Ellen White

Advent Review and Sabbath Herald-2

Lessons From the Time of Elijah

In the days of Elijah there was great apostasy in Israel. Ahab, the king, had connected with himself men and women who had departed from the living God, and turned to the service of idols. The king should have been loyal to God, one who by both influence and example would have bound his people to God; but instead of this, he joined with apostates, and led the people into idolatry. Leading men are endowed with great influence for good or evil, and their responsibility is very great. Ahab had used his influence to propagate evil, and Israel sank deeper and deeper into sin.

Elijah was a worshiper of the living God, and his soul was stirred within him as he saw apostasy prevail, and the people of God follow the customs of the nations around them. He was a man of prayer, and he sent up fervent petitions that God would arrest the tide of evil that seemed about to sweep Israel into perdition. God regarded his prayer, and he was commissioned to announce to Israel, in the presence of the king, that God would bring chastisement upon his people. They had dishonored God in the sight of the nations, and as a result, darkness as a thick cloud enveloped them, and abominations accumulated within their borders. In every direction they had reared the temple of idolatry, the altar of profanity, before which prophets and loyal men, servants of the God of heaven, had poured out their blood. Satan swayed his scepter over Israel, and the moral atmosphere was clouded with the smoke of national idolatry.

In this time of great depravity, Elijah made his way to Ahab, the leader of the apostasy. In his presence he reached forth his hand to heaven, and declared, "As the Lord God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word." In making such an announcement it might seem that Elijah was taking great risk. If dew or rain had come with no command from Elijah, the king would have represented him as a false prophet, and the priests of Baal would have attributed the blessing to a deliverance wrought by their idol, and would have exalted Baal as triumphant over Jehovah.

The judgment threatened was so unexpected, so terrible, so sudden, that Ahab seemed paralyzed, and he did not realize that the prophet had left his presence unrebuked, until the man of God had gone beyond recall. Then the king roused his servants, and called for the man who had declared that heaven was shut up according to his word. But Elijah was not to be found, and neither dew nor rain fell upon the land of Israel for three years and a half.

The object of this affliction was to arouse Israel to a realization of their sin, to bring them to repentance, and turn them to God, that they might honor Jehovah as the only true and living God. After three years and a half of drought, the Lord said to Elijah, "Go, show thyself unto Ahab; and I will send rain upon the earth." "And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, Art thou he that troubleth Israel? And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father's house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the Lord, and thou hast followed Baalim. Now therefore send, and gather to me all Israel unto mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of the groves four hundred, which eat at Jezebel's table." The king obeys this command as though he were the servant, and Elijah the king. Then Elijah orders them to bring two bullocks, one for the prophets of Baal, and one for himself, and he bids the prophets dress their bullock and put it on the altar, and call upon Baal for fire. He says, "Call ye on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the Lord: and the God that answereth by fire, let him be God. And all the people answered and said, It is well."

The priests of Baal called aloud, and cut themselves, even unto the going down of the sun, but there was no response from their idol; for "there was neither voice, nor any to answer, nor any that regarded. And Elijah said unto all the people, Come near unto me. And all the people came near unto him. And he repaired the altar of the Lord that was broken down. And Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, unto whom the word of the Lord came, saying, Israel shall be thy name: and with the stones he built an altar in the name of the Lord." Then he had the people pour on twelve barrels of water. "And it came to pass at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near, and said, Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that thou art God in Israel, and that I am thy servant, and that I have done all these things at thy word. Hear me, O Lord, hear me, that this people may know that thou art the Lord God, and that thou hast turned their heart back again. Then the fire of the Lord fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, The Lord, he is the God; the Lord, he is the God."

Before the sacrifice, Elijah had said, "How long halt ye between two opinions? If the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him." After the destruction of the prophets of Baal, Elijah said to Ahab, "Get thee up, eat and drink; for there is a sound of abundance of rain." After the king's departure, Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; "and he cast himself down upon the earth, and put his face between his knees." When he had bidden Ahab go up and eat and drink, did he have an evidence that the showers were about to fall? Did he see the clouds in the heavens? Did he see the rain, or hear the thunder?--No; he spoke these words because the Spirit of the Lord moved upon his mind, and led him to believe that his prayer would be heard. He had done all that was possible to make manifest his faith, and now he began to pray for the outpouring of the abundance of rain.

He "said to his servant, Go up now, look toward the sea. And he went up, and looked, and said, There is nothing. And he said, Go again seven times." The servant watched while Elijah prayed. Six times he returned from the watch, saying, There is nothing, no cloud, no sign of rain. But the prophet did not give up in discouragement. He kept reviewing his life, to see where he had failed to honor God, he confessed his sins, and thus continued to afflict his soul before God, while watching for a token that his prayer was answered. As he searched his heart, he seemed to be less and less, both in his own estimation and in the sight of God. It seemed to him that he was nothing, and that God was everything; and when he reached the point of renouncing self, while he clung to the Saviour as his only strength and righteousness, the answer came. The servant appeared, and said, "Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man's hand. And he said, Go up, say unto Ahab, Prepare thy chariot, and get thee down, that the rain stop thee not. And it came to pass in the meanwhile, that the heaven was black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. And Ahab rode, and went to Jezreel. And the hand of the Lord was upon Elijah; and he girded up his loins, and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel."

There are many lessons to be drawn from the experience of Israel and of the prophet of God. We are living in a time of apostasy similar to the time of which we have read; for there is great religious declension in the churches, among the professed people of God. The children of God should have a realization of their accountability, and should direct their hearts toward God, seeking for strength and grace with an earnestness which they have never before manifested. There never was a more solemn time in the history of the world than the time in which we are now living. Our eternal interests are at stake, and we should arouse to the importance of making our calling and election sure. We dare not risk our eternal interests on mere probabilities. We must be in earnest. What we are, what we are doing, what is to be our course of action in the future, are all questions of untold moment, and we cannot afford to be listless, indifferent, unconcerned. It becomes each one of us to inquire, "What is eternity to me?" Are our feet in the path that leads to heaven, or in the broad road that leads to perdition?

All around us the world is manifesting intense activity. There is a feeling of apprehension among all people; they are looking for some great event, but know not what it is to be. The state of affairs in Europe excites men's fears, and all are looking for those things that shall come upon the earth, and their hearts are failing them for fear. The nations are filled with anxiety, and there is a spirit of unrest and tumult on every hand. If ever there was a time when men should know their position, it is now. No man can afford to go on blindfolded, not knowing in what road he is traveling, but careless and hoping to come out right in the end; for great and disastrous will be his awakening. Those who do not appreciate eternal life enough to work diligently for it, will never obtain it. Those who are seeking earthly pleasure, worldly gain and honor, will never make a success of winning eternal life, unless they repent, and turn to God with all the heart.

How many seek their pleasure in the gaming-table, in attending the theater, while thoughts of God and eternity are put far from their minds! They think more of what they shall eat, what they shall drink, and wherewithal they shall be clothed, than of the salvation of their souls; and can these expect to gain heaven when they neglect the great salvation purchased for them at infinite cost? They give no proof that they love God, no proof that they love the atmosphere of heaven. By the characters they develop they say distinctly that they are in the broad road that leads to ruin.

Those who make a success of the Christian life will count all things as loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ. Only those who are abiding in Christ, can know what true life is. They realize the value of true religion. They have brought their talents of influence and means and ability to the altar of consecration, seeking only to know and do the will of him who has died to redeem them. They know that the path they must travel is strait and narrow, and that they will have to meet many obstacles and temptations, as they resist the enticements of the broader road that leads to ruin; but they will discern the footsteps of Jesus, and press onward toward the mark for the prize of the high calling in their Lord and Saviour. They will choose the royal way that leads to heaven, although it is strait and narrow; for they have respect unto the recompense of the reward.

Cease From Idolatry

As Christians, God has claims upon us, and we should continually seek to realize that we are not our own, but have been purchased at an infinite price, even with the life of God's dear Son. As the purchase of the blood of Christ, as his representatives on earth, we sustain important relations both to the church and to the world. We are commissioned to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. We are under obligation to do all in our power to save souls for whom Christ has died. Christ has made an infinite sacrifice in our behalf, and we should show that we appreciate this sacrifice by doing all in our power to forward the work of salvation.

In his sermon at Nazareth, Jesus declared that he had come to fulfill the word of the Lord by the prophet Isaiah. He read, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised." This was the mission of Christ to our world, and he is our example in all things. Through the power of his grace we are to take up the work where he left it, and carry it forward to completion. We are to relieve the miseries of our fellow-men as far as we can, and to pray that our pitying Redeemer will comfort and help where we cannot. We all have a work to do for the Master. We are to break the bands of oppression, to proclaim deliverance to those who are bound in the fetters of vicious habits. By precept and example we are to aid our fellow-men, that they may reach a higher and nobler life, aiding them to the utmost of our ability to enlarge their capacity, to increase their happiness, and to obtain a moral fitness for the life to come.

There are hundreds professing to believe the truth, who are doing nothing except to serve themselves, who should be engaged in most earnest work for the Master. They should yield their hearts to God, purify their souls by obedience to the truth, and let the love of Christ enlarge their natures, so that they may come into sympathy with their fellow-beings who need the aid of Christian love and unselfish effort. If all who profess to be followers of Christ would follow him in deed and in truth, many souls would be rescued from the snare of the enemy. The language of those who would be laborers together with God, would be, "Jesus, my Master, died for a ruined world, leaving me an example that I should follow in his steps. I must do for others as Christ has done for me." Selfishness and indifference must be put far from the children of God; for a great work waits to be done for the world.

We cannot all preach, but we can all act some humble part in the work of God. We cannot all go forth as did Luther and other noble reformers, but we can fill some humble place, and be laborers together with God. But many who have ability to work for God fail to accomplish anything in his service. They choose to follow plans for their own selfish pleasure, while souls are perishing whose blood will be required at their hands. Brethren and sisters, we must put on the whole armor of God, and work while it is called to-day. Many are doing nothing who could do much for God, if they would give themselves wholly to him. Their minds are now crippled with selfish thoughts and desires, and they are kept from the work of God by engaging in needless labor for themselves. Many are employing their time in conforming to the world, while souls are left to perish in darkness. Much that might be done by sisters is left undone, because they fail to cultivate their God-given ability in the right direction. Although they profess to be followers of Christ, the Saviour does not abide in their hearts by faith.

If half the time devoted to dress and display were devoted to the study of the Scriptures and to prayer, the minds of many of my sisters would be enlarged and enriched, strengthened and disciplined, and they would be fitted to bless and help souls that are perishing for the bread of life. Painstaking, determined effort would result in blessing to those who labor and those who are perishing. Do you feel better prepared to search the Scriptures, to engage in secret prayer, to bear testimony in social meeting, after devoting hours to the needless ornamentation of your clothing? There is a class of women in the world who appear very fair to the eye, but within they are full of corruption. Is this the class you are seeking to imitate? Are you neglecting the inner adornment, and devoting probationary time to the decoration of your apparel? In this way you make it manifest that you do not appreciate the inward adorning of a meek and quiet spirit, which is of great price in the sight of God. Shall not those who believe present truth, cease from idolatry? Put away your idols, and humble your hearts before God.

Will not those who profess to be followers of the meek and lowly Jesus clothe themselves in modest apparel, adorning themselves with good works, as becometh women professing godliness? Do not say, "After I have worn out this garment, I will make the next plainer." What zeal, what earnest effort, what skill, what patience, you manifested in fashioning that garment according to the prevailing style; and can you not now manifest just as much zeal in refashioning it to meet the approval of God? Can you not work as hard to conform to God's order as you did to conform to the order of fashion? You could afford time, effort, and money to place yourself in harmony with the world, and can you not now manifest zeal in seeking to stand upon the Bible platform?

The apostle says, "Be not conformed 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. Peter writes concerning the apparel of women, saying, "Whose adorning, let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves." And Paul writes, "In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works."

Great neglect has been shown in the matter of bringing our church-members up to the standard of the Bible in this matter. After admonition, after time for Bible study and reflection, those who are walking contrary to the Scriptures, and will not reform, should be suspended from the church. The church is weakened, her power is enfeebled, her influence is limited, because church-members fail to live in accordance with the directions of the Bible. The example of those who follow the fashions of the world has a disastrous effect upon other members of the church. Many seek to imitate the dress of those who go into extravagance on this matter. Those who cannot afford to make the display, feel that the contrast between their simplicity and the fashion of their sisters is too sharply defined. In seeking to make the contrast less striking, they conform to the world, and expend their little all on dress. They give time and effort to make an appearance which they consider more respectable, and often sacrifice health, happiness, and the favor of God for the sake of dressing as do others who are not following the directions of the word of God. Some of our sisters have been so sensitive over the contrast between their appearance and that of their more dressy sisters, that they have refused to come to church on the Sabbath day.

My sisters, let us face the mirror of God's holy law, and test our spirit and character by the first four and last six commandments. The first four commandments require that we should love God will all our heart, might, mind, and strength; and anything that tends to draw the mind away from God, assumes the form of an idol, occupying the thought, and consuming the time, and crowding out of the soul-temple the spirit of Christ. O, how much means that should go to the cause and work of God is laid upon the altar of idols! Unless God is enthroned in the heart, the commandments are violated; for we have other gods before the Lord of hosts. "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart." "Thou shalt have no other gods before me." Examine your thoughts and actions in the light of God's law, and see if you have not failed in your duty to your fellow-men. Can a true follower of Christ so forget the sacrifice made in behalf of fallen man, that he will become careless of the time and means intrusted to him of Heaven to do good to others? The means we have is ours only to relieve the necessities of ourselves and others. The money expended for the gratification of selfish desires in dress or in any other way, is money lost to the cause of God.

Shall not the glory of God and the good of others be our first object in life? Many seem to think that dress is of no importance in the eyes of the Lord. The matter of dress, separated from everything else, may not be of so great consequence, but the evils resulting from extravagant dress are by no means few or unimportant, since they endanger the spirituality of the church. Time that should be devoted to the improvement of the mind, and to the benefiting of souls that are perishing, is given to needless work, that the dress may be made attractive. Meditation and prayer are neglected, while the mind is filled with methods of conforming to the world. Those who give much time and thought to dress, fail to bring themselves into connection with God by the study of the Scriptures, by meditation on his ways and work. Intemperance in dress is increasing. Now one fashion and then another takes the attention, and souls are drawn away by fashion from the things that pertain to their eternal interest. None can afford the outlay necessary for dressing in the height of style, for it involves robbery toward God, nor can any afford the loss of spirituality that is sure to follow. They will become bankrupt in the things of God.

Let those who have been expending means and time and thought on needless decoration of themselves, face the mirror of God's law and behold their real defects. Do not make excuses, but pray as did David, "Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law." If the money used in multiplying pictures of yourselves were devoted to the cause of God, if means expended for mere selfish gratification were turned into the channel that flows to the treasury, our missionaries would be well supplied with the necessaries of life, our publishing houses would not be burdened with debt, and the treasury would be full and running over. Complaints would not be heard concerning our inability to extend our missionary operations.

Let all who profess to be members of Christ's body, look at the facts candidly and carefully, and put the question to their souls, "Am I living in obedience to the first four commandments? Do I love God supremely?" We should be jealous of ourselves with a godly jealousy, and be more critical over the condition of our own souls than over the condition of the souls of our neighbors. We should criticise our motives, test our thoughts. Is God the subject of our meditation? Do we love the Bible? Do we love the hour of prayer? Or will we neglect it in order to adorn ourselves to attract attention to self? Do you devote your time to dress instead of to the study of God's precious word, which would broaden your understanding and make your heart glow with truth that you could communicate to others? Are you reluctant in your attendance at social meeting? Do you feel no zeal, no pleasure, in speaking of the love of Christ? If this is the case, you are cherishing some idol.

Have you compared your life and character with the last six commandments? Do you love your neighbor as yourself? There is missionary work to be done. The skill, taste, patience, that is used in decorating your dress, should be devoted to Christ. I have felt sad as I have heard some of our sisters excusing themselves from the work of God on the plea that they had no ability. They declared they did not know how to be laborers together with God. O, it is time that all the professed servants of God knew how to work with Christ for the salvation of precious souls for whom he died. Christ can give you wisdom, experience, and spiritual knowledge, so that you may be workers with him. The same tact, perseverance, energy, employed in trimming your dresses, would be available in the work of God, if it were directed under his guidance to teaching others the way of truth, and to building up the spiritual interests of his cause. Many who make these excuses show by their dress that they know how to endure perplexity, how to work energetically; and these very qualities given to Christ would be made of use in saving the souls of men.

My sisters, my brethren, shall we not all put away idolatry? Let us leave the fashions, let us leave all forms of self-gratification, to those who have no time for, nor interest in, the salvation of their own souls or the souls of others. Let us make it our one great interest to work for God and humanity, to win heaven ourselves, and to direct the feet of others into the path that leads to eternal life.

Prayer and Faith

"Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit." Important lessons are presented to us in the experience of Elijah. When upon Mount Carmel he offered the prayer for rain, his faith was tested, but he persevered in making known his request unto God. Six times he prayed earnestly, and yet there was no sign that his petition was granted, but with strong faith he urged his plea to the throne of grace. Had he given up in discouragement at the sixth time, his prayer would not have been answered, but he persevered till the answer came. We have a God whose ear is not closed to our petitions; and if we prove his word, he will honor our faith. He wants us to have all our interests interwoven with his interests, and then he can safely bless us; for we shall not then take glory to self when the blessing is ours, but shall render all the praise to God. God does not always answer our prayers the first time we call upon him; for should he do this, we might take it for granted that we had a right to all the blessings and favors he bestowed upon us. Instead of searching our hearts to see if any evil was entertained by us, any sin indulged, we would become careless, and fail to realize our dependence upon him, and our need of his help.

Elijah humbled himself until he was in a condition where he would not take the glory to himself. This is the condition upon which the Lord hears prayer, for then we shall give the praise to him. The custom of offering praise to men is one that results in great evil. One praises another, and thus men are led to feel that glory and honor belong to them. They begin to feel as did Nebuchadnezzar when he walked around the palaces of his kingdom, exclaiming, "Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honor of my majesty?" God had warned the king of his danger in thus taking the glory to himself, but he did not heed the warning, and God sent his threatened judgment upon him, and Nebuchadnezzar was humbled. After he had learned his lesson, and had given honor to God, he was restored to his kingly state and power. Giving praise to men lifts them up in their own estimation, and they forget that their ability is of God, an intrusted capital put in their charge to be used for the glory of the Giver. Men are tested in the use of this earthly capital to see if they may be intrusted with the heavenly riches. When we are in a right condition before God, we shall realize that a great sacrifice has been made in our behalf, and we shall see our own human frailty and weakness, and offer praise to God, instead of to man. All the praise belongs to God. When great men are called upon to speak, it is too often the case that their words do not carry with them a solemn weight of conviction; for much of their address is given to win the applause of the people. They render praise to men, and fail to realize that all power and ability are from God, to whom all the glory belongs. When you exalt man, you lay a snare for his soul, and do just as Satan would have you. You should praise God with all your heart, soul, might, mind, and strength; for God alone is worthy to be glorified. If we should realize that our salvation cost the infinite price of the life of the Son of God, we should have more humble views of self. Our Saviour knew that there was no hope of redemption for us except through him, and he came to the world to be wounded for our transgression, to be bruised for our iniquities, to bear our chastisement, that through his stripes we might be healed.

In order to exalt the Lord as we should, we must have genuine faith, that will lead us to render obedience to the law of God. There are many who claim to have faith in God, but it is a faith that does not work, and the apostle says, "Faith without works is dead." It is of like character with the faith possessed by the evil angels, for they "believe and tremble." We must have the faith of the Bible,--the faith that works by love, and purifies the soul.

How are we to know that we have faith in God, that we are his children and have love for him? Is it by our profession? I once visited at the home of a minister who prided himself on his family government. His children made great outward demonstrations of affection, but when he asked them to do some errand for him, or perform some task, they paid no attention to his wants, and did not regard his request. I asked him how he could think that his children really loved him, when they paid no attention to his desires. He replied that he knew they loved him, because they showed such fondness for him; they clung to his neck and kissed him, and seemed eager to manifest their love. But without obedience, all outward profession of affection is a mere mockery. When we see children spring to obey the command of father or mother, manifesting cheerful love in their service, we know that they really love their parents. How do we know that we love our Heavenly Father? If a child loves his parents, he will obey their commands. If we love God, we shall keep his commandments. The apostle says, "This is the love of God, that we keep his commandments; and his commandments are not grievous."

We must place our will on the side of God's will. It makes all the difference there is between the servant of God and the servant of the evil one, where the will is placed. If our will is on the side of self and Satan, we shall be transgressors of the Law of God; if our will is on the side of God, we shall be his obedient children. Jesus declared, "I have kept my Father's commandments," and he bids us follow in his steps. John writes, "He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked." The keeping of the commandments of God involves a cross. The Sabbath of the fourth commandment lies in the pathway of all those who would be faithful, obedient children of the Lord. Many excuse themselves from obedience to this holy precept, saying, "It is not convenient for me to keep this commandment. It will interfere with my business." Does God ask you if it is convenient for you to keep his commandments? You think that it is a great crime to be dishonest with your fellow-men, but how much worse is it to commit robbery toward God! We should act like men and women of intelligence. God has commanded that the Sabbath day should be kept as a memorial of his creative power and work, and there is no power on earth that can change the precept of Jehovah. Jesus declared, "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven; but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven."

God has given us in his word a standard by which our love is to be tested, and we should inquire, What saith the Scriptures? Jesus says, "He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." If we follow him in humble obedience, we may claim the promises of God. But if the Lord does not immediately answer our petitions, shall we sink down in discouragement?--No; God has given us his word, and if we fulfill the conditions, he will make good his promise. We are to believe the word of God whether we have any manifestation of feeling or not. I used to ask God for a flight of feeling, but I do not do this now. I come to God with the naked promise, and say, "Lord, I believe thy word." Like Elijah, again and again I press my petition to the throne of grace; and when the Lord sees that I realize my inefficiency and weakness, the blessing comes.

My soul has been hungering and thirsting for God, and I have been relying upon him. He lets his blessing rest upon me, not because I have any great wisdom, but because I believe his promises, and he honors my faith. My heart is humble before him, my soul is melted in grateful love as his light shines upon me. The child of God has to walk by faith, and thus he obtains a rich and deep experience in the things of God. When the enemy comes in with his temptations, the Christian can point to his experience, and boldly declare that the Lord has been his helper, and that he will still triumph through the grace of Christ. I have committed the keeping of my soul unto God as unto a faithful Creator, and I know that he will keep that which I have committed to him until that day. If we had living faith in God, our lips would be filled with his praise continually. How often we speak of our troubles, how seldom of the goodness and mercy of God! Christ says, "Ye are the light of the world." O that we might be as a city set upon a hill, that cannot be hid! Jesus lives; he is not in Joseph's new tomb: he is risen, and pleads for us on high. We have a living Saviour. Let us praise him with heart and soul and voice. If any have lost faith, let them seek God to-day. The Lord has promised that if we seek him with the whole heart, he will be found of us. Turn unto him to-day; for he will abundantly pardon.

An Address to Young Men

"Young men likewise exhort to be sober-minded." Young men are not to be lovers of pleasure, seekers for amusement, ready to squander time and money and influence in selfish gratification; but they are to cultivate sobriety and godliness. They should seek each day to realize that they are now in the sowing time, and that the harvest reaped will be according to the seed sown. Young men should form their plans of life with thoughtful deliberation, and subject their conduct to criticism, as they seek for integrity of heart and action that will stand the test of the judgment. They should be willing to receive counsel from those of experience, that they may be fortified to stand in the perils that will beset their pathway. They will be exposed to influences which will lead them away from fidelity to God, unless they ever keep a realization of their responsibilities.

God wants the youth to become men of earnest mind, to be prepared for action in his noble work, and fitted to bear responsibilities. God calls for young men with hearts uncorrupted, strong and brave, and determined to fight manfully in the struggle before them, that they may glorify God, and bless humanity. If the youth would but make the Bible their study, would but calm their impetuous desires, and listen to the voice of their Creator and Redeemer, they would not only be at peace with God, but would find themselves ennobled and elevated. It will be for your eternal interest, my young friend, to give heed to the instructions in the word of God, for they are of inestimable importance to you.

I entreat you to be wise, and consider what will be the result of leading a wild life, uncontrolled by the Spirit of God. "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption." For your soul's sake, for Christ's sake, who gave himself to save you from ruin, pause on the threshold of your life, and weigh well your responsibilities, your opportunities, your possibilities. God has given you an opportunity to fill a high destiny. Your influence may tell for the truth of God; you may be a co-laborer with God in the great work of human redemption.

John says, "I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one. Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever." O that young men might appreciate the high destiny to which they are called! Ponder well the paths of your feet. Begin your work with high and holy purpose, and be determined that through the power of the grace of God, you will not diverge from the path of rectitude. If you begin to go in a wrong direction, every step will be fraught with peril and disaster, and you will go on straying from the path of truth, safety, and success. You need your intellect strengthened, your moral energies quickened, by divine power. The cause of God demands the highest powers of the being, and there is urgent need in many fields for young men of literary qualifications. There is need of men who can be trusted to labor in extensive fields that are now white to the harvest. Young men of ordinary ability, who give themselves wholly to god, who are uncorrupted by vice and impurity, will be successful, and will be enabled to do a great work for God. Let young men heed the admonition, and be sober-minded.

How many youth have wasted their God-given strength in folly and dissipation! How many painful histories rise before me of youth who have become mere wrecks of humanity, mentally, morally, physically, because of indulgence in vicious habits! Their constitutions are ruined, their life usefulness greatly impaired, because of indulgence in unlawful pleasures. I entreat of you, careless, reckless youth of to-day, be converted, and become laborers together with God. Let it be the study of your life to bless and save others. If you seek help from God, his power working in you will bring to naught all opposing powers, and you will become sanctified through the truth. Sin is alarmingly prevalent among the youth of to-day, but let it be your purpose to do what you can to rescue souls from the power of Satan. Carry light wherever you go; show that you have strength of purpose, that you are not a person of indecision, easily swayed by the persuasions of evil associates. Do not yield a ready assent to the suggestions of those who dishonor God, but rather seek to reform, reclaim, and rescue souls from evil. Resort to prayer, persuade in meekness and lowliness of spirit those who oppose themselves. One soul saved from error, and brought under the banner of Christ, will cause joy in heaven, and place a star in your crown of rejoicing. A soul saved will, through his godly influence, bring other souls to a knowledge of salvation, and thus the work will multiply, and only the revealings of the day of judgment will make manifest the extent of the work. Do not hesitate to work for the Lord because you think you can do but little. Do your little with fidelity; for God will work with your efforts. He will write your name in the book of life as one worthy to enter into the joy of the Lord. Let us earnestly entreat the Lord that laborers may be raised up, for the fields are white to the harvest; the harvest is great, and the laborers are few.

Our churches are languishing for the want of whole-hearted, self-denying workers. Our smaller churches are losing their vitality because their members do not seek to work for those around them. God can work with few as well as with many, but personal responsibility does not seem to be comprehended as it should be by the members of our churches. Can God bless the church that is indolent and selfish? O rouse, my brethren and sisters, and come to Christ, and he will give you life. God has given to each one his work, and hours are as precious jewels to be treasured and improved for the glory of God. Although we should not move rashly, we must not stand in idleness, but go forward as light-bearers for Christ. God would have his followers men and women of undaunted determination and resolution. They are to be as lights in the world, making those with whom they come in contact wiser, purer, happier.

Young men should have broad ideas, wise plans, that they may make the most of their opportunities, catch the inspiration and courage that animated the apostles. John says, "I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one." An elevated standard is presented before the youth, and God is inviting them to come into real service for him. True-hearted young men who delight to be learners in the school of Christ, can do a great work for the Master if they will only give heed to the command of the Captain as it sounds down along the lines to our time, "Quit you like men, be strong." You are to be men who will walk humbly with God, who will stand before him in your God-given manhood, free from impurity, free from all contamination from the sensuality that is corrupting this age. You must be men who will despise all falsity and wickedness, who will dare to be true and brave, holding aloft the blood-stained banner of Prince Emmanuel. Your talents will increase as you use them for the Master, and they will be esteemed precious by Him who has bought them with an infinite price. Do not sit down and neglect to do anything, simply because you cannot do some great thing, but do whatever your hands find to do, with thoroughness and energy.

We each have some power of influence. Men are led to change their plans in temporal matters by the influence of others who approach them in a judicious manner, presenting reasons for such a change. Men lead others to confide in them, to trust their judgment, and to shape their course of action in a different way from that they would otherwise do, simply because of personal influence. Why not use this power of influence to persuade them in matters that pertain to their eternal interests? Use your influence in persuading men to believe the truths of the Bible. Work for God as earnestly in this matter as in things that concern this life; as you exercised your power in society in earthly things, now exercise your power to stay the tide of corruption that is flooding the world. You can save your fellow-men from leading a life of sin and unhappiness. Do not wait for better opportunities; work now, while it is called to-day. Just where you are, take hold of your opportunities. Those who have a heart to work will find openings all around them; for such will be praying and watching for opportunities, and when these appear, they will seize upon them, and make the most of them. The faithful improvement of small openings will prepare the way for a larger work.

Christ is calling for volunteers to enlist under his standard, and bear the banner of the cross before the world. The church is languishing for the help of young men who will bear a courageous testimony, who will with their ardent zeal stir up the sluggish energies of God's people, and so increase the power of the Church in the world. Young men are wanted who will resist the tide of worldliness, and lift a voice of warning against taking the first steps in immorality and vice.

But first the young men who would serve God, and give themselves to his work, must cleanse the soul temple of all impurity, and enthrone Christ in the heart; then they will be enabled to put energy into their Christian effort, and will manifest enthusiastic zeal in persuading men to be reconciled to Christ. Will not our young men respond to the invitation of Christ, and answer, "Here am I; send me"? Young men, press to the front, and identify yourselves as laborers together with Christ, taking up the work where he left it, to carry it on to its completion.

We have a most solemn message to bear to the world, and how circumspect should be our conduct, how unblamable our example. If through our influence souls are led astray, the loss will be placed to our account. We shall not only suffer because of our own rejection of Christ, but because our impenitence encouraged others to continue in transgression. The Lord will help all who feel their need of help, who seek him earnestly for strength and divine guidance. Those who will purify their hearts by obeying the truth, will be used of God in accomplishing great good. Those who have the love of God in the heart will show it by corresponding works; for they will let their light shine forth in deeds of truth and goodness. "A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid." I appeal to you, my brethren and sisters, have root in yourselves. Let your souls be riveted to the eternal Rock. God is not mocked; he knows those that are his. Our profession of truth will not save us; we must be sanctified through the truth. Christ said, "Thy word is truth." We must study the Bible, comparing scripture with scripture. A mere reading through of the Bible will not be sufficient. The heart must be opened to understand what saith the Scriptures in regard to duty. We must have a calm, steady faith, and that moral courage which Jesus alone can impart to us, that we may be strengthened for trial, and prepared for duty. We need living faith, that we may be closely united with God; for only in this way shall we be able to make a success of the Christian life and be a blessing to others.

Spiritual Benefit the Object of Camp-Meetings

Our camp-meetings are not conducted in a way that will result in the greatest benefit to the largest number of those who attend, and the reason for this is that spiritual interests do not have the prominence which they should have in meetings of this character. Many and varied business meetings divide the attention, and meetings for the education of workers in different departments of missionary work, claim the services of those who should devote themselves to feeding the flock of God. All these different interests are of great importance; but when they have been attended to at camp-meeting, only a small margin of time and effort remains in which to treat of the practical relation of truth to the soul. Those who come for enlightenment and strength, return to their homes little better fitted to work in their families and churches than they were before they came to the meeting.

Many meetings are conducted in which the larger number of the people have little interest, and if they could attend all the meetings, they would go away wearied, instead of refreshed and benefited. The special branches of the work should receive attention; but they should not be allowed to monopolize the time and talent of those who are called of God to look after the spiritual interests of the people, and if they are diverted from this work of building up the children of God in the most holy faith, the camp-meeting does not meet the end for which it has been appointed. The specific object of the camp-meeting is to lead the people to discern what they must do to inherit eternal life. If the time is given up largely to the education of canvassers and workers, the spiritual standard is not elevated before the people. Many are disappointed over the failure of their expectations in gaining help from the camp-meetings, but think that the order of things cannot be changed, and that they must submit to the existing state of affairs; but decided reforms are possible and essential. Methods must be discovered, plans must be carried out, whereby the standard shall be uplifted, the people taught how they may be purified from all iniquity, and may be elevated by adherence to pure and exalted principles.

Those who labor at camp-meeting should have an appreciation of the importance and solemnity of their work. They should not imagine that a display of oratory, a discourse made up of flashy rhetoric, spoken in a loud voice, is something essential to the salvation of souls. The minister should learn to speak in a clear, low voice, using the vocal organs in such a way that the throat and lungs will not be taxed or injured. He should cultivate a pleasing manner, and give discourses short and to the point. In this way neither minister nor people will be wearied. Some of our ministers have worn themselves out by loud speaking and long sermons, and they have been looked upon as martyrs to the cause, when they were victims of unwise habits. Brethren, your voice is a talent given you of God, by which you are to glorify you Creator. It can be put to the highest use, or perverted and abused. You can use it in such a way that the vital organs will be enfeebled and injured. Every power God has given should be used with discretion, that physical vigor may be preserved. The minister must have strength for work in the pulpit, and in the homes of those who are interested or in need of personal effort.

The conversion of souls does not depend on the loud tone or the long discourse, but on the conviction which attends the word spoken, on the inculcation of ideas that are of vital importance in obtaining eternal life. How much better truth is appreciated when spoken in a calm, unexcited way. Ministers should feel the importance of the theme of redemption, and realizing that they are speaking to judgment-bound souls, their voices should be filled with pathos and melody, and the words of eternal life should be spoken with distinctness and impressiveness, that the people may realize the value of the truth. To preach in a hard, strained voice, pitched on a high key, is suicidal, and those who have practiced this way of speaking should cease to do it, and learn of the divine Teacher. Several of our ministers might have been alive to-day if they had observed the simple rules that apply to the use of the voice. Let loud speaking and long discourses cease from among us.

Do not immediately follow one discourse with another, but let a period of rest intervene, that the truth may be fastened in the mind, and that opportunity for meditation and prayer may be given for both minister and people. In this way there will be growth in religious knowledge and experience. Bible readings should be given, and believers and unbelievers should have an opportunity to ask questions on points not fully understood. Those who profess to be advocates of truth, should ask questions that will bring forth answers that will shed light upon the present truth. If any ask questions that serve to confuse the mind, and to sow doubt and questioning, they should be advised to abstain from such questioning, that others may be brought to Christ. We must learn when to speak and when to keep silent, and learn to sow seeds of faith, to reflect light and not darkness. Special meetings should be appointed for those who are interested in the truth, and who need instruction.

Christ is the ministers's model. How directly to the point, how well adapted to the purpose and circumstances, are Christ's words! How clear and forcible are his illustrations! His style is characterized by simplicity and solemnity. Throughout the teachings of Christ, there is nothing to justify the minister in the relation of humorous anecdotes in the pulpit. The lessons of Christ should be carefully studied, and the subjects, manner, and form of discourses should be modeled after the divine pattern. Oratorical display, flashy rhetoric, and fine gestures do not constitute a fine discourse. Many are deceived by these things, and call a man a good minister who does not deserve the name. If the simplicity of the gospel of Christ is lacking in a discourse, there is a great need that the minister learn lessons of the divine Teacher, that he may become truly wise. The minister must have his heart melted by the love of Christ, and his words must be full of divine power. He must lift up Jesus, making him the center of attraction, the source of all power. The truth as it is in Jesus will be efficacious in converting souls to God. The holy truth is always to be presented in its true simplicity; for in this time, when the end of all things is at hand, the way of the Lord is to be prepared, the third angel's message is to lighten the earth with its glory.

The greatest Teacher the world ever knew, educated those who came to him in the simplest way. Sometimes he taught them, sitting among them on the mountain side; sometimes walking with them by the sea or way, he revealed to them the mysteries of the kingdom of God. He did not sermonize as men do to-day. In intensely earnest tones he assured them of the truths of the life to come, of the way of salvation. The Jews did not expect the Messiah to come as a teacher, but as a temporal king, to sit upon the throne of David; and if they had spoken the unbelief of their hearts, they would have scoffed at the idea of his Messiahship. And yet some believed on him, even among the chiefs and rulers. Nicodemus voiced the sentiments of many when he said, "Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God; for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him."

If the man who feels himself called of God to be a minister will abase himself and learn of Christ, he will become a true teacher. This is what we need in our camp-meetings,--a ministry vivified with the Holy Ghost. There must be less sermonizing, and more tact to educate the people in practical religion. The people must be impressed with the fact that Jesus is salvation to all who believe in him. "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." There are grand themes on which the gospel minister may dwell. Jesus has said, "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life."

If the minister's lips are touched with a coal from off the altar, he will lift up Jesus as the sinner's only hope. When the heart of the speaker is sanctified through the truth, his words will be living realities to himself and to others; for those who hear him will know that he has been with God, and drawn near to him in fervent, effectual prayer. The Holy Spirit has fallen upon him, and his soul has felt the vital, heavenly fire, and he will be able to compare spiritual things with spiritual, and to tear down the strongholds of the enemy. Hearts will be broken by his presentation of the love of God, and many will inquire, "What must I do to be saved?"

The minister who is ready to engage in frivolous conversation, ready to jest and laugh, does not realize the sacred obligations resting upon him, and if goes from such an exercise to the pulpit, the Lord cannot stand by his side to bless him. The Lord cannot be a hammer to break the flinty rock in pieces; the man stands alone. If the people are in any way affected, it is not due to the efforts of the ministers, but in answer to their own prayers. If they have felt their need, if they have besought God for a blessing, by drawing nigh to him, then God has fulfilled his word and drawn nigh to them. If the people have friends for whom they have carried a burden, and these friends turn to God in true contrition of heart, the credit does not belong to the Christless discourse; for God has set other influences at work to change the heart and convert the soul. O that all our ministers might be indeed the ambassadors of Christ!

Flowery discourses will not be sufficient to feed the soul of the famishing child of God. The following desire will give a voice to the longing of many a heart that is fed on what are called "smart sermons." An intelligent man remarked, "O that my pastor would give me something besides pretty flowers, and brilliant periods, and intellectual treats! My soul is famishing for the bread of life. I long for something simple and nourishing and scriptural." Daniel Webster gave utterance to these forcible words: "If clergymen in our day would return to the simplicity of gospel truth, and preach more to individuals and less to the crowd, there would not be so much complaint of the decline of true religion. Many of the ministers of the present day take their text from St. Paul, and preach from the newspapers. When they do so, I prefer to enjoy my own thoughts, rather than listen. I want my pastor to come to me in the Spirit of the gospel, saying, 'You are mortal. Your probation is brief, your work must be done speedily. . . You are hastening to the bar of God. The Judge standeth before the door.'"

Spiritual Advancement the Object of Camp-Meetings--No. 2

In giving Timothy instruction, Paul exhorted him to "preach the word." He said, "Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ." The apostle presented before Timothy certain principles which he was to observe and teach, and then he declared, "Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

The various points of truth are not all equally appropriate to be presented to a congregation at any one time. Even Jesus said to his disciples, who had been with him for three years, "I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now." We must endeavor to present the truth as the people are prepared to hear it and to appreciate its value. The Spirit of God is working upon the minds and hearts of men, and we are to work in harmony with it. Of some truths they already have a knowledge; there are some in which they are interested, of which they are ready to learn more. Show them the deep significance of these truths, and their relation to others which they do not understand. Thus you will arouse a desire for greater light. This was Paul's manner of labor. It is "rightly dividing the word of truth."

"Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient; in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; and that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the Devil, who are taken captive by him at his will."

The words addressed to Timothy are addressed to all ministers; and would it not be well if they would become doers of these words? Paul says, "The things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also." The instruction given to Timothy was deemed of great importance, and not to be lost, but was to be communicated to faithful men who would disseminate the light, and spread abroad a knowledge of the principles of truth. My ministering brethren, you are to learn the same lessons, for these are the words of Christ through Paul, given for your instruction and admonition. "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." "I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort will all long-suffering and doctrine." No part of the minister's duty is to be neglected. He is to preach the word, not the opinions of men. He is to labor with individuals, to visit families, not simply to talk of the commonplace happenings, but of things of eternal interest, praying with them, and teaching in all simplicity the truth of God.

The State camp-meetings are not as efficient as they should be in bringing about spiritual advancement, because many matters pertaining to temporal earthly things are brought in to occupy the mind. That which relates to business should be reserved to be attended to by those who are appointed to give attention to these matters. And as far as possible these business matters should be brought before the churches at some other time.

Instruction in regard to conducting the Sabbath-school should to a large degree be given in the home churches; for the labor can be made more direct and the results will be more permanent if instruction is given at home. This work does not require the services of the ministers; they should be free to attend to the spiritual interests of the people. They are to teach others what to do. They must instruct the people as to how to come to the Lord, and how to lead others to him. There must be time for heart-searching, for soul-culture. When the mind is occupied with all these matters of business, there must necessarily be a dearth of spiritual power. Personal piety, true faith, and heart holiness are not kept before the mind until the people realize their importance. We must have the power of God with us in our camp-meetings, or we shall not be able to prevail against the enemy of souls. Christ says, "Without me ye can do nothing." Those who gather at camp-meetings must be impressed with the fact that the object of our meetings is to attain to a higher Christian experience, to advance in the knowledge of God, to become strengthened with spiritual vigor; and unless we realize this, the meetings will be fruitless to us.

The ministers need to humble their souls before God, and cleanse the soul-temple of every moral and spiritual defilement, that they may attain unto the likeness of Christ in spirit and character, and know how to watch for souls. This they can never do without the impartation of the divine nature and Spirit. Love must be the abiding principle of the soul that would win others to Christ. But how little love is there for God, or for man formed in his image.

When man is a partaker of the divine nature, the love of Jesus will be an abiding principle in the soul, and self and its peculiarities will not be exhibited. But it is sad to see those who should be vessels unto honor, indulging in the gratification of the lower nature, and walking in paths that conscience condemns. The corruption within unites with the corruption without, and men professing to be followers of Christ, fall to a low level, always mourning over their shortcomings, but never overcoming, and bruising Satan under their feet. Guilt and condemnation constantly enshroud the soul, and the cry of such might well be, "O wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" Through indulgence in sin, self-respect is destroyed; and when that is gone, respect for others is lessened, because we are under the impression that others are as unrighteous as we are ourselves.

At our yearly convocations these things should be set before the people, and they should be encouraged to hope in the Lord, for he says, "When ye shall search for me with all your heart," "I will be found of you." The standard should be elevated, and the preaching should be of a more spiritual character, that the people may see the reason of their weakness and unhappiness. Many are unhappy because they are unholy. Purity of heart, innocence of mind, only can be truly blessed of God. When sin is cherished in the heart, there can be nothing but unhappiness in the end; and the sin which leads to the most unhappy results is pride of heart, the lack of Christ-like sympathy and love.

Many are satisfied with business activity in the cause of God, while their hearts are destitute of love and compassion one for another. They know nothing of the tender sympathy that dwelt in the bosom of Jesus, and unless their characters are transformed, unless the heart is made tender, and they become partakers of the divine nature, they will make grave blunders, and fail to become inhabitants of heaven. Those who are holding responsible positions need to drink deep at the fountain of Christ's love, that their hearts may be made kind and their actions considerate. By his word, by the testimonies of his Spirit, God is appealing to his people both early and late, urging them to the attainment of the divine ideal. It was for this end that Christ took human nature upon himself. The elevation of man is the object of the plan of salvation. This elevation of character is to be reached through the merit and grace of Christ. We are continually to behold him, to meditate on the grace of his character, to contemplate his love; and by beholding, we shall become changed.

When Moses besought God to show him his glory, the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, "The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty." It grieves the heart of God, as our Father, to let justice smite. He "suffereth long and is kind." While men are hard-hearted, condemnatory, and willing to abandon the one who needs help that his soul may be saved from death, the Father, with heart filled with love for the sinner, opens his arms, and says, "Child, come back to me." If the Lord were not full of mercy and abundant in goodness, we should not be the subjects of his grace and love to-day. He pardons abundantly. He entreats the sinner to confess his sin, to come to him and accept forgiveness.

And yet, with the lessons of Christ's life before them, how many who claim to be his followers, fail to be tender-hearted, forgiving, and full of love and compassion. In the hardness of their own hearts, in the iron-like stubbornness of their own will, they wound and bruise the souls for whom Christ has died. If they think a brother has erred, they are severe toward him, not remembering that they themselves are in constant need of God's mercy. They pass lightly over things in themselves that are grievous in the sight of God, but censure without mercy those whom they think blamable. How differently does God deal with the sinner; he forgives transgression and sin. He loved us, and gave himself for us. What does it mean that such hardness of heart is manifested among the professed children of God? It is an offense to God; for it misrepresents his character.

"God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." It was the love of God that gave Christ to the world, that he might draw all men unto himself. It is for this end that the Spirit is striving with human hearts, that their hardness may be melted away, that they may be purified, ennobled, refined. God would have us of the same mind as was Christ, that we may be fitted for eternal life, and be the sons and daughters of God. When men in connection with the work of God manifest severity, hardness of heart, showing a lack of sympathy and love, they make it evident that Satan is molding them after his own order. The leaven of unrighteousness is working in them, and the loss of souls will result from their unchristian course. My brethren, all this coldness, this hardness of heart, must be put away. When the gold of love is sought for, when the divine nature is imparted to you, men will see a love which is impartial, pure, elevated, and fervent, and the fruits of pure and undefiled religion will appear. To manifest affection in kindly words, in acts of tender consideration, will not then be looked upon as weak and unmanly, but brethren will press together, and bear testimony to the world that the religion of Christ is of divine origin.

Spiritual Advancement the Object of Camp-Meetings--No. 3

The things most essential to be taught at our camp-meetings are those that will most tend to the spiritual advancement of the people. The order that has come in, and has almost imperceptibly molded the character of the meetings, giving them more of a business influence than a spiritual influence, must be changed. The important truths of practical godliness must be presented. The people must be made to realize that faith and love must be brought into the soul; for it is the exercise of these graces that will give the proper training to the soul. Christ must be formed within, the hope of glory. These things must be taught, line upon line, and precept upon precept, here a little and there a little. The holiness and consecration which Christ requires of his followers, must ever be kept before the mind.

The greater the simplicity of our faith, and the more earnest and loving our trust, the more constant will be our peace in Christ. We shall have to fight the good fight of faith again and again; for we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, "against wicked spirits in high places." We must put away all slothfulness in the work, and strive to run the Christian race, that we may win the prize, the immortal crown of glory. We must come to the Lord in faith, that he may fulfill his promises to us; for the clean heart, the unselfish spirit, are the gracious gifts of God; it is his Spirit that makes us new creatures in Christ Jesus. The word of God leaves the responsibility of our ruin at our own door; everything depends upon our obedience or disobedience.

We must have all of Christ, and none of self; then the promises will be fully ours, and the heavenly inspiration will enter and take possession of the soul. The soul-temple will then be fully cleansed from its defilement. Pure and undefiled religion will then be found in the heart; this is the life of God in the soul, and it will be made manifest by good works. The condition upon which we shall receive an increase of grace is that we improve upon that already bestowed; for faith and works go together. There must be no resisting of the Spirit of God, as there has been in the past, but we must lay hold of eternal realities. The forgiveness of sins is promised to him who repents; but if those who have resisted the Spirit of God, who have given wrong impressions of the character of God, do not repent, their names will be blotted out of the book of life.

The hand of God is stretched out to save his people from sinking into the formal, Christless state into which the Jewish nation sank; to slight the means which God has ordained for this purpose, is to slight Jesus. The soul that would be saved must co-operate with God in the work of salvation; the human and the divine must unite in faith and practice. If we would have pardon, we must confess our sins, and believe in the mercy of God. What should our Christian life and character be, since God has given us such wonderful light, illuminating the way to heaven. What constant zeal, what prayerful watchfulness, should mark our Christian course. Jesus says, "Strive to enter in at the strait gate; for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able." But though the way is so strait, there is no need of despair, if we listen to the voice of God, and obey him instead of our own unsanctified impulses. Christ has said, "My grace is sufficient for thee." His strength is made perfect in weakness.

There has been marked presumption manifested by those who claim to be the children of God. O, how much better to pass the time of our sojourning here in fear,--not in fear that the power of God is not sufficient for us, not that one of his good promises may fail; but in fear of our own sinful hearts. "Fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it." We must lift the standard higher, and still higher, and in and through the grace of Christ we must attain unto it. We must regard the Bible as addressed to us personally; and as we take heed to the words of God, they will be a safeguard to us against the enemy.

The religion of many is altogether too comfortable, too easy. They seem to think that if they copy the life of their neighbors, they will be safe. I tell you, we are not safe in copying any one but Jesus. Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. Thank God, probation is not ended, and we are prisoners of hope. There is need of a daily self-examination, daily humiliation, daily learning at the foot of the cross. It is essential that we feel our need, our short-comings, our failures, and trust fully in Christ. Then we shall be able to show forth the praises of Him who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.

We must take every justifiable means of bringing the light of truth before the people. The press must be utilized, and every advertising medium employed that will call attention to our work. Let not this be regarded as unessential. On every corner you may see placards and notices calling the minds of the people to various things that are going on, some of them of the most objectionable nature; and shall those who have the light of life fail to place it where men can have access to it? Shall we hide the light under a bushel? To as great an extent as possible let the important discourses given at our camp-meetings be published in the papers; for in this way precious light may be shed on the pathway of many who sit in darkness.

Many regard us as the unbelieving Jews regarded Paul,--as trying to press our views upon the attention of others. But can we be too urgent in bringing the light of life before perishing men? If we have the most solemn truth ever given to the world, why should we not be in earnest? Why should we not use every endeavor to persuade men to lift the cross, to bear the reproach for Christ's sake, that they may have eternal life?

Put your light on a candlestick, that it may give light to all that are in the house. Many are praying, and asking the Lord to show them what is truth. If the truth has been revealed to us, we are to make it so plain to others that the honest in heart may recognize it and rejoice in its bright rays. Nathanael prayed that he might know whether or not the man announced by John the Baptist as the Messiah was indeed the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world. While he was laying his perplexities before God, and asking for light, Philip called him, and in earnest, joyful tones exclaimed, "We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." But Nathanael was prejudiced against the Nazarenes; through the influence of false teaching, unbelief arose in his heart, and he asked, "Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?" Philip did not try to combat his prejudice and unbelief. He said, "Come and see." Philip was wise, for as soon as Nathanael saw Jesus, he was convinced that Philip was right. His unbelief was swept away, and faith, firm, strong, and abiding, took possession of his soul. Jesus commended the trusting faith of Nathanael.

There are many in the same position as was Nathanael. They are prejudiced and unbelieving because they have never come in contact with the truth or the people who hold it, and it will need but an attendance on a meeting full of the Spirit of Christ to sweep away their unbelief. No matter what we have to meet, what opposition, what efforts to turn souls away from the truth of heavenly origin, we must give publicity to our faith, that honest souls may see and hear and be convinced for themselves. Our work is to say as did Philip, "Come and see." We must not put our light under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that it may give light to all that are in the house. We hold no doctrine that we wish to hide. To those have been educated to keep the first day of the week as a sacred day, the most objectionable feature of our faith is the Sabbath of the fourth commandment. But does not God's word declare that the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God? and although it is not an easy matter to make the required change from the first to the seventh day, this change must be made. It involves a cross; it clashes with the precepts and practices of men. Learned men have taught the people till they are full of unbelief and prejudice; and yet we must say to these people, "Come and see." God requires us to proclaim the truth, and let it discover error.

The third angel is represented as following the first and second angels, and crying with a loud voice, "If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation. . . . Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." Shall not we who read these threatenings, and who believe the word of God, give the warning to a world lying in darkness? The angels are represented as flying in the midst of heaven, uttering a solemn proclamation. Their voices are not heard by the inhabitants of earth, save through the people who carry forward the work as the messengers of God. Those who search the Scriptures understand the messages given by the angels, and take up the cry, proclaiming the warning to the world. The three messages for this time are of most solemn import, and it is of the greatest consequence to those who hear whether or not they act upon the light given.

God calls upon his faithful watchmen who see the danger, to lift up the cry, "The morning cometh, and also the night." It is the work of every soul who understands Bible truth for this time, to unite, his voice with the messengers in proclaiming the message, in pushing the triumphs of the cross. The truth must be presented in its simplicity, and laid out in clear lines. We are in no case to hide our light under a bushel, as if ashamed of it. We have nothing of which to be ashamed; the commandments of God are to be honored above the traditions and commandments of men.

Then, brethren, use wisely the precious light that God has given, presenting it to the people in the meekness and gentleness of Christ. Meet the prejudice of the people with an invitation such as Philip gave Nathanael, --"Come and see." Say, "If Seventh-day Adventists have the truth, and can prove it so from the oracles of God, you do not wish to be found fighting against God." We are to be bodies of light, proclaiming Christ and his love to the people, and presenting all our doctrines in their true relation to this important theme.

We must expect to meet opposition and unbelief. The truth has always had to meet these elements. In the days of Christ, the scribes and Pharisees were filled with opposition to his work. When it was declared that "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life," they were as full of criticism and prejudice at this statement as are the people to-day when they hear the doctrines held by the Seventh-day Adventists. We shall have to meet people as full of hatred to our work as were the priests and rulers in the days of Christ to his work.

It is our duty, however, to diffuse light in every direction, and lay out in clear lines what the sinner must do in order to obtain eternal life. The words of Christ jarred upon the prejudices of Nicodemus. He had been educated to believe that the Jews were the people to whom, as the descendants of Abraham, came the exclusive privileges of the gospel. All outside the Jewish nation were the subjects of wrath and condemnation. He had acknowledged that Christ was a teacher from God, but to be told that God's love was toward all men, that the mercy of God was for all who believed in Christ, was to him a new revelation. O that men could understand that long years of custom and tradition do not convert error into truth! Salvation is for all who believe, and there is no respect of persons or nations with God. The truth must be made to appear before men, whether they will hear or whether they will forbear. We must preach Christ and him crucified, and return to the old paths, and lead others in the good way. We must lift up Jesus and let self sink out of sight, that Christ may draw to himself the souls for whom he has died.

Spiritual Advancement the Object of Camp-Meetings--No. 4

In the sermon on the mount, Christ said to his disciples, "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." If our camp-meetings are conducted as they should be, they will indeed be a light in the world. It is not wisdom to locate them in some far-away place, difficult of access. As I have come upon camp grounds located several miles from a city, I have been pained at heart, and have said to myself, "A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house."

The camp-meetings should be moved from place to place, and not located at the same city or town more than twice or three times. They should be conducted in such a way that much good may be accomplished, and the truth properly presented and represented by those who believe it. Whatever manifests the Lord Jesus Christ to the world is light. There are many honest souls who are in darkness; they have confused ideas as to what the Scriptures teach; and if the lessons of Christ, the truths of the Bible, in their simplicity, are placed before them, they will recognize the light and rejoice in it. Their perplexities will vanish before the light of the truth as dew before the morning sun. Their conceptions of Bible truth will be expanded, and the revelation of God in Christ will come to them, showing them the depth, breadth, and height of divine and spiritual mystery that they did not discern before, that cannot be explained, but only exemplified in Christ-like character. The world in its wisdom knows not God; for the wisdom among men is not drawn from the great Source of all light and wisdom. The world cannot see the beauty, the loveliness, goodness, and holiness, of divine truth. And in order that men may understand it, there must be a channel through which it shall come to the world. The Saviour has constituted the church that channel; for he has said, "Ye are the light of the world." The professed follower of Christ is under the most solemn obligation to let his light shine that Jesus may be made manifest to the world. Christ has revealed himself to us that we may reveal him to others.

The presidents of Conferences, the ministers of the churches, should give themselves to the spiritual interests of the people, and should be excused from the mechanical labor attendant on the camp-meeting. The ministers should not be wearied out, but should feel refreshed and be in a cheerful frame of mind; for this essential to the best good of the meetings. They should be able to speak words of cheer and courage, and drop seeds of spiritual truth into the soil of honest hearts, to spring up and bear precious fruit. The Lord has let his light shine upon us that we may impart it to others. Ye are laborers together with God. There are men and women who are following the Saviour according to the best light they have, and the light of advanced truth will be brought before these honest souls. Some will turn their feet away from the Sabbath, and maintain their loyalty to God.

Those who labor at camp-meeting should frequently engage in prayer and counsel together, that they may labor intelligently. The practical lessons of Christ are to be often repeated. Christ and his righteousness are to be so blended with the third angel's message that the whole world may be lightened with his glory. All should have a personal, experimental knowledge of what Jesus may be to them, or they cannot proclaim the truth as it is in Jesus. Personal faith in the efficacy of the blood of Christ in our own behalf, gives "peace and assurance forever." In the time of trouble and test, we shall fear no evil; for who can lay anything to the charge of God's elect? The Lord justifies them for the sake of Christ, who gave his precious blood for their redemption.

We must walk and act in obedience to God, in harmony with his plan for the salvation of the world. No soul can be saved in disobedience. There is great danger of losing our interest in one another, losing our love for those for whom Christ died, because we do not live in the light of the Sun of righteousness. Brethren, shall we manifest cold indifference toward those whom we know to be in ignorance of the truth that is to make them wise unto salvation? If our own hearts were touched with his divine love, hearts would be melted with the love of Christ, but it is impossible to communicate to others that of which we have no experimental knowledge. This hard-heartedness is of Satan. There are many ways in which he works. He seeks to make men who claim to believe the truth, faithless, loveless, proud, selfish, haughty, tyrannical. He well knows that those who possess such characteristics can never be a savor of life unto life. They exert no fragrant influence, but rather wound and bruise the souls of those whom they might relieve and comfort.

God would have every soul copy the pattern; as he was in the world, so are his followers to be. It is not in the order of God that men should be harsh, unsympathetic, without the grace of love and patience, without true affection for others. Paul says, "Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ." Said Job, "Did not I weep for him that was in trouble? Was not my soul grieved for the poor?" We only can let our light shine to the glory of God when we manifest the goodness and mercy of Christ, not only toward those who please us, but toward those who are faulty and erring and sinful. Let all our works be wrought in God, and if we have unamiable traits of character, let us overcome these unsavory representatives, and cease to dishonor God and bring the truth into disrepute.

Our ministers and teachers should seek to represent the love of Christ to a fallen world. The discourses at our camp-meetings should not be of an oratorical character altogether, for they will be then as the offering of Cain, without the blood of Christ to make them acceptable to Heaven. They should show how God has manifested his hatred of sin and his love for the sinner. Is there any love in the whole world that bears comparison with the love that God has manifested to a lost world? God has commended his love toward us in that he has given all heaven in one gift, even in the gift of his only begotten and well-beloved Son. The love of God is to be brought before the people. With hearts melted into tenderness, let the words of God be spoken to the people. Let the messages of truth go to all the highways and by-ways of the earth, and let those who are in error be treated with the gentleness of Christ. If those with whom you are laboring do not immediately and readily grasp the truth, do not censure, do not criticise and condemn, but ever remember that you are to represent Christ in his meekness and gentleness and love. Then you will be indeed a laborer together with God, teaching the truth as it is in Jesus; and every soul won to Christ will be a star in the crown of your rejoicing.

Though you should meet with the bitterest opposition, do not denounce your opponents. They may thing as did Paul, that they are doing God service, and to such we must manifest patience, meekness, long-suffering. This is the only way in which we can be a savor of life unto life. Let us not feel that we have heavy trials to bear, severe conflicts to endure, in representing unpopular truth. Think of Jesus and what he has suffered for you, and be silent. Make no complaint, speak no word of murmuring, let no thought of reproach or discontent enter your mind, even when abused and falsely accused. Take a straightforward course, "having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evil-doers, they may be your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation." "Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers; but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts; and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear."

You should conduct yourself with meekness to those who are in error, for were you not recently in blindness in your sins? and because of the patience of Christ should you not be tender and patient to others? The apostle exhorts us to "be pitiful, be courteous." God has given us many admonitions to manifest great kindness toward those who oppose us, lest we balance a soul in the wrong direction. Our life must be hid with Christ in God, we must know Christ personally; for this is eternal life, to know God and Jesus Christ; then only can we rightly represent him to the world. Let the prayer constantly ascend, "Lord, teach me how to do as Jesus would do, were he in my place." Wherever we are, we must let our light shine forth to the glory of God in good works. This is the great, important interest of our life.

Those who keep in a prayerful frame of mind, will be able to speak a word in season to those who are brought within the sphere of their influence; for God will give wisdom whereby they may serve the Lord Jesus. "When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee." You will open your mouth with wisdom, and in your tongue will be the law of kindness. If those who claim to be Christians will heed the words of Christ, all who come in contact with them will acknowledge that they have been with Jesus and have learned of him. They will represent Christ, and eternal things will be the theme of thought and conversation. The realities of eternity will be brought near. They will watch for souls as they that must give an account. To watch for souls means more than many seem to think; it means to go out and search for the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

Simple faith in the atoning blood can save my soul; and with John, I must call the attention of all the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. Jesus has saved me, though I had nothing to present to him, and could only say,--

"In my hand no price I bring,

Simply to thy cross I cling."

Never did a sinner seek the Savior with the whole heart, but that the Saviour was found of him. Every soul who trusts in Jesus can say,--

"Jesus as I am, Thou wilt receive,

Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;

Because thy promise I believe,

O Lamb of God, I come, I come."

We may claim the blessed assurance, "I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions." Thy "sins, which are many, are forgiven." O, how precious, how refreshing, is the sunlight of God's love! The sinner may look upon his sin-stained life, and say, "Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died." "When sin abounded, grace did much more abound." Christ, the Restorer, plants a new principle of life in the soul, and that plant grows and produces fruit. The grace of Christ purifies while it pardons, and fits men for a holy heaven. We are to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, until we reach the full stature of men and women in Christ.

O that we might all reach the high standard which God has set before us, and no longer remain dwarfs in the religious life! What beams of light would be reflected to the world in good works, if we should become light-bearers such as God would have us! How many would respond to the light, and in their turn become channels of light to others. In place of standing still, go forward. Instead of complaining, rejoice that Christ has made ample provision for your salvation. It is always hard to do the work of God when you leave Christ out of your experience. Jesus says, "Without me ye can do nothing:" but through Christ who strengtheneth us, we can do all things.

I appeal to the presidents of Conferences and to ministers and workers in the cause, to arise by faith and be diligent, valiant workers with God. Every believer must be energized by the Spirit of Christ, and reach the people through the power of God. The Saviour is not in Joseph's new tomb; he has risen from the sepulcher, and has ascended into heaven to be our surety, to plead the merits of his blood in our behalf. We have a living Saviour to carry forward his own work upon the earth. We are not to work alone. The ministers of God must not only preach in the pulpit, but must come in personal contact with the people. Personal labor must be put forth, that souls may be rescued from the snare of the enemy. Then let us work in all earnestness and faith, and we shall reap a blessed harvest.

At Willis, Mich.

In response to an urgent call from the brethren who had been laboring in Willis, Mich., I left Battle Creek April 3, in company with sister E. S. Lane, for that place. The Lord had opened the hearts of a goodly number to receive and obey the truth. A church of forty-seven members had been organized, and a neat house of worship built, which is nearly free from debt. This is, I think, the first meeting-house erected in that place. Since this was begun, the Methodists have begun a house of worship for themselves.

I was pleased to meet for the first time those who had newly come to the faith here. On Sabbath, at eleven o'clock, I spoke from John 14; and while seeking to feed the flock of God, my own soul was blessed. In the afternoon, Elder Van Horn gave a short discourse, followed by a social meeting. Forty-five testimonies were borne, and the freedom of God's Spirit was with us. Men and women recently brought to the truth were there as cheerful witnesses for Christ. They are henceforth to be servants of Christ, laborers for God, working with him for others, and fighting the good fight of faith in their own lives.

My heart was rejoiced to see among the converts so many young men and women, with hearts softened and subdued by the love of Jesus, acknowledging the good work wrought by God for their souls. It was indeed a precious season. "With the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." God forbid that these souls should ever lose the ardor of their first love, that a strange coldness, through pride and love of the world, should take possession of their minds and hearts.

It is essential that these who have newly come to the faith should have a sense of their obligation to God, who has called them to a knowledge of the truth, and filled their hearts with his sacred peace, that they may exert a sanctifying influence over all with whom they associate. "Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord." To every one God has committed a work, to make known his salvation to the world. In true religion there is nothing selfish or exclusive. The gospel of Christ is diffusive and aggressive. It is described as the salt of the earth, the transforming leaven, the light which shineth in darkness. It is impossible for one to retain the favor and love of God, and enjoy communion with him, and still feel no responsibility for the souls for whom Christ died, who are in error and darkness, perishing in their sins. If those who profess to be followers of Christ neglect to shine as lights in the world, the vital power will leave them, and they will become cold and Christless. The spell of indifference will be upon them, a death-like sluggishness of soul, which will make them bodies of death instead of living representatives of Jesus. Every one must lift the cross, and in modesty, meekness, and lowliness of mind, take up his God-given duties, engaging in personal effort for those around him who need help and light. All who accept these duties will have a rich and varied experience, their own hearts will glow with fervor, and they will be strengthened and stimulated to renewed, persevering efforts to work out their own salvation with fear and trembling, because it is God that worketh in them both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

On Sunday, at 10 A.M., the house was filled to its utmost capacity, and all listened with the deepest interest to the dedicatory address given by Elder Van Horn. At 3 P.M. I spoke with much freedom upon the perfect harmony of the law and the gospel. My text was Luke 10:25-28. Elder Van Horn spoke again in the evening to a full house.

Several here are deeply moved by the Spirit of God. Will they follow the Master, who says, "I am the way, the truth, and the life"? Will they be doers of the word, and not hearers only? Will they accept the invitation of Christ? "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 is light." "Every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life." "Why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will show you to whom he is like: he is like a man which built a house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it; for it was founded upon a rock. But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built a house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great."

No one can safely remain in a neutral position. "Ye are not your own," "ye are bought with a price." You belong to God. Jesus has paid the purchase money for your redemption, and he requires of you whole-hearted service. He has a right to your service, even to the full extent of your capabilities, for his own honor and glory. There is a cross lying directly in your pathway, and you must lift it if you would follow Jesus and be indeed his disciples. Pride must be up-rooted, self must die, every wrong must be made right. Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, through his boundless mercy and love, manifested in the sacrifice of his own precious life! O! let no one plead for self-indulgence.

Fathers and mothers who are convinced of the precious truth revealed in the oracles of God, hesitate not for a moment, but decide to obey God, even if it be at the sacrifice of every idol. Let your children and your neighbors see that you consider nothing too dear to give up for the truth. Do not in a single instance encourage selfishness and pride in your children. Let the work of reformation go on in your own hearts, and by precept and example educate your children to give all to Jesus, to die to pride, to overcome, day by day, every temptation. Let all who are convicted by the light of the truth, cherish every ray of light which comes from the Source of all light. Do not hesitate to decide from the weight of evidence. Do not enlist on the side of error, but wholly and entirely on the side of truth. "Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." Who will comply with the conditions? Who in Willis will become indeed members of the royal family, children of the Heavenly King?

The grand edifices and magnificent churches that are multiplying in the world, are only making more distinct the line of demarkation between the rich and the poor. There is God-dishonoring pride and selfishness in the members of the fashionable churches. They demand a religion that is more "refined," more pleasing to the worldly element, than the humble precepts of the lowly Nazarene. There is no place in these costly edifices for the poor, the oppressed, no chance for them to obtain the relief that Jesus came from heaven to bring. Above the portals of these extravagant churches might be written, "For display. There is no place for God's poor here." The spirit of piety and humble religion is unable to survive in these display churches; for the people do not want to have their sins of pride and dishonesty set before them. They have no ears to hear the truth while their hearts are opposed to it. They are moral icebergs. How much better it would be for all classes if there were a general increase of humble, spiritual religion, a lifting up of Jesus instead of self, in all these churches!

The prevailing desire manifested by most professed Christians is in the line of worldly ambition,--to excel in display rather than in piety, to outdo their neighbors in church edifices, and to dress to correspond to their extravagant surroundings. When I look at this, I think of Jesus, who left the courts of heaven, laid aside his royal robe, took off his kingly crown, and clothing his divinity with humanity, came to a world all seared and marred by the curse of sin. He humbled himself that he might meet fallen men where they were, and through the influence of a sanctified humanity, educate them, and reveal to them himself as the "only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." He was the reservoir of all power and truth, noble, courteous, full of sympathy and pitying tenderness, ever touched with human woes. He was the way, the truth, the life. Words of truth were ever flowing from his lips. His presence in any community made a decided change in the ideas of men. Wherever he went, he created an atmosphere of heavenly purity. Whatever he did, he did to make men like himself,--pure, spotless, undefiled. And he was ever engaged in helping the poor, in preaching the gospel to them.

I have often thought how much more abundantly we should be blessed if in the larger churches there was a well-organized band of workers, who would become missionaries to cities and towns, teaching others the precious lessons they have learned, of truth, of righteousness, of a judgment to come. All should be learners, but not ever learning and never coming to a knowledge of the truth. Be diligent students, and all the time practice what you learn. This will give you an experience which will be of the highest value to yourselves, and will surely benefit others. God has given us light, which he has commanded us to let shine; and if some souls embrace the truth in a locality, organize them into a church as soon as it can be wisely done, and let them do what they can to build a humble house of worship, as they have done in Willis, which they can dedicate to God, and where they can invite his presence to be with them. He says, "Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." Then let the larger churches which are free from debt, come to the help of their sister churches, and give of their intrusted means toward these smaller places of worship, that the small churches may not be oppressed and discouraged under a load of debt. Let us not like the priest and the Levite, pass by on the other side. What blessings would be meted out to the churches that help in this way, and what love on the part of the poorer churches, as they realized that they were watched over for good! And with this help freely and cheerfully rendered, would come enlarged views of Christian helpfulness and duty. A bond of brotherhood, and love strong and tender, would be created between the members of the churches, large and small; and all petty jealousies and envies would be burned out by the love so substantially expressed.

When the disciples of John came to Jesus, saying, "John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?" Jesus continued his work of healing the sick and relieving the afflicted, and then he said to the messengers, "Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me."

The attributes most prized by Jesus are unselfish love and purity. "Every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God." "If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us." "God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him." The entire law is fulfilled in him who loves God supremely and his neighbor as himself. This is the revelation of God through Jesus Christ to the world. It is Christianity-- glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good-will to men. The work Christianity is designed to achieve in the world is not to depreciate the law of God, not to detract from its sacred dignity in the slightest degree, but it is to write that law in the mind and heart. When the law of God is thus implanted in the soul of the believer, he is approaching eternal life through the merits of Jesus. "This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." "I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it; that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them." The object of the gospel is met when this great end is achieved. Its work from age to age is to unite the hearts of his followers in a spirit of universal brotherhood, through belief of the truth, and thus establish heaven's system of order and harmony in the family of God on earth, that they may be accounted worthy to become members of the royal family above. God, in his wisdom and mercy, tests men and women here, to see if they will obey his voice and respect his law, or rebel as Satan did. If they choose the side of Satan, putting his way above God's, it would not be safe to admit them into heaven; for they would cause another revolt against the government of God in the heavenly courts. He who fulfills the law in every respect, demonstrates that perfect obedience is possible.

The law allows for no injustice, no lack of reverence for God. The voice of an enemy will not be mistaken for the voice of the Infinite One. There will be no degrading of the soul to lustful practices; but a high degree of intellectual culture of mind and heart, a refinement of manners and sentiment, genuine Christian politeness, will be the sure result of supreme love to God and love to our fellow-men. God's object in giving the law to the fallen race was that man might, through Jesus, rise from his low estate to be one with God, that the greatest moral changes might be manifested in his nature and character. This moral transformation must take place, or man would not be a safe subject in the kingdom of God; for he would raise a revolt.

In John 14 Jesus said, "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him." "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's which sent me."

Here in this life is the testing, trying time. The angels of God are watching the development of character, and weighing moral worth. The whole question is settled in this, Is he obedient or disobedient to the commandments of God? has the sinner been transformed in this world, through the merits of Christ, to an obedient servant, so that he is fitted to join the heavenly society and be accepted as a joint heir with Christ? If this happy work has been wrought in us, then we may sing the praises of Him who hath called us out of darkness into his marvelous light.

Our Need of Unselfish Love

In the lack of pure, unselfish love among Sabbath-keepers is manifested the working of Satan's corrupting influence. The constant tendency of the world is to crowd out the mercy and love that God would implant in the hearts of his children. Even among those who occupy important positions in the sacred work of God, the sentiment is uttered that "business is business;" implying that religion is to be kept apart from matters of business. Men may be very exact in their accounts, very rigorous in their religious observances; but all this is as sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal, if the love of God is not manifested in the daily life. Christ spoke words of rebuke to the scribes and Pharisees, because they failed in their duty to their fellow-men in this regard. He said, "Ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith; these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone."

The influence of the world leads those who engage in business activities, even in the work of God, to be content with a low level. Under the exercise of faithfulness to the cause of God, they gratify selfish ambition and unholy desires, thus enfeebling conscience and perverting religion. The Lord does not accept this kind of faithfulness. Look well to this matter. God is working that he may lift us up to a high standard of character; but as long as there is so little realization of the great need of his Holy Spirit in the transaction of business, in councils and board meetings, there will be continual deterioration in spiritual life, while at the same time there may be great activity in setting agencies at work for the advancement of the knowledge of the truth. But if the truth is not brought into the life, to sanctify the soul, those who engage in these activities will become stumbling-blocks to others. In the fear of God I tell you that these things have been repeated to me many times. We are far from being spiritual in character. The natural tendencies of the human heart must be subdued by the grace of God. They cannot be kept under our own control, but must be put under the control of the Spirit of God. Unless we do submit ourselves to God, we cannot work according to his will. Self, self, self, is mingled with the sacred work of God, and it stains and mars that which is most holy.

Men in important positions glorify themselves instead of God. They little realize how self works in their most solemn councils, and the working of self is the result of their failure to become partakers of the divine nature, escaping the corruption that is in the world through lust. This lust is not to be understood as referring simply to licentiousness, but to all unlawful desires, to ambition, grasping for power, desire for the praise of men. It comprehends all the desires of the selfish heart. It is revealed when men wish to make others recognize their power over them, showing them that they can put those they dislike into hard places. There are many, many ways in which a man can be hard and cruel, and yet term his actions works of justice, faithfulness to the cause. This spirit of exaction will increase in all the business of the cause unless men shall humble themselves and put their will on the side of God's will. When the professed servants of God surrender themselves fully to him, they will become teachable, considerate of others, full of love and tenderness. Their consciences will become tender, and they will represent not the attributes of Satan, but the attributes of God, exhibiting the working of the principles of love and truth. They will drink from the Fountain from which only flow the pure streams of salvation, and will manifest in their lives the love and sympathy that characterized the life of Christ. They will send forth pure streams that will be as living water to the world.

Men are connected with the work of God who are destitute of the pitying, tender love of Jesus; but the work of the Lord needs not to be done in a harsh, denunciatory way. Christ ever made mercy his delight; in kindness and love he melted his way into the hard, obdurate heart. The driving process is not according to the order of God. Jesus invites men to come to him. He says, "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." "If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink." "Him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out." O, what mercy, what tender compassion was ever manifested by the world's Redeemer for the fallen children of men! And yet there are men who profess to be the followers of Christ, who cannot be depended upon to love mercy, and deal justly, to be pitiful and courteous. They cultivate a harsh, coarse spirit, and move in accordance with their feelings.

If anything happens to disturb them, woe be to him who shall go to them to ask a favor; for they will treat him with a denunciatory spirit, wholly unlike the spirit of Christ. When opportunity comes where they might be a blessing in speaking kindly words, in doing kindly deeds, they speak and act in a way that stirs up the worst passions of the human heart, and become agents of Satan in opening doors of temptation to those with whom they are associated. Those who are in connection with them are led to doubt the truth of Christianity. Men in responsible office give decisions in councils when they are in no fit state of mind to think unselfishly; for they have not the spirit of Christ, because something has happened to stir up their feelings, and they have yielded to the control of the evil one.

Moses was successful in leading Israel because he felt his own inefficiency. He cherished the spirit of meekness, and God could talk with him, and guide him in right ways. "And Moses said unto the Lord, See, thou sayest unto me, Bring up this people: and thou hast not let me know whom thou wilt send with me. Yet thou hast said, I know thee by name, and thou hast also found grace in my sight. Now, therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, show me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people. And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest. And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence. For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? is it not in that thou goest with us? So shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people that are upon the face of the earth. And the Lord said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name."

After the Lord had given Moses all these gracious assurances, did he rest in satisfaction, and settle down in content?--No; he still desired something of the Lord; he prayed, "I beseech thee, show me thy glory. And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy." The glory of God was revealed to Moses, and it will be revealed to those who seek for it as earnestly as did Moses. Those who have taken the solemn vows of the ministry upon them, should reveal the glory of God. They should live with singleness of purpose to glorify their Redeemer. Self must die. "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry."

Ministers should hunger and thirst after God. They should plead as did Moses, that they may have clear conceptions of God. They should pray that they may have clear conceptions of their own weakness, and of the necessity of the power and presence of God. Like Moses, they should say, "I cannot do this solemn work without thy presence." They should feel that they cannot possibly fulfill the purpose of God unless his Spirit and power is with them in their ministry. The minister must drink at the Fountain of life, or he cannot refresh others. But "blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled."

As the wax takes and retains the impression of the seal, so should the soul take and retain the image of God. We should be "filled with all the fullness of God." The character, the Spirit of God, is to be revealed in finite man. When the truth is received into the soul, a great work begins, that sanctifies the man; "for he that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He is pure." Those who are united with Christ become laborers together with God. The grace of God that bringeth salvation, teaches us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we must live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world, looking for and hasting unto the day of God. Man must co-operate with God. No radical change will be wrought in life and character, unless we depend upon the grace of Christ every hour. Many have altogether too low an idea of that which constitutes religion, and the standard must be raised, or they will perish in their sins, and drag others to perdition with them.

Religion is not a mere theory, a sentiment; it is an earnest working out of our salvation with fear and trembling; for it is "God that worketh in you, both to will and to do of his good pleasure." Faith and love are precious plants, but they need careful cultivation and care, that they may flourish in the life and bear fruit to the glory of God. Those who enter the mansions which Christ has gone to prepare will be those who love God and keep his commandments. They must have the gold tried in the fire, the gold of faith and love. Those who hold high positions in the cause of God need to seek for this gold; they need the transforming grace of Christ. The crucifixion of self must take place, or their names will be blotted out of the book of life. God can make them pillars in his work; he can make them faithful servants by his grace. Then let them seek God while still it is called to-day. Now is the time when the Lord is testing character, weighing moral worth in the balances of the sanctuary. O, let us seek the gold tried in the fire, let us seek the white raiment of Christ's righteousness, that the shame of our nakedness do not appear, and anoint our eyes with the heavenly eye-salve, that we may discern the working of God, and not be found groping our way in blindness.

The True Church

True Christians will be Christ-like. The Redeemer clothed his divinity with humanity, and came to our world--a world seared and marred by the curse of sin, a vale of darkness and woe--to accomplish a great work, as he announced in the synagogue of Nazareth: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord." Each church-member is to be a representative of the character and spirit of Christ. By precept and example the essential elements of a true, healthy, influential Christianity are to be revealed. Christ should be constantly set forth as the fountain of life, mercy, and love.

Brethren, have we any truth in advance of others? Is its influence on our character of any worth to us? When we bring that truth into our hearts, weave it into our character, carry out its sanctifying principles in our daily life, we show that we believe it to be worth defending, and that we will individually contend for the faith once delivered to the saints. We shall look to Jesus, and catch his spirit. In this age, the mind is inclined to lose sight of Jesus, and what is the result?--The tenderness of Christ is not cherished, and hearts are hard and unfeeling. Were Christ on earth to-day, his solemn rebuke would be upon many who profess to be Christians, who have entered into church fellowship, because they do not have the mind of Jesus, are not meek and lowly of heart. When self is exalted, there cannot be a ready sympathy with the poor and lowly and oppressed.

By beholding, we become changed. Through close study and earnest contemplation of the character of Christ, his image is reflected in our own lives, and a higher tone is imparted to the spirituality of the church. If the truth of God has not transformed our character into the likeness of Christ, all our professed knowledge of him and the truth is but as sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal.

"Hear the word of the Lord, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah. To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the Lord: I am full of the burnt-offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats. When ye come to appear before me, who hath required this at your hand to tread my courts? Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting. Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them. And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you; yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood. Wash ye, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: but if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it."

Let all who claim to keep the commandments of God, look well to this matter, and see if there are not reasons why they do not have more of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. How many have lifted up their souls unto vanity! They think themselves exalted in the favor of God, but they neglect the needy, they turn a deaf ear to the calls of the oppressed, and speak sharp, cutting words to those who need altogether different treatment. Thus they offend God daily by their hardness of heart. These afflicted ones have claims upon the sympathies and the interest of their fellow-men. They have a right to expect help, comfort, and Christ-like love. But this is not what they receive. Every neglect of God's suffering ones is written in the books of heaven as if shown to Christ himself. Let every member of the church closely examine his heart, and investigate his course of action, to see if these are in harmony with the spirit and work of Jesus; for if not, what can he say when he stands before the Judge of all the earth? Can the Lord say to him, "Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world?"

Christ has identified his interest with that of suffering humanity; and while he is neglected in the person of his afflicted ones, all our assemblies, all our appointed meetings, all the machinery that is set in operation to advance the cause of God, will be of little avail. "This ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone." "Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting."

All who are to be saints in heaven will first be saints upon the earth. They will not follow the sparks of their own kindling, they will not work for praise, nor speak words of vanity, nor put forth the finger in condemnation and oppression; but they will follow the Light of life, diffuse light, comfort, hope, and courage to the very ones who need help, and not censure and reproach.

Has the truth of God been committed to us? Then let us seek to advance it in every way possible. More is expected of us than we have done; our works should correspond to the light which God has given us; they should advance accordingly. The rich, clear light that has been shining upon our pathway, has placed us on vantage ground; and we should improve every opportunity to do good. Christ came from the royal courts of heaven to seek and save the lost, and this is to be our work. The zeal which we manifest in this direction will show the measure of our love for Jesus and our fellow-men, of our efficiency and missionary spirit.

To every member of the church is committed a work, and his sanctification will be seen in the efficiency, the unselfishness, the zeal and purity and intelligence, with which he does the work. The cause of humanity and religion must not retrograde. Progress is expected of those who have received great light, and have many advantages.

The church must be a working church if it would be a living church. It should not be content merely to hold its own ground against the opposing forces of sin and error, not be content to advance with dilatory step, but it should bear the yoke of Christ, and keep step with the Leader, gaining new recruits along the way.

When we are truly Christ's, our hearts will be full of meekness, gentleness, and kindness, because Jesus has forgiven our sins. As obedient children we shall receive and cherish the precepts he has given, and shall attend to the ordinances he has instituted. We shall be seeking constantly to obtain a knowledge of him. His example will be our rule of life. Those who are Christ's disciples will take the work where he left it, and carry it forward in his name. They will copy the words, the spirit, the practices, of none but him. Their eye is upon the Captain of their salvation. His will is their law. And as they advance, they catch more and clearer views of his countenance, of his character, of his glory. They do not cling to self, but hold fast his word, which is spirit and life. "If ye continue in my word, then ye are my disciples indeed, and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." They reduce their knowledge of his will to practice. They hear and do the things that Jesus teaches.

In the church is work for all who love God and keep his commandments. The profession one may make is not certain evidence that he is a Christian. The words he may speak give no surety that he is a converted man. Hear the words of Christ: "Why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things that I say?" Unless the daily life conforms to the will and works of Christ, no one can establish a claim to be a child of God, an heir of heaven. There is a legal religion, which the Pharisees had, but such religion does not give to the world a Christ-like example; it does not represent Christ's character. Those who have Christ abiding in the heart will work the works of Christ. Such are entitled to all the promises of his word. Becoming one with Christ, they do the will of God, and exhibit the riches of his grace. "Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am." O, precious promise! "And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday: and the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not." In marked contrast to the murmuring and complaining of the wicked, the servants of God will sing, "I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee. I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name. In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul. All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O Lord, when they hear the words of thy mouth. Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the Lord: for great is the glory of the Lord. Though the Lord be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off." Then let not a semblance of pride or self-importance be cherished, for it will crowd Jesus out of the heart, and the vacuum will be filled with the attributes of Satan. "O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles. Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God." "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God."

Care of the Mites

I wish I could impress on every mind the grievous sinfulness of wasting the Lord's money on fancied wants. The expenditure of sums that look small, may start a train of circumstances that will reach into eternity. When the Judgment shall sit, and the books are opened, the losing side will be presented to your view--the good that you might have done with the accumulated mites and the larger sums that were used for wholly selfish purposes. And what will it reveal?--Just that deficiency in the bank of heaven,--robbery toward God, some destitute bodies not clothed, some poor souls praying for light and knowledge robbed of the bread of life. Your money went to gratify perverted appetite, or to indulge vanity. O, what shame and grief will come to your souls as you see how much you have lost! Look about you, and see if there is not a work which the Lord has given you. The 58th chapter of Isaiah presents before you a work that has been neglected.

There are many professors of religion in our world, but few who follow Jesus with pure and holy purposes. The Bible means just what it says. The blessings are distinctly apportioned to those who are Christ-like, whose hearts are touched with human woe, and who realize that they are trading with their Lord's money. Such will not feel at liberty to use the money in their hands for purchasing unnecessary articles to please their vanity, to gratify pride and love of display; but they will look at it as the Lord's. There is a place for every penny that you do not actually need for comfortable food and clothing. The empty treasury in different States calls out against every needless expenditure. If you have money, do not spend it for extra ribbons or trimmings or articles of adornment, but let the rivulets flow into the treasury of God, to be registered to your account in the books of heaven. To fashion the garments after the world's standard, requires much more means than to make them after the divine directions given in the word of God.

The unfallen universe looks with amazement upon the church-members who are not lively stones in the spiritual building. They see the covetousness which leads men to use God's intrusted means for their own gratification and enjoyment. They see the Lord's goods diverted from the true channel to please fancy, to gratify selfishness, because it is in the user's power to do it. If professed Christians lived by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God, they would study the living oracles diligently, to know what is the will of God, to be doers of that will, irrespective of the world's standard. I am pained as I go into the homes of church-members, and see a multitude of pictures of themselves and their friends. How must the holy angels look upon these pictures adorning tables and mantel-pieces--pictures, pictures, everywhere? All these things cost money, sums taken from the treasury of God, from the capital which the Lord has given us to be used for his glory. But many have used it to please themselves. That money which they expended, whether it was a trifle or a large sum, was the Lord's money; for they themselves are Christ's purchased possession, and hence all they have belongs to him. All the means they have which is not necessary for their own comfort, should be put into the treasury of God, where it may be used to help the needy, to clothe the naked, and to assist in the various departments of the cause.

Many church-members are idle, thus losing precious opportunities for doing good. In this they are grievously sinning against God, who gave his only begotten Son to a life of humiliation, self-denial, and self-sacrifice, and a shameful death, that they might not perish, but have everlasting life. There is need that every one should do what he can. The Master calleth for you. You are his servant, to do his will. Pray much in your closet, that you may have divine enlightenment, clear spiritual eye-sight, to discern the work the Lord has left for you to do; for he has given to every man his work. All who have faith in Jesus will put on Christ, and work after his example, improving not only their time, but feeling the worth of the pence, the shillings, and the dollars that come into their hands.

To every one are committed talents to improve. Even if you have but one talent, God expects you to put that one to use, to improve it, and thus gain other talents. There is abundance of work for each and all, according to their ability. Begin by giving yourselves to Jesus, and then ever bear in mind that you do not live to please self; for Christ, the world's Redeemer, pleased not himself. He was quick to catch the first intimation that help was needed by poor, depressed souls. You must individually be laborers together with God. You cannot do this, and close the door of the heart to human woe and human necessities.

The God of heaven has revealed his self-denying, self-sacrificing love in giving "his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have everlasting life." We are to be representatives of Jesus, in the family, in the workshop, in our place of business, in social gatherings,--everywhere on every occasion. How shall we do this?--By ever keeping the way of the Lord, by subordinating our will, our mind, our soul, our body, our intrusted capital, to him. He has purchased us with his own blood, and we are required to co-operate with him in the working out of the great plan of redemption. Said Christ, "Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." Jesus does not require of man any real sacrifice; for whatever we are asked to surrender is only that which we are better off without. We are only letting go the lesser, the more worthless, for the greater, the more valuable. Every earthly, temporal consideration must be subordinate to the higher. But abundant blessings are promised to sincere faith and obedience. "Every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for many name's sake, shall receive a hundred-fold, and shall inherit everlasting life."

Young men, do not think that because you are not preachers you have nothing to do in saving the souls for whom Christ has given his own precious life. Whatever may be your business, whatever your ability, however high your station, the words of Christ are addressed to you: "Without me ye can do nothing." When you feel no burden to win souls to Christ, you are not co-operating with him in doing the work which he requires of you. You are not connected with Jesus. Solemn thought! The day of trust is now, in this life. There is not a member of the church but has some trust committed to him for which he is responsible. God's whole family are either workers or idlers in his vineyard. If one cannot trade upon pounds, he can upon pence. To every man is given his work, and God will excuse none. He requires returns corresponding to the gifts bestowed, and the fidelity of every soul is tested by the way he uses his Lord's goods.

Let young women also see the many places which it is perfectly proper and consistent for them to fill, where they may do good. Let them stand no longer idle, when the Master's vineyard is in need of workers. My young sisters, you may be wholly unconscious of your power, because you do not believe you have ability to do great service; but lay hold of the duties lying directly in your pathway, trade on the talents already intrusted to you, and you will be doing the work God wants you to do. Do not fold your one talent in a napkin and bury it, and think you should be commended for your humility; for the Lord will surely require of you its improvement. In putting out to the exchangers that one talent, you may weave into your work modesty, caution, and delicacy of feeling; in your great need you may lay hold upon the efficiency that is in Jesus, to help you to do your work with fidelity and thoroughness.

When will the members of our churches take up the work left for them to do? Where is the self-denial? Where is the self-sacrifice? Does not plea of unfitness, whereby many are shirking responsibilities, stand registered against many as a great sin? It may well be said to such, If you are unfit now, with all your opportunities for becoming what God would have you be, you must be dwarfs in religious life, you cannot be growing up unto the full stature of men and women in Christ. The flimsy excuses you are making for your do-nothing position, you will be ashamed to make before the Judge of all the earth.

In the parable of the man who buried his one talent in the earth, the Lord has faithfully pointed out your duty. It shows to every one, high or low, rich or poor, educated or uneducated, that he has a personal responsibility. You must arouse from your lethargy, your carnal security, and go to work to make use of every talent, every power, given you by God. You may reason that because your talent is small, it is no matter whether you use it or not; but it matters just as much to you as it did to that man in the parable. Your life is bound up with the lives of others. If you feel no care to be a blessing to others, if you are not laboring together with God here, right here in this life, you will have no place in the mansions above. You do not know how successfully God can use you if you will put your whole heart, your whole mind and soul and might, into his service.

Saving Faith

The faith essential for salvation is not mere nominal faith, but an abiding principle, deriving vital power from Christ. It will lead the soul to feel the love of Christ to such a degree that the character will be refined, purified, ennobled. This faith in Christ is not merely an impulse, but a power that works by love and purifies the soul. It accomplishes something, bringing the soul under discipline, elevating it from defilement, and bringing it into connection with Christ, till it appropriates his virtue to the soul's need. This is saving faith.

There are many who claim to have faith, but how shall we know that it is genuine? The Lord has given us a test by which we may prove our profession and the profession of others. The prophet says, "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." John declares, "He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him." This test applies to those who have been enlightened in regard to the claims of God's law. The principles of the Bible must be brought into every-day life, to enlighten conscience, and regulate the conduct.

If heavenly light is welcomed by the soul, grace will be given to adorn the character, to dignify the nature, and to fit man for the society of the angels of heaven. Every temptation may be conquered through the strength of Christ. God desires us to have pure characters; purity is power, but sin is weakness and ruin.

Christ has said, "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love." Christ came to our world, and for our sake he became a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. He suffered reproach, he was despised and rejected of men. He died a shameful death upon the cross, that we might have eternal life; and shall we dare to flatter ourselves that we may follow a course of sin, choosing our own way, shunning the cross, avoiding reproach and self-denial, and yet have a home in the kingdom of heaven?--No; through faith in Christ we must render obedience to all the requirements of God; through his merits we may be elevated to keep God's commandments.

Exceeding great and precious promises have been given unto us, whereby we may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruptions that are in the world through lust. We must appropriate these promises to ourselves, that we may overcome unbelief, and get the victory over every besetment, perfecting a character that will meet the approval of Heaven. We are very anxious to appear well in the sight of men, but of how much greater importance is it that we stand approved in the presence of God.

Day by day we are to fight the good fight of faith. Day by day God will give us our work; and though we cannot see the end from the beginning, we are to examine ourselves daily to see if we are in the path of righteousness. We must strive to overcome, looking unto Jesus; for in every temptation he will be at our side to give us the victory. Every day should come to us as the last day in which we may be privileged to work for God, and much of it must be given to prayer that we may work in the strength of Christ. This is the way in which Enoch walked with God, warning and condemning the world by manifesting before them a righteous character.

We profess to believe that Christ is soon coming to the earth, and a solemn responsibility rests upon us; for a lost world is to be warned of the hastening judgment. We must not lay off our responsibility; we must carry the burden of the work. Self must be out of sight, and Christ must appear; as faithful, obedient children, we must follow the light, and reflect its precious rays to others. We must be living epistles, known and read of all men. If we are to be cleansed, both soul and body, we cannot afford to be slothful and negligent. Christ is coming, the third angel's message must be proclaimed to the world; for it brings light upon the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. O, could we realize how all heaven is interested in the salvation of the world, we should rouse up with holy zeal to be followers of Jesus.

When Christ left the world, he gave to his disciples the work of carrying the gospel. The professed followers of Christ are held responsible for the warning of the world. How are we doing this solemn work committed to us? We must humble ourselves before God, and not follow the ideas of men. We must come before the world, speaking the words of God, that the world may know that God has sent us, and that Heaven's mold is upon the work. O, we must grow up into a glorious temple in the Lord. The enemy will come in, and try to draw our minds away from the important work to be done for this time. He will seek to keep us engaged on trivial matters, make us think that it is our province to criticise and condemn others; but our work is to deal faithfully with our own souls. We must search our hearts and see if we are right in the sight of God. Peter said to Christ in regard to John, "Lord, what shall this man do?" But the Lord answered him, "What is that to thee? follow thou me." We each have a work to do for ourselves, and while we are criticising others, we are neglecting the most important work of all.

The great crisis is before us, and every one is to act as though his own soul was at stake. The most important question of all is, How shall I save my soul, for which Christ died? How shall I be holy, as he is holy? It is time to be seeking for the forgiveness of your sins, for the assurance that your names are written in the Lamb's book of life. Let every one realize that he is not his own, but has been bought with a price, even with the blood of the Son of God.

Live by the day for Christ. Seek to be a victor just for this one day; for you do not know that you have another day to live. Confess your sins to-day. You have the promises of pardon.

The Lord says, "Let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me; and he shall make peace with me." God is in earnest with us. He has borne long and patiently with us, and the light that has shone upon us from the throne of his glory will not lessen our responsibility, but, if we fail to improve it, will leave us without excuse. God will not be trifled with. You may ask, What shall I do to advance the light of truth? I answer, Work humbly for God; do not exalt yourself, but remember that you are standing upon holy ground. We are living in the last days, and the great question is, How shall I stand before God? Every one is responsible for the light he has received. What have you done with the light of heaven? Have you put it under a bushel?

There is a great work to be done; for we are to reach the people with the divine light of truth, not in our own way, but through the power and Spirit of God. God will use us as instruments in his hand, if we will yield ourselves to him. O that all may make the effort essential to win eternal life! Every soul is precious in the sight of God. He declares by the prophet, "I will make a man more precious than fine gold; even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir." This preciousness will be wrought in the soul that is connected with Christ; but our own ways must be abandoned, our own thoughts must be put away.

Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock; if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." O, shall Jesus plead in vain for an entrance into your heart? Clear away the rubbish from the door, and let him in, and you will know what is the comfort and peace of his blessing. I present before you the Man of Calvary. He can save unto the uttermost all that come unto God by him. The more you have of Jesus, the more you will desire a closer connection with him, and your soul will be hid with Christ in God, and thus be prepared when he shall come with power and great glory.

"And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot." Not in self-confidence, not in self-exaltation, are we to pass the time of our sojourning, but in fear working with Christ for the salvation of others. We are to live as on holy ground, and when the Master shall appear in glory, we can say, "This is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us."

Meeting Trials

Our trials are often such that they seem almost unbearable, and indeed without help from God we could not bear them. Unless we rely upon him, we shall sink under the burden of responsibility that brings only sadness and grief. But if we make Christ our dependence, we shall not sink under trial. When all seems dark and unexplainable, we are to trust in his love; we must repeat the words of Christ, "What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter."

When souls are converted, their salvation is not yet accomplished. They then have the race to run. An arduous struggle is before them, to do what?--To "fight the good fight of faith," to "press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." There is no release in this warfare; the battle is life-long, and must be carried forward with determination and energy proportionate to the value of the object to be attained, which is eternal life. Immense interests are here involved. We are made partakers of Christ's sacrifice here in this life, and if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end, we are assured that we shall be partakers of all the benefits of the future, immortal life.

The promise is, "God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape." Trials will certainly come, but we have a living Saviour, an Intercessor, one who will help us in every time of need. "Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness." Eternal interests are here involved. Maintain to the last your Christian integrity. You cannot afford to become discouraged, and cast away your confidence; the Lord Jesus is your only hope. Make sure work for eternity. You must not murmur or complain; neglect no means of grace; encourage your soul to believe and trust in God. "Take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."

Satan is ever seeking to destroy; he is casting his hellish shadow between our souls and the light of the Sun of righteousness. When you talk doubts, and distrust your Heavenly Father's love, Satan comes in, and deepens the impression, and that which was only a shadow is made the blackness of despair. Your only hope is to cease talking darkness. In dwelling on the dark side, you cast away your confidence in God, and this is just what Satan wants you to do. He wants to sift you as wheat; but Jesus is making intercession for you. His love is broad and deep. Perhaps you will say, "How do you know he loves me?" I look where you may look, to the cross of Calvary. The blood shed upon the cross cleanseth from all sin. When tempted to go in the dark cave of doubt and despair, sing:--

"Arise, my soul, arise,

Shake off thy guilt fears;

The bleeding Sacrifice

In my behalf appears;

Before the throne my Surety stands;

My name is written on his hands."

"Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land." Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free Spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee." Let your prayers ascend to our Heavenly Father, and let this 51st psalm bring assurance and comfort to you. Do not stay away from Jesus, for he loves you. You may say, "He will not hear my prayers; I am a sinner." But Christ says, "I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." Then you are not to wait, but come now, and believe that he will receive you. "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

But you cannot enjoy his blessing without any action on your part. Salvation is a gift offered to you free; on no other condition can you obtain it, than as a free gift. But co-operation on your part is essential for your salvation. "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling: for it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." The Lord would not have us forget that we are fitting ourselves for weal or woe. We are daily working out our destiny. We have a crown of eternal life to win, a hell to shun. We certainly cannot save ourselves, and we know that Christ wants us to be saved; he gave his own life, that he might pay the ransom for our souls. Then when he has made this infinite sacrifice, will he regard us with indifference? He is ready to help us whenever we feel our need of help, and come to him penitent and believing. Then let us come to him humbly, saying,--

"In my hand no price I bring;

Simply to thy cross I cling,"

and Jesus will do the work in our hearts. Satan is seeking to counteract it, but as the Lord works in us, we must co-operate, and work out that which he works in our hearts, to our own salvation. The Holy Spirit works in us by bringing to mind, vividly and often, the precious truths concerning God's saving operations in the plan of redemption. We would forget the truths of God, which we neglect to obey, and for us his rich promises would lose their efficiency, were it not for the Holy Spirit working upon our hearts; he takes of the things of God, and presents them anew to our minds.

Then why not put away unbelief? The promise is, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." And then, to make assurance doubly sure, the Saviour adds, "For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened." What you need is faith, living, active faith. Even when affliction is in your home, do not go about with a gloomy countenance; for this but increases the sorrow for yourself and others. You want to encourage cheerfulness; do not go about in mournful sadness, as if Jesus were in Joseph's tomb, and a great stone were rolled before the door. Jesus has risen from the tomb. He lives. In the trial of your faith, show that you know you have a living Saviour, one who is making intercession for you and your loved ones. If they will only come to Jesus, he will receive them. You can show them the way. Jesus ever liveth to make intercession for us. He has no pleasure in the death of the sinner, but rather that he should turn from his sins and live. What more positive language could be employed than the following: "Joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance"? To make God's grace our own, we must do our allotted part; we must believe Christ, we must show the grace of Christ in our lives, bearing fruit to the glory of God. Do not please Satan by carrying a sad, mournful countenance. When the furnace fire kindles about your soul, is the time to fight the good fight of faith, to reveal your confidence, your trust in Jesus.

Meeting Trials (Concluded)

The Lord himself has pledged his word, "If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it. If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; even the Spirit of truth [now mark the following words]; whom the world cannot receive; because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. He that hath my commandments [he that hath light in regard to the binding claims of the law of God], and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him."

"If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." How careful is the Lord Jesus to give no occasion for a soul to despair. How he fences about the soul from Satan's fierce attacks. If through manifold temptations we are surprised or deceived into sin, he does not turn from us, and leave us to perish. No, no, that is not like our Saviour. Christ prays for us. He was tempted in all points like as we are; and having been tempted, he knows how to succor those who are tempted. Our crucified Lord is pleading for us in the presence of his Father at the throne of grace. His atoning sacrifice we may plead for our pardon, our justification, and our sanctification. The Lamb slain is our only hope. Our faith looks upon him, grasps him as the one who can save to the uttermost, and the fragrance of the all-sufficient offering is accepted of the Father. Unto Christ is committed all power in heaven and in earth, and all things are possible to him that believeth. Christ's glory is concerned in our success. He has a common interest with all humanity. He is our sympathizing Saviour.

"If, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son; much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life." What greater assurance can we have of the willingness, yea, the longing, of Christ to have all come unto him and believe in him that they may have eternal life! O, when we see the sorrows and suffering of loved ones, shall we turn away from Christ dissatisfied, murmuring, and complaining?--No; that is the time to come close to the only One who can be our helper in every time of need. You have no time for repining, no time for unbelief, no time to let go of Jesus. When trial comes, press closer to his bleeding side. When the whole world was under condemnation, Christ took upon himself the guilt of the sinner; he bore the wrath of God for the transgressor, and thus suffering the penalty of sin, he ransoms the sinner. Had it been the choice of God to destroy the disobedient, he might in justice have swept the earth clean of the guilty transgressors; but he reveals himself as a compassionate loving Father. "As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live." "Wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye."

The Son of God bore the contradiction of sinners against himself. Behold his agony in the garden of Gethsemane. Hear his thrice-repeated prayer, "If it be possible, let this cup pass from me." Sweating great drops of blood in his human agony, he added, "Nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt." Has God, then, no knowledge of his suffering creatures? Behold the Saviour betrayed, mocked, derided in the judgment hall. Who was this?--The Prince of Life, the holy and beloved of God. Faint and weary after his long, agonizing struggle in the garden of Gethsemane, he was dragged from one tribunal to another, testified against by false witnesses, given up to the malice of the Jews by Pilate, who pronounced him blameless, scourged with cruel whips, spit upon, mocked at, fainting under the burden of the cross, and then lifted upon the cross, reproached in his dying agonies, the rude soldiers quarreling over his few garments, the reward for their part in the shameful work, priests and rulers in triumph wagging their heads and taunting him, "He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him."

How could heaven keep silent? Can we wonder at the horrible unnatural darkness that hung over the cross? Can we wonder at the rending rocks, the rolling thunder, the flashing lightning, the shaking of the earth beneath the tread of the heavenly army as they beheld their loved Commander suffering such indignity? The crown of thorns we wore, the curse of the cross he suffered,-- who could have imagined that he, the Son of the infinite God, the Majesty of heaven, the King of glory, would bow his righteous soul to such a sacrifice! For sinners, for sinners, he died. Wonder, O heavens, and be astonished, O earth! The Son of God has died on the shameful cross, that the world might not perish; he died to bring life, everlasting life, to all who shall believe.

Can we look to the cross of Calvary, and then question the love of Jesus? The stone is rolled away from the sepulcher; Christ has risen. Rejoice, O rejoice, that there is hope for you. Pray to the Lord Jesus that a holy influence may be brought into your life, an influence which shall subdue every passion, hush every murmuring thought, exalt your affections, and purify your heart. "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life," or the crown of righteousness. Look up, look up, come out of the cave of unbelief, and stand with God. If you dwell upon your trials, you will have a hopeless life. If you look beyond the shadow to Jesus, your only hope, you will see the bright beams of the Sun of righteousness.

Learn the lessons of meekness and lowliness in the school of Christ. Realize how much he bore for us, and then count it not a mark of God's anger that you have some trials to bear for Jesus. If you trust God, the trials will always prove a blessing, and your faith will come forth the brighter, the stronger, the purer. Satan is always trying to press the soul into distrust of God, and therefore we must educate the mind to trust him. Talk faith and hope when Satan says, as did the wife of Job, "Curse God, and die." If you trust God, you will see more reason to trust him. As you talk of his goodness, you will see more of his love to talk about. Thus the mind may be trained to live in the brightness of the Sun of righteousness, and not in the shadow which Satan casts athwart our path. Hope in God, who is the health of our countenance, and our God.

The Mother's Work

The work of the Christian mother begins in the home circle, in making her home what it should be,--pleasant to her husband, pleasant to her children. My sister, has God intrusted you with the responsibilities of a mother? You have a great work, a holy calling. If you are one of those who are to be the light of the world, that light is to shine in your home. Here you are to exemplify the Christian graces, to be lovable, patient, kind, yet firm. You are to be a laborer together with God, and you need to learn right methods, and acquire tact for the training of your little ones, that they may keep the way of the Lord. You need to seek constantly the highest culture of mind and soul that you may bring to the education and training of your children a restful spirit, a loving heart; that you may imbue them with pure aspirations, and cultivate in them a love for things honest and pure and holy. As a humble child of God, learn in the school of Christ; seek constantly to improve your powers, that you may do the most perfect, thorough work at home, by both precept and example.

In this work you have the help of the Lord; but if you ignore your duty as a wife and mother, and hold out your hands for the Lord to put another class of work in them, be sure that he will not contradict himself; he points you to the duty you have to do at home. If you have the idea that some work greater and holier than this has been intrusted to you, you are under a deception. By faithfulness in your own home, working for the souls of those who are nearest to you, you may be gaining a fitness to work for Christ in a wider field. But be sure that those who are neglectful of their duty in the home circle are not prepared to work for other souls.

Your children need a mother's care. Never did your sons in their helpless babyhood need a mother more than in their boyhood and youth. Your daughters also need a watchful guardianship of an affectionate Christian mother. Do not leave them to become demoralized by improper associations. The children need to be instructed, to be guided in safe paths, to be kept from vice, to be won by kindness, and by diligent training to be confirmed in well-doing. The Saviour discerns a value and dignity in every soul, because of the image of God which it bears. He died that your children might have the gift of eternal life. He looks upon them with divine compassion. Their souls may be saved unto eternal life, and they are just as precious as the souls of others. You have before your own door a little plot of ground to care for, and God will hold you responsible for this work which he has left in your hands. Through earnest prayer and study, you may become wise in your home, learning the different dispositions of your children, and carefully noting their behavior. You may have at home a little school, of which you shall be the teacher. If you seek wisdom from the Lord to understand his way and to keep it, he will give you wisdom and grace.

When we give ourselves unreservedly to the Lord, the simple, commonplace duties of home life will be seen in their true importance, and we shall perform them in accordance with the will of God. We are to be vigilant, watching for the coming of the Son of man; and we must also be diligent; working as well as waiting is required; there must be union of the two. This will balance the Christian character, making it well developed, symmetrical. We should not feel that we are to neglect everything else, and give ourselves up to meditation, study, or prayer; neither are we to be full of bustle and hurry and work, to the neglect of personal piety. Waiting and watching and working are to be blended. "Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord."

My sister, you may be bound about with poverty, your lot in life may be humble, but Jesus does not forsake you because of this. God has made you a trustee, a steward, in your home; seek to educate yourself for this work, and he will be by your side to bless all your endeavors, that by and by, when the reckoning time for the administration of your trust shall come, he may say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."

Mothers who do not love their children too much, may yet reveal their love unwisely, to the injury of the children. The love must be sanctified, and then the mother will not act from impulse, but from principle. Then she will bring up her children to be pure, and discipline them to obedience.

Your interest in your children must not make you a slave to wait on them. Teach them to help you. Boys and girls may be kept busy, trained to be faithful and diligent in the little things. It may seem to you that they hinder more than they help, but let them never know this. You are their teacher, and should train them to be useful, to do things tastefully and thoroughly. This is one of life's great lessons that is essential to the well-being of your children. "He that is faithful in that which is least, is faithful also in much." You can preoccupy the minds of your children. Active brains and hands must be employed in something useful, as the parents may suggest, else they will be occupied with evil things, as Satan may direct. Parents may be teachers in a sacred sense, not only training the children to be useful in the common, homely duties of life, but all the time giving them illustrations of the higher life. Thus you are bringing them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Children who have been properly educated, who love to be useful, to help father and mother, will extend a knowledge of correct ideas and Biblical principles to all with whom they associate. Such a family will have a powerful influence in favor of Christianity. But in order to secure this result, parents must not neglect their work or lose sight of their responsibility. Infidels assemble and devise plans to spread the poison of infidelity. The papists are untiring in plying their subtle arts to suppress the Bible, the living oracles which exalt God as supreme. They want the control of men's consciences. They want to enslave the soul, so that finite man shall occupy the place where God should be. And shall Christians who bow to God alone is infallible, be dull and inactive? Shall they not seek to understand what they can do to build up barriers against the tide of evil? Will they not educate and train their own children to become intelligent Christians, so that they may represent the character of Christ?

If parents believe that sin is an offense to God, and that none but the pure and holy can enter heaven; and if they are consistent in their belief, they will seek wisdom and grace from Christ, that by every means in their power they may teach their children to resist and overcome sin. Parents have given their children their own stamp of character; and if some traits are unduly developed in one child, and another reveals a different phase of character which is unlovely, who should be as patient and forbearing and kind as the parents? who should be as earnest as they to cultivate in their children the precious graces of character revealed in Christ Jesus?

Mothers do not half appreciate their privileges and possibilities. They do not seem to understand that they can be in the highest sense missionaries, laborers together with God in aiding their children to build up a symmetrical character. This is the great burden of the work given them of God. The mother is God's agent to Christianize her family. She is to exemplify Biblical religion, showing how its influence is to control us in its everyday duties and pleasures, teaching her children that by grace alone can they be saved, through faith, which is the gift of God. This constant teaching as to what Christ is to us and to them, his love, his goodness, his mercy, revealed in the great plan of redemption, will make a hallowed, sacred impress on the heart.

Scolding and fretting, gathering clouds and gloom about the soul, will bring only a shadow and discouragement in the home life. Let not one word of fretfulness harshness, or passion escape your lips. The grace of Christ awaits your demand. His Spirit will take control of your heart and conscience, presiding over your words and deeds. Never forfeit your self-respect by hasty, thoughtless words. See that your words are pure, your conversation holy. Give your children an example of that which you wish them to be.

The mother needs constant sympathy and help from the father of her children. The parents must be perfectly united in their work, and must seek help from God. While keenly alive to their sacred responsibilities, they should not become distrustful because they see that their work is imperfect, and does not secure the results they hoped for. Keep sowing the seed for time and eternity. All heaven is watching the efforts of the Christian parent.

The husband and father, the wife and mother, are in God's sight, in their religious life, just what they are in their home life. Father and mother, bind your hearts in closest, happiest union. Do not grow apart, but bind yourselves more closely to each other; then you are prepared to bind your children's hearts to you by the silken cord of love.

Mothers, be careful of your precious moments. Remember that your children are passing forward where they may be beyond your educating and training. You may be to them the very model of all that is good and pure and noble. Identify your interest with theirs. God does not intend that any other should do the mother's work in the training of her child. He wills that she shall rise to meet her sacred responsibility; but this can never be done while mothers so largely neglect their duty.

Nothing can have a greater claim upon the mother than her children have; and when their needs are lightly regarded, when she sets aside their claims, in order to devote herself to visitors, she is robbing her children of their God-given rights. No absorption in business on the part of parents can warrant a departure from God's plans and ways. Your first and grandest work is for your children. Let the light of heavenly grace irradiate your character, that there may be sunlight in the home. Let there be peace, pleasant words, and cheerful countenances. This is not blind affection, not that tenderness which encourages sin by unwise indulgence, and which is the veriest cruelty, not that false love which allows the children to rule, and makes the parents slaves to their caprices. There should be no parental partiality, no oppression; the combined influence of affection and authority will place the right mold upon the family.

We have Bible rules for the guidance of all, both parents and children, a high and holy standard, from which there can be no swerving. God's injunctions must be paramount. Let the father and mother of the family spread out God's word before him, the searcher of hearts, and ask in sincerity, "What hath God said?"

Not as Men-Pleasers

It is our wisdom to fear God and to love him with all the heart. He is to be first and last and best in everything. We are not to be like the beasts of the field, who eat and drink, with no thought of God, no idea of gratitude to their Creator for his daily benefits. All of us, as beings blessed of God with reasoning powers, with intellect and judgment, should acknowledge our accountability to God. The life he has given us is a sacred responsibility, and no moment of it is to be trifled with; for we shall have to meet it again in the record of the Judgment. In the books of heaven our lives are as accurately traced as in the picture on the plate of the photographer. Not only are we held accountable for what we have done, but for what we have left undone. We are held to account for our undeveloped characters, our unimproved opportunities.

Dear youth, be sure your sin will find you out. The Saviour has said, "There is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known." This statement is too decided and plain to be misunderstood. Sins committed in secret, whether in the brightness of day, in the darkness of night, in the wilderness, in the city, in solitude however lone, will not escape the notice of God. Every soul is to be rewarded as his works have been. The eye that never slumbers, has watched all your movements, detected all your faults, and has not failed to note your neglect and indifference, your contempt for the just claims of God. You may have concealed your lack of interest from your father and mother, from sisters and brothers; but the true state of your heart toward the law of God is not hidden from Heaven.

David exclaimed, "Whither shall I go from thy Spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee!" Nothing is hidden from the eyes of Him with whom we have to do. When we realize the fact that our sins are all to be revealed in the day of Judgment, does it not make you tremble? No one but he whose heart is calloused with sin can reflect upon this terrible truth without serious forebodings. If we do not awake to repentance in this time of probation, and make our peace with God now, we shall awake to it when fear shall come like a desolation, when the cities of men, with all their splendid architecture, shall be overthrown, and the heavens depart as a scroll when it is rolled together.

Every moment of our life is intensely real. Life is no play; it is charged with awful importance, fraught with eternal responsibilities. When we look upon life from this point of view, we realize our need of divine help. The conviction will be forced upon us that a life without Christ will be a life of utter failure; but if Jesus abides with us, we shall live for a purpose. We shall then realize that without the power of God's grace and Spirit, we cannot reach the high standard he has placed before us. There is a divine excellence of character to which we are to attain; and in striving to meet the standard of heaven, divine incentives will urge us on, the mind will become balanced, and the restlessness of the soul will be banished in repose in Christ.

How often do we come in contact with people who are never happy. They fail of enjoying the contentment and peace that Jesus can give. They profess to be Christians, but they do not comply with the conditions upon which the promise of God is fulfilled. Jesus has said, "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 is light." The reason why many are in a state of unrest is that they are not learning in the school of the Master. The submissive, self-sacrificing child of God understands by experience what it is to have the peace of Christ. True followers of Christ know that they must take his yoke, share his trials, carry his burdens. But they do not feel like complaining; for the meekness and lowliness of Christ makes the yoke easy and the burden light.

It is love of selfish ease, love of pleasure, your self-esteem, self-exaltation, that prevents you from learning the precious life-lessons in the school of Christ. It is the Christian's duty not to permit surroundings and circumstances to mold him; but to live above surroundings, fashioning his character according to the divine Model. He is to be faithful in whatever place he is found. He is to do his duty with fidelity, improving the opportunities given him of God, making the most of his capabilities. With an eye single to the glory of God, he is to work for Jesus wherever he may be. We are to surrender the will, the heart, to God, and become acquainted with Christ. We must deny self, take up the cross, and follow Jesus. Not one of us can reach heaven, save by the narrow, cross-bearing way. But how many wear the cross as an ornament of the person, but fail to bear the cross in practical, every-day life.

How many profess to be the servants of Christ; but how loth are they to bear reproach and shame, for his sake. The cross is not to please self; it lies directly across the path of the pleasure-lover, and cuts through our carnal desires and selfish inclinations. The cross rebukes all unfaithfulness in your labors. If you bear the cross of Christ, you will not shun responsibilities or burden-bearing. If you are abiding in Christ, learning in his school, you will not be rude, dishonest, or unfaithful. The cross of Christ cuts to the root of all unholy passions and practices. Whatever the nature of your work, you will carry the principles of Christ into your labor, and identify yourself with the task given into your hands. Your interest will be one with that of your employer. If you are paid for your time, you will realize that the time for work is not your own,--but belongs to the one who pays you for it. If you are careless and extravagant, wasting material, squandering time, failing to be painstaking and diligent, you are registered in the books of heaven as an unfaithful servant.

Those who are unfaithful in the least of temporal affairs, will be unfaithful in responsibilities of greater importance. They will rob God, and fail of meeting the claims of the divine law. They will not realize that their talents belong to God, and should be devoted to his service. Those who do nothing for their employers except that which is commanded them, when they know that the prosperity of the work depends on some extra exertion on their part, will fail to be accounted faithful servants. There are many things not specified that wait to be done, that come directly under the notice of the one employed. Leaks and losses occur that might be prevented if painstaking diligence and unselfish effort were manifested, if the principles of love enjoined upon us by Jesus were carried out in the life of those who profess his name. But many are working in the cause of God who are registered as "eye-servants." It is the most abhorrent form of selfishness that leads the worker to neglect the improvement of time, the care of property, because he is not directly under the eye of the master. But do such workers imagine that their neglects are not noticed, their unfaithfulness not recorded? Could heir eyes be opened, they would see that a Watcher looks on, and all their carelessness is recorded in the books of heaven.

Those who are unfaithful to the work of God, are lacking in principle; their motives are not of a character to lead them to choose the right under all circumstances. The servants of God are to feel at all times that they are under the eye of their employer. He who watched the sacrilegious feast of Belshazzar is present in all our institutions, in the counting-room of the merchant, in the private workshop; and the bloodless hand is as surely recording your neglect, as it recorded the awful judgment of the blasphemous king. Belshazzar's condemnation was written in words of fire, "Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting;" and if you fail to fulfill your God-given obligations, your condemnation will be the same.

There are many who profess to be Christians who are not united with Christ. Their daily life, their spirit, testifies that Christ is not formed within, the hope of glory. They cannot be depended upon, they cannot be trusted. They are anxious to reduce their service to the minimum of effort, and at the same time exact the highest of wages. The name "servant" applies to every man; for we are all servants, and it will be well for us to see what mold we are taking on. Is it the mold of unfaithfulness, or of fidelity?

Is it the disposition generally among servants to do as much as possible? Is it not rather the prevalent fashion to slide through the work as quickly, as easily, as possible, and obtain the wages at as little cost to themselves as they can? The object is not to be as thorough as possible, but to get the remuneration. Those who profess to be the servants of Christ should not forget the injunction of the apostle Paul, "Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: and whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ."

Those who enter the work as "eye-servants," will find that their work cannot bear the inspection of men or of angels. The thing essential for successful work is a knowledge of Christ; for this knowledge will give sound principles of right, impart a noble, unselfish spirit, like that of our Saviour whom we profess to serve. Faithfulness, economy, care-taking, thoroughness, should characterize all our work, wherever we may be, whether in the kitchen, in the workshop, in the office of publication, in the Sanitarium, in the College, or wherever we are stationed in the vineyard of the Lord. "He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much."

Missionary Work

Every eye in the unfallen universe is bent upon those who profess to be Christ's followers. Here, in this atom of a world, an earnest warfare is going on,--a battle in which Christ, our substitute and surety, has engaged in our behalf, and conquered. Now we, Christ's purchased possession, must become soldiers of his cross, and conquer in our own behalf, on our own account, through the power and wisdom given us from above. The influence of the cross of Calvary is to vanquish every earthly and spiritual evil power; and we need to know the plan of the battle, that we may work in harmony with Christ.

The promulgation of the gospel is not a haphazard work, operating at random. In the aggressive warfare of truth against error, light against darkness, there is work to be done both in heaven and on earth, and the workers on the earth are to move in perfect harmony with the heavenly agencies. Then the world will see the work moving in wisdom, and although they cannot understand or explain it, they note the effect. But when we, the human agencies, step outside of God's plan, the beauty and harmony of the arrangement is marred, and the work intrusted to our hands does not present the divine characteristics. Adherence to God's plan, which is comprehensive and connected in all its parts, is positively essential to success in the conversion of many souls to Christ.

Human influence, deriving its efficiency from heaven, is God's instrumentality through which the gospel is to be diffused, and its transforming effects revealed. We are to influence one another for good, keeping the Lord ever before us, working with the unseen world in view. The work of Satan is to interpose his sophistry, his lying statements, to lead men to believe a lie rather than the words of God, which are the truth. It is thus that he leads men into presumptuous sins. Satan is ever at work to keep out of our minds the doctrine of the cross of Christ; for this is the counter-influence through which sin is to be vanquished and man be brought back to his allegiance to the law of God.

The cross stands alone, a great center in the world. It does not find friends, but it makes them. It creates its own agencies. Christ proposes that men shall become laborers together with God. He makes human beings his instrumentalities for drawing all men unto himself. A divine agency is sufficient only through its operation on human hearts with its transforming power, making men co-laborers with God.

"Be ye perfect," said Christ, "even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." There cannot be a complete, harmonious development of Christian character when Christians exclude themselves from the world; for in this they are not following the example of Christ. "I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil." Not in the closet alone is perfection of character reached, nor solely in the public assembly; it should be our first work to seek the Lord with humble hearts, to learn his way; then we are to take him with us into the public assembly. Thought and action, prayer and work, are all essential. "Ye are laborers together with God." It is our privilege to be so closely connected with God that we shall know his will.

I have seen so much of the disposition to ask, "Am I my brother's keeper?" that I have wondered how the Lord could bear with our perversity. The True Witness looks on, beholding all our works.

He marks the selfish, self-caring spirit shown toward our brethren which is so unlike the spirit and works of Christ, which misrepresents his character. As we drink at the fountain and are refreshed, we are to search for other souls who are thirsty, and in love direct them to the same fountain, that they may be refreshed. If we do this, the choicest of heaven's blessings will be ours.

Mighty truths have been committed to human agencies, truths which, when unfolded, quicken into activity the minds of men and women who are in the darkness of error, and call to them, "Come; for all things are now ready." The knowledge of truth is the great power of God unto salvation to all who believe. The atoning sacrifice, the righteousness of Christ, is to us the vital center of all truth. In the cross of Calvary, mercy and truth are met together, righteousness and peace have kissed each other. The law and the gospel are in perfect harmony; they are interwoven as the warp and the woof. They shed a flood of light amid the moral darkness of the world, stimulating, renovating, sanctifying, all who will believe the truth, all who will gladly and gratefully accept the light coming from the throne of God.

We see the great need of missionary work to carry the truth not only to foreign countries, but to those who are near us. Close around us are cities and towns in which no efforts are made to save souls. Why should not families who know the present truth settle in these cities and villages, to set up there the standard of Christ, working in humility, not in their own way, but in God's way, to bring the light before those who have no knowledge of it? When the Church shall truly have the spirit of the message, they will throw all their energies into the work of saving the souls for whom Christ has died. They will enter new fields. Some who are not ordained ministers will be laborers together with God in visiting the churches, and trying to strengthen the things that remain, that are ready to die. There will be laymen who will move into towns and cities, and into apparently out-of-the-way places, that they may let the light which God has given them, shine forth to others. Some whom they meet will not appear to be the most promising subjects, but the only question should be, Will they come into harmony with Christ? will they become partakers of his spirit, so that their influence, in precept and example, will present the attractions of the Author of truth and righteousness? In places where the truth is not known, brethren who are adapted to the work, might hire a hall, or some other suitable place to assemble, and gather together all who will come. Then let them instruct the people in the truth. They need not sermonize, but take the Bible, and let God speak directly out of his word. If there is only a small number present, they can read a "Thus saith the Lord," without a great parade or excitement; just read and explain the simple gospel truth, and sing and pray with them.

There are many souls who are starving for the bread of life. You may not know where to find them; but Jesus knows, and he will lead them into the light. It may seem to you that this is not a heroic work, nothing that will bring any special glory to yourselves; but that is not what you should labor for. You must walk humbly with God. Let him work; let him lead you. Consecrate yourselves to him daily, as workers, and submit yourselves to the influence of his Holy Spirit.

There are some churches that are doing very little except to get into trouble, and then call the ministers of Christ from important labor to settle their perplexities and grievances which are the result of their own unsanctified course of action. It is the wickedness of the human heart that creates dissension. This it is that is raising the greatest barriers to the union which Christ prayed might exist among his disciples. Men and women who profess to love God will sit down at ease in their fancied prosperity, content to while away precious, golden moments in pleasing themselves, and doing nothing to enlighten those who have never heard the truth. It is for us to fulfill the commission of Christ, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

Let there be in every church, well-organized companies of workers to labor in the vicinity of that church. Put self behind you, and let Christ go before as your life and power. Let this work be entered into without delay, and the truth will be as leaven in the earth. When such forces are set to work in all our churches, there will be a renovating, reforming, energizing power in the churches, because the members are doing the very work that God has given them to do. Let all our churches be active, zealous, filled will enthusiasm by the Spirit and power of God. It is the intelligent use of the means, the capabilities, the powers, given you by God, consecrated to his service, that will tell in the communities where you may labor. It may be that you will have to make a very small beginning in some places; but do not be discouraged; the work will grow larger,and you will be doing the work of an evangelist. Look at Christ's manner of working, and strive to labor as he did.

When Jesus came to this world, he found it in a deplorable state of sin and rebellion. He did not move far away from this rebellious multitude, but he came and dwelt among them. Because iniquity abounded, he came close to man in sympathy and tender, pitying love. In Christ dwelt all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; yet he came to earth to be one with the oppressed, the poor, the needy; he came to demonstrate how much a God can love, a Saviour suffer, in order to save men from perdition, and bring eternal life within their reach.

Character is influence. Christ's work was to draw minds into sympathy with his own divine mind. He gave his whole self as a sacrifice. We need to regard the Lord Jesus as our personal Saviour. When we do this, we shall, by the grace of Christ, make simple, tender, earnest personal appeals to those who are not Christians. The trouble with many in the church is, they will do anything but the thing which is of the most importance, that which God wants them to do. They feel that they cannot approach men and women in simplicity, and try in the name and strength of Jesus to come close to their hearts. This heart-to-heart work is strangely neglected. If those who profess to be Christians, believing the truth for these last days, would consider the result of their inaction, their wicked indifference to the welfare of the souls for whom Christ has paid the price of his own life, there would be a decided change for the better in our world.

Missionary Work (Concluded)

Every work is to be brought in review before God. Every intrusted talent is to be estimated, to see what improvements have been made upon it. God knows what you have done in blessing others, and what you have not done. The True Witness says, "I know thy works." He sees who are the willing, faithful workers, and who are the slothful servants.

I appeal to every man and woman who shall read these words, to remember that a reckoning is to be made by the One whom God hath appointed to judge the world. Every one must then give account of the talents intrusted to him. "None of us liveth to himself." Christ said, "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me." Jesus, "for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame," sacrificing his life that all who should believe on him might not perish, but have everlasting life. By this great act the love of God was revealed, and as many as believe on Christ are saved.

Here are the mighty agencies for moving the world. The cross of Calvary brings under tribute every power of those who believe on Christ, that they may be instrumentalities for the saving of souls. Human effort is to be united with the divine; it must derive its efficacy from heaven. We are to be laborers together with God. The Lord is represented as opening the hearts of men and women to receive the word, and the Holy Spirit makes the word effective. Those who receive the truth have that faith which leads to decided action, which works by love, and purifies the soul. Thus the truth is a sanctifier. Its transforming power is seen on the character. When it has been admitted into the inner sanctuary of the soul, it does not operate superficially, leaving the heart unchanged; it does not awaken the emotions merely, to the neglect of the judgment and will; but it goes down to the very depths of the nature, and brings the whole being into harmonious action.

Now the work of him who is truly converted, begins in earnest. He must work as Christ worked. He must not live any longer to himself, but wholly for the Lord. The world has lost him; for his life is hid with Christ in God. That means that self no longer has the supremacy. The light shining from the cross of Calvary holds him in its bright rays, and the Spirit has taken of the things of Christ, and revealed them to him in such an attractive light as to have a transforming effect on his habits and practices, showing that he is a new creature in Christ Jesus. Every dollar he recognizes as of value, not to gratify his taste or lust, not for him to hide in the earth, but to do good with, to help win souls to the truth, to build up the kingdom of Christ. His enjoyment is the same as that of Christ,--in seeing souls saved. Why are we doing so little for the salvation of men, when there is so much to do? Why are we doing so little to draw men and women and children to Christ?

In union there is strength; in disunion there is only weakness. We should work most diligently to answer the prayer of Christ that his disciples might be one, as he is one with the Father. If we are united to Christ, the formation of a church will be a benefit to all its members; for by entering into this church union, we pledge ourselves to help one another. The Holy Spirit does not lead us into this to be a mutual admiration society, but to put forth all the powers of our being to help one another, in sympathy, in love, to be more like Jesus.

The wrongs existing in the society of the world should never, never find sanction among Christians. There should be no sympathy with the rich in their oppression of the poor, no encouragement given the poor in their jealousy and envy of the rich. There should be no sanctioning of the strong and influential in trampling upon the weak and helpless. "All ye are brethren." Exact and impartial is the Lord God of heaven. More than this, God demands that you open your hand wide to the needy, and have the tenderest compassion for those who are afflicted, or who are suffering from want. If you turn carelessly from their cry, the Lord will just as surely turn away from your prayer, and he will not hear you in your distress.

If you have the spirit of Christ, you will love as brethren; you will honor the humble disciple in his poor home, because God loves him as much as he loves you, and it may be more. He recognizes no caste. He places his own signet upon men, not by their rank, not by their wealth, not by intellectual greatness, but by their oneness with Christ. It is purity of heart, singleness of purpose, that constitutes the true value of human beings. The attention that is shown to the wealthy, and the neglect of the poor, will be remembered by the Lord, and he will place you where you will pass through experiences similar to those of the afflicted ones who suffered while you passed by on the other side.

All who are living in daily communion with Christ, will place his estimate upon men. They will reverence the good and pure, although these are poor in this world's goods. James says, "My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; and ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my foot-stool: are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? If ye fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, ye do well: but if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all."

Here is a plain "Thus saith the Lord." Who will be a doer of the word, and not a forgetful hearer? Here is plainly stated the course that the Lord has marked out for Christians to pursue. In social and religious life they should be governed by a resolute purpose to help and bless the needy poor. Avarice, selfishness, and covetousness are idolatry, and are dishonoring to God "Let your conversation be without covetousness. Tenderness, compassion, and benevolence are enjoined upon Christians.

"Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the first-fruits of all thine increase.' "Therefore, as ye abound in everything, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also,"--Christian liberality. "But to do good and to communicate, forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased." "Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 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 against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life."

Here the obligation is laid upon every one who has been trusted with our Lord's goods, to communicate the same to the worthy poor, and to give to God's cause as its needs demand. As God has bounteously given us, we should give back to him his own as he makes a place for it to be invested. Thus we honor God with the substance he has placed in our hands. Thus we shall not be living to ourselves.

God's claims underlie all other claims. He lays his hand upon all that he, from his fullness and beneficence, has intrusted to man, and says: "I am the rightful owner of the universe, and these goods are mine. Use them to advance my cause, to build up my kingdom, and my blessing shall rest upon you."

