to preach
the gospel, he sent them to pro-
claim what he had defined to be "the
glad tidings of tho kingdom/' which
clearly shows that the dispensation
of "the glad tidings" is as different
from the dispensation of the king-
kom, as the coming of John the her-
ald was different from the coming of
Christ the King of righteousness
and truth. So, it appears, they un-
derstood it ; for we learn from the
Act3 and the Epistles how great a
prominence t\iey gave to their
preaching to the coming and king-
dom of the Lord.
Is it not, then, quite apparent
that a doctrine so frequently, vari-
ously, and urgently expounded by
our Lord and his apostles, a doctrine
known historically to have been the
guage of orthodoxy in the early age
of the Christian church, must be es-
sential to the integrity of tho Chris
tain faith ? And does not its neces-
sity, as an important part of reveal-
ed truth, assert itself in the fact of
its being "set belore us" didactically,
teaching what is the nature and
substance of "that blessed hope?"
Js it right to overlay it with any-
thing else we may call the hope of
the church ? "I trow not."
When we contrast the primitive
age of Christianity with its subse-
quent history, "how has the gold
become dim, and the most fine gold
changed !" How has the "blessed
hope" been obscured by a vicious
exegesis of Holy Scripture, suppress-
ing the doctrine that then prevailed,
and substituting in its room a bar-
ren vagueness of speculation ! It is
an admitted fact that our doctrine
was once the inspiration of the
church's life, and that it has not now
assigned to it tho importance and
prominence given to it in the Scrip-
tures. The apostasy, of which Paul
speaks, first taught that tho church
is the kingdom of Christ, and the
pope his vicegerent ; but while the
reformation rescued the church
from the bondage of ignorance, she
yet assumes to be the kingdom and
that we are to look for no other.
This is her mistake.
Tho evangelical ministry of our
day laudibly stand by the doctrines
of the Godhead of Christ. They do
not hesitate to affirm that he who
preaches his first advent as a com-
ing for the mere purpose of setting
an example of virtue, emasculates
the gospel. We agree with them:
but think it equally clear that he
who preaches tho first advent of
Christ to suffer, but omits the sec-
ond, to reign personally where he
suffered mutilates the gospel,
though far from intending it; for
his second coming, with this intent,
is the doctrine of the Scriptures, as
we have proved. And if any addi-
tions to the proof be required, we
refer to his own exposition of the
tares, in which Christ teaches that
the present mixture of good and
evil will continue until the "harvest
home." The battle shall not cease
for an hour until his personal com-
THE HOPE OF THE CHURCH.
201
ing to destroy the enemy and the
conflict together. In the first ad-
vent, Godhead was secretly embos-
omed in manhood; for " in him
dwelt all the fullness of the Godhead
bodily." In the second advent,
manhood shall be embosomed in
Godhead, for he will then appear as
"our great God and Savior/' Should
we omit to preach the second, we
should obscure the culminating glo-
ry of the gospel. Every act and en-
ergy of Christian sentiment, work-
ing out into holiness of life, should
xpended by that great fact,
made sure to our faith "by two im-
mutable things in which it was im-
possible for God to lie, that we
might have a strong consolation,
who have fled for refuge, to lay hold
upon the hope now set before us."
"Seeing we have such hope, we use
great plainness of speech/' striving
to set forth the authority of the
Scriptures upon the point in ques-
tion.
It is well understood that to the
heart of the church, as she is now
known to the world, the animation
ot this blessed hope is well nigh en-
tirely wanting. How many hun-
dreds of pulpits are there where it is
never spoken of, and whence it is
banished as a heresy ! How rnanj-
religious periodicals, professedly de- 1 tounding wickedness in high places,
truth and inaccuracy of evangelical
sentiment among the professed fol-
lowers of Christ. We have only to
peruse the various reports upon the
state of religion asset forth by the
churches of our own land, to see
what is the lamentable deficiency
of the church in general.
In multitudes of christian families
the Bible is not read, and household
worship is entirely neglected; and
in the most favored portions of
Christendom, under the shadow of
the wallsof her sanctuaries, iniquity
abounds. Explain it as we will,
there is the indisputable fact. The
church, it is true, makes large and
commendable efforts in raising
funds for the spread of the gospel,
and exhibits much zeal in various di-
rections ; but explain it as we may,
her influences over the masses is on
the wane. We may be called
"croakers" for this utterance, but
our defence is an appeal to existing
facts. Conformity to the fashion
and pleasures of the world is a no-
torious blot upon our Christianity,
and nothing is to be gained by con-
cealing the truth. Despite of spec-
ial effort, the Lord's day is horribly
desecrated, and all forms of vice
seem on the increase. Our daily
prints daily chronicle the most as-
voted to the cause of Christ, are
profoundly silent on this subject ; or
if they notice it at all, it is for the
the sake of a witicism or a sneer!
Never was there an age* in which so
much "religious machinery, " as it
is called, has been employed for the
conversion of the world; but not-
withstanding all, never was there
an age since the Eeformation more
marked for ignorance of doctrinal
as well as the vulgarity of crime
among the masses.
Surely if the entire world to-day
were emancipated from its various
forms of heathenism, and the entire
state of human society made just
like our own, it would be far from
being converted to God. By all our
popular efforts in this direction,
should they realize a complete suc-
cess, it is not to be supposed that they
202
IF THOU CANST BELIEVE.
could effect a moral and religious
condition superior to our own. But
if by any means in human contriv-
ance the present generation of the
world could be actually converted
to God, since grace does not flow in
the blood, the work would have to
be done over again in the third gen-
eration. Sin has lost none of its
vileness or virulence; Satan is shorn
of none oi his power; and if Adam's
grandchildren became idolaters, the
grandchild of this generation, con-
verted to our state of Christianity
would as assuredly apostatize.
How far this state of things, over
which the whole church mourns,
rriay be traceable to her errors in
doctrine, discipline or mismanage-
ment, we do not know; but this
we do know, that doctrinal preach-
ing is not popular in her assemblies,
catechetical instruction is largely
laid aside, and she has long been
turned away from her true position
of looking for the coming of the
Lord by false glosses upon his word.
The world has not been confronted
with "the great and terrible day of
the Lord," as a restraint upon
abounding wickedness. She has
been led to believe that the conver-
version of the world depended upon
her efforts so to popularlize Chris
tianity as to overthrow all the pre-
vailing forms and powers of error,
and thus bring in a millennium of
her own making, which should be
the era of "the spiritual reign of
Christ/' whose return to the world
would be only to pass sentence upon
the living and the dead, and end the
whole by consuming this globe
with the fires of annihilation. Be-
lieving her theoretical millennium
is yet to be realized, and that it will
last a thousand years before the
coming of Christ, the beginning of
which, at the present rate of prog-
ress, is not likely to occur before ten
thousand years have passed away,
it is no wonder that, having substi-
tuted such a device for the "blessed
hope," she should be loft to exper-
ience all the ill consequences of a
popular delusion. — Selected.
If Thou Canst Believe.
When our Lord, with Peter and
James and John, came down from the
Mount of Transfiguration, they found the
other disciples, with a great multitude
gatered around them, and the scribes
questioning them, and in their midst a
poor distressed father, whose son the
disciples had vainly attempted to cure.
The scene is striking. The exulting
Scribes, the confused disciples, the peo-
ple amazed, the father despairing and
in tears, the poor young man lying in
the dust, when suddenly the Saivor is
seen approaching. All eyes turn to
him, and to him the agonized father
cries, "Master I beseech itht.e, look up-
on my son ; for he is mine only child."
And then he told the sad story of his
suffering from his very childhood, how
he was a lunatic and sore vexed, oft-
times falling into the fire and oft into
the water, needing constant care and
attention, and yet not even relieved by
this loving watchfulness. He had
heard that the disciples could heal the
sick and cast out devils, but here they
had failed, 'and his own faith seemed
ready to fail, for he said, "If thou canst
do anything, have compassion on us and
help." What earnest entreaty to which
the loving heart of Jesus instantly re-
sponds: "If thou canst believe, all things
are possible to him that believeth." There
BE LIKE CHRIST.
203
was do want of powe^ in him, was there
faith in the pleader?
Straightway the father of the child
cried out and said with tears, "Lord I
believe; help thou my unbelief." "And
Jesus rebuked the devil, and he depart-
ed out of him; and the child was cured
from that very hour."
Is there any less power in our risen
Lord than was his when on earth ? Is
he less able to heal us or our children ?
Is he not indeed the same loving Jesus
he ever was, and may we not go to him
with our rears, and our weaknesses, and
believe for all we need? are any of our
loved ones held captive by the power of
sin, and d:> they of times fall into the
fire and oft into the water ?" let us
bring them to Jesus. All power is in
him, and he says to us as to this earnest
father, "If thou canst believe, all things
are possible to him that believeth." We
may love our children, and our hearts
ache over them, and for them our tears
may flow in anguish, but we cannot
help them if we have not faith to bring
them to our Savior, and to look up into
his loving pitying face, and seek help
from Him alone.
I once heard a mother, in tones of an
guish, ask for prayers for four sons.
Why does she not know where her help
lies? my soul cried out for she seemed
so helpless even in the presence of the
Mighty One. Her cry made such an
impressson that I cannot forget it. It
was like the cry of this poor father, "If
thou canst do anything, have compas-
sion on us and help us j" and like him
she almost doubted if even the dear
Lord could do anthing for her.
Mothers of erring childred, do not be
discouraged. Take them to Him who
so loved us that he bore our sins in his
own body on the cross, and the more
terrible the need the greater must be
the faith. Hear the blessed words, "If
thou canst believe, all things are possi-
ble to him that believeth," and let your
soul answer, — "Lord, I believe, help
thou my unbelief !" — Reaper.
BE LIKE CHRIST.
Seek intimate and habitual commun-
| ion with the Savior. We quickly im-
bibe the principle and imitate the man-
ners of those with whom we intimately
converse. Hence the importance of
great care in the formation of friend-
ships. The same rule holds in the
higher life. Those who intimately ami
habitually converse with Christ very
j quickly imbibe His spirit, and become
like Him. Nothing can compensate for
the loss of such communion ; nothing
can take its place. Holiness, resem-
blance to Christ, is impossible without
I it. It is a rule to which there is no ex-
ception, that all who are holy are emi-
nently devotional. Communion with
Christ is an essential part of their daily
life. This is the source whence the
sanctified soul draws its nourish-
ment and strength. This is the foun-
tain whence flow the streams of grace
from which the soul draws constant re-
freshment. The nearer you get to the
fountain, the clearer will be the stream.
Would you have much of the Savior's
mind? Then seek that close commun-
ion in which you shall not only be made
wise, but shall also be lifted above the
earthly influences which clog and re-
tard the soul. Only then can you
fully experience the joy of grace. The
communion to which we have thus ex-
horted you is not meftly that which
you enjoy in your stated season for pri-
vate devotion ; but your constant out-
flow of the heart to Christ and the con-
stant inflowing of his grace to the heart,
204
THE NAMES OF GOD.
the communication which may be unin
terruptedly maintained. Above all,
never let your stated seasons for prayer
prevent the special devotion to which
you may often feci druwn. On such
special occasions your soul will often be
blessed more than at other times, and
by such means you will receive more
of Christ's Spirit, and therefore become
more and more like him.
Other directions might be given but
these will suffice. Let us now add that
the effort to become like Christ is justi-
fied by that very perfection of purity
which seem to be the great barrier. If
you imitate others, you imitate imper-
fect models, and are in danger of being
corrupted by their defects and faults.
Not so with Christ. There is nothing
in him that you need fear to imitate.
There is no flaw in his character, no de-
fect in his life. It follows, therefore,
that he i3 the only pattern that we may
with! perfect safety follow. Let this
fact give point to the lesson we should
now learn. Take no man as your mod
el — imitate no life but that of Him ' 'who
is without sin." You may learn lessoDs
from other lives, and imitate some
things in most ; but you cannot safely
strive to be like any but Christ. Con-
template the loveliness of his character
and the perfection of his life, and let
their grandeur attract and influence your
heart and life. "He that saith he
abideth in him, ought himself also to
walk even as he walked." — King's
Highway.
The Names of God.
Our Creator is #spoken of in the Bible
under different names. In the first
chapter of Genesis, and verses 1—3 of
chapter 2, we read that God created
the heavens and the earth, that God
ended his work, etc. But in the fourth
verse of chapter 2, we find it si
that "the Lord God made the earth and
the heavens/' and thenceforward, this
name of God occurs uniformly in the
second and third chapters. In the
fourth chapter, except in the 25th verse,
where the name is "God," we find un-
iformly "the Lord."
In the Hebrew there are two words
translated "God," one being the plural
of Elohim, the Mighty, which is used
with singular verbs, and is interpreted
as a plnral of excellence or majesty, ex-
pressing the fulness of power and per-
fection • the other, Eli, signifying the
mighty One, of unfrequent occurrence
— found usually in connection with
other titles, as Eli Shadai, translated
"God Almighty." El-Elion, "God
most high." In like manner there are
two words translated "the Lord" —
Adonai, which properly has that mean-
ing, and Jehovah, which is a true
proper name, as much so as Jupiter, and
has probably the meaning, the Living
One.
The Jews have a superstition that
the name Jehovah was not to be spo-
ken, and whenever it occurs in their
Scriptures they read Adonai, and in
writing it they apply to the consonants
IHVH the vowels belonging to Adonai,
so that the true pronounciation of the
name is lost. But it is believed to have
been Javeh, pronounced Yahva. This
superstition was of very early date. It
was in full vigor when the Septuagint
(Greek) version of the Old Testament
was made, about 300 years before Christ,
and in that version both Jehovah and
Adonai are translated Kurios, Lord.
The use of the Septuagint by the wri-
ters of the New Testament, led to the
adoption of the same method by them in
quoting the Old Testament. The trans-
MARRIAGE OF BELIEVERS.
205
lators of our common version, unfortu-
nately, were influenced by these facts
to follow the Septuagint instead of
transferring the proper name, Jehovah,
to their version of the Old Testament.
When the name Jehovah is indicated;
in our Bibles, the word Lord (or the
word God in the compouud expression,!
"Lord God") is printed in small capi- \
tals. The name "God," for the same
reason, ought to be so printed in Gene- ,
sis vi., 5.
Eli and EloMm translated "God," '
signify the Mighty One, and as a gen-
eric name are sometimes applied to false
gods. Jehovah, signifying the Living
One, is a proper name, and seems to have
been assumed as the name especially of
the covenant God of Israel. Hence.!
while he anuounced himself as God Al- i
mighty to the patriarchs, he revealed :
himself to Moses with peculiar signifi- 1
cance — not, however for the first time,!
as many without sufficient reason inter- 1
pret Exodus vi., 3 — as Jehovah But
care is taken to leave no doubt that both
names describe the same true and only
God. This may have been the reason
for the combination of the two names in
one title, in chapter 2 anc 3 of Genesis.
The sacred writer having signified that
both describe the same great Being,
thenceforward uses sometimes one and
sometimes the other. Various elaborate
theories have been founded on the com-
parative frequency with which the
names respectfully occur in different
parts of Genesis, and of other books of
the Old Testament. But these are too
unsubstantial to be profitably discussed
here.
Thou shalt love the Lord thy God
with all thy heart, and thy neigh-
bor as thyself.
For the Visitor.
Marriage of Believers.
"The wife is bound by the law as long as her
husband liveth, but if her husband be dead, she
is at liberty to be married to whomsoever she
will."
No one can com plain that the
latter clause of the above is not
lived up to by all whom it concerns.
Wo take perfect liberty in the case,
male and female. We marry infi-
dels, unbelievers and friends, Chris-
tians. Now what is the use oi
telling us anything about it ? It is
perfectly natural, entirely conso-
nant with the desires of the flesh.
Perhaps he meant to impress upon
us the necessity of keeping the vow
of wedlock inviolable, but then why
hang to it that useless sentence,
that which every man and woman
would claim as a right whether Paul
or any one else said so or not. But,
recall the text, we get the book, and
behold ! the case is very plain. Paul
meant to introduce something more
important, he puts in a condition, a
limit, a proviso. ("Only in the
Lord.") This makes our text seem
sensible. But what is the matter,
has every one in reading the text
done as we have above ? — stopped
short, or what does "Paul the aged"
mean ? Verily that a member of
Christ's body should not bo "un-
equally yoked together with unbe-
lievers" for what fellowship has
righteousness with unrighteousness.
and what communion hath light
with darkness, and what concord
hath Christ with belial or what part
hath he that belicveth with an infi-
del." "For what knowest thou, O
man, whether thou canst save thy
wife, or what knowest thou 0 wife,
whether thon canst save thy hus-
band r
206
COMMANDS ARK ESSENTIAL.
'•What part hath he" What I born again he cannot see the kingdom
knowest thou Oman" from tbe (ore j of God. Again, "Except a man be
going it is plain that Paul's rule ftp- born of water and of the Spirit, he can-
plies to the man as well as to the j not enter into the kingdom of God."
woman. Brethren and sisters bad Which, no doubt, is Baptism
we best heed the advice of the ven
erable man of God. He claims to
have been enlightened by revelation,
he Bays bo thinks he has the spirit
of God. Beloved Brethren, you that
i^rown old in the service of
the master, let us hear from you on
the above subject.
G. B. JR.KPLOGLE.
For the Visitor.
COMMANDS ARE ESSENTIAL.
If ye love me keep my commandments. St.
John 14: 15.
Readers of tbe Gospel Visitor,
oftimes we hear it said that this com-
mand and that command is not essen-
tial, which I deny. Christ says, "If ye
love me, keep my commandments/7
Here is the reason. Because they
have not that love for Jesus as they
should have for him who did so much
for us and redeemed us from sin and
death, and made us on equal terms with
our first parents in that beautiful garden
called Eden. But Satan is so cunning
with his craftiness to get the children of
men to believe this is not essential, ?uch
as Baptism. Now, dear reader, I am
one taat believes every command that
ever fell from the lips of Christ is es-
sential to salvation. Some men argue
that faith and faith alone will save.
Never have I seen such doctrine in the
Bible. But it is left to your own
choice whether you do this or that.
Just so, God never will force any indi-
vidual to do his service as some would
have you to believe. Jesus says, Verily,
verily, I say unto thee, except a man be
I would ask you what it would take
to prefigure a birth; n it necessary to be
baptized in order to have a right to the
tree of life ? Our text says, if ye love
me keep my commandments," as much
as to say if ye don't love me ye will not
keep my sayiugs. Christ asked his dis-
ciples saying, whom do men say that 1-
the Son of Man, am ? And they said,
some say that thou art John the Baptist,
sume Klias, and others Jeremias, or one
of the prophets. And then he asked
them who he was and Simon Peter an-
swered and said, thou art the Christ the
Son of the living God. Jesus said,
Blessed art thou Simon Bargona, flesh
and blood hath not revealed it unto thee
but my Father which is in heaven.
But He said thou art Peter and upon
this rock (Christ) will I build my
church and the gates of hell shall not
prevail against it. Just so my dear
readers, if we build upon that rock, we
shall be able to stand and keep the say-
ings of our blessed Master who is on
the right hand of God, angels and au-
thorities and powers being made sub-
ject to him, keeping his glorious com-
mandments for they are not grievous.
Believe in God with all your heart,
soul and strength, and repent thorough-
ly for the deeds done in the body and
then be immersed in the name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Ghost for the remission of sins
and you shall receive the Holy Ghost.
Hence we see that Baptism is for the
remission of sins, undoubtedly an essen-
tial point. Now after we have got this
far along, still keep moving dear broth-
er or sister, never turn back to the
THE WAYS OF DEATH.
207
world, fori thick if ever angels wept it
would be to see a child of God turn
back to the world and travel the broad
road that leads to death and eternal
misery. Awful thoughts to you who
was on your way to heaven that you
must be lost and forever lost. May
God help you to turn from endless woe
and misery. So my dear readers you
may rest assured that God would have
us do all things that he left upon record
in that well known little book called
the New Testament, such as feet wash-
ing, the Lord's Supper, the Communion,
the Salutation of the holy kiss, Noncon-
formity, Prayer, Fasting, and in short
to all his commands, for it is an evident
fact that every individual that loves
God will keep his sayings, for Jesus
says, If a man love me, he will keep my
words, and my Father will love him,
and we will come unto him and make
our abode with him. He that loveth
me not keepeth not my sayings, and
the word which ye hear is not mine
but the Father which sent me." John
14": 28, 24. Hence we see why
they say they are not essential,
because they love not the Father, nor
the Son, but are built upon man's foun-
dation which will not be able to stand.
Then my dear friendly sinner, let me
exhort you as one that loves your souls
to build upon the rock Christ Jesus.
Then you will be able to stand when
heaven and earth shall pass away, yes,
O yes, to live with Jesus throughout all
the endless ages of eternity. Glorious
hope that we can live when done with
the turmoils of this earth. If we have
made our peace with God we can be
with the host that said Alleluia. Then
we will be clothed in fine linen which
is the righteousness of Saints, yea we
can reign with Christ through all the
millennial glory. Then we can be like
him and wear crowns of glory in that
happy land that is beyond death. Then,
O, then, we can be in that city who5e
builder and maker is God. Then O,
then we can drink of the river that nev-
er runs dry and there shall be no more
curse, but the throne of God and of the
Lamb shall be in it and his servants
shall serve him and they shall see his
face and his name shall be in their
foreheads and there shall be no night
there, and they need no candle, neither
light of the sun for the Lord God giveth
them light and they shall reign for ever
and ever. Praise the Lord, Amen.
Z. Annon.
For tho Visitor
THE WAYS OF DEATH.
"There is a way which seemoth right unto a
man ; but the end thereof are the ways or
death." Prov. 14: 12.
Beloved brethren and sisters in
the Lord. The subject under con-
sideration appears to press on my
mind considerable and by the help
of God I will try and pen a few
thonghts. We are all travelers to
the grave and sooner or later we
must stand before a just God to
give account of tho deeds douein the
body and if we are found in that
selt-denial path that leads from
earth to heaven and living in obedi-
ence to God's word, it will be well
with. us, and if not, it will be to our
loss.
It appears that while there are so
many modes of worship there is but
one right way. There are two
ways laid down in the Gospel, a
broad way and a narrow way; one
leads to heaven and the other leads
down to the regions of death and
darkness.
"There is a way which seemeth
208
THE WAYS OF DEATH.
right onto a man.
v ay seem right ?
Why docs tins; up, Christian friends and see where
Is it because they
were brought up in it or is it be-
cause they put their dependence in
man ami think that man can save
them? I have heard men and wo-
men say such and sueh a preacher
such a good man. A man will
i e saved because he is such a good
preacher and at the same time he
will not do one commandment, no,
not one ! and the Savior says, "11'
ye love me, keep my command-
ments. And I will pray the Tather,
and he shall give you another Com-
forter that he may abide with you
for ever." John 14: 15, 16. This
way that see met h right unto a man
does not make it right unless it
agrees with the word of Gcd. When
Noah was so faithfully warning the
people to turn from their wicked
wa}T, preaching to them a hundred
and twenty ye*ars, they thought
their way was right. But alas their
way was death. They did not be-
lieve that they would be destroyed
from God's presence until it was too
late. They followed after man's
ways not God's; just as it is now.
We can see multitudes of professed
Christian people that are drifting
down the current of time with the
kingdom of this world, who make a
loud profession of Christianity.
Some will tell big stories and even
untruths. How dwells the love of
God in them? Again; the chil-
dren of Israel when they wore un-
der the command of Moses, how
soon they took up with Korah, Da-
than, and Abiram, and what was
you are standing. Some of you are
standing with one foot in the grave.
Are you following after that meek
and lowly Lamb of God or are yon
still in the gall of bitterness and in
the bonds of iniquity. If we receive
the witness of men the witness of
God is greater, for this is the wit-
ness of God which he has testified of
his Son. Man may stand up and
make a great show to the world and
profess to be one of God's ministers,
and what is he if ho only follows the
ways of man. I fear he is one of
those that will say, "Lord, Lord,
have we not propesied in thy name,
and in thy name have cast out devi Is
and in thy name done many wonder-
ful works." It is "not every one that
sayeth unto me Lord, Lord ! shall
enter into the kingdom of heaven."
0 brethren and sisters, be careful
how you live and what you do and
say. God says, "My ways are not
your ways nor my thoughts your
thoughts; as the heavens are high-
er than the earth so are my ways
above your ways. His watchful eye
is continually on us. He ever knows
the recess of your hearts and
thoughts before they are formed into
words.
The prophet Isaiah says, a way-
shall be opened and it shall be call-
ed the way of holiness; the unclean
shall not pass over it. As I have
said, there are two ways, God's
way and the way of Satan or the
devil, and if we have not entered
into this narrow way we are still
on the broad way. In order to en-
the result? The earth opened up ter in at the straight gate we must
her mouth and swallowed them up ! deny ourselves of all the sinful
pleasures of this world, repent, be-
lieve, and be baptised for the remis-
They all went down in the pit from
the presence of a just God. Wake
SANCTIFICATION— HOLINESS.
209
sion of sins, and we have the prom-
ise. Now we must go on to per-
fection as the Apostle Paul tells us,
from one degree of grace unto anoth-
er. There are so many stop here,
thinking they have nothing more to
do. O brethren and sisters be not
deceived. There is no standing .still
and pray always that he may be
accounted worthy to stand belore
God and be admitted into the shin-
ing courts of heaven. Dear breth-
ren and sisters, pray for your un-
worthy brother that ye 111:13* go on
from degree of grace unto another,
that when we leave the shores of
in life. The crown is not for those! time we may all meet in heaven.
who make a profession and stop
there, but for those that hold out
faithful to the end. How often do
we see persons coming to the house
of God on the Lord's day and as
Amen.
S. A. Sjsler.
SANCTIFICATION-HOLINESS.
There is nothing, more clearly taught
soon as they get there the}- will seeiin the Scriptures than that cver^ con-
some one and say, "How are yon. I verted person is also sanctified. But it
How does your grain look, or "How i does not follow that this sanctification in
are yon jotting along with your! each case is necessarily entire or perfect,
stock: This is very wet weather we Converts may gradually increase in
have. We can't raise nothing this sauctifyiDg grace. Or thry may by
way." Next thing we hear, "This j faith and prayer receive sudden acces-
is very dry weather. We will ail sions of sanctifying power which may
starve to death if we don't get rain
soon." Brethren, this ought not to
be. Do your part and God will do
his. Pray more and talk about
heavenly things. God gives us more
than we deserve and we are too un-
thankful to him. Eemember the
way that God has laid down. The
Saviour says, "Let not your heart
be troubled."
"Watch and pray. Let every one
seem almost as wonderful as their first
conversion. It would be well, however,
for each saint, in such case, to regard
this flood of spirituality as but one of a
series of installments of grace which he
needs to adva ice him toward that com-
plete fulness which lies before the saint
be he prophet or apostle.
The consecration and that sanctifica-
tion which give a child of God the com-
p'ete and continuous triumph of faith
be concerned about the way7. Don't: over unbelief, and of spirituality over
take my way, of my brother's way, carnality; which make the will and
but take God's way, and meet with 1 glory of God the full and unhesitating
another at the family altar, and
exhort one another, and so much
more as ye see the day approaching.
If we carry out these resolutions
I believe we are trulyT following him
who said, "I am the way." Then
we know to a demonstration that
we have passed from death unto life
because we love the brethren. .Now
may God help you to be watchful
motive of the mind and heart, every
day and every hour; subduing the
world the flesh and the devil with full
promptitude and victorious power, may
in a very legitimate sense be called per-
fect consecration and entire sanctifica-
tion. But there may be vastly much to
be done in the great common lying be-
tween such a state and that of the
saints around the eternal throne; and
210
A SHORT SERMON.
fresh supplies of grace, as daily broad,
and great enlargement and perfecting of
the spiritual man, are Deeded, needed,
needed stillj till our attainments in grace
have ripened into a completeness on
earth that almost entitles them to be
called the first letters of the alphabet of
the inconceivable erudition of holiness
in glory above.
To the attainment of this finite com-
pleteness of entire consecration and per-
fect holiness, to which we have alluded
above, we think every convert ought to
press forward with full hope of its at-
tainment in the church militant, and,
having attained it, to press on with in-
creased ardor toward the infinite. We
do not conceal our belief that increased
holiness will make the saint more sens-
itive to all the imperfections which may
attach to his own soul and life. So
there is no danger of his becoming, by
advanced attainment, self-righteousness.
His humility and seli-abasement will in-
crease the more with increesed clearness
of sp:ritual sight, and deepen immesur-
ably as he nears the ineffable throne of
Infinite Holiness. The seU-righteous-
ness of the Pharisee and the holiness of
the genuine saint are as unlike as hell
and heaven. The one, if not sheer hy-
pocrisy, has pride founded on spiritual
blindness; the other is humble because
of divine light shining on limited at-
tainments and showing how immesura-
bly far they fall short of the perfection
of angelic holiness.
The above is but a simple statement
of some truths on the subject of holiness,
on which there has been full as much
controversy as sacred exemplification by
the contestants. We believe the essen-
tial principles in the foregoing state-
ment are fully sustained both by the
word of God and Christian experience.
Wc do not argue the subject, however,
further than a simple statement, com-
bined with the scriptural knowlede, the
observation, and the experience of our
readers, will constitute it an argument. —
Rel. Telescope.
A SHORT SERMON-
1. Mind your business. I assume
that you have a busines's — a lawful bus-
iness of some sort. If you arc an idler,
you will probably be a busybody in
other men's matters, and have no bus-
iness in the world. The world was not
made for vagabonds. Adam and Eve
were children, but the garden was
something more than a playground. It
was their business to dress and keep it.
They might attend flowers for beauty
and fragrance, but they must not neg-
lect the pea-vines and early potatoes.
Mind your businees. Be sure it is
something useful. If it is hurtful, it is
none of your business and you had bet-
ter leave it alone. If the thing be
wrong, the busier you are the worse it
will be for you. If you do not mind
your business, you may be certain that
Satan is contriving some mischief, and
will promplty set you to do his busi-
ness.
2. Mind your businesss. Have
nothing to do with Satan's business It
is always improper work. A certain
man, it is said made a fortune by mind-
ing his own business. Yet your busi-
ness may have something to do with
your neighbor. "Am I my brother's
keeper?" was Cain's question. "Thou
shalt in any wise reprove thy neighbor,
nor suffer sin upon turn." It is part of
our business to bear one another'3 in-
firmities and burdens. The text does
not say, mind his busines; but mind
your business. Destroy all the wheat
in your field for his sake as for your
FORGIVE YOUR ENEMIES.
211
own. It is not intermeddling to pull
his ox out of the mire. Christ said, "I
must be about my Father's business-"
He made it his own.
3. Mind your business. Study to do
your own business. Keep your mind
upon it. Not slothful in business is
linked with fervent in spirit, serving
the Lord." Push your business. Do
not suffer it to push you. Rdiueinber
the ancient rhyme about the "little
busy bee.'; Do your business with all
your might. Do not go about it grudg-
ingly and fretfully. Let your thoughts
be, "I delight to do thy will." Do not
find fault with Adam. You ought to
be more than a pair of hands. Keep
your mind upon your business, but re-
member worry is not work. Be dili-
gent in business. In one word be busy,
but not a busybody. — Advent and Sab-
bath Advocate.
• —
Need of Enthusiasm.
The Baptist Union well says:
"Enthusiasm, makes men strong It
wakes them up, brings out their
latent powers, keeps up incessant
action, impels to tasks requiring
strength ; and these develop it.
Many are born to be giants, yet few
grow above common men, from lack
ot enthusiasm. They need waking
ing up j if set on fire by some eager
impulse, inspired by some grand re-1
solve, they will soon rise head and
shoulders above their fellows But
they sleep, doiee, wait for public sen-
timent, cling to the beaten paths,
dread sacrifices, shun hardships, and
die weaklings.
"Enthusiasm makes men happy,
keeps them fresh, hopeful, joyous.
Life never stagnates with them, they
pate a 'good time coming,' and make
it come.
"It makes men useful. No one
does much without it ; every one
does more with it. It the church
could double its stock in it, she
would more than double her force
and usefulness. It is her great ne-
cessity of this hour. Not one tenth
of her intellect, wealth resources,
are developed. She has enough to
clear this whole land of ignorance,
intemperance, vice and miser)*, if it
were once fully set in motion. There
i« a might)' work to be done, but
she does not -do it with her might.'
If our ministers were like Paul in
spirit, they would resemble him in
success • they would not wait for
calls to easy, comfortable fields, but
feel sent where needed most, where
people are worst, meanest, most de-
graded by sin.
"Let us pray for enthusiasm, a
noble divine inspiration, which will
end our self seeking and idleness,
and thrust us into eager conflicts
with sin. If filled with the Spirit,
we shall not lack this divine zeal."
Forgive Your Enemies.
There are many good reasons for do-
ing so.
He who does not forgive his enemies,
wilt often mistake friends for foes. Be-
ing revengful, he will be suspicious
He will miscons rue men's actions, and
misjudge their motives. Should any
give him that rare token of valuable
friendship which consisists in affection-
ate reproof, he would esteeem it unkind.
For the same reason he would cheri-h
jealousy, and would mark almost all
actions with an evil eye. Turning
friends into foes in this way, is most in-
keep sweet, seldom croak, anlici- jurious; it is self-torment.
[2
FORGIVE YOUR ENEMIES.
Bat Buppose that Borne are jour real
enemies. Perhaps you have given
them m no h provocation. If so, rem em -
ieir fault doea not canoe) yours,
nor can their sin bo a cloak for your
criminality. At least, be bonest, and
take as much blame to yourself as you
ascribe to them
Although your enemy wantonly in-
tends to do you evil, yet God may sit-
perintend to do you good. So his ha-
tred shall not hurt and may even bene-
fit you. Thus, the plotting of Joseph's
brethren led to his promotion at the
court of Pharaoh. The curses of Shimei
were the precursors of David's triumph-
ant return to the holy city. "Let him
alone," said the royal fugitive, "and let
him curse, for the Lord hath bidden
him. It may be the Lord will requite
?nc (/ood for his cursing this day." In
like manner, when your enemies assail
you, look up to God and say,
''When men of spite against me join,
The}' are the sword, the baud is thine."
and he will not suffer the sword to
prosper against you. .
God commands you to lay aside all
malice — to put off anger, wrath, and
bitterness — to recompense to no man
evil for evil — to forbear and forgive.
He who breaks God's commandments,
must bear God's anger.
They who do not exercise forgiveness,
shall nol receive it. He who lives and
dies unpardoning, lives and dies unpar-
doned. The true Witness hath said,
"If ye forgive not men their trespasses,
neither will your Father forgive your
trespasses." What terror these words
bear to all the unforgiving.
Not to forgive is a daring assumption
of the aw fnl prerogative of God. "Ven-
geance is mine, I will repay saith the
Lord. Who art thou that judgest
another man's servant ? To his own
r he stand eth or falleth." cur ly
God will rebuke the intrusion of your-
self into bis judgment seat. So the
I blow which you aim at your fellow sin-
ner and fellow-servant will return upon
your own soul.
The best and wisest men of every aire
bave practiced forgiveness. When Ste-
phen was enduring that dreadful
by stoniug, he cried, "Lord lay not this
sin to their ehar_e." All the martyrs
followed bis example When reviled,
they blessed. All saints of later times
have done the same. How creditable
it is to the memory of one of the re-
formers, that "he never forgot any
thing except injuries." Who would
not be like such a man ?
To forgive the most bitter enemies is
to be like Jesus, who beholding the un-
feeling cruelty of his enemies in mock
ing his dying agonies, yet in that dread-
ful hour not only prayed for their for-
giveness, but framed an argument in
extenuation of their guilt: "Father,
forgive them ; for they know not what
they do." Would you not be like
Christ? Can you ever be "satisfied"
until you awake in his likeness f
You wish to be great. Then remem-
ber that there is more greatness iu ru-
ling your own spirit than in taking a
city. The poorest of all contrite souls
has the pre-eminence over him who
should subdue the earth to his scepter,
but should not subdue his own passions.
"It is the glory of man to pass over a
transgression." To err is human. To
revenge is devilish. To forgive is di.
vine.
It is a mark of peculiar guilt and
folly not to forgive. The best authority
teaches, tbat "anger rest? only iu the
bosom of fools," and that to "L
man is to be a murderer."
Forgiveness often converts foes into
FORGIVE YOUR ENEMIES.
213
friends. It may thus affect your en- 1
emies. It would be very pleasant to
secure the good will of those who dis-j
like you. But resentment will only!
irritate and enrage. No enemy is won
by hatred. Leviathan is never thus I
tamed. "Grievious words stir up an-
ger." It is "a soft answer" that "turns
away wrath" Learn to overcome evil
with good.
Remember, too, that you are not
much hv.rtunt.il your soul is hart. The
bitterness of enemies is not the bitter-
ness of death. Who can harm you if
you follow that which is good? Ma-
lignity in striking one dagger against
the bosom of its object, buries ten in the
heart of the assailant. The most ex-
pensive of all methods of being equal to
your foe is to hate him. The cheapest
mode of gaining a lawful and undoubt-
ed advantage over him is to forgive
him.
He who does not forgive, must pre
pare for a strife and every evil work.
It is a wise rule to "leave off conten-
tion before it be meddled with." Defile
not thy conscience, embitter not thy
life with wars and fightings.
Besides, you and your enemy will
soon stand together at the same bar of
omniscient judgment. If he has to be
judged, so have you. Nor can you de-
ny that you have often and very wick-
edly sinned against God. Why should
you not be merciful, that "you may ob
tain mercy V* You owe your Lord ten
thousands talents; why should you not
forgive your fellow- servant fifty pence?
If God bring you into judgment, you
cannot answer for one or a thousand of
your heinous sins against him. Does it
then become you to be unforgiving re-
specting the few and slight offences
commitred against yourself?
Christianity is practically worth very
little to him whom it does not enable
to triumph over all sinful enmiti
embrace the bitterest enemy in the
arms of holy benevolence is one of the
earliest and siaiplest and grandest
achievements of vital and evang
piety. Shall your, religion be worth-
.
Prayer for your enemies wi'i
much more likely to make them asham-
ed and miserable, until they cease their
hostility, than any thing that revenge
can inflict. Even persecution hi
has been known to grow pale and to
quake under the influence of hearty
prayer.
Eternity is near. Unconceived glo-
ries or terrors will soon strike awe into
every soul of man. Then all the petty
strifes among the potsherds will
vested of the unreal consequence ; and
many things on earth regarded as _
will consume away like the fat of larn'-s.
Look at the grounds of your enmity.
Can you justify it in eternity ?
Thus are you called and urged to the
duty of forgiveness. More sublime
sanctions attach to no human ol
tion.
And now, do you forgive all you
^mies f Perhaps you say, "I can fur-
give, but I can't forget." If you meau
that you cannot erase from the tablet t
your memory all impression, so as to be
wholly unable to recollect the offence,
then you are not required to forget. In
this sense Jehovah did not fori:
offences. Yet he says, "Their sin and
their iniquities will I remember no
more." Now we are required to for-
give as He forgives. When you are re-
quired to forget as well as forgive, the
meaning is, that you must not willing-
ly retain a remembrance of the offence
— thoughts of it must not be oher
— the recollection of it not awaken
ANTIQUITY OF THE SCRIPTURES.
tl< ity ; nor must the repetition of the
offence rekindle old anger or hatred
You must also forgive, however often
the offence be repeated, though it be
D times a day," or "seventy times
seven." You must love your enemy;
pray for him ; wish- well to him ; do
him good ; if he be hungry, feed him ;
if he thirst, give him drink; if he be
naked, clothe him. And you must do
all sincerely, habitually, benevolently,
willingly ; not for a pretence, nor by
( ostraint of the fear of hell. The sor-
rows and sufferings or your most cruel,
and persevering foe must be no matter
of joy to you. "He that is glad at ca-
lamities shall not be unpunished." You
must "love your enemies " To do so
is the badge of discipleship in the school
of Christ, and the token and pledge of
eternal life. If you find no such spirit
in you, then you are a guilty, unpar-
doned, unholy sinner, in the gall of bit-
terness and in the bond of iniquity.
Therefore you must be converted. You
must be born again. In malice you
must become a child. Without a thor-
ough change of heart you cannot be
saved. The alternative is regeneration
or perdition. You must be born again,
and your enmity slain, or you must
sink to endless woe.
Antiqtity of the Scriptures.
Few of us ever s+op to think bow old
the Bible is Yet "the Scriptures are
believed by candid critics to contain
the most ancient forms of truth known
to men." With the aid of chronologic-
al tables, any one may easily make
profitacle comparison between the an-
tiquity of the books and that of other
writings and events, The Scriptures
coutain the only authentic history of
the world before the flood. We find in
the Peututeucch one or two stanzas of
poetry composed in the antediluvian pe-
riod. The Hebrew statues were enacted
a thousand years before Justiuian re-
formed the lloman juresprudenoe. In
the Bible we have the record of charter-
ed rights sacred to the people more
than two thousand years before Magua
Cbarta
What a sensation would be produced
if the first chapter of Genesis should ap-
pear for the first time in one of our
newspapers to-morrow ! YTet there can
be no doubt that chapter contains the
oldest writing, twenty -five hundred
years before the invention of printing.
Xenophon's record on the conversation
of Socrates, in his Memorabilia seems an
old book to us, yet similar topics were
discussed in Ecclesiastes six hundred
years before. The works of Tacitus,
Plutarch, Quiutillian are not modern,
yet the books of the New Testament are
older than they.
As to the book of Job, its age is be-
)ond conjecture. Those who make it
as n oderj as they can are compelled to
place its origin at one thousand years
before Homer. When Priam was king
of Troy, Job was of remote antiquity
The name of Alexander has no modern
sound for us yet when Alexander in-
vaded Syria, the book of Job might
have been read before him as the work
of a great author more time-honored
than the name of Alexander is now.
The writings of Confucius are mod-
ern compared with most of the Bible ;
and the most that the Hindoos can just-
ly claim for their sacred books, the Ve-
das, is that they were written five hun-
dred years after the death of Moses.
The Koran is a book fresh from the
press campared with the Scriptures. —
Dr. Upson.
THE CHRISTIAN IN HIS BUSINESS.
215
The Christian in His Business.
BY TII0:>. SMYTH, D. D.
Labor of some kind is necessary. If
a man will not labor, neither shall he
eat in quietness and joy. This is a part
of the curse of sin and of man's present
probationary state. As such you will
regard it. You will accept it as a part
of the cross and your allotted duty here
below, and see in it the divine wisdom
and goodness. Seek the presence and
blessing of God to give you an humble,
cheerful, willing spirit, to hallow your
daily work with your smile, to ennoble
it with his approbation, and to enrich it
with his gracious furtherance aud suc-
cess.
"There is nothing on earth so lowly but
duty giveth it importance;
No station so degrading but it is enno-
bled by obedience;
Yes, to break stones upon the highway,
acknowledging the Lord in thy lot,
Hnppy shalt thou be and honorable,
more than many children of the mighty,"
Regard your occupation as your
Christian field. Ask guidance in select
ing your profession. Consecrate it to
Christ. Implore his daily and con-
stant presence in it. Live in it for him.
Labor as in his sight. Be eminent in
lu older to live to Christ, every en-
gagement and business must be chosen
and undertaken with regard to your ob-
ligation to him. You must not a
I a weight of cares beyond the measure
jof your capacity and strength.
! are not to take upon yourself other bur-
jdens than are put upon you by oeoessi-
| ty or duty, nor to put yourself in the
(way of them. Covetousness, ambition,
j pride, self-confidence, glorying in your
! wisdom, skill, and capacity for business,
or an improper condescension to the
wishes of others may lead you to di
You may thus overwhelm yourself and
| be submerged under the weight and
multitude of self-imposed engagements,
to which the Lord has not called you.
i Beset with care, worried with constant
(anxiety, you may become depressed in
' spirit, uneasy in conscience, cold and
! languid in duty, joyless in heart. V >u
' can not look up with freedom and con-
'fidence; a chain of self-upbraiding fear
drags you down. You can not be spir-
itually minded, which is life and peace;
you must become carnally minded, which
is death.
As there is an order of duty, so is
there an order as regards the time to be
devoted to it. To every duty there is a
time and a season; a time proportioned
it for diligence, and for whatsoever
things are honorable and of good re- 1 to its import mce as related to your soul,
port. This is well pleasing in Christ, to God, to your family, to the church,
Keep your business in subjection to him. 'and the interests of the Redeemer's
Regard its interests as subordinate to kingdom. You are therefore to "re-
those of your soul, your family and the
church. And that it may not become a
deem the time," to buy it back at any
price from the enslaving, grasping pow-
snare to you, give of your substance ' er of a sinful, selfish and ambitious
regularly and systematically, according! world.
The common idea that business — that
is, merely one kind of business, and
that the least intellectual, moral, or
spiritual — must be attended to, and
swallow up the time required for the
[duty we owe to ourselves, to our faun-
as God has prospered you, to every good
work. Be ever found willing to com-
municate and ready to distribute, not by
constraint, but willingly: forward to de-
vise and to execute liberal things for
the church and the world.
216
INDIVIDUAL POWER.
and to the ohuroh, is nothing less
than atheistic, profane, God-defying,
and suicidal. It inverts the pyramid of
duty. It makes mammon master, and
its authority and will the rule of duty.
Aud as this "business" is very much
\ every man chooses to make it, the j
common maxim in reality makes a man's
will the rule of duty and God's will
subordinate to man's caprice. It is a
violation of the constitution of nature,
of your own uature, and also of that of
the family and the church. It is not
of the Father. It is of the devil, and
is one of those destructive lies which he
originates.
But in order to live to Christ in your
daily calling, you must not only limit
aud wisely apportion your duties to your
time and strength; you must also regu-
kte your feelings towards your earthly
pursuits. You may not perhaps assume
too many worldly cares or too much
business, you may even be a drone and
an idler in the world, aud yet have your
heart and your affections set too much
upon the beggarly elements and occupa-
tions of earth. A man may drown in
a little brook as well as in a great river,
and a man may be ungodly, unspiritual,
and worldly, even when his interest in
business is small. You may not, you
must not be idle. You must work, and
be '-'diligent" in business. But you
must so learn Cnrist and seek power
from on high as at the same time to be
"fervent in spirit, serving the Lord" —
as to be wisely worldly, but not worldly
wise — as, in short, to live to Christ, and
yet live in the busy world. You must
assume no cares and duties but those
you can refer to Christ, on which you
can ask his blessing, in which you can
enjoy his presence, and by which you
may best serve and glorify him. Zeal
for his cause, desire for his glory, and
making this the supreme end and sin
in all your undertakings, this is living
to Christ.
"Be this ray one great business here,
With holy trembling, holy fe:ir,
To make my culling sure;
Thine utmost counsel to fulfil,
And suffer till thy righteous will,
And to the end endure."
Individual Power-
Ideas that sway the world are
born of heroic souls and uttered
by individual lips. Great thoughts
that have the axles of society, on
which nations poised and swung
around, first sprung from single
hearts. No army delivered the old
Hebrews from bondage, but one
man, Moses, did. No senate or
statesmen raised Israel to its height
or unmatched national grandeur,
but one kingly man, David, did. No
school of divines first gave us the
English Bible, but John WicklifTe
did. No royal court discovered
America, but Cristopher Columbus
did. No circle of social science in-
terpreted the laws of the universe,
but Galileo did. No sovereign or
parliament saved English liberties,
but Oliver Cromwell did. No com-
bination or confederacy rescued
Scotland from political ecclestical
enemies, but John Knox did. And
of him says Carlyle: "John Knox
was the author of Oliver Cromwell,
and the father of English Puritan-
ism ; he desired a nation of God-
fearing men who should be govern-
ed by the Bible ; and he adds,
"What John Knox has suffered by
ungrateful generations should hum-
ble us in the dust, for the selected
man of the earth to me is John
Knox." No assembly of divines
TOBACCO.
217
wrote the book which next to the' some of the most formidable dis-
Bible, has the strongest hold on leases th.it flesh is heir to We are
English hearts, but John Bunyan I not going to repeat these common-
did. No chamber of commerce
taught England to abolish the slave
trade, but William Wilberforce did.
So every grand work for God and
humanity has been horn and car-
ried on to glorious consummation
by the burning energy of some sin-
sanctified soul. Church meetings
do not originate in orphan asylums
or temperance societies; they al-
ways spring out of the brain of some
one brave man. It has not been
corporations that have started the
places. But we believe that we
shall do good service by laying be-
fore our readers certain striking
facts which not very long ago occu-
pied the French Academy of Medi-
cine, and were published by one of
its members, Dr. Jolly.
According to this learned physi-
cian, it appears from the French
medical statistics, that diseases of
the nervous centres have incfei
at a frightful rate among the French;
that insanity, general and pro:.
great reforms of the world; the ]sive paralysis, softening of the brain
moral miracles of time have always
been wrought by individuals. From
Moses down to Martin Luther, vast
and spinal marrow, cancerous dis-
eases of the lips and the tongue, ap-
peared to have increased hand-in -
socialand civil reforms have always hand with the revenues derived from
been led by single heroic souls. Less
than one hundred years ago there
left Oxford, England, two young
the impost on tobacco. Nay, more
we are positively assured that the
increase of tho French population
men full of clear conviction of duty has been checked by the use of to-
and faith in their own individuali- . bacco.
ty ; having, too, a profound experi- In all this there is nothing new.
ence of the love of Jesus, they lit up! Precisely the same accusations were
a flame of salvation that spread over brought against tobacco by the earl-
two hemispheres and burned in a ! iest writers on the sublet, some two
million ot hearts — George Whitefield
and John Wesley.
The world and the church make
no progress without leaders, heroic
Bouls who plow themselves into his-
tory, and rule us even from their
tombs.
TOBACCO.
Ever since the introduction of to-
bacco into Europe, the gravest de-
nunciations have been launched
against it, and physicians of the
highest rank have attributed to the
practice of smoking and "snuffing"
hundred years ago. Still, it ma}- be
worth our while to listen to the re-
cital of the modern evils which the
continental physicians ascribe to the
weed, however painful it may be to
hear so bad an account ot that
which many a smoker prefers to
food; and which so many believe to
be an innocent enjoyment if not a
positive mental support, equally ac-
ceptable after the labors of the body
or tho mind.
According to the statistics of Dr.
Rubk), the number of lunatic- is
much greater in northern countries,
where to consumption of spirituous
218
TOBACCO.
Liquors and tho use of tobacco are
much greater than in southern coun-
tries, where tho peoplo are very so-
l er, and small smokers. According
to M. Rtoreau, not a single case oi
general paralysis is seen in Asia
Minor, where there is no abuse of al-
coholic liquors, and whore they
smoke a kind of tobacco which is
almost tree from nicotine, or the pe-
culiar poison in tobacco. On the
other hand, insanity is frightfully
increasing in Europe, just in propor-
tion to the increase in the use of to-
bacco. It appears that from 1830
to 1862 the revenues from the im-
post on tobacco in France rose from
£1,250,000 to £8,333,333— a tre-
mendous figure, certainly, to have
disappeared from the pockets of the
people into smoke. But, hand-in-
hand with this increase in the con-
sumption of tobacco, there appears
to have been during the same period
an augmentation in the number of
lunatics in France from 8,000 to 44,-
000, or rather 60,000, if we take in-
to account other lunatics besides
those in the public asylums. Nor
is that all; there are other diseases
of the nervous centres referred to
the same origin, and not mentioned
in the statistics, which raise the sum
total to 100,000 persons who in
France alone suffer from the poison-
ous effects of tobacco .smoke.
Proceeding with his inquiries, Dr.
Jolly visited all the asylums, and
consulted the case books of private
practice, in order to throw more
light on this important subject; and
the result is his firm conviction that
among the men it is muscular or
narcotic paralysis which predomi-
nates and constitutes the excess of
the normal number of lunatics,
whilst the other forms of madness
disclose but slight variations in their
number; and, among the anteced-
ents oi the cases, ho always found
that they could bo traced to the
"abuse oi tobacco" In the asylums
for female lunatics, on the contrary,
he only found the older forms of in-
sanity, and general paralysis was
exceptional.
Of course in all this there might
be only coincidence, but when coin-
cidences become numerous they are
equivalent to demonstrations, and
it is positively averred that general
paralysis preferentially attacks per-
sons who smoke tobacco more or
less saturated with, nicotine Soldiers
and sailors especially, who smoke
more than others of the population,
figure foremost in the number of
paralytic lunatics, whilst, on the
other hand, women are almost ex-
empt from that malady. Those
populations who do not smoke, or
who smoke inert substances, such as
hops or tea, enjoy the same immu-
nity.
Perhaps it may be said that the
abuse of alcoholic liquors is too o9-
ten the concomitant of that of tobac-
co to allow us to separate the effects
of the two causes; but without de-
nying the pernicious effects of the
Frenchman's favorite absinthe, cog-
nac and other spirituous liquors, in
the progress of tho evil, Dr. Jolly
believes he has demonstrated that
the abuse of tobacco must be re-
garded as the chief cause of the
general paralysis of the insane, and
for the following reason : He met
with paralytic madmen who had
been water-drinkers, but immoder-
ate smokers; and Dr. Maillot, chief
of the French Army Board of
ASSOCIATIONS WITH THE WICKED.
219
Health, found that among the very
numerous cases of paralysis coming
under his notice, thero were many
patients who were remarkable for
their sobriety as to the use of spir-
ituous liquors, but immoderate
smokers of the pipe or cigar. Fin-
ally, in certain provinces of France
for instance in Saint Onge, Limousin,
and Bretagne, where there is as yet
very little smoking, but where an
enormous quantity of brandy is
drunk, general paralysis is almost
unknown.
It is, however, to the young that
the evil of smoking is likely to be
most disastrous. Whatever benefit
may be derived from smoking in ma-
turity and old age, it is obvious that
the young cannot need the factitious
aid of a narcotic. Parents should
look to this, and prevent the must
deplorable physical and moral con-
sequences of the habit in their chil-
dren. Many a youth may date the
ruin ot his health and character from
the first whiff of tobacco, which, by
dint of nauseous practice, he waa at
length able to smoke, in the foolish
imitation of manhood. That smok-
ing musl, impair the digestion and
derange the nervous system of the
young, seems certain, and that it
may lead to drunkenness, or excess
in drink, is more probable, from the
thirst which it necessarily occa-
sions.
Associations with the Wicked.
Huw many affecting conformations of i good
Egyptian kings. This princess was in-
troduced to Jewish society, habits, and
influences, at the time when the Jewish
kingdom wa3 at the zenith of its power
aud glory, and when the worship of Je-
hovah was conducted with its gr<
ritualistic grandeur and purity. She
was, moreover, married to a man who,
in point of intellectual capacity, tower-
ed far above his contemporaries, and he
a man of strong religious tendencies.
Now, surely, if ever under any circum-
stances, it might have been supposed
that the good would triumph over the
evil — the true over the false — the wor-
ship of Jehovah over the idolatries of
the heathen, and that Pharaoh's daugh-
ter, like the Queen of Sheba, would be-
come a servant of the true God. But
instead of this, Solomon was drawn
away to the worship of the false gods of
his Egyptian wife. Not only so, he was
drawn by his other wives to the temples,
alters, aud service of the false gods of
the several nations to which they re-
spectively belonged. So that the man
who had been specially favored of God,
who on two distinct occasions had been
visited by Him in dreams and visions of
the night, who had built for his wor-
ship a temple which was the glory of
the kingdom, and the wonder of the
world, and who in wisdom had excelled
all the men of his age — this man was
seen going to the temple of x^shtaroth,
bowing before the alters of IMileolm,
burning incense to Chemosh, and even
joining in the bloody rites of Moloch.
It was not the good that sanctified the
evil, it was the evil that corrupted the
corrupting power of evil associatious
arc to be f^uud in the pages of the Bi~
From all of which it follows that it
is much easier to corrupt than to sancti-
ble. The saddest of all may be found |fy, to do mischief than to do good, to
in the history of Solomon. He takes : hinder the growth of spiritual life than
to wife the daughter of one of the .to promote it. Hence, iu the contests
210
GOSPEL JOURNALISM.
w< have to wage on the ^ido of the good
and against the evil, we shall Jo well to
remember that the evil has many ad-
vantages over the good, to begin with.
It has on its side the instincts and pas-
sions of a nature alienated from God,
the multitude, and therefore the power,
of example; things seen and temporal,
and therefore apparently present advan
So that if ever the thought
should occur to any one, "I may join
with the wicked in their pleasures and
make them better," let the lessons of
this article utter their warning; "They
will be more likely to injure you. than
you to benefit them." Our safety lies
in avoiding all unnecessary contact with
evil, and in keeping as far as possible
from all those companionships, pleasures
and pursuits which are dangeroug in
their tendency.
mond necklace had done its work it had
disgraced one countess, dishonored a
cardinal, branded with a red-hot iron a
favorite of the court, and blackened a
!' history already infamous. Not
so when my Lord gathers up his jewels.
They shall come from the east, and from
the west, and from the north, and from
the south. He will send out his mes-
senger angels, and tell them to gather
them up from all the sea. Golconda,
and Ceylon and Coromandel, will send
their best treasures. The whole uni-
verse will make contribution towards it,
and the brightest gems in the place will
be the gems that came up from earth.
They will flash in the swaying scepter,
and the gleaming crown, and in the
belt of imperial beauty, and in all the
vases of eternity, "in the day when the
Lord of Hosts makes up his jewels."
THE LORD'S JEWELS.
In the latter part of the last century
Messrs. Boemer & Cassange, the most
celebrated jewelers of the world, resolv-
ed that they would fashion a diamond
necklass such as the world never saw
They sent out their agents in all lands
to gather up the most costly gems.
They stopped not for any expense. In
the year T782 the necklace was done.
There were in it eight hundred dia-
monds, swinging around in nine rows,
waving up to the throat, dropping over
the chest and shoulders, pendent in
crosses, and crowns, and lillies — swing-
ing m a very blaze of loops, festoons
and clusters. Oh ! what a day it must
have been when Louis XVI. presented
that to the Queen, and in the presence
of the court, Marie Antoinette put on
the necklace ! But the court could not
pay for it and there were robber hands
that longed for it, and before that dia-
GOSPEL JOtfRNALISM.
What should a gospel journal be ?
1. It should be as emphatically de-
voted to the gospel, to the cause of
Christ, and the kingdom of God, as the
evangelist is to the preaching of the
gospel, or the faithful instructor to the
teaclnng of the saints. It should
abound with the gospel in manner, style
and language. In teaching it should
abound in the language of the apostles,
and first teachers in the churches. In
both preaching the gospel to the world
and teaching the saints, Bible things
should be called by Bible names. Ev-
erything in the Bible can be set forth in
Bible words. When we get new names,
there is danger of new things. We
want nothing newer than the things set
forth by our Lord and His Apostles.
It is easy to see when a man wants
something new, as it is when he wants
the old things of the kingdom. It is
HUMBLE OR HUMBLED.
221
easy to see when a man or paper is de
voted to the Lord and his word. It
will appear in all he says and will gleam
out at every angle.
2. While it should be firm, decided, and
even determined, its bearing should be
noble, pleasant and agreeable. While
it should make its issues clearly and
stand to its ground with manliness and
even inflexibly, it should do so in mild-
ness and kindness. It should be of the
highest order in dignity, and bearing,
in all the courtesies and amenities
amoDg men, no matter how widely they
may differ, nor how greatly they may
err. It is the time to try a man's spir-
it wlun you controvert his positions, or
question his practice. The man who
cannot bear contradiction or criticism, or
who cannot bear to be misrepresented,
abased or treated malignantly, should
by no means ever become an editor. He
must "endure hardness as a good sol-
dier" and hear with the infirmities of
men.
o The most difficult part of journal-
ism is in the management of contribu-
tors and men who want to manage the
journalist. They think they sec as
clearly as day what he ought to do, or
ought not to do, how he should have
done this or how he should have done
that ; that he should have put his pen
on this or should not have put his pen
on that. The manly journal that strikes
through ail this, and is not afraid to do
right and maintain the right all the
time, is the journal that is needed But,
of course, one man will condemn be-
cause he did not publish this, and
use he did not publish
ted.
HUMBLE OK HUMBLED.
Bt'mghumble before God is one thing;
being humbled before God is altogether
another thing. WTe are humbled be-
fore God because we have not been
humble. We are humbled on account
of sin. Had we been humble, we
should have received grace to prevent it.
For God "resisteth the proud and giveth
irrace to the humble."
The only humble place is in the pres-
ence of God. It is only out of his
presence we are in danger of being lift-
ed up. People indeed say that it is
dangerous to be too often on the mount.
But the danger is not in being on the
mount, but in coming down from the
mount. When we come down we begin
to think that we have been there, and
then pride comes in. Paul did not need
a thcrn when he was in the third heavens.
But after his return he was in danger
of being exalted above measure by the
thoughts that he had been where no one
else had been.
True humility does not consist in
thinking badly about ourselves, but in
never thinking about ourselves at all.
This is the place which is hard to reach
— to get done with the constant repeti-
tion of I, I, I. People must be talking
of themselves, and their pride is nour-
ished by telling how evil they are, if
this suits their theology. It is sadly
curious to see some men change their
tone as they change their views; just
as in the world men make a boast of
their vices or of their virtues, as the
one or the other may attract notice or
admiration. But in either case it is I,
I, I. Some one has said — "If you be-
gin a sentence with I, there is nothing
that a person will not put after it." It
is wonderful to hear how men will in-
dulge in the use of that letter, under
the plea of relating their experi
perhaps the boasting Pharisee called it
relating his experience to the praise of
God. At any rate he showed how self-
exultation may be prefaced by, '«.
thank thee;" as sometimes we find it in
assemblies where Christ should be the
theme. — Advai
oog
THE MISERIES OF SELF-IMPORTANCE.
Keep Your Eye on the Copy.
A writer for a religious paper out
West thus pungently makes a point in
applying his subject :
Have you ever uoticed how badly
boys write at the bottom of the pages in
their copy-book ? There is the copy at
t tie top, and in the first line they look
ai that; in the second line they copy
their own imitation j in the third line
they copy their imitation of their imita-
tion ; and the writing grows worse and
worse as it descends the page. Now
the apostles followed Christ; the first
fathers imitated the apostles; the next
fathers imitated the first fathers; and so
the standard of holiness fell dreadfully;
and now we are to apt to follow the very
less and dregs of Christianity; and we
think if we are about as good as our
poor, imperfect ministers or leaders in
the church, that we shall do well and
deserve praise.
Boys ! Girls ! Keep your eye on the
copy ! Never trust yourselves to follow
your own imitatiDn of it. You will be
sure to grow worse and worse. Don't
have long pages to your copy-books; if
you do, you will get too far from the
copy, the model, and be tempted to im-
itate something between, rather than
the original. After writing a few lines,
take another piece of paper, put it im^
mediately under your copy, covering up,
thus, what you have written, and fol-
low closely the copy. Then compare
that with the last line of the first sheet,
and see how you have d generated !
Learn the advautage of going back to a
good starting point, and beginning
afresh, as the best way to overcome er-
ror and to regain the right.
So let it be with your conduct in
life. Follow closely every good "copy"
set you; every good example, every
good precept, taught by parents, friends
or teachers. Above all, learn of and
look unto Jesus, and receive the last im-
petus to a good, useful and happy life,
and the best preservative from degener-
acy and ruin !
[May we who are adults hoed the sol-
emn suggestion given above as to how
we follow Christ! And may we care-
fully consider what kind of copies we
set! A pastor left in his study a scrap
of hastily written, blotted writing.
During his absence, his little boy went
into the study, and sat at the desk, and
wrote a few lines upon another slip. It
was a close imitation of his father's
work — so close that where the father
had blotched and blotted aud badly
written, so had the child. When the
father resumed his work in the study,
he saw the writing of his boy, and was
so impressed that he narrated the mat-
ter to a brother minister, and observed:
"I must be careful how I write, how I
act; for I find that my children imitate
me, and they copy my imperfections as
closely as that which is more worthy of
imitation !"
The Miseries of Self-importance.
Observe how self-importauce makes a
man moody and unhappy. He who is
always thinking of his own excellences
renders himself thereby unfit to enjoy
the good of others, and is prone to im-
agine that every token of affection given
to another is an insult offered to him-
self. Hence he is touchy, sensitive, ir-
ritable and envious. He takes offense
when none is meant, and even when
those around him are not thinking of
him at all he interprets their conduct as
if it were studiously discourteous, and
goes through the world smarting from
wounds that have sprung not so much
from neglect of others as from his over-
weening self conceit,
POETRY
223
There is no surer way to make our-
selves miserable than to think of our-
selves more highly than we ought to
think. It isolates us from all about us
It cuts us off alike from human sympa-
thy and divine assistance. It makes us
very Ishmaels, with our hands against
every man and every man's hands ap-
parently against us. It gives a jaun
diced hue to the behavior of those who,
so far from meaning to do evil to us,
have our best interests at heart, and
love us with self-sicrificing affection.
The man who has a wound about him.
no matter where it may be, feels it tu
be always in his way. Let him do
what he will, or go where he may, he
cannot move himself but he is conscious
of its pain. In like manner he who has
this feeling of self-importance is contin-
ually smarting. Somebody has been
slighting him. He is constantly com-
plaining of having been insulted, and
when honor is given to another he feels
nothiug but that he has been over-
looked. Thus he shuts himself out
from every festival, and mopes most of
all when others are merry. May God
deliver us from this idolatry of self, on
whose altar all true nobleness and real
happiness are completely immolated.
$netru.
HOME.
Home's not merely lour square walls,
Though hung with pictures nicely gilded,
Home is where affection calls,
Filled with shrines the heart hath builded.
Home ! go watch the faithful dove,
Sailing 'neath the heavens above,
is where there' one to love,
Home is where there's one to love us.
'a not merely root and room ;
e needs something to endear it :
Homo is where the heart can bloom —
1 .ere there's some kind heart to cheer it !
What is home with none to meet?
None to welcome, none
Heme is ?weet, and only sweet,
V« hen there's one, we love, to meet us.
THE MEETING PLACE.
Where the faded flowers shall freshen,
Freshen never more to fade ;
Where the shaded sky shall brighten.
Brighten never more to shade ;
Where the sun blaze never scorches ;
Where the star-beams cease to chill ;
Where no tempest stirs the echoes
Of the wood, or wave or hill ;
Where the morn shall wake in gladness,
And the moon the joy prolong ;
Where the daylight dies in fragrance,
'Mid the burst of holy song :
Brother, we shall meet and rest,
'Mid the holy and the blest !
Where no shadow shall bewilder,
Where life's vain parade is o'er;
Where the sleep of sin is broken,
And the dreamer dreams no more ;
Where no bond is ever sundered;
Partings, claspsings, sob and moan,
Midnight waking, twilight weeping,
Heavy moontide — all are done :
Where the child has found its mother, .
Where the mother finds the child ;
Where dear families are gathered
That were scattered on the wild ;
Brother, we shall meet and rest
'Mid the holy and the blest,
Where th. hidden wound is healed,
Where the blighted life re-blooms ;
Where the smitten heart the freshness
Of its buoyant youth resumes ;
Where the love that here we lavish
On the withering leaves of time,
Shall have fadeless flowers to fix on,
In an ever spring-bright clime,
Where we find the joy of loving,
As we never loved before,
Loving on unchilled, unhindered,
Loving once and evermore ;
Brother, we shall meet and rest,
'Mid the holy and the blest !
Where a blasted world shall brighten
Underneath a bluer sphere,
And a softer, gentler sunshine
Shed its healing splendor here ;
Where earth's barren vales shall bl
Putting on their robes of green,
And a purer fairer Eden
Be where only wastes have been ;
IVhere a King in kingly glory,
Such as earth hath never known,
Shall assume the righteous scepter,
Claim and wear the holy crown :
Brother! we shall meet and rest,
'Mid the holy and the blest.
224
OBITUARIES.
For the Gospel Visitor.
PRAYER.
SELECTED BY E. R. STIELER.
Prayer is a weary heart's desire,
The suro relief of care ;
It is to plead with God hi3 word,
And find deliverance there;
It is to whisper every wish
To him who can fulfill ;
A beggar coming to a King,
To ask whate'er he will.
The weakened saint may thus o'ercome
The strongest of his foes ;
He prays — his God a wall of fire
Around the suppliant throws :
He prays — and all his enemies
Away like smoke are driven ;
He prays — and to the fainting one
Jehovah's strength is given.
Is sin the 'burden of the soul,
While struggling to be free ?
Helpless he prays and grace divine
Gives him the victory ;
Is holiness the prize he seeks ?
He can obtain it there ;
For nothing is impossible
To wrestling faith and prayer.
The spirit teaches him to plead
The merits of the Lamb ;
And feeblest prayer acceptance gains,
When perfumed with his name, .
Prayer, uttered by that precious One,
Enters the court above,
Whence shining hosts the answers bear,
On rapid wings of love.
OBITUARIES.
Died in the Union Center congregation,
Locke, Elkhart Co., Ind., June 3, 1873, SU-
SANNAH BURKHOLDER, daughter of J.
and C. Burkholder, aged 2 years, 3 months,
and 19 days. Disease quick consumption.
Lydia An-glemyer.
Died Dec. 18, 1S72 of disease in the stomach,
on Pipe Creek in Madison Co., Ind., sister
JANE ALLEN, in her 55th year. She was the
mother of eleven children of whom six are liv-
ing (one a member of the church) She was
sick 15 months and suffered much but bore her
suffering with christian fortitude. She was a
worthy member of the church a nnraber of
years. Funeral discourse by Elder G. W. Stu-
debaker and others, from 2 Tim. 2 : 11, 12.
Died in Twinn Creek Church, March 9th,
1S73, ELIZABETH CRUMBAKER. wife of
James Brumbaker, aged 67 years, I month, and
18 days. Her fumeral was largely attended at
the Beech Grove church on Tuesday, the 11th.
Services by Elder Haywood, and others of the
Irethren.
She was the eldest daughter of Samuel and
Barbara Leedy, formerly of New Hope, Augus-
ta couuty, Va. She with her husband removed
to this state in the year 1S33 where she lived a
light to the church to tho time of her death.
She has left a kind and affectionate husband
and a large circle of relatives and sympathizing
friends to mourn their loss but not as those
who have no hope. Not only do they miss her
in the family circle but her loss will be felt in
the church. She was good among the sick,
free and kind hearted always willing to help
the poor or those in distress. She left bright
hopes and cheerful works; and bore all the
p.iins with christian resignation. She has left
good examples for all her children and for
mothers. It has pleased God to take her from us
and we confidently trust that she has gone
to the mansions of rest to enjoy tho fruit of her
labors, and that our loss will be her great gain.
Died near Middlebury, Clay Co., Inda., May
19, 1873, ABRAHAM MILLER, aged 65 years,
1, month and 6 days, leaving a widow (a sister)
and many relatives to mourn their loss. Fun-
eral service by the writer from 2 Kings : 1, to a
large concourse of people.
A. Hensel.
Near Albany, Oregon, May 24th, brother
JOHN MYERS, aged 59 years, 1 month aud 28
days. Deceased was born in Union county, Ind-
iana, and in 1834, moved to Carroll county,
where his family now resides. On the 7tb of
last April, he left his home to visit Oregon, and
arrived in Albany, April 23, 1873. Whilst our
brother was on his way to Oregon, he was
taken with peritonitis, resulting in abscess.
Although he was under skillful physicians, and
cared for by kind friends, be could net be heal-
ed so that he might again return to his earthly
home. He leaves a sorrowing wife, eight chil-
dren, and numerous friends to mourn their loss.
Mourn not, bereaved children, for we beiieve
your father has found a home that far exceeds
the richest the earth can afford. Dear sister,
weep not; though your companion be dead,
yet shall he live again. Although you were de-
nied the privilege of bending over his dying
bed, you may rest assured dear sister, that his
dying hours were calm and peaceful, being
fully resigned to his Heavenly Father's will.
He retained his right mind until our Heavenly
Master's call ; then his spirit passed from its
tenement of clay without a struggle. By his
request, the funeral occasion was improved by
brother David Brower, from Job 14: 14, to a
large ooncourse of people.
Aaron II. Baltimore.
In the Root River congregation, Filmore
county, Minn., March 10th, ANNIE M. ZE-
BAUGH, daughter of brother Peter and sister
Mary, aged 3 years, 7 months and 17 days ; al-
so son of the same parents, li'tle PETER, aged
9 months and 7 days. They died oa the same
day, about six hours apart, and were both
placed in one coffin. Funeral discourse by Wm.
C. Hipes, from Luke 18 : 16.
In the same place. May 7th, WILLIAM OGG,
son of brother Joseph and sister Susanna, aged
4 years, 10 months and 3 days. Funeral occas-
ion improved by William C. Hipes, from the
90th Psalm.
NOTICES.
A Wonderful Invention Recently
Patented. — An elegant little instrument
which combines twelve practically useful
tools, viz: Pocket Rule, Ruler, Square,
Bevel, Screw Driver, Chisel. Compasses,
Scissors, Button Hole Cutter, Paper Knife,
Eraser, and Pencil Sharpener. The article
is made of steel and evidently durable.