Those who would have the character of Christ must practice his teachings. They must study the Pattern. Then they will reveal a Christ-like character in their association with one another, and their united influence will be exerted in helping to transform the character of others. They will drink in the sympathy of Jesus, and exercise the same forbearance, supporting, encouraging, and animating one another in the work, each being a vital member of the organized body, allied to Jesus, growing up into Christ, the living head, unto the full stature of men and women. Then they will shine as lights in the world, being of one judgment, moved by the same Spirit. They will be a distinct power in the world. The mighty cleaver of truth has detached us from the world, and placed us apart, a separate people. "Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." Dwelling in the light of the Sun of Righteousness, we shall shine as lights in the world.

How important that, as we are chosen out of the world, to be separate from it, we should educate and train all our powers in obedience to God's supreme will, that no selfishness may exist among us, that all our work may be done as if done for Christ, not for wages or for applause; that we should not use our intrusted talents of influence and means to please ourselves, but that in all we do, we should manifest the self-denying spirit of Christ. We are not to profess to be Christ's, and then live a lie in our self-care and self-indulgence. We are to come out from the world. "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."

Isaiah's Warning

"Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgression and the house of Jacob their sins. Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinances of their God: they ask of me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God. Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labors. Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high."

The people whom the prophet is commanded to warn are blinded, under a deception. They have a form of godliness, and regard themselves as entitled to special favor and blessing, because they make a high profession and keep up a round of religious service. This nourishes their self-complacency, and they feel as the young man felt who came to Christ, claiming to have kept all the commandments, and asked, "What lack I yet?" Jesus put his finger upon the plague spot of the young man's soul, when he answered, "Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me." This young man flattered himself that he was keeping all the commandments of God; but was he?--No. He did not love God supremely; for he loved his wealth, which was given him only in trust, more than he loved God; and he did not love his neighbors as himself; for he was not willing to distribute his riches among them. He loved his property more than he loved the souls for whom Christ was ready to sacrifice his own life.

The young man had asked, "What shall I do to inherit eternal life?" in his self-complacency, thinking that the Lord would commend him for his righteousness. He could not see that he lacked anything. But the Lord Jesus read his heart as an open book; he saw what the young man did not see. Jesus laid bare the defects in his character. He showed that the young man did not love God supremely. Had he done this, he would have loved his neighbor as himself. Ignorant of the far-reaching claims of the law of God, he thought he had kept all the commandments from his youth up. As the Saviour showed him his lack, how gladly should he have accepted the conditions on which his earthly treasure might be exchanged for an enduring substance in the heavens! But he went away sorrowful.

Here was demonstrated his lack of reverence for Christ, and of real faith in him. Had he truly believed him to be the Son of God, he would have accepted his words as divine authority. Like Peter, John, and many other disciples, he would have unhesitatingly obeyed the word, "Come, follow me." Jesus knew that if the young ruler followed him, he would practice his self-denial and self-sacrifice, and would lay hold by faith on the realities of the unseen world. The young man was sorrowful that he could not have both worlds, but he decided that he could not renounce the earthly for the heavenly, and thus he departed from Christ. How many are doing as did this young man,--holding fast the things precious to them, and losing the eternal weight of glory?

The house of Jacob, at the time this warning was given to Isaiah, appeared to be a very zealous people, seeking God daily, and delighting to know his ways; but in reality they were filled with presumptuous self-confidence. They were not walking in the truth. Goodness, mercy, and love were not practiced. While presenting an appearance of sorrow for their sins, they were cherishing pride and avarice. At the very time when they were showing such outward humiliation, they would exact hard labor from those under them or in their employ. They placed a high estimate on all the good that they had done, but a very low estimate on the services of others. They despised and oppressed the poor. And their fasting only gave them a higher opinion of their own goodness.

There are sins of this same character among us to-day, and they bring the rebuke of God upon his church. Wherever such sins are found, seasons of fasting and prayer are indeed necessary; but they must be accompanied with sincere repentance and decided reformation. Without such contrition of soul, these seasons only increase the guilt of the wrong-doer. The Lord has specified the fast he has chosen, the one he will accept. It is that which bears fruit to his glory, in repentance, in devotion, in true piety. "Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?"

In the fast that God has chosen, mercy, tenderness, and compassion will be exercised. Avarice will be put away, and fraud and oppression will be repented of and renounced. All the authority and influence will be used to help the poor and oppressed. If this were the condition of the world, it would no more be a proverb, "Truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter;" "he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey." But with Job we might say, "I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him. The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me: and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy. I put on righteousness, and it clothed me: my judgment was as a robe and a diadem. I was eyes to the blind, and feet was I to the lame. I was a father to the poor: and the cause which I knew not I searched out." Again he says, "If I did despise the cause of my man-servant or of my maid-servant, when they contended with me; what then shall I do when God riseth up? and when he visiteth, what shall I answer him? . . . If I have withheld the poor from their desire, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail; or have eaten my morsel myself alone, and the fatherless hath not eaten thereof; . . . if I have seen any perish for want of clothing, or any poor without covering; if his loins have not blessed me, and if he were not warmed with the fleece of my sheep; if I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless, when I saw my help in the gate: then let mine arm fall from my shoulder blade, and mine arm be broken from the bone. For destruction from God was a terror to me, and by reason of his highness I could not endure." If this same fear, and this love of righteousness, were in our churches now, what a transformation there would be!

"Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; and the glory of the Lord shall be thy rearward. Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. . . . And they that be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations, and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in. If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; and shalt honor him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it."

Here are given the characteristics of those who shall be reformers, who will bear the banner of the third angel's message, those who avow themselves God's commandment-keeping people, and who honor God, and are earnestly engaged, in the sight of all the universe, in building up the old waste places. Who is it that calls them, The repairers of the breach, The restorers of paths to dwell in?--It is God. Their names are registered in heaven as reformers, restorers, as raising the foundations of many generations.

Books in Our School

In the work of educating the youth in our schools, it will be a difficult matter to retain the influence of God's Holy Spirit, and at the same time hold fast to erroneous principles. The light shining upon those who have eyes to see, cannot be mingled with the darkness of heresy and error found in many of the text-books recommended to the students in our colleges. Both teachers and pupils have thought that in order to obtain an education, it was necessary to study the productions of writers who teach infidelity, because their works contain some bright gems of thought. But who was the orginator of these gems of thought? It was God and God alone; for he is the source of all light. Are not all things essential for the health and growth of the spiritual and moral nature found in the pages of Holy Writ? Is not Christ our living head? And are not we to grow up in him to the full stature of men and women? Can an impure fountain send forth sweet waters? Why should we made through the mass of error contained in the works of pagans and infidels, for the sake of obtaining the benefit of a few intellectual truths, when all truth is at our command?

Man can accomplish nothing good without God. He is the originator of every ray of light that has pierced the darkness of the world. All that is of value comes from God, and belongs to him. There is a reason that the agents of the enemy sometimes display remarkable wisdom. Satan himself was educated and disciplined in the heavenly courts, and he has a knowledge of good as well as of evil. He mingles the precious with the vile, and this is what gives him his power of deceiving the sons of men. But because Satan has stolen the livery of heaven in order that he may exercise an influence in his usurped dominions, shall those who have been sitting in darkness and have seen a great light, turn from the light to recommend darkness? Shall those who have known the oracles of God recommend our students to study the books that express pagan or infidel sentiments, that they may become intelligent? Satan has his agents, educated after his methods, inspired by his spirit, and adapted to do his works; but shall we co-operate with them? Shall we, as Christians, recommend the works of his agents as valuable, even essential to the attainment of an education?

The Lord himself has signified that schools should be established among us in order that true knowledge may be obtained. No teacher in our schools should suggest the idea that, in order to have the right discipline, it is essential to study text-books expressing pagan and infidel sentiments. Students who are thus educated, are not competent to become educators in their turn; for they are filled with the subtle sophistries of the enemy. The study of works that in any way express infidel sentiments is like handling black coals; for a man cannot be undefiled in mind who thinks along the line of skepticism. In going to such sources for knowledge, are we not turning away from the snow of Lebanon to drink from the turbid water of the valley?

Men who turn away from the knowledge of God, have placed their minds under the control of their master, Satan, and he trains them to be his servants. The less the productions expressing infidel views are brought before the youth, the better. Evil angels are ever on the alert that they may exalt before the minds of the youth that which will do them injury, and as books expressing infidel and pagan sentiments are read, these unseen agents of evil seek to impress those who study them with the spirit of questioning and unbelief. Those who drink from these polluted channels do not thirst for the waters of life; for they are satisfied with the broken cisterns of the world. They think they have the treasures of knowledge, when they are hoarding that which is but wood and hay and stubble, not worth gaining, not worth keeping. Their self-esteem, their idea that a superficial knowledge of things constitutes education, makes them boastful and self-satisfied, when they are as were the Pharisees, ignorant of the Scriptures and the power of God.

O that our youth would treasure up the knowledge that is imperishable, that they can carry with them into the future, immortal life, the knowledge that is represented as gold and silver and precious stones. The class of educators and learners who deem themselves wise, know nothing as they ought to know it. They need to learn meekness and lowliness in the school of Christ, that they may esteem highly that which heaven regards as excellent. Those who receive a valuable education, one that will be as enduring as eternity, will not be regarded as the world's best educated men. But the Scriptures declare that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." This kind of knowledge is below par in the estimation of the world, and yet it is essential for every youth to become wise in the Scriptures, if he would have eternal life. The apostle says, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." This is broad enough. Let all seek to comprehend, to the full extent of their powers, the meaning of the word of God. A mere superficial reading of the inspired word will be of little advantage; for every statement made in the sacred pages requires thoughtful contemplation. It is true that some passages do not require as earnest concentration as do others; for their meaning is more evident. But the student of the word of God should seek to understand the bearing of one passage upon another until the chain of truth is revealed to his vision. As veins of precious ore are hidden beneath the surface of the earth, so spiritual riches are concealed in the passages of Holy Writ, and it requires mental effort and prayerful attention to discover the hidden meaning of the word of God. Let every student who values the heavenly treasure put to the stretch his mental and spiritual powers, and sink the shaft deep into the mine of truth, that he may obtain the celestial gold, that wisdom which will make him wise unto salvation.

If half the zeal manifested in seeking to comprehend the bright ideas of infidels, were manifested in studying the plan of salvation, thousands who are now in darkness, would be charmed with the wisdom, the purity, the elevation of the provisions of God in our behalf; they would be lifted out and away from themselves in wonder and amazement at the love and condescension of God in giving his only begotten Son for a fallen race. How is it that many are satisfied to drink at the turbid streams that flow in the murky valley, when they might refresh their souls at the living streams of the mountains? The prophet asks, "Will a man leave the snow of Lebanon which cometh from the rock of the field? Or shall the cold flowing waters that come from another place be forsaken?" The Lord answers, "My people hath forsaken me, they have burned incense to vanity, and they have caused them to stumble in their ways from the ancient paths, in a way not cast up."

It is a sad fact that men who have been entrusted with fine capabilities to be employed in the service of God, have prostituted their powers in the service of evil, and laid their talents at the feet of the enemy. They submitted in the most servile bondage to the prince of evil, while rejecting the service of Christ as humiliating and undesirable. They looked upon the work of the follower of Christ as a work below their ambition, that required a stepping down from their greatness, a species of slavery, that would enthrall their powers, and narrow the circle of their influence. He who had made an infinite sacrifice that they might be set free from bondage of evil, was set aside as unworthy their best efforts and most exalted service.

These men had received their talents from God, and every gem of thought by which they had been esteemed worthy of the attention of scholars and thinkers, belongs not to them, but to the God of all wisdom, whom they did not acknowledge. Through tradition, through false education, these men are exalted as the world's educators; but in going to them, students are in danger of accepting the vile with the precious; for superstition, specious reasoning and error, are mingled with portions of true philosophy and instruction. This mingling makes a potion that is poisonous to the soul,--destructive of faith in the God of all truth. Those who have a thirst for knowledge need not go to these polluted fountains; for they are invited to come to the fountain of life and drink freely. Through searching the word of God, they may find the hidden treasure of truth that has long been buried beneath the rubbish of error, human tradition, and opinions of men.

The Bible is the great educator; for it is not possible prayerfully to study its sacred pages without having the intellect disciplined, ennobled, purified, and refined. "Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord. Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will punish all them which are circumcised with the uncircumcised."

Those who claim to be Christians, who profess to believe the truth, and yet drink at the polluted fountains of infidelity, and by precept and example draw others away from the cold, snow-waters of Lebanon, are fools though they profess themselves to be wise. "Hear ye the word which the Lord speaketh unto you, O house of Israel: Thus saith the Lord, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. . . . But the Lord is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting King: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation. Thus shall ye say unto them, The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, even they shall perish from the earth, and from under these heavens. He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion. When he uttereth his voice, there is a multitude of waters in the heavens, and he causeth the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings with rain, and bringeth forth the wind out of his treasure. Every man is brutish in his knowledge; every founder is confounded by his graven image; for his molten image is falsehood, and there is no breath in them. They are vanity, and the work of errors: in the time of their visitation they shall perish. The portion of Jacob is not like them: for he is the former of all things; and Israel is the rod of his inheritance: The Lord of hosts is his name."

"Thus saith the Lord; cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord. For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited. Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drouth, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. . . . O Lord, the hope of Israel, all that forsake thee shall be ashamed, and they that depart from me shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken the Lord, the fountain of living waters. Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise."

Let believers in the truth for this time, turn away from authors that teach infidelity. Let not the works of skeptics appear on your library shelves, where your children can have access to them. Let those who have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, no longer deem it an essential feature of a good education to have a knowledge of the writings of those who deny the existence of God, and pour contempt upon his holy word. Give no place to the agents of Satan, since there is nothing by which to vindicate their doings; a clean thing cannot come out of an unclean.

The Teacher of Truth the Only Safe Educator

There are two classes of educators in the world. One class are those whom God makes channels of light, and the other class are those whom Satan uses as his agents, who are wise to do evil. One class contemplates the character of God, and increases in the knowledge of Jesus, whom God hath sent into the world. This class becomes wholly given up to those things which bring heavenly enlightenment, heavenly wisdom to the uplifting of the soul. Every capability of their nature is submitted to God, and their thoughts are brought into captivity to Christ. The other class are in league with the prince of darkness, who is ever on the alert that he may find an opportunity to teach others the knowledge of evil. If place is made for him, he will not be slow to press his way into heart and mind.

There is great need of elevating the standard of righteousness in our schools, to give instruction after God's order. Should Christ enter our institutions for the education of the youth, he would cleanse them as he cleansed the temple, banishing many things that have a defiling influence. Many of the books which the youth study would be expelled, and their places would be filled with others that would inculcate substantial knowledge, and abound in sentiments which might be treasured in the heart, in precepts that might govern the conduct. Is it the Lord's purpose that false principles, false reasoning, and the sophistries of Satan should be kept before the mind of our youth and children? Shall pagan and infidel sentiments be presented to our students as valuable additions to their store of knowledge? The works of the most intellectual skeptic are works of a mind prostituted to the service of the enemy, and shall those who claim to be reformers, who seek to lead the children and youth in the right way, in the path cast up, imagine that God will be pleased with having them present to the youth that which will misrepresent his character, placing him in a false light before the young? Shall the sentiments of unbelievers, the expressions of dissolute men, be advocated as worthy of the student's attention, because they are the productions of men whom the world admires as great thinkers? Shall men professing to believe in God, gather from these unsanctified authors their expressions and sentiments, and treasure them up as precious jewels to be stored away among the riches of the mind?--God forbid.

The Lord bestowed upon these men whom the world admires, priceless intellectual gifts; he endowed them with master minds; but they did not use them to the glory of God. They separated themselves from him as did Satan; but while they separated themselves from him, they still retained many of the precious gems of thought which he had given them, and these they placed in a framework of error to give luster to their own human sentiments, to make attractive the utterances inspired by the prince of evil. It is true that in the writings of pagans and infidels there are found thoughts of an elevated character, which are attractive to the mind. But there is a reason for this. Was not Satan the light-bearer, the sharer of God's glory in heaven, and next to Jesus in power and majesty? In the words of inspiration he is described as one who "sealeth up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty." The prophet says, "Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering. . . . Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. Thou was perfect in thy ways from the day that thou was created, till iniquity was found in thee. . . . Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee. Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffic; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee. All they that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee: thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt thou be any more."

The greatness and power with which the Creator endowed Lucifer he has perverted; and yet, when it suits his purpose, he can impart to men sentiments that are enchanting? Everything of nature comes from God, yet Satan can inspire his agents with thoughts that appear elevating and noble? Did he not come to Christ with quotations of Scripture when he designed to overthrow him with his specious temptations? This is the way in which he comes to man, as an angel of light, disguising his temptations under an appearance of goodness, and making men believe him to be the friend rather than the enemy of humanity. It is in this way that he has deceived and seduced the race,--beguiling them with subtle temptations, bewildering them with specious deceptions.

Satan has ascribed to God all the evils to which the flesh is heir. He has represented him as a God who delights in the sufferings of his creatures, who is revengeful and implacable. It was Satan who originated the doctrine of eternal torment as a punishment for sin, because in this way he could lead men into infidelity and rebellion, distract souls, and dethrone the human reason.

Heaven, looking down, and seeing the delusions into which men were led, knew that a divine Instructor must come to earth. Men in ignorance and moral darkness must have light, spiritual light; for the world knew not God, and he must be revealed to their understanding. Truth looked down from heaven, and saw not the reflection of her image; for dense clouds of moral darkness and gloom enveloped the world, and the Lord Jesus alone was able to roll back the clouds; for he was the light of the world. By his presence he could dissipate the gloomy shadow that Satan had cast between man and God. Darkness covered the earth, and gross darkness the people. Through the accumulated misrepresentations of the enemy, many were so deceived that they worshiped a false god, clothed with the attributes of the satanic character.

The Teacher from heaven, no less a personage than the Son of God, came to earth to reveal the character of the Father to men, that they might worship him in spirit and in truth. Christ revealed to men the fact that the strictest adherence to ceremony and form would not save them; for the kingdom of God was spiritual in its nature. Christ came to the world to sow it with truth. He held the keys to all the treasures of wisdom, and was able to open doors to science, and to reveal undiscovered stores of knowledge, were it essential to salvation. He presented to men that which was exactly contrary to the representations of the enemy in regard to the character of God, and sought to impress upon men the paternal love of the Father, who "so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." He urged upon men the necessity of prayer, repentance, confession, and the abandonment of sin. He taught them honesty, forbearance, mercy, and compassion, enjoining upon them to love, not only those who loved them, but those who hated them, who treated them despitefully. In this he was revealing to them the character of the Father, who is long-suffering, merciful, and gracious, slow to anger, and full of goodness and truth. Those who accepted his teaching were under the guardian care of angels, who were commissioned to strengthen, to enlighten, that the truth might renew and sanctify the soul.

Christ declares the mission he had in coming to the earth. He says in his last public prayer, "O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it; that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them." When Moses asked the Lord to show him his glory; the Lord said, "I will make all my goodness pass before thee." "And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty. . . . And Moses made haste, and bowed his head toward the earth, and worshiped." When we are able to comprehend the character of God as did Moses, we too shall make haste to bow in adoration and praise. Jesus says "that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them." Jesus contemplated nothing less than that the love wherewith the Father loved him should be in the hearts of his children, that they might impart the knowledge of God to others.

O what an assurance is this that the love of God may abide in the hearts of all who believe in him! O what salvation is provided; for he is able to save unto the uttermost all that come unto God by him. In wonder we exclaim, How can these things be? But Jesus will be satisfied with nothing less than this. Those who are partakers of his sufferings here, of his humiliation, enduring for his name's sake, are to have the love of God bestowed upon them as it was upon the Son. One who knows, has said, "The Father himself loveth you." One who has had an experimental knowledge of the length, and breadth, and height, and depth of that love, has declared unto us this amazing fact. This love is ours through faith in the Son of God, therefore a connection with Christ means everything to us. We are to be one with him as he is one with the Father, and then we are beloved by the infinite God as members of the body of Christ, as branches of the living Vine. We are to be attached to the parent stock, and to receive nourishment from the Vine. Christ is our glorified Head, and the divine love flowing from the heart of God rests in Christ, and is communicated to those who have been united to him. This divine love entering the soul inspires it with gratitude, frees it from its spiritual feebleness, from pride, vanity, and selfishness and from all that would deform the Christian character.

Look, O look to Jesus and live. You can but be charmed with the matchless attractions of the Son of God. Christ was God manifest in the flesh, the mystery hidden for ages, and in our acceptance or rejection of the Saviour of the world are involved eternal interests.

To save the transgressor of God's law, Christ, the one equal with the Father, came to live heaven before men, that they might learn to know what it is to have heaven in the heart. He illustrated what man must be to be worthy of the precious boon of the life that measures with the life of God.

The life of Christ was a life charged with a divine message of the love of God, and he longed intensely to impart this love to others in rich measure. Compassion beamed from his countenance, and his conduct was characterized by grace, humility, truth, and love. Every member of his church militant must manifest the same qualities, if he would join the church triumphant. The love of Christ if so broad, so full of glory, that in comparison to it, everything that men esteem as great, dwindles into insignificance. When we obtain a view of it, we exclaim, O the depth of the riches of the love that God bestowed upon men in the gift of his only begotten Son?

When we seek for appropriate language in which to describe the love of God, we find words too tame, to weak, too far beneath the theme, and we lay down our pen, and say, "No, it cannot be described." We can only do as did the beloved disciple, say, "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God." In attempting any description of this love, we feel that we are as an infant lisping its first words. Silently we may adore; for silence in this matter is the only eloquence. This love is past all language to describe. It is the mystery of God in the flesh, God in Christ, and divinity in humanity. Christ bowed down in unparalleled humility, that in his exaltation to the throne of God, he might also exalt those who believe in him, to a seat with him upon his throne. All who look upon Jesus in faith that the wounds and bruises that sin has made will be healed in him, shall be made whole.

The themes of redemption are momentous themes, and only those who are spiritually minded can discern their depth and significance. It is our safety, our life, our joy, to dwell upon the truths of the plan of salvation. Faith and prayer are necessary in order that we may behold the deep things of God. Our minds are so bound about with narrow ideas, that we catch but limited views of the experience it is our privilege to have. How little do we comprehend what is meant by the prayer of the apostle, when he says, "That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen."

The Treasure With Which to Store the Mind

Jesus beheld the human race, ignorant, apostate from God, standing under the penalty of the broken law, and he came to bring deliverance, to offer a complete pardon, signed by the majesty of heaven. If man will accept this pardon, he may be saved; if he rejects it, he will be lost. The wisdom of God alone can unfold the mysteries of the plan of salvation. The wisdom of men may or may not be valuable, as experience shall prove, but the wisdom of God is indispensable, and yet many who profess to be wise are willingly ignorant of the things that pertain to eternal life. Miss what you may in the line of human attainments, but this you must have, faith in the pardon brought to you at infinite cost, or all of wisdom attained in earth, will perish with you.

Were the Sun of righteousness to withdraw his beams of light from the world, we should be left in the darkness of eternal night. Jesus spake as never man spake. He poured out to men the whole treasure of heaven in wisdom and knowledge. He is the light that lighteth every man who cometh into the world. Every phase of truth was evident to him. He did not come to utter uncertain sentiments and opinions; but only to speak truth established upon eternal principles. Then why take the unstable words of men as exalted wisdom, when a greater and certain wisdom is at your command? Men take the writings of scientists, falsely so-called, and seek to make their deductions harmonize with the statements of the Bible. But where there is no agreement, there can be no harmony. Christ declares, "No man can serve two masters." Their interests are sure to clash. Again and again men have attempted to put the Bible and the writings of men upon a common basis; but the attempt has proved a failure; for ye cannot serve God and mammon.

We are in the world, but we are not to be of the world. Jesus entreats that those for whom he died, may not lose their eternal reward by lavishing their affections on the things of this perishing earth, and so cheat themselves out of unending happiness. An enlightened judgment compels us to acknowledge that heavenly things are superior to the things of earth, and yet the depraved heart of man leads him to give precedence to the things of the world. The opinions of great men, the theories of science, falsely so-called, are blended with the truths of Holy Writ.

But the heart that is surrendered to God, loves the truth of God's word; for through the truth the soul is regenerated. The carnal mind finds no pleasure in contemplation of the word of God, but he who is renewed in the spirit of his mind, sees new charms in the living oracles; for divine beauty and celestial light seem to shine in every passage. That which was to the carnal mind a desolate wilderness, to the spiritual mind becomes a land of living streams. That which to the unrenewed heart appeared a barren waste, to the converted soul becomes the garden of God, covered with fragrant buds and blooming flowers.

The Bible has been placed in the background, while the sayings of great men, so-called, have been taken in its stead. May the Lord forgive us the slight we have put upon his word. Though inestimable treasures are in the Bible, and it is like a mine full of precious ore, it is not valued, it is not searched, and its riches are not discovered. Mercy and truth and love are valuable beyond our power to calculate; we cannot have too great a supply of these treasures, and it is in the word of God we find out how we may become possessors of these heavenly riches, and yet why is it that the word of God is uninteresting to many professed Christians? Is it because the word of God is not spirit and is not life? Has Jesus put upon us an uninteresting task, when he commands us to "search the scriptures"? Jesus says, "The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." But spiritual things are spiritually discerned, and the reason of your lack of interest is that you lack the Spirit of God. When the heart is brought into harmony with the word, a new life will spring up within you, a new light will shine upon every line of the word, and it will become the voice of God to your soul. In this way you will take celestial observations, and know whither you are going, and be able to make the most of your privileges to-day.

We should ask the Lord to open our understanding, that we may comprehend divine truth. If we humble our hearts before God, empty them of vanity and pride and selfishness, through the grace abundantly bestowed upon us; if we sincerely desire and unwaveringly believe, the bright beams of the Sun of righteousness will shine into our minds, and illuminate our darkened understanding. Jesus is the light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He is the light of the world, and he bids us come unto him, and learn of him. Jesus was the great teacher. He could have made disclosures on the sciences that would have placed the discoveries of the greatest men in the background as utter littleness; but this was not his mission or his work. He had come to seek and to save that which was lost, and he could not permit himself to be turned from his one object. He allowed nothing to divert him. This work he has given into our hands. Shall we do it?

In the days of Christ the established teachers instructed men in the tradition of the fathers, in childish fables, mingled with the opinions of those who they thought were high authorities. Yet neither high nor low could discern any ray of light in their teaching. What wonder was it that crowds followed in the footsteps of the Lord, and gave him homage as they listened to his words! He revealed truths that had been buried under the rubbish of error, and he freed them from the exactions and traditions of men, and bade them stand fast forever. He rescued truth from its obscurity, and set it in its proper framework, to shine in its original luster. He addressed men in his own name; for authority was vested in himself, and why should men, professing to be his followers, not speak with authority concerning subjects on which he has given light? Why take inferior sources of instruction when Christ is the great teacher who knows all things? Why present inferior authors to the attention of students, when he whose words are spirit and life invites, "Come, . . . and learn of me"?

Shall we not be intensely interested in the lessons of Christ? Shall we not be charmed with the new and glorious light of heavenly truth? This light is above everything that man can present. We can receive light only as we come to the cross and present ourselves at the altar of sacrifice. Here man's weakness is made manifest; here his strength is revealed. Here men see there is power in Christ to save to the uttermost all that come unto God by him.

Shall we not be doers of the words of him who knows all things? Shall we not make the Bible the man of our counsel in the education and training of our youth? The word of God is the foundation of all true knowledge, and Christ teaches what men must do in order to be saved. Hitherto the designs of the enemy have been carried out in bringing before our students such books as have taught specious errors, and presented fables that have tempted their carnal appetites. Shall we bring into our schools the sower of tares? Shall we permit men who are called great, and yet who have been taught by the enemy of all truth, to have the education of our youth? Or shall we take the word of God as our guide, and have our schools conducted more after the order of the ancient schools of the prophets?

If the Bible was studied and obeyed; if we had the Spirit of Christ, we should make determined efforts to be laborers together with God. We should better appreciate the worth of the soul; for every soul converted to God means a vessel dedicated to a holy use, a depositary for truth, a bearer of light to others. God expects more of the schools than has yet been brought forth. Christ has said, "Labor not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life; which the son of man shall give you; for him hath God the Father sealed."

Then we shall rightly understand the teaching of God's word, and esteem the truth as the most valuable treasure with which to store the mind. We shall have a constant well-spring of the waters of life. We shall pray as did the psalmist, "Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law," and shall find as he did that "the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward."

The Science of Salvation the First of Sciences

The schools established among us are matters of grave responsibility; for important interests are involved. In a special manner our schools are a spectacle unto angels and to men. A knowledge of science of all kinds is power, and it is in the purpose of God that advanced science shall be taught in our schools as a preparation for the work that is to precede the closing scenes of earth's history. The truth is to go to the remotest bounds of the earth, through agents trained for the work. But while the knowledge of science is a power, the knowledge which Jesus in person came to impart to the world was the knowledge of the gospel. The light of truth was to flash its bright rays into the uttermost parts of the earth, and the acceptance or rejection of the message of God involved the eternal destiny of souls.

The plan of salvation had its place in the counsels of the Infinite from all eternity. The gospel is the revelation of God's love to men, and means everything that is essential to the happiness and well-being of humanity. The work of God in the earth is of immeasurable importance, and it is Satan's special object to crowd it out of sight and mind, that he may make his specious devices effectual in the destruction of those for whom Christ died. It is his purpose to cause the discoveries of men to be exalted above the wisdom of God. When the mind is engrossed with the conceptions and theories of men to the exclusion of the wisdom of God, it is stamped with idolatry. Science, falsely so-called, has been exalted above God, nature above its maker, and how can God look upon such wisdom?

In the Bible the whole duty of man is defined. Solomon says, "Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man." The will of God is revealed in his written word, and this is the essential knowledge. Human wisdom, familiarity with the languages of different nations, is a help in the missionary work. An understanding of the customs of the people, of the location and time of events, is practical knowledge; for it aids in making the figures of the Bible clear, in bringing out the force of Christ's lessons; but it is not positively necessary to know these things. The way-faring man may find the pathway cast up for the ransomed to walk in, and there will be no excuse found for any one who perishes through misapprehension of the Scriptures.

In the Bible every vital principle is declared, every duty made plain, every obligation made evident. The whole duty of man is summed up by the Saviour. He says, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. . . . Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." In the word the plan of salvation is plainly delineated. The gift of eternal life is promised on condition of saving faith in Christ. The drawing power of the Holy Spirit is pointed out as an agent in the work of man's salvation. The rewards of the faithful, the punishment of the guilty, are all laid out in clear lines. The Bible contains the science of salvation for all those who will hear and do the words of Christ.

The apostle says, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." The Bible is its own expositor. One passage will prove to be a key that will unlock other passages, and in this way light will be shed upon the hidden meaning of the word. By comparing different texts treating on the same subject, viewing their bearing on every side, the true meaning of the Scriptures will be made evident.

Many think that they must consult commentaries on the Scriptures in order to understand the meaning of the word of God, and we would not take the position that commentaries should not be studied; but it will take much discernment to discover the truth of God under the mass of the words of men. How little has been done by the church, as a body professing to believe the Bible, to gather up the scattered jewels of God's word into one perfect chain of truth! The jewels of truth do not lie upon the surface, as many suppose. The master mind in the confederacy of evil is ever at work to keep the truth out of sight, and to bring into full view the opinions of great men. The enemy is doing all in his power to obscure heaven's light through educational processes; for he does not mean that men shall hear the voice of the Lord, saying, "This is the way, walk ye in it."

The jewels of truth lie scattered over the field of revelation; but they have been buried beneath human traditions, beneath the sayings and commandments of men, and the wisdom from heaven has been practically ignored; for Satan has succeeded in making the world believe that the words and achievements of men are of great consequence. The Lord God, the Creator of the worlds, at infinite cost has given the gospel to the world. Through this divine agent, glad, refreshing springs of heavenly comfort and abiding consolation have been opened for those who will come to the fountain of life. There are veins of truth yet to be discovered; but spiritual things are spiritually discerned. Minds beclouded with evil cannot appreciate the value of the truth as it is in Jesus. When iniquity is cherished, men do not feel the necessity of making diligent effort with prayer and reflection, to understand that they must know or lose heaven. They have so long been under the shadow of the enemy that they view truth as men behold objects through a smoked and imperfect glass; for all things are dark and perverted in their eyes. Their spiritual vision is feeble and untrustworthy; for they look upon the shadow, and turn away from the light.

But those who profess to believe in Jesus, should ever press to the light. They should daily pray for the light of the Holy Spirit to shine upon the pages of the sacred book, that they may be enabled to comprehend the things of the Spirit of God. We must have implicit trust in God's word, or we are lost. The words of men, however great they may be, are not able to make us perfect, to thoroughly furnish unto all good works. "God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the spirit and belief of the truth." In this text the two agencies in the salvation of man are revealed,--the divine influence, the strong, living faith of those who follow Christ. It is through the sanctification of the spirit and the belief of the truth that we become laborers together with God. God waits for the co-operation of his church. He does not design to add a new element of efficiency to his word; he has done his great work in giving his inspiration to the world. The blood of Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the divine word, are ours. The object of all this provision of heaven is before us,--the souls for whom Christ died,--and it depends upon us to lay hold of the promises God has given, and become laborers together with him; for divine and human agencies must co-operate in this work.

The reason that many professed Christians do not have a clear, well-defined experience is that they do not think it is their privilege to understand what God has spoken through his word. After the resurrection of Jesus, two of his disciples were journeying toward Emmaus, and Jesus joined them. But they did not recognize their Lord, and thought he was some stranger, although "beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further. But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us; for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them. And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight. And they said one to another, Did not our hearts burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the Scriptures? . . . Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the Scriptures." This is the work that we may look to Christ to do for us; for what the Lord has revealed, is for us and our children forever.

Jesus knew that whatever was presented that was out of harmony with what he came to earth to unfold, was false and delusive. But he said, "Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice." Having stood in the counsels of God, having dwelt in the everlasting heights of the sanctuary, all elements of truth were in him, and of him; for he was one with God. "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak what we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven." "Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar."

Christian Character Exemplified in Teachers and Students

In the name of my Master I appeal to the young men and women who claim to be sons and daughters of God, to obey the word of God. I appeal to teachers in our schools to set a right example to those with whom they are associated. Those who would be qualified to mold the character of the youth, must be learners in the school of Christ, that they may be meek and lowly of heart as was the divine Pattern. In dress, in deportment, in all their ways, they should exemplify the Christian character, revealing the fact that they are under wise disciplinary rules of the great Teacher. The Christian youth should be in earnest, trained to bear responsibilities with brave heart and willing hand. He should be ready to encounter the trials of life with patience and fortitude. He should seek to form a character after the model of the divine One, following maxims of worth, confirming himself in habits that will enable him to win the victor's crown.

In school life the youth may sow seeds which bear a harvest, not of thorns, but of precious grain for the heavenly garner. There is no time more favorable than the time spent in school in which to acknowledge the power of Christ's saving grace, to be controlled by the principles of the divine law, and it is for the student's interest to live a godly life. The crowning glory of life results from a connection with Christ. No man liveth unto himself. Your life is interwoven with all others in the common web of humanity, and you are to be a laborer together with God for the salvation of those who perish in degradation and woe. You are to be instruments in influencing all those with whom you associate to a better life, to direct the mind of Jesus.

John writes: "I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one." And Paul exhorts Timothy to bid the young men to "be sober-minded." Elevate your soul to be as was Daniel, a loyal, steadfast servant of the Lord of hosts. Ponder well the path of your feet; for you are standing on holy ground, and the angels of God are about you. It is right that you should feel that you must climb to the highest round of the educational ladder. Philosophy and history are important studies; but your sacrifice of time and money will avail nothing, if you do not use your attainments for the honor of God and the good of humanity. Unless the knowledge of science is a stepping stone to the attainment of the highest purposes, it is worthless. The education that does not furnish knowledge as enduring as eternity, is of no purpose. Unless you keep heaven and the future, immortal life before you, your attainments are of no permanent value. But if Jesus is your teacher, not simply on one day of the week, but every day, every hour, you may have his smile upon you in the pursuit of literary acquirements.

Daniel ever kept before him the glory of God, and you should also say, Lord, I desire knowledge, not for the glorification of self, but to meet the expectation of Jesus, that I may perfect an intelligent Christian character, through the grace he has given unto me. Will the students be true to principle as was Daniel?

In the future there will be more pressing need of men and women of literary qualifications than there has been in the past; for broad fields are opening out before us, white already for harvest. In these fields you may be laborers together with God. But if you are lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God, if you are filled with levity, if you allow the golden opportunities to pass without acquiring knowledge, without placing solid timbers in your character building, you will be dwarfed and crippled in any line of occupation you may undertake.

While a good education is of great benefit if combined with consecration in its possessor, still those who do not have the privilege of gaining high literary attainments need not think they cannot advance in intellectual and spiritual life. If they will make the most of the knowledge they have, if they will seek to gather something to their store every day, and will overcome all perverseness of temper through the studious cultivation of Christ-like traits of character, God will open channels of wisdom to them, and it may be said of them as it was said of old, concerning the Hebrew children, God gave them wisdom and understanding.

It is not true that brilliant young men always make the greatest success. How often men of talent and education have been placed in positions of trust, and have proved failures. Their glitter had the appearance of gold, but when it was tried, it proved to be but tinsel and dross. They made a failure of their work through unfaithfulness. They were not industrious and persevering, and did not go to the bottom of things. They were not willing to begin at the bottom of the ladder, and with patient toil, ascend round after round till they reached the top. They walked in the sparks (their bright flashes of thought) of their own kindling. They did not depend on the wisdom which God alone can give. Their failure was not because they did not have a chance, but because they were not sober-minded. They did not feel that their educational advantages were of value to them, and so did not advance as they might have advanced in the knowledge of religion and science. Their mind and character were not balanced by high principles of right.

Let our young men be sober, and ponder the ways of their feet. Let them shun sin because it is destructive in its tendencies and displeasing to God. Let them discern what possibilities are within their reach, and seek God for grace to keep in the paths of righteousness. Let them seek the counsel and guidance of the Lord, that they may spend their lives for his glory in the world.

In obtaining an education, success is not to be regarded as a matter of chance or destiny, it is from that God who read the heart of Daniel, who looked with pleasure upon his purity of motive, his determination of purpose to honor the Lord. Daniel did not walk in sparks of his own kindling, but made the Lord his wisdom. Divine philosophy was made the foundation of his education. He welcomed the counsel of the Lord. Would that all students were as was Daniel; but many do not see the importance of submitting to divine discipline.

O, that all might realize that without Christ they can do nothing! Those who do not gather with him scatter abroad. Their thoughts and actions will not bear the right character, and their influence will be destructive of good. Our actions have a twofold influence; for they affect others as well as ourselves. This influence will either be a blessing or a curse to those with whom we associate. How little we appreciate this fact. Actions make habits, and habits, character, and if we do not guard our habits, we shall not be qualified to unite with heavenly agencies in the work of salvation, nor be prepared to enter the heavenly mansions that Jesus has gone to prepare; for no one will be there except those who have surrendered their will and way to God's will and way. He whose character is proved, who has stood the test of trial, who is a partaker of the divine nature, will be among those whom Christ pronounces blessed.

Without Christ we can do nothing. The pure principles of uprightness, virtue, and goodness are all from God. A conscientious discharge of duty, Christ-like sympathy, love for souls and love for your own soul, because you belong to God, and have been bought with the precious blood of Christ, will make you a laborer together with God, and endow you with persuasive, drawing power. You must respect your own faith in order successfully to introduce it to others. By example as well as precept, you must show that you reverence your faith, speaking reverently of sacred things. Never allow one expression of lightness and trifling to escape your lips when quoting scripture. As you take the Bible in your hands, remember that you are on holy ground. Angels are around you, and could your eyes be opened, you would behold them. Let your conduct be such that you will leave the impression upon every soul with whom you associate that a pure and holy atmosphere surrounds you. One vain word, one trifling laugh, may balance a soul in the wrong direction. Terrible are the consequences of not having a constant connection with God.

Abstain from all evil. Common sins, however insignificant they may be regarded, will impair your moral sense, and extinguish the inward impression of the Spirit of God. The character of the thoughts leaves its imprint upon the soul, and all low conversation pollutes the mind. All evil works ruin to those who commit it. God may and will forgive the repenting sinner, but though forgiven, the soul is marred; the power of the elevated thought possible to the unimpaired mind is destroyed. Through all time the soul bears the scars. Then let us seek for that faith which works by love and purifies the heart, that we may represent the character of Christ to the world.

The World by Wisdom Knew Not God

The truth of God is infinite, capable of measureless expansion, and the more we contemplate it, the more will its glory appear. The truth has been opened before us, and yet the words of Paul to the Galatians are applicable to us. He says, "O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain."

"Without me," Christ says, "ye can do nothing." Those who undertake to carry forward the work in their own strength will certainly fail. Education alone will not fit a man for a place in the work, will not enable him to obtain a knowledge of God. Hear what Paul has to say on this matter: "For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish, foolishness; but unto us which are saved, it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this world? Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe."

Through successive ages of darkness, in the midnight of heathenism, God permitted men to try the experiment of finding out God by their own wisdom, not to demonstrate their inability to his satisfaction, but that men themselves might see that they could not obtain a knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ his Son, save through the revelation of his word by the Holy Spirit. When Christ came to the world, the experiment had been fully tried, and the result made it evident that the world by wisdom knew not God. Even in the church, God has allowed men to test their own wisdom in this matter, but when a crisis has been brought about through human fallibility, God has risen mightily to defend his people. When the church has been brought low, when trial and oppression have come upon his people, he more abundantly exalted them by signal deliverance. When unfaithful teachers came among the people, weakness followed, the faith of God's people seemed to wane, but God arose and purged his floor, and the tried and true were lifted up.

There are times when apostasy comes into the ranks, when piety is left out of the heart by those who should have kept step with their divine leader. The people of God separate from the source of their strength, and pride, vanity, extravagance, and display follow. There are idols within and idols without; but God sends the Comforter as a reprover of sin, that his people may be warned of their apostasy and rebuked for their backsliding. When the more precious manifestations of his love shall be gratefully acknowledged and appreciated, the Lord will pour in the balm of comfort and the oil of joy.

When men are led to realize that their human calculations come far short, and are convinced that their wisdom is but foolishness, then it is that they turn to the Lord to seek him with all the heart, that they may find him.

I have been shown that every church among us needs the deep movings of the Spirit of God. O, we would point men to the cross of Calvary. We would bid them look upon him whom their sins have pierced. We would bid them to behold the Redeemer of the world suffering the penalty of their transgression of the law of God. The verdict is that "the soul that sinneth it shall die." But on the cross the sinner sees the only begotten of the Father dying in his stead, and giving the transgressor life. All the intelligences in earth and heaven are called upon to behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God. Every sinner may look and live. Do not survey that scene of Calvary with careless, thoughtless mind. Can it be that angels shall look down upon us, the recipients of God's love, and see us cold, indifferent, unimpressible, when Heaven in amazement beholds the stupendous work of redemption to save a fallen world, and desires to look into the mystery of Calvary's love and woe. Angels in wonder and amazement look upon those for whom so great salvation has been provided, and marvel that the love of God does not awaken them, and lead them to pour forth melodious strains of gratitude and adoration. But the result which all Heaven looks to behold is not seen among those who profess to be followers of Christ. How readily do we speak in endearing words of our friends and relatives, and yet how slow we are to speak of Him whose love has no parallel, set forth in Christ crucified among you.

The love of our heavenly Father in the gift of his only begotten Son to the world, is enough to inspire every soul, to melt every hard, loveless heart into contrition and tenderness, and yet shall heavenly intelligences see in those for whom Christ died, insensibility to his love, hardness of heart, and no response of gratitude and affection to the Giver of all good things? Shall affairs of minor importance absorb the whole power of the being, and the love of God meet no return? Shall the Sun of righteousness shine in vain? In view of what God has done, could his claims be less upon you? Have we hearts that can be touched, that can be impressed with divine love? Are we willing to be chosen vessels? Has not God his eye upon us, and has he not bidden us to send forth his message of light? We need an increase of faith. We must wait, we must watch, we must pray, we must work, pleading that the Holy Ghost may be poured out upon us abundantly, that we may be lights in the world.

Jesus looked upon the world in its fallen state with infinite pity. He took humanity upon himself that he might touch and elevate humanity. He came to seek and to save that which was lost. He reached to the very depth of human misery and woe, to take man as he found him, a being tainted with corruption, degraded with vice, depraved by sin, and united with Satan in apostasy, and elevate him to a seat upon his throne. But it was written of him that "he shall not fail nor be discouraged," and he went forth in the path of self-denial and self-sacrifice, giving us an example that we should follow in his steps. We should work as did Jesus, departing from our own pleasure, turning away from Satan's bribes, despising ease, and abhorring selfishness, that we may seek and save that which is lost, bringing souls from darkness into light, into the sunshine of God's love. We have been commissioned to go forth and preach the gospel to every creature. We are to bring to the lost the tidings that Christ can forgive sin, can renew the nature, can clothe the soul in the garments of his righteousness, bring the sinner to his right mind, and teach him and fit him up to be a laborer together with God.

The converted soul lives in Christ. His darkness passes away, and a new and heavenly light shines into his soul. "He that winneth souls is wise." "And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness, as the stars forever and ever." What is done through the co-operation of men with God is a work that shall never perish, but endure through the eternal ages. He that makes God his wisdom, that grows up into the full stature of a man in Christ Jesus, will stand before kings, before the so-called great men of the world, and show forth the praises of Him who hath called him out of darkness into his marvelous light. Science and literature cannot bring into the darkened mind of men the light which the glorious gospel of the Son of God can bring. The Son of God alone can do the great work of illuminating the soul. No wonder Paul exclaims, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth." The gospel of Christ becomes personality in those who believe, and makes them living epistles, known and read of all men. In this way the leaven of godliness passes into the multitude. The heavenly intelligences are able to discern the true elements of greatness in character; for only goodness is esteemed as efficiency with God.

"Without me," Christ says, "ye can do nothing." Our faith, our example, must be held more sacred than they have been held in the past. The word of God must be studied as never before; for it is the precious offering that we must present to men, in order that they may learn the way of peace, and obtain that life which measures with the life of God. Human wisdom so highly exalted among men sinks into insignificance before that wisdom which points out the way cast up for the ransomed of the Lord to walk in. The Bible alone affords the means of distinguishing the path of life from the broad road that leads to perdition and death.

No Caste in Christ

The highest angel in heaven had not the power to pay the ransom for one lost soul. Cherubim and seraphim have only the glory with which they are endowed by the Creator as his creatures, and the reconciliation of man to God could be accomplished only through a mediator who was equal with God, possessed of attributes that would dignify, and declare him worthy to treat with the Infinite God in man's behalf, and also represent God to a fallen world. Man's substitute and surety must have man's nature, a connection with the human family whom he was to represent, and, as God's ambassador, he must partake of the divine nature, have a connection with the Infinite, in order to manifest God to the world, and be a mediator between God and man.

These qualifications were found alone in Christ. Clothing his divinity with humanity, he came to earth to be called the Son of man and the Son to God. He was the surety for man, the ambassador for God,--the surety for man to satisfy by his righteousness in man's behalf the demands of the law, and the representative of God to make manifest his character to a fallen race.

The world's Redeemer possessed the power to draw men to himself, to quiet their fears, to dispel their gloom, to inspire them with hope and courage, to enable them to believe in the willingness of God to receive them through the merits of the divine Substitute. As subjects of the love of God we ever should be grateful that we have a mediator, an advocate, an intercessor in the heavenly courts, who pleads in our behalf before the Father.

We have everything we could ask to inspire us with faith and trust in God. In earthly courts, when a king would make his greatest pledge to assure men of his truth, he gives his child as a hostage, to be redeemed on the fulfillment of his promise; and behold what a pledge of the Father's faithfulness; for when he would assure men of the immutability of his council, he gave his only begotten Son to come to earth, to take the nature of man, not only for the brief years of life, but to retain his nature in the heavenly courts, an everlasting pledge of the faithfulness of God. O, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and love of God! "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God."

Through faith in Christ we become members of the royal family, heirs of God, and joint heirs with Jesus Christ. In Christ we are one. As we come in sight of Calvary, and view the royal Sufferer who in man's nature bore the curse of the law in his behalf, all national distinctions, all sectarian differences are obliterated; all honor of rank, all pride of caste is lost. The light shining from the throne of God upon the cross of Calvary forever puts an end to man-made separations between class and race. Men of every class become members of one family, children of the heavenly King, not through earthly power, but through the love of God who gave Jesus to a life of poverty, affliction, and humiliation, to a death of shame and agony, that he might bring many sons and daughters unto glory.

It is not the position, not the finite wisdom, not the qualifications, not the endowments of any person that makes him rank high in the esteem of God. The intellect, the reason, the talents of men, are the gifts of God to be employed to his glory, for the upbuilding of his eternal kingdom. It is the spiritual and moral character that is of value in the sight of Heaven, and that will survive the grave and be made glorious with immortality for the endless ages of eternity. Worldly royalty so highly honored by men will never come forth from the sepulcher into which it enters. Riches, honor, the wisdom of men that have served the purposes of the enemy, can bring to their possessors no inheritance, no honor, no position of trust in the world which is to come. Only those who have appreciated the grace of Christ, which has made them heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus, will rise from the grave bearing the image of their Redeemer.

All who are found worthy to be counted as the members of the family of God in heaven, will recognize one another as sons and daughters of God. They will realize that they all receive their strength and pardon from the same source, even from Jesus Christ who was crucified for their sins. They know that they are to wash their robes of character in his blood, to find acceptance with the Father in his name, if they would be in the bright assembly of the saints, clothed in the white robes of righteousness.

Then as the children of God are one in Christ, how does Jesus look upon caste, upon society distinctions, upon the division of man from his fellow-man, because of color, race, position, wealth, birth, or attainments? The secret of unity is found in the equality of believers in Christ. The reason of all division, discord, and difference is found in separation from Christ. Christ is the center to which all should be attracted; for the nearer we approach the center, the closer we shall come together in feeling, in sympathy, in love, growing into the character and image of Jesus. With God there is no respect of persons.

Jesus knew the worthlessness of earthly pomp, and he gave no attention to its display. In his dignity of soul, his elevation of character, his nobility of principle, he was far above the vain fashions of the world. Although the prophet describes him as "despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief", he might have been esteemed as the highest among the noble of the earth. The best circles of human society would have courted him, had he condescended to accept their favor, but he desired not the applause of men, but moved independent of all human influence. Wealth, position, worldly rank in all its varieties and distinctions of human greatness, was all but so many degrees of littleness to him who had left the honor and glory of heaven, and who possessed no earthly splendor, indulged in no luxury, and displayed no adornment but humility.

The lowly, those bound with poverty, pressed with care, burdened with toil, could find no reason in his life and example which would lead them to think that Jesus was not acquainted with their trials, knew not the pressure of their circumstances, and could not sympathize with them in their want and sorrow. The lowliness of his humble, daily life was in harmony with his lowly birth and circumstances. The Son of the infinite God, the Lord of life and glory, descended in humiliation to the life of the lowliest, that no one might feel himself excluded from his presence. He made himself accessible to all. He did not select a favored few with whom to associate and ignore all others. It grieves the Spirit of God when conservatism shuts man away from his fellow-man, especially when it is found among those who profess to be his children.

Christ came to give to the world an example of what perfect humanity might be when united with divinity. He presented to the world a new phase of greatness in his exhibition of mercy, compassion, and love. He gave to men a new interpretation of God. As head of humanity, he taught men lessons in the science of divine government, whereby he revealed the righteousness of the reconciliation of mercy and justice. The reconciliation of mercy and justice did not involve any compromise with sin, or ignore any claim of justice; but by giving to each divine attribute its ordained place, mercy could be exercised in the punishment of sinful, impenitent man without destroying its clemency or forfeiting its compassionate character, and justice could be exercised in forgiving the repenting transgressor without violating its integrity.

All this could be, because Christ laid hold of the nature of man, and partook of the divine attributes, and planted his cross between humanity and divinity, bridging the gulf that separated the sinner from God. "For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behooved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted." "For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." "For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity. And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins. And no man taketh this honor unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. So also Christ glorified not himself to be made a high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, today have I begotten thee. As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchisedec. Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto Him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; and being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him."

Jesus came to bring moral power to combine with human effort, and in no case are his followers to allow themselves to lose sight of Christ, who is their example in all things. He said, "For their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also may be sanctified through the truth." Jesus presents the truth before his children that they may look upon it, and by beholding it, may become changed, being transformed by his grace from transgression to obedience, from impurity to purity, from sin to heart-holiness and righteousness of life.

On the Way to Australia: Visit to Honolulu

Nov. 12, about 2 P. M., we went on board the steam-ship "Alameda," at San Francisco, Cal., for our long voyage across the Pacific Ocean. About twenty-five of our friends came to meet us at the boat and say good-by. Soon the last parting words were spoken, and at four o'clock our good ship left the dock, and steamed out of Golden Gate against a strong head-wind. The restless sea rocked and tossed us about, quite to the discomfort of the passengers, most of whom soon retired to their state-rooms. For a time we felt inclined to lie quietly in our berths. After the first day, however, we had very pleasant, smooth sailing. The captain said that he could hardly remember having had so pleasant a voyage.

Our vessel, though comparatively small, and not so elegant as many of the Atlantic boats, was thoroughly comfortable, convenient, and safe. The officers were kind and gentlemanly. We had about eighty cabin passengers, and forty in the steerage. Among the former were about eight ministers, several of whom were returning home from the great Methodist Conference in Washington. Religious services were held in the social hall, twice each Sunday, and occasionally on deck for the steerage passengers.

One week from the time we left California we reached the Sandwich Islands. The scene presented to us from the steamer as we approached Honolulu, was very beautiful; the mountains rising at a little distance from the water's edge, and clothed with the rich green of the tropics, and the city, in its setting of palms and other tropical trees, appeared especially attractive to us after gazing for seven days on the boundless expanse of waters. We were met at the wharf by friends living in the city. Men, women, and children greeted us so heartily that we could not but feel at home among them. We were glad to welcome these dear friends, and especially glad to meet again Elder Starr and his wife, who had been laboring among the people, and speaking in the churches, by invitation, with good effect.

After a short visit in the family of one of our brethren, we were taken to ride about the city and a few miles beyond the suburbs. The business part of the town is very indifferent, but the residences are fine, with broad verandas, and surrounded by green lawns, which are beautified with all kinds of tropical trees and flowers. On our way we saw beautiful avenues of royal palms, vines and trees, shrubs and hedges brilliant with flowers; cocoa-palms laden with the brown, heavy-looking fruit; bread-fruit and mango trees; fields of pine-apples and patches of taro, the staple food of the natives, with many other strange plants and trees which I cannot even name.

For six miles back of the town the road gradually ascends a mountain valley, to the "pali," or precipice, an interesting point, both for its historical association, and for the fine landscape view which is obtained from it. Standing on the rocky edge of the precipice, we look down 1,200 feet, while on either side the bare, rocky summits tower to a height of 3,000 feet. Below us lies a rich green plain, dotted with rice and sugar plantations, and hills around which the brown road winds in and out. Beyond all is the broad blue sea, the white surf breaking along the shore.

It was near the head of this valley, about the eighteenth century, that the last native chief of the island made a stand with his forces against Kamehameha I., who was trying to bring all the islands under one government. The chief's forces were defeated, and fleeing up the valley, many were driven over the precipice, and dashed to pieces on the rocks at its base. It is said that the bones of these unfortunate warriors are still to be found scattered on the plain.

We took our lunch on a pleasant, grassy spot overlooking the valley, and returned to the city, feeling that the day's excursion would be ever remembered with pleasure.

Then a few hours were spent at the home of a merchant in the city, whose wife has attended our meetings with much interest, and whose little daughter spent some months at our college at Healdsburg, Cal. The wife was among the friends who had met us at the boat, and I had called on her a few moments in the morning on our way to the "pali." I then bowed in prayer with them, at her request, placing my hands upon the heads of the little ones, and invoking God's blessing upon the mother and her children.

Our steamer was not to leave Honolulu till past midnight, and at the earnest desire of our friends I had consented to speak in the evening. The hall of the Young Men's Christian Association was secured for the purpose. Only a few hours' notice of the meeting could be given, yet a goodly number were assembled, among them many who were actively interested in temperance and Christian work. I spoke from 1 John 3:1-4, dwelling upon the great love of God to man, expressed in the gift of Jesus that we might become children of God. The Spirit of the Lord was present with us. At the close of the meeting we were gratified to make the acquaintance of some of the leading members of the Young Men's Christian Association. Many spoke gratefully of the help that Elder Starr had rendered them. They expressed their regret that we could not remain longer, and gave us an earnest invitation to stay and labor a few months with them on our return to America. We too regretted that we must leave so soon.

We were grateful for the opportunity of becoming acquainted with the few brethren and sisters in Honolulu, and we thought of the probabilities and possibilities before those who believe the truth, if they would be faithful witnesses for God. The words of Christ just before his ascension to heaven mean much to every one who shall accept the truth as it is in Jesus. He said: "Ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." All the followers of Christ are to be witnesses for him. Every one who receives the precious treasure of truth is to impart of the same to others.

But the truth is often presented in such a manner that it does not have the influence it otherwise would have. A controversial spirit is encouraged. Many dwell almost exclusively upon doctrinal subjects, while the nature of true piety, experimental godliness, receives little attention. Jesus, his love and grace, his self-denial and self-sacrifice, his meekness and forbearance, are not brought before the people as they should be. The errors existing everywhere have, like parasites, fastened their deadly poison upon the boughs of truth and in many minds have become identified with it; many who accept the truth teach it in a harsh spirit. A false conception of it is given to the people, and the truth is made of no effect to those whose hearts are not softened and subdued by the Holy Spirit.

Many weave so much of their own spirit into the presentation of truth, that the truth has the appearance of bearing the impress of man. In dealing with those who are in error, they argue, argue, and contend, and thus obscure the beauty and sacredness of truth, because their own hearts are not sanctified by it. The spirit of debate, of controversy, is a device of Satan to stir up combativeness, and thus eclipse the truth as it is in Jesus. Many have thus been repulsed instead of being won to Christ.

It is essential for all to discern and appreciate the truth; therefore it is of the greatest importance that the seed of the word should fall into soil prepared for its reception. The question with us individually should be, How shall we sow the precious seed of truth so that it shall not be lost, but spring up and produce a harvest, that sheaves may be brought to the Master? How shall the great truths contained in the holy Scriptures be presented so as to win the people to obedience?

The teacher of truth needs first to learn his lessons of the Great Teacher. Christ assumed humanity, that he might touch humanity. He became as one of us, and he would have his under-shepherds come as close to the people as possible in sympathy and love, and yet not sacrifice one principle of truth. There are subjects we can dwell upon that will not arouse a combative spirit. Preach Christ and him crucified. There are very many groping in darkness. The cry of the soul is, "What must I do to be saved?" In every congregation there are souls starving for their portion of meat in due season. If the word is rightly divided, these souls will receive just what they need. The gospel of Christ must be preached in its simplicity. But a teacher cannot communicate that which he has not. In order to confess Christ, he must have Christ abiding in his own heart. In words and deeds there must be a visible representation of Christ.

Men may speak fluently upon doctrines, and may express strong faith in theories, but do they possess Christian-like meekness and love? If they reveal a harsh, critical spirit, they are denying Christ. If they are not kind, tender-hearted, longsuffering, they are not like Jesus; they are deceiving their own souls. A spirit contrary to the love, humility, meekness, and gentleness of Christ, denies him, whatever may be the profession. We deny Christ when we speak evil one of another. We deny him in foolish talking, in jesting, and joking. We deny him when we have a foolish spirit, criticising our brethren. We deny him in seeking to be first, seeking honor one of another. We may deny Christ in outward appearance, by gratifying a proud heart, by lifting up the soul unto vanity, by uncourteous behaviour.

Satan has gained many victories over the professed followers of Jesus through their unchristlike spirit and behavior toward their brethren who do not agree with them, and toward unbelievers. The discussion of doctrines has not resulted in bringing union, but variance. A bitter spirit has been cherished, bitter words have been spoken. The words of the True Witness should be carefully studied by all: "I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love,"--grown cold, unsympathetic; hardness of heart has taken the place of brotherly, Christlike love. "Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent." This warning should be heeded by every church in our ranks. New elements of Christian life must be brought into the church. Love for Christ means a broad, extended love for one another, that love which is now so sadly wanting. The lack of love leads to the lack of respect for each other, and the neglect of true courtesy. There is criticising, fault-finding, reporting words spoken in confidence, and using these to second the accusations of Satan, who is ever busy in sowing distrust, jealousy, and bitterness. Why do the members of the church run so readily into this evil work, overlooking the precious things? Why do they not speak words of approval and encouragement to one another, and thus water the precious plant of love, that it may not die out of the heart?

We must awake; we must consider humbly and attentively the words of the True Witness. Shall these words, which present such solemn consequences, have their designed effect? Are they to be lost upon the church? If we do not manifest toward one another the tender, pitying love of Christ, we show that we do not appreciate the wealth of love that Jesus has manifested to us at such an infinite cost to himself. We show that we do not love Jesus, when we do not love those whom he has given his life to save. Shall we who profess to be Christians, engage in the work of weakening and discouraging those whom we should strengthen? God has united us in a sacred brotherhood, and if we understand and appreciate this, we shall move with great carefulness toward all who are seeking to follow Jesus.

All who have the Saviour dwelling in their hearts will feel a yearning for fellowship and communion with one another. There will be no drawing apart. The Spirit of Christ abiding in our hearts will be attracted to the same Spirit in the hearts of our brethren; and there cannot but be oneness. The heart where Christ is a cherished guest will flow out in love to all the objects of his love and compassion. But this love does not grow of itself; we must cultivate it by daily receiving of the grace of Christ. The Lord Jesus accepted his disciples, not because they were defective in character, but notwithstanding their defects. We must draw near to our erring brethren and help them.

The Lord Jesus sought ever to keep before his disciples their responsibility in the world. He tells them: "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. . . . Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." "Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men." The saving salt is the pure first love, the love of Jesus, the gold tried in the fire. When this is left out of the religious experience, Jesus is not there; the light, the sunshine of his presence, is not there. What, then, is the religion worth?--Just as much as the salt that has lost its savor. It is a loveless religion. Then there is an effort to supply the lack by busy activity, a zeal that is Christless. There is a wonderful keenness of perception to discover defects in a brother or sister, and make these prominent. We are professedly commandment-keepers; then let us obey the commandments of God, the law that is love. Then like David we can say, "I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart."

Let every professed Christian read frequently and carefully the 14th, 15th, 16th, and 17th chapters of John. Read with a heart determined to understand the teachings of Christ, and to be a doer of his word.

The Spirit of God, as it comes into the heart by faith, is the beginning of the life eternal. What promise is less fulfilled in the church than that of the endowment of the Holy Spirit? Here is our greatest need. Let the spirit of controversy be put away, and let us seek for the living testimony of the Spirit of God. The teacher must be baptized with the Holy Spirit. Then the mind and spirit of Christ will be in him, and he will confess Christ in a spiritual and holy life. He will give evidence that the truth he has received has not been merely in theory, but that he has been sanctified through the truth. He can talk of Christ and him crucified in language that savors of heaven. He can present the will of God to man because his own heart has been brought into submission, and has been glorified by the Spirit of God. The sun of righteousness is risen upon him, that he may reflect its brightness to the world.

The Lord is willing to help all who are searching for truth, and when any believer is asked the reason of his hope, let him answer with meekness and fear, having his own soul full of love to Jesus and to his fellow-men. His activity, his self-denial, and self-sacrifice will represent the Pattern, Christ Jesus. Those who teach the truth as it is in Jesus will not dishonor it or betray sacred trusts. They will beautify the truth by presenting its Author. Holding close to Jesus by the hand of living faith, they lay hold of souls for whom Christ died. With a wisdom that is divine, they draw souls to Christ. Thus they become a savor of life unto life; and if faithful to the end, they will walk in the heavenly courts side by side with those they have been instrumental in saving, and by the side of Jesus the Redeemer. -

On the Way to Australia: At Samoa and Auckland

Friday, Nov. 27, we reached the Samoan Islands, after a pleasant voyage of seven days from Honolulu. We had expected extremely hot weather in passing through the tropics, but in this we were happily disappointed. Only a few days were uncomfortably warm. On Tuesday, Nov. 24, when we crossed the equator, the air was so cool that we found our wraps needful as we sat on deck.

Our steamer cast anchor off Apia, which is situated on the island of Upolo, and is the principal town of the Samoan group. The harbor or bay of Apia is a beautiful expanse of water, shut in by coral reefs, over which the surf is constantly breaking. The island is clothed in the richest and most luxuriant verdure. The mountains rise almost from the water's edge; the cocoa-palms grow all along the shore and far up the mountain sides, which are clothed in green to the very summits. The town of Apia consists of two rows of small white buildings on either side of a narrow street that winds along the shore.

Through an opening in the reef that incloses the harbor, vessels pass in and out; another reef lying nearer the shore prevents them from reaching the dock, but passengers are taken on shore in boats. Before us is a reminder of the terrible storms that sometimes visit this lovely spot. On the reef between us and the shore lies the hull of a German vessel which was wrecked in the hurricane of March, 1889, when seven men-of-war and fifteen merchant vessels were either wholly destroyed or stranded on the shore.

Before our steamer comes to anchor, we see boats and the canoes of the natives coming out to meet us, and soon we are surrounded with them in every direction. The natives are physically well developed, and are said to have the finest physique of any of the South Sea peoples. They are of a light brown color. Most of them are destitute of clothing except a cloth or mat about the loins; many are elaborately tattooed. Some wear broad-brimmed straw hats, some, turbans, while many have the hair dressed with lime, giving them the appearance of wearing a white cap. The canoes were laden with articles for sale,--pine-apples, bananas, oranges of a bright green color, but of excellent flavor, mangoes, limes, coconuts, and other tropical fruits, shells and coral, mats and cloth, together with baskets and fans very neatly woven from the native grasses.

Most of our party went ashore, and had an opportunity of seeing the natives in their homes. The huts are made by spreading over a wooden framework a covering of palm-leaves and native grasses. For the floor, the ground is covered with gravel or pounded coral, on which is spread a coarse matting. Mats form the beds at night, and the table and seats by day; large leaves and coconut shells serve as dishes.

Our party was greeted cordially by the natives, who brought them flowers, and seemed anxious to show their feelings of kindness. At Apia, they welcome the visits of Americans, seeming to feel that our country has proved a friend to them.

At one o'clock P. M. the anchor was lifted, and soon our boat was again on its way over the broad Pacific.

Nov. 26, the day before we reached Samoa, was my birthday. Another year of my life had passed into eternity, and my record for a new year was begun. As I contemplate the past year, I am filled with gratitude to God for his preserving care and loving-kindness. At times I have been afflicted in body and depressed in spirits, but the Lord has been my Redeemer, my Restorer. Many have been the rich blessings imparted to me. In the time of my greatest need, I have been enabled to hold fast my confidence in my heavenly Father. The bright beams of the righteousness of Christ have been shining into my heart and mind, the powers of darkness are restrained; for Jesus our advocate lives to make intercession for us. He is able to save us, soul, body, and spirit, and to make us vessels unto honor, meet for the Master's use. We are living in a perilous time, when all our powers must be consecrated to God, to do his will and keep his way, irrespective of circumstances. We are to follow Christ in his humiliation, his self-denial, his suffering.

The Lord requires his people to be holy in all manner of living. His command is: "Be ye holy; for I am holy." My heart is hungering and thirsting after righteousness. Through faith in Christ I am made a partaker of his heavenly benefits. The exalted privileges, the great grace, revealed through Christ are for all who will believe and obey the words of God. There are given to us exceeding great and precious promises, that by these we might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. I receive and enjoy these promises, full of divine mercy and truth. It is given me to know for myself individually that the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth me from all unrighteousness.

We owe everything to Jesus, and renewedly I consecrate myself to his service, to work for him in a strange land, to lift him up before the people, to proclaim his matchless love. My prayer ascends day and night for the presence of Jesus to go before us. While lying in my state-room, the language of my heart has been, "My Redeemer, I beseech thee to engage for me in every conflict. I know in whom I have believed, and thy grace alone is my trust." It is my prayer that I may the coming year be a co-worker with Jesus in saving my own soul, which he has bought with his precious blood, and that every day I may learn his meekness and lowliness, that he can use the frail, unworthy agent to bring souls out of darkness into light.

I look unto Jesus; for his holy life is a faithful example. I must be daily molded as the clay in the hands of the potter. I must educate my soul, that my confidence in God may be unlimited. Jesus said: "I can of mine own self do nothing." How much more is this true of us.

The hope that I can be true or useful is through faith in the atonement made for me. O, that this sixty-fifth year of my life may be one of progress and perfection in the work which the Master has given me to do! I want clearer perceptions of truth daily, that I may act in harmony with its holy principles. I have no happiness aside from doing the will of Christ and proclaiming to others his grace and truth.

Between Samoa and Auckland we crossed the day-line, and for the first time in our lives we had a week of six days. Tuesday, Dec. 1, was dropped from our reckoning, and we passed from Monday to Wednesday.

At daylight of Dec. 3 the coast of New Zealand was in sight, and soon after noon our boat reached the wharf at Auckland. Here is a beautiful harbor, and the town, on the hills above, presents a fine appearance. We had hoped to meet Elder Gates of the "Pitcairn" here, but in this we were disappointed. He had come here a month before, expecting to meet us on the arrival of the "Monowa." As we did not come, he decided to make a trip to Norfolk Island, and return before our arrival. For some reason he failed to meet us. As our boat touched the wharf, a number of brethren stepped on board, and introduced themselves to us; we had a glad meeting. On landing we rode to the house of brother Edward Hare. Here we found a pleasant home, and were refreshed with delicious strawberries, oranges, bananas, and more substantial viands. Then we had a very enjoyable ride into the country. The fresh, sweet air, filled with the fragrance of wild roses, sweet-brier, and new-mown hay, reminded us of our northern summer; the green hedges separating the fields, make one think of England, while there is much in the landscape to resemble California. The vegetation and the general appearance of the country is that of the temperate zone rather than the tropics.

In the evening we met with the church at their house of worship, and I spoke to them in regard to the necessity of receiving Christ as their personal Saviour. When we thus accept him, the beauty of truth will be revealed through us; for in our words and our life it will be presented as it is in Jesus. There will be no strife to see who shall be greatest, but we shall individually seek to represent Christ, and thus let our light shine to the world. If the words of Jesus dwell in us, we shall represent his love, in kindness, in humility, in goodness, coming in close union with the people of God, and working as missionaries of Jesus wherever we have opportunity. Instead of seeking to glorify ourselves, we shall exalt the name that is above every name, Jesus, the center of all attraction.

All who believe the truth should remember that they are to bear the credentials of Christ to the world, in their firm unity, their Christian courtesy and love to one another. Wherever he may be, every follower of Jesus can give to the world a practical illustration of the purity and power of the truth. We should ever bear in mind that the world will criticise us in the conduct of our temporal affairs. Do we work as Christians? Do we buy and sell as Christians? That which we may speak in the church is not of half as much consequence as the influence we exert in our daily business life. We are constantly making either favorable or unfavorable impressions to the truth. We should manifest kindness, forbearance, and generosity, not to our brethren merely, but to all who do not love the truth.

No man can have a sound, healthful experience unless he shall practice the instruction that Christ has given through the apostle Peter: "Giving all diligence, add to your faith, virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, temperance; and to temperance, patience; and to patience, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, charity." "For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."

To be converted daily is to renew the soul's life by receiving vital power from Christ, as the branch receives nourishment from the vine. The growth of every Christian is from within, not from without. It is only as the Spirit of Christ dwells in the heart by faith that we can grow in grace and the knowledge of Christ. Only through the grace daily drawn from Jesus can the heart be kept. There can be no safety in extolling self; we must hide self in Jesus. Christ abiding within, is the life of the soul. And we are to receive Christ through his word. It is the truth that sanctifies the soul. We should study the Scriptures, even upon our knees, with earnestness and sincerity. The love of Jesus in the heart will create a love for the searching of his word.

The work of every child of God is to impart the knowledge of Christ to those who have it not. We must plant the seeds of truth wherever we can. The words of eternal life, sown in many hearts, will bring forth fruit unto righteousness. The heavenly intelligencies are waiting for God's human agencies to consecrate themselves fully to him, that he may use them as channels of light. We need to realize our responsibility, to co-operate with the heavenly agencies. We belong to God; he has purchased us with the blood of his only begotten Son; we are to represent to the world what Christ is to us. -

Sanctify Them Through Thy Truth

"Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth." This was the prayer of Christ in behalf of his disciples just prior to his crucifixion on Mount Calvary, and his words refer not only to those who heard him at that time, but they have reference also to us who believe on his name; for he said, "Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word." This is what we are seeking to do, striving to be followers of our Lord Jesus, doers of his commands. If we would be sanctified through the truth, we must believe his message, and receive his messengers; for his word comes down along the lines to us from patriarchs and prophets, from one generation to another, that we may know the truth of God.

But in these days of peril we are not to accept everything that men bring to us as truth. As professed teachers from God come to us declaring that they have a message from God, it is proper to inquire carefully, How do we know that this is truth? Jesus has told us that "false prophets shall arise and shall deceive many." But we need not be deceived; for the word of God gives us a test whereby we may know what is truth. The prophet says, "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them."

From this statement it is evident that it becomes us to be diligent Bible students, that we may know what is according to the law and the testimony. We are safe in no other course of action. Jesus says, "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them." Then how very important it is that we sanctify ourselves through the grace given us by Christ, that we may exert a sanctifying influence upon all those with whom we associate.

The work of sanctification begins in the heart, and we must come into such a relation with God, that Jesus can put his divine mold upon us. We must be emptied of self in order to give room to Jesus, but how many have their hearts so filled with idols that they have no room for the Redeemer of the world. The world holds the hearts of men in captivity. They center their thoughts and affections upon their business, their position, their family. They hold to their opinions and ways, and cherish them as idols in the soul; but we cannot afford to yield ourselves to the service of self, holding to our own ways and ideas, and excluding the truth of God. We must be emptied of self. But this is not all that is required; for when we have renounced our idols, the vacuum must be supplied. If the heart is left desolate, and the vacuum not supplied, it will be in the condition of him whose house was "empty, swept, and garnished," but without a guest to occupy it. The evil spirit took unto himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they entered in and dwelt there; and the last state of that man was worse than the first.

As you empty the heart of self, you must accept the righteousness of Christ. Lay hold of it by faith; for you must have the mind and spirit of Christ, that you may work the works of Christ. If you open the door of the heart, Jesus will supply the vacuum by the gift of his Spirit, and then you can be a living preacher in your home, in the church, and in the world. You can diffuse light, because the bright beams of the sun of righteousness are shining upon you. Your humble life, your holy conversation, your uprightness and integrity, will tell to all around that you are a child of God, an heir of heaven, that you are not making the world your dwelling-place, but that you are a pilgrim and a stranger here, looking for a better country, even a heavenly, living with an eye single to the glory of God.

When Jesus came to this world, he found that the things of time had taken possession of the human heart, and occupied men's minds to the exclusion of an appreciation of eternal realities. Jesus does not despise the world, for he made the world; but he does not design that his children shall center their hopes and affections on earthly things that will pass away. He places the world in subordination to the things pertaining to the future, immortal life. When Christ came to earth, the world was covered with the darkness of error and superstition, and men had lost sight of eternal interests, and Jesus parted the darkness with the white beams of his righteousness, and eternity was brought to view, that men might not drop from their reckoning the interests of the life that measures with the life of God, that temporal things might not be permitted to outweigh the exceeding and eternal weight of glory.

In order to keep the world in its proper subordination, it is necessary to have more than a mere casual, nominal faith in Christ. Many might give assent to the fact that Jesus was the Son of God, and yet fail to have saving faith. Jesus must be all in all to the soul. You must believe in him as your personal and complete Saviour; for unless you take him for all that he is,--a complete Saviour,--you will not represent him to the world as he is. Everywhere throughout the churches of Christendom there is a dearth of spirituality, a lack of vital godliness, and those who profess religion are many of them like dry bones. They need the breathing of the Spirit of God upon them, that they may live. It is because the aid of the Holy Spirit is not united with the efforts of men, that there is not more true piety in the church; for the Holy Spirit is to convince the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment to come. But even in the church sin is suffered in our brethren. Men are not faithful to rebuke evil in the professed servants of Christ. One does not go to another in the spirit of love and meekness, seeking to restore such as are erring from the faith. They do not go to the erring one, and say, "My brother, you are not representing the character of Christ. You do not manifest his self-denial and self-sacrifice. You need tenderness of heart, Christian politeness, that you may manifest the courtesy that Jesus has enjoined upon us in his word." But instead of going to your brethren when you see defects of character, you go to others to talk over their imperfections. This is not fulfilling the commands of Christ.

While we are to deal kindly and lovingly with our brethren, we are only to follow them so far as they follow Christ. We are to pattern our lives after the divine Model. We cannot afford to imitate others. We cannot afford to measure ourselves by human standards. The standards of men are as various as the men who make them. One has one standard, and another has another. You may copy some one whose standard you regard as perfect, but fall below his example; and some one else may imitate you, and fall below the mark; and so human imperfections are passed along, and measuring yourselves among yourselves, proves that you are not wise. The sacredness has been lost from our labors, and we do not appreciate divine realities as we should, because we have lost sight of Jesus, and fastened our eyes upon humanity. We must awake from our sleep, that Christ may give us life; for we cannot afford to live in a state of stupidity. We must become representatives of our divine Master.

Christ said, "I sanctify myself, that they also may be sanctified." We are a spectacle unto the world, to angels, and to men. Angels and men are taking note of us to see what manner of spirit we are of, to see whether we are meeting the approval of heaven. You may feel that you cannot meet the approval of heaven. You may say, "I was born with a natural tendency toward this evil, and I cannot overcome." But every provision has been made by our heavenly Father whereby you may be able to overcome every unholy tendency. You are to overcome even as Christ overcame in your behalf. He says, "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." It was sin that imperiled the human family; and before man was created the provision was made that if man failed to bear the test, Jesus would become his sacrifice and surety, that through faith in him, man might be reconciled to God, for Christ was the lamb "slain from the foundation of the world." Christ died on Calvary that man might have power to overcome his natural tendencies to sin. But one says, "Can I not have my own way, and act myself?--No, you cannot have your way, and enter the kingdom of heaven. No "my way" will be there. No human ways will find place in the kingdom of heaven. Our ways must be lost in God's ways.

Abraham was a man who kept the way of the Lord, and he is called the father of the faithful, the friend of God. God said of Abraham, "I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him." Do fathers and mothers follow the example of Abraham, or do they indulge their children in evil ways, and suffer wickedness in their households? Do they pass over sin in their children, and forget that they are younger members of the Lord's family?

Mothers, you should begin to discipline your child when it is a babe in your arms. Through childhood to youth, through youth to manhood, you should train your children for the family above. God does not desire you to take up your time in adorning your garments and decorating your homes, to the neglect of the education of your children. You should take your children out into the gardens, and show them the beautiful flowers that God has made. God is the great master artist, and the pictures which are painted by human artists and admired by the world, are only feeble imitations of the works of God. God daily works miracles before us in the unfolding of the blossoms; for no human hand can paint such delicate hues, or fashion such graceful plants. All this speaks of the work of the divine Artist, and each flower is an expression of the love of God to us. God has designed to make us happy. He has covered the earth with the beautiful green verdure; for he knew that this color would be grateful to our senses. Each beautiful thing in nature is a token of God's love and care. So take your children out into the open air beneath the canopy of the heavens, under the noble trees, into the gardens, and point them through nature up to nature's God. Carry their minds up to contemplate the works of God in nature that they may learn to love him in their childhood and youth. Do not weary them with long prayers and tedious exhortations, but teach them to be obedient to the law of God. Teach them to be kind and courteous, tell them that if they are rude and unlovely in disposition, they cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven where all is peace and love. We are here to be trained for the family above.

Sanctify Them Through Thy Truth (Concluded)

Do you teach your children that Jesus is soon coming? Do you read to them the promise, "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also"? I began to teach my children about the love of Jesus when they were mere babes. I could not leave the work of training my children to the hands of servants. They were my first considerations. When visitors came, I told them that they must excuse me until I had set my children their little task, or provided some suitable amusement for them. It is the duty of every parent to do as did Abraham; for he did not betray his sacred trust if you allow your children to grow up in rebellion against your authority, they will be receiving a training that will cause them to rebel against the authority of God. Their religious experience will be molded by their training in childhood, and they will not be controlled by the rules of the church. The influence of neglect in the home training is seen on every side; for this is the reason that so few of the youth are impressed by the Spirit of God. Christian fathers and mothers, are you seeking to train your children so that they will be as lights in the world? A well-ordered family is one of the best testimonies we can present to the world of the value of our religion. This living testimony has more weight than sermons and professions.

Then tell your children what God expects of them. Let Jesus put his mold upon them. Teach them moral independence. Teach them to look neither to the right nor to the left to engage in evil, but to do justice and judgment, and keep the way of the Lord. Give them the invitation of Jesus to come to him and find rest unto their souls.

Jesus says, "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 is light." We are to wear the yoke of Christ, and then he bears the burden for us. When I was a little girl, I saw them yoking up the oxen, and I asked my mother why they put that heavy yoke on the oxen. She replied, "It makes the load easier to draw, and lightens the burden." This is why Christ invites us to wear his yoke. "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden." What has made them heavy laden?--It is because they have manufactured yokes of their own. They have not had the meekness and lowliness of Christ which lifts the soul above the heavy burdens, and makes the yoke easy.

Christians are to be laborers together with God. They are to lift up Jesus. He says, "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me." We are to talk of his love, of the mansions he has gone to prepare for those that love him; we are to talk of his mercy, and magnify his righteousness. Why is it that we have so little freedom in speaking of the love of Jesus?--It is because we have not educated the tongue to talk of his goodness and tell of his power. Why is it that we have so little freedom in prayer?--It is because we have not educated ourselves in the exercises of devotion. If we prayed three times a day, as did Daniel, we should be able to say, "I place my hand in the hand of Jesus, and I will not gratify the enemy by talking doubt. I will not dishonor my Redeemer."

Jesus knows everything in your life and character. He knows your down-sitting and your uprising, and your words are all registered in the books of heaven. Not a sparrow falls to the ground without the notice of your heavenly Father, and the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

There are many who do not have vital faith. They do not realize that Jesus knows all about them. They do not have the faith of the poor woman who was compassed with infirmity, and who said, "If I might be touch the hem of his garment, I should be whole.". Jesus knew all about her desire, and her faith in him, and as he was on his way to heal the ruler's daughter, he passed by the place where this poor woman was, going out of his way that she might have a chance to act out her faith. And as Jesus came near, the crowds thronged about him, and the woman pressed her way toward the Master. Step by step she gets near to him. She pressed her way until by reaching her hand through those who stood nearest him, she touched his garment, and immediately she knew that she was healed. Then Jesus turned, and said, "Who touched me?" His disciples were astonished that he should ask such a question, and Peter spoke up in surprise, saying, "Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me. And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately." She told him the whole story; and did Jesus rebuke her? Did he turn coldly from her?--No, he comforted her. He said, "Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace." O, I would rather have one word of comfort from Jesus than all the wealth and all the mansions in Sydney. I would rather have one smile of approval from Jesus than all the gold of the world. I love him, I love him. I praise him for his wonderful mercy and goodness to the children of men.

It is our privilege to have an experience more precious than gold. We are to come in living faith to Jesus. We need not be among those who have only a casual faith, who get no answers of peace when they pray. We may have a living experience in the things of God; but we must take time to pray. We must take time to search the Scriptures, digging for truth as for hidden treasures. When Jesus came to the world, Satan had obscured the truth under the rubbish of men's opinions, and Jesus commanded his disciples to search the Scriptures, saying, "They are they which testify of me."

We are to be sanctified through the truth, but Jesus declares, "Thy word is truth." We can be sanctified only through a knowledge of the word of God, and that word is to become a part of our life. God has given you a Bible, and when your will is submitted to God's will, you will know what is truth. The law of God is the standard to which we are to come. It is the mirror which reveals to us our defects of character. But while it reveals our defects, there is no power in the mirror to cleanse us from the stains of sin. In looking into the law of God, we see our short-comings and failures, but there is no power in law to redeem the transgressor of law. A remedy has been provided for the sinner. A fountain has been opened for uncleanness, where Judah and Jerusalem may wash and be made clean. We must have repentance toward God. Why?--Because we have broken his law. We must have faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ, because he is the sacrifice for sin. And where do we get repentance?--It is the Holy Spirit that imparts repentance to us. Jesus draws us to himself through the agency of his divine Spirit; and through faith in his blood we are cleansed from sin; "for the blood of Jesus Christ his Son, cleanseth us from all sin." "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." But suppose that we sin after we have been forgiven, after we have become the children of God, then need we despair?--No; for John writes, "My little children, these things I write unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." Jesus is in the heavenly courts pleading with the Father in our behalf. He presents our prayers, mingling with them the precious incense of his own merit, that our prayers may be acceptable to the Father. He puts the fragrance into our prayers, and the Father hears us because we ask for the very things which we need, and we become to others a savor of life unto life.

Jesus came to suffer in our behalf, that he might impart to us his righteousness. There is but one way of escape for us, and that is found only in becoming partakers of the divine nature.

But many say that Jesus was not like us, that he was not as we are in the world, that he was divine, and that we cannot overcome as he overcame. But Paul writes. "Verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behooved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted." "For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Jesus says, "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."

Jesus encircled the race with his humanity, and united divinity with humanity; thus moral power is brought to man through the merits of Jesus. Those who profess his name through his grace are to sanctify themselves that they may exert a sanctifying influence on all with whom they associate. Jesus says of his disciples, "Ye are the light of the world." We are to be representatives of Christ, becoming sanctified through the truth.

There are rich treasures for us in the mine of God's word, and we must dig deep for the precious jewels of truth. The rubbish of human opinion must be swept aside, that the clear jewels of truth may be brought to light; for we want the truth on every point, that we may be sanctified through the truth. The Bible is the garden of God, and here we must learn to gather the roses and the lilies and the pinks of God's promises. We must hang them as precious pictures upon the wall of memory, and have our eyes fixed upon the glorious things of God, so that we shall be able to go through the world and not dwell upon its corruptions, or be polluted by its wickedness.

Fasten your faith to the eternal throne, and all the promises of God are at your command. When God gave his Son, he gave us all in that precious gift. "He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" How glad would our Lord be to see our faces lighted up with the light of his Holy Spirit. He wants us to have love and joy and peace. He says, "He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." Then let us talk of the power of Jesus; for help has been laid upon One that is mighty. Isaiah says that "his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace." So let us elevate our souls through faith in Christ above the lowlands of earth, and breathe the atmosphere of heaven.

The Enduring Treasure

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."

We may have high anticipations in regard to the things of this life, but we shall meet with disappointment. We shall find that they fade away. But here is "an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you." We want our thoughts to be fixed on the things that will abide, not upon those that pass away with the using. If we fix our hopes on the future, immortal world, we shall not be disappointed.

When Christ came into this world, he saw that men had left the future, eternal life out of their reckoning. He came to present that life before us, that by beholding it we might be led to change our relation to the things of this life, that our affections might be placed upon the things above, and not upon the things of the earth, so soon to pass away. The shadow that Satan has caused to intervene between our souls and God, Christ seeks to roll back, that the view of God and eternity may become clear. While he does not despise this world, he places it in its proper position of subordination. And then he places the things of eternity in their relative importance before us, that we may fix the eye of faith upon the unseen. The things of temporal interest have power to engross the thoughts and affections, and it is important that we should be constantly educating and training our minds to dwell upon things of eternal interest. Will this make us unhappy? Will it cause us to have a hard time here?--No, indeed. Receiving the gift of God will make everything in life easy. The more of the Spirit of God, the more of his grace, is brought into our daily experience, the less friction there will be, the more happiness we shall have, and the more we shall impart to others.

We read in the Bible about the resurrection of Christ from the dead; but do we act as though we believed it? Do we believe that Jesus is a living Saviour, that he is not in Joseph's new tomb, with the great stone rolled before it, but that he has risen from the dead, and ascended on high, to lead captivity captive, and to give good gifts unto men? He is there to plead our cases in the courts of heaven. He is there because we need a friend in the heavenly court, one who is to be our advocate and intercessor. Then let us rejoice in this. We have everything for which to praise God. Many judge of their religious state by their emotions; but these are not a safe criterion. Our Christian life does not depend upon our feelings, but upon our having a right hold from above. We must believe the words of God just as he has spoken them; we must take Christ at his word, believe that he came to represent the Father, and that the Father, as is represented in Christ, is our friend, and that he desires not that we should perish, or he would never have given his Son to die our sacrifice. The cross of Calvary is an eternal pledge to every one of us, that God wants us to be happy, not only in the future life, but in this life.

We must bring our minds to rest upon the inheritance that is "incorruptible, and undefiled, reserved in heaven for you who are kept"--by your own merit or works?--No; "who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations." We shall have trials and afflictions; we shall have temptations because we see the working of the enemy and our feebleness to resist him, and we do not constantly look to the Source of our strength. "That the trial of your faith"--that is why temptations come, to try our faith--"that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ." The trial of our faith should not cause despair or discouragement. We should not cast ourselves away, saying, "I am a sinner, and when I become good enough, I will come to Christ; then I can believe and pray." You will never be good enough of yourselves to merit the favor and help of God. You must come just as you are. Christ meets you as you draw nigh to him. Place your hand in the hand of Jesus, and he will direct you. Believe that he keeps you, and then it will be found that in the trial of your faith you will come off more than conqueror through him that loved you. We gain the victory through faith in Christ's power to save us. Then the trial of our faith will be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Christ. You will praise God that you have found in Christ a present help in every time of need.

In the books of heaven are registered your profession of faith, your responsibility as Christians. But are you Christians? What is it to be a Christian?--It is to be Christlike. To be a Christian is to act as Christ acts, to have his spirit at all times, in all places, and under all circumstances. When we are brought into adverse circumstances, when our natural feelings are stirred, and we want to give vent to them, then our faith is tried; then we are to manifest the meekness and gentleness of Christ. Not by one word are we to give expression to the feelings of the natural heart. "If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body"--the whole man. What we want is to be under the control of Jesus. We do not want our own way. I have heard some plead as an excuse for their wrong course, "You know that it is my temperament, it is my disposition, transmitted to me from my parents." Yes; and they have cultivated it, and educated themselves in it, and thus excused all their wrong-doing. Instead of yielding to temptation, they should lay hold upon the arm of Infinite Power, saying, "I will come to God just as I am, and plead with Christ to give me the victory. I shall be more than conqueror through him that loved me."

In order to understand how great the love of Jesus is for you, look to Cavalry. You can then know something of the depth, the breadth, and the height of that love, and you can see something of the condescension of God and the Lord Jesus Christ, as step by step the Saviour descended into the valley of humiliation. He did not stoop to sin, to defilement, but he stood on this atom of a world to battle with Satan and his host, and here to win for us an immortal inheritance, an inheritance which is incorruptible, and undefiled, and which fadeth not away. When he ascended on high, and led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men, he left the battle in our hands, but we are not to fight in our own strength; we should certainly fail if we attempted it. Christ is there present with the Father, to bring to our help the unseen intelligences, the angels of God. What we need is the simplicity of faith, the meekness and humility of Christ. Then we shall trust wholly in the Lord of heaven, and he will be at our right hand to help us.

When you indulge the feelings of the natural heart, letting the carnal nature have the supremacy, then I ask, What assurance have you that you are kept by the power of God unto salvation? "Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." No frost shall blight the crop, no mildew blast it, no palmer-worm destroy it. If we sow to the flesh, we shall of the flesh reap corruption; but if we sow to the Spirit, we shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. Let us live with reference to the reaping time.

The Enduring Treasure (Concluded)

The apostle continues, speaking of Christ, "Whom having not seen, we love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory." Then why are you mourning? Christ has said: "As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love." It is for us to choose whether we will abide in his love, or by indulging selfishness will separate ourselves from him. He says, "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full." In him there is joy that is not uncertain and unsatisfying. If the light that flows from Jesus has come to you, and you are reflecting it upon others, you show that you have joy that is pure, elevating, and ennobling.

Why should not the religion of Christ be represented as it really is, as full of attractiveness and power? Why should we not present before the world the loveliness of Christ? Why do we not show that we have a living Saviour, one who can walk with us in the darkness as well as in the light, and that we can trust in him? While we have been on this ground, we have seen clouds interpose between us and the sun, bet we did not mourn and clothe ourselves in sackcloth for fear that we should never see the sun again. We manifested no anxiety about it, but waited as cheerfully as possible until the cloud passed away and revealed the sun. Just so in our trials and temptations. Clouds may seem to shut from us the bright beams of the sun of righteousness; but we know that the face of our Redeemer is not forever hidden. He is looking upon us with love and tender compassion. Let us not cast away our confidence, which hath great recompense of reward, but when clouds hang over the soul, let us keep our eyes fixed where we can see the sun of righteousness, and rejoice that we have a living Saviour. Think how beautiful was the light which we enjoyed, keep the mind stayed on Jesus, and the light will again shine upon us, and dismal thoughts will flee. We shall have joy in Christ, and shall go singing on our way to Mount Zion. This is what the Lord wants us to do.

In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul says, speaking of the gospel, "Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ." Why not keep your minds fixed on the unsearchable riches of Christ, that you may present to others the gems of truth? In the word of God there are rich mines of truth that we may spend our whole lifetime in exploring, and yet we shall find that we have only begun to view their precious stores. Sink the shaft deep, and bring up the hidden treasures. But it is impossible to do this while we indulge an idle, restless spirit, seeking constantly for something that will merely gratify the senses, something to amuse, and cause a foolish laugh. Well has the wise man said, "As the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool." We should not set our minds upon such things as these, when there are unsearchable riches for us. It will take us all eternity to comprehend the riches of the glory of God and of Jesus Christ. But minds that are occupied with frivolous reading, with exciting stories, or with seeking after amusement, do not dwell upon Christ, and cannot rejoice in the fullness of his love. The mind that finds pleasure in foolish thoughts and trifling conversation, is as destitute of the joy of Christ as were the hills of Gilboa of dew or rain. Does not your own experience testify to this? How much peace of mind do you have at the close of a day spent in frivolity, in light and trifling conversation? Can you retire to rest at night, saying, "It is well, it is well with my soul; my life is hid with Christ in God, and when He who is my life shall appear, then shall I also appear with him in glory"? How often when you come into the house of God, into the solemn assembly, your thoughts are turned to that foolish remark which some one has made, to that idle story, or that comical thing which you read or saw. And the thought will come at just such a time as to eclipse a bright ray of the glory of Christ, and you lose the benefit of the heaven-sent light which you ought to receive. Keep the mind free from all such trash.

We need to be constantly filling the mind with Christ, and emptying it of selfishness and sin. When Christ came into the world, the leaders of the Jews were so permeated with Phariseeism that they could not receive his teachings. Jesus compared them to the shriveled wine skins which were not fit to receive the new wine from the vintage. He had to find new bottles into which to put the new wine of his kingdom. This was why he turned away from the Pharisees, and chose the lowly fishermen of Galilee. Jesus was the greatest teacher the world ever knew, and he chose men whom he could educate, and who would take the words from his lips, and send them down along the line to our time. So, by his Spirit and his word, he would educate you for his work. Just as surely as you empty your mind of vanity and frivolity, the vacuum will be supplied with that which God is waiting to give you,--his Holy Spirit. Then out of the good treasure of the heart you will bring forth good things, rich gems of thought, and others will catch the words and will begin to glorify God. Then you will not have the mind centered upon self. You will not be making a show of self; you will not be acting self; but your thoughts and affections will dwell upon Christ, and you will reflect upon others that which has shone upon you from the sun of righteousness.

Christ has said: "If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink." Have you exhausted the fountain?--No; for it is inexhaustible. Just as soon as you feel your need, you may drink, and drink again. The fountain is always full. And when you have once drank of that fountain, you will not be seeking to quench your thirst from the broken cisterns of this world; you will not be studying how you can find the most pleasure, amusement, fun, and frolic. No; because you have been drinking from the stream which makes glad the city of God. Then your joy will be full; for Christ will be in you, the hope of glory.

Let us read further from Ephesians: "And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: to the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be made known to the church the manifold wisdom of God." Then why not receive the heavenly wisdom, and impart of it to others? God has declared what your wisdom is; he says it is foolishness, and that the weak things of God are stronger than men. We need the "manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord; in whom we have boldness by the faith of him." This boldness is not presumption, but we come with confidence, as the children of God; as branches of the True Vine, we draw nourishment from it.

"Wherefore I desire that you faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. For this cause I bow my knees unto the Fathers of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end."

When Christ dwells in your heart by faith, this rich experience will be yours. Then you will know that love is flowing into your hearts, and subduing every affection and every thought, and bringing them into captivity to Christ. You cannot explain it; human language can never explain how the love of Christ can take possession of the soul, and lead captive every power of the mind. But you will know it by a personal experience.

"Unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus." Praise and flattery of one another is forbidden in the Scriptures. It is an offense to God, and is an injury both to him who gives and him who receives praise. It is a snare to them; for it separates the soul from God. We must learn to place God's estimate upon men. Certain ones, you say, do not please you, and you do not enjoy their society; but these very ones may be nearer to God than you are. When we come to the judgment, we shall find that there are some whom we have esteemed very highly, whose names are not registered in the book of life. Your finite judgment approved their actions, when God did not approve them. And others, of whom you have a very low estimate, may be found to be precious jewels in the sight of God. Jesus never makes a mistake, as men do. In the scale of heaven, character is weighed. Let every tribute of praise that flows from the heart be offered to the Lord God of hosts. Praise him that he has given Jesus to be our righteousness, that he is weaving for us a garment in the loom of heaven, that we may be clothed, not unclothed, but clothed upon with the righteousness of Christ.

There is no need for us to hunger; there is no need for us to thirst, while the store-house of heaven is open for us, and the key is given into our possession. What is the key?--Faith, which is the gift of God. Unlock the store-house; take of its rich treasures. May God help us to lay hold upon the eternal realities, and "when Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory."

It Is Not for You to Know the Times and the Seasons

"He showed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: and, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power."

The disciples were anxious to know the exact time for the revelation of the kingdom of God; but Jesus tells them that they may not know the times and the seasons; for the Father has not revealed them. To understand when the kingdom of God should be restored, was not the thing of most importance for them to know. They were to be found following the Master, praying, waiting, watching, and working. They were to be representatives to the world of the character of Christ. That which was essential for a successful Christian experience in the days of the disciples, is essential in our day. "And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you." And after the Holy Ghost was come upon them, what were they to do? "And ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth."

This is the work in which we also are to be engaged. Instead of living in expectation of some special season of excitement, we are wisely to improve present opportunities, doing that which must be done in order that souls may be saved. Instead of exhausting the powers of our mind in speculations in regard to the times and seasons which the Lord has placed in his own power, and withheld from men, we are to yield ourselves to the control of the Holy Spirit, to do present duties, to give the bread of life, unadulterated with human opinions, to souls who are perishing for the truth.

Satan is ever ready to fill the mind with theories and calculations that will divert men from the present truth, and disqualify them for the giving of the third angel's message to the world. It has ever been thus; for our Saviour often had to speak reprovingly to those who indulged in speculations and were ever inquiring into those things which the Lord had not revealed. Jesus had come to earth to impart important truth to men, and he wished to impress their minds with the necessity of receiving and obeying his precepts and instructions, of doing their present duty, and his communications were of an order that imparted knowledge for their immediate and daily use.

Jesus said: "This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." All that was done and said had this one object in view,--to rivet truth in their minds that they might attain unto everlasting life. Jesus did not come to astonish men with some great announcement of some special time when some great event would occur, but he came to instruct and save the lost. He did not come to arouse and gratify curiosity; for he knew that this would but increase the appetite for the curious and the marvelous. It was his aim to impart knowledge whereby men might increase in spiritual strength, and advance in the way of obedience and true holiness. He gave only such instruction as could be appropriated to the needs of their daily life, only such truth as could be given to others for the same appropriation. He did not make new revelations to men, but opened to their understanding truths that had long been obscured or misplaced through the false teaching of the priests and teachers. Jesus replaced the gems of divine truth in their proper setting, in the order in which they had been given to patriarchs and prophets. And after giving them this precious instruction, he promised to give them the Holy Spirit whereby all things that he had said unto them should be brought to their remembrance.

We are in continual danger of getting above the simplicity of the gospel. There is an intense desire on the part of many to startle the world with something original, that shall lift the people into a state of spiritual ecstasy, and change the present order of experience. There is certainly great need of a change in the present order of experience; for the sacredness of present truth is not realized as it should be, but the change we need is a change of heart, and can only be obtained by seeking God individually for his blessing, by pleading with him for his power, by fervently praying that his grace may come upon us, and that our characters may be transformed. This is the change we need to-day, and for the attainment of this experience we should exercise persevering energy and manifest heart-felt earnestness. We should ask with true sincerity, "What shall I do to be saved?" We should know just what steps we are taking heavenward.

Christ gave to his disciples truths whose breadth and depth and value they little appreciated, or even comprehended, and the same condition exists among the people of God to-day. We too have failed to take in the greatness, to perceive the beauty of the truth which God has intrusted to us to-day. Should we advance in spiritual knowledge, we would see the truth developing and expanding in lines of which we have little dreamed, but it will never develop in any line that will lead us to imagine that we may know the times and the seasons which the Father hath put in his own power. Again and again have I been warned in regard to time-setting. There will never again be a message for the people of God that will be based on time. We are not to know the definite time either for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit or for the coming of Christ.

I was searching through my writings, before coming to this meeting, to see what I should take with me to Australia, and I found an envelope on which was written, "Testimony given in regard to time-setting, June 21, 1851. Preserve carefully." I opened it, and this is what I found. It reads, "A copy of a vision the Lord gave sister White June 21, 1851, at Camden, N. Y. The Lord showed me that the message must go, and that it must not be hung on time; for time will never be a test again. I saw that some were getting a false excitement, arising from preaching time, that the third angel's message can stand on its own foundation, and that it needs not time to strengthen it, and that it will go with mighty power, and do its work, and will be cut short in righteousness.

"I saw some were making everything bend to this next fall; that is, making their calculations, and disposing of their property in reference to that time. I saw that this was wrong for this reason, instead of going to God daily, and earnestly desiring to know their present duty, they looked ahead, and made their calculations as though they knew that the work would end this fall, without inquiring their duty of God daily. "E. G. White. "Copied at Milton, June 29, 1851. A. A. G."

This was the document I came upon last Monday in searching over my writings, and here is another which was written in regard to a man who was setting time in 1884, and sending broadcast his arguments to prove his theories. The report of what he was doing was brought to me at the Jackson, Mich., camp-meeting, and I told the people they need not take heed to this man's theory; for the event he predicted would not take place. The times and the seasons God has put in his own power, and why has not God given us this knowledge?--Because we would not make a right use of it if he did. A condition of things would result from this knowledge among our people that would greatly retard the work of God in preparing a people to stand in the great day that is to come. We are not to live upon time excitement. We are not to be engrossed with speculations in regard to the times and the seasons which God has not revealed. Jesus has told his disciples to "watch," but not for definite time. His followers are to be in the position of those who are listening for the orders of their Captain; they are to watch, wait, pray, and work, as they approach the time for the coming of the Lord; but no one will be able to predict just when that time will come; for "of that day and hour knoweth no man." You will not be able to say that he will come in one, two, or five years, neither are you to put off his coming by stating that it may not be for ten or twenty years.

It is the duty of the people of God to have their lamps trimmed and burning, to be as men that wait for the Bridegroom, when he shall return from the wedding. You have not a moment to lose in neglect of the great salvation that has been provided for you. The time of the probation of souls is coming to an end. From day to day the destiny of men is being sealed, and even from this congregation we know not how soon many shall close their eyes in death and be habited for the tomb. We should now consider that our life is swiftly passing away, that we are not safe one moment unless our life is hid with Christ in God. Our duty is not to be looking forward to some special time for some special work to be done for us, but to go forward in our work of warning the world; for we are to be witnesses of Christ to the uttermost parts of the world. All around us are the young, the impenitent, the unconverted, and what are we doing for them? Parents, in the ardor of your first love, are you seeking for the conversion of your children, or are you engrossed with the things of this life to such an extent that you are not making earnest efforts to be laborers together with God? Do you have an appreciation of the work and mission of the Holy Spirit? Do you realize that the Holy Spirit is the agency whereby we are to reach the souls of those around us? When this meeting shall close, will you go from here and forget the earnest appeals that have been made to you? will the messages of warning be left unheeded, and the truth you have heard leak out of your heart as water leaks out of a broken vessel?

The apostle says, "Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; how shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?"

The third angel's message is swelling into a loud cry, and you must not feel at liberty to neglect the present duty, and still entertain the idea that at some future time you will be the recipients of great blessing, when without any effort on your part a wonderful revival will take place. To-day you are to give yourselves to God, that he may make of you vessels unto honor, and meet for his service. To-day you are to give yourself to God, that you may be emptied of self, emptied of envy, jealousy, evil-surmising, strife, everything that shall be dishonoring to God. To-day you are to have your vessel purified that it may be ready for the heavenly dew, ready for the showers of the latter rain; for the latter rain will come, and the blessing of God will fill every soul that is purified from every defilement. It is our work to-day to yield our souls to Christ, that we may be fitted for the time of refreshing from the presence of the Lord--fitted for the baptism of the Holy Spirit. ( To be continued. )

It Is Not for You to Know the Times and the Seasons (Continued)

Brethren and sisters, with the increased light that has shone upon you at this meeting, will you go home to be more faithful in your Christian life? Meetings have been held every day to instruct your children as to how to give their hearts to Jesus, how to live in a manner that will be acceptable to God. They have been instructed that if they repent of their sins, Jesus will forgive them, and cleanse them from all unrighteousness. Who will carry forward the good work that has been begun? Day by day these children need instruction as to how to follow the Lord. Will you pray for them and teach them, and lead them in the way of righteousness? Will you teach your little ones of the love of God which led him to give his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have everlasting life?

Those who would be successful in winning souls to Christ, must carry with them the divine influence of the Holy Spirit. But how little is known concerning the operation of the Spirit of God. How little has been said of the importance of being endowed by the Holy Spirit, and yet it is through the agency of the Holy Spirit that men are to be drawn to Christ, and through its power alone can the soul be made pure. The Saviour said: "And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment."

Christ has promised the gift of the Holy Spirit to his church, but how little is this promise appreciated. How seldom is its power felt in the church; how little is its power spoken of before the people. The Saviour has said: "Ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me." With the reception of this gift, all other gifts would be ours; for we are to have this gift according to the plentitude of the riches of the grace of Christ, and he is ready to supply every soul according to the capacity to receive. Then let us not be satisfied with only a little of this blessing, only that amount which will keep us from the slumber of death, but let us diligently seek for the abundance of the grace of God.

God grant that his converting power may be felt throughout this large assembly. O, that the power of God may rest upon the people. What we need is daily piety. We need to search the Scriptures daily, to pray earnestly that by the power of the Holy Spirit God may fit every one of us up to work in our place in his vineyard. No one is prepared to educate and strengthen the church unless he has received the gift of the Holy Spirit. No minister is prepared to labor intelligently for the salvation of souls, unless he is endowed by the Holy Spirit, unless he is feeding on Christ, and has an intense hatred of sin. There are some who are regarded as laborers together with God, who have no connection with God, and are sinning against him. They are not led by Christ; another is their captain. They do not wait upon the Lord, and renew their strength in Christ; they have no burden for souls. What kind of account will these false shepherds have to meet in the judgment? What will they have to say to justify their inefficient, unconsecrated lives? What excuse can they render to the God of heaven? Was there not a sufficient sacrifice made in their behalf, that they might become partakers of the divine nature, and escape the corruptions that are in the world through lust? We are to make intelligent work for eternity. This is the object for which we should labor.

I have no specific time of which to speak when the outpouring of the Holy Spirit will take place,--when the mighty angel will come down from heaven, and unite with the third angel in closing up the work for this world; my message is that our only safety is in being ready for the heavenly refreshing, having our lamps trimmed and burning. Christ has told us to watch; "for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of man cometh." "Watch and pray" is the charge that is given us by our Redeemer. Day by day we are to seek the enlightenment of the Spirit of God, that it may do its office work upon the soul and character. O, how much time has been wasted through giving attention to trifling things. Repent and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.

We now call upon you to give yourselves to the service of God. Too long have you given your powers to the service of Satan, and have been slaves to his will. God calls upon you to behold the glory of his character, that by beholding, you may become changed into his image. There are many who have not an experimental knowledge of God or of the Lord Jesus Christ, whom he hath sent. Christ came into the world because men did not have a correct knowledge of the character of God, and he came to reveal the Father. He said: "Neither knoweth any man the Father, but the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him." Jesus came to reveal to the world the love and goodness of God.

It was thought that Solomon knew God. In a dream the Lord appeared unto Solomon, and said unto him: "Ask what I shall give thee." And Solomon said: "Give therefore thy servant and understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?" And the Lord gave Solomon wisdom and riches and power and influence, and Solomon served the Lord for a time. At the dedication of the temple, Solomon prayed unto the Lord, and blessed the people, saying, "Blessed be the Lord, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised: there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant. The Lord our God be with us, as he was with our fathers: let him not leave us, nor forsake us: that he may incline our hearts unto him, to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and his statutes, and his judgments, which he commanded our fathers. And let these my words, wherewith I have made supplication before the Lord, be nigh unto the Lord our God day and night, that he maintain the cause of his servant, and the cause of his people Israel at all times, as the matter shall require: that all the people of the earth may know that the Lord is God, and that there is none else."

But although Solomon had had great light, he became lifted up in himself, and imagined that he was wise enough to keep himself, so he separated from God. Then he made alliances with the heathen nations around him, and married idolatrous women, and bowed at pagan shrines, and worshiped after the manner of the heathen.

He forgot the benefits that God has bestowed upon him; he forsook the sacred temple of the Lord, but he afterwards repented, and turned from his evil ways. But did Solomon know God when he was doing according to the ways of idolaters?--No; he had forgotten the rich experience of his youth and the prayers he had made in the temple.

The True Witness speaks to us to-day, and says, "I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent." The Lord wants you to set things in order in your families, and to come back to your first love. He says, "Except thou repent, I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place." The candlestick was removed out of its place when Solomon forgot God. He lost the light of God, he lost the wisdom of God, he confounded idolatry with religion. The Saviour declares, "Ye cannot serve God and mammon," and every one of you who persists in sinning against God when you have had such great light, will be lost, "except thou repent." Do you imagine that you can give the third angel's message to the world while you are still carnal and corrupt, while your characters are still sinful? "No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment; for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse." Unless your hearts are emptied of sin every day, unless you are sanctified through the truth, you would better not touch the message of God. You cannot cleanse yourselves, but by coming to Jesus in humility, in contrition, surrendering yourselves to God, through the merits of Christ's righteousness you may have an experience in the things of God, and taste of the powers of the world to come. You then will have fruit unto life eternal.

Christ says, "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love." "O," you may say, "I do keep the commandments." Do you? Saul came to meet Samuel, and when reproved, he declared, "I have kept the commandments of the Lord." Do you carry out the principles of God's commandments in your home in your family? Do you never manifest rudeness, unkindness, and impoliteness in the family circle? If you do manifest unkindness at your home, no matter how high may be your profession, you are breaking God's commandments. No matter how much you may preach the commandments to others, if you fail to manifest the love of Christ to others in your home life, you are a transgressor of the law. But if the grace of Christ appears in your life, you will be in a position to glorify God, and to manifest Christ to others. But do you think that that man who goes from the sacred desk to indulge in jesting and joking, and in all manner of trifling conversation, is a representative of Christ to the world? Has he the law of God in his heart?--No. His heart is filled with self-love, self-importance, and he makes it manifest that he has no correct estimate of sacred things. His conduct is the product of his thoughts, showing just what is in the heart. Christ is not there, and he does not go weighted with the spirit of the solemn message of truth for this time. An exhibition of this character clearly proves that the man does not know God, and has not been intrusted with the solemn work which he does not understand or appreciate.

If the minister had a realizing sense of the presence of God, would he conduct himself in this way? He had great light, and had taken upon himself the sacred responsibility of a minister of God, and yet he acts as carelessly as if he was an unbeliever. His actions make it evident that he has as much realization of the presence of God as had Belshazzar when he drank from the sacred vessels from the house of the Lord, praising the gods of gold and silver. The mighty men and the lords of the kingdom were assembled, and they ate and drank, and had a jovial time, but the True Witness was there, and their profanity was recorded in the books of heaven. In the midst of their revelry, a bloodless hand appeared, tracing mysterious characters upon the wall of the palace, and their godless mirth was checked, and terror and despair took its place. They inquired for some one who could interpret the writing, and Daniel, the prophet of God, was called to the banquet room, and the servant of the Lord was able to decipher the writing, and interpret the meaning of the words. "This is the interpretation of the thing: Mene; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it. Tekel; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting. Peres; Thy kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians."

The same Witness that recorded the profanity of Belshazzar is present with us wherever we go. Young man, young woman, you may not realize that God is looking upon you; you may feel that you are at liberty to act out the impulses of the natural heart, that you may indulge in lightness and trifling, but for all these things you must give an account. As you sow, you will reap, and if you are taking the foundation from your house, robbing your brain of its nutriment, and your nerves of their power by dissipation and indulgence of appetite and passion, you will have an account to render to him who says, "I know thy works."

If you knew God, if you were truly converted, you would not take pleasure in sinful things. The fear of God would be upon you, and as you looked to Calvary, the hateful character of transgression would be revealed to you, and you would see the great love wherewith God has loved you, and you would not have a disposition to sin. But how would it be with many of you who have dared to handle sacred things with unclean hands and with defiled souls, should the trumpet sound to-day? How would it be with some of you, should you be called to render up your account at the judgment seat of Christ to-day? I ask, What would be your condition if Christ should leave the holy place to-day, and probation should close, and Christ should come? That time is soon to come, though we know not the day or the hour.

The times and the seasons are known only to God, but we are each to know that it is well with our souls, that Christ is formed within, the hope of glory. We are to know that our Redeemer liveth, and that we will be among that number who shall hear the voice of Christ, who will be gathered by the angels of God, and caught up to meet the Lord in the air. ( Concluded next week .)

It Is Not for You to Know the Times and the Seasons (Concluded)

We would ask you what time have you set in which you have determined to give your heart to God without reserve? What time have you set for seeking for perfection of character through faith in the righteousness of Christ? Is it to-morrow? To-morrow you may be cold in death. Is it next week? Next week your hands may be folded across your breast, and your eyes may be sealed in their last sleep, and it may be too late for you to perfect a character for heaven. I want to ask our ministers, What kind of character do you think the Lord will accept in his kingdom? Do you know God, and Jesus Christ whom he hath sent? Is the love of God abiding in your souls? Are you dwelling in Christ, and Christ in you? If you are, you are safe; but if you are not, there is no safety for you. Do not allow your minds to be diverted from the all-important theme of the righteousness of Christ by the study of theories. Do not imagine that the performance of ceremonies, the observance of outward forms, will make you an heir of heaven. We want to keep the mind steadfastly to the point for which we are working; for it is now the day of the Lord's preparation, and we should yield our hearts to God, that they may be softened and subdued by the Holy Spirit.

"Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you." But when the Holy Spirit is in the heart, the minister will manifest it to others by his godly life and holy conversation. Do you think that the minister who has no burden for souls is fit for the sacred office to which he has been ordained?--No; he does not know what it means to keep his own soul in the love of God. The minister should realize that souls are the purchase of the blood of Christ, ransomed at an infinite cost. Can the minister who is standing under the shadow of Calvary engage in jesting and joking, and indulge his carnal propensities? Would such a one be a safe guide for the flock of God? Would he not cause them to stumble? He would cause them to stumble; for he would not discern between the sacred and the common, and eternity would be lost out of his reckoning.

We should all realize that an angel is writing every word and action in the book of record, and the things done in secret are to be proclaimed upon the housetop. What we need in this time of peril is a converted ministry. We need men who realize their soul poverty, and who will earnestly seek for the endowment of the Holy Spirit. A preparation of heart is necessary that God may give us his blessing, but this heart work is not done. O, when will the ministry awake to the solemn responsibilities that are laid upon them, and earnestly plead for heavenly power? It is the Holy Spirit that must give edge and power to the discourse of the minister, or his preaching will be as destitute of the righteousness of Christ as was the offering of Cain. Both ministers and people need to open the door to Christ. He says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." Thank God for that promise, for it is given to those who have made mistakes and failures. Jesus says, "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent." May God help us to do this work in sincerity and in contrition of soul.

When ministers enter the desk, they should do so feeling their dependence upon God, that they may work out their own salvation with fear and trembling, and all the glory should be given to God; for it is God that worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. This is the co-operation that God requires. What is the trouble that the flock of the Lord is sickly and ready to die? Why is it that spiritual food is not supplied? Are the ministers of the Lord eating the flesh and drinking the blood of the Son of God? Jesus says, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. . . . It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." My heart is drawn out to the hungry flock in Michigan, and you who have not fed on the living Bread, who have not drank of the healing streams of salvation, and do not know where to lead the flock of God that they may find refreshment, for Christ's sake, do not try to minister in the sacred desk, until you have an experience in the things of God. Jesus prayed, "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth." When the word of God is in the heart, it exerts a sanctifying influence over the character, and men are brought into harmony with God. If truth and light are in the heart, you will bring love and light and blessing to the churches. You will not be as shadows casting the gloom of unbelief and darkness upon the people. Jesus wants to take your hand, and lead you, and will you not give yourselves to him? Talk of what Jesus did, how he left his glory, and came to seek and to save that which was lost.

If God has sent you to preach, he has provided that you shall go weighted with the graces of the Spirit of God, and with a message of truth that will be as meat in due season to the hungry flock of God. You will realize that you are standing between the living and the dead, and that you are a spectacle unto the world, to angels, and to men. The minister is to reveal Christ, not to exhibit himself to the people. Youth is not to be urged as an excuse for lightness and trifling; for the apostle exhorts that young men be sober-minded, and remember that they are to render an account to God for the influence they exert. Young men, if you have had no special sense of sin, if you are possessed of a spirit of trifling, do not seek to minister in the sacred desk, and jeopardize your own soul and the souls of others, and leave the impression on the world that you are representatives of the solemn truth for this time. Unless Jesus is formed within, the hope of glory, you will be a curse and not a blessing to the congregation, for the minister cannot bring the people to a higher standard than that which he himself reaches. But those who sincerely repent and turn to the Lord, will find in him a personal Saviour. He is able to save to the uttermost all that come unto God by him. He will save you from yourself, from every defilement, from all your foolishness. You are to believe in him, to "trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe." When you love Jesus, you will not grieve him by indulging sin in yourself; for you will realize that he came not to save you in your sins, but from your sins. John says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Those whom God has called to the ministry are to give evidence by the influence they exert, that they are fit for the holy calling in which they are found. Paul writes, "Be thou an example of the believers." Then shall young ministers be excused for their lightness and trifling? Shall the church be expected to listen to their words, to receive their testimony, when their example misrepresents the character of Christ, and leads away from the path cast up for the ransomed of the Lord to walk in? What can we think of churches that will listen to the testimony of men who have no power in prayer, no fervency in their devotion, no freedom in personal labor for souls? The Lord has commanded, "Be ye holy in all manner of conversation." "Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them; for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee." The proof of the minister's call to preach the gospel is seen in his example and work. God desires men in the ministry who will esteem highly the things which he esteems, and preserve the sanctity of truth, and not do as did Nadab and Abihu. They discerned not the difference between the sacred and the common. Their senses were blunted with indulgence in wine, and they offered strange fire before the Lord. They did not realize the sacredness of the work in which they were engaged. There are some now who profess to be ministers of the Lord who talk of the things of God as they would talk of some business transaction. O, we need the heavenly enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. The churches will never become the light of the world unless they turn unto the Lord to serve him with full purpose of heart.

The people of God are called to be the light of the world, a city that is set upon a hill, not to be hidden; and if the church is ever to fulfill its divine mission, we must be filled with the love of Jesus. Our hearts must be so full of his matchless grace that when we meet each other, we shall take our brethren by the hand, and say, "Hear what the Lord hath done for my soul." Our minds must be stayed upon God until, by beholding, we shall become changed into the same image. Then we shall talk of the power of God, of the goodness and mercy and love of our heavenly Father; and as we talk of the matchless charms of our divine Redeemer, our hearts will be melted and subdued by the Holy Spirit, and those around us will behold us, and know that we have been with Jesus and learned of him.

Then if one comes among you professing to be a preacher of righteousness, who mingles with the truth words of foolishness and jesting, who carries no burden for souls, take him aside, and in the spirit of love and meekness, tell him that he cannot feed the church of God when he himself does not know what it means to feed on the bread of life. Let the father plead that he is seeking to follow the example of Abraham, and commanding his children and his household to keep the way of the Lord. Let the mother urge that a right example be given to her children. Let trifling and joking be banished from the conversation of the minister, but let his speech be seasoned with grace; let the light and love of Jesus shine in his example and precept, that souls may be won for the Master.

Follow the instruction of the word of God, in dealing with your ministering brethren. Paul says, "Rebuke not an elder, but entreat him as a father, and the younger men as brethren." There may be occasion to speak of their errors to those who have long been in the ministry, but let it be done as a matter of entreaty, and not rebuke. The younger ministers are to be treated as brethren, and may God help us that we may help one another. We must have a living connection with God. We must be clothed with power from on high by the baptism of the Holy Spirit, that we may reach a higher standard; for there is help for us in no other way.

Sanctification Through the Truth

It is through the truth, by the power of the Holy Spirit, that we are to be sanctified,--transformed into the likeness of Christ. And in order for this change to be wrought in us, there must be an unconditional, whole-hearted acceptance of the truth, an unreserved surrender of the soul to its transforming power.

Our characters are by nature warped and perverted. Through the lack of proper development they are wanting in symmetry. With some excellent qualities are united objectionable traits, and through long indulgence wrong tendencies become second nature, and many persons cling tenaciously to their peculiarities. Even after they profess to accept the truth, to yield themselves to Christ, the same old habits are indulged, the same self-esteem is manifested, the same false notions entertained. Although such ones claim to be converted, it is evident that they have not yielded themselves to the transforming power of the truth.

These things are not only harming their own souls, but are misleading others, who look to them as representatives of the truths which they profess to believe. Here we may see why some of our ministers as well as laymen have not greater power. They have not made an entire surrender to God. They do not realize the sinfulness of clinging to their own ways, following their own ideas, which are crude and narrow, and without symmetry. They hold tenaciously to the theory of the truth, and try to present it to others, but it is so beclouded by their own peculiarities that its brightness is obscured; it appears unattractive, and too often is refused.

Those who accept unpopular truth must receive it in the face of many opposing influences. Tradition, custom, and prejudice barricade their souls against the light. The advocates of truth must give evidence in their own character of its reforming, transforming power, or their labors will have little effect.

Again: those who do accept the truth naturally expect that the one who presents it to them is right in his ideas of general principles and of what constitutes Christian character. When associated with him, they incline to do as he does. If his practices are wrong, they almost imperceptibly become partakers of the evil. His defects are reproduced in their religious experience. Often, through their love and reverence for him, some objectionable feature of his character is even copied by them as a virtue. If the one who is thus misrepresenting Christ could know what harm has been wrought by the faults of character which he has excused and cherished, he would be filled with horror.

All who receive the truth are to stand as its representatives and advocates; the same responsibility rests in a degree upon all members of the church, whether ministers or laymen. Every soul who receives the truth should make the fullest possible surrender of himself to God,--a surrender represented as falling upon the Rock and being broken. Our old habits, our hereditary and cultivated traits of character, must all be yielded to the transforming power of Christ if we would become vessels unto honor, meet for the Master's use, prepared unto every good work.

As the Comforter shall come, and reprove you of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment, be careful lest you resist the Spirit of God, and thus be left in darkness, not knowing at what you stumble. Be willing to discern what it shall reveal to you. Yield up your self-will, the long idolized habits peculiar to yourself, that you may receive the principles of truth. Thus you become a branch of the True Vine, and you will not bear wild grapes or thorn-berries, but rich clusters of precious fruit, just like that which grows upon the parent stock.

Said Christ, "Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit." Why prune the branch that is already bearing fruit? Because its tendrils are fastening upon earthly rubbish, too much of its strength has gone to the growth of the stem and leaves, and too little to the production of fruit. The vine must be cut away, the tendrils that bind it earthward must be severed. It must be rightly directed. Then it will produce more fruit, and of more precious quality.

John says, "The light"--Christ--"shineth in darkness," that is, in the world, "and the darkness comprehended it not. . . . But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." The reason why the unbelieving world are not saved is that they do not choose to be enlightened. The old nature, born of blood and the will of the flesh, cannot inherit the kingdom of God. The old ways, the hereditary tendencies, the former habits, must be given up; for grace is not inherited. The new birth consists in having new motives, new tastes, new tendencies. Those who are begotten unto a new life by the Holy Spirit, have become partakers of the divine nature, and in all their habits and practices, they will give evidence of their relationship to Christ. When men who claim to be Christians retain all their natural defects of character and disposition, in what does their position differ from that of the worldling? They do not appreciate the truth as a sanctifier, a refiner. They have not been born again.

The command, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect," would never have been given, if every provision had not been made whereby we may become as perfect in our sphere as God is in his. We are to be ever advancing from light to a greater light, holding fast what we have already received, and praying for more. Thus we shall never be left in darkness.

Let none feel that their way needs no changing. Those who decide thus are not fitted to engage in the work of God, for they will not feel the necessity of pressing constantly toward a higher standard, making continual improvement. None can walk safely unless they are distrustful of self, and are constantly looking to the work of God, studying it with willing heart to see their own errors, and to learn the will of Christ, and praying that it may be done in and by and through them. They show that their confidence is not in themselves, but in Christ. They hold the truth as a sacred treasure, able to sanctify and refine, and they are constantly seeking to bring their words and ways into harmony with its principles. They fear and tremble lest something savoring of self shall be idolized, and thus their defects be reproduced in others who confide in them. They are always seeking to subdue self, to put away everything that savors of it, and to supply the place with the meekness and lowliness of Christ. They are looking unto Jesus, growing up into him, gathering from him light and grace, that they may diffuse the same to others.

The truth, the grace of Christ, received into the soul never rests content with its own existence. It is always gathering, diffusing, and increasing by diffusing. It is an active, working principle. As long as there are sinners to be saved, grace and love and truth are seeking for them. Jesus said: "I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me." We are to be laborers together with him; but our work is to lift up Christ. He alone can draw men unto him.

Never think that even when you do your best, you are, of yourself, capable of winning souls to Christ. You must cultivate the habit of discerning a power beyond that which can be seen with human vision,--a power that is constantly at work upon the hearts of men. When you approach the stranger, when you stand face to face with the impenitent, the afflicted, the soul-needy, the Lord is by your side if you have indeed given yourself to him. He makes the impression on the heart. But you may be the instrument for his gracious work. You cannot reach hearts with a mere form of words, a parrot-like repetition of set phrases. What you say must be the expression of a personal experience: If you cheer hearts with words of courage and hope, it will be because the grace and love of God are to you a living reality. It is God's impress that these souls are to receive, not your own. But if the worker has not himself been refined, transformed, he cannot present the truth with a freshness, a force, a power, that awakens responsive feelings in those who hear the word of life.

It is true that some will be found who will accept the truth on its own merits, notwithstanding the defects of the one who presents it to them. Though himself unsanctified in heart, he may bring forward conclusive evidence in favor of the truth; and those upon whose hearts the Spirit of God has been moving, leading them to hunger and thirst for truth, will by the same Spirit be led to accept the truth when it is presented. It was not the man who made the impression, but the Comforter, the Spirit of truth, that Christ promised to send, to lead his disciples into all truth. But how much more might be accomplished in winning souls, if all who present the truth were instruments for the working of the Spirit of God.

Those to whom the message of truth is spoken, seldom ask, "Is it true?" But, "Who are the men that present these doctrines?" They judge of the truth by the character of its advocates. Multitudes estimate it by the numbers who accept it; and the question is often asked, as of old, "Have any of the rulers or the Pharisees believed?" We cannot boast of large numbers, or of the patronage of the wealthy, or the great in the world's estimation. Here is not the source of our strength. God declared to Israel, through Moses, "The Lord did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people." The advocates of truth must hide in Jesus; he is their greatness, their power and efficiency. They must love souls as he loved them, be obedient as he was, be courteous, full of sympathy. They should war with all their power against the least defect of character in themselves. They must represent Jesus. In every act let him appear.

Both in the popular churches and in the world there is a misconception of our faith. Many false reports are circulated, many charges are brought against those who keep the commandments of God, which the world and the church are trampling under their feet. But if the teacher of truth is in close connection with God, the Lord himself will work upon minds, and impress them with the force of truth. The very best work that we can do is to come as close to the people as possible, and reveal in life and character the work wrought upon our own souls by the Spirit of God.

The teacher of truth will have a far-reaching influence, an influence that will be a savor of life unto life, or of death unto death. The precepts he advocates, he is under the most sacred obligation to obey. All the principles of truth must be brought into his life and character. Then precept and practice will harmonize.

"These things have I written unto you," said Jesus, "that in me ye might have peace"--peace in Christ, peace through belief of the truth. The Comforter is called the Spirit of truth because there is comfort and hope and peace in the truth. Falsehood cannot give genuine peace; this can be received only through the truth. We need heavenly culture and refinement. Under all circumstances we should manifest Christian sympathy and politeness. Daily we should send our supplications to heaven for divine grace and power. We must put away selfishness, and seek the heavenly adornment of a meek and quiet spirit, in the sight of God of great price.

Jesus prayed that his followers might be one; but we are not to sacrifice the truth in order to secure this union, for we are to be sanctified through the truth. Here is the foundation of all true peace. Human wisdom would change all this, pronouncing this basis too narrow. Men would try to effect unity through concession to popular opinion, through compromise with the world, a sacrifice of vital godliness. But truth is God's basis for the unity of his people.

Sanctification, unity, peace,--all are to be ours through the truth. The belief of the truth does not make men gloomy and uncomfortable. If you have peace in Christ, his precious blood is speaking pardon and hope to your soul. Yea, more, you have joy in the Holy Spirit, through accepting the precious promises.

Jesus says, "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer: I have overcome the world." "Therefore the world shall not overcome you if you believe in me. It is a world that I have conquered. Because I have overcome, if you believe in me, you shall overcome, and have eternal life."

All that Jesus has promised, he will fulfill; and it is greatly dishonoring to him for us to doubt him. All his words are spirit and life. Accepted and obeyed, they will give peace and happiness and assurance forever. "Not as the world giveth, give I unto you." Christ declares that he has given us peace; it belongs to us. And he has spoken these things, that in him we may have that which through infinite sacrifice he has purchased for us,--what he holds as ours. This peace we need not seek in the world, for the world has it not to bestow. It is in Christ. He will give it, in spite of the world, notwithstanding its threats and decrees, its alluring, deceiving promises.

In the presentation of truth the great lessons essential to success are to be learned, not from human authors, but from Christ. The teachings of men may be a help to the worker, but not till he has learned in the school of Christ the lesson, "Without me ye can do nothing." It is while you are humbling yourself in the sight of God that he is lifting you up. By beholding him, you will become changed into his likeness, and thus you will manifest the Christ-like graces that prove you to be one with him.

Of the Comforter it is written, "He will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come." Through the Holy Spirit, Christ will open more clearly to those who believe on him that which he has inspired holy men to write concerning the truth. When the Saviour prayed, "Sanctify them through thy truth," he added, "Thy word is truth." The teachers of the truth need to search the word with great diligence. As represented in the Saviour's parable, they are to dig for the truth as for hid treasure, that the precious jewels may be discovered and revealed to others. But the pearls of truth found in the Scriptures can be discerned only by the eye of faith. "The pure in heart shall see God." They can hear his voice, and discern his love.

Jesus says, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." "I am that ladder which Jacob saw, the base of it resting firmly upon the earth, while the topmost round reaches to the throne of God. I am the light that shines upon every soul who climbs up by me. I am the life, inspiring with faith and love as you move onward and upward."

All truth is found in Christ. "Ye are complete in him." Satan is continually seeking to turn minds away from Christ. Through his devices, man has been exalted, and has received confidence and honor that belong only to God. The people have looked to men for wisdom, instead of looking to God. And in order to save man from ruin, God has been compelled to let him see his own weakness by withdrawing, in a great measure, the Holy Spirit from him.

While Christ is everything to us, while our salvation depends upon him, and it is only by beholding him that we can hope to be transformed, why is it that so little is said about him, even by those who profess to preach his word?