Agents are wanted in every town. Tho
proprietors offer to send steel polished post
paid by mail for fifty cents. Silver plated,
one dollar. Gold plated, two dollars. Per-
sons desiring an agency or to obtain the
tools should apply at once. The proper
address is Combination Tool Co , 124 Nas-
sau Street, New York. Also, the new Re-
volver Lightning Trap, which winds up
like a clock. Kills Rats. Gophers, Squir-
rels. M \cx\ cVc. and throws them away as
quick as the name indicates. One trap sent
by express for one dollar. Also a new
invention that scours or polishes knives and
forks instantly and will also sharpen Carv-
ing knives. Sent by mail for one dollar.
Also, the Telegraph knife and scissors shar-
pener. It sharpens dull knives and scissors
instantly and will cut glass like a diamond.
Sent by mail post paid for fifty cents.
Please attend to this at once or make a
memorandum of the address.
FRENCH'S NEW HOTEL,
Cor. Cortlandt & New Church Sts.
NEW YOEK.
ON THE EUROPEAN PLAN.
RICHARD P. FRENCH,
Son of the late Col. RICARD FREXCH, of
French's Hotel, has taken this Hotel, newly
fitted up and entirely renovated the same. Cen-
tral! „ located in the BUSINESS PART of the
City.
LADIES' & GENTLEMKXS' DIKING ROOMS ATTACHED.
MAP OF PALESTINE.
A beautifully colored map of Palestine, size
!8 inches, containing
The Ancient and Moden Names of all known
places.
A table of the Seasons, Weather, Productions,
&c.
The journey of the Israelites from Egypt.
The W nrlil as known to the Hebrews.
The Travels of the Apostle Paul.
The Holy City of Jerusalem.
Altitudes in English feet on the locality.
Texts of Scripture cited to Cities, A'c. Arc.
For^/i irteen subscribers to the Children's Paper
for 1873 and 33,2-5, we will send free a copy of
this excellent map.
For eighteen subscribers to the Children'* Paper
for 1873 and $4,50 we will send the map mount-
ed on rollers. Send five cents extra for postage
on each map.
Address 11. J. KURTZ, Dayton, 0.
HATS, HATS.
The Brethren can find their style of hats of
the best quality at
A. C. BROWN'S,
No. 10 North Main St.
DAYTON, OHIO.
Single 15.00, or clubs of six at $4.50 each.
Send the amount and receive goods by express.
FARM FOR SALE.
The undersigned offers his farm for sale, situ-
ated eight miles north of Muncie, Delaware Co.
Indiana. Will sell sn or 120 acres to suit the
buyer. Improvements, large frame house, good
cellar, frame barn and stabling for 9 head of
horses, and all other necessary buildings, two
good wells, good orchard of all kinds of fruit.
Railroad station with Telegraph and Express
office withen 1-4 of a mile, school house one
mile, brethren meeting house 2 1-4 miles, other
places of worship accessible. All on a good
pike. Any of the brotherhood wishing to buy a
farm in this country would do well to come and
see, or address J. R. FBY,
Shidler Station, Delaware Co. Ind.
CATARRH.
Thanks to Dr. D. M. Murray for curing
mo of Catarrh in the head and throat.
J. A. Woodmansy,
Dayton, O.
Send 50 cents and get a package of the
medicine by return mail and be cured be-
fore your catarrh runs into consumption
and death.
Address Dr. D. M. Murray,
Dayton, O.
DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
A Treatise on the Practice of Medicine, adapted
to popular use, and made familiar to the ordinary
reader.
It describes the various diseases incident to
the human family, with appropriate remedies
— the best known — and the general treatment
required in each case. It is illustrated with nu-
merous engravings— about a hundred fine cuts
of the most comm.in medical plants, with the
description, locality and habits, and medical
uses of them. A Glossary is annexed defining
the technical terms, and also a complete index.
624 pp. 8vo.
The book is strongly bound in leather. The
binding of some of the books is slightly marred,
but not to materially injure its durability.
Otherwise the book is in good order. Only a
limited number of these books is for sale and
those wanting a copy must order soon. Every
family should have a work of the kind. Sent
postpaid for $2,15 or by express for 11,75. This
i> just about half price. Address
II. J. Klktz, Dayton, 0.
Subscribe for the
FARMERS' MONTHLY.
■»% THE BKKTHEEN'S
FOB SALE AT THE OFFICE OF THE
"GOSPEL VISITOR." n. i
Nead's Theology 1,45 -MiA&n!
Wisdom and Power of God l,4fi "J Sk *
Debate on Immersion ,75 Containing the United Counsels and Conclusions
Parable of the Lord's Supper 20 of tin- Brethren at their Annual Medina i. Bu El-
Plain Remarkson Light Mindedness 10 der HENRY KURTZ.
Wandelndi Seele [German] 1,15 The work neatly bound together with
WaUfahrt nach Zlonathul ,00 " Alexander Mack's Writings,"
Bbk i iii;i:\'s Hymn Book [new selection] I copy sent by mail postpaid 1,1,70
Plain 9heep binding 75 Or those bound there are but few left, and aa
Per dozen, by express 7,2"> the " .Mack's " are out of print, when tli
" arabesque binding 75 are disposed of, bence friends who wish to have
Per dozen, by express 7,25 a oopy had better send orders soon. Of the En-
Plain morooco 1,00 'cyclopedia in pamphlet form (without Mack)
Per dozen, by express 10,00 wo ha\ e yet some more than of the bound ones
Plain morocco, pocket book Conn 1,25 and to have them more speediiy spread through-
Per dozen, by express 12,00 outour brotherhood we will reduce the price
Ni ;/• German Hymn Book. and send them postpaid for seventy- five cents.
Plain sheep binding, single 50 Address HENRY KlQtTZ,
Per dozen, by express 5,00 Columbiana, 0.
German and English bound together. __
Turkey morocco 1,25 »-»•-■ ■ w^. • ^»
Arabep4ruo0pffi.^.^™:::::::::::.:::::: '!$ Bible Dictionary.
. Per dozen, by express 9,00 a Dictionary of the Bible comprising its Antiqui-
Plain sheep binding 1,00 ties, Biography, Geography, and Natural History.
Per dozen, by express i'.OO „,, . , . ,. _, *
Hymn Hooks [ old selection ] „ This work contains every name in the Bible
German and English 75 respecting which anything can he said. It em-
Enfflish single 40 braces the results oi Historic Research, Anti-
' •* p\.V do/A'Vr/ZZ.V.V.V.V.'.V. '.'.'ZZ""Z 4^25 Parian Investigation, the study of Languages
Eost's Domestic Medicine, 624 pp 8vo 2,15 and Dialects, and the .discoveries of modern
Germa • and English Testament ,00 travelers and.explprers in the ll(dy Land.
„ . . , ■ , ,,, The book is printed from new Stereotype
Sent pjstpaM at annexed ratesexcept when by n;,tes, on good paper, and is appropriately il-
express is added. Express charges arc paid by lustrated with over One Hundred and Twenty
reeeieer. Always state by what wayyouwant books Engravings of Scenes, Ancient Cities, and
sent. Remittances iby mail for books, &c, at Memorable Places of the Holy Hand, descrip-
the risk of the sender. P. 0. Orders at our risk, tive Figures and valuable Maps.
Names put on books to order for 15 cents each- it wiu contain nearly son closely printed dou-
Address H. J- KUR1Z, Dayton, U. ble column octavo pages, including over twenty
— . ~ fine full page steed and wood engravings.
JTlie Children's Paper* For thirteen subscribers to the Gospel Visitor
. .,, . , , . , . jjr . . for 1873 and $13,00 we will send a copy of this
An illustrated paper devoted to the instruc- Dictionary, hound in Cloth.
tion of the Children. por eighteen subscribers to the Gospel Visitor
lcopy, per year SO 30 fori873 and $18,00 we will send a copy of the
4 copies t4 (| 100 Dictionary bound in Leather.
1£ ,. 4, .t '; xH The books are sent by express.
30 4, .. >< i 9£ Address H. J. KURTZ, Dayton, 0.
25 4 oO
We ask the cooperation of the brethren and
sisters everywhere in introducing the Paper ri^TJTIVTTJ1 TTVT1\fT7T) QTrMVT
and in getting subscribers for it as well as in |_ Xill> JU iMlU rJiliolUll
furnishing reading matter for the children.
Special terms to schools when packages are Tvnnpfl tr\ tlto Av\r\Q+loQ»
addressed to one person only. -*- ' ttCCU/ VU ULV J^JJUdLOVd.
Specimen copies on receipt of stamp.
Address all orders and communications to Beinft a collection of historical quotations from
11. J. KURTZ, Dayton, O. modern and ancient authors, proving that a
— three-fold immersion was the only method of
17S0 III* FAHIlllFiY'Jil 1872 baptizing ever practiced by the Apostles and
1/OU. JUH. J[ im.k»ii*,^Ajjs_ « J.o/^. theh. immediate successors. By J. II. Moore.
w»u L ^ 1 iT\i ~ -^ ~ ^ Price 25 cents ; Five copies $1,10; Ten copies
IllOOil Cleail§er §2,00. Sent postpaid to any part of the United
States. Address II. J. Kl HTZ, Dayton, 0.
or
« 1 w- m ^1 ■«" 1 fkNLY FIFTY CENTS, for the Farmers'
l* A Jl A I) I) A . w Monthly for 1ST:1, and a new County and
»,....-,» ., -, Township .Map of Ohio free. Five cents must
Many Ministering Brethren use and reeom- be ftdded for postage on map when sent by mail.
mend it A tome and purge, for Blood Disea- Address II. J. Kurtz, Dayton, 0.
ses and Female Complaints. Many testnnoni- _ _—
a Is. $1,25 per bottle. Ask or send for the H>r*«lr.s Ail Fi>PPllll«Alll'V *
"Healtn Messenger," a medical paper publish- »00ks on * 1 eemasoill y .
el gratis by the undersigned. Use only the ♦
■• Panacea'' prepared at Chicago, 111. and by U(}KT QN FREEMAS0NRY,
Fahrney s Brothers & Co., BY ELDER D. Bernard.
Waynesboro, Franklin Co., Pa. To which .g appended
~~Z To the Brethren and Friends. A REVELATION OF Till: #
I hereby propose to sell my books-Treatise Mysteries of O&d-FelloWShip,
rnShrine Immersion, The Lord's Supper, New ' v M.m. nf tVlfi r_aft
ptBT, and Non-Resistance— at 50 cents per 1,N a Member of the orart.
c >pv, postpaid, or to agents at $30 per hundred. The whole containing over five hundred pages,
name proposition tor a less number, purchasers Will be sent, postpaid, to any address, on re-
laying transportation, ceiptof price— $2. „„nm„ Tv ^
B. F. MOOMAW, Bonsaoks, Va. Address II. J. KURTZ, Dayton, 0.
9{
THE
OSPIL VISITOR
A MONTHLY PUBLICATION.
EDITED BY
HENRY KURTZ AND JAMES QUINTER.
VOL. XXIII. AUGUST, 187:). NCI 8.
TERMS: One Dollar and twenty five cents
per year in advance.
DAYTON, OHIO:
U. J. KURTZ, PRINTER & PUBLISHER.
CONTENTS. ™Ttf tT "7T
\\ e will state t<» I fling hymn
Christian Union 225 books that it has been impossible For us to
Visiting Brethren 228 ,iU p^ors promptly hitherto as we are
. ,., ,, ,, , .,.,., much of the time out of them. As we have
AU S WopM '" 1",• 233 nooontrol over this matter we hope it will
: i" Sin 234 bt borne with.
i. the Belio er's Arm 236
,,l L'.'.s We had expected to get oul a email lot
, ,, .., ..... of the old selection of hvmn books last win-
1 .me, Repentance and Faith 240 [rr Ud werc compelled ^ (1(.];iv lh(. in:(Uci.
Preprations for the last day 241 fi#m time to time for reasons which nerd
llcjoico Evermore 246 not be stated. We will say now that no-
Temptation 247 twe will be given in this n as
.,,, .,, , - ., „. ,, „ lo the books are out.
rhe Church and t ho World 248
'Show your Light 249 Wo would say again that w* cannot do
Tobacco not Nutritive 2!i> odr^business as much on credit as we have
the Missouri Committee 25.) done heretofore. We have now a b
., ,,, , .,., deal of money out on books that wo ought
the Churches 251 J(i ]);iV(i 0ur creditors compel us to pay
Correspondence 252 when due and we cannot afford to borrow
Notices. 255 money and have it standing ofr\ win
Obituaries 255' Pa.vil1-' lte«lf-
♦•♦ We had printed but a small numb
I it i«»i-* Rprpivpil minutes over what we needed tosupply our
■iClwrs »ctw»cu. subscribers, and running out some little de-
Prom B Hollopeter, I) M Irwin. G W lay was cans,'. 1 as we could not printanoth-
Sriavely, Eiiaa K Burket, E 8 Miller/Sura'l, er edition at the time. All have been sup-
(JBakcr, Ezra E. Frantz. J A Hanna, Catli- plied n<.w.
e Butterbaugh, Asa Karn, A .1 Hixson,
I Jl Price. Samuel K Myers, David E \Ve nave now finished sending out our
Win CTeeter, F> F Moomaw, D M premiums for each of the papers and we
Miller. Dr. Wrightsmcn, H F Rosenberger trust all have come safely to hand. So far
II B Brumbaugh, Charles Roberts, Lewis all our friends who have expressed them-
ff, E B Hook, Margaret Stalker, C selves in regard to the premiums have uni-
Bcrky, David Wenriek, Dr ,1 J Solomon, formly spoken well of them. Many of our
A II Fike, John C Miller, H U Brumbaugh, friends expressed th ouch (and
H F Roscnberger, John Mctzger, John D agreeably) surprised and wondered how we
Baer, C W Unger, Nathan Miller, Eph. could aftbrd to giyw such valuable premi-
Pry, Solomon W Bollinger, Josiah Keim, ums. Of course it does not pay us unless
Julia Cozidr, I J Rosenberger, John Nich- we can enlarge the subscription of our pa-
alson, David E Gerl i r, J S L Miller, J II p(>rs. This we want to do, aivl we want to
iv. 11 It Holsinger, 3; Joshua Shults, So all wo can to encourage those who labor
i: J) B Mentzer, 2; P II Kurtz, David for us and the cause even if it he at a
r, Nancy Wise, W C Rench, Alma M sacrifice to us.
se,E Unibangb, R Bashor, LydiaAn-
ojer, A If Fike, U G Varner, Amanda The price of the minute*, printed in
IJ Fyock. (Jeo W Anion. B James Jos G English, will now be 30 cents per half
Coleman, JehA S Miller Thurston Miller, dozen or 50 cents per dozen. The price of
s A Sisler, John Shepherd, S S Fike. the German minute r 75 cents.
WITH MONEY Single copies 10 cents.
From Geo. Flack, H B Brcnncman, The Map of Palestine, mounted on roll-
Elcnry Brinkworth, A 11 Baltimore, Eph. crs- which we give as a premium for clubs
W Stoncr, John S L Miller, J AV Byrne, to t)ie Children's Taper, we will send, post
J D llauselin, J B Grow, John Harley, paid, for $1.50, to any part of the United
Sarah K Kohrer, David Snyder, P Kollar, states or Canada,
(r W Saler 15 A Frantz, M Schrantz, Ed.
John Murrev. John Driver, P 11 Kurtz, APPEAL.— We appeal to all those friend-
Asa Bears, Isaac Kilhclner. Samuel R jy to our pubiication9 to aia us |h getting
Thompson, David Boop, Abr- Musser, \ *
I)iinl BStutzman, GW Abbott, M Glot- subscribers for us. We have still some
felty J It Fry, G W Widener, Sam'l. Pu- back number- of the Visitor, Children's
terbaugh, Jos*. Flory, C Newcomer, Moses pAPKRj and Farmer's Monthly on hand
Crueal) Mahan, J L Frantz, J F Eiken- d ncw Ellbscribers will receive the. full
herrv, A II Htunm, Mary Cohenour, L T
volumes.
rman.
mnmh visitor.
Vol. XXIII.
ATJG-TJST. 1873.
No. 8
For the Visitor. I
CHRISTIAN UNION.
Behold how good and how pleasant it is for i
the brethren to dwell together in unity.
Psalm 133 : 1.
This psalm, says Bishop Patrick, !
seems to have been penned when!
all the tribes of Israel had concur- 1
red in placing David on the throne, i
or rather after their subsequent1
prosperity had evinced the happy;
effect of that union; when instead
of the tribes wasting each other by ■
civil contests, they all harmonious- j
ly joined in removing the ark to:
Mount Zion, and in celebrating the
same ordinances of their religion.
It was as fitly used hy the Chris-
tians to express their joy for the
blessed union of the Jews and Gen-'
tiles and may now serve the uses of!
all Christian societies whose happi-
ness lies in holy peace and concord.
Unity among brethren is product-
ive both of profit and pleasure. Of
profit because in it consists the wel-
fare and security of every society,
of pleasure because mutual love is:
the source of delight, and the hap-
piness of one becomes in that case1,
the happiness of all. It is unity!
alone which gives beauty as well as'
strength, which renders the church
at the same time
•Fair as the moon, and terrible as an army'
with banners."
There is nothing that twines so
closely around the truly pious heart
as the desire for peace and real
Christian union, indeed it is the on-'
ly element in which he can live
pleasantly, the only atmosphere
that he can breathe freely. Without
it there can be no prosperity in the
advancement of the cause of the
Master's kingdom hence the earnest
exhortations of the Apostles to the
disciples of their day, to "be of the
same mind and of the same judg-
ment, to speak the same things and
walk by the same rule," "that we
may be perfectly joined together
and that there should be no divis-
ions amongst us." Endeavoring to
keep the unity of the spirit in the
bonds of peace." There being only
one body, only one spirit, "even as
ye are called in one hope of your
calling." Only one Lord, only one
faith, and only "one baptism" b}~
which they were incorporated into
the one body. And this sentiment
seems to have been' the burden of
the mind of our blessed Savior when
in the throes of death as it were,
having completed the object of his
mission to poor fallen humanity his
teachings exhortations and admoni-
tions to them nearly completed, He
in the hearing of his disciples ad-
dressed the Father with the earnest
petition in behalf of all believers, as
they would now no longer have the
benefit of his presence and aware of
the danger to which they would be
exposed in his absence. He prayed
his Holy Father that he would
reach down his own omnipotent
arm and keep through his own name
those that believed on him, that
they might be one in them, that
they might constitute a part of the
!2b
CHRISTIAN UNION
grand unit}* which characterizes the
Father and himself, that they might
bo made perfect in one. And wh}*?
Because, that the world might
know that the Father had sent him.
Could this prayer be realized with
reference to all who profess faith in
our Lord, was all Christedom really
made perfect in one, the church
would trul}* be as fair as the moon,
clear as the sun and to the unbe-
lieving, would be as terrible as an
army with banners, and doubtless
very soon the anti Christian powers
would have to succumb to the su-
perior power of the church and the
blood stained banner of the Lamb
would be unfolded and float tri-
umphantly in the breeze over every
part of this now sin cursed world,
heaven would be brought down to
earth. The question arises here
why is this prayer not answered,
why does not this unity exist
throughout the Christian world ?
Has it not been»heard, or has it been
made in vain ? It is certainly not
in vain, but the time for its fulfill-
ment, the Father has kept in his
power and will most assuredly be
fulfilled at the time in which he
-■will take to himself his great
power and shall reign."
In contemplating the subject of
Christian unity the mind is nat-
urally carried back to the Apostolic
age when they were all with one
accord in one place and the Holy
Ghost fell upon them and they
spake with tongues as the spirit
gave them utterance the wonder-
ful works of God." At this period
the brethren dwelt together in uni-
ty. Though the brethren had been
smitten and the sheep in person
for a time had been scattered, but
now the promise fulfilled, the Holy
Ghost in the Saviors name being
present, the disciples cluster around
him, and renew their pledge, enter
anew upon the discharge of their
duty go forth disseminating Gospel
truths to a dying world, having
••one heart and one way." They
are now a good and pleasant con-
stellation revolving around the
grand center in the orbit prescribed.
Though unlearned as they were,
yet in their united effort the suc-
cess that attended their labors was
truly astonishing and caused Satans
hosts to tremble. His kingdom was
truly "as terrible as an army with
banners." But unfortunatly, very
soon divisions sprang up among the
disciples and one was for Paul, one
for Apolos, and others for Cephas,
and only some for Christ. Ambi-
tious spirits had crept in among
them, not willing to be in subordi-
nation to the one body, sloughed
oft carrying as many with them as
possible, and so from that time to
the present, # from time to time
while a part of the body remained
in the orbit first formed around the
great center, other bodies were
thrown off forming new orbits and
yet others thrown still farther form-
ing their respective orbits until what
is called the body or church members
perhaps a thousand bodies all claim-
ing to be the body of Christ con-
nected with the one head. While I
am not prepared to admit that these
several constellations in their dis-
cordant forms are the body of or
church of Christ, yet I can conceive
that they are restrained by the cen-
tripital force by the power of the
great attraction of the grand cen-
ter, from being thrown entirely
CHRISTIAN UNION.
227
away without the hope of recovery,
and that when the angel shall de-
scend with the key of the pit, and
shall bind the old dragon, then by
virtue of this great attraction, shall
all be merged into the one body and
again form a single constellation
and revolve in one orbit, and "Shall
dwell together in unity," "God
himself dwelling with them, and be-
ing their God and we being
his sons and daughters/, So says
;he Lord Almighty. The idea that
the various organizations professed-
ly Christian as they now exist con-
stitute the body or church of Christ
is to my mind perfectly absurd,
there being a total want of harmo-
ny in sentiment, in practice, in feel-
ing, manner of life, and in Church
usages. Instead of there being a
oneness in any particular, there is
a total absence in many respects of
any sympathy or congeniality —
positively the opposite of unity — so
much so that scarcely can any two
of these organizations, as such, wor-
ship together. In some instances
it is true, that individuals unite
with those of other denominations
in their devotions, and this perhaps
induced by an unusual degree of
personal courtesy. If wo look
around we soon discover that each
denomination, wherever 'they can
possibly afford it have their own
meeting house for their exclusive
when they have a respectable
n amber of children at hand each
have their own Sunday Schools
and other literary institutions.
The same may be said concerning
the communion of the emblems of
the body and blood of Christ. We
hear a good deal said about free
communion anions some denomina-
tions but how far does it go, the in-
vitation is extended to all who are
in good standing in their respective
churches to participate. Perhaps a
few accept — but who has ever seen
these different denominations unite
and provide the table in common
and partake of the Eucharist as
"brethren dwelling together in uni-
ty" I have the first instance to
witness; none has como under my
observation. And if they were thus
to commune together, are they in
unity? Are not each individual
and each congregation as incorrigr-
ble in their own peculiar practices
as before ? Not one particle of
their zeal for their own church usa-
ges etc., abated, and no nearer a
unity than before. For example
Baptists of different orders are most
strict communionists, as it is term-
ed, nevertheless, the Missionary
Baptists of England with the great
Spurgeon at their head having in
part adopted the liberal idea and
doffed the vesture of strict com-
munion and takes delight in belr-
boring his own brethren who still
adhere to that practice, while he
communes with and invites his
paedo baptist neighbors to com-
mune with him. But for all this,
there is no unity in other respects
among them. He has in the exer-
cise of liberal ideas yielded this
point, and they have waged the
most interminable war MLrainst him
on account *f his exclusive baptism,
therelore they cannot "dwell to-
gether in unity." But one will say
they agree on all the essentials of
religion and on all the nonessentials
they agree to disagree. Nonessen-
tials in religion ! "What an idea •
Nonessentials in religion, and yet
29g
DEACONS AND VISITING BRETHREN
Jet these nonessentials prevent that! DEACONS AND VISITING BRETH-
union which the apostles so impress- REN.
ively taught, and so ardently ex- Are those brethren wo call dea-
horted to, and for which the Son of
God so earnestly prayed, and which
is so necessary to enable us^to dwell
pleasantly together for good ! Oh
fatal inconsistency, consummate
folly. Why adhere to nonessentials
with such tenacity. Let them go
cons or visit brethren, tho same of-
ficers in the church those seven
were wo read of in Acts XI chapter.
In my remarks on the subject be-
foro last Annual Meeting I said the
officers we call deacons were the
creatures of the church, and as such
to the winds that we may dwell in the church had fully defined their
unity pleasantly together. But the I duties; and could also regulate the
enquiring mind must fail utterly
fail to find real Christian union in
this throng of arguing to differ and
therefore will naturally travel on
in search of the unity in which to
live pleasantly together. Shall we
find it in any of the nominal Chris-
tian constellation of modern date.
If we can find one that is united to-
gether as the Father and Son are
united that is, the one body "perfect
in one" for which the Savior prayed,
that is the one let us see. So long
as the sea is smooth and the breeze
order of installation. In supportof
this view I propose to search the
records.
The word deacon Webster says
means "a minister or servant ;" and
this being so, any minister or ser-
vant may by common consent be
called deacon; hence the church clas-
ifies the order of her ministers or
servants and appoints to each his
ministry or service. The Apostolic
church had grades in her ministry
since her organization 1 Cor. xii : 2S
Eph. ix : 11, and will continue to
is steady and gentle the ship sails j have, the names of the officers and
pleasantly but when storms arise ministers only are changed.
and the waves roll high then and
only then may we certainly know
whether the vessel is sea worthy.
So in the time of national or sec-
Clark says : "The office of deacon
came to the Christian lrom the
Jewish Church. Every synagogue
had at least three deacons, which
tional strife, may we be able to de- 1 were called par nasim, from parnes,
termine with certainty whether we|to feed, nourish, support, govern.
are dwelling in unity pleasantly to-
gether. If when our personal, sec-
tional or. national interests conflict
and we lajT aside our brotherly or
fraternal union and don the armor
of carnal warfare we would have to
conclude that the church that will
tolerate or encourage this is not the
body of Christ, and in it we could
not dwell together pleasantly, hav-
ing not yet found the body "that
dwell together in unity."
[To be Continued.]
The parnes or deacon, was a sort of
judge in the synagogue; and in
each, doctrine and wisdom was re-
quired, that they might be able to
discern and give right judgment in
things both sacred and civil. The
chagan and shamash were also a|sort
of deacons. The first was the priests
deputy or the sub-deacon. In the
New Testament the apostles are
called deacons. 2 Cor. 6 : 4. Eph.
8 : 7. Col. 1 : 23. See also 2 Cor.
DEACONS AND VISITING BRETHREN.
220
11 : 15. And Christ himself the
Shepherd and Bishop of souls, is
called the deacon of the circumcision.
Rom. 20: 3." (The reader refer-
ing to these Scriptures will not find
the word deacon used, but minister.)
As the word implies to minister or
serve, it was invariably applied and
pointed out all those who were em-
ployed in helping the bodies or souls
of men j whether apostles, bishops,
or those whom we call deacons. . . .
In the primitive church, it is suffic-
iently evident that the deacons gave
the bread and wine in the Euchar-
ist to the believers in the church;
and carried it to those who were
absent. (Justin Martyr p. p. 63, 64).
They also preached and in some
cases administered baptism. But it
appears they did the two last by the
special authority of the bishops."
Clarks Com. Acts 11 : 4.
In the Eoman Catholic Church,
the office of deacons is to incense
the officiating priest j to lay the cor-
poral on the altar ; to receive the
cup from the sub-deacon, and pre-
sent it to the person officiating; to
incense the choir; to receive the
pax from the officiating prelate, and
carry it to the sub deacons; and at
the pontificial mass, to put the
miter on'the bishop's head.
In the Church of England, the of-
fice of deacons is declared to be to
t the priest in administering
the hoi}- communion. And their
office in Fresbyterian and Independ-
ent churches is to distribute the
bread and wine to the communi-
cants. In the latter they are elect-
ed by the- members of the church.
In Scotland a deacon is the overseer
of the poor, and the master of an in-
corporative company. " Webster.
In the German Baptist Church the
duties of her deacons or visit breth-
ren was defined as follows by the
A. M. of 1835 query 4. "First, as
visiting brethren and overseers of
the poor in the church, they have
to assist and attend to the yearly
general visit from house to house;
and it is necessary and their duty,
when the church is divided into dif-
ferent visit districts, to take the
lead in the visit as well as that of
the ministers; and in case the min-
ister could not assist on account of
sickness, it is the duty of the deacons
to carry out the visit with other
brethren, and to bring before the
ministers and the church what they
had found. Further, when any-
thing of importance is to be investi-
gated in the church the ministers
have the right to request them to
accompan}^ them, or if the case is
not of special importance, to send
them to investigate the matter and
bring it before the ministry. Furth-
er, it is their duty, inasmuch as they
have been elected to be overseers of
the poor, to visit the sick, especially
if they are poor, who may be in dis-
tress by reason of sickness or other
causes, to examine their case, and to
report to the ministry, and, if neces-
sary, the ministers to hold a council
with the church what is further to
be done. When money or grain is
contributed in the church for the
poor in the church, it is their duty
to keep a regular book accouut of
what they receive, and what they
lay out for the poor or otherwise
(or the church, so that they are at
all times to render an account with
and to the church. Upon the whole
all that may occur in the church
and is to be investigated, is commit-
230
DEACONS AND VISITING BRETHREN.
ted to their care, and if they hear of
anything to bring it before the min-
isters, to council whether it is to bo
examined, and to see it done if
found necessary.
"Further, it is their calling to as-
sist the ministers at meeting, by
reading the Scriptures, by using
freedom in prayer, and to bear tes-
timony to what was spoken; and if
it should happen that no minister
could come to meeting, it is their
duty to lead the worship by singing,
prayer, and reading the Scriptures,
and if they feel so, to exhort to the
edification of the congregation; yet
it was the counsel of the old breth-
ren that it is not their calling to
rise on their feet in order to exhort;
(This feature has been not main-
tained by subsequent A. M.) and
thus to conclude the meeting in the
usual order, and to make the ordi-
nary appointments for meeting.
Again, when a minister is called to
hold meetings in other districts, and
he requests the visiting brethren to
give him company and assistance,
it is their dnty to assist, and one or
the other to go with him."
"Further, it is there duty to serve
at table ; where a lovefeast is held
to make the necessary preparation,
to call as many other brethren as
they need to assist and at the time
of the lovefeast to see to it that the
sisters can get all things ready at
the proper time, and themselves set-
ting the table, and so in all things
see to it that everything is done de-
cently and in order."
Having set in order before the
reader the duties assigned the ser-
vants called deacons in the different
church organizations; beginning
with the Jewish, and ending with
the apostolical German Baptist
brethren ; and we see that these ser-
vices are different, while that of the
Brethren is dissimilar from all
others ; proving that the servants
wo call deacons or visit brethren are
the creatures of the church ; and are
created just as emergences arise, or
circumstances may require, hence
churches have from two to ten
deacons. And as they are the crea-
tures of the church it is very proper
she should regulate these installa-
tions according to the character of
the service required of them. We
observe that the duties of a deacon
as defined above are altogether sub-
ordinate to the ministers of the
word ; all matters assigned them to
investigate must be reported to the
ministry of the church etc. Hence
their installation must be in insub-
ordination to the ministry who is
installed into the full office of the
ministry by the laying on bands by
the Presbytery and with prayerwhile
ministers in the lower degrees of the
ministry; and deacon servants are
justly and very properly received
into these several positions by the
church with the right hand of fel-
lowship, and kiss of love.
In answer to the interrogatory at
the head of this article. I say No,
there is not a trace of similarity
between them ; and on what author-
ity the seven in Acts xi are called
table servants, I fail to know ; there
certainly is nothing in the text that
will justify such a conclusion. It is
true the word serve talles stands in
the record, but surely do not apply
to the seven men whom the disci-
ples should look out from among
themselves whom the apostles
would appoint over this business but,
DEACONS AND VISITING BRETHREN.
231
that Business ? The business to
investigate a matter which had giv-
en the infant church at Jerusalem
some trouble. The business to in-
vestigate into, and to settle the
cause that had given rise to the
murmurings of the church. This
murmuring arose about the table
service, and when this murmuring
was reported to the apostles, I
think thej' ironically said that it is
not reason that they should leave
the word of God and serve tables,
from which I presume arises the
idea that these seven should serve
table. But to my mind the irony
is, It is not mete that we should
stop preaching, and go to investi-
gate into, and settle the murmur-
ings of the Grecians about their
servers of tables. So choose ye etc.,
whom we will appoint over this
business ; that is, to settle the mur-
mur ings.
In the second chapter we have
some eighteen dialects who said
"we all hear in our tongues the
wonderful works of God." And I
think it is morally certain that
some of all these gladly received
the word, and were baptized; and
these, having all things common ;
sold their possessions and goods,
and parted them to all men, as ev-
ery one had need. Neither was
there any among them that lack-
ed ; for as many as were possess-
ors of lands or houses sold them,
and bought the price of the things
that were sold, and laid them down
at the apostles feet, and distribu-
tion was made unto every man
according as he has need." This
distribution however was not made
by the apostles; for if it had been
there would be neither sense nor
their language when
they say: It is not mete that we
should leave the word of God and
serve tables. The very circum-
stance of being thus together in one
'place and having all things com-
mon would suggest the propriety
of having some one appointed to
'distribute to each one properlyl
j And the disciples were not without
la precedent; for when their Master
jfed the thousands in the wilderness,
: he blessedjthe food and gave it to the
j disciples, and they distributed it to
the people. But in this distribution
a murmuring arose among the
disciples. It is no very hard thing
| for Jews and Greeks to get into
a quarrel; and hear the Greeks
1 murmur, I am inclined to think they
quarrelled with the Hebrews, be-
cause as they say they neglected
three widows in the daily ministra-
tion. Where there is a ministration,
there must of necessity bean acl-
\ministrator, for there can in the na-
: ture of things be no ministration
j where there is no administrator.
! And it was against these Hebrew
administrators the Grecians mur-
mured, because as they say, they
neglected the Grecian widows in
the daily administration. Now to
investigate the cause of this mur-
muring, and to settle it; the apos-
j ties say to the disciples look ye out
among }tou seven men cf honest re-
' port etc., men who will do right
even between Hebrews and Greeks,
land we will appoint them over this
j business; not to the business to dis-
tribute, but over the business of set-
tling this dispute. And the saying
pleased tho whole multitude; they
held the election, and set the seven
elected brethren^before the apostles
232
DEACONS AND VISITING BRETHREN.
and when they had prayed they
laid their hands on them. And thus
they were installed into the service
whereunto the church called them
And there ig not a trace of similari-
ty between the service to which
they were called, and that to which
the church now calls her deacons.
This whole transaction is an en-
tirely new thing in the infant chris-
tian church. We have on different
occasions read of hands being laid
on the sick and afflicted for their
recovery both by the Savior and
his disciples. But as an act of in-
stallation or ordination of ministers,
this is the first instance on record
in the annals of the church. Al-
though the Savior had sent his
twelve disciples to go to the lost
sheep of the house of Israel, and said,
"As ye go, preach, saying, the king-
dom of heaven is at hand. Heal
the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise
the dead, cast out devils; freely
give etc." And again the Lord ap-
pointed seventy and sent them two
and two before his face into every
city and place whither he himself
would come, etc., and finally sent
the apostles into all the world to
preach the gospel to every creature,
and to teach all nations, and to bap-
tize them etc. But no account of
hands being laid on any of these.
After this we find that when the
Holy Ghost said separate me Barna-
bus and Saul for the work whereun-
to 1 have called them. And when
they had fasted and prayed, and
laid hands on them, they sent them
away. And later still we read that
the hands of the Presbytery were
laid on Timothy. And also a cau-
tion not to lay hands etc. But this
in Acts vi : 6 is the first, and as far
as the record shows is without a
precedent. But as God for the per-
fecting of the saints, for the work
of the ministry, for the edifying of
the body of Christ, gave some apos-
tles, and some prophets, and some
evangelists, and some pastors, and
teachers, etc. Some of these names
were, or are sometimes called bish-
ops or elders. And Timothy was
ordained by laying on hands by the
presbytry, and he was ordained the
first bishop of the church of the
Ephisians. And for this Paul left
Titus in Crete to set in order and
ordain elders or bishops as Paul had
appointed him. And thus to ordain
was by the laying on hands by the
presbyters, and the seven ordained
by the Apostles Acts vi : 6 were the
first bishops, or elders ordained in
the Christian Church. And if I
were asked, where did the apostles
get there instructions to do so from,
would answer that Jesus had told
them that when the spirit of truth,
is come, he will guide you into all
thruth j for he shall not speak of
himself, but whatsoever he shall
hear, that shall he speak; and he
will show you things to come. He
shall glorify me ; for he shall re-
ceive of mine, and shall shew it un-
to you." St John 15: 13, 14.
These being the first bishops or
elders ordained by the apostles, and
were next in power and authority
to the apostles, and after the apos-
tles' age, the bishops are the highest
ministers in the church and they
only should, or have a right to or-
dination by the laying on hands.
" D. P. Sayler.
A GLOOMY WORLD TO ME.
23^
'A GLOOMY WORLD TO ME."'
BY D. B. MENTZER.
Not to me, beloved brother, sister.
To me, your unworthy correspond-
ent and least of writers and saints,
the world presents countless scenes
and evidence of the beauty, wisdom,
grace and power of "my Lord and
my God/'
"The world looks very beautiful,
And full of joy to me ;
The sun shines out in glory bright,
On everything I see.
I know I shall be happy,
While in the world I stay,
For I will folloic Jesus
And follow all the way.
things sometimes and don't mean
them. It is said "Americans are
fast people;" their word is "Go
ahead," and not only in financial,
commercial, and business affairs,
but go ahead of their means,
their capabilities, and their
proper positions. People take too
little caution and second thought.
This "fastness," this persistent head-
long and headstrong go-aheadative-
ness is the prime cause of trouble in
ever circle or department of human
life. We need more sacrifice and
self-denial to make society better.
Sacrifice is good, and true sacrifice
is sweet, but obedience is better. Obe-
dience to the law of right in busi-
So I feel. Do you wonder, or do ness and in social circleg would pre.
you rejoice?" The sky is blue ten vent many a one from saying, "O
times where it is black once. Keep my pr0Spects are gloomy," or "How
your face toward tbe sunny land of gioomy i8 ijfe to me !" But
the Eden of the Lord, and the .Tis religion that ean giv.
breezes forthcoming will not Only Sweetest pleasures while we live."
chase away the little clouds that [f we sacrifice ourselves to the
come over our vision, and under j Lord and obey his commands. This
which so many people groan, but ifl a blessed service. If we yield
will bring the sweet, refreshing air j ourselves servants to obey the right-
of glory into our hearts, and make
ful King of kings, He will soon
which proceeded the sound of voices
in conversation. One voice was
u
us all aglow with "Christ in us the CSL\\ us from eanh away, and lead us
hope of glory." ! jnto lnat better land that excelleth
Walking up street, as I do every all present scenes of His beauty and
day to and from business, some days' power. Such a life is enviable,
ago, I passed an open door from Such service is to be coveted, for in
it we will have a sure guide, a "sure
word of prophesy," a sure hope of
heard to say, "0 this is a gloomy | immortality beyond the confines of
world to me !" I heard no more, i the tomb. Such a path is not
but as I passed along on my way to \ gloomy, for "His word is a lamp to
my desk, the meaning of that awful 'my feet, and a light to my path-
sentence was indelibly impressed on | way. The light of the life of Jesus,
my mind. I know not the cause of j exemplefied in our lives, will dispel
the expression. Men and women
in every community make similar
expressions, arising from various
causes. Some persons say these
all the numberless clouds of gloomand
sorrow that may come over or near
us in our journey to the bright city
of our King. It should be a bright
234
DEAD TO SIN
world to us, because of the oppor- 1 This is the bright side. Try it. Live
tanities we have to say a word for by prayer, fervent, increasing pray -
Jesus, and do kind acts, and "bear er to your Father, faith in Jesus, the
in our bodies the marks oi" the Lord' wonderful counsellor, and loving
Jesus. These marks, we think, are obedience to all His requirements,
the fruits of His spirit — love, joy, Bemember the bright side.
peace, long-suffering, gentleness,! Waynesborough, Pa.
meekness faith, temperance." |
Please thjnk ot each one of these
things for a moment. They will
doubtless answer the question:'
-What lack I yet?"
Brother, is this a gloomy world
to you ? Do you not see the works
of God in all Nature around reflect- ! deed unto sin, but alive unto God through
ing His light and glory? Look at Jesus Christ our Lord." Rom. 6: II.
the streamlet, the grassy fields, the
For the Gospel Visitor.
DEAD TO SIN-ALIVE TO GOD.
BY J. S. FLORT .
"Likewise reckon yourselves to be dead in-
golden grain, the leafy trees, and
Tho Scriptures imply that to be
dead to sin we are no longer active
sunlit skies. Look up into the;therein. To be dead in tresspasses
firmament in the evening hour, and j and sins is one thing and to be dead
see the stars set in the crown of the 'to sin another. He that is dead in
is dead to God, to holiness and
He is alive to sin —
universe; see the pale faced moon sin
hiding now and then behind yon
righteousness.
living in sin. Christ who was offer-
ed for the sins of many "died unto
sin once; but in that he liveth he
liveth unto God." Now as Christ
was crucified and died so the sinner
must be "crucified" and die to sin.
we consider His work of redemp- 1 All that are "baptized unto Jesus
lion, and feel our relation to our el-! Christ are baptized unto his death"
der brother Jesus, this is not a >nd being thus "planted together in
gloomy world. Look on this bright ! the likeness of his death we shall al-
side. Times may be hard, but it 180 be in the likeness of his resurrec-
will make them no easier to wear a tion. Thus we see how we become
floating cloud; see the blooming
flowers, and hear their song, as they
seem to say : "The hand that made
us is divine." Sister, do not these
handiworks of God, cause you to
love your Savior more? And when
gloomy or sad countenance. What
makes the flower? Is it fhe sun-
shine or the cloud ? It is not the
alive unto God through Jesus Christ
our Lord. "Christ was raised up
from the dead by the glory of the
cloud. You have little troubles— Father even so we should walk in
so have others. These give sinew | the newness of life." Now it is evi-
and tone to life— fortitude and cour- 1 dent to be "dead to sin" means dead,
age to man. Were there nothing to
disturb the surface ofthe ocean, the
sailor would never get skill. There
is more virtue in one sunbeam than
in a wThole hemisphere of gloom.
not half dead, but inactive to sin —
thoroughly crucified; so that sin no
longer hath dominion in our mortal
bodies. Grace cannot abound where
sin continueth. "How shall we
DEAD TO SIX.
235
that arc dead to sin live any longer
therin." The apostle further says:
"Let not sin therefore reign in your
mortal bodies that you should obey
it in the lusts thereof." We are not
to suppose because a person is en-
tirely [dead to sin ho cannot be
tempted. Being alive to God — liv-
ing by faith a child of God, he may
have many sore temptations like
Jesus who, "was in all points tempt-
ed like as we are yet without sin,"
He that is "dead to the world and
the world dead to him" and alive
to God liveth in God and God in
him, his breathings are of a divine
nature thatcauseth him to grow in
grace and knowledge of the truth.
His mind is remodelled — "trans-
formed from the world" old things
have passed away, "all things have
become new," all means everything.
The mind that was proud, haughty,
and self-willed when renewed isjust
he having resisted Satan with a ju- the reverse—humble, meek, and
dicious use of the "Sword of the submissive. The aspirations that
Spirit." I were of an exalted nature, now bc-
This being dead to sin implies
being crucified to the world — dead
to the spirit life and activity of the
world; because the world "lieth in
sin" and the influences that charac-
terize the world in a great measure
are from Satan who is the fountain
head of sin. How then can it be
possible for us to live in the ways,
walks, and pleasures of the world if
we bo dead to the world it is just as
plausible to suppose a spirit can
abide in a dead body as to suppose
the spirit of the world can abide
in us and we be dead to the world at
the same time. Yerily nay ! but
whatsoever spirit abideth in us un-
to that spirit we will be alive.
.Neither can two spirits of different
origin dwell together in harmony in
the same bod}'. "Ye cannot serve
two masters."
If a man lives you know it by
his breathings. If he bo dead you
know it by his appearance and
want of pulse. If a man be alive to
sin you may know it by his breath-
ings after the world, sin and Satan.
If dead to sin, you may know it by
his appearance and want of sinful
pulsations.
borne lowly. The disposition that
was full of vanity, envy, revenge and
selfishness now becomes, through
the renewing process of the Holy
Spirit, modest and wise, love takes
the place of envy and revenge and
"having a brother's care" the place
of selfishness. Instead of a trifling
gossip the conversation is such as
becometh thoso professing godli-
ness. The inordinate desire to
"show'off" in point of apparrel is
"crucified" also, so that fashion's
baubles such as rings, trinkets, gew-
gaws and the whole catalogue of
abominable things that constitute
the paraphernalia of Satan's vota-
ries are hated as so much stubble
raked together by Satan to produce
a more terrible burning in the great
and notable day of the Lord. For
it is a noticablo fact that those
things, deemed innccent in them-
selves, have an influence to pamper
pride in the heart and thereby open
wide the avenues of sin through
which Satan walks high shod to the
human heart when enthroned as
monarch of the realm he chains the
soul with the fetters of damnation.
Alive to God! Oh what wonders
236
THE ARM OF THE LOUD.
loom up in the soul upon a proper
conception of that expression.
"Dead to sin" is a consummation
blessed indeed, — dead to the lusts
and elements that war against the
soul, is a victory more grand in its
results that over Alexander achieved
amid rivers of human blood. But
to be alive to God; who shall de-
clare the glory of such an event?
Wanderers, aliens and foreigners to
God, doomed to ruin ; dead, dead,
to all intents and purposes, but now
may be made alive to God. How?
and from whence cometh such hap-
py attainments? Through Jesus
Christ our Lord \ Yes. He the au-
thor of our salvation — He our light,
our life and .Redeemer. Oh the love i
of God ! that gave us "the only be- 1
gotten" the blessed "Son" whose
blood cleanseth from all sin. Shall
we make excuses for sin seeing we
must be so crucified as to be dead
to sin and alive to God ? If the
time spent in hunting excuses for
our sins, was employed in prayer to i
keep Satan at a distance we would
be the gainers. Let us examine
ourselves whether we be in the
faith or not, such faith that gives us
the victory of the world and all the
works of darkness, and gives us life
and immortality through the Lord
Jesus Christ.
Dead to sin and alive to God.
Take the remedy dear soul, that
"killeth and maketh alive." Look
to Christ through obedience (in
which is implied faith and repent-
ance) and you shall crucify the "old
man" with his deeds and put on the
new man and bealivoto God — alive
to Him while the ceaseless ages of
eternity roll on, — yes ever alive to
Him in that upper universe of His
love. "Amen ! Amen ! Ever so
let it be."
The Lord, the Believer's Arm
"Jie thou their arm every morning." Isaiah
33 : 2.
♦ This is a prayer to Jehovah for
help and deliverance in view of the
danger in which the Jews were ex-
posed to, in consequence of an in-
vasion of their country by the As-
syrians. The language is symbol-
ical and very suggestive. The arm
is a symbol ot strength, and is used
in the Scriptures as emblematic of
God's protection, assistanco and
power. "Hast thou an arm like
God? was a question put by the
Lord to Job, and implied that God's
power was so great that Job's would
not compare with it. And the
Psalmist in referring to the victor-
ies of his predecessors in their con-
quests of Canaan, says, "For they
got not the land in possession by
their own sword, neither did their
own arm save them : but thy right
hand, and thine arm, and the light
of thy countenance, because thou
hadst a favor unto them." Ps. 44: 3.
Be thou their arm every morning.
How suggestive is this petition to
God ! Why is it desirable that God
should be our arm? The reasons
are many and plain. Human weak-
ness and insufficiency to withstand
the temptations, and perform the
duties of life is here plainly taught.
When we come to know ourselves
thoroughly, our own moral helpless-
ness will be clearly seen; and if the
arm of the Lord was not revealed
as a source of strength, we might
sink in despair, in view of our own
insufficiency to wrar against the
world, the flesh and the devil, ene-
mies with which all must fight who
are trying tojive a godly life.
THE BELIEVER'S AMI.
237
Be thou their arm every morning.
What for? For our defense." "Be-
couse our adversary the devil, as a
roaring lion, walketh about, seeking
whom he may devour." 1 Peter, 5:
8. Every believer may take up the
language of the Psalmist originally
applied to a nation's deliverance, as
have the burden of Christian service
to bear. In other words we have
to meet and perform the duties as-
sociated with a Christian life and
profession. These are many and
arduous. "My yoke is easy, and
my burden is light," said the
Savior. This plainly implies ser-
applicablo to his own individual vice or work. And this yoke is easy
case and experience. "Hit had not and this burden is light, when "un-
been the Lord who was on our side, derneath the everlasting arms,"
now may Israel say; if it had not|Euko. 23 : 27, or, when the Lord is
been the Lord who was on our side, our*irm- _
Be thou their arm every morning.
With this arm around us wTo are
when men rose up against us; then
they had swallowed us up quick,
when their wrath was kindled
against us; then the waters bad
overwhelmed us, the stream had
gone over our soul ; then the proud
waters had gono over our soul.
Blessed be the Lord, who hath not
given us as a prey to their teeth.
Our soul is escaped as a bird out of
the snare of the fowlers; the snare
safe. "Let him that thinketh he
standeth take heed lest ho fall." 1
Cor. 10: 12. The Lord alone can
hold us up. And he says kindly and
tenderly to the trail and sinful chil-
dren of men, "Let him take hold of
my strength, that he may make
peace with me ; and he shall make
peace with me." Isaiah, 27: 5.
Take hold of my strength ; or in
What condescending language from
Jehovah to men ! Here is safety or
salvation in the arm of the Lord.
is broken, and we are escaped. Our,
, , . . ., . .t r a 'other words take hold of my arm.
help is in the name oi the Lord,|TTTi
who made heaven and earth."
Psalm 124.
Be thou their arm every morning.
Yes, we do not only need that arm
as a protection, but we need it also
as a help. 1. We need it to help us
bear the burdens of life. These we
"My sheep," says Jesus, "hear ray
voice, and I know them, and they
follow me ; and I give unto them
eternal life ; and they shall never
j 1 perish, neither shall any man pluck
all have. Some have one kind and i1. p _ * , _ r , ,,
, I them out of my Fathers hand.
John 10: 27, 29.
"Lord, how secure and blest are they
some another; some have more an
others less. We have the burden of
(•are, domestic, ecclesiastic, and com-
mercial, or business care ; the bur-
Who feel the ioys of pardon'd sin ;
Should storms of wrath shake earth and sea,
den Of SOrrOW arising from affliction, Their minds have heaven and peace within."
bereavement, and our own infirmi-j Be thou their arm evenJ corning.
ties; we also have the cross of'Mark> eveiT morning. We need
Christ to bear. "Whosoever doth the strength of this arm every day
not bear his cross, and come after I we live. And we therefore should,
me, cannot be my disciple." Luke
14: 2
itive
7. Such is the plain and pos-
language of Jesus. 2. We
"Begin the day with God !
lie is thy sun and day ;
His is the radiance of thy dawn,
To him address thy lay.
238
THE IUSEN LOUP.
Thy first transaction be
With (J od himself above ;
So shall thy business prosper well,
And all the day bo love."
In perfect harmony with this an-
cient Hebrew prayer, is the petition
in the Lord's prayer, "Give us this
day our daily bread," while this pe-
tition teaches us our dependence up
on (iod it likowiso teaches us our
continual dependance upon him.
Hence every morning let us turn
our feet and lift our heart to a
throne of grace asking the Lord to
be our arm.
And while this arm of the Lord is
needful for all, it is available to all.
Let us then make it, or the strength
and power which it implies, ours;
that we may "be strong in the Lord
and in the power of his might," and
always abounding in the work of
the Lord, knowing that our labor
in the Lord is not in vain. Let
none be discouraged; neither the
guilty, the timid, or the weak, for
x'the Lord hath made bare his holy
arm in the eyes of all the nations;
and all the ends of the earth shall
see the salvation of our God."
Isaiah, 52 : 10.
J. Q.
For the Visitor
THE RISEN LORD.
lie is not here; for he has risen, as he said.
Come see the place where the Lord lay. Matt.
28: G.
This language was certainly
cheering to those women to hear
the Lord had risen from the dead.
"And the angel said, go quickly and
tell his disciples that he has risen."
Oftimes the Saviour had met with
his disciples and told them that he
must be crucified and rise from the
dead. We find on a certain occas-
ion that Peter took him and began
to rebuke him saying: Bo it far
from the Lord; this shall not be
unto thee. It seems that Peter
could not bear the idea of him being
put to death hat we find the Lord
tells him and says, Get thee behind
me Satan, thou art an offenco unto
me, for thou savourest tho things
that be of men and not of God. Al-
though it is plainly set forth in the
Scriptures that the disciples loved
their heavenly master from the fact
when Jesus told his disciples that
Lazarus was asleep and his disciples
said, "Lord, if he sleepeth he doeth
well," though he spake of his death
and then he told them plainly he
was dead. Then Jesus went to him
and we find that Thomas said to the
rest of them let us go with him
that we may also die with him.
Here we see the love he bad for his
Master even to die with the Lord
and perhaps his language expressed
the feelings of the rest of the disci-
ples. We also find that tho risen
Lord asked Peter if he loved him,
and Peter said, Thou knowest all
things, thou knowest that I love
thee. Then he said feed my sheep.
But after the Savior was crucified
and laid in the sepulchre we find
that the disciples went to their old
occupation "a fishing " What a ter-
rible dread must have been on their
minds to think that their Lord was
now dead whom they had so often
seen going about doing good, such
as causing the lame to walk, the
blind to see, the deaf to hear, and
casting out devils, and not only so
but raising the dead, which caused
their hearts to rejoice. Perhaps
these were some of their thoughts
THE RISEN LORD.
230
when Mary Magdalineand the other
Mary brought them word that the
Lord had risen. Oh, what glad
news this must have been to their
ears. It certainly was for we hear
Peter, and perhaps with a loud
voice, say, Blessed be the God and
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ
which according to his abundant
mercy has begotten us again unto
a lively hope by the resurrection of
Jesus Christ from the dead. 1st
Peter, 1G : 3d verse. Glorious hope
indeed to think that he was now on
earth amongst the living, but we
find they mot in Galilee according
to the Savior's words. Xow he
tells them to go and teach all na-
tions and that he would be with
them always even unto the end of
the world. After this he was taken
up into heaven, and lo we find that
he is on the right hand of God, but
the time is coming when he will
come again. And what a blessed
time there will be to those that are
dead in Christ for they shall rise at
his coming. Yes, blessed hope to
think that those who have been
sleeping for lo these many years
shall come forth. "Marvel not at
this for the hour is coming in the
which all that are in their graves
shall hear his voice and shall come
forth, they that have done good un-
to the resurrection of life and tney
that have done evil unto the resur-
rection of damnation." John, 5:1
28, 29.
Horrible thought it is to appear
before an angry God and awful will
be the sentence, depart from me ye
workers of iniquity, I never knew
you. Oh sinner, stop and think for
a moment where you are going if
you die in your sins. In hell you
will lift up your eyes being in tor-
ment, but atthe second resurrection
you will be judged and you will be
cast into the lake of fire and brim-
stone to be tormented da}- and
night forever and ever thoughout
the endless ages of eternity. Oh !
what shrieks, what groans will be
there in that miserable place of tor-
ment. It makes my hand tremble
to pen these lines though truth dc-
mads it. But not so with the Chris-
tian. Though he may suffer perse-
cution and the finger of scorn may
be pointed at them. But let us be
like Paul, glory in persecutions and
in tribulations for if we are persecu-
ted for righteousness' sake blessed
are we though these bodies of ours
must sleep the sleep of death. But
we need not dread its gloom for the
body of Christ slept there and light-
ed up the tomb. "But when the
Lord shall descend from heaven
with the voice of an archangel and
with the trump of God, and the
dead in Christ shall rise first and we
which are alive and remain shall be
caught up together with them to
meet the Lord in the air and so
shall we ever be with the Lord;
wherefore comfort one another with
these words." Blessed hope ol
meeting those loved ones that arc
gone betore to meet to part no more
in that delightful city where there
will be no more sighing nor mourn-
ing but joy forever and ever, to live.
in glory, to shout and sing praises
with the angelic hosts of heaven.
Then we can say our bodies
are not there they are risen.
Blessed and holy is he that hath
part in the first resurrection; on
such the second death hath no pow-
er ! But they shall be priests of God
and of Christ and shall reign with
him a thousand years. Rev. 20 : 6
Z. Axxox.
2 to
REPENTANCE AND FAITH.
For tho Visitor.
TIME REPENTANCE, AND FAITH.
"Tho time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of
God is at hand; repent ye, and believe the
Gospel." Matt. 1:15.
The Savior after John was imprison-
ed, came to Galilee, "preaching the gos-
pel of the kingdom of God." And up-
on this occasion he spoke the language
of the text. The first thing to be con-
sidered, is the time which is fulfilled.
We understand that time, to be the
time before the kingdom of God was
preached ; which ended when John be-
gan to preach and baptize; for, "the
law and the prophets were until John j
since that time the kingdom of heaven
is preached." By this, then, we un-
derstand that the time spoken of, which
was the time of serving the law, and in
the oldness of the letter, was fulfilled
when John began his work in the wil-
derness. Now we are no more com-
manded to serve him in the oldness of
the letter, but in newness of the spirit ;
for he says, "God is a spirit, and he
would have such servants that would
serve him in spirit and in truth," which
truth is the word of God j according to
the Savior's own language. In the
night of his betrayal, when he was pray-
ing the Father in behalf of his beloved
disciples, he says, "sanctify thou them
through thy truth," and then says,
"thy word is truth." We understand,
then, that the time of serving in the
oldness of the letter is fulfilled ; and,
that this is a season to serve in spirit,
and in truth. "Now commandeth he
all men everywhere to repent." Now
the apostle says, "godly sorrow work-
eth repentance." We might remark
here, that it is often understood that a
sorrowfulness for sin is repentance,
which, would conflict with the language
of the apostle. He says it worketh re.
pentance; but he docs not say that it
is repentance. Now we understand re-
pentance to be a forsaking of sin, which
is wrought by a goodly sorrow. We
however, do not understand a repent-
ance to be a conversion. When we are
converted, we have passed from death
unto life; and become a new creature
in Christ Jesus.
Our view on repentance is fully con-
tained in the language of the Savior,
where he says, "Come unto me all ye
that labor, and are heavy laden and I
will give you rest. Take my yoke up-
on you and learn of me ; for I am meek
and lowly in heart; and ye shall find
rest unto your seuls. For my yoke is
easy and my burden is light." We
have two rests spoken of in this passage.
The first rest, I claim, follows repent-
ance. When we repent, we throw sin
off our shoulders; and comefrom under
the yoke of bondage, and this is the
rest spoken of; but we have not yet
taken up the yoke of Christ; and there-
fore are not converted. The apostle
says, "Iiepent ye, and be converted,
that your sins may be blotted out, when
the time of refreshing shall come from
the presence of the Lord." Now, the
apostle says, "repent and be converted."
Conviction is not excluded. After we
have taken upon us the yoke of Christ,
then it is, that we are converted persons,
and are prepared for the second rest.
The next subject is that of believing
the Gospel. "Repent ye and believe
the Gospel." are the words of the Sav-
ior upon the subject; but because we
are not willing to take upon us the yoke
of Christ, we may say we have faith.
But the apostle Jame3 would say, "show
me thy faith without thy works; and I
will show thee my faith by my works."
Abraham had faith, and it was accounted
to him for righteousness. Abraham made
PREPARATION FOR LAST DAYS.
241
his faith perfect by works ; for after God jail that is commanded us to do, we shall
had promised that in his Son all nations j yet say that we are unprofitable servant-
should be blessed; and, that his seed for we have then done no more than our
should become as the sand of the sea, he duty. The Savior does not say believe
commands him to take him upon the that Christ has come; or if you believe
mount and offer that same son on an al- ! that your sins are pardoned, it is so; but
tar. Abraham did not confer with ; he said "believe the Gospel." Paul
flesh and blood as we arc inclined to do says, "the Gospel of Christ is the power
but in the morning he rises from his I of God unto salvation to every one that
bed, and makes all things ready for the ! believed!." And again, "by this ye do
journey, and takes his son and two ser-know that know him, if we keep his
vants, and starts, as the Lord had di- i commandments."
rected him. When he came to the
mount, he did not yet stagger at the
promise of God; but left his servants
there, saying, "remain ye here until 1
and the lad go yonder and worship."
Dennis Wbimer.
Preparation for the Last Days.
The man who has to cross a wide
He goes up the steps, and builds the heath when the blast of winter
altar, and takes the son with the knife; blows in his face, will not have his
in his hand in order to slay him; but garments hanging loose as though
when he had proven, and made alive he were in July fields; ho will but-
his faith by his works, the Lord said, ton his coat around him and grasp
"it is enough." Now my dear reader, his staff firmly. There is no loun-
if you tell me why God commanded ging among sailors when the sea
Abraham to do this; I will tell you and sky are mingled in a blinding
why he commands us to wash one i storm, and the lamps overhead lost
another's feet — to salute one another in thick darkness. By the voice of
with an holy kiss, etc. I authority, by the sense of duty, by
I claim that it was done to prove his the fear of danger, all are quicken-
faith. And he gained such favor with ; ed into almost superhuman activity;
God that it is said that he is the father and the provident skill of man
of all the faithful. And for this very; gives battle to the fury of the ele-
reason he gave us the commands he has jments. Now though the children
given us to try our faithfulness. The ! of this world are wiser in their gen-
apostle James says, "faith without j eration than the children of light,
works is dead." "As the body without! yet surely the latter will begin to
the spirit is dead so also is faith without1 make some preparation for the
works dead." Then we understand ! dreadful days which are coming,
that he has given us the commandments j It cannot bo denied that it is the
to prove our faith. And brethren and j period of disintegration. The mill-
sisters if we hold out faithful in doing ions are drifting away from old
the commands ; we think the language moorings into unknown seas. Old
of the Savior will be similar to that of races and institutions; old thrones,
God to Abraham. "It is enough !" j altars, and creeds are caught like
We have done enough and no more, chaff in a whirlwind, or blown
The Scriptures say, after we have done I about like autumn leaves. What a
242
IMiUPA RATION FOR LAST DAYS.
din there is with Secularism, and
Spiritualism, Mormonism, and Posi-
tiveism, Ritualism, and Rational-
ism ; and how earnestly any man
with reverence in his soul desires to
escape from the turbulence of all
the isms into some quiet wilderness
where he ma}' hear ihe whisper of
God. The bishops of a worn-out
superstition have gathered together
in the "eternal city" to decree the
infallibility of a poor old man, and
the Assumption of the Virgin;
while apostles of an insurgent sci
cnce are seeking in council for an
ape ancestry and a universe without
a God. It is hard to say which
party has drunic most fully the
mingled wine of confusion and as-
tonishment. But there are myriads
who care no more for Comte and
Huxley than for Manning and An-
tonelli; and with them it is the
roar of animalism in all the gates.
Racecourses, taverns, hells, gam-
bling houses, theaters, concerts, all
present their coarse attractions;
and the masses swarm on, seeking
to drink from broken cisterns or
from wells of poison and death.
Is there anything certain ? Is the
whole country barren from Dan to
J3eersheba ? Have we ourselves re-
ceived a cunningly devised fable?
Are the ancient fountains of inspi-
ration all dry ?
Cau we stand anywhere without
the ground shaking under our feet?
It is high time to enquire. The
writer of this article can assure the
reader that he is disposed by consti-
tution to rationalism a long way
north, and if found in the House
of Faith it is purely through the
force of evidence.
As it appears to me, there is im-
mense power in the message which
professes to come from God in thol
Christian documents, truth authen-
tic in the testimony, independently
of any external seals. " No man!
hath seen God at any time, the on«-l
ly- begotten Son from the bosom of
the Father he hath revealed him."
"1 am the resurrection and the
life, he that believeth in mo though
he were dead yet shall he live; and
he that liveth and believeth in me
shall never die." " The word was
made flesh and dwelt among us,
and we beheld his glory, the glory
as of the only-begotten of the
Father, full of grace and truth."
"God was in Christ reconciling the
world unto himself, not imputing
their trespasses unto them." " De-
clared to be the Son of God with
power, according to the Spirit of
holiness, by the resurrection from
the dead." "Herein is love, not
that we loved God, but that he
loved us and sent his Son to be the
propitiation for our sins." " Then
shall be brought to pass the saying
which is written, Death is swallow-
ed up in victory. O death, where
is thy sting ? O grave, where is
thy victory ? Thanks be unto God,
which giveth us the victory through
our Lord Jesus Christ."
What words of power we have
here, and what a story of wonder
is indicated ! God descending for
human recovery; Christ the sinless
one dying for the guilty; Christ
the dead one shaking the house of
death, and bringing immortality to
light ! " God commendeth his love
to us;" it is infinite love; the deep
sea of life has neither bottom nor
shore — in power it is awful, in
wisdom profound and fathomless.
PPEPAKATION FOR LAST DAYS.
24:;
As to the mystery of it, which
frightens some poor icebergs in hu-
man shape, how can we escape if
we wished from that element? We
swim in it like the fish in water;
and if ever we make our escape
from the sweet and solemn myster-
ies of faith it is only by getting "in-
to the deeps of Satan. The fact is
that men must keep hold of the su-
pernatural world, and if they lose
their hold on the divine side tbey
seize with eagerness the infernal.
It is not the actual transformation
of God into humanity, for that
would be impossible ; nor does it in-
volve the transformation of man into
divinity, which is equally impossi-
ble; but it is the Word incarnate.
The divine nature takes the human
into incorporate alliance, so that
the Man Christ Jesus has dwelling
in him all the pleroma, all the ful-
ness of the Godhead bodily; re-
vealing in and through the human
vehicle all the perfections of the
divine nature. The second Adam,
the Lord from heaven, the new and
better leader and commander of the
people, rays forth the glory of God
in the form and fashion of a man.
In his transcendent exhibition of
the sinless and God like life there is
matchless quickening force, which
has been amply proved in the re-
cords of Christian life during eigh-
teen hundred years. The Almigh-
tiness of power runs in fountains
of love; the fathomless wisdom
comes out in sweetest simplicity;
the unsullied holiness and purity is
never austere, but as ricly human
as anything could be descended
from above. The final scenes of
his death and resurrection have a
grandeur all their own. The one
who sweated in the garden till the
drops fell like blood, and cried
through the darkness that veiled
his agonies as though ho were for-
saken, was more than a martyr,
was doing a work of solemn signifi-
cance, which the character of God
and the need of humanity equally
doraanded. He made his soul an of-
fering for sin, by himself he purged
our sins and then sat down on the
right hand of God. He could have
no companionship in that mysterious
expiation. The solitary sufferer
though his bones were not broken,
had his heart broken by reproach;
but there never was love like his
love in earnestness and self-sacrifice.
No chronicles contain anything like
unto it in measure or glory, in ful-
ness or infinity- One died for all
when all were dead, and he who
might have poured upon us the red
rain of penal fire washed our sins
away in his sacrificial blood. The
one who was lifted up on the cross
lifts the world along with him.
Though covered by the waves of
horror, and sunk in deep mire
where there was no standing, he
emerges again with rescued human-
ity, and is our glorious High Priest
in tho present and in the future.
The power of his resurrection is
great, not merely as a proof of his
accepted sacrifice, but as the rev-
elation of the eternal for man, as
the demonstration of another and a
better life. Now the resurrection
of Christ from the dead is a historic-
al verity, a fact as well established
as any fact can be which we have
not witnessed with our own eyes.
It has under it, and around it, great
massive columns of evidence; and
is surely the field where the war of
244
PREPARATION FOR LAST DAYS.
unbelief must be prosecuted, so long
as we confine ourselves to ground
purely historical.
But what 1 wanted to remark
when I began to glance at founda-
tion fact9 was simply this: man
never could have invented such a story.
God revealed in human form for the
redemption of a fallen race, Christ
slain in sacrifice for human trans-
gression, Christ raised from the
dead as the revalation of a certain
future, Christ exalted at God's right
hand as Prince and Savior, Christ
coming back in power to wind up
all the mysteries ot existence, and
found through resurrection the ev-
erlasting Kingdom of Righteousness
and Glory. There is nothing like
stories of human manufacture. Such
men as Homer and Shakespeare can
tell us fine things, but they work
with, the material of humanities in
history. They simply put the life
of genius into old records. Such
men as Dante and Milton can tell us
still deeper stories in other domains,
but they have divine traditions to
operate upon, and that which they
originate* themselves is frequently
outrageous and revolting; but this
great history is unique. In its su-
pernaturaiism, and in it3 humanism,
in its transcendence, in its coher-
ence, in its grandeur and its sim-
plicity, in its power and in its love,
it stands alone. In fact we speak
soberly when we declare that it is
from God and of his eternity, and
that his essential light burns in it
from root to blossom, shines in the
temple from cope to basement. We
may speak then of Christianity as
we do of nature, only with more
perfect assurance. The great visi-
ble house which we inhabit in the
flesh may sometimes be shaken by
storm, temporarily deformed and
darkened by tempest and eclipse ;
but after all it is a rock bound
world, finely lighted by lamps ethe-
real, and full of sculpture and paint-
ing of finite workmanship. In the
view of the whole reality from the
roofoffireto the granite founda-
tions— while sea and forest, field
and river, and mountain, shine out
beiore us in beauty and profusion,
we may fairly say that the devil
never planned or lighted the build-
ing; that it came not from any in-
fernal god, but from the same God
who gave unto man his being and
his work, his nature and his service.
We argue from the correspondence
between man and his house, a com-
mon and glorious origin from one
Lord God Almighty. The house is
adapted to man in his materialism,
and in his idealism ; soil, rivers, and
atmosphere, solid rocks, and hoary
forests, and living fields supplying
all that he needs for sustenance and
enjoyment while he remains under
the conditions of time and flesh.
Nor is the place a mere house of
residence, granary and workshop,
but it partakes of the temple; a
mystical charm is through all, and
over all its departments, and nature
speaks in motherly tenderness to
all who live worshipfully and seek
for close communion.
We reason in like manner concern-
ing Christianity. The correspondence
between man as a spirit — that is,
man in his moral nature — and
Christianity, though not more real
is certainly more glorious. That
which promises him the forgiveness
of all past sin, the regeneration of
his nature, the peace of God in the
PREPARATION FOR LAST DAYS.
245
soul and witness ot the Holy Spirit,
deliverance from the dominion of
death, immortal youth and blessed-
ness in a kingdom of surpassing
glory — so profoundly corresponds
with his actual wants and capabili-
ties, that his soul responds to the
truth and divinity of the message.
Xo hostile power could, or would
have sent such tidings; and they
are above all that man could have
dreamed in his alien condition.
But in view of the gathering
darkness and confusion of the last
days, when faith will be sorely tried by
the prevalence of false miracles, de-
bauching pomps, atheistic philosophies,
and general ungodliness — and when
there may be expected many ship-
wrecked upon desolate and Godless
fchores — there is one matter which I
desire to emphasise. The kind of ev-
idence which I have before me was in-
dicated by our Lord when he said, "If
any man will do his will he shall know
of the doctrine, whether it be of God
jV whether I speak of myself." Cole-
ridge, though he poured too much con-
tempt on the miracles and on all exter- \
nal evidence, was in substance right
when he said, u Christianity is a life
and a living system, try it." We
might say to the poor creature who has
tried many fields and springs where
life is said to reign — and is bankrupt
and miserable — try thU! You have
been in barren fields and at broken cis-
terns— or in pastures of poison and by
rivers of death; try this; if it fail, it
will only be another failure. But there
never was a man who found it fail —
Dr his expeeience would be indeed aw-
ful.
We cannot all be ripe scholars, not
many of us have philosophic power,
:>r logical sharpness; few of us are
skilled in balancing historical probabil-
ities. But here is a region in which
the mechanic and the peasant, without
recondite knowledge or rich culture,
may have the most conclusive and in-
destructible evidence. Faith is grand
and powerful, but knowledge is deeper
in assurance. " He shall know of the
doctrine whether it he of God.'7 The
three thousand at Pentecost who heard
the tongues aud beheld the flame-like
radiance, firmly believed. The Ethio-
pian nobleman, who heard the gospel
in his chariot, received it with confident
faith. The Samaritans, when they
heard of the kingdom of God, and the
name of Jesus, and beheld the healing
power and the casting out of demons,
received the truth in cordial reliance.
Cornelius aud his friends were con-
vinced that the tidings were from God.
But none of these parties in that stage,
knew that the system was from God.
Knowledge is the ripe fruit which grows
after we have been planted in the celes-
tial soil, the gradual growth of rich ex-
perience gained from trial. As we do
his will, and advance in the knowledge
of his ways, we discover in the depths
of consciousness that the promises and
consolations of God are all realities,
and that, in comparison, all other things
are shadows. The assurance of divini-
ty in the Christian religion becomes
regnant and living, throned in the head,
beating in the heart — heaving in all
the tides, and throbbing in all the pul-
ses of our nature.
It is then of prime importance that
we should cultivate that loving obedi-
ence, which is the condition of insight
and the spring of divine knowledge.
We all need deeper fellowship, closer,
more abiding communion with the liv-
ing God, and as we seek it in paths of
obedience and self-sacrifice, the sun-
246
REJOICE EVERMORE.
<hine of his countenance will be con-
tinually with us, and we shall hear in
spirit those overshadowing wings of the*
Eternal One, which are our only secu-
rity. We shall have in more fulness —
the manifestations of the "Son — the
power of the Spirit — the presence and
glory of the Father. And so we shall
be preserved unto that kingdom which
is reserved for the resurrection of the
just, where all our loftiest desires and
hopes shall be more than realised. We
may see approaching the transfigured
earth, where Paradise blooms again —
the metropolitan city with its golden
streets and river of life. But the prom-
ised glories are all for a prepared peo-
ple— beautiful in holiness, strong in
spiritual might, profound in devotion,
tremulous with love — such are the sons
of light who are lifted with desire, look-
ing for and hasting the day of his ap-
pearing, and so in readiness for trans-
lation.— The Rainbow.
"REJOICE EVERMORE.0
Christians may obey this injunction;
no others can. It is easy to rejoice in
prosperity; but when the soul is al-
most submerged in the billows of con-
flict and sorrow, it requires an effort
to pierce the dark clouds and look
the sanctuary of God," and understood
their end, he rejoiced that his feet
were on a better foundation.
A cireful analysis of our being and
of God's dealings with man confirm the
declaration .that "All things work to-
gether for good to them that love.
God."
But we should remember that God
is the primary source of all true joy
In Him alone are the demands of the
soul fully met. Away from God the
soul is ever uneasy. The angels have
joy unalloyed because they ever dwell
in the sunlight of glory. In him we
also may be happy; for we have ac-
cess to God through our Savior Jesus
Christ. The fountain is inexhaustible.
The onl}i limit to our joy is our ca-
pacity and qualification. It is our
Father's pleasure that His creatures
should be happy, David was pursuing
the right course when he exclaimed,
"As the heart panteth after the water-
brooks, so panteth my soul after thee.
0 God."
While God is the source, the avenues
of pleasure are many : "No good thing
will He with old from them that walk
uprightly." The love of God is mani-
fested in the adaptation of all temporal
things to the comfort and pleasure of
man, in their proper usef it is their
away to "Our Father," and rejoice in abuse that causes suffering. Why then
the hope that he will guide us safely
into the haven of eternal rest.
In this world the joy of the Chris-
do Christians endure so much poverty
and affliction ? The heart is so prone
to wander that it often requires long
tian is often intermingled with sorrow ; lessons in the school of adversity, to
n Heaven it will be unalloyed. Here teach us to look beyond the gift to the
he often meets with reverses which Giver, to love the Creator more than
sorely try his faith. These things
cause some to repine and possibly, at
times, to doubt God's goodness. The
Psalmist is envious at the foolish
when he "saw the prosperity of the
wicked." But when he "went into
the creature.
In mercy, God often-withholds those
things which might alieniate our hearts
from Him, but which might be enjoy-
ed, were our hearts more firmly "rooted
and grounded in love." Even religious
TEMPTATION.
•247
joy in excess of our faith and purity,
would have a tendency to throw us
off our guard, and expose our soul to
the darts of the enemy. If we can-
not understand all the providence of
God we may trust. In reviewing the
past, we perceive that many of the tri-
als, sorrows, and disappointments of
life are blessings in disguise; and
should be thankful that we are often
led in paths in which we willed not to
walk.
It is not only a privilege, but a duty,
so to believe and live that we may re-
joice under all circumstances. What
God commands is possible. Our love to
God in view of the price of our salva-
tion, should induce us to make such a
consecration of soul and body to his
servic as that he may so manifest the
riches of his grace in our hearts, as to
demonstrate to the world that the relig.
ion of Christ is superlatively good. —
/Selected.
TEMPTATION.
No man can help being tempted. He
may be good, have a pure heart and a
holy life; but 0, how he is tempted !
What it costs to stand against the surg-
iog tide ! He knows where he stands;
right in the midst of battle, a holy man.
The supreme hour is known when it
comes. The soul reviving words of the
Master will put a reflecting disciple on
his guard; watch lest ye enter into
temptation. But it is no sin to be
tempted. The sin lies in entertaining
the temptation, giving it a place, think-
ing about it. Crime, and all pernic-
ious habits which disfigure human life,
are the results of thoughts that havo
been woven into plans in the mind,
fired by the heart, and finally put on
the form of outward sin. If the door
is kept barred, the enem\ cannot enter
in. His gilded scenes of unhallowed
works may flash their brightest charms
, upon the eyes of the soul; but upon
I them all the eyes are closed, and turn-
|ing to Christ the lover of the soul, they
I are opened and enlightened. No man
commits sin who does not yield to
; temptation. We may thiuk that no
I mortal ever had such temptations as we
endure; such surroundings and con-
flicts ; such enemies as our thoughts
and desires are. But no temptation
hath taken you but such as is common
to man. We are all very much alike,
especially people whom Christ has sav-
ed; we have one heart and one mind,
and our conflicts with spiritual wicked-
ness in high places are very much the
same. Christian people are more alike
than any others, especially in their in-
ner experience, the trials they pass, the
crosses they bear, the victories they
win ; hence we love to sing, —
"The fellowship of kindred minis
Is like to that above."
Good men don't tell to the world the
temptations they endure, or the suffer-
ings they bear when pressed by the foe.
It is the bright side of our Christian life
we picture in song and spoken exper-
ience. The fathers in the church used
to tell about their trials, temptations,
struggles, etc." But we modern Chris-
tains havn't any. We are all living on
the suDny side. We don't stop to talk
about these. Perhaps we are making a
mistake. Too much of one side of our
Christian life, and not enough of the
other, may be a dangerous experience.
We are all human we all need Chirst to
lean upon. God is faithful who will
not suffer you to be tempted above that
you are able, but will with the tempta-
tion also make a way of escape, that ye
may be able to bear it.
248
THE CHURCH AND THE WORLD.
And God will make a way of escape
for our soul. It shall go free from Bin,
conscious of its freedom and its right
to it under Christ. No man need ob-
ject to being a Christian because he
can't hold out to the end. Nobody
should try to be a Christian thinking
that of himself he can hold out. There
is too much trying to be good in these
latter days without the help of God's
Spirit. God must help us to win our
victories; and he must keep us in the
victory. Go forward, and press toward
the mark of the prize of your high call-
ing in Christ Jesus. Whatsoever
thy hands find to do, do it with thy
might."— Rev. F. Flood.
The Church and the World.
The church and the world for the
most part, are so nicely joined that it is
hard to tell where one begins and the
other ends. Like the work of a cun-
ning joiner, they are dovetailed and
glued together. On week days, the
man of the church is worldly ; on Sun-
day the man of the world is devout.
God has his people, nevertheless, and
we shall find them scattered through
the churches. As in ancient times,
they are a "peculiar people." Then
too there are some who, like Lot in So-
dom, preserve their integrity, although
marred with worldliness. Lot escaped
by the skin of his teeth, and so will
they. God says, "be ye not unequally
yoked together with unbelievers." Nev-
ertheless, the church and the world are
standing side by side, with the }'oke on
their necks.
You reject my sweeping assertion
perhaps. Then look yourself at the
church with which you are best acquaint-
ed. How many on the church rolls ?
How many at the last prayer meeting?
How many regard the place of prayer
as a joy and delight? If Deacon B.
should chance to give a grand party,
which would draw best, the party or the
prayer-meeting? If toward the mid-
night hour, the young folks should
propose to spend an hour in dancing
would the church and the world j »in in
the waltz, or would they not? (Be
not shocked , gentle reader at my al-
lusions to dancing in the deacon's par-
lor. We know of the occurence of just
such things.) This "unequal yoking"
is so nearly universal that young Chris-
tians fall into it, not knowing what
they do. They read the gospel of the
church's life more than the gospel of
God's word. Thus they grow up de-
plorably ignorant upon this matter.
If God's Word is true, Christians
have no right to seek their pleasure in
the society of men and women of the
world. Christ was our example. Did
he do this? He was styled the ' friend
of publicans," but you very well know
that he never sought them except to
save them. This was his "pleasure" in
the world. Is yours like it?
There fs another side to this matter,
0 worldly disciple ! You are reaching
after Sodom's rosy apples, and between
your teeth they are ashes and vexation.
What means that morning headache
which follows in the wake of the even-
ing party? Were you too excited
and tired last night, to talk with
Jesus? Did you have a pleasant
chat with him this morning? How
have things gone to day ? Are you
carrying in your bosom much of that
sweet herb called heart's ease? No,
no, no ! It is impossible for a child of
heaven to feed on "husks" and be sat-
isfied.
There is something very sweet that
you are losing. God gives manna to
TOBACCO XOT NUT1UTIVE.
249
his children, but if you go and live with
the heathen you find it not. Do you
know what assurance is; or are you on
the contrary, tossed up and down in un-
certainty ?
"Oft it causes anxious thought,
Am I His, or am I not?"
These are the words of the worldly
disciple.
I know what far better words mean :
"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace
whose mind is stayed on thee, because
he tiusteth in thee." Peace is very
sweet. O "Worldly disciple ! wouldst
thou not have it? then hear what Jesus
says to thee : "Come unto me, all ye
that labor and are heavy laden, and I
will give you rest ; take my yoke upon
you and learn of me, for I am meek and
lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest
unto your souls ; for my yoke is easy
and my burden light."
SHOW YOUR LIGHT.
When we are tried in the grievous cir-
cumstances of sorrow, it is quite natural foi-
ls to think that we have a sacred right to
indulge ourselves in retirement, and perhaps
even gloom. Have we, indeed, such a right?
are we at liberty to deepen the darkness of
:hese earthly scenes? Light and darkness
are the symbols of holiness, and this lumin-
als atmosphere ought to surround the be-
"iever, wherever he stands.
Is it the effect of genuine submission to
mourn and grieve inconsolably ? Is it pos-
sible with veiled faces and wailing tones to
give proof to the world, that we believe
:hat Jehovah "leads us in the right way,
•hat we may go to a city of habitation?''
The trial may have been sent to exhibit in
us the power of God to sustain the wound-
ed heart. A V ill the world accept our state-
ment that the divine will is the good which
we desire, if we shut ourselves away from
:riends to weep alone over the appoint-
ments of that will, which we pretend to
-e rather than our own?
AYe have missed the real lesson of sor-
row if it interferes with life's duties. I'
requires resolution and fortitude to meet tin-
demands of each day, when the spirit i-
oppressed with the unutterable loneliness
and desolation of bereavement. And many
a strong man is ashamed to sit and
who will flush with anger if you look for
even a ray of sunshine in his face, when
the winds of adversity are blowing hard
against him. Show your light, though it
be small and flickering, — somebody need-
it, for you have companions with you wher-
ever you walk. — (trace W. Hinsdale.
Tobacco in no Sense Nutritive.
Tobacco belongs to the class of
narcotic and exciting substances,
and has no food value. Stimulation
means abstracted, not added, force.
It involves the narcotic paralysis of
a portion of the functions, the ac-
tivity of which is essential to
healthy7 life.
It will be said that tobacco
soothes and cheers the weary toiler,
and solaces the over- worked brain.
Such may be its momentary effects,
but the sequel cannot be ignored.
All such expedients are fallacious.
When a certain amount of brain -
work or hand-work has been per-
formed, nature must have space in
which to recuperate, and all devi-
ces for escaping from this necessity
will fail. It is bad policy to set the
house on fire to warm our bands
by the blaze. Let it, then, be clear-
ly understood that the temporary
excitement produced by tobacco i>
gained by the destruction of vital
force, and that it contains absolute-
ly nothing winch can be of use to
the tissues of the body.
Tobacco adds no potential
strength to the human frame. It
may spur a weary brain or feeble
250
TRK MISSOURI COMMITTEE.
arm to undue exertion for a short
time, but its work is destructive,
not constructive. It can not add
one molecule to the plasm out of
which our bodies are daily built up.
On the contrary, it exerts upon it
a most deleterious influence. It
does not supply, but diminishes vital
force.
other States for a copy of the proceed-
ings of said committee, and their re-
quests complied with, it was thought by
the writer (Jno. Harshey) that it would
circulate itself without any further
trouble to any one, in its true character.
But it being made to appear to those
assembled at our District Meeting
(Southern District of Missouri) that in-
It has been denied that tobacco 'correct reports have gone forth even in
leads to organic disease, but the ev-
idence is very strong the other way,
and it would be very remarkable if
continued functional derangement
did not ultimately lead to chronic
derangement of the organs; that it
causes functional disturbance no
one dreams of denying; indeed, it
has been remarked that no habitual
smoker can be truly said to have a
day's perfect health. — Popular Sci-
ence Monthly.
THE MISSOURI COMMITTEE-
We publish the following by request :
Many of the brethren and sisters will
remember that the Standing Committee
of our A. M., of 1^72, appointed the
following brethren : Wm. Gish, Isaac
Hershey, Christian Holler of Kansas,
Enoch Eby of Illinois, and Jno. Har-
shey of Missouri, to act as a committee
to settle difficulties, and to put into pro ! carrying out and practicing the ordinan-
per order the Spring River Church, Ices of the house of God, the following
Ja3per Co., Mo., and for other churches 'charges were found:
in Missouri. 1st. Against the ministry for not al-
The first and the last mentioned bro- ' lowing the church the liberty to vote
to other States as to the character of the
work done, reports circulated by letters
written by the parties dealt with, as well
as by incautious brethren from other
States passing through the localities of
those brethren dealt with, or upon meet-
ing with them in their travels elsewhere,
and believing what those pleased to tell
them, the report has gone abroad, and
may be still going, that they were dis-
fellowshipped for no other cause than
for their refusing to wash feet otherwise
than what is called the single mode.
Hence the District meeting requested
that a correct report be published in all
of our periodicals as touching the rea-
sons of their excommunication.
It being ascertained by the committee,
as testified to by a number of members,
that a majority of the members of the
Spring River Valley Branch of the
Church were favorable to practicing the
general order of the Brotherhood in
ther failing to meet at the time and
place appointed, brother Addison Har-
per of Missouri, and brother Michael
Forney of Illinois, being present, were
by agreement taken to fill the places of
the two absent brethren.
Some of the committee having been
wrtiten to by members of churches in
herself into the unity of faith and prac-
tice.
2d. Interfering with the unity of
faith and practice of the church in en-
deavoring to set aside the salutation of
the kiss between the Supper and com-
munion.
3d. In disturbing the peace and unity
TO THE CHUBCHES.
251
of the church by teaching that a bonnet
or handkerchief upon the head of the
sister would fill the measure of the Gos-
pel as taught by Paul, and consequently
sisters often appearing in meeting with-
out the proper covering
4th. Sisters telling the Elders that
hoops were profitable and advantageous
to them in certain conditions in life,
and the Elder saying he believed it,
and that the church ought to bear with
such, and by so saving kept trouble in
the church while hoops were fashion-
able.
5th. Preaching publicly the restora-
tion, and one minister saying before a
congregation, while preaching a funeral
where the deceased belonged only to the
Odd Fellows, that the deceased would,
till the winding up of God's dispensa-
tion of grace, shout praises to God, sub-
jecting the brethren to ridicule and
contempt by some of their neighbors
needlessly.
6th. That the church's influence, as
being opposed to secret societies, was
damaged in those parts by some of the
ministers being so very intimate with
Masons as to go into a joint note with
them to borrow money to enable the Ma-
sons to build a lodge, on top of a busi-
ness room, in which the brethren seemed
to take great interest, near their own
dwellings and upon ground owned by
them, and sold to others, knowing at the
time of sale that a lodge was to be erect-
ed thereon, and by a ministering brother
being permitted to be in the Lodge as
a spectator when the Lodge was in ses-
sion, also by having connected them-,
selves with a building association, strict-
ly known as the Freemason's and Odd •
Fellow's Building Association.
7th. Speaking disrespectfully of the I
decisions of Annual Meeting.
The above charges havin? been ad- 1
mitted and proven, the committee de-
cided that in all of the above charges
there was either ignorant or willful
guilt resting upon the ministry, and
that they should confess it and promise
to do so no more, or they could no
longer be continued as elders and teach-
ers in the Brotherhood. To this they
answered, very decidedly, they had no
acknowledgement or promise to make.
They were then asked whether they did
not intend to submit to the general or-
der of the church, or the decisions of
A. M., to which they emphatically de-
clared they would not. Whereupon,
the committee's decision was, that as
they would not acknowledge to their
above guilt and be counseled by the
general body or church, they could no
longer be continued as members in fel-
lowship in the church with all that
sided or went with them.
The committee's decision was en-
dorsed by seventeen against ten. Now,
in short, we also testify that the same
spirit of disobedience to general council
existed in all that were elsewhere dis-
fellowshipped.
Isaac Hersiiey,
Christian Holler,
John Harshey,
Michael Forney,
Committee.
TO THE CHURCHES.
COST OF A MEETING TENT.
It will no doubt be remembered by
the brethren who were present at the
last A. M. that the churches were re-
quested to subscribe money, as each feels
willing to give, for the purpose of se
curing a good durable tent for the ac-
commodation of the A. M., and that
the brethren of Southern Illinois were
requested to ascertain the cost of such
a tent and report to the churches through
252
CORRESPONDENCE.
the periodicals a9 soon as convenient.
The brethren, upon investigation, found
that the cover for a tent 80x220 feet,
made of good heavy material, will cost
about eighteen hundred dollars. Let,
therefore,, all the churches that feel wil-
ling to do something toward procuring
such a tent to be owned by the Brother-
hood and kept for the accommodation of
the A. M., take immediate action in
the case and report the amount each
feels willing to give to Daniel Vaniman,
not later than the 1st day of September,
1873. If a sufficient amount shall be
subscribed then the brethren will call
for the money and give directions where
and how to send it, and will proceed to
get the tent ready for the Annual Meet-
ing of 1864. Should more be given
than the tent will cost the surplus will
be sent back to the churches in the same
proportion as donated. Should there
not be enough subscribed then it will
be considered a failure and the churches
will be notified not to send the money
they did subscribe.
By order of the Committee of Ar-
ragements, June 26th, 1873.
Address, Daniel Vaniman,
Box 53, Virden, Macoupin Co., 111.
The Dress of Christian Women.
How should a woman, " professing
godliness," dress? How adorn her-
self?
In " modest apparel." (1 Tim. 2: 9.)
With "shamefacedness," — (. e., with
no intent to draw the eye. (1 Tim., 2:
■'•) _
AVith " sobriety" — i.e., with nothing
conspicuous. (1 Tim., 2 : 9.)
Not with " braided hair," not with
*•' plaiting of hair" — i. <?., elaborate ar-
ranging of the hair. (I Tim. 2:9;
Peter 3: 3.)
Not with "gold." (lTim.,2: 9; 1
Peter, 3: 3.)
Not with "pearls." (1 Tim., 2: !♦. i
Not with expensive clothing. (1 Tim.,
2: 9.)
Not with clothing (as an adornment.)
(1 Peter, 3 : 3.)
Observe, there are three points as to
clothing the body : Let it be modest.
Let it be inexpensive. Let it be un-
obtrusive.
There are two points as to the sort of
decoration to be avoided : No jewelry.
No fanciful dressing of the hair. And
there are two points to be observed a?
to adorning : "A meek and quiet spirit ;';
" Good works."
Surely a woman professing godliness
should be careful in this matter, which
the Holy Ghost has not considered un-
important; surely she should clothe
herself in all "modesty," "shameface-
edness," and "sobriety," while she ad-
orns herself with a " meek and quiet
spirit," and with "good works."
Now, if she be so adorned she will
not be anxious to attract the gaze of ad-
miration by heapiug jewelry upon her
person, or decorating it with handsome
clothing, nor will she be much busied
in the way she arranges her hair. If
given to good works she will have nei-
ther time nor money for the decoration
of her body.
The above is merely a summing up
of Paul and Peter's thoughts in the
matter, as contained in 1 Tim ,2:9.
and 1 Peter, 3 : 3. — The Christian.
(![o rrca pendente.
Dear Brethren and Sisters :
I would like to say a few words to
you through the Visitor to those I used
to meet in the church militant. What
CORRESPONDENCE.
joyful times I used to have of meeting
my dear brethren and sisters in the
Lord at a love feast meeting. Brethren,
I sometimes feel abmost discouraged
for I can't get to hear any of my breth-
ren preach or go to meeting any more.
But when I look back and see what tri-
als my Savior had to endure I don't
think I ought to complain.
I have been living -nearly two years
in Kansas and I have not come across
any of my brethren yet. I am here
all alone to contend for the faith that
was delivered unto the saints. Breth-
ren, remember me when it goes well
with you, that I may meet you where
the wicked cease from troubling and
the weary are forever at rest. My
prayer is that the good Lord may send
out more laborers into his vineyard for
the harvest truly is great but the labor-
ers are few. We have great need of the
Gospel being preached and the faith
proclaimed that was once delivered un-
to the saints.
My dear companion was called from
time to eternity a few weeks before I
left Ohio. I have not a doubt she is
better off than I am in this troublesome
world.
Finally, brethren, farewell. Be per-
fect, be of good comfort, be of one mind;
live in peace, and the God of love and
peace shall be with you.
M. Morgan.
Sedgewick City, Kan., July 7, '73
r Brethren and Sisters :
But little has been said through the
columns of the Gospel Visitor con-
cerning our late Annual Conference,
and by permission we will give you a
brief sketch of our trip and what we
learned there. Left home with my
mother on Friday p. m. June 30th, via
Martinsburg. Remained over night at
bro. George Brumbaugh's a short dis-
tance from where the A. M. convened
! ten years ago, and where our late D. M.
! was held, which we attended. Saturday
morning at an early hour wo started
j across Tusseys Mountain to Cove sta-
. tion on Huntington and Broadtop R.
R. Beached there in due time, met a
number of brethren and sisters in the
train who were journeying to place cf
A. M. Many new scenes met our gaze
as we passed along, never having gone
I the route before. Reached Bridgeport
at 12 : 30 P. M. at which place we had
to remain until alter 5 p. m. when we
left for Dale City. Found the scenery
more picturesque, the country quite rug-
ged in some places, but we admired the
scenery, especially where the ground
caved in a short time previous, and to-
tally covered the railroad for some dis-
tance. Shortly before reaching Dale
City we paseed through the largest tun-
nel we rather think we ever passed
through. On reaching our place of des-
tination found many brethren, sisters,
and friends at the depot; among others
was bro. H. R. H., and Annie, who con-
ducted us to their home. After being
refreshed repaired to the Brethren
Church to attend services. Sermon by
brother J. S. Flory, from Rev. 3 : 18,
I counsel of thee etc. This was only
our second opportunity of hearing bro.
Flory. Sabbath morning, June 1st.
sermon by brother D. P. Savior, from
Eph. 2 : 20. This was cur first oppor-
tunity of hearing bro. S. but read many
articles from his pen through our peri-
odicals. At 3 P. M. attended an ad-
dress to the S. S. delivered by brother
from Ohio and a Baptist minister.
We do hope the brethren and .-
will manifest a much greater interest in
I the S S. cause. I do not have the
254
CORRESPONDENCE.
privilege of attending Sabbath School
conducted by the brethren, but hope the
day is not far distant when we will have
one in our midst. Sabbath 4 P. M.,
listened attentively to sermon by bro.
Enoch Eby, from Isaiah 48: IG-19,
inclusive. We also had the pleasure of
forming his acquaintance, Sab. eve., for
the first time had the pleasure of hear-
ing brother John Wise, from Rev. 4,
latter clause of 1st verse. All those
who had the opportunity of hearing bro.
W., will doubtless say the sermon was
a very touching one. Exhortation by
brother Spanogle. We shall not soon
forget the interesting conversation with
bro. W. on Thursday A. M. while wait-
ing at the depot. Many thanks to our
dear brother, for the instructions receiv-
ed by us Monday p. M. were address-
ed by brother Buckalew and brother
Peter N"ead, neglected to note the text
and it has passed from my memory.
3Ion eve., sermon by broth Major and
D. B. Sturgis, from John, 6 : 27. Dear
brethren, and sisters let us not neglect
to labor faithfully for that "which en-
dureth unto eternal life," lest we fall
short of the glory of God. On Tuesday
eve. we were delighted to learn that
brother S. Z. Sharp would address us
Having been a student under his care
we still desired to receive instructions
from him. Text, John 12 : 47, 48. We
felt much benefitted by the sermon al-
though very tired from over-exertion.
Also had the privilege of meeting sister
S. but sorry we did not have the oppor
tunity of conversing with her as we de-
sired. Wednesday eve. sermon by bro.
David Longanecker, and Joseph I.
Cover, text, 1st John 4 : 1. After
service had the pleasure of forming the
acquaintance of brother C. Thursday
eve. sermon by bro. Garst of and
brother Pence of Tenn., from Eph. 1 :
13. Heard many regrets that bro. P.
was so brief, but presume the speakers
as well as the congregation felt tired and
weary. Friday eve, sermon again by bro.
S. Z Sharp, followed by brother Reid-
enhour.
This was the last sermon we heard in
Dale City. The friends had nearly all
returned home on Thursday. We spent
the day very pleasantly on Friday, with
the friends of Dale City, visited some
that were sick but trust they have fully
recovered. In company with brother
Sharp, brother and sister Myers and
others, took the train on Saturday morn,
homeward. We felt sad to part with
the dear friends, for of a certainty we
cannot expect to all meet again this
side of eternity. But it is joyous be-
yond measure to know if we obey God's
commands we will be one unbroken
chain around his throne in heaven.
Reached James Creek about 3 p. M.
where we remained with the Pilgrim
family until Monday morning. Attend-
ed Lutheran Church on Sabbath eve, in
Marklesburg. Brother A. B. B. of
Huntington, Pa . has our many thanks
for kindness shown toward us while
there. On Monday eve, came to Ty-
rone and called at brother Quinn's,
found them well but very busy. Reach-
ed home in safety on Tuesday, 10 a. M.
Thank God for his protecting care over
us while on our journey. Many thanks
to the dear brethren and sisters of Dale
City for their hospitality. The Lord
reward them for it ! We found all we
needed there to make us comfortable.
Our souls were truly fed upon manna if
our bodies did become very weary. The
attendance of the meeting was a great
pleasure beside very beneficial. We saw
the place for the first time at which the
meeting was held, met many of our dear
brethren, sisters and friends with whom
CORRESPONDENCE— NOTICES.
:^5
we were acquainted, besides forming the
acquaintance of many others of whom
we had often heard. We think our so-
ciability at those meetings have a ten-
dency to draw us more closely to the
foot of the cross, to lift our hearts heav-
enward, to have a greater desire to
burst this prison house of clay and
mount on wings of glory to that celestial
city, the city of our King. For this
let us labor, for this let us pray.
Then onward and upward my brother,
Yes onward, my sister, I say,
To yonder bright mansion in glory
Where 'twill he forever day.
Emily R. Stifler
Hollidaysburg, Penn.
Ccrro Gordo, Piatt Co., 111.,
July 7th, 1873. J j
Dear Brethren:
Please publish through the Visitor I
that the church of the Cerro Gordo
District, Illinois, have their Commun-
ion Meeting on the 27th and 28th of(
September, 1873. And also the Dis- ]
Died in Logan Branch, Logan Co., Ohio,
Monday May 5th, 1873, our old sister, SARAH
MOHR, aged 75 years, and 5 months. Disease,
absess in the stomach. She suffered much but
bore it with Christian fortitude. Funeral
preached by brethren Elder Jos. N. Kauffman,
M. SwoDger and the writer.
J. L. Frantz.
Died in Champaign Co., Ohio, on Sunday-
June 15, 1873, MICHAEL BRINCER, aged 23
years, 5 months and 11 days. He was a son of
Joseph and Catharine Brincer, and was married
to Susan, daughter of brother John and sister
Maria Forry. They lived together 5 months,
and six days. The young man met with a seri-
ous accident, he was kicked in the face and
head by a horse, from which he suffered seven
weeks to the hour. Funeral preached by Elder
Jos. N. Kauffman and the writer, from 1st Cor.
15th chapter, 22 verse.
J. L. Frantz.
Died in Logan Branch, Logan Co., Ohio,
June 2G, 1873, Sister LORA REBECCA KAY-
LOR, aged 19 years, and 10 months. Funeral
conducted by brethern Elder Jos. N. Kauffman,
M. Swonger and the writer, from Mathhew 24
chapter, 22d, and 23d verses, to a large audi-
ence. The subject of this notice was one of a
serious nature. Her disease was consumption,
about five weeks before she died she sent for
the brethren and wanted to be received by bap-
tism in the church. She was very weak not
able to walk, she was hauled threo quarters of a
mile to the stream and then seated on a rocking
chair and we carried her in the stream and then
took her off thj chair placed her on her knees
and baptized her with ease. Dear young
people and old ones take warning.
J. L. Framtz.
Died near Kingwood, Preston Co., West \'a.,
brother JACOB 1UDEXHOUR, aged 57 years
and 10 days. He left a widow and many chil-
dren to mourn their loss. Funeral services from
21 verse, by bro. Solomon Buck-
trict Counsel meeting of Southern Ills.,
° ' j 1st Peter 1
will be held at the same place on Mon- lew.
day 29th, and it is desired that the n. . . onn , , . v, . „,... 1Q-o .ttkr
•' Lneu in same place. March Jitn, :.S<j, sister
churches of Southern Ills., be fully rep MARY RIDENHOUR widow of brother Mar-
. , , , ..... I tin Ridenhour, aged 84 years and 2 days, she
resented, and a hearty invitation IS glV- j has been a mother in Israel and a consistent
en, especially to the lninisterino* breth- 'member of the church for 33 years, and a moth-
, . , D t er of 13 children and grandmother of 100
ren, to be With US On the Occasion. I children and a great great grandmother of six-
Those cominsr by Rail Road stop off at f* ,MaLthi9 mothe/8 h"'y Hfe ^ich 6be
j "uu j.wa.u. ciy^ vu. ai iived and her many admonitions and her many
By Order of the church, fervent prayers made in behalf of these chil-
' dren and the many tears shed over them cause
' them to live a christian life that in the world to
come they may constitute an undivided family.
Funeral services from Rev. 7: 14 verse by
brethren S. A. Tike and Solomon Bucklcw.
'Cerro Gordf
John Metzger.
Joseph Henricks
♦•♦
OBITUARIES
Also in earne place, April 27th, 1873
HARRIET RIDENOUR, wife of brother Mar-
tiu Ridenour, aged 42 years, 8 months and 1
days. She left a husband and 7 children to
Died near Xewton Hamilton, Mifflin countv, mourn their loss, but we hope their loss is her
Pa., Feb., 26, 1873, JOHN L. JEFFERIES, eternal gain. Funeral services from Amos 4th
aged 70 yeitrs, 1 month. chap., and part of 12th verse, by brethren Aaron
Solomon W. Bollingeh. Fike and Chambers Glen.
256
OBITUARIES.
Foil asleep in Jesus in the Squirrel Creek]
congregation, Wabash Co., Ind., November the
7th, 1S72, ELIZABETH ANN, daughter. of j
brother Alexander nnd Susannah Abshire, aged !
I Tears, 1 month and 24 days. The foregoing j
was the third ami last child of the above named i
parents, one having died about 7 years ago. I
another about 2 years ago, but this was the last
one. Diseaso, dipththeria croup. Young as
she was she oftimes conversed with her mother
on the subject of death, the last two months of
her life she spoko often about this matter, and
Save her mother directions concerning her bur-
ial, wo believe she knew she would die. Thanks
to the Almighty, she rests in peace. Funeral
occasion improved by brother Isaac Fisher, and
Jesse Myers, to a largo and attentive congre-
gation. S. A.
In Stanislaus Co., Cal., June 2, 1873, JESSE,
son of brother Eliphas and sister Sarah Riggle,
aged 2 years, 3 months, and 8 days. Funeral
by the brethren.
In the same family, on the 12th, July, 1873,
CHARLIE RIGGLE, aged 8 years, 5 months,
and 9 days. Peter S. Garman.
In the Coldwater Church, Iowa, June 19,
1S73, sisLer SUSAN, wife of brother Benjamin
Ellis, aged 57 years, less one month, had nine
children, (six are now living) and eleven grand
children, a husband and many friends to
mourn their loss ; but not as those who have no
hope. Funeral occasion improved by Elder
Benj. Beoghly of Waterloo, from Rev. 14: 13,
to a large collection of friends and relatives.
The above died almost without any warning,
it is said by those present, that in fifteen min-
utes from the time she was taken sick she pass-
ed away without a struggle. Disease supposed
to be heart affection. Another solemn warning
to us all, and more especially to those of her
• hildren who have not yet confessed Christ by
obeying his commands.
Also in the same Church, and near the same
place, June 24, sister MORIAH, widow of Bro.
David Moss, (who died over two years ago at
this place,) aged 35 years, 8 months, and "6
days. Funeral attended by a large concourse
of relatives and friends, and the occasion im-
proved by Eld. W. J, II. Bauman from first
epistle Peter, 1 : 24.
Our beloved sister leaves a number of near
relatives and three orphan boys to mourn their
loss. She called for the elders and was
anointed in the name of the Lord shortly before
her departure. She expressed a willingness to
go. ith a full assurance of obtaining the crown
that is promised to the people of God.
J. F. ElKENBERRT.
Died in McYeytown, Mifflin 6o., Pa., RA-
CHEL R II ODES, aged 107 years.
Died in the Spring R,un congregation, Mifflin
Co., Pa., May 25th, sister BARBARA, daug Me*"
of brother Daniel and sister Replogle, of Pat-
tonsville, Bedford Co., Pa., and wife of Elder
George Hanawalt, aged about 31 years. She
was a devoted Christian; and while she now
rests from her labors and her works have fol-
lowed her, she leaves a husband and 8 children,
the youngest only 8 weeks old, whose privilege
it is to meet her in the kingdom, and enjoy the
happiness prepared for the finally faithful.
Funeral sermon by elder Fnoch Eby, from Phil.
1:21.
June 12th, brother GEORGE W. SNYDER,
son of J. S. Snyder, at Brooklyn, Powesheik
Co., Iowa, aged 20 years and 3 months. Disease,
Consumption. About one year ago he united
with the chnrch, by baptism, and has left a
bright example of Christian piety, worthy of
imitation. He leaves a large circle of friends
to mourn their loss but not as those without
hope, lie has been gradually pussing away,
since the 1st of Feb., but was only confined to
his bed for a few days. Funeral discourse by
brethren Wra. Palmer and Thomas Graham,
from John 18: 30, "It is finished," to a large
audience. M. M. Snyder.
In Fairview congregation, Appanoose Co.,
Iowa. Dec. 3rd, 1872, CORILLA C. BRUM-
BAUGH, daughter of J. C. and M. E. Brum-
baugh, aged 6 years, 7 months and 13 days.
Funeral sermon by D. Zook.
Also, June 5tb, CLARA E. BRUMBAUGH,
infant daughter of same parents. Aged 4{mos.
and 19 days. Funeral sermon by W. E.
Stickler. Daniel Zook.
In Bolivar, Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, friend
JOAN TOMER was born July 26th, 1798 and
died June 10th 1873, aged 74 years, 10 months,
and 15 days. Leaving his wife, a sister, 3 sons
and 4 daughters. The funeral was attended by
a large concourse of people. Occasion improved
by brother John Nicholson and others, from
Mark 8: 36,37. H. Bender.
Died, in the Bloomingdale Church, Van Buren
county, Michigan, at the residence of his father
elder F. P. Loehr, July 7th, brother LEVI
LOEHR, aged 24 years and 4 months, nearly.
Disease, consumption. Funeral sermon by eld.
Sias of the Disciples, from the words, "we walk
by faith, not by sight." The deceased leaves a
wife and two children. He lingered for some
time : and as he drew nearer the end, his af-
fections appeared to be more and more weaned
from earthly things, and set upon heavenly
thing*. Although he preforred to live, he was
resigned to the will of the Lord*. Several days
before his death he was anointed, according to
the command. He admonished bis brethren to
be more spiritually minded ; and those outside,
to serve the Lord. Ob, may we realize that "he,
being dead, yet speaketh" to us; aud not forget
his words of counsel, warning and encourage-
ment. Cyrus Wallick.
Died in Richland Co., Wis., ANDREW, son
of brother Andrew and sister Barbara Troxel,
May 17tb, aged 15 years, 6 months and 29 days.
Also DANIEL, son of the above parents,
May 18, 1S73 with brain fever, aged 33 years,
2 months and 3 days. Funeral services by
Thomas Patton and the writer.
John Shepherd.
Correction. — In last No. the age of Susan-
nah Burkbolder is given as 2 years instead of
20 years.
Wanted Hon by. — Having beon some-
what unfortunate through sickness and
otherwise we are compelled to borrow some
money to carry on our business. Various
have produced a tightness in mono;
matters here so that exorbitant rates of
interest are demanded. If any of our
friends have money to let at a reasonable
-I for one or two years, we shall be
pleased to hear from them. For particulate
address the publisher.
Extraordinary Offer.- -Having
full volume.- of the Gospel Visitor o
eral years and wishing to close them out
quick on account of storage room, we wil-
give'a back volume such as we have, to ev-
w subscriber to the Visitor for the
-l 25. When to be sent by
last be added for postage.
ie of Volume I. of the
Monthly, and wishing to dispose of
them quick n as above,
we will send the Monthly for the [>
ind volume 1 for 80 cents. No map
niums will 1 c given wilh this otter.
HATS, HATS.
Tin- (brethren can find their Ktyle of hat- ol
the i«-t quality ;i(
A. C. BROWN'S,
\<>. 10 NToi-th Main St.
DAYTON, OHIO.
Single $5.00, or clubs of -i.\ at 84.50 oaob.
Send the amount and rocciv c goods by express .
FRENCH'S NEW HOTEL,
Cor. Cortlandt & New Church Sts.
NEW VOIIK.
ON THE EUROPEAN PLAN.
RICHARD P. FRENCH,
<uu of the tftte Col. RICARP FRENCH, of
French's Hotel, has taken this Hotel, newlj
litted up and entirely renovated the same, (kn
tralhi located in tk< /! l'S/.\ KSti PART of tht
City.
I.UMKS' A GKNTI.KMKN.k' DIM\i; ROOMfl ATTACHKO.
Our Bible Dictionary premium can be .-cut by
fifty cent- for postage. Tho>.'
wanting a copy ef the Dictionary otherwise than
a- a premium can have the cloth for $3.r>0 ami
er for $4,00, postpaid.
making inquiry
about anythiny adi this papei
Hon t/te name of the paper to the
i so.
Nullum in Pan"
Tin;
I D YER TISEMENTS.
Peak Buktiibbt; vxu Sisters:
Having
jsed much suffering from Sick Head
iw offer a speedy unci sure euro
for the same. It is pleasant to take and
can be sent by mail. Address with stamp
Drs. NViwgJItsman & Flory,
CATARRH.
Thanks to Dr. 1). M. Murray for curing
tarrh in the head and throat.
J. A. Woodm I
Dayton, < >.
Send nnd get a package of the
medicine by return mail and be cured be-
fore your catarrh run3 into consumption
and death.
Address Dr. I). M. Murray,
Davton, <>.
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DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
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Rook « on Freemasonry !
LIGHT ON FREEMASONRY,
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A MONTHLY PUBLICATION,
EDITED BY
HENRY KURTZ AND JAMES QU1NTER.
VOL. XXIII. SEPTEMBER, 1873. XO. 9.
TERMS: One Dollar and twenty five cents
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CONTENTS.
The Parable of Tares and Wheal 26?
Epcouragement to the Laboring Breth-
ren 2&
Christian Union 201
The Christian a Pilgrim upon earth 263
Love 206
Pride 2G9
I will give liberally 271
David's Malms 273
Through Darkness into Light 275
As T have sung, So I Believe 275
Bnd Company 270
The Rich Man and his Vain Hope 277
I nwaked for the Lord Sustained me... 278
Who is my Neighbor 278
How Tobacco Using Affects Missions.. 279
Hold up the Light 280
The Life of Faith 280
Ministerial Unfaithfulness 281
The Coming Conflict in Europe 282
Giving Ourselves to Jesus 282
Young People and Amusements 283
The Broken Saw 285
Only in the Lord 286
Appointments 286
Memoir of Elder John Zug 287
Obituaries 288
Letters Received.
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gospel fisiToa,
Vol. XXIII.
8EPTEM HKR, lS7:i.
No. U.
in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat
into my barn. Matt. 13:30.
THE PARABLE OF TARES AND And in other places in the Scrip-
WHEAT. turcH, we are positively required to
Let both grow together until harvest and in Separate ourse I VCS from those that
tho time of harvest I will s;.y to the reapers, walk unruly. Paul DlOSt have uri
gather together first the tares and bind them (Jerstood t||1. u|,ove pft88agej very
differently as will appear from
what he hays in his Bpistle to the
This language is contained m one Corinth.ane l§fc -Ui (;h w|)i(;lj
of the parables to be found in the Ica(ie read. Al,0 rta,, 2d Tb,
Gospel of Matthew chap, and verse as | . , ,
above, and is often made to mean . , . ,,
' And there are other portions of
what the Savior never intended it « . . ■ e , , . ,
Scripture to be found which unerr-
should. It has been perverted and . . ■ . . . . . ,.
, v ... ingly teach, at least by implication
made to mean, that the church .. . .. . ., . , . . , ,
' . that it is the duty of the church,
should not arrogate to itself the
when necessary to discipline it- mem-
right to discipline its members, at ,
least to the extent of excluding ,r ,, . ,, ..
,, r , , ,n .. rp, well, say you then, that thai
them from church fe lowship. lhe . .. .. . a . .
* a contradiction in the Script
present state of the church, Bay, rr, , , , . .,11 1 e
1 ' J: lhat portion at the head of your ar-
those who take that position, is tru- ^ fay<)| |o (>{ ^ haW
ly deplorable, and there should if ^ thoM |on (>{ ^ lMy WrU
proper, be something done to better t0 whic|, you ,.,,„., mogt certainly
the condition of affairs, yet no mat
ter how much we may deplore it,
we are interdicted from applying
the remedy. It is God's prerogative
and he will exercise it, in due time.
We would fail, inasmuch, as in gath-
ering up the tares we would root
up the wheat also.
indicate the reverse side. How is
it? It certainly is as is often
tended for to-wit : That the preach-
er should be an educated man to
unravel such mysteries as are here
Dted. For my part I ha',
the leisure to investigate Buofa
jecls for myself, hence I must l<
At first view there seems to be a Uiat for others to do for me, and I
semblance of truth in the above prefer those, whose education qual-
view of the subject, only a Bern- ifies them for that pur j
blance however, as we will see in Whilst I admit, that the scheme,
the end. In the 18 chap, ot this 0r plan of salvation in its orig
same gospel, we have a circumstan- a greai mystery not to bt fully under-
tial and a minute precept, on this $tood by finite creatures, yet that
subject given, the manner and mode p|un Can |je appropriated bj
there detailed, how we should pro- faith. As without faith it is im
ceed with an offending member of possible to please God.
the church. But that part of the [dan 0. ialva-
!58
PAEABLE OF TA RES AND WHEAT.
tion, which wo have under consid-
eration is not mysterious, nor was
it intended to be, which will appear
by reading attentively the latter
part of tho I3th chapter of Mat-
thew.
All those parables which this
chapter contains, were delivered to
a promiscuous assembly, the disci-
ples included. It will appear that
the disciples rather thought it im-
proper in tho Savior to address the
people in parables. "Why spcakest
thou unto them in parables ?" lie
answered and said unto them, "Be-
cause it is given unto you to know
the mysteries of the kingdom of
heaven but to them it is not given. "
But it appeared the disciples did
not comprehend all of them, for af-
ter the multitude had been sent
away, the disciples say to Jesus,
"Declare unto us the parable of the
tares of the field."
Now hear what Jesus says, and
you will have a solution of the sub-
ject.
"lie answered and said unto
them. Ho that sowed the good seed
is the Son of Man."
"The field is the world," (the
world, not the church') "the good seed
are the children of the kingdom, but
the tares are the children of the
wicked one. The enemy that sow-
ed them is the devil, the harvest is
the end of the world," (not the close
of^some council meeting) "and tho
reapers are the angels."
Now I apprehend the readers of
this exposition can see there is no
contradiction in tho Scriptures of
the head of this article and that to
be found in the 18th chapter of
Matthew, as the first refers to the
world and not to the church — and
the latter to the church and not the
world. The Savior of the world
does interdict, the church from ex-
ercising judgment against the world.
For he says "Vengeance is mine."
And again, "I will recompense,
saith the Lord." But to the church
he saith, "Whatsoever yo shall bind
on earth shall be bound in heaven,
and whatsoever ye shall looso on
earth shall he loosed in heaven."
Matt. 18 : 18.
For if we (tho church, or individ-
ually as members) would judge our-
selves, we should not be judged. 1st
Cor. 11 : 31. And in the next verso
Paul says, "Being thus judged and
thereby chastened we will not be
condemned with the world " After
the manner indicated by the verso
at the head of this article, which
sorely refers to the last judgment
which will be conducted by God
himself through or by His Word. In
our natural condition we are prone
to usurp authority, and even when
our natures are to some extent
sanctified by the spirit of God. We
are yet inclined to call into judg-
ment matters that do not belong to
us. Hence the warning in the
Scripture wo are talking about.
But as to the church, we are requir-
ed to take notice of the conduct of
members, unpleasant as it may be,
yet never proceed to extremities
unless there cannot a reconciliation
be brought about. Oh let us all
study God's Word, for it is perfect
and endureth for ever.
'Emanuel Slifer.
Enoch walked with God threo
hundred years, and he was not for
God took him.
KNCOUIiAGINU LABORING BRETHREN
25»
For the Visitor, j hack Over the past and 3< 6 Ll 6
ENCOURAGEMENT TO THE LA- test of faith to which the primitive
BORING BRETHREN. Christians were reduced, being Bub-
Dear Brethren, as you have been jeQttd to all the inhuman and bar-
called to a very arduous and re barous treatment that a pen
sponsible position in the church of and idolatrous people could invent,
Christ, to proclaim the gospel of sal-
vation to the sons and daughters of
men, I feel like offeringa few words
of exhortation by way of encour-
agement to you, in the noble cause
in which you are engaged as watch-
man upon the walls ot Zion to warn
the pcoplo of the approach of the
enemy of their souls, as ho is seek-
ing every opportunity that he can
find, to decoy them from the path
ot duty, and to lead them off with
his alluring ways into everlasting
de.-truction.
As 3 ou are often called from home
you must neglect your domes-
tic affairs, and sacrifice the endear-
iug comforts ot your firesides, and
of those who are near and dear to
you by the ties of nature, that you
may fulfill your calling as a preacb-
and having to stand by and witness
the butchering of their wives and
children and see their daughters
disgraced and ruined, while they
themselves were lashed and starved,
and forced to submit to all the ex-
cruciating tortures of the rack, and
at last yielding up their lives in the
flames at the stake rather than to
abrogate their allegiance and fideli-
ty to their religious faith. 5Tou
should rejoice that your trials and
privations are no greater than what
they are, for "the servant is not
above his master." as said tin
ior, who endured so much, and
yielded up his precious life upon the
ragged cross that wo through his
atoning blood, and by obedi
to his holy precepts, might become
heirs and joint heirs with him in
er of tho Gospel of Christ, often- glory, in the paradise of God. You
times having to ride many miles1 should ever feel a willingm • to
through the mud and storm to reach submit your desires and enjoyments
your appointments, enduring many to the will of "God, which worketh
privations and trials with which we in you both to will and to do of his
as lay members are unacquainted, good pleasure." Be zealous, instant
But as it is only through much trib- in Beason and out of Beason, preach
ulalion that we can enter into the the word not with eye Bervii
kingdom of God, you should not be- men pleasers, but as the Bervai
come discouraged, but press forward Christ doing the will of God I
to the mark for the prize of the the heart, and whatsoever }
high calling of God in Christ Jesus, do it heartily as to the Lordai I
•'walking worthy of the vocation unto men, knowing that < f the
wherewith ye are called, with all Lord ye Bhall receive
lowliness and meekness, with long the inheritance, t- r ye serve the
Buffering, forbearing with one Lord Chi
another in love, endeavoring to
keep tho unity of the spirit in the
As some ol you are
your h< ads w hiti with the
bond of peace." When we lo< - of many wintei
2G0
ENCOURAGING LABORING BRETHREN.
cheeks farrowed by the heat of ma-
ny summers, having passed through
many trials and temptations to
which we arc subject while in this
mortal tenement of clay. But it
will not bo long until you will be
relieved from the troubles of this
world, and go to try the realities of
another, there to receive the re-
wards of the deeds done in the
body.
Oh dear brethren don't excuse
yourselves from duty to God on ac-
count of pecuniary matters, or
things of a secular nature; let noth-
ing intervene between you and your
religious obligations, for every one
that "hath forsaken houses or breth-
ren, or sisters for my name's sake,
shall receive a hundred fold, and
shall inherit everlasting life."
"But seek ye first the kingdom of
God and his righteousness and all
these things shall bo added unto
you." Put your trust and reliance
in God to whom to trust is safety.
And if the future appears to loom
up dark and gloomy before you,
strengthen your faith in God for he
remembereth even the little spar-
rows, that chirp around your doors,
and the very hairs of your head are
all numbered. Therefore fear not
and if any of you feel that you lack
wisdom, "ask of God who giveth to
all men liberally and upraideth not,
and it shull bo given you." Have
on the whole armour of God and
"let your conversation be as it be-
cometh the Gospel of Christ."
"Stand fast in one spirit, with one
mind striving together for the faith
of the Gospel" so that when the
time of your departure is at hand,
you can say with the Apostle Paul,
'I have fought a good fight, I have
finished my course, 1 have kept tho
faith; henceforth thero is laid up
for mo a crown of righteousness
which the Lord the righteous judge
shall give mo at that day and not to
mo only but unto all them also that
his love appearing.
Now Dear Brethren, as the cull is
coming from so many places, "come
and help us" cannot something be
done to meet the pressing demands
for a more extensive spread of the
pure and unadulterated word of
God ? Are thero not churches that
would divide their speakers with
those who have no help? Are you
earnestly contending for the faith,
being instant in season out of sea-
son when six or seven of you meet
around the table of a Sunday morn-
ing and part of you set in silence
while the earnest appeals are ro-
sounding all over tho country for
help? "How beautiful are the feet
of them that preach the Gospel of
peace and bring glad tidings of
good things."
A few words to the lay brethren.
Now there is a work for us to do.
We can do much in forwarding this
noble work. We can offer our pray-
ers to God in behalf of our dear
speakers, who are doing so much in
publishing the gospel to a dying
world; and more than this, we can
assist them in their manual labor so
that they may be better prepared to
leave home. Any of us can give
them a day's work now and then,
and never miss the time; or even
if we were to give some of our poor
speakers a few dollars occasionally,
I don't think it would bo out of or-
der, and by so doing enable them to
devote more of their time to the
ministry. And if they desire us to
CHRISTIAN UNION.
26)
accompany them to their appoint-
ments never begin to make excuses,
but go right along and encourago
and strengthen them, and when
they see that we have a feeling of
respect for them and tho cause in
which they are engaged, they will
be greatly strengthened and better
prepared to more skillfully wield
the sword of the spirit, and God
will bless us and reward us for all
our good works. Now as we are to
be perfect, thoroughly furnished un-
to all good works, that we may be
worthy to be accounted the follow-
ers of God as dear children, we
should always consider ourselves
agents in every good work.
And as the Press is a powerful
medium through which much good
may be accomplished in spreading
or propagating our religious faith
which we claim to be apostolic, we
should let our prayers go up in be-
half of our religious papers, and
their editors, and always be ready
to use our influence in their behalf,
that they may still extend their cir-
culation, so that if it were possible
the word might be preach id in its
purity to every creature. Breth-
ren, as this is ni}- first attempt at.
writing for the press, I hope you |
will bear with these few thoughts,
as they have been written out of a1
heart of love to the brethren and
for the good of the cause ol Christ.
From your unwonhy brother.
B; P. Koons.
For tho Visitor,
CHRISTIAN UNION.
(Continued from Page 228.)
Wo have frequently in this essay
spoken of the body or church of
Christ. We must propose to define
these terms, which we regard as y-
nonymous in this connection. 1st.
Cor*, 10: 17. For we being many
are one head and one body. Col.
I : 18. And he is the head of the
body, the church.
In our investigation upon this
subject we arrive at tho conclusion
that tho whole fraternity of believ-
ers, is the visible bodj- or church of
Christ, in the most appropriate
sense, and therefore "tho ground
and pillar of the truth /'consequent-
ly it is the proper tribunal through
chosen representatives to decide all
questions of doctrine as taught in
tho Scriptures. It is true however
that particular organized bodies are
frequently termed tho church, as in
Matt. 18th. "If he will not hear them
tell it to the church and it he will
not hear tho church let him bo unto
thee as an heathen man and publi-
can. " This is the church in a sub-
ordinate sense and organization for
the sake of convenience to execute
the laws of the Gospel as interpre-
ted by the united councils of tho
whole brotherhood, having jurisdic-
tion only in local and personal mat-
ter. The church is frequently spo-
ken of as the Church Triumphant,
who have finished their course of
probation and entered into their re-
ward, and as the Church .Militant
which consists of those who are J et
in a state of warfare, patiently wait-
ing the time of their <!;
I am aware that the idea of the
whole body being the church is re-
pulsive to many. In the visible
church, they being oppose i i > the
idea of there being safety in tho
multitude of counsel, preferring the
counsel of the few to tie c nn-el of
262
CHRISTIAN UNION.
tho multitude, an;) why? Because
the councils of the church limit
their carnal desires and indulgences,
and disappoints ibeir morbid am-
bition. The peculiar characteristics
of those spirits is opposition to the
meek and self 'den) ing usages of the
church as insisted on by its councils,
general I}' scoiting at every move-
ment in that direction, and if not
successful in dictating and controll-
ing the councils of the whole church
the flag is raised with the inscrip-
tion "anti-council meetings. I am in
favor of the congregational form of
church government," declaring that
a single organized congregation is
the highest ecclestical power on
earth. And when wo become better
acquainted with those leading spir-
its we find that their will generally
controls the action of those under
their charge. And if another should
arise who could control the majori-
ty of the congregation, then what?
Why secede again, and so on in the
same channel indefinitely, every
congregation independent, how few
so ever it may number. Where
then is the unity, where the pleas
antness, where the good to be ac-
complished? Were this idea to
generally prevail, all would be an-
archy and perfect confusion. But
thank the good Lord this theory
will never prevail, for the invisible
church within the visible will be
preserved and will dwell together
pleasantly in unity. As one gener-
ation passes away there will still be
provided another Elisha to receive
the mantle, and the faithful will
still dwell together in unity though
the gates of hell oppose. The church
congregational! what a monster!
one head and a thousand bodies!
We have heard of the hydra headed
monster, hut a hydra-bodied mon-
ster! of this I have never heard. We
have now briefly examined the
Christian world with its numerous
organizations with, the inquiry
whether these combined constitute
the one body or church, and we fail
to see in them what wo could rea-
sonably expect is necessary to iden-
tify it as such. We have enquired
whether either of these particular
organizations met the demand. In
this we also Jailed, for in them is
discovered strife, sectional animosi-
ty, selfishness, insubordination to
the authority of Heaven — Congrega-
tionalism in its worst forms — the
very opposite of union and pleasant-
ness, and even rapine and carnage
within. What then is thesituation
of the inquirer after the characteris-
tics of the church as delineated in
the Holy Scriptures. Having im-
bibed the spirit of Christ and looking
around for a congenial element in
eitherorall, Christian organizations,
lie is likely in the bitterness of dis-
appointed hope, to exclaim I don't
KNOW7 WTHERE THE ClIURCH IS.
For the relief sf such 1 would say
it is not found as a whole in any
visible organization in all its mem-
bers, but if you will examine into
the doctrines of all you will find one
which is the repository of the prec-
ious truths, that "has the words of
eternal life." Within this yoa will
find the invsible body, the wise
virgins, the foolish virgins notwith-
standing. Here cast your lot — keep
your lamp trimmed and your vessel
filled with oil, and when the bride-
groom comes you will bo ready to
enter with him into glory.
We are contemplating Christian
THE CHRISTIAN A PILGHIM
union, not the union of sects with
their discordaut sentiments and prac-
tices, nor a single seel with i
dependant congregations, but real
Christian union, such unii
ists in the divinity, one in fe
action, council, name. There
no sects in the Apostolic church.
hence wo want no union of sects
but a union of Christians, that all
believers may be one as the Father
and the Son are one. Jesus ;
the Father that they may be one as
we arc one. Now v. ho would
of the trinity as a union ? Yet all
may speak of the Godhead as a uni-
ty. Then t^e Savior did not
that they formed a union but that
they constitute a unity, that they be
made perfect in one. So completely
are the Father and Son one, that
the same acts a:> I to both.
"Such is their identity in these re-
spects that the eye ot the keenest
archangel cannot see a shade of
variation,'' a perfect agreement in
agreeing and not agreeing to differ.
So must Christians agree in holding
the same affections, the same devo-
tions and the same ordinance
we must hold them as Jesus held
them or else our union is a counter
feit and a pretension. This is
Christian union as Jesus pra;.
it, and nothing . Christ was
exclusively one with the Father, in
doing Lis will, and our unity
be like theirs.
From these pron conclude
that the only way that Cm'
can be united is to agree that they
will mutually obey whatever is en-
joined in the Xew Testament and
insist upon nothing beyond that.
Opinion will then give way to Chris-
tian fait!), and convenience an
pediency I i authority. ■
if this be Chrii tian union
found sanctity overwhelms me, its
te tenderness mo\ ..hole
pon-
derous h I iy sin tl is holy
thought soothed !.
And j purple b
forced their | I rough
every por<
out this intercession for e\
somed disciple and for ra
they all may i I I
ma}'
Va.
THE CHEISTIAH A PILGLIM UP-
ON EARTH.
In m; .
if it were not sj I woulJ I
prepare a place for you.
And if I prepare a ;
will come aL'ain and receive you to rnvptif that
where I am there j .n 14 :
2nd and 3d v
tr Brethren, in | . ance
with the oft- repeated re I tiro.
Kurtz, for contributions to the Gos-
CORl submit the
for your t con-
sidcration ; th of which
t ) admonish
you a. .
of brot
faithful.
The ab
full oi y af-
fording much coi
:i to the hum . de-
voted f" ; the meek and
lowly Lamb ol
• he object that our
i»e utter-
264
THE CHRISTIAN A P1LGIUM.
ed these blessed words; for I think
it is plainly set forth in the preced-
ing verse. "Let not your heart be
troubled, ye that believe in God be-
lieve also in mo." Ho then, it
would seem, for the first time, com-
municates the important fact to them
that, "In my Father's house are
many mansions/' thus simplyfying
the idea of heaven and immortality,
and reducing it to a comprehensive
form to their as yet, undeveloped
understanding. And in order to
strengthen the assertion, and as it
were, give them double assurance he
continues, "If it were not so I would
have told you. I go to prepare a
place for you." The Savior was
well aware, that the idea of being
deprived of his personal society or
companionship, was a source of
much unhappiness to them; hence
the consoling language of the next
verse : "And if I go and prepare a
place for you, I will come again and
receive you to myself that where I
am there ye may be also." Truly
a most happy thought to the weary
pilgrim through this vale of tears,
that though their path may be
a rough and thorny one, they have
the soul cheering promise of one
day making their final home
and resting place with the blessed
Savior in realms of eternal glory.
An important and pleasing view
of the Christian state and charac-
ter, is that of a traveler to a better
world. The sacred Scriptures de-
scribe life in this world, as a pil-
grimage, and the child of God as a
traveler to a permanent homo. The
aged patriarch Jacob said; "The
days of my pilgrimage are a hun-
dred and thirty years; few and
evil have the days of the years of
ni}T life been." Of him, and those
who lived much longer than he it is
said that they "confessed that they
were strangers and pilgrims on the
earth," but they "desired a better
country that is a heavenly country;
wherefore God is not ashamed to be
called their God; for he hath pre-
pared for them a city."
Brothers, sisters, let us cherish
the views these holy men professed.
We if Christians indeed, are only
travelers having no abiding place
here. The cradle is the starting
point; the shores of eternal rest the
destination. Childhood, youth,
manhood and age, succeed each oth-
er so ' rapidly that many of us
scarcely realize that we are in one,
before we find ourselves advanced
to another. Yes, life is a pilgrimage,
and very short indeed, is the pass-
age from the cradle to the tomb.
Some find it a longer, some a short-
er, but all a short and hasty jour-
ney. A passenger on board a vessel
upon the smooth waters of the bay,
may easily imagine that all he sees
on shore, the trees, the spires, the
villages, are in rapid motion hurry-
ing away but it is he who moves
and all en shore is still.
Thus even when least sensible of
the speed with which wTe go, are we
advancing with sure and rapid
haste to the eternal world. This
fact we should keep constantly be-
fore the mind; that when we lie
down or rise up, when wo walk, or
when we rest; I am but a traveler
here. And when we are surround-
ed by the cares of life, remember
these aro but the cares of a journey.
Or amidst its pleasures, these are
only the comforts of an inn. This
world is not ray home, I have no
abiding city here.
THE CHRISTIAN A PILGRIM
And then think of those that arc
gone. The great and noblo who
once made such a bustle and stir in
the world, where are they? where
are they now? Those mighty phil-
osophers, who startled the world
of mankind, and set it all aghast
with their wonderful scientific re-
lations— where are they? and what
is theirs ? The moment that their
mortal life becamo extinct; riches,
pleasure, the worlds wisdom, and
man's honors vanished all. "Those
lj-ing vanities of life, that ever-
tempting, ever-cheating train/'
what are they to those who have
passed from lifo's drama? Their
journey is at an end; that so high-
ly valued is prized no longer. What
but a day since they would not
have parted with for worlds, to-day
is snatched from them, and they are
numbered with those who sleep the
sleep of death. What is now to
them the value of all they once so
loved and prized ? A moment since
and they were warm with life, joy-
ful over hopes and pleasures, or per-
plexed with plans and cares, now
all are finished forever and forever.
"Though a man may gain the whole
world and lose his own soul what
avail is it."
Think, too,ofthe living; view the
multitudes that throng a populous
city, and think how soon all will
have passed away ; their habita-
tions forever fixed in another world.
All their busy hurrying to and fro,
brought to an eternal close. No
more concern about the varying
changes and commotions of the
world, but are silent in the dust.
And contemplate what would be
the condition of that city a hundred
years hence, did no new generation
arise. Not a single human inhabi-
tant thero; the houses crumbling
into ruin, many already in the dust;
"the wild beasts of the forest, and
the fowls of the air," the only in-
habitants. Churches all forsaken,
no preacher in the pulpit warning
the multitude to "flee from the
wrath to come," no listening con-
gregation there; naught but still-
ness reigns, silent as the very cham-
bers of the grave. Oh ! brother,
sister, let our actions comport with
our true condition ; that of stran-
gers and pilgrims, while in so vain
a world.
Look forward a little further to
that great and notable da}-," when
all the tumult, and all the business,
of this entire world, shall have closed
for ever. Let those whose affec-
tions, aro placed upon this world
tell us of honors and fame, that will
endure only while time lasts. The
sun is but a lamp that lights our
pathway — the earth is but the road
prepared for pilgrims to travel, till
in the everlasting abodes of grief
or bliss, they reach an endless home.
It is but a moment, as an inch of
time, or a dream when oneawaketh
and give place to those eternal
things. Then farewell earth, fare-
well sun, moon, and stars; but no
farewells are known beyond the
grave. To those scenes in that
eternal world you will never bid
adieu.
In conclusion then, brethren and
sisters, and fellow-travelers through
this vale of tears and world 01
row, let me, an unworthy instru-
ment in Cod's bands, exhort you as
you value your everlasting |
and happiness in an eternal world,
to "place net your affections," on
200
LOVE.
things that are only measured by
time, but lot your thoughts soar to
everlasting scenes, and roam among
the immeasurable ages that lie bo-
yond the judgment da}-. How into
absolute nothingness the very ages
dwindle as you sail down the tide
of eternity. Oh remember, that on
that awful tide you must swiftly
sail, and all that belongs to it, is
nothing to you no more iorever.
Then strive to love this world no
more than you will do when mil-
lions of ages after its destruction.
Value its fame and honors as j'ou
will then value them. And let the
prospect of those amazing scenes,
that will shortly burst upon the
spirit vision strike deeper on your
heart the important truth, — T am
BUT A PILGRIM ON EARTH.
The following very pleasing and
truthful comparison is made use of
by an eminent writer of the seven-
teenth century, to illustrate the
vastness of eternity ; * * * "Sup-
pose," says he, "the immense su-
perficies of the heavens, wherin are
innumerable stars, were to be filled
with figures of numbers, and each
figuro signified a million 3-ears;
what created mind could tell their
number much less their value? Hav-
ing these thoughts I reply, * * *
the numbers written in the heavens
will come to an end and how much
of eternity is spent? Nothing for
infinitely more remains." O keep
in view that vast eternity; and
look not at the things which are
seen, but at eternal things, "for the
things which are seen are temporal,
but the things which are not seen
are eternal" "For we know that
if this earthly house of this taber-
nacle were dissolved, we have a
building not made with hands,
which hath foundations, whose ma-
ker, and builder is God, eternal and
in the heavens. "Happy thought !
glorious anticipation ! that there is
a destiny for the Christian infinite-
ly higher than aught earth can af-
ford. Live then, O live Christian
brother, and sister, as a traveler to
eternity, a pilgrim hero pressing to
a happy endless home.
A Sojourner.
LOVE.
If a man say, I love God, and hatcth his
brother, he is a liar, for he that loveth not his
brother whom he hath seen, how can he love
God whom ho hath not seen." 1st John 4 : 20.
Earth is the time for crowning
with thorns. Now all that will
live godly in Christ Jesus shall suf-
fer persecution. Now, we must be
hated of all men for Christs' sake.
Wee unto the world because of of-
fences, for it must needs be that of-
fences come; but wToe unto that
man by whom the offense cometh.
Math. 8: 7. Is it not enough that
all the world is against us, must we
also be against one another? If we
are persecuted, and hated by the
world, ought that not drive us to-
gether in lovo? God is love, and
he that dwollcth in love dwclleth
in God, and God in him. Oh that
we could love Christ more. This is
my commandment, "That 3*0 lovo
one another, as I have loved you."
St. John 15: 12. Christ says, the
time comoth that whosoever killeth
you, will think that he doeth God
service. Oh how we should be
bound together in love, and hum-
ble ourselves as a little child, and
how careful of not giving offense.
Christ says it were better for him
LOVE.
267
that a millstone were hanged about
his neck and that he was drowned
in the depth of the sea, than to of-
fend one of these little ones which
believe in me. If we think that a
brother or sister have made a mis-
step, and we herald it through the
world, how can we say that we love
God.
He that hath my commands and
keepeth them, he it is that loveth
me; and he that loveth me, shall be-
loved of my Father and 1 will love
him and will manifest myself to him.
St. John 14 : 21. A new command-
ment I give unto you, that ye love
one another, as I have loved you
that ye also love one another, St.
John 13:34. The love of God,
brought the son of God from heav-
en to earth, from earth to the cross.
That love is standing with out-
stretched arms, and will eternally
embrace us if wo keep his com-
mandments. Ilave we not cause
to cry, O how cold our love to God
and man! Let nothing be done
through strife or vain glory; but
in lowliness of mind let each esteem
others better than themselves. 1st
Phil. 2:3. O that we may not be
lifted up with pride. The devil
was condemned for his pride.
Tho generality of mankind are
prone to retaliate injuries received
and all seem to take a satisfaction
in complaining of tho cruelties of
those who oppress them ; O that we
could learn of Christ. In his labors
he breathed nothing but meekness,
patienceand forgiveness, even to his
bitterest enemies and in the midst
of the most excrutiating torments
these words, "Father forgive them
for they know not what they do."
Those words were uttered bv him
when his enemies were nailing him
to the cross, fitly express the tem-
per which he maintained through
i he whole course of his life, even
when assaulted by the heaviest
provocation. It is common for per-
sons of tho most exalted faculti
bo elated with success and applause,
or dejected by censure and disap-
pointment; but tho blessed Jesus
waa never elated by one or depi
ed by the other. His behavior was
in all respects conformable to his
doctrines. His devotion toward
God, how sublime and ardent; his
benevolence toward men, how great
and diffusive. He was in life an ex-
act pattern of innocence, for ho "did
no sin, neither was guile found in
his mouth. Meekness and humility,
patience, and universal charity, and
grace, give a joy unknown to trans-
gressors. Nor does the Gospel en-
join any duty but what is fit and
reasonable. It calls upon all its pro-
fessors to practice reverence, sub-
mission, love, and gratitude to God;
justice, truth, and universal benevo-
lence to men. His law is perfect ;
his precepts are rigteous, to love our
enemies, to deny ourselves, and to
take up our cross. True religion
consists in repentance toward God
and in faith in tho Lord Jesus
Christ. Not every one that sayeth
unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter in-
to the kingdom of heaven, but he
that doeth the will of my Father
which is in heaven. We must have
the word and spirit of God, (or the
fruit of tho spirit,) which is love,
j peace, ( long-suffering, gentlei
[goodness, faith, meeknes>; temper-
ance. By their fruits \-e shall know
them. Matt. 7 : 20. If any man
will come after me, let him deny
2GS
LOVE.
himself, and take up his cross and
follow me. The Gospel contains
nothing grievous, it debars us from
nothing but doing harm to our-
solves or to our fellow-men. God
resisteth the proud but giveth grace
unto the humble. James 4:0. O
that we may not pride in wealth,
education, or in the position we oc-
cupy in the world. In heaven is no
contending because none of this
pride. So we desire to have all
men's eyes upon us and to hear them
say, "There he is; that is him; this
is he. O that we may rather lie in
the dust. Learn of Christ to live
meek and lowly, and thou shalt find
rest unto thy soul. It is written,
that man shall not live by bread
alone — but by every word that pro-
ceedeth out of the mouth of God.
Dear Christians, let us show that
we are Christians in deed and in
truth ; not by endless disputes
about trifles, and the transports of
a blind zeal, but by abounding in
those "fruits of righteousness which
are through Christ, to the praise
and glory of God. He only that en-
dureth to the end shall be saved.
Where your treasure is, there will
your heart bo also. O that our
hearts might abound in love, so
that we could rejoice with them
that do rejoice, and weep with them
that weep, and be of the same mind
one towards another. Our love
should be sincere, not a mere show
of affection. The sum of our duty,
according to our great Master him-
self, consists in the love of God, and
of our neighbor; aocording to
St. Paul, in denying ungodliness
and worldly lusts, and in living so-
berl}T, righteously, and godly in this
present evil world ; according to St.
James, in visiting the fatherless and
widows in affliction, and in keeping
ourselves unspotted from the world.
How fervently did Christ pray for
the union of his people. O how
earnestly we should strive for the
unity of the spirit and the bond of
peace. O how careful wo should
be not to offend our brother. O
that wc could say with David, "My
heart was hot within me; while I
was musing the fire burned." Would
not Christ often have cause to ask
us as he did Peter, when he thrice
asked him, "Lovest thou mo V Can
we truly say with him, "Lord thou
knowest that I love thee." If we
love God,, we will also love one
another. Dear brothers and sisters,
let us be ready at any time to meet
with triumphant J03-, our Lord and
Master. Watch, therefore, for 30
know neither the day nor tho hour
wherein the Son of Man cometh.
O that wc may be ready "at the
Lord's coming." He that bade
Thomas come near and see the
print of the nails, and put his finger
into his wounds, ho it is that calls to
us, come near, and view the Lord
our Savior. Let us not be faithless,
but believing. Eye hath not seen,
nor ear heard, neither has it enter-
ed into the heart to conceive, the
joys that God hath prepared for
those that love him. It requires the
genius, the knowledge, and the pen
of an angel to paint the happiness
and glory of the New Jerusalem.
The hope, the prospect of this is
sufficient to reconcile us to all the
difficulties that we may meet in our
progress, t<» sweeten all our labors,
alleviate every grief, and silence ev-
er y murmur. O what rejoicing
there will be in the morning of the
PRIDE.
269
resurrection to them that love the
Lord. Then we can say, O death,
where is thy sting? O grave where
is thy victory? May the living
God make these our carnal minds so
spiritual, and our earthly hearts so
heavenly, that loving him and obey-
ing him may be the work of our
lives.
PRIDE.
And now abideth pride, fashion,
extravagance, these three; but the
greatest of these is pride— simply
because it is the root of the whole
matter. Destroy the root and the
tree will die. It is hardly worth
while to waste ammunition in shoot-
ing at fashion and extravagance as
long as the root is alive. Most per-
sons say that it does not matter
how people dress, pride is in the
heart. Very true, but straws show
which way the wind blows. Plain
exterior may cover up a proud
heart; but depend upon it, a fash-
ionable exterior seldom, if ever cov-
ers up a plain heart. Some rules
work two ways, but some will not.
A lady once asked a minister wheth-
er a person might not be fond of
dress and ornaments without being
proud? He replied, "When you
see the fox's tail peeping out of the
hole you may be sure the fox is
within." Jewelry, and costly and
fashionable clothing may all be in-
nocent things in their places, but
when hung upon a human form they
give most conclusive evidence of a
proud heart.
But is it possible that a man can
be found at this advanced age of re-
finement that dares to writo or
speak a word against pride, and its
consequences? The large majority
of that class of men died and
handsomely buried some time ago.