"Show us the Father," said Philip, "and it sufficeth us." Jesus answered, "Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father." I am "the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person." You can know God by knowing me. It is the preaching of Christ and him crucified that melts and subdues the soul. Only by presenting the truth as it is in Jesus will our work be effectual in reaching the hearts of men.

Lift up Jesus, you that teach the people. Lift him up in exhortations, in sermons, in songs, in prayer. Let all your efforts be directed to pointing souls, confused, bewildered, and lost, to "the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." Bid them look and live.

Christ's Instruction to His Followers

Text.--"And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom unto Israel? And he said unto them, it is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." Acts 1:4-8.

Jesus spoke these words just before his ascension to heaven; for the record says, "When he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight." These were the last words of the Saviour to his disciples, and in them we see the commission which was given them, and the work that they were to do. They were to be witnesses unto Christ to the uttermost parts of the earth. The very same charge has been given to us as was given to them, and how desirous should we be to fulfill our Lord's commission to save those that are lost and to glorify God in the world. It seems strange that Christ should direct the disciples to begin their work in Jerusalem, the very place where the spirit of Satan had been most manifest in opposition and enmity to the Prince of life. It was there that he had been hunted, persecuted, denied, and betrayed. It was there that he had suffered in the judgment hall, there he had been mocked, insulted, scourged, there he had been put to grief and shame, and lifted up to die on the cross. It was there that the priests and rulers, who had not responded to his divine teaching and mission, had mocked him who was dying to redeem the children of men. There it was that they had railed on him, and reviled him, wagging their heads, and saying, "Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross. Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said, He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the king of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God."

The chief priests and rulers who rejected the Son of God had gone from one degree of blindness to another in their hardness and unbelief. They had refused the first rays of divine light, and at last by their own perversity and stubbornness they were completely blinded to the evidences of the divinity of Christ. Brethren, it is a terrible thing to refuse to receive the first ray of light; for you will thus be led to reject greater light. After truth has once appealed to your heart in vain, the succeeding evidences of its sacred character will become dimmer to your understanding, and how great is your darkness. By rejection of light, the perception will become blunted, and you will have no power to discern between the sacred and the common. Then grieve not the Holy Spirit of God. This was the condition of those who rejected the Saviour. Because of their stubborn refusal of his teachings, they were led at last to crucify the Son of God.

In Jerusalem where our Lord had been crucified, the disciples were to begin their work as witnesses of Christ. From this city their work was to extend through all Judea and Samaria, unto the uttermost parts of the earth. But it was not so strange that they were to begin to preach the gospel in this wicked city, when we remember that they were to tarry at Jerusalem until they should be indued with power from on high. They were to wait for the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Man of himself can do nothing. His only efficiency is in Christ. The Lord has said to his disciples, "Without me ye can do nothing." We cannot win souls to Christ unless we ourselves are acquainted with God. The only way by which we shall draw men to Christ is by drawing nigh to God ourselves.

While Jesus was with his disciples, he had instructed them as to how to go forth to gather sheaves for the heavenly garner. They had listened to his discourses; they had heard his daily teaching; they had walked and talked with the Lamb of God who taketh away the sins of the world, and from his daily instruction, they had learned of the Master how to work for the elevation of humanity. Jesus had looked upon the fields, and had said to his disciples. "The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest." "And when he had called his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. . . . These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not." They were to go where Christ himself had been, where he had made friends in the cities of Judea. In fulfilling his command, for the first time they were alone in the work, and without the Master. How many times did they long to have a few words with Jesus. How much they wanted to have his counsel and sympathy in the different cases that were brought to their attention. He had given them power to glorify God, to heal the sick, to cast out devils, to preach the glad tidings of salvation to the poor. But they were to go to "the lost sheep of the house of Israel." The time had not yet come to go to the Gentiles and to the Samaritans, and if they had first preached the gospel to these, they would have lost their influence among the Jews who were first to hear the message of God.

Among the children of Israel there were many who were hungering and thirsting for light and knowledge, and Jesus sent forth his disciples two and two, that they might bring the tiding of his love to these longing hearts. Why is it that we have departed from the method of labor which was instituted by the great Teacher? Why is it that the laborers in his cause to-day are not sent forth two and two? "O," you say, "we have not laborers enough to occupy the field." Then occupy less territory. Send forth the laborers into the places where the way seems to be opened, and teach the precious truth for this time. Can we not see the wisdom of having two go together to preach the gospel? One may be an excellent preacher, but he may be in need of education in personal labor out of the desk. No minister is sufficiently equipped for his work who does not know how to meet the people at their homes, and come into close relation to their needs. The people should be allowed to ask questions concerning subjects presented that seem to be obscure to them. The light of God is to be brought before their vision. How often when this has been done, and the minister has been able to answer their inquiries, has a flood of light broken into some darkened mind, and hearts have been comforted together in the faith of the gospel. This is the way we are to work in order to flash the light into the minds of those who are seeking a knowledge of the way of salvation.

We must have the light of Christ in our own hearts in order to give it to others. We want the light to practice by, a living principle in the soul, that the character may be transformed. The preacher cannot bring the people to a higher standard than he himself reaches. But when the laborer for God works in humility, God will bless and strengthen him, and crown his labors with success.

We are to learn that humility is before honor. The apostle writes. "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up." We are not to have a put on humility. There is such a thing as humility on stilts, a humility that parades itself before men to be seen of them. The humility that God will honor is that humility which is the result of the soul's realization of its helplessness. This is the lesson that the workers in all branches of the cause need to learn. When this is learned, they will exert an influence that will be a savor of life unto life. We want to be joined to Christ by living faith. There are too many who are satisfied with having their names on the church book, while their names are not registered in the books of heaven. It is not your profession, but your course of action, that will determine whether or not you are Christians. We are nearing the judgment, and we should strive to spend the little time that intervenes between the present and the coming of Christ, in an intelligent manner. We should seek to have the mind filled with valuable knowledge, not with wood, hay, and stubble. By wise cultivation our ability should increase, that we may have growing power to understand the sacred teachings of Christ. We are to become teachers of the mysteries of the gospel.

The exhortation that Paul gave to Timothy should be heeded by every young man who would become a co-laborer with Christ. He says, "Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also." This is the line along which you should educate yourselves. But if you are indolent, and satisfied with seeking merely the superficial side of truth, you will miss the mark. Jesus has commanded, "Search the Scriptures." We are to feed on the word of God, to live by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

When the disciples went forth, they were to preach that the kingdom of heaven was at hand, and they were not to burden themselves with money or scrip. The Saviour added, "Into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, inquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go hence." There is no question as to where you shall take up your abode when you go forth to preach the gospel, or what shall be the character of the people with whom you are to dwell. You are to go the best place, among the people who can be a blessing to you, and whom you can benefit, those who will receive your instruction, and whose influence will tell on the side of truth. Then you can work with courage.

"And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for that city."

Christ's Instruction to His Followers (Continued)

Text.--"Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves." Matt. 10: 16.

In the great work before us we are to cultivate those qualities of character that will make us persons of wisdom and discernment; and as we do this, we shall better understand the sacred nature of the cause in which we are engaged. Our characters must be of such a stamp that our association with the people will result in leading them to take a consistent course when they embrace the present truth. Those who labor for Christ should be men and women of great discretion, so that those who do not understand their doctrines may be led to respect them, and regard them as persons void of fanaticism, void of rashness and impetuosity. Their discourses and conduct and conversation should be of a nature that will lead men to the conclusion that these ministers are men of thought, of solidity of character, men who fear and love their heavenly Father. They should win the confidence of the people, so that those who listen to the preaching may know that the ministers have not come with some cunningly devised fable, but that their words are words of worth, a testimony that demands thought and attention. Let the people see you exalting Jesus, and hiding self. The sentiment of your heart should be, "He must increase, but I must decrease." Exalt his matchless power and grace, but let self be crucified, let self be hidden in Christ.

When perplexities crowd upon you, and the people oppose the truth, you are not to say indifferently or impatiently, "Well, there is no use, I can do them no good." Come to them in the Spirit of Christ, "in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;" for "the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient." You are to come to the people in sympathy, and be clothed with humility as with a garment. The Lord has set his people to be a light to others, and the grace of God should be seen in all your conversation and conduct. The spirit of kindness must characterize your dealings with all men.

You will be tempted to deal harshly with those who are reported to you as in error. Persons will come to you with accusations against this brother or that sister, and you may feel stirred with indignation, and feel that you must immediately set things in order, but you must remember that you are to be as wise as a serpent, as harmless as a dove. Those who are so ready to accuse their brethren might better be attending to their own defects of character instead of seeking to expose the failings of others. Do not let these reports move you to act in a hasty, unchristlike manner. Let God put his Spirit upon you, that you may not go according to human judgment, but be directed as God would have you go. Sit low at the feet of Jesus and learn of him how you are to deal with your brethren, and with the momentous truths that are committed to you to give to the world.

"Be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves." These words should have an influence on the minds of all those who profess the truth. The Lord has not sent us to criticise and condemn the world. Even Christ came not to condemn, but to redeem lost humanity. You have no right to find fault with those who do not believe as you do. You are not to criticise the minister who is sent to you, and say he is too liberal, or he is at fault in this or that, if he is preaching the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. No matter what you may think, do not allow your tongue to utter condemnation of that which you do not understand. Do not sow the seed of unbelief and discord. Silence is eloquence, and we greatly need to learn this eloquence. When you hear your brethren speaking evil of others, tell them not to judge, not to condemn. Jesus says, "Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?" Persons have criticised those who were digging deep in the mines of knowledge, and their criticism, if heeded, would crush out the very powers that God would have men develop and strengthen. This talking against others must be stopped among those who profess to be the children of God.

How much evil is done by unwise condemnation of others. O, whatever we do, let us not interpose ourselves between souls and God. How often has criticism of others, in the church or in the world, resulted in closing the door by which most precious truths might have found an entrance to hearts, and souls might have been converted to God. We need to humble ourselves at every step, and lift up the Man of Calvary, the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world. Talk of the loveliness of the character of Christ. We are charged to be "holy in all manner of conversation." The Lord says, "Be ye holy; for I am holy." We must perfect a Christlike character, or we shall never enter into the kingdom of heaven. We are to have self hidden behind Jesus. We are to learn in his school meekness and lowliness of heart. All self-sufficiency must be put far from us. We are to come to a position before God where we can present the sacred, elevated truth in the demonstration of the Spirit and with power, so that there will be no savor of self about is. There is often such a mingling of self with the truth, that the hearers turn away in disgust. O, we must understand to a much greater extent the will and the way of God.

Jesus says, "Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves." But you need not meet the wolves in the same spirit that they themselves possess. You are to be "as harmless as doves." In meeting those who are fierce of spirit, you must manifest meekness and love, and the manifestation of this spirit will frequently change the spirit of the wolf, and a wonderful transformation will take place. "But beware of men." Do not open to men all your counsels. Do not put implicit confidence in those who know not God, and open to them the whole of the sacred treasure of the truth. "For they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues." This does not mean simply that you will be scourged in the synagogues with the tongue, as many of you are to-day in the pulpits of the land, but that men making high professions will treat you with violence. "And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles." The light is to be brought before kings and before the great men of the earth, although they may receive it in the same manner in which Pharaoh received the testimony of the servants of the Lord, and ask, "Who is the Lord, that I should obey his voice?"

Kings, governors, and great men will hear of you through the reports of those who are at enmity with you, and your faith and character will be misrepresented before them. But those who are falsely accused will have an opportunity to appear in the presence of their accusers to answer for themselves. They will have the privilege of bringing the light before those who are called the great men of the earth, and if you have studied the Bible, if you are ready to give an answer to every man that asketh you of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear, your enemies will not be able to gainsay your wisdom. You now have an opportunity to attain to the greatest intellectual power through the study of the word of God. But if you are indolent, and fail to dig deep in the mines of truth, you will not be ready for the crisis that is soon to come upon us. O that you would realize that each moment is golden. If you will live by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God, you will not be found unprepared. If your work is wrought in God, and you will do as Christ has commanded you, your intellect will expand; for "the entrance of thy words giveth light." David exclaims, "O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts."

"But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you." You are now to get ready for the time of trial. Now you are to know whether your feet are planted on the eternal Rock. You must have an individual experience, and not depend upon others for your light. When you are brought to the test, how do you know that you will not be alone, with no earthly friend at your side? Will you then be able to realize that Christ is your support? Will you be able to recall the promise, "Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world?" There will be invisible ones all about you bent upon your destruction. Satan and his agents will seek in every way to make you waver from your steadfastness to God and his truth. But if you have an eye single to his glory, you need not take thought as to how you shall witness for his truth. "Take no thought how or what ye shall speak: . . . for it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you." How can the Spirit of God communicate with you? It is the Holy Spirit that is to bring to your remembrance whatsoever Jesus has said unto you. Are you now hearing the words of Christ? Does the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom? The reason that we do not know more of the inspiration of the Holy Spirit is that men would be lifted up in self, and take the glory to themselves, if God should crown their efforts with success. O if you were hidden in Christ, if you were on the Rock of Ages, when you are brought before kings and great men, it would be evident that Jesus was at your side, and you would know just what answer to give, for the Spirit would give you what you should utter. Praise God for this promise!

The time is not far off when the people of God will be called upon to give their testimony before the rulers of the earth. Not one in twenty has a realization of what rapid strides we are making toward the great crisis in our history. The angels of God are holding the four winds, and this leads many to cry, Peace and safety; but there is no time for vanity, for trifling, for engaging the mind in unimportant matters. We must empty the soul temple of every defilement, and let the Spirit of God take full possession of the heart, that the character may be transformed. ( To be concluded )

Christ's Instruction to His Followers (Concluded)

Text.--"And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved."

Brethren and sisters, have you the power to endure? Young men and women, are you growing up to the full stature of men and women in Christ, so that when the crisis comes, you cannot be separated from the Source of your strength? If we would stand during the time of test, we must now, in the time of peace, be gaining a living experience in the things of God. We must now learn to understand what are the deep movings of the Spirit of God. Christ must be our all and in all, the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.

We should have a realizing sense of the presence of Christ; if our trust is in him, and our lives in harmony with his will, he will be at our right hand, that we shall not be moved. But let the transgressor understand that Christ is a witness to all deeds of evil. He knows every act of dishonesty, every prevarication, every unrighteous thought and imagination. The psalmist exclaims, "Whither shall I go from thy Spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee." The Lord is acquainted with us, and how glad should we be that this is so; for we need his watchful eye upon us. "The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open to their cry. The face of the Lord is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit." We all should take our troubles to Jesus, and tell him all our difficulties, that he may pour in the balm of Gilead, and give us the oil of joy for the spirit of mourning. We may present all our wants to him, and ask him for strength of body as well as for clearness of mind and peace of soul.

"And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake." Enmity against Satan is not natural to the human heart. The Lord said: "I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel." The carnal heart is in harmony with the prince of evil, and it will lead you to the indulgence of self, not to suffering for Christ's sake. You must continually deny self, for self-indulgence will rob you of your nourishment in Christ Jesus. You are to abide in him. Jesus says, "Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples." If we are to stand through the time of trial, we should now be learning what's to draw from the Fountain of life.

"And when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another." You are not to expose yourselves when it is not necessary for the glory of God, and have your life cut short when there is no occasion. When you are endangered because of the spirit of persecution, seek another refuge. This is what Jesus did, and there are other places beside the one in which you are, where God will manifest his power through your efforts for the salvation of souls. The follower of Christ is called upon to practice self-denial for Christ's sake, and to be partaker of his humiliation and sufferings. He bore reproach for us, will we bear shame for him? He gave himself for us; what will we give for him? What are we doing for the Master? "The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?"

"Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in the light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops." Does not Christ give you messages when you enter into your closet to commune with him? He knows whether your prayers ascend from a polluted heart or whether they are prompted by love to him, whether you desire some selfish gratification, or whether in humility you come to him for grace and power to glorify the Master. If you come to Christ in sincerity and humility, the Holy Spirit will bring to your remembrance the precious words of Christ, and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. As Christ sheds his light upon your pathway, you are to reflect its bright rays to others.

"And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." We are not to think that we can have an easy time. But "what shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? "We shall have respect unto the recompense of the reward, and esteem the reproaches of Christ greater riches than the treasures of this world. The fear of God should ever be before our eyes, in all our business transactions, in all the concerns of life. We cannot engage in unnecessary traffic with unbelievers without becoming like them in spirit; for by beholding, we become changed. As followers of Christ, we cannot afford to grasp for the wealth of the world. "For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich." Those who would have earthly riches at the expense of heavenly riches, sell themselves at a cheap market. A business man said to my husband, "Elder White, with such powers of mind as you possess, you should not be engaged in the work you are now doing, burying your talents in the service of the Adventists. You should occupy a position where your talent would be recognized and rewarded. I will pay you a large remuneration for your services, if you will engage yourself to me." But my husband said: "If you would heap gold upon this table as high as the ceiling, it would be no temptation to me. I am living for the immortal inheritance, for the eternal substance, for the life that measures with the life of God." If we love Jesus, we shall hold him and his service supreme, and shall desire his approval more than the applause of the whole world. We will not deny our Lord by selling ourselves to the world for any price. "Ye are not your own. For ye are bought with a price," even the precious blood of the Son of God.

"Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father." Think of it, not one of these little brown sparrows that are caroling forth their praises to God will fall to the ground without the notice of the heavenly Father. Not one of these little brown sparrows that the boys so ruthlessly kill, drops to the ground but his eye marks its fall. "But the very hairs of your head are all numbered." If God cares for a sparrow that has no soul, how will he care for the purchase of the blood of Christ? One soul is worth more than all the world. For one soul Jesus would have passed through the agony of Calvary that that one might be saved in his kingdom. "Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows."

Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven." We have a different confession to make from that which we have made; and we shall have to make it under different circumstances. The three Hebrews were called upon to confess Christ in the face of the burning fiery furnace. They had been commanded by the king to fall down and worship the golden image which he had set up, and threatened that if they would not, they should be cast alive into the fiery furnace, but they answered, "We are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up." It cost them something to confess Christ, for their lives were at stake. Then the king commanded that the furnace be heated seven times hotter than it is was wont to be heated, and the faithful children of God were cast into the furnace. "Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonished, and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counselors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king. He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God."

How did Nebuchadnezzar know that the form of the fourth was like the Son of God? He had heard of the Son of God from the Hebrew captives that were in his kingdom. They had brought the knowledge of the living God who ruleth all things. Then Nebuchadnezzar called forth the servants of God, and they had not so much as the smell of fire upon them. If you are called to go through the fiery furnace for Christ's sake, Jesus will be at your side. "When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walketh through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee."

A confession of Christ means something more than bearing testimony in social meeting. Daniel is an example to believers as to what it means to confess Christ. He held the responsible position of prime minister in the kingdom of Babylon, and there were those who were envious of Daniel among the great men of the court, and they wanted to find something against him that they might bring an accusation against him to the king. But he was a faithful statesman, and they could find no flaw in his character or life. "Then said these men, we shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God." So they agreed together to ask the king to make a decree that no one should ask any petition of any God or man for thirty days save of the king, and if any disobeyed this decree, he was to be cast into the den of lions. But did Daniel cease to pray because this decree was to go into force!--No, that was just the time when he needed to pray. "When Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and, his window being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime." Daniel did not seek to hide his loyalty to God. He did not pray in his heart, but with his voice, aloud, with his window open toward Jerusalem, he offered up his petition to heaven. Then his enemies made their complaint to the king, and Daniel was thrown into the den of lions. But the Son of God was there. The angel of the Lord encamped round about the servant of the Lord, and when the king came in the morning, and called, "O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions? Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live forever. My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me." No harm had come to him, and he magnified the Lord God of heaven.

We may know that if our life is hid with Christ in God, when we are brought into trial because of our faith, Jesus will be with us. When we are brought before rulers and dignitaries to answer for our faith, the Spirit of the Lord will illuminate our understanding, and we shall be able to bear a testimony to the glory of God. And if we are called to suffer for Christ's sake, we shall be able to go to prison trusting in him as a little child trusts in its parents. Now is the time to cultivate faith in God.

Confessing Christ

"Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven." How is it? Are we confessing Christ in our daily life? Do we confess him in our dress, adorning ourselves with plain and modest apparel? Is our adorning that of the meek and quiet spirit which is of so great price in the sight of God? Are we seeking to advance the cause of the Master? Is the line of demarkation between you and the world distinct, or are you seeking to follow the fashions of this degenerate age? Is there no difference between you and the worldling? Does the same spirit work in you that works in the children of disobedience? If we are Christians, we shall follow Christ, even though the path in which we are to walk cuts right across our natural inclinations. There is no use in telling you that you must not wear this or that, for if the love of these vain things is in your heart, your laying off your adornments will only be like cutting the foliage off a tree. The inclinations of the natural heart would again assert themselves. You must have a conscience of your own.

O did we remember that Christ became poor, that we through his poverty might become rich, would we not seek to honor his name, and advance his cause? We are to abide in him as the branch abides in the vine. Jesus says, "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 nothing. . . . Herein is my Father glorified that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples." If we fulfilled this command of our Lord, there would be a different state of affairs in our churches, and we should know what it is to have the deep movings of the Spirit of God. What we want is to have the ax laid at the root of the tree. We want to be dead to the world, dead to self, and alive unto God. Our life must be hid with Christ in God, that when he shall appear, we also may appear with him in glory. We need to come close to Christ, that men may know that we have been with Christ and learned of him.

I invite you to look to the Man of Calvary. Look to him whose head was crowned with the crown of thorns, who bore the cross of shame, who went step by step down the path of humiliation. Look to him who was a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief, who was despised and rejected of men. "Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows." "He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." Look to Calvary until your heart melts at the amazing love of the Son of God. He left nothing undone that fallen man might be elevated and purified. And shall we not confess him? Will the religion of Christ degrade its receiver?--No; it will be no degradation to follow in the footsteps of the Man of Calvary. Day by day let us sit at the feet of Jesus, and learn of him, that in our conversation, our conduct, our dress, and in all our affairs, we may reveal the fact that Jesus is ruling and reigning over us. God calls upon us to walk in a path that has been cast up for the ransomed of the Lord; we are not to walk in the world. We are to surrender all to God, and confess Christ before men.

"Whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven." What right have we to profess to be Christians, and yet deny our Lord in life and deed? "He that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it." Day by day we are to deny self, to lift the cross and follow in the footsteps of the Master. O that the baptism of the Holy Spirit might come upon you, that you might be imbued with the Spirit of God! Then day by day you will become more and more conformed to the image of Christ, and in every action of your life, the question would be, "Will it glorify my Master?" By patient continuance in well-doing you would seek for glory and honor, and would receive the gift of immortality.

I am glad that the day of probation is not closed. Let us in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth fall on the Rock and be broken. By meekness, by love, by a holy conversation, by a compassionate spirit, confess Christ to others. O that we might come into a position where he might reveal his glory as it was revealed in Jerusalem when the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the people. I believe that we shall see of the salvation of God, that we shall yet see the church free in the Lord. I lay hold of this by faith.

Keep your eye fixed upon Christ. With humility of mind seek for a nearness to God. In words, in conduct, in life, confess Christ. Examine yourselves whether you are in the faith, and when God sends you a message, do not begin to criticise it, and see if it is suitable to put into print, but inquire, Does this message lay bare my condition? Where am I in the Christian life? Is my soul in the love of God? Does Christ heal my backslidings? Have I confessed my sins, and can I claim his promise? Now is the accepted time; now is the day of salvation. Now is the time to prepare for the crisis, that when put to the test, you may stand, and having done all, stand.

The Work of God to Believe in Christ

"Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?" This was the question that was asked of Jesus by those who had witnessed his divine power in feeding the multitudes. But the question meant, What shall we do that we may deserve heaven? What is the price that we are required to pay that we may obtain the life to come? Now mark the answer of Jesus, for it is essential that we understand the truth he uttered. "Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent." The price of heaven is Jesus. The way to heaven is through faith in "the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world." Those who would be saved must accept by faith the righteousness of Christ; and when they do this, they will work the works of God.

But the people did not choose to receive this plain statement of divine truth. Unbelief manifested itself; for they had seen evidences of the divinity of Christ, they still refused to walk in the light of heaven, and hardened their hearts against the Son of God. They asked, "What sign showest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? What dost thou work? Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat. Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not."

The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, "I am the bread which came down from heaven." And they "strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat? Then said Jesus unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. . . . It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." The question comes home to us to-day, Are we eating the flesh and drinking the blood of the Son of God? It is by beholding the love of Christ, by drinking it in, by dwelling upon it, that we eat his flesh and drink his blood, becoming partakers of the divine nature. As we meditate upon the truth as it is in Jesus, it becomes more deeply impressed upon the soul. "The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." It is through the ministry of the word that the saints are to be perfected. But what does it mean, that there is so low a standard of piety among those who profess to be followers of Christ? Are the people fed upon the words of Christ? Are the messengers satisfied with preaching a discourse, and leaving the work of ministering to whoever may be inclined to do it? There is earnest work to do out of the desk as well as in it. The sermon may arouse the conscience, but will not the labor be lost if the soul is left to settle down into the same state of indifference as before the words were spoken? The messenger is to speak as moved by the Spirit of God, and then he must come close to souls through personal labor, and guide the conscience, and fasten the truth in a sure place. The minister has a work to do in the home circle, teaching the members of the family concerning the great love wherewith God hath loved us, that they may know what it is to eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of God. When the heart of the messenger is warmed with the love of Jesus, he will have a message to give that will be as a savor of life unto life, or of death unto death. He will not then feel that his responsibility is over when he leaves the desk, for if he is a heaven-sent messenger, the truth will be in him as fire shut up in his bones, and he will continually be seeking to enlighten those who are ignorant of what Jesus is to them, of what they are to Jesus. He will teach them that the only way to reach the heaven above is to cling to Jesus, mounting step by step to the heights of Christ.

Those whom God has appointed to become instructors of the ignorant, must know by personal experience what it is to have Christ made unto them wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. But let no soul imagine that the gaining of eternal life through the finished work of Christ, will involve no struggle, no conflict. The apostle declares, "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 take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." We are continually to be found fighting the good fight of faith. We are to behold Christ, to study his character in the light of his word with fervent prayer, dwelling upon his attributes and virtues, until we shall become changed into his image. There is no time to halt upon the ladder of progress. The command is to go forward, looking to God who is above the ladder. To look back is to become dizzy, to relax your hold, to lose all, to fall back into darkness. You must keep hold on Christ your Mediator, ascending step by step, changing from glory to glory, from character to character, as by the Spirit of the Lord. Stretch up the hand of faith, taking hold of one line after another in the work of the Redeemer. You are not to wait till you know it all before you begin to communicate to others, you are not to think that you have attained all that belongs to the work of the minister, when you can preach a discourse; but set your standard high, seek to become a minister of the word, teaching the soul precept upon precept, line upon line of divine truth. Seek to enlighten the minds of the seekers after truth by giving them clear and definite explanations in the home circle, in the prayer-meeting, and from the pulpit. Instead of spending all the time in sermonizing, open your Bible, and invite the people to engage with you in studying its precious truths. Let those who desire, ask questions concerning that which they do not comprehend, that the plan of salvation may be more clearly revealed to their minds. Plant the feet of all that you possibly can, one step after another upon the divine ladder, reaching from earth to heaven. Lift up Jesus, lift him up as the only One whereby men can be saved. Then will the truth you present become the power of God unto salvation.

It is a perilous thing for the minister to become careless in his thoughts and actions; as surely as he does, he will become inefficient. I appeal to those who minister in the sacred desk, to put into practice that which you already know from the messages which God has given you, to warn, to instruct, and to encourage you. Confess your coldness, and let the warmth of the love of Christ, the beams of the Sun of righteousness, into your heart. If your hearts are filled with the message of God, if mercy and peace and righteousness are yours, if you fell that eternal vigilance is the price of your safety, your influence will be after the character of your experience, and others will follow in your footsteps. They will do as you do. It is your privilege to experience the completeness of salvation in Christ. Jesus is your only hope. You are to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus. You are to follow on to know the Lord, whose goings forth are prepared as the morning. You are to be raised up to sit together in heavenly places with Christ Jesus. All that is written concerning the spiritual life is written for you, and may be attained through uniting yourself to Jesus. If you will leave the world, and abandon your former ignorance, pressing on for more and more of the grace of Christ, you may have his guidance continually, and at every step diminish the distance between your soul and God, and be found in him, not having your own righteousness, but the righteousness of God which is by faith in Jesus Christ. If you love Jesus, you will show it by your love to those for whom he has died. If your zeal is languishing, your first love grown cold, accept again of the proffered love of Christ. Eat of Christ's flesh, drink of his blood, and you will become one with the Father and with the Son.

If you will but improve upon the light that has already been given you, the Lord will send you more light by whom he will send; but you are too easily satisfied, you do not push forward your investigations into all the lines of truth that have been given of God. When a message comes to you, bearing the signet of heaven, you rejoice in the light, but fail to receive the full blessing of God, because you do not sink the shaft deeper into the mines of truth. You think that the subject has been exhausted, when it has scarcely begun to unfold. When you present the truth to others, you make the same mistake; for when a certain impression has been made, you imagine that the object of the work has been reached, when the plowshare of truth has only stirred the surface of the fallow ground of the heart. You think that when the good emotions are manifested, when the earnest resolves are expressed, that the work is done; but you are to watch for souls as they who must give an account, and see that the heart is sanctified, that the character is being molded after the divine model. ( Concluded next week .)

The Work of God to Believe in Christ (Concluded)

Good impressions made by the truth upon the minds of those who are out of the faith, often have been effaced by the unconsecrated life of the minister who himself needed to be reconverted. After presenting the truth, he lacked discernment to press the battle to the gates, to act as a prayerful, patient, earnest teacher, full of the solemn importance of the message of grace which he is to bring to his hearers, that they may come to the knowledge of God, to the full stature of men and women in Christ Jesus.

At the last Conference, many professed to see where they had made mistakes in their life and teaching. Have you begun to act upon the light you then received? Are you practicing the better plan, educating both by precept and example, that the world may understand what it means to be a follower of Christ? or, do you still go on teaching in the same way which you have taught in the past? Are you acquiring new facts, getting fresh ideas concerning the plan of salvation? Are you acting upon those truths which you have already received, lest they leak out of your mind as water out of a broken vessel? Those who would become efficient laborers in the cause must put into exercise that which they already know of truth, disciplining the mind to practice line upon line and precept upon precept. The Lord desires that his messengers should find their inspiration by closely studying his holy word, by sinking the shaft deep into the mines of truth. He would have those who minister in the sacred desk able to present things new and old from the treasures of his truth. He would have them able to lift up the world's Redeemer, to magnify his love before the people, to touch the heart, to press the truth upon the conscience, and give full proof of their ministry in souls sanctified to the Master. O, how my heart aches, as I think upon the condition of ministers and people; for I know that many are satisfied to speak smooth things to the people, and those who listen go away not bettered by anything they have heard. And even when earnest appeals are made, those who hear often declare that they are aroused by what they have heard, their emotions have been stirred, their consciences have been touched, but after a little, the precious impression is lost, and they sink back into coldness and indifference.

Ministers are wanted who feel the necessity of being laborers together with God, who will go forth to bring the people up in spiritual knowledge to the full measure of Christ. Ministers are wanted who will educate themselves by solemn, reverential communion with God in the closet, so that they shall be men of power in prayer. Piety is degeneration into a dead form, and it is necessary to strengthen the things that remain that are ready to die. The work of the ministry has been neglected, and the work is raveling out because it has not been wisely bound off. How are you to know that the word spoken in the desk has proved of benefit to the hearers, unless you visit in families, praying with them, and drawing out the true state of their minds, and the real condition of their experience, that you may point them to the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world? There is need that the breath of God should blow upon them, and give them spiritual life. The churches need to be enlightened in regard to practical religion in the home life. Again and again the necessity of living a virtuous life, of having a sanctified heart, of revealing a growing conformity to the image of Christ, must be presented to the people. Do they realize that the work of sanctification is to be the work of a lifetime? Jesus prayed that his disciples might be sanctified through the truth, and declared, "Thy word is truth." He said: "I sanctify myself, that they also may be sanctified." Are the undershepherds following the example of the great Shepherd of the sheep? Are they representing Christ, as he represented the Father. Practical religion as it was manifested in the life and character of Christ is a rare thing. Many in our churches are strangers to the experience that it is the privilege of those who believe in Christ to have in the things of God.

Doctrinal discourses have been preached to the people, and many have listened and have accepted the doctrines, who have had little knowledge of the word of God; for they have not been students of the Bible, and have never felt it their duty to dig deep in the mines of truth. They catch at the surface truths. A much more thorough work should be done. Some system must be adopted, that those who really want to know the truth as it is in Jesus, may have an opportunity of becoming students, and that they may seek earnestly for spiritual knowledge and understanding, and partake of the rich provision of the Master's table. They have labored diligently for the bread that perisheth; let them now put forth an effort for the heavenly bread, and work with an earnestness befitting the treasure for which they seek. We plead not that the feelings may be stirred, the emotions awakened, but that the people of God may be fed with their portion of meat in due season. The work of our ministers must be of a different order. They must develop in patience and Christlikeness, that they may teach the way of life by precept and example. The truth is of no value to any soul unless it is brought into the inner sanctuary, and sanctifies the soul. Piety will degenerate, and religion become a shallow sentimentalism, unless the plowshare of truth is made to go deep into the fallow ground of the heart. When the truth is received, it will work radical changes in life and character; for religion means the abiding of Christ in the heart, and where he is, the soul goes on in spiritual activity, ever growing in grace, ever going on to perfection. All through our churches there are those who are spiritually paralyzed. They do not manifest spiritual life.

It is no real evidence that you are a Christian because your emotion is stirred, your spirit stirred by truth; the question is, Are you growing up into Christ, your living head? Is the grace of Christ manifested in your life? God gives his grace to men, that they may desire more of his grace. God's grace is ever working upon the human heart, and when it is received, the evidence of its reception will appear in the life and character of its recipient; for spiritual life will be seen developing from within. The grace of Christ in the heart will always promote spiritual life, and spiritual advancement will be made. We each need a personal Saviour, or we shall perish in our sins. Let the question be asked of our souls, Are we growing up into Christ, our living head? Am I gaining advanced knowledge of God, and of Jesus Christ whom he hath sent? We do not see the plants grow in the field, and yet we are assured that they do grow, and may we not know of our own spiritual strength and growth?

Growth in grace does not come without much earnest prayer, without the humbling of self at every step. Jesus said: "Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able." "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."

"Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent." "And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the spirit which he hath given us." "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent."

The sum and substance of the whole matter of Christian grace and experience is contained in believing on Christ, in knowing God and his Son whom he hath sent. But here is where many fail, for they lack faith in God. Instead of desiring to be brought into fellowship with Christ in his self-denial and humiliation, they are ever seeking for the supremacy of self. As long as they will not fall upon the Rock and be broken, they cannot appreciate the love of the character of God. We may be one with Christ, but we must be willing to yield our own way and our own will, and have the mind that was in Christ, that we may know what it is to have a fellowship with him in humiliation and suffering. Our ideas are too contracted; we must have more expanded views of Christ and the character of his work. O, if we did but appreciate the love of God, how our hearts would be expanded, our limited sympathies would be enlarged, and break away from the icy barriers of selfishness, and our comprehension would be deeper than it now is; for we should look beneath the surface.

It is because we do not know God, we do not have faith in Christ, that we are not deeply impressed with the humiliation he endured in our behalf, that his abasement does not lead us to the humbling of self, to the exalting of Jesus. The Lord calls upon you to humble yourselves under his mighty hand, that you may be partakers of his holiness. You are not to be above your Master, but as he was, so are you to be in the world. O, if you loved him as he has loved you, you would not shun an experience in the dark chapters of the suffering of the Son of God!

In order to be partakers with Christ in his sufferings, we must behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world. When we contemplate the humiliation of Christ, beholding his self-denial and self-sacrifice, we are filled with amazement at the manifestation of divine love for guilty man. When for Christ's sake we are called to pass through trials that are of a humiliating nature, if we have the mind of Christ, we shall suffer them with meekness, not resenting injury, or resisting evil. We shall manifest the spirit that dwelt in Christ. The Christian cannot hope to live without trials. Difficulties will arise, unexpected sorrows will come to those who are called to be the stewards of the manifold grace of God; but in the face of difficulty, those who, through faith in their Redeemer, are united to Christ as the branch is united to the living vine, will become partakers with him in his self-denial, and will go forth to shed upon those who are in darkness the light of his love. We are to understand what the sacrifice, the labors, and the sufferings of Christ are, in order that we may co-operate with him in working out the great scheme of redemption.

Though Christ endured sorrow which no pen can portray, he did not shrink from the payment of the ransom for lost man. Let the minister and missionary look upon his example of faith and perseverance. Of him it was written, "He shall not fail nor be discouraged till he have set judgment in the earth." You are not to grow weary in well-doing, but to be of good courage in the work of God. It was love that sustained Christ in his humiliation, love for perishing souls that enabled him to endure the insults, the contempt, the rejection of men, and at last led him to die on Calvary, that whosoever believeth on him might not perish, but have everlasting life. The salvation of the lost was the object of Christ's mission to earth, and he died to redeem sinners of every race and every clime. We are to be laborers together with him; for as long as there are sinners to be saved, so long are the followers of Christ to deny self, to work intelligently, to go forth into the high-ways and by-ways, showing forth the praises of Him who hath called them out of darkness into his marvelous light. Christ call upon all who have discerned the merits of his sacrifice and character, to make known the wonders of redeeming love to those who know him not. He would have us bear with others as he has borne with us in our perversity, in our backslidings; for he hath not cast us off in our waywardness, but has forgiven our transgression, and clothed us with the robe of his righteousness, drawing us to himself by the cords of his love.

We are to bear Christ's yoke, to work as he worked for the salvation of the lost; and those who are partakers of his sufferings will also be partakers of his glory. The apostle says, Ye "are laborers together with God." Then let us take hold of his strength. Let every one who names the name of Christ among us, become a laborer together with God. Let not the burden of the whole work fall on the ministers, but let every member of the church realize that he has a work to do. Instead of all settling in one place, let the people of God scatter abroad, moving in all directions into cities and villages where the light of truth has not shone, that the knowledge of God may be diffused among men. Tell others what they must do to be saved. "This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent." If you had a realizing sense of the lost condition of souls who are out of Christ, you would work according to your intrusted talents, not growing weary in well-doing. The Saviour's commission to his people is, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." O, how grievously has this work been neglected, and yet the famine-stricken world is perishing for the bread of life. Let every one surrender himself to God, accept the heavenly endowment of the Holy Spirit, and go forth to tell those who sit in darkness of a Saviour's love and sacrifice, that they should not perish, but have everlasting life. In whatever place you take up your abode, be a light to the people, pointing out the path cast up for the ransomed of the Lord to walk in, and thus become laborers together with God.

Gospel Hearers--No. 1: Wayside Hearers

The great controversy between Christ, the prince of light, and Satan, the prince of darkness, is presented before us in the parable of the sower. A great multitude had gathered together to hear the words of Christ, so that he was thronged upon all sides; and in order that the people might better see and hear him, he stepped into a boat and pushed out a little from the shore. In plain sight were the sowers and the reapers, side by side, the one casting the seed, the other harvesting the early grain. Calling the attention of the people to the scene before him, he utters the parable that is to teach the lesson of the reception and rejection of gospel truth to the end of probation.

He said: "Behold, a sower went forth to sow; and when he sowed, some seeds fell by the wayside, and the fowls came and devoured them up: some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: and when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: but other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some a hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear."

The Sower is the Son of God, or he to whom he delegates his work; for by co-operating with Christ, man is to become a laborer together with God. Those who by personal ministry open to others the Scriptures, are sowing the good seed, for the good seed is the word of God. In order that the seed may find a soil in which it may germinate and bring forth fruit, the heart must be prepared. The seed sown by the wayside represents the word of God as it falls upon the heart of him who is an inattentive hearer; for those who are to bring the fruit forth must meditate much upon the word of God which has been presented to them. "Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." As the birds of the air are ready to catch up the seed from the wayside, so Satan is represented as ready with his unseen agencies of evil, to catch away the seeds of divine truth from the heart, lest it should find a lodgment there, and bring forth fruit unto eternal life. He fears that the word of God may awaken the careless, and take effect upon the hardened heart.

It is when souls are awakened to their condition, that there is need of personal ministry on the part of him who is presenting the word of God; for the enemy waits to catch away the truth, and enshroud the seeker after light, in darkness. Much of the time spent in sermonizing should be devoted to personal labor for the souls of the lost. The minister should seek to break up the fallow ground of the heart, that the word of God may find a soil in which it may grow. The word must be preached, but this work of personal ministry must not be neglected.

Satan and his angels are in the assembly where the gospel of the kingdom is preached. While heavenly angels also are present to minister for those who shall be heirs of salvation, the enemy is ever on the alert that he may make of no effect the influence of the truth. With an earnestness that is only equaled by his malice, he seeks to thwart the operation of the Spirit of God on the heart of the hearer; for he sees that if the truth is accepted, he has lost control of his subject, and Christ has won the victory. Jesus says, in explaining the part of the parable where the seed fell by the wayside, "When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the wayside."

But in spite of all the efforts of the enemy to make of none effect the word of God, he who has a heart to search for truth will find it; for it lies open before him, revealed in the word of God, as the secrets of nature are open to him who studies her laws. God's word is the revelation of all truth; and in laboring for souls, the minister should seek to unveil the truth in such a way that it will make the right impression upon the heart, that the sinner may renounce his allegiance to Satan, and turn to Christ. Jesus is ready to accept the soul who turns to him, pleading the merits of the blood of Christ. He will receive, pardon, purify, and make him whole. But before this point is reached, before the soul surrenders to Christ, there is a time when the will is vacillating, when the soul is under conviction, and pressed by doubt, and it is then that a strong personal effort should be made. The minister should come close to the trembling one, and point him to Calvary, lifting up a crucified and risen Saviour as the sinner's only hope. There are many whose hearts are as hard as the beaten highway, and apparently it is a useless effort to present the truth to them; but while logic may fail to move, and argument be worthless to convince, let the laborer for Christ come close to such in Christlike sympathy and compassion, and it may be that the love of Christ will subdue and melt the soul into tenderness and contrition. "The world by wisdom knew not God." Let the wayward and hard-hearted be led to the feet of Jesus; here they may learn precious lessons of love of their Creator and Redeemer, and hope will spring up. "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."

The wicked one is in continual controversy with God, seeking to make of no effect the mission and work of Christ. Christ came to save sinners; but when some hear the word, and become convicted, and their hearts are weighed down by a sense of their sins, and stirred by the forgiving love of God, lest they should be wholly persuaded to become the followers of Christ, the enemy immediately seeks to entice them to their former allegiance to him, by presenting to them the attractions of the world and its lusts, and the words of truth are made of no effect. The heart that has long yielded to the influences of the world, that has long indulged in the gratification of its own selfish desires, is not prepared for the reception of the word.

Satan ever works to carry out to completion the scheme of rebellion which he originated in the courts of heaven. When Jesus, the sinner's only hope, draws the soul by the cords of his love, the enemy begins a work of opposition, and tries to turn the attention of the one who is moved to seek Jesus, to the world. He engages the mind of the seeker in his delusive snares, and catches away the word of truth; for his falsehoods seem more palatable to the natural heart than do the truths of heavenly origin, and men accept them, rejecting the word of truth. But we can be saved only through the reception of the truth, whose power will sanctify and refine the soul, for the gospel of Christ is adapted to the need of a fallen, apostate race.

The reason why it seems so difficult to win souls for Christ, is that Satan is continually engaged in misrepresenting the character of God to the human mind. Christ came to reveal the Father to the world in his true character, that the false conceptions which men entertained of the divine character might be swept away. Proud and worldly hearts sometimes are subdued by the power of the truth; but when the people of the world accept the truth, there will be much work to be done in their behalf, that their false theories of religion may be replaced by true theories, that their false conceptions of God may be banished through the bright beams of the Sun of righteousness shining into the darkened chambers of mind and heart. They must be awakened to investigate the truth, and to meditate much upon the plan of salvation in the light of Calvary's cross.

Through every possible device, through evil angels, and wicked men, Satan will seek to catch away the truth from the soul, and lead the sinner from the path of peace and righteousness. This is the special work of the enemy, and when he who has been seeking light, turns to engage in pleasure, to follow the ways of the world, manifesting pride and unbelief, it is evident that he has permitted the enemy to catch away the good seed from his heart; he has chosen darkness, rather than light. He did not accept the love of the truth, but yielded to the suggestions of Satan, and was taken captive by his strong delusions. He was led to believe a lie.

Through the years of probation, God is testing and proving the hearts of men, that it may be seen who will find room for Jesus. The question to be answered by every soul is, Will you accept the pardoning love of God, which is a remedy for the diseases of the soul, or will you choose the enmity of Satan, and reap the terrible doom of the lost? In order that sin may be cleansed from the soul, it is necessary to believe the word of God. Satan will suggest unbelief, and while it is not always necessary or wise to seek to answer the cavils of infidels and skeptics, it is well to be able to give an answer to every honest inquirer, the reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear. Plant your feet on the word of God, and give the reason of your faith and hope, but let not the unbeliever drag you down into his cave of darkness; rather invite him up to stand under the light of the Sun of righteousness, that he may recognize the voice of God. There will no excuse be found for unbelief in the judgment.

In order to be able to help those who are in unbelief and sin, we must needs feel our own weakness, our utter helplessness without Christ. Through the grace of God given unto us, we must be delivered from all our worldliness, our pride, our selfishness. By looking to Jesus we may see what changes must take place in our character, and by beholding him we shall become changed. We cannot change ourselves. We cannot be good, or do good to others, of ourselves. Christ has said: "Without me ye can do nothing." But Jesus can cleanse us. He is the hope of the lost.

Gospel Hearers--No. 2: Stony-ground Hearers

"Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: and when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away."

Jesus explained this part of the parable as referring to a certain class of hearers. He said: "He that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for awhile: for when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, by and by he is offended." This class of hearers is again represented by the parable of the foolish builder. Jesus says, "Every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his 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."

The seed sown upon stony ground finds little depth of soil in which to take root. The plants spring up quickly, but the tender roots cannot penetrate into the rock and find nutriment to sustain the growing plant, and it soon perishes. A large number who make a profession of religion may be represented by the stony-ground hearers. They are a class that are easily convinced; but they have only a superficial religion. As far as outward appearances are concerned, they are bright converts; but they are like the man who started to build without counting the cost of his enterprise, and they are not able to finish. There are those who receive the precious truth with joy; they are exceedingly zealous, and express amazement that all cannot see the things that are so plain to them. They urge others to embrace the doctrine that they find so satisfying. They hastily condemn the hesitating, and those who carefully weigh the evidences of the truth, and consider it in all its bearings. They call such ones cold and unbelieving. But in the time of trial, these enthusiastic persons too often falter and fail. They did not accept the cross as a part of their religious life, and they turn from it with dampened ardor, and refuse to take it up. They do not make the Lord Jesus their strength from the beginning to the end, and do not know what it means to fall upon the Rock and be broken. If they did but realize their great need, the Lord could be their strength, and would put his seal upon them. But they did not die to self that they might be born again, and their life was not hid with Christ in God. They did not become laborers together with God, bearing the cross, lifting the burden, that they might understand how great were the blessings of the service of Christ, in contrast to the poor pleasures of the world. If they had done this, like Paul, they would have been a partaker with Christ in his sufferings, and would have been able to exclaim, "I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal."

As the roots of a plant strike down into the soil, gathering moisture and nutriment from the ground, so the Christian must abide in Christ, drawing sap and nourishment from him, as does the branch from the vine, until he cannot be turned away from the Source of his strength by trials.

He who knows Christ, is willing to deny self, to suffer the loss of all things, if he may but have the privilege of laboring with Christ, for he lays hold of eternal realities by living faith, and develops a symmetrical character. But those who have but a superficial religion make it manifest that they have no vital connection with Christ; they are stony-ground hearers.

The Lord designs that every soul shall be tried, in order that it may be apparent who have a living connection with him. To every believer the testing time will come; and when it comes to the soul, how the angels of heaven watch to see what shall be the result of the trial. They know that failure to hold onto God means ruin, and tenacious faith means victory and life. For a time many who have only a superficial faith, appear to be charmed with the truth; but when the word of God points out some cherished sin, and rebukes some chosen course of action, or requires self-denial and self-sacrifice, they are offended. As the truth is brought home to the conscience, they see that some idol of their hearts must be sacrificed, renounced, if they become the followers of the Lord in deed and in truth, and they cling to the idol, and put aside the warnings of the Spirit of God. They look at the present inconvenience and trial, and forgot the eternal realities, and begin to measure themselves among themselves, and conclude that they are as good as those who make a profession of religion, and so reject the requirements of the gospel.

The stony-ground hearer says, "It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinances, and that we have walked mournfully before the Lord of hosts?" This is the way in which many reason, but they are under a deception when they entertain the idea that the religion of Jesus requires them to walk in mourning and sadness and weeping. I have not thus learned Christ. Jesus says, "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you [what is the result?], and that your joy might be full." Those who see in the religion of Jesus only sadness and gloom and discipline, and go mourning their way to mount Zion, have not the genuine article; they do not know what pure and undefiled religion is.

Stony-ground hearers may rejoice for a season, for they think that religion is something that will free them from test and from all difficulty. They have not counted the cost. They do not understand the controversy that is going on between Christ and Satan over the souls of men. They do not realize that if they would stand under the blood-stained banner of Prince Emmanuel, they must be willing to be partakers of his conflicts, and wage a determined war against the powers of darkness.

When thinking on the conflict, Paul writes to his Ephesian brethren, exhorting them to "be strong," not feeble, not wavering, tossed to and fro like the waves of the sea. But in what are they to be strong? In their own might?--No. "Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might." He says, "Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the Devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." What is the "all" that they are to do? Is it the many good works, upon which they may rely, and flatter themselves that they are good Christians?--No, the class that Jesus represents as stony-ground hearers trusted in their good works, in their good impulses, and were strong in themselves, in their own righteousness. They were not "strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might." They did not feel that eternal vigilance was the price of safety. They might have put on the whole armor of God, and have been able to stand against the wiles of the enemy. The rich and abundant promises of God were spoken for their benefit, and believing the word of God, they might have been clothed with a "Thus saith the Lord," and been able to meet every wily device of the adversary; for when the enemy should come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord would have lifted up a standard against him.

Gospel Hearers--No. 3: Stony-ground Hearers (Concluded)

Instead of trusting to good works, the soul who would be saved must trust in the righteousness of Christ; for only in Christ can he work the works of God. Jesus says, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." Christ is the sinner's only hope. There is no comfort for the soul in looking at the good works he has done; for they are all mixed with pride and sin, and by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified in his sight; for by the law is the knowledge of sin. In the righteousness of Christ the sinner may find refuge; for the repenting soul may lay hold of the merits of Christ, and find a remedy for sin, a healing for the wounds of the soul.

Those who would understand the way of salvation should study the word of God. In the Bible they will find the most precious instruction, and the richest promises whereby they may become partakers of the divine nature. In time of need the Comforter will bring the admonitions and promises of God to your remembrance, and so the mind may be clothed with the "whole armor of God," and having done all, the soul may stand. In time of trial you may stand, not moved away from your position of faith, not deprived of hope and courage in God, but you may be like valiant soldiers, able to endure hardness for the Captain of your salvation. "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit," and then what?--"And watching thereunto, with all perseverance." Those who would not be numbered with stony-ground hearers, must heed the instruction given them in the word of God. They must watch on the right hand and on the left, praying, and not giving up when they are tempted to think that their prayers are not answered.

The beginning of yielding to temptation is in the sin of permitting the mind to waver, to be inconsistent in your trust in God. The wicked one is ever watching for a chance to misrepresent God, and to attract the mind to that which is forbidden. If he can, he will fasten the mind upon the things of the world. He will endeavor to excite the emotions, to arouse the passions, to fasten the affections on that which is not for your good; but it is for you to hold every emotion and passion under control, in calm subjection to reason and conscience. Then Satan loses his power to control the mind. The work to which Christ calls us is to the work of progressive conquest over spiritual evil in our characters. Natural tendencies are to be overcome; for the natural disposition is to be transformed by the grace of Christ. Appetite and passion must be conquered, and the will must be placed wholly on the side of Christ. This will not be a painful process, if the heart is opened to receive the impression of the Spirit of God. "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."

Sinners may understand the gospel in theory, they may be stirred under the preaching of the word, and be disposed to do much for the cause of God, and may appear to be Christians, but they may do all this and yet be strangers to Christ, because they have not opened the door of the heart for his entrance there. Their hearts are not placed upon spiritual things; they do not mind the things of the Spirit. Many, many who profess to be Christians, choose the things that please themselves, instead of the things that please Christ. They prefer the things of time and sense to the invisible, the carnal to the spiritual, the temporal to the eternal, and they walk in the sparks of their own kindling. They are in a state of false security, and unless they repent and come to Christ, they shall lie down in sorrow.

Let the parable of the sower be carefully studied by all who make a profession of religion, that you may ascertain whether you are a stony-ground hearer. Let us put the questions to our souls, "Are we carnally minded? Do we mind the things of the flesh, or the things of the Spirit?" Stony-ground hearers endure only for a time; for when persecution ariseth because of the word, they are offended, I warn you that profess to be Christians, not to allow any worldly motive to influence you while considering the question of your eternal welfare. Be true to your allegiance to Christ; for it is in half-heartedness in the Christian life that you become feeble in purpose, changeable in desire, and find no rest for your soul. This seeking to serve Christ and the world makes you a stony-ground hearer, and you will not endure when the test comes upon you. The religion of Christ permits no compromise, no yielding to the influences of the world. "Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof."

There is a disposition among those who are half-hearted followers of Christ to make much of the ignorance of those who believe the truth for this time. They are continually pleading for the development of a more pleasing kind of religion than we see in our churches. But if they mean that they desire the followers of Christ to meet the world's standard, to try to be attractive to the world from their point of view, we say, No, no. It should be our aim ever to be more and more familiar with the character of Jesus, that we may follow in his footsteps, and not shape our course of action so that we shall commend ourselves to the devotees of fashion. The religion that is fashionable, that is popular in the world, is not the religion of the meek and lowly Jesus.

Many of those who feel that they have much polish because of their education or advantages in society, do not make it manifest in a way that would commend it to the true Christian. Too often they manifest an unchristlike spirit toward those whom they do not regard as their equals. They are proud, prejudiced, cold, and full of Pharisaical spirit that has not the slightest resemblance to the love of Christ. They show an interest in those of "our set," but others have no part in their interest and affection. They have a theory of what the standard should be, but it is false, and leads away from the simplicity of the gospel, from the meekness and lowliness of Christ. If the persons with whom they are brought in contact meet their standard, they will be courteous to them; but if they do not, they treat them with indifference or contempt. In their narrowness they chill and kill the life of true godliness from the soul. They are self-righteous, self-centered, too tenacious of their own ideas to learn anything from others.

The religion of Christ is not after this bigoted order. The Prince of glory left his exalted throne that he might become the friend of sinners. He died for the salvation of the world, and if we would be his followers, we must labor for the same end as did the Master. Whoever will be a worker with Christ in the broad field to which he has called his followers, must learn of him how to present the truth in an attractive light, and in a manner that will meet the people where they are. The believers in Christ will manifest the characteristics of Christ, and by their fruits they are known to be the children of God.

The work we have to do calls for consecrated energy. It demands the whole heart, the faculties of the mind, and the physical powers. The truth of God must be presented with soul fervor. Not much can be accomplished without it. Let enthusiasm be kindled in the church, and let her God-given powers be roused to activity. But a small proportion of her intellect or wealth is enlisted in active effort for the glory of God. There is enough to do in places where the truth has not been preached. As you look at the cross of Calvary, work, O, work with burning enthusiasm. This enthusiasm means the fullness of divine inspiration, a consecration of the whole soul to the work. Beholding the life of Jesus, his self-denial and sacrifice, his matchless love, man becomes transfigured, uplifted, filled with the fullness of God. To be an enthusiast in Christ's work is to be a partaker of the divine nature. The Holy Spirit has taken possession of the soul; the Sun of righteousness has shone into the chambers of the mind and heart, and all-absorbing truths have sanctified the mind. Let none fear this, but pray for it most earnestly, and live for it perseveringly. It will make you strong as workers together with God. With such laborers, the church will arise and shine, for her light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon her. I call upon you, my brethren, to practice self-denial, to lift the cross, and plant the standard of truth in places far and near.

Gospel Hearers--No. 4: Thorny-ground Hearers

"And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them." "He also that received seed among thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful."

In the thorns that choke the good seed, the Great Teacher would depict the dangers that are around those who hear the word of God; for there are foes on every hand to make of no effect the precious truth of God. All that draws the affections from God, all that fills the attention so that Christ has no room in the heart, must be renounced if the seed of truth is to flourish in the soul. Jesus specifies the things that are dangerous to the soul. He says the cares of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the desire for other things, choke the word, the growing spiritual seed, so that the soul does not draw nourishment from Christ, as does the branch from the vine, and the spiritual life dies from the heart. Love of the world, love of its pleasures and display, and love of other things, keep the soul away from God; for he who loves the world does not depend upon God for his courage, his hope, his joy. He knows not what it is to have the joy of Christ, for this is the joy of leading others to the Fountain of life, of winning souls from sin to righteousness.

All that draws the affections from Christ is a detriment to the soul, and must be put away that the soul temple may be cleansed from all defilement. Unless the soul is emptied of its idols, you cannot comprehend the truth of God. Some of the precious seed may find a place in the heart, but in order to have spiritual discernment to distinguish the thorns from the pure grain, the soul must receive the word with meekness. When those who have but a partial knowledge of the truth, are called upon to study some point that cuts across their preconceived opinions, they are confused. Their preconceived opinions are as thorns that choke the word of God, and when truth is sown, and it becomes necessary to root up the thorns to give it place, they feel that everything is going from them, and they are in trouble. There are many who have but an imperfect understanding of the character of God. They think of him as stern and arbitrary, and when the fact is presented that God is love, it is a difficult matter for these souls to lay aside their false conceptions of God. But if they do not let the word of truth in, rooting out the thorns, the briers will start up afresh, and choke out the good word of God; their religious experience will be dwarfed, for the evil of their hearts will overtop the tender plant of truth, and shut away the spiritual atmosphere.

How many have a dwarfed religious experience. They do not draw nourishment from Christ. They love the world and the things that the world loves. At times their hearts are touched by the love of Christ, but they are not careful to watch and pray. They do not take the path of self-denial and cross-bearing, and follow in the way which Jesus trod while upon earth. They choose to indulge self, and spend their money for that which is not bread, and their labor for that which satisfieth not. They are like those whom the prophet describes, when he says, "There is no hope: but we will walk after our own devices, and we will every one do the imagination of his evil heart. Therefore thus saith the Lord: Ask ye now among the heathen, who hath heard such things: the virgin of Israel hath done a very horrible thing. Will a man leave the snow of Lebanon which cometh from the rock of the field? or shall the cold flowing waters that come from another place be forsaken? because my people hath forgotten me, they have burned incense to vanity, and they have caused them to stumble in their ways from the ancient paths, to walk in paths, in a way not cast up." Those who allow the cares of this world to crowd out the good seed, become surfeited with this world. The time that they should devote to the service of God, is devoted to the gratification of self. The work of the Lord should be their first anxiety, but Jesus and the souls he died for, are treated as matters of secondary importance. Their love of the world, their desire for riches, their anxiety to meet the world's standard, to follow the fashions of the world, to try every new thing, choke out the world, and it becomes unfruitful.

It is necessary to be diligent, lest thorns find their way into the soil of the heart, and the precious plants of heavenly origin be crowded out; for they cannot grow in the heart together. Christ says, "Ye cannot serve God and mammon." Those who attempt it bring no fruit to perfection. There are those who attempt to serve two masters. They take the precious promises of God to themselves, but refuse to comply with the conditions on which the promises are given. They are not doers of the words of Christ, laboring together with God. In heart and in practice they are of the world, and yet they make a profession of godliness. Brain and muscle are devoted to the acquirement of property or position, as though the gaining of these temporal things would give them a passport into heaven. But it is not learning, position, or wealth, that commends a man to God. The psalmist says, "A broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise." Many who profess to be Christians know not what it is to give up their all for Christ, who paid an infinite price for the redemption of the lost.

Self must die if we would be counted as the followers of Christ. The apostle says, "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. . . . For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God." "If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." When a man is converted to God, a new moral taste is created; and he loves the things that God loves; for his life is bound up by the golden chain of the immutable promises, to the life of Jesus. His heart is drawn out after God. His prayer is, "Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law." In the immutable standard he sees the character of the Redeemer, and knows that though he has sinned, he is not to be saved in his sins, but from his sins; for Jesus is the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world. It is through the blood of Christ that he is brought nigh unto God. As he beholds the righteousness of Christ in the divine precepts, he exclaims, "The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul." As the sinner is pardoned for his transgression through the merits of Christ, as he is clothed with the righteousness of Christ through faith in him, he declares with the psalmist, "How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth." "More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb." This is conversion. When the Spirit of God controls the mind and heart, it turns the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just. The law of Jehovah will then be regarded as a transcript of the divine character, and a new song bursts forth from the heart that has been touched by divine grace; for he realizes that the promise of God has been fulfilled in his experience, that his transgression is forgiven, his sin covered. He has exercised repentance toward God for the violation of his law, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ who has died for his justification. "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulation also; knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope: and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us."

"The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." Love is the fulfilling of the law, and those who could not understand the precepts of heaven before they experience the new birth, now see the commandments as "holy, and just, and good," and in keeping of them there is great reward. The law of God is the rule of God's government, and through eternal ages it will be the standard of his kingdom. Those who trample upon its requirements, are trampling upon the authority of heaven, upon the throne of God. If we do not yield to its requirements in this life, learning to love God with all our hearts and our neighbors as ourselves, we shall meet with no change in character at the appearing of Jesus. Rebellion will not give place to peace and love when he comes in the clouds of heaven. Now is the time to separate the thorns from the precious seeds of truth, that the heart may be wholly occupied with the truth from heaven.

He who knows all things, who reads the heart of man as an open book, says, "Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares." And Paul writes, "They that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses."

Gospel Hearers--No. 5: Good-ground Hearers

"But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some a hundred-fold, some sixty-fold, some thirty-fold." "But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some a hundred-fold, some sixty, some thirty." "But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience."

What an encouragement it is that the sower is not always to meet with disappointment. The seed is sometimes received into honest hearts. The hearer comprehends the truth, and does not resist the Holy Spirit or refuse to receive the impression of truth upon his heart. He feels he must be true to God, and true to himself. He receives the truth into the heart, and it accomplishes its transforming work upon the character. He is not able to change his own heart, but the Holy Spirit, through his obedience to the truth, sanctifies the soul.

The good heart does not mean a heart without sin; for the gospel is to be preached to the lost. Jesus says, "I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." The convicted sinner sees himself a transgressor in the great moral mirror, God's holy law. He looks upon the Saviour, upon the cross of Calvary, and asks why this great sacrifice was made; and the cross points to the holy law of God, which has been transgressed. It was to save the transgressor from ruin that he who was co-equal with God, offered up his life on Calvary. "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." The law has no power to pardon the evil-doer; but Jesus has taken the sins of the transgressor upon himself, and as a sinner exercises faith in him as his sacrifice, Christ imputes his own righteousness to the guilty one. There has been but one way of salvation since the days of Adam. "There is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." We have no reason to fear while we are looking to Jesus, believing that he is able to save all who come unto him.

As the result of active faith in Christ, we are brought into the moral warfare with the world, the flesh, and the Devil. If we undertake this warfare in our own wisdom, our human ability, we shall certainly be overcome; but if we exercise living faith in Jesus, and practice godliness, we shall understand what it means to be sanctified through the truth, and we shall not be overcome in the conflict, for heavenly angels encamp around about us. Christ is the Captain of our salvation. He it is who strengthens his followers for the moral conflict which they are pledged to undertake.

But if the love of the world, if self-esteem, or any defiling thoughts or actions, obtain the victory over us, then shall we lose confidence in Jesus, or in ourselves? Is it because Jesus failed us, and did not supply us with his grace?--No; it is because we did not do what the Lord has told us to do, Watch unto prayer; "Pray always;" Pray without ceasing." How can your soul be in health, when you shut yourself away from prayer, and have no connection with Christ, the source of all spiritual light and life and power? We must have a constant connection with Christ; for he is our sustenance. He is that bread which came down from heaven. Then let us be doers of his word, and we shall have spiritual life and power. We must place ourselves often before God as suppliants, because prayer brings the soul into immediate contact with God through Jesus Christ. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. If a Christian fails, it is because he does not obey the orders of his Captain. He is off guard; he is not Christ-like. It will work disaster to the soul to neglect prayer; for you will be led to yield carelessly to temptation. But if you do yield, do not therefore cast away your confidence in God; lose confidence in yourself, and press closer to the side of Christ.

Christ is not to be charged with the results of the negligence and indecision of man. He who gave his life to save fallen man, appreciates the value of the soul. He will never fail of doing his part, nor become discouraged. He will never leave the erring one, tempted and tried in the conflict. "My grace is sufficient for thee." "God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able." "He weighs and measures every trial before he permits it to come.

God can never be charged as unjust because he does not send assistance to men; but on the part of the one assailed by temptation there is a negligence to appropriate the freely offered aid. If they had trusted Christ, he would have proved an all-sufficient Saviour, and it is through conflict that the spiritual life is strengthened. We are not left alone, but we are to seek help where it will surely be found.

The opposition we meet may prove a benefit to us in many ways. If it is well borne, it will develop virtues which would never have appeared if the Christian had nothing to endure. And faith, patience, forbearance, heavenly mindedness, trust in Providence, and genuine sympathy with the erring, are the results of trial well borne. These are the graces of the Spirit, which bud, blossom, and bear fruit amid trials and adversity. Meekness, humility, and love always grow on the Christian tree. If the word is received into good and honest hearts, the obdurate soul will be subdued, and faith, grasping the promises, and relying upon Jesus, will prove triumphant. "This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith."

He who opens the Scriptures, and feeds upon the heavenly manna, becomes a partaker of the divine nature. He has no life or experience apart from Christ. He hears the voice of God speaking from heaven, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." That voice is assurance to him that he is accepted in the Beloved. And he knows that in character he must be like him with whom God is well pleased. God has fully accepted Christ as our substitute, our surety; then let every one who names the name of Christ depart from all iniquity, and be one with Christ in character, that Jesus may not be ashamed to call us brethren. He in whom we trust has proved himself a present help in every time of need; and as we dwell with him, we grow more and more into his image. "We all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image, from glory to glory [which means from character to character], even as by the Spirit of the Lord." "For God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ."

If we bear much fruit to the glory of God, our souls must be absorbed in meditating upon the glorious truths of the word of God. "It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life."

The Privilege of the Follower of Christ

Text.--"For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end." Eph. 3: 14-21.

From this scripture we are to understand what is the privilege of every follower of Christ. Our standard has been too low; our expectations have been too limited. We must make our aims higher than we have made them in the past; for it is possible for us to be filled with all the fullness of God, to have Christ abiding in our hearts by faith. Christ has died for us, and we are not to think that we are of no value before the Lord; for the cross of Calvary reveals the fact that we are valued by the infinite sufferings of the Son of God. As we have been purchased by the blood of Christ, should we not search the word of God that we may know what are our privileges, and by faith lay hold of unseen realities? We should understand our relation to God and his relation to us. The Lord declares that if we will come out and be separate, and touch not the unclean, he will receive us, and be a father unto us, and we shall be his sons and his daughters. Again and again Paul addresses the people of God as "dear children," as "obedient children." This is the test of our relation to God: Do we render obedience to him? Do we manifest his Spirit in our lives? Can we perceive the difference between the sacred and the common? Our religion is to be carried into our home, into our business, into all the affairs of life. The heart is not to be so engaged in worldly matters that we cannot appreciate eternal things.

Those who have a healthy experience in the Christian life, will be better fitted for their duties in business life, for their responsibilities in the home and in the church, than if they were but half-hearted followers of Christ. The Saviour has said: "Ye cannot serve God and mammon." We are to strive, to agonize, to enter in at the strait gate; for many shall seek to enter in, and shall not be able. It will take something more than mere seeking to enter in at the strait gate; for the gate to death is wide, and the road broad, and easy of access, and many there be that go in thereat. If we would enter in at the strait gate, we must be partakers of the sufferings of Christ. We must know what it is to practice self-denial, that we may come into sympathy with the Father and Son. Jesus said: "This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent."

As Jesus looked upon the world, he saw such misapprehension of the character of God, such darkness covering the earth, and gross darkness the people, that his heart was drawn out in compassion for mankind. "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Jesus came to plant the cross between heaven and earth, between divinity and humanity. There he offered himself to God as a lamb without blemish, a spotless sacrifice for the sins of men. What means it that the divine Victim hangs there in dying agony?--It means that not one jot or tittle of the law could be set aside to save the transgressor of law, for whom Christ became substitute and surety. Christ consented to become man's sacrifice on Calvary's cross, and in him divine justice and mercy met together, so that God could pardon the transgressor, and vindicate his justice, and uphold his throne in righteousness.

It is by beholding Christ upon the cross of Calvary that the sinner is drawn to his Saviour; and as he realizes that Christ has died for him, his heart is melted into contrition and tenderness. He repents toward God because he has transgressed the divine law, and he has faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ as his substitute and surety.

This is the work that is before every soul who has transgressed the law of God,--repentance toward God for breaking his commandments, which has caused the death of his Son, and faith toward him who imputeth his righteousness unto us. But there is a great misapprehension in regard to what is genuine faith. It is not a mere intellectual assent to truth, or a nominal acceptance of the fact that Christ has died for the salvation of men. Genuine faith works by love, and purifies the soul. There are some who declare that all we have to do is to believe in Jesus, and they think it makes no difference if we trample upon the divine precepts. These statements show that this class do not understand the fundamental principles of the plan of salvation. Genuine faith in Christ will not lead a man to transgress the law; for Christ is not a minister of sin.

When the angel announced the birth of Christ to Mary, he said: "Thou shalt call his name Jesus, for he shall save his people from their sins." When John called the attention of his followers to Jesus, he exclaimed, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world."

The only definition the Bible gives of sin is that it is "the transgression of the law." While we are to repent toward God for the transgression of the law, we are not to look to the law for remission of sins, or for justification. Neither are we to imagine that repentance for past sin will be all-sufficient; for in order to be saved, we must have faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. When we accept Christ as our sacrifice, our substitute, our righteousness, then we behold the Father in a different light from that in which too many have regarded him in the past. We have blamed the Father for our sufferings. In ignorance and blindness to his infinite love, our hearts have been full of murmuring toward him; for the enemy had cast his shadow athwart our pathway, and clothed God with his own satanic character. But Christ came to reveal the Father, to roll back the shadow that Satan had cast over humanity, that men might behold God clothed in the divine attributes of his nature.

Our Saviour does not promise that those who follow him shall have no difficulties. Satan will continually seek to misrepresent God to every mind. The apostle says, "Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the Devil. For 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 take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." Satan would make the Christian warfare as hard as possible for every one who is determined to follow Christ; for it is his purpose to fasten every soul in deception.

Christ came to our world because he saw that it was impossible for man to overcome in his own behalf. He came to be the head of the church, to give his own life, that man might have everlasting life. He withstood all the temptations and devices of the enemy, and step by step passed over the ground where Adam fell, and redeemed his disgraceful failure. He was tempted in all points like as we are, yet without sin. Satan was on his track at every step, and in the wilderness he assailed him with the three leading temptations with which man is overcome,--appetite, presumption, and ambition. All over the world we see how appetite has controlled the reason, and beclouded the perceptions of men, and has taken the foundation from the character. Through the indulgence of appetite, men have come to a position where it is impossible for them to discern the light of God. The world is full of the wrecks of humanity because of indulgence of appetite. After Jesus had endured a fast of forty days, the tempter came to him, and said: "If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread. And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That men shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God."

We are not to be presumptuous, and place ourselves in the way of temptation, trusting that God will deliver us from the power of the enemy. When the tempter came to Christ to lead him to presumption, he came quoting the Scripture. "And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God." If we are in the path of duty, if we are in the place where the angels of God can have charge over us, we may expect to be kept in all our ways; for God will be our helper; but if we rush into danger, following our own feeble judgment, and led by our own desires, we shall get into sorrow and difficulty. If we persist in presumption, we cannot expect that God will deliver us; for we are not following in the footsteps of Jesus. We must follow our Lord, just as trained soldiers follow their leader.

When Satan failed to induce Christ to act presumptuously, he took him to a high eminence, and "showed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the Devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them; for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will, I give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine." Satan had come to Christ, saying, "If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread," and now Jesus gave him evidence of his divinity. He rebuked the enemy. Divinity flashed through humanity, and Jesus said: "Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve." Are we doing this? Are we worshiping the Lord in spirit and in truth? Everything is to be held in subordination to the service of God. The temptation is presented to us from every side to serve ourselves, to serve the world, to serve Satan; but we are to overcome as Christ also overcame.

The Privilege of the Follower of Christ (Continued)

"And the Devil, taking him up into a high mountain, showed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the Devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will, I give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine." How many are listening to this temptation to-day! How many are ambitious, desirous of honor and power, that they may be exalted in the eyes of the world! How many are aspiring to be something great and high, ever reaching forward, restless and unreconciled to their lot, while neglecting the very things which God has given them to do! They do not see the importance of making their home a happy one. They do not see the necessity of performing those things that will make their lives efficient for good. They neglect what they call "the little things;" for they do not realize that there is nothing unimportant or insignificant. God calls upon men to be faithful in little things. There is no excuse for unfaithfulness. We should be true to principle in carrying forward the work God has put into our hands.

I want to tell the children how they may be faithful as Christ would have them to be. They can have his approving smile by being obedient and respectful to father and mother. Children, you are under the eye of Christ, and he is watching you to see if in the future he can intrust to you sacred responsibilities. Do not be satisfied to do superficial work, or to work as an eye-servant, simply busying yourself because some one is watching you; work as a servant of God, and be faithful wherever you are, when God alone knows what you are doing.

Parents, your first work for your children should be to teach them that God will not accept superficial work. Teach them concerning the great sacrifice that Jesus has made in their behalf, in order that they might be happy in the mansions which he has gone to prepare for those who love him. Satan is at work to ruin our youth in every institution that we have, by leading them to do superficial work. O that we all might understand that we cannot afford to do surface work; for it will entail upon us loss in this life and in that which is to come. Paul instructed Timothy in that in which all our youth should be instructed. He said: "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed." "Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ."

We should seek to have others understand all that we understand, and not be envious when others excel us, but rather rejoice that the best of talent can be brought into the service of God. Your first duty is to yield your powers to God, that he may use you in his service, but you are not to yield to the temptations of the evil one, and aspire for high position, and the honor of the world.

The work of overcoming is in our hands, but we are not to overcome in our own name or strength; for of ourselves we cannot keep the commandments of God. The Spirit of God must help our infirmities. Christ has become our sacrifice and surety. He has become sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in him. Through faith in his name, he imputes unto us his righteousness, and it becomes a living principle in our life. The apostle shows unto us what is the privilege of the Christian. He says, "I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ . . . that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God." Christ imputes to us his sinless character, and presents us to the Father in his own purity. There are many who think that it is impossible to escape from the power of sin, but the promise is that we may be filled with all the fullness of God. We aim too low. The mark is much higher. Our minds need expansion, that we may comprehend the significance of the provision of God. We are to reflect the highest attributes of the character of God. We should be thankful of that we are not to be left to ourselves. The law of God is the exalted standard to which we are to attain through the imputed righteousness of Christ. We are not to walk according to our own ideas, and present before others in our example a human standard which they will follow; but we are to follow in the footsteps of Christ, and make straight paths for our feet, lest the lame be turned out of the way. We are to keep the commandments and live.

Jesus suffered the full penalty of sin. On Calvary's cross the weight of the sins of the world rested upon his soul. He received in his bosom the arrow of lost humanity. Have you followed him in the garden of Gethsemane? Have you seen the bloody sweat bedew the ground? Have you heard the anguished prayer he offered to heaven, "O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt"? Three times was this petition offered to heaven, but the cup was not removed. The destiny of a lost world trembled in the balance, but Jesus decided to drink the bitter cup to the very dregs.

During the Master's agony of soul, the disciples slept. Again and again he came to them, desiring even the sympathy that humanity could have given him, but he had to tread the winepress alone, and of the people there was none with him. When the bitter hour was over, he waked his followers and said: "Behold the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me. And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people." "Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye? They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them. As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground." Divinity flashed through humanity, and the soldiers were powerless before him. Had he spoken the word, twelve legions of angels would have come to his defense, and delivered him from his foes, and every one of that cruel company would have been destroyed at his word. But no, he had come to save man, and at any cost he would carry out his purpose. He permitted them to take him and drag him away as they would have taken any common criminal. They brought him to the judgment-hall, and his disciples all forsook him and fled. Peter had declared, "Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death." But now Peter followed afar off, and when he ventured into the hall, and a maid said: "This man was also with him," he denied him, saying, "Woman, I know him not. And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not. And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him; for he is a Galilean." It was then that with cursing and swearing, Peter denied his Lord. How this cut to the heart of Jesus! There was the Man of sorrows, surrounded by his enemies, accused by false witnesses, buffeted and insulted by the mob, but the denial of Peter cut deeper than all the mockings of his foes.

To see how his disciple would sacrifice his integrity, and deny his Master, wounded the heart of Jesus. Then the Lord turned, and looked on Peter with a look of pitying compassion mingled with grief, and that look broke Peter's heart. He remembered what Jesus had said to him, that before the cock should crow he would deny him thrice, and he went our from the judgment-hall in shame and grief. He hurried to the garden of Gethsemane, and prostrated himself on the very spot where Jesus had prayed in agony, where the bloody sweat had bedewed the soil, and there he wept bitterly. Jesus saw the anguish of his heart, and forgave Peter for his sin. Thus it is whenever a sinner draws nigh to God in repentance and contrition of soul, Jesus draws nigh to him; for when a soul repents, it is an evidence that Jesus is drawing him to himself.

It was in man's behalf that Jesus suffered, taking the steps of humiliation from the throne of glory to the cross of shame. When Jesus was brought before the Roman ruler, Pilate examined him, and said: "I find in him no fault at all." And he would have released him, but he feared for his life. The follower of Christ must reach a point where he would rather sacrifice his life than betray the cause of Christ. Jesus said: "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it." Satan and his angels are at work influencing the children of disobedience to bring about a state of affairs which will place the follower of Christ in positions of peril, where his fidelity will be tested to the utmost.

Although Pilate pronounced Jesus innocent, he scourged him and sent him to Herod. Jesus was mocked and insulted, robed in purple, and crowned with thorns, and the soldiers bowed to him in mock homage, and said: "Hail, King of the Jews!" O, what a spectacle for the universe to behold! O what a scene for those who kept the commandments of God! And yet it was necessary that Satan should manifest his enmity toward the Son of God, in order that the real character of the evil one might be understood, and that he might be uprooted from the affection of men and angels. When Jesus died on Calvary, men and angels beheld the malignity of Satan, and the love of God for a fallen world. On this atom of a world the great controversy between Christ and Satan is waged, but Christ is conqueror. In his name and through his strength, his followers obtain the victory. ( Concluded next week .)

The Privilege of the Follower of Christ (Concluded)

Christ is our example. In his life on earth he withstood the temptations of the enemy; for he was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. No man will ever be called upon to endure what Jesus had to endure. No man will ever have occasion to cry out, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" Jesus endured the hiding of his Father's face, that God might never have to forsake the children of earth, unless they deliberately turned from him. In the light of the cross of Calvary, I ask you if you cannot see why the transgressor cannot escape the penalty of the broken law. Death is the wages of sin, and the law cannot be changed in the least to make a way of escape for its transgressor. The anguish of Christ on Calvary's cross speaks louder than any argument that can be presented, to prove the immutability of the law. But Jesus bore the penalty of the law, and tasted death for every man. But the tomb could not hold him. Three days after his crucifixion, the mighty angels of heaven parted the darkness from their track, and rolled the stone from the sepulcher. The seal of the government was broken, and the Roman guards placed there to keep the tomb from all disturbance, lest the disciples might come and steal away the body of Jesus, fell to the earth as dead. The angel of the Lord appeared, whose countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow, and for fear of him, the keepers did quake, and became as dead men. Christ came forth from the tomb a mighty conqueror over death and the grave, and he ascended up on high, there to intercede for us as a merciful and faithful high priest, who is touched with the feeling of our infirmities.

We are not to enter heaven without trial. Jesus has told us that we must strive, agonize, to enter in at the strait gate. We are to wage a continual warfare against principalities and powers, and spiritual wickedness in high places, against the ruler of the darkness of this world. But Jesus knows the plan of the battle, and he comforts us with the assurance that he is at our right hand, that we shall not be moved. He says, "Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." The angels of God are all about us. "Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister to those who shall be heirs of salvation?"

Christ is the ladder that Jacob saw, on which descended and ascended the angels of God, while the glory of God illuminated every round of the ladder from the highest heaven to the earth. Christ spanned the gulf that separated man from God, and earth from heaven, and he is working continually in our behalf, and individually we are to co-operate with him and with the heavenly intelligences. But Christ can do nothing for us without our co-operation, and we can do nothing without him. Satan and his angels are at war with us, and they will be at war with us to the end of the world, and Jesus has told us, "Without me ye can do nothing." This is the lesson that Christ has been teaching his children through all ages, and in every generation. When Joshua went forth in the morning before the taking of Jericho, there appeared before him a warrior fully equipped for battle. And Joshua asked, "Art thou for us, or for our adversaries?" and he answered, "As Captain of the host of the Lord am I now come." If the eyes of Joshua had been opened as were the eyes of the servant of Elisha at Dothan, and he could have endured the sight, he would have seen the angels of the Lord encamped about the children of Israel; for the trained army of heaven had come to fight for the people of God, and the Captain of the Lord's hosts was there to command. When Jericho fell, no human hand touched the walls of the city, for the angels of the Lord overthrew the fortifications, and entered the fortress of the enemy. It was not Israel, but the Captain of the Lord's host that took Jericho. But Israel had their part to act to show their faith in the Captain of their salvation.

Battles are to be fought every day. A great warfare is going on over every soul, between the prince of darkness and the Prince of life. There is a great battle to be fought, that the inhabitants of the world may be warned of the great day of the Lord, that the strongholds of the enemy may be entered, and that all who love the Lord may be gathered under the blood-stained banner of Prince Emmanuel, but you are not to do the main fighting here. As God's agents you are to yield yourselves to him, that he may plan and direct and fight the battle for you, with your co-operation. The Prince of life is at the head of his work. He is to be with you in your daily battle with self, that you may be true to principle; that passion, when warring for the mastery, may be subdued by the grace of Christ; that you come off more than conqueror through Him that hath loved us. Jesus has been over the ground. He knows the power of every temptation. He knows just how to meet every emergency, and how to guide you through every path of danger. Then why not trust him? Why not commit the keeping of your soul unto God, as unto a faithful Creator?

Do not think that you can be careless and reckless, and neglect so great salvation, and not suffer loss, eternal loss. It took the life-blood of the Son of the infinite God to make a way of escape for the sinner, and can God save you in your sins? Christ came to save you from your sins. In view of the sufferings of the Son of God, what will be the result of the neglect of so great salvation? The Father gave all heaven to man in that one gift. He has made it manifest that he has done all that is possible to do, all that a God can do, that you might be saved, that you might have an inheritance with the saints in light. Election is just what the Bible has described it to be. "Whosoever will, let him take of the water of life freely." "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved." If you will but yield your own way, and surrender yourself to Christ, how pitiful will he be to you. Read the parable of the prodigal son, if you would see the mercy of God toward the repenting sinner. Like the prodigal son, the sinner has taken God's good gifts, and has wasted them on the gratification of self, used them for the indulgence in sin. When the sinner awakes to his true condition, he sees that he has spent his all for that which is worthless, and that he is lost and undone. He says, "I will arise and go to my father." I will tell him how unworthy I am, how I am no more worthy to be called his son. I will ask him to make me as one of his hired servants. The prodigal did just as he said he would. He went to his father just as he was; for he could do no other way. His garments were in rags and tatters, but his father did not turn from him. While he was still a great way off, the father sees him, and goes to meet him. Before his repenting child can utter a word of confession, the father has forgiven him. He embraces him, he weeps upon his neck. Does he think of carrying out his son's request as he sobs out his repentant story?--No, he takes him to his home. He puts upon him the best robe. He puts a ring upon his finger, and makes a feast, and calls in the neighbors to rejoice with him; for he says, "This my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found."

This is the way that God deals with the sinner. O, I would that we had hearts of flesh to feel for those who know nothing of the pardoning love of God! O that we were baptized with the Holy Spirit, that we might know how to work for the Master! How many come before the congregation and offer up long, tedious prayers that weary the people, and do not bring the blessing of God upon them. Keep your long prayers for the closet; and when you come to the meeting, present your request before God in a simple, direct way. Let your words be the expression of the need of the hour; for God has said: "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you."

We want the light of the glory of God to shine upon us. Paul says, "For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." It is the Father who "so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." "Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named." The family is named after the Father. Those who enter the heavenly mansions will have the name of the Father and the name of the city of God written in their foreheads. They will bear the divine superscription, and be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruptions that are in the world through lust.

"That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man." Why is it that so many who profess to have faith in Christ, have no strength to stand against the temptations of the enemy?--It is because they are not strengthened with might by the Spirit in the inner man. The apostle prays "that ye being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God." If we had this experience, we should know something of the cross of Calvary. We should know what it means to be a partaker with Christ in his sufferings. The love of Christ would constrain you, and though you would not be able to explain how the love of Christ warmed your heart, you would manifest his love in fervent devotion to his cause. The love of Christ passeth knowledge; human language cannot express its depth. It is the privilege of the children of God to be filled with all the fullness of God. "Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end."

From this scripture we are to understand what is the privilege of every follower of Christ. Our standard has been too low, and may the Lord help us that we may come as we are, and learn of his righteousness, that through his power we may be enabled to keep the commandments of God. As you seek to come to Jesus, Satan will point to your filthy garments that have been defiled with sin, and tell you that you are a sinner and unworthy of the favor of God. You will have to acknowledge that you have transgressed the law of God. You will have to say, "I know that I am a sinner, but I repent of my sins. I come to Christ because he has said: 'I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.' I came because he has said: 'Come unto me, all ye that labor.'" Do you want anything broader than that? "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."

When Satan assails you with doubt and temptation, point him to Calvary; for he cannot stand before the weighty argument of the cross. Take the yoke of Jesus, and learn of him; for he is meek and lowly of heart. Temptations and trials will come upon the Christian; but you need not be discouraged and lose your faith. The apostle says, "That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: whom having not seen, ye love: in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory."

We cannot provide a robe of righteousness for ourselves, for the prophet says, "All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags." There is nothing in us from which we can clothe the soul so that its nakedness shall not appear. We are to receive the robe of righteousness woven in the loom of heaven, even the spotless robe of Christ's righteousness. We are to say, "He died for me." He bore my soul's disgrace, that in his name I might be an overcomer, and be exalted to his throne. Tell of his power, sing of his matchless love. In every trial he will be near you, and will give grace and power according to your need.

We are to be co-laborers with Christ, and we are to be continually working to extend the knowledge of the gospel. We are to be liberal with our means, that the cause of the Master may be advanced. We should seek to economize, that we may extend the message of truth, and send the tidings to those who know not God, and are without hope in the world, that they may be turned from error and iniquity unto truth and righteousness. O, let us seek to be co-laborers with the Master. There are souls all through Australia and the islands of the sea, who in the sight of God are just as precious as are your souls, and if they had an opportunity, they would accept the light as readily as you have accepted it.

O, may the love of God inspire our hearts! Let the Holy Spirit enkindle in our hearts a flame of sacred devotion, that we may go forth to work in the vineyard of the Lord. Then we shall wear the victor's crown. Then we shall see him as he is, and hear at last the benediction, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant: . . . enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."

Search the Scriptures

Christ has said: "Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life; and they are they which testify of me." The duty of searching the Scriptures is enjoined upon every son and daughter of Adam. Jesus says, "And they are they which testify of me." The Father was revealed in the Son, and in studying Christ we shall learn of the Father. Then let us come to search the word of God with softened, subdued hearts, and read the testimony concerning our Lord and Master. Shall we not with intense interest seek to catch his spirit, copy his example, and breathe in the atmosphere of his presence, which is light and love? How eagerly should we study every lesson that fell from his divine lips! How we should cherish his instruction! How ardently we should seek to imitate his character and life, and press on to know more and more of the heavenly truths he taught. If we would but practice the truths he has given, we should perfect an experience that would be of the highest value to us, and to the world.

Jesus presented new views of truth to his disciples, and how much deeper was the meaning of his utterances than the meaning of any lesson ever taught by human lips! "God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory."

How shall we search the Scriptures? Shall we drive our stakes of doctrine one after another, and then try to make all Scripture meet our established opinions, or shall we take our ideas and views to the Scriptures, and measure our theories on every side by the Scriptures of truth? Many who read and even teach the Bible, do not comprehend the precious truth they are teaching or studying. Men entertain errors, when the truth is clearly marked out, and if they would but bring their doctrines to the word of God, and not read the word of God in the light of their doctrines, to prove their ideas right, they would not walk in darkness and blindness, or cherish error. Many give the words of Scripture a meaning that suits their own opinions, and they mislead themselves and deceive others by their misinterpretations of God's word. As we take up the study of God's word, we should do so with humble hearts. All selfishness, all love of originality, should be laid aside. Long-cherished opinions must not be regarded as infallible. It was the unwillingness of the Jews to give up their long established traditions that proved their ruin. They were determined not to see any flaw in their own opinions or in their expositions of the Scriptures; but however long men may have entertained certain views, if they are not clearly sustained by the written word, they should be discarded.

Those who sincerely desire truth will not be reluctant to lay open their positions for investigation and criticism, and will not be annoyed if their opinions and ideas are crossed. This was the spirit cherished among us forty years ago. We would come together burdened in soul, praying that we might be one in faith and doctrine; for we knew that Christ is not divided. One point at a time was made the subject of investigation. Solemnity characterized these councils of investigation. The Scriptures were opened with a sense of awe. Often we fasted, that we might be better fitted to understand the truth. After earnest prayer, if any point was not understood, it was discussed, and each one expressed his opinion freely; then we would again bow in prayer, and earnest supplications went up to heaven that God would help us to see eye to eye, that we might be one, as Christ and the Father are one. Many tears were shed. If one brother rebuked another for his dullness of comprehension in not understanding a passage as he understood it, the one rebuked would afterward take his brother by the hand, and say, "Let us not grieve the Holy Spirit of God. Jesus is with us; let us keep a humble and teachable spirit;" and the brother addressed would say, "Forgive me, brother, I have done you an injustice." Then we would bow down in another season of prayer. We spent many hours in this way. We did not generally study together more than four hours at a time, yet sometimes the entire night was spent in solemn investigation of the Scriptures, that we might understand the truth for our time. On some occasions the Spirit of God would come upon me, and difficult portions were made clear through God's appointed way, and then there was perfect harmony. We were all of one mind and one Spirit.

We sought most earnestly that the Scriptures should not be wrested to suit any man's opinions. We tried to make our differences as slight as possible by not dwelling on points that were of minor importance, upon which there were varying opinions. But the burden of every soul was to bring about a condition among the brethren which would answer the prayer of Christ that his disciples might be one as he and the Father are one. Sometimes one or two of the brethren would stubbornly set themselves against the view presented, and would act out the natural feelings of the heart; but when this disposition appeared, we suspended our investigations and adjourned our meeting, that each one might have an opportunity to go to God in prayer, and without conversation with others, study the point of difference, asking light from heaven. With expressions of friendliness we parted, to meet again as soon as possible for further investigation. At times the power of God came upon us in a marked manner, and when clear light revealed the points of truth, we would weep and rejoice together. We loved Jesus; we loved one another.

In those days God wrought for us, and the truth was precious to our souls. It is necessary that our unity to-day be of a character that will bear the test of trial. We are in the school of the Master here, that we may be trained for the school above. We must learn to bear disappointment in a Christ-like manner, and the lesson taught by this will be of great importance to us.

We have many lessons to learn, and many, many to unlearn. God and heaven alone are infallible. Those who think that they will never have to give up a cherished view, never have occasion to change an opinion, will be disappointed. As long as we hold to our own ideas and opinions with determined persistency, we cannot have the unity for which Christ prayed.

Could those who are self-sufficient see how the universe of God regards them; could they see themselves as God sees them; they would behold such weakness, such manifest want of wisdom, that they would cry to the Lord to be their righteousness; they would want to hide from his sight. The apostle says, "Ye are not your own. For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." When our schemes and our plans have been broken; when men who have depended upon our judgment conclude the Lord would lead them to act and judge for themselves, we should not feel like censuring, and like exercising arbitrary authority to compel them to receive our ideas. Those who are placed in authority should constantly cultivate self-control. I am thankful that God is a wise ruler, and every one who is a true disciple of Christ will be humble, lift his cross, and meekly follow where the self-denying, self-sacrificing Jesus leads the way. Disappointment may prove to be the greatest of blessings to us. We must learn that others have rights as well as we have, and when any of our brethren receive new light upon the Scriptures, he should frankly explain his position, and every minister should search the Scriptures with the spirit of candor to see if the points presented on a new subject can be substantiated by the inspired word. "The servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient; in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth." Every soul must look to God with contrition and humility, that God may guide and lead and bless. We must not trust to others to search the Scriptures for us. Some of our leading brethren have frequently taken positions on the wrong side, and if God would send a message and wait for these older brethren to open the way for its advance, it would never reach the people. These brethren will be found in this position until they become partakers of the divine nature to a greater extent than ever they have been in the past. There is sadness in heaven over the spiritual blindness of many of our brethren. Our younger ministers who fill less important positions must make decided efforts to come to the light, to sink the shaft deeper and still deeper into the mine of truth.

The rebuke of the Lord will be upon those who would be guardians of the doctrine, who would bar the way that greater light shall not come to the people. A great work is to be done, and God sees that our leading men have need of greater light, that they may unite with the messengers whom he shall send harmoniously to accomplish the work that he designs they should. The Lord has raised up messengers and endued them with his Spirit, and has said, "Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins." Let no one run the risk of interposing himself between the people and the message of heaven. The message of God will come to the people; and if there were no voice among men to give it, the very stones would cry out. I call upon every minister to seek the Lord, to put away pride, to put away strife after supremacy, and humble the heart before God. It is the coldness of heart, the unbelief of those who ought to have faith, that keeps the churches in feebleness.

I would rejoice with all my heart to see all who have been connected with the work, take their places to hold high the banner of Jesus, that when their work shall be done, they may say as did Paul, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."

Judge Not, That Ye Be Not Judged

"Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye, and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye."

The lesson contained in these words is of solemn import, and it is to be carefully considered. The law of the divine government is that each one has the power of being the arbiter of his own destiny. What we do to others shall be done unto us again. Therefore we should be careful how we treat one another. We ever reap as we have sown, receiving back to ourselves what we have done to God and to our fellow-beings. In this life we are on probation, placed under test and trial to form characters for the future, immortal life. Through the provision of the grace of Christ, fallen man, debased and corrupted, may be transformed into the divine likeness. The lesson that Christ gave in the words we have quoted, was to counteract the influence of the former, erroneous teachings of the Jews. "Judge not, that ye be not judged." In these words Christ presented before them a lesson that was to be brought into daily life to brighten their hopes, and to encourage their confidence in the Lord. The question is asked, What does God require of us? As transgressors of the law, justice condemns us as hopelessly ruined; but through the mercy of Christ, through repentance of sin, man, the enemy of God, may be forgiven and transformed into the divine image. And since it has cost an infinite price to redeem us, how can we presume to condemn others? Jesus says, "Why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?" In these words, Jesus has represented one who is filled with self-righteousness. He is swift to detect any seeming defect in others, but in comparison to his own errors and faults, the defect he presumed to criticise is represented as a mote compared with a beam. To such a one Jesus says, "Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye."

In the days of Christ just such plain reproofs were given, and in this age we need the same straightforward reproof. When Christ came into the world, it was filled with criticism and condemnation of others, and Jesus revealed the sure result of such a course. The same results are manifest to-day. Those who have the greatest need to examine themselves whether they be in the faith, are most forward to pronounce sentence of evil against their brethren. Those who are accusers of the brethren are recipients of God's mercy and compassion, are every moment dependent upon his care and benevolence, and yet they are unmerciful to others, making it manifest that they have not allowed the truth to purify, refine, and sanctify them. Our characters are not to be weighed by smooth words and fair speeches manufactured for set times and occasions; but by the spirit and trend of the whole life. The unkind man, the critic, the one who is full of self-conceit, deceives his own soul, though claiming to be a clear discerner of the defects of others. He who has a disposition to find fault, to be suspicious, to surmise, think and speak evil, has so cultivated this attribute of the evil one that the good qualities of his brethren and sisters in the church do not arrest his attention. If he thinks he has discovered a flaw in the character, a mistake in the life, he is very officious to aim at the mote, when the very trait of character which he has overlooked in himself, which is developed in doing this unchristlike work, is, in comparison to what he criticises, when weighed in the golden balances of heaven as a beam in proportion to a mote.

Ungenerous, unchristian expressions of judgment, of criticism, of condemnation of others, if not repented of, will sink the soul in ruin. The piety of the man who thus condemns others, is measured by the hidden motives, the secret plans and plottings of evil against those with whom he is at enmity. The value of his conduct, the real influence of his life, is summed up as wanting by the Lord of heaven, who reads the secrets of every soul. That spoken in the ear, in the closet, will be proclaimed upon the housetop. No man can fully know the measure of the good or evil of his course of action, because the Lord holds in his own hands the consequences of our deeds. The Lord permits circumstances to arise that will bring into notice the good qualities of one who is suspected of wrong. The Lord will permit persons to pass through strait places, where the surroundings will work to develop the traits of character that are condemned by Christ. The evil work that evil workers intended to do will not to bring about the results they had designed; for the Lord will manage the matter so that good will be brought out of evil. But no credit or reward will be given to him who purposed to do harm to the purchase of the blood of Christ, even though good resulted from his plottings of evil. The Lord set counter-agencies to work to preserve his people from being deceived and injured.

Unless the truth sanctifies the soul, hereditary and cultivated traits of character will develop, and we shall be seeking for spots and blemishes in others; but our measuring and judgment will correspond to our own prejudices, to our human likes and dislikes. In dealing with brethren that reveal a hard, critical, accusing spirit, we should manifest the Spirit of Christ, that they may behold and become changed. Without a connection with God, self and self-uplifting will appear. Day by day, hour by hour, we must weave heavenly principles into our life, praying God that he will bestow his Holy Spirit upon us; for it is the Holy Spirit alone that can purify the affections, and uproot the tares that naturally grow in the heart. The love of God must abide in the soul, or man will fail to mete out to his fellowman that which God has meted out to him through his great love for his fallen creatures. Without the heavenly endowment of the Spirit of truth, we shall not be able to do that for which we shall not be ashamed. When we are brought to account by the Lord, we shall receive the very same measure we have meted to others, and eat the fruit of our own doings. Many work with intense activity to bring to light disagreeable matters concerning others, when, if the same criticism were brought upon their words and conduct, their faults in contrast with their brother's would be as a beam in proportion to a mote.

There is a great variety of ways of deceiving self; and one of the most ruinous ways to cripple our usefulness is to cultivate evil speaking and criticism of others. Those who have done this must be humble their hearts before God, and instead of denouncing others, must proclaim against themselves.

The apostle says, "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling: for it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." We fail to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling when we judge and condemn others; we manifest before the universe a spirit that will decide our destiny, and place us among the transgressors of God's law. We show our kinship with Satan, who was an accuser of the brethren. Through his deceptive power, he ever seeks to make error appear as truth, and you follow his example in magnifying the faults of your brethren, and by imagining that you see evil where none exists.

The has Lord graciously given man a time of probation in which to perfect a character for eternal life; but those who are selfish, those who exalt self by seeking to abase another, making the most of every mote and defect in his character, prove that there is a beam in their own eye which unfits them for an entrance into the abode of life. The principles of divine goodness must dwell in the heart, in order that pure, generous, kindly thoughts and actions shall be manifested in the life. Everything like secret working, like deception, like anxiety to discover a mote in our brother's eye, like officious effort to remove the mote when a beam is in our own eye, is abhorrent to God. Until the accuser discovers the evil of his own heart, and feels sincere repentance for his sin, and makes confession of his wrong, he can have no clear vision to pull the mote out of his brother's eye. It is easy to deceive ourselves, but we cannot deceive God, to whose ears smooth words and fair speeches, which are only pretensions to piety, are as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal. Unless the principles of heaven are in-wrought in the heart, all outward profession is pretension and deception. God measures every man's piety by the character of his motives. In the prayer of Christ for his disciples he utters these words: "They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; that they all may be one [not biting and devouring one another]; as thou, Father, art in me, and I thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me."

In these words the relation sustained toward God and toward one another is clearly defined. We are to be as one, and this sacred unity must be contemplated and cherished in the church of God, each one seeking to bring about the fulfillment of the prayer of Christ. We should banish all thoughts of evil against our brethren. If we imagine we see wrong in our brother, let us not judge him; let us not go to work secretly to make the mote appears as large as possible before others, depreciating our brother by secret whisperings when he knows nothing of our suspicious and evil thoughts. How cruel it is to judge, condemn, and pass sentence upon your brother when he has not the slightest suspicion that you are not his friend. It was in this secret manner that Satan carried on his work in heaven, and now through human agencies who submit to his control, he carries on the same hypocritical course of action.

If you think your brother or sister has made a mistake, go privately to the offender, "considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted," and in tenderness and sincerity talk with the one that you suspect. Christians are to carry out the instructions of Christ: "Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother." If you disregard the words of Christ, and walk in sparks of your own kindling, you will fail to work righteousness, and will come under the bewitching power of Satan. Let us reverently inquire, What does the Lord require of me in my relation to my brother? The plain words of instruction, the rules given to govern our conduct in the teachings of Christ, will confront us in the judgment, however much we may disregard them here.

Every day we are passing up our accounts to heaven. The spirit, the words, the actions of our daily life, are freighted with terrible significance; for they make it manifest whether we are preparing to be members of the family of God or members of the host of evil, who will be destroyed with Satan the root, and his followers the branches. By the secret influences of his Holy Spirit, again and again the Lord comes to us and presents to us the things which pertain to our eternal welfare; we must act according to the dictates of the heavenly voice if we would be fitted for the life that measures with the life of God. We must respond to the love of God by reflecting his love to the world.

Friendship With the World is Enmity With Christ

The reason why so little is accomplished to fulfill the words of the Lord's prayer. "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven," is that many of those whose names swell the church list, have never been joined to Christ; but they have so mingled with the world that their lives and characters are fashioned after the world's standard. In place of pointing heavenward, they are as sign-boards directing to the world. They are not in union with Christ as is the branch to the vine, although Jesus says, "Without me ye can do nothing."

Christ and the world are not in partnership. The apostle says, "Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." Conformity to the world will never be the means of converting the world to Christ. Christians must be entirely consecrated to God, if the church is to be efficient in its influence for good upon unbelievers. The slightest diversion from Christ is so much influence, power, and efficiency given to the enemy. The church was called into existence to counteract the influence of Satan; but as member after member of the church allows his ability and power to be diverted, one in one line and another in another line, connections are formed with the world, and the enemy of all righteousness triumphs. Almost imperceptibly the world's standard, the world's maxims and customs, are introduced into the church; and as these find room, the objectionable maxims and customs more boldly appear, and leaven the influence of the church; and Satan's devices are successful, just as he has designed they should be. In this way there is brought into the church a mixed company, a divided service. Many profess to love God, yet they are serving mammon, and bowing at worldly shrines. The world is brought into the church, but not through repentance, contrition, and conversion, but because church-members become wedded to the world; and this unholy union is the explanation of the weakness and inefficiency of the church. It is made manifest when church-members follow the maxims of the world, that spiritual discernment is gone. Where this union is preserved, contention, criticism, faultfinding, strife, and decided hatred one of another comes in among those who should be servants of Jesus Christ.

Those who profess to be followers of Christ, should be living agencies, co-operating with heavenly intelligences; but by union with the world, the character of God's people becomes tarnished, and through amalgamation with the corrupt, the fine gold becomes dim. When worldly agencies are introduced into the church, it is evident that Satan is carrying out his devices, working through those who profess to be followers of Christ, making them ready at any time to engage with him in disheartening and discouraging those who are faithful, who would stand wholly on the Lord's side.

The church should be the almoner for God to the world, but instead of this, when there is a union with the world, the members of the church practice robbery toward God, withholding from his cause talents of means, ability, and influence. When the church should be diffusing light in every direction, it is in darkness. When the servants of Christ should be drinking largely from the waters of life in order to impart to the world the knowledge of the healing fountain, they are drinking from broken cisterns that can hold no water. Those who profess to love God should let their light so shine before men, that they may see their good works, and glorify the Father who is in heaven.

The world needs missionaries, consecrated home missionaries, and no one will be registered in the books of heaven as a Christian, who has not a missionary spirit. But we can do nothing without sanctified energy. Just as soon as the missionary spirit is lost from the heart, and zeal for the cause of God begins to wane, the burden of our testimonies and plans is a cry for prudence and economy, and real backsliding begins in the missionary work. Instead of diminishing the work, let all the councils be conducted in such a manner that increased purpose may be manifested to carry forward the great work of warning the world, though it may cost self-denial and sacrifice. If every member of the church was constantly impressed with the thought, I am not my own, but have been bought with a price, each would feel that he is under the most sacred obligation to improve every ability given of God, to double his usefulness year by year, and have no excuse for spiritual negligence. Then there would be no lack of sympathy with the Master in the great work of saving souls. Who are there among us that with spiritual perception can discern the stirring conflict that is going on in the world between the forces of good and evil? Do you understand the nature of the great controversy between Christ, the Prince of life, and Satan, the prince of darkness? Does the conflict appear the same to you as it appears to the heavenly intelligences? O, if all who professed to be followers of Christ, were indeed living channels of light to the world, imbued by the Spirit of God, with hearts full to overflowing with the gospel message, with the very countenance beaming with devotion to God and love to man, what a work might be accomplished in a short time! The messengers of the truth would not speak with hesitation, with uncertainty, but with fearlessness and confidence. Their words, and the very tones of the voice would strike conviction to the hearts of the hearers.

Brethren and sisters, God calls upon you to enter the new fields opening before you, calling for laborers. Will you hear? Beneath the cross of Calvary will you consecrate yourselves, and take up the work with vigor and enthusiasm? In the work of saving souls the zeal of Christ consumed him; and it is only by recognizing our responsibilities as laborers together with God, that we become followers of Christ. Shall we give up self, and lift the cross, that we may be endued with the Spirit of Christ and enjoy the triumph of victorious overcomers?

If we would accomplish the great work before us, it is essential that we present to God fervent and effectual prayer; for it availeth much. The prayer needed at this time is the earnest, unbroken, continuous prayer, not fitful, uncertain prayers, wavering as the waves of the sea. If several should meet together with one accord, with hearts burdened for perishing souls, and should offer earnest, fervent prayers, they would prove effectual. Brethren, why not pray more in faith, in child-like simplicity, since our rightful place is at the very feet of God? There self is lost sight of, self is not exalted. There we acknowledge our entire dependence upon God, rendering the homage due unto his great name, which is expressed in the words of the Lord's prayer, "Hallowed be thy name." Act this sentiment out, act this truth, bring it into your practical life, and thus the soul will be drawn out after God, thus we shall be kept in active communion with the source of all grace and power. In all our councils, all our plans for the advancement of his cause, the upbuilding of his kingdom, God desires that we rely entirely upon his power, knowing that it is indispensable to success. How can we honor God, how can we vindicate his word, unless we are much in prayer, appealing to him to manifest his power in behalf of the perishing?

The world is full of projects to attract the people of God from their service to heaven. Men who claim to believe the truth accept propositions to advance the truth according to worldly methods; but our hope is in God, and we are to make this plain by importuning him for help, by refusing to be molded by the world's plan. We are to look to Jesus, showing to believers and unbelievers that our dependence is in God. It is at the throne of supplication that the pride of man is rebuked, and the honor and glory is rolled back to the Source of all power. We are to keep ourselves in a position of humble acknowledgment of God's unnumbered mercies, in a position of earnest supplication for his grace; for if we walk in the sparks of our kindling, we shall lie down in sorrow. As God's agents we are to pray more, to labor more, but not in self-sufficiency, supposing that we can go on in our finite strength and do the work that is required of us. He whom we serve is to be our efficiency, our stronghold in every time of trouble.

The Lord calls for laborers in his vineyard but let no minister think that a mere sermonizer is a laborer. He who ministers in the sacred desk must be a shepherd to the flock, or through his careless, sinful neglect, the weak and the diseased will be left to die. We are in need of the ministration of the tender Shepherd; for many are perishing for the lack of care. Paul writes concerning the gospel minister; "Whereof I am made a minister not a pulpit preacher, according to the dispensation 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 of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory; whom we preach and then consider our work ended?-No, no, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: whereunto I also labor, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily."

I have a message to those who labor in the ministry. The Lord is not pleased with the work you have given him, and he does not accept it at your hands, because you neglect the very part of the work that is most essential to the salvation of souls and to the health of the church. The minister is to be a shepherd. Our Redeemer is called the chief Shepherd. The apostle writes, "Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ." However lowly, however elevated we may be, whether we are in the shadow of adversity or in the sunshine of prosperity, we are his sheep, the flock of his pasture, and under the care of the chief Shepherd. But the chief Shepherd has his under-shepherds, whom he has delegated to care for his sheep and lambs. The great Shepherd never loses one from his care, is never indifferent even to the feeblest one of his flock. The beautiful parable that Christ gave of the one lost sheep, of the shepherd that left the ninety and nine to go in search of that which was lost, illustrates the care of the great Shepherd. He did not look carelessly over the sheep of the fold, and say, "I have ninety and nine, and it will cost me too much trouble to go in search of the straying one; let him come back, and I will open the door of the sheep-fold and let him in; but I cannot go after him." No; for no sooner does the sheep go astray than the countenance of the shepherd is filled with grief and anxiety. He counts and recounts the flock, and when he is certain that one sheep is lost, he slumbereth not. He leaves the ninety and nine within the fold; however dark and tempestuous the night, however perilous and unpleasant the way, however long and tedious the search, he does not weary, he does not falter, until the lost is found. But when it is found, does he act indifferently? Does he call the sheep, and command the straying one to follow him? Does he threaten and beat it, or drive it before him, recounting the bitterness and discomfiture and anxiety that he has had on its account? No; he lays the weary, exhausted, wandering sheep on his shoulder, and with cheerful gratitude that his search has not been in vain, he returns it to the fold. His gratitude finds expression in melodious songs of rejoicing, and heavenly choirs respond to the shepherd's note of joy. When the lost is found, heaven and earth unite in rejoicing and thanksgiving. For "joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance." Jesus says, "I am the good Shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine." Just as a shepherd of earth knows his sheep, so does the chief Shepherd know his flock that are scattered throughout the whole world. "Lift up your eyes and behold them that come from the north: where is the flock that was given thee, thy beautiful flock?" "And ye, my flock, the flock of my pasture, are men, and I am your God, saith the Lord God." "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood."

Address to Ministers

"Unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Be watchful and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee." "For our exhortation was not to deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloak of covetousness; God is witness: nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ. For we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children." "Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; and to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: to the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord."

"For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end."

The solemn work of the gospel minister is to make all men see "what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God." If one enters upon this work choosing the least self-sacrificing part of it, contenting himself with preaching, and leaving the work of ministering for some one else to do, he need not expect that his labors will be acceptable to God. Souls for whom Christ has died are perishing for want of well-directed personal labor; and when the minister is not willing to be a servant of the people, as Jesus has directed in his word, then he has mistaken his calling. Those who minister in the sacred desk should fall upon the Rock and be broken, that the Lord may put his superscription upon them and fashion them as vessels unto honor. If those engaged in the work of the ministry were indeed laborers together with God, we should see a solid and beautiful work wrought in all countries for the saving of the souls for whom Christ has died.

God calls for consecrated men, who are willing to deny self. The work of the heavenly intelligences is constant and earnest; for they are intent upon drawing men to Jesus. This is the manner in which ministers should labor. Their message should be, "Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." In the ministration of angels, they do not labor so as to shut any soul out, but rather to gather them all in; but if the message of the gospel is to go to all men, human agents must co-operate with the angel workers. Divine and human agencies must combine in order to accomplish the great work of saving the souls of the lost. Man cannot work out his own salvation without divine aid, and God will not save him without willing, decided co-operation. Human agencies must be educated; they must become sufficient for this great work, and their growth and education depend upon their union with divine forces. God provides all the capabilities, all the talents, by which men may enter the work; but the highest development of the worker for God can never be attained without divine co-operation. Symmetry of character and the harmonious development of the work will be accomplished only through continual dependence upon God and earnest effort on the part of man; for the secret of our success and power as a people advocating advanced truth will be found in making direct, personal appeals to those who are interested, having unwavering reliance upon the Most High.

Satan and his angels are struggling for the mastery of the world, while the Prince of life and the angels of heaven are engaged in the battle, determined to rescue all those who would escape from the bondage of evil. God waits to see what those who have been enlightened by his truth will do. Again and again he has called for his ministers to be shepherds to the flock. He is now waiting for the co-operation of his human agents, waiting for the ministers to minister to the diseased lambs and sheep that are ready to die. O, will not the ministers of God, as obedient children, take up one line of work after another, as he presents it to them? Every herald of the gospel is to be a minister indeed. Every forgiven child of God is to be instructed by those who are laborers together with heaven, that he is to be a messenger to work in the same way as the Father and the Son are working, seeking to save the lost. Every Christian is to lift up Jesus, and say, Behold him; behold the lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

The sacred responsibility rests upon the minister to watch for souls as one that must give an account. He must interest himself in the souls for whom he labors, finding out all that perplexes and troubles them and hinders them from walking in the light of the truth. Job says, "The cause that I knew not, I searched out." This should be considered the important work of the ministry, even if it demands much painstaking effort and inconvenience. This is home missionary work, and it is in no case to be neglected; for eternal interests are here involved. The excuses of those who fail to do this work do not relieve them of the responsibility, and if they choose not to do this work, they neglect the souls for whom Christ died, neglect their God-given responsibility, and are registered in the books of heaven as unfaithful servants. Does the minister work as did the Master, to be a strength and a blessing to others, when he shuts himself away from those who need his help? Those who neglect personal intercourse with the people, become self-centered, and need this very experience of placing themselves in communication with their brethren, that they may understand their spiritual condition, and know how to feed the flock of God, giving to each his portion of meat in due season. Those who neglect this work make it manifest that they need moral renovation, and then they will see they have not carried the burden of the work.

Address to Ministers (Concluded)

God calls for men and women to be laborers together with him, to be workers who are sound in faith, pure in heart, and single in purpose. They should work to glorify God by the saving of souls that are lost. God requires heart-service. A service of form, lip-service, is wholly inefficient in the work of converting souls to God. A service that comes not from the heart is as sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal. The heart must be stirred with the co-operative energy of the Holy Spirit; then standing in full view of the cross of Calvary by faith, the worker can communicate to others the divine inspiration of his theme. From a full treasure-house he can bring forth things new and old, which will stir the hearts of his hearers, and convicted, they will cry out, "What must I do to be saved?" If the minister steps from the pulpit, and separates himself from the people without making a special personal effort for those who have been touched by the love of Christ, he has lost an opportunity which he will never recover.

We need more missionary ministers, ministers who are missionaries in deed and in truth, who place themselves in communication with the Lord Jesus Christ by earnest prayer, by complete surrender to God, so that heaven's message through them may be given to the world. Then they will not fail to make decided impressions, inciting those who hear them to repentance, faith, love, joy, and earnest work for the Master. But in order to have the life-giving power from the Source of all light and knowledge, you must be responsive to every movement of the Holy Spirit, that his light may shine through you to the church and to the world. Ministers allow themselves to take a low level, they do not aim high, they do not expect much; and time and opportunities pass by, and they make no improvement of them. In order to exercise themselves unto godliness, in order rightly to take hold of the sacred work in which they are engaged, they need daily to be lifted up by the Holy Spirit, to breathe the pure atmosphere of spiritual holiness.

Among ministers there must be more self-forgetfulness, a more complete hiding of themselves in Christ Jesus, in order that they may work the works of God, in order to win souls both by preaching the word and by ministering in the homes, in visiting the people, in praying with them, in presenting to them the heavenly manna of the word of God, educating them to contemplate the love of Christ. In doing the work the minister will be attended by the angels of heaven, and will be himself instructed and enlightened in the truth that maketh wise unto salvation. In visiting the people, he will learn their necessities, and his sympathies will be called out. The love of Jesus for blood-bought souls will manifest itself in tenderness to the lost, and will grow by exercise. He will sink self in his interest for the work.

He will have many straight and plain words to address to those who need them; for when God commissions men to do his work, he lays upon them the burden of watching for souls as they that must give an account. When needed warnings are to be given, sins are to be rebuked, errors and wrongs are to be corrected, not only in the pulpit but personal labor. This is divine work, and although it is not congenial to the natural inclinations, the minister must proclaim the straight truth which will make the ears of them that hear tingle; for they must lay before those who are lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God, the dangers and perils that are around them, and the doom that awaits the impenitent. Because this message is not agreeable to their inclination, or welcome to those who must be warned, they are solemnly charged to be faithful in its declaration. The ministers will meet wrongs that will seem to defy correction. They will be made aware of sins that seem to be covered that will need to be exposed, on the right hand and on the left. The prophet says, "Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God." "I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long- suffering and doctrine." The minister is not to indulge in the relation of anecdotes, but he is to preach the word . "Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear. I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality." "Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." We are to present Christ to the people, following the words of the apostle where he says, "Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus; whereunto I also labor, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily." Was it essential for Paul to have this experience? Read carefully, meditate upon his words, and see if it is safe for any of the ministers of Christ to shape their life according to any lower standard of godliness.

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ." What is there left for us to ask that is not included in this merciful, abundant provision? Through the merits of Christ we are blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. It is our privilege to draw nigh to God, to breathe in the atmosphere of his presence. If we keep ourselves in close union with the common, cheap, sensual things of this earth, Satan will interpose his shadow, so that we shall fail to discern the blessedness of the promises and assurances of God, and so shall fail to be strengthened to attain to a high spiritual standard. Nothing short of abiding in the presence of Christ will bring peace, freedom, courage, and power.

"According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love." There can be no misunderstanding here, unless there is wilful blindness. We are to be holy and without blame before him in love. The condition upon which we receive an increase of grace is that we improve upon the light we already have. If we would find, we must go on continually seeking; if we would receive, we must ask; if we would have the door opened, we must knock.

The responsibility of our own ruin will lie at our own door. The word of God speaks to us as if everything depended upon our own efforts. We must come, we must resist the Devil, we must strive to enter in at the strait gate, we must run the race with patience, we must fight the fight of faith, we must wrestle with principalities and powers, we must agonize before God in prayer, if we would stand blameless before the throne of God. We must have the faith that works, or it will be powerless. Good works will not pay the price of our redemption; they are only the fruit of our faith.

Our experience must broaden and deepen; for by his grace we are to be made perfect in our weakness. Our will must be placed firmly, decidedly, intelligently, on the side of God's will. There must be no presumption; for it becomes us to pass the time of our sojourning here in fear, not in distrust of the grace of God, but in fear that self shall gain the supremacy. We are not to fear that there will be any failure on the part of God, but fear lest because of our own sinful inclinations any of us should seem to come short of the promise. Let the standard be set high, and let be an earnest striving strong to reach it in our daily lives, till our souls burn with holy desire. We need to talk faith; for it is very feeble, but in talking faith we must speak of that faith that works by love and purifies the soul.

We have come to have very meager ideas as to what constitutes the duty of a Christian minister. Many who minister in the sacred desk do not half understand their responsibilities. They are taking things altogether too easy and comfortable, for, in short, many are in Satan's easy-chair, thinking if they partially copy another minister, they will fill the requirements. There is need of alarm among the ministers, but no one need be hopeless. There is need of self-examination that we may understand whether we are learning the meekness and lowliness of Christ; for we are to follow his example. In our labors we are to bear the same testimony as did Paul. He says, "Ye know from the first day that I came into Asia after what manner I have been with you; at all seasons, serving the Lord with all humility of mind, . . . and how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed you, and have taught publicly, and from house to house, testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ." "Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood." "I have showed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive."

The Lord Jesus said to Peter, "When thou art converted strengthen thy brethren;" and after his resurrection, just before his ascension, he said to his disciples, "Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs." This was a work in which Peter had but little experience; but he could not be complete in Christian life unless he learned to feed the lambs, those who are young in the faith. It would require great care, much patience and perseverance to give those who are ignorant the suitable teachings, opening up to them the Scriptures, and educating them for usefulness and duty. This is the work that must be done in the church at this day, or the advocates of truth will have a dwarfed experience, and will be exposed to temptation and deception. The charge given to Peter should come home to every minister. Again and again, the voice of Christ is heard repeating the charge to his undershepherds, "Feed my lambs, Feed my sheep."

The Object of Salvation

The human family have all transgressed the law of God, and that which is of greatest importance to us is to know what we can do to be saved, and to act upon this knowledge. Paul said that he had ceased not to warn every man from house to house, "testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ"--repentance toward God because we have transgressed his law; and then by claiming the merits of the blood of a crucified and risen Saviour, we plant our feet in the path that leads to heaven. Jesus, the world's Redeemer, has given every possible evidence of his love to man. He laid aside his glory in the heavenly courts above, clothed his divinity with humanity, and for our sake he became poor, that we, through his poverty, might be made rich. He came to the earth that was all seared and marred with sin, "and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." He submitted to insult and mockery that he might leave an example for man to follow. When we are inclined to magnify our trials and think we are having a hard time, we should look away from self to Jesus, who is the author and finisher of our faith, "who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." All this he endured that he might bring many sons and daughters to God, to present them before the universe as trophies of his victory. What are we willing to suffer for him?

Christ said of his disciples. "Ye are the light of the world." Those who profess his name are to come into close relationship with Jesus, and the light that shines upon them from him, is to be reflected upon the world, to the glory of God. When those who embrace the truth have no love for their fellow-men, we know that the love of Jesus is not in their hearts. Do they really believe that souls are in danger of being lost? Do they make earnest efforts to save them? Our indifference to the salvation of souls is in marked contrast to what took place in Healdsburg, one summer. A little lad who was playing upon the banks of the Russian River, fell into the water, and was drowned. It was a week before his body was found. During that time hundreds of people gathered every day on the banks of the river, and every effort was made to find the body. The people sent for a skillful diver, and spared neither labor nor money to find the body, and no one thought they were taking too much trouble. People would stand beside the river all day. They knew the child was dead, his life could not be restored; but they wanted to see the lifeless body given back to the parents. Why cannot men be as interested in seeking and in saving perishing souls for whom Christ died? We have come to a time when religious enthusiasm is almost unheard of; forms and ceremonies are abundant, but the service of the living God is not made of the highest importance. O that an interest might be awakened for the salvation of souls, for Christ has given his life a sacrifice, and should not we show a lively interest in those who sit in darkness?

We cannot afford to lose our own souls, and we are not to be indifferent in regard to the souls of our fellow-men. We should desire to secure life eternal in the kingdom of glory, and we should long that others should be there, to have Christ as their friend and Redeemer. Some act as if there were no heaven of eternal bliss to gain, and no hell to shun. We have decided that we must have eternal life at any cost. We cannot afford to sin. The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. We have made up our minds that we must have Jesus as our friend and Redeemer; and in order to do so, we must keep his commandments, as he has kept his Father's commandments.

The example of Adam and Eve is before us. It was a very slight test that was given to our first parents, but they transgressed the commandment of God, and what was the result?--The floodgates of woe were opened upon our world. With this example of disobedience and its results before us, we should fear to transgress the law of God. We should keep his commandments and live, keep them as the apple of our eye; for Jesus Christ loves us with a love that is infinite. In the service of God, in seeking to save those for whom Christ has died, we shall meet with those whose hard hearts are barred against the light; but shall we become discouraged because of this? Did not Jesus have to endure the revilings of unbelievers? Shall we complain if we are called upon to suffer reproach? If one soul is saved through our influence, we shall be amply repaid for all the efforts we can put forth. When the warfare is over, if souls through our instrumentality are in the kingdom of heaven, we shall hear the heavenly benediction, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." How essential it is that each one of us should make the best possible use of the talents God has given, and serve God with undivided heart. For "they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness, as the stars forever and ever."

Walk Not in Darkness

"He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." If we are following Jesus, we know that we are not walking in darkness, but shall be all light in--not out of, but in--the Lord. If his light illuminates the mind, and shines into the chambers of the heart, we shall be, as Christ has said, "the light of the world." We shall not walk in darkness. We shall see light, and shall talk of the love of Christ, talk of his goodness and marvelous mercy, and we shall always find enough to talk about on these themes, even to all eternity, when we have that life which measures with the life of God.

The trouble with many of us is, we get our eyes fixed upon the shadow that Satan casts between our souls and God, and we fail to discover the light beyond the shadow. We talk in a kind of hopeless way, as though we were serving as a slave to a tyrant. We represent ourselves to the world as those who are having a terribly hard time of serving the Lord. We pick up things to find fault about, to mourn over, and pity and sympathize with ourselves, and fail to make a favorable impression upon those who have not tasted of the gift of God.

Instead of talking darkness, instead of having thoughts of gloom, we should remember that we have everything to make us glad, and this gladness should shine forth out of the very countenance. Let the light shine in your very faces. Do not let the frown and the expression of gloom have place there. Take a look into the mirror of God's law, and see if you are cheerful in your service to him. Look upon Jesus, full of forgiveness, and mercy, and peace, instead of upon that which will bring you condemnation and gloom. Brethren and sisters, are you looking toward the light,--beholding the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world? When Satan tells you that you are a sinner, and points out this neglect and that wrong, tell him you know you are a sinner, but that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. Tell him, "If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." Repeat the promise, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." If you draw nigh to God, he will draw nigh to you. Present the promise to God in the name of Jesus, and you have his pledged word that he will let the Sun of righteousness shine upon you.

Jesus is the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world. Will you not repent of your sins, and let him take away your guilt? Will you not say, "Lord, you come to take away my sins, and I will let you do it"? Will you let him take them away? will you let him take them upon his divine soul, and impute to you his righteousness?

Jesus stands between divinity and humanity, and he is fully able to save you. There is all sufficiency in him. He has not come to save partially, but to save unto the uttermost all that come unto God by him. He came to wash away your transgression; for he forgiveth iniquity and sin. He pardoneth the guilty. He was manifested to take away our sins, to relieve our hearts of their sorrows and burdens, to put a new song into our mouths, even praise unto our God.

We are to respond to the invitations of the Spirit of God. Do we repent of our transgressions? This is an evidence that the Lord is drawing us to himself; it is Jesus that gives us repentance. "Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins." Then why not believe that he forgives our sins? It is his Holy Spirit that impresses us with the necessity of emptying the soul of all selfishness; and when we give ourselves to God, he will fill the vacuum with his own divine Spirit, and give us the precious graces of his own character.

From the light that I have had for years, I know that the great lack among us as a people is the lack of love. The God of heaven looks upon you and sees that you are self-sufficient. But any soul that comes hungering and thirsting for the waters of life, will have his soul refreshed from the living fountain. When your thirst, you will hear the voice calling, "The Spirit and bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." Jesus points you to the fountain opened for Judah and Jerusalem, wherein you may wash and be clean. And when we have tasted of the waters of life, we shall be constrained by the love of Christ to say to others, "Come, taste and see that the Lord is good." When we drink from the waters ourselves we shall echo the cry, Come. Whosoever is athirst, let him come, and take of the water of life freely. " Whosoever will. " Tell me who is excluded from receiving the benefits of this divine invitation. "Whosoever will, let him come." All we have to do is to submit the will to God, to place the will on the Lord's side. Come and take the Lord at his word, and drink of the water of life freely.

If we have Christ abiding with us, we shall be Christians at home as well as abroad. He who is a Christian will have kind words for his relatives and associates. He will be kind, courteous, loving, sympathetic, and will be educating himself for an abode with the family above. If he is a member of the royal family, he will represent the kingdom to which he is going. He will speak with gentleness to his children, for he will realize that they, too, are heirs of God, members of the heavenly court. Among the children of God no spirit of harshness dwells; for "the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." The spirit that is cherished in the home, is the spirit that will be manifested in the church. O, we must educate the soul to be pitiful, gentle, tender, full of forgiveness and compassion. While we lay aside all vanity, all foolish talking, jesting, and joking, we are not to become cold, unsympathetic, and unsocial. The Spirit of the Lord is to rest upon you until you shall be like a fragrant flower from the garden of God. You are to keep talking of the light, of Jesus, the Sun of righteousness, until you shall change from glory to glory, from character to character, going on from strength to strength, and reflecting more and more of the precious image of Jesus. When you do this, the Lord will write in the books of heaven, "Well done," because you represent Jesus.

Christians should not be hard-hearted, unapproachable; Jesus is to be reflected in our deportment, and we are to have a character beautiful with the graces of heaven. The presence of God is to be an abiding presence with us; and wherever we are, we are to carry light to the world. Those around you are to realize that the atmosphere of heaven surrounds you.

But many of you say, "How can I help sinning? I have tried to overcome, but I do not make advancement." You never can in your own strength, you will fail; but help is laid upon One who is mighty. In his strength you may be more than conqueror. You should arise and say, "Through the grace of God, I will be an overcomer." Put your will on the side of God's will, and with your eye fixed upon him who is the author and finisher of your faith, you may make straight paths for your feet. When you are tempted, say, "Jesus is my Saviour, I love him, because he has first loved me." Show that you trust him. As you walk the streets, as you work about your house, you can communicate with your Lord. Lay hold upon him by living faith, and believe the word of God to the letter.

Now suppose that you put away all murmuring and complaining, and look to the light. Let us try it for this year, and see what kind of year we shall have. When Satan suggests doubt and darkness, begin to sing of the matchless love of Jesus. Ask God to help you place your thoughts upon Jesus, and Satan cannot control your mind. Let us put away all commonness, and become a light to the world. Let our words be as choice silver; and wherever you go, those around you will realize that a precious influence goes with you. The light and love and power of God will rest upon you. Determine that through Jesus you will elevate the soul above all that is low and earthly, and let your conversation be full of hope and courage in the Lord. Say, "I will be free, I am free;" and when Satan tells you that you are a sinner, tell him, "I know it, but Jesus said, 'I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.'"

Through the mercy of God we have been taken out of the quarry of the world by the mighty cleaver of truth, to be hewn, and polished, and fitted for the heavenly building. We have been brought into the highway cast up for the ransomed of the Lord to walk in. And we should go in this way with rejoicing, instead of with complaining. This way has been opened for us at an infinite cost, and we ought to manifest our joy and gratitude that we are permitted to be numbered among the children of God. Should we walk from day to day with rejoicing and gladness of heart, showing forth the praises of Him who hath called us out of darkness into his marvelous light, what effect would we have upon the minds of those around us? They would say, "Certainly they have been with Jesus, and have learned of him."

There is no need to doubt, to be fearful that the work will not succeed. God is at the head of the work, and he will set everything in order. If matters need adjusting at the head of the work, God will attend to that, and work to right every wrong. Let us have faith that God is going to carry the noble ship which bears the people of God safely into port. When I voyaged from Portland, Me., to Boston, many years ago, a storm came upon us, and the great waves dashed us to and fro. The chandeliers fell, and the trunks were rolled from side to side, like balls. The passengers were frightened, and many were screaming, waiting in expectation of death. After awhile the pilot came on board. The captain stood near the pilot as he took the wheel, and expressed fear about the course in which the ship was directed. "Will you take the wheel? asked the pilot. The captain was not ready to do that, for he knew that he lacked experience. Then some of the passengers grew uneasy, and said they feared the pilot would dash them upon the rocks. "Will you take the wheel?" asked the pilot; but they knew that they could not manage the wheel. When you think that the work is in danger, pray, "Lord, stand at the wheel. Carry us through the perplexity. Bring us safely into port." Have we not reason to believe that the Lord will bring us through triumphantly?

There are before me many who are old hands in the cause. I have known some of you for the last thirty years. Brethren, have we not seen crisis after crisis come upon the work, and has not the Lord carried us through, and wrought for the glory of his name? Can you not believe in him? Can you not commit the cause to him? You cannot with your finite minds understand the working of all the providences of God. Let God take care of his own work. You are to hang your helpless soul upon Jesus. Commit the keeping of your soul unto God, as unto a faithful Creator. When you do this, you will have something of the love of God; for it will abound in your heart unto his glory. The meetings will be uplifting in character; for the Lord will put a new song into your mouth, even praise unto our God. You will say, "Hear what the Lord has done for my soul." Your soul will be all light in the Lord.

We have been looking on the dark side of the picture. Now let us turn to the other side. Let us turn the dark side to the wall. Let us look on the beautiful pictures of the love of God. Educate your tongue to talk of God's mercy, and speak forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Let us fulfill the purpose of God, and be indeed the "light of the world."

Need of Dependence on God

Jesus said: "I am the true Vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 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."

We should constantly feel our dependence upon the Lord God of Israel, and know that God is our strength, and that the more we depend upon him, the more we shall draw from Christ, the living Vine, and have the mind that was in Christ. Our experience will be after the character of that upon which we feed spiritually. If we feed upon Christ, we shall have a Christlike experience: and we cannot afford to make any mistake in regard to our experience here in the things of God; for eternal interests are involved. In the path of life we may go carelessly, stumbling along; we may make crooked paths for our feet; but it will be at the terrible loss of our own souls and the souls of others. We are running the risk of losing the eternal weight of glory when we do not follow Christ, and we cannot afford to do this, because it would have been better for us had we never been born, than to lose eternal life.

We need to know and may know that Christ is abiding in our hearts by faith, and that we are abiding in Jesus by faith. Jesus says, "I am the Vine, ye are the branches. He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit." Now listen to the conclusion of the verse: "For without me ye can do nothing." From this you can see how our Lord Jesus Christ regards unsanctified, human ability. We may have an education in the sciences, we may have all the knowledge in the world, and yet if it is not sanctified, if it is not brought under contribution to God, if we are not depending upon his merits every moment, if we are not continually drawing from Christ, we cannot live the life of Christ; we can do nothing worthy of his name. We want to hear the voice of Jesus and invite his presence. We should open the door of the heart to Christ, and invite him to come in. He says, "Without me ye can do nothing." Is it because men work without Christ that we see so many efforts made without accomplishing any good? Is it because man depends upon his own efforts, and his own power, and thinks that he can do great things of himself? I know that this is why the Lord can do so little for man. He uses the gifts of God as weapons to destroy himself. We want Jesus simply, Jesus who offers himself to us as a free gift; and if we accept the offering with the whole heart and soul, we shall praise God at every step, we cannot help it, because he has given us this manifestation of his love and condescension. What we want is Jesus, and the power of his grace; and may God baptize us with his Holy Spirit. "If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you."

That is a wonderful promise, "If ye abide in me, and my words"--be careful to take that in--"my words abide in you." How are we to know that the words of Christ are abiding in us? how are we to understand them? It is by appropriating his promises to our souls that we feed upon Christ. We are to study his words carefully, and be doers of his word. Many trust in a flight of feeling, and think that in order to be accepted of God, they must have some special emotion come upon them, or they do not have the grace of Christ. But this is not what we are to look for. Jesus came that we might obey as well as receive; but we must believe in him, and receive, in order to obey. We are to ask, Are his words cherished by us? Are we doers of the word of Christ? This is an important question. If we are following the light just as far as it shines upon our pathway, if we are seeking to do the will of our heavenly Father, just so surely shall we be prepared for greater light to come into the heart and mind. Especially will this be the case when we are prayerfully searching the Scriptures. We have had the Spirit of God here in this meeting; we would dishonor God if we did not appreciate this, and praise his holy name that we have felt the manifestation of his Spirit in power.

Jesus said: "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life, I am that bread of life. . . . I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. . . . Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, Verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed." When some of the disciples were offended at these sayings of Christ, he said: It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." The word of Christ is spirit and life, and the more knowledge we have of his word, the more vigorous will be our spiritual growth.

Many are singing beautiful songs in the meetings, songs of what they will do, and what they mean to do; but some do not do these things; they do not sing with the spirit and the understanding also. So in the reading of the word of God, some are not benefited, because they do not take it into their very life, they do not practice it. We listen to the presentation of truth, it is all good; but do we listen to it as we would to a pleasant song, or receive it as the voice of God to us, and obey its precepts? Many go away after listening to the most solemn messages of truth, and pursue the same careless, unsanctified course they did before, as though they had not heard the appeal of God to them. They go away and live to please themselves, live to suit their own fancy, in a way directly opposed to the way and will of God. We should not seek to follow our own way; we have had enough of that; it amounts only to weakness. We need to have the Holy Spirit of God with us moment by moment. And where are we to find our soul consolation? In a happy flight of feeling?--O no; we are by faith to partake of the sincere milk of the word, that we may grow thereby, becoming partakers of the divine nature, and escape the corruption that is in the world through lust.

I want to know more and more of God's word and of his works. I do not want to build myself up in myself; for I am nothing. What I desire is to know the ways of the Lord. I do not wish to be so particular as to how my house is furnished; spending unnecessary time and money, so that everything may be just to my taste in this or that arrangement, and neglect the all-important question, Is it well with my soul? What is the order of my soul? Is the soul temple pure? Is the defilement of sin in my heart? Have I felt the necessity of cleansing my heart from all impurity? It is of the greatest importance to understand and practice the truth; for this sanctifies the soul. Our greatest anxiety should be to stand perfect before the Lord, clothed in the spotless garments of Christ's righteousness.

Souls are perishing for the bread of life, and every one of us should be engaged in earnest work for the Master. Jesus came into the world to be our example, and we should study and imitate his life. Moments are golden, and we should constantly guard ourselves, lest we make a world of an atom, and an atom of a world. We should guard ourselves, lest we fail to magnify the things of eternal interest, and fail to appreciate the blessings of heaven. Why is it that the truth as it is in Jesus is made of so little importance? The words of Paul to the Galatians apply to those who fail to discern the worth of spiritual things, "O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth?" Why is it that you do not walk in the light? Why is it that you permit the bewitching power of Satan to paralyze your spiritual energies? The influence of the world holds many of you in captivity. Satan has his allurements presented before every one professing the name of Christ, that if possible he may attract the mind from Jesus, and fasten it on the things of this world. He is the master of manifold temptations, and is prepared to find access to the hearts of those who have not made a complete surrender to Christ. Shall the enemy of all righteousness have possession of our souls?

The Christian should continually realize that every moment of life should be spent for the Master. We should not live to glorify ourselves; for it would be sin to serve self. Our life must be hid with Christ in God, that every power of our being, every talent given of God, may be used to aid on the influences that are constantly flowing heavenward. It is for us to fulfill the command, "Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve." Christ must be our only master, abiding in our hearts by living faith, that we may be laborers together with God. We should seek to know more of him day by day, dwelling upon his matchless charms, till by beholding, we become changed into his glorious image. We are to keep our eyes fixed upon the Author and Finisher of our salvation.

John says, "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God." No language can express this love; we can describe but a faint degree of love that passeth knowledge. It would require the language of the Infinite to express the love that has made it possible for us to be called the sons of God. In becoming a Christian, a man does not step down. There is no shame in having connection with the living God. Jesus bore the humiliation and shame and reproach that justly belonged to the sinner. He was the Majesty of heaven, he was the King of glory, he was equal with the Father; and yet he clothed his divinity with humanity, that humanity might touch humanity, that divinity might lay hold of divinity. Had he come as an angel, he could not have been a partaker with us of our sufferings, could not have been tempted in all points like as we are, he could not have sympathized with our sorrows; but he came in the garb of our humanity, that as our substitute and surety, he might overcome the prince of darkness in our behalf, and make us victors through his merits. Standing under the shadow of the cross of Calvary, the inspiration of his love fills our hearts. When I look upon Him whom my sins have pierced, the inspiration from on high comes upon me; and this inspiration may come upon each one of you through the Holy Spirit. Unless you receive the Holy Spirit, you cannot have the love of God in the soul; but through a living connection with Christ, we are inspired with love and zeal and earnestness. We are not as a block of marble, which may reflect the light of the sun, but cannot be imbued with life. We are capable of responding to the bright beams of the Sun of righteousness; for as Christ illuminates our souls, he gives light and life. We drink in the love of Christ as the branch draws nourishment from the vine. If we are grafted into Christ, if fiber by fiber we have been united with the living Vine, we shall give evidence of this fact by bearing rich clusters of fruit. If we are connected with light, we shall be channels of light, and in our words and works we shall reflect light to the world. Those who are truly Christians, grasp the golden chain which links earth to heaven, which binds finite man to the infinite God. The light that shineth in the face of Jesus, shines in the hearts of his followers, to the glory of God.

Need of Dependence on God (Concluded)

How We Should Pray. Christ says, "Ask, and ye shall receive." In these words, Christ gives us direction as to how we should pray. We are to come to our heavenly Father with the simplicity of a child, asking him for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Jesus says again, "When ye pray, believe that ye receive the things ye ask for, and ye shall have them." You are to come to the Father repenting and confessing your sins, emptying the soul of every sin and defilement, and it is your privilege to prove the promises of the Lord. You cannot indulge your own temper, and have your own way, and still remain the children of God. We shall have to struggle with our hereditary tendencies, that we may not yield to temptation, and become angry under provocation. I have to battle every day with things that trouble, perplex, and annoy me, and which, if I would permit, would destroy my peace. But I dare not yield to temptation; I have riveted my soul to the eternal Rock, and Christ must be my helper at every point, so that Satan may not keep me in a state of perplexity and trouble. Jesus has said, "My peace I give unto you." As surely as we seek for the peace of Christ by faith, we shall obtain it. Jesus says, "Ask, and ye shall receive."

You are to come to Jesus, telling him just what you want, just what you desire; you are to present before him your need of his presence and grace, coming to him as a child comes to its parent. Jesus says, "If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give goods gifts unto your children; how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?"

We are to believe the word of God; for the test of character is found in the fact that you are building yourselves up in the most holy faith. You are proved of God through the word of God. You are not to wait for wonderful emotions before you believe that God has heard you; feeling is not to be your criterion, for emotions are as changeable as the clouds. You must have something solid for the foundation of your faith. The word of the Lord is a word of infinite power upon which you may rely, and he has said, "Ask, and ye shall receive." Look to Calvary. Has not Jesus said that he is our advocate? Has he not said that if we ask anything in his name, we shall receive? You are not to depend on your own goodness or good works; you are to come depending upon the Sun of righteousness, believing that Christ has taken away your sins and imputed to you his righteousness, that he is your all in all, your surety, your advocate, your righteousness.

Jesus fought our battles during his life upon this atom of a world, and all the heavenly intelligences are enlisted on our side in every battle in this warfare. We have no power to war with principalities, and powers, and spiritual wickedness in high places, except as we draw strength from Christ. Jesus calls upon you to behold the confederacy of evil, to behold the conflicts which you must meet. He bids us count the cost of standing under the blood-stained banner; for he does not flatter us that we shall have no difficulties in this life. But although we have a confederacy of evil to meet, Jesus assures us that the whole army of heaven is enlisted to fight our battles for us, to work out for us a glorious victory, and Jesus is the Captain of our salvation.

Why should we not praise God? Can you tell me why your tongues are usually so silent on this theme? Has not heavenly power been promised you? Has not nourishment from the living Vine nourished you? Jesus says, "If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples." Jesus has made abundant provision so that every soul connected with him may work as he worked, partaking of his Spirit, his virtue, and grace. Self is to die, and Christ is to live in us. Jesus says, "As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love." If you do this, you will have to fight the good fight of faith every moment

How often the following experience has been the experience of the people of God: One says, "I was full of happiness last night, but this morning it is all gloom. I have lost the blessing of God. The Lord does not bless me at all." I have had this experience, and at one time I resolved that I would never bear testimony again, unless I had the conscious uplifting of the Spirit of God. But one trial of such a resolution proved to me that it was manifest distrust of the word of God. The Lord brought me back to the point from which I started, and I resolved not to seek to bring the Lord to my terms. I felt humbled as never before, and I was willing to trust my heavenly Father to lead me as he would. I would say, "Lord, I have asked for thy Holy Spirit to lead me, I take up my pen and write, and I believe I shall have thy light and thy grace in doing this work." While on earth, we can have help from heaven. I know this; for I have tested God a thousand times. I will walk out by faith, I will not dishonor Saviour by unbelief.

Let us continue to fight the good fight of faith, ceasing to doubt, and not striving to make terms with God. After I surrendered myself to God, I found out why I had seemed to lose the blessing of God. It was because earth and earthly things filled me with anxiety, and I worried about a thousand things that I had no right to be anxious about. When we come into meeting, we meet with persons who have consecrated themselves to the Lord, and heavenly angels accompany them; for every one of us has, not our dead friends, but the angels whom God created in heaven to be with us; they are sent forth to minister to those who shall be heirs of salvation. While in the company of those who bring heavenly influences with them, we feel the spirit of inspiration and praise to God come forth from our lips. We lie down to rest at night, but in the morning the same old worldly train of thought to which we have been accustomed, comes back to our minds, and instead of resting everything in the hands of God, we become troubled about many things, the peace and joy that we had the night before are gone, and we feel desolate and unblessed. Then what shall we do? Let us go to God, and say, "I commit all my troubles and perplexities to thee, and I know that I shall have thy help in all my tribulation, because thou hast promised it unto me. Thou hast said, 'Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.' 'I am at your right hand to help you.'" Believe these words, trust in the promise of Jesus, and do your duty as it comes to you. If we manifested as much distrust of our friends as we do of God, they would feel that we had greatly wronged them; but we do not treat our friends in the way we treat our God.

When Christ was upon earth, the people did not believe in him; they rejected the Lord of glory, condemned and crucified him. But the heavenly Vine had its roots on the other side of the wall; death could not hold him. He arose from the grave, and sitteth on the right hand of the Father, the majesty on high, where he can direct the heavenly intelligences, bidding them come to the help of every repenting soul. With the confession of the repenting, believing sinner, he mingles his own righteousness, that the prayer of fallen man may go up as fragrant incense before the Father, and the grace of God is imparted to the believing soul. We should think of what we are to Jesus, and of what he is to us, that we may carry on a successful warfare against the flesh, and against the natural tendencies of the mind. We are exhorted to gird up the loins of the mind, and to do this we must settle the mind upon Jesus. We need this education; for we talk of common things, we utter commonplace sayings, and seek inspiration from ourselves, thinking that it is of value; but it is Christless.

If we talk upon heavenly things, our conversation will prove savor of life unto life; but lightness and trifling will prove death to spirituality. Let us sow the seed unto eternal life. Let us scatter, as did Christ, the seeds of truth. Work as Christ worked. He says, "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me." You are to draw men to Christ, not by gloom and despondency, covering the altar of God with tears, but by wearing the brightness of the Sun of righteousness. You are to show that you are serving a loving Master, not a tyrant. Jesus says, "I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep." "To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And When he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice." It is your Master who saith, "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Jesus does not say, "Perhaps I will give you rest." Then why do you act that perhaps? Why not say, "Lord, here I come, sinful and polluted. Thou hast promised to give me rest"? "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." Satan will tell you that you are a sinner, that there is no need of your praying and repenting after committing such a sin as you have committed; but you can tell Satan that it is because you are a sinner that you need a Saviour. You may go to the Lord, and say, "Forgive my sin. I put my hand to thy hand for help, and I must have thy forgiveness or perish. Let the Sun of righteousness shine into the chambers of my mind and heart, that I may teach transgressors thy ways, and that sinners may be converted unto thee."

When the enemy comes in like a flood, and seeks to overwhelm you with the thought of your sin, tell him, "I know I am a sinner; if I were not, I could not go to the Saviour, for he says, 'I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.' And because I am a sinner, I am entitled to come to Christ." In this way you will have power to overcome the wicked one. Keep looking up, for your faith has bound you to the throne of God. Do not look down, as though you were bound to earth. Do not keep pulling up your faith to see if it has any root. Faith grows imperceptibly, and when the enemy rallies his forces to bring you into a critical place, the angels of God will be roundabout you, and you will have help from on high; for your prayer will be answered in the conflict. If you have genuine faith, you will praise God, from whom all blessings flow; and as you praise him, you will realize more of his blessing. "What doth much increase the store, When I thank him, he gives me more."

As God gives us light, we should make use of it; God will not give us a second ray, while the first is not appreciated. We must praise the Lord for the light already graciously given, and reflect it upon those around us. Then more light will shine upon us, and as we praise, we shall know that "the path of the just is as a shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day." Do not say, I will praise the Lord when the Holy Spirit is poured out upon us. How will you know when the Holy Spirit is poured out, unless you walk in the light day by day? You are to go about your duties, advancing step, by step, according to the counsel of the Lord, and you will find that you will have light and peace and joy, and will make melody in your heart unto the Lord. Thus the people of God will mingle their praises with those of the hosts of heaven, and sing songs of thanksgiving with the angels of God.

The Opposer's Work

"Whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented. For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil. The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children."

Just before Jesus uttered these words, he had been speaking of John the Baptist. He had said to he multitudes, "What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold they that wear soft clothing are in king's houses. But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding, he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he." "And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John. But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him."

Those who rejected the testimony of John were unwilling to receive the testimony of him of whom John declared, "He must increase, but I must decrease." The scribes, Pharisees, and rulers were determined that they would not see the evidences of truth, and they evaded the most manifest conclusions. To justify their course of stubborn unbelief, they lost no possible opportunity of seizing upon anything in the teaching of Jesus that they could misconstrue, misapply, or falsify. When there was no possibility of misapplying the truth of Christ's words, these men who rejected the counsel of God against themselves, started questions that had no reference to the matter in hand, so as to attract the attention of the people away from the lesson that Jesus sought to teach, and adroitly evade the truth. The Pharisees were not blindly opposing the doctrines of Christ; for the truth made deep impressions upon their minds; but they resisted truth, and went contrary to their convictions, closing their eyes lest they should see, hardening the heart, lest they should perceive, and be converted, and Christ should heal them. In their self-righteousness they were too proud to accept the help that Christ came to bring to them.

The manner in which the Pharisees sought to evade the truth, and to turn the attention of the people away from vital lessons,--by starting questions that did not bear upon the subject,--is one in which the opposers of truth in all ages have taken refuge. Satan, who is proficient in all manner of arts for the resisting of truth, suggests to his agents plans whereby they may reject the counsel of God against themselves. He incites the opposers of truth to start false issues, to discuss questions that are not to the point, in order that those who are convicted and half convinced, may be turned aside from their investigation and acceptance of truth. Ever since the days of Christ there have been men whose attitude toward truth has said, "Depart from me, O God. I want not thy way, but my own way."

There are many who seek to evade the truth, to run away from the Lord. If they perceive that arguments are presented which will overthrow the opinion they have held; if they see that there is a possibility of their being convinced of some truth they have not advocated, and that they may be compelled to give up their resistance, and yield to the truth, straightway they flee from the influence of its propagators, in order that they may still walk in the sparks of their own kindling; but the Lord declares of this class, "They shall lie down in sorrow."

The messenger of heaven cannot hope to please those who are determined to resist the truth. Christ describes them as saying, "We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented." Whatever course the messenger may pursue, it will be objectionable to the opposers of truth; and they will make capital of every defect in the manners, customs, or character of its advocate, in order that they may prevent those from giving it their candid attention who would listen to the evidences. If there is anything through which the opposers can find occasion to falsify the character or misinterpret the action of him who presents the truth, they will take advantage of it to deter those who would accept and obey the truth from hearing or believing the message.

The Lord sent messages to his people through the agency of patriarchs and prophets, in order that the evils which existed in his people might be corrected. Had it been possible for them to discern the traditions and interpretations of men from the truth of God, there would have been no need of sending the message of the prophet; but this was not possible; for the maxims of the world were woven into their teaching as the warp is with the woof, and the commandments of men were regarded with more reverence than were the commandments of God. Man-made theories pass from one to another, and the doctrines of men, like evil leaven, work actively till the whole lump is leavened. When the Lord sends a message, he gives sufficient evidence to convince the honest in heart of its truth; but those who would resist the truth call for greater evidence. Should the Lord give them a greater evidence, it would only make their opposition more determined.

The work of John the Baptist was to exhort the people to prepare the way of the Lord, to make straight in the desert a highway for our God. The angel announced John's mission to Zacharias, saying, "He shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb. And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." His message was to startle and arouse the people. He was not to associate with men, but wait in the wilderness, and the people were to come to him to hear his message. He was clothed in coarse raiment, such as was customary for the clothing of prophets, and he refused everything that savored of self-indulgence. He lifted up his voice as a trumpet in warning and reproof, and many were converted, and baptized of him in Jordan.

But although John was a messenger of God, not all received his testimony. Many set themselves against him, and strove to counteract his influence. They pointed in scorn to his abstemious life, his simple habits, his coarse garments, and declared that he was a fanatic. They resisted his words because he denounced their hypocrisy with scathing rebukes, and they sought to stir up the people against him by declaring that he set aside their religious ceremonies, and held in contempt their traditions. Nevertheless the Spirit of the Lord was at work upon the hearts of these scorners, convincing them of sin; but they rejected the counsel of God, and in the face of the evidence he had given them to the contrary, declared that John was possessed of a devil. Thus they cut the last link that bound them to heavenly influences, and were left in darkness.

After John had given his message, Jesus began his ministry. He had clothed his divinity with humanity, in order that humanity might touch humanity, and divinity lay hold on the infinite One. He came to reach the people, and to lift them up. He came to represent to them the character of the Father. Wherever he had opportunity, wherever he found a hungry soul, he presented the bread which cometh down from heaven. Worldly position, worldly honor, had no attraction for him, but that which appealed to his heart was a soul thirsting for the water of life. While he rebuked the Pharisees for their hypocrisy, he did not refuse to sit at the table of publicans and sinners, since it afforded him an opportunity of presenting to them lessons of divine truth. Many who thus received a favorable impression of the Saviour were converted after his ascension. Three thousand were converted in a day when the holy Spirit was poured out, and many of them were of those who had listened to Christ's gracious utterances while at the tables of the publicans.

Because of his association with sinners, Jesus was accused of being a glutton and a winebibber; but the very ones who made this charge were themselves the guilty ones. Satan's method of misrepresenting the character of God is to attribute to him his own characteristics, and thus do wicked men falsify the messenger of the Lord. Those who accused Jesus, and who had said that John had a devil, knew that they were bearing false witness; but they were filled with jealousy, because, though they had so long been the acknowledged leaders of the people, they were set aside, and the people thronged to hear the words of another.

So selfish were the Pharisees and teachers, that they did not stop to consider the fact that Jesus was eating with publicans and sinners in order to diffuse the light of heaven to those who sat in darkness. They did not stop to notice that every word dropped by the divine Teacher was as a living seed that should germinate, and bear fruit to the glory of God. They did not realize that every action of his life was fraught with eternal influence that should never lose its force. The Pharisees and rabbis had determined that they would not accept the light given by Christ; and he turned to the common people, who heard him gladly, whose hearts were not fortified against the entrance of his words that give light and understanding unto the simple. Jesus had come to be the Saviour of all,--Jew and Gentile, rich and poor, free and bond. He identified his interest with that of suffering humanity; but when accused of friendship for publicans and sinners, he said: "I am come not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

Prompted by pride, prejudice, and hatred, the Pharisees, priests, and rulers rejected the Lord of glory. His mighty works had no softening influence upon their minds; for they hardened their hearts lest they should be converted. When evidence is given that a man is a messenger of the Lord of hosts, that he speaks in God's stead, it is perilous to the soul to reject and despise the message. To turn away from heaven's light and refuse the light-bearer, is to take a course similar to that which Satan took in the courts of heaven when he created rebellion in the ranks of the angels. He misrepresented the character of God, and placed in a false light his gracious commandments. He evaded the truth, and subtly worked to make good appear as evil, and evil as good. He has lost none of his tact, and through his agents, manifests the same diplomacy and skill in evading truth, in creating false issues, in misrepresenting the message and the messenger. Not only do we see his working in the world among those who openly oppose the truth, but also in the church his art is manifested in the divisions and controversies among those who profess to be the children of God.

Whenever the Lord has a special work to do among his people, when he would arouse their minds to contemplate vital truth, Satan will work to divert the mind by introducing minor points of difference, in order that he may create an issue concerning doctrines that are not essential to the understanding of the point in hand, and thus bring about disunion, and distract attention from the essential point. When this occurs, the Lord is at work making impressions upon the hearts of men, concerning that which is necessary to their salvation. Then if Satan can draw the mind away to some unimportant issue, and cause the people to divide on some minor point, so that their hearts are barricaded against light and truth, he exults in malicious triumph. This he has done in the past, and this he purposes to do still, in order that he may cast his hellish shadow between the people and their God, and cut off the light that the Lord would have shine upon his children.

The Necessity of Co-operation With God

"Faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." We are living in a time when we should individually ask ourselves, "How do I stand related to God and eternity?" It will not matter to what nation we may have belonged, or what sect we have followed; but it will matter upon which side we have stood between good and evil. Daily you should ask yourself, "Am I a Christian? Am I a servant of sin, or am I following Christ? Am I renewed in the image of Christ by his transforming grace? Has a moral change taken place in me? Do I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ? Do I feel that I am not my own, but that I have been bought with the precious blood of Christ, and must consecrate myself to his service?"

Let no soul risk his eternal future upon a supposition. The Lord never designed that any one should go blindfolded to heaven. He who sincerely desires to know, may understand whether his steps are tending heavenward or earthward. In the living oracles of God a description is given of the road leading heavenward, and the road leading to perdition, and no one need be deceived as to which one he is traveling. There is no need that one should be lost. God willeth not the misery of any one of his creatures. It is his desire that all men should come to repentance and to the acknowledging of the truth. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." The Lord has provided ample means for our salvation; but he can do nothing for us without our co-operation. Paul says, "We are laborers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building."

What honor has been bestowed upon man, in that he is privileged to come into fellowship with the Lord Jesus Christ; for if we suffer with him, we shall also reign with him in glory. The command is given, "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;" but this encouragement is added: "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." "We, then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succored thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)" A power above and outside of man is to work upon him, that solid timbers may be brought into his character building. In the inner sanctuary of the soul the presence of God is to abide. "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 people." "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are." "What! know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." "For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto a holy temple in the Lord; in whom ye also are builded together for a habitation of God through the Spirit."

Man does not build himself into a habitation for the Spirit, but unless there is a co-operation of man's will with God's will, the Lord can do nothing for him. The Lord is the great Master worker, and yet the human agent must co-operate with the divine worker, or the heavenly building cannot be completed. All the power is of God, and all the glory is to redound to God, and yet all the responsibility rests with the human agent; for God can do nothing without the co-operation of man. When a man believes in Jesus as his personal Saviour, and accepts of his righteousness by faith, he becomes a partaker of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust; and he escapes from corruption through the indwelling of the holy Spirit. Without divine nature, without the influence of the Spirit of God, man cannot work out his own salvation. Said Christ, "Without me ye can do nothing." When human effort does not combine with divine agency, how deficient is its influence; but he who is endowed with divine power can present Christ to the world as one who is able to save unto the uttermost all who come unto God through him. The angels of heaven are commissioned of the Lord God of hosts to co-operate with human agency in lifting up the standard of the gospel in every city, village, and town, both at home and in foreign lands.

In every home there is missionary work to be done; for the children in every family are to be brought up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Evil propensities are to be controlled, evil tempers subdued, and the children are to be instructed that they are the Lord's property, bought with his own precious blood, and that they cannot live a life of pleasure and vanity, have their own will and carry out their own ideas, and yet be numbered among the children of God. The children are to be instructed with kindness and patience. They are to be taught, line upon line and precept upon precept, the requirements of a holy God. Let the parents teach them of the love of God in such a way that it will be a pleasant theme in the family circle, and let the church take upon them the responsibility of feeding the lambs as well as the sheep of the flock. Let the church take a special care of the lambs of the flock, exerting every influence in their power to win the love of the children, and to bind them to the truth. Ministers and church-members should second the efforts of parents to lead the children into safe paths. The Lord is calling for the youth; for he would make them his helpers to do good service under his banner.

How sad it is that many parents have cast off their God-given responsibility to their children, and are willing that strangers should bear it for them. They are willing that others should labor for their children, and relieve them of all burden in the matter. From the indifference of their parents, many children are left to feel that their parents have no care for their souls. This ought not to be so, but those who have children should so manage their domestic and business affairs that nothing may come in between them and the children, that would lessen the parents' influence in directing them to Christ. You should teach your children the lesson of the love of Jesus, that they may be pure in heart, in conduct, and conversation. Teach them how to seek divine aid, how to give themselves unreservedly to God.

The Lord would work upon the hearts of the children if the parents would but co-operate with the divine agencies; but he will not undertake to do that which has been appointed as your part of the work. Parents, you must awake from your death-like slumber. The church must arise from the dead, that Christ may give her life.

The work of God is not divided; it is one vast plan in which all have a part to act. God would have you laborers together with him for the saving of your own children. The children must not be left to themselves to become the slaves of Satan; those who have taken the responsibility of bringing them into the world will be held responsible to a large degree for the characters they form. In order to do their God-given work to save their own households, parents will have to search the Scriptures to know the ways of the Lord. They should be much in secret prayer, that they may be holy in all manner of conversation. Their hearts should be filled with cheerfulness and thanksgiving, that there be no tale-bearing, no false accusation, but only such themes of conversation as will elevate and ennoble those who hear and take a part in it.

Parents should work to this end, that themselves and their children may become missionaries for God. This means that you should be vigilant, diligent in searching and teaching the Scriptures, pouring out your soul before God in your closet, that you may not fail nor be discouraged.

Children are brought into the world without a voice in the matter, and if parents do not work faithfully to save them for Christ, Satan will supply their neglect by his own devices, that he may win them to rebel against God, and war against his kingdom. Parents, unless you are workers together with God, to save the souls of your children, they may be lost. If they are, it will be through no fault of the Lord; for he loved your children, and has given his only begotten Son, that they should not perish, but have everlasting life. When Jesus was upon earth, and mothers brought their children to him, he placed his hand upon their heads and blessed them. He would do the same to-day; for he hath said, "Suffer the little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me; for of such is the kingdom of heaven."

The mother's work begins when her child is a babe in her arms, and she should realize that heaven is looking upon her with intense interest, ready to co-operate with her efforts to rear her child for God. In view of the responsibility that devolves upon parents, it should be carefully considered whether it is best to bring children into the family. Has the mother sufficient strength to care for her children? And can the father give such advantages as will rightly mold and educate the child? How little is the destiny of the child considered. The gratification of passion is the only thought, and burdens are brought upon the wife and mother which undermine her vitality, and paralyze her spiritual power. In broken health and with discouraged spirits, she finds herself surrounded by a little flock when she cannot care for as she should. Lacking the instruction they should have, they grow up to dishonor God and to communicate to others the evil of their own natures, and thus an army is raised up whom Satan manages as he pleases.

You cannot bring up your children as you should without divine help; for the fallen nature of Adam always strives for the mastery. The heart must be prepared for the principles of truth, that they may root in the soul, and find nourishment in the life. Parents, lay hold upon divine help, and bring no more children into the world than those to whom you can give a training and education that will fit them for this life and the life which is to come. Follow the example of Abraham. The Lord said of him, "I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment." Human effort alone will not result in helping your children to perfect a character for heaven; but with divine help a grand and holy work may be accomplished, and you may be able to present yourselves and your children before God, saying, "Here am I, and the children whom thou hast given me."

The Necessity of Co-operation With God (Concluded)

"Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. . . . For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." It is essential to have faith in Jesus, and to believe you are saved through him; but there is danger in taking the position that many do take in saying, "I am saved." Many have said: "You must do good works, and you will live;" but apart from Christ no one can do good works. Many at the present day say, "Believe, only believe, and live." Faith and works go together, believing and doing are blended. The Lord requires no less of the soul now, than he required of Adam in paradise before he fell,--perfect obedience, unblemished righteousness. The requirement of God under the covenant of grace is just as broad as the requirement he made in paradise,--harmony with his law, which is holy, and just, and good. The gospel does not weaken the claims of the law; it exalts the law and makes it honorable. Under the New Testament, no less is required than was required under the Old Testament. Let no one take up with the delusion so pleasant to the natural heart, that God will accept of sincerity, no matter what may be the faith, no matter how imperfect may be the life. God requires of his child perfect obedience.

In order to meet the requirements of the law, our faith must grasp the righteousness of Christ, accepting it as our righteousness. Through union with Christ, through acceptance of his righteousness by faith, we may be qualified to work the works of God, to be co-laborers with Christ. If you are willing to drift along with the current of evil, and do not co-operate with the heavenly agencies in restraining transgression in your family, and in the church, in order that everlasting righteousness may be brought in, you do not have faith. Faith works by love and purifies the soul. Through faith the holy Spirit works in the heart to create holiness therein; but this cannot be done unless the human agent will work with Christ. We can be fitted for heaven only through the work of the holy Spirit upon the heart; for we must have Christ's righteousness as our credentials if we would find access to the Father. In order that we may have the righteousness of Christ, we need daily to be transformed by the influence of the Spirit, to be a partaker of the divine nature. It is the work of the holy Spirit to elevate the taste, to sanctify the heart, to ennoble the whole man.

Let the soul look to Jesus. "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." No one will be forced to look to Christ; but the voice of invitation is sounding in yearning entreaty, "Look and live." In looking to Christ, we shall see that his love is without a parallel, that he has taken the place of the guilty sinner, and has imputed unto him his spotless righteousness. When the sinner sees his Saviour dying upon the cross under the curse of sin in his stead, beholding his pardoning love, love awakes in his heart. The sinner loves Christ, because Christ has first loved him, and love is the fulfilling of the law. The repenting soul realizes that God "is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." The Spirit of God works in the believer's soul, enabling him to advance from one line of obedience to another, reaching on from strength to greater strength, from grace to grace in Christ Jesus.

God justly condemns all who do not make Christ their personal Saviour; but he pardons every soul who comes to him in faith, and enables him to work the works of God, and through faith to be one with Christ. Jesus says of these, "I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one [this unity brings perfection of character]; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me." The Lord has made every provision whereby man may have full and free salvation, and be complete in him. God designs that his children shall have the bright beams of the Sun of righteousness, that all may have the light of truth. God has provided salvation for the world at infinite cost, even through the gift of his only begotten Son. The apostle asks, "He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" Then if we are not saved, the fault will not be on the part of God, but on our part, that we have failed to co-operate with the divine agencies. Our will has not coincided with God's will.

The Redeemer of the world clothed his divinity with humanity, that he might reach humanity; for it took the divine and the human to bring into the world the salvation that was needed by fallen man. Divinity needed humanity that humanity might afford a channel of communication between God and man. Man needs a power out of and above himself to restore him to the likeness of God; but because he needs divine aid, it does not make human activity unessential. Faith on the part of man is required; for faith works by love and purifies the soul. Faith lays hold upon the virtue of Christ. The Lord does not design that human power should be paralyzed; but by co-operating with God, the power of man may be efficient for good. God does not design that our will should be destroyed; for it is through this very attribute that we are to accomplish the work he would have us to do both at home and abroad. He has given to every man his work; and every true worker sheds forth light to the world, because he is united with God and Christ and heavenly angels in the grand work of saving the lost. From divine association he becomes more and more intelligent in working the works of God. In working out what divine grace works in, the believer becomes spiritually great. He who works according to his intrusted ability will become a wise builder for the Master; for he is under the apprenticeship to Christ, learning to work the works of God. He will not shun burdens of responsibility, for he will realize that each one must lift in the cause of God to the extent of his ability, and he places himself under the pressure of the work; but Jesus does not leave his willing and obedient servant to be crushed. It is not the man who carries heavy responsibilities in the cause of God who needs your pity; for he is faithful and true in co-operation with God; and through union of divine and human effort, the work is made complete. It is he who shuns responsibilities, who has no realization of the privilege to which he is called, who is an object of pity.

The upbuilding of the kingdom of God is retarded or urged forward according to the unfaithfulness or fidelity of human agencies. Unfaithfulness to the cause of Christ makes manifest that love is lacking in the human agent. It was the love of Christ that constrained him to come and seek and save that which was lost. But the love of Christ does not seem to constrain those who profess his name; for a deathlike slumber is upon the human agents, and the work is hindered by failure of the human to co-operate with the divine. Men may pray, "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven," but fail in acting upon this prayer in their lives. The living Christian is one who has not left his first love, and his candlestick is not removed out of its place. But those who do not maintain their consecration to God are blind, and cannot see afar off, and have forgotten that they were purged from their old sins. But though you may be weak, erring, frail, sinful, and imperfect, the Lord holds out to you the offer of partnership with himself, inviting you to come under divine instruction. Uniting with Christ, you may work the works of God. "Without me," said Christ, "ye can do nothing."

We are to work the works of Christ, to learn the lesson he presented to his disciples, and reflect his character to the world. Isaiah says, "Thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rearward." This is the righteousness of Christ which goes before us, and the glory of the Lord is to be our rearward. Ye churches of the living God, study this promise, and consider how your lack of faith, of spirituality, of divine power, is hindering the coming of the kingdom of God. Were everyone of you living missionaries, the gospel would be speedily proclaimed in all countries, to all peoples, nations, and tongues. This is the work that must be done before Christ shall come in power and great glory. I call upon the church to pray earnestly that you may understand your responsibilities Are your individually laborers together with God? If not, why not? When do you mean to do your God-appointed work? God is working, the agencies of heaven are at work that the prayer may be fulfilled, "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven." Man is the agent through whom God works for man, and yet how few have given themselves unreservedly to work the works of God. Man can accomplish nothing without Jesus, and yet it is so arranged in the plan of salvation, that its great object cannot be consummated without human co-operation. Our work may appear small and unimportant, and yet we are laborers together with God. Jesus has given us every temporal and spiritual blessing; he died to make propitiation for our sins and to reconcile us to God. He has sent forth light and truth, that we should walk in the beams of the Sun of righteousness, and not in the sparks of our own kindling.

"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 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. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure." He who hath this hope in him learns from the Scriptures that he must be a worker together with God. There can be no such thing as a slothful Christian. "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works."

Those who are waiting to behold a magical change in their characters, without a determined effort on their part, will be disappointed. With our limited powers we are to be as holy in our sphere as God is holy in his sphere. To the extent of our ability we are to make manifest the truth and love and excellence of the divine character, and for this reason we must draw from the living fountain. As the wax takes the impression of the seal, so the soul is to take the impression of the Spirit of God, and retain the moral image of Christ. We are to become partakers of the divine nature, realizing in our experience the vigor and perfection of spiritual life.

We are to look unto Jesus, and by beholding him, we are to become changed. "This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." "He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all. . . . For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him."

Jesus "came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name." Of these the Saviour says, "The Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God." "O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it; that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them."

Christ came to reveal to the world the knowledge of the character of God, of which the world was destitute. This knowledge was the chief treasure which he committed to his disciples to be communicated to men. The truth of God had been hidden beneath a mass of tradition and error. The sacrificial offerings which had been instituted to teach men concerning the vicarious atonement of Christ, to teach them that without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sins, had become to them a stumbling-block. All that was spiritual and holy was perverted to their darkened understanding. They were blinded by pride and prejudice so that they could not see to the end of that which was abolished. Jesus came to change the order of things that then existed, and reveal to them the character of the Father. He drew aside the veil which concealed his glory from the eyes of mortals, and made manifest to the world the only true and living God, whom to know aright is life eternal.

Imperative Necessity of Searching for Truth

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field."

As men seek for earthly treasure, so are they diligently to search for the truth. The truth is to be regarded of higher value than anything else within the reach of man, and the searcher for truth must be willing to purchase it at any sacrifice or cost to himself. The word of God is the mine of truth, and the Lord would have us individually search the Scriptures, that we may become acquainted with the great plan of redemption, and take in the grand subject as far as it is possible for the human mind, enlightened by the Spirit of God, to understand the purpose of God. He would have us comprehend something of his love in giving his Son to die that he might counteract evil, remove the defiling stains of sin from the workmanship of God, and re-instate the lost, elevating and ennobling the soul to its original purity through Christ's imputed righteousness.

The only way in which the fallen race could be restored was through the gift of his Son, equal with himself, possessing the attributes of God. Though so highly exalted, Christ consented to assume human nature, that he might work in behalf of man and reconcile to God his disloyal subject. When man rebelled, Christ pleaded his merit in his behalf, and became man's substitute and surety. He undertook to combat the powers of darkness in man's behalf, and he prevailed, conquering the enemy of our souls, and presenting to man the cup of salvation.

God has endowed humanity with attributes whereby we may appreciate God; and though man has revolted from God, and has endeavored to supply the place of God with other objects of worship, the true God alone can fill the wants of the soul. Christ said: "I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me." Christ is to be the great center of attraction, the object to which the attention of the world is invited; and the word of God so portrays him. The Lord has intrusted to his children his written word, in order that they might search the Scriptures, and understand what is truth, and proclaim the truth to those who are in the darkness of error. How diligently should we search this word. The diligent student will be amply rewarded; for gems of truth are to be gathered up, and separated from the companionship of error. The Bible is presented to us as a precious revelation from heaven; but in order to understand it, we must diligently search its pages, with prayerful spirit and humble heart.

The prevailing spirit of our times is that of infidelity and apostasy. The spirit manifested in the world is one of pride and self-exaltation. Men boast of illumination, which in reality is the blindest presumption; for they are in opposition to the plain word of God. Many exalt human reason, idolize human wisdom, and set the opinions of men above the revealed wisdom of God. This affords opportunity for the working of Satan, and the spirit of antichrist is far more wide-spread than any of us imagine. Among the great mass of professed Christians, the grievous character of the transgression of the law of God is not understood. They do not realize that salvation can be obtained only through the blood of Christ, through his imputed righteousness; but this alone will avail to make fallen man what he should be, and exalt him to become a member of the royal family.

The truth as it is in Jesus is regarded as an old-fashioned doctrine. The maxims of the world, that know not God, have been worked into the theories of the church. In the eyes of men, vain philosophy and science, falsely so-called, is of more value than the word of God. The sentiment prevails to a large extent that the divine Mediator is not essential to the salvation of man. A variety of theories advanced by the so-called worldly-wise men for man's elevation, are believed and trusted in more than is the truth of God, as taught by Christ and his apostles. The lying spirit that enticed Eve in Eden, finds acceptance with the majority of earth's inhabitants to-day. Even the Christian world refuses to be converted by the Spirit of God, but listen to the prince of darkness, as he comes to them in the garb of an angel of light. The spirit of antichrist is prevailing in the world to a far greater extent than it has ever prevailed before. The day of test and purification is just upon us. Signs of a most startling character appear, in floods, in hurricanes, in tornadoes, in cloud-bursts, in casualties by land and by sea, that proclaim the approach of the end of all things. The judgments of God are falling on the world, that men may be awakened to the fact that Christ will come speedily. The Lord is about to reveal the difference between the righteous and the wicked; for his "fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into his garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire."

The time is upon us when the miracle-working power of the arch deceiver will be more decidedly revealed. And his deceptions will increase in their delusive attraction, so that they will perplex, and if possible, deceive, the very elect. The prince of darkness with his evil angels is working upon the Christian world, inducing those who profess the name of Christ to stand under the banner of darkness, to make war with those who keep the commandments of God, and have the faith of Jesus. An apostate church will unite with the powers of earth and hell to place upon the forehead or in the hand, the mark of the beast, and prevail upon the children of God to worship the beast and his image. They will seek to compel them to renounce their allegiance to God's law, and yield homage to the papacy. Then will come the times which will try men's souls; for the confederacy of apostasy will demand that the loyal subjects of God shall renounce the law of Jehovah, and repudiate the truth of his word. Then will the gold be separated from the dross, and it will be made apparent who are the godly, who are loyal and true, and who are the disloyal, the dross and the tinsel. What clouds of chaff will then be borne away by the fan of God! Where now our eyes can discover only rich floors of wheat, will be chaff blown away with the fan of God. Every one who is not centered in Christ will fail to stand the test and ordeal of that day. While those who are clothed with Christ's righteousness will stand firm to truth and duty, those who have trusted in their own righteousness will be ranged under the black banner of the prince of darkness. Then it will be seen whether the choice is for Christ or Belial. Those who have been self-distrustful, who have been so circumstanced that they have not dared to face stigma and reproach, will at last openly declare themselves for Christ and his law; while many who have appeared to be flourishing trees, but who have borne no fruit, will go with the multitude to do evil, and will receive the mark of apostasy in the forehead or in the hand.

Imperative Necessity of Searching for Truth (Concluded)

Now we have the precious opportunity of making our calling and election sure. Every soul is to proclaim the truth because it is the truth. There must not be with any of us a betrayal of sacred trusts. Although Satan lifts up himself, although he numbers the world as his subjects, and exalts himself above God, we must be faithful and loyal sons and daughters of God, our eyes not blinded by the enemy, our hearts not corrupted by the delusive deception that has covered the people. Let us raise high the standard of victory, proclaiming in the strength of Jehovah, the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, while believing with all the heart that "the Lord our righteousness" will be our defense in that day.

We are living in a time of world-wide apostasy; but the more wide-spread unbelief and infidelity are, the more does the word of God shine forth as the truth to the believing soul; for in the Bible the believer recognizes the voice of the Almighty. With what awe and reverence, with what humiliation of soul, should we attempt the searching of the Scriptures, the word of the living God. At this time the Lord has precious truth to open unto us. It is not new truth, but old, old truth, although to the receiver it is new, grand, inspiring, and glorious truth. It has been rescued from the companionship of error, and has been placed in the framework of truth. Long enough have the Lord's precious words of truth been perverted to serve the purpose of the enemy.

Christ was the great Teacher of truth, and to him we must come to learn of the great doctrine of justice, grace, and mercy. His words are as seeds that germinate and take root, and are again to be sown and cultivated by his delegated embassadors. The disciples were put in close connection with eternal, essential truth; for it was laid open to their understanding; but they failed to comprehend it in its fullness, and although the living oracles are in our hands, although we have some understanding of the inspired books of the Old and New Testaments, there is much that even in our day we do not see and comprehend. In order to understand the truth of God, there is need of deep research, that we may discover in the teachings of Christ new aspects of truth, and behold the exceeding breadth and compass of grand old truth, of which we have only a superficial knowledge. The searching of the Scriptures would reveal the harmony existing between the various parts of the Bible, and the bearing of one passage upon another. We do not perceive the meaning of the word of God without much study; but the reward of the study of the Bible is exceedingly precious to him who fears God and earnestly searches for truth as for hidden treasure. At the present day there are a large number in our churches who are not sufficiently interested in Bible study to seek to understand the mysteries of the truth. They do not go below the surface. Those who are living in these last days, who acknowledge the binding claims of the law of God, have no ordinary responsibility. They are not to be satisfied with the surface truths. That which lies plainly revealed, which costs us no effort, will not be esteemed as highly as the treasure that costs us diligent, prayerful research and investigation. Celestial truth is represented as treasure hid in a field, "which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field," that he may work every part of it to discover the golden ore or precious gems. The earth itself cannot reveal treasures of as great value as can the Bible. No toil can so repay the diligent worker, as can the search for truth. Let the mines of revelation be properly worked, and the unsearchable riches of Christ will be revealed.

How can we stand in the day of test if we do not understand the words of Christ? He said: "These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." It is the holy Spirit that is to bring to our remembrance the words of Christ. The theme Christ chose to dwell upon in his last discourse to his disciples was that of the office of the holy Spirit. He opened before them a wide tract of truth. They were to receive his words by faith, and the Comforter, the holy Spirit, was to bring all things to their remembrance. The consolation given by Christ in this promise was found in the fact that the divine influence was to be with his followers to the end. But this promise is not accepted and believed by the people to-day, and therefore is not cherished by them, nor is its fulfillment seen in the experience of the church. The promise of the gift of the Spirit of God, is left as a matter to be little considered by the church. It is not impressed upon the people, and the result is only that which might be expected,--spiritual drouth, spiritual darkness, spiritual declension and death. Minor matters occupy the mind and soul, but divine power which is necessary for the growth and prosperity of the church, which would, if possessed, bring all other blessings in its train, is lacking, although it is offered to us in infinite plentitude. Just as long as the church are satisfied with small things, they are disqualified to receive the great things of God. But why do we not hunger and thirst after the gift of the holy Spirit, since it is the means whereby the heart may be kept pure? The Lord designs that divine power shall co-operate with human effort. It is all-essential for the Christian to understand the meaning of the promise of the holy Spirit just prior to the coming of our Lord Jesus the second time. Talk of it, pray of it, preach concerning it; for the Lord is more willing to give the holy Spirit than parents are to give good gifts to their children. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

We are living in the last days, when error of a most deceptive character is accepted and believed, while truth is discarded. The Lord will hold both ministers and people responsible for the light which shines in our day. God calls upon all who claim to believe present truth, to work diligently in gathering up the precious jewels of truth, and placing them in their position in the framework of the gospel. Let them shine in all their divine beauty and loveliness, that the light may flash forth amid the moral darkness. This cannot be accomplished without the aid of the holy Spirit, but with the aid of the Spirit we can do all things. When we are endowed with the holy Spirit, we by faith take hold of infinite power. There is nothing to be lost of that which comes from God. The Saviour of the world sends his divine messenger to the soul, that men may dig for the truth, that by its revelation they may dispel the multitude of errors. This is the Christian's work.

Obligation of Children to Parents

The best way to educate children to respect their father and mother, is to give them the opportunity of seeing the father offering kindly attentions to the mother, and the mother rendering respect and reverence to the father. It is by beholding love in their parents, that children are led to obey the fifth commandment and to heed the injunction, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honor thy father and thy mother; which is the first commandment with promise; that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest live long on the earth."

When children have unbelieving parents, and their commands contradict the requirements of Christ, then, painful though it may be, they must obey God and trust the consequences with him. The Lord has expressly enjoined the duty upon children of honoring their father and their mother. As they have opportunity and ability, they are kindly to care for their parents. This commandment to children stands at the head of the last six precepts which show the duty of man to his fellow-man. But while children are commanded to obey their parents, parents are also instructed to exercise their authority with wisdom. Paul writes, "And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." Great care should be exercised by parents lest they treat their children in such a way as to provoke obstinacy, disobedience, and rebellion. Parents often stir up the worst passions of the human heart, because of their lack of self-control. They correct them in a spirit of anger, and rather confirm them in their evil ways and defiant spirit, than influence them in the way of right. By their own arbitrary spirit they thrust their children under Satanic influences, instead of rescuing them from the snares of Satan by gentleness and love. How sad it is that many parents who profess to be Christians, are not converted! Christ does not abide in their hearts by faith. While professing to be followers of Jesus, they disgust their children, and, by their violent, unforgiving temper, make them averse to all religion. It is little wonder that the children become cold and rebellious toward their parents. And yet children are not excused for disobedience because of their parents' unsanctified ways.

O that every family professing to be devoted to God, were so indeed and in truth! Then would Christ be represented in the home-life, and parents and children would represent him in the church, and what happiness would exist! But instead of this, the books of heaven record the cruelty of parents to children, and the neglect of parents by their children. After children grow to years of maturity, some of them think their duty is done in providing an abode for their parents. While giving them food and shelter, they give them no love or sympathy. In their parents' old age, when they long for expression of affection and sympathy, children heartlessly deprive them of their attention. There is no time when children should withhold respect and love from their father and mother. While the parents live, it should be the children's joy to honor and respect them. They should bring all the cheerfulness and sunshine into the life of the aged parents, that they possibly can. They should smooth their pathway to the grave. There is no better recommendation in this world than that a child has honored his parents, no better record in the books of heaven than that he has loved and honored father and mother.

Let children carefully remember that at the best the aged parents have but little joy and comfort. What can bring greater sorrow to their hearts than manifest neglect on the part of their children? What sin can be worse in children than to bring grief to an aged, helpless father or mother? Those who grieve their aged parents are written in the books of heaven as commandment breakers, as those who do not reverence the God of heaven, and unless they repent and forsake their evil ways, they will not be found worthy of a place in the saints' inheritance.

Is it possible that children can become so dead to the claims of father and mother, that they will not willingly remove all causes of sorrow in their power, watching over them with unwearying care and devotion? Can it be possible that they will not regard it a pleasure to make the last days of their parents their best days? How can a son or daughter be willing to leave father or mother on the hands of strangers, for them to care for! Even were the mother an unbeliever, and disagreeable, it would not release the child from the obligation that God has placed upon him to care for his parent. Would that there were but few who would utterly ignore the duty that is due from a child to his mother. Alas! that there are so many who never bestow a thought upon their parents, except it be that they may gain some advantage from them. Many care not whether their parents are comfortable or uncomfortable. Their conduct reveals them to be thankless children, and their ingratitude is "sharper than a serpent's tooth." Their indifference to their parents imbitters the life of father and mother, and brings down their gray hairs in sorrow to the grave. Through selfishness, self-love, unkindness, they have created an unwholesome atmosphere about their souls, and steeled their hearts to all good, until they are utterly loveless and unfeeling. Avarice has eaten out the good from their heart, and they even deny their parents the good which, without putting themselves to trouble, they could bestow upon them. The Satanic element predominates in their characters. But how bitter will be the close of the life of such children! They can have no happy reflection in their old age; for they will reap as they have sown.

The thought that children have ministered to the comfort of their parents is a thought of satisfaction all through the life, and will especially bring them joy when they themselves are in need of sympathy and love. Those whose hearts are filled with love will regard the privilege of smoothing the passage to the grave for their parents an inestimable privilege. They will rejoice that they had a part in bringing comfort and peace to the last days of their loved parents. To do otherwise than this, to deny to the helpless ages ones the kindly ministrations of sons and daughters, would fill the soul with remorse, the days with regret, if our hearts were not hardened and cold as a stone.

Our obligation to our parents never ceases. Our love for them, and theirs for us is not measured by years or distance, and our responsibility can never be set aside. When the nations are gathered before the judgment-seat of Christ, but two classes will be represented,--those who have identified their interest with Christ and suffering humanity, those who have ignored their God-given obligations, done injury to their fellow-men, and dishonor to God. Their eternal destiny will be decided on the ground of what they did, and what they did not do to Christ in the person of his saints. He will say to them, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." Mrs. E. G. White. -

The Perils and Privileges of the Last Days

"For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world: looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works."

To the early church the hope of Christ's coming was a blessed hope, and they were represented by the apostle as waiting for his Son from heaven, as loving his appearing. As long as this hope was cherished by the professed followers of Christ, they were a light to the world. But is was not the design of Satan that they should be a light to the world; and because iniquity abounded, the love of many waxed cold, and the unfaithful servant is represented as saying, "My Lord delayeth his coming." As a result of loss of faith in the appearing of Jesus, the unfaithful servant begins to smite his fellow-servant, and to eat and drink with the drunken. Satan was at work to cause apostasy in the early church; and in accomplishing his purpose, doctrines were introduced through which the church was leavened with unbelief in Christ and his coming. The adversary of God and man cast his hellish shadow athwart the path of the believers, and dimmed their star of hope, even their faith in the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.

The hope which had been so precious to them lost its attractions; for the specious delusions of Satan almost wholly extinguished the light of salvation through the merits of a crucified and risen Saviour, and men were led to seek to make an atonement through works of their own,--by fasts and penances, and through the payment of money to the church. It was more agreeable to the natural heart thus to seek justification than to seek it through repentance and faith, through belief in, and obedience to, the truth. During the ages of apostasy, darkness covered the earth, and gross darkness the people; but the Reformation aroused the inhabitants of earth from their death-like slumber, and many turned away from their vanities and superstitions, from priests and penances, to serve the living God, to search in his holy word for truth as for hidden treasure. They began diligently to work the mine of truth, to clear away the rubbish of human opinion that had buried up the precious jewels of light. But as soon as the work of reformation began, Satan with determined purpose sought the more zealously to bind the minds of men in superstition and error. When he found that he could not prevent them from investigating the word of God, or deter them from accepting the truth, through forcing erroneous doctrines upon their attention, he thought to intimidate them by threatening and persecution, and thus to quench the heavenly light that was shining upon men, revealing the character of God, and making manifest the malignity of the arch deceiver.

That which Satan has led men to do in the past, he will if possible lead them to do again. The early church was deceived by the enemy of God and man, and apostasy was brought into the ranks of those who professed to love God; and to-day, unless the people of God awake out of sleep, they will be taken unawares by the devices of Satan. Among those who claim to believe in the near coming of the Savior, how many are back-slidden, how many have lost their first love, and come under the description written of the Laodicean church, denominating them as neither cold nor hot. Satan will do his utmost to keep them in a state of indifference and stupor. May the Lord reveal to the people the perils that are before them, that they may arouse from their spiritual slumber, and trim their lamps, and be found watching for the Bridegroom when he shall return from the wedding.

The days in which we live are eventful and full of peril. The signs of the coming of the end are thickening around us, and events are to come to pass that will be of a more terrible character than any the world has yet witnessed. "For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them." But to those who have the light of truth, it has been written, "Ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober." "And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light." "Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cock-crowing, or in the morning: lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping."

There is great need that our weakening faith should be quickened, and that we should ever keep before the mind the evidences that our Lord is soon coming, that we may ever be found not only waiting, but watching and working. We are not to be found in idle expectancy; for this leads to carelessness of life, and deficiency of character. We are to realize that the judgments of God are about to fall upon the earth, and we should most earnestly present before the people the warning that the Lord has commissioned us to give: "For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be." "Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh."

Let every one who claims to believe that the Lord is soon coming, search the Scriptures as never before; for Satan is determined to try every device possible to keep souls in darkness, and blind the mind to the perils of the times in which we are living. Let every believer take up his Bible with earnest prayer, that he may be enlightened by the holy Spirit as to what is truth, that he may know more of God and of Jesus Christ whom he has sent. Search for the truth as for hidden treasures, and disappoint the enemy. The time of test is just upon us, for the loud cry of the third angel has already begun in the revelation of the righteousness of Christ, the sin-pardoning Redeemer. This is the beginning of the light of the angel whose glory shall fill the whole earth. For it is the work of every one to whom the message of warning has come, to lift up Jesus, to present him to the world as revealed in types, as shadowed in symbols, as manifested in the revelations of the prophets, as unveiled in the lessons given to his disciples and in the wonderful miracles wrought for the sons of men. Search the Scriptures; for they are they that testify of him.

If you would stand through the time of trouble, you must know Christ, and appropriate the gift of his righteousness, which he imputes to the repentant sinner. Human wisdom will not avail to devise a plan of salvation. Human philosophy is vain, the fruits of the loftiest powers of man are worthless, aside from the great plan of the divine Teacher. No glory is to redound to man; all human help and glory lies in the dust; for the truth as it is in Jesus is the only available agent by which man may be saved. Man is privileged to connect with Christ, and then the divine and the human combine; and in this union the hope of man must rest alone; for it is as the Spirit of God touches the soul that the powers of the soul are quickened, and man becomes a new creature in Christ Jesus. He was manifested to bring life and immortality to light. He says, "The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life." The psalmist declares, "The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple."

Then let us study the word of God, that we may know him in whom there is no darkness at all. Jesus says, "He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." The theme that attracts the heart of the sinner is Christ, and him crucified. On the cross of Calvary, Jesus stands revealed to the world in unparalleled love. Present him thus to the hungering multitudes, and the light of his love will win men from darkness to light, from transgression to obedience and true holiness. Beholding Jesus upon the cross of Calvary arouses the conscience to the heinous character of sin as nothing else can do. It was sin that caused the death of God's dear Son, and sin is the transgression of the law. On him was laid the iniquities of us all. The sinner then consents unto the law that it is good; for he realizes that it condemns his evil deeds, while he magnifies the matchless love of God in providing for him salvation through the imputed righteousness of Him who knew no sin, in whose mouth there was found no guile. ( Concluded next week. )

The Perils and Privileges of the Last Days (Concluded)

The truth is efficient, and through obedience its power changes the mind into the image of Jesus. It is the truth as it is in Jesus that quickens the conscience and transforms the mind; for it is accompanied to the heart by the holy Spirit. There are many, who, lacking spiritual discernment, take the bare letter of the word, and find that unaccompanied by the Spirit of God, it quickens not the soul, it sanctifies not the heart. One may be able to quote from the Old and the New Testament, may be familiar with the commands and promises of the word of God; but unless the holy Spirit sends the truth home to the heart, enlightening the mind with divine light, no soul falls upon the Rock and is broken; for it is the divine agency that connects the soul with God. Without the enlightenment of the Spirit of God, we shall not be able to discern truth from error, and shall fall under the masterful temptations and deceptions that Satan will bring upon the world. We are near the close of the controversy between the Prince of light and the prince of darkness, and soon the delusions of the enemy will try our faith, of what sort it is. Satan will work miracles in the sight of the beast, and deceive "them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast."

But though the prince of darkness will work to cover the earth with darkness, and with gross darkness the people, the Lord will manifest his converting power. A work is to be accomplished in the earth similar to that which took place at the outpouring of the holy Spirit in the days of the early disciples, when they preached Jesus and him crucified. Many will be converted in a day; for the message will go with power. It can then be said: "Our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost." It is the holy Spirit that draws men to Christ; for he takes of the things of God, and shows them unto the sinner. Jesus said: "He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you."

The work of the holy Spirit is immeasurably great. It is from this source that power and efficiency come to the worker for God; and the holy Spirit is the comforter, as the personal presence of Christ to the soul. He who looks to Christ in simple, childlike faith, is made a partaker of the divine nature through the agency of the holy Spirit. When led by the Spirit of God, the Christian may know that he is made complete in him who is the head of all things. As Christ was glorified on the day of Pentecost, so will he again be glorified in the closing work of the gospel, when he shall prepare a people to stand the final test, in the closing conflict of the great controversy. The prophet describes the enemy's plan of battle saying:--

"I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, but he spake as a dragon. And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them that dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, and deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by the sword, and did live. And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed." "These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them; for he is Lord of lords and King of kings; and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful." "And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and the cage of every unclean and hateful bird. . . . And I heard another voice from heaven saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plaques. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities."

The people of God are to be called out from their association with worldlings and evil-doers, to stand in the battle for the Lord against the powers of darkness. When the earth is lightened with the glory of God, we shall see a work similar to that which was wrought when the disciples, filled with the holy Spirit, proclaimed the power of a risen Saviour. The light of heaven penetrated the darkened minds of those who had been deceived by the enemies of Christ, and the false representation of him was rejected; for through the efficiency of the holy Spirit they now saw him exalted to be a prince and Saviour, to give repentance unto Israel, and remission of sins. They saw him encircled with the glory of heaven, with infinite treasures in his hands to bestow upon those who turn from their rebellion. As the apostles set forth the glory of the only begotten of the Father, 3,000 souls were pricked to the heart, and they were made to see themselves as they were, sinful and polluted, and Christ as their Saviour and Redeemer. Christ was lifted up, Christ was glorified, through the power of the holy Spirit resting upon men. By the eye of faith these believers saw him as the one who had borne humiliation, suffering, and death, that they might not perish, but have everlasting life. As they looked upon his spotless righteousness, they saw their own deformity and pollution, and were filled with godly fear, with love and adoration for Him who gave his life a sacrifice for them. They humbled their souls to the very dust, and repented of their wicked works, and glorified God for his salvation.

They said one to another, "This is the very one who was accused of gluttony, of eating with publicans and sinners; the one who was bound, and scourged, and crucified. We believe in him as the Son of God, the prince and Saviour." The revelation of Christ by the holy Spirit brought to them a realizing sense of his power and majesty, and they stretched forth their hands unto him by faith, saying, "I believe." Thus it was in the time of the early rain; but the latter rain will be more abundant. The Saviour of men will be glorified, and the earth will be lightened with the bright shining of the beams of his righteousness. He is the fountain of light, and light from the gates ajar has been shining upon the people of God, that they may lift him up in his glorious character before those who sit in darkness.

Christ has not been presented in connection with the law as a faithful and merciful High Priest, who was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. He has not been lifted up before the sinner as the divine sacrifice. His work as sacrifice, substitute, and surety, has been only coldly and casually dwelt upon; but this is what the sinner needs to know. It is Christ in his fullness as a sin-pardoning Saviour, that the sinner must see; for the unparalleled love of Christ, through the agency of the holy Spirit, will bring conviction and conversion to the hardened heart. It is the divine influence that is the savor of the salt in the Christian. Many present the doctrines and theories of our faith; but their presentation is as salt without savor; for the holy Spirit is not working through their faithless ministry. They have not opened the heart to receive the grace of Christ; they know not the operation of the Spirit; they are as meal without leaven; for there is no working principle in all their labor, and they fail to win souls to Christ. They do not appropriate the righteousness of Christ; it is a robe unworn by them, a fullness unknown, a fountain untouched.

O that the atoning work of Christ might be carefully studied! O that all would carefully and prayerfully study the word of God, not to qualify themselves for debating controverted points of doctrine; but that as hungry souls they might be filled, as those that thirst, be refreshed at the fountain of life. It is when we search the Scriptures with humble hearts, feeling our weakness and unworthiness, that Jesus is revealed to our souls in all his preciousness. When we become partakers of the divine nature, we shall look with abhorrence upon all our exaltation of self, and that which we have cherished as wisdom, will seem as dross and rubbish. Those who have educated themselves as debaters, who have looked upon themselves as sharp, keen men, will view their work with sorrow and shame, and know that their offering has been as valueless as was Cain's; for it has been destitute of the righteousness of Christ.

O that we as a people might humble our hearts before God, and plead with him for the endowment of the holy Spirit! If we came to the Lord in humility and contrition of soul, he would answer our petitions; for he says that he is more willing to give us the holy Spirit than are parents to give good gifts to their children. Then would Christ be glorified, and in him we should discern the fullness of the Godhead bodily. For Christ has said of the Comforter, "He shall glorify me; for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you." This is the thing most essential to us. For "this is life eternal, that they might know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent."

Let the Trumpet Give a Certain Sound

We are pressing on to the final conflict, and this is no time to compromise. It is no time to hide your colors. When the battle wages sore, let no one turn traitor. It is no time to lay down or conceal our weapons, and give Satan the advantage in the warfare. But unless you watch, and keep your garments unspotted from the world, you will not stand true to your Captain. It is no time for watchmen to slumber on the walls of Zion. Let them be wide-awake. Call to your fellow-watchmen, crying, "The morning cometh, and also the night." It is no time now to relax our efforts, to become tame and spiritless; no time to hide our light under a bushel, to speak smooth things, to prophesy deceit. Every power is to be employed for God. You are to maintain your allegiance, bearing testimony for God and for truth. Be not turned aside by any suggestion the world can make. We cannot afford to compromise. There is a living issue before us, of vital importance to the remnant people of God, to the very close of this earth's history; for eternal interests are involved. On the very eve of the crisis, it is no time to be found with an evil heart of unbelief, departing from the living God.

The original apostasy began in disbelief and denial of the truth; but if we would triumph, we must fix the eye of faith steadfastly upon Jesus, the Captain of our salvation. We are to follow the example of Christ, and in all that Jesus did on earth, he had an eye single to the glory of God. He says, "As the Father gave me commandment, even so I do." "This commandment have I received of my Father." In all he did he was working out the will of his Father, so that his life on earth was a manifestation of the divine perfection. Divinity and humanity were united in Christ, that he might reveal to us God's purpose, and bring man into close communion with himself. This union will enable us to overcome the enemy; for through faith in Christ we shall have divine power. The days will come (for the enemy is working to that end) in which the law of God will be made void. As those days approach, the loyal subjects of God must rise to the emergency, manifesting more fervent zeal, giving more positive and unflinching testimony.

But while we are to speak as having authority, we should do nothing in a defiant spirit. If our hearts are fully surrendered to God, we shall unite meekness and love with truth and decision. We are "to be ready to every good work, to speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, showing all meekness unto all men."

It is time for God's people to take up the duties that lie next them, to be faithful in little things; for on the right performance of little things hang great results. Do not leave the work which needs to be done, because to your judgment it appears small and unimportant. Make up every waste place, repair the breaches as fast as they occur. Let no difference or dissension exist among the workers. Let all go to work to help some one who needs help. There is a cause for the great weakness in our churches, and that cause is hard to remove; for it is self. Trouble does not arise because men have too much will, but because they have too much self-will. The will should be wholly sanctified to God. The professed followers of Christ need to fall on the Rock and be broken; for in every one who enters the gates of the city of God, self must be crucified. This fierce spirit which rises up in the hearts of some in the church when everything does not go to please them, must be subdued; for it is not the Spirit of Christ. It is fully time that we return to our first love, and be at peace among ourselves. We must make it manifest that we are not only Bible readers, but Bible believers. If we are united to Christ, we shall be united to one another. Jesus says, "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." "We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbor for his good to edification. For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me. . . . Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be like-minded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: that ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Our numbers are increasing, our facilities are enlarging, and all this calls for union among the workers, for entire consecration and thorough devotion to the cause of God. There is no place in the work of God for half-hearted workers, for those who are neither cold nor hot. Jesus says, "I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth." Among those who are half-hearted are the class who pride themselves on their great caution in receiving "new light," as they term it. But their failure to receive the light is caused by their spiritual blindness; for they cannot discern the ways and works of God. Those who array themselves against the precious light of heaven, will accept messages that God has not sent, and will thus become dangerous to the cause of God; for they will set up false standards.

There are men in our cause who might be of great use if they would but learn of Christ, and go on from light to greater light; but because they will not, they are positive hindrances, forever questioning, wasting precious time in argument, and contributing nothing to the spiritual elevation of the church. They misdirect minds, and lead men to accept perilous suggestions. They cannot see afar off; they cannot discern the conclusion of the matter. Their moral force is squandered upon trifles; for they view an atom as a world, and a world as an atom.

Many have trusted and gloried in the wisdom of men far more than in Christ and in the precious sanctifying truth for this time. They need the heavenly anointing, that they may comprehend what is light and truth. They thank God that they are confined to no narrow groove, but they do not see the breadth and far-reaching extent of the principles of truth, and are not enlightened by the Spirit of God as to heaven's large liberality. They admire man-made theories, and walk in the sparks of their own kindling, diverging farther and farther from the genuine principles of Christian action ordained to make men wise unto salvation. They strive to extend the gospel, but separate from it the very marrow and life. They say, "Let the light shine," but cover it so that it shall not shine in clear rays on the very subjects that they need to understand. Some exhaust the fervor of their zeal on plans that cannot be carried out without peril to the church.

At this time the church should not be diverted from the main object of vital interest, to things that will not bring health and courage, faith and power. They must see, and by their actions testify, that the gospel is aggressive.

Watchmen on the walls of Zion are to be vigilant, and sleep not day nor night. But if they have not received the message from the lips of Christ, their trumpets will give an uncertain sound. Brethren, God calls upon you, both ministers and laymen, to listen to his voice speaking to you in his word. Let his truth be received into the heart, that you may be spiritualized by its living, sanctifying power. Then let the distinct message for this time be sent from watchman to watchman on the walls of Zion.

This is a time of general departure from truth and righteousness, a time when we must build the old waste places, and with interested effort labor to raise up the foundation of many generations.

"Thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in. If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; and shalt honor him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it."

"Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings. For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool: but my righteousness shall be forever, and my salvation from generation to generation. Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the Lord; awake, as in the ancient days, in the generations of old . . . . Art thou not it which hath dried the sea, the waters of the great deep; that hath made the depths of the sea a way for the ransomed to pass over? Therefore the redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head; they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away. I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass; and forgettest the Lord they maker, that hath stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth; and hast feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor, as if he were ready to destroy? And where is the fury of the oppressor? The captive exile hasteneth that he may be loosed, and that he should not die in the pit, nor that his bread should fail. But I am the Lord thy God, that divided the sea, whose waves roared: the Lord of hosts is his name. And I have put my words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand, that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and say unto Zion, Thou art my people."

While you hold the banner of truth firmly proclaiming the law of God, let every soul remember that the faith of Jesus is connected with the commandments of God. The third angel is represented as flying through the midst of heaven, crying with a loud voice, "Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." The first, second, and third angels' messages are all linked together. The evidences of the abiding, ever-living truth of these grand messages, that mean so much to us, that have awakened such intense opposition from the religious world, cannot be extinguished. Satan is constantly seeking to cast his hellish shadow about these messages, so that the remnant people of God shall not clearly discern their import, their time, and place; but they live, and are to exert their power upon our religious experience while time shall last.

The influence of these messages has been deepening and widening, setting in motion the springs of action in thousands of hearts, bringing into existence institutions of learning, publishing houses, and health institutions; all these are the instrumentalities of God to co-operate in the grand work represented by the first, second, third angels flying in the midst of heaven to warn the inhabitants of the world that Christ is coming again with power and great glory. The prophet says, "I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power: and the earth was lightened with glory. And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils." This is the same messages that was given by the second angel. Babylon is fallen, "because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication." What is that wine? --Her false doctrines. She has given to the world a false Sabbath instead of the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, and has repeated the falsehood that Satan first told to Eve in Eden,--the natural immortality of the soul. Many kindred errors she has spread far and wide, "teaching for doctrines the commandments of men."

When Jesus began his public ministry, he cleansed the temple from its sacrilegious profanation. Among the last acts of his ministry was the second cleansing of the temple. So in the last work for the warning of the world, two distinct calls are made to the churches. The second angel's message is, "Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication." And in the loud cry of the third angel's message a voice is heard from heaven saying, "Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plaques. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities."

Let the Trumpet Give a Certain Sound (Concluded)

As God called the children of Israel out of Egypt, that they might keep his Sabbath, so he calls his people out of Babylon, that they may not worship the beast or his image. The man of sin, who thought to change times and laws, has exalted himself above God, by presenting a spurious Sabbath to the world; the Christian world has accepted the child of the papacy, and cradled and nourished it, thus defying God by removing his memorial, and setting up a rival Sabbath.

After the truth has been proclaimed as a witness to all nations, every conceivable power of evil will be set in operation, and minds will be confused by many voices crying, "Lo, here is Christ, Lo, he is there. This is the truth, I have the message from God, he has sent me with great light." Then there will be a removing of the landmarks, and an attempt to tear down the pillars of our faith. A more decided effort will be made to exalt the false Sabbath, and to cast contempt upon God himself by supplanting the day he has blessed and sanctified. This false Sabbath is to be enforced by an oppressive law. Satan and his angels are wide-awake, and intensely active, working with energy and perseverance through human instrumentalities to bring about his purpose of obliterating from the minds of men the knowledge of God. But while Satan works with his lying wonders, the time will be fulfilled foretold in the Revelation, and the mighty angel that shall lighten the earth with his glory, will proclaim the fall of Babylon, and call upon God's people to forsake her.

At the time of the loud cry of the third angel those who have been in any measure blinded by the enemy, who have not fully recovered themselves from the snare of Satan, will be in peril, because it will be difficult for them to discern the light from heaven, and they will be inclined to accept falsehood. Their erroneous experience will color their thoughts, their decisions, their propositions, their counsels. The evidences that God has given will be no evidence to those who have blinded their eyes by choosing darkness rather than light. After rejecting light, they will originate theories which they will call "light," but which the Lord calls, "Sparks of their own kindling," by which they will direct their steps. The Lord declares, "Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God. Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks: walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled. This shall ye have of mine hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow." Jesus said: "For judgment I am come into the world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind." "I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness." "He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day."

By many the words which the Lord sent will be rejected, and the words that man may speak will be received as light and truth. Jesus says, "I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive." Human wisdom will lead away from self-denial, from consecration, and will devise many things that tend to make of no effect God's messages. We cannot with any safety rely upon men who are not in close connection with God. They will accept the opinions of men, but cannot discern the voice of the True Shepherd, and their influence will lead many astray, though evidence is piled upon evidence testifying to the verity of truth for these days. The truth is powerful to turn men to Christ, to quicken their energies, to subdue and soften their hearts, and inspire them with zeal, devotion, and love to God. The Sabbath truth must in no case be covered up. We must let it appear in strong contrast with error.

As the end approaches, the testimonies of God's servants will become more decided and more powerful, flashing the light of truth upon the systems of error and oppression that have so long held the supremacy. The Lord has sent us messages for this time, that will establish Christianity upon an eternal basis; and all who believe the present truth, must stand, not in their own wisdom, but in God's wisdom, and raise up the foundations of many generations; and they will be registered in the books of heaven as "repairers of the breach," the "restorer of paths to dwell in." In face of the bitterest opposition, we are to maintain the truth because it is truth. God is at work upon human minds; it is not man alone that is working. The great illuminating power is from Christ; the brightness of his example is to be kept before the people in every discourse. His love is the glory of the rainbow encircling the throne on high.

The Lord has said, "I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth. . . . And I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you, and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh." In the rainbow above the throne is an everlasting testimony that "God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Whenever the law is presented before the people, let the teacher of the truth point to the throne arched with the rainbow of promise, the righteousness of Christ. The glory of the law is Christ; he came to magnify the law, and to make it honorable. Make it appear distinct that mercy and peace have met together in Christ, and righteousness and truth have embraced each other. When you look to his throne, offering up your penitence, praise, and thanksgiving that you may perfect Christian character, and represent Christ to the world, you abide in Christ, and Christ abides in you; you have the peace that passes all understanding. We need continually to meditate upon Christ's attractive loveliness. We must direct minds to Jesus, fasten them upon him. In every discourse dwell upon the divine attributes.

As the bow in the cloud is formed by the union of the sunlight and the shower, so the rainbow encircling the throne represents the combined power of mercy and justice. It is not justice alone that is to be maintained; for this would eclipse the glory of the rainbow of promise above the throne; men could see only the penalty of the law. Were there no justice, no penalty, there would be no stability to the government of God. It is the mingling of judgment and mercy that makes salvation complete. It is the blending of the two that leads us, as we view the world's Redeemer, and the law of Jehovah, to exclaim, "Thy gentleness hath made me great." We know that the gospel is a perfect and complete system, revealing the immutability of the law of God. It inspires the heart with hope, and with love to God. Mercy invites us to enter through the gates into the city of God, and justice is satisfied to accord to every obedient soul full privileges as a member of the royal family, a child of the heavenly King. If we were defective in character, we could not pass the gates that mercy has opened to the obedient; for justice stands at the entrance, and demands holiness in all who would see God. Were justice extinct, and were it possible for divine mercy to open the gates to the whole race, irrespective of character, there would be a worse condition of disaffection and rebellion in heaven than before Satan was expelled. The peace, happiness, and harmony of heaven would be broken. The change from earth to heaven will not change men's character; the happiness of the redeemed in heaven results from the character formed in this life after the image of Christ. The saints in heaven will first have been saints on earth.

The salvation that Christ made such a sacrifice to gain for man is that which is alone of value; for it is that which saves from sin, the cause of all the misery and woe in our world. The mercy of God is that which constantly draws the sinner to Jesus. If he responds, coming in penitence with confession, in faith laying hold of the hope set before him in the gospel, God will accept him; for "the broken and contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise." Thus the law of God is not weakened by the gospel, but the power of sin is broken, and the scepter of mercy is extended to the penitent sinner.

The rainbow above the throne is the bow of promise, testifying to the whole world that God will never forget his people in their struggle against evil. Let Jesus be our theme. Let us by pen and voice present, not only the commandments of God, but the faith of Jesus. This will promote real heart-piety as nothing else can. While we present the fact to men that they are subjects of a divine moral government, their reason will declare to them that this is truth, that they owe allegiance to Jehovah, and that this life is our time of probation. In this life we are placed under the discipline and government of God to form characters and acquire habits for the higher life. All the scenes in which we must act a part, are to be carefully studied; for they are a part of our education, a part of God's great plan. We should bring solid timbers into our character building; for we are working both for this life and the eternal life. And as we near the close of this earth's history, we either rapidly advance in Christian growth, or we rapidly retrograde toward the world.

Temptations will come in like a flood; but we need not fail nor be discouraged while we know that the bow of promise is above the throne of God. We shall be subject to heavy trials, opposition, bereavement, affliction, but we know that Jesus passed through all these. These experiences are valuable to us; the advantages of varying experiences are not by any means confined to this short life; they reach into eternal ages. Through patience, faith, and hope, in all the changing scenes of earth, we are forming characters for the everlasting life. And whatever we are called upon to bear, we may be assured that all things work together for good to those that love God.

Christ Our Hope

There is no excuse for any one in taking the position that there is no more truth to be revealed, and that all our expositions of Scripture are without an error. The fact that certain doctrines have been held as truth for many years by our people, is not a proof that our ideas are infallible. Age will not make error into truth, and truth can afford to be fair. No true doctrine will lose anything by close investigation. We are living in perilous times, and it does not become us to accept everything claimed to be truth without examining it thoroughly; neither can we afford to reject anything that bears the fruits of the Spirit of God; but we should be teachable, meek and lowly of heart. There are those who oppose everything that is not in accordance with their own ideas, and by so doing they endanger their eternal interest as verily as did the Jewish nation in their rejection of Christ. The Lord designs that our opinions shall be put to the test, that we may see the necessity of closely examining the living oracles to see whether or not we are in the faith. Many who claim to believe the truth have settled down at their ease, saying, "I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing." But Jesus says to these self-complacent ones, Thou "knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked." Let us individually inquire, Do these words describe my case? If so, the True Witness counsels us, saying, "Buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eye-salve, that thou mayest see."

From the description of the Laodiceans, it is evident that many were deceived in their estimate of their spiritual condition. They regarded themselves as rich, as possessing all the knowledge and grace that was needed; but yet they lacked the gold of faith and love, the white raiment of Christ's righteousness. They were destitute and poverty-stricken, walking in sparks of their own kindling, and preparing to lie down in sorrow. Jesus says to them, "I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works [when the glow of the love of God was upon you]; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent." This warning would not be given if there were no danger of failure on the part of those who profess to be the children of God.

In unmistakable language our position is presented before us. Apart from Christ we have no merit, no righteousness. Our sinfulness, our weakness, our human imperfections make it impossible that we should appear before God, unless we are clothed in Christ's spotless righteousness. We are to be found in him, not having our own righteousness, but the righteousness which is through Christ.

But there is hope for every one; for "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." If the love of God is not appreciated, and does not become an abiding principle in the hard heart to soften and subdue the soul, we are utterly lost. The Lord has no reserve power with which to influence man. He can give no greater manifestation of his love than that which he has given. Heaven's richest gift has been freely offered for your acceptance. If the exhibition of the love of Jesus does not melt and subdue your heart, by what means can you be reached? Has the love of Christ failed to bring forth an earnest response of love and gratitude? Then let it not remain in this condition of hardness another day. Open your heart, and receive Christ, the best gift of heaven. Let not cruel unbelief lead you to refuse the heaven-sent gift. Let not Christ say of you, "Ye will not come unto me that ye might have life."

The heart of Christ is constantly drawn out in sympathy toward fallen man. While upon earth, his only mission was to save sinners. He had a deep abhorrence of sin, while exercising the tenderest compassion toward the sinner. He was grieved and wounded at heart because men failed to value and accept his love. The Majesty of heaven veiled his divinity in humanity, and passed from place to place through towns and cities, teaching the truth and working miracles, and though multitudes flocked to hear him, few were in sympathy with the lessons of truth he presented, which alone could save the soul.

How few have any conception of the anguish which rent the heart of the Son of God during his thirty years of life upon earth. The path from the manger to Calvary was shadowed by sorrow and grief. He was the man of sorrows, and endured such heartache as no human language can portray. He could have said in truth, "Behold and see if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow." His suffering was the deepest anguish of the soul; and what man could have sympathy with the soul anguish of the Son of the infinite God? Hating sin with a perfect hatred, he yet gathered to his soul the sins of the whole world, as he trod the path to Calvary, suffering the penalty of the transgressor. Guiltless, he bore the punishment of the guilty; innocent, yet offering himself to bear the penalty of the transgression of the law of God. The punishment of the sins of every soul was borne by the Son of the infinite God. The guilt of every sin pressed its weight upon the divine soul of the world's Redeemer. He who knew no sin became sin for us, that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. In assuming the nature of man, he placed himself where he was wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities, that by his stripes we might be healed.

In his humanity Christ was tried with as much greater temptation, with as much more persevering energy than man is tried by the evil one, as his nature was greater than man's. This is a deep mysterious truth, that Christ is bound to humanity by the most sensitive sympathies. The evil works, the evil thoughts, the evil words of every son and daughter of Adam press upon his divine soul. The sins of men called for retribution upon himself; for he had become man's substitute, and took upon him the sins of the world. He bore the sins of every sinner; for all transgressions were imputed unto him, though "he did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth." Though the guilt of sin was not his, his Spirit was torn and bruised by the transgressions of men.

"How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?" It is at the peril of our souls that we neglect the prescribed conditions under which we are called to work out our own salvation. It is only through Christ, who was made sin for us, that we can work out our own salvation; for it is God that worketh in us both to will and to do of his own good pleasure. We are to co-operate heartily with God, by faith laying hold of the righteousness of Christ, which alone can save. The only way by which we may be saved is by becoming workers together with God. It is through the co-operation of man with God that the believer may come off victorious. We shall not be found guiltless if we are content to float along in the current of the world, submitting the question of our soul's salvation to those who teach the traditions of men and rely upon supposed evidences. Every soul is to put himself to the task of searching out the truth as it is in Jesus, to know it for himself by the study of the sure word of God. We are not to ask, What is the popular opinion? What saith brother A. or brother B. or any other man? What saith the fathers? But what saith the Lord our God in regard to the saving of the soul? And when we have found what saith the Scriptures, let us act upon the written word; for it is perilous to sit in judgment on the words of inspiration. That which has been written is for our instruction, admonition, and comfort.

Christ is the originator of divine truth. He knew the height and depth, length and breadth and fullness of the compassion of divine love, as no mortal man can know it. He knows the blessedness that sinners are refusing when they reject divine light, the horrors that will come upon the soul that refuses the truth of heaven. A heavenly feast has been spread for the hungry, but they refuse to eat. Christ alone knows what means the exceeding weight of glory which those who rebel against God, refuse to receive. The work of Christ upon earth was to seek and save that which was lost. Ever before him, he saw the result of his mission, although the baptism of blood must first be received, although the weight of sins of the world was to gather upon his innocent soul, although the shadow of an unspeakable woe was ever over him; yet for the joy that was set before him, he endured the cross and despised the shame. He endured all this that sinful man might be saved, that he might be elevated and ennobled, and have a place with him upon his throne.

Men are contaminated with sin, and they cannot have an adequate conception of the heinous character of the evil which they cherish. Because of sin, the Majesty of heaven was stricken, smitten of God and afflicted. Voluntarily our divine substitute bared his soul to the sword of justice, that we might not perish, but have everlasting life. Said Christ: "I lay down my life that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again." No man of earth nor angel of heaven could have paid the penalty of sin. Jesus was the only one who could save rebellious man. In him divinity and humanity were combined, and this was what gave efficiency to the sacrifice made on Calvary's cross. Here it was that mercy and truth met together, righteousness and peace kissed each other.

Christ is called "the Lord our righteousness," and through faith, each one should be able to say, "The Lord my righteousness." When faith lays hold upon this gift of God, the praise of God will be upon our lips, and we shall be able to say, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." Then we shall be able to tell the lost concerning the plan of salvation, that while the world was lying under the curse of the law, meriting death, the Lord presented terms of mercy to the fallen and hopeless sinner, and brought out the meaning and value of his grace. Grace is unmerited favor. The angels, who know nothing of sin, do not understand what it is to have grace exercised toward them; but our sinfulness calls for the exercise of grace from a merciful God. It was grace that sent us our Saviour to seek us as wanderers and bring us back to his fold.

No works that the sinner can do will be efficacious in saving his soul. Obedience was always due to the Creator; for he endowed man with attributes for his service. God requires good works from man always; but good works cannot avail to earn salvation. It is impossible for man to save himself. He may deceive himself in regard to this matter; but he cannot save himself. Christ's righteousness alone can avail for his salvation, and this is the gift of God. This is the wedding garment prepared for you in which you may be a welcome guest at the marriage supper of the Lamb. Let faith take hold of Christ without delay, and you will be a new creature in Jesus, a light to the world. -

Let Both Grow Together

"Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn."

The Lord does not leave the work of judging to finite man; for unless the Holy Spirit sanctifies the soul, man cannot be a cautious, safe judge. In the parable of the wheat and the tares, the Lord gave special directions to warn his disciples against uprooting those from the church who they supposed were spurious Christians. He had said, "Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again." This lesson has been strangely neglected by those who profess to be doers of the words of Christ; for if a brother erred, and did not meet their ideas, they manifested hard- heartedness, a cold, critical spirit, and rashly followed their impulses, and turned the offender adrift.

The Lord sums up the whole duty of man in the following words: "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter. Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil." "But I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned." "And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent: because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead." "Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth; it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it."

There are many who are treated as tares and hopeless subjects, whom Christ is drawing to himself. Men judge from the outward appearance, and think they discern the true measurement of a man's character; but they make many blunders in their judgments. They put a high estimate upon a man whose appearance is as an angel of light, when in thought and heart he is corrupt and unworthy. On another whose appearance is not so favorable, they pass criticism, make him an offender for a word, and would separate him from the church because of his supposed defective character, when it may be that He who reads the heart, sees true moral worth in the man. Human judgment does not decide any case; for the Lord's thoughts are not our thoughts, neither are his ways our ways. He whom we would separate from the church as altogether unworthy, is the object of the Lord's solicitude and love. All heaven is engaged in doing the appointed work of drawing souls to God, and the Lord has said concerning his word, "It shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it."

Then since the Lord is working through his own divine agency upon the hearts of those whom we would term hopeless subjects, let not man be officious, let him stand out of the way of God's work; for his word that goeth forth from his mouth, will accomplish its appointed work, and prosper in the thing whereunto it is sent. Let not man set himself up as judge of his brethren; for God "hath appointed a day in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead." "And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead." "But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at naught thy brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment-seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling-block or an occasion to fall in his brother's way." "For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son. . . . For as the Father hath life in himself, so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; and hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man."

Jesus clothed his divinity with humanity in order that he might reach humanity. The apostle says, "Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself like wise took part of the same. . . . For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behooved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted." Jesus is the only one that has ever walked in the flesh who is able to judge righteously. Looking at outward acts, men may condemn and root up that which they think to be tares; but they may greatly mistake. Both ministers and laymen should be Bible students, and understand how to act in regard to the erring. They are not to move rashly, to be actuated by prejudices or partiality, to be ready with an unfeeling heart, to uproot one and tear down another; for this is most solemn work. In criticising and condemning their brethren, the accusers wound and bruise the souls for whom Christ has died. Christ has purchased them with his own precious blood; and although men, judging from outward appearances, pronounce sentence against them, their judgment in the courts of heaven is more favorable than that of their accusers. Before any of you speak against your brethren, or act decidedly to cut them off from church fellowship, follow the injunction of the apostle: "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?"

Let those who would dispose of their brethren, look well to the character of their own thoughts, their motives, their impulses, purposes, and deeds. Compare your experience with the law of God, and see whether you are an example in character, in conversation, in purity. Said Christ, "I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified." Before condemning others, let us ask ourselves, "Am I an example to my brethren in bearing fruit unto holiness? Do the fruits of the Spirit,--love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance, appear in my life? Have I that charity which suffereth long, and is kind; that thinketh no evil? Do I reveal the fact to others that I am in the faith?" If upon careful, prayerful examination of ourselves, we discover that we are not able to bear the test of human investigation, then how shall we endure the test of the eyes of God, if we set ourselves up as judges of others?

Before judging others, our first work is to watch and pray, to institute a warfare against the evils of our own hearts through the grace of Christ. We are to stand under the shadow of the cross of Calvary, humbling our hearts, confessing our sins, and entreating the Lord to pardon our defects of character, and strengthen our love for our brethren. If we neglect this heart searching in the light of divine truth, self-love will blind our eyes, and we shall have a much better opinion of ourselves than God has of us. The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked. And it is written, "He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool."

The reason is plain why Christ has said, "Judge not;" for it is natural for man to exalt his own goodness, to shun a candid examination of his own heart, and depreciate others. If we looked upon things in the right light, we should see that we need mercy from Christ every moment, and should render the same to our brethren. Jesus has not placed man upon the judgment-seat; for he knew human nature too well to give man the power to judge and condemn others. He knew that in their fallible judgment, they would root up some as tares, who were worthy of their sympathy and confidence, and would pass by others who deserved to be dealt with in a decided manner. When there are cases in the church which need to be dealt with decidedly, let the rule of the Bible be carried out. If the influence of erring members has an influence that corrupts others, they should be disfellowshiped; and heaven will ratify the action. It is the work of the enemy to sow tares among the wheat; and there will be men found in the church whose influence, as far as we can discern from outward appearance, is no blessing to the church. But even in cases of this character we are to move cautiously; for Christ and heavenly agencies are at work to purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

While Christ is at work to preserve a pure church in the earth, Satan ever seeks to counteract his agency and work. Spurious Christians are found in the church of God; for we find men, while professing the name of Christ, more firmly united to Satan than they are united with pure and holy influences. They gather darkness and unbelief from Satan, and they communicate it to the church. They profess to have the power of discernment, and discover spots and stains in the character of their brethren, and are not slow to communicate their suspicions to other members of the church. They distribute the leaven of distrust, of malice and accusation. And as a result, alienation and estrangement come in between brethren. All these false accusers, though their names are on the church records, are under the control of Satan, and work as his agents to weaken and confuse the church, and divide the brethren of Christ on earth. When this has been accomplished, Satan exults over the divided state of the church, and points the world to the professed followers of Christ, thus bringing the name of Christ into dishonor before the world, and intrenching men in their unbelief and rebellion against God. ( Concluded next week .) -

Let Both Grow Together (Concluded)

"Why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye."

We have great need to search the Scriptures that we may be representatives of Christ, and act our part as laborers together with God to build up the church in the most holy faith. There is not enough careful, prayerful, painstaking investigation in accepting members into the church. We cannot follow the example of the world, or allow their criticisms to sway us from the path of duty. They will blame us if we refuse to admit certain persons into church fellowship, and on the other hand, they condemn the church for its unworthy members. They will say, The church is no better than the world; for its members deceive and cheat and bear false witness; so the world's say so in this matter of who shall be admitted into church fellowship, should have no weight with us. There is one thing that we have no right to do, and that is to judge another man's heart or impugn his motives. But when a person presents himself as a candidate for church membership, we are to examine the fruit of his life, and leave the responsibility of his motive with himself. But great care should be exercised in accepting members into the church; for Satan has his specious devices through which he purposes to crowd false brethren into the church, through whom he can work more successfully to weaken the cause of God.

It should be the earnest desire of every heart to keep the church pure, and individually we are to keep our hearts in the love of God, and practice the truth daily, that this may be accomplished. The question is asked in regard to the tares, "Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them." We are not required to criticise, to condemn, or root out all that we suppose to be tares, lest we root out also the wheat. The church will not be free from those whose influence is out of harmony with that which should characterize the servants of Christ. The children of God will be stirred in spirit by the doings of these unworthy members, and they will desire to do something to cleanse the church, that its members may be a light to shine in the world; but even under these circumstances, let them be careful to heed the words of the great Teacher: "Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them." There is such a thing as zeal not according to knowledge; and could all the circumstances be opened which surround these souls, the zealous church-members might have their ideas modified, and be led to pursue an entirely different course. They would see that a work devolved upon them to seek and save instead of to destroy, to manifest longsuffering, gentleness, patience, and love, to those whose character and life are below the standard. To cut them off from the church would, perhaps, extinguish their last hope. And who can determine how God looks upon these manifestly erring ones? In many cases it is evident that those who are most zealous to see the church without blemish, have serious defects of character which they do not discern. Because of their own mistakes and failings, unconsciously to themselves, they may be doing greater harm than the one they judge unworthy to remain in fellowship with the church.

Many a church trial is the result of personal likes and dislikes. Evil surmisings have led to evil speaking and accusing. Because of some mistake in business dealing, men have become suspicious of their brethren. Instead of going to their brethren privately, and speaking plainly to them of their errors, thus manifesting true love, and removing the cloud of difficulty, they have brought about a church trial, and would have the questions which vex them settled by the church by digging up the supposed tares. Many have been severed from the church because of these personal spites, and have been thrown upon the enemy's battle-ground, where they have become discouraged, and through manifold temptations, have fallen into the very sins of which they were accused.

Let the words of Christ be carefully studied, "Let both grow together till the harvest." Let there be no triumphing over a brother that has stumbled, but rather let there be a following of the Scripture injunction: "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."

The scribes and Pharisees brought to him a woman whom they accused as guilty of breaking the seventh commandment. They said to him, "Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground." Curiosity led them to draw near, and read what was written on the ground. There they saw their own sins plainly stated,--sins of a far more aggravated character than that into which she had been betrayed; for her accusers had induced her to sin, that they might lay a snare for Christ. And they which heard the words of Christ, "being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last."

Those who are most guilty of wrong, are the first to see wrong; therefore let every church-member see to it that his own heart is pure before God, that his name is not only written on the church books, but registered in the Lamb's book of life. Then he will not be a judge of his brethren, he will not be a despiser of those whom he considers defective. He will remember the words of the apostle, "Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. . . . And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?"

The spirit that instigates accusation and condemnation in the church which results in uprooting those that are looked upon as evil-doers, has manifested itself in seeking to correct wrongs through the civil power. This is Satan's own method for bringing the world under his dominion; but the Lord Jesus Christ has given us no such example for thus dealing with the erring. God has been misrepresented through the church by this very way of dealing with heretics; he has been represented as the one who empowered the church to do these wicked things.

Those who have differed from the established doctrines have been imprisoned, put to torture and to death, because the dignitaries of the church could not endure those who dissented from ideas which these leaders deemed to be true. Satan himself is the sower of tares; but even though he he is the sower of them, they are not to be rooted up, lest by chance the wheat be rooted up with them. Let both grow together until the harvest; and the harvest is the end of probationary time. Fiendish zeal has been manifested in excluding dissenters from the fellowship of the church, and passing upon them the sentence of excommunication by which the Roman Church asserted its power of excluding them from all possibility of entering heaven.

How does heaven look upon such things? With what amazement do angels hear men judging and condemning their brethren, causing them most cruel suffering of body and mind, and claiming that they do it under the sanction of God? Instead of being under the leadership of Christ, they are following the leadership of Satan. Paul at one time pursued this course, actually believing that he was doing God service; but Jesus spoke to him, and told him that in persecuting his saints he was persecuting him. All persecution, all force employed to compel conscience, is after Satan's own order; and those who carry out these designs are his agents to execute his hellish purpose. In following Satan's cruel proposals, in becoming his agents, men become the enemies of God and his church, and will be judged in that great day by that man whom God hath ordained; for he hath committed all judgment into the hands of his Son.

The time is at hand when the judgment will sit, and the books will be opened, and every one will be judged according to the deeds that have been done in the body. What an hour that will be! What human depravity will come to light even among those who claim to be Christians, but whose practical life has testified that they had not a saving knowledge of Christ! To-day many of these are members of the church, and are fellowshiped as Christians; but they are self-deceived, as was the young man who came to Christ asking what he should do to inherit eternal life. Jesus answered, "If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. He saith unto him, which? Jesus said: Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honor thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up, what lack I yet?" Jesus looked upon the young man, and loved him, knowing that he was sincere, and had no knowledge of his own defects. This young man had preserved an unblemished outward character; for he had not been tried by circumstances to bring out the selfishness of his heart. And he verily thought his life perfect, as he asked, "What lack I yet?" Then Jesus touched the plague spot of his heart, saying, "If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions."

The words of Jesus tried his heart; for he had an idol there,--the world was his god. He professed to have kept the commandments, but he revealed the fact that he did not love God supremely, or his neighbor as himself. This want meant the want of everything that would qualify him to enter the kingdom of heaven. Love of self and worldly gain controlled his modes of thought and modes of life. And he was registered in the books of heaven as wanting, although Christ saw in him lovable traits of character. But genuine Christlikeness cannot be manifested in the character until Christ is received by faith, and formed within, the hope of glory. Jesus looked upon the young man, and longed after his soul, desiring that every intrusted talent might be recognized as the gift of God, might be sanctified to his use, and employed to his glory. Jesus desired to see the young man seeking first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, that he might be a light to the world, imparting to others the knowledge of Christ, by precept and example.

The young man wanted eternal life; but he could not accept the conditions upon which Christ offered it to him, and he turned away from Christ with a sorrowful heart. And yet Christ was not asking of him a sacrifice which he had not made himself, for he had left his glory, his riches, his honor, and for our sake had become poor, and of no reputation, that he might win for us eternal riches and immortal glory. He enlightened this young man in regard to his own heart, showing him that he could not hoard up his treasures for personal gratification, and yet possess a Christian character. Christ says, "Sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me." But the young man was not ready to follow the Prince of life, to become poor that he might make others rich.

The love of the world disqualifies a man for the service of God. Those who would be servants of God must give their best energies to the work, planning ways and means by which the cause of truth may be made successful. If a man's best thought is concentrated in devising ways and means to gather in earthly treasure, his heart is with his treasure, and he minds earthly things. Those who consecrate themselves to God, and constantly seek wisdom from on high, know that they cannot engage in business where their whole energies are devoted to the world, and still be the servants of God; for everything they do must be to his glory. Spiritual advancement in no wise disqualifies men for engaging in worldly business; for where Christ is formed within, the hope of glory, they can do their business as in the sight of the Lord and for his honor.

But the servants of Christ cannot bind themselves up with the world; they cannot belong to secret societies, without binding themselves in with the tares. He who has placed himself under the banner of Christ, has pledged himself to follow no pursuit, to engage in no enterprise, that shall interfere with his service to the Lord of heaven. Christ is to be his all, and in all.

Christ requires personal faithfulness of his servants, and we are to show that we have no fellowship with the secret, hidden things of darkness. The wheat is not to sow itself among the tares; for although we may not practice the works of some of the members of the secret orders, in joining them we are registered in heaven as partakers of their evil deeds, responsible for their works of evil, and bound up in bundles with them as tares. Thank God, it is not too late for Christians to sever themselves from all unholy connections, and come fully unto the side of Christ. But while the church is to separate itself from evil-doers, to come out from among them, and be separate, and touch not the unclean, the Lord would not have his people judge and condemn others. The tares are permitted to grow among the wheat, to have all the advantage of sun and shower; but in the time of the harvest, "shall ye return, and discern between him that serveth God, and him that serveth him not;" for then every soul will be revealed in his true character. The tares will be bound into bundles to be burned, the wheat gathered into the heavenly garner.

The Church Must Be Quickened

"Awake, thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light." This is a time when every member of the church should be waiting, watching, and working. Through faith in Jesus Christ we should be alive unto God; and every man, woman, and child, who has a knowledge of truth, should be able to discern the signs of the times. The weakness and inefficiency of the church must pass away. Creative power from above must impart life to the human agents whom God would use, that they may be able to co-operate with divine intelligences. The church to whom God has imparted his endowment of heavenly truth must not remain dead in trespasses and sins.

The True Witness, the Spirit of the living God. is inspecting the assembly of those who have had great spiritual light and advantages, and the testimony is that in the church of God there is great waste in energy misapplied, in talents perverted to wrong uses, in strength unemployed; and the abilities that God has bestowed on his people are degenerating, because they are not used for the seeking and the saving of those who are lost. The world around us is stirred from beneath with earnest activity in evil works, but apparently dead to all that pertains to their eternal interests. But although this seems to be the condition of those around us, and there is little to encourage us to hope for the conversion of souls, God requires those to whom he has committed his truth for these last days, to present the word to the fallen children of Adam, both in the world and among the churches. As Christ's witnesses, our commission is clear, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." We are to be waiting, watching, working. It is most inconsistent for the church to whom has been opened the treasures of truth, to be dull, worldly, and indifferent. Casting away all unbelief, we should by faith put every capability and every power into exercise.

The command of God is addressed to all the members of the church to use their powers in his service. Though the instrument may be weak, it is the power of God that will accomplish the work. A Paul may plant, and Apollos may water, but it is God that giveth the increase. There is a great work to do, and the Spirit of the living God must enter into the living messenger, that the truth may go with power. The people of God must be aroused from their moral deadness. They must be quickened with power from above. The Lord has promised, "I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him as one mourneth for an only son."

There is great danger that those whom God would use in his work shall become discouraged as they see the world's degeneracy, and their own weakness and inability to do so great a work as must be accomplished. But the Lord would not have required us to go forth as agents through whom his light may shine to those who are in darkness, if he had not provided for our needs, and did not see in the world souls who are responding to the drawing of Christ, who have excellent capabilities intrusted to them for his service.

The Lord God of heaven would have the entire church devising ways and means whereby high and low, rich and poor, may hear the message of truth. The Lord Jesus, the mighty Saviour, has died for these souls. He can arouse them from their indifference, he can awaken their sympathies, he can soften their hearts, he can reveal to their souls the beauty and power of the truth. The Master-worker is God, and not finite man; and yet he calls upon men to be the agents through whom he can impart light to those in darkness. God has jewels in all the churches, and it is not for us to make sweeping denunciation of the professed religious world, but in humility and love, present to all the truth as it is in Jesus. Let men see piety and devotion, let them behold Christlikeness of character, and they will be drawn to the truth. He who loves God supremely and his neighbor as himself, will be a light in the world. Those who have a knowledge of the truth are to communicate the same. They are to lift up Jesus, the world's Redeemer; they are to hold forth the word of life.

The souls of those whom we desire to save are like the representation which Ezekiel saw in vision,--a valley of dry bones. They are dead in trespasses and sins, but God would have us deal with them as though they were living. Were the question put to us. "Son of man, can these bones live." our answer would be only the confession of ignorance. "O Lord, thou knowest." To all appearance there is nothing to lead us to hope for their restoration. Yet nevertheless the word of the prophecy must be spoken even to those who are like the dry bones in the valley. We are in no wise to be deterred from fulfilling our commission by the listlessness, the dullness, the lack of spiritual perception, in those upon whom the word of God is brought to bear. We are to preach the word of life to those whom we may judge to be as hopeless subjects as though they were in their graves. Though they may seem unwilling to hear or to receive the light of truth, without questioning or wavering we are to do our part. We are to repeat to them the message. "Awake, thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light."

It is not the human agent that is to inspire with life. The Lord God of Israel will do that part, quickening the lifeless spiritual nature into activity. The breath of the Lord of hosts must enter into the lifeless bodies. In the judgment, when all secrets are laid bare, it will be known that the voice of God spoke through the human agent, and aroused the torpid conscience, and stirred the lifeless faculties, and moved sinners to repentance and contrition, and forsaking of sins. It will then be clearly seen that through the human agent faith in Jesus Christ was imparted to the soul, and spiritual life from heaven was breathed upon one who was dead in trespasses and sins, and he was quickened with spiritual life.

But not only does this simile of the dry bones apply to the world, but also to those who have been blessed with great light; for they also are like the skeletons of the valley. They have the form of men, the framework of the body; but they have not spiritual life. But the parable does not leave the dry bones merely knit together into the forms of men; for it is not enough that there is symmetry of limb and feature. The breath of life must vivify the bodies, that they may stand upright, and spring into activity. These bones represent the house of Israel, the church of God, and the hope of the church is the vivifying influence of the Holy Spirit. The Lord must breathe upon the dry bones, that they may live.

The Spirit of God, with its vivifying power, must be in every human agent, that every spiritual muscle and sinew may be in exercise. Without the Holy Spirit, without the breath of God, there is torpidity of conscience, loss of spiritual life. Many who are without spiritual life have their names on the church records, but they are not written in the Lamb's book of life. They may be joined to the church, but they are not united to the Lord. They may be diligent in the performance of a certain set of duties, and may be regarded as living men; but many are among those who "have a name that thou livest, and art dead." Unless there is genuine conversion of the soul to God; unless the vital breath of God quickens the soul to spiritual life; unless the professors of truth are actuated by heaven-born principle, they are not born of the incorruptible seed which liveth and abideth forever. Unless they trust in the righteousness of Christ as their only security; unless they copy his character, labor in his spirit, they are naked, they have not on the robe of his righteousness. The dead are often made to pass for the living; for those who are working out what they term salvation after their own ideas, have not God working in them to will and to do of his good pleasure.

This class is well represented by the valley of dry bones Ezekiel saw in vision. Those who have had committed to them the treasures of truth, and yet who are dead in trespasses and sin, need to be created anew in Christ Jesus. There is so little real vitality in the church at the present time, that it takes constant labor to give men the appearance of life to the professed people of God. When the converting power of God comes upon the people, it will be made manifest by activity. They will become workers, and will esteem the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of the world. They will have respect unto the crown of life, the immortal inheritance. They will not be dependent upon their ministers for their life and experience, but will realize that Christ is the Chief Shepherd of the flock. They will not think that their ministers are appointed of God to do their work for them. They will understand that they must work out their own salvation with fear and trembling, knowing that it is God that worketh in them to will and to do of his good pleasure.

From the time that converts come together in church capacity, they should be educated to take up such lines of work as will not only benefit their own souls, but the souls of others. "The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself." The Lord has given to his followers talents of intellect and energy and means. Those who are known to be men of well-balanced minds, who have the love and fear of God before them, should be appointed as elders and deacons; and through the exercise of the ability God has given them, they may grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. They may plan wisely, and educate the individual members of the church to act their part in trading with their Lord's talents. By a right use of their talents they may increase their efficiency in the cause of God. The church may be visited only occasionally by a minister, and yet be a growing church; for Jesus is our minister, and we are never to think that we are left alone. Jesus never forsakes the flock of his pasture. "This man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood."

The human minister may do his best to help you in all your difficulties; but he is only a mortal man, and can render no service that will be of benefit except to point you to the true Minister. He must do all his work in utter dependence upon God, as you must do your work. You have the same Source from which to receive light and strength as he has, and in every time of need you may come boldly to the throne of grace. Of the Minister above it is written. "Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. . . . For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated forevermore." "Now of the things which we have spoken, this is the sum: We have such a high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; a minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man."

The enemy of God and man has worked with every conceivable device to insnare souls; and when he can lead the members of the church to pour their trials into the ears of the minister, the confederacy of evil rejoices. Through this very trust, ministers fall under temptation, and fail to look to Jesus every moment. Christ has said, "Without me ye can do nothing" that is acceptable to God. But when the agent thinks that he is something, when he is nothing; for he frequently has no living connection with God, he is only a broken reed to those who lean upon him. But it is the privilege of every child of God to look to Him who is the author and finisher of their faith. Every child of God must learn the lesson of entire trust in Jesus. "What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor light, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Ministers are men of like passions with ourselves; and the Lord would have his people learn to come to him with full assurance of faith. You may tell Jesus everything, and he will never take advantage of your weakness. He ever liveth to make intercession for you. "For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behooved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted." "For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."

With these promises shall not every child of God come to Jesus in full assurance of faith? Shall not the church be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might? Will the people of God understand that though they may be deprived of the continuous labors of a minister, they may have the ministration of Jesus in their behalf? They may go to him, and become strong in his strength. The reason why there are so many weak ones in the church is that they do not come to Jesus in faith. They do not engage in his service. They do not have root in themselves, because Christ is not abiding in their hearts by faith.

O that the converting power of God may come upon the church, and make its members living branches of the True Vine, that they may bring forth much fruit, because they draw sap and nourishment from the Vine. O that the praises of God may be upon their lips! There is but one whom they can safely praise; but it is appropriate to praise him in the loftiest strains. Then let the people of God sound forth their adoration in the words of the psalmist. "The Lord is my strength and song, and is become my salvation. The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the Lord doeth valiantly. The right hand of the Lord is exalted: the right hand of the Lord doeth valiantly."

Seek First the Kingdom of God

"Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be." The Lord Jesus will scrutinize every talent, and expect interest in proportion to the amount of capital intrusted. By his own humiliation and agony, Christ has paid the purchase money for our salvation, and he has a right to our services. The very name of servant implies the doing of work, the bearing of responsibility. All our capabilities, all our opportunities, have been intrusted to us for wise improvement, that Christ may receive his own with usury. The heavenly Master ascended on high, and led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men,--divine treasures of truth to be presented to all the world. What use are we individually making of these gifts, the talents in our hands? Are we like the unwise and unfaithful servant, burying these talents in the world, where they will bring no returns to God? It behooves all with careful fidelity to improve the talents intrusted to them; for talents will increase as they are used for the good of humanity and the glory of God.

Every soul should seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. We are not to use up all the strength of brain, bone, and muscle in worldly business interests; for if we do, we imperil our spiritual interests, and we shall lose an eternity of bliss. The whole unfallen universe is interested in the great work which Jesus came to our world to accomplish, even the salvation of our souls. And shall not man on earth co-operate with our Redeemer, who has ascended into heaven to make intercession for us? Shall we show no special zeal, no devoted interest, in the work that was devised in heaven to be carried forward in the world for the good of men? Shall we who have been bought with the precious blood of Christ refuse to do the work left in our hands,--refuse to co-operate with the heavenly agencies in the work of saving the fallen? Shall we not go even to the ends of the earth to let the light of truth given to us of heaven shine forth to our fellow-men?

We are to be diligent workers; an idle man is a miserable creature. But what excuse can be offered for idleness in the great work which Christ gave his life to accomplish? The spiritual faculties cease to exist if they are not exercised, and it is Satan's design that they shall perish. All heaven is actively engaged in the work of preparing a people for the second coming of Christ to our world, and "we are laborers together with God." The end of all things is at hand. Now is our opportunity to work. "The night cometh, in which no man can work." We should proclaim Christ and him crucified, thus preparing the way for his second appearing. Lift him up, the Man of Calvary. Place yourselves where you may receive heavenly inspiration and be able to point the weary, the heavy-laden, the brokenhearted, the perplexed soul, to Jesus, the source of all spiritual strength. Be faithful minutemen, to show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. With pen and voice proclaim that Jesus lives to make intercession for us. Unite with the great Master-worker, follow the self-denying Redeemer through his pilgrimage of love on earth. The same Jesus that walked with his disciples, that taught them upon earth, that toiled and suffered in his human nature, is with us in his divine power. He is at our right hand to help in every emergency. Let us lift up Jesus, and reveal the Bible foundation for our faith. We are all to proclaim the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Jesus came to magnify the law, and make it honorable. He died to exalt the law of God, testifying of its changeless character; and as we proclaim God's law, we may look unto Jesus and be comforted with the assurance, "Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world."

Satan is now working with all his insinuating, deceiving power, to lead men away from the work of the third angel's message, which is to be proclaimed with mighty power. When the enemy sees that the Lord is blessing his people, and preparing them to discern his delusions, he will work with his masterly power to bring in fanaticism on one hand and cold formalism on the other, that he may gather in a harvest of souls. Now is the time to watch unceasingly. Watch for the first step of advance that Satan may make among us.

There are dangers to be guarded against on the right hand and on the left. Those who are inexperienced, who have newly come to the faith, will need to be strengthened, and to have a correct example set before them. Some will not make a right use of the doctrine of justification by faith. They will present it in a one-sided manner, making everything of faith, and belittling works. Others will seize the points that have a leaning toward error, and will ignore works altogether. Now, genuine faith always works by love; it supplies a motive power. Faith is not an opiate, but a stimulant. Looking to Calvary will not quiet your soul into nonperformance of duty, but will create faith that will work, purifying the soul from all selfishness. In laying hold of Christ by faith, we but just begin our work. Every man has corrupt and sinful habits, that must be overcome through vigorous warfare. Every soul must fight the fight of faith. He who is a follower of Christ, cannot deal deceitfully; he cannot be hard-hearted and devoid of sympathy. He cannot be coarse in speech. He cannot be a surmiser of evil, an accuser of the brethren. He cannot be full of pomposity and self-esteem. He cannot be overbearing, using harsh words, and censuring and condemning those around him.

The labor of love springs from the work of faith. You are to "let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God that worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." We are to "be zealous of good works;" "be careful to maintain good works." And the True Witness says, "I know thy works." While it is true that our busy activities will not in themselves insure salvation, it is also true that faith which unites us to Christ will stir the soul to activity; and good fruit, which is good works, will be the result of faith.

Those who have no time to give attention to their own souls, to examine themselves daily whether they be in the love of God, and to place themselves in the channel of light, will have time to give to the suggestions of Satan, and the working out of his plans. Satan will insinuate himself little by little, until he can have a controlling influence on the soul, and induce men gradually to adopt worldly policy. The specious devices of Satan will be brought to make of none effect the special work of God at this time.

There are men who are careless in regard to the spirit which they carry with them in their business. They hide their light under a bushel. They say, Religion is religion, business is business. But all our work in this world, even in a business line, is God's work, and should be done with a heart full of his love, and of heavenly enlightenment. But if we need the heavenly enlightenment in business employments in the world, how much more do we need his grace and help in the business especially connected with his precious cause. There must be no coldness, no formality, no deadness in his work. The hardness of heart that is manifest in business lines among us as a people, is an offense to God.

Men connected with our institutions in responsible position are intrusted with sacred interests, and they cannot be safe men unless they make God their trust every moment, unless they are men of earnest prayer and fervent piety, in their home life, in the work appointed them, in all their business. There is danger that these men will cheat their souls by neglecting to receive the ever-present help of the Holy Spirit, because they have not a true sense of their own weakness. They fail to become channels of light, and if they will continue to be devoid of light, they will fail of the eternal blessedness hereafter. No one can stand safely in a neutral position.

The workers in our institutions need the divine endowment daily. But instead of drawing nearer to God when they accept positions of trust, many think they have so much to do, that they cannot attend religious meetings, and their voices are seldom heard in the congregation of the saints. They act as if they were now so far advanced that they needed not to engage in fervent prayer to God. They do not feel their constant need of education and training in the school of Christ, that they may learn his meekness and lowliness of heart, and they become lifted up in self. Traits of character are manifested by them which are unchristlike. They must be transformed, or they will do harm; for with these unchristlike characteristics they are not qualified for the place. They need to bring their powers under the control of the Spirit of God, that they may realize the necessity of seeking spiritual help, of "not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." Those who desire wisdom from God, who wish to follow Jesus at every step, will seek for the light, and it will shine in their hearts. "They that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name."

Satan is constantly at work to wound and poison the soul. In order to withstand his efforts, we must breathe the atmosphere of heaven. We must individually get hold and keep hold of Christ. The truth of God, dwelling in the heart, and guiding the life, will be our safeguard. With the truth in our possession, we may humbly and firmly advance from light to a greater light, and we shall be guided into every good and holy way. Unless the truth of God transforms the character, it is of no value to the receiver. Those who are in earnest about the future life, will not neglect the opportunities within their reach in this life. They will not only place themselves with the learners of the truth, but will feel that they are under obligation to God to learn all that is possible for them to know of spiritual and heavenly things; they will carry every matter in prayer to God.

Coming nigh to God inspires confidence, and stimulates the soul to action. The body would die if deprived of suitable nourishment, and so with the soul; in order to have spiritual strength, or even life, it must be nourished by the word, which is spirit and life. It must be constantly fed by the truth, which connects the soul with Him in whom we live, and move, and have our being. Every man in a responsible position needs the sunbeams of Christ's righteousness constantly to illuminate his soul, or his course will do much harm. Every person who is in a position to command, needs to come as often as possible into association with the worshiping assemblies, that he may be surrounded with a spiritual atmosphere, and have greater depth of experience in divine things.

To keep your soul in the love of God you must place yourselves in the channel of light, and breathe in a holy atmosphere; for through neglect of any means of grace which God has ordained to impart spiritual strength and grace, you bring blindness upon your souls, and hardness into your hearts, and Satan will lead you to look at things in a perverted light. If you have no respect for the messages which God sends you by his chosen servants, what power has he in reserve that will reach your case and correct your errors, so that you shall not be led into false paths? The garden of your heart must be cultivated. The poisonous, Satanic plants must be uprooted, the soil must be prepared, thoroughly plowed by the word of God, and the precious seeds of truth must be sown and tended by a wise, skillful gardener.

"When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first." The parable of the man from whom an evil spirit had been cast out, who did not fill the soul with the love of Christ, illustrates the necessity of not only emptying the heart, but of supplying the vacuum with a divine occupant. The demon desired to return to the heart from which he had been expelled. He came, and though it was swept and garnished, he found it still empty, and entered in with seven other spirits more evil than himself, so that the last state of the man was worse than the first. The man in this parable refused to do the work of Satan; but the trouble with him was that after the heart was swept and garnished, he failed to invite the presence of the heavenly guests. It is not enough to make the heart empty; we must have the vacuum filled with the love of God. The soul must be furnished with the graces of the Spirit of God. We may leave off many bad habits, and yet not be truly sanctified, because we do not have a connection with God. We must unite with Christ. There is a reservoir of power at our command, and we are not to remain in the dark, cold, sunless cave of unbelief; or we shall not catch the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness.

To be a Christian requires more than a profession of faith. There must be an earnest effort to conquer through the grace freely given of God. All things around us must be made to be helps to growth in grace and the knowledge of Christ. Satan, the great rebel, is ever seeking to entice us to sin against God. He will introduce false imaginings, and sway the understanding against the revealed will of God, the lower passions against purity and self-denial, the independent judgment against God's decisions, the wisdom from beneath against the wisdom from above. But the Holy Spirit has come into the world to subdue all things unto himself, and shall God's will be put in the background, and man's will be held as supreme? Can man's will be the controlling power in God's great contest for the recovery of his own?--No, for those who are laborers together with God must have the mind of Christ, and work with pen and voice in the Spirit of Christ to meet wrong tendencies, to correct errors, that have been coming in among us. The truth must no longer be kept in the outer court, but be brought into the inner sanctuary of the soul. The religion of Christ requires not only the putting away of pride, malice, covetousness, injustice, but the cultivation of the precious graces of humility, unselfishness, kindness, love, generosity, and nobility of soul. The Christian should be constantly aspiring, pressing on from grace to grace, from faith to a greater faith, from glory to a greater glory. ( To be continued .) -

Seek First the Kingdom of God (Continued)

We shall have to contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints. Because finite men do not comprehend the power and greatness of God, science, falsely so-called, and religion will be placed in opposition to each other, and "of your ownselves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them." There will be among us those who will so blind their eyes that they will fail to perceive the most wonderful and important truths for this time. Truths which are essential to the safety and salvation of men will be set aside, while ideas that are in comparison to the truth as the merest atoms, will be dwelt upon, and magnified by the power of Satan, so that they will appear of the utmost importance. The moral sight of those who forsake truth has become dim; and yet they do not feel their need of the heavenly anointing, that they may discern spiritual things. They think themselves too wise to err. But those who have not a daily experience in the things of God will not move wisely. They may have a legal religion, a form of godliness, there may be an appearance of light in the church; all the machinery--much of it human invention--may appear to be working well, and yet the church may be as destitute of the grace of God as were the hills of Gilboa of dew and rain.

Scores of men have preached the word when they themselves had not faith in it, and did not obey its teachings. They were unconverted, unsanctified, unholy. But if we would stand the test, piety must be brought into the life. What we want is inspiration from the cross of Calvary. Then God will open eyes to see that we are not to expect to do any work for the Master successfully, unless we connect with Christ. If we are indeed laborers together with God, we shall not have a dead, scientific religion, but our hearts will be infused with a living power, even the Spirit of Jesus. All those who are truly converted will be drawn out of, and away from, themselves. With the blessing of Christ upon them day by day, they will be channels for communicating light and blessings to others.

Those who are wavering between Christ and the world, need the converting power of God. When they see what sin is, and what is the righteousness of Christ, they will no longer dwell in the cave of unbelief. God calls upon them to come out of the cave, and stand with him. No longer question your need of a personal Saviour. The heart, as well as the understanding, must be enlarged. It is not enough to have an intellectual knowledge of the truth; there must be a heart work done. The soul-temple must be cleansed from the buyers and sellers, and must be opened for the indwelling of the Spirit of God. Christ drew a decided line of distinction between his disciples and the world. Listen to these words from his prayer offered just before his agony in Gethsemane: "They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world."

We must comply with the terms of salvation, or we are lost. At the hour when we leave the service of Satan for the service of Christ, when true conversion takes place, and by faith we turn from transgression to obedience, the severest of the heart struggles take place. But many accept the theory of truth, and compromise with the world, the flesh, and the Devil. The soul that has truly experienced the transforming grace of Christ has chosen Christ for its portion; it yields to the gracious influence of his Holy Spirit, and thus the character is formed according to the divine pattern. We are to feel, to act, as one with Christ.

It is the work of the heavenly angels to unite with human agencies in shedding light amid the moral darkness that rests upon the earth. Christ says to his followers, "Ye are the light of the world." Shall we envelop our light in a thick covering of worldly policy? Shall we seek for scientific measurement of how much light shall emanate from us to the world? God help us to live under the direct rays of the Sun of Righteousness, that we may be channels of light to the world. There are many false beacons established, to lead unwary souls to make shipwreck of faith; but the true light of the world must shine, not smothered, not put under a bushel nor under a bed, but set on a candlestick, that it may give light to all that are in the house--the world. The true light is to stand in distinction from all other lights. The system of truth must stand distinct from all other systems, whether of religion or of morals; for it sheds forth light emanating from Christ. Our great work is to reveal Christ to the world, and thus reveal the Father.

There are men of the world who will volunteer to be our guides; they regard their course as wise, but they are of the class who, professing to be wise, need to become fools in order to become wise in God's wisdom. They lead away from the path where the voice of Jesus is heard, saying, "This is the way; walk ye in it." They are false teachers, blind leaders of the blind. They divert the attention from the very work to be done in this period of the world's history. But those who follow the Leader step by step, will hear and recognize the voice of the True Shepherd.

We are to learn from Christ how to work, how to be as he was, self-denying, self-sacrificing. If we have his Spirit, we shall realize the worth of souls, and work for their salvation. Our work is to be done wholly through the grace of Christ. We are to have a continual sense of our weakness and frailty and be led to Jesus in earnest prayer for his wisdom and efficiency. There will be times of despondency, as we realize our unlikeness to Christ; we see ourselves small, weak, and compassed with infirmities; but we are to depend upon Jesus, and commit our ways unto the Lord; and while we trust to him in humility, obedient to his word, heavenly wisdom will be imparted to us that we may do the Master's work. Our life may seem a tangle; but if we commit ourselves wholly to the wise Master-worker, he will bring out the pattern of life and character according to his plan, for our good and his own glory.

Do not take your eyes off Jesus. Let the prayer go forth from unfeigned lips that we may not trust in our finite, human wisdom, but that our thoughts may be brought into subjection to Christ, our characters be molded after the mind of Christ. Why should we not walk with God, as did Enoch? Why should we not have the transforming grace of Christ daily? Has he not promised to us great and precious things? Who can find words to explain the rich promises of God? "Behold," said John, "what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not."

In the last conflict in the great controversy between good and evil, God has called us to give the final warning to the world. The Christian world are honoring a false Sabbath, and we are to show them its true character and foundation. We must make it plain to them that they are honoring a man-made institution in place of that which God himself has sanctified. Every rival to God must be made to appear as an idol. Solemn is our responsibility.

The people of the world will try to induce us to soften down our message, to suppress some of its more distinctive features. They say, "Why do you make the seventh-day Sabbath so prominent in your teaching? This difference is always thrust before us. We would harmonize with you if you would not say so much on this point. Let arguments in the Sentinel be free from mention of the seventh-day Sabbath, and we will give it our influence and support." This is their invitation to compromise, and there has been a disposition on the part of some of our workers to adopt this policy. But those who favor this action entertain deceptive sentiments, are bound by false modesty and caution, and manifest a disposition to withhold the confession of our faith. Seventh-day Adventists have discussed the feasibility of conceding to these demands; but shall we permit the world to shape the messages that God has given us to bear to them? Shall we entertain the proposals of Satan, and thereby entangle our souls, and the souls of others, for the sake of policy? Shall we betray sacred trusts? If the world are in error and delusion, breaking the law of God, is it not our duty to show them their sin and danger? We must proclaim the third angel's message.

What is the Sentinel for?--It is to be as the voice of the watchman on the walls of Zion, ready to sound the danger signal. We should cry aloud, and spare not, and show the people their transgressions. We are not to cringe, and beg pardon of the world for telling them the truth. We should scorn concealment. Unfurl your true colors to the gaze of men and angels. Let it be understood that Seventh-day Adventists can make no compromise. In our opinions and faith there must not be the least appearance of wavering. The world has a right to expect something of us, and will look upon us as dishonest, as hiding our real sentiments and principles out of policy, if we present even the semblance of being uncommitted.

The Comforter, the Holy Spirit, which Christ said he would send into the world, was to bear an unwavering testimony: "Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin [What is sin?--The transgression of the law], and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they believe not on me; of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged." On no account will a real believer of the truth present an appearance of neutrality in that which concerns the salvation of souls. We are not to voice the sentiment of the world. Jesus says, "Whosoever shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven." The Lord calls upon all to consider whom they will serve and whom they mean to worship,--whether they will be swayed to the right or to the left by the opinions and position of the world, or stand firm to truth. Shall we be time-servers? Now, before we advance another step, let us look carefully to see what are our feelings, our aims, and purposes. ( Concluded next week .) -

Seek First the Kingdom of God (Concluded)

Those who are more desirous of securing promotion and a good name in the world than of maintaining right principles, will betray sacred trusts. They will cripple their own influence, they will darken counsel by their words, and make false reasoning to look sound and right. All the success and patronage that can be secured by policy plans will serve only as a snare to those who work on this principle.

Some are flattering themselves that a more auspicious time is coming, when God will vindicate his honor by lifting up his holy law. Many who now look upon the cross as too heavy to bear, think they will then obey the truth, and triumph with it. But in maintaining the right, it is not safe, because of circumstances, to yield in any degree firm adherence to duty, or to teach others that they may yield with comparative safety. Such a course is like that of Judas, who sold his Lord to his enemies, fully believing that Christ would manifest his miraculous power, and give his enemies another evidence of his divinity. Judas never recovered the ground lost through his presumption. To place ourselves in a position where we have an appearance of yielding, is a new position for this people. It is a new experience, a departure from the principles to which we have adhered, which have made us what we are to-day, a people whom God has prospered, a people who have the Lord of hosts with them.

Brethren in the office of publication, you who have a connection with sacred things, God bids you to be careful where you place your feet. He holds you accountable for the light of truth, that it shall shine forth in clear and distinct rays to the world. The world will never help you by its devices to let your light shine. They stand under their leader, the great deceiver, who works through his human agents to eclipse the light. God calls upon you to shine. With intense solicitude trim your lamps, take the oil of grace in your vessels, and keep your lamps trimmed and burning, that your light may shine bright and clear amid the moral darkness of this world. All who hold the truth should hold it in righteousness, and appreciate its value and sacredness. They should ask wisdom of God, that they may send its rays into all the highways and byways of life. If we are sanctified by the truth, our souls will be pervaded by a deep and abiding sense of its importance, and it will be our meat and drink to obey the truth, and pass along the precious light to others.

Many who claim to believe the truth have rested in the theory, and have not felt the necessity of maintaining vital connection with the pure, sacred springs from which they must derive their life and inspiration. When they should have been earnestly praying to heaven, humbling their hearts before God, they have been busy with human calculations, human imaginings, have been exalting self in place of exalting the Lord. Yet they seemed unaware of their danger of leaving the precious principles of truth. We need to pray continually that God will help us to abide in the truth, and not be swayed from its principles by those who are not sanctified to God, or allow the opinions of worldlings to mold our institutions.

But although we are to stand firm as a rock to principle, we should be courteous and Christ-like in our dealings with all men. In meekness and love we should tell the people why we cannot accept the papal Sabbath, because it is a mark of special dishonor to God, whom we love and worship. But while we sacredly observe the Sabbath of the Lord, it is not our work to compel others to observe it. God never forces the conscience. That is Satan's work. But God is the author of the Sabbath, and it must be presented to men in contrast with the false Sabbath, that they may choose between the truth of God and the error of the enemy.

An effort is now on foot to enforce the observance of Sunday, and while the Sunday question is coming to the front, an opportunity is given to present to the world the true Sabbath in contrast with the false. The Lord is far ahead of us, he has permitted this Sunday question to be pressed to the front, in order that the Sabbath of the fourth commandment may be presented before legislative assemblies. The leading men of the nation are to have their attention called to the testimony of God's word in favor of the true Sabbath. If the testimony does not convert them, it is a witness that will condemn them. The Sabbath question is the great testing question for this time.

No greater contempt could be shown to the Creator than the contempt manifested for the day which he has sanctified and blessed. And as Satan with his human agents pushes the warfare against God, by leading men to trample on the Sabbath, the few who do honor God should be aroused to greater zeal and earnestness in its defense. The Calebs must press to the front. The greater the contempt heaped upon the law, the stronger must be our love for it, and the more earnest our efforts to exalt it. "For 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 take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."

The prophet Isaiah says concerning those who advocate the truth of God, "They that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations." What is that?--The Sabbath of the fourth commandment. Raise it up by pen, by voice, and ring out the truth in every way possible. "And thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in." "If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; and shalt honor him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy Father: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it."