Now, the pulpits have nearly all
shut down on that style of preach-
ing. The fact is we have passed
that age, and are living in better
times. Our fathers and mothers
were far behind the times. They
were good enough in their way,
but, dear me, they would not do
now. They wore plain clothes,
worshipped in plain churches, and
sung old-fashioned hymns. They
talked and acted like some old pil-
grims that. were lookingfor a better
country; and when they left the
world they stuck to it, to the very
last, that they were going to a city
where there is no night. And it is
my deliberate opinion that the vast
majority of them went just where
they said they7 were going.
But they were nearly all out of
the way now, and the people have
a mind to try a different route. We
can be Christians now and do as we
like. Yes indeed. We can have
fine churches, cushioned seats, i
ly carpets, a fashionable preacher,
and have all our fiddling and -
ing dono to order. Why, in some
of our modern churches the majori-
ty of the choir are not even mem-
bers of the church ; — and they do
sing so sweetl}', — perfectly delight-
ful. The music rolls over the heads
of the congregation like the sound
of many waters. Not a word can
be heard; but the sound is glorious.
Sometimes one sings all a!- ne For a
little while, then two, and pretty
soon the whole choir m ill chim
until the whole house is filled with
the most transporting Bound. Now
if this is not singing with the spirit,
270
PIUDE.
and '.villi the understanding also.
then what is? that's the question
I know it is a little risky to speak-
out against pride at this day, be-
cause the ehurch is full of it. It is
of no use to deny it. And hundreds
who occupy the pulpit, whose du-
ty it is to point out these cvilsplain-
ly, are like dumb dogs; they don't
even bark at it. They just let it go ;
and go it does with a vengeance.
And in proportion as prido gains in
a spiritual church, spiritual power
dies out. They will not, can not,
dwell together, for they are eternal
opposites.
It is a sin and a shame for men
and women professing Christianity
to spend money the way they
do to gratify a proud heart,
when ten out of every twelve of the
human race are yet unsaved, and
eight out of twelve havo not so
much as heard the gospel of Christ.
There are many evils in the land,
and in the church, but I doubt if
any one evil is doing more harm
than pride. It has sfolen into the
church by degrees, and now rules
with a rod of iron. Churches that
were once noted for plainness, and
whose law still stands against pride
and fashion, are practically power-
less on the subject. It seems that
nearly all creation is kept busy in
furnishing fashions enough to satis-
fy the cravings of the depraved
heart. An old Scotch preacher is
reported to have said in a sermon at
Aberdeen, "get your fashions from
Glassgow, and Glassgowfrom Edin-
burgh and Edinburgh from London,
and London from Paris, and Paris
from the devil." Now I can not
say that we get our fashions by
that route, but I am tolerably cer-
tain that they originate at the same
head quarters.
The religion of Christ is pure,
peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreat-
ed, and full of mercy. All Chris-
tians are baptized with one Spirit,
into ono body. They mind not
high things, but condescend to men
of low estate. Their highest ambi-
tion is to honor God, with all they
havo and are. They are not puffed
up, not conformed to the world, but
transformed by the renewing of
their minds. There is no such thing
in heaven or earth as a proud Chris-
tian; there never was nor never
can be. Pride is of the devil — it or-
iginated with him; and be is man-
aging it most successfully in de-
stroying souls. But who is to
blame for this state of things in the
church ? First, and mostly, the pul-
pit is to blame. Men who profess
to be called of God to lead the peo-
ple to heaven have ceased to rebuke
this soul-destroying, heaven-pro-
voking spirit. But why? First
for a living, then for popularity.
Esau sold his birthright for a din-
ner of greens. That was a costly
morsel for him. But now, men sell
out "cheap for cash or produce."
Churches that were once powerful
for good are now well nigh lost in
forms and fashions. We may shut
our eyes, and wink, and whine, and
cry old fogy, and grandfather, and
Moses and Aaron, and all that, but
the fact is before us — pride, fashion,
and extravagance are eating the
very life out of many of the hereto-
fore best congregations in the land.
The world is running crazy. The
rich lead the way because they can,
while the poor strain every nerve
to keep in sight; and the devil
GIVING LIBERALLY.
J71
laughs to see them rush on. Pride
"thrust Nebucbadnezzer out of
men's society, Saul out of his king-
dom, Adam out of paradise, and Lu
cifer out of heaven." And it will
shut many more out of heaven, who
are now prominent in the church.
Neither death nor tho grave will
change the moral character of any
one. The same spirit that controll-
earth. For ye are dead, and your
life is hid with Christ in God." —
Bishop Weaver.
I WILL GIVE LIBERALLY.
1 have a number of reasons :
1. The objects for which I am call-
ing arc great and noble. It U the
cause of letters and rcl
lglODj
of man
ed in life will cling to the soul in
death, and enter with it into eterni-
and of God, for which my donations
are wanted. The inter. a and
angels of God would shrink ' ctcrait>' both arG involvrd iu iL [ can
from the society of many a fashion- not Sive calculatingly and sparingly to
able Christian of this day. A few 8Uch a cause> and for 8Ush obJect*
such souls in heaven would ruin ev-
erything. Among the first things
they would propose would be a
change of fashion. Those pure
white robes that the saints wear
would not suit their tastes at all.
In life they care but little about
Christ and spiritual things, and they
would care no more for them in
heaven than they do on earth. If
there were two heavens, one v
Jesus is all and in all, and the ether
2. Liberal donations are The
cause not on deserves them, but requires
them. It takes a great deal to keep
the present operations going; and we
should every year extend the I
Do you not know thai s the
world to go over, and that the millen-
nium is just at hand? ]>ehold, the
morning of that ing bright.
We can almost se in peering
above the horizon.
3. I can liberally.
with a Paris in it, I presume the meana either noT enu' -i h
road to the Paris heaven would be ecoaoffiy an l self-denial, may be
crowded with fashionable Chris- crc
tians. "Ma," said a little girl, if I
should die and go to heaven, should
[ wear my moire antique dr
,:NOj my love, we can scarcely sup-
pose we shall wear the same attire
of this world in the next.'"' 'Then
tell me, ma, how the angels would
know I belonged to tho best socie-
ty V* In the views of that little girl
we have illustrated the spirit of ma-
ny a would-be Christian of this day.
liIf yo then be risen with Christ,
seek those things which are above,
where Christ sitteth on the right
ally. I will give liberally so loLg
do not resort to economy and self-denial ;
and if I do resort to tl that will
enable me to give libera
4. I will give liberally b !
liberally. He
cup, b i it to run ov< r. I !•
given
and shake;) . and run;
I will imitate him in d
' illy in n
his ca
5. I
hand of God. Set your affection oi re I will 1
things above; not on things on tl
97?
GIVING LIBERALLY.
little? Is spending the more blessed ?
The conduct of a man whose expendi-
tures are large, and donations small, is
literally monstrous. I will not act so
out of all proportion. If I must re-
trench, I will retrench from my ex-
penditures, and not from my benefac-
tions.
6. The time for giving is short, and
therefore I will give liberally, while I
have the opportunity of giving at all.
Soon I shall be compelled to have done
giving.
7. A blessing is promised to liberal
giving, and I want it. " The liberal
soul shall be made fat;" therefore I
will be made liberal. "And he that
watereth shall be watered also himself; "
therefore I will water. " There is that
that scattereth, and yet increaseth ; "
therefore I will scatter, and not spar-
ingly, but bountifully; for "he which
soweth sparingly shall reap also spar-
ingly, and he which soweth bountifully
shall also reap bountifully.
8. I will give libirally because it is
not a clear gift; it is a, loan. "He
that hath pity upon the poor lendeth
unto the Lord " — lendeth to the best of
paymasters, on the best security, and at
the highest rate cf interest; for the
Lord renders double, aye, a hundred
fold, in this life, to say nothing of the
life to come. I will lend him liber-
ally.
9. I will give liberally because, how-
ever hard the times may be with me,
they are harder with those who have
not the gospel.
10. I will give liberally because
there are many who would give liber-
ally, but can no! ; and rr. any that can,
and will not. It is so much more the
necessary, therefore, that those should
who are both able and inclined. I used
to say, " I will not give liberally be-
cause others do not. There is a richer
man than I am who does not give as
much as 1 do." But now, from the
same premises, I will draw the opposite
conclusion- Because others do not give
liberally, I will.
11. I have sometimes tried giving
liberally, and I do not believe I have
ever lost anything by it. I have seen
others try it, and they did not seem to
lose anything by it; and, on the whole,
I think a man is in no great danger of
losing who puts liberally into the treas-
ury of the Lord and possessor of all
things, who is himself the giver of every
good and perfect gift.
12. And finally, when I ask myself
if I shall ever be sorry for giving lib-
erally, I hear from within me a prompt
and most decided negative, " No, never."
Wherefore, I conclude that I will
give liberally. And now I will take
care that I do not nullify my resolu-
tion by putting an illiberal construction
on liberally. I wil understand it as
meaning freely, cheerfully, largely ; or,
in other words, as meaning what I ought
to give, and something more. I will
tell you how I will do it. An object
being presented to me, when I have as-
certained what justice requires me to
give, I will add something, lest, through
insidious selfishness, I may have under-
rated my ability; and that if 1 err, I
may be sure to err on the right side.
Then I will add a little to my donation,
out of generosity. And when I have
counted out what justice requires, and
what generosity of her own free will
offers, then I will think of Him who,
"though he was rich, for our sakes be-
came poor, that we, through hi3 pov-
erty, might be rich;" and I say not
that I will not add a little more, but
how can I keep back anything?
DAVID'S PSALMS.
273
" Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small ;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all."
This is my resolution, and these are
my reasons for it. Reader, what is
your resolution ? Will you not give
liberally too?
DAVID'S PSALMS.
David's psalms have been for
ages, and will remain most proba-
bly to the end of this planet, among
the most precious heirlooms of hu-
manity to those, at least, who be-
lieve in the possibility of a commun-
ication between man and his Ma-
ker. The same may be said of the
whole book of psalms; but more es-
pecially, it seems to me, of those
which are by ancient Jewish tradi-
tion attributed to David himself.
That they are his I can see no rea-
son to doubt. Of the historic and
outward evidence of their authen-
ticity the Jews themselves, who
have preserved them for mankind,
should be the best judges. Of the
critical and inward evidence each
man must judge for himself accord-
ing to his faculty of imagination
and sympathy, as well as of mere
critical analysis or historic learning.
I have been able to discover noth-
ing in them which should prevent
them, as a whole, being David's,
making allowance hero and there,
if even that be necessary, for an er-
ror or a gloss of some old transcri-
ber ; while they do form, when
looked at with human imagination
and human sympathy, an organic
whole such as can not, I think have
been created by the collaboration
of many poets writing in different
ages. They are, surely, the reflex
of one mind inspired by two great
ideas and by two only; but so in-
spired that these ideas penetrate
and glorfy the varied moods and
varied experiences of a spirit most
versatile and a life most eventful,
till in their light wo see the heroic
man himself, and in him all other
heroic personages, as God would
have us see them, for good, and now
and then, alas ! for evil.
Most versatile, certainly, is Dav-
id's genius. Shepherd, warrior,
king, poet, prophet, heaped with ev-
ery gift of bod}', mind, and heart,
and specialljT with strong and deep
feelings. Eight or wrong, calm or
indignant, he is never shallow, nev-
er cynical, but intensely in earnest.
He vibrates throughout to every
touch of righteous admiration or in-
dignation, of hoi or or of scorn.
Whatever befalls him, within or
without, posesses him for the time
and fills his whole being until it
bursts out — as the deepest feeling
is wont to do in natures at once
strong and harmonious — in song.
This is what made the psalmi.-t
of all psalmists. This is what makes
his poetry a text-book still for so
many a human heart — because it is
full of humanity, of the spirit of
man, enlightened, ennobled by the
Spirit of God.
And, besides this, what a variety
in his moods of song! There
utterances of deepest repentance,
liko that fifty-first psalm, which,
even in our translation, by its aw-
ful simplicity, its stately
expresses in its sound the heart
crushed and broken yet heroic still.
Compared with all the hysterical
shrieks for freedom, thinking they
shall be heard for their shrill >,
274
DAVID'S PSALMS.
ing as well as
ing which
for their much speak-
men have uttered, and
alas! been taught to utter since
David's day, how great docs David
tower above his fellow-men, even in
his lowest fall.
Then, again, there arc prayers
for guidanco, songs of a manful and
stately confidence, as of one who
knows that lie is doing right, and is
not ashamed to do so. The songs,
again, of simple "natural theology"
(as we miscall it now) — utterances
of a man who had watched and
studied nature; and was at no loss
to discover what answer his reason
gave to the question. Who made
all this? Songs there are too, almost
the most important of all, which
should be properly called political,
had not that word fallen into utter
abuse in these latter days. For
they set forth the external policy
by which the human race is govern-
ed, whether it likes it or not — ev-
en the providence and the kingdom
of the living God. There are songs
again, of advice to himself and to
his children after him, and (who
knows them not who knows his
Bible?) songs or single passages of
exquisito tenderness and grace, like
that "The Lord is my shepherd,"
which explain, more than any other
of his songs, the attraction which
this most beautiful of personages
exercised alike over wild men and
fair women.
The culminating effort of his gen-
ius is, doubtless, the eighteenth
psalm — the song of triumph. Even
in our translation, if rightl}T said or
sung, it "stirs the heart like a trum-
pet," as Sir Thilip Sidney said of
the elder balad of "Chevy-Chase."
It rushes like a mighty river, not
downward
to its source
to the sea, but
mg waves of song,
upward
in leaping and mount-
toward a cloud-
land whither the imagination tries
to follow, dizzy and almost pained
by the tension, discovering not
what is figure and what is fact in
that new upper world, in which
David sees the Being of all beings,
how he bowed the heavens and
came down, and it was dust under
his feet.
There is an exquisite little frag-
ment (for so I have suspected it to
be) remaining in II. Samuel, xxiii.,
and in which the old warrior-poet
renews the grace and tenderness of
his youth after the storms and dark-
ness of his sad old age, and is him-
self for a moment what he says all
kings should be — "As the tender
grass springing out of the earth and
clear sunshine after rain." And its
key-note is, "The God of Israel said,
the Rock of Israel spake to me. He
that ruleth over man must be just,
ruling in the fear of God." His
fixed idea of the absolute necessity
of justice is — if not, as I believe,
prior to — at least coordinated with
his other fixed idea the personal
protection of God. It is not a mere
mistake, but an
ignoring of plain
facts, to say, as has been said, that
because David imagined himself un-
der the special patronage of Deity
he therefore looked on all his ene-
mies as the enemies of his Deity,
and that "good" and "bad" were
with him synonomous with "friend"
and "foe." If any reader be of thi3
opinion, the re perusal of David's
psalms and his history (and that by
no means a careful one; for he who
runs may read, if he have but eyes
to read with) is the only courso to
SINGING AND BELIEF.
275
he recommended to him. 1 should
have said that in no writer of so
early an epoch, and in very few af-
ter him, till the Christian era, is
there so intense a sense of the ab
solute and eternal difference be-
tween right and wrong, so strong a
certainty that if a righteous God
govern the world only right can
succeed therein ; so strong a desire
to follow the right in all loyalty,
couragoand humility.
he were gliding through the shades
below, and then a light began to glim-
mer faintly on the waters, and the next
instant ho was amid the green fields
and the flowers and the summer sun-
shine of the vale of Chamouny. So it
is when believers die. They come to
the bank of the river, and it is eo'd
and dark. Nature shrinks from the
fatal plunge. Yet one chilly moment,
and all fear is left behind, aud the
Christian is amid the field.* of the para-
Idise of God. — Xorlhern Advocate.
Througe Darkness into Light.
An Alpine hunter, ascendiog Mont
Blanc, in passing over the Mer de Glace,
lost his hold, and slipped into one of
those crevasses by which the sea of ice
is cleft to its foundations. By catching
himself in his swift descent against the
points of rocks and projecting spurs of
ice he broke his fall, so that he r-. ached
the bottom alive, but only to face death
in a more terrible form. On either
hand the icy walls rose up to heaven,
above which he saw only a strip of blue
sky. At his feet trickled a little stream
formed from the slowly-melting glacier.
There was only one possible chance of
escape — to follow this rivulet, which
might lead to some crevice or passage.
In silence and terror he picked his way
down— down the mountain-side, till his
further advance was stopped by a giant
cliff that rose up before him, while the
river rolled darkly below. He heard
the roaring of the waters which seemed
to wait for him. What should he do?
Death was besi le him and behind him,
and, he might fear, before him. There
was no time for reflection or delay. He
paused but an instant, and plunged
into the stream. One minute of breath-
less suspense, — a sense of darkness and
coldness, and yet of swift motion, as if
As I Have Sung, so I Believe.
On the 30th of May, 111G, Jerome
of Prague, after bearing a noble testi-
mony to the truth for which he was
ready to suffer, was led to the place of
execution, through a crowd which Leap-
ed upon him every kind of insult. As
he went along, he sang the Apostle's
Creed, and some hymus of the church,
"with a loud voice and cheerful coun-
tenance."
On reaching the stake, a miter was
given to him, probably in mockery. He
placed it, with his own hands, on his
head, saying:
"The Lord Jesus Christ, my God,
was crowned, for my sake, with a crown
of thorns, and I will gladly wear this
crown for his glory.'7
He then threw himself on his knees,
and kissed the stake, remaining in
prayer for a few minutes. He was
then bound with wet cords and a chain,
and large pieces of wood, intermixed
with straw were piled around him. The
executioner wjs about to set fire to the
pile behind his back, but the martyr
saw his intention, and cried :
"Come forward, aud kindle it before
my face ! If 1 bad feared this, I should
276
BAD COMPANY.
not have been here, for I might have! Oh, that the dying testimony of a
avoided it."
The fire was kindled : and as the
smoke and flame arose, so, once more,
did the martyr's voice, in his last earthly
hymn, so soon to be followed by songs
of triumphat glory.
"Welcome, happy morning!" ago to age shall
say;
Hell to-day is vanquished, heaven is won
to-day !
Poggius of Florence, formerly secre-
ry to Pope John XXIII., himself a
papist, wrote, that same day, to his
friend, Aretin : "His voice was sweet
and full. Every ear was captivated,
every heart touched."
When he ended the hymn, he said,
in the German language, "My beloved
children, as I have sung, so, and not
otherwise, do I believe."
Then he looked up and said with a
loud voice, "into thy hands, 0 God, I
commit my spirit."
There was an awful interval; the
testimony was not yet complete, the
crown was not }et won. The flames
fanned by a strong wind into intenser
heat, were yet by that very wind ever
and anon driven aside, exposing their
terrible ravages upon that "temple of
the Holy Ghost," and prolonging the
torture. Ooce more he cried out (a
golden link of prayer and faith between
the praises ended and the praises to be-
gin) :
"O Lord God, have mercy upon me;
have mercy upon me ! Thou knowest
how I have loved thy truth. Thou
hast redeemed me !"
And then a fiery veil covered him
from view, once more parted by the
wind disclosing blistered lips yet mov-
ing as in prayer; and then — charred
aud blackened remains below, and an-
other glorified spirit, holy and beauti-
ful and victorious above.
who sing the church's "songs of grace
and glory" may be like that of Jerome
of Prague, "As I have sung, so, and
not otherwise, do I believe !" Let
this be the standard of our singing ;
the expression of "true and lively faith"
in Him, "who, by His death, hath de-
stroyed death, and by His rising to life
again hath restored us to everlasting
life."
BAD COMPANY.
Young convert, above all things be-
ware of bad company. It was not with-
out a hard struggle that you separated
from your old associates, and came out
on the side of Christ. They were the
chief obstacles to your entrance on the
Christian life. They will be the chief
peril endangering your continuance in
it.
We are social beings. We are made
what we are largely by those with whom
we are. And even when alone, we are
more or less under the sway of our fel-
lows. What they have said or will say,
what they think and feel, has weight
with us in our most private hours. And
the sad thing about it is, that the bad
affects us more than the good. Evil in-
fluence, evil communication, gets a
quicker, surer hold upon us than the
righteous. Is the reason sought? As
well ask why it is easier to row a boat
down stream than up, why easier to set
a house on fire than to put the fire out,
why easier to get pitch on the hands
than to get it off. Just as there is an
affinity as we say, between the pitch
and the skin, something that makes
them stick together, just as there is heat
within the wood that makes it quickly
respond to the application of heat with-
out, just as there is a current in the
IlICII MEN'S VAIN HOPE.
stream against which it is hard to move
the boat; so our nature has affinity with
evil, there is that within us which re-1
sponds to the outward temptation, there
is a current of selfish habit which it is dif-
ficult to stem. These facts we all know
from experience. And this is why the
bad elements of society warps us more!
quickly into likeness with itself than the
good.
Hence the warning with which we;
began. It is applicable to every one. !
For evil, like an atmosphere, is about
us all, and all about us. There is no
more prolific source of danger than bad
company j none at whose door may
justly be laid a larger per centage of
blasted hopes and ruined lives. From
the days of Adam and Eve until now,
it has been the tempting word of a com-
panion that has led men astray. If we'
seek for present illustrations, we find
them in sad abundance in every large
town and school.
What then is to be done ? We can-
not wholly withdraw from evil com-
panions. That were to go out of the
world. It is not to be thought of. Nor|
is it neccessary. He that is for us is
more than all that is against us, and
wherever it is our duty to be, he will
keep u.s safe. But we on our part,
must remember that we are soldiers,1
and that the battle never ceases. Pru-
dence, wisdom, watchfulness, courage,'
are demanded all the time. It is from
forgetting this that the danger comes.
The word \$ fight. No merely negative
course, no milk-and-water policy will
answer at all. It is just here that mul-
titudes make a serious mistake. They
do not intend to do wrong, to become
bad, or to get into bad company. But
they content themselves with not in-
tending. They take no positive stand
for the right, put forth no effort to get
good company, make no earnest choice
of God. They try to be neutral, Let
themselves drift; and drifting always
carries one down stream. Inactivity,
silence, doing nothing, when surrounded,
as all are more or less, by bad influence '(
There is nothing more fatal than that.
Decisive, prompt resistance, open an-
tagonism to the evil, this alone will
save us.
We must be aggressive. It is only
when we associate with the wicked for
the purpose of doing them good, that
we can rely on the protection of God to
preserve us from contamination. We
must go as physicians, disciples of Him
who came to heal the sick. And if
our own moral system be not all
open, relaxed, broken down in
tone, and thus ready to receive conta-
gion, we may go without fear. If we
are properly fortified, with plenty of
wholesome food, pure air. vigorous,
spiritual health, and above all, if we
take along Christ, we shall have a per-
fect antidote against infection.
This is the only way to be in the
world, and not of it. Be there to bless.
Be distinctly known as on the side of
God. Take your stand lovingly but
lion-like, not to be stirred a hair. Give
nobody a chance to question your atti-
tude. Show a decision that is seen to
be final, and you will not be much
troubled by men or devils. — A'' v. •'.
Mudge, in Zion'a Herald.
♦•♦
The Rich Man and His Vain Hope-
A man once came to Jesus and said,
"Master, speak to my brother, that he
divide the inheritance with me." But
as the Jews had chos n judges of such
matters, and our Lord never interfered
with the worldly eon men, but
did only that which wis given bim v\'
278
WHO IS MY 'NEIGHBOR?
God, replied, "Man, who made me a! which he who lay in helpless nothing-
judge or divider over you." This gave
him an opportunity of informing the
man of his duty, for he knew that it
was covetousness which prevented the
brothers from dividing the estate, and
hence he spake to all present, "Take
heed and beware of covetousness ; for a
man's life consisteth not in the abund-
ance of the things he possesseth."
Jesus added to this another parable :
"The ground of a certain rich man
brought forth fruit plentifully; and he
thought within himself, saying, What
shall I do, because I have no room
where to bestow my fruits ? And he
said, This will I do : I will pull down
my barns, and build greater; and
there will I bestow all my fruits and my
goods. And I will say to my soul,
Soul thou hast much goods laid up for
many years; take thine ease, eat drink,
and be merry." So thought the rich
man; "but God said unto him, Thou
fool, this night thy soul shall be requir-
ed of thee ; then whose shall those
things be which thou hast provided?"
So is he that layeth up treasures for
himself, and is not rich toward God.
Men cling to their wealth, as to their
truest friend ; but it does not serve
them in life as they desire, and in death
it avails them nothing- — Bib. Narra-
tives.
ness in the land of darkness and silence,
springs to a new life again, and gocth
forth from his chamber as a strong man
to run a race. Sleep, like death, is
but a means to an end, that through,
that shady gateway we should be ush-
ered into a new sphere and a new life
of happy, joyous action. What a mer-
cy, then, when we are spared thus to
awake! It might not have been so.
In thousands of instances it is not so.
Multitudes have closed their eyes in
sleep, never to awake or see this world's
sun again. They laid themselves down
and slept, but never waked, because
God did not sustain them. It might
have been so with you. It might have
been so on any night you have ever
slept since you came into the world; it
might have been so on the very night
that has just gone. What if it had
been so? How would it have been
with your soul this day had it so been ?
If you had not awakened here where
would you have awakened ? You slept
soundly last night, and for this you
have reason to bless God, the giver of
every good and perfect gift; but what
if you had slept too soundly? slept that
deep sleep which the trump alone shall
break? I beseech you, my beloved
brethren, seriously to consider this
question. To the christless soul this
precious boon, after all is but an uncer-
tain blessing. — Dr. May Burns.
"I Awaked ; for the Lord Sustained
Me."
If it be a great mercy to lie down
and sleep, it is a still greater to awake.
If the suspension of our consciousness,
and of our wearied'powers be a blessing,
how much more the restoring of them !
If sleep is the grave of ease and toil,
waking is the birth of hope and of
strength. It is a fresh resurrection, in
"Who is My Neighbor?"
Next to paying and giving our rever-
ence to its head, it is our duty to love
and cherish those who are brothers and
sisters with us in the great family of
God, — by word, and thought and act,
by careful example, by kindly inter-
couse, by timely precept, by diligent
USING TOBACCO.
279
prayer; so to do, and think and speak, How Tobacco Using Affects Missions,
that the common life blood which runs In the Turkish Empire, or, at least,
in all the veins of all within the fold in that part of it which we have seen,
may tingle and bound within us; so ono great hindrance to the growth and
that our near relationship may be act- purity of the churches which have been
ually felt, and the impetus given by the formed, consists in the use of tobacco.
examples of our brethren may lead us I Every Turk smokes. lie Beema to
on more steadfastly and faithfully to | have been born to smoke. And the
the foot of the cross. Remember all
the stones of the great temple press on
and support each other, though resting
fundamentally on the great corner-
stone. Knowing that, we should so
nominally Christian population of the
empire smoke to an almost equal ex-
tent. No matter how poor a man is, Le
smokes. Let the wife go in rag
the children cry for bread, he smokes.
strive that by the cement of true broth- And many of the women also smoke,
erly love, of self denial and preference \ As might be expected, it is no easy
for others, the stones may evermore be i matter for those even who have reeeiv-
firmly, the buildiug more solid, stout, ed the truth to quit the vile habit. The
and strong. members of the Protestant churches
And it is with those with whom God j smoke. Not all, but so far as ourob-
has knit you in the closest possible serration goes, nearly all. Some of the
ties, that these considerations press preachers smoke. One, very poor, and
more strongly. If all of us cultivated j having a family of little children, learn-
family love, how vast the difference it ed to smoke while in the theological
would make, not only in our own hap- seminary, and still continues the habit,
piness, but in the actual condition of | These facta are unpleasant, but still
life in our homes and neighborhoods !
And how true is the contrary where
love is not ! If we could take off the
roofs of ten thoussnd houses in London
this night, and gaze into their secrets,
unperceived, and see what the absence
of love has produced, we should wish to
go no further. For we should trace
crimes without number, — drunkenness,
swearing, dissipation, ultimate despair,
perhaps, in some, and, in persons of
stronger'temperment, high handed, over-
bearing arrogance, grasping ambition,
they are facts; and more might be told.
The members of these churches not on-
ly smoke while at their work, and at
all social gatherings, but even at their
prayer-mecting3 and around, if not
within, the house of God on the
bath. The money which they pay for
tobacco amounts, probably in many in-
stances, to a larger sum than that
which they receive from benevolent
sources for the support of their preach-
ers and their schools.
But the expensivene^s of this habit is
and selfish enmity and covetousness, to 'not the most serious evil connected
the simple want of love. Love is of! with it. The religious sensibilities of
God, and hate — except it be for things these habitual smokers are in no small
hateful — is of the devil. Enmity of, degree deadened by the fumes of their
others — of their beauty, wealth, happi- 1 tobacco. Their consciences are thus
ness, wit, accomplishments, reputation soothed into a sleep from which it is not
— can never exist in a true child of nnfrequently difficult to wake them.
Christ— Rev. Dr. Littl
!80
THE LIFE OF FAITH.
treated to abandon the use of tobacco,
they reply, "Do not Christians in Amcr
ica smoke?" The missionaries are
forced to admit that there are Chris-
tians in America who smoke. But the
questions arc pressed farthej : "Do not
some ministers in xYmerica smoke?"
This also must be admitted. By a
member of the church in Cesareait was
once demanded in defense of his habit
of smoking, "Does not President
Grant smoke V It was not easy to
deny that he smokes. So then men
whose consciences, long dead in sin,
have been but partially wakened by
the grace of Christ, try to excuse them-
selves from what they cannot but per-
ceive to be a fault, on the ground thr;t
Christians in America do the same.
They feel secure and at perfect liberty
to doze away another hour in the
pleasures of tobacco, when they have
caught, the arrows of the missionaries'
argument with their shield on which
they have inscribed the words: "Chris
tians and Christian ministers in Ameri
ca smoke.'
Cesarca.
■From a Missionary in
Hold Up the Light.
The famous Eldystone light-house,
off the coast of Cornwall, England, was
first built in a fanciful way, of wood, by
the learned and eccentric Wistanley.
On its sides he put various boastful in-
scriptions. He was very proud of his
structure, and, from its lofty balcony,
used boldly to defy the storm, crying,
"Blow, 0 winds! Rise, O' ocean!
Break forth, ye elements, and try my
work !" But one night the sea swal-
lowed up the tower and its builder.
It was built a second time of wood
and stone, by Rudgard. The form was
good but the wood gave hold for the el-
ements, and the builder and his struct-
ure perished in the flames.
Next the great Sineaton was called
in. He raised a cone from the solid
rock upon which it was built, and riv-
eted to the rock, as the oak is fastened
to the earth by its roots. From the
rock of the foundation he took the rock
of the superstructure. He carved upon
it no boastful inscriptions like those of
Wistanley, but on its lowest course he
put, "Except the Lord build the house,
they labor in vain that build it;" and
on its key-stone, above the lantern, the
simple tribute, "Laus Deo /" and the
structure still stands, holding up its
beacon-light to the storm-tossed mari-
ner.
Fellow-workers for the salvation of
men, Christ, the light, must be held up
before men or they will perish. Let us,
then, place him on no superstructure of
our own device. Let us rear no tower
of wood, or wood and stone; but, taking
the word of God for our foundation, let
us build our structure upon its massive,
solid truth, and on every course put
Smeaton's humble trustful inscription,
and then we may be sure that the light-
house will stand. — D. P. Morgan.
The Life of Faith.
That a good life is the genuine and
true-born issue of faith, no man ques-
tions that knows himself the disciple
of the Holy Jesus, but obedience is
the same thing with faith, and that all
Christian graces are parts of its bulk
and constitution, is also the doctrine of
the Holy Ghost, and the grammar of
Scripture, making faith and obedience
to be terms coincident and expressive of
each other. For faith is not a single
star, but a constellation, a chain of
graces; called by St. Paul, "The power
MINISTERIAL UNFAITHFULNESS.
281
of God unto salvation to every believer;"
that is, faith is all that great instru-
ment by which God intends to bring us
to heaven ; and he gives this reason :
"In the gospel the righteousnes of God
is revealed from faith to faith;" for it
is written, "The just shall live by
faith." Which discourse makes faith
to be a course of sanctity and holy hab-
its, a continuation of a Christian's du
ty, such a duty as not only gives the
first, but by which a man lives "the
life of grace." "The just shall live by
faith;" that is such a faith as grows
"from step to step, till the whole right-
eousness of God be fulfilled in it." From
faith to faith (saith the apostle), which
St. Austin expounds; from faith be-
lieving to faith obeying; from imper-
fect faith to faith made perfect by the
animation of charity, that he "who is
justified may be justified still;" for as
there are several degrees of faith an-
swerable to it, that in all senses it may
be true that by faith we are justified,
and by faith we live, and by faith we
are saved; for if we proceed "from
faith," from believing to obeying, from
faith in the understanding to faith in
the will, from faith barely assenting to
the revelations of God to faith obeying
the commandments of God, from the
body of faith to the soul of faith, —
that is, to faith formed and made alive
by charity; then we shall proceed from
justification to justification, — that is,
from remission of sins to become tbe
sons of God ; and at last to an actual
possession of those glories to which we
were here consigned by the fruits of
the Holy Ghost.— TyndaJe.
Love is the characteristic of the
Christian. Without it he is as soun
ding brass or a tingling cymbal.
Ministerial Unfaithfulness.
A young minister, preaching very
earnestly in a certain chapel, after ser-
vice had to walk four or five miles to
his home along a country road. A
young man who had been deeply im-
pressed during the sermon requested
the privilege of walking with the min-
ister, with an earnest hope that he
might get an opportunity of telling bin
feelings to him and obtaining some
word of guidance or comfort. Instead
of that the young minister, all along,
told the most singular tales to those
who were with him, causing loud roars
of laughter. He stopped at a certain
house, and this young man with him,
and the whole evening was spent in
frivolty.
Some years after, when the minister
had grown older, he was sent for to the
bedside of a dying man. lie hastened
thither, with a heart desirous to do
good. He was requested to sit down at
the bedside; and the dying man, look-
ing at him and regarding him more
closely, said to him :
"Do you remember preaching in such
a village, and on such an occasion 1"
"I do," said the minister.
"I was one of your hearers," Baid
the man, "and I was deeply impressed
by the sermon."
"Thank God for that," said the min-
ister.
"Stop," interrupted the man. "Do
not thank God till you have heard the
whole story. You will have reason to
alter your tone before I have done."
The minister changed counter
but he little guessed what would be the
full extent of that man's testimony.
Said he, 'Sir, do you remember af-
ter you had finished your sermon that
I, with some others, walked home with
282
GIVING OURSELVES TO JESUS.
you? I was sincerely desirous of be-
ing led ia the right path that night;
but I heard you speak in such a strain
of levity and with so much coarseness,
too, that I went outside the house
while you were sitting down to your
evening meal. I stamped my foot up
on the ground. I said that you were
a liar ; that Christianity was a false-
hood; that if you could pretend to be
in earnest in the pulpit, and then come
down and talk like that the whole thing
must be a sham. And I have been an
infidel,'' said he, <;a confirmed infidel
from that day to this. But I am not
an infidel at thi3 moment. I know bet-
ter. 1 am dying, and about to be
damned : and at the bar of God I will
lay my damnation to your charge. My
blood is upon your head "
And, with a dreadful shriek and a
demoniacal glance at the trembling min-
ister, he died. — Guide to Holiness.
The Coming Conflict of Europe.
A dispassionate article in the London
Contemporary Review, entitled, ''The
Jesuits in England/' predicts troub-
lous times for Europe outside of Eng-
land. This writer says:
"Although there is not much proba-
bility of any revived persecution of the
Roman Catholic religious orders in this
present time, review the relationship in
which they stand toward the state and
toward society in general, in reference
to the great principles of civil and re-
ligious liberty. The expulsion of the
Jesuits from Germany through the res-
olute action of Prince Bismarck is an
act which can not possibly be isolated
in its results. Setting aside all ques-
tions as to its immediate and indirect
influences upon the position of Cathol-
icism in Germany itself, it has already
helped to make the consideration of the
social and political effects of Jesuitism
one of the hottest of 'questions brutan-
tes' of the hour. Onco more we are
threatened with a revival of the old
controversies respecting the character
of the famous institutes of Loyola, while
the power of the Jesuit with the Ro-
man Church, so far from being lessen-
ed by the attacks that arc specially di-
rected against them, is unquestionably
strengthened and deepened; at the
very crisis, too, when these principles
have recently won the most signal dog-
matic victory which they ever achieved
over the non Jesuitical sections of the
church of Rome. In almost every
European country, moreover, there are
signs of a renewal of that passionate in-
dentification of theological and political
animosities which so terribly embittered
the hostilities of the sixteenth and sev-
enth centuries. Everywhere men are
taking sid°s according to their religious
beliefs and religious hatreds. Multi-
tudes who care nothing for any one
special form of Christianity, as the
practical guide to their own personal
conduct, are beginning to constitute
themselves champions of this or that
creed, solely because by its aid they
expect to promote their national or po-
litical aims."
"Giving Ourselves to Jesus."
When a little child hangs around
your neck with clinging arms, and says,
with tears, "I want to be good, but can
not be good," do you hesitate to say,
"There is a S tvior who loves you, and
is ready to make you good ?"
And the only satisfying answer to
the troubled heart's deep question in
riper years, "How shall I be holy?" is
YOUNG PEOPLE AND AMUSEMENTS.
283
just the same ; it is to be found in one
word — "Jesus !" "Thou sbalt call his
name Jesus; for he shall save his peo
pie from their sins/' He is not only
"the door," but "the way," — the whole
way from forgiveness to glory.
Let that anxious question be asked
(direct) of him, — the man who "was
in all points tempted like as we are,
yet without sin," who is therefore "able
to succor them that are tempted," while
he has an infinite sympathy with our
temptations, our weaknesses, our hu
inanity. Instant confession to him, of
sin, of helplessness, and even of littie
faults and mistakes, with a confiding
openness touching every thought and
feeling of the heart, we shall find to be |
the highway alike of holiness and to
happiness.
The story of L13 life on earth shows
us that the Savior had his human ten- j
derness for every human brother, his
divine yearning over all the creatures,
of his hand ; and that no cry of agony
ever reached his ear without his pity
being moved, and his help or comfort
granted.
But to live the life of victory over
sin, the life of one who "overcometh,"
and who is therefore to sit with Christ
Jesus in his throne, even as he also ov-
ercame, and is sit down with his Father
in his throne, there should be firm and
undoubting trust in his forgiveness, and
of safety in him.
"Oh ! raise thy downcast eyes to hi?,
And read the blessed secret there ;
The pardoning lore from guilt that frees,
By loving thee, shall make thco fair.
"Thy guilt and shame on him must lie ;
Tnen search the past thy guilt to see;
Instead, this sight shall meet thine eye,—
Thy Savior on the cross for thee !"
To love so freely given, what return
so grateful can be made as unquestion-
ing trust in his truth ?
The eternal Father has "devised
means whereby his banished slmuld
not be expelled from him;" and from
the well of love for them, sunk in bis
own heart in a past eternity, has sent
forth a fountain to cleanse the world of
its sin, and a stream of living water to
satisfy every thirsting heart, and to '"be
in it a well of water springing up into
everlasting life." — Miu Marsh.
*-<^
Young; People and Amusements.
The question, how far religious par-
ents should extend license to their chil-
dren for indulgence in what are termed
the "recreations" and pastimes of the
age, is one that has much to do with
the preservation of godliness in our fam-
ilies. Laxity in this direction, it must
have occurred to even the superficial
observe**, has produced results the most
deplorable. There may be a "sour
godliness" that would deprive our
young people of those chceful and com-
panionable exercises suited to their
age ; but the advocates of such a godli-
ness, we feel sure, are few indeed,
whether among the ministry or laity.
Fresh buo}ant feeling in the young
must have outward expression, i
for intercouse and companionship wiih
such as have kindred sympathies must
not be frustrated. Exercise is essen-
tial to growth and d nt of the
body in youth, more so than at any fol-
lowing period of life. And how
shall be secured without detriment to
family morals, is the problem which
every pious parent, has practically to
solve. TI. d Watchman of a
late date in con-id I re-
Bp asibilstj in n lati< a I
the follow':..
"There is a line of distincti
drawn betw en whal
284
YOUNG PEOPLE AND AMUSEMENTS.
to youth under parental government,
and what is not so. Whatever is plain-
ly over this line and is confessedly
among 'the pomps and vanities of this
wicked world, and all the sinful lusts of
the flesh/ are forbidden by God, and
therefore cannot be innocently admitted
or indulged. There are, however, some
things bordering on the line of such dis-
tinction, which often perplex the minds
and try the principles of religious fath-
ers and mothers in relatiow to their
children. There are sports and exer-
cises which, abstractly considered, ap-
pear fair and plausible, but which,
when considered in their tendencies and
ultimate issues, are perilous to the
highest interest of the soul. And,
surely, these, as well as open and fla-
grant violation of positive divine in-
junction, ought to be scrupulously
avoided. If, for instance, games which
do not necessarily require money stakes
in the family, but which would tend to
such in other associations where money
hazards are common — and especially if
great proficiency in playing were at-
tained by practice in youth — then to
admit and encourage such involves tre-
mendous responsibility. If concerts and
shows produce tastes, likely afterward
to seek indulgence to operas and thea
tres, such ought undoubtedly to be
avoided. And if dancing, however
graceful in youth, leads to gajety of
wordly associations and life, it ought
not to be encouraged in family education
and training. Whatever may be ad
vanced in professed philosophy on such
pastimes and exercises, they are so dan-
gerous in their possible consequences
that they are to be shunned and not in-
dulged. Wisdom subscribes to the say-
ing, that it is better to keep far away
from danger than advance toward it.
In Mr. Wesley's words, it is not wise to
try how much poison can be eaten with-
out being killed. And whatever endan-
gers the future morals and religion of
the young ought to be'probibitcd."
It may be replied to these words,
that what is passing all around, it is
difficult and almost impossible to inter-
dict what is thus viewed as doubtful
and perilous But this very plea of in-
ability to point out and prohibit what is
perilous, and — shall we say it? — to
command obedience of the child, is a
confession that in moral strength parents
have deteriorated. It is true that a
parent can not give grace to a child,
and that disobedience often manifests
itself at a very early period in the
child's life, but Christian parents can
and should resolutely and persevering-
ly seek to secure in their families a just
conception of what is deleterous; and
should there be, after all proper effort,
perverseness or rebellion, they will not
be self condemned. As another of our
cotemporaries puts the matter:
"Much would be done toward the
avoidance of such perilous practices as
have been referred to, if Christian fath-
ers and mothers were more fully com-
panionable to their sons and daughters,
entering more freely into conversation
with them on what is most engaging to
them in their tastes and years. In too
many instances, children are driven in-
to dangerous associations by the distance
at which tbey are held by their divine-
ly-appointed guides and guardians. If
anything deserves study in families, it
is how the younger members can be in-
timately associated in their pursuits and
exercises with their parents and among
themselves. And considering the kin-
dred sympathies of youth in general,
and the more extended associations to
be formed by them for good or for evil,
we should say that the church should
THE BROKEN SAW.
285
carefully provide for attractive and prof-
itable intercourse among the young of
both sexes, in meetings for readings,
singing, etc. Let these exercises be
wisely employed for the entertainment
and benefit of the willing youth in the
church, and much will be done to pre-
serve from the perilous ways and prac-
tices of the world, and service of the
church, the families of our people.
A young man or a young lady who
can be early and pleasantly engag:d in
enterprises looking to the advancement
of Christ's cause, will thus have placed
around him a safeguard that will pre-
serve from a thousand evils, and will
plant within the heart seeds that shall
grow to plants of rarest lovliness and
beauty. — Western Christian Advocate.
THE BROKEN SAW.
A boy went to live with a man who
was accounted a hard master. He never
kept his boys; they ran away, or gave
notice they meant to quit; so he was
half his time without or in search of a
boy. The work was not very hard —
opening and sweeping out the shop,
chopping wood, going errands, and
helping round. At last Sam Fisher
went to live with him. "Sam's a
GOOD boy," said his mother. ". I should
like to see a boy nowadays that had a
spark of goodness in him," growled the
new master.
It is always bad to begin with a
man who has no confidence in you, be-
cause, do your best, you are likely to
have little credit for it. However, Sam
thought he would try; the wages were
good, and his mother wanted him to go.
Sam had been there but three days, be-
fore, in sawing a cross-grained stick of
wood, he broke the saw. He was a
little frightened. He knew he was
careful, and he knew he was a pretty
good sawyer, too, for a boy of his age ;
nevertheless, the saw broke in his
hands.
"And Mr. Jones will thrash you
for it," said another boy who was in the
wood-house with him. " Why, of course
I didn't mean it, and accidents will
happen to the best of folks," said Sam,
looking with a very sorrowful air on
the broken saw. "Mr. Jones NEV1B
makes allowances," said the other boy;
" I never saw anything like him. That
Bill might have stayed, only he jumped
into a hen's nest and broke her eggs.
He daren't tell of it; but Mr. Jones
kept suspecting, and suspecting, and
suspecting, and laid everything out of
the way of Bill, whether Bill was to
blame or no, till Bill couldn't stand it,
and wouldn't." "Did he tell Mr.
Jones about the eggs V asked Sam.
"No," said the boy; "hcwas 'fraid,
Mr. Jones has got such a temper." " I
think he'd better own just at once,"
said Sam. " I suspect you'll find it
better to preach than to practice," said
the boy. "I'd run away before I'd
tell him;" and he soon turned on his
heel and left poor Sam alone with his
broken saw.
The poor boy did not feel very com-
fortable or happy. He shut up the
wood-house, walked out into the gir-
den, and then went up to his little
chamber under the eaves. II'- wished
he could tell Mrs. Jones; but she 1
sociable, and he had rather nut. "Oh,
my God," said Sam, falling on his
knees, " help me to do the thing that
is right."
I do not know what time it wa?, but
when Mr. Jones came into the house
the boy heard him. He L"»t up, crept
downstairs, and met Mr D the
kitchen. "Sir," Mid Sam, "I broke
28G
NOTICES.
your saw, and I thought I'd come and
tell you 'fore you saw it in the morn-
iog." " What did you get up to tell
me for?" asked Mr. Jones; '-I should
think morning soon enough to tell of
your carelessness." " Because," said
Sam, " I was afraid if I put it off I
might be tempted to li^ about it. I'm
sorry I broke it, but I tried to be care-
ful. "
Mr. Jones looked at the boy from
head to foot, then stretching cut his
hand, "There," he said heartily, "give
me your hand. Shake bauds. I'll
trust you, Sam. That's right; that's
EIGHT. Go to bed, boy. Never fear.
I'm glad the saw broke; it shows the
mettle's in you. Go to bed."
Mr. Jones was fairly won. Never
were better friends after that than Sam
and he. Sam thinks justice ha3 not
been done Mr. Jones. If the boys
had treated him honestly and "above
board," he would have been a good
man to live with. It was their con-
duct which soured and made him sus
picious. I do not how that is; I only
know that Sam Fisher finds in Mr.
Jones a kind master and a faithful
friend. — London Tract.
Only in the Lord-
Heaven save you, young man of the
church, from linking your fortunes to
those of a gay and godless woman ; for
she will be shackles to your feet, palsy
to your hands, a thorn to your side, and
a dagger to your heart.
The same caution is needful to our
Christian young women. In the pres-
ent demoralized condition of society,
they can not be too careful. A true
husband will be to a wife what the
sturdy forest oak is to the tender, de-
pendent vine — a support. He will en-
courage every holy desire and pious
loDgiug of her soul, and thereby assist
her to perform what in the love of God
she believes is the mission of her life.
Better, ten thousand times better, for a
Christian woman to bear life's battle
alone, than to bind herself to a scoffer,
or a miser, or a gambler, or any one
whose spirit and life are not in sympa-
thy witb her own, and whose influeuce
would quench the ardor of her devotion
to that Being to whom she has publicly
vowed eternal fidelity. — Western Re-
corder.
APPOINTMENTS.
Our lovefeast will be held in Rock
Camp, (Ritchie Co., W. Va ,) the 27th
and 28th of September.
Martin Cochran.
The brethren of the Coventry Church,
Chester Co., Pa., will hold a commun-
ion meetiDg (the Lord willing) on Sat-
urday, October 4th.
Railroad Station, Pottstown. By or-
der of the church.
John Y. Eisenberg.
Defiance, Ohio, Aug. 5, '73.
Brother II. J. Kurtz :
Please make the following announc-
raent in the Gospel Visitor. The
brethren in Poplar Ridge congregation
Defiance Co., Ohio, have appointed
their lovefeast on the 16th day of Octo«
ber next. A general invitation is given
to all, especially the ministering breth-
ren. Jacob Lehman.
The brethren of Fawnriver Church,
Lagrange Co., Indiana, intend holding
their lovefeast, (the Lord willing) on
the 4th and 5th of October. We heart-
MEMOIR OF ELDER JOiiX ZUG.
287
ily invite all members who have a de-
sire to be with us. Preaching to com-
mence at ten o'ejock, place of meeting
six miles east of Lima. All those com-
ing by railroad stop off at Lima where
they will be met on the 3d of October.
By order of the church.
Eli Horner
Beaver Dam church. MJ , October
25th
-chopper Valley church, J» flVr.-on
! County, Kansas, in town of Ozaukee
October 4th, and 5th.
Dunning Creek c< Friday
October v
Whit^svilk . Andrew Co., Bio.,
i20tb, and21sl
A Communion meeting has been ap-
pointed in the Ottercreek Church, to be
held three miles southwest of Yirden
on the 10th and 11th of September,
Meeting to commence at 10 A. M. By
order of the church.
Daniel V am .max.
We the brethren of the Logan Church
Logan Co., 0., have appointed a love-
feast on the 9th day of October and ex-
tend the usual invitation to all. Those
coming from the east will stop off at
Bellefountdn, and those coming from
the south at West Liberty, and those
coming from the West stop off at De
Graff. J. L. Frantz.
! for more than
minister some
Communion meetings are also an-
nounced in the following churches :
In the Clover Creek congregation,
Blair Co., Pa., September 30 and Oc.
tober 1st.
In Black River church. Medio
Ohio, October 3d.
In Cerro Gordo church, Piatt Coun-
ty, Illinois, September 27th.
In Mohiccon church, Wayne, Coun-
ty, 0., September 29th.
In Yellow Creek church, Bedford
county, Pa., October 2.
In Sams Creek church, Maryland,
October 11..
In Monocac^ church, Md. October
17.
Meadow Branch church, Md., Octo-
ber 21st.
Memoir of Elder John Zug.
The subject of this notice WM
: born in Papho Township, Lancaster
County, Pa., May 14th, A. D. 1797,
and died in Lebanon County, Pa.,
July 19th, A. I). 1S73, aged 70 years
'2 months and 5 days.
Ho was a member of the church
half a century, a
30 years, always
manifesting a zeal in bis Master's
! cause, traveling and preaching, vis-
iting the sick and the afilicted, both
friend and foe; and especially was
he vigilant in the oversight of the
church of his charge, (Tulpehock-
en,) which ho left in a thriving
land prosperous condition.
Ho was the eldest son of 1.
Abraham Zug, who lived and labor-
ed in the same church when it
considered part of Conestoga, but
he departed this life about the time
Ibis eon was elected to the mini
and the church divided off from
Conestoga and White Oak.
His grandfather, Elder John
(Hannes)Zug was elected to the
ministry about 1772, ordained
and died 1^21, having been baptized
by the brethren in 171'.*. at th<
of 18; consequently he was B l
ber over 71* years and a minister al-
!i White
288
OBITUARIES.
Oak chureh, Lancaster County, Pa.
from whom his grandson, (the sub-
ject of this notice,) received much
instruction, when a young man,
concerning the old order of the
brethren.
Ulrich Zug, the father of Elder
Hannes Zug, with others, fled from
persecution from Switzerland to
this country about 1727, by persua-
sion a Mennonite, and settled in
Lancaster County, Pa., where he
raised a family of six sons and two
daughters.
He received the faith of, and was
baptized by the brethren, in 1742,
thus tracing the faith of the breth-
ren in a direct line for 131 years in
the Zug family.
The wife of our departed brother
preceded " over the river" about a
year and a half, and at her death
was two years older than her hus-
band at his death.
His disease was cramp in the
stomach which afterward turned
into diarrhea, from which he had to
suffer 11 days but was only entirely
bedfast 3 days. The last he spoke
in a conscious state was on the 17th
inst. in the evening, when he de-
sired those around him to pray and
sing, proposing for singing, " Meine
Seele lobe Gott, Meine Seele lobe
Gott," &c.
He had eight children, five sons
and three daughters, of whom only
three sons are living, but many
grand and great grand children.
Funeral services by brother C. Bu-
cher, the writer, and others, from
II Peter 2 : 13 and first part of 14
verses, and Isaiah 3 : 10, to an im-
mense concourse of people.
May we all pattern after the good
we saw in our beloved brother, de-
parted, tako heed to the good coun-
sel he frequently gave while among
us, and to that "more sure word of
prophecy," that we may finally
meet him, and all the sanctified, on
the shore of a blissful immortality
through the merits of a crucified
Redeemer. Amen !
OBITUARIES
Died in the South Santaam congregation,
Linn Co., Oregon, June 13th, 1873, our much
beloved sister, ELLEN RUSSEL, wife of Bro.
William Russel, aged 44 years, 9 months, and
12 days. She leaves a sorrowing husband and
two children to mourn their loss which we
hope is her great gain. Bro. William has lost
an affectionate companion, her children a kind
mother, but we do hope they will prepare to
meet her in that bright world above. Her di-
sease was consumption, which she bore with
Christian fortitude, and oftimes she spoke of
her home above. Funeral services by Brother
David Brower, from John 5 : 25, 28, and 29th
verses, to a largo and attentive concourse of
people. Aaron H. Baltimore.
[Companion and Pilgrim please copy.]
In Mercer Co., 0., June 23d, 1873, Brother
JOHN SHEARER, aged 26 years, 3 months,
and 5 days, died of consumption. He came to
the church about ten weeks before he died, be
expressed himself willing to go. Funeral servi-
ces by the writer, from Ecclesiastes, 9 chapter,
10th verse. Samuel Neher.
Departed this life after a lingering illness,
Sister ELIZABETH N1PLE, wife of Friend
John Niple, July 31st, aged 68 yenrs. She
was an exemplary member of the church and
died in full faith of a glorious resurrection.
Funeral services by the writer, and J. Snavely,
to an attentire audience, from Rev. 12 chapter,
13 v«rse. Tho's. D. Lyon.
Fell asleep in Jesu?, little MELVIN
BLOUGH, son of Peter and Nancy E. Blough,
of Dry Grove, Ills., August the 18th. 1873,
aged 5 years, 3 months, and 15 days. Funeral
services by the writer, and J. Y. Suavely, from
Matt 24: 44, to a large concourse of Christian
friends who were ready to sympa hize and com-
fort the mourning parents who had been bereft
of their little son almost in a moment of time,
who came to his death on this wise. His father
was pulling a two wheeled vehicle upon which
was a heavy barrel, the little boy was in the
barrel, one wheel dropping suddenly into a
hole tilted the barrel over, falling mauth down-
wards, the the chine of the vessel crushing the
little boy acioss the kidneys, he falling upon
his face. Ho died in a few minutes.
T. D. Lyon.
FRENCH'S REW HOTEL,
Cor. Cortlandt & New Church Sts.
TSTEAV YORK.
ON THE EUROPEAN PLAN.
RICHARD P. FRENCH
Son of the late Coi* RICARD FRENCH, of
French's Hotel, has taken this Hotel, newlj
fitted ui> and entirely renovated the same. Cen
trolly located in tin BUSINESS PART of tin
City.
LADIES' .<. GENTLEMKXS' DIMM; ROOMS ATTACHED.
MAP OF PALESTINE.
A beautifully colored map of Palestine, size
28 by 38 inches, containing
The Ancient and Moden Names of all known
places.
A table of the Seasons, Weather, Productions,
<fcc.
The journey of the Israelites from Egypt.
The World as known to the Hebrews.
The Travels of the Apostle Paul.
The Holy City of Jerusalem.
Altitudes in English feet on the locality.
Texts of Scripture cited to Cities, Ac &c.
F 'or thirteen subscribers to the Children'* Paper
for 1873 and $3,25, we will send free a copy of
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Address II. J. KURTZ, Dayton, 0.
X^Mulhim in Parvo.<4^
THE
FARMERS' MONTHLY
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Culture, Health and Home Interests. The pre-
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a large County and Township
1AP OF OHIO
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Address Dr. D. M. Murray,
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I la villi;
witnessed much suffering from Sick Head
Ache, we now offer r\ speedy and sure cure
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( 'until iniiig the I'nitiil '('tumuli^ and Conclusions
of the Brethren at their* Annual Meeting*, liy El-
der HEN It > KURTZ.
The work neatlj bound together with
" Alexander .Mack's Writil
1 copy sent by mail postpaid .". .:. ..
Of those bound there are but few left, and a<
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are disposed of, hence friends who wish to have
a copy had better send orders soon! Of the En-
cyclopedia in pamphlet form I without Mack I
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and to have them more speediiy spread through-
out our brotherhood we will reduce the price
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Address IfcENRY KURTZ,
Columbiana , < )*.
Bible Dictionary.
.1 Dlvtionary of th Bihle comprising, its Antiqui-
ties', Biography, (reography, and Natural History.
This work contains eVery name in the Bible
respecting which anything can be said. Jt em-
braces the results of Historic Research, Anti-
quarian Investigation, the study of lam
and Dialects, and the discoveries of modern
travelers and explorers in the Holy Land.
The I rinted from new Stereotype
Plates, on paper, and i< appropriately il-
lustrated \ over tine Hundred and Twenty
Kngra\ i . Ancienl Cities, and
Meinora lie Holy Land, descrip-
t ive figure- and valuable M
It will contain nearly 800 CWSely printed dotl-
um dctavo pages, including over twenty
pa ye steel ami wood engravings.
For thirteen subscribers to the d'"*/,,! \ isitor
for 1873 and $13,00 we will send ji copy of this
Dictionary, bound in Cloth.
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for 1X73 and >1S.H(I we will -end a copy of the
Dictionary bound in Leather.
The books are sent by cxpn
Add II. •). KIR'I"/. Dayton. 0.
TlvlXE IMMERSION
Apostles:
Traced to the
licing a collection of historical quotations from
modern and ancient author--, proving that a
tbree-fo>ld immersion was the only method of
baptizing ever practiced by the Apostles and
their immediate successors. By J. 11. Moore.
Price 25 cents $ Five copies *1.10: Ten copies
$2100. Sent postpaid to any part of the United
. Address II. J. Kl'RTX. Dayton. 0.
0
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liook* on Freemasonry !
LIGHT JN FREEMASONRY,"
RY flLDKR 1). BERNARD.
To which is'appci
A REVELATION OF T 111".
Mysteries of Odd-Fellowship,
Member of the Craft.
hole pontaining overlive hundred pages.
Will sen postpaid, to any address, on re-
Aidless "j| J. KURTZ, Pay ton, 0.
THE
GOBPBL VISITOB,
A MONTHLY PUBLICATION.
EDITED BY
HENRY KURTZ AND JAMES QUINTER
VOL. XXIII. OCTOBER, 1873. NO. 10.
TERMS: One Dollar and twenty five cents
per year in advance.
DAYTON, OHIO:
H.J. KURTZ, PRINTER & PUBLISHER.
CONTENTS.
True Greatness 289
A Noble Pursuit 295
An Autumn Leaf 299
To Myself and Others 300
They Don't Want Me 302
Judge Not. 303
Four Impossible Things 303
Rewards in the Coming Age 304
Our Fellowship (Partnership), in the
Lord Jesus Christ 305
An Evil 307
The frozen Ship 308
Expectation in God 309
Watch the Fires.... 309
Plain Dressing for Meetings 310
Family Prayer 311
Brevity in Ileligious Exercises 311
The Christian Life — Living by Prin-
ciple 313
Internal Guests 314
The Sick Room 315
The Spider's Web 316
The Christian's Hope 317
The Pest of the Redeemed ;.... 318
To Correspondents 319
Change 319
Poetry.
A German Hymn , 320
Make Haste, O Man, to Live 320
Obituaries 320
letters Received.
From Jacob Snowberger, A H Cassel,
-Abr. Musser, Ida A Grise, H Beck, Hiram
Berkman, Asa Bearss, D B Mentzer, John
Nicholson, Noah Miller, Henry Sink, Sol-
omon Bucklevv, S C Miller, D E Brubaker,
Samuel Neher, Catharine A Snavely, J S
L Miller, C Bucher, Z Annon, J H Moore,
Fannie R Kautf'man. Elsie B Grow, Elmira
Armstrong, James Fike, Mary Town H K
Holsinger, James Parks, Abr. Molsbee,
Rebecca WTolverton, D Wheeler, Cora
Over, J L Whitmer, N B Johnson, E H
McCartney, John F C Fox, Abr. S. Mont-
' gotnery.
WITH MONEY
From Daniel G Wells, Amelia Z Noft-
ziger, Samuel Roycr, John II Mumma,
Geo Bucher, J Pv Fry, Jacob Snowberger,
Emanuel Slifer, Mary Overholzer, 13 F
Myers, It W George, Jos. Workman, I) II
Plaine, P B Shoemaker, W Burkitt, S T
Buttcrbaugb, J W Bowman, Aaron Fike,
A Hensel, Thomas M ajor.
PUBLISHER'S NOTES
The present and last issues of the Visi-
tor have been much delayed. We shall
try and he up to time hereafter.
A rumor has been circulated among the
brethren in places, that the VISITOR is to
be stopped. How it originated we are not
able to say, hut we hope the brethren
and sisters will correct it as it might be cal-
culated to injure our business.
We have reduced ihc subscription prire
of the Visitor to the old rates. We only
want a fair honest living and we hope our
friends will sustain us by a large increase
in our subscription list.
Premiums for 1874. — Our Bible Diction-
ary premium will be continued for 1874 In
addition to these we otter Family Bibles
and Webster's Dictionaries. We also con-
tinue the Map of Palestine for the Chil-
dren's Papkr. See our premium list in
another column.
We only furnish one style of the Map of
Palestine for premiums this year, that is,
the mounted. We therefore charge twenty
five cents more for clubs of thirteen. This
is not equal te the difference in the price,
but we would rather have but the one kind
and. no doubt, our agents will be satisfied
just as well.
Agents are not limited to one Post Office
in making up elubs
The Visitor and Children's Papkr
for 1874 will be sent together for one dol-
lar and twentv-five cents.
The Gospel Visitor
For 1874.
The price of the (Gospel Visitor for 1874 ha*
been reduced as follows :
Single copy $1.00
Six copies 9 00
Thirteen copies 10.00
PREMIUMS FOR 1874.
For thirteen .subscribers to the Gospel Visitor
for 1874 and thirteen dollars, one copy of Smith's
Bible Dictionary, hound in Cloth.
For eighteen subsciib^rs to the Gospel Visitor
for 1S74 and eighteen do.lars, a copy of Smith'8
Bible Dictionary bound in Leather.
For twenty-five subscribers to the Gospel Vis-
itor tor 1874 and twenty-five dollars, a copy of
Webster's National Pictorial Dictionary, or a
Family Bible. .
For forty subscribers to the Gospei V isitor for
1874 and forty dollars, a copy of Webster's Una-
bridged Pictorial Dictionary.
The books arc sent by express. Smith's Bible
Dictionary can be sent by mail if so ordered
and fifty cents extra is sent to pay the postage.
We are not responsible for the loss of any books
or maps sent by mail.
OTHKK PREMIUMS
For three subscribers to the Gospel Visitor for
1874 and three dollars, we will send one back
volume of the Gospel Visitor T including 1873]
or volume I. of the Fanners' Monthly. Ten
cents extra must be sent to pay postage on these
volumes when they are sent by mail.
msmi mmm,
Vol. XXIII.
OCTOBER, 1878.
No. 10.
For the Visitor.
TRUE GREATNESS.
''At the same time came the disciples unto
Jesua saying, Who is the greatest in the king
dom of heaven ? And Jesus called a little
child unto him, and set him in the midst of
them and said, verily I say unto you, except ye
be converted, and become as little children, ye
shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Whosoever therefore shall humble himself a«
this child, the same is greatest in the kingdom
of heaven." Matthew 18: 1,4.
A desire for greatness or superi-
ority, seems to be a leading charac
teristic or trait in human nature,
and it appears that our Lord's dis-
ciples were no exception to this
1 , , -r . . . perhaps imbibed from paren-
general rule. It is quite certain , , . . . , ,
j tal teachings and which have gain-
ed a firm hold upon their am-ctions,
must be removed with tenderness
and care.
He did not harshly chide them
when their expressions betrayed
ignorance or lack of knowledge;
but he gently and kindly strove to
disabuse their minds of error, and
draw them into the compass of truth.
How well it would be, if all min-
isters and teachers of the .
would imitate his beautiful example.
Sinners are not to be driven into
the fold, and believers will not learn
their duty through nnkindness
and faultfinding. Oh no! They
must be reasoned with; and
their errors, which they have
that they did not at first compre
hend the nature of the Redeemer's i
kingdom. They evidently expected
that their Master would establish
.... . . , It should be remembered tha
an earthly kingdom, and that they! , . , ~ ... ,
,, * , . . , , cherish an effort with just as much
fondness as we do a truth, until we
are convinced that it is an error.
would receive the principle posts of
trust and honor in that kingdom.
Accordingly we see them manifest-
ing an eagerness to know how those
positions could be attained, and
clearly evincing a desire to attain
thereunto.
In the case before us, the bl
Jesus wishing so impress upon the
minds of the disciples a most im-
portant truth, does not employ a
great multitude of words, or make a
Upon one occasion, Salome came j dispIay of eloquence, or erudition,
to Jesus, requesting him to give un- j bllt with that c:ilm ftnd una(1.
tohertwosonsthetwochiefplaces'dj^ity 80 characteristic of the
of honor in his kingdom. This re world's Redeemer, he quietly
quest was no doubt made at the in-
stigation of those sons, for the Sav-
ior addresses his reply to them.
Though those twelve often mani-
fested great ignorance and frequent-
ly committed gross blunders, yet
their kind Master always treated
them with patience and forbearance.
a little child to him, then pla
him before his disci plea, he points
to it, telling them, in that child,
that little innocent Lelpless child,
they behold the symbol oJ great-
n —.or what const in.
in his kingdom.
His act , his manner, and bit
200
TUUE GREATNESS.
impressive words, must have
wrought powerfully upon the minds
of tho disciples, while a deep sense
of shame for their unhallowed am-
bition must have mantled their
cheeks with blushes, as they met
the gaze of those calm, but piercing
eyes.
The rnoru we read and ponder
the sacred records, tho more we
learn that God's thoughts are not
man's thoughts, neither his ways
man's ways. Isaiah 55 : 8.
How different tho standard of
greatness in tho kingdoms of tlie
world, from what it is in the king-
dom of Christ, and how dissimilar
the qualifications which will draw
forth the approbation, and encomi-
ums of the world, from those which
will insure Christ's approval. In-
deed so dissimilar are they, that,
"What is highly esteemed among
men, is abomination in the sight of
God." Luke 16 : 15.
Those names which grace the
pages of history, and to whom the
world ascribes greatness, and whom
she delights to honor, are not such
as Christ would esteem worthy of
honor. Many of those warriors
and statesmen, who have become so
famous in this world, exhibit in
their private life all those shocking
deformities, and that pitiable weak-
ness which prove them the slaves
of sin. Being in possession of great
power, and having at their com-
mand means for the indulgence of
every passion, and caprice, only
gives them a better opportunity for
revealing the corruptions of an un-
renewed heart.
And it is in the heart where this
great reformation must commence.
Our Lord compares it to leaven,
which a woman took and hid in
three measures of meal, until the
whole was leavened. Matt. 13 : 33.
As the leaven silently operates upon
the meal until the whole mass is
impregnated with jts life giving
qualities, so the grace of God com-
mences its operations upon the
heartland from thence it works out-
wardly, until the whole man is
brought under its benign influence.
Though this great work is perform-
ed silently, and unobtrusively, yet
the effects arc very apparent. It
will produce a complete change in
all the thoughts, affections, and de-
sires.
Paul tells us that "Though we
walk in tne flesh, we do not war af-
ter the flesh ; (for the weapons of
our warfare are not carnal, but
mighty through God to the pulling
down of strongholds;) casting
down imaginations, and every high
thing that exalteth itself against
the knowledge of God, and bringing
into captivity every thought to the
obedience of Christ;" 2 Cor. 10: 3-
5. It is these imaginations, and
high thoughts, which we have im-
bibed during our intercourse with
the world which must be brought
down.
Ah yes! we have strayed tar
away from our Father's house and
now we must come back to that
point from whence we started. We
must be brought to see our ignor-
ance, our poverty, our helplessness,
and our entire dependance upon
God, and we must acknowledge
that dependance and submit our-
selves into his hands, with all that
filial trust, and with all that implic-
it confidence, with which a little
child trusts itself into the hands of
TEUE GREATNESS.
291
bis parents. Thus we can learn a
most important lesson from our
dear little children. Their help-
lessness, and their confidence in ns,
constantly appeal to our higher and
nobler natures, and we would not
withhold from them any real good,
if it were in our power to bestow
it. Our Savior says, "if ye then,
be adopted is the dauphinet
France, she most bo entirely un-
•d, in order that she might re-
tain nothing belonging to a foreign
court. This etiquette was observed
with the unfortunate Marie Antoin-
ette, who came from the court of
Vienna.
Even so we wiio are strangers and
being evil, know how to give good foreigners, before we can be made
gifts unto your children, how much fellow-citizens with the saints, and
more shall your Father which is in
heaven give good things to then
that ask him." Matt. 7 : 11. There taining
is no earthl}T love that will compare , mind.
of the household of God, must di-
vest ourselves of everything per-
to the fleshly or carnal
'Because the carnal mind
with our heavenly Father's love. lis enmity against God; it is not
" Whosoever therefore shall subject to the law of God, neither
humble himself as this little indeed can be.'' Rom. 8: 7.
child, the same is greatest in the Proficiency in any thing must be
kingdom of heaven." Paul tells us the result of close application. No
that when he was weak then was one could expect to excel in any
he strong. 2 Cor. 12: 10. Again ; branch of learning, who would only
he tells us, "If any man among you 'give it a passing thought. Neith-
seemeth to be wise in the world, let er can any one make any great at-
him become a fool, that he may be tainments in anything, unless he
wise, for the wisdom of this world ! gives up to some particular kind of
is foolishness with God/' 1 Cor. 3 : pursuit or calling. Those who have
IS, 19. This language of tho Apos made the greatest advancement in
tie is rather peculiar. He evidently any particular branch of knowledge
means, that if we are in possession are not always those, who have
of worldly wisdom, we should rid had the brightest intellects, but
ourselves of it, become fools with those who have concentrated all
respect to that kind of wisdom, or , their powers of mind upon one cb-
wholly destitute of it, "that we ject making that a specialty.
may bo wise," that we maybe filled If, then, a thorough knowledge of
with heavenly wisdom. As all our any particular branch of sciei
righteousness are filthy rags, Isaiah claims all the powers of one's mind,
64: 6, and all our wisdom foolish-
ness, surely then, the more com-
pletely wo dissolve ourselves of all
is it anything more than a reasona-
ble service which God demands,
when be requires ns to "Pr<
the paraphernalia derived from the our bodies a living sacrifice, holy,
court of Satan, the more acceptable acceptable unto him ? Horn, 12 : 1.
will we be at the court of crace. And when he commands that we
It used to be a custom in France, love him with all our heart, and
when a princess was received from
some other nation, before she could
with all our soul, and with all our
might, Dent. •» : 5. Matt. 22
292
TKUE GREATNESS.
are wo ready to exclaim, "This is a
hard saying; who can hear it?"
John 6: GO. Solomon says, "Be-
fore honor is humility." Pr. 18 :
12. And wo find that those per-
sons whom God has accounted
worthy of the highest honors, are
those who have been the most pro-
foundly humble.
Abraham, the father of the
faithful, and who is styled the
iriend of God, stands before
us a perfect model of humil-
ty. In Abraham we have indeed a
living exemplification of true faith.
"This great principle was marked
in Abraham with the following
characters : — An entire unhesita-
ting belief in the word of God; an
unfaltering trust in all his promises \
a steady regard to his almighty
power, leading him to overlook all
apparent difficulties and impossibil-
ities in every case where God had
explicitly promised; and habitual
and cheerful and entire obedience.
The apostle has described faith in
Heb. II: I; and that faith is seen
living and acting in all its energy
in Ahraham." Watson.
Though God promised Abraham
that his posterity should be exceed-
ing numerous, and that they should
inherit the land of Canaan, yet it
seems in order to prove Abraham,
God long deferred the fulfillment of
this promise. And during this
long period of waiting, Abraham
manifests the most perfect patience
and submission to the divine will.
Having grown old in years, and the
promise yet unfulfilled, but yet pre-
serving a firm belief that God will
in some way make his word good;
he now seems determined to yield
the matter up wholly into the
divine hands, and if it be God's pur-
pose to accomplish his word through
another instrumentality, he will
cheerfully submit. Therefore we
see him presenting Eliezer, his chief
servant to the Lord, as the probablo
chosen means. This must have
cost Abraham great effort, but he
masters all selfish feelings, and is
willing (if God has so determined)
that his heir shall be a stranger, an
that all his present, wealth, together
with the prospective possession of
the land in which he was then a
stranger, shall all descend to one
who is in no way related to him.