This is a work for those who see the Sabbath of the fourth commandment trodden down. They are to give it the exalted position it deserves. Isaiah says of Christ and his followers, "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified. And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations."

This is the work now to be done on earth. Those who are living in transgression of the holy law of God will not find the truth palatable. When it is made plain that Sunday is a spurious Sabbath, founded in the power of the man of sin, they will say in language too plain to be misunderstood, "We want not a knowledge of thy ways, O Lord." Others will say as did Pharaoh, "Who is the Lord, that I should obey his voice?" But in the face of all opposition we must hold aloft the banner of the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. It takes both of these to make up the burden of the message to be given to the world.

We need divine wisdom and skill that we may improve every opportunity that the providence of God shall prepare for the presentation of truth. While Satan will make masterly efforts to suppress truth, we must stand firm to our principles, reflecting light to the world. We should be alarmed at the least manifestation of a disposition to hush the voices that proclaim the third angel's message. That angel represents the people of God, who give the last warning to the world. Let not the fear of man, the desire for patronage, be allowed to obscure a ray of heaven's light. Should the sentinels of truth now fail to sound the warning, they would be unworthy of their position as light-bearers to the world; but should the standard fall from their hands, the Lord would raise up others who would be faithful and loyal.

It will require moral courage to do God's work unflinchingly. Those who do this can give no place to self love, to selfish considerations, ambition, love of ease, or desire to shun the cross. We are commanded to "cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet. "Shall we labor to make the name of God a praise in the earth? Shall we obey his voice, or shall we listen to the soothing voice of the evil one, and be rocked to a fatal slumber just on the eve of eternal realities? The truth is everything to us, or it is nothing. Let those who want to make a name in the world, go with the world; but let those who would serve God, obey God, and not man. In the great conflict between faith and unbelief, the whole Christian world will be involved. All will take sides. Some may not apparently engage in the conflict on either side. They may not appear to take sides against the truth, but they will not come out boldly for Christ, through fear of losing property or suffering reproach. All such are numbered with the enemies of Christ; for Christ says, "He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad."

Conservative traditions received from educated men, and from the writings of great men of the past, are not safe guides for us in these last days; for the great struggle before us is such as the world has never seen before. Those who have not acted a part in this work in the past, need to move with great caution in regard to accepting or refusing what may be presented to them as truth. They need to penetrate much deeper than their limited spiritual knowledge, or their present habits or opinions would lead them to do. We are not one of us safe unless we live as seeing Him who is invisible, even with past experience in the work; and we certainly are not safe, if we have not had that experience. Daily, hourly, we must be actuated by the principles of Bible truth,--righteousness, mercy, and the love of God. He who would have moral and intellectual power must draw from the divine source. At every point of decision inquire, "Is this the way of the Lord?" With your Bibles open before you, consult sanctified reason and a good conscience. Your heart must be moved, your soul touched, your reason and intellect awakened, by the Spirit of God; and then holy principles revealed in the word of God will give light to the soul. The true source of wisdom and virtue and power is the cross of Calvary. Christ is the author and finisher of our faith. He says, "Without me ye can do nothing."

Let no man seek to go about God's work in any one of its branches in his own strength; for if he does, the fruit will not be such as will abide unto eternal life. He appears to build on the foundation; but he puts upon it wood, hay, and stubble,--material that will be consumed. Our ideas must be elevated. Lift him up, the Man of Calvary; let the language of the soul be, "He must increase; I must decrease." It is very hard for self to occupy a subordinate place. It lifts up itself in many ways, runs without Christ, works without prayer and consecration. Man's wisdom is foolishness; but many do not yet know this. They form connections with persons no more pious or consecrated than themselves. They counsel and plan with them, and if their devising is accepted, it will surely lead away from the right path. Their self-sufficiency is great, they do not feel the necessity of prayer at every step. They judge after the sight of the eyes, and the hearing of the ears, but have not the discernment that God gives, which would enable them to look beneath the surface. They favor those who should not be favored, and turn from those who should find help and comfort and justice at their hands. What government are we under? We shall have to make a decided choice either to be under Satan's rule, or under the rule of Him whom John saw while on the isle of Patmos, who hath prepared his throne in the heavens," and whose "kingdom ruleth over all." -

The Need of Trained Workers

I have been deeply interested in the relation of a recent experience of Elder Daniells, who, on his way from Melbourne to Adelaide, stopped at a town called Nhill, to visit some young men who have been sending in orders to the Echo office for our papers and books. He found here a young man by the name of Hansen, a Dane, who chanced upon the Echo at a public library, and became an interested reader of the paper. The subjects of truth presented in its columns found a place in his heart, and he began to talk about them to a friend at the hotel where he was in service. This man, Mr. Williams, also became interested, and they sent in orders for other publications, becoming regular subscribers to the paper. Elder Daniells found them eager for a better knowledge of the truth. Upon the table of Mr. Williams was found "Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation," and several other books published by our people. They had seen but one man who was of our faith. They bought from Elder Daniells three copies of "Steps to Christ," so that they might have one apiece, and another to give to a minister. Elder Daniells was pleased with his visit, and encouraged by his conversation with these inquirers after truth.

These men had studied the truth from the printed page and the Bible, and had accepted all points of doctrine as far as they could understand them without the aid of the living preacher. A great work is going silently on through the distribution of our publications; but what a great amount of good might be done if some of our brethren and sisters from America would come to these colonies, as fruit-growers, farmers, or merchants, and in the fear and love of God, would seek to win souls to the truth. If such families were consecrated to God, he would use them as his agents. Ministers have their place and their work, but there are scores that the minister cannot reach, who might be reached by families who could visit with the people and impress upon them the truth for these last days. In their domestic or business relations they could come in contact with a class who are inaccessible to the minister, and they could open to them the treasures of the truth, and impart to them a knowledge of salvation. There is altogether too little done in this line of missionary work; for the field is large, and many workers could labor with success in this line of effort. If those who have received a knowledge of the truth had realized the necessity of studying the Scriptures for themselves, if they had felt the weight of responsibility that rests upon them, as faithful stewards of the grace of God, they would have brought light to many who sit in darkness, and what a harvest of souls would have been gathered for the Master. If each one realized his accountability to God for his personal influence, he would in no case be an idler, but would cultivate his ability, and train every power that he might serve him who has purchased him with his own blood.

The youth especially should feel that they must train their minds, and take every opportunity to become intelligent, that they may render acceptable service to Him who has given his precious life for them. And let no one make the mistake of regarding himself as so well educated as to have no more need of studying books or nature. Let every one improve every opportunity with which in the providence of God he is favored, to acquire all that is possible in revelation or science. We should learn to place the proper estimate on the powers that God has given us. If a youth has to begin at the lowest round of the ladder, he should not be discouraged, but be determined to climb round after round, until he shall hear the voice of Christ saying, "Child, come up higher. Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."

We are to compare our characters with the infallible standard of God's law. In order to do this, we must search the Scriptures, measuring our attainments by the word of God. Through the grace of Christ, the highest attainments in character are possible; for every soul who comes under the molding influence of the Spirit of God, may be transformed in mind and heart. In order to understand your condition, it is necessary to study the Bible, and to watch unto prayer. The apostle says, "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your ownselves. Know ye not your ownselves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?" Let not those who are ignorant remain in ignorance. They cannot remain in ignorance, and meet the mind of God. They are to look to the cross of Calvary, and estimate the soul by the value of the offering there made. Jesus says to all believers, "Ye are my witnesses." "Ye are laborers together with God." This being true, how earnestly should each one strive to make use of every power to improve every opportunity for becoming efficient that he may be "not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord."

Every talent that has been given to men is to be exercised that it may increase in value, and all the improvement must be rendered back to God. If you are defective in manner, in voice, in education, you need not always remain in this condition. You must continually strive that you may reach a higher standard both in education and in religious experience, that you may become teachers of good things. As servants of the great King, you should individually realize that you are under obligation to improve yourselves by observation, study, and by communion with God. The word of God is able to make you wise, to guide and make you perfect in Christ. The blessed Saviour was a faultless pattern for all his followers to imitate. It is the privilege of the child of God to understand spiritual things, to be able wisely to manage that which may be intrusted to his charge. God does not provide a way whereby any one may have an excuse for doing slipshod work; and yet a great deal of this kind of work has been offered to him by those who work in his cause, but it is not acceptable unto him.

Young men and women, have you, as individuals, purchased at infinite cost, sought to study to show yourselves approved unto God, workmen which need not be ashamed? Have you brought to God the precious talent of your voice, and put forth painstaking effort to speak clearly, distinctly, and readily? However imperfect may be your manner of utterance, you may correct your faults, and refuse to allow yourself to have a nasal tone, or to speak in a thick, indistinct way. If your articulation is distinct and intelligible, your usefulness will be greatly increased. Then do not leave one defective habit of speech uncorrected. Pray about the matter, and co-operate with the Holy Spirit that is working for your perfection. The Lord, who made man perfect in the beginning, will help you to cultivate your physical and mental powers, and fit you to bear burdens and responsibilities in the cause of God.

There are thousands to-day who are unqualified for the work of the ministry, who cannot take a position of sacred trust, and are lost to the cause, because they have failed to value the talents given them of God, and have not cultivated their powers of mind and body, so that they may fill positions of trust in the Master's work. Individually we are here as probationers, and the Lord is testing and proving our fidelity to him.

He would employ us as agents to communicate the light of his word to the world. If we improve the light given us of God by diffusing it to others, we shall have increased light; for to him that hath "shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath." It is at our own option as to what we shall do with the light God has given. We may walk in it, or refuse to follow in the steps of Christ, and thus extinguish our light.

Considering the light that God has given, it is marvelous that there are not scores of young men and women inquiring, "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?" It is a perilous mistake to imagine that unless a young man has decided to give himself to the ministry, no special effort is required to fit him for the work of God. Whatever may be your calling, it is essential that you improve your abilities by diligent study. Young men and women should be urged to appreciate the heaven-sent blessings of opportunities to become well disciplined and intelligent. They should take advantage of the schools that have been established for the purpose of imparting the best of knowledge. It is sinful to be indolent and negligent in regard to obtaining an education. Time is short, and therefore because the Lord is soon to come to close the scenes of earth's history, there is all the greater necessity of improving present opportunities and privileges.

Young men and young women should place themselves in our schools, in the channel where knowledge and discipline may be obtained. They should consecrate their ability to God, become diligent Bible students, that they may be fortified against erroneous doctrine, and not be led away by the error of the wicked; for it is by diligent searching of the Bible that we obtain a knowledge of what is truth. By the practice of the truth we already know, increased light will shine upon us from the holy Scriptures. As we surrender our will to the will of God, as we humble our hearts before him, we shall earnestly desire to become co-laborers with him, going forth to save those who perish. Those who are truly consecrated to God will not enter the work prompted by the same motive which leads men to engage in worldly business, merely for the sake of a livelihood, but they will enter the work allowing no worldly consideration to control them, realizing that the cause of God is sacred.

The world is to be warned, and no soul should rest satisfied with a superficial knowledge of truth. You know not to what responsibility you may be called. You know not where you may be called upon to give your witness of truth. Many will have to stand in the legislative courts; some will have to stand before kings and before the learned of the earth, to answer for their faith. Those who have only a superficial understanding of truth will not be able clearly to expound the Scriptures, and give definite reasons for their faith. They will become confused, and will not be workmen that need not to be ashamed. Let no one imagine that he has no need to study, because he is not to preach in the sacred desk. You know not what God may require of you. It is a lamentable fact that the advancement of the cause is hindered by the dearth of educated laborers who have fitted themselves for positions of trust. The Lord would accept of thousands to labor in his great harvest- field, but many have failed to fit themselves for the work. But every one who has espoused the cause of Christ, who has offered himself as a soldier in the Lord's army, should place himself where he may have faithful drill. Religion has meant altogether too little to the professed followers of Christ; for it is not the will of God that any one should remain ignorant when wisdom and knowledge have been placed within reach.

How few have qualified themselves in the science of saving souls! How few understand the work that should be done in building up the church, in communicating light to those who sit in darkness! Yet God has given to every man his work. We are to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God that worketh in us, both to will and to do of his good pleasure. In the work of salvation there is a co-operation of human and divine agencies. There is much said concerning the inefficiency of human effort, and yet the Lord does nothing for the salvation of the soul without the co-operation of man. The word of God is clear and distinct on this point, and yet when so much depends upon our co-operation with the heavenly agencies, men conduct themselves as though they could afford to set aside the claims of God, and let the things of eternal importance wait their convenience. They act as though they could manage spiritual things to suit themselves, and they place eternal interests in subordination to earthly and temporal matters. But how presumptuous is this to deal thus with that which is most essential, and most easily lost.

Where are those who would be wise laborers together with God? The apostle says, "Ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building." But will men trust that they may be able under pressure of circumstances to step into some important position, when they have neglected to train and discipline themselves for the work? will they imagine that they may be polished instruments in the hands of God for the salvation of souls for whom Christ died, when they have neglected to use the opportunities placed at their command for obtaining a fitness for the work? "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 take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." Every one needs to improve his God-given faculties and opportunities, that individually we may be laborers together with God.

God is continually working for us that we may come behind in no gift. He has given us our physical, mental, and moral powers, and if we improve as we should, we shall be able to meet the supernatural powers of darkness and conquer them. Jesus has pointed out the way of life, he has made manifest the light of truth, he has given the Holy Spirit, and endowed us richly with everything essential to our perfection. But these advantages are not acknowledged, and we overlook our privileges and opportunities, and fail to co-operate with the heavenly intelligences, and thus fail to become noble, intelligent workers for God. Those to whom their own way looks more attractive than does the way of the Lord, cannot be used in his service, for they would misrepresent the character of Christ, and lead souls away from acceptable service to God.

Those who work for the Master must be well-disciplined, that they may stand as faithful sentinels. They must be men and women who will carry out the plans of God for the wise improvement of the minds of those who come under their influence. They must unite with all the agencies who are seeking to fulfill the will of God in saving a lost world. Christ has given himself, the just for the unjust, he has died on Calvary's cross, and he has intrusted to human agencies the work of completing the great measure of redeeming love; for man co-operates with God in his effort to save the perishing. In the neglected duties of the church we read the retarding of the fulfillment of the purpose of God; but if men fail to accomplish their work, it would be better had they never been born. Great evil will follow the neglect of co-operating with God; for eternal life will be lost. Our success as candidates for heaven will depend on our earnestness in fulfilling the conditions upon which eternal life is granted. We must receive and obey the word of God, we cannot be idlers, and float with the current. We must be diligent students of the word of God. We must train and educate ourselves as good soldiers of Christ. We must advance the work, becoming laborers together with God.

Awake Out of Sleep

"For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren." "But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city." The disciples lived so entirely for the glory of Christ that their lives witnessed to the power of his grace, and by their zeal for God, they declared to the world that they sought a better country, even a heavenly, thus pointing the world heavenward. The Lord could trust them as representatives of his character; for from their meekness, lowliness, piety, and goodness, men could take knowledge of the character and teaching of their Master. In beneficence, in courtesy, in gentleness, in forbearance, in love, in untiring zeal for the salvation of souls, they made manifest the character of Christ.

The record declares, "When they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus." But could the same testimony be borne concerning the professed followers of Christ to-day? Could Christ leave his character to be interpreted before the world in the zeal, piety, godliness of the church to-day? Do those who have had great light from heaven manifest intense love for souls for whom Christ has died, so that the world will take knowledge of them that they have been with Jesus? The disciples had learned from Christ, the greatest Teacher the world ever knew. Though they were unlearned, they were willing to yield up their will to God, and meekly to receive the instruction of Christ. Jesus rejoiced that the lowly and humble of the earth could comprehend the things pertaining to eternal life. He said: "I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent worldly wise and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight. All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him." "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world."

For three years the disciples were under the influence and instruction of Jesus. The Majesty of heaven had made them the repositories of his truth, not that they might hoard it up, but that they might let the light of heaven shine forth to the world. A woeful state of ignorance prevailed among the people, and it was necessary that light be kindled that would never grow dim, but illuminate the moral darkness that covered the earth, and the gross darkness that covered the people. His divine instruction was so simple that the minds of the common people were able to comprehend its truth, and yet his teaching was marked by one characteristic that set it in contrast with the teaching of all others,--he spake as one having authority. Whatever theme he presented, was presented with power, and yet in such a way that it appealed to the human heart with its eloquence, and fastened conviction upon the mind. He knew that his doctrine could not be controverted, although it might be misrepresented, misapprehended, and wrested from its true meaning by those who were condemned by its application. There was marked authority in his requirements and promises, and his invitations were full of compassion and entreaty. How tenderly he said to the toiling people, "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 is light."

With what power and compassion Jesus cried, "If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. But this he spake of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive." Again he said: "I am the light of the world," "I am the bread of life," "I am the way, the truth, and the life," "I am the good shepherd." Do we believe on him who is the light of the world? and is Jesus in us a well of water springing up into life eternal? Are we endowed with the Holy Spirit, so that with heavenly wisdom we may meet the emergencies of this age, and counteract as far as possible the movements of the world? It is no time now for the watchman to become sleepy, and cease to be a sentinel upon the walls of Zion. Peculiar and rapid changes will soon take place, and if the church is not asleep, if the followers of Christ watch and pray, they may have light to comprehend and appreciate the movements of the enemy. It is now time earnestly to seek the Lord that every one of you may know what is the will of God in reference to the part you shall act in the conflict; and when you see an opportunity for labor, obey the indication of the Lord. Christ is saying to his people, "Can ye discern the signs of the times?" It is the duty of the watchman to mark these signs, and at the cry of the church, "Watchman, what of the night?" give the correct signal, and not present that which will be misleading and ruinous. Those who have been, and who still are, diligent students of prophecy, are to "prepare the way of the Lord, and to make his paths straight."

God has given to every man a work to do in connection with his kingdom. Each one professing the name of Christ is to be an interested worker, ready to defend the principles of righteousness. The work of the gospel is not to depend solely upon the ministers; every soul should take an active part in advancing the cause of God. But instead of this, how many in our large churches come and go like a door upon its hinges, feeling no responsibility for the progress of the work, no interest in the salvation of souls for whom Christ died. They do not dream of weaving their religion into their business. They say, Religion is religion, and business is business; they believe each has a proper sphere, but let them be separated. But in whatever calling the Christian is found, he has his work to do for the Lord in representing Christ to the world. Whatever may be our occupation, we are to be missionaries, having for our chief aim the winning of souls to Christ. If this is not our interest, we rob God of influence, of time, of money and effort. In withholding our heart's service from the Lord, we fail to benefit our fellow-men, and thus rob God of the glory that would flow to him through the conversion of others.

Religion should be interwoven with all the concerns of life. Parents should patiently and lovingly instruct their children, that they may have a knowledge of Christ and his love, call upon his name, and follow in his footsteps. But instead of this, there is great neglect on the part of parents to rear their children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. How carefully should the little ones be trained for the service of the Lord, how faithfully instructed in the lessons of Christ! But unless parents are diligent, interested students of the Bible; unless they learn the practical lessons which Jesus taught, they cannot educate their children in the word of the Lord. What excuse can the professed followers of Christ offer for neglecting to train their children in such a way that they will for the sake of advancing the work of Christ, bind about their wants in dress, and avoid all extravagance and display? The children should be educated in such a way that they will have sympathy for the aged and afflicted, and lend all the help in their power to alleviate the sufferings of the poor and distressed. They should be taught to be diligent in the missionary work; and from their earliest years, principles of self-denial and sacrifice for the good of others should be inculcated, that they may be laborers together with God.

Parents have not borne their God-given responsibility; and as a result, many children among us are growing up with no knowledge of God, doing nothing for him who has purchased them with his own blood. They have not been taught to wear the yoke and lift the burden of Christ, and they ignore all responsibility in the religious life. Both at home and in the church, so far as the work of God is concerned, they are as blanks; for they reflect not the light of God. They are trees in the vineyard, but their fruitless boughs proclaim them cumberers of the ground. They spread their branches over the soil that more fruitful trees should occupy. O that parents would look carefully and prayerfully after their children's eternal welfare! Let them ask themselves, Have we been careless? Have we neglected this solemn work? Have we allowed our children to become the sport of Satan's temptations? Have we a solemn account to settle with God because we have permitted our children to use their talents, their time, and influence in working against the truth, against Jesus Christ? Have we neglected our duty as parents, and increased the subjects of Satan's kingdom?

Well-instructed children and youth can work in many lines for the Master, and can even in their early years be a blessing to those with whom they come in contact. When children are unconverted, careless, reckless, irreligious, they influence their playmates to take the same course of godlessness. Let parents consider this question, What can be of sufficient importance to demand your time and influence to the neglect of the training of your families, when by lack of training they become the agents of Satan, the enemies of truth and righteousness? They lift up their hearts in pride, and stand in defiance of every effort made to win them to Christ. What a sad spectacle to the world are the numbers of unconverted children that attend our churches. The influence of a well-ordered, well-disciplined family is far greater for good than is the influence of powerful sermons from the pulpit.

This home missionary work, this home field, has been shamefully neglected, and it is time that divine resources and remedies were presented, that this state of evil may be healed. If parents would see a different state of things in their families, let them consecrate themselves wholly to God, and the Lord will devise ways and means whereby a transformation may take place in their households. Let the church awake, let every member take up his individual work, and vindicate the name of the Lord by which he is called. Let sound faith and earnest piety take the place of slothfulness and unbelief. When faith lays hold upon Christ, the truth will bring delight to your soul, and religion will not be a dull, uninteresting enterprise. Your social meetings, now tame and spiritless, will be vitalized by the Holy Spirit, and your daily experiences will become rich, as you practice the Christianity you profess.

O that this experience might be understood in all our ranks! Were children and parents converted, and did they but unite in using all their intrusted talents for the Master, and by using them double them, what a work might be done. Never was there a time in the history of the world when there was a more urgent demand for workers than at present. The seeds of truth are to be sown, and the reapers are to follow after to gather in the sheaves. If the members of all our churches did but have the love of Christ, and the love for souls which his indwelling presence would impart, they would be aggressive workers, and would lay aside their busy activities upon unimportant things, and would put out to interest their talents, and invest in that which would bring treasure throughout eternal ages. In the service of the Master, they would have increased strength and light. O then, why not study as to how you may reach souls who are out of the ark of safety? Let your work be proportionate to your advantages and privileges, and trade on the talents you have at your command, and you will have a living experience in the things of God. Some excuse themselves, saying they do not know how to do the kind of work that is called for in the missionary. You ought to have known how to do the work from the very beginning of your religious life. Will you be content to rest in ignorance and indifference? Will you venture to be a slothful servant to the end of the chapter? Or will you now seek most earnestly after God, and know what it is to eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of man, and become laborers together with God? "Ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building." You must render an account to God as to how you build; for every provision has been made that you may be successful in your work. Will he who with his divine finger drew the boundaries of Judea, who designated the exact spot where the temple should stand, who wrought out designs for the Jewish church and for the service of the sanctuary, leave his people, his chosen people, who keep his commandments, to a chance experience, to accident, to stumble along in darkness? Shall those to whom he has committed most precious light, to whom he has intrusted the third angel's message, have less of his providential leading than had his ancient people?

O that the church was awake! O that all who profess the truth for this time were sanctified through the truth, that they might discern the designs of God, and understand their own individual responsibility to give the light to the world. The seed of truth will spring forth in a new creation, and souls will be converted to God.

In the face of what might be done, will the church sleep on, or will they feel the responsibility and the honor that is conferred upon them through the merciful providence of God, and gather up their hereditary trusts, and the advantages of present light, and feel the necessity of rising to the urgent emergency that now presents itself before us? The world is watching our movements with greater interest than we imagine. Many see that what we have told them in regard to the curtailing of religious liberty in our country is coming to pass, although they have denied that such a thing was possible. They have said, "When we see that which you predict, when there is danger of a union of Church and State, we will acknowledge that you have the truth." But will they acknowledge it? Will they accept the situation, and know that the end is near? Protestantism is reaching out its hands to clasp hands with popery, and every indication makes manifest that the prophecies are about to be fulfilled. And now men are looking upon those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, to see what will be their course. O that all may arouse, and manifest to the world that this is a living faith, that a vital issue is before the world, that Jesus will soon come. Let men see that we believe we are on the borders of the eternal world. -

Every Christian's Work

"Watchman, what of the night?" Are the watchmen to whom comes this cry able to give the trumpet a certain sound? Are the shepherds faithfully caring for the flock as those who must give an account? Are the ministers of God watching for souls, realizing that those under their care are the purchase of the blood of Christ? A great work is to be done in the world; and what efforts are we putting forth that it may be accomplished? The people have listened to too much sermonizing; but have they been instructed as to how to labor for those for whom Christ died? Has there been a line of work devised and laid out before the people in such a way that each one saw the necessity of taking part in the work? Have men and women been educated so that they are efficient in home and foreign missionary fields? It is evident that all the sermons that have been preached have not brought up this kind of labor, and the churches are withering up because they have failed to use their talents in diffusing the light of truth to others. Careful instruction should be given that will be as lessons from the Master that all may put their light to practical use in benefiting others. Those who have the oversight of the churches should select members who have ability, and place them under responsibilities, at the same time giving them instruction as to how they may best serve and bless others.

There are youth in our churches who could be educated to do a work for the Master in visiting the sick, in running on errands of mercy. This work is not done, because no attention has been given to the matter. Sometimes men and women have been selected to do certain work, and because they have made mistakes, the work has been dropped. This is not as it should be. Let those who are just gaining an experience be invited to meet with more experienced workers, and as did the disciples after their first missionary effort, let them tell what they have done, and what have been their failures or successes. In this way opportunity will be given to reprove or encourage, as the case may demand, and teach them how to work in the best manner.

What can we expect but deterioration in religious life, when the people listen to sermon after sermon, and do not put into practice the instruction given? The ability God has given, if not exercised, will degenerate, and men and women unemployed, will become as tools that rust from inaction. Let the missionary meeting be turned to account in teaching the people how to do missionary work. Put work into their hands, and let not the youth be ignored, but let them come in to share in the labor and responsibility. Let them feel that they have a part to act in helping and blessing others. Even the children should be taught to do some little errand of love and mercy for those less fortunate than themselves. In our large churches in Battle Creek, Oakland, Melbourne, Adelaide, and in other places throughout the world, there should be some plan set in operation whereby the talents of all may be put to use; and as they learn how to bless others by imparting light, they will be learning what practical Christianity means.

But let those who are sent to instruct others, see to it that they do it in a manner similar to that in which Christ taught his disciples. Jesus did not say to his followers, Do this, and do that, but he said, "Follow me." He led the way, and took his disciples with him on his journeys through country and city, that they might see how he taught the people. He linked their interest with his, and they united with him in the work. Many have been educated to think that they must live upon sermons from week to week; but they know not how to practice what they hear. The very simplest methods of work should be devised, and set in operation among the churches. If the members will co-operate with such a plan, and perseveringly carry it out, they will reap a rich reward; for their experience will grow brighter, their ability will increase through exercise, and souls will be saved through their efforts.

But if, on the other hand, the churches are left to their inactivity, Satan will see that they are employed. He will preoccupy the field, and give the members lines of work to do that will engage their energies, kill spirituality, and make them fall as dead weights upon the church. When the church is in a low condition, and in need of help, it is not best to devote all the time to sermonizing. It is better to form classes to seek for spiritual wisdom, and call into exercise the talents of the young and the old, by setting brethren and sisters to work for those who need help most in the church. In seeking to benefit their brethren in the church, they will gain an experience that will qualify them for labor among those who do not understand our faith, or even the first elements of religion. While sermons may point out the way, the best results will not be seen until the members of the church go forth to practice what has been presented from the desk. There are scores who have real ability, who are rusting from inaction, and yet many of these do not know how to set themselves at work for the Master. But let some one who has ability to devise ways whereby this talent may be utilized, lay out before these inactive ones the line of work that they could do, and let them understand that this is expected from them, and many who are now unemployed will become true laborers.

The parable of the talents should be explained to all. The members of the churches should be made to understand that they are the light of the world, and according to their several ability the Lord expects that his professed followers will enlighten and bless those around them. Those who have heard so much preaching ought certainly to know that if they undertake to work for the Lord, they will have divine aid. The Lord has said, "Ask, and ye shall receive." If they seek strength and wisdom from him, they will not seek in vain. If in accepting responsibility, in seeking to impart light to others, they tremble under the cross, they will be led to the Saviour to find strength and grace and power. Through this experience they will learn to rely, not on their ministers, but on the Lord himself. They will learn to go to Jesus for help, and will not be so dependent on their ministers. They will learn that we have a minister in heaven who understands all our necessities, who is full of wisdom, and unerring in understanding. Those who would work for the Master may come to him in full assurance of faith, and with meekness and lowliness of spirit, they may enter upon the work that lies directly in their pathway. Do not pass by the little things, and look for a large work. You might do successfully the small work, but fail utterly in attempting a large work, and fall into discouragement. Take hold wherever you see that there is work to be done. Whether you are rich or poor, great or humble, God calls you into active service for him. It will be by doing with your might what your hands find to do, that you will develop talents and aptitude for the work, and it is by neglecting your daily opportunities that you become fruitless and withered. This is why there are so many fruitless trees in the garden of the Lord. God has given light, and that light is to shine forth to others in good works. It is by communicating light to others that heart-felt pity is cultivated. In this way you manifest to the world the excellency of the power of the grace of God. Every believer is called of God for this very purpose. He is to do his best toward illuminating others by giving his talents of time, influence, ability, and money to the service of God, that the truth may be set before those who are in darkness. The truth must be brought home personally to the hearts of men.

All heaven is in activity, and the angels of God are waiting to co-operate with the human agent who will devise plans whereby souls for whom Christ died may hear the glad tidings of salvation. Every soul has an influence for good or evil. If the soul is sanctified to the service of God, and devoted to the work of Christ, the influence will be to gather with Christ. God depends upon the church for a forwarding of his work, and he expects that his professed followers will do their duty as intelligent beings. There is great need that every trained mind, every disciplined intellect, every jot of ability, shall be brought to the work of saving souls. There will be no idler, no slothful one who neglects the work of the Lord, found inside of the kingdom of heaven.

God has given the light of truth to his church, and the remedy for sin must be presented to the sin-sick world, whose inhabitants are perishing in their iniquity and ignorance. God expects his church to discipline and fit its members for the work of enlightening the world. But let no one feel that because he is not educated, he cannot be expected to take part in the work. God has a work for you to do. He has given to every man his work. You can search the Scriptures for yourself. "The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple." The prayer of the sincere heart offered in faith will be heard in heaven. It may not be grammatical; but if the heart is in it, it will ascend to the sanctuary where Jesus ministers, and he will present it to the Father with the fragrant incense of his own perfection, without one awkward, stammering word, graceful and perfect through his merit; for his righteousness refines and ennobles it, and makes it acceptable before the Father. The Lord accepts the prayer of the sincere heart, and will answer it out of his abundant fullness. Fervent piety, sincerity of heart, contrition of soul, are grateful to God. Sincerity is the essential necessity of prayer. This with uncouth language and imperfect utterance is far more acceptable to God if it is the best that the suppliant can offer, than the perfectly worded, elegantly uttered prayer that is offered from a self-sufficient, self-important, Pharisaical heart.

Though ignorant and humble, if your heart overflows with love to God, and if in this spirit you appeal to one who is out of Christ, the Lord will not despise your effort. Your small offering, presented with cheerful gratitude to God, will be classed with the widow's mite, and be blessed of God. The effort to do your duty to the best of your ability from the motive of love, will be noticed of Heaven. God does not make light of the small ability he has intrusted, but expects that it will be put out to usury as well as the larger talents.

Those to whom large capabilities have been intrusted will have to bear large responsibilities, but those whom God has intrusted with but few talents, one or two, and placed in a humble sphere, need not repine because of their meager ability. Let them trade diligently with the talents intrusted, and prove their fidelity to God by a faithful use of his gifts, and their loyalty will be manifested, and the Lord will be satisfied. The church is composed of large and small vessels; but the Lord does not expect that the small vessels will contain what the larger vessels will contain. He does not expect that the lowly, unlearned Christian will exercise all the intellectual power of him who has had advantages and privileges whereby his talents could be improved, and his ability increased. He does not expect of the poor the alms they have not to give, nor from the sick and suffering, the active energies which their infirmities forbid.

But God has given to every man his work, and there is need of devoted, earnest, humble workers in all parts of the wide harvest-field. In Australia and the islands of the sea, there is need of hundreds of workers; and yet there are but few engaged in this important part of the field. The churches already raised up, need the help of sincere, earnest missionaries from America. We would rejoice to see humble, God-fearing, faithful stewards of the grace of God come to this country, for we believe much good could be accomplished. We do not call for those who are simply orators; but we are prepared to appreciate those who have searched the Scriptures, and found delight in the truth of God, who have discerned the light, accepted and appreciated it, and walked in the light as Christ is in the light. We would appreciate men who can bring from the treasure house of God things new and old, who can feed the sheep and the lambs with the pure provender unmixed with chaff; men who know how to pray sincerely, and know how to take hold of the might of the Strength of Israel. We would welcome men who have the heavenly anointing, who can hold forth the word of life, because they live by every word proceeding from the mouth of God. The experience of such men is composed of that upon which they feed, and they are partakers of the grace of Christ, and possess the true refinement of those who walk with God; for they are meek and lowly of heart, having learned in the school of Christ.

We care nothing for those who have only a pretentious appearance; but we want men who will love to do as did Christ, and will delight in seeking to save that which is lost. We want men who are successful in winning souls to Christ. God has such men in the world, and they are the salt of the earth, a savor of life unto life. Their influence is wholly on the Lord's side.

In this country, those who have embraced the truth have had few opportunities. They have had far less of privilege and light than have our churches in America, and hundreds of our home brethren should be in these foreign fields. Souls are perishing out of Christ, and those who profess to be the disciples of Christ are letting them die. Our brethren have talents intrusted for this very work; but they have bound them up in a napkin, and buried them in the earth. What manner of entreaty can be brought to bear upon the idlers in the market-place that will arouse them to go and work in the Master's vineyard? What can we say to the slothful church-member to make him realize the necessity of unearthing his talent, and putting it out to the exchangers? O that God would set this matter in all its importance before the sleeping churches! O that Zion would arouse and put on her beautiful garments! O that she would shine! "Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee."

The rich treasures of the grace of Christ have been revealed, and there is nothing to hinder many thousands who are now weak and in darkness, from being strong and full of consolation, if they would but trade upon their intrusted talents. But the word of God is undervalued, and the rich treasures of his truth are lightly esteemed by all those who do not use these treasures to enrich others. O, if you would have the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness continually shining upon you, reflect the rays that are given you upon those who sit in darkness. This work of enlightening others is not the work of the minister only, but it is the work of all who profess the truth of God. God has given to every man his work in making Christ known to the world. And I now ask, my brethren, What are you doing with your talents? Are you trading with them for time and eternity?

Faithful Stewardship Required

"God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have showed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: that ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises."

Let no one permit himself to be unhappy and repine because his talents are few, and he cannot glorify God with that which has not been bestowed upon him, and for the use of which he is not responsible. If you can do but little, you are responsible only for the doing of that little with fidelity. If you have but one talent, use it well, and God will accept your effort to make the most of what he has given; he will approve of you as he sees you faithful over a few things. We have all been intrusted with some gift of God, and for its use we shall be held accountable. Whether saint or sinner, we shall be required to render an account for the use of the talents God has given us, according to our several ability. Christ has made an infinite sacrifice that the sinner may come to him, and behold him whom his sins have pierced. The only hope for the perishing is to believe in him who has loved us and given himself for us. "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." When the sinner comes to God confessing his sins, he receives pardon, and becomes a child of God, an heir of heaven. He then realizes that his talents are the gift of heaven, and that through faith in his Redeemer he is under obligation to God to fulfill his requirements. He knows that he is justified by faith, but judged by his works, and that life is a day of trust wherein he is preparing for the final reckoning.

The Lord has given to those who should be his human agents, talents of means, capacity, and influence, according to their ability to employ these gifts in a wise manner for his service. He has given to every man his work. "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some pastors and teachers." Why were these various workers appointed? "For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come into the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ."

We can see from this scripture that the Lord has his appointed workers, and that the work committed unto them has in view a definite object. Prophets, apostles, evangelists, pastors, teachers, are all to work for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. Is not this object worthy of careful attention? Can we not discern that there has been neglect in some special work for the church, in that the saints have not attained the perfection that God would have them attain? Had the work of the ministry been done, the church would have been edified, and educated for the great work that devolves upon them. The truth would have been presented in such a way that the Spirit of the Lord would have moved upon hearts, and sinners would have been convicted and converted, and would have taken their position as followers of Christ. But many are only partially changed. Their names are registered upon the church book, and they gather with the assembly of the saints, and listen to what is presented from the desk; but many things they do not understand, and they fail to practice the requirements of the Lord. There are many who do not understand the parable of the talents, and they do not realize that they are to be agents through whom the Lord will communicate his blessing to others. They do not realize that they should put to use the talents given them, trading upon them, that when the Master comes, he may receive his own with usury.

In the teaching of Christ the use or abuse of talents is presented in a solemn light. He says he gave to "every man according to his several ability." "Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his Lord's money. And after a long time the Lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them." But he who had the one talent, and had refused to do with his Lord's goods what the others had done, had no increase to present to the Master. He had only accusation to present as an excuse for his neglect of duty; he said to his Lord, "I knew thee that thou art a hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strewed: and I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth."

With what intense interest is the examination of the talents carried on in the judgment, that the improvement may be noted, or the deficiency revealed. Eternal life or death hangs upon the decision of this investigation. Though the participants in the work of the Lord have to acknowledge that they can claim no merit, that their talents are those that have been delivered unto them, that there could have been no gain without the deposit, no interest without the principal, by diligent trading God has been glorified. Those who have made use of their intrusted gifts have gained other talents. They do not feel that they have done more than their duty. The capital was the Lord's, and the treasure is his, and they are satisfied that their work meets the Master's approval. But he who faithfully fulfilled his trust has abundant reward; for the Lord restores to him both principal and interest, and makes him ruler over all that he hath. The recipient of this mercy realizes that all his success is of the Lord; for had not the Saviour bestowed upon him his love and mercy, the trader would have been bankrupt for eternity. But mark this: when the Lord scrutinizes the talents, and notes their improvement, he bestows upon the diligent trader his approbation, and rewards him as though all the merit were of the human actor. He says, "Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." As the Master shall utter these words of approval, his countenance will shine with unutterable love. He delights in expressing his approbation, and in rewarding the diligent worker in his service.

A sacred responsibility rests upon every one who has a connection with the cause of God. He is called upon to do his work with fidelity, to sanctify himself to the service of God that others also may be sanctified. When the case of every soul is decided in the judgment, some will meet their record with joy, and others with hopeless grief. The faithful will be invited in to the marriage supper of the Lamb, and Christ will gird himself, and come forth to serve them. And since so great interests depend upon the right use of the talents of those seeking for salvation, and since God has placed in the church apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, for the perfecting of the church, for the edifying of the body of Christ, how important it is that no blundering work be done. There is much more to be accomplished that can be accomplished simply by preaching. The workers must be endowed with heavenly wisdom that they may devise and execute plans that shall result in the perfecting of the experience of all who shall come into the faith. We must teach the members of the church how they may effectually minister to others. In ministering to others, men and women may be educated to bear burdens, to wear the yoke of Christ, and thus exercise their intrusted talents in his service, until they shall be developed to fill positions of greater trust and heavier responsibility.

There are many who are ordained ministers, who have never yet exercised a shepherd's care over the flock of God, who have never yet watched for souls as they that must give an account. Were the kind of labor of which it stands in need bestowed upon the church, many who are doing nothing would be educated to become diligent laborers in the harvest-field. An education should be given to the people of God that would result in furnishing hundreds who would put out to the exchangers valuable talents, whose use would develop men for positions of trust and influence, and great good would be accomplished for the Master. But instead of thus developing, the church is left to be a weak, dependent, inefficient body. The members of the church are trained to rely upon preaching, and they do little for Christ. They bear no fruit, but rather increase in selfishness and unfaithfulness. They put their hope in the preacher, and depend on his efforts to keep alive their weak faith. Because of the lack of proper instruction among the church-members by those whom God has placed as overseers, there is not one merely, but scores who are slothful, and who are hiding their talents in the earth, and still complaining of the Lord's dealings toward them. They need to be tended as do sick children.

But this condition of weakness must not continue. Well-organized work must be done in the church, that its members may understand the manner in which they may impart light to others, and thus strengthen their own faith and increase their knowledge. As they impart the light which God graciously bestows upon them to those in darkness, they will be confirmed in the faith. A working church is a living church. We are built up as living stones, and every stone is to emit light; for every one is compared to a precious stone that catches the glory of God, and reflects it to others.

The idea that the minister must carry all the burdens and do all the work, is a great mistake. Overworked and broken down, he may go into the grave, when had the burden been shared as the Lord designed, he might have lived. That the burden may be distributed, an education must be given to the church by those who can instruct the workers to follow Christ, and to work as he worked. "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." When it is made manifest that the members of the church are not fulfilling their high calling, are not improving the talents God has intrusted to them, then it is the duty of the ministers and workers to seek for heavenly wisdom, that they may know what is the kind of labor which will result in quickening the church, and causing its members to bring forth fruit unto life eternal. Why do not the overseers of the church have councils to devise ways whereby young men and women may be trained to put to use their intrusted talents? Why do not the older members of the church seek to do good, earnest, compassionate work for the children and youth? Many have embraced the truth, and yet they have not been educated as to how they may serve the cause of God, and thereby grow in spiritual muscle and sinew. By employing the faculties of the mind and body of our youth in the service of God, a door is closed against the temptations of the enemy, and Satan has not as favorable an opportunity for training the children and youth for his service.

Let the ministers put to use all their ingenuity, that plans may be devised whereby the youthful members of the church may be enlisted in the cause of God. Why should they not be interested in the great work that there is to be done. But do not imagine that this interest can be aroused by going to the missionary meeting and presenting a long sermon; plan ways whereby a live interest may be kindled, and train up the young to do what is appointed them. Let them have a part to act, and from week to week let them bring in their reports, telling what they have experienced, and through the grace of Christ what success has been theirs. If the missionary meeting was a meeting where such reports were brought in by consecrated workers, it would not be dull, tedious, and uninteresting. It would be full of intense interest, and there would be no lack in attendance.

In every church the members should be trained so that they will devote time to the work, and win souls to Christ. How can it be said of the church. "Ye are the light of the world," unless the members of the church actually impart light to others? In seeking to point sinners to the Lamb of God who taketh away the sins of the world, their own love would be kindled, and by beholding him they too would become changed into his likeness.

Will those who have charge of the flock of God, awaken to their duty? "Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." When the church is properly instructed, there will not be so great dependence and weakness. Believers in the truth will not come and go as the door upon its hinges. They will not sit complacently and listen to sermon after sermon, and fail to bring the instruction into practical life. Many a minister does present the truth with force and clearness, but the members of the church fail to reap benefit therefrom, because the word is not mixed with faith in them that hear it. The mind is occupied with worldly interests, and as soon as they leave the church door, the impression is lost; for as water flows from a leaky vessel, so the truth leaks from the heart. The more preaching they have, the less they do to carry out the truth in practical godliness. They are glutted with sermons, and the truth fails to arouse them to a sense of their condition.

It is important that the people understand that they cannot depend upon a minister, or expect that one will be stationed among them to do all the work in their community. Were this done, it would result in spiritual death to those who are content to look on while another bears the burden. Let the people understand that it is by diffusing their light that they will have light more abundantly. But if they fail to impart light, they will lose even that which they have, and will walk in darkness. -

Entire Consecration Necessary

The necessity of thorough consecration to God in all those who have a connection with any branch of his work, has been presented before me. Much is lost by fitful service; and yet many serve God at will, and cease from his service as it suits their convenience or pleasure; and this is why many of our workers are in a weak spiritual condition. Satan is wide-awake and vigilant, and is ever persevering and energetic in his efforts to overthrow the soul. He watches diligently that he may weave his ideas and plans into the work of God. It is only through a living connection with the Source of all wisdom and light, that men may become wise unto salvation, and this living connection must be continually maintained; for Satan will overthrow the soul that does not watch unto prayer. We are to overcome, and overcoming means all that the word implies.

"He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. . . . To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it. . . . And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations. . . . 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 I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. . . . Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from 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."

When temptation comes upon us, we need spiritual discernment, that we may detect Satan's agency, and draw close to Jesus. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you. Every moment it is necessary to fight the good fight of faith; for doubt must be resisted, and faith must be encouraged. In temptation, inclination must be overruled by reason. Self will clamor for indulgence, but inclination must be resisted, and temptation overcome.

The Lord has given warnings, he has presented principles that it is necessary for every Christian to heed, and bring into his practical life. Those who pass on in indifference to the light and warning which God has been pleased to give, will grow more and more egotistical and self-sufficient. Those who do not place their dependence upon God, will certainly be overthrown by the enemy. Satan is working by every conceivable device to keep in his own ranks those who claim to be on the Lord's side. He can blind their eyes until they will call light darkness, and darkness light. "Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God. Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks: walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled. This shall ye have of mine hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow."

Though the light of God is shining in more distinct rays than ever before, and will shine more and more clearly as we near the close of earth's history, those who will be able to discern truth from error, will be men who are often upon their knees, seeking wisdom from God. The bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness can alone reveal the numerous and varied plottings of the enemy. The wicked one is at work with all deceivableness of unrighteousness; and while we are not to keep our eyes upon the powers of darkness, we cannot be ignorant of their devices. But our faith must center in Jesus Christ. Looking unto him, clinging to his strength as sufficient for every emergency, our heart joins his heart, our life is knit by hidden links to his life, and because he lives, we shall live also. This is practical religion; for we are to be kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation. No one of us can be safe save as we join the Lord in a perpetual covenant, that shall not be forgotten by us.

Heart union with Christ makes believers heirs of God, and laborers together with him. At home, at church, and in the world, the believer is to show forth the praises of him who has called him out of darkness into his marvelous light. Those whom the Lord intrusts with his work should cultivate home religion. They should not remain away from the assembly of the people of God, and cease to take an active part in religious meetings. They should continually consider what will be the influence of their actions upon those around them. They should cultivate such traits of character as will qualify them to stand as head of their own households. They should be housebands, and as Abraham, able wisely to instruct and educate their children, commanding their children and their household after them, that they may keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment.

God chose Abraham as the father of the faithful, because he knew that he would cultivate home religion, and cause the fear of the Lord to be the atmosphere of his dwelling-place. The Lord knew that there would be on the part of Abraham no betraying of sacred trusts; but that he would worship the Lord, and him only would he serve. He knew that his faithful servant would lead his household forward and upward, and influence them to keep the statutes of Jehovah. Abraham did not cherish a blind affection for his family; but by the combined influence of affection and authority, he ruled his home. God's will was made paramount. He feared the Lord with all his house.

Those who have neglected this important work in the home, and have failed to command their children and their households after them to keep the way of the Lord, should now seek to redeem the time. Let parents take their Bibles, and search that they may understand what are the requirements of God in regard to their children. Let them seek to understand what is included in parental duty. The word of God must be our rule in conducting our family affairs; and neither the waywardness of children, nor the press of business, should be looked upon as excuses for neglect in following the counsel of God. Let parents set before their children a worthy example in personal piety, honoring the house of God and respecting his service. The want of home religion is felt in every branch of God's work, and the necessity of cultivating personal piety in the home should be continually kept before the people. They should have instruction, line upon line and precept upon precept, that all those whose names are upon the church records may hear and obey the word of the Lord. Parents cannot rightly train their children unless they learn how to co-operate with the Lord in his work upon the heart. The first essential in educating your households in the fear of God, is consecration of yourself and your all to God. Let parents begin with heart work; for out of the heart are the issues of life. Let the prayer ascend from contrite hearts, "Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward part: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee."

What a prayer is this! How evident it is that sinners in the household are not to be treated with indifference, but that the Lord looks upon them as the purchase of his blood. In every household where the unconverted are, it should be the work of those who know the Lord to work in wisdom for their conversion. The Lord will surely bless the efforts of parents, as in his fear and love they seek to save the souls of their households. The Lord Jesus is waiting to be gracious. O that the work might begin at the heart! "For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it; thou delightest not in burnt- offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise." Then let it be understood by all the members of the household that the work must begin at the heart. The heart must be subdued and made contrite through the creating, regenerating power of the Holy Spirit. Realizing the aid of this mighty agency, cannot parents work for the conversion of their children with more zeal and love than ever before?

The promise of the Lord is, "Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them." When the Spirit of the Lord works upon the hearts of the parents, their prayers and tears will come up before God, and they will earnestly entreat, and will receive grace and wisdom from heaven, and will be able to work for their unconverted children. As this spirit is manifested in the home, it will be brought into the church, and those who are home missionaries will also become agents for God in the church and in the world. The institutions which God has planted will bear an entirely different mold.

"Thus saith the Lord God; in the day that I shall have cleansed you from all your iniquities I will also cause you to dwell in the cities, and the wastes shall be builded. And the desolate land shall be tilled whereas it lay desolate in the sight of all that passed by. And they shall say, This land that was desolate is become like the garden of Eden; and the waste and desolate and ruined cities are become fenced, and are inhabited. Then the heathen that are left roundabout you shall know that I the Lord build the ruined places, and plant that that was desolate: I the Lord have spoken it, and I will do it. Thus saith the Lord God; I will yet for this be inquired of by the house of Israel, to do it for them; I will increase them with men like a flock. As the holy flock, as the flock of Jerusalem in her solemn feasts; so shall the waste cities be filled with flocks of men: and they shall know that I am the Lord."

If those who profess to know the Lord did indeed have an experimental knowledge of God, how evenly would the work move on! All the building fitly framed together would grow into a holy temple in the Lord. The church would be quickened from the paralysis that is upon her, and the people of God would do earnest work. The world would not have occasion to excuse themselves for their ungodliness on account of the example of those who profess to be followers of Christ, who hold the truth in unrighteousness. Unity would exist in the church. Love would be cherished one for another; but now love has become almost extinct.

Shall we not as children of the living God, read the living oracle, purposing in our hearts that at whatever cost we will obey God, crucify self, and live unto Christ? No man is qualified to stand in a responsible position, authorized to direct the work, who is not daily directed of God. The whole confederacy of evil, led by Satan, is seeking diligently to increase the ranks of those who transgress the law of God; and the law of the land sustains them in their apostasy. Underneath every movement for the exaltation of the mystery of iniquity, there is a secret undercurrent of effort for the suppression of God's truth in his holy requirement. Men are seeking again to enslave the souls of men by the decree of the law of the land. Is it not time that those who are under the counsel of God shall stand as representatives of Christ in every position of trust? While all the hosts of sin are earnest, zealous, sanguine in advancing their cause, and are stirred by a power from beneath, shall not those who stand in defense of truth manifest earnestness and zeal and enthusiasm? What if the sincere worker for God should be called a fanatic? This is the name that those who have been truly devoted to God have ever been called upon to bear. But infidels have been heard to say, "If I believed what Christians profess to believe, I would be far more zealous than they are." Since even infidels see in the man who is stigmatized as an enthusiast the only consistent Christian, shall we take a neutral position?

The Lord has spoken. The message of God has been given, declaring that there must be an entirely different spirit from that which now prevails among representative men in our cause. There is altogether too much of self, and too little of Jesus. But there is no safety for any one, no matter what may be his position, his learning, his past experience, unless he is constantly in the fear and love of God. The Lord looks to the humble, and it may be that he will send a message to those who are in high position through a humble instrument, and he would have those who are in positions of trust of so humble a spirit that they will hear and heed the message, and arouse from their lethargy. We should realize how wicked and how foolish it is to contend against Omnipotence. O that all would realize how perilous a thing it is to cherish thoughts or do deeds that are out of harmony with the will of God! O that men would understand and take heed to the message that God mercifully sends to them! The Lord sees a soul wandering in darkness, and in his love and pity he sends to him a message, which, if received, will serve to bring him to the light; but if the message is rejected, the soul goes on in darkness more dense than before. Now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation.

The end of earth's history is right upon us, and O that all might fully come into the light! O that all might be moved by the Spirit from above! The law of God is trampled underfoot, and the whole world is deceived by the power of the man of sin. Shall we not devote ourselves and our all to God, that souls may be won to Christ? Only a remnant of probationary time is left us, and at this late day, shall our love for God and his truth grow cold? Shall our light flicker and die out in darkness, because we have not the oil of grace in our vessels with our lamps?

The Lord is dishonored by his people when they claim to have light, and yet walk in darkness. They are as men and women looking through smoky glass, and yet they feel competent to judge of the message and the messenger, and do not realize that their vision is perverted. Yet for those who walk in darkness what sympathy should we feel, how tenderly should we labor for them, exercising toward them the pity and love which Christ exercised toward fallen men when he came to earth to suffer and die.

My brethren who occupy responsible positions, your place in the work calls upon you to be representative men. You need the baptism of the Holy Spirit. I beseech of you, do not look upon yourselves as safe unless you are in the channel of light. There is a great work to be done in your behalf. You must form new habits, and your natural customs and habits must be subdued by the Spirit of God. Inclination must be denied. Old enemies that war against the Spirit, that you looked upon as dead, under favorable circumstances revive again, and they must be met and vanquished. Self must die. We are to engage earnestly in a spiritual warfare which we do not consider as we should, and we fail to appreciate what it means. The confederacy of evil is arrayed against those who would fight the battles of the Lord.

But we battle not alone. The fellowship of the saints in light is ours, the championship of the hosts of heaven is ours, and more than angels are on our side; for leading the ranks of his armies is the Captain of the Lord's hosts. He is Commander of the battle, and as he leads his army to the fields of action, his voice is heard above the din of the battle and the strife, "Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." Our leader is a conqueror. Advance, then, to victory. The armies of heaven are engaged in the contest, and we fight as in the sight of invisible worlds. We may calmly face the foe, and by faith press on to the conflict. We shall press the battle to the gate, saying, "Our life is hid with Christ in God, because he lives we shall live also."

Let every man constrained by the love of Christ, stand in his appointed place, and steadily, cheerfully, bravely bear the burden assigned him by the Lord. Let every burden-bearer contemplate this fact,--God is love. "God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." O, what a God have we! what a Benefactor! What claim has he upon our love! Having collected all the riches of the universe, and laid open all the resources of infinite power, he gave all the heavenly treasure into the hands of Christ, and said, "All these are for man. Use them to convince him that there is no love greater than mine in earth or heaven. His greatest happiness consists in loving me, and giving his heart to me who hath loved him with an infinite love." -

The Principles of Righteousness Revealed in the Life

The question is often asked. Why do you keep the commandments of God? Did not Jesus come to abolish the law? The Son of God gave the law, and was it given only to be abolished? Did Jesus leave the royal courts of heaven to die upon the cross of Calvary, in order that he might give the world license to break the law? Is there reason in this? Was the wonderful, costly process that the Father and his dear Son underwent, only to abolish the law, and give men perfect freedom to trample it in the dust?--No, no. The Lord's standard of righteousness remains as firm as his eternal throne. It is his holy law, and because not one precept of this law could be changed to meet man in his fallen condition, the Father consented to give his only begotten Son to die. To abolish the law?--No; but to save the sinner. The cross of Calvary is the unanswerable argument as to the perpetuity of the law of Jehovah. When the great Teacher gave his sermon on the mount, showing the immutability of the law of God, he was expounding the law that he himself gave.

Satan had so beclouded the understanding of even the chosen people of God, that in their separation from God they could not discern sacred things. The prophecies were made so indistinct, that truth, precious above gold, or silver, or precious stones, was buried beneath a mass of rubbish, and its glorious character was hidden from view. The precious Sabbath given at the creation of the world lost its true significance. The rubbish of human inventions, maxims, and traditions hid its true character. Said Christ, "This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoreth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men."

Jesus Christ was the foundation of the whole Jewish economy. He established the sacrificial offerings which typified himself. The whole system of types and symbols was one compacted prophecy of the gospel, a presentation of Christianity. Christ presented to the multitude of Jews and Gentiles of all nations the real original truths connected with his kingdom, which had been buried out of sight. He sought to clear away the mist and fog of their false, long-cherished ideas in regard to his mission and his kingdom. They supposed it was a temporal, earthly kingdom; but he showed them its spiritual and eternal nature. He unfolded before them the far-reaching principles of the law of God; commandment after commandment he opened before them in its true spiritual bearing, and showed the extent of the requirements of God's precepts. They are not only to direct conduct, but to control the heart. The lessons given by Christ were so different from anything to which the people had listened from the scribes and Pharisees, that they were astonished at his doctrines. He did not present labored, intricate arguments that buried with exactions the commandments of God, so that no one could ever hope to keep them. Jesus, the great Teacher, laid open in the simplest language, the great moral truths, clothing them with freshness and power.

The scribes and Pharisees that were listening to his words, thought in their hearts that he was making of no account the law of God. But as if Jesus had read their hearts as an open book, there fell upon their startled ears these words: "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven." The heavenly intelligences look upon the human agents, and estimate their value according to the respect and reverence they manifest toward the great moral standard of righteousness--the holy law of God. And Jesus added, "Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven." With what excuse could we meet the great Lawgiver over his broken law when the Redeemer has so plainly stated its importance. The righteousness of the Pharisees consisted mainly in a form of ceremonies. They complicated the plain and simple precepts, and made them a rigorous burden of exactions, while they neglected and contradicted the vital principles and spirit of the law. This error, fatal to the soul, Christ in his sermon on the mount sought to correct. The Pharisees in their false ideas as to what constituted the keeping of the commandments of God, cherished malice and revenge; but Christ taught that all malice must be expelled from the soul. The evil done to us by another must remain unresented, unavenged. He who was an enemy was to be loved, because God loved the sinner when he was his enemy. Jesus taught, "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." Here are the principles of true Christianity, and he presented these principles in no hesitating manner, but taught them as one having authority. They must be imitators of God, pure and holy and undefiled by the maxims and traditions of men. These principles were too holy to be corrupted by the inventions of man.

No man can serve two masters. "Ye cannot serve God and mammon." We are but living, human agents, dependent upon God for every breath we draw, and we are not to be anxious about food and raiment, and to be distrustful of God. The Lord has his thoughts of love toward us, and will care for the future. It is God's will that we are to be anxious to know and to do his requirements at all hazards; but we are to trust God implicitly not only for the little things, the temporal things of life, but for the redemption of our souls. Having faith, and confidence, and trust in God, we have everything, and God will never betray our confidence. He is ever loving, and patiently bears with our weaknesses and infirmities, and is ever willing to forgive our perversities. Then let us walk meekly, trustingly, and humbly before him. Commit your way to him. Cast all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

The world's Redeemer was treated as we deserve to be treated, in order that we might be treated as he deserved to be treated. He came to our world and took our sins upon his own divine soul, that we might receive his imputed righteousness. He was condemned for our sins, in which he had no share, that we might be justified by his righteousness, in which we had no share. The world's Redeemer gave himself for us. Who was he?--The Majesty of heaven, pouring out his blood upon the altar of justice for the sins of guilty man. We should know our relationship to Christ and his relationship to us. We are to trust God fully, and ask him to supply the least as well as the greatest want. The Lord encourages our confidence; and the great proof of our union with Christ, and the best manifestation of our love to him, is in yielding obedience to his claims. If you have love to Jesus Christ, which is an expression of the life of Christ in the soul, then you will do what he commands you. This is practical religion. Redeemed by the ransom money paid for your souls, you will go forth and show how much you love Jesus by obedience to his commandments. You are to bring forth fruit by doing his commandments, because you are branches of the living Vine. It is his prayer that his joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

What was Christ's joy?--It was the joy of saving the lost. The prophet says, "He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied." For the joy that was set before him he endured the cross, despising the shame. His suffering, his agony, his death, were counted by him nothing that souls might be rescued from sin. Whenever there is a soul converted and brought to Jesus Christ, a thrill of joy is felt in heaven. A soul is saved, a precious soul snatched from Satan's grasp and given as a precious token to Jesus Christ that he has not suffered and died in vain, and then there is joy and rejoicing in heaven. The lost is found, the dead in trespasses and sins is alive; and Christ prays that this joy may be ours,--a joy that is rich, deep, full, and abiding,--a joy springing from the triumphs of the cross of Christ.

Christ calls for those who have turned from him. He says, Return unto me, and I will return unto you, and heal all thy backslidings. He calls for those who are standing apart from him to be laborers together with God. He says, "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you." O how true are these words. We did not make the first movement toward Christ; but he made the first movement toward us. He drew us by the cords of his love. He touched our hearts by his grace. Our approach to him was but a response to his drawing. No longer cherish doubt and walk in darkness. Jesus has purchased us with his own blood We are not our own, we are bought with a price, and our time, our intrusted capabilities, belong to God. He has given his only begotten Son to a life of humiliation and shameful death for us, and in return he has asked us to give ourselves to him. And through the grace of God, let us do this. The Lord help us to plant our feet on the solid Rock. -

Obedience the Path to Life

"And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? How readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: This do, and thou shalt live."

The positive question of the lawyer was as positively answered by the Master. The condition of salvation specified was the doing of the commandments of God. After receiving this positive answer, the lawyer asked, "And who is my neighbor?" Jesus then gave the parable of the robbed, wounded, and dying stranger who was aided by the good Samaritan, to illustrate what he meant by loving our neighbors as ourselves. Through obedience to the commandments of God, our characters are built up in such a way that we may safely be intrusted with the gift of eternal life. Justice, truth, love, pity, forgiveness must be found in the heart of the Christian, for in his sermon on the mount Jesus said, "Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven." Merely to profess to believe the commandments of God, while following the example of the priest and Levite, who left the needy, suffering one to die, without lifting a hand to help him, will not insure eternal life. He who treats a suffering soul in this way reveals the fact that he does not love his neighbor as himself, and his profession has no practical value.

"The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul." The Lord Jesus weighs men in the golden scales of the sanctuary, and gives them credit as far as their practice of the great standard of righteousness will justify.

"And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? There is none good but one, that is, God." The faith of this young man did not penetrate beyond the surface. He did not discern in the Master the Son of God, one equal with God, who is the way, the truth, and the life. But Jesus answered, "If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. He saith unto him, which?" The Lord Jesus specified several precepts of the decalogue, and quoted, "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself," as a necessary requirement. "The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up; what lack I yet?" Mark states that "Jesus beholding him loved him," but he said unto him, "If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me."

The young man had inquired of the Master, "What lack I yet?" and Jesus had told him. But when he "heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions." In this requirement to sell what he had and give to the poor, Jesus had revealed to the young man the plague spot of the heart, and he wished no further enlightenment. His decision was made. He had come full of admiration for Christ, running unto him, and kneeling down before him. Jesus looked upon the ardent young man, and saw material for the working out of a beautiful character; but the young man had not taken into account what was meant by practicing the commands of the law. Jesus laid before him the cost of eternal life. He revealed to him what was involved in the doing of the commandments of God. Nothing short of loving God with the whole heart, and his neighbor as himself, fulfilled the law. Jesus sought to clear the mist of deception from his soul, to give him spiritual eye-sight that he might discern the fact that he had not met the standard of character required by the law of God.

The question asked of Christ involved the whole conduct of life, and in the answer Jesus revealed the scheme of redemption. He revealed the young man to himself, by presenting before him the moral standard of righteousness. The young man had thought that he understood all the requirements of the law. He had asked, "What lack I yet?" Satisfied with his morality, confident of his piety, he imagined that he was above the average, and if not quite perfect, very nearly so. He desired to receive instruction if he needed any, that he might be perfect in himself. Christ revealed to him the fact that he was building upon his own self-righteousness. He showed him what he was lacking in the knowledge and practice of the law. The love of self, the love of the world, was the barrier which stood between him and Christ, and Jesus alone could remove this obstruction. The young man had never known himself before, never realized how he was idolizing earthly treasures. The opportunity was offered him to use his intrusted talents of earthly treasure in doing good, in blessing the needy, thus laying up an enduring substance in heaven. He was offered the privilege of choosing to follow the Master whom he had called good, and whom he really admired, or to hold fast his earthly possessions and forfeit eternal life. He never understood how little love he had for his neighbor, or how much his earthly possessions were to him until he was required to part with them. He went away very sorrowful. He preferred his property rather than the company of Jesus. He preferred his earthly substance rather than the treasures he was assured he would have in heaven. He loved the passing things of this life rather than eternal life.

The young man could not have the world and the heavenly treasure also. His neighbors were in suffering need of the good things which had been lent him of heaven, through which he was to bless the widow and the fatherless. Instead of distributing to the needy, he was hoarding up his treasure, and still considering himself a doer of the commandments of God. He did not understand the spirituality of the law, and the worthlessness of a formal, ceremonial obedience. He did not comprehend what were his eternal obligations to God. He had no practical experience. He neither understood the holy, paternal character of God nor the relation he sustained to his fellow-men. He did not look upon his possessions as a trust from God over which he should act the part of a faithful steward. He did not realize that he was to dispense of his abundance, doing good with his possession. He did not accept the conditions upon which eternal life was granted. He refused to obey the commandments which he claimed he had kept from his youth up. He did not realize God's great love in giving his Son for the salvation of the world. He did not comprehend the spiritual nature of the gospel, nor realize the necessity of repentance, of prayer, of holiness on the part of all who would enter the kingdom of heaven. If he had accepted the invitation of Christ to follow him, he would have been enlightened, through the agency of the Holy Spirit, which renews and sanctifies the soul.

The Son of God presented to the young man eternal riches, but he did not estimate the eternal treasure as of more value than the temporal treasure. He had not kept the ancient precept which enjoined love to his neighbor, and pointed out the duty of relieving his necessities. He had no practical experience in doing deeds of benevolence, in showing kindness and loving consideration. But the Lord Jesus proposed to set before him an example of obedience. Christ was free from every taint of selfishness. He pleased not himself. His whole life was one of disinterested benevolence. He invited the young man to follow him. O, if he had only obeyed, appreciating the heavenly treasure above the earthly substance, what gain it would have been to him!

How many who profess to keep the commandments of God are virtually acting as did this young man! They put from them the grace and truth revealed in Jesus, and although professing to keep the law, they stand as transgressors. But selfishness and idolatry cannot live in the heart of him who keeps the commandments of God. How many, when tested and proved by the royal standard, will be found wanting,--lovers of self, idolaters, worshiping their possessions, hoarding their earthly treasure, and neglecting their fellow-men, loving themselves better than they love God. There are many who profess to be children of God, but who are deceived, and need to be aroused by the sacred truths of the word of God.

To every soul who is inquiring, "What shall I do that I may have eternal life?" the answer comes from the divine Son of God, "If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments." Does Christ tell us to do that which it is not possible for us to do?--No, never. The path of obedience is possible, and it leads to the tree of life. This is the path that leads to the paradise of God. The requirement of God to obey and live was given to Adam. The only way to life is found through obedience to the commandments. -

Duty of Parents to Their Children

One of the signs of the "last days" is the disobedience of children to their parents. 2 Tim. 3:2. And do parents realize their responsibility? Many seem to lose sight of the watch care they should have over their children, and suffer them to indulge in evil passions, and to disobey them. They take but little notice of them until their own feelings are raised, and then punish them in anger.

Many parents will have to render an awful account at last for their neglect of their children. They have fostered and cherished their evil tempers by bending to their wishes and will, when the wishes and will of the children should bend to them. They have brought God's frown upon them and their children by these things. Parents, have you forgotten that which was written in the holy word: "He that spareth the rod hateth his son"? Children are left to come up instead of being trained up . The poor little children are thought not to know or understand a correction at ten or twelve months old, and they begin to show stubbornness very young. Parents suffer them to indulge in evil tempers and passions without subduing or correcting them, and by so doing they cherish and nourish these evil passions until they grow with their growth and strengthen with their strength.

The house of God is often desecrated, and the Sabbath violated by Sabbath-believers' children. In some cases they are even allowed to run about the house, play, talk, and manifest their evil tempers in the very meetings where the saints should worship God in the beauty of holiness. And the place that should be holy, and where a holy stillness should reign, and where there should be perfect order, neatness, and humility, is made to be a perfect Babylon, "confusion." This is enough to bring God's displeasure, and shut his presence from our assemblies. His wrath is kindled for these things, and he will not, while these things exist, go out with Israel to battle against their enemies. The enemies of our faith will be suffered to triumph on account of God's displeasure.

Parents stand in the place of God to their children, and they will have to render an account, whether they have been faithful to the little few committed to their care. Parents, some of you are rearing children to be cut down by the destroying angel, unless you speedily change your course, and be faithful to them. God cannot cover iniquity, even in children. He cannot love unruly children who manifest passion, and he cannot save them in the time of trouble. Will you suffer your children to be lost through your neglect? Unfaithful parents, their blood will be upon you, and is not your salvation doubtful with the blood of your children upon you?--children who might have been saved had you filled your place, and done your duty as faithful parents should.

God says: "I know Abraham, that he will command his household after him," and God gave him the honor of being the father of the faithful. Parents, it is your duty to have your children in perfect subjection, having all their passions and evil tempers subdued. And if children are taken to meeting, they should be made to know and understand where they are, that they are not at home, but where God meets with his people. And they should be kept quiet and free from all play, and God will turn his face toward you, to meet you and bless you.

If order is observed in the assemblies of the saints, the truth will have better effect upon all who hear it. A solemnity which is so much needed will be encouraged, and there will be power in the truth to stir up the depths of the soul, and a death-like stupor will not hang upon those who hear. Believers and unbelievers will be affected. It has seemed evident that in some places the ark of God has removed from the church; for the holy commandments have been violated, and the strength of Israel has been weakened.

Parents, correct your children. Begin while they are young, when impressions can be more easily made, and their evil tempers subdued before they grow with their growth and strengthen with their strength.

You should correct your children in love. Do not let them have their own way until you get angry, and then punish them. Such correction only helps on the evil, instead of remedying it. After you have done your duty faithfully to your children, then carry them to God, and ask him to help you. Tell him that you have done your part, and then in faith ask God to do his part, that which you cannot do. Ask him to temper their dispositions, to make them mild and gentle by his Holy Spirit. He will hear you pray. He will love to answer your prayers. Through his word he has enjoined it upon you to correct your children, to "spare not for their crying," and his word is to be heeded in these things.

It certainly must bring displeasure upon parents when they leave him to do what he has left, and commanded them to do. God corrects us when we disobey, and go astray from him; and parents are bound by the word of God to correct their children when they disobey them, and show evil temper. Check the very first manifestation of passion. Break the will (but do it with feelings of tenderness, and with discretion), and your children will be far happier for it, and you will be happier. Your effort will be remembered of God, and he who is so particular as to observe the falling of the sparrow; he who noticed and commended Abraham's faithfulness, will not pass by your efforts. He who never slumbers nor sleeps will be ready to aid you with his Spirit and grace, and will reward your feeble efforts.

Parents, above everything, take care of your children upon the Sabbath. Do not allow them to violate God's holy day by allowing them to play in the house or out-of-doors. You may just as well break the Sabbath yourselves as to let your children do it, and when you suffer your children to wander about, and suffer them to play upon the Sabbath, God looks upon you as Sabbath-breakers. Your children, who are under your control, should be made to mind you. Your word should be their law. Will not parents wake up to their duty before it is too late, and take hold of the work in earnest, redeem the time, and make unsparing efforts to save the children?

Children are the lawful prey of the enemy, because they are not subjects of grace, have not experienced the cleansing power of Jesus, and the evil angels have access to these children; and some parents are careless and suffer them to work with but little restraint. Parents have a great work to do in this matter, by correcting and subduing their children, and then bringing them to God and claiming his blessing upon them. By the faithful and untiring efforts of the parents, and the blessing and grace entreated of God upon the children, the power of the evil angels will be broken, a sanctifying influence is shed upon the children, and the powers of darkness must give back.

When the destroying angel was to pass through Egypt, to destroy the first-born of man and beast, the command to Israel was, to gather their children and families into their houses with them, and then mark their door-posts with blood, that the destroying angel might pass by their dwellings, and if they failed to go through this process, there was no difference made between them and the Egyptians.

The destroying angel is soon to go forth again, not to destroy the first-born alone, but "to slay utterly old and young, both men, women, and little children" who have not the mark. Parents, if you wish to save your children, separate them from the world, keep them from the company of wicked children; for if you suffer them to go with wicked children, you cannot prevent them from partaking of their wickedness and being corrupted. It is your solemn duty to watch over your children, to choose the society at all times for them. Teach your children to obey you, then can they more easily obey the commands of God, and yield to his requirements. Don't let us neglect to pray with and for our children. He who said, "Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me," will listen to our prayers for them, and the seal, or mark, of believing parents will cover their children, if they are trained up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Mrs. E. G. White. -

Address to the Church

Christ, the true witness, addresses the church at Ephesus, saying, "I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent." What effect have these words had upon the church? Have the professed people of God understood the import of the words, "I will come unto thee quickly [when you are at ease, careless, filled with spiritual negligence], and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent." When warnings come no more to the people of God, when tender admonitions from the Spirit of God are silent, when the candle of heavenly illumination shines no longer upon their pathway, they will be left to kindle their own fire, and to walk in the sparks of their own kindling.

Many sermons are preached that are Christless as was the offerings of Cain, and heavenly intelligences look with amazement and sorrow upon the self-tainted, worthless offering. Could men realize how their services are regarded by heaven, they would humble themselves before God. Many workers have educated themselves as debaters and critics; but have they the example of Christ for dealing with souls in this way?--No, and unless this class of workers shall humble their hearts before God, they cannot sit with Christ upon his throne. Only those who have the Spirit of a little child will enter into the kingdom of heaven. Should Christ come to our world as he came at his first advent, many who imagine themselves to be children of God, would criticise him. Those who think they are keen, smart men, who are wise in their own conceit, need to know Jesus and him crucified. They need to understand the power of his grace. All our hope is founded and sustained by Christ, then when our ministers fall on the Rock and are broken, they will say, "More of Christ and less of theories."

O how few know the day of their visitation! How few, even among those who claim to believe in present truth, understand the signs of the times, or what they are to experience before the end. We are under divine forbearance to-day; but how long will the angels of God continue to hold the winds, that they shall not blow? We are convinced that among the people of God there is blindness of mind and hardness of heart, although God has manifested inexpressible mercy toward us. How few there are who are truly humble, devoted, God-fearing servants in the cause of Christ, whose hearts are full of gratitude and thanksgiving because they are called to act a part in the work of God, being co-laborers with Jesus Christ, partakers with Christ of his sufferings! How few there are who can say from the heart, "Our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal."

To-day there are few who are heartily serving God. The most of those who compose our congregations are spiritually dead in trespasses and sins. They come and go like the door upon its hinges. For years they have complacently listened to the most solemn, soul-stirring truths, but they have not practiced them. They are less and less sensible of the preciousness and value of truth, because they neglect the practice of those things which are pleasing in the sight of God. The stirring testimonies of reproof and warning do not arouse them. The sweetest melodies that come from God through human lips--justification by faith, and the righteousness of Christ--do not bring forth from them a response of love and gratitude. Though the heavenly merchantman displays before them the richest jewels of faith and love, though his voice invites them to buy of him "gold tried in the fire," and "white raiment that they may be clothed," and "eye-salve that they may see," they steel their hearts against him, and fail to exchange their lukewarmness for love and zeal; but fold their hands in complacency, make a profession, but deny the power of true godliness. If they continue in this state, God will reject them with abhorrence. To praise the world and God at the same time, is in no way acceptable to God. Awake, awake, before it is everlastingly too late.

Brethren and sisters who have long claimed to believe the truth, I would ask you, Have your practices been in harmony with your light, with your privileges, with the opportunities granted of heaven? This is a serious question. Why is it there is so little faith, so little spiritual power? Why are there so few who bear the yoke and carry the burden of Christ? Why do persons have to be urged to take up their work for the Master? Why are there so few who can unveil the mysteries of redemption? Why is it that the imputed righteousness of Christ does not shine through his professed followers as a light to the world?

The people of God are called "the light of the world, a city set upon a hill that cannot be hid." "Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God." "God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved." The Sun of Righteousness has risen upon the church, and it is the duty of the church to shine. Those who are connected with Christ will grow in grace, and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ, to the full stature of men and women. It is the privilege of every soul to make advancement. No one is to be an idler in the vineyard. If all who claim to believe the truth had made the most of their opportunities and ability to learn all that they were privileged to learn, they would have become strong in Christ. No matter what may have been their occupation, if farmers, mechanics, teachers, or pastors, if they had wholly consecrated themselves to God, they would have been efficient agents to work for the heavenly Master. They would have fulfilled the injunction of the apostle: "Finally, my brethren be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the Devil. For 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 take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."

If Christ is not abiding in the soul, another spirit rules and controls; but Christ, the precious Saviour, is to be the Christian's all in all. Every holy thought, every pure desire, every godlike purpose is from him who is the light, the truth, and the way. Christ is to live in his representatives by the spirit of truth. Jesus said, "Howbeit, when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come." The events of the future will be discerned by prophecy, and will be understood. "He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall show it unto you." Christ is to live in the human instrument. Paul says, "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."

The privileges, the blessings of the child of God are represented by the apostle in the following language: "To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." When we realize that our hope of glory is Christ, that we are complete in him, we shall rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory. The apostle further says, that he ceased not to pray "that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of his power to usward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places."

O, if we as a people had improved our opportunities to gain a knowledge of the word, to obtain a vital experience in the things of God, we would have fulfilled the word, "Ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; holding forth the word of life. We can impart only that which we first receive. Those who are united to the church should be living, working agents to impart light to those who are in darkness. They should declare the truth of God, revealing his love and faithfulness. When men use their powers as God directs them to, their talents will increase, their ability will enlarge, and they will have heavenly wisdom in seeking to save those who are lost. But while the church-members are listless, and neglectful of their God-given responsibility, how can they expect to receive the treasure of heaven to impart to others? When professed Christians feel no burden to enlighten the minds of those who are in darkness; when they fail to make use of the rich grace of Christ, and cease to impart the knowledge they have received, they become selfish, narrow, bigoted, and their capacity to receive more and more heavenly illumination decreases rather than increases. They become less discerning, lose their appreciation of the richness of the heavenly endowment, and failing to value it themselves, they fail to present it to others. It is only as God sees his professed people eager to be laborers together with him, that he can impart to them light and grace; for then they will make every interest secondary to the interest of his work and cause. With such workers the heavenly intelligences will co-operate. Jesus says, "Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you, and ye shall be witnesses unto me." It is the union of the Holy Spirit and the testimony of the living witness that is to warn the world. The worker for God is the agent through which the heavenly communication is given, and the Holy Spirit gives divine authority to the word of truth. ( To be continued .) -

Address to the Church (Continued)

What more can I say than I have said to impress upon our churches, and especially upon the church at Battle Creek, the eternal loss they are liable to in not arousing and putting to use the executive ability that God has given them? If the members of the churches would but put to work the powers of mind that they have, in well-directed efforts, in well-matured plans, they might do a hundredfold more for Christ than they are now doing. If they went forth with earnest prayer, with meekness and lowliness of heart, seeking personally to impart to others the knowledge of salvation, the message might reach the inhabitants of the earth. How many more messages of reproof and warning must the Lord send to his chosen people before they will obey? I tell you in the name of the Lord Jesus, who gave his life for the life of the world, that as a people we are behind our privileges and opportunities. What rich feasts have been provided for the people of Battle Creek! What opportunities have been given them! The people have been convinced that they should be laborers together with God, but have they been converted to the idea? The dangers of their course, the duties required at their hands, have all been presented; earnest appeals have been made to their understanding and to their conscience, and light has been given them so that they are without excuse. They can have no cloak for their sinful neglect, but the Lord does not urge men and women to the work by presenting to them flattering inducements. They can work for him only as they work willingly, giving hearty co-operation.

The truth for this time has been presented from the holy oracles, and has been witnessed by the power of the Holy Spirit. It has been clearly shown that in the righteousness of Christ is our only hope of gaining access to the Father. How simple, how plain has the way of life been made to those who have a disposition to walk therein. Would greater evidence, more powerful manifestations, break down the barriers that have been interposed between the truth and the soul?--No. I have been shown that sufficient evidence has been given. Those who reject the evidence already presented would not be convinced by more abundant proof. They are like the Jews to whom Christ said, "If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead." The greatest miracles performed before them would not sweep away their caviling and unbelief. They have sown stubbornness, and it has borne fruit according to the design of Satan. Unless the transforming grace of Christ cleanses and purifies the soul, they will go on from darkness to greater darkness.

If we would see light in God's light, we must abide in Christ. The soul must receive strength and nourishment from the living Vine. The apostle says, "Know ye not your ownselves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?" But stubbornness effectually bars the way to the entrance of the Spirit of God. Stubbornness does not profit; it is the fruit of selfishness, and the only cure for it is to cut it up from the heart by the roots. Often the outward manifestation of selfishness is done away for a time, but its hateful fruit will again appear as do the leaves of tree that has been cut down, but whose root remains. If a fiber of selfishness is left, it will spring forth again, and bear a harvest after its kind.

The Spirit of God cannot work effectually in any heart where pride and self-esteem exist. But without the aid of the Spirit of God the soul cannot be renewed, a new heart cannot be created within. The Lord is at work seeking to purify his people, and this great work is retarded by unbelief and stubbornness. Many think that had they lived in Christ's day, they would have been among his believing followers; but if all the miracles of Christ were presented before those whose hearts are not subdued by the Spirit of God, their convictions would not be followed, nor their faith increased. Light has been shining upon the church of God, but many have said by their indifferent attitude, "We want not thy way, O Lord, but our own way." The kingdom of heaven has come very near, and they have caught glimpses of the Father and the Son, but they have barred the door of the heart, and have not received the heavenly guests; for as yet they know not the love of God.

Think how great was the light that was given to the Jews, and yet they rejected the Lord of life and glory. Jesus says, "If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin; but now they have no cloak for their sin. . . . If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father." The light became brighter and brighter, until there was no escaping the conclusion that Christ was no ordinary teacher; but when conviction is disregarded, when evidence is rejected, men are forced to take a position of active opposition and stubborn resistance. The Spirit of God followed the impenitent, with warnings and entreaties, the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness illuminated the mind; but many refuse the compassion of a loving Saviour, and would not permit their hearts to break and melt under the beams of his love. They refused the message of mercy, refused to do what God required in the way that God required, and their offerings were as devoid of merit as were the offerings of Cain; for they mingled not with them the virtue of the blood of a crucified and risen Saviour.

It is beyond the power of man to please God apart from Christ. We may make resolutions and promises, but the carnal heart overpowers all our good intentions. We may control our outward conduct, but we cannot change the heart. The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint, and yet the sinner will brace himself in pride, and set up his will against the will of God. Though Christ is working upon human hearts, men utterly annul the work the Lord would do. If they resist, question, and cavil, they will place themselves in a position where it will not be easy to yield to the persuasion of the Spirit of God. There is a bewitching power that holds them under deception; for the father of lies works with the unsanctified heart. Over these deceived souls the cry is raised, O that thou hadst known "in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace." And shall the irrevocable sentence be passed, "But not they are hid from thine eyes"?

There is less excuse in our day for stubbornness and unbelief than there was for the Jews in the days of Christ. They did not have before them the example of a nation that had suffered retribution of their unbelief and disobedience. But we have before us the history of the chosen people of God, who separated themselves from him, and rejected the Prince of life. Though they could not convict him of sin, though they could not fail to see their own hypocrisy, they hated the Prince of life because he laid bare their evil ways. In our day greater light and greater evidence is given. We have also their example, the warnings and reproofs that were presented to them, and our sin and its retribution will be the greater, if we refuse to walk in the light. Many say, "If i had only lived in the days of Christ, I would not have wrested his words, or falsely interpreted his instruction. I would not have rejected and crucified him as did the Jews;" but that will be proved by the way in which you deal with his message and his messengers to-day. The Lord is testing the people of to-day as much as he tested the Jews in their day. When he sends his messages of mercy, the light of his truth, he is sending the spirit of truth to you, and if you accept the message, you accept of Jesus. Those who declare that if they had lived in the days of Christ, they would not do as did the rejectors of his mercy, will to-day be tested. Those who live in this day are not accountable for the deeds of those who crucified the Son of God; but if with all the light that shone upon his ancient people, delineated before us, we travel over the same ground, cherish the same spirit, refuse to receive reproof and warning, then our guilt will be greatly augmented, and the condemnation that fell upon them will fall upon us, only it will be as much greater as our light is greater in this age than was their light in their age. ( Concluded next week .) -

Address to the Church (Concluded)

Jesus identifies his interest with his chosen and tried people. He represents himself as personally affected with all that concerns them. He reproved the errors and actions of the Jews with the indignant sensibility of one who felt himself personally misrepresented, accused, and dishonored. Every wrong done to his followers, or to the weakest of humanity, is regarded by him with intense interest. After presenting his relation to his people in various lights, he finally declares that in the great day he will judge of every action as if it had been done unto himself. His sympathy with his people is without a parallel. He will not simply remain a spectator, indifferent to what his people may suffer, but identifies himself with their interests and sorrows. If his people are wronged, maligned, treated with contempt, their sufferings are registered in the books of heaven as done unto him.

He says, "Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city: that upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar. Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation. O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!" But now the irrevocable sentence must be passed, "Your house is left unto you desolate." Past opportunities, privileges, and blessings rise up before him. He could see Jerusalem as she might have been,--holiness unto the Lord. For ages Judah had been the repository of sacred truth. Here the knowledge of Jehovah had been cherished and preserved, when God had not been acknowledged among the nations, and his worship was lost in the earth. The streets of Jerusalem had been trodden by angel feet, and its very soil had been sacred to God. From its temple prayer and praise had ascended to God. From its altar the bleeding sacrifice had testified to human guilt, pointing to the Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world. The Lord had sent them messages of warning and reproof, of consolation and promise, by his prophets, rising up early and sending them, but they had beaten one and stoned another, and it could not be that a prophet should perish outside of Jerusalem. Finally God had sent his Son, and from the highest bough to the lowest he had searched for fruit, and had found none. For their sakes he had clothed his divinity with humanity, made himself of no reputation, fled before the feet of his accusers and haters, and yet carried a rebellious people upon his heart. He had done all that could be done, but they turned from him, demanding still more evidence. His life was one continual miracle, but they knew it not, and demanded that he should show them a miracle. But in the face of their utter rejection of his love, their unbelief in his mission and divinity, when he knew that the representative men of the nation were plotting for his destruction, he wept over the city of his love. His prophetic eye read the history of the past, and the woe and the guilt of the future, and his heart was breaking with agony because the people of God knew not the time of their visitation. Hell moved by a power from beneath, that the guilty inhabitants of Jerusalem might carry out the will of the prince of darkness. Stirred with enmity they would yield themselves to the control of the malignant foe, and make the Prince of life their victim. Clouds of wrath were gathering over the doomed city; for they called down upon themselves judgment, crying, "His blood be on us and upon our children." That blood by virtue of which the repentant sinner might be forgiven--that blood by which a guilty world might be saved, by which the Jewish nation might be saved and purified, which was paid a ransom for the sins of the world, was to them the final guilt in the cup of their iniquity. Jesus knew that his chosen people were to put him, the Prince of life and glory, to an ignominious death. He knew what was to be their doom. With prophetic glance he saw the Roman legions, he heard the tramp of armies, saw the city encompassed and in flames, and the temple a smoking ruin. The miseries of the people whom he longed to save, rose up before him. He beholds their guilt and agony, but they are as unrelenting as was Satan in his rebellion against God.

The heart of Jesus was pierced with agony, and from his pale lips came forth the words, "If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes." In their blind unbelief they would not know the Prince of life; if they had known him, they would not have crucified him.

In the Jewish nation we behold a chosen nation divorced from God because of unbelief. Jesus, the lover of humanity, was called upon to pronounce sentence against the people for whom he had lived and labored, but from whom he had borne insult, mockery, and rejection. He had borne everything from them, he had done all that was possible that he might save them from ruin. He knew the history of sin. He had watched its unfoldings from the beginning. He had seen the heavenly angels bewitched by its evil power until they were led to sympathize and to join with Satan in his rebellion against God. He had passed through the terrible scenes when there was war in heaven, when Satan had been expelled from the abode of bliss, and before his vision were all the consequences of sin. O if he could but do one act of mercy by which they might be led to abandon their rebellion, and come to him that he might save; but he had exhausted the resources of infinite love. The last arrow had been drawn from his quiver; he could do no more. The salvation of the Jews would have been the joy of Christ, the rejoicing of the angels, but they would not. No man will be saved against his will.

Will those who profess to believe the truth listen to the words of Jesus? He has said, "I am come that ye might have life, and that ye might have it more abundantly." "I am the bread of life." "I am the good Shepherd, and I lay down my life for the sheep." Will those who are called by his name believe that the children of God are very precious in his sight? Let us consider what the lord has done for us. Shall not the love manifested toward us be appreciated, shall it not be permitted to melt our hearts, to humble our pride to the dust? Such was the breadth and length and height and depth of the Saviour's love, that he willingly laid aside his honor, his high command in heaven, and clothed his divinity with humanity, in order that he might become man's substitute and surety. .

"He took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behooved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted."

Under the mighty impulse of his love, he took our place in the universe, and invited the ruler of all things to treat him as representative of the human family. He identified himself with our interests, bared his breast for the stroke of death, took man's guilt and its penalty, and offered in man's behalf a complete sacrifice to God. By virtue of this atonement, he has power to offer to man perfect righteousness and full salvation. Whosoever shall believe on him as a personal Saviour shall not perish, but have everlasting life.

Those who in sincerity and truth believe the words of Christ sent to them through his ambassadors, will understand what is the import of those words; but those who have intrenched themselves in unbelief, will be as were the Jews, blinded to the light. By rejection of evidence, they lost their spiritual eyesight, and could not discern between good and evil, between truth and error, light and darkness. Those who are filled with unbelief can discern the least thing that has an objectionable appearance, and by beholding the objectionable feature, they can lose sight of all the evidence that God has given in manifesting his abundant grace and power, in revealing precious gems of truth from the inexhaustible mine of his word. They can hold the objectionable atom under the magnifying glasses of their imagination until the atom looks like a world, and shuts out from their view the precious light of heaven. But instead of placing that which appears objectionable beneath the eyes, why not bring before the soul the precious things of God? Why make the things of priceless value of little esteem, while the worthless things are made much of? Why take so much account of that which may appear to you as objectionable in the messenger, and sweep away all the evidences that God has given to balance the mind in regard to the truth?

With the history of the children of Israel before us, let us take heed, and not be found committing the same sins, following in the same way of unbelief and rebellion.

"Wherefore as the Holy Ghost saith, To-day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: when your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do always err in their heart; and they have not known my ways. So I sware in my wrath, they shall not enter into my rest. Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called to-day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end."

"But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things were our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore, let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry, I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say."

Accountability for Light

When Christ was on earth, he stood as the representative of humanity. He was on trial in behalf of man, and the test was made in his experience as to the possibility that humanity could overcome through divine power. God created man in his own image, but Satan had determined to obliterate that image, and deface from the soul the impress of the character of God. He determined to make man wholly like himself. Christ was the brightness of his Father's glory; and because of this, Satan hated him. He set every ingenious device at work to tarnish the glory of Christ, and lead him into sin. The spotlessness of Christ's life, the unstained purity of his character, brought against him the most intense hatred. Though Satan was upon his track every moment, seeking to overcome him, Jesus said, He "hath nothing in me." He determined that he would not respond to the temptations of the enemy. The Son of God was obedient to every jot and tittle of the law, and left a perfect pattern for man to copy through divine strength. Jesus looked forward to the triumph and joy that man might attain through the agency of the Holy Spirit. The followers of Christ were not to be left to their human weakness. He said to his disciples, "Ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."

It is through the mighty agency of the Holy Spirit that the government of Satan is to be subdued and subjected. It is the Holy Spirit that convinces of sin, and expels it from the soul by the consent of the human agent. The mind is then brought under a new law, and that law is the royal law of liberty. Jesus came to break the shackles of sin-slavery from the soul; for sin can triumph only when the liberty of the soul is extinguished. Jesus reached to the very depth of human woe and misery, and his love attracts man to himself. Through the agency of the Holy Spirit, he lifts the mind up from its degradation, and fastens it upon the eternal reality. Through the merits of Christ man may be able to exercise the noblest powers of his being, and expel sin from his soul.

Concerning the advent of the Holy Spirit, Jesus said, "It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you." Now read carefully, that you may discern what is the work of the Holy Spirit. "And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they believed not on me." If they do not believe on Jesus as a personal Saviour, they have no promise of salvation; for it is through faith in Christ alone that there is hope for the lost. "Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more." From the time he ascended to his Father, he has represented man, as his surety and substitute. The Father looks upon the Son in the perfection of his character, as one who has borne the penalty for sin, and has wrought perfect righteousness for the repenting soul, and he is reconciled to all who believe in Christ as one fully able to save from sin.

It is essential that we who are fallen through sin, shall put on the robe of Christ's righteousness which has been prepared for us. The Holy Spirit was to convince "of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged." The unfallen worlds have watched the conflict and trial of the Son of God in behalf of humanity. They have seen the crooked working of him who was once highly exalted of God, but who was expelled from heaven with a large number of angels, who has made this world the stage of his action, the field of his controversy against God. In heaven he complained against the law of God, declaring it unnecessary and arbitrary. He misrepresented the Lord Jehovah, and the high Commander of heaven. He claimed that he was above law, and maintained that right was upon his side; but he has fully made manifest that the principles he advocated were evil and injurious. It has been proved that "the law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honey-comb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward."

We are exhorted in the inspired records to "receive with meekness the ingrafted word, which is able to save your soul." A mere casual faith in the word is not enough; it must be received into the heart, ingrafted in the very character. It is only when this is the case that we have that faith which works by love, and purifies the soul. Then open wide the door of the heart for the entrance of sacred, solemn truth. The psalmist says, "The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple." It is as we render obedience to the command of God that we have light and peace. As we make the testimonies of God our delight, we have guidance and counsel. We then eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of God, and find that his words are spirit and life.

As we walk in the commandments of God, we follow on in the way cast up for the ransomed of the Lord to walk in. The faithful of all ages have walked in this path, and they have shone as lights in the world. In this age the light transmitted from them has been shining with increased brightness upon the path of those who are walking in darkness. Some have received the truth, believed and obeyed it. The light of the third angel's message has penetrated into many a darkened mind. The light of the wisdom, the goodness, the mercy, and love of God has been shining forth through his holy word. We are not in the place where our fathers were. Advanced light is shining upon us in these last days. We cannot be accepted of God; we cannot honor him by rendering the same service, doing the same work that our fathers did. In order to be accounted guiltless before God, we must be as faithful in our time in following and obeying our light, as they were faithful in following and obeying the light that shone upon them. Of every individual member of his church, our heavenly Father requires faith and fruits according to the grace and light given. God cannot accept less. Every soul should place himself where the light will shine upon him. He should treasure every ray, that he may brighten and bless the souls of others with the heaven-sent radiance.

The darkness of the world is great, and individually we shall have light just to the degree to which we improve it. We are to keep the commandment, "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself," by disseminating the light of truth that has blessed our souls, to those who sit in darkness. Every soul is accountable for the talents intrusted. As a church, as individuals, we are to stand upon the elevated, holy ground where the truth has placed us. We are to represent to the world in character and unity the accumulated light which shines upon us in these last days. If we were blind, we should have no sin in neglecting to diffuse the light; for we would not then see our privilege in reference to our own souls and the souls of our children and neighbors. Every soul to whom the Lord has granted light will be accountable for the light, and will be expected to walk in the light according to the degree of grace and truth given him.

Many have gone into their graves in full faith that Sunday was the Sabbath. Through his deceptive power, Satan made of none effect the fourth commandment, and men taught for doctrine the commandments of men. Sunday, the child of papacy, has been accepted and nourished and cherished by the religious world. They have looked upon Sunday as the Sabbath, the sanctified day of rest, when there is not a particle of Scriptural evidence to justify the claim of this spurious Sabbath. Through the agency of the man of sin, men have been led to exalt Sunday where the Sabbath of the Lord alone should be exalted. The Lord God of hosts is to be exalted, and his law is to be honored. In this day he has sent special light. The third angel is represented as flying in the midst of heaven, heralding to the inhabitants of the world the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. The third angel's message is to go everywhere. It is to be proclaimed by the human agent, and it becomes every one who hears to be attentive to the heaven-sent message, and in no case to be careless, to refuse to hear or receive it; for it is a message from God to man. If we are rational beings, and the light has come to us, we shall be held accountable for it. But those who have not had the light which is now shining upon the people of God concerning the Sabbath question, will not be accountable for the light; for it has never been brought before them, and they have died without condemnation.

Christ said of the Jews, "If I had not come and done among you works which no other man did, ye would not have sin, but now you have no cloak for your sins." "For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest that they are wrought in God."

It is plainly stated in the Scriptures that if the whole congregation sin through ignorance, the priests shall make an atonement for the sins when they are made apparent, and the sin of ignorance shall be forgiven. The work of Jesus is to forgive the sins of the past, but if light comes from heaven to the church, and men refuse the light because its acceptance involves a cross, then they stand guilty before God; for they have made it manifest that they love the world more than they love Christ and the truth. Those who have an opportunity to hear the truth, and yet take no pains to hear or understand it, thinking that if they do not hear, they will not be accountable, will be judged guilty before God the same as if they had heard and rejected. There will be no excuse for those who choose to go in error when they might understand what is truth. In his sufferings and death Jesus has made atonement for all sins of ignorance, but there is no provision made for wilful blindness. Those who have hid their eyes from the truth lest they should be convinced, must exercise repentance toward God for the transgression of his law, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ, that their sins of ignorance in the transgression of the Sabbath may be forgiven.

Let none plead as an excuse for not keeping the Sabbath, that their fathers died accepted of God when keeping the first day of the week. No doubt they were accepted; for they did not sin against the light that is shining upon you in your day. God would have us walk in the light which shines upon us. We are to appreciate the truth that is presented to our understanding; for if we do not walk in the light, it becomes darkness, and our darkness will be proportionate to the light that is given.

We shall not be held accountable for the light that has not reached our perception, but for that which we have resisted and refused. A man could not apprehend the truth which had never been presented to him, and therefore could not be condemned for light he had never had. But if he had opportunity to hear the message, and to become acquainted with the truth, and yet refused to improve his opportunity, he will be among the number of whom Christ said, "Ye will not come unto me that ye might have life." Those who deliberately place themselves where they will not have an opportunity of hearing the truth, will be reckoned among those who have heard the truth, and persistently resisted its evidences. -

Results of Casting Away the Law of God

All may read the signs of the times, and see whither the world is drifting. Jesus said, "As it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; but the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed."

The signs of the times are plain and startling. Look into the papers that flood our world, filled with recitals of daily crimes, committed not only in the lower walks of life, but also among the higher classes. Those who occupy positions of trust, who are placed as guardians of the peoples' interest, are untrue to their responsibility. There is embezzlement and fraud. Public money is stolen, and not one tithe of these corrupt transactions come to the light of day, and we do not see to what extent the wickedness of the world exists. The youth of our time are receiving their education from the evil doings of these wicked, but honored men of the world. Theft, murder, adultery, corruption, every sin that has a name, prevails to an awful extent. Does the wickedness of the world exist because men have kept the commandments of God?--No. It is the result of the working of the enemy of God and man, who has had the world under his training for many ages. He has taught them to trample under foot God's great moral standard, and lawlessness, corruption, and crime are the result. Jesus spoke to his people Israel from the pillar of cloud and fire. He said, "Hear, O Israel; the Lord our God is one Lord: and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind." The same voice that gave directions to the children of Israel from the pillar of cloud and fire has given lessons to his people of to-day. When he stood upon the earth clothed in the habiliments of humanity, he gave this same command. He said, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself." The instruction of Christ was not to be passed by indifferently, but transmitted from parents to children, from one generation to another. "And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates."

Had fathers and mothers followed the direction given by Christ, we should not now read and hear of sins and crimes committed not only by adults, but even by youth and children. The evil condition of society exists because parents have disregarded this instruction, and neglected to train and educate their children to respect and honor the holy commandments of God. Even religious teachers have failed to present the holy standard by which character is measured, because they have ceased to respect every one of the precepts that God has given, which are holy, and just and good. Men have taken upon themselves the responsibility of erecting a standard in harmony with their own ideas, and the law of Jehovah has been dishonored. This is why there is so great and wide-spread iniquity. This is why our days are becoming like the days of Noah and Lot.

The evil one has arranged things to suit his Satanic majesty, that he may lead the world captive. Crime is looked upon with far more indifference than it used to be, and the penalty due to the offense is not executed. Were criminals punished as they should be, there would be a restraint upon men who regard no entreaty and heed no warning. Because God manifests long forbearance, many are so hardened that they do not think it possible that certain punishment will fall upon the evil doer. "Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil." Instead of being softened by the patience and forbearance and longsuffering of God, wicked men encourage themselves in more obstinate resistance. Because immediate retribution is not visited upon them, they despise the mercy and forbearance of God.

O that every living teacher would teach both in word and doctrine that there are limits to God's longsuffering. Many have gone beyond the limits of his forbearance. The world should be aroused to a wholesome fear of the Lord God of hosts. The time and age in which we live is one of marked depravity; for many disregard the precepts of the law of God. The commandment of God is treated with indifference, and even with open contempt, and the inhabitants of the world are fast approaching the limits of the forbearance of the grace of God. Erelong God will arise and vindicate his honor.

We are living in perilous times, and because iniquity abounds, the love of many waxes cold. Shall those who profess to love God be carried away with the prevailing wickedness? Shall they be tempted to disregard the law of Jehovah, and render less reverence to the holy commandment, because the tide of evil brings to bear so strong a current against goodness and righteousness? The zeal and love of the children of God should rise in proportion as they see the law of Jehovah set aside and treated as non- essential. They should cry, "It is time for thee, Lord, to work: for they have made void thy law. Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold."

As iniquity increases, and contempt is manifested against the law of God, those who truly love God will reach for a higher state of holiness. Let us all bear in mind the fact that we are fast approaching that crisis in human iniquity when it will be necessary for God to interfere. The Amorites were inhabitants of Canaan, and the Lord had promised the land of Canaan to the Israelites; but a long interval must pass before his people should possess the land. He stated the reason why this interval must pass. He told them that the iniquity of the Amorites was not yet full, and their expulsion and extermination could not be justified until they had filled up the cup of their iniquity. Idolatry and sin marked their course, but the measure of their guilt was not such that they could be devoted to destruction. In his love and pity God would let light shine upon them in more distinct rays; he would give them opportunity to behold the working of his wondrous power, that there might be no excuse for their course of evil. It is thus that God deals with the nations. Through a certain period of probation he exercises longsuffering toward nations, cities, and individuals. But when it is evident that they will not come unto him that they might have life, judgments are visited upon them. The time came when judgment was inflicted upon the Amorites, and the time will come when all the transgressors of his law will know that God will by no means clear the guilty. "Though a sinner do evil a hundred times, and his days be prolonged, yet surely I know that it will be well with them that fear God, which fear before him: but it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he prolong his days, which are as a shadow; because he feareth not before God."

The Jews rejected light and truth, and the Son of God who died to save the worst sinners, who had said, "Him that cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out," declared that the blood of all the prophets which had been shed from the foundation of the world should be required of the Jewish nation. Great light had been given the Jews, but they would not heed it. To substantiate truth, evidence had been piled upon evidence; but as a nation, they rejected the counsel of God against themselves. When the judgment of God did fall upon the Jews, it was an evidence that they were finally impenitent, and set stubbornly against light and truth, against the messages and warnings of God. They pursued a course similar to that of their fathers, and had filled up the measure of their iniquity. They had worn out the divine patience by their repeated sins, and so great was their influence for evil upon the human family, that God made an example of them before the world.

Let us consider solemnly the dealings of God with nations and individuals, that we may avoid taking a course that will ruin us through transgression of the law of God. Let us treasure up every blessing, every heaven-sent ray of light, in warnings, in reproofs, in tokens of mercy given unto us. Let us not be among those who lightly regard God's forbearance. The figures of their iniquity are traced with unerring accuracy in the records of heaven, and are rapidly accumulating to the full measure of their guilt. God is still sending his precious messages of truth; he is still revealing precious gems of truth that have been hidden beneath the rubbish of error. He is still making plain his overtures of mercy, his willingness to pardon transgression and sin. He is still offering the wedding garment woven in the loom of heaven, even the righteousness of Christ, that men may be clothed, and prepared to enter the marriage supper of the Lamb.

God does not willingly afflict or grieve the children of men. With tearful utterance the husbandman says, "What more could I do for my vineyard that I have not done in it?" The unrivaled mercies and blessings of God have been showered upon our nation, it has been a land of liberty, and the glory of the whole earth. But instead of returning gratitude to God, instead of honoring God and his law, the professed Christians of America have become leavened with pride, covetousness, and self-sufficiency. The love of money, which is the root of all evil, has had a large place in their hearts. Many whose names are upon the church records have oppressed the poor, and grasped every possible advantage over those who were under them. They have lived to gratify appetite, to make extravagant display; and pride is fast making a Sodom of our world. But God is keeping his reckoning. The treatment of the poor, the robbery of the widow and the fatherless by those who are lifted up against the weak and helpless, is all written in the book of heaven. The cries of those who are oppressed have reached the ears of him who judgeth righteously.

The time has come when judgment is fallen in the streets, and equity cannot enter, and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey. But the Lord's arm is not shortened that it cannot save, and his ear is not heavy that it cannot hear. The people of the United States have been a favored people; but when they restrict religious liberty, surrender Protestantism, and give countenance to popery, the measure of their guilt will be full, and "national apostasy" will be registered in the books of heaven. The result of this apostasy will be national ruin.

The voices of those under the altar who have been slain for the word of God and the testimony of Jesus, are still saying, "It is time for thee, O Lord, to work: for they have made void thy law." To the people who will be keeping the commandments of God when under the hand of oppression, will come these words of comfort: "Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly. Hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is New Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God, and I will write upon him my new name." -

Liberality the Fruit of Love

"There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, a devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much aims to the people, and prayed to God always. He saw in a vision, evidently about the ninth hour of the day, an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine aims are come up for a memorial before God."

It is a wonderful favor for any man in this life to be commended of God as was Cornelius. And what was the ground of this approval?--"Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God."

Neither prayer nor alms-giving has any virtue in itself to recommend the sinner to God; the grace of Christ, through his atoning sacrifice, can alone renew the heart, and make our service acceptable to God. This grace had moved upon the heart of Cornelius. The Spirit of Christ had spoken to his soul; Jesus had drawn him, and he had yielded to the drawing. His prayer and alms were not urged or extorted from him; they were not a price he was seeking to pay in order to secure heaven; but they were the fruit of love and gratitude to God.

Such prayer from a sincere heart ascends as incense before the Lord; and offerings to his cause, and gifts to the needy and suffering, are a sacrifice well pleasing to him. Thus the gifts of the Philippian brethren, who ministered to the needs of the apostle Paul, while a prisoner at Rome, are said to be "an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God."

Prayer and alms-giving are closely linked together,--the expression of love to God and to our fellow-men. They are the out-working of the two great principles of the divine law, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength;" and "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." Thus while our gifts cannot recommend us to God, or earn his favor, they are an evidence that we have received the grace of Christ. They are a test of the sincerity of our profession of love.

A beautiful illustration of that spirit of love and self-sacrifice which the grace of Christ implants in the heart, is given in the experience of the Macedonian Christians. The apostle Paul writes of them: "In a great trial of affliction, the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; praying us with much entreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their ownselves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God." And wherever the Spirit of Christ abides, the same fruits will be manifested.

The Lord has made the proclamation of the gospel dependent on the consecrated ability and the voluntary gifts and offerings of his people. While he has called men to preach the word, he has made it the privilege of the whole church to share in the work by contributing of their means to its support. And he has bidden them also to care for the poor, as representatives of himself. A tithe of all our income the Lord claims as his own, to be devoted solely to the support of those who give themselves to the preaching of the gospel. And besides this he asks of us gifts and offerings for his cause, and also to supply the needs of the poor. God might have carried forward his work in the world, and have provided for the poor, without the co-operation of man. He asks for our service and our gifts, not only that we may thus manifest our love for him and our fellow-men, but because the service and sacrifice for the good of others will strengthen the spirit of beneficence in the giver's heart, allying us more closely to Him who was rich, yet for our sakes became poor, that we through his poverty might be rich. And it is only as we thus imitate the Saviour's example that our characters will be developed in his likeness.

Those who flatter themselves that they can be Christians, and yet not be sharers of Christ's labor and sacrifice, are under a deception that if not broken, will prove fatal to the soul. The Lord has given many warnings to arouse them to see their danger. The words of the prophet Malachi concerning the matter of giving, have a special reference to our own time: "The Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts. But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap." The coming of Christ which is here referred to is not his second advent to this earth, but his coming to the investigative judgment in the most holy place of the sanctuary in heaven. Thus the message is especially to us, who are living in the time of the judgment.

"And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness." An offering in righteousness is an offering of means that has been acquired justly. It is an offering from one who has exercised mercy and thoughtfulness, and in no case has wronged his neighbor. It is such a gift, prompted by love, that is fragrant before God. "Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the Lord, as in the days of old, and as in former years."

"And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not me, saith the Lord of hosts." There are those who have obtained means by dishonest practices or by oppression of the poor, and then to ease their conscience they bring an offering to God. In so doing they dishonor the Lord. He cannot accept their gifts. The prophet Micah declares: "Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" "Are there yet the treasures of wickedness in the house of the wicked, and the scant measure that is abominable? Shall I count them pure with the wicked balances, and with the bag of deceitful weights?" Money acquired by doing wrong to your neighbor, whether believer or unbeliever, is registered in the books of heaven as unlawful gain. And those who think to make a compromise with God by bringing this means to his treasury are deceiving their own souls.

"Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth eaten. Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days. Behold, the hire of the laborers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton: ye have nourished your hearts, as in the day of slaughter"

The prophet Malachi continues: "Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the Lord of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return? Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all [the full amount required by God. Let there be no withholding part of the price because the selfish heart desires to do this, and will even take from the Lord that which he claims as his own.] the tithes into the store-house, that there may be meat in mine house."

God has made men his stewards, and from all to whom he has intrusted his gifts he asks for a return. As he has blessed us, he asks of us a gift to bless others. The revenue thus brought into his treasury, to supply the needs of his cause, he calls "meat in mine house."

The Lord is ever bestowing his blessings and mercies upon me. Should he withdraw these gifts, we should perish. Every moment he has his human family in view. "He maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." He gives us "fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness." It is God who gives men power to get wealth. The quick, sharp thought, the ability to plan and execute, are from him. It is he who blesses us with health, and opens ways for us to acquire means, by diligent use of our powers. And he says to us, "A portion of the money I have enabled you to gain is mine. Put it into the treasury in tithes, in gifts and offerings, that there may be meat in mine house,--that there may be something to sustain those who carry the gospel of my grace to the world. Money must be provided by my stewards to advance the different branches of my work, to build up my kingdom."

The Saviour's commission, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature," has descended to us in this generation. The last call of mercy is to be given to a perishing world. The message of truth must be carried to all lands. As missionaries raise the standard in new fields, there must be funds to supply facilities, to establish the work as the growing wants of the cause demand.

This matter of giving is not left to impulse. God has given us definite instruction in regard to it. He has specified tithes and offerings as the measure of our obligation. And he desires us to give regularly and systematically. Paul wrote to the church at Corinth, "Concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week, let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him." Let each regularly examine his income, which is all a blessing from God, and set apart the tithe as a separate fund, to be a sacredly the Lord's. This fund should not in any case be devoted to any other use; it is to be devoted solely to support the ministry of the gospel. After the tithe is set apart, let gifts and offerings be apportioned, "as God hath prospered you." ( Concluded next week. )

Liberality the Fruit of Love (Concluded)

In the Bible system of tithes and offerings the amounts paid by different persons will of course vary greatly, since they are proportioned to the income. With the poor man, the tithe will be a comparatively small sum, and his gifts will be according to his ability. But it is not the greatness of the gift that makes the offering acceptable to God; it is the purpose of the heart, the spirit of gratitude and love that it expresses. Let not the poor feel that their gifts are so small as to be unworthy of notice. Let them give according to their ability, feeling that they are servants of God, and that he will accept their offering.

The one to whom God has intrusted a large capital will not, if he loves and fears God, find it a burden to meet the demands of an enlightened conscience according to the claims of God. The rich will be tempted to indulge in selfishness and avarice, and to withhold from the Lord his own. But he who is true to God will, when tempted, answer to Satan, "It is written," "Will a man rob God?" "What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"

The offerings made to God by his professed people would be much larger if it were not for the selfish love of ease, the manufactured wants, the lack of economy, the love of luxuries, the gratification of appetite, the desire for self-pleasing. But the life and character of Christ and the lessons he has given to his followers present no encouragement to selfishness. How much of self-indulgence did Christ have in his life? He for our sakes became poor, that we through his poverty might be rich. And he said, "Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." Self-indulgence, self-pleasing, pride, and extravagance must be renounced. We cannot be Christians and gratify these propensities. We cannot love God supremely and our neighbor as ourselves, and devote to our own use the means intrusted to us to honor and glorify God. We need to make a practical application of the lessons of our Saviour's life and teachings.

In view of all the gifts of God to us, the question is asked, "Will a man rob God?" As though such a sin were not possible. But the Lord declares, "Ye have robbed me." God reads the covetous thought in every heart that purposes to withhold from him. Those who are selfishly neglectful in paying their tithes, and bringing their gifts and offerings to the treasury, God sees. The Lord Jehovah understands it all. As a book of remembrance is written before him of them that fear the Lord, and that think upon his name, so there is a record kept of all who are appropriating to themselves the gifts which God intrusted to them to use for the salvation of souls.

We should never forget that we are placed on trial in this world, to determine our fitness for the future life. None can enter heaven whose characters are defiled by the foul blot of selfishness. Therefore God tests us here, by committing to us temporal possessions, that our use of these may show whether we can be intrusted with eternal riches. And the time is near when the case of every soul will be forever decided. "Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not."

Those who keep eternal realities in view, who love the Lord with all the heart and soul and strength, and their neighbor as themselves, will conscientiously do their whole duty, as if the curtain were rolled back, and they could see that they were working in view of the heavenly universe. The spirit of Christian liberality will strengthen as it is exercised, and will not need to be unhealthfully stimulated. All who possess this spirit, the Spirit of Christ, will with cheerful alacrity press their gifts into the Lord's treasury. Inspired by love for Christ and for the souls for whom he has died, they feel an intense earnestness to act their part with fidelity.

Should all who claim to be sons and daughters of God, conscientiously meet their obligation to God and their fellow-men in tithes and offerings, an abundance would flow into the treasury to sustain the work of God in its different branches throughout our world. As they should impart, the Lord would open ways whereby they would be able continually to bestow, because they were continually receiving. There would then be no occasion to make appeals for means to sustain the cause. If the principle of giving to the Lord his own were carried out regularly and systematically, it would be acknowledged of God. "Them that honor me will I honor."

"This I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity [not feeling that he is compelled to give]: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work (as it is written, he hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth forever. Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness): being enriched in everything to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God."

The offerings that are the fruit of self-denial prompted by love are represented by the words spoken by God to Cornelius: "Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God." Who does not desire such memorials--deeds which are before God as a voice speaking in behalf of the human agent, keeping our names fresh and fragrant in the heavenly sanctuary?

Alms and prayers are to be united; both are offerings to God, the one the supplement of the other. Merely to pray and to have good intentions is not enough. All Christians are under obligation to labor and sacrifice in the spirit with which Christ labored for the salvation of souls. Not only has the Lord given us as his stewards, talents of means to render back to the Giver, but he has endowed us with mental powers to use for him. He has made us the stewards of his grace, that both spiritual and temporal gifts may be employed for the saving of souls and the glory of him who so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

The fields are opening everywhere, calling for the living preacher. At home and abroad are openings that there seems no way to fill. Yet there is a large number who have the light of truth, and if these would do all in their power to give light to others, how much might be accomplished! All cannot be preachers of the word, but in their own homes all might do something for Christ. They could do a good work among their neighbors. If they would put their minds and hearts to the work, they might devise plans by which they could be useful in a small way, whatever their position. The ever-increasing opportunities for usefulness, the providential openings for the word of God to be presented, demand our offerings of time and intellect and money, gifts large and small, as God has prospered us, to make a way for the truth in the dark places of the earth, to set up the standard of righteousness, and to advance the interests of the kingdom of Christ. The heavenly angels are waiting to unite with the human agent, that many souls may hear and be impressed by the Holy Spirit, and be converted.

We have long been looking and waiting for the coming of the Lord; but are we doing all in our power to hasten his coming? "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." While the Lord is ever working, while all heaven is engaged in the work on earth to draw men to Christ and repentance, what are the human agents doing to be channels of light, that they may co operate with the divine agencies? Are they daily inquiring, "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?" Are they practicing self-denial, as did Jesus? Are they deeply stirred, their hearts drawn out in prayer to God that they may be receiving of his grace, the Holy Spirit of God, that they may have wisdom to work with their ability and their means to save souls that are perishing out of Christ?

"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." -

The Sin of Ananias

"A certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira, his wife, sold a possession and kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet. But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? While it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? Why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? Thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. And Ananias, hearing these words, fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him."

"And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things."

Ananias and Sapphira had listened to the words of the apostles when, after "they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and one soul: neither said any of them that aught of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, and laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need."

The heart of Ananias and his wife were moved by the Holy Spirit to devote their possessions to God as their brethren had done. But after they had made the pledge, they drew back, and determined not to fulfill it. While professing to give all, they kept back part of the price. They had practiced fraud toward God, they had lied to the Holy Spirit, and their sin was visited with swift and terrible judgment. They lost not only the present life, but eternal life.

The Lord saw that this signal manifestation of his justice was needed to guard others against incurring the same guilt. It testified that men cannot deceive God, that he detects the hidden sin of the heart, and that he will not be mocked. It was designed as a warning to the young church, to lead them to examine their motives, to beware of indulging selfishness and vain glory, to beware of robbing God.

In the case of Ananias, the sin of fraud against God was speedily detected and punished. This example of God's judgment was designed to be a danger signal to all future generations. The same sin was often repeated in the after history of the church, and it is committed by many in our time; but though not attended with the visible manifestation of God's displeasure, it is no less heinous in his sight now than in the apostles' time. The warning has been given, God has clearly manifested his abhorrence of this sin, and all who pursue a similar course of action may be sure that they are destroying their own souls.

The Lord has made the proclamation of the gospel dependent upon the labors and voluntary gifts of his people. The one who proclaims the message of mercy to fallen men has another work also, to set before the people the duty of sustaining the work of God with their means. He must teach them that a portion of their income belongs to God, and is to be sacredly devoted to his work. This lesson he should present both by precept and example. And he should beware that he does not by his own course lessen the force of his teaching.

That which has been set apart according to the Scripture as belonging to the Lord, constitutes the revenue of the gospel, and it is no longer ours. We are to treat it as wholly the Lord's. It is no better than sacrilege for any man to take one dollar from God's treasury to serve himself or to serve others in their secular business. This has been done, and some ministers are at fault in diverting from the altar of God that which has been especially dedicated to him. Ministers should regard this matter in a right light. Let them not, when brought into a strait place, take money consecrated to religious purposes, and use it for their own advantage, soothing their conscience by saying that they will repay it at some future time. Far better cut down your expenses to your income, restrict your wants, and live within your means, than use the Lord's money for secular purposes. This subject is not regarded as it should be. Under no pretext is the money paid into the treasury of God to be used for the benefit of any one in temporal affairs. It must be kept for the object for which it was given.

The minister or the steward who receives the funds for the Lord's treasury should give the donor a written receipt for the same, with the date. Then, without waiting to be tempted by financial pressure, to use this means for himself, let him deposit it, where, when called for, every penny will be forthcoming, to be used where it was designed.

The people need to be impressed with the sacredness of their vows and pledges to the cause of God. Such pledges are not generally held to be as obligatory as a promissory note from man to man. But is a promise less sacred and binding because it is made to God? Because it lacks some technical terms, and cannot be enforced by law, will the Christian disregard the obligation to which he has given his word? No legal note or bond is more obligatory than a pledge made to the cause of God. The members of our churches should be educated to regard their pledges in this light.

It is only when Christian motives are fully acknowledged, and the conscience is awake to duty, when divine light makes impressions upon the heart and character, that selfishness is overcome, and the mind of Christ is exemplified. The Holy Spirit, working upon human hearts and characters, will expel all tendency to covetousness, to deceptive dealing. When the Lord's messenger bears a message to the church, God is speaking to the people, awakening the conscience to see that they have not been rendering an honest tithe to the Lord, and that when it was not convenient to give, they have failed to present their offerings to him. They have used the Lord's own money for themselves, in building houses, in purchasing horses, carriages, or lands. They do this in the hope of large returns, and every year they have the same excuse. "Will a man rob God?" O yes, he has done this many times, because he has not been spiritual, to discern the spiritual things.

On some occasions the Lord has moved decidedly upon worldly, selfish men. Their minds were illuminated by the Holy Spirit, their hearts felt its softening, subduing influence. Under a sense of the abundant mercy and grace of God, they felt it their duty to promote his cause, to build up his kingdom. They remember the requirement, "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal." They felt a desire to have a share in the kingdom of God, and they pledged to give of their means to some of the various enterprises of the Lord's cause. That pledge was not made to man, but to God in the presence of his angels, who were moving upon the hearts of these selfish, money-loving men.

In making the pledge, they were greatly blessed; but how quickly the feelings change when they stand on common ground. As the immediate impression of the Holy Spirit becomes dim, as the mind and heart become absorbed again in worldly business , it is most difficult for them to maintain the consecration of themselves and their property to the Lord. Satan assails them with his temptation, "You were foolish to pledge that money, you need it to invest in your business, and you will meet with loss if you pay the pledge."

Now they draw back, they murmur, they complain of the Lord's message and his messengers. They say things that are not true, claiming that they pledged under excitement, that they did not fully understand the matter, the case was overstated, their feelings were moved, and this led them to make the pledge. They talked as though the precious blessing they received was the result of a deception practiced upon them by the minister to secure money. They change their minds, and feel under no obligation to pay their vows to God. There is most fearful robbery of God, and flimsy excuses are made for resisting and denying the Holy Spirit. Some plead inconvenience; they say they need their money--to do what? To bury in houses and lands, in some money-making scheme. Because the pledge was made for a religious object, they think it cannot be enforced by law, and the love of money is so strong upon them that they deceive their own souls, and presume to rob God. To many it might be said, "You treat no other friend so ill."

The number of those who commit the sin of Ananias and Sapphira is increasing. Men do not lie to man, but to God in their disregard of the pledges which his Spirit moved upon them to make. Because sentence against an evil work is not, as in the case of Ananias and Sapphira, executed speedily, the hearts of the sons of men are fully set in them to do evil, to strive against the Spirit of God. How will these men stand in the judgment? Dare you abide the final issue of this question? How will you stand in the scenes described in the Revelation? "I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God: and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works." -

Notes of Travel and Labor

At the close of the Australian Conference, we spent a week with the church in Paramatta, N. S. W., and Feb. 4, we embarked from Sydney, for Auckland, New Zealand. Our ship, the "Rotomahanna," was a beautiful steamer, and one of the fastest in these waters. I had a convenient and pleasant state-room on the upper deck, and endured this long-dreaded journey much better than I had dared to hope. There was no rough weather, and Wednesday morning, Feb. 8, we were in Auckland. Elder Israel met us at the wharf, and we were soon taken to a comfortably furnished cottage, which the Auckland church had placed at our disposal.

For twelve days we labored earnestly for the Auckland church. Evening meetings were held as often as the brethren could attend, and each Sabbath and Sunday was fully occupied. Twice I spoke in the theater, to attentive audiences. Elder Starr labored untiringly for the church, and several of the evening meetings were called early in the evening, and divided into two meetings. I would speak for half an hour, and then Elder Starr would follow with a discourse or Bible lesson. In all, I spoke eight times in Auckland. In Auckland we see a promising field for labor, but it must not be a transient effort; it must be earnest, efficient, continuous labor. There was once a strong church here, but many of the young men went into the canvassing field, and lately a number have moved away, so there are only a few, comparatively, to occupy our commodious meeting-house.

We believe that there are many families in America, having a knowledge of the truth, who would be blessed of God if they would come to this country, and settle in such places as Auckland; and while sustaining themselves by their own labor, as they are now doing, labor to hold up the standard of truth in the cities and villages where there are thousands who know not the shortness of time. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness." O that men would be more in earnest to communicate to others the light and grace that they have so freely received!

On Monday, Feb. 20, we sailed for Kaeo, on the steamer "Clansman." The steamer was rather small, but the captain and stewards did everything in their power for our comfort. There was no safety in my going into the cabin below. It was close, and the berths in the staterooms were narrow and very hard. A large easy-chair had been purchased for me in Auckland, and I sat on the deck in my chair as long as I could; but sitting long in one position is a painful experience for me, and I became very restless and nervous. I could not be well sheltered from the strong wind. The captain said he would clear the smoking room for me as soon as possible; but there was a large party on board going to a regatta at Russell, and it would be difficult to clear the room before ten o'clock. At last it was decided to make up my bed on the deck, in the most sheltered place that could be found. So my own spring cot was placed in a sheltered place, and blankets tied up to break the wind, and I was thankful for a place to rest.

Through the night we were favored with a calm sea and but little wind, and I rested some, although feverish and over wearied by the perplexity and confusion of preparation for the journey, and still more wearied by the brass band playing on board the boat. We expected to reach Russell at 7 A. M., but the fog closed down upon us while among the islands of the Bay. The engines were stopped, and the anchor was cast, and for more than an hour we waited for the fog to rise. After the fog cleared away, we had a beautiful sunny day. It took but a few minutes to reach the pier, where most of our fellow-passengers left the boat. Russell is a quiet little place, consisting of a row of stores facing the beach, back of which are a few dozen comfortable residences, and quite a number of old weather-beaten houses with open doors and windows out, which are occupied by families of Maoris.

Soon our steamer moved up the Bay to Opua, where several hours were spent in loading coal. The Bay of Islands is very beautiful, and we enjoyed moving over its smooth waters amid verdant islands and massive rocks. We left the Bay at two o'clock in the afternoon, and reached Whangaroa Harbor at seven o'clock. Here we were met by brethren Joseph and Metcalf Hare, who had come down from Kaeo three miles in their large skiff, and were ready to take us back as soon as the tide should turn. They welcomed us heartily, and at once transferred our luggage to their boat, and at eight o'clock we took our places in the skiff, and were off for Kaeo.

The trip from Whangaroa up the Bay and creek to Kaeo was an interesting one. The water of the Bay was as smooth as an inland lake. The night was perfect. The air was mild, and the new moon shone out sufficiently to give us an outline of the mountain scenery on either side. Steady rowing by the two strong men who had often made this trip brought us to Joseph Hare's landing in about two hours. Brother Joseph Hare's comfortable home is but a few steps from the landing. We were heartily welcomed by sister Hare, and I soon went to rest, as I was excessively weary. Elder Starr and wife went up the valley about four miles with brother Metcalf Hare to his home.

Wednesday morning brother Joseph Hare, Sr., came down and took us to his hospitable home, at the upper end of the valley close to where brother and sister Starr were stopping. To us Kaeo valley seemed very picturesque and beautiful. Some places reminded us of Knight's Canon, between Healdsburg and St. Helena. Cal. Much of the vegetation was tropical. Great fern trees were growing in the gullies, a species of the palm tree called "necow" were plentiful along the foot of the hills, and towering above these were large bare trunks, bearing many thrifty bunches of a large air plant. Along the road were immense bunches of sweet brier, and large patches of black-berry bushes loaded with the ripening fruit.

Father Hare has a pleasant, comfortable home. The house situated on high ground is surrounded by fruitful orchards. A swift-running stream brings abundance of pure mountain water close to the house, back of which lies the pasture lands, and the forest-clad mountains.

We had planned to remain in Kaeo two weeks, but providential circumstances lengthened our stay to three full weeks. Wednesday was spent in writing our American letters, which were taken to the steamer early Thursday morning. Early on Thursday it began to rain, and in the afternoon the little creek had swollen to a roaring torrent, bringing down driftwood and logs. Later on, we learned that there was a serious flood in the lower part of the valley. The water rose higher than it had for twenty years. Many houses were flooded and deserted, fruit-trees and crops were destroyed, horses and sheep were drowned, and hundreds of huge logs which had for years been lying in the small creeks in the mountains, waiting for a freshet to bring them down, were floated over fields and orchards, and left in all manner of curious places. After the flood was over, the weather was beautiful.

Sabbath forenoon, I spoke to our people in the little meeting-house, and Sunday afternoon to a congregation of about two hundred in the Wesleyan church. Sunday evening Elder Starr spoke to a house full, in the same place. During the week, several evening meetings were held at the home of Father Hare. In these I would speak for half an hour, and then retire, and the meeting would go on for an hour or two. On the second Sabbath Elder Starr spoke in the forenoon to our people, and I spoke in the afternoon, in the Wesleyan church.

While speaking, I felt constrained by the love of Christ to invite all who had not taken a decided stand for the Lord to come forward for prayers. At first it seemed hard for any one to move; but finally the grown-up children of our brethren and sisters began to come forward, and then as the invitation was extended to those who were members of the church, but who did not enjoy a living assurance of acceptance with God, many of the church- members came forward, and these were joined by some who had long hesitated about obeying the truth, and by others who were attending their first meeting among our people. Words of counsel were then spoken, and after the season of prayer, nearly all who were seeking the Lord for the first time, bore testimony. The Spirit and power of God was in our midst, and all went from the meeting rejoicing and praising God for what he had wrought.

On Sunday we again had good audiences in the Wesleyan chapel. The people seemed anxious to hear the word of God, and Elder Starr had many invitations to visit and hold Bible readings. We are satisfied that there is a work to be done in Kaeo, both for our church and for the community in and near the Kaeo valley. There are souls inquiring, What is truth? And those who have light have a work to do for their fellow-men. How earnest we should be to impart light and truth to others!--how patient and persevering! We need to have tender hearts, softened and subdued by the love of God. We must not work in our own spirit, bringing in our natural, hereditary traits of character, for thereby we shall drive souls away from the truth. We must lay aside our likes and dislikes. We must overcome all harshness and sharpness. We must be as wise as serpents and as harmless as doves; yet always ready to put ourselves in the forefront of the battle if God calls us there.

Because of a change in the time of sailing of the steamer from Auckland to Napier, we were prevented from going at the time appointed, and had another week to labor in Kaeo. The young people needed instruction, but it was difficult to get them together. There are some in Kaeo whom God has been calling to fit themselves for labor in his vineyard; and we rejoice that several are preparing to go to the Bible school. On Wednesday, April 15, we bid adieu to our friends in Kaeo, and were taken down to the harbor, where we held one meeting, and the next morning took the steamer for Auckland. -

The New Zealand Camp-Meeting

Thursday morning, March 16, we boarded the steamer "Clansman," at Whangaroa to return to Auckland, and from there to proceed to Napier, where the Conference and camp-meeting were to be held. As on our trip from Auckland, the weather was almost perfect, and the sea was not rough. The captain and stewardess told us of the fearful storm they had a week before, and expressed their pleasure that we were not with them then, according to our intention. We too were very thankful that our plans had been interfered with, and that providentially we had been kept from going at the time of the heavy storm. At first, when the news came to us that the change of sailing of the boat on which we had expected to go from Auckland to Napier, would delay us a week, we felt much disappointed; for we were anxious to be on the ground, and to do all we could to encourage and help our brethren to prepare for the first Seventh-day Adventist camp-meeting ever held in the southern hemisphere. But now we could see that the change was of double advantage to us, as it had given us another week to work in Kaeo, and had brought us to a time of beautiful weather for our trip. Again my bed was made on my own spring cot, on the steamer's deck, where the air was pure and plentiful, and I was saved from the torture of stifling rooms, and hard beds, which are the usual thing on the smaller ships along this coast.

We reached Auckland Friday morning, and were soon transferred to the large steamer which was to take us to Napier. Here our party of eight, from Kaeo, was joined by ten from Auckland and vicinity, who were going to the Conference. The ship was well filled with passengers, and it was going to be difficult to secure for me a well ventilated room. There were no deck cabins on this ship, and I dreaded the night; but by the kindness of the chief steward, we were allowed, after 10 p.m., to make up my bed in the ladies' boudoir, a beautiful airy room on the upper deck. Thus I was again saved the suffering consequent on occupying a small, stifling room.

Sabbath afternoon, our ship cast anchor near Gisborne, and waited for the small boat to come for the passengers and freight. Here thousands of pounds have been spent in vain, to build piers out into the deep water, so that large ships can come to the docks; but as fast as the pier is built, the sea washes in the sand, so that nothing has been gained. Soon the little steamer came out, rolling and tossing by the heavy waves, and brethren Starr, Edward, Wesley, Samuel Hare, and W. C. White, went ashore to visit the little church assembled for meeting. As a result of the labors of Elders Robert Hare, A. G. Daniells, and others, a small church has been raised up here, and a commodious meeting-house purchased. This church, like others in this Conference, is pleading for ministerial help. O, that we had a hundred laborers where there is one. Everywhere there are fields suffering for help. When our brethren found the church, the Sabbath-school was in session, and they had opportunity briefly to present some of the many evidences that we are in a time when we should look up, and rejoice, because the coming of the Lord draweth near. They also labored to encourage all who could, to come to the camp-meeting.

About eight o'clock, the little steamer came back. She was tossed about by the waves, and it often looked as if the water would go over the deck where most of the passengers were seated; but she came safely alongside, and the passengers were brought on board without using the huge basket which was on the deck, ready for use when it is too rough to use the plank. When the sea is so rough that the plank cannot be used, the passengers are placed, two at a time, in this large basket, and hoisted up by the machinery that is used to load and unload the freight of the ship.

From Gisborne it is a short run to Napier. The sea was not rough, and we woke Sunday morning, anchored close to Napier. Here, also, an extensive breakwater is being constructed; but for some time yet, large ships must anchor in the bay, and all passengers and freight must be transferred to a smaller steamer, which carries us safely over the shallow waters to the pier. At the landing we were met by Elders Israel, McCullagh, and Wilson, and Mrs. Dr. Caro, who took us at once to her hospitable home, where we met Dr. Caro. He gave us a hearty welcome, and at their earnest invitation, we shared their kind hospitality all through our stay in Napier. Here I had a large airy room, with a fireplace, and every sunny day was encouraged to ride out with a horse and buggy, lent to us by thoughtful friends. We found Napier to be a beautiful place, the resident portion of the town being built on a series of high hills, overlooking the sea.

Sunday evening I spoke on my favorite theme, "The Love of God," to an attentive audience in the Theater Royal. Tuesday evening Elder McCullagh gave the first discourse in the large tent on the camp ground. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, our brethren were very busy fitting up the camp. Weeks before, letters had been sent to the churches, asking all who would come to the meeting, to report, and the responses were so few, that it did not seem necessary to get many tents, or to lay out a large camp. The necessity of having a dining tent had been discussed, and it was so doubtful about its patronage, and so certain that it could only be conducted at a loss, that it was decided to have those who could not cook for themselves, patronize a restaurant in the town near by.

As the boats and trains brought in the delegations from the different churches, there were about twice as many as had been expected, and it was plain that the plans must be enlarged. A reception tent was proposed, and a dining tent was much needed. To have a large number of our people obliged to go up town for their meals, would break into our program, waste precious time, and bring in a hap-hazard state of things that should be avoided. It was presented to the committee, that although a restaurant in the camp would not pay expenses, it ought to be established, for its educating influence. We felt that there were lessons of the highest value as to unity of action, regularity, and the best methods of conducting camp-meetings, that would be lost if our people were not supplied upon the camp-ground, with wholesome food, prepared upon hygienic principles.

We felt that this first camp-meeting must be as far as possible, a sample of what every other camp-meeting held in the future ought to be. Over and over again I said to the people, "See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern showed to thee in the mount." As a people, we have lost much by neglecting order and method. Although it takes time and careful thought and labor, and often seems to make our work cost more, in the end we can see that it was a paying business to do everything in the most perfect manner. Jesus said to his disciples, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." The principles found in the instruction given to the children of Israel are to be given to all who are connected with religious services in these last days. All the specifications and arrangements of detail we cannot copy; but we can understand that the order, the perfection of arrangement, particularly specified by Christ, who was enshrouded in the cloudy pillar, are patterns of the perfection and order that are to be carried into all our plans and arrangements for religious service. In these last days we are to give no lessons in connection with our worship, that will lead minds to think that the God of heaven is pleased with disorderly arrangements, careless work, and untidy surroundings. God is as well pleased with cleanliness, order, and energy now, as when he gave direction to nearly a million of people, encamped in the wilderness. Those who follow Jesus will give a right example in all things.

Well, the camp was enlarged, more tents were procured, a reception tent was fitted up, not extravagantly, but plainly and tastefully, and was presided over by sister Starr. The most serious difficulty about having a dining tent, was the matter of getting some one to manage it, and persons to do the work. But we learned that sister Wilson had superintended the dining tent in two camp-meetings in America, and she readily consented to take the oversight of this one. Three or four other sisters were engaged to assist in the work, and soon furniture and supplies were procured, and the dining tent ready for service. About a dozen were expected to patronize it, but soon there were about thirty boarders. The food provided was plain, substantial, and plentiful. It was prepared on hygienic principles. Meat was scarcely seen on the tables, and was only asked for by a few, although we doubt not that more than half of those present had not for years been for half so long a time without eating of flesh.

The weather was beautiful while the camp was in preparation, and during the first days of the meeting. On the first Sabbath it began to rain, and continued for a week. It did not rain all the time, but was showery, with occasionally a heavy downpour. Notwithstanding, the people of the Napier church came out well to the meetings, and those on the ground kept up good heart and courage, and made but little complaint about their damp surroundings. Many members of the Napier church had employment which deprived them of the day meetings, but they were very regular in attending the evening and morning meetings. Most of the time I was able to attend the early morning meetings, and felt that I was deprived of a privilege, when unable to be present. All seemed to enjoy these early social meetings. One family, who were always present, came a mile and a half from their mountain residence, the mother and daughters sometimes running part of the way, rather than be late to the meeting. Many testified that this was the best meeting they had ever attended. Every day we were encouraged to see hope, courage, and faith growing in the hearts of the people, as they received light from the Scriptures.

After the meeting had been two or three days in progress, one who had been a member of the church, but who left it about two years ago, because of his opposition to the Testimonies, arose and said that he desired to take his stand again with the church. It was the written testimonies of sister White which had led him to leave the church, and now it was her testimony, her preaching at this meeting, that brought him back to the church. He wished to be baptized again, and to be received as a brother by his former brethren and sisters. Many hearts rejoiced greatly that this brother was restored to the church. Some said that this alone was worth all that the meeting had cost.

On the first Sabbath afternoon, I spoke about thirty minutes, and then invited those to come forward for prayers, who had never given their hearts to Christ. The invitation was also extended to those who professed to be the followers of Christ, who had not the evidence of his acceptance, and those who professed to believe the truth, but had not carried out its holy principles in their lives. These were the very ones who most needed to seek the Lord, that they might find Jesus a present help, ever ready to supply his grace, that they may overcome every defect in character.

We rejoiced to see the response that was made to this call. Many seats had to be cleared, and were quickly refilled by those coming forward. The tent was not a perfect place for such a meeting. The rain was falling heavily, and the tent leaked in many places. But this seemed of little consequence. The interest in eternal matters was too deep to be affected by the surroundings. A sense of fearful consequences actuated the congregation. The Spirit of God was moving the hearts of the congregation to a consciousness that the time had come, spoken of in the first chapter of Isaiah: "Wash ye, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well." Many hearts were impressed that we are hastening to the judgment, when every case will be decided for eternity.

Elder Starr gave precious instruction and exhortation, urging that each one should bring heart and mind to Jesus. Then we had a season of prayer, and the blessing of God rested in rich measure upon the congregation. After the prayers, it was proposed that those who had come forward should go to another tent, where time would be given for them to speak, and to seek such help and instruction as each should need; but again the rain came down so heavily that no one wished to leave the tent, and the meeting was continued till sundown. Many confessions were made of neglected duties, of impatience, and neglect of parental government. Many confessed their worldliness and love of dress; and some bore testimony who were giving their hearts to Christ for the first time.

Sunday was a busy and joyful day at the camp. In the morning Elder Starr continued the Bible studies, and in the afternoon I spoke to a tent full of attentive listeners. In the evening six were baptized. On Monday the business meetings occupied most of the time. Elder McCullagh preached in the evening, and in the course of his sermon, spoke of the evil effects of the study of, and placing dependence in, the science of phrenology. He showed that its tendency was to lead men to undervalue the power of the grace of God, and to place too high an estimate on their own judgment. Some who had devoted much time to the study of phrenology, and placed much dependence upon it, were offended, and spoke freely against what had been said.

In the early meeting on Tuesday, this matter was referred to, and some who had been rescued from the snares of Spiritualism, related their experiences. We were surprised that so many had barely escaped the subtle delusions of Spiritualism. Quite a number spoke of their interest in phrenology, and their desire to know wherein its study was injurious. After breakfast, the regular program for the forenoon was suspended, and I presented to the people some of their dangers, as they had been shown to me before coming to this country. I pointed out some of the evil results from the study of "science, falsely so-called," and related the sad experience of some American ministers who had followed it, for influence or for gain. Before the meeting closed, some who had been most ardent students of phrenology, arose and said they would accept what had been presented regarding it, as the truth, and that they should act accordingly.

A day or two later one of the canvassers brought to Elder Starr a pamphlet containing the sermon of an influential Wesleyan minister, delivered at a recent Conference held in Dunedin, in which he defended the "higher criticism" of the Bible, and made light of the opinion that it was a divine book, and that all portions of it were inspired. This led to more lessons on this subject, and a sermon on the "Higher Criticism" that was well attended by the people of Napier. We were surprised to see the extent to which our own brethren had been affected by this infidelity, and were satisfied that in this alone there was abundant explanation for the lack of success that has of late attended the canvassing work. We see more and more clearly, that in all our labors the Bible must be exalted, and that our people must come to know the wisdom and the power that are in the word of God. To the close of the meeting, and in all our labors since, this subject has been made prominent.

The camp-meeting was to close Wednesday, April 5, two weeks from the beginning of the workers' meeting; but the steamers on which the delegates were to return home, were both late, so the meeting continued till Thursday, April 6. The interest was good till the close of the meeting, and the people of Napier were disappointed that it did not continue longer. They could not understand how we could afford to fix the camp so nicely for so short a time.

On the last Sunday of the meeting, it was arranged that I should speak in the afternoon, and Elder Starr in the evening, at Hastings, a prosperous town about twelve miles west of Napier. A tent meeting had been recently held in this place, and there are a few who obey the message, and others who are on the point of decision. Our meeting was in a large hall, and although the audience was not large, those present seemed much interested. We had a most comfortable conveyance, and the ride was enjoyable. Near Hastings, we passed a Maori village, where preparations were being made for a national council. In one inclosure there was a church, and several wharreys,--large houses in which they entertain a great number of guests,--also long tents in which hundreds were to be served with food; in other fields near by were long rows of little tents, for the occupancy of those coming from abroad. The Maoris seem to be an intelligent people, and it seems that true missionary work is much needed among some of their tribes. Where are the young men who will devote their lives to work among this people? -

Palmerston, New Zealand

Since coming to New Zealand, the Lord has strengthened me to engage in labor for the churches. Although infirmities are still my companions by night and day, the Lord has given me his grace to bear them. Sometimes when I feel unable to fill my appointments, I say, In faith I will place myself in position. I will go to the meeting, and stand upon my feet, although feeling unable to say a word; and whenever I have done this, I have had strength given me to rise above all infirmities, and to bear the message the Lord has given me for the people.

It is now three months since we left Melbourne. We have traveled about twenty-five hundred miles by sea and by land, and I have written over three hundred pages of letter paper. I have spoken to the people forty-one times, and am gaining in health and strength, for which I render thanksgiving and praise to God every day, and in the night season. "Blessed be the Lord, because he hath heard the voice of my supplications. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him. The Lord is their strength, and he is the saving strength of his anointed." "I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears." I know not how to be thankful enough for the goodness and mercy of God to me. I desire to devote myself, soul, body, and spirit, to his service.

After the close of the camp-meeting in Napier, we decided to visit Wellington, and to spend a few days at this place to labor with the little company of Sabbath-keepers here, who are pleading for help. Palmerston is about five hours' ride from Napier, and it is nearly as far on to Wellington. For two or three hours after leaving Napier, we passed over a rich farming country, dotted with small towns. In a few of these some labor has been bestowed, and there are a few families of Sabbath-keepers. Farther on, the country is newer. It is quite level, and heavily timbered, and the large fertile pastures, full of stumps and half-burned logs, remind us of the newer portions of Michigan, Canada, and York State.

Palmerston is a prosperous town of 6,000 inhabitants. It is a railroad center, and the principal town in a large and fertile district.

Four years ago a series of meetings were held here by Elder Robert Hare; but the population of the place has doubled since that time, and another continuous and persevering effort will be required here. During our short visit very little can be done but to encourage and counsel the small company of believers.

At the foot of the cross our laborers must learn the lessons to be communicated to the people. Thus will they bring sheaves to Jesus Christ. In the first chapter of 1 Corinthians Paul has given us instruction which every true laborer needs to study, especially the following verses: "But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling-block, and unto the Greeks foolishness; but unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men." Here is a lesson of special consequence to every worker in the vineyard of the Lord. It will not result in solid work for men to preach to please the ears of the people, while the truth is not held forth in a manner to bring them to the cross of Jesus Christ. The messenger of God must present eternal truths plainly, and keep in distinct view before the people their peril in neglecting eternal interests. While self is kept out of sight, Jesus Christ must be ever lifted up and exalted.

"For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to naught things that are: that no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: that, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord." 1 Cor. 1:26-31.

"And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and fear, and much trembling." The apostle feared lest his work should stand in the wisdom of men, and not in the power of God, and thus his labor prove to be a work which would not produce a harvest.

"And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to naught; but we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him."

Now for the explanation of this wisdom that the world hath not seen, nor heard, nor known. "But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? Even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth: comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ." The words contained in this chapter should be imprinted on every soul of those who are laborers in the vineyard of the Lord.

Every one engaging in the work needs these words framed and hung in memory's hall, "We are laborers together with God." Then there will not be so many decided failures in the efforts made to win souls to Jesus Christ. There is need of bringing them to the foundation, and building them into a firm structure, that will abide the fires of the last great day. The people cannot be reached, and their hearts broken, except by God's divine power. 1 Cor. 3:9-15.

Those who seek wisdom in the study of the world's authors, are not drinking from the pure fountain flowing from the throne of God. "Will a man leave the snow of Lebanon which cometh from the rock of the field? or shall the cold flowing waters that come from another place be forsaken? Because my people hath forgotten me, they have burned incense to vanity, and they have caused them to stumble in their ways from the ancient paths, to walk in paths, in a way not cast up." Jer. 18:14, 15. Let the men who are engaged in the solemn work of bearing the last message to the world, heed the exhortation of Paul, "Preach the word,"--not the science of phrenology, or the productions from human speculations; but listen to the words of inspiration addressed to Timothy: "I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, the people having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."

Now hear the words addressed to the messengers who bear the God-given message to the people in these last days: "But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry." 2 Tim. 4:5.

Especial heed should be given to the words of the apostle: "Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers." The minister of the gospel is never exhorted to strive to be a smart preacher, a popular speaker; but is commanded to "study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness." 2 Tim. 2:15, 16. Will every messenger of God give heed to these words? We are laborers together with God, and if those who accept the responsibility of holding forth the word of life to others, do not daily yoke up with Christ, and lift his burdens, and learn of Jesus day by day, it were better for them to seek for some other employment.

We can reach the people only through God. If the human agent is co-operating with the divine intelligences, an efficiency and a power will attend his labors which will bring souls to the knowledge of the truth. Our appointed task is to sow beside all waters, to seize every opportunity which presents itself, to cast in the seeds of truth. Let every youthful laborer engaged in any branch of the work consider that he is wearing the armor of Jesus Christ, marshaled under his banner wisely to meet the enemy. Jesus Christ is our Captain and Leader. We are to obey his orders in doing the work appointed us, which is to sow, and reap, and garner up his harvest. Let all consider that we are stewards of the manifold grace of God, and realize that of these stewards faithfulness is expected,--faithfulness and care in the use of means committed to your trust,--faithfulness in setting an example of simplicity in dress. Let strict economy mark your course of action, and by diligent use increase the talents with which you have been intrusted.

Our Duty in Ministering to the Poor

"God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." The price which heaven has paid for man reveals the value of every soul. There is not one passed by in the provision of God's love. "Whosoever believeth in him" shall not perish, but have everlasting life.

And to all who have received Christ, the Holy Spirit says, "Ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building." Every provision has been made that his possession, purchased at such infinite cost to heaven, should grow into a holy temple unto the Lord, complete in him. "He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." Every facility has been provided that man may have a perfect character, that he should come off more than conqueror through the merits of Christ.

Satan, the rebel and apostate, works by every possible device to defeat the purpose of God. Because men have sinned, he claims that they have come under his dominion, and that the heavenly agencies, angels that excel in strength, should not take his subjects from under his control. Should men receive divine power, he knows that he cannot prevail against them, and work his will in cruelty upon body and mind; therefore he accuses them before God, and claims that the power of God shall not be imparted to them.

Zechariah the prophet beholds "Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him." Joshua represents the people of God standing in the presence of their Redeemer. Satan, with his masterly accusing power, is resisting the plan of Christ for the redemption of his people. The Majesty of heaven, the only begotten of the Father, responds to Satan's claims. "The Lord said unto Satan, The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan, even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire? Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel." Satan was charging God's people with impurity. He was presenting every defect in their character. Through his deceiving power he had tempted them to sin, and now he represents them as full of transgression and defilement. He declares that they have come under his control, that they are the subjects of his pleasure, and he claims the right to work his will upon them without interference from God in their behalf.

"And he [the Lord Jesus Christ] answered and spake unto those that stood before him [his holy attending angels], saying, Take away the filthy garments from him." And to Joshua he said, "Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment." Jesus has borne the sins of the whole world, he suffered as man's substitute and surety. He has himself bridged the gulf that sin has made, that separated man from God, and earth from heaven. With his own divine hand he plucked the brand from the burning, that man might not die the second death.

"And I [the Lord] said, Let them set a fair miter upon his head. So they set a fair miter upon his head, and clothed him with garments,"--the pure garments woven in the loom of heaven, the righteousness of Christ. "And the angel of the Lord stood by," to behold the perfect justification of his saints, the victory over Satan and sin. "And the angel of the Lord protested unto Joshua, saying, Thus saith the Lord of hosts, If thou wilt walk in my ways, and if thou wilt keep my charge, then thou shalt also judge my house [as kings and priests unto God], and shalt also keep my courts, and I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by,"--the loyal angels of heaven.

Here the curtain that separates us from the unseen world is lifted, and we behold the conflict that is waged over every soul who believes in Christ. All heaven is interested in the people who are walking in the ways of the Lord, and keeping his charge. Shall not the great love and care manifested by the world's Redeemer and all the heavenly host in our behalf arouse us to love and good works in behalf of our fellow-men? For the redemption of the human soul the Majesty of heaven yielded up his life, and all the agencies of heaven yielded up his life, and all the agencies of heaven are engaged in tireless ministry. In view of what heaven is doing to save the lost, how can those who are partakers of the riches of the grace of Christ withdraw their interest and their sympathies from their fellow-men? How can they indulge in pride of rank or caste, and despise the unfortunate and the poor?

Yet it is too true that the pride of rank, and the oppression of the poor which prevail in the world, exist also among the professed followers of Christ. With many, the sympathies that ought to be exercised in full measure toward humanity, seem frozen up. Men appropriate to themselves the gifts intrusted to them wherewith to bless others. The rich grind the face of the poor, and use the means thus gained to indulge their pride and love of display even in the house of God. The poor are made to feel that it is too costly a thing for them to attend the service of God. The feeling exists with many that only the rich can engage in the public worship of God so as to make a good impression on the world. Were it not that the Lord has revealed his love to the poor and lowly who are contrite in heart, this world would be a sad place for the poor man.

The word of God rebukes the narrow exclusiveness that is often manifested by the rich toward his fellow-man who for some reason has not acquired wealth. There is no respect of persons with God. The wealthy man has larger responsibilities than the poor man, but there is no caste with God. Those who have been unfortunate in temporal things, but who love and fear God, are registered in heaven as rich in faith and good works.

The world's Redeemer was the son of poor parents, and when in his infancy he was presented in the temple, his mother could bring only the offering appointed for the poor,--a pair of turtle doves or two young pigeons. He was the most precious gift of heaven to our world, a gift above all computation, yet it could be acknowledged only by the smallest offering. Our Saviour, during all his sojourn on earth, shared the lot of the poor and lowly. Self-denial and sacrifice characterized his life. All the favors and blessings we enjoy are alone from him; we are stewards of his grace and of his temporal gifts; the smallest talent and the humblest service may be offered to Jesus as a consecrated gift, and with the fragrance of his own merits he will present it to the Father. If the best we have is presented with a sincere heart, in love to God, from a longing desire to do service to Jesus, the gift is wholly acceptable. Every one can lay up a treasure in the heavens. All can be "rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life."

It is God's purpose that the rich and the poor shall be closely bound together by the ties of sympathy and helpfulness. He has a plan for us individually. To all who shall serve him he has appointed a work. He bids us to interest ourselves in every case of suffering or need that shall come to our knowledge.

Our Lord Jesus Christ was rich, yet for our sake he became poor, that we through his poverty might be rich. He bids all whom he has intrusted with temporal blessings to follow his example. Jesus says, "Ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good." The want and wretchedness in the world are constantly appealing to our compassion and sympathy, and the Saviour declares that ministry to the afflicted and suffering is the service most pleasing to him. "Is it not," he says, "to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out, to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?" We are to minister to the sick, to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked, and to instruct the ignorant.

There are many who complain of God because the world is so full of want and suffering. But the Lord is a God of benevolence, and through his representatives, to whom he has intrusted his goods, he would have all the needs of his creatures supplied. He has made abundant provision for the wants of all, and if men did not abuse his gifts, and selfishly withhold them from their fellow-men, none need suffer from want. ( Concluded next week .) -

Our Duty in Ministering to the Poor (Concluded)

It is not wise to give indiscriminately to every one who may solicit our aid; for we may thus encourage idleness, intemperance, and extravagance. But if one comes to your door and says he is hungry, do not turn him away empty. Give him something to eat, of such things as you have. You know not his circumstances, and it may be that his poverty is the result of misfortune.

But among all whose needs demand our interest, the widow and the fatherless have the strongest claims upon our tender sympathy and care. "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world."

The father who has died in the faith, resting upon the eternal promise of God, left his loved ones in full trust that the Lord would care for them. And how does the Lord provide for these bereaved ones? He does not work a miracle in sending manna from heaven, he does not send ravens to bring them food; but he works a miracle upon human hearts, he expels selfishness from the soul, he unseals the fountain of benevolence. He tests the love of his professed followers by committing to their tender mercies the afflicted and bereaved ones, the poor and the orphan. These are in a special sense the little ones whom Christ looks upon, whom it is an offense to him to neglect. Those who do neglect them are neglecting Christ in the person of his afflicted ones. Every kind act done to them in the name of Jesus, is accepted by him as if done to himself, for he identifies his interest with that of suffering humanity, and he has intrusted to his church the grand work of ministering to Jesus by helping and blessing the needy and suffering. On all who shall minister to them with willing hearts, the blessing of the Lord will rest.

Until death shall be swallowed up in victory, there will be orphans to be cared for, who will suffer in more ways than one if the tender compassion and loving-kindness of our church-members are not exercised in their behalf. The Lord bids us, "Bring the poor that are cast out to thy house." Christianity must supply fathers and mothers for these homeless ones. The compassion for the widow and the orphan manifested in prayers and deeds, will come up in remembrance before God, to be rewarded by and by.

There is a wide field before all who will work for the Master in caring for these friendless children and youth, placing them in a position favorable for the formation of a right character, that they may become children of God. There are unpromising children that need to be tenderly sought for; many that would otherwise grow up in ignorance, and drift into associations that lead to vice and crime, may be brought into favorable surroundings, and under Christ-like, tender watchcare may be saved to Christ.

The children and youth are God's property; the Lord formed their bodies and gave them the breath of life, and Jesus died for them, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life. Are you who profess to be children of God acting your part to teach these, who so much need to be patiently instructed, how to come to the Saviour? Are you overcoming your indolence and slothfulness, and acting your part as laborers together with God, faithful servants of Christ? Are these unformed, perhaps ill-balanced minds cared for with that love which Christ has manifested for us? The souls of children and youth are in deadly peril if left to themselves. They need patience, love, tender, Christ-like care. This will break every barrier down.

Were there no revelation to point out our duty, the very sight of our eyes, and what we know of the inevitable working of cause and effect, should rouse us to rescue these unfortunate ones. If men would bring into this work the same energy and tact and skill that they employ in the common business relations of life, and while seeking wisdom from God would earnestly study how to mold these undisciplined minds, many souls might be rescued from the multitudes that are ready to perish.

If parents would feel the solicitude for the salvation of their own children that they should have, if they would bear them in their prayers to the throne of grace, and then live out their prayers, knowing that God is co-operating with them, they might become successful workers for children outside of their own family, and especially for those who have not parental counsel and guidance. The Lord calls on every member of the church to do your duty to these orphans. Do not, however, work for them merely from the standpoint of duty, but because you love them, and Christ died to save them. Christ has purchased these souls that need your care, and he expects you to love them as he has loved you in your sins and waywardness.

Love is the agency through which God works to draw the heart to him. It is the power by which he expels sin from the soul. In every department of life this principle must be the controlling power. In every enterprise of mercy this alone can give efficiency; the finite must unite with the infinite; and "God is love."

This work for others will require effort and self-denial and sacrifice; but what is the little sacrifice that we can make, in comparison with God's great gift of his only begotten Son? God has granted us the privilege of becoming laborers together with him. In his plan there is a positive necessity for good works, for his plan made for the uplifting of man is dependent upon the co-operation of his human agents.

God imparts his blessing to us, that we may give to others. And as long as we yield ourselves as the channels through which his love can flow, he will keep the channels supplied. When you ask God for your daily bread, he looks right into your heart to see if you will impart the same to others, more needy than yourself. When you pray, "God be merciful to me a sinner," he watches to see if you will manifest compassion to those with whom you associate. This is the evidence of our connection with God,--that we are merciful even as our Father who is in heaven is merciful. If we are his, we shall do with a cheerful heart just what he tells us to do, however inconvenient, however contrary it may be to our own feelings.

God is always giving; and upon whom are his gifts bestowed? Upon those who are faultless in character? He "maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." Notwithstanding the sinfulness of humanity, notwithstanding we so often grieve the heart of Christ, when we ask his forgiveness, he does not turn us away, although we are most undeserving. It pleases and honors God when we expect great things at his hand. He has promised us great blessings through our Saviour, and we cannot dishonor his name more than to doubt his love and his willingness to bless us.

How are the world to know God and Jesus Christ whom he hath sent?-- Through his word and through his human agents; we are to be his representatives. Through us the world will form their opinion of God and of the religion of Christ. Therefore Jesus said, "Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit." "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." When men see, they glorify God. Great dishonor is brought upon the cause of God because those who profess Christ do not possess his Holy Spirit, but walk in their own ways. What a terrible misrepresentation of God, his ways, his character, are the selfishness of life and hardness of heart of his professed followers. A profession of piety is not enough; if religion is not brought into practical service, and does not produce good works, it is valueless. If we do not live to bless others, we are unfaithful stewards, and we shall never receive the heavenly benediction, "Well done." But God will have a peculiar people, of whom it is written, that Christ is not ashamed to call them brethren. They bear his likeness. They are a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men.

It is in doing the works of Christ, ministering as he did to the suffering and afflicted, that we are to develop Christian character. It is for our good that God has called us to practice self-denial for Christ's sake, to bear the cross, to labor and sacrifice in seeking to save that which is lost. This is the Lord's process of refining, purging away the baser material, that the precious traits of character which were in Christ Jesus, may appear in the believer. All dross must be cleansed from the soul, through the sanctification of the truth. If good works cost us no sacrifice, then they would not be disciplinary. There are obligations which bring us into conflict with natural feelings and propensities, and in fulfilling these obligations, we gain victory over every objectionable feature of our character. The warfare goes on, and thus we grow in grace. Thus our character is developed in the likeness of Christ, and we are prepared for a place among the blessed in the kingdom of God.

Through the grace of Christ our efforts to bless others are not only the means of our growth in grace, but they will enhance our future, eternal happiness. To those who have been co-workers with Christ it will be said, "Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." Although we have no merit in ourselves, in the great goodness and love of God we are rewarded as if the merit were our own. When we have done all the good we can possibly do, we are still unprofitable servants. We have done only what as our duty. What we have accomplished has been wrought solely through the grace of Christ, and no reward is due to us from God on the ground of our merit. But through the merit of our Saviour, every promise that God has made will be fulfilled, and every man will be rewarded according to his deeds. The precious rewards of the future will be proportioned to the work of faith and labor of love in the present life. "He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully." We should be most grateful that now in probationary time through the infinite mercy of God, we are permitted to sow the seed for our future harvest. We should carefully consider what the harvest will be. Whether the crown of our eternal rejoicing shall be bright or dim depends upon our own course of action. We may make our calling and election sure, and may come into possession of the rich inheritance, or we may defraud ourselves of the far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.

"Many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness, as the stars forever and ever."

The True Missionary's Dependence Is in God

There are times when prayer becomes unusually urgent. It is when we are to take a decided position that the church and the world are not to be united, when philosophy and science claim to be the gospel, when men by their own interpretation make the commandments of God and the traditions of men identical. Fervent prayer must go up to God when the church is to show forth in her pure and exalted character the religion of Christ, and by precept and example affirm the difference between the teachings of men, purporting to be for the uplifting of humanity, and the means by which God would purify society. The church is to shine in the world as a light; but she is to do so by depending upon a divine agency, by having a living connection with the living God. This dependence is indispensable to her success and victory.

The true missionary's hope is in God alone, and he makes manifest this fact by importuning the throne of grace. Skeptical philosophy is easily distinguished from the gospel; for the gospel makes known the Christian's dependence upon God, and requires him to take counsel with God. In this way the Christian becomes a true sign-board, pointing heavenward. He says, "I can do nothing of myself," and makes manifest the fact that the rebuke of God is upon the pride of human inventions. He lays claim to a power that is all-sufficient to accomplish the work.

There will come times when the church will be stirred by divine power, and earnest activity will be the result; for the life-giving power of the Holy Spirit will inspire its members to go forth and bring souls to Christ. But when this activity is manifested, the most earnest workers will be safe only as they depend upon God through constant, earnest prayer. They will need to make earnest supplication that through the grace of Christ they may be saved from taking pride in their work, or of making a saviour of their activity. They must constantly look to Jesus, that they may realize that it is his power which does the work, and thus be able to ascribe all the glory to God. We shall be called upon to make most decided efforts to extend the work of God, and prayer to our heavenly Father will be most essential. It will be necessary to engage in prayer in the closet, in the family, and in the church. Our households must be set in order, and earnest efforts must be made to interest every member of the family in missionary enterprises. We must seek to engage the sympathies of our children in earnest work for the unsaved, that they may do their best at all times and in all places to represent Christ.

But let us not forget that as activity increases, and we become successful in doing the work that must be accomplished, there is danger of our trusting in human plans and methods. There will be a tendency to pray less, and to have less faith. We shall be in danger of losing our sense of dependence upon God, who alone can make our work succeed; but although this is the tendency, let no one think that the human instrument is to do less. No, he is not to do less, but to do more by accepting the heavenly gift, the Holy Spirit. The world in its own wisdom knew not God, and every human power is naturally, to a greater or less degree, opposed to God. We are to look to Jesus, and co-operate with heavenly agencies, offering our petitions to the Father in Jesus' name. In this way we shall not turn aside with those who are content to follow the sparks of their own kindling; but by the precept and example we shall make it manifest to the world that we are Christ's witnesses.

The Lord has said that his work is to be done, "not by might nor by power; but by my Spirit." The work of God is to be carried on to completion by the co-operation of divine and human agencies. Those who are self- sufficient may be apparently active in the work of God; but if they are prayerless, their activity is of no avail. Could they look into the censer of the angel that stands at the golden altar before the rainbow-circled throne, they would see that the merit of Jesus must be mingled with our prayers and efforts, or they are as worthless as was the offering of Cain. Could we see all the activity of human instrumentality, as it appears before God, we would see that only the work accomplished by much prayer, which is sanctified by the merit of Christ, will stand the test of the judgment. When the grand review shall take place, then shall ye return and discern between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.

To preach to the people will avail nothing unless the worker has a vital connection with God. The minister may attract attention by his eloquence; but if his spirit and action are not in harmony with his words, they will have little power to convert the soul. Christ sent forth his disciples to preach the gospel not singly, but by twos, that they might labor unitedly in spreading the truth. Jesus saw that this plan would result in much more good than if one was sent alone. There is need of two working together; for one can encourage the other, and they can counsel, pray, and search the Bible together. In this they may get a broader light upon the truth; for one will see one phase, and the other another phase of the truth. If they are erring, they can correct one another in speech and attitude, so that the truth may not be lightly esteemed because of the defects of its advocates. If the workers are sent out alone, there is no one to see or correct their errors; but when two go together, an educating work may be carried on, and each worker become what he should be,--a successful soul-winner.

If frequently happens that one of the workers is self-conceited because of his power to interest his hearers, and yet he may not be one who may win souls to Christ. How important that a humble man be set aside, who is a laborer together with God, who watches and prays in simplicity, whom the heavenly Father that seeth in secret can reward openly. In the sight of men the self-sufficient worker may seem to be moving the world; but in the sight of God the humble wrestler moves heaven. The hosts of God are interested in the humble, praying man, who dares not make a move without first coming in prayer into the presence of God to counsel with the Omnipotent. True missionary work can be done only in the spirit of the first Missionary who visited our world. He was often in prayer to his Father, and at times presented his petitions with strong crying and tears, pleading that the power of God might save those knew not that they needed salvation. We must have the spirit that actuated Christ, that led him to entreat and persuade the rebellious to come unto him. Even when men turn away from us in hardness of heart, refusing the gift of eternal life, we are to imitate the example of Christ. He did not look with indifference upon those who slighted and rejected him. It was a hard struggle for the Saviour to give up the child of his love, even Jerusalem. He had led his chosen people through the wilderness, enshrouded in the pillar of cloud by day and pillar of fire by night. He had directed their ways, guided them by his eye, and watched over them continually. Must he now give up his son whom he had delivered from slavery in Egypt? O, if the Jewish nation had known the Prince of Life who came to save them, they would not have hated him, refused to hear him, and at last crucified him. But knowing that they would work the will of Satan against him, he looked upon Jerusalem, saying, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathered her chickens under her wings, and ye would not."

The church must pray in faith, else if the Lord grants success to our work, we shall be ensnared through spiritual pride. Sincere, earnest prayer will be answered. God has pledged his word that he will answer the cry of the honest heart. The order will be given in heaven, "Open the windows of heaven, and pour out a blessing upon the earnest suppliant." Let many missionaries enter the field, but let them count the cost before beginning the work. Let each ask himself, Am I prepared to surrender everything for the success of the work? Then as wise men lay your plans that you may devote yourself to the work, that in singleness of purpose you may endure hardness as good soldiers of Jesus Christ, giving yourselves wholly to his service, humbly trusting in God, who has said, "The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." Go forth to labor in the interests of the truth, and become agents in the hands of God for the saving of perishing souls for whom Christ died. -

There Is No Excuse for Spiritual Weakness

The truth should be preached in simplicity, and the ministers of God should seek to imitate, as far as possible, the manner of Christ's teaching. If the truth is spoken in simplicity and received in simplicity, Christ will be presented as a perfect Saviour, and the Spirit will witness to the truth, and move upon hearts to accept of the free gift of the righteousness of Christ. The words spoken under the influence of the Spirit of God, if accepted, are a savor of life unto life; if rejected, are a savor of death unto death.

We should present before the people the fact that God has provided that we shall not be tempted above what we are able to bear, but that with every temptation he will make a way of escape. If we live wholly for God, we shall not allow the mind to indulge in selfish imaginings. If there is any way by which Satan can gain access to the mind, he will sow his tares, and cause them to grow until they will yield an abundant harvest. In no case can Satan obtain dominion over the thoughts, words, and actions, unless we voluntarily open the door and invite him to enter. He will then come in, and by catching away the good seed sown in the heart, make of none effect the truth.

We cannot plead that we have less light than had God's ancient people; for we have the truth, and the light that was given to them, and it has come down to us as an hereditary trust, to be given to all peoples and tongues. We cannot plead that we have less light than had the Jewish nation, who, because they were not doers of the word, became an astonishment and a reproach before the world, because they knew not the time of their visitation. Can we expect that the Lord will favor us, and establish us as a praise in the earth, if we are not doers of his word? Can we expect that the Lord will always heap privileges upon us, simply because in the past we have been exalted to heaven, as was Capernaum? When the judgment shall sit, and the books shall be opened, and every man shall receive according as his works have been, who will presume to plead that they have done many acceptable things that should balance their past in the golden scales of the sanctuary? "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to the flesh, shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit, shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting."

Though Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum felt that they were rich and increased with goods, and had need of nothing, Jesus sets before them their poverty-stricken condition. In this portrayal he has presented before all that claim to believe the law of God, that they have need to buy of him gold tried in the fire, and white raiment that they may be clothed, and that the shame of their nakedness may not appear. It will be according to the measure of light and favor bestowed, that retributive judgment will be estimated and dealt out to those who fail to appreciate the grace which has been freely offered. If those to whom light has come, had received, appreciated, and acted upon it, they would have been placed in connection with God, and would have been channels by which his blessing would flow to the world. Nations that sit in midnight darkness would have had light through God's appointed agents and instrumentalities,--the members of our church, the influence of our institutions. We should have seen these nations doing a greater work than those who have had clearer light and more numerous opportunities. The people who had failed to become agents for God, might have been far in advance of where they are in spiritual things, and much more might have been done than has been done. We know not how much more tolerable it will be in the day of judgment for those who have been prevented from hearing the truth of God, and from working for him, because of the unfaithfulness of those to whom God has given great light. They have failed to manifest the spirit of self-denial, and have not acted their part in their sphere as Christ acted his part in his sphere to save the perishing souls of men.

"Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall." There are many who believe that they are in favor with God, rich and increased in goods, and have need of nothing, and know not that they are spiritually wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. The true witness says to such, "I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eye-salve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. 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. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches."

Let us heed the message of the true witness given in warning to us. Let us seek to realize that the heavenly assembly are looking upon us, are witnesses to all our words and works. Will it not be wise for us to contemplate heavenly realities? Will it not work us good to comprehend the fact that heaven exists as really as does the earth, that the angels of heaven are interested in all transactions of earth, and are commissioned to minister to all who shall be heirs of salvation, who are lawfully striving to win the crown of life? If we bear the test and proving of God, we shall be counted worthy to be members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King. Jesus, our substitute and surety, is pleading our cases as an able substitute in the courts of God.

Why should not all have an intense interest in all that is transacted among the children of men, since Christ, our Intercessor, is continually engaged in presenting our cases before the mercy-seat? "We have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous." Why are the chosen of God, his elect people, so silent upon the wondrous theme? Why is man's gratitude so little toward Him who has given his life to save the lost race from eternal ruin? Heaven views the plan of salvation with amazement, and cherubim and seraphim continually do cry, "Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory." Why should not man arouse, and manifest enthusiasm concerning the wonderful condescension of God to a fallen race? O may our sluggish energies be quickened, that we may reveal the matchless depths of a Saviour's love to a perishing world.

Character Estimated By Outward Manifestations

In the family circle there are frequently those of widely different temperaments; and deficiencies of character will be made apparent in different members according to the traits of character that have been indulged and cultivated. Some of the members of the family will be sensitive, proud of spirit; some will be selfish and unreasonable. Words of reproof may be spoken that, if the heart is humble, will have a favorable influence upon those reproved, while those who are self-centered and self-righteous, and who feel that they have need of nothing, will misunderstand, misinterpret, and misapply the words that are spoken in faithfulness to them. Every little thing that does not meet their idea will be transferred to memory's hall, and by dwelling upon that which is disagreeable, by talking it over, they will become transformed in character. They will feel intensely over matters of little consequence, and will judge rashly, greatly to their own moral and spiritual detriment, and to the injury of those around them. Some in the family will manifest kindness as long as father, mother, brother, sister, or neighbor follows out their ideas; but if they fail to do this, the kindly attention and sympathy are withdrawn. They make themselves very miserable, and others feel the cold, unsympathetic atmosphere with which they surround their souls. They cherish an unforgiving, resentful, or worldly spirit, according to the circumstances that have influenced them; but where such a spirit is manifested, it is evident that Christ is not abiding in the soul.

Where Christ is formed within, the hope of glory, the character is continually being molded after the model of the divine character. The grace of Christ is constantly exerting its influence upon the life and actions. The manner of the true Christian becomes like the manner of Christ, and his character represents the character of Christ. Christ can take the different members of the family, with all their varied characteristics, and by his rich grace, fashion them all in the image of the divine. He can bring them all into conformity to his will, and show forth through them the influence of the truth upon mind and character, to a crooked and perverse generation among whom they shine as lights in the world.

Christians should educate and train their affections and manners according to the pattern of the life, the Spirit, the character of the divine Teacher. A solemn work has been left for us to do for ourselves as individuals, which no other can do for us. We must watch our words and our manner, prohibiting Satan from shaping them after his own Satanic order. We must watch well the indications that tell of the state of the heart, and as faithful sentinels, check the first tendency toward evil. The kind of fruit borne by the tree will tell the nature of the tree. Christ says, "By their fruits ye shall know them." The character of our actions will tell whether we are in spiritual health or spiritual decline. A man's soul is not in a good spiritual condition while he manifests irritability of temper, and an un-Christlike spirit or manner. While these deficiencies exist, it is evident that there is need of the divine Physician, who knows how to deal with these soul-maladies. But praise God, there is balm in Gilead, there is a spiritual Physician there, and to him we may go, and be healed of all our spiritual diseases.

It is not our right to live to please ourselves in spirit, thought, word, or action. As Christians we have duties to do for the benefit of others. We owe to all our contribution to increase the sum of human happiness. In order to do this we must draw from the source of infinite grace through our Lord Jesus Christ. We must let the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness shine into our hearts, that we may reflect light to others. We may daily be blessed, and be a blessing to others, promoting love, joy, and peace wherever we go. With Job we may say, "When the ear heard me, then it blessed me; and when the eye saw me, it gave witness to me." A large share of life's happiness depends upon giving and receiving Christ-like courtesy. The sharp, rude angles and rough points in our character, the manifestation of selfishness in unkind words and actions, tear away the delicate fabric of human love and happiness.

As Christ's representatives, we are to bear to the world a far higher representation of what the beauty of holiness is. What is holiness?--It is wholeness to God. Our words, our actions, the manner of spirit manifested, is the outward and visible manifestation of what is within, and testifies as to whether we have on the robe of Christ's righteousness, woven in the loom of heaven, or are clothed with our own natural citizen's dress. We are to give evidence to the world in our outward acts as to what is the influence of the truth upon our hearts. The world observes our lives, hears our words, watches and measures our characters by these outward signs, and estimates the truth we profess to believe, according to that which we reveal as having been accomplished by it for us.

For years the Spirit of God has reproved and exhorted the professed followers of Christ, and has left us without excuse in pursuing evil ways, in criticising and finding fault with the message and the messenger whom God has sent. Shall we who cannot read the secrets of the heart reject the message of reproof, and presume to say that we are without fault? It is perilous to permit prejudice to arise in your hearts and speak against those upon whom sacred responsibility is laid, permitting yourselves to be influenced by a report that has come to your ears of which you have never sought for an explanation from the one accused. You may see the peril of such a course by reading concerning the course of Aaron and Miriam, when they spoke against Moses because of his marriage with one who did not meet their mind. And they said, "Hath the Lord indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? And the Lord heard it. (Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)" God could see the meekness of Moses; but his own brother and sister failed to see it, and though they had been his daily companions, they really thought that Moses was exalting himself above them, when he was doing with meekness and fidelity what the Lord had directed him to do.

"And the Lord spake suddenly unto Moses, and unto Aaron, and unto Miriam, Come out ye three unto the tabernacle of the congregation. And they three came out. And the Lord came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam: and they both came forth. And he said, Hear now my words; if there be a prophet among you, I the Lord will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream. My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house. With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the Lord shall be behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses? And the anger of the Lord was kindled against them; and he departed. And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous. And Aaron said unto Moses, Alas, my Lord, I beseech thee, lay not the sin upon us, wherein we have done foolishly, and wherein we have sinned. Let her not be as one dead, of whom the flesh is half consume when he cometh out of his mother's womb. And Moses cried unto the Lord, saying, Heal her now, O God, I beseech thee, and the Lord said unto Moses, If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be ashamed seven days? Let her be shut out from the camp seven days, and after that let her be received in again. And Miriam was shut out from the camp seven days: and the people journeyed not till Miriam was brought in again."

The peril of speaking against the servants of God is also made manifest in the story of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. "And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the Lord? . . . And Korah gathered all the congregation against them unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and the glory of the Lord appeared unto all the congregation. And the Lord spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment. . . . And it came to pass, as he had made an end of speaking all these words, that the ground clave asunder that was under them: and the earth opened her mouth and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods: . . . and they perished from among the congregation."

There is need of cultivating genuine humility before God. Let every soul remember that the words we utter are heard by the living Witness that is ever by our side; we may think that we have a right to criticise and to pronounce judgment, and yet that which we say may be entirely contrary to the mind and will of God. In expressing an adverse opinion of the servants of God, in cherishing a lofty sense of our own attainments, in feeling that we have need of nothing, we place ourselves in the path of darkness, and pass sentence upon the beloved of God, that is simply a sentence pronounced after our own finite wisdom, which is foolishness in the sight of God.

Those who are chosen of God and found faithful will be heavenly-minded. Their affection will not be bound within four walls, will not be centered simply upon their own family; but they will impart to others the gracious influence that has been cherished in their own hearts and manifested in their lives. By studying and copying the life of Christ, they will constantly enlarge the circle of their interests, and their estimate of Jesus and his matchless love will be ever increased. Loving Christ, they will love those for whom Christ died. They will heed the injunction of the apostle, where he says, "Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil-speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: and be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." -

Esteem Them Highly For Their Work's Sake

"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." "Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God."

The ministers who are laborers together with God are to be respected, honored, and beloved. "And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake." We are not to criticise them, to question every movement that does not coincide with our ideas and practices. A great work has been laid upon the ministers of the Lord, and what kind of men can we hope to select to do this work? Can we choose men who are perfect, who never err? "And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or wisdom, declaring unto you the wisdom of God." "And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ." Those to whom Paul was speaking these words esteemed themselves very highly, and did not hesitate to find fault, question, and criticise the message and the messenger sent from God for the confirmation, strengthening, and encouraging of the saints. The testimony the ministers of God desired to bear for the comfort and consolation of the children of God, they were not able to bear, because the people of God were not in a condition to receive it. Spiritual things are spiritually discerned, and they were not exercising themselves unto godliness. Paul says:--

"For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth anything, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we are laborers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise master-builder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon." "Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the heart; and then shall every man have praise of God."

"And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; that ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God." "Let your conversation be as becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel." "That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: from whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every join supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love." "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: and be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."

In visiting the churches, ministers often find two existing evils among the professed people of God, which cause them sorrow of heart. On the one hand, there is a class to whom the servants of God have borne a testimony that has cut across their prejudices, and wounded their pride, and they are ready to condemn the faithful reprover. On the other hand, there is a class, who, because the minister has not specified their errors, or reproved them in any personal way, idolize the minister, and are ready to flatter and admire him, proclaiming him as a perfect minister of Christ. It is difficult to handle these evils, and so treat upon both dangers that no harm will be done to those who have a knowledge of the theory of the truth, and yet are not sanctified through it. If the minister seeks to correct these evils, both classes are likely to misunderstand and misinterpret his motive and words. In whatever way the matter is dealt with, unless the mind and heart of the people are under the direct influence of the Spirit of God, Satan will make subtle suggestions in such a way that his agency is not recognized, and whatever is said and done in the way of reproof, admonition, or instruction, will be misapplied or misinterpreted. Those whose minds are not spiritual will put a false construction upon the words of the reprover, and make a world out of an atom, and an atom out of a world. They have so little respect for the messenger and his message, that if they imagine that there is something in the human line that does not meet their measurement and judgment, they pronounce sentence against it, and the message which they needed, and which God sent, is discarded. They will receive neither the messenger nor his message, and fail to be benefited by that which they hear. The respect which they should cherish and cultivate for God's chosen interest steadily diminishes, in place of increasing. Unless this mistake is corrected, disastrous results will ensue. The love of God will become extinct in the soul; and instead of spiritual power in the church, there will only be dry theories, without sap or nourishment.

The office of a messenger whom God has chosen to send with reproofs and warnings, is strangely misunderstood at the present time. When reproof is given, the church-members feel humiliated, as their real situation is revealed to them, which they were not able to discern. God in mercy sent them warnings and reproof because he loved them. He says, "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten; be zealous therefore and repent." Those who need reproof bring sorrow and grief upon the soul of him who must correct their errors; but though his message be painful to him, he dare not neglect his work. Those who deserve reproofs feel hurt under personal admonition. Pride is wounded, and Satan suggests that their mistakes and errors will be reported to others, and remarks will be made in reference to their mistaken course of action. It would be well for these individuals to realize that their defects are manifest to all, and the world measures them by that which they do. Not only this world beholds their course, but they are a spectacle to the angels of heaven. The heavenly host are looking upon every man, woman, and child, and they see the defects of their characters. Besides this, nothing is hid from God; our secret sins are in the light of his countenance.

The faithful reprover that is sent of God to make known the mistakes and errors that are binding the souls of those who are deceived, is treated with contempt. They would crucify the minister simply because he has taken the course which he felt was right, and could not neglect as a faithful steward of the grace of God. Let the church-members realize that the ministers are called to do a special work, not to be men-pleasers, but to speak the truth in love, and to watch for souls as they that must give an account. A true shepherd has a very important part to act. He must reprove. He dare not keep silent when he sees souls in danger of bringing upon themselves eternal ruin. The wayward heart will take exception to his message; for the love of God has grown cold, and he is incapable of discerning spiritual things. He will misjudge, criticise, and weigh the reprover's words in his own finite human scales, and denounce the messenger, and thus grieve Jesus in person of his servant. Another minister may come along who is not as conscientious, who is not as faithful and true, who flatters the members of the church, calling that righteous and good and holy which God has pronounced unrighteous and unholy; yet this man will be highly esteemed, and enshrined in the hearts of the people. They will pass their judgment that he has a good spirit; and because he did not discern and correct their errors, they may pass on in spiritual darkness, and die in their sins.

To exalt a minister as perfection because he has not displeased any one by reproving errors, not only brings a snare upon the minister, but brings disaster upon the people. He who does not hurt the spiritual self-complacency of the people is almost deified by them, while a devoted, faithful servant of God, who lays bare the errors of the church-members, is supposed to be defective, because he does not see what they suppose are their personal merits. He reproves wrongs which really exist, and this is counted an indignity, and his authority and instruction are cast aside and trodden under foot of men. These extremes in the way the people look upon ministers are found among the professed children of God; and who will now examine their hearts, and tenderly, earnestly and faithfully set these things in order?

The subject of the Christian ministry must be set in a new light before the minds of the people. I entreat of you to study the word of God on this point. If you think a minister is making mistakes, it is your duty to go to him in love and meekness and present the matter before him. You may not have a correct idea of his motive or work, and under misapprehension may grow cold to him, close the door of your heart, and fail to receive his message or appreciate his labors. Where alienation exists between a minister and the people, there is something decidedly wrong, either in him or the church-members, and something should be done immediately to work a reform in whoever may be the erring party. He should not be left to wonder what all this coldness and indifference means. He should not be left to seek in vain to find out why he cannot reach the hearts of the people with the message God has given him, and to question why it is that the door of the heart has been closed; for he can realize there is no affection for him, and can have no fellowship with the people for whom he is sent to labor. Has he dropped a word, or done a deed which has wounded you in some way, and he does not know that it has hurt you? Then go to him, tell him his faults between him and you alone, and have the coldness and bitterness of spirit that has been created by an unwitting act on his part, changed to respect and love. You cannot afford to allow any unChristlike spirit to embitter your spirit against your brethren. Christ in his prayer to his Father says, "Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and has loved them, as thou hast loved me." We should leave no means untried to preserve unity in the church. Receive in the fullness of your heart the words of Christ, and be doers of his word. We cannot receive the blessings that the love and presence of Christ can bring us, if we cherish feelings that will mar the unity that Christ prayed might exist among his disciples. -

Vital Connection With Christ Necessary

Those who are truly children of God are believers, not doubters and chronic grumblers. They believe in Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour. They believe that "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." They believe that "he that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him."

Through all ages and in every nation those that believe that Jesus can and will save them personally from sin, are the elect and chosen of God; they are his peculiar treasure. They obey his call, and come out of the world and separate themselves from every unclean thought and unholy practice. The Lord has graciously opened out to our understanding by the Holy Spirit rich truth, and we should respond to this by corresponding works of piety and devotion, in harmony with the superior privileges and advantages that have been bestowed upon us. The Lord is waiting to be gracious to his people, to give them an increased knowledge of his paternal character, of his goodness, mercy, and love. He waits to show them his glory; and if they follow on to know the Lord, they shall know that his goings forth are prepared as the morning.

The people of God are not to stand upon common ground, but upon the holy ground of gospel truth. They are to keep step with their Leader, looking continually to Jesus, the Author and finisher of their faith, marching onward and upward, and having no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness. It is impossible to tell what might have been the character and condition of the church to-day, had its members been doing the works of Christ. It is a sad fact that the great proportion of God's professed people have not had faith in Christ as their personal Saviour. If they had believed the promises of God on record for them, they would have been daily receivers of the grace of God, and would have overcome through the merits of a crucified and risen Saviour. It is the privilege of the children of God to be delivered from the control of the lusts of the flesh, and to preserve their peculiar, heavenly character, which distinguishes them from the lovers of the world. In their moral taste, in their habits and customs, they are separate from the world. Who are the children of God?--They are members of the royal family, and a royal nation, a peculiar people, showing forth the praises of him who hath called them out of darkness into his marvelous light. They do not worship idols, they love God with all the heart, and their neighbors as themselves.

The people of God might be far in advance of what they are now, if they would sincerely and perseveringly connect daily with Christ. They do not press forward, and attain unto the things that are before, because they permit themselves to be attracted and held back through the influence of common, sensual things. The devotion and experience of the professed people of God are not in harmony with the light and privileges that God has given them. They are to be children of the light, children of the day, and yet many who have had exalted privileges fail to manifest corresponding faith and works. Jesus says to them as he said to the city wherein he had done mighty works, and where they failed to appreciate the light and to conform their life to it, "Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes." Many who claim to believe the truth, who have been blessed with great light, who have had great opportunities set before them, have yet come far short of reaching the high and holy standard that they would have reached if they had been doers of the words of Christ; and they have failed to set the example that they should have set before those who have had less experience than themselves in the Christian life, and before those who know not God, or Jesus Christ whom he hath sent.

Among the professed children of God, how little patience has been manifested, how many bitter words have been spoken, how much denunciation has been uttered against those not of our faith. Many have looked upon those belonging to other churches as great sinners, when the Lord does not thus regard them. Those who look thus upon the members of other churches, have need to humble themselves under the mighty hand of God. Those whom they condemn may have had but little light, few opportunities and privileges. If they had had the light that many of the members of our churches have had, they might have advanced at a far greater rate, and have better represented their faith to the world. Of those who boast of their light, and yet fail to walk in it, Christ says, "But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you. And thou, Capernaum [Seventh-day Adventists, who have had great light], which art exalted unto heaven [in point of privilege], shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee." At that time Jesus answered and said, "I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent [in their own estimation], and hast revealed them unto babes."

"And now, because ye have done all these works, saith the Lord, and I spake unto you, rising up early and speaking, but ye heard not; and I called you, but ye answered not; therefore will I do unto this house, which is called by my name, wherein ye trust, and unto the place which I gave to you and to your fathers, as I have done to Shiloh. And I will cast you out of my sight, as I have cast out all your brethren, even the whole seed of Ephraim."

The Lord has established among us institutions of great importance, and they are to be managed, not as worldly institutions are managed, but after God's order. They are to be managed with an eye single to his glory, that by all means perishing souls may be saved. To the people of God the testimonies of the Spirit have come, and yet many have not taken heed to reproofs, warnings, and counsels.

"Here now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not: fear ye not me saith the Lord: will ye not tremble at my presence, which have placed the sand for the bound of the sea by a perpetual degree, that it cannot pass it: and though the waves thereof toss themselves, yet can they not prevail; though they roar, yet can they not pass over it? but this people hath a revolting and a rebellious heart; they are revolted and gone. Neither say they in their heart, Let us now fear the Lord our God, that giveth rain, both the former and the latter, in his season: he reserveth unto us the appointed weeks of the harvest. Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withholden good things from you. . . . They judge not the cause, the cause of the fatherless, yet they prosper; and the right of the needy do they not judge. Shall I not visit for these things? saith the Lord; shall not my soul be revenged on such a nation as this?"

Shall the Lord be compelled to say, "Pray not thou for this people, neither lift up cry nor prayer for them, neither make intercession to me: for I will not hear thee"? "Therefore the showers have been withholden, and there hath been no latter rain. . . . Wilt thou not from this time cry unto me, My father, thou art the guide of my youth?"

Will not those to whom have been committed the treasures of truth, consider the superior advantages of light and privilege that have been purchased for us by the sacrifice of the Son of God on Calvary's cross? We are to be judged by the light that has been given us, and we can find no excuse by which to extenuate our course. The Way, the Truth, and the Life has been set before us. Many seek to excuse themselves by saying, "You must not judge me by some weak trait of character, but consider my character as a whole." We always feel deep pain at heart when the sinner seeks to apologize for his sin, to smooth it over, and fails to realize the danger of cherishing one un-Christlike attribute of character. We are to place our will on the side of the Lord's will, and firmly determine that by his grace we will be free from sin. Sin is the transgression of the law, and it is not the magnitude of the action in iniquity that stamps it as sin. Adam and Eve were prohibited from eating of the tree of good and evil. The test was a slight one, but the act of disobedience to God was the transgression of his law.

The little sins that men think are of so trivial a character that on their account they will not be brought into condemnation, are very offensive in the sight of God. Says one, "You are too severe, a man must be allowed these little defects of character." Let us hear the words of Christ. He says, "Whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all." People venture to commit sins that are grievous in the sight of God, and think that they are not to be called to task for them, because they say they are due to nervousness, to a peculiar temperament; but this is simply soothing the conscience, and crying, "Peace, peace, when there is no peace." Sin is sin, and it is the delusion of Satan to look upon it in any other light than that it is grievous.

We may flatter ourselves that we are free from many things of which others are guilty; but if we have some strong points of character, and but one weak point, there is yet a communion between sin and the soul. The heart is divided in its service, and says, "Some of self and some of thee." The child of God must search out the sin which he has petted and indulged himself in, and permit God to cut it out of his heart. He must overcome that one sin; for it is not a trifling matter in the sight of God.

One says, "I am not the least jealous, but then I do get provoked and say mean things, although I am always sorry after giving way to temper." Another says, "I have this fault or that, but then I just despise such and such meanness as is manifested by a certain person of my acquaintance." The Lord has not given us a list of graded sins, so that we may reckon some as of little consequence, and say that they will do but little harm, while others are of greater magnitude and will do much harm. A chain is no stronger than is its weakest link. We might pronounce such a chain good on the whole, but if one link is weak, the chain cannot be depended on. The work of overcoming is to be the study of every soul who enters the kingdom of God. That impatient word quivering on your lips must be left unspoken. That thought that your character is not rightly estimated must be put from you; for it weakens your influence, and works out the sure result, making you of light estimation in the minds of others. You should overcome the idea that you are a martyr, and lay claim to the promise of Christ, who says, "My grace is sufficient for thee." -

Contemplate Christ's Perfection, Not Man's Imperfection

As long as Satan has power to work upon human minds that are not barricaded with the Holy Spirit, there will be stern and earnest conflict between good and evil, and evil will be manifested even among those who claim to be the children of God. The characters of God's people are to be developed by the relation that exists between man and God, between man and his fellow-man. In the Scriptures God has set forth practical lessons to govern the life and conduct of all; but though he has given minute particulars in regard to our character, conversation, and conduct, in a large measure, his lessons are disregarded and ignored. Besides the instruction in his word, the Lord has given special testimonies to his people, not as a new revelation, but that he may set before us the plain lessons of his word, that errors may be corrected, that the right way may be pointed out, that every soul may be without excuse. There is no reason for us to fix our eyes upon error, to grieve and complain, and lose precious time and opportunities in lamenting the faults of others. We are to turn our eyes away from this, and store the mind with truth, that we may have pure and holy practices. Right practices are set forth in contradistinction to the error, and every one who loves God, who will learn in the school of Christ to be meek and lowly in heart, will find rest from all turmoil, confusion, and strife of tongues. But if any do not take upon them the yoke of Christ, if they do not cast away the yokes and burdens of their own manufacturing which gall so, they will be filled with dissatisfaction, complaints, faultfinding, and evil speaking. They will be so engaged in looking upon the imperfections of others that they will fail to see and appreciate that which is desirable and precious. They will fail to fill memory's hall with the pictures of that which is pure and lovely and of good report.

The apostle says, "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." By beholding we become changed into the image of that upon which we dwell; then let us turn away our eyes from beholding the imperfections of those who are in the church, but who have not the likeness of Christ. We shall not be held responsible because those who make a high profession do not possess corresponding virtues. Let us thank God that it is our privilege to turn away our eyes from these defective Christians, and look upon those who are truly devoted, who are doers of the word, and who in life and character bear the image of the Divine. And above all things, thank God that it is your privilege to look upon Christ, the perfect pattern. We shall be without excuse if we do not study the word of God that we may understand how inseparable are Christian doctrine and Christian practice.

In the lessons of Christ the true and the false are set in contrast. We need not hesitate to find our delight in what is pure and heavenly, to talk upon what is good, to bring the brightness that God has given before our minds. We should earnestly desire to be like the perfect Model. We should thank God that through the aid of his Spirit, we can distinguish between the pure and holy, and the impure and unholy. By beholding and copying the perfect Model, we shall present to the world a character that is Christlike. We have much desired that others should possess such a character, and have been greatly perplexed because they did not manifest Christlikeness in their life; but let us see to it that others are not perplexed at seeing this same lack in our own character. God has given a clear principle to guide every sincere lover (of his own ideas, of his own opinion?--NO!) of that truth and wisdom which cometh down from above, which is "first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace."

In this world we shall become hopelessly perplexed [as the Devil wants us to be], if we keep looking upon those things that are perplexing; for by dwelling upon them, and talking of them, we become discouraged. In criticising others because they fail to manifest love, we shall kill the precious plant of love in our own hearts. Have we individually appreciated and felt the warmth of love which Christ represented in his life? Then it is our duty to manifest this love to the world. Let us fear to dwell upon, to behold and talk of, the great mistakes that others are making by not manifesting love to their brethren and sisters. Spend as little time over this question as possible; but be sure to give due attention to the precious truths which come to us from lips that have been touched with a live coal from off the altar. Praise God that light has been sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart. Talk of the instruction that you have received that was to your soul as a feast of fat things. See to it that you bring into your character-building the solid timbers of truth. Let the exalted truths you have heard the manifested in the faithful performance of God's precepts.

We may create an unreal world in our own mind or picture an ideal church, where the temptations of Satan no longer prompt to evil; but perfection exists only in our imagination. The world is a fallen world, and the church is a place represented by a field in which grow tares and wheat. They are to grow together until the harvest. It is not our place to uproot the tares, according to human wisdom, lest under the suggestions of Satan they wheat may be rooted up under the supposition that it is tares. The wisdom that is from above will come to him who is meek and lowly in heart, and that wisdom will not lead him to destroy, but to build up the people of God.

With every consecrated human agent, who is free from all selfish partiality, from guile and hypocrisy, heavenly intelligences will co-operate. None need to err, none need to lose the golden moments of time in their short life history through seeking to weigh the imperfections of professed Christians. Not one of us has time to do this. If we know what is the manner of character Christians should develop, and yet see in others that which is inconsistent with this character, let us determine that we will firmly resist the enemy in his temptations to make us act in an inconsistent way, and say, "I will not make Christ ashamed of me, I will more earnestly study the character of Christ in whom there was no imperfection, no selfishness, no spot, no stain of evil, who lived not to please and glorify himself, but to glorify God and save fallen humanity. I will not copy the defective characters of these inconsistent Christians; the mistakes that they have made shall not lead me to be like them. I will turn to the precious Saviour, that I may be like him, follow the instruction of the word of God, which says, 'Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.'" ( To be continued .) -

Contemplate Christ's Perfection, Not Man's Imperfection (Concluded)

Many have left foreign countries, and have come to America to obtain an experience and an education. Some have not been turned from the object for which they came by seeming imperfection in the brethren. Their faith has not been shaken because they found those who were not true among the disciples. They found brethren who were true and sincere, the beloved of God, whose words were words of wisdom, whose hearts where humble, who walked in the light as Christ is in the light. These learners would not be turned aside from their purpose or become discouraged. They came to learn the truth through which they were to be sanctified, and to lay up in the storehouse of the mind those broad, essential facts of most vital importance. They studied the doctrines, finding in the links of truth precious things that were like jewels hung upon a golden thread. Christ, his character and work, is the center and circumference of all truth, he is the chain upon which the jewels of doctrine are linked. In him is found the complete system of truth.

The learners must walk in all humility, putting self under discipline to God. They must work with Christ, the center of truth, and by faith in him gain salvation for their souls. Living faith will be made manifest in a Christ-like character, and in perfect obedience to all his requirements.

Christ was infinite in wisdom, and yet he thought best to accept of Judas, although he knew what were his imperfections of character. John was not perfect; Peter denied his Lord; and yet it was of men like these that the early Christian church was organized. Jesus accepted them that they might learn of him what constitutes a perfect Christian character. The business of every Christian is to study the character of Christ. The lessons which Jesus gave his disciples did not always harmonize with their reasonings. There was an immense contrast between the truths which he taught, which reached to heaven and compassed eternity, and those things that related to the common, temporal, earthly life. The Redeemer of the world ever sought to carry the mind from the earthly to the heavenly. Christ constantly taught the disciples, and his sacred lessons had a molding influence upon their characters. Judas alone did not respond to divine enlightenment. To all appearance he was righteous, and yet he cultivated his tendency to accuse and condemn others. He had come to Christ in the same spirit as did the young man who had great possessions, who inquired, "Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, do not kill, do not steal, do not bear false witness, defraud not, honor thy father and mother. And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me." In this requirement Jesus touched the plague-spot of his heart,--selfishness and covetousness. "And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions." Judas had come to Christ in the same spirit of self-righteousness; and if he had asked, "What lack I yet?" Jesus would have answered, "Keep the commandments." Judas was selfish, covetous, and a thief, yet he was numbered with the disciples. He was defective in character, and he failed to practice the words of Christ. He braced his soul to resist the influence of the truth; and while he practiced criticising and condemning others, he neglected his own soul, and cherished and strengthened his natural evil traits of character until he became so hardened that he could sell his Lord for thirty pieces of silver.

O let us encourage our souls to look to Jesus! Tell every one how dangerous it is to neglect his own soul's eternal healthfulness by looking upon the diseased souls of others, by talking upon the uncomeliness of character found in those who profess the name of Christ. The soul does not become more and more like Christ by beholding evil, but like the evil which it beholds. The same love of self, the same indulgence of self, the same hastiness of spirit, the same petulance of temper, the same sensitiveness and pride of opinion, the same unwillingness to receive counsel, the same unsanctified, independent judgment, will be manifest in those who criticise as in those whom they criticise. They will act as if they had not Christ as their pattern and example. O, how much we need to guard against Satan's devices!

The apostle Paul writes of God's chosen people, and says, "With many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things were our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted." Then follows an enumeration of the sins that grieve the Spirit of God; and again the apostle says, "Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry. I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say."

It is not an uncommon thing to see imperfection in those who carry on God's work. Go into any place where there is a large church, where there are important interests at stake, as there are at Battle Creek, and there we may behold the deep plottings of Satan; but this should not lead us to dwell upon the imperfections of those who yield to his temptations. Would it not be more pleasing to God to take an impartial outlook, and see how many souls are serving God, and glorifying and honoring him with their talents of means and intellect? Would it not be better to consider the wonderful, miracle-working power of God in the transformation of poor degraded sinners, who have been full of moral pollution, who become changed so that they are Christ-like in character, partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust?

We are a part of the great web of humanity. We become changed into the image of that upon which we dwell. Then how important to open our hearts to the things that are true and lovely and of good report. Let into the heart the light of the Sun of Righteousness. Do not cherish one root of bitterness that may spring up whereby many may be defiled. The most unfavorable matters that are developed in Battle Creek or elsewhere should not cause us to feel perplexed and discouraged. Everything that causes us to see the weakness of humanity is in the Lord's purpose to help us to look to him, and in no case put our trust in man, or make flesh our arm. Let us remember that our great High Priest is pleading before the mercy-seat in behalf of his ransomed people. He ever liveth to make intercession for us. If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. The blood of Jesus is pleading with power and efficacy for those who are backslidden, for those who are rebellious, for those who sin against great light and love. Satan stands at our right hand to accuse us, and our advocate stands at God's right hand to plead for us. He has never lost a case that has been committed to him. We may trust in our advocate; for he pleads his own merits in our behalf. Hear his prayer before his betrayal and trial. Listen to his prayer for us; for he had us in remembrance. He will not forget his church in the world of temptation. He looks upon his tried and suffering people, and prays for them. Let every word be engraven upon the tablets of the soul. He says, "I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. . . . I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from evil. . . . As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world," that they may be partakers with me in self-denial, self-sacrifice, and in my sufferings. Yes, he beholds his people in this world, which is a persecuting world, and all seared and marred with the curse, and knows that they need all the divine resources of his sympathy and his love. Our fore-runner hath for us entered within the vail, and yet by the golden chain of love and truth, he is linked with his people in closest sympathy.

He is making intercession for the most lowly, the most oppressed and suffering, for the most tried and tempted ones. With upraised hands he pleads, "I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands." God loves to hear, and responds to the pleadings of his Son. Paul writes (Heb. 4:14-16), "Seeing then that we have a great High Priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not a High Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."

Look, O look to the open door which God hath opened, and no man can shut. Jesus Christ hath he exalted to be a Prince and a Saviour, to give repentance unto Israel and forgiveness of sins; and will he not with these costly mercies freely give us all things? The full promise is ours; God will not falsify his word. Jesus says, "I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you." Do not separate your soul from God by unbelief and unfaithfulness. Only believe, only be doers of the word, and you may be able to touch every perfection of his being. You are one with Christ, as he is one with the Father. Concerning his followers Jesus prayed, "Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world." O what a request! What tender, inexpressible love is contained in this petition! Our living Head longs to have the members of his body associated with him. They have had fellowship with him in his sufferings, and he will not be satisfied with anything less than that they shall have fellowship with him in his glory. This he claims as his right. John writes of the majesty of Christ in his vision on Patmos, saying, "And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; and in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and gird about the paps with a golden girdle. His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his 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 shineth in his strength. And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive forever-more, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death."

O, why are the human agents so ready to yield to temptation? Why are they so irresolute in purpose, so weak to practice the word of God? Why are they so feeble in action? Why is the glory of Jesus so dimly seen? Why is his preciousness so little realized, his love so imperfectly experienced? Let this be our prayer, "Lord, show me thy glory." If we see the Redeemer's glory by faith on earth, we shall see it in its fulness in the heaven above. -

The Remnant Church Not Babylon

I have been made very sad in reading the pamphlet that has been issued by brother Stanton and by those associated with him in the work he has been doing. Without my consent, they have made selections from the Testimonies, and have inserted them in the pamphlet they have published, to make it appear that my writings sustain and approve the position they advocate. In doing this, they have done that which is not justice or righteousness. Through taking unwarrantable liberties, they have presented to the people a theory that is of a character to deceive and destroy. In times past many others have done this same thing, and have made it appear that the Testimonies sustained positions that were untenable and false.

I have had light to the effect that the position taken by brother Stanton and his sympathizers, is not true, but one of the "lo heres" and "lo theres," that will characterize the days in which we are living. As a sample of the way in which brother Stanton has compiled this pamphlet, I will give the following instance: I wrote a private letter to one of our ministers, and in kindness, thinking that it might be a help to brother Stanton, this brother sent a copy of it to him; but instead of regarding it as a matter for his personal help, he prints portions of it in the pamphlet, as an unpublished Testimony, to sustain the position he had taken. Is this honorable? There was nothing in the Testimony to sustain the position brother Stanton holds; but he misapplied it, as many do the Scriptures, to the injury of his own soul and to the souls of others. God will judge those who take unwarrantable liberties, and make use of dishonorable means in order to give character and influence to what they regard as truth. In the use of a private letter sent to another, brother Stanton has abused the kindly efforts of one who desired to help him. The parties publishing the pamphlet on the "Loud Cry," and the fall of all the churches, give evidence that the Holy Spirit of God is not working with them. "By their fruits ye shall know them."

Those who receive the pamphlets advocating these false positions, will receive the impression that I sustain these positions, and am united with these workers in proclaiming what they term the "new light." I know that their message is mingled with truth, but the truth is misapplied and wrested by its connection with error. I would say to the brother who sent to these men a copy of a letter I had written him, that I have not one thought of censuring you, and no one should cast the least blame upon you concerning the matter. If I should misjudge and censure you, when your motives and intentions were good, I should incur the displeasure of God. If the brother you desired to help, has taken liberties, and has betrayed your confidence, do not blame yourself, and grieve over the results of his unfaithfulness.

There are matters in the Testimonies that are written, not for the world at large, but for the believing children of God, and it is not appropriate to make instruction, warning, reproof, or counsel of this character public to the world. The world's Redeemer, the Sent of God, the greatest Teacher the children of men ever knew, presented some matters of instructions, not to the world, but to his disciples alone. While he had communications designed for the multitudes that thronged his steps, he also had some special light and instruction to impart to his followers, which he did not impart to the great congregation, as it would neither be understood nor appreciated by them. He sent his disciples forth to preach, and when they returned from their first missionary labor, and had various experiences to relate concerning their success in preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, he said unto them, "Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest awhile." In a place of seclusion, Jesus imparted to his followers such instruction, counsel, cautions, and corrections as he saw were needed in their manner of work; but the instruction he then gave was not to be thrown broadcast to the promiscuous company; for his words were designed for his disciples only.

On several occasions when the Lord had wrought works of healing, he charged those whom he had blessed, to tell his deed to no one. They ought to have heeded his injunctions, and realized that Christ had not lightly required silence on their part, but had a reason for his command, and they should in no wise have disregarded his expressed desire. It ought to have been sufficient for them to know that he desired them to keep their own counsel, and had good reasons for his urgent request. The Lord knew that in healing the sick, in working miracles for the restoring of sight to the blind, and for the cleansing of the leper, he was endangering his own life; for if the priests and rulers would not receive the evidences he gave them of his divine mission, they would misconstrue, falsify, and make charges against him. It is true that he did many miracles openly, yet in some instances he requested that those whom he had blessed should tell no man what he had done for them. When prejudice was aroused, envy and jealousy cherished, and his way hedged up, he left the cities, and went in search of those who would listen to and appreciate the truth he came to impart.

The Lord Jesus thought it necessary to make many things clear to his disciples, which he did not open to the multitudes. He plainly revealed to them the reason of the hatred manifested toward him by the scribes, Pharisees, and priests, and told them of his suffering, betrayal, and death; but to the world he did not make these matters so plain. He had warnings to give to his followers, and he unfolded to them the sorrowful developments that would take place, and what they were to expect. He gave to his followers precious instruction that even they did not comprehend until after his death, resurrection, and ascension. When the Holy Spirit was poured out upon them, all things were brought to their remembrance, whatsoever he had said unto them.

It was a betrayal of sacred trust to take that which Jesus designed should be kept secret, and publish it to others, and bringing upon the cause truth reproach and injury. The Lord has given to his people appropriate messages of warning, reproof, counsel, and instruction, but it is not appropriate to take these messages out of their connection, and place them where they will seem to give force to messages of error. In the pamphlet published by brother Stanton and his associates, he accuses the church of God of being Babylon, and would urge a separation from the church. This is a work that is neither honorable nor righteous . In compiling this work, they have used my name and writings for the support of that which I disapprove and denounce as error. The people to whom this pamphlet will come, will charge the responsibility of this false position upon me, when it is utterly contrary to the teaching of my writings, and the light which God has given me. I have no hesitancy in saying that those who are urging on this work are greatly deceived.

For years I have borne my testimony to the effect that when any one arises claiming to have great light, and yet advocating the tearing down of that which the Lord through his human agents has been building up, they are greatly deceived, and are not working along the lines where Christ is working. Those who assert that the Seventh-day Adventist churches constitute Babylon, or any part of Babylon, might better stay at home. Let them stop and consider what is the message to be proclaimed at this time. In place of working with divine agencies to prepare a people to stand in the day of the Lord, they have taken their stand with him who is an accuser of the brethren, who accuses them before God day and night. Satanic agencies have been moved from beneath, and they have inspired men to unite in a confederacy of evil, that they may perplex, harass, and cause the people of God great distress. The whole world is to be stirred with enmity against Seventh-day Adventists, because they will not yield homage to the papacy, by honoring Sunday, the institution of this anti-Christian power. It is the purpose of Satan to cause them to be blotted from the earth, in order that his supremacy of the world may not be disputed.

The scene of Satan's accusation was presented before the prophet. He says, "He showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him." Jesus is our great High Priest in heaven. And what is he doing?--He is making intercession and atonement for his people who believe in him. Through his imputed righteousness, they are accepted of God, as those who are manifesting to the world that they acknowledge allegiance to God, keeping all his commandments. Satan is full of malignant hatred against them, and manifests to them the same spirit that he manifested to Jesus Christ when he was upon earth. When Jesus was before Pilate, the Roman ruler sought to release him, and desired that the people should choose to release Jesus from the ordeal through which he was about to pass. He presented before the clamoring multitude the Son of God and the criminal Barabbas, and inquired, "Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?" "They said, Barabbas. Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified."

The world was stirred by the enmity of Satan, and when asked to choose between the Son of God and the criminal Barabbas, they chose a robber and murderer rather than Jesus. The ignorant multitudes were led, by the deceptive reasonings of those in high position, to reject the Son of God, and choose a robber and murderer in his stead. Let us all remember that we are still in a world where Jesus, the Son of God, was rejected and crucified, where the guilt of despising Christ, and preferring a robber rather than the spotless Lamb of God, still rests. Unless we individually repent toward God because of transgression of his law, and exercise faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ, whom the world has rejected, we shall lie under the full condemnation that the action of choosing Barabbas instead of Christ, merited. The whole world stands charged to-day with the deliberate rejection and murder of the Son of God. The word bears record that Jews and Gentiles, kings, governors, ministers, priests, and people,--all classes and sects who reveal the same spirit of envy, hatred, prejudice, and unbelief manifested by those who put to death the Son of God,--would act the same part were the opportunity granted, as did the Jews and people of the time of Christ. They would be partakers of the same spirit that demanded the death of the Son of God. ( To be continued .) -

The Remnant Church Not Babylon (Continued)

In the scene representing the work of Christ for us, and the determined accusation of Satan against us, Joshua stands as the high priest, and makes request in behalf of God's commandment-keeping people. At the time, Satan represents the people of God as great sinners, and presents before God the list of sins he has tempted them to commit through their lifetime, and urges that because of their transgressions, they be given into his hands to destroy. He urges that they should not be protected by ministering angels against the confederacy of evil. He is full of anger because he cannot bind the people of God into bundles with the world, to render to him complete allegiance. Kings, and rulers, and governors have placed upon themselves the brand of antichrist, and are represented as the dragon who goes to make war with the saints,--with those who keep the commandments of God, and who have the faith of Jesus. In their enmity against the people of God, they show themselves guilty also of the choice of Barabbas instead of Christ.

God has a controversy with the world. When the judgment shall sit, and the books shall be opened, he has an awful account to settle, which would now make the world fear and tremble, were men not blinded and bewitched by Satanic delusions and deceptions. God will call the world to account for the death of his only begotten Son, whom to all intents and purposes the world has crucified afresh, and put to open shame in the persecution of his people. The world has rejected Christ in the person of his saints, has refused his messages in the refusal of the messages of prophets, apostles, and messengers. They have rejected those who have been co-laborers with Christ, and for this they will have to render an account.

Satan stands at the head of all the accusers of the brethren; but when he presents the sins of the people of God, what does the Lord answer? He says, "The Lord rebuke [not Joshua, who is a representative of the tried and chosen people of God, but] thee, O Satan; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire? Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel." Satan had represented the chosen and loyal people of God as being full of defilement and sin. He could depict the particular sins of which they had been guilty. Had he not set the whole confederacy of evil at work to lead them, through his seductive arts, into these very sins? But they had repented, they had accepted the righteousness of Christ. They were therefore standing before God clothed with the garments of Christ's righteousness, and "he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with a change of raiment." Every sin of which they had been guilty was forgiven, and they stood before God as chosen and true, as innocent, as perfect, as though they had never sinned.

"And I said, Let them set a fair miter upon his head. So they [the angels of God] set a fair miter upon his head, and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the Lord stood by [Jesus their Redeemer]. And the angel of the Lord protested unto Joshua, saying, Thus saith the Lord of hosts; if thou wilt walk in my ways, and if thou will keep my charge, then thou shalt also judge my house, and shalt also keep my courts, and I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by." I wish that all who claim to believe present truth, would think seriously of the wonderful things presented in this chapter. However weak and compassed with infirmity the people of God may be, those who turn from disloyalty to God in this wicked and perverse generation, and come back to their allegiance, standing to vindicate the holy law of God, making up the breach made by the man of sin under the direction of Satan, will be accounted the children of God, and through the righteousness of Christ will stand perfect before God. Truth will not always lie in the dust to be trampled under foot of men. It will be magnified and made honorable; it will yet arise and shine forth in all its natural luster, and will stand fast forever and ever.

God has a people in which all heaven is interested, and they are the one object on earth dear to the heart of God. Let every one who reads these words give them thorough consideration; for in the name of Jesus I would press them home upon every soul. When any one arises, either among us or outside of us, who is burdened with a message which declares that the people of God are numbered with Babylon, and claims that the loud cry is a call to come out of her, you may know that he is not bearing the message of truth. Receive him not, nor bid him God-speed; for God has not spoken by him, neither has he given a message to him, but he has run before he was sent. The message contained in the pamphlet called the "Loud Cry," is a deception. Such messages will come, and it will be claimed for them that they are sent of God, but the claim will be false; for they are not filled with light, but with darkness. There will be messages of accusation against the people of God, similar to the work done by Satan in accusing God's people, and these messages will be sounding at the very time when God is saying to his people, "Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee."

It will be found that those who bear false messages will not have a high sense of honor and integrity. They will deceive the people, and mix up with their error the Testimonies of sister White, and use her name to give influence to their work. They make such selections from the Testimonies as they think they can twist to support their positions, and place them in a setting of falsehood, so that their error may have weight, and be accepted by the people. They misinterpret and misapply that which God has given to the church to warn, counsel, reprove, comfort, and encourage those who shall make up the remnant people of God. Those who receive the Testimonies as the message of God, will be helped and blessed thereby; but those who take them in parts, simply to support some theory or idea of their own, to vindicate themselves in a course of error, will not be blessed and benefited by what they teach. To claim that the Seventh-day Adventist Church is Babylon, is to make the same claim as does Satan, who is an accuser of the brethren, who accuses them before God night and day. By this misusing of the Testimonies, souls are placed in perplexity, because they cannot understand the relation of the Testimonies to such a position as is taken by those in error; for God intended that the Testimonies should always have a setting in the frame-work of truth.

Those who advocate error, will say, "The Lord saith, when the Lord hath not spoken." They testify to falsehood, and not to truth. If those who have been proclaiming the message that the church is Babylon, had used the money expended in publishing and circulating this error, in building up, instead of tearing down, they would have made it evident that they were with the people whom God is leading. There is a great work to be done in the world, a great work to be done in foreign lands. Schools must be established in order that youth, children, and those of more mature age may be educated as rapidly as possible to enter the missionary field. There is need not only of ministers for foreign fields, but of wise, judicious laborers of all kinds. The Macedonian cry is sounding from all parts of the world, "Come over and help us." With all the responsibility upon us to go and preach the gospel to every creature, there is great need of men and means, and Satan is at work in every conceivable way to tie up means, and to hinder men from engaging in the very work that they should be doing. The money that should be used in doing the good work of building houses of worship, of establishing schools for the purpose of educating laborers for the missionary field, of drilling young men and women so that they may go forth and labor patiently, intelligently, and with all perseverance, that they may be agents through whom a people may be prepared to stand in the great day of God, is diverted from a channel of usefulness and blessing, into a channel of evil and cursing. The great day of God is upon us, and hasteth greatly, and there is a great work to be done, and it must be done speedily. But we find that amid the work that is to be done, there are those professing to believe the present truth, who know not how to expend the means intrusted to them, and because of a lack of meekness and lowliness of heart, they do not see how great is the work to be done. All those who learn of Jesus, will be laborers together with God. But those who go forth to proclaim error, expending time and money in a vain work, lay upon the true workers in new fields increased burden; for instead of devoting their time to advocating truth, they are obliged to counteract the work of those who are proclaiming falsehood, and claiming that they have the message from heaven. If those who have done this kind of work, had felt the necessity of answering the prayer of Christ that he offered to his Father just previous to his crucifixion,--that the disciples of Christ might be one as he was one with the Father,--they would not be wasting the means intrusted to them, and so greatly needed to advance the truth. They would not be wasting precious time and ability in disseminating error, and thus necessitate the devoting of the laborer's time to counteracting and quenching its influence. A work of this character is inspired not from above, but from beneath.

"Who is he among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God. Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks: walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled. This shall ye have of mine hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow." The message that has been borne by those who have proclaimed the church to be Babylon, has made the impression that God has no church upon earth.

Has God no living church? He has a church, but it is the church militant, not the church triumphant. We are sorry that there are defective members, that there are tares amid the wheat. Jesus said, "The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. . . . So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them; but gather the wheat into my barn." ( To be continued .)

In the parable of the wheat and the tares, we see the reason why the tares were not to be plucked up; it was lest the wheat be rooted up with the tares. Human opinion and judgment would make grave mistakes. But rather than have a mistake made, and one single blade of wheat rooted up, the Master says, "Let both grow together until the harvest;" then the angels will gather out the tares, which will be appointed to destruction. Although in our churches, that claim to believe advanced truth, there are those who are faulty and erring, as tares among the wheat, God is long-suffering and patient. He reproves and warns the erring, but he does not destroy those who are long in learning the lesson he would teach them; he does not uproot the tares from the wheat. Tares and wheat are to grow together till the harvest; when the wheat comes to its full growth and development, and because of its character when ripened, it will be fully distinguished from the tares. The church of Christ on earth will be imperfect, out God does not destroy his church because of its imperfection. There have been and will be those who are filled with zeal not according to knowledge, who would purify the church, and uproot the tares from the midst of the wheat. But Christ has given special light as to how to deal with those who are erring, and with those who are unconverted in the church. There is to be no spasmodic, zealous, hasty action taken by church-members in cutting off those they may think defective in character. Tares will appear among the wheat; but it would do more harm to weed out the tares, unless in God's appointed way, than to leave them alone. While the Lord brings into the church those who are truly converted, Satan at the same time brings persons who are not converted into its fellowship. While Christ is sowing the good seed, Satan is sowing the tares. There are two opposing influences continually exerted on the members of the church. One influence is working for the purification of the church, and the other for the corrupting of the people of God.

Jesus knew that Judas was defective in character, but notwithstanding this, he accepted him as one of the disciples, and gave him the same opportunities and privileges that he gave to the others whom he had chosen. Judas was left without excuse in the evil course he afterward pursued. Judas might have become a doer of the word, as were eventually Peter and James and John and the other disciples. Jesus gave precious lessons of instruction, so that those who were associated with him might have been converted, and have no need of clinging to the defects that marred their characters.

Some people seem to think that upon entering the church they will have their expectations fulfilled, and meet only with those who are pure and perfect. They are zealous in their faith, and when they see faults in church-members, they say, "We left the world in order to have no association with evil characters, but the evil is here also;" and they ask, as did the servants in the parable, "From whence then hath it tares?" But we need not be thus disappointed, for the Lord has not warranted us in coming to the conclusion that the church is perfect; and all our zeal will not be successful in making the church militant as pure as the church triumphant. The Lord forbids us to proceed in any violent way against those whom we think erring, and we are not to deal out excommunications and denunciations to those who are faulty.

Finite man is likely to misjudge character, but God does not leave the work of judgment and pronouncing upon character to those who are not fitted for it. We are not to say what constitutes the wheat, and what the tares. The time of the harvest will fully determine the character of the two classes specified under the figure of the tares and the wheat. The work of separation is given to the angels of God, and not committed into the hands of any man. False doctrine is one of the Satanic influences that work in the church, and brings into it those who are unconverted in heart. Men do not obey the words of Jesus Christ, and thus seek for unity in faith, spirit, and doctrine. They do not labor for the unity of spirit for which Christ prayed, which would make the testimony of Christ's disciples effective in convincing the world that God had sent his Son into the world, "that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life." If the unity for which Christ prayed, existed among the people of God, they would bear living testimony, would send forth a bright light to shine amid the moral darkness of the world.

Instead of the unity which should exist among believers there is disunion; for Satan is permitted to come in, and through his specious deceptions and delusions he leads those who are not learning of Christ meekness and lowliness of heart, to take a different line from the church, and break up, if possible, the unity of the church. Men arise speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after themselves. They claim that God has given them great light; but how do they act under its influence? Do they pursue the course that the two disciples pursued on their journey to Emmaus? When they received light, they returned and found those whom God had led and was still leading, and told them how they had seen Jesus and had talked with him. Have the men who have claimed to have light concerning the church, pursued this course? Have they gone to those who are chosen of God to bear a living testimony, and given them evidence that this light would better qualify them to prepare a people to stand in the great day of God? Have they sought counsel of those who have been and are still bearing the truth, and giving to the world the last message of warning? Have they counseled with those who have had a deep experience in the things of God? Why were these men so full of zeal for the cause, not present at the General Conference held at Battle Creek, as were the devout men at Jerusalem at the time of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit? At the great heart of the work, men opened their treasures of light, and while the Lord was pouring out his Spirit upon the people, did these men receive of the heavenly anointing? While the deep movings of the Spirit of God were made manifest among the people, and souls were being converted, and hard hearts broken, there were those who were listening to the suggestions of Satan, and they were inspired with zeal from beneath to go forth and proclaim that the very people receiving of the Holy Spirit, who are to receive the latter rain and the glory that is to lighten the whole earth, were Babylon. Did the Lord give these messengers their message?-No; for it was not a message of truth.

Although there are evils existing in the church, and will be until the end of the world, the church in these last days is to be the light of the world, that is polluted and demoralized by sin. The church, enfeebled and defective, needing to be reproved, warned, and counseled, is the only object upon earth upon which Christ bestows his supreme regard. The world is a workshop in which, through the co-operation of human and divine agencies, Jesus is making experiments by his grace and divine mercy upon human hearts. Angels are amazed as they behold the transformation of character brought about in those who yield themselves to God, and they express their joy in songs of rapturous praise to God and to the Lamb. They see those who are by nature the children of wrath, converted, and becoming laborers together with Christ in drawing souls to God. They see those who were in darkness becoming lights to shine amid the moral night of this crooked and perverse generation. They see them becoming prepared by a Christ-like experience to suffer with their Lord, and afterward to be partakers with him in his glory in heaven above.

God has a church on earth who are lifting up the down-trodden law, and presenting to the world the Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world. The church is the depositary of the wealth of the riches of the grace of Christ, and through the church eventually will be made manifest the final and full display of the love of God to the world that is to be lightened with its glory. The prayer of Christ that his church may be one as he was one with his Father, will finally be answered. The rich dowry of the Holy Spirit will be given, and through its constant supply to the people of God, they will become witnesses in the world of the power of God unto salvation.

There is but one church in the world who are at the present time standing in the breach, and making up the hedge, building up the old waste places; and for any man to call the attention of the world and other churches to this church, denouncing her as Babylon, is to do a work in harmony with him who is the accuser of the brethren. Is it possible that men will arise from among us, who speak perverse things, and give voice to the very sentiments that Satan would have disseminated in the world in regard to those who keep the commandments of God, and have the faith of Jesus? Is there not work enough to satisfy your zeal in presenting the truth to those who are in the darkness of error? As those who have been made stewards of means and ability, you have been misapplying your Lord's goods in disseminating error. The whole world is filled with hatred of those who proclaim the binding claims of the law of God, and the church who are loyal to Jehovah must engage in no ordinary conflict. "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." Those who have any realization of what this warfare means, will not turn their weapons against the church militant, but with all their powers will wrestle with the people of God against the confederacy of evil.

Those who start up to proclaim a message on their own individual responsibility, who while claiming to be taught and led of God, still make it their special work to tear down that which God has been for years building up, are not doing the will of God. Be it known that these men are on the side of the great deceiver. Believe them not. They are allying themselves with the enemies of God and the truth. They will deride the order of the ministry as a system of priestcraft. From such turn away, have no fellowship with their message, however much they may quote the testimonies and seek to intrench themselves behind them. Receive them not; for God has not given them this work to do. The result of such work will be unbelief in the testimonies, and as far as possible, they will make of none effect the work that I have for years been doing. Almost my whole life-time has been devoted to this work, but my burden has often been made heavier by the arising of men who went forth to proclaim a message that God had not given them. This class of evil-workers have selected portions of the testimonies, and have placed them in the frame-work of error, in order by this setting to give influence to their false testimonies. When it is made manifest that their message is error, then the testimonies brought into the companionship of error, share the same condemnation; and people of the world, who do not know that the testimonies quoted are extracts from private letters, used without my consent, present these matters as evidence that my work is not of God, or of truth, but falsehood. Those who thus bring the work of God into disrepute will have to answer before God for the work they are doing. ( Concluded next week .) -

The Remnant Church Not Babylon (Concluded)

God has a church, and she has a divinely appointed ministry. "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ."

The Lord has his appointed agencies, and a church that has lived through persecution, conflict, and darkness. Jesus loved the church, and gave himself for it, and he will replenish, refine, ennoble, and elevate it, so that it shall stand fast amid the corrupting influences of this world. Men appointed of God have been chosen to watch with jealous care, with vigilant perseverance, that the church may not be overthrown by the evil devices of Satan, but that she shall stand in the world to promote the glory of God among men. There will ever be fierce conflict between the church and the world. Mind will come into contact with mind, principle with principle, truth with error; but in the crisis soon to culminate, which has already begun, the men of experience are to do their God-appointed work, and watch for souls, as they that must give an account.

Those who are carrying this message of error, denouncing the church as Babylon, are neglecting their God-appointed work, are in opposition to organization, in opposition to the plain command of God spoken by Malachi in regard to bringing all the tithes into the treasury of God's house, and imagine that they have a work to do in warning those whom God has chosen to forward his message of truth. These workers are not bringing greater efficiency to the cause and kingdom of God, but are engaged in a work similar to that in which the enemy of all righteousness is engaged. Let these men who are rising up against the ways and means ordained of God to forward his work in these days of peril, divest themselves of all unscriptural views concerning the nature, office, and power of God's appointed agencies. Let all understand the words that I now write. Those who are laborers together with God, are but his instruments, and they in themselves possess no essential grace or holiness. It is only when they are co-operating with heavenly intelligences that they are successful. They are but the earthen vessels, the depositaries in which God places the treasure of his truth. Paul may plant, and Apollos water, but it is God alone that gives the increase.

God speaks through his appointed agencies, and let no man, or confederacy of men, insult the Spirit of God by refusing to hear the message of God's word from the lips of his chosen messengers. By refusing to hear the message of God, men close themselves in a chamber of darkness. They shut their own souls away from vast blessings, and rob Christ of the glory that should come to him, by showing disrespect to his appointed agencies.

God is not the author of confusion, but of peace. But Satan is a vigilant, unsleeping foe, ever at work upon human minds, seeking a soil in which he can sow his tares. If he finds any whom he can press into his service, he will suggest ideas and false theories, and make them zealous in advocating error. The truth not only converts, but works the purification of its receiver. Jesus has warned us to beware of false teachers. From the beginning of our work, men have arisen from time to time, advocating theories that were new and startling. But if those who claim to believe the truth, would go to those who have had experience, would go to the word of God in a teachable, humble spirit, and examine their theories in the light of truth, and with the aid of the brethren who have been diligent Bible students, and at the same time make supplication unto God, asking, Is this the way of the Lord, or is it a false path in which Satan would lead me? they would receive light, and would escape out of the net of the fowler.

Let all our brethren and sisters beware of any one who would set a time for the Lord to fulfil his word in regard to his coming, or in regard to any other promise he has made of special significance. "It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power." False teachers may appear to be very zealous for the work of God, and may expend means to bring their theories before the world and the church; but as they mingle error with truth, their message is one of deception, and will lead souls into false paths. They are to be met, and opposed, not because they are bad men, but because they are teachers of falsehood, and are endeavoring to put upon falsehood the stamp of truth. What a pity it is that men will go to such pains to discover some theory of error, when there is a whole storehouse of precious gems of truth by which the people might be enriched in the most holy faith. Instead of teaching truth, they let their imagination dwell upon that which is new and strange, and throw themselves out of harmony with those whom God is using to bring the people up upon the platform of truth. They cast aside all that has been said in regard to unity of sentiment and feeling, and trample upon the prayer of Christ as though the unity for which he prayed was unessential, that there is no necessity for his followers to be one, even as he is one with the Father. They go off on a tangent, and Jehu- like, call to their brethren to follow their example of zeal for the Lord. If their zeal led them to work in the same lines in which their brethren who have carried the heat and burden of the day, are working; if they were as persevering to overcome discouragements and obstacles as their brethren have been, they might well be imitated, and God would accept them. But men are to be condemned who start out with a proclamation of wonderful light, and yet draw away from the agents whom God is leading. This was the way in which Korah, Dathan, and Abiram did, and their action is recorded as a warning to all others. We are not to do as they have done,--accuse and condemn those upon whom God has laid the burden of the work.

Those who have proclaimed the Seventh-day Adventist Church as Babylon, have made use of the testimonies in giving their position a seeming support; but why is it that they did not present that which for years has been the burden of my message,--the unity of the church? Why did they not quote the words of the angel, "Press together, Press together, Press together"? Why did they not repeat the admonition and state the principle, that "in union there is strength, in division there is weakness?" It is such messages as these men have borne, that divide the church, and put us to shame before the enemies of truth, and in such messages is plainly revealed the specious working of the great deceiver, who would hinder the church from attaining unto perfection in unity. These teachers follow the sparks of their own kindling, move according to their own independent judgment, and cumber the truth with false notions and theories. They refuse the counsel of their brethren, and press on in their own way, until they become just what Satan would desire to have them,--unbalanced in mind.

I warn my brethren to guard against the working of Satan in every form. The great adversary of God and man is exulting to-day that he has succeeded in deceiving souls, and in diverting their means and ability into harmful channels. Their money might have been used to advance present truth, but instead of this, it has been expended in the presenting notions that have no foundation in truth.

In 1845 a man by the name of Curtis did a similar work in the State of Massachusetts. He presented a false doctrine, and wove into his theories sentences and selections from the testimonies, and published his theories in the Day Star , and in sheet form. For years these productions bore their baleful fruit, and brought reproach upon the testimonies, that, as a whole, in no way supported his work. My husband wrote to him, and asked him what he meant by presenting the testimonies interwoven with his own words, in support of that which we were opposed to, and requested him to correct the impression that his work had given. He flatly refused to do so, saying that his theories were truth, and that the visions ought to have corroborated his views, and that they virtually did support them, but that I had forgotten to write out the matters that made his theories plain.

Ever since the beginning of the work, one after another has risen up to do this kind of work, and I have had to go to the trouble and incur the expense of contradicting these falsehoods. They have published their theories, and have deceived many souls, but may God guard the sheep of his pasture.

I urge those who claim to believe the truth, to walk in unity with their brethren. Do not seek to give to the world occasion to say that we are extremists, that we are disunited, that one teaches one thing, and one another. Avoid dissension. Let every one be on guard, and be careful to be found standing in the gap to make up the breach, in place of standing at the wall seeking to make a breach. Let all be careful not to make an outcry against the only people who are fulfilling the description given of the remnant people, who keep the commandments of God, and have the faith of Jesus, who are exalting the standard of righteousness in these last days. God has a distinct people, a church on earth, second to none, but superior to all in their facilities to teach the truth, to vindicate the law of God. God has divinely appointed agencies,--men whom he is leading, who have borne the heat and burden of the day, who are co-operating with heavenly instrumentalities to advance the kingdom of Christ in our world. Let all unite with these chosen agents, and be found at last among those who have the patience of the saints, who keep the commandments of God, and have the faith of Jesus.

The following is the letter sent to brother Stanton:--

"Napier, New Zealand, March 23, 1893 . "Dear Brother Stanton: I address to you a few lines. I am not in harmony with the position that you have taken; for I have been shown by the Lord that just positions will be taken by those who are in error. Paul has given us warning to this effect: 'Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter time some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.'

"My brother, I learn that you are taking the position that the Seventh-day Adventist Church is Babylon, and that all that would be saved must come out of her. You are not the only man whom the enemy has deceived in this matter. For the last forty years, one man after another has arisen, claiming that the Lord has sent him with the same message; but let me tell you, as I have told them, that this message you are proclaiming, is one of the Satanic delusions designed to create confusion among the churches. My brother, you are certainly off the track. The second angel's message was to go to Babylon [the churches] proclaiming her downfall, and calling the people to come out of her. This same message is to be proclaimed the second time. 'And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, 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 hath remembered her iniquities.'

"My brother, if you are teaching that the Seventh-day Adventist Church is Babylon, you are wrong. God has not given you any such message to bear. Satan will use every mind to which he can attain access, inspiring men to originate false theories, or go off on some wrong tangent, that he may create a false excitement, and thus divert souls from the true issue for this time. I presume that some may be deceived by your message, because they are full of curiosity and desire for some new thing.

"It makes me feel sad indeed that you should be deceived in any way by the suggestions of the enemy; for I know the theory that you are advocating is not truth. In advancing the ideas you do, you will do great injury to yourself and to others. Do not seek to misinterpret, and twist, and pervert, the testimonies to substantiate any such message of error. Many have passed over this ground, and have done great harm. As others have started up full of zeal to proclaim this message, again and again, I have been shown that it was not truth.

"I understand that you are also proclaiming that we should not pay tithe. My brother, take off thy shoes from off thy feet; for the place whereon you are standing is holy ground. The Lord has spoken in regard to paying tithes. He has said, 'Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.' But while he pronounces a blessing upon those who bring in their tithes, he pronounces a curse upon those who withhold them. Very recently I have had direct light from the Lord upon this question, that many Seventh-day Adventists were robbing God in tithes and offerings, and it was plainly revealed to me that Malachi has stated the case as it really is. Then how dare any man even think in his heart that a suggestion to withhold tithes and offerings is from the Lord? Where, my brother, have you stepped out of the path? O get your feet back in the strait path again. We are near the end, but if you or any other man shall be seduced by the enemy, and led on to set the time for Christ's coming, he will be doing the same evil work which has wrought the ruin of the souls of those who have done it in the past.

"If you are wearing the yoke of Christ, if you are lifting his burden, you will see that there is plenty to do in the same lines wherein the servants of God are laboring,--in preaching Christ and him crucified. But any one who shall start up to proclaim a message to announce the hour, day, or year of Christ's appearing, has taken up a yoke and is proclaiming a message that the Lord has never given him.

"God has a church upon the earth, who are his chosen people, who keep his commandments. He is leading, not stray off-shoots, not one here and one there, but a people. The truth is a sanctifying power; but the church militant is not the church triumphant. There are tares among the wheat. 'Wilt thou then that we gather them up?' was the question of the servant; but the master answered, 'Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.' The gospel net draws not only good fish, but bad ones as well, and the Lord only knows who are his.

"It is our individual duty to walk humbly with God. We are not to seek any strange, new message. We are not to think that the chosen ones of God who are trying to walk in the light, compose Babylon. The fallen denominational churches are Babylon. Babylon has been fostering poisonous doctrines, the wine of error. This wine of error is made up of false doctrines, such as the natural immortality of the soul, the eternal torment of the wicked, the denial of the pre-existence of Christ prior to his birth in Bethlehem, and advocating and exalting the first day of the week above God's holy, sanctified day. These and kindred errors are presented to the world by the various, churches, and thus the Scriptures are fulfilled that say, 'For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.' It is a wrath which is created by false doctrines, and when kings and presidents drink this wine of the wrath of her fornication, they are stirred with anger against those who will not come into harmony with the false and Satanic heresies which exalt the false Sabbath, and lead men to trample under foot God's memorial

"Fallen angels upon earth form confederations with evil men. In this age antichrist will appear as the true Christ, and then the law of God will be fully made void in the nations of our world. Rebellion against God's holy law will be fully ripe. But the true leader of all this rebellion is Satan clothed as an angel of light. Men will be deceived and will exalt him to the place of God, and deify him. But Omnipotence will interpose, and to the apostate churches that unite in the exaltation of Satan, the sentence will go forth, 'Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.'" -

Now Is the Time to Dedicate All to God

Our time and our talents belong to the Lord. "Ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot." Then how can any one feel that he can be independent of God, and not subject to the Spirit of God? Those who imagine that they are independent of God's providences and plans, are in their supposed independence, in the veriest slavery to a power that is in rebellion against God.

"Associate yourselves, O ye people, and ye shall be broken in pieces; and give ear, all ye of far countries: gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces; gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces. Take counsel together, and it shall come to naught; speak the word, and it shall not stand: for God is with us. For the Lord spake thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying, Say ye not, a confederacy, to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid. Sanctify the Lord of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. And he shall be for a sanctuary."

We are not safe in following the imagination of our own hearts. We cannot be independent of God. We are safe only as we realize our entire dependence upon him as our Creator and Redeemer.

Satan has many devices whereby he holds us back from rendering prompt and unquestioning obedience to God. We have often had strong promptings and conviction of duty, but have shrunk back from fulfilling them. Yet Jesus says, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life, shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it." How many at times have been deeply stirred, and yet because duty demanded a sacrifice, they have tampered with their conscience, seated themselves in the enemy's debating chair, and have not made the decision that God sought to have them make. They have not broken away from the associates whose seductive influence for evil, led them to follow their own carnal reasoning, and because there was not evidence of any immediate danger, they have rested down in their false security. They have debated in their minds, saying, Shall I obey the voice of God that bids me shake off the lethargy of the world, and escape from the world as did Lot from Sodom, or shall I listen to the voice of the world that cries peace and safety to my soul? Shall I wait for a more convenient season? All the sophistry of Satan is bound up in that one word, "wait." O that those who are now moved by the Spirit of God, would make a decided stand for God and for the truth!.

We shall never be able to discern spiritual and heavenly things while we remain indifferent to the word of God. The voice of Jesus is calling, "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 is light." Those who remain away from Jesus have placed their necks under a yoke that is not easy. They have clasped their arms about burdens that are not light. O, why not exchange the heavy yoke you now wear for the yoke of Christ? The voice of mercy is now sounding in warnings and entreaties, but that voice will not always be heard, if you continue to resist, and still choose your own way.

There is true missionary work to be done for those who move in higher circles, and the followers of Christ are to be true representatives of Christ, who though he was rich, for our sake became poor, that we through his poverty might be rich. The rich should consecrate their all to God, and he who is sanctified through the truth in body, soul, and spirit, will also devote his property to God, and will become an agent whereby other souls will be reached. In his experience and example it will be made manifest that the grace of Christ has power to overcome covetousness and avarice, and the rich man who renders unto God his intrusted goods, will be accounted a faithful steward, and can present to others the fact that every dollar of their accumulated property is stamped with the image and superscription of God. He can present to those who are rich the truth as it is in Jesus, showing that it was God who intrusted him with ability to get wealth, and prospered his enterprises with his blessing that he might acquire wealth, and gladly acknowledging the fact that his talents are not his, but God's who gave. The wealthy man who is truly converted, can bring to bear upon his wealthy brethren the lessons of Christ, and show to them that their wealth is only safe as it is laid up in the bank of heaven.

There is great danger that the riches of the wealthy shall prove not a blessing, but a curse to them. Rich men are in danger of trusting in their riches, of placing God's intrusted treasure where Christ should be in the heart, and interposing their wealth between the soul and God. Wealth thus becomes an idol, and separates the affection from its Giver. But let those who are fitted to work for the rich, and for those in high position, consecrate their all to God, and in the name of Jesus go forth to do this work. Paul had converts even in Caesar's household. Truth will have its adherents even in kings' courts. Paul wrote, "All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household." The throne of the Caesars was then occupied by that monster of cruelty, Nero. If there ever was an atmosphere charged with the malarious influence of Satan, it was to be found in his household. The powers from beneath stirred up most fierce and determined hostility against Christians in that place, and Paul himself suffered death at the emperor's command. In such a household as this, it seemed impossible that truth should find favor, and yet in this place there were those who were worthy to be called saints, and who sent greetings to the saints of other cities. Nothing is impossible with God.

We need more faith to work for those who are rich and in high position. For though Christ has said, "How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God," every rich man who does yield himself to the converting power of God, and is an overcomer will find an abundant entrance into the kingdom of God. The rich who are truly converted to God, will understand that they are stewards of the Lord's property; and through the grace given unto them, they will discern that they have been intrusted with property, only that they may use it to advance the cause and kingdom of Christ in the world. There are many among the rich, who, were the truth presented to them as it is in Jesus, would be charmed with, and transformed through, the grace of Christ, and would see that money is of value only as it is devoted to doing good in the name and Spirit of Jesus. The wealthy man or woman converted to God, will begin to comprehend what good may be done with their intrusted capital. They will see that institutions are to be established for the education of the youth, and that they are to be sustained by gifts and offerings. They will know that many youth must be trained for the missionary field, and the wealthy will become agents in the hands of God to set in operation the instrumentalities whereby men and women may become enlightened, and turned from degradation and error unto the living God.

Through the grace of Christ, those who have riches and are connected with him, will sow abundantly, seeking out the youth, and running a risk in educating them, hoping that they will devote their lives to missionary work. God has intrusted the rich with gifts, that, if wisely used, will produce a hundredfold in this world, and in the world to come life everlasting. To have the knowledge that our talents are being employed for the good of others, affords satisfaction in this life that brings a great reward. We know that if the Lord's intrusted capital is selfishly spent or hoarded, God will call us to an account. Because the rich are judgment-bound, we should put forth more decided efforts to win them to the service of Him who has intrusted them with large talents. God designed that through these very agents, many souls should be converted, and sent forth on a mission of blessing to the world. His cause would be greatly advanced if those to whom he has given talents of means, would devote their wealth to the upbuilding of his kingdom. -

Lessons From the Church in the Wilderness

We would present before you the difficulties through which the church in the wilderness passed. They did not have faith, and when they were tested, they murmured and rebelled. They were stubborn. While Moses was in the mount, the people who had been brought out of Egypt that they might serve God, were dishonoring him by worshiping the golden calf. Aaron, who feared to offend them by refusing their request to make for them a god to worship, had permitted this idolatry. Aaron manifested weakness of character in this. He stood in Moses's place, and had charge of the congregation, but he did not guide them. He did not refuse to accede to their demand for an idol. In worshiping the golden calf, Israel sinned greatly, and the Lord punished the people, and 3,000 of the most guilty were slain.

Moses said to Israel, "Ye have sinned a great sin: and now I will go up unto the Lord; peradventure I shall make an atonement for your sin. And Moses returned unto the Lord, and said, O, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold. Yet now if thou wilt forgive their sin--; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written. And the Lord saith unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book." It will be well to read this history carefully, and take heed to the lessons taught on this particular occasion. (Read the 32d, 33d, and 34th chapters of Exodus.) The Lord did not destroy his people, but those who had sinned were punished. But he revealed himself to Moses, declaring his character.

In Numbers 12 is the account of Aaron and Miriam's conduct when they spoke against Moses. "And they said, Hath the Lord indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? And the Lord heard it." Every envious feeling, every jealousy cherished, is known to the Lord; for he reads the heart, and he hears every word spoken against those upon whom he has laid the burden of the work. How much of evil speaking is done even by those who have had but little experience in the work, little knowledge of the things of God, little realization of the holy requirements of his cause. Those who have not drunk deeply at the fountain of truth, and have not obtained an experimental knowledge of holy things, feel at liberty to criticise those whom the Lord is using in a special manner to do his work. Even youth, young men and women, have but a small stock of respect and reverence, and they make flippant remarks in regard to God's chosen messengers, and bring their names into their idle talk and gossip. They dissect their words, and pass judgment upon them while associating together. Do they not know that this is an offense to God? If they would remember that there is a Witness to every word spoken, and that "God heard it," they would be less fluent in speaking of those whom God is using to do his work, and to carry the load of responsibilities that he has laid upon them. But respect and reverence may be cultivated. The Spirit of the Lord alone can work a reformation in those who do not respect sacred things, so that they shall have reverence for those whom God is using to do his work.

But God heard the prayer of Moses, whom they had criticised and envied, and Miriam was healed.

Shall not these lessons be of profit to those who are tempted to criticise, think evil of, speak evil of, and judge and condemn those whom God is leading and favoring? And how much worse it is to criticise and give judgment against the church that God has chosen to magnify his name and vindicate his honor, than to speak simply against an individual member. (Read carefully the history of the spies in Numbers 13 and 14). A ruler from each of the twelve tribes of Israel was chosen to go up and spy out the land into which they were to come. Forty days were consumed in fulfilling their charge. God sent them into the land for a special purpose, but the spies brought back an evil report, full of unbelief and complaint. Before the congregation they exaggerated the difficulties to be met. But Caleb's clear, ringing voice was heard before Moses and the people, saying, "Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it. But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we." The exaggerated report of the unfaithful spies filled the people with discouragement, and they gave up in the abandonment of despair, and the leaven of murmuring spread throughout the camp of Israel. And they said one to another:--

"Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt. Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the children of Israel. And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of them that searched the land, rent their clothes: and they spake unto all the company of the children of Israel, saying, The land, which we passed through to search it, is an exceeding good land. If the Lord delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey. Only rebel not ye against the Lord, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defense is departed from them, and the Lord is with us: fear them not. But all the congregation bade stone them with stones. And the glory of the Lord appeared in the tabernacle of the congregation before all the children of Israel."

The people were ready to batter down the men who made their voices to be heard to change the current of feeling in the congregation of the children of Israel, and it was now time for God to work.

"And the Lord said unto Moses, How long will this people provoke me? and how long will it be ere they believe me, for all the signs which I have showed among them? I will smite them with the pestilence, and disinherit them, and will make of thee a greater nation and mightier than they."

Moses was then tested and proved of God. Forsake Israel? Come out from among them, and leave them in their rebellion and sin?--No, never.

"And Moses said unto the Lord, Then the Egyptians shall hear it (for thou broughtest up this people in thy might from among them;), and they will tell it to the inhabitants of this land: for they have heard that thou Lord art among this people, that thou Lord art seen face to face, and that thy cloud standeth over them, and that thou goest before them, by daytime in a pillar of a cloud, and in a pillar of fire by night. Now if thou shalt kill all people as one man, then the nations that have heard the fame of thee will speak, saying, Because the Lord was not able to bring this people into the land which ye sware unto them, therefore he hath slain them in the wilderness. And now, I beseech thee, let the power of my Lord be great, according as thou hast spoken, saying, The Lord is longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation. Pardon, I beseech thee, the iniquity of this people according unto the greatness of thy mercy, and as thou hast forgiven this people, from Egypt until now. And the Lord said, I have pardoned according to thy word: but as truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the Lord. Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice; surely they shall not see the land which I sware unto their fathers, neither shall any of them that provoked me see it."

Mark the whole tenor of this chapter, and learn the lesson it conveys to modern Israel. These things are written for our ensamples upon whom the ends of the world are come. We see the unbelief, and the stout resistance of some who have had great light, and although evidence has been piled upon evidence, they have kept themselves in stubborn resistance. The Lord has sent messages of warning and entreaty, messages of reproof and rebuke, and they have not been in vain. But we have never had a message that the Lord would disorganize the church. We have never had the prophecy concerning Babylon applied to the Seventh-day Adventist Church, or been informed that the "loud cry" consisted in calling God's people to come out of her; for this is not God's plan concerning Israel.

In the example of Moses pleading for the children of Israel, is represented the position that we should take in regard to the people of God, however erring, or weak, or defective they may be. By the mighty cleaver of truth, the Lord has brought out a people from the quarry of the world, as he brought out of Egypt a people to keep his commandments, and at every step he has shown them that he is leading them in paths of truth and righteousness. He has sent his light and his counsels, instructing them to build institutions of learning, to provide sanitariums and publishing houses, and success has attended the carrying out of these plans. The money of the Seventh-day Adventists has not been hoarded in order that they might live delicately, but self-denial and self-sacrifice have marked their history, and still their work is to make progress, and to be aggressive. The world have a light constantly shining upon them, because this people honor God in keeping his commandments. Now can we expect that a message would be true that would designate as Babylon the people for whom God has done so much? Hell would triumph should such a message be received, and the world would be strengthened in iniquity. All the reproaches which Satan has cast upon the character of God, would appear as truth, and the conclusion would be made that God has no chosen or organized church in the world. O, what a triumph would this be to Satan and his confederacy of evil! God does not work in this way. He does just what he said he would do in the 58th chapter of Isaiah:--

"And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in. If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; and shalt honor him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it." -

Respect Is Due to God's Instrumentalities

There are many sinners in Zion, and they are likened to tares among the wheat. But Christ has said, "Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest, I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn." We have no discouraging message for the church. Although reproofs and cautions and corrections have been given, the church has stood as God's chosen instrumentality to diffuse light. The commandment-keeping people of God have sounded forth a warning to the world, to all languages, tongues, and kindreds. The church of God is a living witness, a continual testimony to convince men of truth if accepted, to condemn them, if resisted and rejected.

The sin of Israel is again presented in the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. By their representations of matters they influenced men in a course of evil. "And they rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown." (Read the history in Numbers 16.)

"And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods. . . . And all Israel that were roundabout them fled at the cry of them: for they said, Lest the earth swallow us up also. And there came out a fire from the Lord, and consumed the two hundred and fifty men that offered incense."

But after this terrible exhibition, after hearing the horrible cries of those who went down into the bowels of the earth, after seeing the 250 men consumed by fire, we would suppose that rebellion would have been cured. But history records the fact that the congregation murmured against Aaron and Moses, saying, "Ye have killed the people of the Lord." Does not this show us the great danger of murmuring and rebellion? It seems that rebellion is next to incurable. If all the evidence that God gave them did not convince them of the sin of accusing the chosen of the Lord, what power could be brought to bear upon them to correct their unjust charges and accusations? They saw the earth open, they saw the men swallowed up, they heard their cries of terror, they saw the 250 consumed by fire, all famous in the congregation, and men of renown; but where was their remorse and repentance? On the morrow it was evident that their principles and sentiments were unchanged. They had still a charge to make against the chosen instrumentalities of the Lord. And they said to Moses and Aaron, "Ye have killed the people of the Lord." They were so enraged against them that they would not have hesitated to kill Moses and Aaron.

"And it came to pass, when the congregation was gathered against Moses and against Aaron, that they looked toward the tabernacle of the congregation: and, behold, the cloud covered it, and the glory of the Lord appeared. And Moses and Aaron came before the tabernacle of the congregation. And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Get you up from among this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment. And they fell upon their faces. And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a censer, and put fire therein from off the altar, and put on incense, and go quickly unto the congregation, and make an atonement for them: for there is wrath gone out from the Lord; the plague is begun. And Aaron took as Moses commanded, and ran into the midst of the congregation; and, behold, the plague was begun among the people: and he put on incense, and made an atonement for the people. And he stood between the dead and the living; and the plague was stayed. Now they that died in the plague were fourteen thousand and seven hundred, besides them that died about the matter of Korah."

All this trouble, the slaying of nearly 15,000 souls, was the result of envy and jealousy. How sad was the outcome to those who were seeking to be first, and who were not willing that Moses and Aaron should occupy the position of trust in which God had placed them. We are to be guarded on every point. By many the office of the Christian ministry is not understood. While there are some in the church who almost worship their ministers, who praise and flatter them and place them where God should be, there are others who do not pay them proper respect.

Those who place their entire dependence upon their minister, place upon him their burdens, and make him carry their cares, and do not seek the Lord with earnest prayer for his counsel. They make the minister do their thinking for them and be their wisdom. They are slothful servants, failing to improve the talents God has given, failing to bear the burdens God has appointed to them. They do not educate themselves to think and devise and plan, and seek to lift every unnecessary weight from the minister. Burden upon burden is placed upon the minister, and men act as though they thought he was endowed with immortal power. The minister who is placed where God should be, is left to faint and fail, when he might have lived years to do faithful work for God; and yet though this result has often been seen among us, men do not learn the lesson, and share the burden of him who is placed in a position of trust. When it is too late, many see that they should have shared his load, instead of placing all their burdens upon him. They see that they should not have taken their trials to mortal man, but should have carried them to God, and thus have obtained a precious experience in lifting their own burden through the strength of Christ. We must be faithful in the least, if we would be faithful in much.

But while the minister is by some exalted to the place of God, and is seeking to do what God never designed he should do,--trying to work out his own salvation and the salvation of others,--by others he is not treated with the respect and reverence due to God's appointed agencies. Those who disrespect the minister of God will not accept his counsel, and they refuse to be helped by any of God's appointed instrumentalities. They have determined that they will go to God alone for help; but while they have this spirit, God does not give them the help they desire; for their pride, their self-esteem, their erroneous ideas, must be corrected before they can be in a situation where they can appreciate help from God.

"There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, a devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always. He saw in a vision evidently, about the ninth hour of the day, an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God."

But the angel did not give him the light that he might have given him, but directed him to take a course whereby he might come into connection with one who could tell him precious truth. So the angel gave him specific direction, saying, "And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: he lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the seaside: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do."

Cornelius implicitly obeyed the instruction, and the same angel went to Peter, and gave him his instructions. This chapter (Acts 10) has much precious counsel in it for us, and we should study it with humble attention. When the Lord has his appointed agencies whereby he gives help to souls, and men disrespect these agencies, and refuse to receive help from them, and decide that they will be directly taught of God, the Lord does not gratify their desire. The man who takes such a position is in danger of taking up with the voices of strangers, and of being led into false paths. Both Cornelius and Peter were instructed what they were to do, and they obeyed the angel's word. Cornelius gathered his household together to hear the message of light from Peter. If he had said, I will not be taught of any man, the angel of God would have left him to himself; but this was not his attitude. When Peter came to the house of Cornelius, Cornelius fell at his feet to worship him, but Peter at once raised him up, saying, "Stand up; I myself also am a man."

The two men then told how they had seen an angel of God, and how they had been directed to come together. After Cornelius had told his wonderful story, he said, "Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God." While Peter was speaking the words of life, the Holy Ghost fell upon all that were there assembled. Now we should avoid the two extremes that are seen among us in regard to the treatment of ministers. We should not manifest a superstitious attachment toward our ministers, and exalt them to the place where God should be, neither should we ignore them, disrespect the office of the ministry, and fail to take heed to counsel and reproof given by those in the sacred desk. Let no one think that he will go away by himself, and be taught of no man, when it is the order of God that human agents shall instruct his people. The Prince of heaven clothed his divinity with humanity, that humanity might touch humanity. He identified his interests with those of humanity.

The work and order of the ministry were established by Christ himself, the great head of the church. He said to his disciples, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ." These whom God has appointed are workers together with God, and they are to be respected and honored and loved. "Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God." "And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake." -

The Church the Property of God

The church is the property of God, and God constantly remembers her as she stands in the world, subject to the temptations of Satan. Christ has never forgotten the days of his humiliation. In passing from the scenes of his humiliation, Jesus has lost none of his humanity. He has the same tender, pitying love, and is ever touched with human woe. He ever bears in mind that he was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. He forgets not his representative people who are striving to uphold his down-trodden law. He knows that the world that hated him, hates them. Although Jesus Christ has passed into the heavens, there is still a living chain binding his believing ones to his own heart of infinite love. The most lowly and weak are bound by a chain of sympathy closely to his heart. He never forgets that he is our representative, that he bears our nature.

Jesus sees his true church on the earth, whose greatest ambition is to co-operate with him in the grand work of saving souls. He hears their prayers, presented in contrition and power, and Omnipotence cannot resist their plea for the salvation of any tried, tempted member of Christ body. "Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Jesus ever liveth to make intercession for us. Through our Redeemer what blessings may not the true believer receive? The church, soon to enter upon her most severe conflict, will be the object most dear to God upon earth. The confederacy of evil will be stirred with power from beneath, and Satan will cast all the reproach possible upon the chosen ones whom he cannot deceive and delude with his Satanic inventions and falsehoods. But exalted "to be a prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and remission of sins," will Christ our representative and head, close his heart, or withdraw his hand, or falsify his promise?--No; never, never.

God has a church, a chosen people, and could all see as I have seen, how closely Christ identifies himself with his people, no such message would be heard as the one that denounces the church as Babylon. God has a people who are laborers together with him, and they have gone straightforward, having his glory in view. Listen to the prayer of our representative in heaven: "Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory." O, how the divine Head longed to have his church with him! They had fellowship with him in his suffering and humiliation, and it is his highest joy to have them with him to be partakers of his glory. Christ claims the privilege of having his church with him. "I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am." To have them with him is according to covenant promise and agreement with his Father. He reverently presents at the mercyseat his finished redemption for his people. The bow of promise encircles our substitute and surety as he pours out his petition of love, "Father, I will that they also whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory." We shall behold the King in his beauty, and the church will be glorified.

Like David, we may now pray, "It is time for thee, Lord, to work; for they have made void thy law." Men have gone on in disobedience to God's law, until they have reached a point of insolence that is unparalleled. Men are training in disobedience, and are fast approaching the limit of God's forbearance and love, and God will surely interfere. He will surely vindicate his own honor, and repress the prevailing iniquity. Will God's commandment-keeping people be carried away with the prevailing iniquity? Will they be tempted, because universal scorn is placed upon the law of God, to think less of that law which is the foundation of his government both in heaven and in earth?--No. To his church his law becomes more precious, holy, honorable, as men cast upon it scorn and contempt. Like David, they can say, "They have made void thy law. Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold. Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way."

The church militant is not now the church triumphant; but God loves his church, and describes through the prophet how he opposes and resists Satan who is clothing the children of God in the blackest and most defiled garments, and pleading for the privilege of destroying them. The angels of God were protecting them from the assaults of the enemy. The prophet says:--

"And he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him. And the Lord said unto Satan, The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire? Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel. And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him, he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment. And I said, Let them set a fair miter upon his head. So they set a fair miter upon his head, and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the Lord stood by. And the angel of the Lord protested unto Joshua, saying, Thus saith the Lord of hosts; If thou wilt walk in my ways, and if thou wilt keep my charge, then thou shalt also judge my house, and shalt also keep my courts, and I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by."

When men arise, claiming to have a message from God, but instead of warring against principalities and powers, and the rulers of the darkness of this world, they form a hollow square, and turn the weapons of warfare against the church militant, be afraid of them. They do not bear the divine credentials. God has not given them any such burden of labor. They would tear down that which God would restore by the Laodicean message. He wounds only that he may heal, not cause to perish. The Lord lays upon no man a message that will discourage and dishearten the church. He reproves, he rebukes, he chastens; but it is only that he may restore and approve at last. How glad my heart was made by the report from the General Conference that many hearts were softened and subdued, that many made humble confessions, and cleared away from the door of the heart the rubbish that was keeping the Saviour out. How glad I was to know that many welcomed Jesus in as an abiding guest. How is it that these pamphlets denouncing the Seventh-day Adventist Church as Babylon were scattered abroad everywhere, at the very time when that church was receiving the outpouring of the Spirit of God? How is it that men can be so deceived as to imagine that the loud cry consists in calling the people of God out from the fellowship of a church that is enjoying a season of refreshing? O, may these deceived souls come into the current, and receive the blessing, and be endued with power from on high. -

Brotherly Love Needed

The Lord and the intelligences of heaven are looking upon the church that has been favored with great light. If the people who have heard the truth for this time, walk in the light as Christ is in the light, they will have the regenerating influence of the Holy Spirit. Their hearts will be softened and subdued, and they will be meek and lowly of heart, like their Saviour, and it can be said of them, "By their fruits ye shall know them." They will love their Redeemer with supreme affection, and honor all those who love him, and who follow his precepts. They will not mount upon the judgment-seat, to judge their brother's motives and work, because they will remember that Christ has bidden them, "Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again."

I am filled with sorrow as I see finite men who claim to be the sons of God, filled with evil surmising, and ready to speak evil of their brethren in the truth, ready to weigh others in their own scales of human opinion, and place their estimate upon those of whom they really understand but little. The worst of it is that often those who ought to understand why such action is out of place, drink in the spirit of the accuser, go to the polluted fountain of suspicion and distrust, and turning from the course justice marks out, are guided by some one's hearsay of another's action or character. By this course God's Holy Spirit is grieved, and the churches are weakened by the influence of distrust and suspicion; for they are led to speak evil of those who stand far better in the sight of God than do their accusers. Are we to take reports, hearsay, as if they were verity and truth? Are we not to rebuke the talebearer who would make a condemned brother's course appear as bad as possible? The true brethren of Christ are those who guard the interests of their brethren and sisters. How inappropriate it is to condemn others, when every soul is to be saved, not on his own merits, but by the merits of a crucified and risen Saviour! We are all erring, finite creatures, accountable to God for our words, works, and influence.

O that the mercy and love of God were cultivated by every member of our churches! O that brotherly love might be revived, never to wane, but to grow more and more fervent! It is true that words of admonition and counsel are frequently needed in the church, but they are never to be given by those who are filled with suspicion and distrust, who are eager to weigh others in the scales of their own opinions. No one can do the work of reproving and counseling in the way that Christ would have it done, whose heart is not filled with peace and love. We are near the end, there is no time to waste in educating ourselves in the line of accusation of brethren, and we are not to take up a reproach against our neighbor. Deal tenderly and graciously with every soul, and especially deal tenderly with those who are liable to err. They, of all others, need your help the most. Never take up a report against a brother or a neighbor, or harbor evil surmisings against him. Thou shalt not imagine evil in thy heart against thy brother.

The powers of darkness will assault every soul, but let us not join with the evil one in his work, and deal with severity to discourage and dishearten the weak and erring. Let us be pitiful, compassionate one to another, and let an influence go out from us to heal, to bind up, to establish, rather than to wound and to uproot. There is altogether too much haste in doing what is called "the square thing," and often that which we think is justice, the Lord writes in his book as oppression. The vows we take on entering the church either mean what they say, or they mean nothing. Let us love one another, be kind and courteous. O how much better would we have appeared before God if we had manifested an appreciation of the labor that has been done among us. Those who have not had the burden of different responsibilities, may look back when some mistake is apparent, and say, "How much better could such and such an enterprise have been carried on;" but it may be that had they been placed in similar circumstances to those of the one they think erring, they might have done no better, or not as well.

Prejudice is a terrible thing in the sight of God. It was prejudice that crucified the world's Redeemer. Let us as a people put away all prejudice; for it blinds the mind, and makes men incapable of doing justice to those they imagine blameworthy. It will cause men to sit in judgment upon brethren whose inmost souls they cannot read, and if they could, would not understand. Instead of creating discords, of judging others, we need to bind the members of our churches together by the cords of strong brotherly love in heavenly union. If a brother is halting, it is a great sin to set his case before the brethren in a discouraging light, and set others on his track, that they may discover his many frailties. This is a Satanic proceeding, and altogether out of harmony with the Spirit of Christ. Instead of looking for the faults of our brethren, let us seek for every redeeming quality, obtain his confidence, come close to the one who needs his hands upheld, his feeble knees strengthened. Let us, brethren, make straight paths for our feet, lest the lame be turned out of the way. Instead of drawing apart, let us press together as never before, working shoulder to shoulder. There must be no discordant notes struck now, there must be no alienation. We should present to the world a united front, and make it manifest that we are one in Christ Jesus, one with the brethren, bound in covenant relation, under obligation to answer the prayer of Christ to be one in him as he is one with the Father. Then we can counsel together because the love of Christ is in our hearts, we can pray one for another, and claim the promises of God. We could then feel secure in the love of our brethren, and know that upon turning our back, we would not be stabbed with some evil report or judgment.