This act of Abraham is more no-
ble and grand than appears at first
sight. God appears to him in his
native land, and commands him to
depart thence, to leave his kindred
and his father's house, and go forth
as a wanderer into a land which
he would show him, encouraging
him with the promise that he would
make of him a great nation. Then
again after he had come in the land
which God had pointed out, he
again appears to him saying, "Unto
thy seed will I give this land." And
after Lot had taken his departure,
the Lord repeats the promise again ;
that to him and to his seed, the
land should be given forever, and
that his seed should be numerous as
the dust of the earth.
After having undergone so many
dangers and endured so many
privations, and having been the re-
cipient of so many promises, which
must havo thrilled every fibre of his
soul, and then to calmly relin-
quish all, and gain the consent of
his mind that his heir was only to
be his servant, his domestic slave
perhaps, instead of a son, must have
required a thorough schooling.
TJRUE GREATNESS.
203
But such dutiful conduct meets its
merited reward. Again the prom-
ise is renewed in a more definite
manner, and Abraham is told that
his servant shall not be his heir, but
that it will be his own son, and
when Abraham asks for a pledge or
proof, God grants his request, and
condescends to enter into a cove-
nant or mutual agreement with
him.
The ancient method of ratifying
a covenant by sacrifice was to slay
the beasts, and divide them in the
midst, then the persons covenant-
ing passed between the parts.
Hence, after Abraham had perform-
ed this part of the ceremony, the
symbol of the Almighty's piesence,
"A smoking furnace and a burning
lamp passed between those pieces."
Gen. 15, 17. And so both parties
ratified the covenant
Sarah, the wife of this holy man,
also gives a most signal proof of
her deep piety. .Remembering that
the promise of a son was given to
her husband without any reference
to her, she determines that she will
not stand in the way of its fulfill-
ment, but that she will conquer all
selfish feelings, and if it be God's
will that another shall have the
honor of being the mother of
Abraham's promised heir, she will
submit hurubly and meekly to that
will
But God, who ever rewards all
the suffering and mental anguish
which his children endure for his
sake, and who knew just how much
Sarah had suffered, betore she could
thus relinquish her right, and how
much she continued to suffer in pee-
ing Hagar her Egyptian hand-maid
the haughty mother of, as she sup-
posed, Abraham's long promised, and
much desired son, at length rewards
this holy woman for her faithfulness
and unselfishness/by promising that
she herself should bring forth tho
son to whom the prececding prom-
ises had referred. So wholly unex-
pected was this message that it
drew forth from her a smile, per-
haps of incredulity. Moreover God
still further showed the high es-
teem in which he held this holy
pair by bestowing upon each one of
tl.em a new name. A name which
conferred upon them additional
honors and dignity. Abram, which
means a high father was changed to
Abraham, meaning/arVier of a great
multitude, and Sarai which means
my princess, to Sarah, the princess,
or princess of a multitude.
And when that son that beloved
son, who had been the subject of so
many promises, and who was in ev-
ery respect worthy of such illustri-
ous parents, had well nigh reached
manhood, constantly gladdening
the hearts of his aged parents by
his affection and filial behavior, the
terrible message comes to his fath-
er. "Take now thy son, thine on-
ly son Isaac whom thou lovest, and
get thee into the land of Moriah ;
and rffor him there for a burnt of-
fering upon one of the mountains
which 1 will tell thee of." Gen.
22 : 2.
llow this stern mandate must
have blanched the cheek of this
venerable patriarch. But yet with-
out one word of complaint, or with-
out offering one plea to God to
spare him the dreadful task, ho at
once commences to [pake prepara-
tions for the execution of the com-
mand, lie loved Isaac, but ho
294
TRUE GREATNESS.
loved God more, and nothing could
stand in the way of bis obedience,
lie felt that God had given him his
child, and he had a right to take
him again.
Jehovah seems to have made this
demand of Ahraham as a final trial
and illustration of his faith. Hav-
ing arrivod at the fatal spot, accom-
panied only by his precious victim ;
and there having bound him, he
prepares for the affecting sacrifice ;
but just as he had reached forth his
hand to give the awful blow, an an-
gel out of heaven called unto him,
Abraham, Abraham, and when he
answered, here am I, he said to him,
"Lay not thy hand upon the lad,
neither do thou anything unto him,
for now I know that thou fearest
God, seeing thou hast not withheld
thy son, thine only son, from mo."
Ah yes, this act of Abraham had
given ample proof, of his perfect
love and complete submission j and
never again did God deem it neces-
•ary to try him. And his remain-
ing days are spent serenely, and
peacefully.
There is a hallowed dignity and
grandeur which surrounds the clos-
ing scenes of Abraham's life, which
seems to reflect something 0f the
glory of the future world. He
had had his full share of vicissi-
tudes and trials, but under all cir-
cumstances he had remained faith-
ful. And now his battles all appear
to bo fought, and his victories won,
and he can now rest from his labors
and peacefully repose, as it were, in
the land of Beulah, enjoying the
love and fellowship of Jehovah.
As a reward for his last great
act of obedience, he was permitted
to see the glories of the gospel dis-
pensation. The Savior told the
Jews, 'Your father Abraham re-
joiced to see my day; and lie saw
it and v.as glad." From the above
it appears that the Almighty used
those circumstances which had just
been so shameful to Abraham in
the intentional offering up of Isaac,
as the medium through which ho
beheld the mystery of that great
sacrifice that was to be made for
the sins of the human race, and in
the receiving of Isaac as it were,
from the dead, and Paul tells us he
received him in a figure, that is in
this he beheld the resurrection of
the Son of God. What wonderful
visions of the future were presented
to Abraham; how God lei him into
his secrets, for, "The secret of the
Lord is with them that fear him."
Ps. 25: 14. Thus we see how won-
derfully God honors the faithfulness
of his servants.
We might speak of Moses that
meekest of men, and how highly
God honored him; of Paul whose
humility prompted him to say of
himself that he wag "less than the
least of all saints," Eph. 3 : 8, and
whose devotion to Christ caused
him to determine not to know any-
thing, save Jesus Christ, and him
crucified, 1 Cor. 2 : 2, and of the
high honors of which his divine
Master accounted him worthy, per-
mitting him to be caught up into
paradise, where he heard unspeaka-
ble words, which it is not lawful for
a man to utter. But we will for
bear for this time as our essay is al-
ready more lengthy than we at first
intended it to be. But let us re-
member that the sure road to great-
ness is the road of humility and
submission.
Mattie A. Lear.
A NOBLE PURSUIT.
295
For the Gospel Visitor.
A NOBLE PURSUIT.
"These were more noble than those in Thesaa-
ionica, in that they received the wjrd with all
readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures
daily whether those things wore so. Therefore
many of them belioved ; also of honorable women
which were Greeks, and of men, not a fow."
Acts, 17: 11, 12.
In general there are only two
grounds of action in religion, choice
and force. The former is the gospel
ground, and is of God. The latter
is the Romish ground, and is of the
devil.
Power over religion and con-
science is iniquitous in every form.
If it be exercised by Stato law, it is
civil tyranny ; if by ecclesiastical
synods or councils, it is ecclesiastic
al tyranny; if by parent, guardian,
or godfather, it is domestic tyranny
Jesus foretold that such an unnat-
ural dominion would bo exercised
under the sacred name of the service
of God, and time has fully verified
the prediction. The long reign of
the church of Rome has given this
exercise a wide range; all the sects
descended from her practice it.
Infant baptism is the exercise of
force under the sacred name of the
service of God. In free America it is
domestic tyranny; as thank God
under the republican government
God has given us, neither the mag-
istrate, nor ecclesiastical council can
enforce it without individual con-
sent; hence the exercise of it, is the
willing act of the parent, who arbi-
trarily forces it upon his bel|
and unconscious babe.
]Sotsowith the Bereans. They
being a noble people, more noble
than they of Thessaloniea, and cer-
tainly much more noble than many
free Americans are. They were
noble, because they searched the
Scriptures; they will neither re-
ceive nor reject what Paul and Silas
tells them, but will search the
ord and know whether "these things
are so," they will know it for them-
selves, and not have it forced upon
them on the professed faith of Paul
and Silas; they considering them-
selves as capable to understand plain
truths as they. They Bearch the
Scriptures with a free will, they
'persevere in it; they Bearch daily,
and as they learned the truth,
"the}' received it with a ready
mind. "Therefore many of thei
\lieved" not all, only those who re-
ceived the word with a read}' mind,
their faith being grounded on their
own knowledge of the truth, and
like the Samaritans could Bay,
"Now we believe, not because of
thy saying, for we have heard him
ourselves, and know that this is in-
deed the Christ, the Savior of the
world." St John 4: 42.
Both men and women believed,
and no doubt were baptized, though
it is not here said, for this being the
command of the Savior in whom
they now believe, and will obey.
He commands to teach all nations,
and to baptize them in the name of
the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Ghost, .Matt 28: 13, And
also to preach the gospel t<> «
creature and he that believe- and i>
baptized (will be, German transla-
tion) shall be saved. .Mark 16: 16,
This the apostles preached, and the
believers of their own will
it. The Bereani dng the
itnres for ti ~. found
that Jesus is I I or Messiah,
obeyed his doctrine with their
will. Peter preached repent-
296
A NOBLti PURSUIT.
ance ami baptism in the name of
Jesus Christ for the remission <>i
Bins, and the gift of the Holy Ghost;
and they that gladly received hi*
word were baptized. Acts 2 : 38-41
Note, they that gladly received the
ivord act of their own tree vx ill, not
forced upon them by eccleciastical
authority. Both men and women
believed and were baptized. Acts
8: 12. Tho eunuch read the
prophet, was taught by Pnillip, be-
lieved that Jesus Chri>t was the
Son of God, and then was baptized
at his own request. Acts 8 : 3u 38.
Note, it was not forced on him upon
Philips' faith. Saul of Tarsus was
convicted, prayed, fasted and was
instructed by the disciple and then
baptized. Acts 9 : 22. Cornellou*
had his friends assembled in his
home to hear all things that were
commanded Peter of God; these
hearing, received the Holy Ghost,
and were baptized. Acts, 10. L > d
ia attended to the things spoken by
Paul, and then was baptized Acts,
16: 14, 15. The Jailor was taught
to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ,
had the words of the Lord preached
to him and to all* that were in his
house, and all believed, rejoiced and
were baptized. Acts 16: 30-34
Crispus, and many of the Corinth-
ians hearing, believed and were
baptized. Acts, 18: 8.
All these, like the noble Bereans
heard for themselves, exercised
their own prerogative; believed
and were baptized, no force being
exercised by any one; they would
have resisted any attempt that wa} ;
how absurd to believe they would
force baptism upon the childien by
an exercise of parental authority ,
they knowing that they only re-
ceived it on personal faith, and not
by force. The exercise of force in
religion is contrary to the spintand
principles of Christianity, and sub-
verts the foundation ot it. Jesus
the author and founder of ouraalva-
tion himself preached the gospel of
the Kingdom of God, fraying, uThe
lime is fulfilled and the kingdom of
God is at hand ; repent ye, and be-
lieve the gospel." Mark 1: 15 This
is the foundation of our blessed
Christianity; and to force baptism
(the seed of the believers faith) on
infants or adults, without faith in
the gospel, or repentance, subverts
and undermines this foundation.
The Romish church holds the doc-
trine ot original sin, and baptism tfr
be regeneration ; that is, she believes
the sin of Adam cleaves to the soul
of the infant, and that baptism will
wash the old sin away ; and hence
they force it on the babe to save its
innocent soul. All the sects who
came out of this Mother of Harlots,
professed to be reformed, but still
cling to, and hold this hard doctrine
and practice, this fraud and super-
stition. Though they have to a cer-
tain extent ignored the worship of
images, praying to the Virgin Mary,
and to the Saints, making pilgrim-
ages, etc., they still hold on to this
idol. Good meaning people, as
many are, hold on to it, simply be-
cause they received it of their fath-
ers, without ever searching tho
Scriptures to see whether it has
any foundation there. Thinking it
must be right, or these preachers
would not preach it, and their pa-
rents would not have practiced it,
without once thinking that their
parents lived one age nearer to Ro-
mish superstition than they, and
a NOBLE PURSUIT.
207
bad not searched the Scriptnres any
more than they do. For the bene-
fit of the general reader, 1 will here
give some historical extracts on the
subject I will quote from Ilubin
eon, Cyprian, and others.
Infant baptism had its origin in
Africa, and 'Robinson" eays : "It
wan not the offspring of critical
learning or sound philosophy, for ii
sprang up among men destitute of
both, nor did any one ever take the
African fathers tor philosophers, or
critical investigators of the sacred
oracles of God. Jt appears that
.about the middle of the third cen-
tury an honest and humane bichop
of a company of Christians in a
country place in Africa, where some
of his neighbors bought, stole, cap-
tivated and burnt children ; where
some of hie flock returned to Pagan
ism, others intermarried with Pagan
families, and went with them into
the old practice of sacrificing as for-
merly, children to their God; him-
self filled with Jewish ideas of dedi
eating children to the true God, ana
marking them by circumcision, and
sending for advice to Cyprian, ex
actly such another confused geniu-
as himself. It is a very improbable
conjecture that Fidus bethought
himself of baptizing new born in
fants as an expedient to save the
lives of the lambs of his flock ! Noth
ing could be more natural or to a
man of his principles come more of
course. To prevail with such sav
ages to dedicate their infants to
God, by the soft method of dipping
them in water; to procure some
persons of more influence than the
parents to become sponsors lor
them "
"Fidus thought these infants
ought to bo baptized when eight
days old ; no, says Cyprian, if they
are to bo biptized when eight days
old to save them, they ought to bo
baptized as soon as they are horn.
This brought Fidus into a second
difficulty. It was the custom to
k;H8 the newly baptized ; he informs
this august body of African bishops
who were convened to settle this
matter; that infants were reputed
unclean the first seven days, and
therefore people did not choose to
kiss them. This was an article of
great consequence. The fathers
answered : You are mistaken Fidus,
children in this case are not un-
clean, for the apostle says, to the
pure all things aro pure. No man
ought to bo shocked at kissing what
God condescends to create." Thus
started, it worked its way into
other churches, a people naturally
superstitious, and given to idolatry
readily received it as a religious rite,
councils enacted law, or decrees to
enforce it. The historian says, "If
the name of Augustine had not sunk
below contempt in every freo Coun-
try, hisconduct in procuring the first
law to compel Christians to baptize
their infants in a council at Mela in
Numidia in the year 41G, would de-
serve a treatise by itselt." (Of tho
wickedness, debauchery, and illegit-
imate children of this ungodly man
I will make no extracts.) SuflB
to say that at the above named
council the following decrees were
passed "It is the pleasure of all
the bishops present (65 at tii>t, but
reduced to 14 or 15) "in this holy
synod to order."
I. "That whosoever saith Adam
was created mortal, ami would have
died if ho had not sinned, be ac-
cursed."
298
A NOBLE riJRSUIT.
2. "Also it is the pleasure of the: of divinity and laws of Palermo, in
bishops to order that whosoever de- the }*car 1751, published at Milan,
nicth that infants newly born of , in the Italian tongue a book of 320
their mothers are to be baptized, or I pages in quarto, and dedicated to
saith that baptism is administered all the guardian angels, to direct
for the remission of their own sins,
but not on account of original sin
derived from Adam, and to be expi-
ated by the laverof regeneration, bo
accursed."
There were still some who like they
of Berea "Search the Scriptures,"
and would not believe nor willingly
practice this iniquitous, and anti-
Scriptural traditions. These had it
thus forced upon them by ecclesias-
tical tyranny, but finally the magis-
trate enforced it by authority of
law; and confiscation and death,
was the penalty to those who refus-
ed. Thus this iniquitous practice
progressed, until councils decreed
that this lav er of regeneration should
be applied, even to abortives, and
infants which could not be born.
The historian says :
"The clergy felt the inconveni-
ence of this state of things, for they
were obliged to attend any woman
in labour at a moments warning,
night or day, in any season, at the
most remote parts of their parishes,
without the power of demanding
any fee, whenever a case of neces
sity required, and if they neglected
their duty they were severely pun-
ished/' It would shock the mod-
esty of people unused to such a cer-
emony, to relate the law in the case
saith the historian, "suffice it there-
fore to observe, that it the hand or
foot only of a babe d}-ing with its
mother in the birth be sprinkled, it
is baptism, and the child is saved."
The historian says: "Even in
the present times an humane doctor
priests and physicians how to se-
cure the eternal salvation ot infants
by baptizing them, when they could
not be born. The surgical instru-
ments and the process cannot be
mentioned here, and the reader is
come to a point in tho history of
infant sprinkling, when English
modesty compels him to retreat and
retire so that it is impossible to say
anything more on lustrating infants
by way of baptizing them."
Dear reader, horrid as this super-
stitions, and iniquitous practice
may seem to the minds of all
those who search the Scriptures for
themselves, it is nevertheless the
corner stone, the ground and pillar
on which the Bomish church is
built, and stands; without it she
could not, she would not exist. If
all were left to search the Scrip-
tures for themselves, and practice
only what they teach, there would
be no pedobaptist churches. It is
not likely that one out of a hundred
would draw sprinkling for baptism
out of them if left to search with an
unbiased mind. Then heed the
warning of the Savior when he says
by a "'voice from heaven, come out
of her. my people, that ye be not
partakers of her sins, and that ye
receive not of her plagues. For her
sins have reached unto heaven,
and God has remembered her in-
iquities." Eev. 18 : 4, 5.
In the love of searching the
Scriptures, and practicing only
what they teach, I am your friend*
D. P. Sayler.
AN AUTUMN LEAF
For the Visitor.
AN AUTUMN LEAF.
Bl I). B. MENTZER
''The Summer is ended !" How
rapidly the seasons of the year flit
by us ! It stems but a short time
since Winter "lingered in the lap of
Spring." Then Spring covered the
trees with her buds and blossoms,
and Summer brought its singing
birds and brooks, sweet hay, and
golden grain; but Autumn has al-
ready come. It is that season which
the poet, Byrant, thus describes:
"The melancholy days have come,
The saddest of the year!"
How true ! It really does remind
me of death — the stillness of the
grave. It is sad to see nature thus
throw oft her beauty, and fall
shrouded into the grave of Winter.
A certain writer could well say,
"Time is a continual, ever-dropping
of moments which fall down one
upon the other and evaporate."
No truth is brought more vividly
to the mind than the celerity of
time. WTith the most astonishing
rapidity days and months pass by
into the great store house of the
Past. Moments seem almost to
jostle one another in their onward
flight. Thompson felt the force of
this truth for ho wrote: "A year!
A life ! What are they ? The tell-
ing of a tale, the passing of a me-
teor, a dim speck seen for a mo-
ment on Time's horizon, dropping
into eternity." The words, "pass
ing away" seem written on every
space of the dial — upon every au
tumn leaf — upon every flower and
spire of grass — even upon the brow
of our associates. Hear how Burns,
the poet, tells his impression ol the
season :
"All cheering Plenty with her flowing horn,
Led yellow Autumn; wreathed with nodding
con."
And Shakespeare.
"Tho yenr growing ancient, not yet
On Summer's death,
Nor on the birth of trembling Winter."
When I think of the rapid flight
of time, which is so very forcibly
illustrated by the autumnal season,
I have feelings of Badness j yet au-
tumn has its pleasures. Perhaps at
no other timo is the weather so con-
genial to oar feelings. We are p r-
haps more free from the extremes
of heat and cold now than at any
other season of the year. The
weather is regular which is really
pleasant. We have not the sudden
changes of Spring days. The soft
winds, tho balmy air, the mellow
sunshine, the delightful evenings
and cool nights, for weeks together/
afford us real pleasure.
Lovely Autumn ! Season when
apples drop in the stillest hours,
when leaves fall in gentle waver-
ings to the earth, when
"All tbe :iir a solemn stilli*'
There are external objects and
influences which make impressions
upon our minds, and give form and
motive to our thoughts. We are nn-
able to tell how this is, but such is
the fact, nevertheless. Autumn
scenes have very peculiar influences
upon our minds. They rem i ml u«<
that we too arc "passing away."
Hut alas ! everybody does riot ap-
preciate. So many persons air
living almost wholly indifferent to-
ward these impressive autumn les-
sons. BSither the cares ol tbe world,
or some other silent influence blinds
300
TO MYSELF AND OTHERS.
and darkens the minds of the many.
These autumn lessons should draw
our affections beyond this earth, and
set them upon heavenly things.
May it so be.
These days more than others re-
mind us of our departed friends.
Wo must think of them. We love
to visit their graves. We love to lin-
ger around the place where their
once lively, lovely forms now moul-
der away; and our thoughts wan-
der beyond the grave, and centre
upon thoso loved ones who have
gone before, and who we hope
are enjoying the sweet rest and
glories of Paradise. We'll meet
them, my dear brethren and sisters
in Christ, yea we'll join their num-
ber, when these years and Seasons
of Time shall all be ended. Hope
on, work for Christ, live unto God.
These days also cause us to think
more fondly of our absent friends.
We meet, we part. They go awTay.
How we long for their return
home ! How we desire to grasp
their hand once more, and bid them
welcome. True we think of our
departed friends and absent loved
ones in all seasons of the year, but
we do so especially, during the sea-
son of falling leaves and fading
flowers. You see all is transitory
here, and it is possible that our
spirits are drawn heavenward by
the scenes of departing life around
us. The falling leaves remind us
wither and die; it walks through
the fields and lays the ungathered
harvest, and green grasses low ; it
chills the insect to death ; it drives
tho feathered songster to other
climes; it cries out in the night
wind and in the dashing rain ; it
pales the rosy bloom on tho infant
cheek ; it renders the strong man
helpless, and shivers the aged to tho
heart; it goes to tho churchyard
and makes many a grave.
Dear reader, it is solemn. Aro
you prepared "to depart and be
With Christ?" If not get ready
now. Start now. Delay not, for
"delays are dangerous."
Wanesborough, Pa.
that our years too are falling, and
the fading flowers that we too must
die. The visitations of death are
constant, but the fall of the year is
most marked with the fall of hu-
man life. Everywhere some mys
terious power seems to move along,
it touches the flowers, and they
For the Visitor.
TO MYSELF AND OTHERS.
"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselveg
together as the manner of some is; but exhort-
ing one another : and so much the more, as ye
see the day approaching." Hebrew 10: 25.
According to this language we un-
derstand that in the Apostle's time
some had already failed to assemble as
often as they should; as to their reason
for doing so, we have no account in this
Scripture; and I am of the opinion that
if we had, it would amount to but little,
yet would take a long time to tell. Let
this suffice. The Apostle's language
conveys the idea that this is not to be
so; it was sin at that time and more so
now: (and so much the more so as ye
see the day approachirg.) Brethren
and sisters, lift up your eyes ! Me-
thinks the day surely is approaching;
yea, that great and notable day of the
Lord. The first command is to assem-
ble. He that faileth in one point is
guilty of the whole. The second is the
exhorting part; brethren and sisters,
we may fill the first command and per-
TO MYSELF AND OTillvRS.
.301
haps fail in the (second. Where are
our exhortations, and what are they,
and how are they ? I have now passed
on so far and given no room for excuses
and perhaps some one would like to
make some, as we often hear many ex
cuses made for failing to assemble.
Ask that brother, why was you not to
meeting to-day ? O, J should like to
have been there, but my horses had no
shoes on, consequently I could not go.
Did Paul or the Lord exempt any on
account of barefooted horses ? No !
On Saturday you worked your horses ;
on Monday you work them again. Ask
another one, 0, I worked too hard all
week ! Ask another one : O, I did
not feel good ! Go to that brother on
Monday and the week's hard work is
forgotten and the dull feelings are
passed over and he is hard at work, and
he remembers no more of it until Sat-
urday evening ; along comes the adver-
sary and says: "You have spent anoth-
er hard week and that in the discharge
of your duty." This is truth ; next
comes untruth. "God does not require
you to go to church to-morrow." Breth-
ren, these are thoughts that will pre-
sent themselves to our minds. Let us
look back to Adam and Eve and see
how wonderful they fell by heeding to
such language as this. We ask another
and his excuse is the weather was too
disagreeable ! Paul said nothing about
barefooted horses, or tired limbs, or
dull feelings, or disagreeable weather.
But don't neglect your duty. O breth-
ren and sisters, how can you stay away
from the house of God ? There God
has promised to meet you. There your
weak brother and your sister meets you,
embracing you with arms of love. God |
embraces you, feeds your hungry soul j
with the rich provision of high heaven.
How loth I've been to leave the place,
Where Jesus shows his smiling face.
0, how sweet the exhortation of that
brother or sister to me ! 0, how sweet
that brother's prayer that is offered in
my behalf! Another excuse is I know
who is to preach and I have heard him
so often, and perhaps will be said, 1
know as much as he does, yes, and I
say perhaps more. But does the Apos-
tle say you are to stay at home on this
account? No! So much the more
you ought to be there, because there is
much required of you. How often do
we hear complaints; this man or that
man can't preach. We admit this man
can't preach of himself. But now hear
the complaint of the preacher, though
jhe don't often complain. Question,
had you a good congregation to-day '(
But few ! This answer he makes with
a sorrowful heart, not because he mere-
ly wants to be heard of many, but be-
cause he knows some have neglected
their duty. The minister must go;
let the horse be barefooted, and he
feel dull, or worked hard all week, or
the weather unpleasant ; no difference
whether any want to hear him or no.
Why so ? Because God tells him, this
is not all ; it seems that everybody
looks for him. 0 poor mortal man
that you are, whoever ypu are! God
has commanded. Don't refuse. Go do
what you can, and God help you. O
yes, brethren, all co laborers in Christ,
let us give the warning that their blood
will not be required at our hands;
though we are spoken against. V ,
brethren, let us bear all things, for
charity beareth all things. Brethren
and sisters, 1 am of the opinion that
there are but few if any that
will be accepted with the Lord. Breth-
ren, these lines I write not to thame
any, or hurt any feelings j no, but love
constrains me thus to writ'-. In sorrow
and grief to my heart T Lav? looked on
:)02
THEY DON'T WANT ME.
brethren and sisters who neglect the
assembling on the Lord's day. Breth-
ren and sisters make no excuse, but go
and that with the same solemnity as if
you were to go to meet the Lord visibly.
Yes, go a praying and pray while you
are there ; and exhort to the best of
your knowledge, and you will want to
go back again. But if we go prayer-
less and careless perhaps we will feel
no desire to go back. Don't go and
discourage your weak minister by hold
ing a worldly conversation. O breth-
ren, by this sometimes we hear a poor
sermon and we go home and call it so.
Why was it? who is to blame? An-
swer this to yourself. Brethren, self
■experience is good schooling. Let me
tell us all to assemble in a proper man-
ner and all talk of heaven and heaven-
ly things ; then let our weak minister
come in ; and the first thought is,
here are all my brethren and sisters
0 how zealous they are ! This is en-
couraging ! Now brethren, let us all
pray for him and with him and I will
assure us all that we will hear a good
sermon if the words are few. O breth-
ren, let us meet together! God has
promised to be in our midst. Blessed
thought, indeed, and glorious promise
that when together, what we ask we
receive if we ask aright. This is
enough to cause us to shed tears for joy
while writing. Brethren, are our chil
dren or our friends or neighbors uncon
verted? If so, what will we do? Do
what the Lord says, assemble. What
more? Ask and ye shall recieve. Re-
member the word shall is positive lan-
guage. Now bretbten, let us all meet
and all with united voices beseech the
Lord in behalf of our children and
friends and neighbors, and we assure
you that even devils must take their
flight. Is there any doubt in this?
No, not one. If we doubt this we
doubt the word of God. Lord, increase
our faith, double our diligence, is the
prayer of your weak, unworthy, though
well wishing writer,
Aaron Fike.
They Don't Want Me.
Well, dear discouraged brother let
us think about it. You are painfully
conscious of not being so complete a
workman as you desire, but you are
also equally conscious of being called
to the work. It was "woe to me if I
preach not the Gospel ;" and the Lord
has been pleased to give you many seals
to your ministry. You are yet able for
the work and your motive is just as
pure and your heart just as much set
upon it as ever. But your people don't
want you. They have had the, shall I
say, brotherly kindness to say so.
Never mind brother, suppose they
don't. Ninevah didn't want Jonah.
The threatened world didn't want
Noah. The former was a strange en-
thusiastic wanderer. The latter a mis-
erable old preacher. Both destitute of
originality. No enticing words of man's
wisdom. Be sure there is some varia-
tion but it is the variation of one tune.
"Nineveh shall be destroyed." "The
flood is coming j repent ye." But did
they not heed these preachers for all
that? Too late the drowning world
listened to the preacher !
Happy Nineveh ! She heeded the
word of the Lord, humbled herself and
was saved.
Oh, brother did the world want the
Master ? Did they not say of Him, the
Prince of Preachers, "Away with him V*
Alas poor world if He had listened to
them ! Unwanted, unasked, yet how
greatly needed. What had we done
FOUR IMPOSSIBLE THINGS.
had he refused to stay ! Groping our
way blindly there had been to us no
way to the Father. With that heart-
sickness would wc have sunk into the
night asking the never-to be-answered
question, " What is truth V Oh, with
what horror of despair would we have
gone out into the eternity, crying, Is
there no life to come? Bless God he here in this office, and have minded my
''You little know," be Mid, "how
unjustly you have been treating me.
For more than a year I have been
starving myself to save money enough
to send my poor blind sinter to Paris to
be treated by a physician who ha-
treated many cases of blindness similar
to hers. I have always done my duty
own business, i am sacrificing every
thing in life for another.
Would either of you do as much ?
stayed ! Let us stay also. Only let us
see to it our single aim is the salvation
of souls. That we are instant in sea-
son and out of season- That we are '■ Could any one do more V*
meek and gentle and patient and loving! He had been judged without
and kind. Let us have a fresh baptism [knowledge of circumstances.
of the Spirit and be faithful unto death.
Courage brother ! Forward ! — Scott.
Be slow to censure and condemn. We
cannot read the hear! of others, and, in
many cases, to know all, is to forgive
all.
"Judge not, that ye be not Judg
Four Impossible Things
1. To escape trouble by running
away from duty. Jonah once made
the experiment, but it did notsuccaced.
Therefore manfully meet and overcome
the difficulties and trials to which the
post assigned you by God's providence
Judge Not
We have no right to judge others
until we know all of the circumstances
that influence their conduct. In many
cases we might act like those we con-
demn under like circumstances.
A young man employed in a printing
office in one of our large cities incurred
the ridicule of the other compositors on
account of his poor clothes and unso-
cial behavior. On several occasions, j cxposes you.
subscription papers were presented to» ^- To become a Christian ui'
him for various objects, but he refused \ strength and maturity without under-
to give his money. g°ing severe trials. What, lire is to
One day a compositor asked him to gold, such affliction is to the believer,
contribute for a picnic party, but was It burns up the dross, and makes the
politely refused. gold shine forth with unalloyed lustre.
"You are the most niggardly man 3. To form an independent charae-
ever employed in this office," said the ter except when thrown upon one's own
compositor angrily. resources. The oak in the middle of
"Stop," said the young man choking the forest, if surrounded on every side
with feeling. "You have insulted me." , by trees that shelter and shade it, runs
The other compositors gathered up tall, and comparatively feeble; cut
around the excited man. The young away its pi and the lirst blast
man looked at them for a few minutes will overturn it. Bat the same tree,
with a famished look and a strange fire growing in the open held where it i-
in his large eyes.
continually beaten upon by the tempest.
304
UK WARDS IN THE COMING AGE.
becomes its own protector. So the
man who is compelled to rely upon his
own resources forms an independence of
character to which he could not other-
wise have attained.
4. To be a growing man by looking
to your position. Therefore, pnf<r
rather to climb up hill with difficult)/
than to be stemmed up by a power out
side of yourself.
Why has the Lord made so many
and such groat promises of honor,
glory, reward, and recompense
hereafter, if the very persons to
w horn they are made may not use
then; as encouragements amidst the
complicated and sometimes terriblo
difficulties ot the way? To deepen
consecration, to sustain faithfulness,
to nerve courage, we need every le-
gitimate help we can get. And
those promises are not made to un-
converted men, but to men whom
God in his grace has made par-
takers of lifo in the divine redeem-
er; they are not for his foes, but
his friends; not for aliens, but chil-
dren ; and it really seems a waste of
time to point out the absurdity of
the supposition that any unregen-
erate man will ever think of running
— even if the thing were possible —
for one or more of the prizes of the
kingdom. The utmost that such
men think of is salvation from hell
and admission to heaven as the re-
ward ot their good works; for they
know not God's way of salvation.
The prizes of the kingdom are the
glorious crown and reward of "good
works •" for the same book that
teaches salvation by grace teaches
reward according to works — and in
this, instead of contradiction, there
is logical harmony7; but the men
who run in this race, and wrestle
for this victory, and have an eye on
this royal reward, have already
are most certainly hers by deed of: passed through, the narrow gate,
gift. These piles of heavenly gold 'and felt the joy of reconciliation
are meant for her, and it is a false through the blood of the Lamb, and
humility which tells her that to ; lovingly breathed the sweet word of
think of reward hereafter, whilst adoption — "Father!"
REWARDS IN THE COMING AGE.
"If any man serve me, him will my Father
honor." John s.ii. 26.
Both as an incentive to holiness
and as a support under trials, it is
manifest that the doctrine of re
wards in resurrection is most ira
portant. Very brilliant promises
have been given to the church by
her Head for the purpose of anima-
ting her in sore conflicts with the
powers of evil, and bracing her
strength in her Master's service.
But there can be no doubt that the
consciousness of un worthiness and
the fear of presumption habitually
prevent many Christians from real-
ising these promises. Of necessity
the true church is humble, and it
well becomes her so to be, tor all
her treasures, both in possession
and in prospect are of grace; but
she injures horseif, arid dishonors
the royal munificence of her Father
in heaven when she is afraid to
touch vast stores of wealth which
laboring and suffering for Christ
here, wTould be presumption. Sure-
It the entire Christian system be
not an elaborate delusion, a cun-
ly we may ask the simple question, ningly devised fable having no foun-
FBLCLWSUIP IN THE LORD.
305
dation in fact, we might infer from
the revealed character of God and
the doctrino of resurrection, that
there must be a reward for the
righteous. Even if the promi-
ses of recompense were fc*er in
number and far more indefi
nite in character than they
actually are, reason suggests that
loving service amidst life-long diffi
culties will receive adequate recog
nition in the day of final settlement
Can it bo that God's own children —
for of such alone we speak — shall
be allowed to endure privation, and
Buffer reproach, arid abound in self
denying labor for his name's sake,
from the beginning to the end of
every year of their Christian pil-
grimage, without a large reward of
glory and honor from the Father's
right hand in the heavenly kingdom?
Men whose religion brings them
high worldly honor, large incomes,
and princely palaces, will not see
the force of this question ; but men
whose religion leads them away
from all these things to be tried and
tempted with care and poverty, to
be misunderstood and shunned, and
evil spoken of, are in a position to
appreciate the loving forethought
of the Father in reserving for his
Buffering sons an inheritance of re-
gal splendor, against "that day."
Thetossings and temptations of the
wilderness will find bountiful com-
pensation in the city of the great
King. Rough usage for Christ's
Bake will not be forgotten by him
in the day of his coronation When
the King returns he will remember
his faithful people who served him
out of pure lovo, amidst many deep
afflictions, and counted all things
but loss that they might staud be-
fore God accepted in the Beloved.
Love, gratitude, admiration, loyal-
ty, constrained them to live to him
whose life in them was the proof of
their salvation and the pledge of
their immortality. They did riot
wish to "reitfll as kings" before, tho
time; they were content to wait
and labor and suffer reproach n^ tho
Master did before them, and he will
show by and by that not a Icar, or
groan, or sigh escaped his watchful
notice. Let the tried followers of the
Son of Man take courage. The Lord
is coming, and his reward is with
him; and great, lasting, and glorious
will be the recompense of tho«o who
were true to him during their earth-
ly prilgrimage. — Selected.
Our Fellowship (Partnership) in the
Lord Jesus Christ.
"Called unto tho fellowship of His Son Jesus
Christ our Lord." 1 Cor. 1 : 9.
"Truly our fellowship is with the Father,
and with His Son Jesus Christ " 1 John 1 . 3.
•'That they inay he one, as Thou. Father, nrt
in me, and I in Thee, that they also may be
one in us." John xvii. 21.
Fellowship with him in the Fath-
er's Iov-j — TllOU hast IovkI them as
Thou hast loved me. John xvii 23.
Fello ship in access to the Father.
— Through Him we have acceaa by
one Spirit unto tho Father. Kph.
ii. 18.
Whatsoever ye shall n*k the
Father in my name, Ho will give it
you John xvi. 23.
Fellowship in Sonship — This is
my beloved Son. Now are )etho
sons of God. God has Bent forth
the Spirit of His Son into your
hearts. Matt. iK. 17. 1 John iii. I.
2. Gal.iv. 6.
Fellowship in Inheritance. — Eein
30G
FELLOWSHIP IN THE LORD.
of God, and joint heirs with Christ.
Horn. viii. 17.
Fellowship in Separation from the
World — They are not of the world,
even as I am not of tho world. John
xiii. 14, 1G.
Fellowship in J J is Suffering, Death,
and Burial. — If they have persecu-
ted me, they will also persecute you
John xv. 20.
I am crucified with Christ. Gal,
ii. 20. Buried with Him. Col. ii. 12.
That 1 may know . . . the fellow-
ship of his sufferings, being made
conformable unto his death. Phil,
iii. 10.
Fellowship in Resurrection. — That
ye may know the exceeding great-
ness of his power to us ward, which
He wrought in Christ, when he
raised Him lrom the dead. Eph. i.
20.
Quickened together with Christ
and raised up together. Eph. ii. 5, 6.
Fellowship in His Life. — I live
heavenly places in Christ Jesus.
Eph. i. 20; ii. 6.
Fellowship in Glory. — And the
glory whicn thou gavest I have
given them, that they may be one,
even as we are one. John xvii. 22.
Fellowship in Fullness of Blessing.
—In Him dwclleth all the fullness
of the Godhead bodily, and ye are
complete (filled up) in Him. Col.
ii. G, 10.
WEEING THEREFORE THESE THINGS
*"WHAT MANNER OF PERSONS
OUGHT WE TO BE V
"As ye have received Christ Jesus the Lord,
so walk ye in Him." Col. ii. 6.
In Fellowship in Glorifying the
Father. — I have glorified Thee on
the earth. John xvii. 4.
Wherefore glorify God in your
body and in your spirit, which are
God's 1 Cor. vi. 20. 1 Pet, ii. 9.
Heb. xiii. 15.
In Fellowship in Pleasing the Fath-
\er. — I do always those things that
yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.
Gal. ii. 20.
Because I live ye shall live also.
John xiv. 19. Col. iii. 4.
Fellowship in Joy. — These things
I speak in the world, that they
might have my joy fulfilled in them-
selves.
Fellowship in Likeness. — We know
that, when He shall appear, weshall
be like him. 1 John iii. 2.
Who shall change our vile body,
that it may be fashioned like unto
His glorious body. Phil. iii. 21. 2
Cor. iii. 18.
Fellowship in Exaltation. — Where-
fore God hath highly exalted Him.
Phil. ii. 9. And set Him at His
own right hand in heavenly places
. . . and made us sit together in
please Him. John viii. 29.
We beseech you, brethren, by tho
Lord Jesus, that as ye have receiv-
ed of us how ye ought to walk and
to please God, so ye would abound
more and more. 1 Thcs. iv. 1. Col.
i. 10.
In Fellowship in Love to the Breth-
ren.— This is my commandment,
That ye love one another, as I have
loved you. John xv. 12. Eph. v. 2.
In Fellowship in Holiness. — Who
did no sin, neither was guile found
in his mouth. These things I write
unto you, that ye sin not. I John
ii. I.
In Fellowship in lowliness and
Meekness. — Learn of me, for I am
meek and lowly in heart. Phil. ii.
2. Eph. iv. I, 2. Matt. xi. 29.
In Fellowship in Patience. — The
AN EVIL.
30^
Lord direct your hearts into thoj In fellowship in Humiliation —ThQ
love of God and into the patience of servant is not greater than Hi-
Christ (marg). 2 Thess. iii. 5.
Hun with patience . . . lookin;
unto Jesus.
Lord. John xv. 20. lie humbled
Himself. Phil, ii v. Bumble your-
selves. Jas. iv. 10. John xv. 18,
In Fellowship in Usefulness. — I In fellowship in Waiting for the
Even Christ pleased not Himself, j Glory. — The Lord said unto my
Kom. xv. 3.
Lord. Sit thou at my right hand,
Look not every man on his own until I make thine enemies my foot*
things, but every man also on the
things of others. Let this mind be
in yen, which was also in Christ
Jesus. Phil. ii. 4, 5.
stool. Fsa. ex 1.
And to wait for His Son in Heav-
en. 1 Thcs. i. 10. Phil iii. 20
Behold, I come quickly. Amen,
In fellowship in Self-devotion. — He even so, come, Lord Jesus. Rev. xxii.
laid down Ilia life for us, and we 1 7, 20.
ought to lay down our lives for the
brethren. 1 John iii. 1G.
In fellowship in Forbearance —
Who when he was reviled, reviled
not again. 1 Pet. ii. 23.
With long-suffering, forbearing
one another in love. £ph. iv. 2. 1
Pet. iii. 9.
In fellowship in Forgiveness. —
Even as Christ forgave you, so also
do ye. Col. iii. 13.
In fellowship in Service. — Laborers
together with God. 1 Cor. iii. 9.
As my Father hath sent me, even
so send I you. John xx. 21.
[
AN EVIL.
We refer to the kind and quality of
reading that is found on our thorough-
fares of travel, and particularly on our
lines of railroad. Any one who is ac-
customed to travel in railway train?,
has observed the depraving and cor-
rupting character of the bo<»ks and pa-
pers which are usually — universally, so
far as our observation extends — pi
upon the attention of travelers, by the
ubiquitous news venders, who so impor-
In fellowship in Ministering.— The tunately and brazenly ply their occupa-
Son of God came not to be minister | tion in railroad cars Some of the
ed unto, but to minister. Mark x I books they hawk are valueless— many
45. are vicious — and all probably, arc more
If I, your Lord and Master, have!°r less demoralizing. So much for the
washed your feet, ye ought also to
wash one anothers feet, for I have
given you an example, that ye
should do as I have dono to you
John xiii. 14, 15.
In fellowship in Light-bearing. — I
am the light of the world. John
viii. 12.
Among whom ye shine as lights
(light bearers) in the world; hold
ing forth the word ol life. Phil. ii.
15, 1G.
books. Of the pamphlets and papers
served to passengers on our railroads by
thj beardless and inexperience'! oa(
who to miui-t< r gratifiotaion to the lit-
erary ta>te of travelers, it is enough to
say that many of them are wholly unfit
to be read or to be looked upon l-y well-
meaning or pore-minded The
best Belling papers, perhaps, (other than
the city dailies,) that are offered to
travelers on our railroads are those that
308
THE PBOZBN SHIP.
are of the f'oomio" style. They arc "il-
lustrated" publications, and their col-
umns are redolent of vulgarity. The
slightest contact with them is contami-
nation. And it is the alternative of ev-
ery passenger who undertakes to sit
through an hour's travel on our rail-
roads, to assume uncourteousness to-
ward these train-venders, or submissive-
ly and unresentingly receive the annoy,
ance which it is their business to in-
flict.
It may be, and is, a sad commentary
upon the literary tastes of our people,
that they are so forward and free to
purchase and read books and papers
that are so objectionable, and that are
characterized by such general coarse-
ness and unchasteness. But then, it is
to be remembered, that this public taste
is largely formed by the very influence
we were pointing out; for our people —
particularly our young people — usually
receive their first introduction to the
"Pictorials' on railroad trains. The
hawkers of these publications first sow
the seeds which spring up into a ripen-
ing harvest of social depravation, and
then reap the gains of the sowing by
pandering to the deteriorated and cor-
rupted tastes which they themselves
have created in the sale of theij vicious
wares.
Had railroad companies a tithe the
concern for the moral welfare of their
patrons that they have for their own
pecuniary interest, they would take
some steps toward the abatement of this
social nuisance. Certain of the railroad
managers of the country are spoken of
very flatteringly on account of the high
moral tone characterizing them. But
they are criminated in this high-handed
assault on the morals of society, just as
others. A remedy for this evil will not
be found till it is realized in awakened
christian sentiment that will interest
itself by sonic kind of active measures
to influence railroad superintendants and
stockholders, to reform this abuse. Is
it not time that christians should de-
mur to the old proscriptive right that
railroad authorities have hitherto olaim-
ed (practically) to demoralize their pas-
sengers by (jiving their train followers,
license for a money consi(leration} to de-
bauch our public morals ?
There i3 one thought appropriate to
this connection. Are christians as ac-
tive and as busy as they should be in
the circulation in public places, of pure
and religious reading? Why may not
a distributor of religious books and
tracts be found on each railroad thor-
oughfare ? The privilege of circulating
such reading would certainly not be de-
nied by railroad managers. What a
public blessing would it be, if a faithful,
laborious, prayerful and courageous col-
porteur could be placed on every rail-
road line in the country.
Why may not private christians do a
great deal in this regard ? Can not
any christian traveler, whether man or
woman, obtain for distribution a supply
of religious tracts, and offer them to
fellow travelers ? It might elicit re-
mark— it might provoke criticism — it
might expose to the reproach and laugh-
ter of the foolish — but what are such
light considerations, when religious ob-
ligation is thought of? Cannot any
true follower of Jesus submit to a little
reprcach for his blessed name ? — Ban-
ner of Holiness.
The Frozen Ship.
In the year 1775, the captain of a
Greenland whaling-vessel found him-
self at night surrounded by icebergs
and "lay to" until morning, expecting
WATCH TIIH FIKES.
30S>
every moment to be ground to pieces.
In the morning he looked around, and
saw a ship near by. He hailed it, but
got no answer. Getting into a boat
with some of his crew, he pushed out
for the mysterious craft. Coming along
side the vessel, he saw through the port
hole a wan at a table, as though keep-
ing a logbook. He hailed him but re-
ceived no answer. He went on board
the vessel, and found the man sitting at
the log-book frozen to death. The last
date in the log-book was 1762, showing
that the ship had been drifting for thir
teen years among the ice. The sailors
were found, some frozen among the
hammocks, and others in a cabin. For
thirteen years this ship had carried its
burden of corpses — a drifting sepulchre,
manned by a frozen crew. There had
been life in that ship once; and cour-
age and activity, and zeal, and prompt-
ness, and ready obedience to the word of
command ; but all this was past. The
Artie chill had come upon them, the
stupor of death had come upon them
one by one, unlil the last solitary watch-
er yielded to his fate and all were dead.
Are there not churches that are in a
similar plight? They have sailed away
from the open sea of blessed prosperity,
and the sunny latitudes of faith and hu-
mility; they have drifted into the fro-
zen regions of pride, and worldiness, and
sin, impelled by love of gain, or by a
vain curiosity to explore the secrets of
Divine wisdom ; they have passed the
realms of warmth and floated into the
icy wastes of death and desolation.
Christian voyager, beware of the
Arctic regions of pride and worldlineps
and dead formality, beware of the dead-
ly slumbers of the frigid zone. Spaed
away to summer climes ; live nc:ir t lie
Lord, who is a sun and a shield, and
whose loving kindness is better than
life. — Christian Life.
Expectation in God.
The less we expect from this world,
the better for us. The less we expect
from our fellow-men, whether of spirit-
ual help or of inspiring example, the
smaller will bo our disappointment
He that leans on his own strength leans
on a broken reed. We are always go-
ing to something stronger, purer and
holier. Somewhere in the future there
always hangs in the air a golden ideal of
higher life that we are going to reach ;
but as we move on, the dream of better
things moves on before us, also. It is
like the child's running over behind the
hill to catch the rainbow. When he
gets on the hill-top the rainbow is as
far off as ever. Thus does our day-
dream of a higher Christian life keep
floating away from us; and we are
left to realize what frail, unreliable
creatures we are when we rest on ex-
pectations of growth and of victory over
evil in ourselves. "My soul, wait thou
only upon God ! My expectation is
only from him." When we trust God,
he never deceives us.
When we pray to him aright — that
is, with faith, with perseverance, with
submissiveness, and with a single eye to
God's will — he answers us. He always
returns the best answer possible. Our
heavenly Father makes no mistakes in
his dealings with supplicants. He is
a sovereign, but not a despot. If it
pleases him to keep us waiting for the
trial of faith, then we must Wl
Watch the Fires-
A placid old lady, who seemed to be
all gentleness, once told me that if she
ever got real angry it alwajs made her
sick. Some writer saya that a fit of
passion tears down the system like an
attack of typhoid fever. However that
310
PLAIN DRESSING EOR MEETING.
may be, the effects of it arc all bad, in
body as well as soul. Habitually an-
gry, fretful people destroy their health,
as well as their own comfort and much
of the happiness of others. Yes, and it
is really true that worry kills people
faster than work. So, if yon wish to
live long in health and comfort, learn
to keep the soul quiet. "The ornament
of a meek and quiet spirit/' the word of
God tells us is in his sight 'of great price.'
Oh, what could be a higher inducement
to strive after this ornament ! The
Lord loves it. He values it more than
the Kohinoor, the grandest diamond in
the world. And only think, the poorest
child can get this jewel.
You can learn to rule your spirit even
though it is fiery. His grace is enough
for all the world. But it is like any
other fire ; you must check it betimes.
If you let it get a little headway, it may
be like the Chicago disaster. Nothing
but rain from heaven can put it out.
Don't let your beautiful house burn
down just because of these unchecked
fires of temper. Watch for the first
sparks. Speak low if you are angry ;
it will do much to quiet you. Think
over what the Bible says about the
conquerers over this sin, and resolve
you will be another to win such hon-
ors. Watch well the fires. — The Pres-
byterian.
Plain Dressing for Meetings-
The house of prayer is a poor place
to exhibit beads, ribbons, ruffles, gew-
gaws and trinkets. The evils of such
vanity and extravagance are many. It
keeps people from meeting when they
have not apparel as gorgeous as their
neighbors. It loads the poor with bur-
dens tcoheary to be borne, to procure
fashionable clothing. It leads many
into temptation, debt, dishonesty, and
sin. It causes many a poor shop girl
to work nearly all of Saturday night,
that some customer's fine clothes may
be ready for Sunday show. It keeps
people at home in cloudy or stormy
weather, when, if they wore plain cloth-
ing, they could defy clouds and storms.
It consumes the morning hour in dress-
ing, crimping and fussing, keeping peo-
ple away from worship, wasting time,
exhausting strength, hindering the
reading of the Scriptures, and making
the day of rest a day of toil and folly.
It makes the poor emulous, malicious,
and envious ; and sows many a bitter
thought in the minds of children and
others, when they see their neighbors
decked in finery, — often not paid for, —
and feel that people are respected, not
for the value of their characters, but for
the vanity of their clothes. It causes
many a frivolous, trifling mind to forget
God, and Christ, and the Gospel, and
to spend the hour appointed for relig-
ious service in comparing garments,
studying fashions, and arranging their
own gay attire. It causes vanity in the
rich, and murmuring in the poor. It
wastes the Lord's money that is needed
for other uses, and should be applied to
more noble and important ends. It
leads the young in the path of pride,
gratifying the taste, justifying attire,
and seducing to the paths of shame and
ruin, many a poor girl who might have
lived an honored and virtuous life, had
she never known or been led to think
that she was beautiful, nor desired more
finery than she could honestly earn, nor
decked herself out in such a way as
would attract the attention of libertines
and seducers. This style of dress de-
grades the taste of society toward the
level of those Hottentots, wild Indians,
and African savages, whose chief de-
FAMILY PRAYER.
J1I
lights are warpaint, feathers, rings,
spangles, rag-roses, buttons, beads and
bugles — things which are repugnant to
a refined and cultivated taste as they
are contrary to the spirit and letter of
the Holy Scriptures
Let us dress plainly before the Lord,
for economy's sake, for example's sake,
for decency's sake — for Christ's sake.
— Sha7ccr.
FAMILY PRAYER-
This is such a common phrase that
an article with this title may be passed
by unnoticed by many readers ; yet this
does not rob it of its importance.
Though family prayer is essentially nec-
essary, it is neglected by very many
professing to be Christians ; and as a
natural consequence many souls have
starved for the want of spiritual food.
Oh, that I could impress one thought
upon those who neglect this important
duty; and the thought that I would
impress is this: The time is comiDg
when they, even if they are counted
worthy to inherit the kingdom of heav-
en, will wish they had discharged their
duty more faithfully, and that they had
set a better example before their chil-
dren and others by whom they have
been surrounded. By observation I
learn that many who do not pray with
their families try to make the impress-
ion on the mind of their preachers that
they do, as though they were accounta-
ble to their preacher. I see no reason
why they would make sueh an impress-
ion, unless it is because their conscience
condemns them ; and if it does, making
such an impression will not make the
matter any better — it only makes it
worse. But it is seldom that such an
impression is made when they are guilty
of neglecting this duty. It will gener-
ally tell itself.
That family prayer is enjoined upon
Christians by the Bible is true, and I
will give some examples to prove it. It
was the custom of the Levites "to stand
every morning to thank and praise the
Lord, and likewise at even." Daniel
prayed three times a day, with his
chamber window open toward Jerusa-
lem. The psalmist says, "Evening and
morning and at noon will I pray and
cry aloud, and he shall hear my voice."
Paul says, "Pray without ceasing." I
might give quite a number of exam-
ples of the same character, but think
these will suffice. Good men of old
prayed as many as three times a day,
and Christians are under as many obli-
gations to pray now as ever they were
in times past, and need just as many
blessings. Yet some people say that it
is such a heavy cross for them to pray
with their families. They would rather
pray in secret, and omit praying around
the family altar. But it is my opinion
that they who do not pray with their
families do but little piaying in secret.
The Christian may as well cease to feed
himself with the bread of life which
God offers him. Ministers of the gos-
pel and all other earnest workers ought
to use all possible means to establish
the family altar among prof
Christians; for the more family altars
there are established, the fewer puny,
sickly Christians will be found, and the
more live, earnest workers. — S '
Brevity in Religious Exercises.
There are some who aim at n< I
i in devotion but brevity. They act up-
on the principle of Boraoe, "Whatever
I you do, be brief." They Mem to think
that brevity will atone for the poverty
iof any exercise. "True, the sermon
,was not very good, but it was short,"
312
BREVITY IN RELIGIOUS EXERCISES.
is a common expression. Hence some
preachers make brevity their only vir-
tue. In opcuing a meeting they read
the one hundred and seventeenth psalm,
and select the four hundred and twenty-
secoud hymn of our collection, tho third
verse of which reads :
"Few bo our words, and short our pray'ra,
While we together meet ;
6hort duties keep th' attention up,
And make devotion sweet."
We confess wo could never see any
devotion in this sophistical verse. We
never select this hymn, and are ready
to recommend that it be expurgated
from the book. When the effort of the
leader is evidently nothing but to hurry
nervously through the performance of
the most sterile exercise, who ever
manifests any interest in it ? There is
nothing to "keep th' attention up."
"It will soon be over anyhow. What's
the use?"
The common complaint about long
sermons and tedious exercises, when
the listeners are pleasantly located on
cushioned seats, shows a very sickly
sentiment concerning worship. There
is, of course, a limit. Some sermon-
izers are a long time saying little or
nothing. They are enough to weary the
most patient. It is really this want of
strength and life in a sermon, or "talk,"
that makes it seem too long. A good
speaker can not easily speak too long.
The criticism so commonly made upon
the time of the sermon is often made by
the least appreciative listener; and in-
deed, there are many that are capable
of saying anything but, "It was too
lengthy." This they have learned to
say somewhat as a parrot learns to utter
a few words. It is very questionable
always whether these birds were really
awake during the meeting.
To come to the truth of the matter,
it takes time to worship God, and the
disposition to dart through a little
mockery of worship is to be condemned.
"Business" is invariably at the bottom
of it. The people want to think about
account books, sales, bargains, specula-
tion, &c. The painfully brief leader is
either of the same mind or very defic-
ient in thought and devotional frame.
The sermon lacking due length must
necessarily be a dry statement of facts,
a mere "skeleton," or an undeveloped
discussion of a subject. There is no
room for interesting illustration, for ap-
peal to the hearts of the hearers, which
are often slow to respond or even for
convincing the understanding. Until
the audience are willing to take and de-
vote time to hearing, there is no hope
of affecting or influencing them When
mere brevity is demanded for its own
worthless sake, it is best to dismiss for
the first thing. Let the impatient souls
"pick up hats" and disperse at once.
Impatience never fails to root out every
other feeling. God, in his word, in-
structs us to take sufficient time to wor-
ship him. All the examples of worship
recorded in it, are reasonably protracted.
Many instances of night long prayer are
given. The Savior himself prayed all
night more than once. He did not
seem to "hasten to the close." He had,
in fact, something to pray about. When
we get the importance of God's service
upon our hearts, we are not averse to
lingering in worship.
The responsive worship of ancient
use required more than a few minutes
of begrudged time. The sacrificial wor-
ship of God's once chosen people the
Jews, was not an impatient sitting of
half an hour. We protest against the
reduction of God's worship to the styles
and formulas of the business man, or of
the travel managers : "Twenty minutes
LIVING BY PRINCIPLE.
313
for dinner — all aboard." "We can not
perform worship in this way without
any spirit and power. All we ask how
ever, is the calm, thoughtful mood, the
waiting disposition, the standing still of
the whole man while he expects the
presence of the Almighty, and sees the
glory of God. We are not making a
plea for a return to the methods of the
obsolete forms of sacrificial worship,
nor for the imposing rituals of priests
and popery, which allow no right of
time to the blind worshiper. But we
desire to see the patient sitting as of
those that are desirous of reuewing their
strength of mounting up on wings as
eagles. God wil be worshiped in sin-
cerity and in truth, with tarrying, even
with importunity. He certainly has no
blessing, no answer for the frozen, indif-
ferent runuing in and out of the hasty
business man. He hardly can be ex-
pected to help the speaker that does not
expect or desire to say much, that asks
the people to be patient a few minutes,
and promises not to weary their minds.
The imposing business air, with which
the watch is pulled from the pocket and
laid upon the desk, is of very doubtful
propriety.
There arises an uncertainty whether
the object rs to convince the people that
the speaker has a gold-washed time-
keeper, or that they have souls to save ;
that they must be at work to save them ;
that his business is to remind them of
their most important duty in life. The
parade of a clock before the speaker's
eyes, placed there by the officers of the
church, is also a distasteful thing in
some of its aspects. The preacher that
has not good taste enough to "wind to a
close" in due time, ought on the same
business principle by which the clock
is set up, be in a very business like
manner dismissed from his work,
It is presumable at least, that much
of the leanness of religious worship is
due to the guards and embarrassments
thrown around it in the line of clocks,
watches, limited time for remaining in
session, impatience, and many other
cramping things. Not until wo res >We
to take time to serve God fan we hops
to serve him with satisfaction to him or
to ourselves. — Rel. Telescope.
For tho Visitor
THE CHRISTIAN LIFE-LIVING
BY PRINCIPLE.
BY D. B. MENTZER.
The Christian lifo is eminently
one of principle, and, like a mighty
oak of the forest, sends its branches
in various directions, but always in-
to the light and atmosphere of God
— the service of Jesus who "went
about doing good," and says to each
one of us, daily, "Follow Me." In-
spiration produces aspiration. Tho
loveliness and beauty and power of
the life of Jesus, perceived and ad-
mired by our faith in Him, inspires
our souls so that we love II im and
partake of Ilia Holy Spirit— tho
Spirit of the Most High. Then this
inspiration produces an aspiration,
so that we aspire to His lifo, an J
we endeavor to imitate Him. Wo
want our hearts to beat in sympa-
thy with His. We want Him to
cleanse, wash our hearts in "the
fountain He has opened in the
House of David, for sin and un-
cleanness" — the living stream ol
His atoning blood. Wo want our
lives to conform to His life, accord-
ing to the Word He taught and
had recorded, by faithful witm
114
INTERNAL GUESTS.
of His ministry, for our instruction
and comfort. In order to do this,
wo must make a full sacrifice of all
wo count our own, solely to Him,
because we arc His by the purchase
of His blood. Unless wo can make
this free, unreserved everlasting offer-
ingto Him, we are not worthy of
Him. Not worthy anyhow, butsome-
how we must "walk worthy of the
vocation wherewith wc are called."
Jesus said : "No man, having put
his hand to the (Gospel) plow, and
looketh back, is worthy of me."
No, this is it; if we do His will,
and are His faithful, truthful, pray-
erful disciples, He will account us
worthy — blessed be His name, ever-
more— but it is very becoming that
we account ourselves "unprofitable
servants."
How little we do for the Master !
Not only do we neglect giving our
own hearts fully to Him, but we
neglect encouraging, helping, en-
treating others to come to Him.
"Let him that heareth say, come."
So, indeed, should we "glorify our
Father who is in Heaven." Bear-
ing fruits of righteousness, by faith
and repentance within, and deeds
of mercy, and love, and good will
toward all around us, this, this, is
the test of true discipleship, and the
evidence that the "love of God is
shed abroad in the heart." The
highest practical effect of the Chris-
tian principle, is charity. Beloved
brother, sister, have you read the
13th of 1st Corinthians lately?
What an all-comprehending, ever-
increasing, Heaven-unfolding, sin-
extinguishing lesson ! May we
study it diligently, and practice its
soul-cleansing instruction.
We must live by principle. We
may not warer, nor compromise
with Satan, nor any men or women
under Satanic influence. "Unspot-
ted from the world," is rich with
beauty. May our kind Father
guide us and help us all the way,
making us purer, and holier every
day, and gather us home at last.
Internal Guests.
I can conceive of no greater penalty of
sinning than being saturated with sin ;
no worse punishment of a meanness
than being compelled to remember it.
The memory of our past is a ghost that
will not vanish at our bidding; it is a
part of our eternity. Evil deeds cast
long shadows, but if we keep our faces
to the light, these shadows will fall be-
hind, not before us.
We are not half particular enough
about the motives and acts that we ad-
mit into our families ; how is it that we
are so careless about the thoughts that
come and go in the chambers of the
soul ? We can get rid of the unwel-
come guest, we can make a little space
between ourselves and the disagreeable
member of the family; but how shall
we rid ourselves of the stain left by an
impure thought, of the effect; of a hate
that had in it the spirit of murder, from
the memory of the unkindness that
wrung another's heart, the indifference
that failed to sympathize with another's
distress ?
Have you ever stood by the grave of
one dear to you, and been compelled to
remember how much happier you might
have made that life which has now
passed beyond your reach ? Has the
hasty or unkind word come back to you,
and repeated itself over and over till
you would gladly have given a year of
your own life to recall it, and make it as
THE SICK ROOM.
if it had never been? Let us remember
that those who are now living may soon
be the dead, and beware of adding to
the thiDgs done that ought not to have
been done, the things undone that
ought to have been done.
Many a heart has languished for the
tenderness withheld in life, but poured
out too late in remorseful and unavail-
ing regret. Let us be tender to our
friends while they are with us, nor wait
till they are dead to find out their good
qualities. Let us bring all possible
sweetness and tenderness and truthful-
ness into all our relations, thus bless-
ing and being blest; let us keep our
aims high, our hearts warm, and our
hands ready to do good. So shall
we, amid the changes of our earthly
lot, plant ourselves upon the everlasting
foundations and calmly note how the
things of this world fade and pass away,
knowing that we have laid up store of
the things that endure. — Celia Bur-
leigh.
THE SICK ROOM.
There is no class of mankind more
contemplated in the blessings of the
gospel than the sick. No class ap-
peal more to humanity than they.
Visiting the sick benefits both the
sick and the visitor. Sick persons
are more or less helpless, and re-
quire the assistance of others. To
abandon them to their own chances
and means would be cruel and heart-
less. Perhaps none appreciate as-
sistance and kindness more than
they. The art of pleasing and help-
ing the sick is not cultivated as it
deserves. Some have it well devel-
oped, while others profess to be of
no service in the sickroom. They
always excuso themselves when
asked to do a little service there on
the ground that they never were
handy with the sick. They insist
upon this subterfuge as if they
could not now begin to learn some-
thing about cleverness in this mat-
ter. There is a natural disposition
to shun disease, and we arc loth to
encounter it even in a friend, though
we do not fear contagion. Then, the
kind of attention required by the
Mick is not the most pleasant in it-
self. But the dislike we have of di-
sease and for the kind of attention
required by the sick can be over-
come, by careful schooling in the
sick chamber. This kind of train-
ing is very useful to all. Escape as
often as wo may the care of the
sick, there will come a time when
humanity and common sell-n is]
will compel us to take even the re-
sponsibility of some one's care in
sickness. It may be a member of
the family or it may be a stranger.
A degree of skill and fondness for
such work will then be of the great-
est value even to ourselves. Skill
always rewards the laborer. At-
tention to the sick and afflicted
often brings about a set of attach-
ments that prove valuable in life.
It shows us who our neighbor is
and who has a worthy soul. The
Savior takes delight in speaking of
the good Samaritan that relieved
the man who fell among robbers.
The sympathetic nature is culti-
vated in those who go much to the
bedside of the afflicted. Weal!
cultivation in that nature. We are
deposed to be selfish and nnsympa-
thiziri'r enough. It is said to be
better to go to the house of mourn-
ing than the house of feasting.
Whatever makes us more thought
316
THE SPIDER'S WEB.
ful and iriondly is good for us.
Those who really are sick are
free from affectation. They are
stripped of all occasion for it, and
no one need to fear a very formal
reception from them. Affliction
makes people natural. Those of us
that are well, need to come in con-
tact with the elements of character
exhibited by the afflicted. Moreover,
the chamber of affliction causes us
to think of our frailty and certain
end. There we remember that we
are indeed "owed to death. " When
we seldom see the indications of
death wo become forgetful of our
tendency to it. Thus we also forget
to prepare for this solemn article.
The thought of death is unwelcome
to many, and they even forget their
number of days, saying, "It is
something I do not like to think
about." But there is no forgetful-
ness that will give us immunity
from the fatal thrust of the terror
king. We need not shun his fatal
working with others, hoping to es-
cape his approach upon us. If it
fall to us in our visits to the sick-
room to see the immortal soul take
its flight from the dying body, it is
good for us to see the triumph of the
redeemed spirit over the last enemy.
The chamber where the good man
dies is above the common wTalks of
life. — Selected.
The Spider's Web-
"They weave the spider's web."— Ieaiah
lix. 5.
See the spider's web, and behold in
it a most suggestive picture of the hyp.
ocrite's religion. It is meant to catch
the prey ; the spider fattens himself on
flies, and the Pharisee has his reward.
Foolish persous are easily entrapped by
the loud professions of pretenders, and
even the more judicious do not always
escape. Philip baptized Simon Magus,
whose guileful declaration of faith was
soon exploded by the stern rebuke of
Peter.
Custom, reputation, praise, advance-
ment, and other flies are the small game
which hypocrites take in their nets. A
spider's web is a marvel of skill; look
at it and admire the cunning hunter's
wiles. Is not a deceiver's religion
equally wonderful ? How does he make
so barefaced a he appear to be truth ?
How can he make his tinsel answer so
well the purpose of gold ?
A spider's web comes all from the
creature's own bowels. The bee gath-
ers her wax from flowers; the spider
sucks no flowers, and yet she spins out
her material to any length. Even so
hypocrites find themselves; their an-
chor was forged on their own anvil, and
their cable twisted by their own hands.
They lay their own foundation, and hew
out the pillars of their own house, dis-
daining to be debtors to the sovereign
grace of God.
But a spider's web is very frail. It
is curiously wrought, but not enduring-
ly manufactured. It is no match for
the servant's broom or the traveler's
staff. The hyyocrite needs no battery
of Armstrongs to blow his hope to pie-
ces— a mere puff of wind will do it.
Hypocritical cobwebs will soon come
down, when the besom of destruction
begins its purifying work. Which
reminds us of one more thought ; that
such cobwebs are not to be endured in
the Lord's house. He will see to it that
they and those who spin them shall be
destroyed forever. O my soul, be thou
resting on something better than a spi-
der's web. Be the Lord Jesus thine
eternal hiding-place. — Rev. G. H.
Spur g eon.
THE CHRISTIAN'S HOPE.
317
The Christian's Hope.
The confidence of the Christian
as he comes to the last trial not un-
frequently rises into rapture. The
promises and divine word are a
strong support. "We know that if
our earthly house of this tabernacle
were dissolved, we have a building
of God, a house not made with
hands, eternal in the heavens." It
is the mj-sterious wisdom of God,
which none of the princes of this
world knew, that has been revealed
to him by the Spirit. His faith does
not stand in the wisdom of men,
but in the power of God. It is true,
as the apostle wrote, "Now we
have received not the spirit of the
world, but the spirit which is of
God ; that wo might know the
things that are freely given to us of
God." 1 Cor. ii. 12.
What has the spirit of the world
to give to a dying man for his com
fort ? How vain to understand all
mysteries and all knowledge with
eut the faith and love of a believer
That faith makes the expectation of
future good assure as reality; that
love is the image of Christ reflected
in the soul. To be a new creature
in Christ is better than to own the
whole world. "He that sowelh to
the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap
life everlasting." The kingdom of
heaven is opened to all believers
Perish every found ambition but the
desire for that kingdom. What
posessions pertain to the life ever-
lasting ! what unalloyed happiness!
what marvelous knowledge ! what
royal honors! what perfect parity
and holiness! Eye hath not seen,
nor ear heard, nor have entered the
heart, the conception of the things
of the heavenly excellence. To be
'redeemed, pardoned, and sanctified,
are states of untold blessedness; but
to wear the crown of everlasting
life, and bo fixed forever in that
state of love, joy, wisdom, purity,
and gladness, inexhaustible and in-
terminable— that is heaven. Well
was it said by the psalmist, ''I shall
be satisfied when I awake in thy
likeness." The pledge of such fu-
ture bliss is a life of holiness begun
on earth. The assurance that wo
shall awake in the likeness divine,
is to wear in this life the imajre of
Christ in the soul. For such thero
is a life of ineffable brightness in tho
spirit land, of communion with
heavenly intelligences, and of as-
criptions of praise to him who is
ciowned Lord of all. Cherubio
hosts on their dazzling thrones can
not pour forth such peculiar notes
of gladness as the redeemed will
sing.
Turn to the records of history,
and read the biographies of great
men who were called illustrious.
Some were warriors, some states-
men, some heroes, some men of won-
drous wisdom. Yet who arnonjj
them, save tho Christian, could
meet death without dismay ? The
chisel has carved the form in stone
of many a renowned genius. Pages
of panegyric have built their epi-
taphs. But come to their dying
pillows. What imitations concern-
ing eternity can a splendid, earthly
career produce ? What is tho might
of genius ir* the wrestle with tho
king of terrors'/ Tho amplest
knowledge is vain. The greatest
creative mind has done its work and
thrown away its wand. No festi-
val of imagination or humor can
appease the insatiable archer. So
318
THE REST OF THE REDEEMED.
fame or fortune can flatter away the
power of his dark Bcepter. Precious
is the hour when a believer in Christ
departs; but how dark the night id
to those w ho have not built their
hopes on him ! Believers are not de-i
livered from the power of death, so
far as it can affect the soul, by the
Prince of Life, who is called in tho
word of inspiration, "the Captain of
their salvation." And this is the
sure prophecy concerning him:
"Forasmuch then as the children are
partakers of flesh and blood, he also
himself likewise took part of the
same; that through death he might
destroy him that had the power of
death, that is, the devil ; and deliv-
er them, who through fear of death
were all their life-time subject to
bondage." Heb. ii. 14, 15 By di
vine permission Satan once held
sway over the ompire of death. But
he is now deposed, and the followers
of Christ are delivered from his
power. Thanks be unto God who
giveth us the victory through our
"merciful and faithful High Priest."
By the merit of his • atonement he
obtained pardon and eternal life for
all who obey him. This is the dec
laration of St. Paul? "He became
the author of eternal salvation unto
all them that obey him. Heb. v.
9. That eternal salvation comprises
a union with him in the blessedness
and glory of his everlasting king-
dom. It is glory, not as we faintly
conceive it, but a "far more exceed
ing and eternal weight of glory."
What strange delusion it is that we,
immortals, arc so entangled with
the things of time. They perish
like "the flower of the grass." Cole-
ridge, in his last years, would shut
his eyes that the scenes of his child-
hood might flow back in fancy.
"The river Otter ran murmuring
down the room, with the soft tints
of its waters; tho crossing plank;
the willows on the margin, and the
colored sands of its bed." Tho
prospect of the Christian is not ret-
rospective but future. A light from
beyond gleams on tho waves of Jor-
dan, the crossing plank reaches the
eternal shore, and the sands of the
river's bed are colored by reflections
from the pearly gates. — Fanchher in
Christian Advocate.
The Rest of the Redeemed.