God desires that we should have tender, sanctified regard one another, and as dear children in his family, we need to have the pure love of Christ. O, shall not the seed that produces roots of bitterness and unseemly fruit be banished from our hearts, that we may cherish the heavenly plant of love? As mature Christians we shall love more and more, not less and less. We need the warmth and glow of Christ in our cold, stony hearts. We want our hearts broken by the love of Christ, and then we shall defend the characters of those who are giving their lives to the service of him who has died for them. We shall not then act the part of accusers, and treat our brethren and their labors as worthless. Let us daily pray that we may be led to a higher plane of thought and living, that we may love in sincerity and Christlike deeds.

We are to watch for souls as those that must give an account. Instead of criticising, pray for deliverance from this evil habit; for while our time is occupied with this kind of doing, souls for whom Christ died are perishing, whom we might save. Many are starving for the bread of life, and there is no time for accusing the brethren; rather pray one for another that ye may be healed, and go forth to seek and to save the lost and wandering sheep. Find the erring, discouraged ones by careful, diligent search, and bring them back to the fold. Christ has said, "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." Strive to have a real connection with Christ, and become laborers together with God. "Ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building." Work with self hidden in Jesus, and the Lord will add to the church such as shall be saved. The great Master Shepherd will give wisdom to the under shepherds, that they may become living, working agents for his use. Let them not seek to exalt themselves, but to lift up Jesus; then they may go in and out and find pasture. They will then be partakers of the riches of the grace of Christ, which passeth knowledge.

God cannot commit his sheep and lambs to the care of a church who make it manifest that they have no aptitude or wisdom to care for the flock of his pasture. But this state of inefficiency need not continue; for we may have high thoughts of God's mercy and infinite love.

Sinful and worthless creatures though we are, through a vital connection with Christ we yet may be renewed in knowledge and true holiness, and thus reflect the glory and image of our Creator and Redeemer, and be qualified to care for his sheep and lambs. Not only have the sheep and lambs been dealt with in hardness, but even the shepherds themselves have been treated with reckless disregard. They have been spoken of in a way that shows that many in high and lower positions have little courtesy to give to God's ordained ministers. The churches themselves have been educated in such a way that they have had too little respect for those who preach the word of God, and who for years have given full proof of their ministry. But this way of dealing with the ministers and with the members of the family of God must be charged. The blessing of God cannot rest upon those who manifest little respect for the workers together with him.

My brethren, I charge you to close your ears to faultfinders, close your hearts that they shall not be recipients of evil seeds of suspicion and distrust , and open your hearts to the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness. In the fold of Jesus Christ the sheep and the lambs are to be gathered in one flock, to be nourished, to be defended from the attacks of wolves. Those who come newly into the faith are to be encouraged so that they shall have confidence in the ministers who walk worthily before the flock of God. They are to be fed with the sincere milk of the word, that they may grow thereby.

We are waiting for the coming of the Son of man in the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. This faith distinguishes us from all other denominations, and as those who wait for the Lord, let us put on "as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful." -

Brotherly Love Needed (Concluded)

Of those who had been led into error, and who had become cold through backsliding and apostasy, Paul wrote: "I am jealous over you with a godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ." Again he declares what had been the manner of his labor among the believers, saying: "We were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: so being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. . . . As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, that ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory."

May the Lord speak to the hearts of all who shall read these words. We should continually talk and practice the gentleness that Paul presents in this figure of a nurse cherishing her children. This is the manifestation of the Spirit of Christ. When we truly receive Jesus, there will be a transformation of character and principles among us as members of Christ's body. All bitterness and wrath and malice and evil speaking will be put away from us, and the love of Christ will fill and overflow the heart. Our love for others will then be deep, pure, and fervent, and there will be no betrayal of sacred trusts. From hearts softened and subdued by the love of Christ, we shall exhort, admonish, reprove, warn, and comfort the saints of God. We shall all stand in one harmonious body, and our earnest affection one for another will increase more and more. Thus Christ will be represented in the world through human instrumentalities, and the work of God will be rapidly advanced; for workers for him will be raised up in various parts of the world.

Our lack of appreciation for the instrumentalities which the Lord has already raised up to carry forward his work, has retarded the progress of the truth. Ministers and workers in the cause have been lightly esteemed, and many have been treated without consideration or sympathy. When the churches die to self, Jesus will take possession of them, and work through them his holy compassion and tender love. May the Lord help his people. May the Lord burn away the dross and tin, consume the selfishness that exists in the hearts of many of his professed followers, and place upon them his own image and superscription.

We have had seasons for fasting and prayer, beseeching that the Lord would raise up laborers to go into his harvest-field, and yet, when laborers have been raised up, and sent to different fields, many of them have not been appreciated, even those who have given full proof of their devotion to, and interest in, the work. Envious tongues have spoken against them, evil surmisings have been cherished, and tares have been sown by those who would not like to reap the bitter harvest that will result. Before we appoint another day for fasting and prayer that the Lord shall raise up laborers, let us see to it that we treat those who have already been sent, with respect and love, as God would have them treated. Let us not treat them in such a distrustful manner that their prayers will ascend to God for deliverance from the evil surmisings and evil reports of their brethren. As long as those who are doing a good work for the Master, are not appreciated, but accused, condemned, and oppressed by the false tongue, how can we consistently ask God to raise up more laborers? There needs to be a turning away from talebearing and talebearers, and a drawing toward our brethren,--a coming near, even heart to heart, that the grace of Christ may be manifested in large measure through his people. The church should be bound together with the golden chain of love, and then it would be terrible as an army with banners.

When our hearts are all open to receive the teaching of Jesus, there will be love for the brethren, and men will see that the rich blessing of God is upon his people. Prayer and fasting, that laborers may be sent into the harvest-field, will avail nothing, while the spirit of evil surmising and criticism exists in the hearts of those to whom laborers are to be sent. We are to be doers of the words of Christ; then our fasts and prayers will be effectual in bringing upon the church the Holy Spirit. Let there be decided work done to answer the prayer of Christ, that his disciples should be one as he is one with the Father. He says, "Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also that shall believe on me through their word; that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me."

If the truth we profess to believe, does not change the heart and transform the character, it is of no value to us. If the same defects of character remain in us after we have a knowledge of the truth; if pride, self-esteem, self-sufficiency, evil thinking, evil surmising, evil speaking, still continue; if we judge those with whom we come in contact, we are not becoming sanctified through the truth, and will have no part with Christ in his kingdom. The Lord will deal with us as we deal with others. Have we dealt unkindly, unjustly with the brethren, with the world? Then it is for us to make confession, repent, and be converted, that our sins may be blotted out when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.

The cause of God is to hold the first place in our plans and affections. There is need of bearing a straight message concerning the indulgence of self while the cause of God is in need of means. Some are so cold and backslidden that they do not realize that they are setting their affections on earthly treasure, which is soon to be swept away forever. The love of the world is binding them about, like a thick garment; and unless they change their course, they will not know how precious it is to practice self-denial for Christ's sake. All our idols, our love of the world, must be expelled from the heart. There are ministers and faithful friends who see the danger that surrounds these self-bound souls, and who faithfully present to them the error of their course, but instead of taking admonitions in the spirit in which they are given, and profiting thereby, those reproved rise up against the ones who deal with them faithfully. O that they might arouse from their spiritual lethargy, and now acquaint themselves with God! The world is blinding their eyes from seeing him who is invisible. They are unable to discern the most precious things that are of eternal interest, but view the truth of God in so dim a light that it seems of little value of them. The merest atom concerning their temporal interests assumes magnified proportions, while the things concerning eternity are dropped out of their reckoning. Our Lord insists upon the necessity of removing earthly idols. He would have us set free from delusions and snares, and not mistake phantoms for realities.

The Lord is coming. Time is short. Get ready, get ready, get ready. For Christ's sake call a halt; you have not a moment to lose. Put an end to all unjust, unrighteous criticism, and humble your hearts before God. "Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon."

Do not merely assent to the truth, and fail to be a doer of the words of Christ. The truth must be applied to self; it must bring men and women who receive it to the Rock, that they may fall upon the Rock and be broken. Then Jesus can mold and fashion their characters after his own divine character. If we would listen to his voice, we must let silence reign in the heart. The clamors of self, its pretensions, its lusts, must be rebuked, and we must put on the robe of humility, and take our place as humble learners in the school of Christ. When this is the attitude of our brethren, there will be no more a desire to climb up onto the judgment-seat to judge others; but they will lie low at the foot of the cross. As they behold the matchless loveliness of the character of Christ, their own defects will be made plain, and the delusion of self-righteousness which incased the soul will be swept away, and the arrows of the Lord will find the heart. The truth must be applied to the souls of our people as never before, or many who now feel at ease, will be weighed in the balances and found wanting. -

Come Ye Yourselves Apart, . . . and Rest Awhile

The disciples were members of the family of Jesus, and he arranged that they should accompany him as he traveled on foot through the length and breadth of Palestine. They partook with him of the simple food provided for their physical sustenance, and shared with him in the hardships, toils, and emergencies that overtook them. Jesus sent his disciples forth by two and two into all the towns and villages that he himself purposed to visit. He imparted to them the power to work miracles, in order that the people might have evidence that they were not pretenders, but teachers of divine truth, sustained by divine authority. While he did not accompany them in these missionary tours, he visited other cities, and engaged in the same toilsome, personal labor, practiced the same rigid self-denial, and was their example in all things. He made it manifest that "the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many." Jesus did not impose burdens upon his followers which he did not himself bear. He asked, "For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? But I am among you as he that serveth."

Let us be careful to follow his example, and feel that we are responsible for the performance of the same duties which we lay upon others to perform. Let us not enjoin upon others that which we will not do ourselves. Jesus rebuked the scribes and Pharisees because they bound upon their brethren burdens which were grievous to be borne, which they themselves would not touch with one of their fingers. In our day there are those who, while urging and exhorting their brethren to greater efforts, fail to set them an example in zeal and effort for the cause of God. Those who urge upon others the performance of duties, must themselves be the first to engage in the good work, or their instruction will lose its force. The world's Redeemer did thus, and we are to follow in his footsteps.

The disciples gathered around Jesus after their first missionary tour, and told him all things which they had done. They related their experience with frankness and simplicity, telling him of both their successes and their failures. The Master listened with tender sympathy to their earnest recital of their difficulties and triumphs, and approved or encouraged as the experience demanded. They came and told Jesus all that they had done. How much stronger and happier would we be if we came to Jesus, confiding in him, and telling him all our joys and sorrows, our trials, our failures and successes. We should daily come to him, saying, "Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try my reins and my heart. For thy loving-kindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth." We shall receive the answer, "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way that thou shalt go. I will guide thee with mine eye." Our experience will be expressed by the words of the psalmist, when he says, "Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance."

When the disciples related all their experience to Jesus, he understood their need. Their labor had greatly elated and encouraged them, but it had also worn upon them. Many were coming and going in the place where they were, and there was not leisure so much as to eat. He saw that they had made mistakes in their manner of work, and he desired to counsel and instruct them, he said unto them, "Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest awhile." A desert place did not mean a waste and solitary wilderness, but a place of retirement and quiet, pleasant to the eyes and invigorating to the body. They sought such a place near a favorite resort on the sea of Galilee. To the north and west were the lofty mounts of Lebanon and Hermon, and to the south was the lake. Near this resort was one of the most frequented fords of the Jordan on the road from Damascus to Jerusalem. The truths he there preached to the people were heard by many who carried the precious messages to far distant regions. Here he sought for an opportunity to impart to his disciples instructions as to how they should conduct themselves in meeting different classes of society. They did not always appreciate these lessons at the time when they were spoken, but after his resurrection, when the Holy Spirit brought all things to their remembrance, they understood the importance of his teaching.

It was essential that Jesus should instruct them; for they were to go forth to preach the gospel to all the nations. In their first missionary tour they had worked diligently and manifested intense earnestness, preaching the kingdom of God, and healing the diseases of the people. They now needed a period of rest and reflection. The Christian life is not made up of unceasing activity, or of continual meditation....Christians must work earnestly for the salvation of the lost, and they must also take time for contemplation, for prayer, and the study of the word of God. It will not do to be always under the strain of the work and excitement, for in this way personal piety is neglected, and the powers of mind and body are injured. We are to be "not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord." But the oil of grace must be in our vessels with our lamps. If we wait upon God for his heavenly grace, we shall manifest his power in good works.

Jesus knew that his disciples after their busy labors would derive great benefit by engaging in private communion with him and with their brethren. He knew that a season of rest and recreation, apart from the multitude and the scene of their labors, would invigorate them, and he sought to withdraw them from busy cities to a quiet resort where they might have a season of precious fellowship with him and with each other. Would that all missionaries and workers in the various branches of the cause of God would bear in mind that though Jesus could work miracles, though he had empowered his disciples to work miracles, he commanded that his worn followers should go apart into the country for rest. Self-denial is required of the disciples of Christ, and self-sacrifices must be made; but care must also be exercised lest through human infirmity and feebleness the work of God be marred. The Lord knoweth our frame, he remembereth that we are but dust. Our God is ever merciful, full of compassion, and reasonable in all his requirements. He does not require that we shall pursue a course of action that will result in the loss of our health or the enfeeblement of our powers of mind. He would not have us work under a pressure and strain until exhaustion follows, and prostration of the nerves. The Lord has given us reason, and he expects that we shall exercise reason, and act in harmony with the laws of life implanted within us, obeying them that we may have a well-balanced organization. Day follows day, and each day brings its responsibilities and duties, but the work of to-morrow must not be crowded into to-day. The workers in the cause of God should feel how sacred is its character, and they should prepare themselves for to-morrow's work by a judicious employment of their powers to-day.

The disciples of Jesus needed to be educated as to how they should labor, and how they should rest. To-day there is need that God's chosen workmen should listen to the command of Christ to go apart and rest awhile. Many valuable lives have been sacrificed, that need not have been through ignorance of this command. Many might be with us to-day to help forward the work both at home and in foreign lands, had they but realized that they were required but to work reasonably and take required rest, in order that they should not wear out by continual labor. These workers saw that the field was large, and the work was great, and they were wedded heart and soul to the cause, and felt that they must press on at whatever cost. When nature put in her protest, they paid no heed, doing double the work that they should have done, and God gave them rest in the grave until the last trump sounds, and calls the righteous forth to glorious immortality. But what a loss have the living workers sustained! We cannot afford to have this experience repeated; for a to-morrow is coming that will call for every laborer who can work judiciously. Through the harvest is great, and the laborers are few, nothing is gained by sacrificing health and life.

There are always persons who spare themselves, and who come far short of bearing their share of responsibility. They can talk of great and crushing burdens, but they know not what it is to bear them. Their work yields but meager results, and it is evident that it is not this class who are addressed when Jesus says, "Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest awhile." There are many feeble, worn workmen who feel deeply distressed when they see how much there is to be done, and how little they can do. How they long for physical strength to accomplish more; but it is to this class that Jesus says, "Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest awhile." ( To be continued .) -

Come Ye Yourselves Apart, . . . and Rest Awhile (Concluded)

Those who hold responsible positions in the work have many burdens to bear, and are in danger of becoming crushed under them. The Lord does not mean to press weights on any one to crush out his life, and forever stop his bearing any burdens. Our loving heavenly Father says to every one of his workers, "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee." Again comes the injunction, "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." The Lord estimates every weight before he allows it to rest upon the heart of those who are laborers together with him. Jesus has borne sorrows and burdens, and he knows just what they are. He has his eye upon every laborer. The Lord "telleth the number of the stars," and yet "he healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds." The Lord invites you to roll your burden on him; for he carries you on his heart.

Then have real, practical faith in Jesus, and believe he will carry every load, great or small. You must take the anxieties to Jesus, and believe he takes them, and bears them for you. I know that at this time the true laborers for God have many things pressing upon them; but take them to Jesus, and lay them trustingly upon the Redeemer.

Jesus will not consent to bear our burdens unless we trust him. He says, "Come unto me, all ye weary and heavy laden; give me your load, trust me. You cannot renew a right spirit in man. You cannot give man a new heart. I, your Redeemer, will use you as my instrument. Will you trust me to do the work which it is not possible for the human agent to do?" Worry is blind, and cannot discern the future. But Jesus sees the end from the beginning, and he has prepared the way to bring relief. "So much to do!" Yes; but who is the chief worker?--Jesus Christ your Lord. He offers to lighten the loads we carry by putting himself under the loads. Abiding in Christ, and Christ abiding in us, we can do all things through him who strengthens us.

Don't worry. Men in responsible positions should not be kept up through unseasonable hours in committee meetings. They need rest for the brain, and will break down unless they have rest. Reforms will have to be brought round in the holding of committee meetings, that those who are actors in these meetings may have clear, sharp thoughts, and thus expedite the business.

Committee meetings as they are run by our people through the hours when men should rest the weary brain, are destructive to the mental, physical, and moral powers. Then have it understood that those who come to the committee meetings come with the thought that they are to meet with God, who has given them their work; that it is a sin to waste moments in unimportant conversation; for they are doing the Lord's business, and must do the work in the most business-like, perfect way. Let all understand that there is to be no trifling. Every one should come to these meetings in a consecrated, devotional frame of mind, because important matters are to be considered in relation to the cause of God. This work is to be done after his own order, and if men have been elected to the grave responsibility of having a voice, and exerting an influence in the accomplishment of this great work, let their actions in every particular show that they recognize their responsibility and accountability to understand the will of the Lord as far as it is possible. If a person comes to these meetings with a careless, irreverent manner, let him be reminded that he is in the presence of a witness by whom all actions are weighed. Let none come to these meetings with a hard, cold, critical, loveless spirit; for they may do great harm.

I have been shown that these committee meetings are not always pleasing to God. A spirit is brought into the meetings by some which savors more of the spirit of the prince of darkness than of the spirit of the Prince of life and light. They have had a presence with them to keep them on the wrong side. O what a record has passed into the books of heaven of some of the counsel and committee meetings! How Satan has exulted! Servants of God have been in attendance. They needed rest of mind, they needed sleep; "for so he giveth his beloved sleep;" but the unfeeling, hard manner of some on the committee who were destitute of the love and Spirit of Christ, has distressed and burdened the burden-bearers until they have been nearly crushed to death. They have wept and prayed, and carried a load of anxiety. I have been shown of the Lord that he does not require his workmen to sacrifice in this line. Life is too precious in his sight to be imperiled in this way. Leave the load on the Lord, and wait. We must work as reasonable beings. Our bodies have been purchased by the infinite price of the Son of God. He says, "Know ye not that . . . ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's."

Thank God with soul and voice; and say, "I thank God that I am alive; I thank God for my reason; I thank God for physical strength that I may speak and act under his supervision. I will not overtax my God-given powers. I will not feel that I can do the work which the Lord God of heaven alone is able to accomplish, and will do if I do not get in the way, and consider myself able to do the grand work which God alone can do. I should exhaust all my stock of reserve force, break down my mental and physical powers, and be useless if I thought I could do it all."

Things will go wrong because of unconsecrated workers. You may shed tears over the result of this; but don't worry. The blessed Master has all his work from end to end under his masterly supervision. All he asks is that the workers shall come to him for their orders, and obey his directions. Everything,--our churches, our missions, our Sabbath-schools, our institutions,--is carried upon his divine heart. Why worry? The intense longing to see the church a living and shining light as God designs it shall be, must be tempered with entire trust in God; for "without me," says Christ, "ye can do nothing." "Follow me," says Jesus. He must lead the way; we must follow. Christ dwelling in the soul will prompt to proper action. Empty, weak, worthless, as we feel ourselves to be, the Holy Spirit of God is working through the human instrumentality for the saving of many souls. Hearts that were stored with pollution have become vessels unto honor, habitations for God. "Not unto us, but unto thy name be all the glory." We are nothingness of ourselves; but the Lord God is everything; he is all and in all.

It is not the power that emanates from men that makes the work successful, it is the power of the heavenly intelligences working with the human agent that brings the work to perfection. A Paul may plant, and an Apollos may water, but it is God that giveth the increase. Man cannot do God's part of the work. As a human agent he may co-operate with the divine intelligences, and in simplicity and meekness do his best, realizing that God is the great Master Workman. Although the workmen may be buried, the work will not cease, but it will go on to completion.

When Jesus said the harvest was great, and the laborers were few, he did not urge upon his disciples the necessity of ceaseless toil, but said, "Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest." He tells his disciples that their strength has been severely tried, that they will be unfitted for future labor unless they rest awhile. In this the Master would teach his workers a lesson, and shall they not heed his words? With an eye single to the glory of God, in the name of Jesus, economize your powers, that after being refreshed with rest, you may do more and better work. Would that every child of God might be impressed with the necessity of being temperate in his eating, dressing, and working, that he may do the best work for the cause of God. When the laborer has been under a pressure of work and care, and is overworked in mind and body, he should turn aside and rest awhile, not for selfish gratification, but that he may be better prepared for future duties. We have a vigilant foe, who is ever upon our track, to take advantage of every weakness that he may make his temptations effective for evil. When the mind is overstrained and the body enfeebled, he can take advantage, and press the soul with his fiercest temptations that he may cause the downfall of the child of God. Let the laborer for God carefully husband his strength, and when wearied with toil that must come upon him, let him turn aside and rest and commune with Jesus? -

The Best Education and Its Purpose

The best education that can be given to children and youth is that which bears the closest relation to the future, immortal life. This kind of education should be given by godly parents, by devoted teachers, and by the church, to the end that the youth in turn may become zealous missionaries for either home or foreign fields. They are to be earnestly instructed in the truths of the Bible, that they may become pillars in the church, champions for truth, rooted and grounded in the faith. They are to know whereof they believe, and to have such an experience in divine things that they will never become betrayers of sacred trusts.

The youth should be educated by precept and example that they are to be agents for God, messengers of mercy, ready for every good word and work, that they are to be blessings to those who are ready to perish. We are in great need of educated ability, and the talents intrusted to our youth should be consecrated to the service of God, and employed in his work. There should be men and women who are qualified to work in the churches and to train our young people for special lines of work, that souls may be brought to see Jesus. The schools established by us should have in view this object, and not be after the order of the denominational schools established by other churches, or after the order of worldly seminaries and colleges. They are to be of an altogether higher order, where no phase of infidelity shall be originated or countenanced. The students are to be educated in practical Christianity, and the Bible must be regarded as the highest, the most important text-book.

There is a great demand in all parts of the world for Christian teachers and for medical missionaries. In all parts of the field both at home and abroad, are open doors for those who can do good to body and soul, presenting the precious light of truth. That past neglect in this direction must not be perpetuated. Great light has shone upon our pathway in some directions more than others, and yet our advance along these very lines has been far behind the light we have had. Many of our most promising young men and women have offered their best ability at the shrine of idols, and have given themselves as a sacrifice to the prince of evil. O that the youth in our schools, one and all, might yield to the precious strivings of the Spirit of the Lord, that they might know the indications of his providence, and wait upon God, that they might know and do his will! In this way they would open the door of the heart to Jesus.

In surrendering ourselves to God, we reap great advantages; for if we have weaknesses of character, as we all have, we unite ourselves to One who is mighty to save. Our ignorance will be united to infinite wisdom, our frailty to enduring might, and, like Jacob, we may each become a prince with God. Connected with the Lord God of Israel, we shall have power from above which will enable us to be overcomers; and by the impartation of divine love, we shall find access to the hearts of men. We shall have fastened our trembling grasp upon the throne of the Infinite, and shall say, "I will not let thee go, except thou bless me." The assurance is given that he will bless us and make us a blessing; and this is our light, our joy, our triumph. When the youth understand what it is to have the favor and love of God in the heart, they will begin to realize the value of their blood-bought privileges, and will consecrate their ability to God, and strive with all their God-given powers to increase their talents to use in the Master's service.

The only safety for our youth in this age of sin and crime is to have a living connection with God. They must learn how to seek God that they may be filled with his Holy Spirit, and act as though they realized that the whole host of heaven was looking upon them with interested solicitude, ready to minister unto them in danger and in time of need. The youth should be barricaded by warning and instruction against temptation. They should be taught what are the encouragements held out to them in the word of God. They should have delineated before them the peril of taking a step into the by-paths of evil. They should be educated to revere the counsels of God in his sacred oracles. They should be so instructed that they will set their resolution against evil, and determine that they will not enter into any path where they could not expect Jesus to accompany them, and his blessing to abide upon them. They should be taught practical, daily religion that will sanctify them in every relation of life, in their homes, in business, in the church, in society. They must be so educated that they will realize that it is a perilous thing to trifle with their privileges, but that God expects them reverently and earnestly to seek daily for his blessing. The blessing of God is a precious gift, and it is to be counted of such worth that it will not be surrendered at any cost. The blessing of God maketh rich, and it addeth no sorrow.

My heart is stirred to its depths as I read of the prostitution of noble powers to the service of Satan. In governmental departments, in positions of high responsibility, in official trusts, men are tempted by the evil one; and corruption and crime, embezzlements, robberies, and extortions are the result. There are terrible sinks of corruption, pouring out upon our world poisonous influences that corrupt the community. In every place Satan has set his traps that he may catch men of education, of good natural endowments, men who are capable of becoming laborers together with God, companions of angels, inhabitants of heaven, that he may bind them to his car as his slaves. And yet Jesus has ransomed them from the bondage of the enemy, and they refuse to be at liberty, and will not become the sons of God, heirs of God, and joint heirs with Jesus Christ to an immortal inheritance. They live as though the earth, money, position, houses, and lands were the main objects of their creation. Through the tender mercy of God their life is prolonged; but is it not a pitiable sight to see men of high ability living on so low a plane?

The ransom has been paid, and it is possible for all to come to God, and through a life of obedience to attain unto everlasting life. Then how sad it is that men turn from the immortal inheritance, and live for the gratification of pride, for selfishness and display, and through submission to the rule of Satan, lose the blessing which they might have both in this life and in the life to come. They might enter into the palaces of heaven, and associate on terms of freedom and equality with Christ and heavenly angels, and with the princes of God; and yet, incredible as it may seem, they turn from heavenly attractions. The Creator of all worlds proposes to love those who believe in his only-begotten Son as their personal Saviour, even as he loves his Son. Even here and now his gracious favor is bestowed upon us to this marvelous extent. He has given to men the gift of the Light and Majesty of heaven, and with him he has bestowed all the treasures of heaven. Much as he has promised us for the life to come, he also bestows princely gifts upon us in this life, and as subjects of his grace, he would have us enjoy everything that will ennoble, expand, and elevate our characters. It is his design to fit us for the heavenly courts above.

But Satan is contending for the souls of men, and casts his hellish shadow athwart their path, in order that they shall not behold the light. He would not have them catch a glimpse of the future honor, the eternal glories, laid up for those who shall be inhabitants of heaven, or have a taste of the experience that gives a foretaste of the happiness of heaven. But with the heavenly attractions set before the mind to inspire hope, to awaken desire, to spur to effort, how can we turn from the prospect, and choose sin and its wages, which is death?

Those who accept Christ as their Saviour have the promise of the life that now is, and that which is to come. The human agent owes no part of his ability to the service of Satan; but his entire allegiance is due to the infinite and eternal God. The lowliest disciple of Christ may become an inhabitant of heaven, an heir of God to an inheritance incorruptible, and that fadeth not away. O that every one might make choice of the heavenly gift, become an heir of God to that inheritance whose title is secure from any destroyer, world without end! O, choose not the world, but choose the better inheritance! Press, urge, your way toward the mark for the prize of your high calling in Christ Jesus. For Christ's sake, let the aim of your education be shaped by the inducements of the better world. -

Christ As Teacher

For his own wise purpose the Lord veils spiritual truths in figures and symbols. Through the use of figures of speech, the plainest and most telling rebuke was often given to his accusers and enemies, and they could find in his words no occasion to condemn him. In parables and comparisons he found the best method of communicating divine truth. In simple language, using figures and illustrations drawn from the natural world, he opened spiritual truth to his hearers, and gave expression to precious principles that would have passed from their minds, and left scarcely a trace, had he not connected his words with stirring scenes of life, experience, or nature. In this way he called forth their interest, aroused inquiry, and when he had fully secured their attention, he decidedly impressed upon them the testimony of truth. In this way he was able to make sufficient impression upon the heart so that afterward his hearers could look upon the thing with which he connected his lesson, and recall the words of the divine Teacher.

The teaching of Jesus was of an entirely different order from that of the learned scribes. They professed to be expositors of the law, both written and traditional. But the formal tone of their instruction would indicate that they saw nothing in the doctrines of the sacred oracles which possessed vital power. They presented nothing new, uttered no words that reached the longing of the soul. They offered no food for the hungry sheep and lambs. Their custom was to dwell upon the obscurities of the law, and the result of their reasoning was a jargon of absurdities, which neither the learned could fathom nor the common people understand.

Christ came to unveil divine truth to the world. He taught as one having authority. He spake as never man spake. There was no hesitancy in his manner, not the shadow of a doubt in his utterances. He spake as one who understood every part of his subject. He could have opened mysteries which patriarchs and prophets desired to look into, which human curiosity had been impatiently desirous of understanding. But when men could not discern the most simple, plainly-stated truths, how could they understand mysteries which were hid from mortal eyes? Jesus did not disdain to repeat old, familiar truths; for he was the author of these truths. He was the glory of the temple. Truths which had been lost sight of, which had been misplaced, misinterpreted, and disconnected from their true position, he separated from the companionship of error; and showing them as precious jewels in their own bright luster, he reset them in their proper framework, and commanded them to stand fast forever. What a work was this! It was of such a character that no finite man could comprehend or do it. Only the divine Hand could take the truth which, from its connection with error, had been serving the cause of the enemy of God and man, and place it where it would glorify God, and be the salvation of humanity. The work of Christ was to give again to the world the truth in its original freshness and beauty. He represented the spiritual and heavenly, by the things of nature and experience. He gave fresh manna to the hungry soul, presented a new kingdom which was to be set up among men.

The Jewish rabbis presented the requirements of the law as a wearing round of exactions. They did just what Satan is doing in our day,--presented the law before the people as a cold, rigid code of commands and traditions. Superstitions buried the light, the glory, the dignity, and far-reaching claims of the law of God. They professed to speak to the people in the place of God. After the transgression of Adam, the Lord spoke no longer directly with man; the human race was given into the hands of Christ, and all communication came through him to the world. It was Christ who spoke the law on Mount Sinai, and he knew the bearing of all its precepts, the glory and majesty of the law of heaven. In his sermon on the mount, Christ defines the law, and seeks to inculcate on the minds of his hearers the far-reaching claims of the precepts of Jehovah. His instructions came as a new revelation to the people; and the teachers of the law, the scribes and the Pharisees, as well as the common people, were astonished at his doctrine. The words of Christ were not new, and yet they came with the force of revelation; for they presented the truth in its proper light, and not in the light in which the teachers had set it before the people. He showed no regard for the traditions and commandments of men, but opened the eyes of their understanding to behold wondrous things out of the law of God, which is the foundation of his throne from the beginning of the world; and as long as the heavens and the earth remain, through the ceaseless ages of eternity, it will be the great standard of righteousness, holy and just and good.

The system of Jewish economy was the gospel in figure, a presentation of Christianity which was to be developed as fast as the minds of the people could comprehend spiritual light. Satan ever seeks to make obscure the truths that are plain, and Christ ever seeks to open the mind to comprehend every essential truth concerning the salvation of fallen man. To this day there are still aspects of truth which are dimly seen, connections that are not understood, and far-reaching depths in the law of God that are uncomprehended. There is immeasurable breadth, dignity, and glory in the law of God; and yet the religious world has set aside this law, as did the Jews, to exalt the traditions and commandments of men. Before the days of Christ, men asked in vain, "What is truth?" Darkness covered the earth, and gross darkness the people. Even Judea was shrouded in gloom, although the voice of God spoke to them in his oracles. The truth of God had been silenced by the superstition and traditions of its professed interpreters, and contention, jealousy, and prejudice divided the professed children of God. Then was a Teacher sent from God, even him who was the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Jesus presented to view the pure, rich truth of heaven to shine amid the moral darkness and gloom of earth. God has said, "Let there be spiritual light," and the light of the glory of God was revealed in the face of Jesus Christ.

Christ was manifested as the Saviour of men. The people were not to trust in their own works, in their own righteousness, or in themselves in any way, but in the Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world. In him the Advocate with the Father was revealed. Through him the invitation was given, "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson they shall be as wool." This invitation comes sounding down along the lines to us to-day. Let not pride, or self-esteem, or self-righteousness keep any one from confessing his sins, that he may claim the promise: "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy." Keep nothing back from God, and neglect not the confession of your faults to the brethren when they have a connection with them. "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed." Many a sin is left unconfessed, to be confronted in the day of final accounts; better far to see your sins now, to confess them, and put them away, while the atoning sacrifice pleads in your behalf. Do not dislike to learn the will of God on this subject. The health of your soul, the unity of your brethren, may depend upon the course you pursue in these things. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time, "casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."

It is a lamentable fact that the erring heart is unwilling to be criticised, or to subject itself to humiliation by the confession of sin. Some see their faults, but thinking confession will detract from their dignity, they excuse their wrong, and shield themselves from the discipline that confession would give to the soul. The thought of their manifest error will remain to embitter their enjoyments and embarrass their movements; for in passing out of the path of confession, they fail to be faithful examples to the people. They see the errors of others; but how can they have courage to give the advice, "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed," when they have failed to follow this instruction in their own life? How much will ministers or people learn of a truth which they thrust aside, and forget if possible, because it is not agreeable; because it does not flatter their pride, but reproves and pains? Ministers and people, if saved at all, must be saved day by day, hour by hour. They must hunger and thirst for the righteousness of Christ, the illumination of the Holy Spirit. Church-members, --those placed in positions of trust,--must be baptized with the Spirit of God, or they will not be qualified for the positions they accept.

A man may have a knowledge of the Scriptures which will not make him wise unto salvation, although he may be able to master his opponents in public controversy. If he does not have a yearning of soul after God; if he does not search his own heart as with a lighted candle, fearing that any wrong should lurk there; if he is not possessed with a desire to answer the prayer of Christ that his disciples may be one as he is one with the Father, that the world may believe that Jesus is the Christ,--he flatters himself in vain that he is a Christian. His knowledge, begun in ambition, is carried forward in pride; but his soul is destitute of the divine love, the gentleness and meekness of Christ. He is not a wise man in the sight of God. He may have wisdom to overcome an opponent; but wise unto salvation, he cannot possibly be without the agency of the Holy Spirit. And the fruit of the Spirit is "love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance." Neither talent, eloquence, nor selfish study of the Scriptures, will produce love to God or conformity to the image of Christ. Nothing but divine power can regenerate the human heart and character, and imbue the soul with the love of Christ, which will ever manifest itself in love to those for whom he died.

An Appeal for the Australasian Field

Dear Brethren and Sisters in America: We have now been in this missionary field nearly two years. For eleven months of this time, because of sickness, I was unable to labor in public. At times, with much inconvenience and suffering, I spoke in the church at Melbourne; but although I could not labor in a public manner during these months of suffering, I was enabled to write 2400 pages of letter paper upon themes that were essential to the progress of the work. Christ was previously-near to me during the time of my affliction, and the truth was presented to me in clear light, and the promises were viewed by me in their richness and fullness. I felt constrained to write by the Spirit of God even in my affliction and suffering; but I am now rejoiced to say that the Lord has been mercifully working for my restoration, and although not entirely relieved, I am in a much better condition of health, and have been strengthened so that I can stand before the people and bear to them my message, and in this work I have been marvelously sustained.

We have carried a heavy burden for these Australasian fields, and though our allotted time to remain here is almost expired, we see much unfinished work before us. We have sent in our appeals for men and means to carry forward the work in this far-off missionary territory, and we are thankful to our heavenly Father for that which has been done in response. We are glad that Brother and sister Wilson have been added to the number of missionary laborers by the General Conference. But we would be more rejoiced if our responsible men would not see so many ways to invest means upon that which is in the range of their immediate vision, and would extend their view, and see the necessity of providing facilities to start the work in new fields. There are many, many important cities that have not been entered; many, many places where the banner of truth has not been unfurled. We still plead for laborers for these colonies. We still plead for financial help to plant the standard of truth in these new fields.

Some of our responsible men seem only to take in the needs of the field on which their vision rests, and addition upon addition is made to well-established institutions, in which a large amount of means has already been invested, and where already a great amount of strength is centered. Yet to these very institutions large donations are appropriated to build them up still further, while other fields, such as this one, where there are no strength and no facilities, are left in their deplorable weakness, devoid of those things necessary to break up the soil for the introduction of the seeds of truth.

Brethren in America, I am praying day and night that the Lord may extend your vision, in order that you may see things that are afar off. How can the Lord Jesus approve of your absorbing so much means in increasing facilities whereby to advance the work in America, while foreign fields are destitute of means whereby to begin the work in parts where no beginning has been made? Knowing as we do, how well equipped are our institutions for publishing, for education, and for treating the sick, and what a firm basis the truth has in that field, we wonder that you should think it proper to expend more means there, when these foreign fields are so lacking in that with which you are so well furnished. Here are places all about us that have never been entered, and cannot be worked unless we shall have houses of worship, even though of the humblest character. We cannot call out the people to hear the truth in tents as in America; for in many places, as in Wellington, New Zealand, the wind would strip them to ribbons. We have not a place in these large cities where we can call out the people to hear the truth of God. We cannot unfurl the banner of truth; for we have no standing place. I am looking to the Lord for light, and I shall make appeals again and again, like the importunate widow, until you shall be compelled to hear, and attend to the call. I address the churches, and plead with them to do the very work that God would have them. I have been thinking very seriously of going to America in person to make appeals from church to church; for I am deeply moved over the destitute condition of these Australasian fields.

In this country, the denominational ministers tell the most unblushing falsehoods to their congregations in reference to our work and our people. Whatever false report has been started, is circulated by those who oppose the truth, and is repeated from church to church and from community to community. The circulators of these falsehoods take no pains to find out whether or not they are true, for many of those who repeat the reports, though not the framers of them, still love the false reports, and take delight in giving them a wide circulation. They do not, like honest, just men, come to those who are accused, and seek to find out what is the truth concerning what they have heard in regard to their faith; but without inquiry they spread false statements in order to prejudice the people against those who hold the truth. For instance, an effort was made to obtain the use of the hall at a village four miles from Hastings, where some of our workers proposed to present the gospel to the people; but they did not succeed in obtaining the hall, because a school-teacher there opposed the truth, and declared to the people that Seventh-day Adventists did not believe in the divinity of Christ. This man may not have known what our faith is on this point, but he was not left in ignorance. He was informed that there is not a people on earth who hold more firmly to the truth of Christ's pre-existence than do Seventh-day Adventists. But the answer was given that they did not want that the doctrines of Seventh-day Adventists should be promulgated in that community. So the door was closed.

The prejudice that exists in the smaller cities and towns of Australia and New Zealand is very bitter, and we have to put forth the same effort here to overcome prejudice as in America where our people are not known. The message and the messenger are not so well known in these fields as in America, so the prejudice is of longer duration; and until the people who are teaching the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, are better known by personal acquaintance, these fields will be hard to work. It is difficult to break down these barriers, and obtain an opportunity to introduce the leaven of truth, and proclaim the last message of mercy and warning to the people. As in Christ's day, the ministers will not investigate the Scriptures, and candidly compare the doctrines presented with their Bibles, but rather seize upon some lying report, some scandal from far off or from near at hand, and present a false statement to their congregations as an evidence that they should close their ears to the "strange doctrines" of the Seventh-day Adventists. Through these lying reports, the people whose minds have been stirred up by the truth are quieted down, and as they have not the moral courage to investigate the Scriptures for themselves, or to ferret out the falsehood, they turn from the men who have the message of God. We are obliged to go over the very same ground in these fields that we had to go over in the beginning of the work in America. The history of the work, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles, when they journeyed from place to place, and had to meet the opposition of opposers of the truth, is re-enacted in the work of the message for this time.

Prejudice in these fields is so strong that we do not see how the message of truth is to go to the cities and towns in these colonies, unless we shall be furnished with facilities by which we may work. In the history of the first gospel workers, we read that after the day of Pentecost, they set forth in earnest to fulfill the commission given them of Christ, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." I was rejoiced to hear of the outpouring of the Spirit of God in Michigan, and especially at Battle Creek. I rejoiced with heart and soul and voice; for I knew that something would be done to stir the souls of those who have had the shining of continual rays of light upon them, and who have not hitherto made a response in proportion to the light they have had. The Holy Spirit works in the heart of its receiver, and makes its possessor an agent for its designs. Those who are imbued with the Holy Spirit become channels of light to the world, and those who have had the Spirit of God will make a decided response to the appeals which the Lord is sending.

I ask my brethren and sisters in America, Are you, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, working the works of God? Are you becoming witnesses as did the early disciples to the power of him who sanctifies you, and enables you to consecrate yourselves to the very work that God would have you do? Have families aroused from their idle inactivity? and have they moved from Battle Creek into surrounding towns and villages to advocate and live out before the people the message of truth? The admonition to each one is, Work "while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work." Who has opened his ears to the Macedonian cry that is coming from every direction. "Come over and help us"? Who have had their hearts stirred by the need of the people, and have decided to leave country and kindred to come to this far-off field in response to the urgent appeals that have been sent to you? Who have been stirred to give their substance to the cause, to devote their means to the advancement of the present truth in this field?

We have been sent here by the General Conference, and we are here on the ground; but we have not been provided with facilities to do the work, although urgent calls have been made for facilities, and the needs of the field have been repeatedly presented before our brethren. The trouble is that our brethren do not comprehend the appeal that has been made. But something more must be done, they think, to give additional strength to, and to multiply facilities in, America, where there is a great abundance of facilities; while the fields that have no strength, which need money and workers, are left almost entirely in their destitution, and the call for means and men is scarcely heeded. Workers now, and money now, would be of more value than double the financial assistance in two years from this time. I must now make an appeal to the churches. I must call upon you in America to help us at this time. I call upon those whom God has made stewards of his means to send us financial help, and let those who are willing to go out as did Abraham, leaving country and kindred, come as missionaries to this field, not looking to the Conference to pay your expenses, or to support you, but looking to God for grace to diffuse the light he has given you.

Wake up, brethren and sisters, wake up. Sleep no longer. "Why stand ye here all the day idle?" Jesus calls you, saying, "Go work to-day in my vineyard." Whoever has received the Holy Spirit, will make it manifest; for all his powers will be employed in the most active service. All who actually receive Christ by faith, work. They feel the burden of souls. God now calls upon every one who has a knowledge of the truth, who is a depositary of sacred truth, to arise and impart the light of heaven to others. Those who have been illuminated by the Holy Spirit, will show its office work upon life and character. They will be mediums through which the Holy Spirit will communicate light and knowledge to others. The wonderful truth revealed to us in these last days, is to be revealed to others. "The end of all things is at hand." The Lord has been speaking to you in America, and may the Lord forbid that at the time of great illumination, darkness should come upon you because you fail to walk in the light that has been given. Darkness corresponding to your light will surely come upon you, if you do not now arouse from your slumbers, and shake off your useless musings and selfish indulgences, and trade diligently with your Lord's goods. Move out from your pleasant homes. Develop the talents God has given you, and tell to others what the Holy Spirit has communicated to you. God requires you to work in proportion to the light he has given. ( Concluded next week .) -

An Appeal for the Australasian Field (Concluded)

Angels of God are waiting, desiring with intense desire that those who claim to believe the truth shall become agents through which, by co-operation with them, they shall be able to communicate light to the world. All heaven is interested in the work that is going on in the world, and the angels desire that men shall become channels by which divine grace may flow to those who are famishing for the waters of life. In new and fresh aspects the truth is to be presented through living agencies to those who are in the darkness of error, who are dead in trespasses and sins. God created all things by Christ Jesus, that now unto principalities and powers in heavenly places might be made known by the church the manifold wisdom of God. Wake up, my brethren and sisters, before you sleep the sleep of death. God has shown you that he is willing to do great things for you. The salvation of the human soul is the one object of most intense interest to the heavenly host. The value of the soul is infinitely above silver and gold; and why is it that you who have a knowledge of the truth do not impart it to others? It is the highest duty of every Christian to let the light God has given shine forth in steady rays. Have you been converted from error to truth? Have you, through faith in Jesus Christ, been made partakers of his love? Then go to work to save souls that are ready to perish. Personal effort must be put forth, if men who are lost are to be convinced that they are in need of a Saviour. The work of saving souls is not confined to the delegated ministers. To every man God has given his work. Every soul that has been enlightened has a work to do, a mission to perform. Each one is to trade diligently with the talents intrusted to his care. Converted himself, the Christian is to present to others the truth as it is in Christ Jesus, and win souls to Jesus.

The Lord has blessed many of you of late. What reason did you assign for this enlightenment? Did you think that God had blessed you simply that you might sit down and be happy, while others were left to perish for the want of the knowledge and experience that you have obtained through the mercy and forbearance of God? Were you willing to be content and gratified that you had received so rich a blessing? The Holy Spirit was imparted to you in order that you might become agents by which God could communicate that blessing to others. Every true believer is a light that will shine amid the moral darkness of the world. "Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." "Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. "Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor [it will not communicate its saving qualities,] wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men." The religion that does not reveal itself in good works, in true righteousness and goodness, in saving the souls of poor sinners, is of no value in the estimation of God, and it will not save the souls of those who possess it.

Soldiers of Christ are now wanted to push the battle to the front. Marshall under the bloodstained banner of Prince Emmanuel, wear his armor, and press the battle to the gate. The gospel of the kingdom of Christ must go into new countries, and enter new provinces. We are laborers together with God. Brethren and sisters, why hover about the churches? Study the parable of the lost sheep, and go forth as true shepherds, seeking the lost one who is in the wilderness of sin. Rescue the perishing.

Christians will have the mind of Christ, and be co-workers with him. To every one work has been allotted, and no one else can be a substitute for another. Each one has a mission of wonderful importance, which he cannot neglect or ignore, as the fulfillment of it involves the weal of some soul, and the neglect of it the woe of one for whom Christ died. God has appointed his children to give light to others, and if they fail to do it, and souls are left in the darkness of error because of their failure to do that which they might have done, had they been vitalized by the Holy Spirit, they will be accountable to God. We have been called out of darkness into his marvelous light, in order that we may show forth the praises of Christ.

In the Australasian field we not only need ministers, but faithful workers who will do their God-given work in the way he has appointed that it should be done. Who of those who have been so greatly blessed in the outpouring of the Spirit of God, have fallen again into slumber? Arouse, before it is eternally too late. By your slothfulness you are not only imperiling your own souls, but you are endangering the cause of God, since he has given to every man his work. The converting power of God must daily come upon all the churches, that they may stand in the strength of Christ, rooted and grounded in the faith, holding forth the word of life. Do not wait until some one shall lift you up, and take all the burden. Let every soul in the churches consecrate himself to God, and lay all that he has on the altar, going forth by faith into the highways and byways of the world, and in a humble, Christ-like spirit, doing what he can, as he has opportunity, to sow the seeds of truth. Sow beside all waters, presenting the truth as it is in Jesus. By a godly example, by earnest expostulation and entreaties, compel the lost to come in to be prepared for the marriage supper of the Lamb. To neglect the work of saving souls is a great sin; for it is neglecting to save souls for whom Christ died.

It is evident that the love of Christ does not warm our own hearts, if we have nothing to say to others of its power, if we do nothing to kindle in the hearts of others the love of God. If Christ abides in the soul, it will not be possible to be indolent and indifferent. The salvation of sinners demands that every Christian shall act his part, and put forth a certain measure of positive power. "Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins." The word must be spoken in season and out of season to those who are beguiled by Satan, and led to do evil things. Satan is working through his agents, and shall the soldiers of Christ exert no positive influence to save souls that are walking in the broad road to death? The voice of invitation and entreaty is to sound, crying, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world!" Let no one wait for the sinner to come to him, asking for counsel and advice. Go forth into the wilderness to seek and to save that which is lost. The most special self-denial is to be practiced, the most earnest effort is to be made to save those who are ready to perish. Imbued with the Spirit of Christ, the true worker will not fail nor be discouraged.

Not one who has been made the depositary of truth, will be excused in the day of judgment for the non-employment of his talents, given for the sake of the salvation of souls. In the great day of God every case will appear exactly as it is, and no one will be able, in view of the terrible consequences of the neglect he has been guilty of, to render an excuse; but as the eye of God rests upon him, he will stand condemned and denounced.

Wake up, brethren and sisters in our churches, and watch unto prayer. Educate the youth in such a way that they shall understand that it is not possible for them to live a Christian life, and to increase in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and yet not be actively engaged in trading upon the talents that God has given,--diffusing to others the knowledge of the truth. Individually we are to put to use our knowledge of the truth in instructing the ignorant, in enlightening those who are in darkness. We are to seek wisdom of God in all things, and then improve every opportunity that is possible, to make the path of duty plain to others. When each one does the duty that lies nearest him, how sinful will appear the thought of devoting God-given powers to the pursuit of amusements. O what sin and guilt we are living in when not earnestly using every jot of influence we possess to advance the kingdom of Christ in the world. Souls are perishing, and few have any concern about it; but those who are indolent in serving the Master, though they may even be employed in the work, will, through neglect of prayer and watching, neglect all other duties, and lose at last all interest in religious things, and be themselves ready to die, except they repent, and return unto the Lord. Why not meet the expectation of the heavenly intelligences, and "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling?" "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings: that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain." -

Represent Christ in Self-Denial

"He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him."

Let it be understood that the man who claims Christ as his Saviour, should make manifest this claim by observing the holy maxims that Christ has given. He who professes to be a Christian, and yet does not observe the precepts of his Lord, is in the world as a deceiver, is a betrayer of the truth of God. The progress of the truth in the world is often hindered by the unsanctified characters of men who claim to be its adherents. It would be far better to make no profession of truth than, making a profession, to drag the truth down by an un-Christlike course of action. The true lover of truth will say, "I am a Christian, and I cannot call sin righteousness. I cannot connive at any deception. I cannot act a lie under any circumstances, nor look upon sin as a light thing."

Through the repetition of that which the word of God condemns, the conscience becomes hardened, and prevarication and fraud, long practiced, seem of trifling import to him who has trampled under foot the precepts of Christ. Exaggeration and fraud and falsehood are largely dealt in, in the world; but shall those who profess to believe the truth, do unrighteousness? Shall they gather the pollution that everywhere exists, and identify themselves with those who, although they are termed upright men, are evil-doers? He who looks upon the heart, and cannot behold sin with any degree of allowance, will not countenance hypocrisy in those who claim to be his children. The reason why many more do not embrace the truth is that those who claim to believe, do not act upon the plain, direct lessons of Christ.

The Lord has designated his people as "the light of the world," and to them he has committed the sacred trust of preaching the gospel in all the world. In order to do this, how great need there is of bringing our wants within the least possible scope, that we may give ourselves and our all for the fulfilling of our divine commission. We should all learn to economize in the use of means. God does not require that his people should deprive themselves of that which is really necessary for their health and comfort, but he does not approve of wantonness and extravagance and display. In no sense should we abuse the gifts of God; for we shall be called upon at the last day to give an account of our stewardship. Let us look at the precept and example of our divine Lord, regarding economy, and making the most of the blessing of heaven. When Jesus had worked a notable miracle, and had fed five thousand people, he said to his disciples, "Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost." This command had a double meaning; for it not only showed that every morsel of bread given through the miracle of Christ was sacred, but that those morsels, imparted to others, multiplied and extended the blessing to those who had need. From this circumstance we may learn a lesson in spiritual matters. As the bread was carefully saved to be given to others in need, so we should carefully treasure up all that God gives us, in order that it may be again imparted to those who have need.

But many, very many, have not so educated themselves that they can keep their expenditures within the limit of their income. They do not learn to adapt themselves to circumstances, and they borrow and borrow again and again, and become overwhelmed in debt, and consequently they become discouraged and disheartened. Many do not remember the cause of God, and carelessly expend money in holiday amusements, in dress and folly, and when there is a call made for the advancement of the work in home and foreign missions, they have nothing to give, or even have overdrawn their account. Thus they rob God in tithes and offerings, and through their selfish indulgence they lay the soul open to fierce temptations, and fall into the wiles of Satan.

We should be on our guard, and not allow ourselves to spend money upon that which is unnecessary, and simply for display. We should not permit ourselves to indulge tastes that lead us to pattern after the customs of the world, and rob the treasury of the Lord. The apostle says, "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God." O what a representation is this of the security, the peace, the rest, the confidence, we may have in the love of God. No man, no power, can force us from our refuge. Jesus says, "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, and 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 nothing." Thank God with heart and soul and voice for a safe abiding-place. "When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then [if you have hid your life with Christ in God] shall ye also appear with him in glory."

Christ is to be our pattern and example in all things, and if we follow his example, we shall avoid following the spendthrifts, whose example is so contagious to both young and old. We should make it a rule to bind about our wants, remembering that every penny belongs to the Lord, to be used not for wantonness, not for display, not in extravagance; for this would be an abuse of the Lord's goods, but for actual necessities. There are obligations to the poor and needy laid upon us, and to spend money simply for the gratification of some extravagant taste is not in God's order; for it prohibits us from doing good to those who are in need. Those in moderate circumstances are to bind about their wants, that they may also give out their talents to the exchangers, and those who have been blessed with large talents, who have abundance, should lay upon themselves the same restrictions, and guard against the needless expenditure of means for selfish gratification. The Lord has made them stewards of his means, and he designs that they should bless the needy, care for the poor, help the widow and the orphan, and send the light of the truth to those who sit in darkness.

Fields are opening on every side, calls are coming in from every country The Macedonian cry is sounding, "Come over and help us." And still the missionary spirit is so feeble that there is scarcely a pulse-beat in response. We need missionaries, we need to be exercised unto godliness. The Bible condemns all extremes in dress and the following of the fashions of this degenerate age. It is not the aim of a Christian to attract attention and admiration on account of his dress. "Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord," witnessing a good confession to the world, saying by your godly life and conversation, We are pilgrims and strangers on the earth. "For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country," "a city whose builder and maker is God."

When the truth is received into the heart, it sanctifies the soul, and a sincere Christian will walk through life with Christ the Pattern ever in view, and he will adhere with noble steadfastness to the singular principles of righteousness in words, in dress, and deportment. He will have respect unto the recompense of reward. "And truly if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to return. But now they desire a better country, that is an heavenly. Wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for he hath prepared for them a city."

Our affections are to flow in but one direction, in order that our obligations as servants of Christ be not violated. The badge of the world will never designate us as the children of God, loyal subjects of his kingdom. When Jesus came, he found sins, worldliness, and dissension in the church; but it was his work to reverse this order of things. He would have his church in the world, but not of it. He said, "Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up." The church was to be a divine inclosure in the world. It was to be as a vineyard planted by the divine Husbandman, and brought under cultivation by him. It was to be as a nursery planted with trees of righteousness, and although surrounded by evil trees of the world, which brought forth fruit unto death, yet all within the inclosure was designed to be the planting of the Lord, bearing fruit unto righteousness. The followers of Christ were to reveal the power of the transforming grace of Christ to change the corrupt hearts of men. The church was to be as a field of wheat, but a strange hand has planted tares among the wheat, and it is this mingling of tares and wheat that causes the children of God to weep with sorrow. The natural, unsanctified elements of human character work against the influence of the Spirit of God. Men of evil minds bring in false doctrines, and in many cases these false doctrines have supplanted the truth of God. The Lord designed that his church should not receive the commandments of men, but acknowledge his law alone. He designed that the pure, unadulterated truth should be proclaimed in the world. Self-denial and cross-bearing was to characterize his children. They were to represent to the world the character of Christ, and keep before the world a representation of the eternal world; for among them was to be found the spirit, the character, that should be developed by coming under the control of the divine government. They were to be obedient to higher laws than the princes of this world originate, and yield submission to a greater power than kings can command.

While all the world is under the care of God, and angels are commissioned to do service in all parts of it, yet the church is the special object of God's love and care. In the church, he is making experiments of mercy and love, and drawing men to himself. Through the grace of Christ an amazing transformation is taking place in the corrupt hearts of men. The work wrought in the characters of sinners through the grace of Christ, is a greater work than to perform a miracle upon the bodies of men. The old, carnal nature dies, and a new creature appears after the likeness of Christ. At this mighty work, angels look and rejoice. They see that upon this sin- cursed earth, Christ has his training-schools. He takes the ignorant children of darkness and of wrath, and brings them as willing subjects to his feet to learn of him, that they may become laborers together with God; that they may wear Christ's yoke and bear his burden, and identify their interests with the interests and delights of heaven. He has in prospect a well-trained, well- disciplined army of workers, with whom he can deposit his goods, and trust them to bring back his talents improved, and multiplied by being put out to the exchangers; to whom he can say at last, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant. . . . Enter thou into the joy of the Lord."

Look Not Every Man On His Own Things

"Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon."

Let us not longer deceive ourselves. Let us walk in meekness and humility, daily correcting our faults, and let us never again separate our souls from God by selfish assumption and pride. Let us not cherish a feeling of lofty supremacy, that we may not look upon ourselves as though we were better than we are, and superior to those around us.

When the heart is softened and subdued by the grace of Christ, there is peace and satisfaction in the soul; for the love of Christ rules in the heart, bringing into captivity the secret motives of action. Then the easily aroused temper is soothed by the oil of grace. The tumultuous heart at the word of Christ grows calm. When there is a sense of sins forgiven through the merit of the blood of Christ, and there is a consciousness of union with Christ, we are encouraged to strive more earnestly to correct every wrong habit, and our harsh manner will be refined and cease to work against the sanctifying influences of the truth, against the existence of the union which Christ prayed should be manifested among his disciples. When the people of God are under the influence of the Holy Spirit, all variance will disappear, and that which we have thought should be corrected in our brethren will not serve to alienate us from them; for we shall feel that greater evils have existed in our own hearts than those we have criticised in our brethren.

Christ says, "Why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out the thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye." Why is it that so many forget how often they grieve the Holy Spirit by wicked works, and then presume to judge, accuse, and condemn their brethren? The Lord sees in them greater wrongs than they see in their brethren. If the spirit of criticism had not been found in the church; if the affections had not been centered upon self; if there had been no coldness in the association of the members of the church one with another, the influence of the people of God would have been of a vastly different character on the world. But how can the people of God be workers together with God, when in spirit they are wholly unlike Christ, and their actions contrary to his instruction? The Lord cannot be a minister to sin, and reveal himself graciously unto you when you cherish an unyielding, harsh spirit, and are ever ready to manifest unkindness to those with whom you come in contact. By your lack of harmony, by your objectionable spirit, you misrepresent Christ, you falsify the truth. Holy angels cannot work with you in saving precious souls when you do not manifest wisdom in dealing with human minds, and cannot adapt yourself to different individuals in the manner of your work. It is an easy matter to irritate and to destroy; but it takes tact and Christlike wisdom to deal tenderly and kindly and lovingly with those with whom you associate. Many among us will have to learn the A-B-C- of Christian courtesy; for their spirit and manner toward those not of the same faith as themselves, are offensive both to man and to God. Better, far better would it be for the truth and its advancement, if none of this class were connected with it unless they shall be transformed in character. O that all among us would cease to think or speak evil of others! O that all might see themselves and their neighbors in a true light! The converting power of God must come upon your hearts, that you may realize your true need. God has not placed those of you who imagine you see faults in others and in the work, to guide the ship of the gospel into the harbor. The Lord himself is at the helm.

God has given to every man his work, and in his vocation he is so to relate himself to his fellow-men that he can work with and for them, ever contributing of his power through the grace given unto him, to enlighten those who sit in darkness. "Let your light so shine before men [not merely before believers, but before unbelievers, in all vocations in life, in every branch of business, in all commerce, in merchandise, in all practical works and professions], that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

It is the day of God's preparation, and every day you need to look carefully to your hearts, and study the lessons, the life, and character of Christ, that you may in no case misrepresent your dear Saviour and lead souls into false paths. Learn to practice the lessons of Christ, learn to follow his example in kindness and courtesy, in uplifting those with whom you associate to what is high and holy. "And above all these things put on charity [love], which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful."

Let us cultivate the grace of gratitude. Let the praises of God and of the Lamb be continually upon our lips; let the heart be a well-spring of gratitude that cannot be repressed, Christ in you a well of water springing up unto everlasting life. "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him."

The Lord Jesus is our only helper. Through his grace we shall learn to cultivate love, to educate ourselves to speak kindly and tenderly. Through his grace our cold, harsh manners will be transformed. The law of kindness will be upon our lips, and those who are under the precious influences of the Holy Spirit, will not feel that it is an evidence of weakness to weep with those who weep, to rejoice with them that rejoice. We are to cultivate heavenly excellences of character. We are to learn what it means to have good-will toward all men, a sincere desire to be as sunshine and not as shadow in the lives of others.

My brethren, let your hearts become broken and contrite. Let expressions of sympathy and love, which will not blister the tongue, flow from your lips. Let others feel that warmth which love can create in the heart, and educate the professed disciples of Christ to correct the evils that have so long existed,--selfishness, coldness, and hardheartedness. All these traits reveal the fact that Christ is not abiding in the soul. "Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any." The example of the great Pattern is before us; shall we behold and become changed?

The Lord has given special directions in his words as to how we as Christians should conduct ourselves toward all the children of God. God would teach us what is due to us, by teaching us what is due from ourselves to others. He would have us understand what his will is in our relation to those around us. Strengthened in spirit by the grace of God, we are to manifest a living interest in those with whom we associate; for good works are to be the fruit that will manifest itself upon the Christian tree. In the school of Christ we are to find peace and happiness in gentleness and kindness toward others. We are to follow the example of Jesus Christ our Pattern, and live not to please ourselves, but as laborers together with God; practicing his self-denial, and working as Christ worked to draw all men unto him. We are not to indulge ourselves in selfish independence, but to manifest deep, earnest love for the brethren.

"If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels of mercies, fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus." This is the lesson that we are to learn both as individuals and as churches. We are to "put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." We are to love as brethren, showing that love in sympathy and courtesy. The injunction of the apostle is, "Be pitiful, be courteous." -

To the Students at Battle Creek College

I have a very deep interest in the educational institution at Battle Creek. For years my husband and myself were greatly exercised in reference to establishing a school in which our youth and children should have advantages of a superior character to those found in the common public schools, or in the colleges of the world. The Lord plainly specified as to what should be the character of influence and instruction the school should maintain, in order that the important work might be accomplished for which the school was designed. As the knowledge and fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, it was necessary that the study of the Bible should have a prominent place among the various branches of scientific education. The standard of the school was to be of a high order, and the principles of vital godliness were ever to be kept before the students as a most essential feature of education. "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." The youth were to be instructed in regard to the times in which we live, and to be made to understand that which will come to pass before the closing up of the world's history.

One reason why it was necessary to establish institutions of our own was the fact that parents were not able to counteract the influence of the teaching their children were receiving in the public schools, and the error there taught was leading the youth into false paths. No stronger influence could be brought to bear upon the minds of the youth and children than that of those who were educating them in principles of science. For this reason it was evident that schools must be established in which our children should be instructed in the way of truth. In our schools it was specified that the youth were to be taught in the principles of Bible temperance, and every influence was to be brought to bear upon them that would tend to help them to shun the follies of this degenerate age, which were fast making the world as a second Sodom.

In our institutions of learning there was to be exerted an influence that would counteract the influence of the world, and give no encouragement to indulgence in appetite, in selfish gratification of the senses, in pride, ambition, love of dress and display, love of praise and flattery, and strife for high rewards and honors as a recompense for good scholarship. All this was to be discouraged in our schools. It would be impossible to teach our children to avoid these things, and yet send them to the public schools, where they would daily be brought in contact with that which would contaminate their morals. All through the world there was so great a neglect of proper home training that the children found at the public schools, for the most part, were profligate, and steeped in vice.

The work that we as a people were to do in this matter, was to establish a school, and do the work that Jesus Christ, from the pillar of cloud, had directed as the work of his people,--train up and educate our children and youth to regard the commandments of God. The manifest disregard of the world for the law of God was contaminating the morals of those who professed to be keeping the law of God. But we were called upon to follow the example of Abraham. Of him the Lord had said, "I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment."

Abraham had to leave his country and his father's house, and sojourn in a strange land, in order to introduce successfully the new order of things in his household. The providence of God was ever to open up new methods, and progress was to be made from generation to generation, in order to preserve in the world a knowledge of the true God, of his laws and commandments. This could be done only by cultivating home religion. But it was not possible for Abraham to do this while he was surrounded by his idolatrous kinsfolk and friends. He must at God's command go out alone, and listen to the voice of Christ, the leader of the children of Israel. Jesus was on the earth to instruct and educate the chosen people of God. Abraham decided to obey the law of God, and the Lord knew that there would be no betrayal of sacred trust on his part, no yielding to any other guide than him whom he felt under responsibility to obey. He recognized that he was accountable for the instruction of his household and his children, and commanded them after him to do justice and judgment. In teaching them the laws of God, he taught them that the Lord is our judge, our Lawgiver and King, and that parents and children were to be ruled by him; that on the part of parents there was to be no oppression, and on the part of children no unfilial disobedience.

The Lord commanded Moses to go and speak unto Pharaoh, bidding him to allow Israel to leave Egypt. For four hundred years they had been in Egypt, and had been in slavery to the Egyptians. They had been corrupted by idolatry, and the time came when God called them forth from Egypt, in order that they might obey his laws and keep his Sabbath, which he had instituted in Eden. He spoke the ten commandments to them in awful grandeur from Mount Sinai, that they might understand the sacred and enduring character of the law, and build up the foundation of many generations, by teaching their children the binding claims of God's holy precepts.

This is the work that we are called upon to do. From the pulpits of the popular churches it is proclaimed that the first day of the week is the Sabbath of the Lord; but God has given us light, showing us that the fourth precept of the decalogue is as verily binding as are the other nine moral precepts. It is our work to make plain to our children that the first day of the week is not the true Sabbath, and that its observance after light has come to us as to what is the true Sabbath, is idolatry, and in plain contradiction to the law of God. In order to give them instruction in regard to the claims of the law of Jehovah, it is necessary that we separate our children from worldly associations and influences, and keep before them the Scriptures of truth, by educating them line upon line, and precept upon precept, that they may not prove disloyal to God.

The Protestants have accepted the spurious Sabbath, the child of the papacy, and have exalted it above God's holy, sanctified day; and our institutions of learning have been established for the express purpose of counteracting the influence of those who do not follow the word of God. These are sufficient reasons to show the necessity of having educational institutions of our own; for we must teach truth rather than fiction and falsehood. The school is to supplement the home-training, and both at home and at school, simplicity of dress, diet, and amusement must be maintained. An atmosphere must be created that will not be deleterious to the moral nature. Line upon line, precept upon precept, our children and households must be educated to keep the way of the Lord, to stand firmly for truth and righteousness. We must maintain a position against every species of sophistry that bewilders in this degenerate age, when error is glossed over, and so mingled with truth that it is almost impossible for those who are not familiar with the distinctions that the Scriptures make between the traditions of men and the word of God, for them to distinguish truth from error. It has been plainly stated that in this age "some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils."

As the truth is brought into practical life, the standard is to be elevated higher and higher, to meet the requirements of the Bible. This will necessitate opposition to the fashions, customs, practices, and maxims of the world. Worldly influences, like the waves of the sea, beat against the followers of Christ to sweep them away from the true principles of the meekness and grace of Christ; but they are to stand as firm as a rock to principle. It will require moral courage to do this, and those whose souls are not riveted to the eternal Rock, will be swept away by the worldly current. We can stand firm only as our life is hid with Christ in God. Moral independence will be wholly in place when opposing the world. By conforming entirely to the will of God, we shall be placed upon vantage-ground, and shall see the necessity of decided separation from the customs and practices of the world. We are not to elevate our standard just a little above the world's standard; but we are to make the line of demarkation decidedly apparent.

There are many in the church who at heart belong to the world, but God calls upon those who claim to believe the advanced truth, to rise above the present attitude of the popular churches of to-day. Where is the self-denial, where is the cross-bearing that Christ has said should characterize his followers? The reason we have had so little influence upon unbelieving relatives and associates is that we have manifested little decided difference in our practices from those of the world. Parents need to awake, and purify their souls by practicing the truth in their home life. When we reach the standard that the Lord would have us reach, worldlings will regard Seventh-day Adventists as odd, singular, straight-laced extremists. "We are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men."

We are under solemn, sacred covenant to God to bring up our children, not for the world, not to put their hands into the hands of the world, but to love and fear God, and to keep his commandments. We are to instruct them to work intelligently in Christ's lines, to present a noble, elevated Christian character to those with whom they associate. For this reason our schools have been established, that youth and children may be so educated as to exert an influence for God in the world. Then shall our schools become converted to the world, and follow its customs and fashions? "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed 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."

When those who have reached the years of youth and manhood see no difference between our schools and the colleges of the world, and have no preference as to which they attend, though error is taught by precept and example in the schools of the world, then there is need of closely examining the reasons that lead to such a conclusion. Our institutions of learning may swing into worldly conformity. Step by step they may advance to the world; but they are prisoners of hope, and God will correct and enlighten them, and bring them back to their upright position of distinction from the world. I am watching with intense interest, hoping to see our schools thoroughly imbued with the spirit of true and undefiled religion. When the students are thus imbued, they will see that there is a great work to be done in the lines in which Christ worked, and the time they have given to amusements, will be given up to doing earnest missionary work. They will endeavor to do good to all about them, to lift up souls that are bowed down in discouragement, and to enlighten those who are in the darkness of error. They will put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh to fulfil the lusts thereof. -

Students Required to Be Workers With God

Jesus died for mankind, and in giving his life he exalted humanity in the scale of moral value with God. The Son of the infinite God clothed his divinity with humanity, and submitted to the death of the cross, that he might become a stepping-stone by which humanity might meet with divinity. He made it possible for man to become a partaker of the divine nature, and escape the corruptions that are in the world through lust. Christ is continually working to uplift and ennoble man, and he requires that every soul whom he has redeemed from hopeless misery, shall co-operate with him in the great work of saving the lost. We are not to lay snares and make secret plans to draw souls into temptation.

O, if every one could see this matter as it is presented before me in all its bearings, how soon would they quit with the enemy in his artful work! How they would despise his measures to bring sin upon the human family! How they would hate sin with a perfect hatred, as they consider the fact that it cost the life of heaven's Commander, in order that they should not perish, that man should not be bound a hopeless captive to Satan's chariot, a degraded slave to his will, a trophy of his victory and his kingdom.

Who will link up with Satan? Who will wear his badge? Who will choose him as a captain, and refuse to stand under the bloodstained banner of the captain of our salvation? Christ died for every son and daughter of Adam; and when the Son of God has expressed such amazing love, making this great sacrifice for the sinner, in order that through faith in him he need not perish but have everlasting life, how can the subjects of this great love be indifferent, and stand in sin and disobedience, and not heartily confess Christ without one moment's delay? How can any one love to do evil? How can the youth prostitute their reasoning faculties to Satan, and give their influence to that which will weaken their own moral power and efficiency? In doing the will of Him who loves the world, and who gave his only begotten Son to die for them, they strengthen every faculty of the soul, and increase their own happiness and peace.

The Lord has greatly honored men, by giving Jesus Christ to recover them from Satan's claims. Will you be recovered? Will you have the precious gift of Christ? or will you refuse his service? Jesus has said, "He that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad." He has said, "Without me ye can do nothing," and, "My grace is sufficient for thee." Every one who seeks to do well in his own finite strength, will find his efforts a failure; but those who accept Christ by faith, will find him a personal Saviour. They will enlist in his army, they will become his soldiers, and fight the good fight of faith. If they are students in the school, they will feel that they are enlisted to make the school the most orderly, elevated, and praiseworthy institution in the world. They will put every jot of their influence on the side of God, on the side of Christ, and on the side of heavenly intelligences. They will feel it to be their duty to form a Christian endeavor society, that they may help every student to see the inconsistency of a course of action that God will not approve. They will draw with Christ, and do their utmost to perfect Christian character. They will take upon themselves the work of leading the lame and the weak into the safe, upward path. They will form Christian endeavor meetings to make plans that will be a blessing to the institution of learning, and do all in their power to make the school what God designed and signified that it should be. They will have in mind the value and efficiency of Christian endeavor meetings, in preparing missionaries to go forth to give the warning to the world.

Students should have their own seasons of prayer, where they may offer fervent, simple petitions that God shall bless the president of the school with physical strength, mental clearness, moral power, and spiritual discernment, and that every teacher shall be qualified by the grace of Christ to do his work with fidelity and with fervent love. They should pray that teachers may be the agents through whom God shall work to make good prevail over evil, through a knowledge of Jesus Christ whom he hath sent. May God give the students who attend our institutions of learning, grace and courage to act up to the principles revealed in the law of God, which is an expression of his character. Never be found disparaging the schools which God has established. If you have failed at any time, falling under temptation,it is because you did not make God your strength, because you did not have the faith that works by love and purifies the soul.

Let every sincere Christian who has a connection with our schools, be determined to be a faithful servant in the cause of Christ, and help every student to be faithful, pure, and holy in life. Let every one who loves God seek to win those who have not yet confessed Christ Every day they may exert a silent, prayerful influence, and co-operate with Jesus Christ, the missionary-in-chief to our world. Let every soul,--man, woman, and youth,--grow in excellence of character and devotion, in purity and holiness, and live with an eye single to the glory of God, that the enemies of our faith may not triumph. Let there be such a binding together in the bonds of our holy faith, that our united influence may be wholly on the Lord's side, and may work for the transformation of those with whom we associate. Let it be made manifest that you have a living connection with God, and are ambitious for the Master's glory, seeking to cultivate in yourselves every grace of character by which you may honor him who gave his life for you. May the love of Christ exercise a constraining power to draw others into the path cast up for the ransomed of the Lord to walk in. When the students in our schools shall learn to like God's will, they will find it comparatively easy to do it.

If students see defects of character in others, let them be thankful that they have discerned these defects, and therefore may be put on their guard against them. You will, no doubt, see persons who are not learning the meekness and lowliness of Christ, but who love display, and are vain, frivolous, and worldly. The only remedy for such is to behold Jesus, and by studying his character they will come to despise everything that is vain and frivolous, weak and mean. The character of Christ is full of forbearance, patience, goodness, mercy, and unexampled love. By beholding such a character, they will rise above the littleness of that which has fashioned and molded them, and made them unholy and unlovely. They will say, "I will not sit with vain persons, neither will I go with dissemblers." They will realize that "he that walketh with wise men shall be wise; but a companion of fools shall be destroyed."

Let every one who is seeking to live a Christian life, remember that the church militant is not the church triumphant. Those who are carnally minded will be found in the church. They are to be pitied more than blamed. The church is not to be judged as sustaining these characters, though they are found within her borders. Should the church expel them, the very ones who found fault with their presence there, would blame the church for sending them adrift in the world; they would claim that they were treated unmercifully. It may be that in the church there are those who are cold, proud, haughty, and un-Christian, but you need not associate with this class. There are many who are warm-hearted, who are self-denying, self-sacrificing, who would, were it required, lay down their lives to save souls. Jesus saw the bad and the good in church relationship, and said, "Let both grow together until the harvest." None are under the necessity of becoming tares because every plant in the field is not wheat. If the truth were known, these complainers make their accusations in order to quiet a convicted, condemning conscience. Their own course of action is not wholly commendable. Even those who are striving for the mastery over the enemy, have sometimes been wrong and done wrong. Evil prevails over good when we do not trust wholly in Christ, and abide in him. Inconsistencies of character will then be manifested that would not be revealed if we preserved the faith that works by love and purifies the soul.

We are not compelled to choose as familiar associates those who reject the love of God that has been expressed in giving his Son to our world, "that whosoever believeth in him should not perish," but have everlasting life. Those who love God will not choose the enemies of God to be their friends. The question was asked, "Shouldst thou help the ungodly, and love them which hate the Lord?" Will you prefer the association of the irreligious and disloyal, to that of those who are obeying the commandments of God? Will you choose to separate yourself from those who love God, and place yourself as far as possible from the channel of light? You want to keep in an atmosphere of purity and faith, and bring into your characters, principles that will be as solid timbers. Christians will not choose and cultivate the society of non-Christians. If the Lord gives you a special position in the world, as he did Joseph and Daniel, then he will sustain and keep you in the midst of temptation. But you will never be where you will find too much light, in our world. Then how perilous it is to choose the association of those who love darkness rather than light, and will not come to the light, lest their deeds should be reproved. -

Students Deciding Their Eternal Destiny

Let the students remember that to form characters that will stand the test of the judgment, is very serious business. You yourselves are responsible for the manner of character you build. No professor in an institution of learning can make your character. You yourselves decide your own eternal destiny. It is necessary to contemplate such characters as are worthy of imitation. We refer you to Joseph in Egypt, and to Daniel in Babylon. These youths were tried and proved; and because they stood firm to principle, they became representative men, and patterns of integrity. I would say to the youth at our institutions of learning, whether you profess to believe or not, that you are now in probationary time, and a second probation will not come to any of you. This is the only opportunity you will have of standing the test and proving of God.

With the deepest interest the angels of God in the heavenly courts are watching the development of character; and from the records in the books of heaven, actions are weighed, and moral worth is measured. Every day the record of your life is passed unto God, just as it is, whether it is one of merit or of demerit. You are lacking in true elevation and nobility of soul, and no man can give you the character you need. The only way you can attain to the standard of moral worth by which you are to be measured, is to depend upon Christ, and co-operate with him in steadfast, earnest, determined purpose.

Those who do this will not bring into their work a spirit of lightness, of frivolity, and of love of amusement. They will consider that at no small cost to their parents or to themselves, they have come to the school to obtain a better knowledge of the sciences, and to get a more comprehensive understanding of both the Old and the New Testament. I would address you as those who have reasoning minds, and who have an intelligent understanding of your privileges and duties. Would it not be best for you to cooperate with your teachers, in order that you may reach the very highest standard that it is possible for you to attain? Time is more valuable to you than gold, and you should improve every precious moment. You should consider what will be your influence upon others. If one pupil is reckless, and indulges an excessive love of amusements, he should bring himself under the control of principle, lest he may become a working agent for Satan, to counteract, by his wrong influence, the work which teachers are trying to do, and mar that which heavenly intelligences are seeking to accomplish through human agents. He may frustrate the design of God, and fail to accept Christ and to become indeed a son of God.

Obligations between teachers and pupils are mutual. Teachers should make diligent effort that their own souls may be sanctified through the grace of Christ, and that they may labor in Christ's lines for the salvation of their pupils. On the other hand, students should not pursue such a course of action as will make it hard and trying to their teachers, and bring upon them temptations hard to resist. Pupils should not, by a wrong course of action, lower the high standing and reputation of the school, and give reason for the report to go abroad among believers and unbelievers, that Seventh-day Adventist schools, though purported to be established for giving the best of education to those who attend, are no better than the common schools throughout the world. This is not the character nor the reputation that God would have our schools bear; and those who have lent the influence with which God has intrusted them, to give such a character, or reputation, to the school, have lent it in a wrong direction. Those who have shown disrespect for rules, and who have sought to break down authority, whether they are believers or unbelievers, are registered in the books of heaven as those who cannot be trusted as members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King. The teachers who carry the burden of the work that they should, will have sufficient responsibility, care, and burden, without having the added burden of your disobedience. They will appreciate every effort that is made on the part of the students to co-operate with them in the work.

One careless, insubordinate student, who does not cultivate self-respect, who is not well disposed, and who does not try to do his best, is doing himself great injury. He is deciding what shall be the tone of his character, and is inducing others to depart from truth and uprightness, who if it were not for his pernicious influence, would dare to be true and noble. One student who feels his accountability to be faithful in helping his instructors, will help himself more than he helps all others. Heaven looks down with approbation upon the students who strive to do right, and have a firm purpose to be true to God. They will receive help from God. Of Daniel and his companions who stood firm as a rock to truth, it is written, "As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: . . . and in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm."

If you do not intend to improve your opportunities and privileges, why do you spend money in attending the school, that your parents have worked hard to obtain? They have sent you away from the home-roof, with high hopes that you would be educated and benefited by your sojourn at college. They have followed you with letters and with prayers, and every line you have written them has been read with eagerness. They have thanked God for every indication that you would make a success of your Christian life, and they have wept for gladness at the indications of your advancement in scientific and spiritual knowledge. O, I want to beseech of you to do nothing that is questionable. Consider in what light your parents would regard your actions, and forbear to do anything that would put thorns in their pillows. Do not be thoughtless, careless, and lawless. Your actions do not end with yourselves; they reflect credit or discredit upon the school, according as they are good or bad. If you do evil, you grieve Jesus Christ, who bought you with the price of his own blood, hurt the soul of your principal, wound the heart of your teachers, and injure and mar your own soul. You make a blot upon your record, of which you will be ashamed. Will it pay? It is always best and safe to do right because it is right. Will you not now do some serious thinking? Right thinking lies at the foundation of right action. Make up your mind that you will respond to the expectations your parents have of you, that you will make faithful efforts to excel, that you will see to it that the money expended for you has not been misapplied and misused. Have a determined purpose to co-operate with the efforts made by parents and teachers, and reach a high standard of knowledge and character. Be determined not to disappoint those who love you well enough to trust you. It is manly to do right, and Jesus will help you to do right, if you seek to do it because it is right.

Those interested in your behalf have flattering hopes for you, that you will become useful men, who will be filled with moral worth and unswerving integrity. For the youth who have gone from New Zealand to America, much has been ventured; and I will say to these students, "Set your aim high, and then step by step ascend to reach the standard, even though it may be by painful effort, through self-denial and self-sacrifice. Christ will be to you a present help in every time of need, if you call upon him, that you may be like Daniel, whom no temptation could corrupt. Do not disappoint your parents and your friends; but above all, do not disappoint Him who so loved you that he gave his own life in order to cancel your sins and become your personal Saviour. Jesus said, "Without me ye can do nothing." Bear this in mind. If you have made mistakes, you may gain a victory by discerning these mistakes, and by regarding them as beacons of warning, to enable you to shun their repetition. I need not tell you that this will be turning your defeat into victory, disappointing the enemy, and honoring your Redeemer, whose property you are.

We feel sorry indeed that any weakness of character should have marred the record of the past, because we know it is an evidence that you did not watch unto prayer. We feel sorry that mistakes have been made, because they have placed upon the teachers burdens which they ought not to have borne. Teachers have their own natural weaknesses of character to contend with, and they are capable of moving unwisely under the stress of temptation. They may think they are doing right when they are enforcing strict discipline, and yet they may be making mistakes in the case with which they are dealing. How much better would it be for both pupils and teachers, if students would place themselves upon their honor, and act from pure and noble motives, so that their very course of action would recommend them to those who were their teachers and educators. If in every possible way and under every circumstance, they would treat those who are in positions of trust, and bearing responsibility, as they themselves would like to be treated, what peace and success would attend the school.

Why should students link themselves with the great apostate, to become his agents, in tempting others, and through others causing the fall of many? Every human being has his own individual trials, peculiar to himself, and no one is free from temptation. If teachers are disciples of Christ, and are engaging in the work in a way which is approved of God, Satan will surely assail them with his temptations. If the great deceiver can stir up evil elements of character in the students, and through them bring perplexity and discouragement upon the educators, he has succeeded in gaining his purpose. If under the temptation the teacher reveals weakness, in any respect, then his influence is marred; but he who proves an agent for the great adversary of souls, must render an account to God for the part he acted in causing the teacher to stumble. Let students carefully consider this phase of the subject, and let them rather study how to encourage and sustain their teachers, than to bring discouragement and temptation upon them. In thus doing, they will not be sowing tares that will spring up among the wheat. "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith."

Students will be tempted to do lawless things, when it is only to please themselves and to have what they call "fun." If they will put themselves upon their honor, and consider the fact that in doing these things they bless no one, they benefit no one, but involve others as well as themselves in difficulty, they will be more likely to take a manly and honorable course, and put their will on the side of Christ's will. They will work in Christ's lines, and help their teachers to carry their burdens, which Satan would make more discouraging by employing thoughtless minds in vain tricks. They will seek to make an atmosphere in the school, which, instead of being depressing and enfeebling to the moral powers, will be healthful and exhilarating. In thus doing, students can have a consciousness that they have acted their part on Christ's side of the question, and have not given one jot of influence or ability to the great adversary of all that is good. With how much more satisfaction can students recall such a course of action, than a course of action where they have sanctioned secret plans to disrespect and disregard authority. They will have reason to praise God that they have resisted the clamorings of inclination, and have put their influence on the side of order, diligence, and obedience. Let every student remember that it is in his power to help and not hinder the cause of education.

Students in our institutions of learning may either form characters after the divine similitude, or degrade their God-given powers, and bring themselves down to a low level, and they will have no one to blame but themselves if they degrade themselves. Everything that God could do has been done in behalf of man. Every want has been anticipated; every difficulty, every emergency, has been provided for. The crooked places have been made straight, the rough places smooth, and therefore no one will be excused in the day of judgment, if he has cherished unbelief and resisted the workings of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus Christ has given himself as a complete offering in behalf of every fallen son and daughter of Adam. O, what humiliation he bore! How he descended, step after step, lower and lower in the path of humiliation, yet he never degraded his soul with one foul blot of sin! All this he suffered, that he might lift you up, cleanse, refine, ennoble you, and place you as a joint heir with himself upon his throne. How shall you make your calling and election sure? What is the way of salvation? Christ says, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." However sinful, however guilty you may be, you are called, you are chosen. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh unto you. Not one will be forced against his will to come to Jesus Christ. The Majesty of heaven, the only begotten Son of the true and living God, opened the way for you to come to him, by giving his life as a sacrifice on Calvary's cross. But while he suffered all this for you, he is too pure, he is too just, to behold iniquity. But even this need not keep you away from him; for he says, "I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." Let perishing souls come to him just as they are, without one plea, and plead the atoning blood of Christ, and they will find acceptance with God, who dwelleth in glory between the cherubim above the mercy-seat. The blood of Jesus is a never-failing passport, by which all your petitions may find access to the throne of God. -

Danger of Light Becoming Darkness

The Lord has condescended to give you an outpouring of his Holy Spirit. At the camp-meetings, and in our various institutions, a great blessing has been showered upon you. You have been visited by the heavenly messengers of light and truth and power, and it should not be thought a strange thing that God should thus bless you. How does Christ subdue his chosen people to himself?--It is by the power of his Holy Spirit; for the Holy Spirit, through the Scriptures, speaks to the mind, and impresses truth upon the hearts of men. Before his crucifixion, Christ promised that the Comforter should be sent to his disciples. He said: "It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment. . . . When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: 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 receive of mine, and shall show it unto you."

This promise of Christ has been made little enough of, and because of a dearth of the Spirit of God, the spirituality of the law and its eternal obligations have not been comprehended. Those who have professed to love Christ, have not comprehended the relation which exists between them and God, and it is still but dimly outlined to their understanding. They but vaguely comprehend the amazing grace of God in giving his only begotten Son for the salvation of the world. They do not understand how far-reaching are the claims of the holy law, how intimately the precepts of the law are to be brought into practical life. They do not realize what a great privilege and necessity are prayer, repentance, and the doing of the words of Christ. It is the office of the Holy Spirit to reveal to the mind the character of the consecration that God will accept. Through the agency of the Holy Spirit, the soul is enlightened, and the character is renewed, sanctified, and uplifted.

Through the deep movings of the Spirit of God, I have had opened before me the character of the work of the visitation of the Spirit of God. I have had opened before me the danger in which souls would be placed who had been thus visited; for afterward, they would have to meet fiercer assaults of the enemy, who would press upon them his temptations to make of none effect the workings of the Spirit of God, and cause that the momentous truths presented and witnessed by the Holy Spirit, should not purify and sanctify those who had received the light of heaven, and thus cause that Christ should not be glorified in them. The period of great spiritual light, if that light is not sacredly cherished and acted upon, will be turned into a time of corresponding spiritual darkness. The impression made by the Spirit of God, if men do not cherish the sacred impression, and occupy holy ground, will fade from the mind. Those who would advance in spiritual knowledge must stand by the very fount of God, and drink again and again from the wells of salvation so graciously opened unto them. They must never leave the source of refreshment; but with hearts swelling with gratitude and love at the display of the goodness and compassion of God, they must be continually partakers of the living water.

O, how much this means to every soul,--"I am the light of the world;" "I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger [for anything more satisfying]; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst." To come to this condition means that you have found the Source of light and love, and have learned when and how you may be replenished, and may make use of the promises of God by continually applying them to your souls.

"But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not." This has been literally fulfilled in the cases of many; for the Lord gave them a deeper insight into truth, into his character of mercy and compassion and love; and yet after being thus enlightened, they have turned from him in unbelief. They saw the deep movings of the Spirit of God; but when the insidious temptations of Satan came in, as they always will come after a season of revival, they did not resist unto blood, striving against sin; and those who might have stood on vantage-ground, had they made a right use of the precious enlightenment that they had, were overcome by the enemy. They should have reflected the light that God gave to them upon the souls of others; they should have worked and acted in harmony with the sacred revealings of the Holy Spirit; and in not doing so, they suffered loss.

Among the students the spirit of fun and frolic was indulged. They became so interested in playing games that the Lord was crowded out of their minds; and Jesus stood among you in the playground, saying, O that thou hadst known, "even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace!" "Ye also have seen me, and believed not." Yes; Christ revealed himself to you, and deep impressions were made as the Holy Spirit moved upon your hearts; but you pursued a course by which you lost these sacred impressions, and failed to maintain the victory. "All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out." You began to come to Christ, but you did not abide in Christ. You forsook him, and the realization you had had of the great favors and blessings he had given you, was lost from your heart. The question of amusement occupied so large a place in your minds, that after the solemn visitation of the Spirit of God, you entered into its discussion with such great zeal that all barriers were broken down; and through your passion for games, you neglected to heed the word of Christ: "Watch and pray, lest ye enter into temptation." The place that should have been occupied by Jesus was usurped by your passion for games. You chose your amusements instead of the comfort of the Holy Spirit. You did not follow the example of Jesus, who said, "I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me."

The minds of many are so bewildered with their own human desires and inclinations, and they have been so in the habit of indulging them, that they cannot comprehend the true sense of the Scriptures. Many suppose that in following Christ they will be obliged to be gloomy and disconsolate, because they are required to deny themselves the pleasures and follies that the world indulge in. The living Christian will be filled with cheerfulness and peace, because he lives as seeing Him who is invisible; and those who seek Christ in his true character have within them the elements of everlasting life, because they are partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruptions that are in the world through lust. Jesus said, "This is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me, I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day."

All spiritual life is derived from Jesus Christ. "As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God." But what is the sure result of becoming a child of God? The result is that we become laborers together with God. There is a great work to be done for your own soul's salvation, and to qualify you to win others from unbelief to a life sustained by faith in Christ Jesus. "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me [with a casual faith?--No, with an abiding faith that works by love and purifies the soul] hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life. . . . I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. . . . Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whosoever eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. . . . It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are Spirit, and they are life. But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father."

When Jesus spoke these words, he spoke them with authority, assurance, and power. At times he manifested himself in such a way that the deep movings of his Spirit were sensibly realized. But many who saw and heard and participated in the blessings of the hour, went their way, and soon forgot the light he had given them.

The treasures of eternity have been committed to the keeping of Jesus Christ, to give to whomsoever he will; but how sad it is that so many quickly lose sight of the precious grace that is proffered unto them through faith in him. He will impart the heavenly treasures to those who will believe in him, look to him, and abide in him. He thought it not robbery to be equal with God, and he knows no restraint nor control in bestowing the heavenly treasures upon whom he will. He does not exalt and honor the great ones of the world, who are flattered and applauded; but he calls upon his chosen, peculiar people who love and serve him, to come unto him and ask, and he will give them the bread of life, and endow them with the water of life, which shall be in them as a well of water springing up unto everlasting life.

Jesus brought to our world the accumulated treasures of God, and all who believe upon him are adopted as his heirs. He declares that great shall be the reward of them who suffer for his name's sake. It is written, "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." -

Was the Blessing Cherished?

"Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient; whereunto also they were appointed. But ye are a chosen a generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."

These words apply to every one to whom the Holy Spirit was manifested, and who appreciated its light. But there is a great work for those who have been illuminated to do for the Master. "Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. While ye have the light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them." In order to increase our spiritual endowment, it is necessary to walk in the light. In view of the event of Christ's soon coming, we must vigilantly working to prepare our own souls, to keep our own lamps trimmed and burning, and to urge upon others the necessity of getting ready for the coming of the Bridegroom. Watching and working must go together; faith and works must be united, or our characters will not be symmetrical and well-balanced, perfect in Christ Jesus. Should we give our lives up to prayerful meditation, our lights would grow dim, for light is given to us that we may impart it to others, and the more we impart light, the brighter our own light will become. If there is any one thing in the world in which we may manifest enthusiasm, it may be manifested in seeking the salvation of the souls for whom Christ died. Work of this kind will not cause us to neglect personal piety. The exhortation is given for us to be "not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord."

To have an eye single to the glory of God means to have singleness of purpose, to show forth the work that has been wrought in your heart, that subdues your will to the will of God, and brings into captivity every thought to the glory of God. The world has been looking upon you to see what would be the after-influence of the work of revival that came to the College, the Sanitarium, the Office of publication, and to the members of the church in Battle Creek. What testimony have you borne in your daily life and character? God expected you all to do your best, not to please, amuse, and glorify yourselves, but to honor him in all your ways, returning unto him according to the light and privileges that he had given you through the endowment of his grace. He expected you to testify before heavenly intelligences, and to be living witnesses to the world, of the power of the grace of Christ. The Lord tested you, to see if you would treat his rich blessing as a cheap, light matter, or regard it as a rich treasure to be handled with reverent awe. If all had treated the gift of God in this manner,--for the work was of God,--then, according to the measure of each one's responsibility, the grace given would have been doubled, as were the talents of him who traded diligently with his lord's money.

God has been testing the fidelity of his people, proving them to see what use they would make of his intrusted precious blessing. This blessing came from our Intercessor and Advocate in the heavenly courts; but Satan was ready to enter any avenue that was open for him, in order that he might turn the light and blessing into darkness and cursing. How may the blessing be turned into a curse? By persuading the human agent not to cherish the light, or not to reveal to the world that it has been effective in transforming the character. Imbued with the Holy Spirit, the human agent consecrates himself to co-operate with divine agencies. He bears the yoke of Christ, lifts his burdens, and works in Christ's line to gain precious victories. He walks in the light as Christ is in the light. The scripture is fulfilled to him, "We all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord."

Another year has now passed into eternity with its burden of record; and the light which shone from heaven upon you was to prepare you to arise and shine, to show forth the praises of God to the world as his commandment-keeping people. Your were to be living witnesses; but if no special endeavor of a high and holy character bears testimony before the world, if no higher effort has been made than that which is seen in the popular churches of the day, then the name of God has not been honored, and his truth has not been magnified before the world, by presenting divine credentials in the people who have received great light. If they have had no greater appreciation of the manifest power of God than to eat and drink, and rise up to play, as did ancient Israel, then how can the Lord trust his people with rich and gracious manifestations? If they act directly contrary in almost every respect to the known will of God, and are found in carelessness, in levity, in selfishness, in ambition and pride, corrupting their way before the Lord, how can he give them another outpouring of the Holy Spirit?

God has the richest blessing for his people; but he cannot bestow it until they know how to treat the precious gift in showing forth the praises of Him who has called them out of darkness into his marvelous light. "Wherefore, seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily 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 for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." A portion of the joy which was set before Christ, was the joy of seeing his truth armed with the omnipotent power of the Holy Spirit, impressing his image upon the life and character of his followers.

Divine intelligences co-operate with human agencies as they seek to magnify the law and make it honorable. The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul. It is in the converted soul that the world sees a living testimony. Then shall the Lord of heaven have room to work? Shall he find a place in the hearts of those who claim to believe the truth? Shall his pure, disinterested benevolence meet with a response from the human agent? Shall the world see a display of the glory of Christ in the characters of those who profess to be his disciples? Shall Christ be favored and glorified in seeing his own sympathy and love pouring forth in streams of goodness and truth from his human agents? In implanting his gospel in the heart, he is pouring out the resources of heaven for the blessing of the world. "We are laborers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building."

What has the rich blessing of God done for those who were humble and contrite in heart to receive it? Has the blessing been cherished? Have the receivers been showing forth the praises of Him who has called them out of darkness into his marvelous light? There are some who are already questioning the work that was so good, and that should have been most highly appreciated. They are looking upon it as a certain species of fanaticism. It would be surprising if there were not some, who, not being well-balanced in mind, have spoken and acted indiscreetly; for whenever and wherever the Lord works in giving a genuine blessing, a counterfeit is also revealed, in order to make of none effect the true work of God. Therefore we need to be exceedingly careful, and walk humbly before God, that we may have spiritual eyesalve that we may distinguish the working of the Holy Spirit of God from the working of that spirit that would bring in wild license and fanaticism. "By their fruits ye shall know them." Those who are really beholding Christ will be changed into his image, even by the Spirit of the Lord, and will grow up to the full stature of men and women in Christ Jesus. The Holy Spirit of God will inspire men with love and purity; and refinement will be manifest in their characters.

But because some have misappropriated the rich blessing of heaven, shall others deny that Jesus, the Saviour of the world, has passed through our churches, and that to bless? Let not doubt and unbelief question this; for in so doing, you are treading on dangerous ground. God has given the Holy Spirit to those who have opened the door of their hearts to receive the heavenly gift. But let them not yield to the temptation afterward to believe that they have been deceived. Let them not say, "Because I feel darkness, and am oppressed with doubt, and never saw Satan's power so manifest as now, therefore I was mistaken." I warn you to be careful. Sow not one expression of doubt. God has wrought for you, bringing sound doctrines of truth into actual contact with the heart. Blessing was given you, that it might produce fruit in sound practices and upright characters.

The sin for which Christ reproved Chorazin and Bethsaida was the sin of rejecting evidence that would have convinced them of the truth, had they yielded to its power. The sin of the scribes and Pharisees was the sin of placing the heavenly work which had been wrought before them, in the darkness of unbelief, so that the evidence which should have led them into a settled faith was questioned, and the sacred things which should have been cherished were regarded as of no value. I fear that the people have permitted the enemy to work along these very lines, so that the good which emanated from God, the rich blessing which he has given, have come to be regarded by some as fanaticism. If this attitude is preserved, then when the Lord shall again let his light shine upon the people, they will turn from the heavenly illumination, saying, "I felt the same in 1893, and some in whom I have had confidence, said that the work was fanaticism." Will not those who have received the rich grace of God, and who take the position that the working of the Holy Spirit was fanaticism, be ready to denounce the operations of the Spirit of God in the future, and the heart thus be proof against the solicitations of the still, small voice? The love of Jesus may be presented to those who thus barricade themselves against it, and exercise no constraining power upon them. The riches of the grace of heaven may be bestowed and yet rejected, instead of being cherished and gratefully recognized. With the heart men did believe unto righteousness, and for a time confession was made unto salvation; but, sad to relate, the receiver did not co-operate with heavenly intelligences, and cherish the light by working the works of righteousness. -

Peril of Resisting the Holy Spirit

"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. . . . Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." The heart is the citadel of the whole man, and until the heart is wholly on the Lord's side, the enemy will find unguarded entrances through which he can take possession. "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling: for it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." If you would have light, you must intelligently cherish it, and constantly exercise faith, and not be controlled by feeling. It is evident that truth has been planted in the heart by the Holy Spirit when it is loved and cherished, and regarded as a sacred endowment. Love will then spring up in the heart like a well of living water, springing up unto everlasting life. When this love is in the heart, the worker will find no weariness in the work of Christ.

Let not one ray of light from heaven be held in questioning and doubt. In great power the Lord has revealed to you his grace, his mercy, and his love; and he who charges the work of God to undue excitement, and calls it fanaticism, is certainly standing on dangerous ground. If such do not retrieve their steps, their consciences will become less and less sensitive, and they will have less and less appreciation of the Spirit of God. It will become harder and harder for them to understand the message of God. Why?--Because they are sinning against the Holy Ghost; and as a result of their resistance, they place themselves where they cannot recognize the Spirit of God, but set themselves against every instrumentality that God might use to save them from ruin. "What sign showest thou?" said the Jews to Christ, when at the same time his life and character, his lessons and miracles, were continual signs of his holy mission and divinity.

When God moves upon the hearts of men to draw them to Christ, it seems that a compelling power comes over them, and they believe, and give themselves up to the influence of the Spirit of God. But if they do not maintain the precious victory that God has given; if they permit old practices and habits to revive, and indulge in amusement or worldly luxury; if they neglect prayer, and cease resisting evil, then Satan's temptation are accepted, and they are led to doubt the verity of their former experience. They find that they are weak in moral power, and Satan declares to them that it is of no use for them to try the experiment of living a Christian life. He says, "The experience you thought was of God was only the result of undue emotion and impulse." As soon as the human agent entertains these suggestions of the evil one, they begin to appear plausible, and then those who ought to know better, who have had a longer experience in the work of God, second the suggestions of Satan, and the Holy Spirit is grieved from the soul. There are those who almost imperceptibly come to take this position, who will immediately recover themselves when they realize what they are doing; but there are others who will continue to resist the Holy Spirit, until resistance appears to them as a virtue.

It is a dangerous thing to doubt the manifestations of the Holy Spirit; for if this agency is doubted, there is no reserve power left by which to operate on the human heart. Those who attribute the work of the Holy Spirit to human agencies, saying that an undue influence was brought to bear upon them, are cutting their souls off from the fountain of blessing. Whatever may be the sin, if the soul repents and believes, guilt may be washed away by the atoning blood of Christ; but he who rejects the revealings of the Spirit of God, and charges the work of God to human instrumentalities, is in danger of placing himself where repentance and faith will not come to him. He refuses to permit the Holy Spirit to melt his heart into tenderness and contrition, and that which should have softened him is looked upon as fanaticism; thus he is led to refuse the heavenly gift. Whatever plan God may devise by which to impress his heart, will be thwarted through this suggestion of Satan. The evil one casts his hellish shadow between the soul and God, and the work of God is looked upon as excitement and delusion. The Spirit strives in vain; for all the sufficiency of the gospel is inefficient to subdue the soul and correct the error. The habit of resistance is so fixed, he has so long interpreted light to be darkness and fanaticism, that the most manifest working of God's Holy Spirit becomes to him not a savor of life unto life, but through his unbelief, a savor of death unto death.

We hope and pray that those who have been visited by the Holy Spirit of God, may not come under the control of Satan, and so incase themselves in unbelief that they will misunderstand, misinterpret, and turn aside the deep movings of the Spirit of God, until darkness like the pall of death shall cover them, and not a ray of light from heaven penetrate the dense darkness in which they have become enshrouded. May no one resist the Spirit of God until the Lord shall say, "He is joined to his idols; let him alone."

But those who have failed to preserve their consecration to God, which they made when under the influence of his Spirit, have dishonored their Redeemer, and scattered from Christ. They have grieved the Holy Spirit. They have brought reproach upon the cause of God, and Satan has exulted in his power. The church of God is to hold high her holy ensign, proclaiming the fact to the world that she has been chosen of God out of the world, that through grace and truth she may be in the world, but not of it. A mere profession of godliness, a name registered on the church-books, does not constitute one a child of God. To be a true Christian, it is necessary to be renewed in knowledge and true holiness, to come out from the world, and be separate and distinct from its customs and spirit.

Those who are laborers together with God will see, as did our Saviour, the moral degradation that abounds in the world, and will make every possible effort to point men to the sin-pardoning Saviour. They will manifest an intense interest to arouse those who are dead in trespasses and sin. They will not only pray for the perishing, but will seek earnestly to save them. Wisdom must be exercised; great tact, gentleness, and patience must be manifested toward some; while others we must save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment spotted with the flesh. Many seem to be asleep, to be wholly unconcerned about their soul's salvation. We must array before them the terrors of the day of God and urge home upon the conscience the requirements of God's law. Those who labor to win souls must be wise; therefore they need to be much with God in prayer, seeking for wisdom that they may present the truth as it is in Jesus, and use every means to save the perishing. The laborers together with God are not to fail nor become discouraged.

I have a burden upon my soul that does not seem to grow lighter, but heavier, as I converse with responsible men and women in Battle Creek. In the night season I am engaged in giving the most earnest appeals to those who ought to be far in advance of what they are at the present time, because of the mercy and grace that the Lord has bestowed upon them. I shall trace out the substance of the conversations I have with you in your meetings in the Tabernacle and in your school-room. Although I have written plain statements, still the burden of appeal, reproof, warning, is upon me, and I am directed to address you in Battle Creek, and through you those in other places.

The school established in Battle Creek is not the savor of life unto life to those who attend that God designed it should be. To a large degree the simplicity of true godliness has departed. The record of the past year, and of the years previous has passed into eternity, but the grace and mercy of God, that have been so abundantly bestowed, have not met with a proportionate response in good works. Grace and truth have been shining forth in distinct rays the past year; but Satan has worked to make of none effect the heaven-sent refreshing of the shower of grace. At the very time when it was necessary that the greatest spiritual discernment should be exercised in educating and disciplining the youth who were then being moved upon by the Holy Spirit so that they might use the rich blessing aright, and progress from light to a greater light, nearly all the educators at Battle Creek had lost their clear spiritual discernment, because they did not maintain the victory by determined watchfulness.

I have had light from God that it is entirely contrary to his plans so heavily to center important interests at Battle Creek; for they are fast becoming as was Jerusalem in the days of Christ, when the people did not appropriate the heaven-sent opportunities nor cherish the rich blessing that God had given them. God has given his blessing to his people, in order that they may be faithful stewards of his grace. But every blessing that is not appreciated, that is not used to advance his work, is misapplied; and that which was given for a blessing is turned into a curse. Men waste their Lord's goods in poor management, and thus reflect dishonor upon God.

The people of God need ever to keep the evidences of his workings fresh in their minds. They need to consider the sacred, heavenly character, and realize how easily they can grieve the Holy Spirit away, by walking contrary to its ennobling, sanctifying, sacred influence. O, how the gift has been abused! Make haste to retrieve the error; for you have given Satan an opportunity to entangle souls, to confuse and perplex them, so that if they do not repent right speedily, and work in an opposite direction, they will have no more divine enlightenment; because they have neglected and misused that which God has already given them. I am afraid for you who have been so greatly favored of God. The heart, the conscience, the affections, and the memory have suffered by the course you have pursued. Draw nigh now to God, humble your hearts before him, and the holy things you have lost, may be restored. The Holy Spirit would bring back to the mind those things that you have forgotten. The peace you have lost will again be left with you. O how different is the peace of Christ from the world's peace! Jesus says, "My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you." The words of Christ are echoes of the words of the Father.

Christ said, "I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." Satan has planted himself between God and man, and seeks to intercept every ray of light that God would have come to man. He casts his awful shadow across the earth, and envelops the human race in spiritual darkness. But through Jesus Christ, the Father is pleased to reveal his character to his chosen people. O, then walk in the light, appreciate the light, and step by step advance from light to a greater light. O that God might arouse his human agents, so that they would lay aside their schemes and inventions, their love for earthly amusements, and cherish his revealed grace and truth! Shall the Comforter be treated as a common thing, and be cast aside for some earthly, sinful, sensual enjoyment? My heart cries out in pain, "O God, pity thy people; for they will never discern the light from the throne of God, unless they walk circumspectly, and put away their foolishness, and take the cup, the full cup of the Lord's blessing."

The apostle holds out before us the assurance that we may be complete in Christ. What a beautiful character was manifest in him! what a grand example he presented! We can have no higher joy than to be laborers together with God, rescuing souls from the slavery of sin; and upbuilding the kingdom of Christ. This joy is Christ's joy, and every soul who partakes of it has his joy full. Again and again we may drink of this fountain of joy, and rejoice in it, knowing that no other joy can bear any comparison to it. -

The Fast That God Has Chosen

"Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt-offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams." Forms of devotion without true sincerity of heart are an abomination unto the Lord. He says: "Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them. And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you; yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear. . . . Wash ye, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow." "Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?"

The voice of God is speaking to us in clear, distinct utterances. He would see the works of righteousness in our lives. Instead of pleasing ourselves the Lord would have us do deeds of mercy, manifest tender forethought to those who are pressed down with burdens, cramped with poverty, who are hungry and naked and destitute. If you can do no more, he would have you speak words of life, of courage and hope, and give tender sympathy to those who suffer.

The prophet asks, "Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt-offerings, with calves of a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my first-born for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?. . . . Are there yet the treasures of wickedness in the house of the wicked, and the scant measure that is abominable? Shall I count them pure with the wicked balances, and with the bag of deceitful weights? For the rich men thereof are full of violence, and the inhabitants thereof have spoken lies, and their tongue is deceitful in their mouth." "And now, Israel, what doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, to keep the commandments of the Lord, and his statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good? . . . For the Lord your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward: he doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment."

"O Ephraim, what shall I do unto thee? O Judah, what shall I do unto thee? For your goodness is as a morning cloud, and as the early dew it goeth away. Therefore have I hewed them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of my mouth: and thy judgments are as the light that goeth forth. For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt-offerings. But they like men have transgressed the covenant: there have they dealt treacherously against me."

If we fail in doing works of mercy, in manifesting true love and sympathy, in helping and blessing others, whatever else we may do, we shall fail of pleasing God. But to those who regard every Christian duty, and manifest kindness and love to the sorrowing, the poor, and the afflicted, for Christ's sake, the promises are rich and abundant. He says, "Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rearward." When ancient Israel journeyed, the ark of the covenant went before them. Beneath the mercy-seat, which was the cover of the ark, were the tables of the law. The ark was a symbol of the presence of God; and the glory of the Lord, which is his righteousness, shall be the rearward of his people. The Lord says to those who carry out his injunctions: "Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer: thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger [as an accuser, as a fault-finder, as a judge of others], and speaking vanity [lifting up the soul in self-esteem, in self-righteousness as though your own life was above fault]; and if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday: and the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones; and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not."

The Lord has laid upon us the duty of blessing others, and we cannot do this without a close connection with him. God cannot look upon us with favor while we are wholly absorbed in our own selfish interest, neglecting to acquire a knowledge of his word, that we may give that knowledge to others, and win souls to the Master. In the judgment every case will be decided by what was done, or what was not done, in this life. Every deed is registered in the book of life, and according as we have treated others, it will be registered we have treated the King of kings. Jesus will say, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."

The Lord has placed in the care of the church the poor, the widow, and the fatherless. The character of your Christianity will be shown by the way in which you treat the Lord's representative. The best evidence you can give of love for Christ will be shown by your tenderness and liberality for those about you who need your help. Then let us stop doubting and murmuring, and become doers of the word of God. If you become laborers together with God, you will have a vital interest in others, and self will drop out of sight. The Lord has given in trust to us talents by which we may impart blessings to others, and thus become richer and more joyful ourselves. Our characters may become fragrant with good works; for by practice the living principles of righteousness will pass into the character, and unfold in beauty and purity of life.

The disobedient, rebellious children of the human family have long tried the experiment of ruling the world after the imagination of their own heart; but under the rule of the human will, the earth has languished and grown corrupt. The time will soon come when the Lord will take matters into his own hand; for he has appointed a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man which he has ordained, and it will be demonstrated who is able to govern the heavens and the earth.

"The Lord also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the Lord will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel." His people are those who have not lifted up their souls unto vanity; who have it not in their hearts to condemn others, or to make a man an offender for a word. They do not wrestle for their own rights, nor seek to avenge themselves when they have been mistreated. They have hidden themselves with Christ in God. Like Moses, whom God commendeth, they endure "as seeing him who is invisible," and "by beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed in the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." -

Let Your Light Shine

We are now building characters for time and for eternity. Then let us not bring rotten timbers into our character-building. The life we live in the flesh must be by faith in the Son of God. It is good that afflictions come upon us; for we may thereby prove the Lord, and find him very precious unto our souls. The Lord designs that his people shall be happy, and he opens before us one source of consolation after another, that we may be filled with joy and peace in the midst of our present experience. We are not to wait until we shall get into heaven for brightness and comfort and joy. We are to have them right here in this life. I testify to all who love and serve God, that we miss very much because we do not grasp the blessings that may be ours in our afflictions. All our sufferings and sorrows, all our temptations and trials, all our sadness and griefs, all our persecutions and privations, and in short all things, work together for our good. The apostle says, "We know that all things work together for good to them that love God." All experiences and circumstances are God's workmen whereby good is brought to us. Let us look at the light behind the cloud. O, how much of comfort the murmurers and complainers lose in not bearing all things patiently! Never by thought or word or action give the impression that the Lord is a hard Master, reaping where he has not sown, and gathering where he has not strawed.

Christ has said, "Ye are the light of the world." Then let us individually send forth clear, steady rays of light to the world. Our light is never to grow dim, never to burn low. The Lord is at the door; who will prove to be the wise, and who the foolish virgins? Who will be revealed at last as those who have the lamps, but no oil of grace in their vessels with their lamps? The church has been made the depositary of truth. Light has been imparted to her members, and they are to have works corresponding to their privileges and opportunities. They cannot correctly represent the truth in a single instance, unless they are sanctified through the truth. To sanctify is to set apart for a special service. Those who are controlled by worldly ambition will never shine as lights. "Ye cannot serve God and mammon."

Those who see the preciousness of truth should conform their lives to its principles, and not walk in darkness. They should shine and irradiate the world with their beams of heavenly light. Christ says, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Many in the church neither burn nor shine. When those who profess to be Christians are sad and mournful, they make manifest the fact that they are not following Jesus; for he has said, "He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." If they are not following Christ, whom are they following?--The arch-deceiver, who represents himself as an angel of light. Christ is the light of life, and he designs that all who follow him shall represent him in character, and show his all-sufficiency and perfection. If they do not do this, they are not a light, but lead away from the light. They are bodies of darkness, and hinder the rays of the Sun of Righteousness from shining to their fellow-men.

If those who hold positions of trust in connection with our institutions, or in connection with the church, make self first, if their hands are defiled in any way, and they do not reflect in character the image of the divine One, they are bodies of darkness. To be the light of the world is to shine, to send the heavenly rays amid the moral darkness that covers the earth and the gross darkness that prevails among the people. Christians must not follow the customs, the practices, of the world. By so doing they will be ensnared. The world has its captain and leader, who is the prince of darkness; but the sons and daughters of God must look steadfastly to Jesus for an example; and if they walk in the light as Christ is in the light, they cannot but shine. They will do honor to their leader. They will have the light of hope, of joy; they will manifest humility of mind, lowliness of heart; they will reveal that simplicity and purity of character that will testify to the divine source from which it sprang. If the church exemplifies the simple truth, as it has been exemplified by our Lord, she will be a power for good. Just as long as the church maintains her simplicity, she will be the light of the world. The prophet says, "Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee." "For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." In letting our light shine to the world, no self-exaltation is exhibited.

What have we to bestow that we have not first received of God? Every gift, every talent, every ray of light, is ours as a sacred trust, bestowed upon us that we may win souls to Christ. If Christ shines in us, he will shine out of us to those who need the light. We have no time to lose. We can read the signs of the times in casualties, in disasters, by sea and by land. The floods, the storms, the fires, the unsettled condition of affairs throughout our world,--all testify that the day of God is at hand.

All heaven is looking with intense interest upon the church, to see what her individual members are doing to enlighten those who are in darkness. The field is the world, and the openings are so many, the work has so enlarged, that it is beyond the proportion of the means on hand to supply the necessary demands. For years the Lord has been warning his people to bind about their wants, to incur no needless outlay of means. But notwithstanding the counsel of Him who knows the end from the beginning, how needlessly has money been expended. The cautions given have been lightly esteemed, and the minds of men have misinterpreted, turned aside, or wrested the counsel of God, in order that they might follow their own ambitious projects, although by so doing, the very means by which God might have been glorified and honored in extending his truth, is lost to the cause. The Lord has graciously honored man, employing him as the human agent to co-operate with heavenly intelligences, that the light of truth may shine in all parts of the earth. The Lord has his agents who will act a part in the mightiest conflict which the world has ever seen. If the workers remain humble, learning daily, in the school of Christ, meekness and lowliness of heart, the Lord Jesus will work with them. He who is a co-worker with Christ will realize that in conferring heavenly benefits on others, he himself will be benefited. He will know that "he that watereth shall be watered also himself."

The plain testimony must be borne upon the necessity of self-denial. Through extravagant, selfish indulgence, the Lord's money is embezzled to gratify unsanctified imaginations, and this needless expenditure binds about the work of God. Messengers cannot be sent into missionary fields without money. The expenditure of their traveling expenses, the outlay for food and simple clothing, for shelter and life's necessities, must be met. Satan is continually suggesting ways whereby men can invest their means to get honor and glory to themselves. They build when the Lord does not say build. They will bind up thousands of dollars when the Lord has warned them not to do this, and the result is that missionary interests must suffer. Mere ambitious enterprises swallow up money that the Lord designed should be invested to set in operation the work in new fields, to aid the missionaries already started, that need encouragement and advancement, that the work should not be lost. Those who have the cause of God at heart, will suffer some inconveniences that the work may go forward. If every institution is to be made all that it might become, and we work to that end exclusively, we shall rob some other field, where missionaries for lack of help are not able to find a standing-place, to exert the influence the Lord would have them exert. We need to think more deeply, and to keep the glory of God constantly in view, and not mingle self in the superintending of the Lord's instrumentalities, thus bringing upon the cause of God a burden that it ought not to carry.

I plead with my brethren and sisters who believe the Lord is soon to come, to have more than finite wisdom. "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." We need not go stumbling along in uncertainty, thinking that the larger our institutions become, the more will they exert influence in the world. The strength of our institutions is not found so much in their worldly prosperity as in the character of their managers. They are to be meek and lowly of heart, learning daily their lessons in the school of Christ, seeking by prayer and supplication to know the will of the Lord, and inquiring at every step, "Is this the way of the Lord?" It is not the imposing buildings that will strike conviction to souls, but the piety, the humility, the love and fear of God, which actuate the hearts of those who occupy positions of trust in the management of the work. Is it God's work? Is it receiving the worldly mold? Are the sacred and the common so mingled that nothing stands clearly defined? O, how the Lord has been dishonored by false ideas! Spiritual things have not been discerned. Appearance and machinery have been exalted as of power, while the virtue of true goodness, noble piety, and heart-holiness, have been made a secondary consideration. That which should have been first has been made last and of least importance.

If we only had some of the means that has been invested in buildings to make a display that will never bring honor to the cause of God, what a good work might be done! How does the Lord, looking down from heaven, regard these things? How does he look upon the perversion of his goods, when money is put to a wrong use? Will he not inquire, Why did you use my goods in this way? Brethren who believe the truth, we must have more of Jesus, and less, a great deal less, of self,--none of self, and all of Jesus. We must have a baptism of the missionary spirit. We should feel that we are a part of God's great whole, united in one common brotherhood. This will lead to a willing consecration of our property to the cause of Christ. Shall the Lord Jesus see his professed followers willing to deny self, to heed the injunction, "Sell that ye have, and give alms;" and to render a portion of their property for the same object for which Christ came to our world and gave his own life? "For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich." Let no one think that he will meet the mind of Christ in hoarding up property through life, and then at death making a bequest of a portion of it to some benevolent cause. Men are expending millions of money for selfish indulgences, to gratify the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life.

May the Lord lay our human ambitions in the dust, in order that we may understand whether we are following the unsanctified imaginings of the natural heart or the dictates of the Spirit of God. Self must be abased, and God must be obeyed and exalted. Let every soul who fears and loves God, seek for deeper piety, and let those who are walking in darkness and have no light, stay themselves upon God. We must have a deeper work of grace wrought in the soul, or we shall not be able to endure the test and trial of the conflict coming upon us in these last days. -

With Whom Are We Gathering?

We see in these colonies (Australia and New Zealand) that which causes us great burden of heart and suffering of mind. The people are given up to the love of pleasure, and employ a great part of their time in seeking selfish gratification, following a round of exciting amusements. There is a great deal of card-playing, gambling, and horse-racing. These forms of amusement are the fashion in every town, village, and city; and for days and weeks at a time the theme of conversation is the coming horse-race or the athletic exercises of some club. These exercises are carried to an intemperate pass, and minds are fairly drunken with excitement. Eternal things are dropped out of the reckoning of men. A power from beneath is stirring the minds of men, and causing them to act with intense energy. Betting, the giving of bribes and rewards, runs higher and higher, and a panic, little short of madness, seems to actuate the lovers of pleasure. When horse-races or athletic sports are in vogue, it seems that there are very few indeed who have any interest in spiritual things, and little can be accomplished. The very atmosphere seems to be polluted with the presence of evil angels, and Jesus, the world's Redeemer, is not in the thoughts of men.

These often-recurring rounds of pleasure are steadily growing more and more frequent; but how does Jesus, who gave his life for men, that they need not perish but have everlasting life, regard these scenes of wild excitement and pleasure-seeking? Satan works with all his power to destroy the souls and bodies of those who participate in these pleasures. Disappointment in the races causes men to go mad, and murder and suicide are the result. What is gained at these scenes of revelry and excitement? What is the after effect? Surely the lovers of pleasure do not come from these places with peace of mind.

Before the races both the older and the younger members of families try to hoard up a stock of money to bet on some trotting horse, and with feverish anticipation they wait for the day of the races. God is put out of their thoughts, and the salvation of their souls is the last thing for which they are concerned. This is the kind of education the youth are receiving. In this wonderful manifestation of folly we see a picture of the days before the flood. These occasions of excitement do not end simply in days of feverish anticipation and in the day of fulfillment, but they lead to worse folly. The venders of wine and beer and tobacco reap a harvest from such occasions, and inebriates are seen everywhere.

Jesus, the Lifegiver, who has paid the ransom of his own life for the life of the world, looks upon these wild scenes; and bending down he says, "If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace!" Gisborne, New Zealand, is one of the places where scenes like that I have described take place. The people of this town are now waiting for their turn at the races, and they look forward to the day of the race as if some great blessing were then to be bestowed upon them. Thousands upon thousands of pounds of money are expended every year on horse-races and games of a wilder variety. The panic of desire is so contagious that even church-members, professed Christians, are carried away with the excitement, and give countenance to the races by presenting themselves as spectators. If they do not bet on the races, they are still one with the transactors in spirit, and their doings are registered and condemned in the courts of heaven. They are reckoned among the godless company, and must give an account to God for their wasted time and money.

"Now therefore thus saith the Lord of hosts; Consider your ways. Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages, earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes." "Hold thy peace at the presence of the Lord God: for the day of the Lord is at hand: for the Lord hath prepared a sacrifice, he hath bid his guests. And it shall come to pass in the day of the Lord's sacrifice, that I will punish the princes, and the king's children, and all such as are clothed with strange apparel. In the same day also will I punish all those that leap on the threshold, which fill their masters' houses with violence and deceit. . . . And it shall come to pass at that time, that I will search Jerusalem with candles, and punish the men that are settled on their lees: that say in their heart, The Lord will not do good, neither will he do evil. Therefore, their goods shall become a booty, and their houses a desolation: they shall also build houses, but not inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, but not drink the wine thereof. The great day of the Lord is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly, even the voice of the day of the Lord: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly. That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness, a day of the trumpet and alarm against the fenced cities, and against the high towers. And I will bring distress upon men, that they shall walk like blind men, because they have sinned against the Lord: and their blood shall be poured out as dust, and their flesh as the dung. Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the Lord's wrath, but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy: for he shall make even a speedy riddance of all them that dwell in the land."

We are living in a time when there should be deep thought and solemn consideration. What shall be the end of these things? What profit is there under the sun? "Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: . . . yea also, because he transgresseth by wine, he is a proud man, neither keepeth at home, who enlargeth his desire as hell, and is as death, and cannot be satisfied, but gathereth unto him all nations, and heapeth unto him all people: shall not all these take up a parable against him, and a taunting proverb against him, and say, Woe to him that increaseth that which is not his! how long? and to him that ladeth himself with thick clay! . . . Woe to him that coveteth an evil covetousness to his house, that he may set his nest on high, that he may be delivered from the power of evil. . . . Woe unto him that giveth his neighbor drink, that puttest thy bottle to him, and makest him drunken."

All over the land are the houses of the publican, the places of the liquor-venders. The rum-seller is licensed to give that to his neighbor which will work him harm in body and soul. It is true that the law has placed a limit to his sale, and has said, When a man reaches a certain stage of inebriety, he is to be denied drink. But there is no law against making our youth into drunkards. The law permits the liquor-vender to lead them down step by step, until the liquor habit is established, and the young men are drunkards. Better, far better, would it be to give the liquor to the poor, confirmed drunkard who has already been ruined, than to take the very flower of the country and city, and educate our youth in these dreadful habits. Do not the law-makers understand what they will become -- poor inebriates, ruined in body and soul! O, what a terrible condition our world is in!

The ownership of the world belongs to Christ by creation and redemption. "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." In the work of redemption each one is called upon to be an agent for Christ. The apostle says, "Ye are laborers together with God." But Satan also employs men as his agents, and we are either workers together with God or with the enemy of our souls. The Devil is the adversary of God and man. Peter says, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the Devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world." Satan is the tempter. He is the serpent that wounds and bruises the souls of men. He is a liar, an accuser of the brethren, He is a deceiver, and doeth great wonders, and appears in angel robes of light, that if possible he may deceive the very elect. Who will enlist in the warfare against the powerful foe that is seeking to insnare souls? Who will stand forth, and say intelligently, "We are laborers together with God?" Who will build upon the foundation that has been laid, which is Jesus Christ? "Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are."

Principles are here presented that should be prayerfully considered. God has given to every man his work; and if any one turns from the work that God has given him, to do the work of Satan, to defile his own body or lead another into sin, that man's work is cursed, and the brand of Cain is placed upon him. The ruin of his victim will cry unto God, as did the blood of Abel. The whole energies of evil, as in the days of Noah, have gathered themselves together, to make a final effort to obliterate the image of God from the souls of men. What kind of builders are we individually? As human agents, are we strengthening the kingdom of the powers of darkness, seducing men, and leading them in the path of destruction? or are we, by precept and example, seeking to win the feet of the straying into the paths of truth and righteousness? Are we, for the sake of gain, defiling the temple of the Holy Spirit, by putting the bottle to our neighbor's lips? Are we acting a part under the great deceiver who tempted Adam to transgress the law of God? Let us hear the word of the Lord: "If any man defile the temple of God [be it his own or another man's soul], him shall God destroy." The fire shall try every man's work, and it will be seen of what sort it is. If we are laborers with God, our work will not be consumed; for we shall lead the feet of men to Jesus Christ, and direct them in the way to heaven. In the heavenly courts he who does this is registered as a laborer together with God. He is known as one who is wearing the yoke and bearing the burden of Christ; he is building upon the true foundation, and if any man's work which he buildeth thereupon shall abide, he shall receive a reward. -

Family Government Is to Be Maintained

Watch, pray, work! To be in a position of watching, working, praying, and waiting, is to be in the proper position. We are to act as wise stewards, as faithful servants doing the work of the Master. I am particularly exercised over the mismanagement in the training of families. The father is to be the houseband of the family. This is his position, and if he is a Christian, he will maintain family government. In every respect his authority is to be recognized. In many families the father's authority is never fully acknowledged, and a series of excuses are offered for the disobedience of the children. In many families the daily life is one of variance, full of the counterworking of the father against the mother and the mother against the father. The mother thinks the father unnecessarily severe and exacting. Why?--Because the children do not acknowledge and reverence the father, who, if he is a Christian, represents the divine authority of God, whose vicegerent he is. The father is to carry out the gracious designs of God, and establish his family in upright principles, that they may have virtuous and well-balanced characters.

If fathers and mothers are at variance, one working against the other to counteract each other's influence, the family will be in a demoralized condition, and neither the father nor the mother will receive the respect and confidence that are essential to a well-governed family. The mother will leave the impression upon the minds of the children that the father is too severe or is needlessly particular. Children are quick to discern anything that will cast a reflection upon the rules and regulations of a household, especially those regulations that restrict their actions. Would that parents would work in harmony, guiding their children in the fear of God, and remembering that they are his agents. The family is a divine institution, and parents should be wise, judicious teachers of their little ones. Children are to be patiently instructed, line upon line, and precept upon precept, here a little and there a little. They should be trained, educated, and disciplined until they become obedient to their parents, giving respect to their authority. In this way respect for divine authority will be implanted in their hearts, and the family training will be like a preparatory training for the family in heaven. The training of childhood and youth should be of such a character that children will be prepared to take up their religious duties, and thus become fitted to enter into the courts above.

Let parents consider the fact that they are in place of God to their children. The weakness and inexperience of the children are to be supplied by the practice and precepts of the parents. From the earliest age a wise education in Christ's lines is to be begun and carried forward. When the children's hearts are impressible, they are to be taught concerning eternal realities. Parents should remember that they are living, speaking, and acting in the presence of God. The heavenly intelligences are witnesses to their words and deeds. They know how they are dealing with the younger members of the Lord's family; for the children are the purchase of the only begotten Son of God. The angels look with intense interest upon every family, to see how the children are treated by parents, guardians, or friends. What strange mismanagement they witness in a family where father and mother are at variance! The tones of the voice of father and mother, their looks, their words,--all make it manifest that they are not united in the management of their children. The father casts reflections upon the mother, and leads the children to hold in disrespect the mother's tenderness and affection for the little ones. The mother thinks she is compelled to give large affection to the children, to gratify and indulge them, because she thinks the father is harsh and impatient, and she must work to counteract the influence of his severity.

O how God is dishonored in a family where there is no true understanding as to what constitutes family discipline, and children are confused as to what is discipline and government. It is true that too harsh discipline, too much criticism, unrequired laws and regulations, lead to disrespect of authority, and, to the disregarding finally of those regulations that Christ would have fulfilled. The lack of family government leads to the destruction of confidence in wise regulations in the family economy. Parents should themselves be converted, and know what it is to be in submission to God's will, as little children, bringing into captivity their thoughts to the will of Jesus Christ, before they can rightly represent the government that God designed should exist in the family.

In the family, fathers and mothers should ever present before their children the example they wish to be imitated. They should manifest one to the other a tender respect in word, and look, and action. They should make it manifest that the Holy Spirit is controlling them, by representing to their children the character of Jesus Christ. The powers of imitation are strong, and in childhood and youth, when this faculty is most active, a perfect pattern should be set before the young. Children should have confidence in their parents, and thus take in the lessons they would inculcate. Parents should make manifest in their daily life what it is to love God supremely and their neighbor as themselves. Where religion is a practical thing in the home, great good is accomplished. Religion will lead the parents to do the very work God designed should be done in the home. Children will be brought up in the fear and admonition of the Lord.

Children are not to be trained to be the devotees of society. They are not to be sacrificed to Moloch; but they are to become members of the Lord's family. Parents are to be filled with the compassion of Christ, that they may work for the salvation of the souls that are placed under their influence. They are not to have their minds all engrossed in the fashions and practices of the world. They are not to educate their children to attend parties and concerts and dances, to have and attend feasts; because after this manner the Gentiles walk. Eternal vigilance must be exercised, that the children may be led in the paths of righteousness. Satan begins his work upon them from earliest childhood, and creates desires for that which God has forbidden. The safety of children depends largely upon the vigilance, watchfulness, and care of the parents over them. Parents must work in the fear of the Lord, preoccupying the garden of the heart, by sowing good seed. They must instill the right spirit, plant correct habits, and teach the children that the love and fear of God are the foundation of all wisdom. Obedience to parental authority should be inculcated in babyhood and cultivated in youth. The will of the parents must first be under discipline to Christ, molded and controlled by the Holy Spirit, and then parents must have control of the child.

Parents who exercise a spirit of dominion and authority, transmitted to them from their own parents, which leads them to be exacting in their discipline and instruction, will not train their children aright. By their severity in dealing with their errors, they stir up the worst passions of the human heart, and leave their children with a sense of injustice and wrong. They meet in their children the very disposition that they themselves have imparted to them. Such parents drive their children away from God, by talking to them on religious subjects; for the Christian religion is made unattractive and even repulsive by this misrepresentation of truth. Children will say, "Well, if that is religion, I do not want anything of it." It is thus that enmity is often created in the heart against religion; and because of an arbitrary enforcement of authority, children are led to despise the law and the government of heaven. Parents have fixed the eternal destiny of their children by their own misrule. They have placed their children in the ranks of the enemy, to serve the prince of darkness rather than the Prince of Light. Parents will have a fearful reckoning to meet in the day of judgment. The Lord will inquire, What have you done with my heritage in the children I gave into your trust? Where is my revenue, my inheritance? Then the mismanagement will appear with terrible distinctness before the parents, who have been weighed in the balance and found wanting. Their neglect to cultivate their children in righteous ways will not only be the ruin of their own families, but the wrong principles they inculcated in them, bear fruit in other lives, and are transmitted from parent to child to the third and fourth generation. There will be a harvest to be gathered that will be hard to be reaped. The irreligious practices of the children produced effects in their own characters and in the characters of others, and instead of being a blessing in the world, they became a curse.