One sure result of that doctrine of
the resurrection as set forth in the New
Testament, thoroughly received and
practically proceeded upon, would be to
work within us the impression that our
two lives, our life before and our life
after resurrection, shall be knit togeth-
er by the closest links of correspondence,
continuity, similarity, no abrupt sepa-
ration of the state we quit from that
we now aspire to — the leading princi-
ple, the ruling passion, the dominant
spirit of both lives the same, the one
running into the other, finding its un-
impeded expansion in the other. "I
heard a voce from heaven, saying,
Blessed are the dead which die in the
Lord from henceforth — yea, saith the
Spirit, that they may rest from their
labors, and their works do follow them."
The dead to be called the happy, the
truly bhssed — we might say that of
the few whose lives have been worn out
in sickness, sorrow, and care, who
themselves with outstretched arms wel-
come the last enemy as a messenger to
them of peace. But what shall we
say of him, whom death strikes down
in the midst of health and happiness
TO CORRESPONDENTS.
and growing activities, and expanding
usefulness? Shall we count bim happy
in that he dies? Yes, the voice from
heaven bids us call him such, if, in-
deed, it be in the Lord that he has
died. He rests from his labors, forever
rests, from all that bitterness and pain-
The
To Contributors,
contributions to the G08PEL
Visitor have not been as plentiful du-
ring the summer season as is desirable.
As we arc now approaching the season
of comparative rest from outdoor labor,
we shall hope to receive an increased
fulness, from all that weary toil and number of original articles for the
trouble, with which his earthly Chris- 1 Visitor. No doubt many of the breth-
tian labors were carried on; but though reu and sisters who have never attempt-
resting from all that injects into these
earthly labors the element of suffering,
his rest shall not be the rest of an in-
glorious idleness, of a passive and un-
dignified repose. His works shall fol-
low him. When he takes up on that
resurrection morn the body which he is of the brotherhood
to carry with him into his new and «
everlasting habitation, he shall take up
again that service which before in his
embodied state he bad been prosecuting.
Whatever difference there may be be-
tween the kind of service demanded
of him now and the kind of service
committed to him then, there shall be
no difference in the powers of intellect,
of emotion of will, of action by which
the services are carried on. No differ
ence but this, that those powers, train-
ed now to their first efforts amidst the
sins and sorrows, trials and difficulties
of the present life, acting here weakly |
and inconstantly, raised there above the
touch of all defiling elements, with all
ed to write for the press, could write
unto edification. Exercise your taleotfl
and please let us have an abundant sup-
ply of live essays breathing the spirit
of the gospel. We also solicit corres-
pondence of church news form all parts
CHANGE.
There has been considerable talk
about uniting some of our pipers, aud
as the publisher of the Visitor had
much affliction to contend with for sev-
eral years, we were willing to let some
brother or brethren have the Visitor
with the printing material if they would
see us out without too much loss. As
lit has not been sold, the Visitor will be
J continued. We trust the brethren and
sisters will sustain it liberally that it
! may go on in its mission of usefulness
with increased vigor the coming year.
We announce this month a change
.... , ,° . . , ;iu the editorial department of the
within and around, prompting to united, .. — . .
e n ... , . Z , . Visitor. Brother James Quinter who
full, untiring, harmonious effort, busy,1 , . _ , ,. . .
., 1 11 . 4, • L- i has been connected with the editorial
as they snail be, in their very motion ■«•••# 1
there shall be rest. And the rest 0f1,lcPartaient pf "10 A ,slt"r for a ■"*"
that sinless, eternal, untoiling, un
wearied activity, in which, by its ever
doing the will of God, the soul shall
be ever growing in its power and capac
of years, is about leaving u-. The
original editor aud proprietor will there-
fore take charge of the editorial depart-
ment A further explanation m
ities, and ever rising into closer and o*ven hereafter,
closer communion with the eternal — Please send all contribution* and
thut by eminence shall be the rest into communications relating to the editorial
department until further notice to the
"Gospel Visitor, " D tyt . Oh
which the redeemed in the resurrection
world shall enter. — Dr. Banna
320
OBITUARIES.
A GERMAN HYMN.
"And ye shnll Keek mo imi) find mo. when ye
•hull search for iuo with all your heart." — Jer.
xxix. 23. l
Low hefore the King of Glory,
Weak unci sinful. I would full,
Naught r offer, naught I proffer
For th " favor. Lord of nil.
Let me find thee, let me find thee,
Bend V- ine enr to hear my call.
Dear Redeemer ! smile upon mo,
Stump thine imnsre on my breast,
To t!iee only, from life's lonely
Paths T turn for peifect rest.
Let me find thoe, lot me find thee,
And in theo be ever blest.
Savior, hear me! Nothing ask I
But ihy grace forever free;
Loving kindness, he»l my blindness,
Heart < f pitj\ comfort mo.
Let me find thee, let me find tbee,
He hath all who findeth thee.
Nothing in the world can charm me;
Riches, splendor, power or pride
Seek I never, but would ever
Rest in thee, the Crucified.
Let me find thee, let me find thee,
And in thy dear love abide.
From the depths I cry unto thee,
Lord of mercy, truth and tnight;
Savior hear me, Christ be near me,
And e'en death shall not affright.
Let me find thee, let me find thee,
And my darkness shall be light.
[Prom the German of J. Neauder, A. D. 1640.]
MAKE HASTE, 0 MAN, TO LIVE.
Make haste, 0 man, to live,
For thou so soon must die ;
Time hurries past thee like the breeze;
How wi!t its moments fly.
Make haste, 0 man to live!
Mnke haste, 0 man, to do
Whatever must be done ;
Thou hast no time to lose in sloth,
Thy day will soon be gone.
Make haste, 0 man, to live !
To breathe, and wake and sleep,
To smile, to sigh, to grieve,
To move in idleness through earth,
This, this is not to live!
Make haste, 0 man, to live !
The useful not the great ;
The thing that never dies,
The silent toil that is not lost,
Set these before thine eyes.
Make haste, 0 man, to live !
Make haste, 0 man, to live,
Thy time is almost o'er ;
0 sleep net, dream not, but arise,
The Judge is at your door.
Make haste, 0 man, to live !
Boviii.
OBITUARIES
Died near Mi Idlehurg, Clay Co., Ind., Sept.
3d, 1873, ROZETTE, daughter of John and
Mary Vanlprn, a«ed 9 months, and 4 dayg.
Funeral occasion by the writer, from Mathew
19 chapter, 13, 14, 15 verses, to an attentive
congregation. Ananias Hensbl.
[Companion please copy]
Died in the Falling Spring congregation.
Franklin Co., Pa., May 29th, 1873, Sister
SARAH JANE, wife of Brother Alexander
Kntpper, aged 42 years, 5 months, and 18 days.
Funeral services by the Brethren, to a large
an«l sympathizing congregation.
The death of our Sister was unexpected.
Disease supposed to be heart affection. Thu?
an affectionate mother has been separated from
a kind husband and three children, but we trust
that those who are left behind wi!l look unto
Jesus in their bereavement. She was a good
mother.and has always been regarded as one whe
was beloved by all who know her. She was a
sister in Ch ist, and finally fell asleep in Jesus.
Dear husband, let faith's consoling power,
Forever restrain your tears of love,
For who that witnessed my parting hour,
Could wish my enraptured soul from above ?
Prepare to meet me in delight,
Woere we shall never part;
Where endless day excludes the night,
And pleasures fill the heart.
Pain and death is unknown in that holy land.
No farewell tears, nor parting hand.
Brother DA MEL WOLF of Richland Church,
Richland Co., Ohio, departed this life, Sept.
12th, 1878, aged 67 years, and 23 days. Fun-
cral services by C. W»se and the writer. Text
Rev, 14: 23.
The subject of this notice was born in C«m-
berhnd co., Pa., in the year 1806. In the
year 1837 he moved to Richland co., Ohio,
where he lived a consistent member of the
church until he died. He leaves a sorrowing
wile and five c ildren to mourn their loss, but
we hope their loss is his great gain.
J. C. McMtJLLBN.
MAP OF PALESTINE. <;ooi> BOOKS FOB ALL.
A beautifully colored map of Palestine, size
28 by 38 inches, containing
The Ancient and Alodon Names of all known
places.
A table of the Seasons, Weather, Productions,
&c.
The journey of the Israelites from Egypt.
The World as known to the Hebrews.
The Travels of the Apostle Paul.
The Holy City of .Jerusalem.
Altitudes in English feet on the locality .
Texts of Scripture cited to Cities*, &c. &c.
For thirtei » subscribers to the Children's ['<•>>■ r
for 1874 and $3,50, we will send t'r.
this excellent map mounted on rollers.
For eighteen subscribers to the Child n «'» Papt ■•
for 1874 an<l $4,50 nc will send the map mount
ed on roller.-. Send five cents extra for postage
on each map.
Address H. J. KIRTZ, Dayton, 0.
Persons writing f»r or making inquiry
about anything advertised in this paper will
please mention the name of the paper to the
advertiser when doing so.
. 1 1) VER TISEMENTS.
Peak Brethren and Sisters:
Having
witnessed much suffering from Sick Head
Ache, we'iimv oner n speedy and sure cure
for the same. It is pleasant to take and
can be sent by mail. Address with stamp
Drs Wkimhsman' & Flory,
South Bend, Jnd.
nmn m\ hotel,
Cor. Cortlandt & New Church Sts.
TSTEW YORK.
ON THE EUROPEAN PLAN.
RICHARD P. FRENCH,
^on of the late Col. RICARD FRENCH, ol
French's Hotel, has taken thitj Hotel, newly
ntted up and entirely renovated the sumo. Gen-
\mllu locaud in thr BUSINESS PART of tb>
City.
LADIKS & GKN'Tl.F.MK' -i DIMM, ROOMS ATTAOHKD.
FRICK'8
MARBLE WORKS.
DAIT03T, O.
J would inform the public that I am
in the .Marble Trade in Dayton and am prepared
to furnish anything in my line at low rates. I
make to order Monuments, Tomb and Grave
Stones, of any size or dimensions, varying in
price from S"> upward. I invite a comparison
of my work with that of any others in the bu
siness and respectfully solicit patronage. Il
you cannot come yourself, send in your ordei
giving size and shape, and I will guararrl
isfaction.
Works at No. :V7 South Main Street, nearly
lie the Market House.
W. R. FRICK.
"HOOKS WHICH ARE HOOKS."
Works which should be found in every Libra
iy within the reach of all readera. Vvorke to
entertain, instmot and improv( will be
-ent by return post, OD receipt of price.
New Physiognomy • or, Signs of Character,
us manifested through Temperament and l.\
ternal Forms, and especially in th<- " Human
Pace Divine, with more than one tho
illustrations. By S, K. Wklls. Price
The Family Physician. \ Ready PreSCri
ber and Hygenie Adviser. With reference to
the Nature, Causes, Prevention, and
ment of Diseases, Accident*, and Casualties
of every kind. With a Glossary and eopious
index. I'.y Jokl Shrw, M. 1». Illustrated
with nearlj .">(Kt Engravings. One Large vol-
ume, intended for use in the family. |
How To Read Character. A New [Uustra-
PTand-Book of Phrenology and Phisiogno
my, for Students and Examiners, with a Chart
for recording the Bizes of the Organs of the
Brain, in the Delineation of Character, with
upwards of 170 engravings, latest and best.
Muslin, 11.26.
The Parent's Guide] or Hum an Development
through inherited Tendencies. l'»y Mrs
Hkstk.k Pkndlkton. Second edition revised
and enlarged. One vol. l2mo. Price |
( onstitution 01' Man. Considered in relation
to External Objects. By Ororor <
Theonb authorised American Edition. With
Twenty Engravings, ^1.7.").
The Hjwtenlc Hand Book • ■ Practical
Guide for the Sick-Koom. Alphabetically ar-
ranged with Appendix. By K. T. Tkai.i..
Onevok 12mo. 300pp. Muslin. 12.00
• How to Write," " How to Talk," ** How
to Brhnvr," nml " How to Ho Hu*iit< ««."
a Hand-Book indispensable for Home Im-
provement, in one vol. 12.25.
w«-diock: or, the Right Relations of the Sex
es. Disclosing the Laws of Conjugal Selec-
tion, and Bhowing who may and who may
not Marry. A Guide for both Sexes. -
Oratory -Sacred and S«< ulai ; «,r t]
temptfraneous Speaker. Including ■ chair
man'sGuide for conducting Public Meeting!
according to Parliamentary forms. 1.60.
Management of Infancy, Physiological and
Moral Treatment. By AltDSKw COMBK, M. 1».
With Notes. 1.50.
Medical Electrlcltjr. A Manual for Student,,
Bhowing the most scientific and rational appli
cation to all forms of Acute and Chronic Dis-
ease by the different combinations of Elec-
tricity. Galvanism, Electro Magnetism,
neto-Klectricity, and Human Magnetism.
II i-iory of Salem WHrlicraft : " The PI in
ehette Mystery:" and "Modern Spiritual
ism, jritn I»r. "Dodridge's Dream, ' in one
vol. I
K^opN KnitkK. The People's Piotoral Edition.
Beautiful!} illustrated with nearly Si
gravings. Cloth, gilt, Only
Pope's ■sea) on Man. With \
ti fully illustrated. Cloth, gilt, be
§1.00
Hi. Right Word in the Rich* IM"
New Pocket Dictionai
Embracing Si nonj mi, T< cbnic il Terms, Kb
bre\ i 1 1 Writing for the
Press, Punctual I other
Valuable informal ion
Phr*nolofrtcal Boat. Showing the latest
ti .,( -ill tho
the Brain. 1' isdivi
show each Organ on
groups on the other. Price
Inclose .inn. inn nd letter, or in h
I'. < '. ( »r I- r • ir (tin or for all of tl
addn s, Publ ■
STen fork.
FOR BALE AT THE OFFICE OF THE
"GOSPEL Visitor."
Theology l,4fl
Wisdom and Power of God l , 16
Debate »n immersion ,75
Parable of the Lord's Sapper ,20
Plain Remarks on Light Mindedness ,10
Wandelnde Seele \ German J 1,15
Waltfahrl nach Ztonsthal ,00
UkKTHRKN's llVMN BOOK | /" W Bi Ixtiail J
Plain sheep binding ,75
Per dozen, by express „ 7,25
" arabesque binding ... ,75
Per dozen, by express 7,25
riaip morocco 1,00
I'ii- dozen, by express 10,00
Plain moroeco, pocket book form 1,25
Per dozen, by express 12,00
New German ffytnn Book.
Plain sheep binding, single
Per dozen, by express 5,00
German and English bound together.
Tnrkey morocco 1,25
Per dozen, by express 12,00
Arabesque plain 1,00
Per dozen, by express 9,00
Plain sheep binding 1,00
Per dozen, by express y,00
Hymn Books [ old selection.']
German and English ,75
English, single ,40
'* per dozen 4,25
Kost's Domestic Medicine, 624 pp 8vo 2,15
German and English Testament ,60,
Sent postpaid at annexed rate* except when " by
express" it added. Express charge* are paid by
receioer. Always state by what way you want books
sent. Remittances by mail for books, «fcc.t at
the risk of the sender. P. O. Orders at our risk.
Names put on books to order for 15 cents each-
Address II. J. KURTZ, Dayton, O.
riie Children's Paper.
An illustrated paper devoted to the instruc-
tion of the Children.
1 copy, per year SO 30
4 copies " " TOO
13 3 00
20 " ,4 " 4 00
25 ' 4 50
We ask the cooperation of the brethren and
sisters everywhere in introducing the Paper
and in getting subscribers for it as well as in
furnishing reading matter for the children.
Special terms to schools when packages are
addressed to one person only.
Specimen copies on receipt of stamp.
Address all orders and communications to
II. J. KURTZ, Dayton, O.
1780. J>r. FAIIRNEY'S 1872.
Blood Cleanser
or
PANACEA.
Many Ministering Brethren use and recom-
mend it. A tonic and purge, for Blood Disea-
ses and Female Complaints. Many testimoni-
als. SI, 25 per bottle. Ask or send for the
*' Health Messenger," a medical paper publish-
ed gratis by the undersigned. Use only the
" Panacea' prepared at Chicago, 111. and by
Fahrney's Brothers & Co.,
Waynesboro, Franklin Co., Pa.
To the Brethren and Friends.
I hereby propose to sell my books — Treatise
on Trine Immersion, The Lord's Supper, New
Birth, and Non-Resistance — at 50 cents per
copy, postpaid, or to agents at S30 per hundred.
Same proposition for a less number, purchasers
paying transportation.
B. F. MOOMAW, Bonsacks, Va.
THE BKETHKEN'S
Iacjdf$e4lii,
Containing the ('nihil Counsel* and ('inclusions
of tli> brethren at their Annual Meetings By El-
der in: .sm KURTZ.
The work neatly bound toMther with
" Alexander Mack's Writings,"
1 copy sent by mail postpaid SI, 70
Of those bound there are but lew left, and as
the " Mack's " are out of print, when tli
are disposed of, hence friends who wish to have
•i oops bad better send orders soon. Of the Kn-
cyelopedia in pamphlet form (without Mack)
we have yet some more than of the bound ones
and to have them more speedily spread through-
out our brotherhood we will reduce the price
and send them postpaid for seventy -hm cent*.
Add] HENR! Kl KTZ,
Columbian:i, <>.
Bible Dictionary.
A Dictionary of tin Bible comprising its Antiqui-
ties, Biography, Geography, and Natural History.
This work contains every name in the Bible
respecting which anything can be said. It em-
braces the results of Historic Research, Anti-
quarian Investigation, the study of Languages
and Dialects, and the discoveries of modern
travelers and explorers in the Holy Land.
The book is printed from new Stereotype
Plates, on good paper, and is appropriately il-
lustrated with over One Hundred and Twenty
Engravings of Scenes, Ancient Cities, and
Memorable Places ol the Holy Land, descrip-
tive Figures and valuable Maps.
It will contain nearly 800 closely printed dou-
ble column octavo pages, including over twenty
fine/ii// page steel and wood engravings.
For thirteen subscribers to the Gospel Visitor
for 1873 and $13,00 we will send a copy of this
Dictionary, bound in Cloth.
For eighteen subscribers to the Gospel Visitor
for 1873 and $18,00 we will send a copy ol the
Dictionary bound in Leather.
The books are sent by expi
Address 11. J. KURTZ, Dayton, 0.
TRINE IMMERSION
Traced to the Apostles:
Being a collection of historical quotations from
modern and ancient authors, proving that a
three-fold immersion was the only method of
baptizing ever practiced by the Apostles and
their immediate successors. By J. 11. Moore.
Priee 25 cents ; Five copies SI, 10; Ten copies
S'2,00. Sent postpaid to any part of the United
States. Address 11. J. KURTZ, Dayton, O.
N L Y~FTF-T~Y~CEN T S for the Farm k rs'
Monthly for 1873 and a new County and
Township Map of Ohio free. Five cents must
be added for postage on map when sent by mail.
Address II. J. Kurtz, Dayton, O.
Book* on Freemasonry !
♦
LIGHT ON FREEMASONRY,
BY ELDER D. BERNARD.
To which is appended
A REVELATION OF THE
Mysteries of Odd-Fellowship,
By a Member of the Craft.
The whole containing over five hundred pages.
Will be sent, postpaid, to any address, on re-
ceipt of price — $2.
Address IL J. KURTZ, Dayton, O.
THE
-*■
A MONTHLY PUBLICATION,
EDITED BY
HENRY KURTZ AND JAMES QUINTER.
VOL. XXIIL NOVEMBER, 1873. NO. 11
TERMS: One Dollar and twenty five cents
per year in advance.
DAYTON, OHIO:
H. J. KURTZ, PRINTER & PIJBLISI I BR
CONTENTS.
Tho Poor in Spirit 31\
Laying up Treasure in Heaven 323
Humility 324
Delighted in God 326
Treatment of Enemies 328
The Christian's Pattern 329
The Samaritans 330
Purity and Maturity 332
Emblems of Purity — Flowers 333
Bo in Earnest 334
About Popes 335
War 336
The Path of the Just 337
Death and Sleep 337
Iligh-mindedness 338
Dancing an Evil 340
The Royal Priesthood 341
God Regards Us 342
Death of Lady Jane Gray 343
The Love of Christ 343
Jeptha's Daughter 344
Autumn among the Mountains 344
No Word of Encouragement 345
They wont trouble you long 346
The Value of tho Sabbath 347
Take Care of the Fox 347
The Penalties of Fashion 348
Rebreathed Air 349
Drawing a Congregation 350
The Turn of Life 351
The Folly of Spiritualism 331
The Sins of Youth . 352
Value of Repentance 352
ANNUAL MEETING TENT. •
Virden, Macoupin Co., Ills. ">
October 6th, 1873. J
Pleas.; say through the Visitor to the
Brotherhood that the purchasing of a tent
is a failure for the present, the proposed
donations for it amounting to only about
fous hundred dollars, only thirty four
churches out of the many reported as hav-
ing considered the matter.
Daniel Vaniman.
PUBLISHER'S NOTES
We are making arrangements for the
new year that will enable us to give more
attention to our publishing business and
we expect to make some improvement in
this department. We intend, particularly,
to vsue more regularly than we have done
at times.
"We hope our friends will begin the can-
vass for the new volume in time and not
slacken their efforts until they are sti
till \\ hat y«»U nave done for us in the
past we remember with gratitute and shall
be thankful for whatever you may do to
aid us. in the future.
We omit our letter list this month.
Premiums for 1874. — Our Bible Diction-
ary premium will be continued for 1874 In
addition to these we otter Family Bibles
and Webster's Dictionaries. We also con-
tinue the Map of Palestine for the I HIL-
dkkn's Paper. See our premium list in
another column.
We only furnish one style of the Map of
Palestine for premiums this year, that is,
the mounted. We therefore charge t wen ly
five cents more for clubs of thirteen. This
is not equal te the difference in the price,
but we would rather have but the one kind
and. no doubt, our agents will be satisfied
just as well.
Agents are not limited to one Post Office
in making up clubs
The Visitor and Children's Paper
for 1874 will be sent together for one dol-
lar and twenty-five cents.
The Map of Palestine, mounted on roll-
ers, which we give as a premium for elubs
to the Children's Paper, we will send, post
paid, for $1 50, to any part of the United
States or Canada.
Our Bible Dictionary premium can be sent by
mail by inclosing fifty cents tor postage. Those
wanting a copy of the Dictionary otherwise than
as a premium can have the cloth lor $3,5U and
leather lor $4,00, postpaid.
-e-o »
The Gospel Visitor
For 1874.
The price of the Gospel Visitor for 1ST! has
been reduced as follows :
Single copy $1.00
Six copies 5 00
Thirteen copies Ju.00
PREMIUMS FOR 1874.
For thirteen subscribers to the Gospel Visftor
for 1874 and thirteen dollars, one copy of Smith's
Bible Dictionary, bound in Cloth.
For eighteen subscribers to the Gospel Visitor
for 1S74 a l.d eighteen dollars, a copy of Smith's
Bible Dictionary bound in Leather.
For twenty-five subscribers to the Gospel Vis-
itor tor 1874 and twenty-five dollars, a copy of
Webster's National Pictorial Dictionary, or a
Family Bible.
For forty subscribers to the Gospei Visitor for
1874 and forty dollars, a copy of Webster's Una-
bridged Pictorial Dictionary.
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Vol. XXIII.
NOVEMBER, 187:5.
No. 11.
For the Visitor, j may como to the feet of .1
THE POOR IN SPIRIT. learn of him ! Christ died for the
Blessed are the poor in Spirit, for theirs is ungodly, and plead* for til 0 HI . Fath-
er, forgive them, for they know r.ot
No revengeful spir-
the kingdom of heaven, Matt. 5
Humility is tho requirement, and! what they do
if we have it not, the kingdom of
God is not set up in our hearts.
The meek suffer rather than resist.
The greatest joys to christian are
it, but love to hie bitterest enemiefl
If God is for us. who may be against
us. When Shimei cursed David, ho
said let him alone. It may be tho
spiritual. If we are poor in spirit, Lord will requite me good for his
Christ promised us the kingdom of cursing this day. In the Lord's
heaven. How careful ought we to prayer we are commanded to pray,
be that we may not render evil for Forgive us our tresspass as we for-
evil, nor railing for railing. If we give tho^o that trespass against QS.
have the love of God shed abroad in If we are not willing to forgive, we
our hearts, we will love our enemies, pray judgement against our souls,
and do good to those that hate Christ says, If a man smite thee on
us. While we are commanded to the right cheek, turn the other also,
love our enemies we ought also Blessed are the poor in spirit, for
to love one another. (How theirs is the kingdom of hei
is it with us.) If men hate beloved reader, wherever you I
us, and say all manner of evil you would consider and realize how
against us, can we rejoice — can we earnestly the righteous God ever en-
forgive them, love and pray for forces his holy word, and how terri-
them? If others will slander us, bly his wrath has ever been en's
and speak evil of us, O that wo may led against those who did not abide
be very careful that we give them firm in his divine word, you would.
no cause. If we have left the ser- ' without doubt, (in ease yon ;n>
vice of the devil, he will do all he within the word of God,) tren
can to overthrow us. When the and be frightened in your in
waves of trouble roll around us, he soul before God, on account of your
will say, where is your God now. disobedience. Again, do you not
Therefore let us watch and pray, so know that all the < reatnres under
that the inconsistency of other> tin' heavens, were destroyed bj
lead us to search our own heart3, ter, through the righteonfl ju
and be tho moro careful what we inent of God, except those that *
say of them. He that is proud in the Ark with Noah,
and haughty and seeks the honor of did not acknowledge the spirit of
the world is an enemy of God. If the Lord, as their judge. !
thine enemy hunger, feed him, if he viated from the law of tl.
thirst give him drink. O that we and committed themselves to
822
TUB POOR IN SPIRIT.
servieo of Baal, not b e i n <» content
with the law, doctrine and service
which God had commanded them
through Moses. They taught and
practiced something different from
the law of the land. O how terri-
bly and in how many different ways
they were punished by God, who
desires to have his will obeyed.
Blessed are the poor in spirit. To
obey is better than sacrifices. God
spake through Jeremiah, saying,
Obey my voice, and do them ac-
cording to all which I commanded
you, so shall ye be my people, and 1
will be your God, Jeremiah 11 : 4.
If we are not poor in spirit, we
are prone to seek a way different
than the one which God has com-
manded, because we seek the esteem
of men, instead of the esteem of
God, as if God was not wise enough
to teach the right way ; and by our
actions show that we put no reli
ance in his word. O that we may
not honor and exalt our own opin-
ions, but take the word of God for
our guide, and uphold nothing but
the saving, wholesome word of our
Lord Jesus Christ, and that in puri-
ty of heart, and be unblamable in
our life and doctrine. Dear breth-
ren and sisters, if we want to be the
true bride, and church of Christ, we
must be poor in spirit, and seek
nothing but the will of Almighty
God. We must have faith, truth,
obedience, baptism of the believing,
according to the word of God, true
fraternal love, long suffering, hum-
ble, merciful, temperate, pray in
spirit and truth. Yea beloved breth
ren, if we are the pure, chaste aud
spotless brido of our Lord Jesus
Christ, we will suffer all things for
Christ's sake, bring our own wills
i into death, so that we can truly say,
not my will, but thy will, O God,
bo done. The word of God will
alone avail. There is no salvation
on earth or in heaven than in Christ
Jesus, that is, in his doctrine, faith,
commandments, and in obedience
and walk of the same. O let us be
very careful to obey God in all
things. If we are proud, greedy,
envious, adulterous, false, deceiving,
disobedient, rebellious, vain, cruel,
ungodly, and unbelieving, Christ
will not own us as his bride. O no,
dear friends, no. Christ Jesus does
not own such a bride or church.
But his bride is flesh of his flesh and
bone of his bone, Eph. 5 : 30.
She conforms to him, is created
after his image, partakes of his na-
ture. In God's church nothing is
heard, seen or found but the true
doctrine of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and his holy apostles, according to
the holy scripture. If we have the
true faith it will make us desirous
to walk in the commandments of
our Lord and Master, to do his will
is our design, and it will show itself
in all righteousness, love and obedi-
ence, we will acknowledge that the
word of God is true wisdom, truth
and life. We will not cavil at the
word of God, and say as some do,
What can water avail; what virtue
in water, &c. But we will diligent-
ly try to obey the word of Christ
Jesus, in every thing, even at the
risk of death according to the flesh.
Yea, we may well trust in Christ, as
he himself says, All power is given
unto me in heaven and in earth,
Matt. 28: 18. The delight of God
is in him that is poor, and of a con-
trite spirit, and trembleth at his
word, and the delight of such a soul
LAYING UP TREASURES.
323
is in God. The proud ho knoweth
afar off. God resisteth the proud,
and giveth grace to the humble. ()
bow careful we ought to live. Christ
says that we must give an account
of every idle word in the day of
judgment. O that we might say
with the pslalmist, when we are in
company, "Let my tongue cleave
to the roof of my mouth, if I pre-
fer not Jerusalem above my chief
joy," then we shall find it true that
a ''wholesome tongue is a tree ot
life. J. R.
death" — poor wages indeed — that
Laying Up Treasures in Heaven.
BY C. A. OSGOOD..
Multitudes, moved with the great
est ardor, aro laboring with untir-
ing diligence and perseverance, to
'May up treasures upon earth." But
heavenly treasures far exceed in
value all that can be gained of this
world's possessions. Well would it
be for us if we would labor as wise-
ly, diligently, and perseveringly, to
lay up treasures in Heaven, as they
do to secure "the unrighteous mam-
mon." We are encouraged to do
this, by the assurance of our Savior,
that property invested in Heaven is
safe. No thief can ever enter that
holy place, to carry off our goods.
No fires will ever burn up those
mansions; nor will floods carry them
away. There moth and rust cannot
corrupt. It becomes, then, a ques-
tion of great interest, how may we
lay up treasures in Heaven? It is
evident that unconverted persons,
who are living in sin, and who are
servants of sin, are not doing this
Wo read that "the wages of sin is
impenitent men are "treasuring up
wrath against the day of wrath and
the revelation of the righteous judg-
ment of God." I n general, I would
say, that those who keep the com-
mandments ot God, and overcome
their sins and spiritual foes, are the
oik's who are laying up treasures in
heaven. "Blessed are they that do
his commandments, that they may
have right to the tree of life, and
enter in through the gates into the
city." Rev. 22: 14. "To him that
overcometh, will I give to eat <>f the
tree of life, which is in the midst of
the paradise of (loci," 2: 7. "He
that overcometh, the same shall bo
clothed in white raiment, and 1 will
not blot out his name out of the
book of life," 3: 4. "To him that
overcometh, will 1 grant to sit with
me on 1113- throne, even as I also
overcame, and am set down with
my Father in his throne," 3: 21,
How encouraging these promises are
to the Christian Boldier, in times of
fierce temptation- !
Again, we lay up treasures in
Heaven when we sutler cheerfully
for Christ's sake. "If we suffer, we
shall also reign with him," 2 Tim
2 : 12. Said our Savior : "Bless
are ye when men shall revile you,
and persecute you, and -hall say all
manner of evil against you falsely,
for my sake. Rejoice [ye in that
day], and be exceedingly glad
great is your reward in Heaven/1
Matt. 5: 11 12 Paul wrote thus
about these things: "These light
afflictions, which are but for a mo-
ment, work out for us a far more
exceeding, and an eternal weight of
glory." So that sorrow, and trials,
and persecutions, will make us rich-
324
HUMILITY.
ur when we go where Jesus is. Then
and there no affliction will press
down the saints of God. Now they
Buffer, then they will be glorified.
Hero they are poor, there they be-
come exceedingly rich 1
By using property faithfully, in
promoting the cause of God and the
welfare of mankind, we may in-
crease our wealth in Heaven. Said
our Savior, to a certain rich man,
"Go and sell that thou hast, and
give to the poor, and thou shalt
havo treasure in Heaven : and come
and follow mo," Matt. 19: 21. Again,
when at a feast, he said to the man
that bade him, "When thou makest
a dinner or a supper, call not thy
friends, nor thy brethren, nor thy
kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbors,
lest they also bid thee again, and a
recompense be made thee. But
when thou makest a feast, call the
poor, the maimed, the lame, the
blind. And thou shalt be blessed;
for they can not recompense thee;
but thou shalt be recompensed at
the resurrection of the just." Paul
said to Timothy, "Charge them that
are rich in this world, that they do
good, that they be rich in good
works, ready to distribute, willing
to communicate; laying up in store
for themselves a good foundation
for the time to come, that they may
lay hold on eternal life," 1 Tim. 6 :
17, 18. Thus may earthly riches be
exchanged for heavenly.
Again, those who are faithful
shepherd.? over God's flock, and
those who lead sinners to repent-
ance, are increasing greatly their
heavenly treasures. Said Peter,
"The elders which are among you,
I exhort, * * * Feed the flock of
God which is among you, taking the
oversight thereof, not by constraint,
but willingly ; not for filthy lucre,
but of a ready mind, * :;: * and
when the Chief Shepherd shall ap-
pear, ye shall receive a crown of
glory that fadeth not away," 1 Pe-
ter 5 : 2, 4. In the book of Daniel
we are informed that "they that are
wise, shall shine as the brightness of
the firmament, and they that turn
mciny to righteousness, as the stars
forever and ever." Finally, all
those who are faithful in the use (A
tho talents which our Lord has in-
trusted to them, are making the
wealth of Heaven their own. Tho
Lord has said to us, with regard to
these : "Occupy till 1 come." And
he who uses them, not for his own
carnal pleasure, but for the glory of
God and the interests of his cause>
will hear the Lord say to him, when
he comes to reckon with his ser-
vants, "Well done, good and faith-
ful servant, thou hast been faithful
over few things, 1 will make thee
ruler over many things; enter thou
into the joy of thy Lord," Matt. 25:
21. Well ma}* the people of God
"be always abounding in the work
of the Lord."
HUMILITY.
There arc two kinds of humility,
a genuine, God-giving humility, and
a false humility. There is only one
kind that God approves.
How many there are who call
themselves humble, who know very
little, by actual, personal experience,
what humility is! What great dan-
ger there is of real, honest saints of
God being imposed upon, by the en-
emy of souls handing out a spuri-
ous article for them to accept as
genuine coin.
HUMILITY.
There are many who stand up in
the congregation to bear testimony
for Jesus — professing to be meek
and lowly — following his example —
who would blush with shame at the
very idea of conforming themselves
wholly to the will of God, in the
way of giving up wearning costlj-
apparel. When there is anything
said upon the subject, or even plain
texts of Scriptures quoted, how it
will stir them up ! They make out
that those texts of Scriptures do
not mean as they read, — that those
texts are arc not to be taken in a
literal sense. The truth is, they are
in the habit of wresting the S
ture to suit their own fancy, in
of conforming their Uvea to the
word of God. Sometimes we see
such persons go to the house of God,
attired in the habiliments of a proud
worlding, declaiming to an atten-
tive audience that they are all the
Lord's, to go the narrow way to
heaven; and with tearful eyes and
trembling voice, they make some
believe that Jesus possesses their
whole hearts without reserve, — and
at the same time, they are rank de-
spisers of those who are good — of
those who dress as Jesus directs.
How many times an earnest saint
has felt the sting of unkind words
and cruel neglect! The truth is,
there is no real fellowship between
the two classes.
On the other hand, we have those
who have been converted to the doc-
trine— and they are very particular
to dress plain, as the Bihle directs —
but they do not manifest the spirit
of Jesus. They arecensorious, harsh,
and severe — void of humility, love,
charity and faith. They think they
are humble, and point to their plain-
ness of dross as being satisfactory
evidence to their hearts being right
They stand up stoutly in favor of
the doctrines they have espoused ;
but they do it in such a spirit, that
many times they not only prove a
hindrance, but actually overthrow
work done through the instrumen-
tality of those who arc led by the
Holy Ghost. Such people are want-
ing in humility.
Humility is the of pride
and self-love. If we have the hu-
mility we should, we shall not want
to resent injuries; neither will we
often find it to the glory of God to'
reply to th mischievous tonga
a gain-saying world, the
of Christ But let
self-will go down, and the
power of godliness will be in th<
cendency. With a plenty of humil-
would be more closely
united in their fellowship, and more
closely united to God, and the
preacher would not feel that he has
been crippled and his hands ti<
distracting influences and disturb-
ing elements of various kinds. The
people would rally tu the Bupportof
their leader, as he uv^;^ on the bat-
tle against the tide of iniquity.
Differences of a non-essential char-
acter would be easily adjn
among the members, and a Bpil
forgiveness would t:ike the placo of
sourness; and if a brother or
ter be overtaken in a fault, there
would be spiritual mindedness
enough to restore Buoh a one in a
spirit of meekness. Quarrels and
disputes would DC done away, and
the love of Christ he the running
theme.
With a sufficient quantity of hu-
mility, our spiritual eyesight may
32G
DELIG II TLED IN GOD.
be greatly improved. 1 believe God
is best pleased to give the greatest
spiritual discernment to those who
keep enough grace in their hearts to
prevent their becoming a respecter
of persons. We will try to correct
the faults of our nearest and best
friends, who help us the most, just
as quick as wo do the faults of those
who oppose us and cast out our
names as evil. We will not justify
in our nearest friends what we con-
demn in our enemies. We shall
want to see God glorified at all
times.
Humility will place us where we
shall not get offended when a faith-
ful servant of God — who dares not
offend his Maker by lowering the
standard of salvation to please men
undertakes to help us try our founda-
tion, that we may know whether
we are on the rock. If his earnest
appeals and warnings should drive
people away, wo will not blame
him, no more than Christ was to be
blamed when the people left him,
because they thought he had utter-
ed a hard saying. We will say,
Amen ! to the truth, if it hits us
ever so hard; and where we find
ourselves wanting, we will strive
more earnestly for victory in that
particular. Our aim will be to live
for God. The Lord help us to keep
clothed with humility! — Earnest
Christian.
DELIGHTED IN GOD.
One of the severest charges brought
in revelation against corrupt man is
his delighting in the creature more
than the Creator. It is a heavy
charge. It accuses of folly tho
most astonishing; for in true excel- j
ienco the Greater must, in every re-
spect, not only be superior to each
individual or class of creatures, but
must immeasurably surpass all their
combined excellences. The charge
of man's most delighting in the cre-
ature implies tho basest ingratitude
to the Creator. It implies, too, a
state of moral corruption which
causes man to have incorrect concep-
tions of moral excellence.
But he who is truly made alive
spiritually, delights in God. One is
represented by a certain writer as
being so enraptured in viewing the
glories of the rising sun as to farcy
he was made for the sole purpose of
seeing and admiring those glories.
And it would seem enough if men
were made for the express purpose
of viewing the glory of the Sun of
Eighteousness We should delight
ourselves* in viewing the glorious
character of God as revealed in his
word, his works, and to our hearts
by his Spirit. When shall we have
completed the lesson, either in time
or eternity '( Christ said that he
would his disciples should be with
him, beholding his glory. It .8 food,
comfort, bliss, to the soul to be per-
mitted to contemplate the character
of God. It gives light in dark
places, strength in. weakness, and is
full of floods of righteousness and
beams of sweetest peace. The con-
templation of the glory of God, as
seen in the face of the world's Re-
deemer, is full of the sweetest de-
lights. Why, then, should our race
fail to delight in contemplating the
character of the Savior and Crea-
tor ?
If we should delight in God, we
should certainly delight in his word.
It is his message to us. It is the
DELIGHTED IN GOD.
327
conversation of heaven with earth.
It is freighted with the purest wis-
dom. Beneficence is written on ev-
ery page. Love runs through all
its columns. It is the token of hope
and the chart of salvation. It
points out duty and admonishes to
its performance. It warns us off
the coast of danger. It gives us
the key to tho knowledge of heav
en. ItexhibitsGod'scondescension.
It reveals the stores of his grace and
the riches of the inheritance pre-
pared for us. It tells us of his fam-
ily and of their eternal home. It
gives us the experience of the past
and unlocks to us the future of
earth, as well as the final end in
eternity.
How much we ought to delight in
the worship of God. Is it to talk
with the Lord ? Does he not also
hold conversation with us? Is it
strange that the saint delights in
communion with him ? Is it not
rather strange that all his people do
not appear continually before him ?
He can not be truly said to delight
in God who prizes not the privi-
lege of prayer. And it his soul is
glowing with the heavenly delight,
how can it find expression without
song ? And it the Lord hath done
great things for him, filling his
heart with singing and his mouth
with laughter, how can he bo con-
tent without declaring his joys to
his fellows, and magnifying the name
of his Redeemer?
Who that has read of tho sweet
inquiry of tho little daughter,
Father, what can I do for you ?"
has not been touched ? Should we
not all thus desire to know God's
will, and doit? Tho service may
not all bo of itself pleasant; but to
tho heart of love it is tho chief de-
light to please that one to whom its
affection is given. Wo may not
love the crosses which we must bear,
but wo should crave even these if
they raise us nearer to tho object of
our love. Tho loving mother may
not delight in the wearing toil and
watchfulincss which her children's
welfare requires; but she would ex-
change it for no other while their
interest calls for it. So the l
disagreeable service does not re-
pulse, or tho most troublesome or
dangerous obstacles deter, the CI
lian from tho service of God. 1 1 is
soul longs for the servico of his
Mas i
How should wo delight in the
promises of God ? They are heav-
en's bills of promise, — banknotes in-
finitely superior to those that move
the cupidity of the capitalist. They
are bonds for which we pay no
price; and yet we can draw the full
face of them a hundred times.
But what is it to delight in Christ?
He has felt our pains. He has tast-
ed our griefs. He has wept our
tears. He has acquainted himself
with our heart yearnings. He has
tried our woes. His heart is full of
sympathy. He paid our ransom. —
paid it at a cost that is a mystery
to aogels and saints But he paid
it freely. He fought our foe, and
tho laurels of victory are on bifl
brow. Tho perfect system of his
providences is beating with the
moving power of his great heart.
His faith tain ess is not excelled by
his wondrous affection for us W'oii-
derlul is his love. Inn way-, his p >W-
er, his victories, his grace, his sal-
vation, his inheritance! But in
loveliness his character excels all
sublimity. Then shall not on re
delight all our days in Christ, our
Bedeemer I
328
TKEATMENT OF ENEMIES.
Treatment of Enemies.
Few are so happy as to pass through
this world without encountering hostili
t.y and enmity. Even the blessed Je-
sus had enemies; and all the gentle
graces of his character, all the harm-
lessness of his benevolent life, all the
good effected by his unwearied labors,
did not prevent his being the object of
scorn and malignity, hatred and perse-
cution. Perhaps by enemies your char-
acter may be defamed, and injury and
loss heaped upon you. Should thie
ever be the case then remember the in-
structions of the Bible. The natural
feelings of your heart may prompt you
to indulge resentment, to revile those
who revile you, to take pleasure in their
distresses who take pleasure in yours, or
in hearing them defamed who have de-
famed you ; but these feelings are as
appropriate to those the Christian must
cherish, as hell is to heaven. You are
solemnly commanded to do no ill to
those who do ill to you. "Say not, 1
will do so to him as he hath done to me;
I will render to the man according to
his work." "Recompense to no man
evil for evil. Avenge not yourselves,
but rather give place unto wrath." You
are not only forbidden to injure enemies,
but forbidden to take pleasure in their
afflictions. "ftejoice not when thine
enemy falleth, lest the Lord see it, and
it displease him."
Inculcating upon you a disposition
ike his own, the God of mercy solemn-
y and imperiously requires from you
he forgiveness of injuries and of ene-
mies. The Savior teaches you, when
praying for forgiveness, to declare to
God that you forgive : "Forgive us our
sins, for we also forgive every one that
is indebted to us." He adds, "For if
ye forgive men their trespasses, your
heavenly Father will also forgive you :
but if ye forgive not men their tres
passes, neither will your heavely Fath-
er forgive your trespasses." The divine
Savior calls on his disciples not merely
to forgive an injurer or an enemy but to
requite injuries by benefits, evil by
good : "I say unto you, Love your ene-
mies, bless them that curse you, dc good to
them that hate you, and pray for them
which despitefully use you, and perse-
cute you; that ye may be the children
of your heavenly Father which is in
heaven." "Bless them which persecute
you : bless, and curse not. Therefore,
if thine enemy hunger, feed him ; if he
thirst, give him drink. Be not over-
come of evil, but overcome evil with
good."
Exemplifying his divine instruction,
the holy Jesus, while his enemies were
nailing him to the cross, prayed for
mercy on those murderers : "Father for-
give them, for they know not what they
do." His first martyr expired with a
similar prayer upon his lips. The du-
ties here inculcated are at times among
the most difficult possible; yet, they
must be practiced if you would enjoy
the Savior's favor. The proud heart
must be made to bend, the resentful
heart must be brought to forgive, or
your religion will prove an empty name.
You may say, I have been so injured
that I cannot forgive : but if you can-
not, you will never be forgiven. Be-
sides, it is absurd and wicked, if you
are a disciple of Jesus, to say, I cannot
discharge this duty, I cannot comply
with this precept. What mere nature
cannot do, grace can effect, and will ef
feet, in the case of every heir of heav-
en. "My grace," said Jesus, "is suffi-
cient for thee." "I can do all things,"
his servant added, "through Christ, that
strengtheneth me;" and that grace is
still sufficient.
THE CHRISTIAN'S PATTERN.
329
If you indulge an unforgiving spirit,
be candid, be honest, deceive not your
self; you cannot deceive your Judge.
Say not, I cannot foagive, but say, I
will not; for be assured, while the grace
of God is sufficient for all who seek his
aid, if you have enemies whom you do
cot forgive, the reason is not that you
can not, but that you will not. Yet,
remember, unless you do so mortify cor-
ruption as to forgive every enemy, the
decree is gone forth that will shut you
out of heaven. Eternal truth hath said,
"If ye forgive not men their trespasses,
neither will your Father forgive your
trespasses."
Perhaps some have wronged you
greatly who are utter strangers to the
grace of God. Surely you should rath-
er view them with pity than with anger.
O think of their deplorable state. They
have souls immortal as your own, but
these are perishiDg in siu. The blood
of Jesus has washed none of their stains
away. No hope of eternity is theirs
Your hope blooms with immortality, but
darkness and despair are their probable
future portion. They are the enemies
of God ; and all before them in the end-
less world, is weeping, and lamentation,
and woe. How pitiable a condition !
Should you not rather pray for them,
than indulge resentment against poor
fellow creatures in so miserable a state?
surely they have long enough to mourn.
If they will seek nothing higher, let
them enjoy their shortlived triumph.
It is all they can enjoy. Repine not at
their prosperity, when it is all confined
to a few moments, and they have to
mourn and weep forever. — Guide for
young disciples.
m • <■
The spiritual mind looks to God
for wisdom for the day, for the hour,
for the business in hand.
The Christian's Pattern.
Most persons, in order to work,
successfully, need a pattern to work
by. It is fortunate for the Chris-
tian that in doing work for eternity
he has a pattern to work by, to im-
itate. Christ is the model, the per-
fect pattern. To bo a Christian in
to be like Christ and act like him.
The greater the resemblance to
Christ, the better the Christian. We
may not essay to imitate Christ in
the manifestation of the divine at-
tributes; but whilo there dwelt in
him "all the fullness of the godhead
bodily, and he was God over all
blessed for evermore/' still ho set us
an example ot humble devoted. ness
never to be despised. How often
we hear Christians (sometimes min-
isters) boasting of what they have
done. <kI have built this society;"
etc. How tar such miss the pattern
of humility set before them in the
lite of the Savior.
It is true that Jesus opened the
eyes of the blind, that he healed the
poor, afflicted leper, and that he
raised Lazarus from the dead; but
it is not true that he ever boasted of
any of these things. He did sa}*,
"I can, of mine own self, do noth-
ing " He said also to his followers,
'Without me ye can do nothing."
Happy the Christian or Christian
minister who understands, yea, who
feels the force of this declaration.
Did men but feel their dependenco,
they certainly would never speak
boastfully of themselves. Nothing
could turn the blessed Jesus aside
from the one object of his mission
in this world. He was continually
about his Father's bn even
from early youth. He was deserted
and derided by many of his friends.
330
THE SAMARITANS.
Persecutions -were hurled against! when belaid aside his crown in glory
him. His name was reproached and became poor for our sake, that
and cast out as evil. Yet, amid all wo through his poverty might be
these trials and oppositions he was! made rich. Ho was kind to his en-
firm. Ho had not ono hour to emies when, in all the agonies of
spend in cowardly compromise with the cross, ho lifted his languid eyes
evil, however popular it might bo. to heaven and cried, "Father, for-
How this example should cause the give them." Ho said to his disci-
color to mantle the cheeks of the pies on ono occasion, "All things
pandering, time-serving, would-be whatsoever ye would that men
Christian.
With the consistent Christian, re-
ligion is the first thing, the one thing
needful. Everythingelse mustyield
to his religion. It was so with Je
sus, and it should bo so with us.
The Christian should not be egotis-
tic ; but he should be firm as a rock.
I am glad that it is possible for the
Christian to be humble, and yet be
firm. Firmness is no evidence of
pride or of highmindedness. Our
great pattern was always kind ; and
so we should be. True, he said
many things that were not pleasant
to those to whom they were address
ed ; but it is necessary to say and
do unpleasant things sometimes.
We do not esteem the surgeon un-
kind who amputates the affected
limb. Life may depend on his per-
forming the painful task. Jesus
said, "Ye are of your father the
devil. " That was plain talk, and
perhaps it gave pain; but it was
necessary. Perhaps ho could have
said nothing elso so well calculated
to result in their salvation. On an-
other occasion ho looked upon this
same people and exclaimed, "O Je-
rusalem, Jerusahm, how oft would
I have gathered thy children to-
gether as a hen gathereth her chick-
ens under her wings ; but ye would
not."
Jesus was kind to a sinking world j
should do unto you, do ye even so unto
them." None wish to be treated
otherwise than kindly; hence the
obligation to be kind to all. The
Christian who supposes that bo can
put on a rough, surly, grouty ap-
pearance, and not compromise his
Christian character or offend hie
glorious .Redeemer, is mistaken.
"Be ye kindly affectioned one to an-
other with brotherly love; in honor
preferring one another." "Be ye
kind one to another, tenderhearted,
forgiving ono another, even as God
for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
"Put on therefore, as the elect of
God, holy and beloved, bc-wels of
mercies, kindness, humbleness of
mind, meekness, long-suffering; for
bearing one another, and forgiving
ono another, if any man have a
quarrel against any : even as Christ
forgave you, so also do ye." — J. P.
Wilson.
THE SAMARITANS.
The following account of this ancient
sect is taken from Dr. Harman's Jour-
ney to iLgypt and the Holg Land — a re-
cent volume of travels, replete with
useful and reliable information for Bi-
ble-readers and students :
"The Samarilans are descendants
principally of the heathen tribes which
the king of Assyria transplanted into
THE SAMARITANS.
331
Samaria, in the place of the ton tribes' and Ebal. The modern town Nibltis is
that he had carried away captives. (II the ancient Sbechem. f(*en. vii. 6.)
Kings xvii. 24 ) But it is not likely In Acts vii 16, it is called Bychem.
that the king of Assyria actually car- Soon after the time of Christ, the Ro-
lled away captive all the Israelites mans gave to it the name of Neapolis,
The remnants of the ten tribes were in
corporated with these heathens. A
priest was sent by the king of Assyria
to instruct them in the knowledge of
the law of Moses. The copy of the law
of Moses obtained from the Jewish
priests was the basis of the present Sa-
maritan Pentateuch, which differs but
little from that of the Jews, but it is
not of equal authority. They have no
ether books of the Old Testament ca-
non. It was on Mount Ebal that the
Lord commanded the Israelites to build
— when they should enter the promised
land — an altar of stones, and to offer
thereon burnt-offerings and peace-offer-
ings, etc. (Deut. xxvii. 4-8 ) Here
the Samaritan Pentateuch has Gerizim
instead of Ebal, which change the Sa-
maritans seem to have made to justify
themselves in building their temple on
the top of Gerizim. When the Jews
returned from Babylonian captivity,
and were engaged in building the tem
pie at Jerusalem, the Samaritans oflvr
ed to assist them ; but their offering
was promptly rejected by the Jews, who
could not acknowledge their claim to be
considered a part of the holy people
From this source sprang the enmity ex-
isting between the Samaritans and Jews
(John iv. 9 ) Alexander the Great
gave Sanballat, a Persian satrap, per-
mission to build a temple on Mount
Gerizim for the Samaritans. This tern
pie was destroyed by John Hyrcanus,
the Jew, B. C. 129."
"The present number of the Samari-
tans is not more than one hundred and
fifty, confined to the locality of Nabu-
lus, in the narrow vale between Gerizim
1 which has come down to the present
lime in the corrupted form, Nabulus, Of
Nablus. Here this ancient people have
a synagogue and a resident high priest.
They still preserve their forms of wor-
ship, and camp annually on Mount Ger-
izim to celebrate the passovt r. Their
high-priest is a man of about sixty
years of age. He dresses in a loose
robe, and is quite prepossessing in his
personal appearance. There is nothing
in him that would indicate a Jewish
origin. He possesses the five books of
Moses in a large volume, written in
three languages — Samaritan, Chaldee,
and Arabic — on the same page, but in
the Samaritan characters. He sterns
well versed in Samaritan lore, but is la-
mentably ignorant in other respects He
proclaims his faith in a coming Messiah
who will be like Moses, but inferior to
him, and will reaffirm the Mosaic law,
basing these views on Deuteronomy xix.
15. Solomon he regards as the Shilob,
with whom the scepter departed from
Judah. This explanation is quite in-
genious, and well suited to the pnrposi I
ot the Samaritans, who deny that the
people of Judah, after the time of Solo-
mon, were the people of God, and thus
their own claim to be considered the
theocratic people is made quite plausi-
ble. In these peculiar views this mod-
ern representative of an ancient faith
considers himself alone to be right, and
all the rest of the world wrong He
has no respect for the judgment of the
learned world, as he thinks leamr
no use in judging of matters of inspira-
tion, and is willing to stand alone, as
did Abraham, and avows his belief that.
Samaritanism will yet become univer-
sal."
:*32
CHRISTIAN WELL DOING.
Purity and Maturity.
There aro many persons who do
not distinguish between purity and
maturity in religion. The result is,
they aro confused in their thoughts
on the subject, and often object to
the teaching and profession of puri-
ty or holiness as a present attain-
ment. They do not seo that purity
is only the result and completion of
the work of cleasing by the blood
of Jesus, so that the heart is clean
and is kept clean. "Purge me with
hyssop, and 1 shall be clean : wash
me, and I shall bo whiter than
snow." "From all your filthiness
will I cleanse you, saith the Lord ;"
and "the blood of Jesus Christ his
Son cleanseth us from all sin." Of
such Jesus says, "Blessed are the
pure in heart, for they shall see
God." This state is well represent-
ed to us in the well-born, healthy
child. It is complete, lacking noth-
ing, as a child; 3vet it is not nature.
It has need of proper nourishment,
and it will grow to mature man-
hood.
Thus the pure in heart are well-
born children of God. They grow
in grace, advancing toward maturi-
ty. As healthy children thrive bet-
ter than sickly ones, so the pure-
hearted or healthy Christian grows
more rapidly than the sickly one.
Of purity, Paul says, "As many of
us as be perfect, let us be like-mind-
ed ;" and of maturity he says, "Not
that I have already attained, or that
I am already perfect." Purity is
instantaneous and complete when
we believe with the heart unto
righteousness; but maturity is pro-
gressive, and is not complete until
the resurrection of the body, and
wo are complete in the heavenly
world.
Tho apostolic exhortations to
Christian progress always imply the
previous attainment to Christian
purity or holiness; as when he ex-
horts to growth in grace he supposes
them to bo already in a state of
grace, and when he exhorts Chris-
tians to add to faith virtue and to
virtue knowledge, &c, he supposes
them to bo believers already, and
consequently pure-hearted. The
child Jesus, though pure and holy,
increased in wisdom and stature and
favor with God and man. Christians
are exhorted to desire tho sincero
milk of the word, that they may
grow thereby. Their robes are
washed and made white in the blood
of the Lamb ; yet the tribulation
may bo necessary, and may precede
their maturity in the heavenly
world.
Christian Well-Doing-
There is need that Christians be "not
weary in well-doing." There is danger
that we fail of doing our whole duty —
of doing well in all respect3. So is the
will of God, that with well-doing ye
may put to silence the ignorance of fool-
ish men."
Our lives are the tests of Christiani-
ty. We may deprecate this; wo may
shrink from the responsibility which it
involves; but for all that, the fact
stands. If we profess to be Christians,
men will judge of Christianity, not by
what is written concerning it in the Bi-
ble or in religious books, but by what
they see it to be in our lives. Alas,
alas, that oftentimes they must receive
so poor an impression of the nature of
the religion of Jesus.
We need to believe right. No ma;;
can long live right whose creed is wrong^
EMBLEMS OF PURITY.
33:1
We should have definite conceptions of
what is "the truth as it is in Jesus."
But important as it is that we believe
right, it is no less important that we act
right. Men will judge of Christianity
— as far as we are concerned — more by
what they see us do than by what we
say we believe. In fact, our living
shows what we really do believe. The
best testimony we can give to the truth
of the gospel is a godly life.
It is required that the Christian do
well in all respects. His life, in all its
relations, must be an argument for the
religion of Jesus. This demands that
he shall be a better man than others in
the fundamentals of character — in all
that pertains to holiness, to righteous-
ness. If he is less than this — if at
least he is not seeking to be all this, he
cannot be called a "'Christian," whatever
pretentions he may make.
Of course that which is pre-eminent-
ly characteristic of the Christian — that
indeed which makes him a Christian —
is love to God. But this principle of
love cannot be seen by others. They
can know that it exists only as they see
the effects it produces; just as we judge
that a healthful, vigorous sap is cours-
ing through the tree when we see the
rich fruit hanging on its boughs. This
was what Christ meant when he said,
"Let your light so shine before men,
that they may see your good works, and
glorify your Father which is in heav-
en."
We are, as Christians, to do well in
these fundamentals of godly living. But
not only this, we should be careful to
do well in what may be termed the mi-
nor virtues. They are too often disre-
garded. And yet, even as is the case
with many other "little things," as we
deem them, they are of immense im-
portance. For these "little poiir
our character aud conduct are very
largely determining how men will stand
affected toward us.
Those who are not children of God
cannot fully appreciate holiness of heart
and life. It will have its effects doubt-
less. It will attract men, just as the
sun attracts all objects to itself. Bui
men do appreciate these minor excel-
lences. They can be won by coir
and softened by kindness, and so per
haps — and no one knows how soon — the
way may be opened to bring them un-
der the influence of a he ly example,
and lead them to Christ.
Are we coming up to the whole meas-
ure of our duty when we are neglecting
even the minor virtues; when we are
not using them as instrumentalities for
doing the work God has given us to do?
So to livo involves care, involve*
watchfulness, involves labor. But it is
only such living that is truly Christian
living. And will it not be worth all the
care, all the watchfulness, all the labor
to hear addressed to us, even t
"Well done, good and faithful servant,
enter thou into the joy of thy Lord V —
Am. Messen
Emblems of Purity Flowers.
I am kept indoors much of the
time .luring the winter by poor
heal tli. For plea*
keep a few flowers in my windows.
The. pleasures I re< ive >m them
aro very many—. test, ]
think, is when I can eat B
sick friend. How beautiful
cheerful do they make
room ! A part 1
row- ■ their |
ence.
The profits I
901 ' '
334
BE IN EARNEST.
great heart of love to man in giving
them to us. They are preachers,
too, for they often preach to me. As
I was watching an opening bud,
waiting patiently for the opening, it
preached to me this little sermon
It was nearly open when the sun
left it to a cold, pitiless rain-storm.
Fearful lest its inner life should be
exposed to the darkness and cold, it
gathered its outer leaves all over the
inner lite, thus protecting it from all
harm ; but when the warm rays of
the sun touched that bud, how quick-
ly it opens its inner life to its loving
embrace. If the warm rays of the
sun do this for that that perisheth,
what will not the warm love o' Je-
sus do for the human heart? — un
folding truth, honesty, and charity,
that never faileth, and all that make
the trials of this life bearable, re-
vealing new beauties in Jesus, mak-
ing him to us the one to be desired
above all others? I wish every hu-
man heart, like the bud, would close
itself against all evil, and open to
the warm love of God. There are
some flowers that only shed their
fragrance when the sun is on them;
so fragrant will be the influence that
comes from the heart filled with the
warm love of God. Let us wel-
come these gentle tokens of his un-
folding love to us, for they bring a
beam of heavenly light to the dark
places of earth. L.
Be in Earnest
Whatever meets the eye as we are
passing through this world seems to
impress us with the thought that we
need to be in earnest. Whatevor
Whatever our calling may be in l'fo
whatever our feet may carry us on
errands of love and mercy, all, all
tends to remind us that "whatever
our hand findeth to do," we are to
do with our might. All heaven is
in earnest to rescue fallen man. Je-
sus is earnestly interceding, and the
Holy Spirit is constantly doing its
office- work upon the heart. ''Hell
from beneath is moved," eager to
swallow up "the whole world that
lieth in wickedness."
Disease and death are constantly
doing their work as if in earnest.
Souls are going down to everlasting
darkness for the want of an earnest
decision to avail themselves of the
provisions of the gospel. Life is
passing. The great wheel of time
is continually rolling on. Every-
thing seems to say, "Work while it
is day; the night cometh when no
man can work."
We need to remember that earn-
estness is an essential element of
success. Men of wealth are those
who, after resolving to be such,
have made money making the chief
and all absorbing business of their
lives. Rising early and working
late, they have seemed to count the
hours of the day, jealously watch-
ing lest they might not be improv-
ed to the best advantage. Surely,
from a worldly point of view, they
must have learned how to be "in-
stant in season, out of season," mak-
ing every moment count, every op-
portunity tell, to the laying up of
treasures on earth. Alas ! may it
not still be truthfully said, "The
children of this world are in their
generation wiser than the children
of light 1" Sadly I find myself ask-
sound strikes the ear seems to send
back its echo, "Be in earnest ,!"|ing, Shall it ever be thus?
ABOUT THE POPES.
335
My dear brethren and sisters, is it
not high time to awake out of sleep,
to cast off the work of darkness and
put on the armor of light? Shall
we not, with all the energy of our
souls, go out into the field with
sickle in hand, ready for work, and
willing to bear the heat of the sun
and every other discomfort for the
sako of accomplishing our task ? —
counting no self-denial too rigid to
practice, no duty too odious to per-
form, or cross too heavy to bear, so
that we may faithfully meet the re-
sponsibility resting upon us ? Suro-
ly none can say, I see nothing for
me to do." One honest look around
us and we find our hearts respond-
ing to the sentiment,
"If we want a field of labor,
Wo can find it anywhere."
About Popes.
When a Pope dies there are some pe-
culiar ceremonies. For instance : as
soon as it is known in his palace that
he is dead, a man enters the room
where his body lies, and raps on his
head three times with a silver mallet,
calling his name three times; then,
having waited for the reply, which he
knew beforehand would not come, he
announces formally that the Pope is
dead ; as if the rapping on his skull
were the final proof. Then the great
bell of the capital is tolled, and every-
body knows by that what has taken
place ; then there is a funeral of nine
days, in which time the city seems j
given over to noise and disorder, as if
it was without any one to govern it.
Meanwhile, watched day and night by a
guard, he lies on a sumptuous bier,
with tapers blazing around him ; and
thousands of people come and ki
toe of his slipper, and look at him iu
his splendid robes, and at last he is laid
away in the vault, and the cardinals
begin the struggle for a successor.
The choice is limited to their own
number; consequently every on*
pires to the office, and deep is the
scheming as soon as there is a proba-
bility that it will become vacant
Each is entitled to cast one vote, and
this right can not be taken from him
Even if he is a criminal, he may be
taken from prison to vote. The
must be an Italian by birth; no man
from any other nation has occupied the
place for nearly three hundred and
fifty years.
At ceremony of inaugurating a
new Pope, one of the customs is to put
a bunch of tow on the end of a .-tifV.
and burn it just before his eyes ; and
while it is swiftly blazing and vani.^h-
ing, the voice of the official who holds
it solemnly says to him, u St. Peter,
sic transit gloria mundi," to remind
him that all things are vain and per-
ishinable.
It used to be nece.-^ary that the
horse ridden by the Pope on state oc-
casions should be gray, and when he
mounted it must be from a stool with
three steps, and if any royal person
were present he should hold the stirrup,
and walk beside the horse, leading him.
The first who dared set himself above
sovereigns was Leo III., who was a
friend to Charlemagne, and. :.' Bome
grand festival where tin I nobil-
ity and Roman clergy were present io
all their glory, Leo came forward and
to the surprise of c\\ ry one, placed a
magnificent crown on the head I
prince and anointed him.
After this I t in
politics, made wars and treaties, and
excomraunicat- .i w1
336
WAR.
them. They meidled in the affairs of
nearly every court in Europe, and
made themselves a terror. The ex
communication of a sovereign was felt
to be a most dreadful calamity, and no
wonder, for while he was in this state
the church bells were not rung, sacra-
ment was not administered, altars and
pictures were covered with black cloth,
statues of saints were taken down and
Jaid on beds of cinders and ashes, and
there was a general appearance of deso-
lation and mourning.
Sometimes the Pope granted what
was called a " dispensation," if the of
fender would build a church, or pay a
heavy fine ; and in this way a vast
amount of wealth was gained by this
great potentate. A man's estate was
liable at any moment to be forfeited, it
he gave offense in any way. It was so
in all Catholic countries. There were
frequent contests before property and
rights were given up, but the one at
the head of the Romish church usually
prevailed, tor his secret agents were
everywhere, and men were superstitious
and fearful. More than one king
asked his forgiveness, going barefoot
and on his knees even, to sue for it.
' The number of Popes, according to
the Romish calender, from St. Peter to
Pius IX., is two hundred and fifty-
eight. Not many have been known by
their true names, thus : Nicholas Break-
sphere, an Englishman, and the last
who was of foreign birth, is known in
the list as Adrian IV. Immediately
after his election the Pope takes a new
name. The first one who did this was
supposed to have been ashamed of his
own, which was Osporco (hog's flesh,)
and his successor, without similar rea
son, followed his example.
Peter has not been a name chosen,
because none wish to assume that of
the first, the vicar, as they say, whom
the Master appointed. There have
been sixteen called Gregory; Clement,
14; Benedict, fourteen; Innocent, thir-
teen; Leo, twelve; Pius, nine. Tho
present Pope, Pius IX., has occupied
the place longer than any other. —
Kirkland in Christian Weekly.
War.
Who can paint the iniquities, or
paint the horrors of war ?
This terrible monster and fell de-
stroyer, who has reigned with unprece-
dented success for ages, still continues
to reach forth his crimson hand to the
remotest regions of our globe; and for-
tunate are the people who have enjoyed
all the privileges and blessings lavished
upon them by an all-wise Creator, even
for a century, without being visited by
this dreadful calamity.
We assert, without fear of contradic
tion, that among the many evils which
prey upon the human family there is
none equal to that of war.
Plagues, famines and pestilences,
each with its frightful results, may be
pictured ; but war can justly be consid-
ered without a rival in the catalogue of
evils.
There is no field within the limits of
human knowledge which presents such
a chance for the exercise and develop-
ment of the historian's powers as that
to which we have already alluded; and
in searching the pages of history we
find in numerous instances where flour-
ishing kingdoms, with their immense
multitudes of human beings, beautiful
cities adorned with stately temples, and
towering edifices decorated with the
most exquisite ornaments, have all fallen
before the strokes of the avaricious in-
vader. Monarchs in all their glory,
DEATH AND SLEEP.
sitting upon their thrones and swaying! Beersheba, and break the morning over
the scepter over vast dominions, ha vet mountain and sea. Imprison Paul , Mid
been dragged from their lofty positions
despite the tears of their subjects.
The occupants of the princely man-
sion as well as those of the lowest hovel
are all alike subject to the evils inevita-
bly resulting from war, while the sor-
rows and miseries that follow directly
in its train loom up before our minds,
and we see innumerable hosts of hos-
tile armies engaged in deadly combat ;
countries overrun ; strongholds, the re-
duction of which had hitherto baffled
the skill of ages, razed to the grouud ;
bulwarks, with their frowning cannon,
leveled to the earth, and rulers com-
pelled to succumb before their conquer-
ors.
In reflecting on scenes like these, a
truly sympathetic miud can not fail to
have deep emotions, such as would
gladly hail the time when the clamor of
war shall be no more; when a world's
legions shall have ceased to exist as or-
ganized bands of human destroyers, and
when peace and harmony shall reign
supreme.
there will be high noon over all the
Roman Empire. Imprison John, and
the isles of the Egian and all the e
around, will kindle with sunset visions
too gorgeous to be described, hut never
to be forgotten — a b panorama
of prophecy gliding from sky to sky and
enchanting the nations with openings
of heaven, transits of saints and i o
and the ultimate glory of th
kingdom of God. Thrust Bunyan into
the gloom of Bedford jail — sod
bans his head upon bis hand, the
murky horizon of Britain will flame
with fiery symbols — " delectable moun-
tains " and celestial mansions, with
holy pilgrims grouped on the golden
hills, and the bands of bliss from the
gates of pearl, hastening to welcome
him home. — Rev. Dr. T. 11 Stockton.
The Path of the Just.
His glory is from within. It is a ra-
diation. Put him where you will, he
shines, and can not but shine. God
made him to shine. For ir.stance: silent, as is their custom, sat the two
imprison Joseph, and he will shine out renevolent geniuses of humanity in a
Death and Sleep.
In a brotherly embrace the Angel of
Sleep and the Angel of Death roamed
the earth. It was evening. They en-
camped on a hill, not far from the
dwellings of men. A melancholy still-
ness reigned all around; tven the Av>
Maria, that solemn evening bell which
melts the poet's heart, was gradually-
dying in the distant village Still and
on all Egypt, cloudless as the sky
where the rain never falls. Imprison
Daniel, and the dazzled lions will re-
turn to their lairs, and the king comes
forth to worship at his rising, and all ,
Babylon blesses the beauty of the them to the lowly huts of the P
friendly clasp, while night ?et slowly
in. Then the Angel of Sleep arose
from his mossy couch and strewed,
with his light hand, the invisible slum-
' ber seeds. The evening winds-.
brighter and better day. Imprison Pe-
ter, and, with an angel for a harbinger
star, he will swell his aurora from the
fountains of Jordan to the wall- ol
husbandmen. N sp envel-
oped them all, from the aged with his
staff to the nursliui: iu his cradle, the
sick t --'wful
338
I1IGH-MINDEDNESS.
his grief, the poor his cares. All eyes
were closed. Having fulfilled his mis-
sion, the kind and soothing Angel of
Peace laid down again near his stern
brother.
11 When the morning rays gild the
eastern sky with the glory of our trans-
cendental home," said he, in blissful
innocence, "then shall men bless me as
their benefactor ! Oh, what joy to do
good invisibly and in secret! How
happy are we, faithful messengers of
the good Spirit ! How beautiful is our
silent calling I" Thus spoke the friendly
Angel of Rest.
The Angel of Death cast a sorrowful
glance toward him, and tears, as only
immortals can weep, glistened in his
large, dark eyes. " Alas !" said he,
"why am I not permitted, like you, to
enjoy the happy thanks of earthly chil-
dren? The earth calls me her enemy —
the disturber of her pleasures."
"0, my brother," replied the Angel
of Sleep, " will not the redeemed soul,
at her awakening, when the glories of
the higher life dawn upon her, recog-
nize thee as her friend and benefactor,
and bless thee most gratefully ? Are we
not brothers — children of one Father?"
Thus spake he; then the sad orbs of
the Angel of Death glistened again, but
this time with hope and faith, and the
brotherly spirits embraced each other
tenderly. — Krummacher.
HIGH-MINDEDNESS.
BY S. A. MOWERS.
There is great danger of men be-
ing pufted. Self-conceit is one of
the natural fruits of the human
heart. It is as common as it is na-
tural It does not belong to the rich
only, — the man who has his farm
and his fine mansion and his millions
of money, — but it is found in the
humble home of the poor from
whoso door want can hardly be
kept. It does not belong to the
man only who wears broadcloth and
spots diamonds and jewels, but it is
found among those who are clad in
the cheapest attire. Self conceit is
sinful, and the self-conceited person
is a sinner. It is not only sinful,
but dangerous. When a man gets
up too high in his own estimation,
there is sure to be a downfall sooner
or later. The wise man said, "Pride
goeth before a fall." One wiser
than the wise man said, "He that
exalteth himself shall be abased.''*
The Scriptures warn us against this
sin. Paul, in his letter to the Ro-
mans, said, "I say unto every man
that is among you not to think of
himself more highly than he ought
to think." Again, he said, "Be not
high-minded."
Some persons are high-minded be-
cause of a distinguished ancester.
Their parents are rich or learned or
promoted. They look at them and
then feel their dignity. In their
own judgment they have no other
claim to distinction than that of pa-
rentage. The world acknowledges
this claim, also. How the poor
world crouches like a dog before the
offspring of the great. And yet
what claim is more shallow ? How
much credit is due a child for get-
ting into one family and not into
another. Even leaving the circum-
stances of getting there out of the
question, how much credit is due
from simply being there ?
"Honor and ghame from no condition rise;
Act well your part, — there all the honor
lies."
HIGH MINDEDXESS.
330
The question is not, Do our pa
rents honor us ? but, Do we honor
them ? A Roman once boasted of
his citizenship in the presence of a
philosopher. Said the philosopher,
"The question is not, Are you proud
of Home? but, Is Home proud ol
you? Some of the most contemp-
tible offspring I have ever seen made
this claim to greatness. The Jews
said, "We havo Abraham to our
father;" and yet Jesus called them
a generation of vipers. John charg
ed them of this conceit: "Think
not to say within yourselves thai
you have Abraham to your father."
One of these distinguished offspring
cried, in hell, saying, ''Father A bra
ham."
Others are high-minded because
of wealth. They make riches
the rule by which they measure
character. The man worth one
thousand dollars comes up to the
first niche. The man worth two
thou8andcomesuptothesecond niche
The man worth three thousand
comes up to the third niche, etc ,
and sometimes, according to their
rule, they getsome of the most stupid
in the upper niches the world ever
saw. I havo known men who.
when in moderate circumstances,
thought moderately of themselves,
Tmt when they became rich they
swelled with conceit. The world
acknowledges this claim, and crouch
es to it.
The church is, to some extent,
guilty of the same gross sin. Let
two men come into our assemblies.
the one rich the other poor, and we
are too apt to say to the rich, "Sit
thou here in a good place," and to
the poor, "Stand thou there or sit
here under my footstool." How
falso is this standard ! Money has
nothing to do with character, a
had man is no better with Ins mil.
linns; a good man is no worse with
his poverty. God judge th not thus.
The rich man died, and God ad-
judged him had. The p -or man
died, and God adjudged Kirn g I
Others are high minded l» icauseoi
imagined piety. The Pharisees were
proud of thir good deeds. They
would blow their horns and put on
long faces and make long prayers
when i he}- could get bearers, and
behind it all was this thought
"Can't I do it?" One of these men
went to the temple to pray. In his
prayer there was much of self. "I
last," etc ; and it was not enough
to show hit) good deeds in their own
light but he had to bring in others.
"God, I thank thee," etc. The
Laodicean church thought too high-
ly of themselves. "We are rich, and
increased in goods and have n.
nothing" Peter seems to have had
too fair a notion of himself. When
Jesus told the disciples that they
would desert him, Peter suid,
"Though all men forsake thee, yet
will 1 never forsake thee." And
theso professedly good men, who
think too much of themselves^ are
not all dead yet.
There are many reason- why men
should not bo high minded. Their
humble origin should keep them
lowly. They are hut dast. We IN
all of humble origin. Then our
frailty should keep Q8 lowly. Bow
frail we are at our very best estate.
How the silver becomes corrupt
How eacily the golden bowl is brok-
en. The wind pastes over it and it
ne. In a single day <i
lays us low. Now health departs.
340
DANCING AN EVIL.
Now strength vanishes. Surely ev-
ery man in his very best estate is al-
together vanity. Then, too, how
dependent we are. Our diamonds
come from the ocean's mud; our
clothing from the sheep's back ;
our silk from worms; our food from
God's storo-house, etc. But the
principal reason why we should not
be high-minded is our fall. How
deeply have we fallen. We should
cover our faces and cry, "Unclean."
May God help us to abase self and
exalt Christ.
DANCING AN EVIL.
Was there ever a period when this
bewitching, fascinating amusement
raged more intensely than now ?
when more time, talents, health
wealth, right reason, and conscience
were sacrificed at the altar of this
Belial ? Even religious parents
yield the palm to this Moloch. The
name of the evils resulting from
this dancing mania is legion. The
reasons against the practice are
more than can be numbered. I
mention only a few : "But her end
is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a
two-edged sword. Her feet go
down to death ; her steps take hold
on hell." — Prov. v. 4, 5.
Dancing leads to expense in dress,
to late hours, and to the neglect of
moral and intellectual culture.
Dancing, more or less, leads to
close contact with promiscuous, im-
pure company. "Evil communica-
tions corrupt good manners."
It mars social intercourse and un-
fits the mind for usefulness and for
real, substantial enjoyment.
Dancing unfits the mind for seri-
ous reflection and prayer.
The most considerate, judicious,
consistent, and devotedly pious in
all ages have looked upon dancing,
not only as useless, but as having a
decidedly evil tendency.
Those who delight in tho ball-
room or dancing-parties are gener-
ally fond of tho wine-cup, novel-
reading, and the card-table.
Dancing is a favorite amusement
of savage nations, and usually forms
a very important part in the wor-
ship of heathen gods.
Social dancing, so often advocat-
ed by some professing Christians, is
a stepping-stone to the ball-room
and theater — tho top rounds of a
ladder which leads down, down to
the pit. "A prudent man foreseeth
the evil, and hideth himself; but tho
simple pass on, are punished." —
Prov. xxvii. 12.
Dancing-masters and dancing-
mistresses are, generally, of low
standing in society, — not always
welcome even at the homes of their
pupils, as guests. They are classed
with articles of loose habits, whose
morals will not bear scrutiny. Their
language is often very contaminat-
ing and corrupting.
The freedom used between the
sexes in certain forms of dancing is
exceedingly immodest.
The evils flowing from dancing,
and from inspiring children with a
dancing mania, may be summed up
in pride, folly, irreligion, an exces-
sive love of pleasure, and, finally, in
the loss of the soul.
Dancing, as now practiced by the
sexes, as an amusement, is unscrip-
tural. No instances of dancing are
found upon record in the Bible in
which the two sexes were engaged
in the exercise, either as an act of
THE ROYAL PRIESTHOOD.
worship or amusement. Neither is
there any instance on record of so-
cial dancing for amusement, except
that of the vain fellows, devoid of
shame, or the irreligious families
described by Job, which produced
increased impiety and ended in de-
struction, or that which terminated
in the rash vow of Herod and the
murder of John the Baptist.
Finally, let us, for a moment, look
at a dance. We will get off at a
distance, and, through the tele-
scope of truth, view one of these
scenes.
Some dozen or more ladies and
gentlemen, so-called, all dressed as
splendidly as their purses will allow
and as lasciviously as the modesty
of fashion will permit, are upon the
floor. There they go, in and out,
right and left, up and down, across
and back — involuting, hopping,
smiling, smirking, hero a skip and
there a jump, now a desperate fling
and anon a subdued courtesy, till
panting for breath and tired, they
sit down exhausted, and give place
to a second round.
A little fanning and reviving-salt,
spiced with equal proportions of
nonsense, a few words of Smalltalk,
and, it may be, a glass of hock or
sherry or champagne, fill up the
circle of folly and complete the bill
of fare of a convivial dance, till sup-
per time.
The first question we ask our-
selves is, What does all this mean ?
For what purpose is all this labor,
not of love, but of legs ? all this
outward adorning, not ot good
works but ot costly apparel ? all
this display, not of a meek and
quiet spirit, but ot pride and vani-
ty? Is it for the glory of God?
No. Is it to feed tho hungry ? No.
To clothe tho naked? No. To
visit tho widow and orphan in theii
affliction ? No. Is it to prepare us
for the house of God ? Is it to
teach self-donial, or lead to tho foot
of the cross ? There was no danc-
ing there. Is it to prepare us for
family worship ? Is it to prepare
us to meet the Kin" of Terrors — to
remind its votaries that it is ap-
pointed unto all men once to die,
and after death the judgment 1
THE ROYAL PRIESTHOOD.
Even as Christ -its a priest
his throne, so the Christian is onoof
a royal priesthood. Ho is the broth-
er of the King of kings, a blood re-
lation of the Lord of lords. Part
of Christ's work as Mediator per-
taining to this state of humiliation,
but the crowning portion of it
application of its benefits to his
people, belongs to tho stato of exal-
tation. He intercedes in tho holy
of holies, in the highest heaven
He reigns at the right hand of God,
but his work as a prophet and his
sacrificial work must bo performed
on earth ; oven to part of the Chris-
tian's work as partaker of his Lord's
anoiting, pertains to tho heavenly
state. Truo, ho is called to fulfill
all the offices which grow out of hid
relation to Christ in tsent
state. Even as a king, he -
contond against sin, the flesh, the
world, and Satan, and right royally
does ho fight tho battles uf tho Lord
Tho maintenance of a CODSOi
void of effenso before I man
is royal work. Ilo is to live
his calling. I B
342
GOD REGARDS US.
belongs to tho royal family of heav-
en. The dignitaries of earth may
treat him with con tern pt, and his
claims may bo derided as absurd,
but he is none the less a king, the
brother of the Prince of life, known
by him whom angels honor, owned
by him whom the whole universe of
God acknowledges as its sovereign ;
for ho is not ashamed to call them
who serve him brethren. Tho day
is coming when the whole world
shall bear him confess their names
before the holy angels and in pres-
ence of li is Father, but ho owns
them now even in this world. "Now
are we the sons of God, but it doth
not yet appear what we shall be."
It is hard for a sensuous world to
believe that the men and women
whom it passes bjT, whom it seldom
honors and very often despises,
should in very deed be the children
of God by faith in Christ Jesus,
heirs of God, joint heirs with Cnrist.
The world can not believe it; for
these people are found doing honest
service in all the walks of life, dis-
tinguished from their fellows by
nothing so much as their humility,
and the simple faith with which
they confess that they are pilgrims
and strangers, and yet is true they
are the true paladins, every one a
king's son, every one a king unto
God, reigning here in the quiet su-
premacy over passions subdued and
crucified lusts, working ever for
God, as they travel on, weary often,
but ever active and with heart in
tent on the honor of the king's
great name. It doth not appear
what they shall be. The world
does not yet see Christ as he is and
as he shall be when he comes to
claim this world as his own, that he
may cleanse and purify it. It oven
doubts his promise and his coming
glory; no wonder then that it
scouts the royal aspirations of tho
Christian as the fruit ,of fanaticism.
Still tho day will come, the day of
the manifestation of the sons of
God, when every friend of Christ
will bo exalted, and God's kings
shall be marshalled around his
throne. Then it shall be seen that
all the glory and renown which
Christ bought at the price of his
tears and agony and blood, ho shares
with his people. They aro joint
heirs. All power belongs to him in
heaven and on earth, and it is he
who says, "He that overcometh
shall sit down with me on my
throne, even as I also overcame and
am set down with my Father on his
throne." Then shall be understood
in the new light of that great glory,
those sayings of Jesus which speak
of dominion and power, and tell of
the rule which his saints shall ad-
minister over the nations. Have
thou dominion over two, and thou
over five, and thou over ten cities.
Good and faithful servant, well
done! Thus men rise to thrones by
serving Christ. God's kings in
heaven are they who here take up
their cross, deny themselves daily,
and follow Jesus. — Christian Intelli-
gencer.
God Regards Us.
God might, if he pleased, wrap
himself with night as a garment;
he might put the stars round his
wrist for bracelets, and bind the
suns around his brow for a coronet;
he might dwell alone, far, far above
this world, up in the seventh heav-
THE LOVE OF CHRIST.
I
en, and look down with calm and
silent indifference; and I, as one of
his creatures, might stand by night
upon a mountain-top, and look upon
the silent stars and say, "Ye are
the eye3 of God, but ye look not
down on me. God, the mighty
Creator, has forgotten me ; I am an
atom in the mountain of existence.
He knows mo not; I am alone,
alone, alone." But it is not so, be-
loved. Our God is of another or-
der. Ho notices every one of us;
there is not a sparrow or a worm
but is found in his decrees. There
is not a person upon whom his eye
is not fixed. Our most secret acts
are known to him. Whatsoever we
do, or bear, or suffer, the eve of God
still rests upon us, and we are be-
neath his smile — for wo are his peo
pie; or beneath his frown — for we
have erred from him. — Spurgeon.
Death of Lady Jane Gray in the
Tower-
She paused, as if to put away the
world, with which she had now done
forever. Then she added : " I pray you
all, poor Christian people, to bear me
witness that I die a true Christian
woman, and that I look to be saved
by no other means than the mercy of
God, in the merits of the blood of his
only Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. And
now good people, while I am alive, I
pray you to assist me with your pray
ers." Kneeling down she said to Feck-
enham, the only divine whom Mary
would allow to come near her, " Shall I
say this psalm V The abbot faltered,
"Yes." On which she repeated, in a
clear voice, the noble psalm, " Have
mercy upon me, O God, after thy good-
ness; according to the mulitude of thy
mercies do away mine offenses. "
When she had come to the last line,
she stood upon her feet and took off her
gloves and kerchief, which she gave to
Elizabeth Tylney. The book of psalma
she gave to Thomas ISrydges, the lieu-
tenant's deputy. Then she uutied her
gown, and took off her bridal gear.
The headsman offered to assist her, but
she put his hands gently aside, and
drew a white kerchief round her eyes.
The veiled figure of the executioner
sunk at her feet, and begged her for-
giveness for what he had now to do.
She whispered in his ear a few soft
words of pity and pardon, and then
siid to him openly, " I pray you dis-
patch me quickly." Kceeling before
the block, she felt for it blindly with
her open fingers. One who stood by
her touched her and guided her hand to
the place which it sought, when she
laid down her noble head, and saying,
" Lord, into thy hands I commend my
spirit," passed, with the prayer on her
lips, into her everlasting rest. — lb r
Majesty's Tower, It/ Ifcpworth Dixon.
The Love of Christ-
Oh, how shallow a soul I hi\*
take in Christ's love; for let worlds
be multiplied, according to angels'
understanding, in millions, till they
weary themselves, these worlds
could not contain tho thousandth
part of his love ! Oh that I could
join in among tho throng of angels,
and seraphim, and now glorified
saints, and could raiso a new love-
aonj: to Christ beforo all tho world !
I am pained with wondering at new-
opened treasures in Chrint I If ev-
ery finger, member, bono and joint
were a torch burning in tho hottest
344
AUTUMN AMONG THE MOUNTAINS.
fires in hell, I would that they could
all send out love praises, high songs
of praise for evermore to that plant
of renown, to that royal and high
prince, Jesus my Lord !
Oh that my hairs, all my mem-
bers, and all my bones were well-
tuned tongues, to sing the high
praises of my great and glorious
king! Help me to lift up Christ
upon his throne, and to lift him up
above all the thrones of the clay
kings, the dying scepterbearers of
this world ! — Rutherford.
Jeptha's Daughter.
Wherever 1 have seen or heard
the vow of Jeptha alluded to, it has
always seemed to be a settled con-
viction in the writer or speaker's
mind, that the fulfillment of that
vow involved the real sacrifice of
his daughter, as a burnt offering;
and I had long since learned to ac-
cept this as a ffxed fact in Scripture
history.
But recently, by the simple and
faithful reading of this interesting
storj-, in the English version of the
Polyglot Bible, with marginal read-
ings and references, these conclu-
sions have been somewhatdi&turbed.
Jeptha said (J udges xi., 31,) " What-
soever cometh forth of the door of
my house to meet me, when 1 re-
turn in peace from the children of
Ammon, shall surely be the Lord's,
and I will offer it up for a burnt of
fering." In the margin I find the
word or substituted for and, from
which may be inferred that one ot
two sacrifices should be made.
Again, in the 40th verse, we read,
" That the daughters of Israel went
yearly to lament the daughter of
Jeptha, the Gileadite, for four days."
In the marginal reading I find the
words, " to talk with her," substi-
tuted for " to lament." Now, how
could they talk with her, if at the
end of two months her father had
offered her as a burnt offering? —
hew York Observer.
Autumn Among the Mountains-
"Nor less God's mystic characters I see
Wrought in each flower, inscribed on every
tree j
In every leaf that trembles in the breeze,
I hear the voice of God among the trees."
Poets may sing of the charms of
" flowery May" to their hearts'
ease, but give me the charms of
the sweet autumn-time, and I am
more than content. Let the painter
with his skill draw the most ex-
quisite pictures of the glorious sum-
mer season, but recommend to me
Autumn in her gorgeous colors,
with her soft, bright, lovely days;
and, so far as natural beauty and
natural landscape is concerned,
there is nothing that transcends it!
You may talk to others, if you
will, of city sights and sounds — of
the perpetual hum-drum of metro-
politan life; but allow us, if you
will, to retire to the ever welcome
country — to the shadow of the
woodlands and to the glorious
mountains, in the sweet days of
golden autumn. Who does not like
to ramble out into the leafy wood-
lands, climb among the gray rocks,
scale the mountain-toys, and gaze
out upon far-stretching landscapes?
It truly is a " feast of reason," de-
voutly to be enjoyed.
How privileged, as we are to day,
to enjoy the mountain air, to watch
the gay squirrel leaping among the
NO WOED OF ENCOURAGEMENT.
345
branches of those trees, while yon-
der goes that sparkling stream
bounding to the vale among these
everlasting hills, laughing as it
goes. What a luxury to gather the
purple grape from the bonding
boughs; to pick the chestnuts as
they drop from #their brown burs,
and search for antediluvian relics
among these moss-grown recks at d
primeval solitudes!
And here from these towering
hights we gaze, with a vision full
of rapture, out into the dim dis-
tance, where the horizon greets the
tops of the far-off mountains ! The
atmosphere is shadowy with the
faint blue autumnal haze, which
hangs like a thin veil over all the
surrounding landscape. The whole
scene, far and near, is truly gor-
geous; and as we survey all around
and above us, we are filled with in-
expressible emotions. The tall
pines are sighing to the passing
winds, while myriads of gaudy
leaves come fluttering to the ground!
Lo, these stupendous monumental
piles of Almighty power! these
wonderful chroniclers of time
through all the ages !
"No Word of Encouragement."
"He never speaks an encouraging
word to us," said a servant of Mr.
Towne. "Is that so?" "You may try
your life out to please him, and he nev-
er speaks an encouraging word. It is
life under the harrow there, and I've
left."
His children can not leave home. He
has two boys. They are sometimes at
work in the garden pulling up weeds,
cutting the grass, making martin-hous-
es and windmills. They put no heart
in their work; it is dull and spiritless.
They are forever haunted with furtive
fear. Try as they may, and try they
do, their father never encourages them.
Nothing but a dismal drizzle of fault
finding falls from his lips. A sound
scolding, a genuine cuffing when they
deserve it — and children know they de-
serve it sometimes — like a thunder-
storm, purifies tho air, and makes eve-
ry thing the better and brighter. Then
the clouds clear away, and the gladdest
sunshine follows. This is not Mr.
Towne's way. He is never thunder
and lightning and over with it, not he;
but a perpetual drizzle, dark, damp,
murky. Nothing pleases, nothing suits
him. Putting his eyo on his boy is a
mark of ill-favor. Every child dreads
his gaze, shuns it, is ill at ease, awk-
ward, squirming, until it wriggles out
of the way and is gone. There are no
glad voices in his presence ; no out-
spoken, frank, honest utterances ; only
hesitation, in consequence, self-contra-
diction ; for fear always beclouds the
brightest mind and the simplest heart.
"There is no use telling it before fa-
ther," the boys say, in bringing home a
bit of news or a tale of adventure.
But, worst of all, "There is no use
in trying," as they often say. And the
disheartment will presently merge into
indifference, possibly into something
more active. They will run away.
Evil "speaks pleasantly," at least, and
many a young person has turned from
home and sought other companions for
no other reason. The heart with all it.-?
warm impulses, and with them its sense
of short-coming and incompleteness,
needs enlargement — must have it in or-
der to grow strong.
"Not one encouraging word from fa-
ther V Poor boys ! Bridget can leave;
they can't.
346
DO THEY TROUBLE YOU?
Nor can his wife leave. Poor wom-
an ! She is a brave woman, too. What
a hopeful smile she often wears. It is
because she will bear up; and smile she
must, an answering smile to the love of
friends, the courtesy of society, the
beauty of flower and grass, and the
slant sunshine through the trees. But
there is no joy within. Home is a joy-
less spot j for her most careful house-
wifery there is never an encouraging
word ; for the taste and grace with
which she tries to make ho re attrac-
tive there is never an encouraging word.
To her love, her devotion, her painstak-
ing, her sweet solicitudes to please,
there is never an encouraging word.
The glance of her hnsband's eye only
takes in what happens to offend ; the
word of his mouth only expresses what
he finds, and those are faults, spots,
something forgotten or overlooked. She
dreads him, she fears him, she shrinks
from him. There is no freedom or sun-
shine in bis presence. Perhaps in her
yearning woman's heart she has longed
for his return, forgetting and forgiving
in his absence thi small tyranny of his
enacting spirit; but the thrill of his
toming is soon deadened — "no encour-
aging words ;" and she silently slips
•ut of his sight to swallow her disap-
pointment and heart breaking alone.
There is a sense of misery in the
house which no stranger can detect ;
perhaps this is too positively expressed;
it is rather an absence of joy ; every
thing spontaneous, and cheerful, and
glad held in check. A minor tone runs
through the family life, depressing to
every one. The prints of an iron hand
are on every heart.
"Never a word to encourage I" slip-
ped unaware from her lips one day. It
does not seem much ; but who that has
felt it does not know that it is the se-
cret of many a joyless childhood, many
a broken spirit. — Anon.
They wont Trouble Yon Long.
Children grow up — nothing on
earth grows so fast as children. It
was but yesterday, and that lad
was playing with tops, a buoyant
boy. Ho is a man and gone now 1
There is no more childhood for him
or for us. Life has claimed him.
When a beginning is made, it is
like raveling a stocking; stitch by-
stitch gives way till all is gone.
The house has not a child in it.
There is no more noise in the ball —
boys rushing pell-mell; it is very
orderly now. There are no more
skates or sleds, bats, balls or strings
left scattered about. Things are
neat enough now. There is no de-
lay for sleepy folks; there is no
longer any task, before you lie
down, of looking after anybody and
tucking up the bedclothes. There
are no disputes to settle; nobody to
get off to school; no complaint; no
importunities lor impossible things;
no rips to mend; no fingers to tio
up; no faces to be washed, or col-
lars to be arranged. There was
never such peace in the house 1 It
would sound like music to have
some teet to clatter down the front
stairs ! Oh, for some children's
noise! What used to ail us, that
we were bushing their loud laugh,
checking their noisy frolic, and re-
proving their slamming and bang-
ing the doors?
We wish our neighbors would
only lend us an urchin or two to
make a little noise in these premi-
ses. A home without children ! It
is like a lantern and no candle, a
garden and no flowers, a brook and
no water gushing and gurgling in
its channel.
We want to be tried, to be vexed,.
TAKE CARE OF THE FOX.
347
to be run over, to hear children at
work with all its varieties. Daring
the secular days this is marked
enough. But it is the Sabbath that
puts our homes to the proof. That
is the Christian family day. The
intervals of public worship are
spaces of peace. The family seems
made up that day. Tho children
are at home. You can lay your
hands upon their heads. They
seem to recognize the greater and
lesser love — to God and to friends.
The house is peaceful, but not still
There is a low and melodious thrill
of children in it. But the Sabbath
comes too still now. There is a si-
lence that aches in the ear. There
is too much room at the table, too
much room at the hearth. The
bed rooms are a world too orderly.
There is too much leisure, and too
little noise.
The Value of the Sabbath.
Not many years ago, a government
contractor went far to the West with
Lis men and teams to make a turnpike
road. At first he paid no regard to the
Sabbath, but continued his work as on
other days. He soon found, however,
that the ordinances of nature, no less
than the law of God, were against him
His laborers became sickly, his teams
grew poor and feeble, and he wa3 fully
convinced that there was more lost than
gained by Sunday labor.
When gold was first discovered in
California, the miners worked for a
time without weekly cessation; but
they found they were digging graves as
well as gold, and, having lost their
reckoning of the Sabbatb, they actually
made a day of rest for themselves.
When the engines of an extensive
steam-packet company in the south of
England were getting constantly dam-
aged, the miaobief was soon repaired by
giving tin: men what the bounty of
their Creator had given them long be-
fore— the rest of each seventh day.
A distinguished merchant in America
once said, *' 1 should hove been d<
a maniac long ago had it not been for
the Sabbath." This wafl said in the
hearing of others, and one of th n,
of a merchant who usi d to boast that he
found Sunday the best day lor planning
voyages, but who was then in a luuatio
asylum.
''Hail Sabbath! thee I hail, the poor man's
day ;
On other days the man of toil is doom'd
To eat his joyless bre.id, lonely ; tbo ground
I oth feat and board, screeu'd from tho wa-
ter's cold
And summer's heat by neighboring tree or
hedge :
But on this day, imbosom'd in his home,
He shares the frugal meal with those he loves-;
With those he loves he shares the heart-felt
joy
Of giving thanks to God."
Take Care of the Fox.
"I'm glad of one tiling!" She spoke
out suddeuly, a sigh of relief followiug
the sentence It was my little Helen.
She had been setting very gtill for a
good while, holding a picture book in
her hand.
"Glad of what? I asked.
"That I'm not a hen," she answered,
lifting her serious eyes to mine.
"Not a hen ! why, darling ! wfa
yon mean.
She brought me her book, and I saw
at a glance what had disturbed the qui-
et of her mind. The picture of a moth-
er-hen frightened at the appcarauce of
fox, was on the open pago.
"Poor thing ! How scared she is !"
148
THE PENALTIES OF FASHION.
said the child, tenderly. "Will tho fox
eat her up ?"
"Unless she can escape him," I an-
swered.
"Oh, I'm glad that I'm not a hen to
be frightened or killed by a fox ! It is
so dreadful !"
And I saw a little shiver run over
her. "Maybe you are in as much dan-
ger as the hen," I said.
"Me ? There are no foxes about here.
Why do you say that, mama? And,
any how, a fox wouldn't hurt a little
girl."
"I heard Mrs. Claire say something
about foxes when she was here yester-
day."
"What did she say, mama ?"
She said, "Take care of the little
foxes."
"Oh, yes. I remember now; and I
couldn't help wondering what she
meant."
"She didn't of course, mean live
foxes that run about in the woods."
"I knew she didn't mean them. Are
there any other kinds of foxes?"
"Yes."
"What kind ? Where are they V9
"Inside of you."
"Oh, mother !" Helen exclaimed, a
tremor of surprise in her voice. "Fox-
es inside of me?"
"Yes, my darling. And you are in
as much danger from them as the bird
you so pitied just now."
There was a half-scared, half-wonder-
ing expression in my little girl's face.
"Oh, I understand !" she said, a faint
smile playing about her lips. ''By fox-
es you mean naughty feelings."
"Yes. Foxes are cruel and cunning.
They hurt and destroy. Youknow how
cruel Herod was ; how he 'sent forth
and slew all the children that were in
Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof,
from two years old and under;' and
how our Lord called him that fox."
"Oh yes ! I remember. And it was
because he was cruel that he was called
a fox?"
"Yes. The evil and cruel feelings,
represented by foxes in nature, had de-
stroyed all the kind and compassionate
feelings in his heart, and made him in-
wardly as cunning and cruel as a fox.
And this same thing is happening now,
and every day. I have seen a great
many people — children even — who ap-
peared to me more like foxes than lambs;
more like hawks than doves, they were
so full of auger and cruelty toward each
other. Oh, my child, take care of the
fox ! Don't let him get in among the
gentle and loving things of your soul,
or he will hurt, and it may be destroy
them." — Children's Hour.
The Penalties of Fashion.
Women will look in vain for health,
while they dress as they do. Every
garment they wear, from head to foot,
disturbs the balance of circulation ; the
head-gear over-heats the back of the
brain, causing congestion of that organ,
and weakness of the spine ; the corset
both overheats and compresses the chest,
besides throwing its muscles out of use,
and therefore weakening them ; the un-
der-skirts, outer- skirts, and over-shirts,
with all their heavy trimmings and oth-
er paraphernalia, not only impede loco-
motion, but they press upon the bowels,
thus forcing them upon the pelvic or-
gans, and causing displacements. They
also over-heat, and thereby weaken and
inflame the surrounding parts, and lay
the foundation for morbid discharges
and morbid growths. Add to this the
fact that the extremities are never cov-
ered half so warmly as the hips, but
KEBKEATIIED AIR.
349
that they are habitually chilled, from
insufficient covering, and that these
parts are compressed and ligatured,
with garters, snugly-fitting, tightly-lac-
ed high-heeled gaiters, and what have
we? Every possible facility for sending
the blood to the pelvic cavity, and eve-
ry possible impediment in the way of
calling it toward the extremities. The
blood is forced out of the capillaries
situated in the periphery of the body,
and turned in upon the pelvic and oth-
er internal organs, distending their
blood-vessels and rupturing them.
What is more, the muscles in the region
of the pelvis, weakened by habitual
over-heating, lose their contractile pow-
er, and suffer the organs which they
ought to hold in place to fall out of
their natural position, to press upon
each ether, and upon the nerves, and
thereby cause the most distressing neu-
ralgia in these .parts. Hence the pain
experienced on the least over-exertion or
ustion. — Science of Health.
EEBEEATHED AIR.
The crowded, badly-ventilated school-
room is often the place where, early in
life, rebreathed air commeuces its dead
ly work. Not one school-room in a
hundred in this country is a fit place in
which to confine children six or eight
hours cf the day. The little ones are
herded together in a promiscuous crowd:
those of tender years and those more
advanced, the feeble and the strong, the
sickly and the well, are all subjected to
the same hours of study, the same
school discipline, and all breathe the
same deleterious air. The hardy aud
the strong may be able to resist the in-
fluence of the poison ; the weak and ten-
der ones grow pale and haggard, and,
struggling on through their school days,
live perhaps to the age of puberty, and
then drop into the consumptive's grave.
Will parents never awake to the enorm-
ity of this evil?
Small, ill-ventilated sleeping-rooms,
in which rebreathed air is ever present,
are nurseries of consumption. These
are not found alone in cities and large
towns, or among the poor or lowly.
Well-to do farmers' daughters and sons
in the country — those who live among
the mountains of the New England
States, where God's pure air is wholly
undefiled — are often victims of con-
sumption. How is this explained '(
Look into their bed-rooms; examine in-
to their daily habits of life; and the
cause is made plain. Old-fashioned
fireplaces are boarded up; rubber win-
dow-strips and stoves have found their
way into the most retired nooks and
corners of the land; and the imprison-
ed mountain air in country dwellings is
heated to a high point, and breathed
over and over during the days and
nights of the long winter months. I:
is certainly true that girls in the coun-
try take less exercise in the opeu air
than those residing in cities. They ap-
pear to be more afraid of pure cold air
than city girls. Consumption is not less-
rare among females in the country than
in cities, in the present age. It wa3 not
so formerly. Thedeclarationsof grand-
rs and old physicians go to show
that, fifty years ago, consumption was
hardly known in the rural districts.
The winds whistled through the dwell-
ings then, and the fire blazed and
ed upon the hearth. Half the time, in
cold winters, "the backs of the inmate*
were freezing, while the front parts of
the person were roasting;" and yet
there was ie>s rheumatism than ■ \wt
and no consumption. — i\
ride S
550
DRAWING A CONGREGATION.
DRAWING A CONGREGATION.
A very unreasona' le notion prevail
to some extent in the churches, which
calls for a word of auimadversion. It is
this — that the chief business of a min-
ister of the gospel is to draw a emigre
gat ion. No matter what his surround
iugs may be; whether or not there are
plenty of other churches in the town,
whether or not the people are generally
inclined to church-going, nor whether
the members are carefully drawing with
him, or scattering abroad j the one es-
sential, indispensable requisite and qual
ification in him is, that he draws a con
gregation. If he fails to do this, it is
evident that he is not fit for the place j
it is even preposterous to think of em-
ploying him, however well furnished he
may be intellectually and religiously to
instruct and edify the people.
Of course, a minister must do his
part in gathering and holding a congre-
gation. But not one in a huudred, or
five hundred, has such a measure of elo-
quence and personal magnetism as to be
able to draw and maintain a congrega
tion, when the church itself, or a con-
spicuous part of it, fails to co-operate
with him.
According to Conybeareand Howson,
"in every church established by St.
Paul, there sprang up a schismatic par
ty, opposed to his teaching, and hostile
to his person." That was no fault of
his, surely j any more than it was of the
Master, that "many of his disciples
went back, and walked no more with
hiin."
And it may be no fault of the minis-
ter, now, that he incurs the opposition
and hostility of some portion of his peo-
ple.
In her "Recollections of Mary Lyon,"
Miss Fisk testifies that "she often said
to us : Young Ladies, when I speak to
you, I depend much more upon the in-
spiratioD of your countenances than on
my preparation." It is added by Miss
F , as I fear it could not be by some
ministers, "That inspiration was fully
given her in those exercises."
The duties of pastor arad people, and
their influence upon each other, are re-
ciprocal j and no minister can succeed
who does not receive the sympathy and
co-operation of his members, in the
great work of building up the kingdom
of God. If the placeor the work isadif-
ficult one, so much the more need of
all standing together, and bearing one
another's burdens, instead of casting it
all upon one, because he happens to be
the leader, and to stand in the most con-
spicuous place. The very men who
complain most loudly of ministers — the
business men of a community — often
find it difficult to draw all the custo-
mers and business they would like. I
can see some of them every day, wait-
ing and looking, almost impatiently, for
people to come and buy their excellent
goods, of which they have an abundant
supply on hand. Not, of course, be-
cause they are not smart men, and ca-
pable of doing a great deal more busi-
ness than they do, but because the cir-
cumstances are against them. There
are many competitors, and people very
strangely, perversely, perhaps, choose to
trade somewhere else, and with some-
body else, rather than with them. So
they find it uphill work to draw custo-
mers, against the natural and popular
current, and the strong competition.
A little Christian common sense
would show men the unreasonableness
of many of their demands upon minis-
ters, and of their complaints against
them. But, somehow or other, it often
happens that men of great shrewdness
and tact in business seem to have skill,
THE TURN OF LIFE.
351
in religious matters, only to baffle and
hinder all true success. Instead of con-
sidering your minister to provoke him
to discouragement and dispair, why not
try the other method occasionally, re-
commended by the Apostle, and consid-
er him "to provoke unto love and good
works.
THE TURN OF LIFE.
From forty to sixty, a man who has
properly regulated himself may be con-
sidered as in the prime of life. His
matured strength of constitution ren-
ders him almost impervious to attacks
of disease, and experience has given his
judgment the soundness of almost in-
fallibility. His mind is resolute, firm,
and equal; all his functions are in the
highest order ; he assumes the mastery
over business; builds up a competence
on the foundation he has laid in early
childhood, and passes through a life at-
tended by many gratifications. Hav-
ing gone a year or two past sixty, he
arrives at a critical period in the road
of existence : the river of death flows
before him, and he remains at a stand
still. But athwart this river is a via-
duct called " The Turn of Life," which,
if crossed in safety, leads to the valley
of "old age," round which the river
winds, and then flows beyond without
boat or causeway to effect its passage
The bridge is, however, constructed of
fragile materials, and it depends upon
how it is trodden whether it bend or
break. Gout, apoplexy, and other bad
characters also are in the vicinity to
waylay the traveler, and thrust him
from the path; but let him gird up his
loins, and provide himself with a fit-
ting staff, and he may trudge on in
safety with perfect composure. To
quit metaphor, the " Turn of Life " is a
tuin either into a prolonged walk or
into the grave. The system and pow-
ers having reached their utmost expan-
sion, now begin either to close liko
flowers at sunset, or break down at
once. One injudicious stimulant — a
single fatal excitement, mty force it
beyond its strength — whil.it a careful
supply of props, and the withdrawal of
all that tends to force a plant, wiii
tain it in beauty and in vigor until d
has entirely set. — The Science of Life.
THE FOLLY OF SPIRITUALISM.
Of all the destructive delusions of
the day, modern Spiritualism is giio
of the most foolish. Yon can not
confute it from Scripture prem
fur it gives little weight to Scrip-
ture teachings. You can not con-
fute it by an appeal to human rea-
son, for it professes to \ ond
the range ot common mortals. Noi
can you by the most earnest ap-
peals reach the con - of its vo-
taries, for they imagine themselves
to be wiser and better than all who
have gone before them. The true
course lor Dible Christians is, to
meddle not with their follies and
blasphemies. " When they shall
say unto you, Seek unto them that
have familiar spirits ami unto wiz-
ards that peep and that mu'
3: 19,) answer them with the
common sense WOrdsol the prophet,
" Should not a people seek unto
their God?" Wl,
supposed spirits, whin the God of
all Bpirits ifl accessible, and hi-
attent to the n v of all hoi I
■ to the dead in
ing help for the livii g \ N >,
clipg to the plain teaching of the
1 Bible, and let modern B
itualism BCVerelj alone.
352
VALUE OF EEPENTANCB.
The Sins of Youth.
The late Dr. Spencer said that when
he was a lad, bis father gave him a lit-
tle tree that had just been grafted. One
day, in his father's absence, he let the
colt into the graded, and the young ani
mal broke off the graft It was mend-
ed, however, the following day, and con
tinued to grow finely. Years passed,
and young Spencer became a nan and
a minister. Some time after he became
a pastor, he made a visit to the old
homestead where he spent his boyhood.
His little sapling had become a large
tree, and was loaded with apples. Dur-
ing the night after his arrival at the
homestead, there was a violent thunder
shower, and the wind blew fearfully.
He rose early in the morning, and on
going out found his tree lying prostrate
upon the ground. The wind had twist-
ed it off just where the colt broke it
when it was a sapling. Probably the
storm would not have broken it at all, if
it had not been broken when it was
small. It will usually be found that
those who are grossly vicious in man-
hood, dropped a seed of vice in the
morning of life; that the fallen youth
who was religiously trained, and has be-
come corrupt, broke off his connection
with virtuous way just where he did a
very wicked thing in boyhood. Here
is a fact to be pondered. The oldest
man in the prison could not say that
childhood and youth had no connection
.with his present condition. Perhaps he
could point to the very day and hour
when he decided his present character.
VALUE OF REPENTANCE.
The interest angels feel in the
sinnen's repentance is beautifully
set forth in the fifteenth chapter oi
Luke's gospel, in the rejoicing of
the woman over her lost piece of
silver. We are too much prone to
think that heaven or earth has no
such interest; but Christ's parables
of the lost sheep, the lost pieco of
silver, and the prodigal son all unite
in contradiction to this theory of
indifference, of which Satan is the
apostle. The following, from Mr.
Talmage, presents, with much
force, the value of repentance in
the estimation of angel's and of
God : *• You know the story of par-
adise and the Peri. J think it might
be put to higher adaptation. An
angel starts from the throne of God
to find what thing it can on the
earth worthy of being carried back
to heaven. It goes down to the
gold and silver mines of earth, but
finds nothing worthy of transpor-
tation to the celestial city. It goes
down through the depths of the
sea, where the pearls lie, and finds
nothing worthy of being taken
back to heaven. But, coming to
the foot of a mountain, it sees a
wanderer weeping over his evil
ways. The tears of tho prodigal
start, but do not fall to the ground,
for the angel's wing catches them,
and, with that treasure, speeds
back to heaven. God sees the an-
gel coming, and says, l Behold tho
brightest gem of earth, and the
brightest jewel of heaven, — the
tear of a sinner's repentance.'"
We still lack some in original
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Obituaries crowded out.
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'.41
THE BUKTHKEN'S
Containing the United Counsels and Conclusion*
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der HENRY KURTZ.
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Bible Dictionary.
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THINE IMMERSION
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THE
flU
PIL VISITOR,,
A MONTHLY PUBLICATION,
EDLTK1) 15 Y
HENRY KURTZ AND JAMES QUINTER
VOL. XXIII. DECEMBER, 1873. NO. 12,
TERMS: One Dollar and twenty five cents
per year in advance.
DAYTON, OHIO:
H. J. KURTZ, PRINTERS PUBLISl I BB
f^oi\irrPi\irr^ M"'m we *iave *uken n° },:irL vfo ,irc not
V_yw±>l X XLillJ J_0. of the opinion that is best for any one
The Advent of Christ 353 ^mo?T,iZv %6 ?h°ie In!blishinS i)usi"
Who is on the Lord's Side 356 n^?fthe brotherhood. Since the busi-
The Signs o( the Times 359 ?•" «>m grown as it has, if seyeral of us can
A Promise of Preservation 361 U)1 ow l'aJd ""ft ^F8^? "^W why
Sunshine Frienda 362 J**0 »*■ Profitable it w not, butitis our
The Power of God unto cJalvation 364 D«»meBS-
Hearing and Doing 365 As wc have built up a little offiee oC our
Preaching on Stands 367 own since our removal west which has not
The Kingdom of Heaven at hand 370 Leon sold, we shall continue to do gome
The Will of God 373 printing. Periodicals we propose to print
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Valedictory 378 Children's Paper. We shall endeavor
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gospkl visitor.
Vol. XXIII.
DECEMBER, 1873.
No. 12
For tho Visitor.
THE ADVENT OF CHRIST-
Glory and excellency character-
izes itself in the mind ot Jehovah
when the sublimo decree sounded
through his selfexistant ivord, "Let
us make man in our own imago."
Beautiful, indeed, was man as he
came from the hands of God. En-
dewed with power and dominion to
subdue the earth, and to ruW
every creature tho Lord 'God had:
made upon tho earth. Noble as the
work of creation is, wonderful is
the construction of the earth, the
foundation thereof is unfathomable,
the laying of the corner stone there-
of is incomprehensible. It caused
the morning-stars to sing together,
and ail tho Sons of God to shout for
joy. If tho formation of the earth
caused the heavens to ring with joy
and shouting; the existence of man
"fearfully and wonderfully made"
whom Qod has pronounced "very
good" are called " marvellous works"
both events highly significant; and
nobly displayed the wisdom and
power of God. But the incarnation }
of God's only Son, through whom
the world was made, with Ills re-
demptive p owe r to restore fallen hu-
manity far exceeds those events, and
compared with them, they almost
sink into insignificance. Hence,
then: What appellation shall we
use? Whero will we find adjectives
to describe the greatness, the sub-
limity, and the wondrous mystery
in the appearing of God manifi
the flesh ? Did God really .appear in-
carnate ? If the word of inspira.
tion is to be credited, we can an
this question; if not, our effort is
38, and man's existence i
plorable. Mary, the Virgin espous-
ed to Joseph, being visited by the
angel Gabriel, "fear not, Mary/1
he, "For thou hast found favor with
God"— "And behold thou shalt con-
ceive in thy womb, and bring forth
a Son, and shall call his name
BUS." "He shall be great, and shall
be called the Son of the Highest"
Mary said, "How shall this be, see-
ing I know not a man '.'" The an-
gel replied, "The Holy Ghost
come upon thee, and the powi r "t the
Highest shall overshadow: thee; there-
fore also that holy thin'/ which
be horn of thee, shall he called, the
Son (■■ More than Beven cen-
turies previous, Isaiah propfa
•• Fi r unto us a child is horn,
us a Son is given ; and his govern-
ment shall bo upon his Bboulder ;
and his name shall he called Won-
derful, Councellor,Tbe Mighty God,
The Everlasting Father, Th
of Peace." 'Titles only Ik he
to Divinity. Inexpressibly woi
ful and unexpected lowly did the
King of glory appear in this world;
unprovided for the recption oi Bach
a potent |
anco caused devils to trei
wicked men to fear ; bat h
and women to rejoice. God called
down from heaven a celestial il
itant, bringing ti,
to the humble Shepfa i
a mult I the
354
THE ADVENT OF CHRIST.
heavenly hosts, praising God and
saying, "Glory to God in the highest
and on earth peace, good-will toward
men." Prodigies, astonishing even
tho heathens, bespeaks the great-
ness of Him, who finally is to sub-
duo tho world, and to establish an
everlasting kingdom, which shall
never be destroyed; and whom all
tho angels of God pay homage. Yet
came as a little babe in the poor dis-
pised little town of Bethlehem, Be-
hold Him the Son of God, there
wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying
in a manger; "Because there was
no room for them in the inn. Oh
what wondrous condescension ! no
space for tho convenience of such a
crisis. That world spoken into ex-
istence by that word now made flesh
has not the attention that the least
of his creatures have. And why so
little noticed by man ? So little
honored, and yet,' according to the
flesh, descended from the royal
house and lineage of David ? Oh
the wonderful works of God ! The
depth of his wisdom ! Who can
fathom it ? "For he shall grow up
as a tender plant, and as a root out
of dry ground." The objects of his
appearance magnify the event ex-
ceedingly. As these are many, we
hardly know where to begin in no-
ticing the most important to do jus
tice to His divine attributes. Man,
through the magnitude, wisdom,
and for knowledge of God, was
made good, and for the purpose that
He as his creator, shall receive hon-
on and worship from him; and that
man, on his part, should enjoy Him
forever. But, alas ! alas ! Man fell
through tho deception of an oppo-
site power then in existence. He
forfeited his right to the tree of life,
and lost his divine image and near
relationship to his Maker. Death
was written on his brow, corruption
on his body, estrangement upon his
soul, enmity on his mind, and eter-
nal punishment on his existence.
But God, who is rich in mercy and
bountiful in love, interposed in be-
half of poor fallen man; whoso breath
brought life and a living soul into
his inanimate body, cminating from
Him who is eternal. Hence the
Triune God sends his Son, the sec-
ond person of the Trinity. He will-
ingly disrobed himself of his divine
glory, left the enjoyment of his holy
angels, the personal presence of his
Father, assumed mortality, came
down to this mundane sphere, the
theatre of his sufferings, the scene
of his trials, and the drama of his
death. And for what? Surely to
ransom fallible man. 0 wondrous
love ! Amazing condecension !
Depth of mercy, exceeding great-
ness of sympathetic benevolence!
Amazing piety brought him down,
Redeeming love secures his crown ;
In meekness he obedience wrought,
That raised him to the throne of God.
Great was the work of God in the
creation of man, but greater in the
redemption. And greatest it will
bo in the general restoration, when
the babe of Bethlehem, the wonder-
ful God-man Jesus Christ shall have
put down ail rule, subdued all au-
thority unto himself, and shall have
destroyed the last enemy, death, and
then shall deliver His kingdom unto
his Father, that God may be all in
all. The wonderful appearance ot
Christ manifest in the flesh is an
event highly important ; because he
was the only efficient sacrifice to
atone for the sins of the world. Ho
was selected and slain in the mind
THE ADVEXr OF CHRIST.
355
of Jehovah beforo tho foundation of
the world. Yea, "through tho de-
terminate council and for knowl-
edge of God," he was cliosen as the
expiatory sacrifice to fully atone
Adam's sin transmitted to the child-
ren of men for four thousand years.
Truly an event fraught with many
important objects. The fulfillment
of many prophecies was necessarily
one grand design in order to estab-
lish the Bible as a truth and a reve-
lation from God. They also vindi-
cate God in his purposes, and fully
demonstrate his veracity. Eve, the
mother and progenitress of all the
human race, looked for the fulfill-
ment of this promise in her first-
born Son, though she was dreadful-
ly disappointed. Abraham, the fath-
er of all the faithful, saw his day,
spiritually, and rejoiced in it. Pa
triarchs and pious Kings anticipat-
ed his coming with gladness, yet
died without the sight. Genera-
tions born and died, and others suc-
ceeded them and also passed away
without seeing their long expected
Messiah. Holy men saw glorious
visions of tho beauty and blessings
•of the great Redeemer's Kingdom.
Daniel was favored of the time of
his advent. Micah with the place
of his birth. But holy Simeon, who
long waited for the consolation of
Israel, in his old age was permitted
to see tho holy child in its infancy.
O the old man's soul was filled with
gladness, and his heart with over-
flowing joy. "Lord now lettest
thou thy servant depart in peace, —
for my eyes have seen thy salva-
tion." O imagine his greatness !
The excitement produced: Eliza-
beth's Son, the forerunner of Jesus,
leaped with joy.
being
filled with
the Holy Ghost beforo he was born.
The humble Shepherds, in the plains
of Bethlehem, left their flocks to
the mercy of the wild beasts to be-
hold the wonderful sight. Angels
winged their flight through the im-
mensity cf space to mingle in tho
joys of earth, praying, "Glory to
God in the highest, upon earth peace
and good will to men." Peculiar
star, prognosticating his birth, drew
wise men from the far oft east, to
worship the King of the Jews, and
bring precious spices as presents in
order to make him worship the
more effectual. This noted event is
the precursor of many noble objects
already accomplished; but the most
important are yet to come. The
revelation of the will of God to
man* the means of grace therein
contained, the glad tidings of man's
salvation, in which life and immor-
tality is brought to light. The suf-
ferings of the Son of God and the
atonement through His death. The
deliverance of the captives from the
regions of the dead. The glorious
and triumphant resurrection of his
body from the grave, by which He
secures man's resurrection and
change from corruption to incorrup-
tion, and from mortal to immortali-
ty ; whereby the grave is swallow-
ed up in victory, and death has lost
its sting.
In his prophetic office, He became
the leader of his people, and the
commander of all nations; in hu-
mility He exemplified the way to
heaven; mercy, benevolence, good-
ness, forbearance, holiness, justice,
submission ; obedience and love to
God and man characterizes his life,
white tabernacling hero in the flesh.
In his high-priestly office, He ren-
356
THE LORD'S SIDE.
dered a vicarious offering, became
himsclt the victim for the expiation
of guilt, not his own, but lor the
whole human family. Ho by his
own blood entered into the (sanctum
sanctorum) holiest of all once; into
heaven itself* to appear in the pres-
ence of God for" us — "He ascended
up to heaven/' led captivity captive
and gave gifts to men. He is now
sitting upon his mediatorial throne
at the right hand of God, as a merci-
ful, compassionate High Priest, an
advocate in order to intercede for
saints and sinners. But Oh ! What
is yet to be accomplished ? Behold
he shall come again, not as a babe
rocked in a manger. No, no. But
as a mighty conqueror in the power of
his majesty; crowned as King of
Kings, and Lord of Lords. The re
surrection of the saints. The de-
struction of his enemies. The con-
version of the Jews The reign
with the saints a thousand years
here upon earth. The final destruc
tion of the devil and his emmissa-
ries. The general resurrection and
subsequent judgment. The casting
of the wicked into the lake of fire,
and the reception of the blessed into
His kingdom; are things yet to be
accomplished and truly worthy of a
God. Hence we see Him, humble
in his birth; derided in his human-
ity; rejected in his teaching; mock-
ed in his sufferings; rejoiced in his
death; denied in his resurrection;
discredited in his ascension ; oppos-
ed in his second coming; and final-
ly, when he shall reign as King, in
his royal camp and in the Holy City
with his saints, will be surrounded
by an army of enemies, "the num-
ber of whom is as the sands of the
sea." Alas! alas! Fire shall fall
down from God out of heaven to de-
vour them.
To sum up the whole matter, in
reference to importance and magni-
tude and sublimacy of the Savior's
advent into this world ; we numbly
acknowledge it to be inexpressible,
and beyond human comprehension.
Brethren and sisters, and all God-
fearing friends, let us appreciate the
exalted scene, and profit thereby in
order that we may become fit sub-
jects to reign with our exalted Sa-
vior in his everlasting kingdom.
May God prepare us for that glori-
ous reign, is the prayer of your
weak servant. Amen, yea amen.
Leonard Furry
New Enterprise, Pa.
For the Visitor.
Who is on the Lord's Side?
Let him come unto me. Ex. 32 : 26.
While the children of Israel were
journeying through the wilderness
to the promised land, they met with
many disappointments and oft-times
reluctantly followed their pious
leader. You remember one instance
when this holy man Moses was re-
quested to go up into tho mountain
to receive the tables of stone upon
which were written the laws of God
which should govern their worship,
which would instruct them, that
which is right and wrong in order
that their worship might meet God's
approbation. During this time of
Moses' absence the Israelites mur-
mured, and become very much dis-
satisfied. Moses their leader is gone
and they exclaim "we wot not what
has become of him." They desire
some one person or object to go up
before them ; they gather together
THE LORD'S SIDE.
357
this vast assembly of people and
hold a consultation what to do, "we
desire some one to go up before us."
They conclude upon some idol, this
in the absence of Moses shall now
be their leader. They go to Aaron
with languago imperative, "Up,
make us Gods, which shall go before
us." Thissuggestion pleased Aaron,
his heart is now becoming corrupt
and readily complies with their idol-
atry. His language "Break off the
golden ear rings, which are in the
ears of your wives, of your sons
and of your daughters and bring
them unto me." They readily com-
ply to Aaron's wishes and he takes
this vast amount of jewelry and
makes a molten calf and fashions it
with a graven tool, this then is their
Lord "Kepented of the evil which
he thought to do unto his people."
Moses goes down from the mount
and as he draws nigh unto the camp,
he sees their idol and casts the ta-
bles of stone out of his hands; he
enters the camp and takes the golden
calf and burns it with fire and
grinds it to powder, strews it on the
waters fur the children of Israel to
drink as a punishment for their
heinous' crimes. Aaron tries tojus-
tify himself before Moses for mak.
ing this idol, lie says the people
demanded it, and beseeches Moses
not to £et wroth. Hear Moses as
he stands in the gate of the camp,
as the language of our text, "Who
is on the Lord's side ! let him come
unto me." There is j'et redemption
leader to go up before them to the for the people. The tribe of Levi
promised land. come unto him and Moses says,
The people were pleased with "Thus saith the Lord God of Israel,
their idol god, and when Aaron saw put every man his sword by his
it, he built an altar before it and side, and go in and out from gate to
even issued a proclamation, "To- gate throughout the camp, and slay
morrow is a feast to the Lord " On
the morrow the people of Israel come
and offered burnt offerings, &c.
They ate, drank and made merri-
ment. They were drugged, as it
were, drank on new wine. But,
notwithstanding all this, the migh-
every man his brother, and every
man his companions, and every man
his neighbors," and the consequence
was about three thousand men fell
in that day. Xo neutral ground
here for the Christian; if we are
not on the Lord's side we are on the
ty God of Israel still reigns, lie side of the enemy. There are but
says unto Moses, "Get thee down j two sides to every question, in
for thy people, which thou brought- 'science or theology, an affirmative
est out of the land of Egypt have and a negative. Every thing has
corrupted themselves." The Lord is its opposite, light and darkness,
angered thereby at their actions, "I 'cold and heat, sin and holiness, en
have seen this people, and behold, it the side of the Lord or the side of
is a stiff necked people." The Lord Satan. But two sides to all ques-
sought to destroy them and would tion. my christian friends. He that
have consumed them had it not been
for the interposition of Moses, who
besought the Lord not to let his
against me says
is not for me
God, and "He that gathereth not
with mo streweth." We are cither
wrath wax hot against them, so the; worshiping God or mammon. We
35S
TUE LORD'S SIDE.
have either set up the Lord as the
only boi n <_c to whom we bestow our
honor and worship, or we have set
up some idol to whom we bow and
worship at the shrine of its idolatry.
"Who is on the Lord's side ; let him
come unto mo." Oh my christian
friends, were that question asked us
to-day, how many Levis" would
gather around the interrogator ?
We fear thousands would be left to
bo slain. If we are on the side of
the Lord, we have certain rules laid
down by Him by which we are to
be governed, but if we have no code
of laws to govern us, we can go to
church, or stay home at will, can
lead a life of infamy and crime, and
the enemy of our souls is the better
pleased. But stop my christian
friends and those out feeding on the
winds of sin. Remember the awful
consequences. It is necessary then
to inquire whether we are on the
Lord's side or whether we have re-
quested of Aaron an idol, and if an
idol, the nature of the same. If we
are truly on the side of the Lord,
we are ready to engage in his wor-
ship, we do not forget the "assemb-
ling of ourselves together as the
manner of some is," but we frequent
the house of worship and there
show by our actions that we are on
the Lord's side. We are willing to
show our religion in every day life,
in our business and in our families
around the domestic altar. If we
are not truly on the Lord's side, we
are neither cold nor hot, we want to
occupy neutral grounds, have per-
haps, some idol that we cling to
that will cause us to absent our-
selves from the house of God. Some
make idols of their farms, their
stock, their neighbors or their mer-
chants, either of which frequently
cause them to stay away from the
sanctuary of tho Lord. Some Chris-
tian's think its too far to go to
church, or too cold and blustering.
Others do not wish to drive their
team out in the mud or cold, as the
case may be, or wish to go and talk
with neighbors so and so, and thus
absent themselves from church for
months, and then when they do
come, perhaps only to find fault
with a less erring brother or sister.
Oh brethren let us divest ourselvos
of all those idols, fault-finding, back-
biting, &c , and let us come before
the Lord in His sanctuary with
that humble boldness which should
characterize every child of God.
Let us still endeavor to put forth a
greater effort on the side of the
Lord, and worship Him in the beau-
ties of holiness. For if we say we
love the Lord, or that we are on the
Lord's side, (and love the assem-
bling of His Saints,) and then do
not by our actions prove to those
around us that we do lovo Him,
the}' at once say the truth is not in
us. How careful then my fellow
Christian, ought we to live. Who
is on the Lord's side? Let us ap-
peal to the unconverted what or
who is your idol that you daily wor-
ship? Can you not pause to con-
sider to day, and enquire on what
side you are on ? Can you not like
one of old ask, "What must I do to
be saved?" O come to God, there
is yet a Moses who can make an
atonement for our sins, and that
God to whom ancient Moses appeal-
ed to, is now just as ready to to for-
give tho iniquity of your sin. Come,
lay aside all those cherished idols
and let us all journey together and
THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES.
359
meet the Lord in that beautiful Ca-
naan, the land of the blest. Let us
put on the whole armor of God, that
we may be able to stand, "Having
our loins girt about with truth and
having on the breast-plate of right-
eousness; and our feet shod with
the preparation of the gospel ol
peace." Let us "be careful for noth-
ing; but in every thing by prayer
and supplication with thanksgiving,
let our requests be made known un-
to God," "who hath delivered us
from the power of darkness, and
hath translated us into the kingdom
of his dear Son ; in whom we have
redemption through his blood, even
the forgiveness of sins." Let us
put the sword of the Spirit by our
side and slay sin on our right and on
our left, that God'e cause may be
glorified and that sin might be over-
come, that that peaceful time may
soon come, when all shall know the
Lord from the least to the greatest.
When we shall be on the side of the
Lord at his right hand eternall}* in
the heavens.
S. T. Bosserman.
Dunkirk, Ohio.
For the Visitor
THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES.
Signs are things or events which
indicate something connected with
them either then existing or to fol-
low. There were signs given indi-
cating the approach of the Messiah
and others which manifested his
presence. God always gives signs
of coming judgments, to warn those
who are exposed to them, so that
they may find safety if they take
heed to the warning. Those signs
are often events produced by causes
which will finally eventuate in the
judgment foreshadowed. The move-
ment of Cyrus' army against Baby-
lon was a predicted sign of the end-
ing of the Babylonian Government,
and legitimately resulted in its over-
throw, so it was in the destruction
of Jerusalum, the investment of tho
city by a Roman army was foretold
by Christ as a sign of its destruc-
tion by which his church should bo
warned and find safety in fleeing to
the mountains. That was done in a
natural way, resulting in its complete
overthrow. Thus will it be at the
end of this world. Many of tho
predicted signs of its approach are
events beyond the principles an^
causes which will continue and in-
crease until they will rupture the
earthly framework, producing gen-
eral and complete revolution in eve-
ry department of earthly matter —
will be thrown into a chaotic state
as before God first created the earth
and will require a reconstruction, a
new creation. Jesus expresed this
principle in speaking of the effect
that the last-day signs would have
upon men when he says, "men's
hearts failing them for fear and for
looking after those things which are
coming on the earth." These signs
will cause men to fear that if they
are increasod or intensified, they
will result in some terrible catastro-
phe to the earth; these signs result
from causes disturbii g the earth,
manifesting inscurity of her founda-
tions and destroying the equilibrium
of her elements. Inspiration de-
scribes them thus: great earth-
quakes, famine, pestilences, fearful
sights ; the sea and the waves roar-
ing a great whirlwind upon tho
360
THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES.
earth j distress of nations with per-
plexity. Tho merchant people are
cut down. Yo rich men weep and
howl for j'our miseries that shall
come upon you. Your riches are
corrupted. Ye have heaped treas-
ures for the last days, evil men and
seducers shall wax worse, deceiving
and being deceived. Traitors, heady
high-minded, lovers of pleasures
more than of God by swearing and
lying and killing and stealing and
committing adultery, they break
out and blood touchcth blood. When
they shall say peace and safety,
then sudden destruction cometh
upon them. 'There shall come in
the last days scoffers walking after
their own lusts and saying, where is
the promise of his coming. Awful
description of fearful times. Who
can believe such a report ? Yet it
is the record God has given of the
last days. Then the prophetic ac-
count must be duplicated by the his-
tory of the last times. Have we
come to such a state of things in our
world. Yea, all things earthly are
dow in an excited perturbed condi-
tion, earthquakes have multiplied
wonderfully within the last fifty
years, manifesting a strain upon the
face of our planet which threatens
a universal wreck. The atmosphere
is showing strange freaks of de-
rangement. Storms of wind, hail,
thunder and lightning rapidly fol-
lowing each 'other, sow death and
destruction broadcast over the earth.
Whirlwinds, tornadoes and cyclones
show increasing atmosphere disturb-
ance. Famines and pestilences are
mowing down humanity as the
armer mows down his grass. Fear-
ful sights are often repeated in the
heavens which terrify men who
have an eternal conviction of com.
ing wrath. Tho sea waves roar fore-
told by tho prophets and Jesus as
God said, I will shake tho heavens,
and the earth, and tho sea, and the
dry land, and I will shake all na-
tions, lie is now sounding tho
warning noto of hastening judgment
throughout tho world. Tho nations
are also fearfully shaken by home
and foreign jealousies. They cry
peace but are making unprecedent-
ed preparations for war. Tho Ro-
man harlot has reached a position
which cannot possibly be long main-
tained. She will evidently soon
make a desperate effort to obtain lost
political power when her future ex-
istence as a great power will depend
on triumph or defeat. The blas-
phemous crescent power at Constan-
tinople is suffering internal con-
sumption and external leprosy. All
understand that her fate is scaled
and her end at hand. The Russian
and German empires are the only
great military powers which seem
at present to have a strong hold on
national existence. It is not a lit-
tle remarkable that the prophecies
point out those two nations as lead-
in cr the van in the last terrible con-
flict. In that conflict the .Roman
and Mohammedan powers are to
experience their final overthrow. It
is a fact that Germany is now pre-
paring to resist and destroj7 the Pa-
pal power at its anticipated rising,
and that Eussia is also preparing to
administer the last fatal dose to tho
sick man and give him a celebrated
burial among his sacred mountains.
These circumstances with many
more which we cannot now specify,
are God's foretold signs of the
speedy ending of this dispensation,
THE PROMISE OF PRESERVATION.
361
and the establishment of his ever-
lasting kingdom. The strain upon
every part, our world is being in-
tensified every month and must soon
culminate in a universal rupture of
all earthly organization and associ-
ation. O may the God ot peace
help both writer and reader to bo
prepared to meet it, for it is coming,
coming speedily. I remain your
brother in hope of eternal life.
S. T. II.
For the Gospel Visitor.
A PROMISE OF PRESERVATION.
BY D. B. MENTZER.
Solomon, the wise, wrote : "There
shall no evil happen to the just." Is
it so ? How can this be !
We will consider.
Who are the just? They were
the Godly, the righteous, in King
Solomon's day ; now, we say of such,
they are the Christians, not in name
only, but Christians indeed and in
truth. One of the primitive writers
says, "Let every one that nameth
the name of Christ depart from ini-
quity." Then to be a Christian we
are expected to depart from evil,
and even the appearance of it. Broth-
er, how do we stand in this matter?
Sister, do you often think how great
a matter it is to name the name of
Christ ? Remember, we have no li-
cense to sin under any circum-
stances.
There are many persons who are
deceived. They think if they be
only members of the church all is
right. They are very careless in
the duty of pra}Ter, often, too often,
ungarded in temptations, which
they yield to at will, when spoken
to of a fault they rise with argu-
ments of-self-justification and prac-
tically ignore the duty of living and
laboring to convert sinners around
them, and to edify brethren and sis-
ters in Christ. Let us remember
how very important it is to bear
that Holy Name before a perverse
and gain-saying world. We profess
to be just, righteous, Christ-like.
Let us fill our profession. Let us
come boldly up the valley ot hu-
miliation and gather fruit for Jesus.
There can be no better employment.
May the Master and Husbandman
give us all an earnest to know Him
aright AND answer His gracious
bidding. We owe Him all possible
honor, and if we yield not ourselves,
"servants to obey" Him in all that
duty requires, and that love should
prompt, we dishonor Him, and this
is not just. The just one, then, is a
living, walking, loving, working
servant and subject of the King of
Saints. Are you afraid to work for
Him? Do you fear any foe or any
trial ? "No evil shall happen the
just." This was said long ago. It
is the same to-day.
"The just" may have trials, but
if there be evil in them, it can not
harm. Grace becomes a principle of
justice in us and keeps us from sin.
We shall "not be tempted above that
we are able" to withstand.
"Can you not smile at the face of
your foe?" Yes, you can. Just
look over there at the glory that
transfigures the face ot our Jesus,
and then you can smile at an enrag-
ed world. "No evil shall befall you"
— it will not bo evil to you. Even
martyrdom would not be evil to you,
but rather the entrance through
362
SUNSHINE FRIENDS.
which you could enter the Guest
Chamber of your Lord and Master
— "Your King."
Do you feel that you are in the path
of duty? If not, get into it. If
so, you feel no oppressive burden,
for it is your blessed privilege to
leave all consequences with God.
Read Ps. 37 : 5. Bo not dishearten
ed ; what ever may happen you
whether disappointments, persecu-
tion, crosses, poverty, sickness, or
losses, "no evil" shall, no evil can
happen thee. Your soul will be
purer. It may be a refining fire for
you, to prepare you for your home
in heaven. "He shall deliver thee
in six troubles; yea, in seven, there
shall no evil touch thee, Job. 5 : 19.
SIN is the only evil to fear. Be
diligent in your Father's business,
faithful servant.
Waynesborough, Pa.
SUNSHINE FRIENDS.
BY JOHN CALVIN BRIGHT.
NUMBER 1.
Being at home by myself this
beautiful Sabbath-day, and having
read considerable in the Book of
books, I thought perhaps it would
not be amiss if I would lend my fee-
ble ability for a while in trying to
put in shape some thoughts for the
readers of the Visitor — and I essay
the task.
How beautiful are the rays of sun-
shine on a cloudless day. By vir-
tue of their power everything teems
with life and beauty. How they
sparkle on the water and refresh the
fragrant flowers and green grass on
a thousand hills by their warmth
and refulgence. So when evory
thing goes well with us — when dame
but fickle fortune, throws her bright
and cheering rays of prosperity on
us, how many sympathetic friends
we have, what friendly greetings,
cheering words, pleasant looks,
bright smiles, and flattering courte-
sies we receive from them. And
their declarations of friendship are
as firm as the pillars of the Eternal
Throne, and as numerous as the
sand on the sea-shore. But let us
turn a leaf. When clouds over-
spread the sky we have no cheering
sunshine. And when storms ap-
proach or when by the revolution of
the earth on its axis in its orbit
through space, the sun apparently
sets in the west, and night is come,
how cold and dark is it then ? So
when clouds of misfortune over-
spread us, when reproaches are rain-
ed on us, and when the dark cold
night of adversity comes, where are
those sympathetic theoretic friends
then. In a safe distance at least.
And their declarations of friendship
are found as chaff in a fanning mill.
And instead of "friendly greetings,
cheering words," &c, we receive
cool looks, dark frowns, unkind
words, unpleasant remarks, scorn,
contempt, and reproach, for "The
dog is turned to his vomit again, and
the sow that is washed to her wal-
lowing in the mire." Read the
above again dear reader and you
will then understand what I mean
by the title, "Sunshine Friends," if
you do not already. And to show
you their innate ugliness and naked
deformity, we will take a peep or
two behind the curtain and view
them in their nude and natural state,
void of their artificials.
SUNSHINE FRIENDS.
363
1. Sunshine friends are flatterers.
Flattery is a trait that occupies a
conspicuous position in the charac-
ter of a sunshine friend. It is their
stronghold — their strength. Coup-
line: together what the wise man
and others said in several passages
we have, "They flatter with their
tongue/' but we should "Meddle not
with him that flatters," for "A man
that flattereth his neighbor, spread-
eth a net unto his feet." Ps. 5 : 9.
Prov. 20: 19, 29, 5. And it is
"With the flattery of her lips" that
the debauchee leads her simple er-
ring devotees to certain ruin. If
any of the leaders of the Visitor
are given to flattery, let them mem-
orize the language of Elihuh to Job,
"Let me not, I pray you, accept any
man's person, neither let me give
flattering titles unto man. For I
know not to give flattering titles;
in so doing my Maker would soon
take me away." Job. 32 : 21, 22.
2. Sunshine friends are double
minded. Exactly so. This is a fact
— an undeniable truth. And how
ingenious they are and how they
will labor and bother their brains to
be double-minded, and then some-
times only be rewarded by having
their hypocrisy exposed. If they
are in company where a certain idea
is advanced, "certainly" they say,
"It can be no other way." But if
again they are in company where
the opposite idea is advanced, they
will coolly tell you that that opin-
ion was held sacred in their family
ever since the time of their grand-
father. Bring them to writing on
a disputed point and they will do
their best to please both parties.
(Though they generally lose the re-
spect of both, before they get
through.) Firmness and stability
are unknown to them. Unstability
is just another name or rather'their
right name while usunshine friend"
is just a pleasant and clever nick-
name. Have I drawn the picture too
darkly : Have I over-stretched the
matter: Hear what inspiration says.
"A double-minded man is unstable
in all his ways." James 1:8. A
good text for this class to meditate
on is "Purify your hearts ye double-
minded." James 4 : 8.
3. Sunshine friends are hypocrites
of the deepest dye. "This is a hard
saying : Who can hear it ?" "He
that has ears to hear," not only can
hear it, but will not question the
truthfulness of it, for it is already
in part demonstrated by the preced-
ing paragraphs. If you still doubt
it, look at their professions, and
then consider them in reality. They
are often found under the clouds of
religion, and with their words draw
nigh unto the Lord while their
hearts are far from him. Honor
him with their lips, but in works
deny bim. They pay tithes of mint,
anise, and cummin, but neglect the
weightier matters of the law. And
when storms of persecution arise,
they desert the blood-stained ban-
ner of the cross and take refuge un-
der the black flag of the enemy,
because after the example of some
of old "They love the praise of men
more than the praise of God." We
would all do well to consider well
the awful woes that hang over this
class. For instance read the twen-
ty-third chapther of Matthew.
4. Sunshine friends are the green
flies of society, and cause much of
the putrefaction and factions that
exist therein. We should thorough-
364
SALVATION.
ly cleanse and purify ourselves and
use the infectants ol "Holiness of
heart," and "Unfeigned love to the
brethren" to keep this dangerous
and noisome pest from our midst.
Dear reader, never, never bo such
a sunshine friend, for
"The poison of asps is under their lips."
"Their throat is an open sepulcher."
"With their mouths they have used deceit."
And "Their damnation slumbereth not."
Dayton, Ohio, 1873.
{To be Continued.)
For the Visitor.
"The Power of God unto Salvation"
The power of the gospel for us is
exhibited in the accepted sufficiency
of the Lord Jesus. In his prevail-
ing intercession for us, and in the
crowning ot the subjects of his re
demption for his sake.
The law held us in bondage ; this
bondage the gospel has broken. It
has provided for us a sacrifice, which
can answer every claim of the law,
and has given a new and glorious
hope. "Hence God can exercise
mercy to those whom the law con-
demned without setting aside in any
degree the authority or sanctions of
this law." Satan held us in captiv-
ity, from his power the gospel res-
cues. The Lord Jesus has destroy-
ed him who bad the power of death.
The death of Jesus has been the in-
strument by which Satan's king-
dom has been demolished, and the
Savior's empire has been establish-
ed. It is exhibited on earth in the
providence which causes all things
to promote the salvation of
sinners. Continual progress of truth.
Conquests over error. The gospel
displays its power in the awakening
and conversion of sinners. The gos*
pel comes to the penitent transgres-
sor as a ministration of righteous-
ness, as a word of reconciliation of
peace. It opens the prison doors
and bids the captive go free. The
power of the gospel is life-giving
power. It takes away the burden
of gilt, it silences every accusor, it
fills the believer with confidence of
hope, and it forbids every weapon
to prosper which is formed against
him. The gospel displays its power
in its progressive sanctification of
those whom it converted to God. It
is the only instrument of making
men holy. In the gospel we behold,
as in a glass, the glory of the Lord.
It is the great instrument of keep-
ing every child of God through faith
unto salvation.
The word of God is the incorrupt-
ible seed. The word of God is rep-
resented as a vehicle in which the
Holy Ghost travels in the soul.
"Faith comes by hearing, hearing
by the word." The gospel exhibits
its power in the crowning of the
Saints in glory. Permitted to stand
before him, begotten through His
word to the enjoyment of a lively
hope and everlasting habitation,
and permitted to live in the pres-
ence of the Lamb forever. The
same power the gospel has to save,
it has to destroy. It has an over-
whelming force upon those who
have despised its mercies; with a
destructive weight it falls upon such
to grind them to powder, to consign
them over to everlasting ruin, and
in chains of eternal darkness and
death.
John Nicholson.
Shanesville, Ohio.
HEARING AND DOING.
365
HEARING AND DOING.
Therefore whosoever hearech these sayings of
-mine and doeth them, I will liken him unto a
wiseman which built his house upon a rock.
And the rain descended and the floods came
and the winds blew and beat upon that house
and it fell not, for it was founded upon a rock.
And every one that heareth these sayings of
mine and doeth them not shall be likened unto
a foolish man which built hU house upon the
sand. And the rain descended and the floods
came and the winds blew and beat upon that
house and it fell, and great was the fall of it.
Matt. 7; 24,25,26,27.
My dearly beloved brethren and
sisters, I will try and pen a few lines
for the great and all important sub-
ject which is worthy of our deepest
consideration. The language is so
powerful that whilst I was reading
it, many ideas came to my mind
which almost forces -mo to write,
notwithstanding 1 feel myself too
unworthy to write, knowing I can
not begin to do the subject justice.
I feel my weakness in the sight of
God, that I am but young in the
ministry, knowing that it is my
place to try and admonish and ex-
hort my brethren and sisters of the
danger that we aro all exposed to
ers only, deceivingyour own selves."
The contrast in this parable is not
between grace and works but be-
tween merely hearing the word on
the one hand and on the other be-
lieving it, receiving it, and taking it
as the guide of life. This last is
called doing the word. Let us look
a little moro closely at both ways.
The man who is a hearer only, he
hears the word but it makes no im-
pression on his heart. He may hear
it as often as he pleases, even take
pleasure in hearing it, but he hears
it only not so much as to learn from
it. No wondor then that it makes
no change in his heart or life — that
he is the same man after hearing it
as he was before he hears the word.
Then ho is done with it until he
hears it again. Brethren and sis-
ters, how is it with you? Be care-
ful ! here is danger ! don't be de-
cieved ! God is not mocked ! Be
careful how you hear the word and
how you recieve it. Our Lord had
many such hearers of the great mul-
titudes that flocked to hear him
from all parts of the country. Xum-
and liable to be led away with strange | bers were hearers only, and mere
doctrines which our land is full of. 'professors, crying Lord, Lord, but
In the first place we take this par-
able as our blessed Redeemer has
spoken it, not to put any other
meaning to it only what the Master
intended it to represent. There are
not doing the will of my Father
whi-ch is in heaven. What is these
sayings one may say. My dear un-
converted friend, you can find them
all through the Lord's gospel from
very often different meanings put to Matthew to Eevelation. But here
the Savior's words. He says, "Who i.s a peculiar force in the term rock
soever heareth these sayings of [and the foundation. Christ is the
mine and doeth them." Here is a | rock of our salvation. The believ-
great distinction between the two. er's hope is built on him alone. Oth-
"And every one that heareth these ;Cr foundation can no man lay than
sayings of mine and doeth them that is laid which is Jesus Christ,
not." This distinction is exactly | The doer of the word is not a man
the same as that of St. James, "Be: that makes a profession and pre-
3'e doers of the word and not hear- 1 tends to be sincere on the Lord's day,
36G
HEARING AND DOING,
and in the week day try to cheat
his neighbor or wrong his brother
out of something. Christian means
Christlike; you must bo a Chris-
tian every day, for it is written,
Man don't live by bread alono but
by every word of God. Wo can't
serve two Masters at oneo The
Savior says, For we will hate the one
and love the other ordespise the one
and hold to tho other. Is this all ?
No ! no ! The hearer and doer may
make the same profession and bear
in the eyes of mo the same charac-
ter, and as long as the day of trial
does not come as the two houses
both stood firm while fine weather
lasted, and the one stood as firm as
the other for a while, but as soon as
the storms came, how was it then ?
Then the difference appears. The
hearer has no comfort laid up against
the day of conflict. When afflic-
tions visit him he has nowhere to go
for relief. When persecutions arise
he is not likely to stand. He is ex-
posed to false doctrins. He is liable
to be swept away because he has no
foundation only a sandy one. The
doer of the word is quite different.
He knows where to seek for help
when persecutions and difficulties
come. To him to live is Christ,
and to die is everlasting life beyond
this vale of tears. Oh dear breth-
ren and sisters, be careful and see to
this matter at once. See if you are
built on that spiritual rock that will
stand for ever and ever. May God
help you to know that there is a
greater storm coming, for every
man's work shall be made manifest,
for tho day shall declare it, because
it shall be tried by fire. And the
fire shall try every man's work of
what sort it is. This has reference
great day, tho last day, when
to the
tho Lord shall bo revealed from
heaven with his mighty angels, tak-
ing vengeance on them that fear not
God nor regard not tho gospel of
our Lord Jesus Christ. Brethren
and sisters, let us bo careful and ex-
amine ourselves to see whero wo are
standing. Have we built our spir-
itual house upon the sand or on the
rock that will stand the storms and
persecutions. And if we aro in
Christ we are new creatures. Old
things are passed away ; behold all
things are become new. We find
tho Savior saying, Why call me
Lord, Lord, and do not the things
which I say. If we listen to man
and take man's way like thousands
of professing men and women do in
this our day, we will be like the
foolish builder that has no founda-
tion, and when the day of trial
comes we will have to take up our
abode in an awful place of woo
where unrepenting sinners go. Now
brethren and sisters, once moro I ap-
peal to you, may God help you to see
to this matter before it is too late.
Don't stay at home because you
feel a little lazy and tired. This is
no excuse. Sometimes you think
the weather is too bad to go, or some
one of your favorite preachers won't
be there. Away with such excuses.
Go and take all with you you can
think- of. Jesus' poor unworthy
servants must go, rain or shine, hot
or cold, and it is not very pleasant
to preach to benches or an empty
house.
Now I will leave the subject and
may God help you to come to the
Lord's houso and exhort one anoth-
er, and so much the more as yc sec
the day approaching. But the day
PREACHING ON STANDS.
367
of the Lord will como as a thief in
the night, in which the heavens
shall pass away with a great noiee
and the elements shall melt with
fervent heat. Seeing then that all
these things shall be dissolved, what
manner of persons ought ye to be
in all holy conversation and godli-
ness.
Oh what a terrible thing it is to
see so many that profess to be fol-
lowers of that meek and loly lamb
of God, and will not obey his words.
What are they doing or who are
they following ? I fear their way is
dark and leads to ruin, and even
men who profess to preach the gos-
gel, they will say and even have
said, that Christ was not our exam-
ple. May God have mercy on such
false teachers and show them the er-
ror of their ways.
Now may the God of Heaven
bless you and lead you into all truth,
is the prayer of your unworthy
brother.
S. A. SlSLER
For the Visitor.
PREACHING ON STANDS-
Dear brethren in the Lord. Out
of a heart of love to God and man
I take my pen in hand to answer an
spect very highly, and truly feel
sorry that we differ in this matter.
And 1 do hope my dear brother will
bear with me in taking as firm a
stand as ho did and receive it as ho
gave it through a different view of
the subject under consideration. I
sincerely believe in a separate peo-
ple from the world in all things, not
only in appcrel, but in all our de-
portments in life. And I also be-
lieve that our beloved brotherhood
would stand better and more pleas-
ing in the sight of heaven at the
present day, if they had never went
on stands to preach and showed to
the world that we wished to be a
separate people in all things. O
what a light and shade it would
have thrown over our anti-chris-
tians. Dear brethren, there must
be something to influence us before
we will love to stand elevated above
our hearers. Whether it is a meek
or an exalted Spirit, I will leave to
my readers to decide. Going on
stands to preach is the very root of
all our stands in our meeting-houses,
but some contend there is some ad-
vantage to the speaker to stand
above his hearers, and is much eas-
ier to speak. I can truly say I
have never learned any difference,
and I have always preferred stand-
article written in the Companion on ing down when 1 had my privilege
the stand question, rather intimat-
ing that the grieved might be griev-
ed until they showed some authori-
ty from God's law. This wo will
endeavor to do in the fear of God and 'dear brethren that do not wish to go
in love and christian spirit. Bui up will be laughed at and mocked,
before I undertake the subject I can j by those, our dear brethren, that
and tho place. But right here is a
point to bo considered. And the
cause. Why I should like to sec
union in this. I discover that our
truly say that I don't approve of
controversy in such matters. Neith-
er do I reply out of any ill-feeling
to mj* beloved brother which I re-
love to bo elevated. And we should
all try and make ourselves as useful
as possible. I have seen whero
some went up and some staid down,
PREACHING ON STANDS.
and all felt bad and don't doubt in
the least, all the meeting. Hero I
will proposo the question. How can
wo bo tho most useful to God and
the community? This my dear
readers may decide for themselves.
My dear brother seems to think that
going up was not calculated to cause
preachers to become proud, that it
was the position they hold in the
church. This may bo the case with
some, but we know that the enemy
always sight us up, and the Savior
down* You know he told Zacchous
to come down. I fear if he were
here he would find many Zaccheus'
to call down. Dear brethren, do
bear with my plain remarks, be-
cause I do see that some of our min-
isters are fust changing in apparel
as well as many other things, and
some of them cannot be know any
more from the world. How can we
expect the members plain and trans-
formed when the minister shows no
transformation. Now for the law
and testimony. As my dear broth-
er seems to think that the ground
should clear himself by the law, and
until this was done the grieved
might remain grieved, (fee., some
seem to think there is neither pre-
scept either in letter or Spirit, and
generally bring up King Solomon
and Ezra, and Paul, and Christ in
the ship, and on the mountain. In
my view these are weak testimonies
to prove going on stands to preach;
we will in our weakness investigate
this by the law of God, and as my
brethren go to the ancient law, the
Bible, they will also allow me the
same privilege, although we think
for tho church of God there is sum*,
cient testimony for us to keep down.
In the first place God commanded
Moses not to build an altar of hew-
ed stone, or neither to go up there-
on by steps, &c. Ex. 20 chapter.
In the next place I will sight tho
reader to the 2 Kings 22 chapter.
And Hilkiah tho high priest said
unto Shaphan, tho scribe, I have
found the book of the law in tho
house of the Lord. . And Hilkiah
gave the book to Shaphan and ho
read it, 23 chapter 2 verse. And
the King gathered the men of Judah
and Jerusalem priests, and all men
both small and great. And why so?
Why to hear the law. And he read
in their ears all the words of the
book of the covenant which was
found in the house of the Lord, and
stood by a pillar and made a cove-
nant before the Lord to keep his
commandments and testimonies with
all their heart and soul, and to per-
form the words of the covenant. And
all the people stood to the covenant,
&c. Now King Josiah begins to
pray ; Judah and Jerusalem accord-
ing to law or covenant, and removes
tho high places that were before
Ashtoreth, tho abominations of tho
Zidonians, &c. These testimonies
we cite our readers to show what
became of King Solomon when his
strange wives drawed away his
heart to worshiping of idols on high
places. Here we see at once the
danger in high worshiping, &c. Now
we will call your attention to the
34 chapter of Chronicles. Read for
yourselves. We dare not quote verses
for brevity sake. Josiah was eight
years old when he began to reign in
Jerusalum. And he did that which
was right in the sight of the Lord
and walked in the way of David, his
Father, and declined neither to the
right hand nor to tho left. And in
PREACHING ON STANDS.
369
the twelfth year of his reign ho be-
gan to purge Israel, Judah and Je-
rusalem from the high places, and
the groves, and the carved images,
&c. After purging Israel from their
idolatry which was carried on on
high places, he restored the true
worship of God and kept their sol-
emn passover, and truly a great
passover did Josiah keep to the Lord
his God. My dear brother also
brings up Ezra's scaffold as a testi-
mony for going up on high stands
to preach and says, Some brethren
say he learned this idea of stands
in Babylon. Stranger, says he,
That those brethren did not perceive
that he might have learned it by the
law. I say strange, indeed, that
Ezra did not know how Josiah tore
them down when he and all the peo-
ple agreed to stand to the covenant
and to execute tho law, and it
truly is evident the law required
him thus to do. It is true Solomon
prayed for his stand which ho made,
and was heard, but God gave a
promise upon conditions, in case he
and his people would walk humble
and seek my face, and it thou wilt
walk before me as David, thy Fath-
er, and do and observe all my com-
mands and prescepts, then will I es-
tablish the throne of thy kingdom.
But we discover that he disobeyed
the command and built high places
for the god's of his strange wives,
which they worshiped contrary to
God's will, and for this cause the
Lord was angry with him and
threatened to remove the kingdom
from him, &c. Here, my dear breth
ren, take heed that we be not defil-
ed with tho strange women, and
that we do not suffer ourselves to be
drawn away from the good old wa}T.
Don't we hear it said our stand is
only three steps high and plain,
when we see it is richly adorned
with tassels, &c. Let this suffice for
Solomon. A few remarks about
Ezra's scaffold which still claim he
must have learned in Babylon. In
my view he could not have learned
it from the law which required them
to be destroyed, in order to restore
the true worship of God. Dear
brethren, I fear Ezra learned the
idea of stands from Babel, where I
fear it is learned in our day. We
certainly did not learn it from our
ancient brethren. Then we must
have learned it some where else.
My brother seems to think that
there is precedent testimony enough
to have stands. Dear brethren, 1
confess I am too ignorant to find it if
there is any. I will also give a few
testimonies from the new covenant.
Kom. 12th chapter. Be not con-
formed to this world; but be ye
transformed by the renewing of
your mind, that ye may prove what
is that good, and acceptable, and
perfect will of God. And also same
chapter. Mind not high things, but
condescend to men of low estate.
And 2d Corinthians Cth chapter 17th
and 18th verses: Wherefore come
out from among them, and bo yo
separate, saith tho Lord, and touch
rot the unclean thing, and I will re-
ceive yon, and will be a Father unto
you, and ye shall be my sons and
daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
And the Savior says, He that ex-
alteth himself shall be abasced, and
he that humbleth himself shall be
exalted. These testimonies may
suffice; if they are not sufficient ad-
vice to keep down in the valley of
humility, and bo a separate poople
370
THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN.
from tho world in all things, more,
also, won't do. Tho Savior also was
mentioned in tho high preaching to
the people. We don't suppose he
was elevated above his comrades in
the ship, neither was he on a ele-
vated stand. Paul also was brought
up as testimony, but I don't know
what was meant unless being on
Mars hill, or on the stars. I hope
wo will all agree, or should at least,
that he was apprehended and taken
to Mars hill for trial. Mars hill is
the place where the Athenians, high
court was held, and some seem to
think there were many temples
there, and Paul went up there to
preach. If it were so tho word
tells us that he was taken and did
not voluntarily go up, neither on
the stairs. His counsels are always
to keep down in humility, &e.
'Now we will leave the subject for
the serious consideration of the
reader, and take the counsel given
by the brother and go our way forth
by the lootsteps of the flock, and
feed the kids beside the Shepherds
tents. We will still try and feed
our flock, and wo will still try and
pasture them in the low valley, be-
cause the low valleys have the rich-
est pasture, and while we feed them
there they increase. Last year we
had a good increase, and this year
so far also.
S. Garber.
New Lebanon, O.
[Companion please copy.]
For the Gospel Visitor.
THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN AT
HAND.
The following lines are an answer to
a question, asked by an adventist, on
the kingdom of Christ being set up on
this earth.
As we should always be ready to give
an answer to those who ask of us, 1
Peter 3:15, I therefore resolved to
give an answer on the subject above
stated, to those who asked of us by a
private letter. It was the least of my
intention of writing for the Gospel
Visitor, but by the advice of some of
my brethren I have concluded to have
it published in the G. V., hoping that
some abler pens than mine may give the
subject a candid and serious investiga-
tion.
In those days came John the Baptist
preaching in the wilderness of Judea,
saying, repent ye, for the Kingdom of
Heaven is at hand. Matt. 3 : 12.
From the above and other Scriptures I
propose to answer the question you ask-
ed in your kind letter you wrote to me
concerning the kingdom of Christ being
set up here upon earth. From the
words of John, the forerunner of Christ,
whose mission it was to preach to the
people, and declare the glad tidings of
salvation to a lost and ruined world : he
used the above words and preached to
the people in the wilderness of Judea
the doctrine of repentance, saying unto
them that they should repent, for the
kingdom of Heaven is at hand. And
when we turn to Matthew the 4th chap-
ter and 17th verse, we find in the very
beginning of the Savior's preaching
that he uses the same words, repent, for
the kingdom of Heaven is at hand.
Again, Matthew 10th chapter and 7th
verse, we read, after the Savior had fin-
ished his sermon on the Mount and
chosen his twelve apostles and sent
them out to preach, Christ commanded
them to preach, saying, the kingdom of
Heaven is at hand.
We also read Matthew the 4th chap-
THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN.
371
ter and 23d verse, that Jesus went about J When the Savior was here upon earth
all Galilee, teaching in their Synagogues , he was crucified and died to redeem the
and preaching the gospel of the king- world from sin and arose again for our
dom and healing all manner of 6ickness, ! justification, and after forty days, as-
etc. Now we understand Jesus to mean jcended to Heaven, that i.°, took a far
by the words, gospel of the kingdom,
the doctrine of the kingdom, or teach-
ing his disciples the laws and ordinances
of his kingdom. The point which we
journey. But let us read on to the 19th
verse of the same chapter. There he
says, after a long time the Lord of those
servants cometh and reconeth with
wish briefly to make is to show the in- j them. Just so it will be. Christ is
troduction of his kingdom into the now on his journey ajid will return.
world, which is plainly demonstrated in
the above Scripture. The Savior taught
But to further prove that Christ set
up his kingdom when he was here upon
the people the laws and ordinances of earth, we will call your attention to the
his kingdom by preaching the gospel of 2d chapter and 44th verse of the Book
of Daniel, where he says : In the days
of those kings shall the God of Heaven
his kingdom. These laws and ordi-
nances now stand upon record for us to
accept or reject. If we accept and obey sot a kingdom, &c. We understand
from the heart that form of doctrine, j those kings referred to by Daniel were
being regenerated and born again of wa- : those kings of Babylon, extending from
ter and of the Spirit, John 3: 5, we Xebuchadnezar to Darius, who took the
have set to our seal that God is true, [kingdom and gave it to the Medes and
verse 33. Having come out from the Persians, Dan. 5: 28, and extended on
kingdom of Satan and the world and be- 'down to the Cesar who reigned over the
come members of the church or king- Boman Empire when Christ was here
dom of Christ here upon earth, we then upon earth. By taking a view of the
become adopted heirs of his (Christ's) subject from this standpoint we can
kingdom, and he (Christ) is our king clearly see the fulfillment of Daniel's
and reigns over us by his word and prophecy, that yet in the days of these
Spirit. He is seated at the right hand 'kings Christ came into the world and
of God making intercession for us. 'set up his kingdom, not a temporal
Hence we can see that the Savior while ' kingdom, but a spiritual kingdom, the
here upon earth set up a kingdom in the : throne of which is in the hearts of his
hearts of his believers, which he makes believers, where Christ reigns by his
very plain in the following parable Holy Spirit. 1 Cor. 6: 19; Luke 17 :
where he says: For the kingdom of But now the objector may say, how can
Heaven is as a man traveling into a far there be a kingdom set up in the hearts
country who called his own servants of men. Well let us consider what con-
and delivered unto them his goods, and 'stitutes a kingdom. To constitute a
unto one he gave five talents, to another kingdom we must necessarily have five
two, &c, and etraitway took his jour- l ingredients which are as follows: 1,
ney. Matt.
4, 15. We un- subjects; 2, a king
do
minion
derstand that when Christ was here law; 5, executive power. Now, first,
upon earth he delivered unto every one: the believers in Christ are his subjects;
of his servants their talents and says in 'second, Christ is our king; third, the
another Scripture, Occupy until I come, souls of his subjects are his dominion ;
37 2
THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN.
fourth, the New Testament is the law;
and fifth, the conscience when wrought
upon by the Holy Spirit of God, is the
executive power to enforce that law, or
to prompt us to act out obedience to the
requirements of that law by practical
life.
We will now notice the words of the
Savior Matthew the 6th chapter com-
mencing at the 25th verse. Therefore
1 say unto you, .take no thought for
your life, what ye shall eat or what ye
shall drink, nor yet what your body
shall put on. Is not the life more than
meet and the body than raiment'/ In
the 23d verse of the same chapter the
Savior says : But seek ye first the
kingdom of God and his righteousness,
and all these things shall be added unto
you. Now let us consider if Christ has
no kingdom on earth. Now, nor never
has had, nor will not have until after
the second advent of Christ, what sense
could we make of the words of the Sa-
vior above quoted, only that they plain-
ly prove that we shall first seek the
kingdom of God and his righteousness,
or that we shall make it the first busi-
ness of our lives to embrace the Chris-
tian religion and get in possession of the
kingdom and walk in the light thrown
off, or as the apostle says, that ye would
walk worthy of God who has called you
unto his kingdom and glory. 1 Thess.
2 : 12.
Now the question arises what do we
understand by the words of Christ him-
self, John the Baptist, and the apostles,
where they all use the words, the king-
dom of Heaven is at hand ? Understand
the words at hand to signify something
in our reach or that we can attain unto
or get in possession of. Hence we can
not see how we can reconcile the above
Scriptures with the doctrine of no king-
dom on earth during the long space of
time from the days of the Savior on
earth until ho will come again which
has now been over eighteen hundred
years ago. For the Savior could cer-
tainly not have spoken as he did with
any degree of propriety, if so be that
he established no kingdom on earth
when he was here. But the Scripture
is plain on the subject that Christ and
the apostles labored to impress the idea
into the minds of the people of the doc-
trine of the kingdom of Heaven being
at hand. Now we will give a few
thoughts of the full development of the
kingdom of Christ, then hasten to a
close. That Christ established a king-
dom upou earth is beyond a doubt. All
that remains for us to consider at pres-
ent is the full glory of his kingdom.
But the apostle says that eye has not
seen, ear has not heard, neither has it
entered into the heart of man the things
that God has prepared for them that
love him. It is plainly taught in the
Scriptures above cited and many others
to which we might refer, that Christ set
up his kingdom upon earth, and we may
be the recipients of it as we read in He-
brew the 12th chapter and 28th verse.
Wherefore we receiving a kingdom
which cannot be moved, let us have
grace, whereby we may serve God ac-
ceptably with reverence and godly fear.
That Christ will come again into this
world is certain, and he will not come
again to suffer on the cross, but in his
full glory, and when we look forward
with an eye of faith to that great day of
revelation and see Christ coming in the
clouds of Heaven with power and great
glory accompanied with the angelic
hosts of Heaven, all clothed in white
robes and shining garments. For we
read in Revelations that every eye shall
see him. They which have pierced him
shall see him, and all kindred shall wail
THE WILL OF GOD.
373
because of him. Even so. Ainen. Wei F©: the Gospel Visitor.
can only now look at these things as it The Will of God-
were through a glass darkly, but when ! Who will have all men to be saved, and come
the great mysteries .of God shall be re- j unt0 the knowlodge of the truth, l Tim. 2 : 4.
vealed, and when the time will come | We cannot suppose God to have de-
that Christ shall be revealed from j sires and wishes as men have, any more
Heaven with his mighty angels taking i then we can suppose he has passions,
vengeance on them that know not God j Vet, in the language of accommodation,
and obey not the gospel of our Lord i all these are ascribed to him. All words
Jesus Christ which full revelation will are used to convey thoughts to the
be fully made after the first resurrection iinind; but we must not suppose words
of the dead, when Christ shall have de- applied to the deity, which ascribe af-
livered up the kingdom to God, even i fections, desires and passions to him,
the Father, when he shall put down all 'are to be understood in the sam3 sense,
rule and all authority and power. 1 Cor.
15 : 24. And when all things shall be
subdued unto him then shall the Son
also be subject unto him that put all
things under him, that God may be all
and in all. 28th verse.
Hence when this great event is done
and he shall have separated the wicked
from the righteous, and have set the
righteous on his right hand and the
wicked are banished from the presence
of the Lord, and have heard the awful
sentence, Depart into everlasting fire
prepared for the devil and his angels,
then we who were subjects of his king-
dom here upon earth shall no doubt
with astonishment behold the greatness
of his kingdom, walking in the enjoy-
ment thereof. The time is then come
that God shall wipe away all tears from
our eyes, walking the golden streets of
the New Jerusalem, which John saw de-
and same force, thy would be if applied
to men. The will of God is used in
Scripture. 1st. To denote his divine
energy in the government of the physi-
cal universe. 2d. To denote his irresist-
ible control over the moral intellectual
world. 3d. To denote the moral prin-
ciples, which he has established and en-
joined upon the intelligent universe, as
the rule of action among accountable
being3. 4th. To denote the principles
of that system, by which men are re-
deemed, sanctified and saved. These
are the things signified by the will of
God in the Scriptures. And it is by
attention to any passage, containing the
term and its content, and the general
voice of Scripture on the same subject,
that we are to determine in which of
these meanings it is used. And it will
be perceived that none of these mean-
ings imply a desire or wish : not a pos-
scending out of Heaven from God, t sibility of disappointment on his part,
adorned as a bride for her husband, j whatever the event may be. Whenever
having her light likened unto a stone , the will of God is used in either the
most precious, even the jasper stone, ! first or second sense, the meaning is
clear as a crystal
Henry Garrer.
11 In the early years of manhood
Ruthless ambition destroyeth thee."
that the thing takes place, or will take
place accordingly. But the will of God
in the third or fourth sense, does not
imply that the thing necessarily takes
place, as will take place accordingly.
We will refer to some passages to illu^-
374
THE WILL OF GOD.
trate our meaning and application. " Yea,
before the day I am he : and there is
none that can deliver out ot my hand.
I will work, and who shall let it." Isa.
43 : 13. "Thou wilt say then unto me,
why doth he yet find fault; for who
hath resisted his will." Horn. 9 : 19.
"Being predestinated according to the
purpose of him who workcth all things
after the counsel of his own will." Eph.
1 : 11. The term is used in the above
passages in the first or second sense.
But in the following passages, it is used
in the third or fourth. "For whosoever
shall do the will of God the same is my
brother and my sister, and mother."
Mark. 3 : 39. "Teach me to do thy
will, for thou art my God." Thy
kingdom come thy will be done in earth
as it is in heaven." Not every one that
saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter
into the kingdom of heaven ; but he
that doeth the will of my Father which
is in heaven." Also see John 9 : 13.
1st Peter 4:2. 1 John 2 : IT. Many
similar passages might be quoted, but
these are enough to show, that the
Scriptures often speak of the moral
principles enjoined on us, and the prin-
ciples by which we are to be saved, as
being the will of God; and at the same
time clearly intimating, that these prin-
ciples may, or may not, go into opera-
tion and success, as we yield to or re-
ject them. All the commands of God
are held forth as his will ; yet we can-
not suppose that all his commands aro
always obeyed. And the whole lan-
guage of Scripture holds forth these
principles of the gospel, by which men
are to be saved, as a will or design of
God accompanied with all the necessary
means on his part, but which may not
result in our salvation, as we shall em-
brace or reject them. Thus, "the Lord
is not slack concerning his promise, as
some men count slackness: but is Ions:
suffering to us ward, not willing that
any should perish, but that all should
come to repentance." This places the
will of God for the principles by which
we are to be saved, if saved at all ; yet
we may perish for all that; for we do
not all come to repentance. "For God
so loved the world that he gave his only
son, that whosoever believeth in him
should not perish, but have everlasting
life." This text reads as if God de-
signed the gift of his son for all men,
on condition that they should embrace
him and obey the gospel. "For I have
no pleasure in the death of him, that
dieth, saith the Lord God ; wherefore
turn yourselves and live ye." Here God
is represented as regretting the neces-
sity that some must die for their sins :
and that they will not repent and live.
But it is the language of accommoda-
tion which is designed to teach us that
the principles upon which salvation is
offered us, are that all obstacles are re-
moved on the part of God; so that we
may be saved, if we obey the gospel."
If that nation, against whom I have
pronounced turn from their evil, I will
repent of the evil that I thought to do
unto them." Jer. 18 : 8. Although
this passage represents God to repent of
what he intended to do; it simply
means, that such are the principles of
his government, that if the wicked turn
from their wickedness, they shall not
suffer the evils that otherwise would fall
upon them. It is the language of ac-
commodation, but not the language of
philosophy. Such language is common
in the Bible, and easily distinguished
where people wish to be candid. Such
language is used among us. We say
the sun rises ; when we mean the earth
turns, so as to make the sun appear to
rise, &c. When the apostle tells us
CORRESPONDENCE.
875
it is the will of God that all men should I around us. It warns us against sin, by
be saved, we should candidly examine 'all that is solemn in death, awful in
to know whether he means by it that di-! judgment, or tremendous in the retri-
vine energy and irresistible control which J butions of another world. Yet some
never can be thwarted; or only that may say this system is partial, inasmuch
benevolence and grace, which offers sal- j as it does not give the heathen an equal
vation to all that want it; and which , chance to accept of proffered mercy; as
requires, that all me*n "come now to the the Bible has never been given them.
knowledge of the truth," that all men
pray without wrath and doubting that
all men everywhere rejoice — that all men
love Him and obey his commandments,
&c. All this does not take place,
though it is represented to be the will of
But the Bible does not clearly teach us
upon what principles the brethren are
to be judged, saved, or lost. The Bible
unfolds the principles by which those
who have an opportunity to read it, are
to be judged. The Bible however
God : because it is something which de- j teaches us that they who have not the
pends upon the free and uncontrolled j law, are judged without law; being a
volitions of men In this sense we are; law unto themselves.
to understand all those passages which
represent God to will the salvation of
all. Because, 1st. The Scriptures gen-
erally speak as if all men would not be
saved ; and if it depended on submis-
sion and obedience; and in some places,
they plainly teach a partial salvation.
In this sense we seriously think the
apostle intended to be understood, and
was understood at the time, in Eph. 1 :
9, 10; Col. 1 : 19; Phil. ii. 10, 11;
Heb. ii. 14.
The gospel everywhere represents sal-
vation as free to all — and ready for all.
Let us come to a knowledge of the truth.
Again, "whosoever believeth on him
should not perish but have everlasting
life; that he might gather together in
one, all mankind in Christ." That is,
such was the fullness, the freeness, the
extensiveness of the system, and the
principles and terms of salvation, that
all men might be gathered together in
Christ. I will give unto him that is
In looking over the above, we will athirst of the fountain of the water of
perceive that it represents God to make life freely. Rev. 21 : 6.
Joiix Nicholson.
Shanesvitle, Ohio.
C^or r csp ondenrc.
a fair offer of heaven to men and tosus- ,
pend its blessings upon the conditions j
of acceptance and a good life. It will \
be seen that this is exactly such a sys- ',
tern as this poor world needs, frail and
erring as it is, and surrounded with be-
setments and temptations as it is; where
so much folly, corruption and crime
abound. That it gives to virtue its
highest hopes and greatest encourage- 1 Dear Editor ; In as much as you
ment. That it strengthens our good have renewed your solicitations for
resolutions and cherishes our good affec ! church news, I thought I would give a
tions with all that can charm delight, or 'short history of our little church and
Nevada, Vernon, Co ,
Missouri.
i
interest the human heart; while it
throws the strongest possible guard
also our country. We moved here in
the fall of 1868, found two members in
376
COPvKESPONDENCE.
the county, and no speaker nearer than
forty miles. We were organized in
1870 by Elders John Ilarshey, S. S.
Mohler and Jacob Ulry, by electing one
Minister and two Deacons. We now
number about thirty members, with two
speakers and four deacons. We have
appointments for preaching every Sun-
day which are generally well attended
when the weather is favorable, and we
can truly say the harvest is great, and
the laborers few. And when we look
back to old Virginia, Ohio and Illinois,
where we have formerly lived, and view
the long list of ministers behind the ta-
ble, we can not but renew the Macedo-
nian call, come over and help us, for
we cannot but conclude that many are
burying their talent, to a great extent,
and can not feel justified when we take
into consideration the declaration of our
blessed Savior when he estimates the
soul to be of more value than the whole
world. Then, dear brethren, let us be
up and doing while it is called to-day,
for the night cometh wherein no man
can work, if God has called us into his
vine-yard to labor, he will come again
and will reckon with us. Let us then
look to ourselves that we receive a full
reward. Perhaps some of our dear
brethren in the East may excuse them-
selves by saying, there are enough older
and more experienced brethren that can
occupy the time to better advantage
than they can. To all such we would
say come West, there is plenty of room
yet in the scores of little infant church-
es in the West where you would be
greeted with joy, where you might make
yourself useful in proclaiming the ever-
lasting gospel to the starving thousands
of the sin polluted sons and daughters
of Adam's family. Jtemember the con-
soling promise to those that turn many
from darkness to light, that they shall
shine as the stars in the firmament of
Heaven. Paul says I have fought the
good fight; I have kept the faith;
henceforth there is laid up for me a
crown of life, which the righteous judgo
will give to me in that day, and to all
that love his appearing. He has made
it obligatory upon 'his ministers to go
and teach the nation. Now if we are
not faithful to our charge, how can we
love his appearing. But if we are daily
engaged in the work of the Master,
daily dealing out the bread of life to
the hungry starving souls who are feed-
ing on husks and air, we can then look
forward with a happy anticipation to
that glorious time when he will come
the second time without sin unto salva-
tion, being thus employed, we can truly
pray, thy kingdom come. In addition
we would further say to those that are
without employment, and especially
those without homes of their own, come
to south-west Missouri. Come and
view our beautiful prairies, our magnifi-
cent groves of timber skirting for miles,
our numerous streams which traverse our
great State. Our coal banks are almost
inexhaustible. Also mineral of various
kinds, and soil of almost endless varie-
ty. We have lime-stone, free-stone,
slate and many other soils. Taking the
country upon the whole, it is as well
adapted to the growth of all the different
cereals grown in the Eastern, Western,
and Northern States, as any country I
have yet seen, and for fruit it excels, as
apples and peaches, both grow to full
perfection here. And one thing in con-
nection with the fruit business here is
worthy of note, and that is the prospect
for always having a fruit market, as we
have only about a days run South to
the end of the apple line and about the
same distance North to the end of the
peach line, and with our system of rail-
CORRESPONDENCE.
£77
roads now finished and under contract, | other and Almighty God to live up to
will give us an outlet every way; and
taking every thing into consideration,
our cheap prairie lands at from six to
ten dollars per acre and timber eight to
twenty dollars, and our mild climate
and short winters, we think there i9 no
all the sacred oracles of his holy gospel
only 165 years ago, and that from that
little band of brothers and sisters the
good news has not only reached the new
world, but its extreme western border.
Let us gird on the whole armor of God,
Greely, Weld Co., Colorado, 1
November 14th, 1873. j
Brother Henri/: I will inform the
place that brethren could do better than , that we may be able to stand against the
here in Vernon County. We have had ' wills of the devil, and come off more
no snow and but little frost up to this than conqueror's through him that lov-
time. jed us.
There is the greatest chance at the i Now dear brethren I have written
present time for a colony of brethren to j much more than I intended when I
settle in this county of any place I j commenced, but my mind run and I let
know of in the State, as there is large I my pen run with it. If you think it
tracts held by speculators that is now ' worthy a place in your valuable paper,
thrown upon the market at reduced j insert it, if not, drop it in the waste
prices, much of it convenient to timber. ! box.
There are also many improved farms of | Samuel Click.
fered at reduced rates in consequence of
the financial crises that is upon us. If
men could sell East we think there,
never was a time that they could make
a change that would prove more advant-
ages that at the present. Come right readers of the Visitor, I with my fani-
along We need good farmers, we need , ily, left Western Virginia October 20th,
good exemplary Christians to preach came via Cincinnati, St. Louis and
the doctrine both by precept and by ex- Omaha and Cheyenne to this place, ar-
ample, for we think this the most sue- riving here all well and safe the 26th of
cessful mode of carrying on the mission- j October. The blessings and mercies of
ary cause. The brethren have now sue-, God attended u^ on our journey. Our
ceeded in planting the standard of truth ; post office address will be as above until
in nearly every State from the Atlantic further notice. So far we are all well
to the Pacific, and the prayer of every \ pleased with this Territory. Ever since
devoted Christian is that they may hold ; our arrival we have had beautiful and
the grounds already proclaimed from ■ pleasant weather — but very little wind,
the enemy, and by the hejp and grace There are still some fine lands to pro-
of God, may still go on conquering and empt or homestead on the South Piatt
to conquer until the Master comes. The ; River, along which a railroad is now be-
conquest has ever been westward. We ing constructed — will be in running or-
come to the conclusion sometimes that der, it is said, in the spring,
the church is doing but little, but when
we cast an eye of faith away back yon-
der and see those eight souls standing
on the banks of the river Yedar in
Germany, there covenanting with each
Truly yours in Christian love,
J. S. Flory.
378
NOTICES.
VALEDICTORY.
This number will complete the XXIII
Volume of the Gospel Visitor. And
this volume will close the Gospel Vis-
itor in its present form. It will here-
after be united to the Christian Fam-
ily Companion and published weekly.
Different circumstances have operated
together to produce this change. Twen-
ty-three years ago brother Henry Kurtz
feeling his inability owing to his infirm-
ities, to travel and perform the labors in
the ministry as he had been doing, and
still being desirous of tendering himself
useful to the church, conceived the idea
of a periodical for the defense and
spread of the truth. The Gospel Vis-
itor was then started by him. The
difficulties and discouragements he met
with in commencing bis enterprise, were
many. His patrons were few, and
many of the brethren doubting the pro-
priety of the work, not only withheld
their support, but discouraged the un-
dertaking. But by patience and perse-
verance he overcame the obstacles in his
way, obtained the confidence of the
brethren, and established a monthly
periodical, which we have reason to be-
lieve has done good service in promot-
ing the cause of Christian truth.
For seventeen years we have been con
nected with the Gospel Visitor.
About nine years of this time we assist-
ed brother Henry Kurtz in conducting
the paper, and for about eight years
brother H. J. Kurtz and ourself have
been conducting it. Though we have
had our share of trials and perplexities
consequent upon a business having to do
with persons of such a variety of tastes
and opinion, nevertheless our relation to
the press, and our connection with our
readers through it, have upon the whole,
been pleasant. And the thought of dis-
solving our relation with our coadjntors
with whom we have long and with much
harmony labored, is not a pleasant one.
And did we entertain the thought that
our communication with the readers of
the Gospel Vistior would close with
the termination of this paper as a dis-
tinct periodical, this thought would also
be unpleasant to us. This, however,
we hope will not be the case, as we trust
we shall have more frequent communi-
cation with them than ever, through
the weekly issue of the paper we shall
hereafter publish.
We have already intimated that a
change in the publication of the Gos-
pel Visitor seemed to be called for.
Though its beginning was small, it
reached in its most prosperous days, a
fair circulation, and its proceeds were
remunerative to its publishers. But in
the multiplication of periodicals among
us, and especially in introducing week-
ly papers, as church papers, there was a
loss of subscribers to the Gospel Visi-
tor, and the propriety of diminishing
its expenses, and the number of those
of us who depended upon its proceeds
for support, became a matter of serious
consideration.
Again : In the multiplication of our
periodicals there was an increase de-
mand for contributions to their pages,
and our present literary attainments as
a people are such, that a concentration
of our writing talents upon a less num-
ber of periodicals will render them more
useful.
The foregoing considerations with
others that might be stated, have
brought us to the conclusion, as circum-
stances have favored it, to unite the
Gospel Visitor with the Christian
Family Companion, we having pur-
chased the latter and also Br. Kurtz's
interest in the former. We hope the
arrangement we have made in regard to
NOTICES.
379
the change in the Gospel Visitor, will
lineet the hearty approbation of its
ifriends and patrons. We are the more
lencouraged to indulge in this hope,
knowing that it has long been the wish
of many of the friends of the Gospel
Visitor to have it issued weekly. Un-
der the new arrangement we have made
for publishing the two papers together
as one, under the title of the Chris-
tian Family Companion and Gospel
Visitor, our old subscribers can have
a weekly paper containing a large
amount of reading matter for a trifle
more than they have been paying for
the Gospel Visitor.
In conclusion we would say to our
readers, that we trust they shall have no
occasion to regret the union of the Gos-
pel Visitor with its coadjutor, as its
fulness. We expect to have the con-
tributions of those that have written for
b)th papers. And by combining the
labors of the correspondents of the two,
we hope to be able to present to our
readers a good supply of reading mat-
ter, comprising a variety that will meet
their wants. Much of our own time
and attention will be given to our work.
With the means we hope to have at our
command, and the blessing of God upon
our labors, we hope to give to the
church and to the public a work worthy
of their patronage.
The obiect of the Christian Family
Companion and Gospel Visitor — will be
the promotion of a pure Christianity.
In this age of much false charity, of
questionable liberality, of all shades of
religious opinions, of semi scepticism,
facilities for usefulness both in the of cold formalism, and of disgusting
church and in the world we think will 'pride and extravagance in the nominal
thereby be increased and its work of christian church, every available help,
which warns when there is danger, that
instructs upon points upon which more
promoting the cause of Gospel Christi-
anity continued.
We thank the friends of the Gospel
Visitor for their patronage, sympathy,
and help, and kindly request a continu-
ation of the same. To God we com-
mend our readers and work, hoping we
may also so presecute our work that we
shall rest together in the home of the
blessed, when our labors are done.
J. Q
AN APPEAL.
We wish to call the special attention
of the readers of the Gospel Visitor,
to the publication of the Christian
Family Companion and Gospel Visitor.
This paper we shall hereafter edit
and publish. It will be the union of
the two papers heretofore published
separately. The union of the two will
increase the facilitios of both for use-
light is needed, and that gives comfort
to the desponding, should be laid hold
of by all who wish to avoid error, and
come to a full knowledge of the "truth
as it is in Jesus." Such a help our pa-
per aspires to be, and such we trust, all
who labor for it, will use their utmost
endeavors to make it.
We solicit your patronage, your agen-
cy, your sympathy and your prayers.
We offer you a good Christian paper,
weekly, for the low price of SI 50 per
year. If an agent calls upon you, you
can subscribe; if you will act as an
agent yourself, we shall be pleased to
have you do so; if you can only send
your own subscription, enclose it care-
fully in a letter with your name and ad-
dress written plainly, and send it to us.
Addre>s :
James Quinter.
Dale City, Somerset Co., Pa.
380
OBITUARIES.
THE LAST.
The last number of the monthly
Gospel Visitor. Strange it will sound
in the ears of its readers. Knowing its
history from the start — its early trials
and difficulties — the thought that it
will be no more is not a pleasant one.
It is as if a friend of our early youth
were leaving us. Many a reminiscence
of its earlier years is treasured up in
our memory and many a good lesson has
it given us. But violence i3 laid upon
it and meekly it yields.
Our connection with it as publisher
dates back some nine years. These have
been eventful years to us. We have
labored under difficulties. We have
met with disappointments and losses,
and have had our afflictions and be-
reavement. Temptations have beset us
at every step. Envyings, jealousies,
backbitings, — all have cast their ven-
omous darts at us. But the many
hearty well-wishes from our friends
have often cheered our drooping spirits,
and the consciousness within of the
rectitude of our intentions has again
nerved us on to duty.
We would say to our friends that we
are still in the printing and publishing
business, and we shall expect to have
continued intercourse with all our old
friends, while we hope to make many
new ones.
II. J. Kurtz.
days, was married to Daniel NofFsinger,
who died six years ago at the age of
seventy-five years; and as no notice has
been given of his death we will give it
here. He was born in Westmoreland
County, near Greensburg, Pa. He al-
so came to this county in his young
days, became a member of the church
the same day his wife did, and was for
years a minister in the church, and in
his last years a bishop. His disease
was apoplexy. From the time of the
attack he lived about three hours. Fu-
neral services by brethren A. Eibaugh
and D. Bowman.
I will now state what the friends par-
ticularly desire to know in regard to
the old sister's disease. It was a pe-
culiar o.ne. Many people are living
who never heard of the like. It was
Contraction or Stricture of the (Esoph-
agus, the organ through which the
food passes to the stomach. For four
months it gradually enlarged, impair-
ing, and finally destroying the power to
swallow anything, producing death ul-
timately by starvation.
These parents raised ten children,
five sons and five daughters, who are
all living yet, the oldest 59 years old.
Six are members of the church, one a
minister and one a deacon. We hope
the Lord will help, that through the
instrumentality of the Gospel, the oth-
ers may be drawn to Christ before it is
too late.
Addition to a Notice.
By request, I write in addition to
that which has been written and pub-
lished in regard to Mary Noffsinger,
who died April 12th, 1873.
Her maiden name was Bidder. She
was born in Ashe County, near New
Iliver, North Carolina, emigrated with
her parents to this county in her young
Eld. David Murray.
Dayton, 0.
OBITUARIES
Died in the Fourmile Church, Union County,
Indiana, August 2d, 1872, sister MARY Mc-
QUOID, widow of brother John McQuoid, who
died some ten years ago, aged 67 years and 22
days. She leaves a large family of children to
mourn her loss, which we hope is her great gain.
OBITUARIES.
381
She joined the church when she was twenty-
four years old, and has been a faithful and ex-
emplary member for forty-three years. Some
time before her death she was anointed with
oil in the name of the Lord. She was troubled
with heart disease for some time, and she died
very sudden. She was sick only about one
hour. Another solemn warning to us all, and
more especially to those her children, who have
not yet confessed Christ by obeying his com-
mands. Funeral occasion improved by the
brethren from Luke 20th chapter and 35th
and 36th verses, to a large and attentive con-
gregation.
Jacob Rifk.
[Companion please copy.]
Died near Silver Lake, Kosciusko County'
Indiana, August 23d, 1873, sister ELIZABETH
KARNS, wifo of brother John Earns and a
sister-in-law to the writer, aged 37 years seven
months and eighteen days. Disease cancer in
the breast. She had been ailing fur two years
previous, although she bore it with christian
patience. She left a kind husband and seven
children, four of which were step-children, and
a large circle of relatives and sympathizing
friends to mourn her loss. But not as those
who hare no hope. Not only do they miss her
in the family circle, but her loss is felt in the
church. She was kind, tender hearted and al-
ways willing to help the poor or those in dis-
tress. She left bright hopes and cheerful work?.
She has left good examples for all her children.
It has pleased God to take her from us, and we
trust she has gone to the mansions of rest to
enjoy the fruits of her works upon earth, and
we hope our los3 will be her gain. She had a
desire to fill the last commandment. She was
anointed in the namo of the Lord. Funeral
services by Jacob Metzger and Israel Harter,
from Revelations, 14th chapter 12th and 13th
verses.
Rebecca Sands.
[Companion and Pilgrim please copy.]
Died in Christ on the morning of the 20th o
September, at Kansas City, Missouri, our moth- 1
er, and a sister in the church, CATHARINE
TALLY, late of Philadelphia, Pcnn., in the 63d j
year of her age. Though confined for three
long weary mouths to a sick bed, she bore her j
sufferings uncomplaingly, and with the same
spirit of Christian fortitude, and hope of a bright j
future that distinguished her whole life. No
word of impatience or complaint at her lot, what- j
ever it was or however burdensome and afflict- j
ing it may have been, — naught, but a hopeful j
looking forward and upward to a br ght future. |
How oft those words of hers, "it is for the best.
have cheered us in our despondency. How oft '
her patience has taught us patience, and her;
blessed hand led us in the right paths. It seem-
ed as though the sweet ser.ne look her face bore
in death, was pointing us heavenward, and that
there was yet room for us, whence her spirit fled.
We pray, to meet her again, "when the day of |
life is fled, then in heaven with joy to greet her
where no farewell tear is shed."
Some five weeks ego she expressed a desire
to have a love-feast at her bedside, and to be
anointed; accordingly a meeting of the breth-
ren and sisters living convenient to this city,
was held the week ensuing, brother Daniel Sells,
of Platte County, officiating, and the occasion
was an enjoyable one to her, as she entered into
the spirit thereof fully. Though scarcely able
] to eat the broken bread and raise the cup to
| drink the wine, she did so with pleasure, and
expressed herself as having experienced much
; comfort. In the absence of any elder of the?
church in this city, brother Lunbeck, of the
| Methodist Church, performed the sad rites over
I the remains of our only stay and comfort here on
, earth — Our Mother.
James Tally.
[Companion please copy].
Died in the Squirrel Creek Congregation, Wa-
bash County, Indiana, September 28, 1873, of
! Palsy, sister ELIZABETH, wife of brother
George Oren, aged 67 years 4 months and 14
dsys. She was a member of the church about
25 years. She had 8 children and a kind hus-
band and numerous friends to mourn her loss.
Four of her children are members of the church.
Funeral services by Elder David Neff from 2d
Timothy, 4 c. and 7 and 8 verses.
S. A.
[Companion pleaso copy.]
In the Yellow Creek Congregation, near New
Enterprise, Bedford County, Pa., October 20th,
1873, Bi&tor NANCY DOOLY, wife of Thomas
Dooly, daughter of bro. Daniel Replogle, dee'd,
and sister Nancy Replogle, aged 45 years 7
months and 27 days. Her mortal remains were
committed to the earth witnessed by a large
concourse of people: Occasion improved by
the brethren from Thess. I: 4, later part.
The subject of this notice was an amiable sis-
ter, much attached to the church, as her seat
was never found vacant, in the meetings, unless
unavoidable reasons. Sudden and unexpected
was her departure from the devoted husband
and her dear children, of whom 5 are living, one
belonging to the church. May the deep wound
struck into their fireside be the means of doub-
ling the seats left vacant in God's church.
Leonvfd Flrry.
October 5th, in the Beaver Run branch, Min-
eral County. W. Va, sister ELIZABETH AR-
NOLD, aged 92 years and 5 months. Funeral
occasion improved by the brethren, from the
95th and 60th verses of the 119th Psalm, to an
attentive congregation of friends and rela-
tives. She has exchanged time for eternity,
and we hope her change is a good one. She
expressed a desire to leave this world; and we
hope, as the apostle Paul said, that there is a
crown laid up for her in the world to come.
May the Lord enable us all so to live that when
death comes we may be prepared to say, "Hin-
der me not, come, welcome death, I'll gladly go
with thee."
D. R. LeATHEIIMAN.
Died in the Manor Congregation, Washington
County, Md.. October —,1873, Elder JOSEPH
P. ROHRER.
In the East Coventry Church, at the house of
her son Rudolph Harley, (deacon) sister ELIZ-
ABETH HARLEY, aged 38 years and 2 days.
382
INDEX.
INDEX TO VOLUME XXIII.
A Symbolical View of our Glorified
Redeemer 3
A Terrible Surprise 20
A glance at the Present State of
the World 30
A Letter.... 46
A Letter 71
A Warning Voice 79
A Two-Fold Revelation of Christ... 97
Ashamed of Jesus 104
An Old Hebrew Parable HO
Advent Ill
Astonishing Accuracy of the Bible 137
A Short Sermon 210
Antiquity of the Scriptures 214
Associations with the Wicked 219
A Gloomy World to Me 233
As I have Sung so I Believe 275
Appointments 286
A Noble Pursuit 295
An Autumn Leaf 299
An Evil , 307
About Popes 335
Autumn among the Mountains 344
A Promise of Preservation - 3 1
An appeal - 379
Beware of One Sin 156
Be Like Christ 203
Bad Company 276
Brevity in Religious Exercises 311
Be in Earnest 334
Christ the Great Restorer 8
Christ our All-In-AU 27
Correspondence 30, 126, 157, 252.
Church News 93
Cross Bearing.... 140
Courtesy and Sympathy in the
Church 142
Christ in the Household 147
Condemning Sin in the Flesh. .195 166
Commands are Essential 206
Christian Union 261 225
Change 319
Does God Ever Scold 153
District Meetings 157
Design of the Church.
Deacons and Visitin*
Dead to Sin
Delighted in God...,
Death and Sleep
Dancing an Evil
Brethren.
Death of Lady Jane Gray
Drawing a Congregation
Entering into the Kingdom of God
Every True Church a Working
Society
Exhortation
Encouraging to the Laboring Breth-
ren
Expectation in God
Emblems of Purity
Forgive, Forget
Forgive Your Enemies
Four Impossible Things
Family Prayer
God's Work and Man's Work
Gospel Journalism
Giving Ourselves to Jesus
God Regards Us
Howls It!
Holding Our Own
Heavier the Cross
How Is It!
How to Break Ourselves of Bad
Habits
Humble or Humbled
How Tobacco using affects Missions
Hold up the Light
Humility
High -Mindedness
Hearing and Doing
Independence of Thought
Is this Ours
Ignorance and Futurity
,If Thou Canst Believe
'individual Power
I will Give Liberally
I Awaked for the Lord Sustained
Me
Internal G uests
Judge Not
189
228
234
326
337
340
343
350
86
122
146
259
309
333
145
211
303
311
56
220
282
342
51
53
63
145
156
221
279
280
324
338
365
142
154
155
202
216
271
278
314
303
INDEX.
383
Jephtha's Daughter 344
Keep Your Eyes on the Copy 222
Letter of Inquiry Answered 19
Letter to Eld. A. J. Welton 41
Living on God 107
Let not your Heart be Troubled... 113
Lucy and the Church 155
Love 266
Laying up Treasures in Heaven.... 323
Marriages. 64
Marriage and the Family 91
Make Others 125
Mothers 188
Marriage of Believers. 205
Ministerial Unfaithfulness 281
Memoir of Eld. John Zug 287
Not Weary, but Gaining Strength.. 51
Notices 93
Neighbors Thistles 141
Need of Enthusiasm 211
No Word of Encouragement 345
Obituaries... 33, 64, 94, 128, 158,
191, 224, 255, 288, 320
Origin of the Mourner's or Anxi-
ous Bench 161
Only in the Lord 286
Our Fellowship, (Partnership,; in
the Lord Jesus Christ 305
Putting a Bridle on the Tongue... 25
Pray with your Children 57
Practice what you Profess 119
Pray for and with your Children... 124
Preparations for the Last Day 241
Purity and Maturity 332
Pride 269
Plain Dressing for Meetings 310
Preaching on stands - 367
Poetry.
What Then 31
To My Mother 31
The Little Graves 31
Heavier the Cross 63
A Voice Across the Tide 93
Thy Will Be Done 128
The Skull 158
Bear Up 158
Home 223
The Meeting Place 223
Prayer 224
A German Hymn 320
Make Haste, 0 Man, to Live.... 320
Religion in the Home 29
Remarks on Matthew 39
Reformers 117
Railroad Notice 157
Rejoice Evermore 246
Rewards in the Coming Age 304
Rebreathed Air 349
Style, not Taste; Fashion, not Re-
finement 57
Saving Faith and Works 100
Submissiveness 138
Science and the Bible 141
Sing Praises 172
Sanctification — Holiness 209
Show Your Light 249
Sunshine Friends - - 362
The Birth of Christ 13
Time is Fleeting 17
That Last Great Day 23
The Martyrdom of Peter 26
The Christian 30
The Learners Place 33
The Midnight Supper 58
They Won't Trouble You Long 59
Thorns 60
The Enemy In-Doors 61
This Same Jesus 65
The Great Victory 68
The Immutability of God's Word 75
The Drama 84
The Blind Eye Opened 88
The Garden of Eden 90
The Gift and the Growth of Faith 115
Too Good for God 119
The Teachers Reward 123
Trust in the Lord 129
The Wonderful Promise 130
To the Watchman 136
Tobacco 149
The Sailor Boy of Havre 150
The Coming Conflict in Europe 154
384 INDEX
The Priesthood of all Christians.... 193
The Hope of the Church 199
The Names of God 204
The Ways of Death 207
The Laying on of Hands - - 1G3
The Law of the near Kinsman - 170
The House of God made a House
of Merchandise - - 175
The Bliss of the Millennial Times 177
The Two Systems - - - 190
The Christian in his Business - 215
Tobacco 217
The Lord's Jewel - - -220
The Miseries of Self-importance 222
The Lord the Believer's Arm - 236
The Risen Lord - - - 238
Time, Repentance and Faith - 240
Temptation - . 247
The Church and the World - 248
Tobacco not Nutritive - - 249
The Missouri Committee - 250
To the Churches - - 251
The Parable of Tares and Wheat 257
The Christian a Pilgrim upon Earth 263
Through Darkness into Light - 275
The Rich Man and his Vain Hope 277
The Life of Faith - - - 280
The Broken Saw 285
True Greatness ■ 289
To Myself and Others - - 300
They Don't Want Me - - 302
The Frozen Ship - - 308
The Christian Life — Living by
Principle - 313
The Sick Boom - - - 315
The Spider's Web
The Christian's Hope
The Rest of the Redeemed
To Correspondents
The Poor in Spirit
Treatment of Enemies
The Christian's Pattern
The Samaritans
The Path of the Just
The Royal Priesthood
The Love of Christ -
They Won't Trouble you Long
The Value of the Sabbath
Take Care of the Fox
The Penalties of Fashion
The Turn of Life
The Folly of Spiritualism
The Sins of Youth
The Advent of Christ
The Signs of the Times
The Power of God unto salvation
The Kingdom of Heaven at hand
Tne Will of God
Unity in Family Government
Value of Repentance
Valedictory
Whiter Than Snow
Why Is It
Winter ....
What is it to be a Christian
Watch the Fires
War
Who is on the Lord's side
Young People and Amusements
316
317
318
319
321
328
329
330
337
341
343
346
347
347
348
351
351
352
353
359
364
370
373
28
352
378
54
78
106
120
309
336-
356
283
THE WEEKLY PILGRIM. GOOD BOOKS FOB ALL.
Published by .J. B. Brumbaugh & Co.
Ivlited t>v 11. 15. & Geo. Brumbaugh.
CORRESPO N DING EDI T( ) Ks.
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Leonard Furry, New Enterprise, Pa.
The Pilgrim is a Christian Periodical, de-
voted to religion and moral leform. It will
advocate in the spirit of love and liberty, the
principles of true Christianity, laborforthe
promotion of peace among tin- people of*
God, for the encouragemenl of tne saint-,
and for the conversiou of sinners, avoiding
those things which tend toward disunion or
sectional feelings.
Terms, $1.50 a vear, A Pilgrim Alma-
nac, containing list of ministers, &c, free
to every subscriber.
Address 11. 13. II RU MB AUG II,
Huntingdon, Pa.
MAP OF PALESTINE.
A beautifully colored m:> i> of Palestine, size
28 by 38 inches, containing
The Ancient and Moden Names of all known
places.
A table of the Seasons, Weather, Productions,
Ac.
The journey of the Israelite.-- from Egypt.
The world as known to the Hebrews.
The Travels of the Apostle Paul.
The Holy City of Jerusalem.
Altitudes in English feet on the locality.
Texts of Scripture cited to Cities, Ac. .vc
For thirteen subscribers to the Children '« Paper
for 1874 and $3,50, we will send free a copy of
this excellent map mounted on rollers.
For eighteen subscribers to the Children' '« Pojn »•
for 1874 and $4,50 we will send the map mount-
ed on rollers. Send five cents extra for postage
on each map.
Address 11. J. KXRTZ, Dayton, 0.
FREWS » HOTEL,
Cor. Cortlandt k New Church Sts.
XEAY YORK.
ON THE EUROPEAN PLAN.
RICHARD P. FRENCH,
Son of the late Col. RICABD FRENCH, of
French's Hotel, has taken this Hotel, newly
fitted up and entirely renovated the same. Cttn-
traUy located in the BUSINESS P APT of the
City.
LAP1K8' k GKKTLKMKN8' DTKIXO ROOMS ATTACHED.
FKICK-S
MARBLE WORKS,
DAYTON, O.
1 would inform the public that I am engaged
in the Marble Trade in Dayton and am prepared
to furnish anything in my line at low rates. I
make to order Monuments, Tomb and Grave
Stones, of any si/.e or dimensions, varying in
price from S"> upward. I invite a comparison
of my work with that of any others in the bu-
siness and respectfully solicit patronage. If
you cannot come yourself, send in your order
giving size and shape, and I will guarantee sat-
i.- faction.
Work? at Xo. P>7 South Main Street, nearly
opposite the Market House.
W. R. FRICK.
"HOOKS WHICH ARE HOOKS."
Works which should he found in every Libra-
ry—w ithin the reach of all readers.— Works to
entertain, instruct and improve. Copies will be
senl by return post, on receipt of price.
New Physiognomy ; or, Signs of Character,
as manifested through Temperament and Ex-
ternal Forms, and especially in the *' Human
face Divine, with more than one thousand
illustrations. By 8, R. WKLLS. Price §5.00.
The Family Physician. A Heady PreSCri
her and llygenie Adviser. With reference to
the Nature, Causes, Prevention, and Treat-
ment of Diseases, Accidents, and Casualities
of every kind. With a Glossary and copious
index. By Jobl Bhkw, M. I>. Illustrated
with nearly 300 Engravings. Otfie Large eol-
uine, intended for use in the family. 54.00.
How To Kead Character. A New Illustra-
ted Band-Book of Phrenology and Phisiogno-
iny, for Students and Examiners, with a Chart
for recording the sizes of the Organs of tho
Brain, in tho Delineation of Character, with
upwards of ITU engravings, latest and best.
Muslin, $1.25.
The Parent'* Collide: or Human Development
through Inherited Tendencies. By Mrs
IIkstkk Pkndi.ktuv. Second edition revised
and enlarged. One vol. 12mo. Price $1.50.
Constitution oi' Man. Considered in relation
to External Objects. By Geobgk Combe.
'-The only authorized American Edition. With
Twenty Engravings, $1.75.
The Hygienic Hand-Book : a Practical
Guide for the Sick-Room. Alphabetically ar-
ranged with Appendix. By K. T. Tball.
one vol. l2mo. 300 pp. Muslin. $2.00
('How to "Write." " How to Talk," ''How
to Behave," and " How to Do Business."
a Band-Book indispensable for Home Im-
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Wedlock; or, the Uight Relations of the Sex-
es. Disclosing the Laws of Conjugal Selec-
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not Marry. A. Guide for both Sexes. $1.50
Oratory— Sacred and Secular; or the Ex-
temporaneous Speaker. Including a Chair-
man's Guide for conducting Public Meetings
according to Parliamentary forms. 1.50,
Management of Infancy, Physiological and
Moral T re a t m e Q t . By AXDB E W C 0 M BE , M . 1 ) .
With Notes. 1.50-
Medical Electricity. A Manual for Students,
showing the most scientific and rational appli-
cation to all forms of Acute and Chronic Dis-
ease by the different combinations of Elec-
tricity, Galyanistn, Electro-Magnetism, Mag-
neto-Electricity, and Human Magnetism.
History- of Salem Witchcraft; " The Plan-
chette Mystery:" and "Modern Spiritual-
ism," with Dr. "Dodridge's Dream, in one
VOl. Price, $1 .00
.loop's Fnblt s. ThePeople's Pictoral Edition.
Beautifully illustrated with nearly Sixty En-
gravings. Cloth, gilt, beveled boards. Onlv
ii.oo.
Pope's Basay on Man. With Notes. Beau-
tifully Illustrated. Cloth, gilt, beveled boards.
$1.00
Tlie Right Word in the Itight Place.. \
New Pocket Dictionary and Reference Book.
Embracing Synonyms, Technical Terms, Ai>-
breviations, Foreign Phrases, iVritingfor the
Press, Punctuation, Proof-Rea ling, and other
Valuable Information. 75 cents.
Phrenological Bust. Showing the latest
classification, and exact location of all tho
Organs of the Brain. It is divided sd as to
.-how each Organ on one side; and all the
groups on the other. Sent by express. Price
12.00.
Inclose amount in a Registered letter, or in a
P. O. Order for one or for all of the above, and
address S. K. Wki.i.s. Publisher, No. X1 Broad-
way, New York. Agent- Wanted.
FOR SALE AT Tin OFFICE OF THE
"UOSPEI4 sITOR."
Ne.id's Theology 1,45
Wisdom and rower i>f flrod..JC 1,46
Debate on ImiuersicinV ,' 75
Parable of the Lord1 s' Siu>»< 5 ,-20
Plain Remark* on Lb NlindedueB* 10
WandeU 1,15
Yiallfuhrt n>f ,60
Brkthrkn'b IIv.m iOK netc nclection ]
Plain sheep binding.. ,75
Per dozen, lr, 1 7,25
" arabesque binding ,75
Per dozen, by express 7,'2.~->
Plain morocco 1,00
Per doien, by e ^ss 10, 00
Plain morocoo, po'eke 00 k forjn 1,25
Per dosen. by 0: resd 12,00
tan Hymn li
Plain sheep binding, Single
Per doaen, by express 5, 00
<>'< ,-iikiii 0 bound toyctli' r.
Turkey morocco 1,25
Per dozen, 12,00
Arabesque plain * 1,0U
Per dozen, by express 9,00
Plain sheep binding,, 1,im)
Per dozen. 9,00
Hymn BookhI I old s< taction J
Gorman and English ,75
English, single, ,40
" per dozen 4. '25
Kost's Domestic Medicine »24 ] Svo 2,15
German and Engli cut 60
tSentptxtpahl at ■ 1 efacpt when _ ' ' by
express'' i* added, n"- ^tsi-ltarpcs are paid In/
receiver. Ahcaytifti v;aymyou want book*
*>iit. Remittances byt all lor book?, A:e., at
the risk of the sender. lers at our risk.
Names put on bo- r fhr 15 cents each
Address J). Dayton, O.
The €hil4*'£f&'* Vjfaper*
An illustrated paper '^ivo'cedi to' the instruc-
tion of the Child -ml, t. D,
1 copy, per year., $0 80
4 copies " 1 00
13 ' ....: 8 (Ml
20 Vifr*^ 4 00
25 " " " n. 4 50
We ask the coopi the brethren and
sisters everywhere ifi introducing the Paper
and in getting subscribers for it as well as in
furnishing reading matter for tho children.
Special terms to ichools when packages arc
addressed to one person, only. ,
Specimen copies on receipt, oT stamp.
Address all orders and communications to
llrt\F. KURT,.. ,>aytjn, O.
17MJ. llr. F; ;HRAEY'8 187-.
K!oo<] Cleanser
or
PANACEA.
Many Ministering Breth .mi use and recom-
mend it. A tonii-and purge, for Blood Disea-
se? and Female y>mj^Utinfs. Many testimoni-
als. $1.25 per W 'Ask or send for the
" Health MessengJ ; 1 medical paper publish-
ed gratis by thej u.. assigned. lTse only the
" Panacea " prepared at Chicago, 111. and by
Fahrney's Brothers & Co.,
Waynesboro, Franklin Co., Pa.
To the Brethren and Friends.
I hereby propose to sell my books — Treatise
on Trine Immersion, TIuj Lord's Supper, New
Birth, and Non-Resistance — at 50 cents per
copy, postpaid, or to agents at $H0 per hundred.
Same proposition I 1 umber, purchasers
paying transportation:
B. F. MOOMAtW, Bonsacks, Va.
75 K BKBTHBEirS
Containing the. United ' 1 Conclusion*
of the Brethren at their Annual Meeting}. Hm El-
der HENRY KVHTZ.
The work neatly bound together with
" Alexander afack'fl Writings,"
] oopy sent l>y mail postpaid $1,70
Of those bound there are but fen left, and a«
the "Mack's " are out of print, when th
are disposed of, benoe friends who wish I
a copy had b< Of the En-
cyolopcdia in pamphlet form ( without Mack,
we have yet soma more than of the hound one?
and to ha\ e them more speediiy spread through-
out our brotherhood \\o will reduce the price
and send them postpaid for seventy-five cents.
Add HENRY KURTZ,
Columbiana, 0.
Bible Dictionary.
A Dictionary/ of th* Bible comprising its Antiqui-
ties, Btograjthv, Urography, and Natural History.
This work 1 < ry name in the Bible
respecting which anything can be said. It em-
braces the results of Historic Research, Anti-
quarian Investigation, the study of Languages
and Dia I the discoveries of modern
travelers and e\ he Holy Land.
The book i« printed from new Stereotype
Plates, on good paper, and i- appropriately il-
lustrated with over One Hundred and Twenty
Engravings, of Scenes. Ancient Cities, and
Memorable Places of the Holy hand, descrip-
tive Figures and valuable Maps.
It will contain nearly 800 closely printed dou-
ble column octavo pages, including over twenty
hue full pane steel and wood engravings.
For thirteen subscribers to the Gospel I
for 1873 and $13,00 we will send a copy of this
Dictionary, bound in Cloth.
For eighteen subscriber.- to the Gospel Yi*it<><-
for 1873 and SIS, 00 we will send a copy of the
Dictionary bound in heather.
The books are sent by ex pi
Address II. I. KURTZ, Dayton, O.
TRINE IMMERSION
Traced to the Apostles:
Being a collection of historical quotations from
modern ami ancient authors, proving that a
three-fold immersion was tho only method of
baptizing ever practiced by the .Apostles and
their immediate successors. By J. H. Moore..
Price 25 cent? ; five copies $1,10; Ten copies
$L\00. Sent postpaid to any part of the United
States. Address 11. J. KURTZ, Dayton, O.
ON L Y F I F I! Y C E N T S for the Farmkrs'
Monthly i'>>y 1ST:; and a new County and
Township Map of Ohio free. Five cents must
be added for postage on map when sent by mail.
Address II. .1. Kurtz, Dayton, 0.
Book* on Freemasonry !
LIGHT ON FREEMASONRY,
BY ELDER D. BEliNAKD.
To which is appcndel
REVELATION OF THE
Mysteries of Odd-Fellowship,
By a Member of the Craft.
The whole containing over five hundred pages.
Will be sent, postpaid, to any address, on ro-
ceipt of price — ft.
Address II J. KURTZ, Dayton, 0.
SUPPLEMENT
Edited By J. S. & W. H. PLOBY, Longmont, Colorado.
Be Sure YOIT Resul All In This Supplement
A 5EW TOMATO,
SUPERIOR Tu aLL OTHERS.
A Package of .sped tree to evei y Subscriber
ro the HOME Miltltolt tor 1881,
Or 23 CYnls Per Package by .Mail Post
Paid.
History of the New Tomato Rocky Moun-
tain Chief.
It originated in Boulder County Colora-
do near the base of the Koeky Mountains,
hanging alone upon the vine, while others
of the earliest variety were as yet only in
bloom, attracted the attention of the gar-
dener and when it ripened some ten days
ahead of the Trphy and other early varie-
ties, the owner of the garden believed he
had ;i "bonanza," yes a genuine "sport,"
and he ai once concluded to have it fairly
tested. The seed was entrusted lo an eas-
tern seed man of undoubted reputation,
Mr. A. M Snyder. Bradford, Ohio.
The mo>t sanguine expectations of the
interested parties were more than realized.
CHINESE PINK.
t DTANTHU8 CHINEN8I8.\
On* Package of the seed offered as a
premium to every subscriber to the Home
Mibboq for 1881, or 25 cents a package by
mail post paid.
The above cut is a representation of this
beautiful and rare flower except in color
which in the flower is variegated. It has a
beautiful form, .vith colors almost coal
black, through all the shades of maroon.
crimson, scarlet, pink, and magnetta, ; I]
variegated, and laced with white La fanti s-
tic style. A bed of this gorgeous pink in
full bloom wili attract the admiration
all, and is a sight seldom forgotton. Th> y
bloom the first season from the seed. Tl. s
is a flower that will give abundant satisfttt •
tion with little expense or labor.
Here is what the grower says of thcTomalo:
When Colo^fl Wabring first introduc-
ed the now famous Trophy lornato to pub-
lic notice at 2fi cents per seed, but f ( w
supposed that he would find any purchase rs
at such a fabi'lous price, but confidence
: :: s .1 • I
idity' and quality, i
i
i
, lr] of such
i ltI; '■ G- sneral
i and oth< rs, it rip peci-
; tlier,
repre-
The
r. ins?.
unusual ;|
: '
I, very pro]
to the
r in
r >]]
torn:) to ii
flavor surj none.
A. i,
Br; dford, 01
vino- gro-.. Moun-
;• of tie H
mtrol of it tor I
d from him.
Our readers will doul I to
this
i on our ■
.
titrated throu
not
h will
i
uluable, first sold at 25 cents
eed.
1 — •
i continue upon
• ■ au-
. his own qu i
utidotefo
like a
, to a "lit-
h4lisreli-
.. a of the Home
Only true in
tl al in r< m i
I .
of the \
The
An interestin . If
you •
send for it.
•■ tion, v
.
Land,
Fru ts, L'oultry, Bi . The
k, Dairy -
>, Manuf ii zing,
: •!.;:, How lo X :ai:h Letld-
vill(.', Other Mining r Co.
Min s, Inv ilids, T i, La-
I*S, M(Ve ioiml
Men, Teachers, artes
to Color .do, c mail
postpaid.
HOME mgmont, I
ISt. CHARLES WHIT! \
To ;l:i~- reulci- of
-
j dime ( 10 et. coin
enlaj
a . wer
and n \- m
• idi-r'it the b
stand ii 1 kinds 1 yt<
01 -yi'li i\v. '1 his offer will Hot hohf rl
t/ooit after J mi.
■
■
Sj /us. if ear must so stite irheit s>-n.-. i
1 ^ /or this otf'r.ri
ked twice, i
A. M. SNYDER, Bradford, Ohio. ■ |
1 Miami County ■
Corn will be sent al ilogue
will not be sent before .Ian. the 1st. bee
-'■men.! .i
-
W\mt.
•
i
S'ESS,
nos.
. .iv and
jhtetl w illi it. It is one ,.;
Estab-
lid basis, with alar
• that the progress
\!>AY
STIER,
051. i\
.
HAL DEP
1NERAL.
AGENT! S rED.
u by
REOK CO.
Lon
ral S;
V FILLED.
at mine.
■
I
-
I
■
Tli
polish) double jpi
~)0 cents each.
and
ry, or ft
■
1
1
*>.*
v. •> »
•> ' •
^& •**
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