The family circle is to be an educating circle. Father and mother are to be teachers, and unitedly, under the rule of Jesus Christ, they are to bear their responsibility. They cannot give their time to visiting, to the cultivation of worldly habits, to the entertainment of such visitors as will cause them to neglect their children. They are to devote their time to teaching children how to be useful, how to be a blessing to others. Where this is neglected, Satan early takes the children into his school, and teaches them his hellish arts. Jesus spoke of the synagogue of Satan. He has a religion that he teaches, and those who learn in his school soon reveal the fact that he is their teacher. Satan is watching to catch the children through the neglect of their parents. One disobedient child will do great harm to those with whom he associates; for he will fashion other children after his own pattern.

Parents lose much by being half-converted. Of Abraham it was said by the Lord Jesus Christ, "I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment." By the combined influence of love and authority, Abraham ruled his house. He was to walk before his household without hypocrisy or any deception, and there was no betrayal of sacred trust on his part. With living faith in God he combined works, and met the standard that is erected for masters, servants, and children,--the great moral standard of righteousness. O how few bring religion into their home life! Parents, what course are you pursuing? Are you acting upon the idea that in religious matters your children should be left free of all restraint? Are you leaving them without counsel or admonition through childhood and youth? Are you leaving them to do as they please? If so, you are neglecting your God-given responsibilities.

Christ the Center of the Message

The third angel's message calls for the presentation of the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, and this truth must be brought before the world; but the great Center of attraction, Jesus Christ, must not be left out of the third angel's message. By many who have been engaged in the work for this time, Christ has been made secondary, and theories and arguments have had the first place. The glory of God that was revealed to Moses in regard to the divine character has not been made prominent. The Lord said to Moses, "I will make all my goodness pass before thee." "And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty."

A vail has seemed to be before the eyes of many who have labored in the cause, so that when they presented the law, they have not had views of Jesus, and have not proclaimed the fact that, where sin abounded, grace doth much more abound. It is at the cross of Calvary that mercy and truth meet together, where righteousness and peace kiss each other. The sinner must ever look toward Calvary; and with the simple faith of a little child, he must rest in the merits of Christ, accepting his righteousness and believing in his mercy. Laborers in the cause of truth should present the righteousness of Christ, not as new light, but as precious light that has for a time been lost sight of by the people. We are to accept Christ as our personal Saviour, and he imputes unto us the righteousness of God in Christ. Let us repeat and make prominent the truth that John has portrayed: "Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins."

In the love of God has been opened the most marvelous vein of precious truth, and the treasures of the grace of Christ are laid open before the church and the world. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." What love is this,--what marvelous, unfathomable love!--that would lead Christ to die for us while we were yet sinners. What a loss it is to the soul who understands the strong claims of the law, and who yet fails to understand the grace of Christ which doth much more abound! It is true that the law of God reveals the love of God when it is preached as the truth in Jesus; for the gift of Christ to this guilty world must be largely dwelt upon in every discourse. It is no wonder that hearts have not been melted by the truth, when it has been presented in a cold and lifeless manner. No wonder faith has staggered at the promises of God, when ministers and workers have failed to present Jesus in his relation to the law of God. How often should they have assured the people that "He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?"

Satan is determined that men shall not see the love of God, which led him to give his only begotten Son to save the lost race; for it is the goodness of God that leads men to repentance. O, how shall we succeed in setting forth before the world the deep, precious love of God? In no other way can we compass it than by exclaiming, "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God"! Let us say to sinners, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world!" By presenting Jesus as the representative of the Father, we shall be able to dispel the shadow that Satan has cast upon our pathway, in order that we shall not see the mercy and love of God's inexpressible love as manifested in Jesus Christ.

Look at the cross of Calvary. It is a standing pledge of the boundless love, the measureless mercy, of the heavenly Father. O that all might repent and do their first works. When the churches do this, they will love God supremely and their neighbors as themselves. Ephraim will not envy Judah, and Judah will not vex Ephraim. Divisions will then be healed, the harsh sounds of strife will no more be heard in the borders of Israel. Through the grace freely given them of God, all will seek to answer the prayer of Christ, that his disciples should be one, even as he and the Father are one. Peace, love, mercy, and benevolence will be the abiding principles of the soul. The love of Christ will be the theme of every tongue, and it will no more be said by the true Witness, "I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love." The people of God will be abiding in Christ, the love of Jesus will be revealed, and one Spirit will animate all hearts, regenerating and renewing all in the image of Christ, fashioning all hearts alike. As living branches of the true Vine, all will be united to Christ, the living head. Christ will abide in every heart, guiding, comforting, sanctifying, and presenting to the world the unity of the followers of Jesus, thus bearing testimony that the heavenly credentials are supplied to the remnant church. In the oneness of Christ's church it will be proved that God sent his only begotten Son into the world.

When God's people are one in the unity of the Spirit, all of Phariseeism, all of self-righteousness, which was the sin of the Jewish nation, will be expelled from all hearts. The mold of Christ will be upon each individual member of his body, and his people will be new bottles into which he can pour his new wine, and the new wine will not break the bottles. God will make known the mystery which hath been hidden for ages. He will make known what are the "riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you the hope of glory: whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: whereunto I also labor, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily."

Jesus came to impart to the human soul the Holy Spirit, by which the love of God is shed abroad in the heart; but it is impossible to endow men with the Holy Spirit, who are set in their ideas, whose doctrines are all stereotyped and unchangeable, who are walking after the traditions and commandments of men, as were the Jews in the time of Christ. They were very punctilious in the observances of the church, very rigorous in following their forms, but they were destitute of vitality and religious devotion. They were represented by Christ as like the dry skins which were then used as bottles. The gospel of Christ could not be placed in their hearts; for there was no room to contain it. They could not be the new bottles into which he could pour his new wine. Christ was obliged to seek elsewhere than among the scribes and the Pharisees for bottles for his doctrine of truth and life. He must find men who were willing to have regeneration of heart. He came to give to men new hearts. He said, "A new heart also will I give you." But the self- righteous of that day and of this day feel no need of having a new heart. Jesus passed by the scribes and the Pharisees, for they felt no need of a Saviour. They were wedded to forms and ceremonies. These services had been instituted by Christ; they had been full of vitality and spiritual beauty; but the Jews had lost the spiritual life from their ceremonies, and clung to the dead forms after spiritual life was extinct among them. When they departed from the requirements and commandments of God, they sought to supply the place of that which they had lost, by multiplying their own requirements, and making more rigorous demands than had God; and the more rigid they grew, the less of the love and Spirit of God they manifested. Christ said to the people: "The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: all therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do ye not after their works: for they say, and do not. For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, and love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. . . . Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone."

The remnant church is called to go through an experience similar to that of the Jews; and the true Witness, who walks up and down in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks, has a solemn message to bear to his people. He says: "I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, and except thou repent." The love of God has been waning in the church, and as a result, the love of self has sprung up into new activity. With the loss of love for God there has come the loss of love for the brethren. The church may meet all the description that is given of the Ephesian church, and yet fail in vital godliness. Of them Jesus said, "I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: and hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast labored, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou has left thy first love."

A legal religion has been thought quite the correct religion for this time. But it is a mistake. The rebuke of Christ to the Pharisees is applicable to those who have lost from the heart their first love. A cold, legal religion can never lead souls to Christ; for it is a loveless, Christless religion. When fastings and prayers are practiced in a self-justifying spirit, they are abominable to God. The solemn assembly for worship, the round of religious ceremonies, the external humiliation, the imposed sacrifice,--all proclaim to the world the testimony that the doer of these things considers himself righteous. These things call attention to the observer of rigorous duties, saying, This man is entitled to heaven. But it is all a deception. Works will not buy for us an entrance into heaven. The one great Offering that has been made is ample for all who will believe. The love of Christ will animate the believer with new life. He who drinks from the water of the fountain of life, will be filled with the new wine of the kingdom. Faith in Christ will be the means whereby the right spirit and motive will actuate the believer, and all goodness and heavenly-mindedness will proceed from him who looks unto Jesus, the author and finisher of his faith. Look up to God, look not to men. God is your heavenly Father who is willing patiently to bear with your infirmities, and to forgive and heal them. "This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." By beholding Christ, you will become changed, until you will hate your former pride, your former vanity and self-esteem, your self-righteousness and unbelief. You will cast these sins aside as a worthless burden, and walk humbly, meekly, trustfully, before God. You will practice love, patience, gentleness, goodness, mercy, and every grace that dwells in the child of God, and will at last find a place among the sanctified and holy. -

Necessity of the Oil of Grace

The followers of Christ are to do the same work that Christ did when he was in the world. Isaiah prophesied of him, saying: "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called Trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified."

In the synagogue at Nazareth, Jesus opened this prophecy to the minds of the people. He announced the fact that he was fulfilling the words that the prophet had spoken. The words were definite in their specifications, so that there might be no excuse on the part of the people who claim to believe the Old Testament teaching, for cherishing unbelief in regard to Christ. God gave the Jews every opportunity and privilege to be called trees of the Lord, that he might be glorified. Jesus designed to make them as living water, as wells of salvation, to refresh and fertilize the world, that souls might be converted, and bring forth fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ unto the glory and praise of God.

How did the people to whom Christ announced his mission, receive the words he had spoken? Under the influence of the Spirit of God, conviction fastened upon their minds, and they witnessed to the gracious words that came from his lips. But Satan was not willing to let his captives go. They had long been bound under a misconception of the character of God, and he now worked with intense energy to fasten them in unbelief. Doubt sowed the seed of unbelief, and they repudiated Christ, refused his words, and closed the door of their heart to the gracious blessing he was ready to impart. Their hearts were filled with the spirit of Satan and his angels, and the people thrust him out of the synagogue, and would have cast him down from the side of the hill; but the angels of God preserved him, that he might do his appointed work.

The mission described by the prophet is the mission of every disciple of Christ. We are to practice the words of Christ, and present before others the covenant of grace, the righteousness of Christ. We are to make it manifest to the world that we have the oil of grace in our vessels in our lamps. The work of every representative of Christ, both in the ministry and among the laymen, is to tell of the great salvation brought to them as God's free gift. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; that being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life."

The oil of grace gives to men the courage, and supplies to them the motives for doing every day the work that God appoints to them. The five foolish virgins had lamps (this means a knowledge of Scripture truth), but they had not the grace of Christ. Day by day they went through a round of ceremonies and external duties, but their service was lifeless, devoid of the righteousness of Christ. The Sun of Righteousness did not shine in their hearts and minds, and they had not the love of the truth which conforms to the life and character, the image and superscription, of Christ. The oil of grace was not mingled with their endeavors. Their religion was a dry husk without the true kernel. They held fast to forms of doctrines, but they were deceived in their Christian life, full of self-righteousness, and failing to learn lessons in the school of Christ, which, if practiced, would have made them wise unto salvation.

The Lord Jesus requires that every soul who claims to be a son or daughter of God, should not only depart from all iniquity, but be abundant in acts of charity, self-denial, and humility. The Lord has presented the working of a certain law of mind and action, that should warn us in regard to our work. He says: "Whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have." Those who do not improve upon their opportunities, who do not exercise the grace that God gives them, have less and less inclination to do so, and finally in a sleepy lethargy, lose that which they once possessed. They make no provision for the future time of need in gaining a large experience, in obtaining an increased knowledge of divine things, so that when trial and temptation come upon them, they may be able to stand. When persecution or temptation comes, this class lose their courage and faith, and their foundation is swept away, because they did not see the need of making their foundation sure. They did not rivet their souls to the eternal Rock.

It is simply that which is external that is represented by the lamp; but the lamp is worthless without oil. The inward and spiritual oil of the grace of Christ is to vivify the soul. Unless Christ transforms the character by his divine grace, there is no transformation, no living spring of faith. "And the angel that talked with me came again, and waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep, and said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof: and two olive-trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof. So I answered and spake to the angel that talked with me, saying, What are these, my Lord? Then the angel that talked with me . . . answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts."

The lamps are to impress upon the church the necessity of eternal vigilance as the price of safety. Devotion, watching, and prayer are not for a moment to be neglected. The Lord is coming a second time to our world, and there must be found in us a disposition to wait and watch for his appearing, lest coming suddenly he find us sleeping. All whom Christ has united in holy covenant with himself are to feel that it is not safe at any time to be without oil in their vessels. The warning Christ has given is for us, and we shall be found guilty before God if we do not take heed to it. "And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man."

Have we decided to make our dwelling-place upon the earth? Are we not strangers and pilgrims seeking a better country, even a heavenly? "Watch therefore; for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. . . . Therefore be ye also ready; for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh." "Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is New Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name."

The coming of Christ will be as it were at midnight, when all are sleeping. It will be well for every one to have his accounts all straightened up before sunset. All his works should be right, all his dealings just, between himself and his fellow-men. All dishonesty, all sinful practices should be put far away. The oil of grace should be in our vessels with our lamps. There will be some at that late day who will have the appearance of being Christians, but their identity with Christ is only a deception. Sad indeed will be the condition of the soul who has had a form of godliness but has denied the power thereof; who has called Christ, Lord, Lord, and yet who has not his image and superscription. The foolish virgins flattered themselves that they would have mercy, that they would obtain an entrance into the marriage feast; but the Master answered their plea for admission with a stern refusal, saying, "I know you not." "And the door was shut."

The question is asked, "How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him?" "And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?"

God graciously grants a day of probation, a time of test and trial. He gives the invitation: "Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." If this invitation is disregarded, if the solemn scenes of the judgment make no impression upon the obdurate heart, if there is no repentance and confession and reformation, then the consequence will surely follow that fearfulness shall surprise the hypocrite.

To-day the voice of mercy is calling, and Jesus is drawing men by the cords of his love; but the day will come when Jesus will put on the garments of vengeance, and those who have no oil in their vessels with their lamps, will be surprised and confounded in their destitution. The wickedness of the world is increasing every day, and when a certain line is reached, the register will be closed, and the account settled. There will be no more a sacrifice for sin. The Lord cometh. Long has mercy extended a hand of love, of patience and forbearance, toward a guilty world. The invitation has been given, "Let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me; and he shall make peace with me." But men have presumed upon his mercy and refused his grace.

Why has the Lord so long delayed his coming? The whole host of heaven is waiting to fulfil the last work for this lost world, and yet the work waits. It is because the few who profess to have the oil of grace in their vessels with their lamps, have not become burning and shining lights in the world. It is because missionaries are few. Many voices are saying, "My Lord delayeth his coming." Have we no incentive to work? Does not death enter the doors of your neighbors and friends, telling you that your probation is fast hastening to its close? You are not sure of a day, therefore see to it that the oil of grace is not emptied out of your vessel. Let no one feel, "My mountain standeth sure. I am an old, experienced Christian." Suppose that mortal sickness should come upon you in a moment, could you face eternal realities, and say, "It is well with my soul"?

In the judgment it will be revealed that those who slept and had not the oil of grace in their vessels with their lamps, who have gone on in careless indifference, in a self-satisfied state, in negligence of spiritual opportunities and privileges, have led others in the selfsame path, and have caused those whom they had no power to redeem, to imperil their eternal destiny at the cost of the soul's salvation.

Every week counts one week less, every day one day nearer to the appointed time of the judgment. Alas that so many have only a spasmodic religion,--a religion dependent upon feeling and governed by emotion. "He that endureth to the end shall be saved." Then see that you have the oil of grace in your hearts. The possession of this will make every difference with you in the judgment. Those who say, Lord, Lord, and outwardly appear to rejoice in the Saviour, while they do not the works of Christ, are not what they appear to be, and unless they are truly converted, will be numbered with the foolish virgins. "This is the love of God, that we keep his commandments." "He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him." The Lord will not save men in disobedience. His perfection of character binds him to deal justly, and the penalty will certainly fall upon all who are found guilty of the transgression of the law in thought, word, or action. -

The Treasure of Truth Rejected

"But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elizabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb. And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." "And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; to give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his showing unto Israel."

The work that John came to do could in no way harmonize with the work of the Pharisees. The forerunner of Christ was to be as the "voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight." Anciently it was the custom, when kings traveled in countries where the roads were rough, to send a company ahead of the royal chariot, to smooth the steep places, and to fill up the hollows. This was the work to be done by John; for he was to prepare the way of the Lord. He was to be as a voice crying in the wilderness: "Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it."

The difficulties that were to be met by John were far greater than the difficulties to be met by those who prepared the way of earthly kings. The hearts of men around him were filled with every evil, with strife, envy, malice, and wickedness. They would not be impressed by a message of mercy and love. They were represented by John as a generation of vipers, and to them he gave scathing rebukes because of their self-righteousness. His voice rang out as a trumpet, crying, "Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." "When he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: and think not within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. And now also the ax is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire."

The message of John the Baptist was a new and startling message, and could not be interwoven with the superstitions and traditions of the Pharisees. The disciples of John were not to think that his self-denial, his self-sacrifice, his prayers, his devotions, his fastings, were like those of the Pharisees. The Pharisees fasted in hypocrisy, and there was no vitality in their religious exercises. To seek to blend the pretense of the Pharisees with the devotion of John would be only to make more evident the breach between them. The work of John was to expose the character of the works of the Pharisees, to set their traditions and heresies in their true light before the people.

At an early stage in his ministry the disciples of John came to Jesus as the One who was mightier than John. But when they saw Jesus eating with publicans and sinners, they were surprised and troubled. They had heard the charges of the Pharisees against Jesus, and they began to think that there was some foundation for their accusations. They thought much of the prescribed rules and rigorous ceremonies practiced by the Pharisees, and even hoped themselves to be justified by the works of the law. They thought their righteousness would entitle them to the favor of God, and went among the class, who, having the law, failed to keep it. They became agents of Satan to prefer charges against Christ at the very time when the Pharisees were questioning the authority of Jesus and seeking to lessen his influence over the people.

The Jews claimed to be the covenant people of God, and as a nation prided themselves in the idea that they were the chosen of heaven, yet many among them did not know God. They had been taught as a nation to look for the Redeemer. Holy men of God had spoken to them as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. In type and shadow and symbol they had been instructed concerning spiritual things, yet many had not understood the import of what had been revealed. A vail seemed to be before their faces, and they did not discern the glory of the dispensation of types and shadows. They needed to have a spiritual teacher always with them, to instruct them in regard to the significance of their rites, to show them the spiritual import of types and shadows. The spiritual worshiper alone was able to do this. There was much that was obscure to the minds of the prophets and teachers. Peter says, "Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into."

In Jesus Christ type met antitype. He was the One of whom Moses, in the law and the prophets, did write. He was the manifestation of the Father's love, the brightness of his glory, the express image of his person. Christ was the author of truth; not a gem of thought, not a jewel of truth, but he originated. He saw the precious truth buried under a mass of superstition and traditions of men, and he came to rescue truth from its connection with error. He came to rebuild the structure of truth. Fallen man was to be raised from his low estate, lost man was to be recovered, sin was to be pardoned, the sinner saved, and the world was to see in Christ a representation of the Father's love. "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."

The Lord Jesus Christ came first to the Jewish nation. They thought themselves perfect; they were filled with self-righteousness, regarding themselves as rich and increased in goods and in need of nothing in the way of spiritual knowledge. They thought they had no need of depending upon, and drawing from, the resources that Jesus opened before them. He presented to them the field containing the hidden treasure, but they turned from it. The bright and holy seraphim, the hosts of heaven, who wondered at the glorious plan of salvation, watched with intense interest to see how the people of God would receive the divine Son of God, clothed in the garb of humanity. The wisdom of God was in his only begotten Son. The tabernacle of God was with men. God was hidden in the habitation of humanity.

Step by step the angels followed the world's Redeemer as he unfolded his divine wisdom in the truths he restored to humanity; but with amazement they saw that the Jewish priests and rulers, filled with their own self-righteousness, did not wish to be disturbed, and saw nothing desirable in a higher wisdom than they possessed. They had false ideas of God, and were deceived in themselves. They set themselves in resistance of Christ, and after once having taken the step, they were too proud to acknowledge their error, confess their sin, and retrace their steps. As they did not desire to repent and confess that they had erred, they continually beset the steps of Christ, acting as spies, and seeking to catch something from his lips, that they could turn against him, and thereby secure his condemnation.

Jesus, the treasure-house of wisdom, came to our world to open to men the jewels of truth. In him dwelt all the fulness of the Godhead bodily, and he desired to reveal the riches of God to the world. He said, "The kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field." The field is to be explored, and the more it is examined, the more treasures will be revealed to the seeker. While Christ was upon earth, he longed to make known to the Jewish nation and especially to his disciples, the hidden treasures of truth and he said unto them, "I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now." He was continually educating his disciples to work in the mine of truth, to sink the shaft deep, and gave them the assurance that their labors would be richly rewarded; for they would discover many precious veins of valuable ore. The field was the unsearchable riches of Christ. But the Lord presented these treasures to the Jewish nation in vain. Their own ideas and opinions, their own false sentiments and traditions, were of more value in their eyes than anything that Jesus could offer. They preferred the commandments of men to the commandments of God.

"No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment; for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse. Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved." How gladly would Jesus have poured into these bottles the new wine; but it would have been of no use. The only way in which they could receive his teaching was to see and hear him without prejudice; but unless they were converted, they could not do this; for they were filled with their own righteousness, and were relying on their own works as a means of salvation. They did not desire that a new element should be brought into their religion. Heaven looked with amazement to see the nation that had been blessed with so much light, which had been favored with so many advantages, refusing the precious treasure of truth.

Patriarchs and prophets had foretold that the Jewish nation would not accept the covenant of grace; for they had closed their eyes to the truth, and because of their ignorance of the real meaning of God's word, they added injunction to injunction from their own human knowledge. Because of the pride of their heart, the blindness of their mind, they closed the door to Christ. The good-will of God to men they did not accept as a thing apart from themselves. They connected it with their own merit, because of their good works.

To the present time, men insist on being saved in some way by which they may perform some important work. If they see there is no way in which to weave self into the work, they reject the salvation provided. They trample under foot the Son of God, and count the blood of the covenant wherewith he was sanctified as an unholy thing. Jesus could give alone security to God; for he was equal with God. He alone could be a mediator between God and man; for he possessed divinity and humanity. Jesus could thus give security to both parties for the fulfillment of the prescribed conditions. As the Son of God he gives security to God in our behalf, and as the eternal Word, as one equal with the Father, he assures us of the Father's love to usward who believe his pledged word. When God would assure us of his immutable counsel of peace, he gives his only begotten Son to become one of the human family, forever to retain his human nature as a pledge that God will fulfill his word. -

The Meaning of Trials

"Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts. But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap: and he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness. Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the Lord, as in the days of old, and as in former years."

A refining, purifying process is going on among the people of God, and the Lord of hosts has set his hand to this work. This process is most trying to the soul, but it is necessary in order that defilement may be removed. Trials are essential in order that we may be brought close to our heavenly Father, in submission to his will, that we may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness. God's work of refining and purifying the soul must go on until his servants are so humbled, so dead to self, that when called into active service, they may have an eye single to the glory of God. Then they will not move rashly from impulse, and imperil the Lord's cause because they are slaves to temptation and passion, because they follow their carnal desires; but they will move from principle and in view of the glory of God. The Lord brings his children over the same ground again and again, increasing the pressure until perfect humility fills the mind, and the character is transformed; then they are victorious over self, and in harmony with Christ and the Spirit of heaven.

The purification of God's people cannot be accomplished without suffering. God permits the fire of affliction to consume the dross, to separate the worthless from the valuable, in order that the pure metal may shine forth. He passes us from one fire to another, testing our true worth. True grace is willing to be tried. If we are loath to be searched by the Lord, our condition is one of peril. God is the refiner and purifier of souls. He places us in the heat of the furnace, that the dross may be forever separated from the true gold of Christian character. Jesus watches the test. He knows just what fire of temptation and trial is needed to purify the precious metal, in order that the radiance of divine love may be reflected.

It is by close, testing trials that God brings his people near to himself; for in trial and temptation he discovers to them their weakness, and teaches them to lean upon him as their only help and safeguard. When this result is attained, his object is accomplished, and his tried servants are prepared to be used in every emergency, to fill important positions of trust, and to accomplish the grand purposes for which their powers were given them. God takes men upon trial, and he proves them upon the right hand and upon the left, until they are educated, trained, and disciplined for his use.

Trials will come upon us that are originated by the prince of evil. The enemy will contend for the life or the usefulness of the servants of God, and will seek to mar their peace as long as they remain in the world. But his power is limited. He may cause the furnace to be heated, but Jesus and holy angels watch the precious ore; and to the trusting Christian, grace will be found sufficient, and nothing but the worthless dross will be consumed. The fire kindled by the enemy can have no power to destroy the true gold. At times the powers of darkness gather about the soul and shut Jesus from our sight, and we wait in sorrow and amazement until the cloud passes over. While under the trial, these seasons are terrible. Hope seems to fail, and despair seizes upon us. But in these dreadful hours we must learn to trust, to depend wholly upon the merits of a crucified and risen Saviour, and cast our souls in their helplessness and unworthiness upon him who is mighty to save unto the uttermost all who come unto God by him. We shall never perish while we do this, never.

We need not be astonished at trial. Peter says, "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial that is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy."

Jesus says: "I am the true vine, and my father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit." There is a constant tendency among the trees of the Lord to be more profuse in foliage than in fruit. Just as the strength and nourishment of the grape-vine are taken up in abundant foliage, and the fruit is not brought to perfection unless the vine is pruned, so the strength of the Christian will fail of its true end, unless the heavenly husbandman prunes away the useless growth. In prosperity the followers of Jesus often turn their thoughts and energies toward gratifying themselves, to securing worldly treasure, to the enjoyment of ease and pleasure and luxury, and they bring forth little fruit to the glory of God; then the heavenly husbandman, in order to promote the fruitfulness of the branches, comes with the pruning-knife of disappointment, loss, or bereavement, and cuts away the hindering growth.

One evening a gentleman who was much depressed because of deep affliction, was walking in a garden, where he observed a pomegranate-tree nearly cut through the stem. Greatly wondering, he asked the gardener why the tree was in this condition, and he received an answer that explained to his satisfaction the wounds of his own bleeding heart. "Sir," said the gardener, "this tree used to shoot out so strong that it bore nothing but leaves. I was obliged to cut it in this manner; and when it was almost cut through, it began to bear fruit."

Our sorrows do not spring out of the ground. In every affliction God has a purpose to work out for our good. Every blow that destroys an idol, every providence that weakens our hold upon earth and fastens our affections more firmly upon God, is a blessing. The pruning may be painful for a time, but afterward it "yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness." We should receive with gratitude whatever will quicken the conscience, elevate the thoughts, and ennoble the life. The fruitless branches are cut off and cast into the fire. Let us be thankful that through painful pruning, we may retain a connection with the living Vine; for if we suffer with Christ, we shall also reign with him. The very trial that taxes our faith the most severely and makes it seem as though God had forsaken us, is to lead us more clearly to him, that we may lay all our burdens at the feet of Christ, and experience the peace which he will give us in exchange. Let no Christian feel that he is forsaken when the hour of trial comes upon him. Not a sparrow falls to the ground without your heavenly Father's notice. God loves and cares for the feeblest of his creatures, and we cannot dishonor him more than by doubting his love to us. O let us cultivate that living faith that will trust him in the hour of darkness and trial! Living faith in the merits of a crucified. Redeemer will carry men through the fiery furnace of affliction and trial, and the form of the Fourth will be with them in the furnace, however fierce its heat; and they will come forth from its flame with not even the smell of the fire on their garments.

Joseph was sold into Egypt. He was put into prison. The enemy strove to overwhelm him in darkness. The darkness was so great that it seemed every ray of hope was extinguished; but his faith took hold on God, and it was rewarded. God brought him out of the dungeon, and made him a light to the world. Our heavenly Father sees the hearts of men, and he knows their characters better than they do themselves. He sees that some have capabilities which are not directed in the right way, but that if they could be turned into the right channel, they would bring glory to his name by advancing the cause of truth in the world. He places these persons on trial, and in his wise providence brings them into different positions, into a variety of circumstances, where they are tested in order that they may reveal what is in their hearts and make manifest the weak points of their characters, which have been hidden from their own eyes. God gives them opportunities to correct these defects, to polish off the rough corners of their natures, and to fit themselves for his service. If they do this work, then when he calls them into active service, they are ready so that the angels of heaven co-operate with them in their labors, and the purpose is fulfilled for which God called them to his service.

It is in mercy that the Lord reveals to men their hidden defects. He would have them critically examine the complicated emotions and motives of their own hearts, and detect that which is wrong, and modify their dispositions, and refine their manners. God would have his servants become acquainted with their own hearts. In order to bring to them a true knowledge of their condition, he permits the fire of affliction to assail them, so that they may be purified. The trials of life are God's workmen to remove the impurities, infirmities, and roughness from our characters, and fit them for the society of pure, heavenly angels in glory. Then as we pass through trial, as the fire of affliction kindles upon us, shall we not keep our eyes fixed upon the things that are unseen, on the eternal inheritance, the immortal life, the far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory? and while we do this, the fire will not consume us, but only remove the dross, and we shall come forth seven times purified, bearing the impress of the Divine. -

The Meaning of Trials [Concluded]

This world is not the Christian's heaven. It is the place in which to fit up for heaven. It is the scene of our life-battles, our conflicts and sorrows. While here we must, if we would be successful, have a firm grasp of the better world, where, when the warfare is ended, will be found peace and everlasting joy.

Through all our trials, which have never been fully revealed to others, we have had an unfailing Friend, who has said, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." "Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." While upon the earth, Jesus was ever touched with human woe, and although he is now ascended to his Father, and is adored by angels who swiftly speed to obey his commands, yet his heart, which loved, pitied, and sympathized with men, knows no change. It remains a heart of unchangeable tenderness still. "We have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are." Jesus is acquainted with all our trials, and he does not leave us to struggle alone with temptations, to battle alone with sin, and to be finally crushed with burden and sorrow. Through his angels he whispers to you, "Fear not; for I am with thee." "I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive forevermore." "I know your sorrows; I have endured them. I am acquainted with your struggles; I have experienced them. I know your temptations; I have encountered them. I have seen your tears; I also have wept. Your earthly hopes are crushed, but let the eye of faith be uplifted, and penetrate the vail, and there anchor your hopes. The everlasting assurance shall be yours that you have a Friend that sticketh closer than a brother."

God has always tried his people in the furnace of affliction, in order to prove them firm and true, to purge from them all dross and unrighteousness. It was after Abraham and his son Isaac had borne the severest test that could be brought upon them, that God spoke through his angel to Abraham, and said: "Now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son, from me."

The work of pruning and purifying the people of God for heaven is a great work, and it will not be accomplished without great suffering on the part of the servants of God, because it will cost them something to bring their wills into harmony with the will of Christ. We must go through the furnace till the fires have consumed the dross, and we are purified so that we reflect the divine image. Those who follow inclination, and judge from appearances, are not good judges of what God is doing. They are filled with discontent. They see failure where there is indeed triumph, a great loss where there is only gain; and like Jacob, they are ready to exclaim, when trial comes upon them, "All these things are against me!" when the fact is, that the very things of which they complained, were working for their good.

"No cross, no crown," One cannot be strong in the Lord and never experience trial. To have strength, we must have exercise. To have strong faith we must be placed in circumstances where our faith will be called forth. Just before his martyrdom, the apostle Paul said to Timothy: "Be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel, according to the power of God." It is through much tribulation that we enter the kingdom of heaven. Our Saviour was tried in every possible way, and yet he triumphed continually in God. It is our privilege under all circumstances to be strong in the strength of God and to glory in the cross of Christ.

Every follower of Christ will have a cross to bear; and when he takes it up resolutely, though in weakness and trembling, he will find that that which seemed so terrible to him is a source of strength and blessing and courage. It will be a staff to him to help him on in his weary pilgrimage through this earth. Then shall the professed follower of Christ drop his cross, and seek to please those who are deriding his Lord? Shall he, for fear he will not receive honor of men, reject and despise the cross of Christ?

What if you do suffer, dear fellow-Christian? The Master of the house suffered before you. Jesus, our Redeemer, representative and head, endured the testing process. He suffered more than we can be called upon to suffer. He bore our infirmities, and was in all points tempted like as we are. He did not suffer thus on his own account, but because of our sins, that we, relying on the merits of our Overcomer, might be victorious in his name. Christ was the exalted and glorious commander of heaven, before whom the angelic hosts bowed in adoration, yet he condescended to give up his glory that he had with the Father, that he might save a fallen race; and shall we, in our turn, refuse to deny ourselves for his sake and the gospel's? Let the words of Paul be the language of our hearts: "God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world."

Christ requires all. His sacrifice was too great, too dear, to make it possible that we should give less than all, and be accepted. Our holy faith cries out, Separation. We should not be conformed to the world, or to dead, heartless professors. The Scripture says, "Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind." The way to heaven is a self-denying way. But when you think the way is too strait, and there is too much self-denial in the narrow path; when you say, How hard to give up all, ask yourselves the question, What did Christ give up for me? This question puts anything that we might call self-denial in the shade. Behold him in the garden of Gethsemane. Look upon the great drops of blood that are forcing themselves from his pores while he is bearing the inexpressible agony of soul. Look upon him in the judgment hall while he is derided, mocked, and insulted by the infuriated mob. Behold him clothed in that old purple robe, and hear the coarse jest and cruel mocking. See them place the crown of thorns on that noble brow, and smite him with a reed, causing the thorns to penetrate his holy temples, so that the blood-drops trickle down his face and fall upon the ground. Hear the murderous throng eagerly crying for the blood of the Son of God. He is delivered into their hands, and pale, and weak, and fainting, he is led away to the hill of crucifixion. They stretch his form upon the cross, and drive the nails through his tender hands and feet. Behold him hanging upon the cross through dreadful hours of agony until angels vail their faces from the scene, and the sun hides his light, refusing to shine upon the dreadful sight. Think of these things, and then ask, Is the way too strait?

O that every one might realize that Jesus has something in store for him vastly better than that which he would choose for himself! Would that all might come to understand the exceeding sinfulness of sin and the blessedness of righteousness! Would that all might see how powerless is all effort to contend with Omnipotence! Man is doing the greatest injury to his own soul when he thinks and acts contrary to the mind and will of God. He is sowing to his flesh, and of the flesh he will reap corruption. No real joy can be found in the path forbidden by God, who knows what is best, and who plans for the good of his creatures. In order to be happy ourselves, we must live to make others happy. We must yield our possessions, our talents, and our affections, in grateful devotion to Christ, and in this way we may find happiness here and immortality hereafter.

The most trying experiences in the Christian life may be the most blessed. The special providences of the dark hours may encourage the soul in the future attacks of Satan, and equip the soul to stand most fiery trials. The trial of your faith is more precious than gold. But in order to endure the test, you must have that faith, that abiding confidence in God, that will not be disturbed by the arguments and temptations of the deceiver. Take the Lord at his word. Study the promises, and appropriate them as you have need. "Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Happy is the man, who, when tempted, finds his soul rich in the knowledge of the Scriptures, who finds shelter beneath the promises of God. "Thy word," said the psalmist, "have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." We need that calm, steady faith, that undaunted moral courage, that none but Christ can give, in order that we may be braced for trial and strengthened for duty.

While on earth there will be no escape from conflicts and temptations; but in every storm we have a sure refuge. Jesus has told us, "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." The forces of Satan are marshaled against us, and we have to meet a diligent foe; but if we take heed to the admonition of Christ, we shall be safe. "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation." There are foes to be resisted and overcome, but Jesus is by our side, ready to strengthen us for every attack. "This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." Faith sees Jesus standing as our Mediator at the right hand of God. Faith beholds the mansions that Jesus has gone to prepare for those who love him. Faith sees the robe and the crown all prepared for the overcomer. Faith hears the song of the redeemed, and brings eternal glories near. We must come close to Jesus in loving obedience if we would see the King in his beauty. There is peace in believing, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Believe! Believe! My soul cries, Believe! Rest in God. He is able to keep that which you have committed to him, and will bring you off more than conqueror through him that has loved you.

But remember that every one who shall be found with the wedding garment on will have come out of great tribulation. The mighty surges of temptation will beat upon all. But the long night of watching, of toil, of hardship, is nearly past. Christ is soon to come. Get ready! The angels of God are seeking to attract you from yourself and from earthly things. Let them not labor in vain. Faith, living faith, is what you need; the faith that works by love and purifies the soul. Remember Calvary and the awful, the infinite sacrifice there made for man. Jesus now invites you to come to him, just as you are, and make him your strength and your everlasting Friend. -

Victory in Temptation Through Christ

Satan assailed Christ with his strongest temptations in the wilderness. Jesus was forty days tempted of the Devil. "And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered. And the Devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread." Shall the Son of God, the world's Redeemer, take up with the doubt, and prove to the apostate that he is indeed the Son of God, the Prince of heaven? Satan sought to engage him in controversy; but should he concede to the demands of the rebel, nothing for the good of man or the glory of God would be gained. Jesus did not produce any evidence or bring forth any arguments. He did not repeat to Satan that which the rebel already knew of his exalted position as the loved Commander of heaven, who was worshiped and adored by the angelic hosts. What evidence would avail in the case before him? Jesus knew that all evidence would be worthless to break the power of rebellion in Satan's heart. Jesus dealt with the tempter in the way in which all his followers are to deal with him through all time.

In meeting the challenge of the evil one to prove himself the Son of God, Christ answered not a word that would in any way lead to a controversy. He said: "It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God." The weapon of his warfare was the word of God, thus making it manifest to the tempter that in the conflict he would not depart a jot or tittle from that which had proceeded out of the mouth of God. Satan knew that as long as Jesus held to this position of honoring the word of God, he could not hope for victory over him. Changing his tactics, he bore Christ up and placed him in a most perilous position. "And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone."

In the second temptation, Satan supposes that he has met the second Adam upon his own ground. The wily foe presented in the temptation the words that had proceeded from the mouth of God. He had come to Christ as an angel of light direct from the courts above, and he makes it appear that he is acquainted with the word of God, and understands also the import of what is written. Christ was tempted to answer the "if;" but he knew that there must be no presumption manifested by him, that he must not imperil his life to give the evidence for which Satan had asked. He withheld himself from the slightest acceptance of the doubt with which Satan so artfully sought to overcome him. Jesus said unto him, "It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God."

Jesus had humbled himself, clothing his divinity with humanity, and subjecting himself to all the temptations wherewith humanity should be beset; although weakened by his long fast, he would not give Satan the least advantage, or stop to argue with him over his imputation of doubt in regard to the divinity of Christ. He knew that appearances were all against him; for human weakness, human necessities, were upon him, and he felt keenly the want of food and the results of his long fast. In a time like that, he might have allowed a series of suppositions and doubts to assail him, and have given up to the enemy, and have murmured against God in the humiliation of his position, looking at his great want and the lack of that which would supply his needs. He might have parleyed with the enemy, and in doubt have acquiesced in his suggestion that he was not the Son of God. Like the children of Israel in the wilderness, he might have said, "Is the Lord among us, or not?" When there was no water for them to drink, and they became thirsty, they murmured against Moses, and said: "Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said unto them, Why chide ye with me? wherefore do ye tempt the Lord?. . . And he called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah, because of the chiding of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the Lord, saying, Is the Lord among us, or not?" In this the children of Israel manifested the most decided unbelief in God, who had given them every evidence that he was among them, and that he was able and willing to fulfil his promises to them. Afterward instruction was given them to this effect: "Ye shall not tempt the Lord your God, as ye tempted him in Massah."

How different was the action of Jesus when suffering for the real necessities of life. He did not manifest the least doubt of God's care, or give any heed to Satan's suggestion to question his divine character and mission. "And the Devil, taking him up into a high mountain, showed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the Devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will, I give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine." Satan had questioned as to whether or not Christ was the Son of God, and now Jesus gives him a proof of his connection with God. Divinity flashed through humanity, and Jesus said, "Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Then the Devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him."

Although the only begotten Son of the infinite God humbled himself and took upon him humanity, his faith wavered not; but under the trial and test, he was equal to the proving of temptation on behalf of humanity. Jesus passed over the ground upon which Adam had fallen, and his feet did not stumble. Satan left the field a vanquished foe, peremptorily dismissed. At the word of Christ, "Get thee hence, Satan," the powerful fallen angel had no choice but to obey. Angels that excel in strength were on the battle-ground, guarding the interest of the tempted soul, and ready to resist the foe. This is always the case in the trial and temptation of any one of the human race; when man is assailed by the tempter, and the powers of darkness press upon the soul, the angels of heaven are on the ground to fly to the aid of Him who would resist evil and follow after righteousness. The promise of God is, that there shall no temptation overcome those who by living faith lay hold of the word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. "And the Lord commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the Lord our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as it is at this day. And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the Lord our God, as he hath commanded us.

In the great battle fought between the Prince of light and the prince of darkness, Jesus gained the victory in behalf of humanity. Had Satan gained a degree of advantage, as he did with the first Adam, the human family would have been left under his control, and without one ray of hope they would have perished from the earth. But in behalf of the human race, Jesus conquered the fallen foe; Satan was vanquished. Through the victory of Christ, the human race was elevated in moral value, not because of anything they had done, but because of the great work that had been wrought out for them through the only begotten Son of God. As man's substitute and surety, in human nature through divine power, Christ placed man on vantage-ground. In believing on him as our personal Saviour, we place ourselves under his blood-stained banner, and the wicked one cannot take us from under his standard as long as we desire to prove loyal to Him who has died for us.

In all the temptations of Satan, there is a deeply-laid plan, a dark purpose, to compass the ruin of the human soul. But we are to meet the wily foe as Christ met him. He presented to Jesus the three great temptations that overpower the human race. He was tested on the point of appetite, presumption, and the acquisition of worldly power and honor. Satan sought to turn him from his integrity by challenging him to prove his relation to God by some act that would call forth a special miracle on the part of God for his preservation, and he presented to him the bribe of the world and its glory, if he would but fall down and worship him. But in every temptation Christ resisted the tempter in man's behalf, and provided grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ, that every man in him may be more than conqueror. -

The Curse of the Liquor Traffic

"Woe unto him that buildeth his house by unrighteousness, and his chambers by wrong; that useth his neighbor's service without wages, and giveth him not for his work; that saith, I will build me a wide house and large chambers, and cutteth him out windows; and it is ceiled with cedar, and painted with vermilion. Shalt thou reign, because thou closest thyself in cedar? did not thy father eat and drink, and do judgment and justice, and then it was well with him? He judged the cause of the poor and needy; then it was well with him: was not this to know me? saith the Lord. But thine eyes and thine heart are not but for thy covetousness, and for to shed innocent blood, and for oppression, and for violence, to do it."

In every phase of the liquor-selling business, there is dishonesty and violence. The houses of liquor dealers are built with the wages of unrighteousness, and upheld by violence and oppression. The effect of the liquor traffic is clearly delineated in the words of the prophets: "Woe to the crown of pride, to the drunkards of Ephraim, whose glorious beauty is a fading flower, which are on the head of the fat valleys of them that are overcome with wine! Behold, the Lord hath a mighty and strong one, which as a tempest of hail and a destroying storm, as a flood of mighty waters overflowing, shall cast down to the earth with the hand. The crown of pride, the drunkards of Ephraim, shall be trodden under feet: and the glorious beauty, which is on the head of the fat valley, shall be a fading flower, and as the hasty fruit before the summer; which when he that looketh upon it seeth, while it is yet in his hand he eateth it up. . . . But they also have erred through wine, and through strong drink are out of the way; the priest and prophet have erred through strong drink, they are swallowed up of wine, they are out of the way through strong drink; they err in vision, they stumble in judgment. For all tables are full of vomit and filthiness, so that there is no place clean."

Through indulgence in sin, the world is becoming as corrupt as it was in the days of Sodom and Gomorrah, and as it was in the days that were before the flood. Jesus said that this condition of society would be a sign of his coming. He said: "As it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; but the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed." The very sins that brought upon Sodom the fire of destruction are practiced to-day, and are fast ripening the world for the day of final doom. Indulgence in intoxicating liquor and in licentious practices, is common in all our cities and villages, and the last great day is hastening upon the world.

There are many solemn warnings in the Scriptures against the use of intoxicating liquors. Solomon says, "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging; and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise." "Who hath woe? who hath sorrows? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his color in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things. Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth on the top of a mast. They have stricken me, thou shalt say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again."

Is not this description true to life? Does it not represent to us the experience of the poor, besotted drunkard, who is plunged in degradation and ruin because he has put the bottle to his lips, and who says, "I will seek it yet again"? The curse has come upon such a soul through indulgence in evil, and Satan has control of his being. "And it come to pass, when he heareth the words of this curse, that he bless himself in his heart, saying, I shall have peace, though I walk in the imagination of mine heart, to add drunkenness to thirst: the Lord will not spare him, but then the anger of the Lord and his jealousy shall smoke against that man, and all the curses that are written in this book shall lie upon him, and the Lord shall blot out his name from under heaven."

With the awful results of indulgence in intoxicating drink before us, how is it that any man or woman who claims to believe in the word of God, can venture to touch, taste, or handle wine or strong drink? Such a practice is certainly out of harmony with their professed faith. "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter. Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink: which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him. Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the Lord of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel." "Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them! And the harp and the viol, the tabret and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the Lord, neither consider the operation of his hands. Therefore my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge: and their honorable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst. Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it. And the mean man shall be brought down, and the mighty man shall be humbled, and the eyes of the lofty shall be humbled: but the Lord of hosts shall be exalted in judgment, and God that is holy shall be sanctified in righteousness."

"Woe to them that are at ease in Zion. . . . Ye that put far away the evil day, and cause the seat of violence to come near; that lie on beds of ivory, and stretch themselves upon their couches, and eat the lambs out of the flock, and the calves out of the midst of the stall; that chant to the sound of the viol, and invent to themselves instruments of music, like David; that drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the chief ointments: but they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph. Therefore now shall they go captive with the first that go captive, and the banquet of them that stretched themselves shall be removed."

"Woe to thee, O land, when thy king is a child, and thy princes eat in the morning! Blessed art thou, O land, when thy king is the son of nobles, and thy princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness." "It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted." These words of warning and command are pointed and decided, and let those in positions of public trust take heed, lest through wine and strong drink they forget the law and pervert judgment. Let rulers and judges be in a condition to fulfil the instruction of the Lord: "Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child. If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry; and my wrath shall wax hot, and I will kill you with the sword; and your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless."

The Lord God of heaven ruleth. He alone is above all authorities, over all kings and rulers. The Lord has given special directions in his word in reference to the use of wine and strong drink. He has forbidden their use, and enforced his prohibitions with strong warnings and threatenings. But his warning against the use of intoxicating beverages is not the result of the exercise of arbitrary authority. He has warned men, in order that they may escape from the evil that results from indulgence in wine and strong drink. Degradation, cruelty, wretchedness, and strife follow in the wake of drink. God has laid out the consequences of taking this course of evil, in order that there may not be a turning upside down of his instituted laws; that there may not be misery on all sides, through the increase of evil men who for the sake of gain shall selfishly heap to themselves riches, even through selling strong drink and putting the bottle to their neighbors' lips. The liquor traffic should not be legalized in any of our towns or cities.

The Lord has given special directions in regard to what is to be done in the case of a vicious ox, which injures or causes the death of any person. He has said: "If an ox gore a man or a woman, that they die: then the ox shall be surely stoned, and his flesh shall not be eaten; but the owner of the ox shall be quit. But if the ox were wont to push with his horn in time past, and it hath been testified to his owner, and he hath not kept him in, but that he hath killed a man or a woman; the ox shall be stoned, and his owner also shall be put to death. If there be laid on him a sum of money, then he shall give for the ransom of his life whatsoever is laid upon him. Whether he have gored a son, or have gored a daughter, according to this judgment shall it be done unto him. If the ox shall push a man-servant or a maid-servant; he shall give unto their master thirty shekels of silver, and the ox shall be stoned."

Remember this instruction in regard to the vicious ox, and apply the principle involved to the man who deals out poisonous alcoholic drinks to his neighbors. Not every man who engages in the liquor business is ignorant of the numberless ways in which it results in degradation, misery, poverty, cruelty, and death. The liquor traffic is a terrible scourge to our land, and is sustained and legalized by those who profess to be Christians. In thus doing, the churches make themselves responsible for all the results of this death-dealing traffic. The liquor traffic has its root in hell itself, and it leads to perdition. These are solemn considerations.

The man who has formed the habit of drinking intoxicating liquor, is in a desperate situation. He cannot be reasoned with, or persuaded to deny himself the indulgence. His stomach and brain are diseased, his will power is weakened, and his appetite uncontrollable. The prince of the powers of darkness holds him in bondage that he has no power to break. For the aid of such victims the liquor traffic should be stopped. Do not the rulers of this land see that awful results are the fruit of this traffic? Daily the papers are filled with accounts that would move a heart of stone; and if the senses of our rulers were not perverted, they would see the necessity of doing away with this death-dealing traffic. May the Lord move upon the hearts of those in authority, until they shall take measures that will prohibit the drink traffic. -

The Liquor Traffic Working Counter to Christ

Jesus came to our world to dispute the authority of Satan, who claimed supremacy over the earth. He came to restore in man the defaced image of God, to impart to the repentant soul divine power by which he might be raised from corruption and degradation, and be elevated and ennobled and made fit for companionship with the angels of heaven, to take the position in the courts of God which Satan and his angels lost through their rebellion. But men have failed to co-operate with Jesus in his divine mission, and have placed themselves under the black banner of the prince of darkness, giving themselves up to be the agents through whom the powers of darkness work for the destruction of humanity. It is Satan's purpose to counteract the work of Christ, and in his counsels he lays plans by which to convert every soul into a channel of darkness. The earth is the field of battle in which the powers of light and darkness are in controversy over the human souls for whom Christ died.

When Jesus was upon earth, he announced his mission and the character of his work. He said: "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called Trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified."

Thus are pictured the mission and work of Christ and his co-laborers; but how different is the work of the prince of darkness and the work of those who labor on his side of the controversy. Those who are united with the prince of darkness in degrading the souls of their fellow-men, many times cloak their iniquity under the garb of religion; but of them the Lord says: "When ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you; yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood." There are many who spread forth their hands in Pharisaical self-righteousness and self-importance, who yet deny the principles of the law of God in their daily actions. Let not those whose hands are full of blood think to find acceptance with God because of their forms of worship. Those who sell intoxicating liquor to their fellow-men come under this reproof. They receive the earnings of the drunkard, and give him no equivalent for his money. Instead of this, they give him that which maddens him, which makes him act the fool, and turns him into a demon of evil and cruelty. He exchanges his reason at the bar of the liquor-dealer for a glass of rum or brandy; and under its influence he may cruelly beat his wife and children, and may even kill them outright, or do so by piece-meal, through neglect, through failure to supply them with the necessities of life. Because of a lack of proper food, of sufficient clothing, because of discouragements and degradation, sickness and death come upon his family, and at last their misery is over. But angels of God have witnessed every step in the downward path, and have traced every consequence that resulted from a man's placing the bottle to his neighbor's lips. The liquor-dealer is written in the records among those whose hands are full of blood. He is condemned for keeping on hand the poisonous draught by which his neighbor is tempted to ruin, and by which homes are filled with wretchedness and degradation. The Lord holds the liquor-dealer responsible for every penny that comes to his till out of the earnings of the poor drunkard, who has lost all moral power, who has sunk his manhood in drink.

Christ came to our world and suffered reproach, mockery, and insult. He was maligned and maltreated, and at last put to the shameful death of the cross. He suffered all this that he might rescue man from moral degradation, and restore to the soul the lost image of God. But the liquor-dealer, under the prince of the power of darkness, is working in exactly opposite lines, counter to the work of Christ, and is obliterating every trace of the image which Christ would restore. Look at the drunkard. See what liquor has done for him. His eyes are bleared and bloodshot. His countenance is bloated and besotted. His gait is staggering. The sign of Satan's working is written all over him. Nature herself protests that she knows him not; for he has perverted his God-given powers, and prostituted his manhood by indulgence in drink.

If a man has a vicious beast, and he allows it freedom, knowing that it will work injury to men, women, and children, he is brought before the law to answer for his carelessness or malignity. But how much better it would be to let such a beast loose than to license men to deal out poisonous drinks, to rob men of reason and manhood. What common sense in there in licensing men to sell that which destroys men, body and soul, claiming that this infamous business brings into the treasury a revenue by which the orphan children of the drunkard can be cared for? The world knows that intoxicating liquors rob men of the brain nerve-power, and send them into society bereft of reason. The world knows that most horrible crimes have been committed under its influence, and that drunken men have been led by Satan to do as he dictated, and stain their hands in the blood of their neighbors. The law authorizes the sale of liquor, and then has to build prisons for its victims; for nine tenths of those who are taken to prison are those who have learned to drink. They are those who have spent their earnings in the saloon. What revenue from this traffic can pay for the loss of human reason, for the loss of the image of God in men, for families reduced to suffering and degradation, for children made paupers, who grow up in ignorance and vice, to perpetuate in their posterity the inherited evil tendencies of their drunken fathers? Such is the outworking of this dreadful liquor traffic, and thus it perpetuates misery and crime, until the sum cannot be told by human voice or portrayed by human pen.

The hands of both liquor-dealers and liquor-drinkers are full of blood; yet the word of God comes to them, "Wash ye, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow;" and he adds this gracious invitation, "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: but if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it." "How is the faithful city become a harlot! it was full of judgment; righteousness lodged in it; but now murderers. Thy silver is become dross, thy wine mixed with water [and poison]: thy princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves: every one loveth gifts, and followeth after rewards: they judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them." Rulers and law-makers are not ignorant of the misery and degradation, the horrible and unceasing crime that pollutes the world through the influence of the liquor-traffic. But though they are not ignorant, they do not take measures to stop the terrible traffic; but will they escape judgment? Hear what the Lord says: "The destruction of the transgressors, and of the sinners shall be together." Those who legalize sin, and those who are dealers in whisky, and those who are defiled by it, will be destroyed together. Let not the man who indulges in drink think that he will be able to cover his defilement by casting the blame upon the liquor-dealer; for he will have to answer for his sin and for the degradation of his wife and children. "They that forsake the Lord shall be consumed."

In Europe and America drinking-gardens are made most attractive, and musicians are hired to play on instruments, to lure in the young and the old; and all classes patronize these resorts where all kinds of intoxicating liquors are prepared to tempt the depraved appetite. But the time will certainly come when the prophecy will be fulfilled: "For they shall be ashamed of the oaks which ye have desired, and ye shall be confounded for the gardens that ye have chosen. For ye shall be as an oak whose leaf fadeth, and as a garden that hath no water. And the strong shall be as tow, and the maker of it as a spark, and they shall both burn together, and none shall quench them."

The evil consequent upon the indulgence of depraved appetite is widespread, and the earth is corrupted under the inhabitants thereof. The earth withereth under the curse of its sin, and the very cattle are diseased. What is the trouble? Why is this? It is because the people have forsaken the law of God, and the earth is cursed under its transgression. Notwithstanding the warnings of God's word, transgression has increased since the days of Adam, and more and more heavily has the curse pressed upon the human family, on the beasts of the earth, and on the earth itself. Continual transgression of the law of God has brought its sure results. With all his hellish arts, Satan has sought to lead men into practices that would destroy and debase, and destruction is sure to him who does not repent and turn to God for his healing grace. The soul that has not the grace of God can make no efforts to resist Satan, but will co-operate naturally with the Satanic agencies, and disregard and oppose the law of God; and the sure result of such a course is that men become the willing slaves of Satan, and work with him in influencing others in the way of disobedience.

The character of true obedience to God is brought out in the instruction of the Lord to his people. He says (Isa. 58:6-10): "Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rearward. Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity; and if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday: and the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drouth, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be as a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not." -

The Oblation of Evil-Doers Is Vain

"And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, the offered strange fire before the Lord, which he commanded them not." What could have come upon the sons of Aaron, that they should thus transgress the requirement of God? The sacred fire which God himself had kindled and preserved was at their hand. Direction had been given concerning it, and God had said: "The fire upon the altar shall be burning in it; it shall not be put out: and the priest shall burn wood on it every morning, and lay the burnt-offering in order upon it; and he shall burn thereon the fat of the peace-offerings. The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out."

It was from this altar that the fire for the censers should be taken to kindle the incense that was to ascend before God. But the sons of Aaron had not taken the required precaution, but had put upon the censer fire that was not called sacred or holy. The reason why they were so neglectful of God's requirement, was that they had been indulging in the drinking of wine, and were confused, and so far stupefied by its influence that they had no discernment as to what was the difference between the sacred and the common, the holy and the unclean. The wine had affected these young men who were officiating in a holy office, in the way it affects every one who indulges in its use. It had benumbed the moral sensibilities, and had confused in their minds the distinction between the sacred and the common. But the Lord made it manifest that he would have the distinction well defined. "And the Lord spake unto Aaron saying, Do not drink wine nor strong drink, thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go into the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: it shall be a statute forever throughout your generations: and that ye may put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean; and that ye may teach the children of Israel all the statutes which the Lord hath spoken unto them by the hand of Moses."

The two young men went into the tabernacle to offer this strange fire before the Lord while they were under the influence of drink; and "there went out a fire from the Lord, and devoured them, and they died before the Lord. Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that the Lord spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified." In the experience of these two young men, the Lord has set up a danger signal to warn the youth and those of mature age against the use of intoxicating liquors. There is no safety in tampering with wine. The voice of this history comes down along the lines of our times, warning every one that has any connection with the work of the Lord to beware of touching, tasting, or handling that which will contaminate the morals, deaden spiritual life, and bring confusion in regard to the difference between the sacred and the common.

A most serious and terrible punishment was visited upon these young men who dared to enter into the presence of the Lord in an intoxicated condition. They had been solemnly consecrated to the service of the sanctuary, and it was necessary to make an example of them before the children of Israel. But shall this history of God's dealing with them be passed over by us, as though it was a matter in which we have no concern? The Lord has manifested his displeasure with a course of this kind, and sets before us the principle which he would have us heed. Every one who is connected with the service of God is in sacred office, and the words that Jesus Christ spoke from the pillar of cloud and fire, are to be regarded and put into practice by us. "And the Lord said unto Moses, Go down, charge the people, lest they break through unto the Lord to gaze, and many of them perish. And let the priests also, which come near to the Lord, sanctify themselves, lest the Lord break forth upon them."

The Lord has a controversy with the inhabitants of the earth who are living in this time of peril and corruption. Ministers of the gospel have departed from the Lord, and those who profess the name of Christ are guilty of not holding aloft the banner of truth. Ministers are afraid to be open prohibitionists, and they hold their peace concerning the curse of drink, fearing lest their salaries should be diminished or their congregations offended. They fear lest, if they should speak forth Bible truth with power and clearness showing the line of distinction between the sacred and the common, they would lose their popularity; for there are large numbers who are enrolled as church-members who are receiving a revenue, either directly or indirectly, from the drink traffic. These people are not ignorant of the sin that they are committing. No one needs to be informed that the drink traffic is one that entails upon its victims, misery, shame, degradation, and death, with the eternal ruin of their souls. Those who reap a revenue, either directly or indirectly, from this traffic, are putting into the till the money which has come through the loss of souls of men. They know that the drink appetite lowers man to a condition below that of the brute creation. Have these church-goers a conscience? Have they not lost from their hearts all love of humanity? Has not the love of gain so paralyzed their senses that, like Nadab and Abihu, they have no remembrance of the "Thus saith the Lord"? His anger is not only kindled against winebibbers, but against him who opens the door of temptation to the poor, wretched creatures who have lost their moral power, and have destroyed their God-given manhood. His anger is kindled against those who seek to make their disreputable business attractive, and who use every possible enticement to lure souls into their saloons, in order that they may rob them of their money; for liquor-dealers give no equivalent, but only that which works a curse upon the victim of the drink habit, and spreads misery and crime in his household and neighborhood.

The heart-broken women who have inebriate husbands, if they do not die of cruel abuse or of outright or horrible murder, do die from the effects of starvation, insufficient clothing, and a continual sense of degradation and shame through the poverty, want, and suffering that are consequent upon the drink habit. These poor women see their children suffering, despised, abused, debased. They see them hooted at because of their relation to their drunken fathers, and even the liquor-seller is not careful to refrain from adding insult to injury. Everything,--clothing, food, comfort, home, self-respect, happiness, and peace,--is swallowed up, and at last life itself is practically laid down, a sacrifice to the liquor-dealer. But every circumstance consequent upon this drink traffic is accurately traced in the ledger of heaven.

The churches that retain members who are connected with this liquor business, make themselves responsible for the transactions that occur through the drink traffic. The drunkard has no knowledge of what he is doing when under the influence of the maddening draught, and yet he who sells him that which makes him irresponsible, is protected by the law in his work of destruction. It is legal for him to rob the widow of the food she requires to sustain life. It is legal for him to entail starvation upon the family of his victim, to send helpless children into the streets to beg for a penny or to beseech for a morsel of bread. Day by day, month by month, year by year, these shameful scenes are reenacted, until the conscience of the liquor- dealer is seared as with a red-hot iron. The tears of suffering children, the agonized cry of the mother, only serve to exasperate the rum-seller. He knows not, nor cares, that the Lord has an account to settle with him. And when his victim is dead, his heart of stone is unmoved. He has not heeded the instruction. "Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child. If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry; and my wrath shall wax hot, and I will kill you with the sword; and your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless."

The liquor-dealer will not hesitate to collect the debts of the drunkard from his suffering family, and will take the very necessaries from the home to pay the drink bill of the deceased husband and father. What is it to him if the children of the dead starve? He looks upon them as debased and ignorant creatures, who have been abused, kicked about, and degraded; and he has no care for their welfare. But the God that rules in the heavens has not lost sight of the first cause or the least effect of the inexpressible misery and debasement that have come upon the drunkard and his family. The ledger of heaven contains every item of the history. The world and the church may unite in eulogizing the man who has tempted the appetite, and answered the craving of the appetite he has helped to create; they may look with a smile upon him who has helped to debase a man who was formed in the image of God, until that image is virtually effaced; but God looks with a frown upon him, and writes his condemnation in the ledger of death. The world may have approval for the man who has gained wealth by degrading the human soul, by leading him down step by step in the path of shame and degradation; but God notes it all, and renders a just judgment. He may be termed by the world a good business man; but the Lord says, "Woe unto him that buildeth his house by unrighteousness, and his chambers by wrong; that useth his neighbor's service without wages, and giveth him not for his work; that saith, I will build me a wide house and large chambers, and cutteth him out windows; and it is ceiled with cedar, and painted with vermilion. Shalt thou reign, because thou closeth thyself in cedar?

This very man may make large donations to the church; but will God accept of the money that is wrung from the family of the drunkard? It is stained with the blood of souls, and the curse of God is upon it. God says, "For I the Lord love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt-offering." The church may praise the liberality of one who gives such an offering; but were the eyes of the church-members anointed with heavenly eye-salve, they would not call good evil and iniquity righteousness. The Lord says, "To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me?. . . .When ye come to appear before me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread my courts? Bring no more vain oblations. Incense is an abomination unto me." "Ye have wearied the Lord with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied him? When ye say, Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and he delighteth in them; or, Where is the God of Judgement?"

Sustainers of the Liquor Traffic Responsible for Its Results

"God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Calvary is the estimate that heaven has placed upon the human soul. God gave Jesus, the richest gift of heaven, to pay the ransom price for the human family. If the vail could be drawn aside, and we could look into eternity, we should see that which would change our opinions and our actions. We should see the glory of Jesus Christ, who is in the high and holy place, surrounded by seraphim and cherubim, with angels and principalities waiting to do his bidding. We should see that there is no heavenly being indifferent to the joys and woes of any one of the human family.

The angels of God are commissioned to go through the length and breadth of the earth to witness the struggle of every suffering mortal against evil, and to lend to him divine aid. But with what astonishment and horror to the angels look upon those who wear religion as a mask, and who would not put themselves to the trouble of contemplating the character of God or of understanding or obeying his will. They look with wonder upon those who will do as they please, following the imaginations of their own evil hearts; and it is registered that they lived and died, and had no regard for their human brotherhood, but supposed that God was like unto themselves, and would honor the rich, and esteem those who held high positions of trust; and they had little regard for those who were poor, ignorant, and afflicted. They did not wish to retain God in their knowledge, and they placed little restraint upon themselves in their unrighteous business and social relations. They gave no special encouragement to virtue, no particular sanction to methods and institutions by which the poor might receive consolation and substantial help. Thus it is that many live and die.

But how different is the action of the heavenly intelligences. The angels of God are sent to be in active communication with every part of the universe. They visit every part of the vast dominions of God, and work through a variety of channels for the blessing of every creature. He who gave his life for man is stooping down from his throne to catch every sound coming up from the human race, his purchased possession; and he approves or condemns every action according to its good or evil nature. He sends his angels to raise up the fallen and oppressed children of earth. They even visit those who aid the evil one in bringing degradation upon their fellow-creatures, who act as if there were no God, no heaven, no hell. If these do not repent and reform, they will receive according to their evil works.

Should the Lord Jesus anoint the eyes of fallen mortals, and lay open to their inspection the mysteries of his providence, they would see that not for a moment has any transaction of any human being been unknown to the Lord. Although men have practiced injustice and cruelty, and have stirred up in their fellow-men the worst passions of the human heart, although they have rejected and scoffed at the mercy of heaven, not for a moment has the divine benevolence ceased to flow earthward. In every age, under every circumstance, divine goodness has worked to press back from the hearts of men the misery and evil with which Satan has sought to overwhelm the world.

I call upon the church and the world to say how God could have done more for the world than he has done. He "so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." He has poured forth upon the world a flood of heavenly grace. The Lord gave the best gift of heaven, in which all heaven was contained. God so loved the world that he would not suffer it to be possible that the infinite One could do more than has been done. He bestowed a gift that was past all computation, a gift that aroused in Satan the demon spirit of jealousy, and settled him in his determination to make that gift of God of no avail to man, through his misrepresentation of the divine character. The reception of this gift will eradicate from the heart all selfishness, and transform its possessor into the image of Him who abides in the heart by faith.

In view of what God has done for the world in giving his beloved Son, and commissioning all the heavenly intelligences to minister to the human race, how does heaven look upon the work of injustice and cruelty that has been perpetrated by man against his fellow-man in originating and preserving the liquor traffic? Do those who are acting a leading part in making men drunkards, realize that they will be held accountable for their deeds, and for not having the mind that was in Christ Jesus? The world's Redeemer estimates the value of the human soul by the price which he has paid for it on Calvary's cross. And no matter what may be the wealth, power, or position of a man in the sight of the world, no matter whether or not he has been permitted by the law of the land to sell poisonous drinks to his neighbor, he will be held accountable in the sight of heaven for degrading the soul that has been redeemed by Christ, and will be arraigned before the judgment for lowering a character that ought to have reflected the image of God, to reflect the image of that which is below the brute creation.

In enticing men to educate themselves in the liquor habit, the rumseller is effectually taking away the righteousness of the soul, and leading men to become the abject slaves of Satan. The Lord Jesus, the Prince of Life, is in controversy with Satan, the prince of darkness. Christ declares that his mission is to lift men up.. He says, "I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." He healed the sick, and cleansed the leper, and cast out demons. "And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all."

Jesus left the royal courts of heaven, and laid aside his own glory, and clothed his divinity with humanity, that he might come into close connection with humanity, and by precept and example uplift and ennoble humanity, and restore in the human soul the lost image of God. This is the work of Christ; but what is the influence of those who legalize the liquor traffic? What is the influence of those who put the bottle to their neighbors' lips? Contrast the work of the rumseller with the work of Jesus Christ, and you will be forced to admit that those who deal in liquor and those who sustain the traffic, are working in co-partnership with Satan. Through this business they are doing a greater work to perpetuate human woe than are men through any other business in the world. But Christians cannot use intoxicating liquors, nor connect themselves in the least degree with any business that leads to the degradation and downfall of humanity. They will realize that "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." They will realize that the Son of God submitted to a life of shame, contempt, and poverty, and for our sake became poor, that we through his poverty might be rich, might possess eternal riches; and knowing this, they will regard themselves as their brothers' keepers.

The rumseller takes the same position as did Cain, and says, "Am I my brother's keeper?" and God says to him as he said to Cain, "The voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground." Rumsellers will be held accountable for the wretchedness that has been brought into the homes of those who were weak in moral power, and who fell through temptation to drink. They will be charged with the misery, the suffering, the hopelessness, brought into the world through the liquor traffic. They will have to answer for the woe and want of the mothers and children who have suffered for food and clothing and shelter, who have buried all hope and joy. He who has a care for the sparrow and notes its fall to the ground, who clothes the grass of the field, which to-day is, and to-morrow is cast into the oven, will not pass by those who have been formed in his own image, purchased with his own blood, and pay no heed to their suffering cries. God cares for all this wickedness that perpetuates misery and crime. He charges it all up to those whose influence helps to open the door of temptation to the soul.

The drunkard is capable of better things. God has intrusted to him talents with which to glorify God; but his fellow-men have laid a snare for his soul, and built themselves up out of his property. They have lived in luxury while their poor brethren whom they have robbed, lived in poverty and degradation. But God will require for all this at the hand of him who has helped to speed the drunkard on the way to ruin. O, how many pleasure-lovers there are who spend their thousands of dollars to please and amuse themselves and to gratify their fancies, while the world is full of distress and poverty. The prophet describes these co laborers with Satan, who are degrading those whom God is seeking to uplift. He says: "Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withholden good things from you. For among my people are found wicked men: they lay wait, as he that setteth snares; they set a trap, they catch men. As a cage is full of birds, so are their houses full of deceit: therefore they are become great and waxen rich. They are waxen fat, they shine: yea, they overpass the deeds of the wicked: they judge not the cause, the cause of the fatherless, yet they prosper; and the right of the needy do they not judge. Shall I not visit for these things? saith the Lord: shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this? A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land; the prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?" "Thus saith the Lord of hosts, They shall thoroughly glean the remnant of Israel as a vine; turn back thine hand as a grape-gatherer into the baskets. To whom shall I speak, and give warning, that they may hear? Behold, their ear is uncircumcised, and they cannot hearken: behold, the word of the Lord is unto them a reproach; they have no delight in it. Therefore I am full of the fury of the Lord; I am weary with holding in: I will pour it out upon the children abroad, and upon the assembly of young men together: for even the husband with the wife shall be taken, the aged with him that is full of days. And their houses shall be turned unto others, with their fields and wives together: for I will stretch out my hand upon the inhabitants of the land, saith the Lord. For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them every one is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely."

The warnings and reproofs of the word of God are fearfully applicable to the people of these last days, and every one will be judged by the light and privileges of the gospel. The advantages of this age are far greater than were the advantages of peoples that for ages have been an astonishment and a reproach before all heaven. Yet had these nations been privileged to have the light that shines upon us, they would have remained unto this day. "Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you. And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shall be brought done to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee." -

Law-Makers Required to Be Public Benefactors

When the lawyer asked Jesus what he should do to inherit eternal life, the Master said unto him, "What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live." In order to be a recipient of eternal life, it is necessary to love God supremely and our neighbors as ourselves. We are to be our brother's keeper, not his destroyer. We are not to lead him into false paths. The Lord Jesus made the sacrifice of his own life in order to restore man to his first uprightness of character. But Satan is working with every possible device, using his trained confederacy of evil agencies to draw men away from obedience to God's law, and cause them to transgress even as he caused Adam to transgress in the beginning.

There are men who have taken high positions of trust, who have put themselves under solemn vows to work for the good of the people, who are untrue to those vows, who are not acting the part of brother's keepers; but who are violating the principles of God's law, and failing to love their neighbors as themselves. Law-makers are permitting breweries to be planted all over the land, thus defiling the earth, and supplying to saloons that which they know to be a deadly evil. Drinking houses are scattered all over the cities and towns inviting the traveler to stop and water his horses at the troughs which are so convenient for the purpose, and also to come in and spend his money for a glass of some intoxicating drink. The water in the trough is a blessing to the thirsty horses, but what a curse is the liquor to the man who enters and drinks. The traveler enters the public house with his reason, with ability to walk in an upright manner; but look at him as he leaves. The luster is gone from his eye. The power to walk uprightly is gone; he reels to and fro like a ship at sea. His reasoning power is paralyzed, the image of God is destroyed. The poisoning, maddening draft has left a brand upon him so evil that nature rebels, and refuses to own him. He is the slave of depraved appetite; and his brethren, instead of coming to his help to break every yoke, and to let the oppressed go free, bind him the faster in his chains. They rob his wife and children of his money, and take away from them a kind and sensible father and husband, by dealing out to him a potion that makes him a madman. Body and soul he is in slavery, and he cannot distinguish between right and wrong. The liquor-dealer has put his bottle to his neighbors' lips, and under its influence he is full of cruelty and murder, and in his madness actually commits murder.

He is brought before an earthly tribunal, and those who legalized the traffic are forced to deal with the results of their own work. They authorized by law the giving to this man a draft that would turn him from a sane man into a madman, and yet now it is necessary for them to send him to prison and to the gallows for his crime. His wife and children are left in destitution and poverty, to become the charge of the community in which they live. Soul and body the man is lost,--cut off from earth, and with no hope of heaven.

But there is a higher tribunal than that of earth, and in that tribunal the effect is traced to the cause, and the man who put the bottle to his neighbors; lips is charged with the sins of him who committed murder through the influence of the draft that robbed him of his reason. The blood of souls is found upon the garments of those who legalize the liquor traffic.

The victims of the drink habit become so maddened under the influence of liquor that they are willing to sell their reason for a glass of whisky. They do not keep the commandment, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me." Their moral power is so weakened that they have no strength to resist temptation, and their desire for drink is so strong that it eclipses all other desires, and they have no realization of the fact that God requires them to love him with all their hearts. They are practical idolaters; for whatever alienates the affections from the Creator, whatever weakens and deadens moral power, usurps his throne, and receives the service that is due to him alone. In all these vile idolatries Satan is worshiped.

He who tarries at the wine is playing the game of life with Satan. He it is who has made evil men his agents, so that those who begin the drink habit may be made into drunkards. He has his plans laid that when the brain is confused with liquor, he will drive the drunkard to desperation, and cause him to commit some atrocious crime. In the idol he has set up for the man to worship is all pollution and crime, and the worship of the idol will ruin both soul and body, and extend its evil influence to the wife and children of the drunkard. The drunkard's corrupt tendencies are transmitted to his posterity, and through them to the coming generations.

But are not the rulers of the land largely responsible for the aggravated crimes, the current of deadly evil, that is the result of the liquor traffic? Is it not their duty and in their power to remove this deadly evil? Satan has formed his plans, and he counsels with legislators, and they receive his advice, and thus keep in activity, through legislative enactments, a multiplicity of evil, which results in much misery and crime of so terrible a character that human pen cannot portray it. A demon power is at work through human instruments, and men are tempted to indulge appetite until they lose all control of themselves. The sight of a drunken man, were the sight not so common, would arouse public indignation, and cause the drink traffic to be swept away; but the power of Satan has so hardened human hearts, so perverted human judgment, that men can look upon the woe, the crime, the poverty, which floods the world through the drink traffic, and remain indifferent.

When a ship is wrecked in sight of shore, and the people look on powerless to help, they are shocked and pained beyond measure. They talk of every possible means whereby they might save those who are perishing; and after the ship has gone down, and the lives are lost, they still try to think of some means that might have been successful in saving the perishing. But there is a deadly evil in our land, which is sanctioned by law. Day after day, month after month, year after year, Satan's death traps are set in our communities, at our doors, at the street corners, wherever it is possible to catch souls, that their moral power may be destroyed, and the image of God obliterated, and they be sunken in degradation far below the level of the brute. Souls are imperiled and perishing, and where is the active energy, the determined effort on the part of Christians, to raise a warning signal, to enlighten their fellow men, to save their perishing brothers? We are not to talk of devising methods to save those who are dead and lost, but to move upon those who are not yet beyond the reach of sympathy and help. We are to present to these souls who are guilty and polluted, the truth that the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin.

Will souls always have to struggle for the victory, and the doors of temptation open before their very faces? Will Satan always find agents to tempt those who are weak in moral power? Drawn into these dens of vice, will he who has resolved to quit drink, be led to seize the glass again, and in the first sip of the intoxicant, find every good resolution overpowered and gone? One taste of the maddening draft, and all thought of the suffering, heart-crushed wife has vanished. The debauched father cares no more that his children are hungry and naked. By legalizing the liquor traffic, the law gives its sanction to the downfall of the soul, and refuses to stop the traffic that floods the world with evil. Let law-makers consider whether or not all this imperiling of human life, of physical power and mental vision, is unavoidable. Is all this destruction of human life necessary?

How many frightful accidents occur through the influence of drink. Some one at an important railway station fails to give the right signal, or sends an incorrect message. On comes the train. There is a collision , and hundreds of lives are lost. When the matter is investigated, it is found that the man at his post was drunk. A steamer at sea meets with a disaster, and when the matter is traced to its source, it is found that the engineer was drunk, or that the captain had taken too much liquor at supper. What is the portion of this terrible intoxicant that any man can take, and be safe with the lives of human beings? He can be safe only as he abstains from drink. He should not have his mind confused with drink. No intoxicant should pass his lips; then if disaster comes, men in responsible places can do their best, and meet their record with satisfaction, whatever may be the issue.

Let every soul remember that he is under sacred obligations to God to do his best for his fellow-creatures. How careful should every one be not to create a desire for stimulants. By advising friends and neighbors to take brandy for the sake of their health, they are in danger of becoming agents for the destruction of their friends. Many incidents have come to my attention in which through some simple advice, men and women have become the slaves of the drink habit. Physicians are responsible for making many drunkards. Knowing what drink will do for its lovers, they have taken upon themselves the responsibility of prescribing it for their patients. Did they reason from cause to effect, they would know that stimulants would have the same effect on every organ of the body as they have on the whole man. What excuse can doctors render for the influence they have exerted in making fathers and mothers drunkards? These fathers and mothers transmit their appetite to their children, and thus the evil is perpetuated, and crime and misery are increased. Thus it is that degradation, poverty, and woe are filling our world. Thus it is that ignorance and evil are wide-spread, and that the records show increasing hunger, nakedness, wretchedness, and transgression.

The end of all things is at hand, and if the days were not shortened, there would no flesh be saved; for iniquity abounds, and the love of many waxes cold. The world is becoming like Sodom and Gomorrah, like the world before the flood, and terrible scenes are before us. What will be the record that law-makers will have to meet? The judgment will sit, and the books will be opened, and every man will be judged according to the things written in the books. Jesus says, "Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be." Law-makers and liquor-dealers may wash their hands as did Pilate, but they will not be clean from the blood of souls. The ceremony of washing their hands will not cleanse them when by their influence or agency, they have helped to make men drunkards. They will be held accountable for the millions of dollars that have been wasted in consuming the consumers. No one can blind himself to the terrible results of the drink traffic. The daily papers show that the wretchedness, the poverty, the crime, that result from this traffic, are not cunningly devised fables, and that hundreds of men are growing rich off the pittances of the men they are sending to perdition by their dreadful drink business. O that a public sentiment might be created that would put an end to the drink traffic, close the saloons, and give these maddened men a chance to think on eternal realities! -

Letter From Sister White

[The following notes and observations are taken from a personal letter to the Editor, and we believe they will be of much interest to the readers of the Review. The letter is dated at Sydney, Australia.--Ed.]

"Since leaving Melbourne I have spoken twice at Seven Hills, about eight miles from here. We had a precious meeting. Brother Hickox is laboring there. He has pitched his tent, and held meetings all alone. He has lived in a small tent, and done his own cooking. Some who attend the meetings supply him with milk. He has visited, given Bible readings, and conversed and prayed with families. Some noble, conscientious souls have fully decided to obey the truth, and several more are on the point of deciding. Eight have taken their stand to keep the Sabbath, and the interest holds good.

"A week ago last Sabbath I rode with my son ten miles to Kellyville, and spoke to the church in their own place of worship. In the afternoon he attended the ordinance meeting at Paramatta. The next day I rode eight miles, and spoke again to a good audience that seemed deeply interested. You see I am able to bear considerable work and riding about. This day I have written twenty-four pages of letter paper, and I am feeling real well.

"The failure of banks and the financial pressure make hard times everywhere in this country. It is difficult for students to obtain money to defray their expenses at school, or for our brethren to build even the most humble places of worship. We hear of people starving to death in the cities, and nearly every day persons come to our door begging for something to eat. They are never turned away, and we are constantly called upon to hand out money to keep the work moving. O how thankful I shall be when we can see the work going with power, and many souls compelled to come in from the highways and hedges because of the overwhelming evidence of the truth that the Lord impresses upon the human heart.

"Since writing the above, the president and secretary of the Victorian W. C. T. U., and four other ladies, have taken dinner with us. We became acquainted with them in Melbourne; they have just been attending a temperance convention in Sydney. We had a pleasant interview, and now they have gone out in our carriage to see the country, while I resume my writing. I hope that these sisters will be brought to a knowledge of the truth. We long to see those of intelligence converted, and standing in vindication of the truth.

"Much might be done in this country if there were those who would settle in different localities and cultivate the land as they do in America. Then they would be comparatively independent of the hard times. I think this will be brought about. Most diligent search has been made for a tract of land of several hundred acres on which to locate the school, so that the students may have an opportunity to till the soil, and poor families may have a little piece of land on which to grow vegetables and fruit. This would go far toward sustaining them, and they would have a chance to school their children. But money matters are very close. The people are all hard pressed for means, and know not just what to do unless times change. We must live and have means to carry forward the work.

"Wellington, Christchurch, and many other important places, both in New Zealand and in Australia, must have labor, and we need men and means. Our prayers go up to God, that laborers may be raised up to enter the harvest-field. We are nearing the close of this earth's history, and every soul should work now while the day lasts, for the night cometh in which no man can work. O that every representative of the truth may lift the burden that is so essential for him to carry, that the light of truth may go to all places of the earth. But the languid measures, the slow movements, the want of deep interest for perishing souls, grieve the heavenly intelligences. He who gave his only begotten Son to die for the sins of the world, has made it manifest that his love is without measure. O that all who have named the name of Christ would arouse from their lethargy and begin to work.

"Our work is to carry the truth to those who know it not. I have said to the church at Paramatta: 'I must not occupy my time with you. It is the duty of every church-member to burn and shine, that the rays of light may be seen amid the moral darkness. I have not come to this part of Australia to devote my time and strength to keeping you in good spirits, and holding up you know the truth. It is my mission to go to the regions beyond, to those who sit in darkness, and have no light. Will you as a church help me? Will you hold up my hands? Will you have root in yourselves? Will you send your prayers, as sharp sickles, into the harvest-field? Can I rely upon you who know the truth, who have had great light and opportunities, to help me in my labor?

"I think this is the way we shall have to do; we must roll the responsibility upon church-members, and tell them God holds them accountable for the exercise of every spiritual power in the saving of the souls of those who have never heard the truth. We must solemnly urge upon them the fact that they are to be witnesses for God; and if they are exercising faith in Christ as their personal Saviour, they will accept the burden of responsibility." Mrs. E. G. White. -

Appearances and Reality

"Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins." The people described in this message are called the people of God, yet the prophet is directed to lift up his voice like a trumpet, to show them their transgressions and sin. The Lord sees that those who claim to be his children are deceived, but it is not his purpose to leave them to their deception. He mercifully sends them a message that they may discern their duty and return unto the Lord. By obedience they are to ward off everything that has a tendency to debase and corrupt character and misinterpret their faith before the world.

The Lord God is a jealous God, and he will not be silent when his glory is tarnished, his worship corrupted before the world, and his character misrepresented to men. He has regard unto his honor and the glory of his name before all nations. He expects those who claim to be his worshipers to be loyal to the principles of righteousness, not only for their own soul's interest, but for the good of those with whom they are associating. He would have them represent the principles of the government whose subjects they claim to be and whose King they profess to serve.

If one professing to be under the rule of the King of kings is dishonest in his dealings, trifling in his character, actuated by a hard, selfish spirit which leads him to look out for his own interest irrespective of the interests of others, then let those who love the right, who would honor God and represent the principles of his government, lift up their voices and show the professed people of God their sins, and the house of Jacob their transgression. Let not the contagious spirit of selfishness be permitted to leaven others by its influence. Let there be no conniving or deception in the service of God. Let those who love God faithfully present to others what constitutes true service, that men may be doers of the word of God. There must be individual training and culture, that those who profess to be worshipers may understand and be controlled by the high and noble principles of righteousness.

The Lord describes those to whom the prophet is sent with the messages of reproof as those who "seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God: they ask of me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God. Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge?" The Lord answers their questioning and reproach, saying, "Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labors. Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high. Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the Lord?"

It is possible to manifest apparent zeal in the service of God, to offer prayers and observe fasts, and yet not be acknowledged of the Lord. When our prayers are offered in self-confidence, when we fail to watch, and bring our actions into harmony with our prayers, we are not accounted worshipers in the sight of heaven. We are destitute of the faith that works by love and purifies the soul; for genuine faith will lead the possessor to mortify the deeds of the flesh, and crucify selfishness, self-love, impatience, and self-righteousness. Those who would truly follow Christ must daily learn lessons in meekness and lowliness of heart, that they may speak guardedly, manifest courtesy and kindness, have tender hearts, and bring sympathy and sunshine into the home. All strife, all debate, all smiting with the tongue and the fist of wickedness, must be put away. The overbearing will must be subdued, and gentleness and a disposition to be easily entreated must be cultivated.

Let no one think that to bow the head as a bulrush will take the place of true humility. Such humility is a sham; for where meekness does not exist in the heart, it will not be manifested in the life. Those who are merely professors of truth and not doers of the word, will break down the family altar, and stir up strife and contention in the home, and there will be dearth of holy and beneficent actions that flow from faith in Christ. The most convincing evidence of the power of the gospel to the world is its effect on the lives of those who believe it. He who is a true Christian will represent Christ, and will cease from all murmuring or complaining of God, or of his fellow-men. Those who complain at the providences of God manifest weakness of faith, and show that they lack the knowledge of the character of God and of Jesus Christ whom he has sent. Of these half-hearted professors the Lord says, "Your words have been stout against me, saith the Lord. Yet ye say, What have we spoken so much against thee? Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the Lord of hosts? And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered."

But is murmuring, complaining, and rebellion the fruit of the Christian tree? O no; it is the fruit of the heart unsanctified and unsubdued, that is swayed by impulse, the language of one has no regard for the feelings of those about him. By murmuring and complaint it is made manifest that his soul is not under the discipline of the Holy Spirit. Those who are full of murmuring and complaint against God and their fellow-men will have to be converted and transformed before they can enter the kingdom of heaven. It may be necessary that the furnace of trial be kindled and heated sevenfold to purge away the dross from the character, that the gold may come forth purified, refined, and stamped with the image of the Refiner.

Those who are merely surface Christians are no blessing to themselves or others, although they fast and spread sackcloth and ashes under them. The old habits return; quick temper, suspicion, jealousy, judgment of others,--all manifest that they are not controlled by the grace of Christ. Their habits of evil have become a yoke of bondage to themselves and to others. They may observe fasts, practice voluntary humility, and manifest apparent devotion; but as they do not have real humility, they do not find rest and peace and joy. Their accustomed habits control them; and when they fail to manifest a Christlike action, they throw the blame and responsibility upon the circumstances which surround them or the people with whom they are brought in contact. Instead of examining themselves to see wherein their inconsistency lies, they bemoan their case, and think that their difficulties are the results of other's misdeeds. As long as they hold to this opinion, they cannot see their faults, repent of their evil, and confess their wrong-doing.

All heaven is looking upon the inhabitants of the earth. The angels and the God of heaven are looking upon those who claim to be Christians, and weighing their devotional exercises. The light of God's truth has come to the world, and though many have assented that it is truth, but few have been transformed by its power. The grace of God has not been received into the heart to regenerate and renew.

This is an age of profession and pretension. On all sides we see beautiful houses erected, splendidly furnished, adorned with pictures and equipped with everything to delight the eye and gratify the taste. Looking upon outside appearances we might say, Surely here are happy homes. Yet within these mansions lust and evil passions hold sway. Husbands are killing their wives that they may gratify their unholy lust, killing them with neglect, with harshness, with overbearing and self-importance. Those who were once made in the image of God, by indulgence in evil are blotting out every semblance of the divine nature. Not only is evil prevalent in the world, in both the lower and the higher classes, but wickedness is practiced even in the church by those who profess to be worshippers. The names of men are registered on the church records who indulge in card-playing, who visit questionable places of amusement, and frequent gambling hells. Under the semblance of prosperity and peace among the higher classes, there is a state of degradation which is hid from all eyes but God's. In beautiful homes, in elegant mansions, cruelty is practiced such as pen can feebly picture. Yet men and women who are written down as cruel in the books of heaven among this class, presume to sing the praises of God in beautiful hymns and songs. Many preserve the appearance of innocence, while they are planning how to commit theft and practice robbery in their positions of trust. By men and women who appear to delight in religious exercises, who profess to be followers of Christ, whose names are on the church record, there are embezzlements, fraud, licentiousness, adultery, and all kinds of wickedness. At such a time as this the Lord has commanded, "Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the Lord cometh, for it is nigh at hand. . . . For the day of the Lord is great and very terrible; and who can abide it? Therefore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: and rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil. . . . Let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O Lord, and give not thine heritage to reproach." -

Profession Without Practice Valueless

"Run ye to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem, and see now, and know, and seek in the broad places thereof, if ye can find a man, if there be any that executeth judgment, that seeketh the truth; and I will pardon it. And though they say, The Lord liveth; surely they swear falsely. O Lord, are not thine eyes upon the truth? thou hast stricken them, but they have not grieved; thou hast consumed them, but they have refused to receive correction: they have made their faces harder than a rock; they have refused to return. Therefore I said, Surely these are poor; they are foolish: for they know not the way of the Lord, nor the judgment of their God. . . . Shall I not visit for these things? saith the Lord: and shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this? . . . Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not: Fear ye not me? saith the Lord: will ye not tremble at my presence, which have placed the sand for the bound of the sea by a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass it: and though the waves thereof toss themselves, yet can they not prevail; though they roar, yet can they not pass over it? But this people hath a revolting and rebellious heart; they are revolted and gone. Neither say they in their heart, Let us now fear the Lord our God, that giveth rain, both the former and the latter, in his season: he reserveth unto us the appointed weeks of the harvest. Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withholden good things from you."

"And it shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently unto my commandments which I command you this day, to love the Lord your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul, that I will give you the rain of your land in his due season, the first rain and the latter rain, that thou mayest gather in thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil. And I will send grass in thy fields for thy cattle, that thou mayest eat and be full. Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not deceived, and ye turn aside, and serve other gods, and worship them. . . . Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes. . . . Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse; A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you this day: and a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the Lord your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known. . . . Ye shall not do after all the things that we do here this day, every man whatsoever is right in his own eyes." but "ye shall observe to do all the statutes and judgments which I set before you this day."

Man is not to presume to put aside God's great moral standard and erect a standard according to his own finite judgment. It is because men are measuring themselves among themselves and living according to their own standard that iniquity abounds, and the love of many waxes cold. Contempt is shown to the law of God, and because of this many presume to transgress, and even those who have had the light of truth are wavering in their allegiance to the law of God. Will the current of evil that is setting so strongly toward perdition sweep them away? or will they, with courage and fidelity, stem the tide and maintain loyalty to God amid the prevailing evil? Will they not with zeal and pure-hearted devotion say, "I have kept the ways of the Lord, and have not wickedly departed from my God. For all his judgments were before me, and I did not put away his statutes from me. I was also upright before him, and I kept myself from mine iniquity"? The Lord has plainly stated what kind of devotion is acceptable unto him. He says, "Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?" Those who profess to serve God are to do the work of relieving the oppressed. They are to bear the fruit of the good tree. Those who are truly Christ's will not bring oppression in the home or in the church. Parents who are following the Lord will diligently teach their children the statutes and commandments of God; but they will not do it in such a way that the service of God will become repulsive to their children. Where parents love God with all their hearts, the truth as it is in Jesus will be practiced and taught in the home. Fretfulness and impatience will be avoided, because they shut away the light of the Sun of righteousness from the soul. Those who manifest impatience, who are faultfinders, exacters, and accusers will have to be converted and become as little children, or they will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Many evils exist in the church, and they blind the eye and benumb the spiritual senses. The conscience becomes deadened, and does not discern the abhorrent character of sin. We are closely to examine ourselves. Paul says: "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?" "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another." We should plead with God for spiritual eyesight, that we may discern our mistakes and understand our defection of character. If we have been critical and condemnatory, full of faultfinding, talking doubt and darkness, we have a work of repentance and reformation to do. We are to walk in the light, speaking words that will bring peace and happiness. Jesus is to abide in the soul. And where he is, instead of gloom, murmuring, and repining, there will be fragrance of character.

Every word that reflects darkness upon others is recorded as cruel in the books of heaven. It depresses souls and aids Satan in his work. When you feel that you must utter words of darkness and discontent, remember that silence is golden, and put a guard at the door of your lips. "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; as obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: but as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy."

It is time for us to practice the truth we claim to believe. It is time for us to lie as clay in the hands of the potter, that we may be made vessels unto honor. Our former habits, which are termed "lusts in our ignorance," must pass away, and grace and truth must make us peaceable, kind, and courteous, in thought, word, and action. "Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot." Hereditary and cultivated tendencies are no longer to control us, but we are to be under the control of Christ. "Seeing you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever."

The grace of God is to work a transformation in our life, and all our professions of faith, all our forms of devotion, are valueless unless this work of transformation of character is wrought. We are to become like Him who is meek and lowly in heart. "For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones."

Parable of the Rich Man

"And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me." The man who asked this from Christ did not receive the benefit that it was his privilege to receive from the lessons that the great Teacher was giving to the people. Selfishness directed his thoughts into a different channel from that in which the Master would direct them, and the man thought within himself that if he could only turn the power of Christ in a direction by which he could be benefited in a pecuniary way, it would be a matter of congratulation. He saw that the words of Christ were attended with convincing power; that he was capable of putting matters in a clear light; that he spoke as one having authority; and the man thought that Jesus would have influence with his brother, and command him to do him the justice he thought was his due. His request was in keeping with his character; for he was one who thought that business, the attainment of property, was the one thing of importance.

Jesus had been presenting to the people the perils that were before them, and had clearly set forth the position which it would be safe for them to occupy in the emergency and crisis soon to come. But in the midst of this solemn instruction the man revealed his selfish, grasping disposition, making manifest the fact that he had not been benefited by spiritual realities; for they had taken no hold upon his mind and heart.

He would have been able to appreciate that ability of the Lord which would work to advance his own temporal affairs, and enable him to gain the financial good that he could not otherwise attain. He reasoned upon the matter that Jesus claimed to have come down from heaven. His brother had defrauded him of his portion of the inheritance. His own efforts to obtain justice having failed, if he could now persuade Christ to tell his brother that he must share the substance with him, it would have proved a very fortunate circumstance that he happened to stop to listen to the instruction that Jesus was giving to the people. He would then be glad that he had heard the stirring appeals, the sweeping denunciations of Christ against the scribes and Pharisees for their injustice and unfaithfulness. O, if the Master will but speak words of such command to my brother, he will not dare longer to refuse me my rightful portion.

The gaining of his inheritance was the all-absorbing theme with this man. He was avaricious, grasping, and there is no evidence given that his heart was moved by any spiritual truth. The solemn admonitions given did not cause him to feel that he desired to know more concerning eternal realities. And Christ said unto him, "Man, who made me a judge or divider over you? And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth." Our Lord could not justify the feelings of this man, and could not adjust the difficulties in reference to his earthly possessions; but he could strike a blow at the very root of the trouble, and he said to the people, "Take heed, and beware of covetousness." If your thoughts are running in this channel, you are in peril. No man will become great in the sight of God because he has large possessions. Wealth does not make men either great or happy. The main question to be considered is, How shall I obtain eternal riches? How shall my soul become rich with the heavenly endowment,--the grace of God! Earthly goods, however valuable, sink into insignificance, in comparison with heavenly riches.

"And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: and he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?" This man had received everything from God. The sun had been permitted to shine upon his land; for it falls on the just and on the unjust alike. The showers of heaven fall on the evil and the good. The Lord had caused vegetation to flourish, and the fields to yield fruit, and bring to perfection an abundant harvest. The rich man was in perplexity as to what he should do with all his produce. He regarded himself as favored above other men, and took credit to himself for his wisdom. He had great wealth, and could not reproach himself with the sins of which many were guilty. He had obtained his goods, not by gambling, not by taking advantage of another's misfortune who had been involved in financial embarrassment, and who was obliged to sell his goods below cost; but his wealth had been obtained through the providence of God in causing his land to yield abundantly. But the man revealed his selfishness, and manifested that which he did not before suspect was in his character. He did not think of God, the great Giver of all his blessings. He did not consider his accountability to God. He was inconveniently oppressed with a superabundance of earthly treasure; but he expressed no thanks to God, and called his treasures his own. Had he loved and feared God, he would have offered up thanksgiving, and bowed before God, saying, "Instruct me how to use these goods. I could have no such abundance were it not because of thy divine agency, and now enable me to use these gifts of thine in a wise way." This man did no such thing. He did not think of the One from whom his mercies had come, nor realize that God had made him a steward of his goods, in order that he help the needy. He had a blessed opportunity of being God's almoner. His barns were full and overflowing, and he had no place to put the surplus of his harvest. But he did not do as the Lord had directed in his word,--give to the poor. He made himself a center, and thought only of ministering to his own comfort.

Every day the situation of the poor, the orphan, the widow, the suffering, the afflicted, was brought to this rich man's attention, and there were plenty of places in which to bestow his goods. How easily could he have relieved himself of a portion of his goods, and how many homes would have been freed from the pressure of want. How many hungry could have been fed, how many naked clothed, how many hearts made glad, how many prayers answered for bread and clothing, and what a melody of praise could he have caused to ascend to heaven. The Lord was answering the prayers of the poor and needy, and was making abundant provision for the supply of all their wants by the blessing he had bestowed upon the rich man. But the man made suddenly so rich, closed the avenues of his soul to the cry of the needy; and in place of disposing of his superabundance of goods in supplying their needs, he said to his servants, "This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods."

Notwithstanding all the wants and necessities of those around him, notwithstanding the plain directions of the word of God, notwithstanding the statement, "He that giveth to the poor, lendeth to the Lord," he went forward with his plans, which embraced only his own selfish desires. He said, "I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry."

The eye of Him who never slumbers or sleeps was upon the man. He saw that he had proved an unfaithful steward, in neglecting the poor and the needy. And though the man was looking forward to many years of enjoyment, while he was saying, "Take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry," the Lord was making different calculations. God's judgment fell upon him. And God said unto him, "Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God." He had thought himself rich and increased in goods, and in need of nothing, and he knew not that he was spiritually poor, and miserable, and wretched, and blind, and naked. "Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches; but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise loving-kindness and judgment and righteousness in the earth; for in these things I delight, saith the Lord," "But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth." "He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" ( Concluded next week .)

Parable of the Rich Man (Concluded)

God has made men his stewards, and he is not to be charged with the sufferings, the misery, the nakedness, and the want of humanity. The Lord has made ample provision for all. He has given to thousands of men large supplies with which to alleviate the want of their fellows; but those whom God has made stewards have not stood the test; for they have failed to relieve the suffering and the needy. When men who have been abundantly blessed of heaven with large wealth fail to carry out God's design, and do not relieve the poor and the oppressed, the Lord is displeased and will surely visit them. They have no excuse for withholding from their neighbors the help that God has put it into their power to provide; and God is dishonored, his character is misinterpreted by Satan, and he is represented as a stern judge who causes suffering to come upon the creatures he has made. This misrepresentation of God's character is made to appear as truth, and thus through the temptation of the enemy, men's hearts are hardened against God. Satan charges upon God the very evil he himself has caused men to commit by withholding their means from the suffering. He attributes to God his own characteristics.

If men would do their duty as faithful stewards of their Lord's goods, there would be no cry for bread, none suffering in destitution, none naked and in want. It is the unfaithfulness of men that brings about the state of suffering in which humanity is plunged. If those whom God has made stewards would but appropriate their Lord's goods to the object for which he gave to them, this state of suffering would not exist. The Lord tests men by giving them an abundance of good things, just as he tested the rich man of the parable. If we prove ourselves unfaithful in the righteous mammon, who shall intrust to us the true riches? It will be those who have stood the test on the earth, who have been found faithful, who have obeyed the words of the Lord in being merciful, in using their means for the advancement of his kingdom, that will hear from the lips of the Master, "Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things."

The psalmist says: "The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season. Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing." The Lord has claims upon every living soul, and those whom he blesses with means should help those who are not thus blessed. "For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes, he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich." The followers of Jesus are required to practice self-denial, to cultivate the same beneficent spirit that characterized our Lord. They are to remember the poor, and be kind and sympathetic to the sorrowing, and thus show that they are following in the footsteps of Jesus. "For he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. . . . Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."

We are in probationary time, placed here to develop character. We are to do good; for Christ went about doing good. He gave his life a ransom to save from ruin a wicked, fallen race. Let no one who has named the name of Christ, entertain the idea that selfishness and worldliness are in harmony with Christian character. Let no one imagine that he can live for self, spend money to please self, and yet have a place with Christ on his throne. "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." "They that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." "For this ye know, that . . . no covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God." "The wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the Lord abhorreth."

Angels of God are weighing moral worth. Avarice, worldliness, and covetousness are opposed to Christian benevolence. "Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the first-fruits of all thine increase." "Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 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 against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life."

"Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rearward. Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity; and if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday: and the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drouth, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not."

The second commandment is like unto the first, "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." We can love our neighbor as ourselves, only as we love God supremely. The love of God will bear fruit in love to our neighbors. Many think that it is impossible to love our neighbor as ourselves; but it is the only genuine fruit of Christianity. Love to others is putting on the Lord Jesus Christ; it is walking and working with the invisible world in view. We are thus to keep looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.

The solemn warning that was given to the foolish rich man, should be a sufficient warning for all men to the close of time. Lesson upon lesson was given by our Lord to take every one away from selfishness, and to establish close bonds of fellowship and brotherhood between man and man. He desired that the hearts of believers should be closely knit together in strong bonds of sympathy, so that there might be unity in himself. They are together to rejoice in hope of the glory of God, looking for eternal life through the virtue of Jesus Christ. If Christ is abiding in the heart, his love will diffuse itself to others through its possessor, and will bind heart to heart. The grace of Christ must be the sole dependence of the Christian, and when it is, he will love his brethren as Christ has loved him. Then he can say, "Come," and beseech and woo souls, entreating them to be reconciled to God. His influence will be more and more decided, and he will devote his life to Christ, who was crucified for him. Where love is perfected, the law is kept, and self finds no place. Those who love God supremely, work, suffer, and live for him who gave his life for them. We can keep the law only through making the righteousness of Christ our own. Christ says, "Without me ye can do nothing." When we receive the heavenly gift, the righteousness of Christ, we shall find that divine grace has been provided for us, and that human resources are powerless. Jesus gives the Holy Spirit in large measure for great emergencies, to help our infirmities, to give us strong consolation, to illuminate our minds, and purify and ennoble our hearts. Christ becomes unto us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. From the first to the last of the Christian life, not one successful step can be taken without Christ. He has sent his Spirit to be with us constantly, and by confiding in Christ to the uttermost, surrendering our will to him, we may follow him whithersoever he goeth. -

Parable of the Laborers

Christ taught by means of figures and symbols. On one occasion he spoke a parable in regard to the hiring of laborers to illustrate the way in which God deals with those who devote themselves to his service. He said, "For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is a householder, which went out early in the morning to hire laborers into his vineyard. And when he had agreed with the laborers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the market-place, and said unto them; Go ye also in the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way. Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise. And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle? They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive."

It was the custom in Judea for men to wait at the market-places for some one to come and employ them; and in Europe this custom is still in vogue. Those who need help go to the market-place to find servants that they may employ. The man in the parable is represented as going out at different hours to engage workmen. Those he hired at the earliest hour, agreed to work for him for a stated sum of money, while those who were hired later left the wages they were to receive wholly to the discretion of the householder.

"So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the laborers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first. And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny. But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny. And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house, saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day. But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny? Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee. Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good? So the last shall be first, and the first last."

The lesson of the laborers had a bearing upon the question about which the disciples had disputed by the way,--who should be greatest in the kingdom of heaven. The world's Redeemer saw the danger that would imperil his church, and sought to arouse his people to an understanding of their position; for this parable was but a continuation of the lesson taught when Peter asked, "Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore? And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye shall also sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. But many that are first shall be last, and the last shall be first."

The Lord will have all who receive his grace, believe and trust him that justifieth the ungodly. With implicit trust we are to stay upon God, and let the heart rest in him without a question as to what is to be our measure of reward. The Saviour presents before us the scene of the last judgment when the reward is given to those upon his right hand, and the sentence of condemnation to those upon his left hand. The righteous are represented as wondering what they have done for which they are to be so liberally rewarded. They had had the abiding presence of Christ in their hearts; they had been imbued with his Spirit, and without conscious effort on their part; they had been serving Christ in the person of his saints, and had thereby gained the sure reward. But they had not had in view the reward they were to receive, and the expectation of it had been no part of the motive that had actuated their service. What they did was done from love to Christ and to their fellow-men, and Christ identifies himself with suffering humanity, and accounts that all deeds done in sympathy and compassion and love to men, are done to him.

Those upon his left hand also acted out the natural heart, and had manifested pride, selfishness, and evil, doing deeds of unkindness to others as unconsciously as the good had done good deeds. They had not cherished the principles of sympathy and love. The fatherless and the widow had not had attention, nor received gifts from them. They inquire: "Lord, when saw we thee a hungered, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me."

Repeatedly the Saviour says, "Many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first." Jesus would have those who are engaged in his service, not eager for rewards, nor feel that they must receive compensation for all that they do. The Lord would have our minds run a different channel; for he sees not as man sees. He does not judge by appearances, but estimates a man by the sincerity of his heart. Those who have brought into their service the spirit of true sacrifice, of self-abasement, are the ones who will stand first at last. The laborers who were first hired, represented those who have an envious, self-righteous spirit, and claim that, for their services, preference should be given to them rather than to others. The householder said to the one who questioned his right to give more to others than to him, "Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst thou not agree with me for a penny?" I have kept my part of the agreement.

In a subordinate sense we should all have respect unto the recompense of the reward. But while we appreciate the promise of blessing, we should have perfect confidence in Jesus Christ, believing that he will do right, and give us reward according as our works have been. The gift of God is eternal life, but Jesus would have us not so anxious concerning rewards, as that we may do the will of God because it is right to do it, irrespective of all gain. Paul kept in view the crown of life to be given him, and not only to be given to him, but to all who love His appearing. It was the victory gained through faith in Jesus Christ that made the crown so desirable. He ever exalted Jesus. All boasting of talent, of victory in ourselves, is out of place. "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth; for in these things I delight, saith the Lord."

Those who will receive the most abundant reward will be those who have mingled with their activity and zeal, gracious, tender pity for the poor, the orphan, the oppressed, and the afflicted. But those who pass by on the other side, who are too busy to give attention to the purchase of the blood of Christ, who are full of doing the great things, will find themselves least and last. Men act out the true character of the heart. There are about us those who have a meek and lowly spirit, the Spirit of Christ, who do many little things to help those around them, and who think nothing of it; they will be astonished at last to find that Christ has noticed the kind word spoken to the disheartened, and taken account of the smallest gift given for the relief of the poor, that cost the giver some self-denial. The Lord measures the spirit, and rewards accordingly, and the pure, humble, childlike spirit of love makes the offering precious in his sight. ( Concluded next week .)

Parable of the Laborers (Concluded)

The Lord gave lessons in his parables that are ever to remain fresh in the mind. He saw that the weakness, the curse of the church, would be a spirit of self-righteousness, that it would lead men to think that they could do something by which they might earn a right to a place in the kingdom of heaven. He saw that they would imagine that when they had attained to certain goodness, made certain advancement, then the Lord would come in and help them, and in this way there would be an abundance of self and but little of Jesus. Many who have made but little advancement, are puffed up, eager for flattery, jealous if not regarded first and most important, and they cherish a feeling of superiority over others. But it will be those who work in the greatest humility, who are full of gratitude to God, who have a principle woven into everything they do that makes their works fragrant as was Abel's offering, that heaven will accept as precious. He who is humble, who is trusting as is a little child, is the one to whom God will look. "For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones." The ornament of a meek and quiet spirit is of great price in the sight of God. "When Ephraim spake trembling, he exalted himself in Israel; but when he offended in Baal,he died." Christ said, "Many are called, but few are chosen." If all would bear in mind that we are on test and trial before the heavenly host, and that it is to be made manifest of what spirit we are, there would be more seriousness, more earnestness in prayer.

"Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God. Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks: walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled. This shall ye have of mine hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow." Salvation is wholly of grace. Love and humility are the essential qualities of character that will give to their possessor the first place in the kingdom of heaven. The actions that express these qualities will call forth from Christ the words of commendation, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."

Laborers in the vineyard, it is not the length of time in which you are engaged in the work that makes it acceptable to God, but the willingness, fidelity, and sincerity with which you labor. The Jews were first called into the vineyard; but they were proud and self-righteous, and were displeased that the Gentiles, whom they thoroughly despised, were admitted to equal privileges with themselves in the things of the kingdom of God. Nothing was more exasperating to the Jews than to have the apostles intimate that the Gentiles were to be sought after, and brought into, the gospel light. The parable of the laborers showed how sinful it was to cherish such a spirit as did the Jews against the Gentiles. Jesus warned those whom he first called into the church, lest the spirit of emulation should be found among them. They had seen how the rich young man had been warned, and how he had failed to profit by the lesson Jesus gave him. Jesus had showed him how strong were the bands that bound him to earth, although he thought himself perfect in his obedience to God's requirements. When he went away sorrowful, Peter said, "Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?" This question on the part of Peter showed that he thought that a certain amount of work on the part of the apostles would be deserving of a certain amount of reward. Among the disciples there was a spirit of complacency, of self-exaltation, and they made comparisons among themselves. If any one of them signally failed, others felt themselves superior. Jesus saw a spirit coming in that must be checked. He could read the hearts of men, and he saw their tendencies to selfishness in the question, "What shall we have?" He must correct this evil before it assumed gigantic proportions.

The disciples were in danger of losing sight of the true principles of the gospel. By the use of this parable he teaches them that the reward is not of works, lest any man should boast, but it is all of grace. The laborer called into the vineyard at the beginning of the day had his reward in the grace that was given him. But the one to whom the last call came, had the same grace as had the first. The work was all of grace, and no one was to glory over another. There was to be no grudging one against another. No one was privileged above another, nor could any one claim the reward as his right. Peter expressed the feelings of a hireling.

"What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the Scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt." The first and the last are to be sharers of the great, eternal reward, and the first should gladly welcome the last. He who grudges the reward to another, forgets that he himself is saved by grace alone.

This parable rebukes all jealousy, envy, and hateful suspicions. Love rejoiceth in the truth, and institutes no comparisons. He who possesses love, only compares the majestic loveliness of Christ and his own imperfect character. Here is a warning to all laborers, however long they may have been in service, however abundant may be their labors, that without love to their brethren, without humility before God, they are nothing. When pride and self-complacency are brought into the work, the work is marred. The value of the Christian's labors is to be found only in the grace given him of Jesus Christ. The spirit that goes with the labor is that which gives it its value. Those who are first through self-complacency and pride may become last of all, while those who cherish meekness may become first; for the reward is not of works but of grace, lest any man should boast, and exalt himself above his fellows. It is the spirit that determines the worthiness or unworthiness of the work. Every call to work in the vineyard is from the Lord. It is Jesus Christ who seeks the laborer, not the laborer who seeks Jesus. Jesus says, "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain." "And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto him." "And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men." "And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry." The first impulse to come to Christ is the result of his drawing power upon the heart.

Jesus says, "I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward." All I can give either first or last is myself. If any one has been laboring for anything else except the Lord's glory, he will be disappointed in receiving a reward. The reception of the penny by the laborers represents the character that God will give to those who follow him. We are to keep in view eternal realities, and our spiritual eyesight must be clear; for those only who behold Christ will be changed into his image from glory to glory as by the Spirit of the Lord. All who are teachable, all who are humble, all who serve from love, are as mirrors that are being polished to reflect more perfectly the divine image. Their souls are becoming purified, their ideas are becoming broader, and their characters are being transformed after the divine similitude. But those whose hearts are lifted up in pride, who are self-righteous, full of envy, jealousy, and evil surmising, are enfeebling their capacity for receiving from God that which will make them what he would have them to be. They are clouding the mirror, darkening the vision, marring the vessel, so that it contains less and less God's blessing.

Jesus says to those who think they should receive more than he gives them, "Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst thou not agree with me for a penny: Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee. Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?" So long as I am just with thee, is it not my privilege to be liberal to others? Those who display such wrong feelings, make it manifest that they deserve no reward; for many are called but few are chosen. Many, many are called to work in the Lord's vineyard; but they manifest so little humility, show so little appreciation of the Lord's grace, are so wanting in submission, so poorly comprehend the fact that righteousness is alone from Christ, and that there is none in themselves, that they fail to develop characters that can be called true and faithful, and so lose heaven at last. -

Who Are Partners With Christ?

I would have you all realize that each one of us is responsible for making the best use of our time, for improving our opportunities to their utmost, and for being helpful in every way possible, that we may be laborers together with God. How much we lose by shirking responsibilities! What makes the blacksmith's arm so strong?--It is wielding the heavy sledge. It is by exercise that the muscles become strong. All who have enlisted under the banner of Jesus Christ are reckoned as soldiers of the cross of Christ. They have a part to act in the daily warfare against sin and Satan, against unrighteousness and selfishness.

Selfishness and slothfulness creep upon us before we are aware, and we are led to forget that we individually have a part to act as Christ's true-hearted soldiers in obeying every order of the Captain of our salvation. We may daily receive aid and comfort in the warfare in which we are called to engage. But many are in a sleepy spiritual condition, and do not realize that they have a part to act in the work of the Lord. While some have been privileged to eat of the bread of life and drink of the living waters, others have been pressed with the responsibility of considering weighty questions that involve the progress and prosperity of the cause. This is no trifling matter, and this heavy burden of responsibility should not be left to be borne by a few workers, while others feel no burden upon them except to criticise the plans devised. What is the part that you who claim to believe the truth should act in reference to those who carry the burden of the work?--It is your part to hold up the hands of the burden-bearers, as Aaron and Hur held up the hands of Moses.

The weaknesses of humanity are upon us all, and no one is able to lay hold of the great responsibilities of the Lord's work unless he is sustained by divine power. Without wisdom from God, grave mistakes will be made that will greatly retard the progress of the work. It is the duty of those who believe the truth most earnestly to seek the Lord in prayer for those who are called to fill important positions of trust, that those engaged in committees and councils may be greatly blessed of God; that they may have unity of thought in arriving at the best methods of pushing on the work, and may secure the co-operation of all in carrying out the plans that have been devised to build up the cause of God.

The question with each one of those who have received the message for this time should be, What can I individually do to advance the truth? Ask God to open the way, that you may have a share in the work that Jesus is doing, and labor with him for the salvation of perishing souls. Let the people pray for the men whom their votes place in office. Let them ask God to grant them wisdom from heaven, in order that they may do their duties wisely and well, and be enabled to plan with that wisdom God has promised to give to those that ask him for wisdom. The Lord Jesus came to the world in order to represent to his workers the spirit that should actuate them, and the best methods whereby they should do his work.

We are in a world where temptation to evil is on every hand. Satan is ruler in his kingdom of darkness. In the world are oppression, want, hunger, and woe. The street children, who are pinched with hunger, shivering with cold, and neglected, have a most pitiful history. Many in our world know nothing save hard work and poverty; and yet this class is not the most unhappy. The greatest unhappiness exists among those who are supposed to have every want supplied, but who are living useless, selfish lives, whose souls are stained with sin. Because of their circumstances it is often hard to reach them. Through selfishness, through the vanity of riches, the higher, nobler qualities of the soul have been paralyzed, and they have become calloused and hardened to the woe and wretchedness of the world, and their sinful indifference testifies that they are not laborers together with God, not junior partners with Christ in his great enterprise of redeeming a lost race from wretchedness and despair.

God has given to men the privilege of becoming instrumentalities in co-operation with divine agencies in the work of redeeming the lost from oppression, degradation, and sin. He will accept warm hearts and willing hands to be laborers together with himself. Men, women, and children are wanted to enlist in this army of Christian endeavor. The Lord calls for soldiers who will not fail nor be discouraged; but who will accept the work with all its disagreeable features. He would have us all take Christ for our pattern.

Jesus calls for rich and poor to unite in service together. What a transformation of character would be seen upon those who have lived simply to please themselves, were their hearts touched with the love of Christ! What a change would be wrought in the life and actions of the wealthy who have consulted but their own ease, should they feel the power of redeeming love! They would then minister to those who need their help. They would then see the necessity of helping the youth to obtain an education, so that they might be fitted to go forth and labor for those who are near and those who are far off. But the selfish, pampered, spoiled children of fashion are miserably unhappy. Their lives are unsatisfactory, because they are depressed with a sense of their uselessness. Had it been their lot to be poor, and to be under the necessity of earning their own livelihood, they would have been far happier. God has given to rich and poor a work to do in blessing others.

After the fall of man, it cost our heavenly Father an infinite price to provide a way to prevent the defaced image of God in man being wholly obliterated, and to provide for the restoration of that image in the soul. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Then will you neglect your God-given capabilities? Will you fail to improve upon the talents that have been bestowed upon you by Heaven? Will you lightly regard the advantages of another trial, another probation, in which it is to be decided whether or not you will have eternal life? Will you trample under foot the great privileges that have been secured to you at infinite cost?

You will meet with strong temptations that will solicit your feet to take a downward course; but there are also the strongest inducements set forth to inspire you to be strong, and to quit you like men. It is not in the parade that soldiers are inured to the battle-field. Men of value are those who have encountered and overcome difficulties. Let no one think to attain to high position, to possess estimable traits of character, without making daily, upward progress. To reach the high standard that is placed before you, will call for the taxation of the highest powers, and will require persevering, untiring energy. -

Principle Never to Be Sacrificed for Peace

There always have been and always will be two classes on the earth to the end of time,--the believers in Jesus, and those who reject him. Sinners, however wicked, abominable, and corrupt, by faith in him will be purified, made clean, through the doing of his word. The truth will be a savor of life unto life to those who believe, but the same truth will be to the unbeliever a savor of death unto death. Those who reject Christ and refuse to believe the truth, will be filled with bitterness against those who accept Jesus as a personal Saviour. But those who receive Christ are melted and subdued by the manifestation of his love in his humiliation, suffering, and death in their behalf. They behold him as their substitute and surety, as pledging himself to accomplish their full salvation through a plan that is consistent with the justice of God, and which vindicates the honor of his law. The presentation of the love of God has a convincing power above that of argument, controversy, and debate, and drops the seed of gospel truth in the heart. The fact that Jesus, innocent and pure, should suffer, that God should lay all his wrath upon the head of his dear Son, that the guiltless should bear the punishment of the guilty, the just endure the penalty of sin for the unjust, breaks the heart; and as Jesus is lifted up, conviction strikes to the soul, and the love that prompted the bestowal of the infinite gift of Christ, constrains the sinner to surrender all to God.

But how different is the case of him who refuses to receive the salvation purchased for him at infinite cost. He refuses to look upon the humiliation and love of Jesus. He plainly says,"I will not have this man to reign over me." To all who take this attitude, Jesus says, "I came not to send peace, but a sword." Families must be divided in order that all who call upon the name of the Lord may be saved. All who refuse his infinite love will find Christianity a sword, a disturber of their peace. The light of Christ will cut away the darkness that covers their evil doings, and their corruption, their fraud, and cruelty, will be exposed. Christianity unmasks the hypocrisies of Satan, and it is this unmasking of his designs that stirs his bitter hatred against Christ and his followers.

It is impossible for any one to become a true follower of Jesus Christ, without distinguishing himself from the worldly mass of unbelievers. If the world would accept of Jesus, then there would be no sword of dissension; for all would be disciples of Christ and in fellowship one with another, and their unity would be unbroken. But this is not the case. Here and there an individual member of a family is true to the convictions of his conscience, and is compelled to stand alone in his family or in the church to which he belongs, and is finally compelled, because of the course of those with whom he associates, to separate himself from their companionship. The line of demarkation is made distinct. One stands upon the word of God, the others upon the traditions and sayings of men.

In one of his confidential talks with his disciples, a short time before his crucifixion, Jesus bequeathed to his followers his legacy of peace. He said: "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." The peace that Christ gave to his disciples, and for which we pray, is the peace that is born of truth, a peace that is not to be quenched because of division. Without may be wars and fightings, jealousies, envies, hatred, strife; but the peace of Christ is not that which the world giveth or taketh away. It could endure amid the hunting of spies and the fiercest opposition of his enemies. His peace was that which was born of love toward those who were plotting for his death. His deep love did not lead him to cry, Peace and safety, when there was no peace for the sinner. Christ did not for an instant seek to purchase peace by a betrayal of sacred trusts. Peace could not be made by a compromise of principles; and his followers must often proclaim a message that is directly in opposition to the people's sins, prejudices, and customs. They will be called upon to reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffering and doctrine. The heart of Jesus was overflowing with love to every human being that he had made, and this love should have been discerned by those he came to save, inasmuch as he became poor, that we through his poverty might be rich. Christ understands the strength of Satan's temptations; for he was tempted in all points like as we are, yet without sin. But he never lessened the guilt of sin. He was the Saviour, the Redeemer, and came to save his people from their sins.

Jesus could have been at peace with the world only by leaving the transgressors of the law unreproved, unrebuked. This he could not do; for he was to take away the sins of the world. Those who are faithful sentinels will be charged by world as being the disturbers of its peace, they will be charged with stirring up strife and with creating divisions. But they will only be bearing the reproach that fell on Christ. Christ denounced unrighteousness, and his very presence was a rebuke to sin. The atmosphere that surrounded his soul was so pure, so elevated, that it placed the hypocritical rabbis, priests, and rulers in their true position, and revealed them in their true character as claiming sanctity, and at the same time misrepresenting God and his truth. In the rich loveliness of the character of Christ, zeal for God was always apparent. His righteousness went before him, and the glory of the Lord was rearward. He hated one thing only, and that was sin. But the world loved sin and hated righteousness, and this was the cause of the hostility of the world to Jesus. If Christ had given license to men to exercise their evil passions, they would have hailed this great miracle-worker with shouts of applause; but when he reproved sin, made open war upon selfishness, oppression, hypocrisy, pride, covetousness, and lust, they said , Away with this fellow, and give us Barabbas.

Jesus has said: "The servant is not greater than his Lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also." There will never be any true unity between or with those who stand under the banner of Satan. The followers of Christ may follow the things that make for peace, they may earnestly desire to overcome the spirit of discord with the spirit of kindness and love, but the enemy will stir up his agents to bring about strife and division. It is a grave mistake on the part of those who are children of God to seek to bridge the gulf that separates the children of light from the children of darkness by yielding principle, by compromising the truth. It would be surrendering the peace of Christ in order to make peace or fraternize with the world. The sacrifice is too costly to be made by the children of God to make peace with the world by giving up the principles of truth. Those who have the mind of Christ will let that light shine forth to the world in good works, but that light will bring about a division. Shall the light, therefore, be hid under a bed or under a bushel, because it will mark a distinction between the followers of Christ and the world? It was the purity of the character of Christ that stirred up the enmity of a profligate world. His spotless righteousness was a continual rebuke to their sin and uncleanness; but no principle of truth was compromised by Christ to win the favor of the world. Then let the followers of Christ settle it in their minds that they will never compromise truth, never yield one iota of principle for the favor of the world. Let them hold to the peace of Christ. -

Two Classes in the World

There are two classes in our world, and they are described by the apostle who says: "Ye are of God , little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them." When professed Christians come to a position where they receive words of praise and flattery from the world, and feed upon them as upon a sweet morsel, they are Christians only in name. How pitiful it is to see men and women who have had an experience in the things of God fall completely into the arms of the world, to be swayed and influenced by its voice, and to be dependent upon its favors for strength and success. How manifest it is that such have become alienated from Christ. How full of self-confidence, how full of vaunting and vanity are they! How short-sighted are they in regard to spiritual things! How little discernment have they to distinguish between the value of the counsel of one who is a child of God and the counsel of one who is on the enemy's side, a child of disobedience and unbelief.

There are only two classes in the world,--those who are obedient to Jesus Christ, who seek counsel of the Master, that they may do his will; and the children of disobedience. There are many, who, under the profession of godliness, are yet in alliance with the world, and through them souls are being deluded. The fear and love of God have not a controlling power over them. The world is their master, and they are chasing a delusive mirage.

Let God's people take heed that they do not sign a truce with the enemy of God and man. The church is not to come down to take a position with the world in its ideas, opinions, and maxims. Hear the words of Christ through his servant Paul: "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? and what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?" While this scripture has especial reference to marriage with unbelievers, it also covers all grounds of alliance with the world. The question is asked, "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 people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing." This means that the children of God are in no case to be contaminated with the spirit of the world, to receive its evil suggestions, nor to come under its influence. Be afraid of uniting with the world in secret societies, or of being bound in bundles with them. Be afraid of communicating to the world that which concerns the cause of God; for they would have no sympathy with those who love the truth of God. "Be ye separate, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and my daughters, saith the Lord Almighty."

May the Lord bless his people with spiritual eyesight, in order that they may see that the children of God and the children of the world cannot enter into co-partnership. James says: "Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." But while the children of God are not to be borne away by the spirit and influence of the world, they are to work with Christ to transform the children of darkness, to point them to the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world.

God's people are not to be swayed by the evil suggestions of worldlings against some of God's chosen ones. There must be unity among the children of God, and nothing must be allowed to enter that will bring alienation and discord. When there is unity with Christ, there is unity among the believers, and then one can chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight. Let not unholy bonds be formed between the children of God and the friends of the world. Let there not be marriages made between believers and unbelievers. Let the people of God take their stand firmly for truth and righteousness.

Woe to him whose wisdom is not from above, but from beneath. Men of superficial piety, by their desire to obtain patronage for our institutions, to advance the fame of our colleges or sanitariums, should never be permitted to betray sacred trusts into the hands of unbelievers. Let not money be obtained by touching or by sanctioning any unclean practice or business. Let the grace of Christ be brought into the heart of every worker, and though the workers may be few, God can work with them, and the truth will prevail. There must be no deceptive work, for it is an unclean thing. Hands that are defiled must not handle God's sacred work. It is clean hands and a pure heart only that God will accept. "For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones."

The Lord hates all deception, secrecy, and guile. Because of their hypocrisy, the Lord rebuked the Pharisees, likening them to sepulchers that were full of corruption. The work of Satan is after this secret, insidious order. He conceals himself, and yet suggests, instigates, and leads men to work against the truth of God. Let no one work against a child of God on the testimony of an enemy of truth. The members of the church of Christ will sometimes make mistakes, but they are to be dealt with kindly and tenderly, even as Christ has dealt with us. The rebuke of God is upon all those who do his work deceitfully, who are professedly the friends of Christ, yet are working against him in an undercurrent way, by speaking against those who love God. "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted."

This is our work; will we take it up? So little of this kind of work has been done, that the words of the True Witness come home to the church: "Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent." "And he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him. And the Lord said unto Satan, The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire? Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel." Satan had deceived those who were represented by Joshua; but they had repented of their sins before God, and pardon had been written against their names. Satan was accusing them of the sins he had caused them to commit, and asserted his right to do with them as he pleased because of their transgression. But Jesus looked with tender compassion upon those who believed in him and who trusted in his righteousness. "And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment. And I said, Let them set a fair miter upon his head. So they set a fair miter upon his head, and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the Lord stood by." Will the people of God who are placed in positions of trust, give utterance to the accusations of Satan against the children of God? Let us act as Christians, and be as true as steel to God and his holy work. Let us be quick to discern the devices of Satan in his deceptive, hidden workings through the children of disobedience.

"Your words have been stout against me, saith the Lord. Yet we say, What have we spoken so much against thee? Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the Lord of hosts? And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered." These are the words of the unconsecrated who are separating from God, blinded by the enemy. They cannot discern the sacredness, the elevating, ennobling character of the word of God. But there is another class. "Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another." Their words were not words of evil accusation against their brethren, or complaints against God. They were not words of guile and hypocrisy, spoken in the dark, in an underhand way to damage the reputation of some brother or sister. They were words to which the Lord listened, and thought them worthy of recording in the imperishable records of heaven. "And the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him." -

Look to God for Wisdom

"Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth." How can the truth be laid out before our people that they will every one arouse from the lethargy which has been upon them, and come to a realization of the times in which we are living? How shall we present the need of greater zeal and more determined earnestness in searching the Scriptures, so that they may dig in the mines of truth and bring forth the treasures of God's word? It is not safe for us as reformers to repeat the history of the Reformers in every particular; for after those to whom God gave light advanced to a certain knowledge, many of them ceased to be reformers. We must not for a moment think that there is no more light and truth to be given us, and become careless, and let the sanctifying power of the truth leak out of our hearts by our attitude of satisfaction in what we have already attained. We are not to fold our hands in complacency, and say, "I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing."

It is a fact that we have the truth, and we must hold with tenacity to the positions that cannot be shaken; but we must not look with suspicion upon any new light which God may send, and say, Really, we cannot see that we need any more light than the old truth which we have hitherto received, and in which we are settled. While we hold to this position, the testimony of the True Witness applies to our cases its rebuke, "And knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked." Those who feel rich and increased with goods and in need of nothing, are in a condition of blindness as to their true condition before God, and they know it not. But the True Witness declares, "I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eye-salve, that thou mayest see."

What is it that constitutes the wretchedness, the nakedness of those who feel rich and increased with goods?--It is the want of the righteousness of Christ. In their own righteousness they are represented as clothed with filthy rags, and yet in this condition they flatter themselves that they are clothed upon with Christ's righteousness. Could deception be greater? As is represented by the prophet, they may be crying, "The temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord are we," while their hearts are filled with unholy traffic and unrighteous barter. The courts of the soul-temple may be the haunt of envy, pride, passion, evil surmising, bitterness, and hollow formalism. Christ looks mournfully upon his professed people who feel rich and increased in the knowledge of the truth, and who are yet destitute of the truth in life and character and unconscious of their destitute condition. In sin and unbelief, they lightly regard the warnings and counsels of his servants, and treat his ambassadors with scorn and contempt, while their words of reproof are regarded as idle tales. Discernment seems to have departed, and they have no power to discriminate between the light which God sends them and the darkness that comes from the enemy of their souls.

The voice of the True Witness calls to his chosen people, "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten; be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock; if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. 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. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches." We have tried to arouse our brethren to the fact that the Lord has rich blessings to bestow upon us as a people. The people of God have lost much by not maintaining the simplicity of the truth as it is in Jesus. This simplicity has been crowded out, and forms and ceremonies and a round of busy activities in mechanical work have taken its place. Pride and lukewarmness have made the professed people of God an offense in his sight. Boastful self-sufficiency and complacent self-righteousness have masked and concealed the beggary and nakedness of the soul; but with God all things are naked and manifest. Yet Jesus is going from door to door, standing in front of every soul-temple, proclaiming, "I stand at the door, and knock." As a heavenly merchantman, he opens his treasures, and cries, "Buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear." The gold he offers is without alloy, more precious than that of Ophir; for it is faith and love. The white raiment he invites the soul to wear is his own robes of righteousness, and the oil for anointing is the oil of his grace, which will give spiritual eyesight to the soul in blindness and darkness, that he may distinguish between the workings of the Spirit of God and the spirit of the enemy. Open your doors, says the great Merchantman, the possessor of spiritual riches, and transact your business with me. It is I, your Redeemer, who counsels you to buy of me.

Those to whom God has intrusted sacred truths should be far in advance of what they are; they should have grown in grace and in the knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus. All who practice the truth will be right and shining lights amid a crooked and perverse nation. Whatever light God sends us, let us be open to receive it, immediately recognizing the voice that says, "Buy of me." Great weakness has been brought upon the church which he has blessed with great light, because their character and work have not corresponded to the light that God has given them. They have misrepresented the truth, and by their attitude have lulled the people to sleep, so that those with whom they have associated have no real sense of the times in which they are living.

The people of God have educated themselves in such a way that they have come to look to those in positions of trust as guardians of truth, and have placed men where God should be. When perplexities have come upon them, instead of seeking God, they have gone to human sources for help, and have received only such help as man can give. If as brave soldiers of Jesus Christ, they had borne their burden, doing their work with courage, with fidelity, and in faith, they would have received great blessings. Christ has sounded the invitation, "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest;" but instead of carrying their perplexities and difficulties to Jesus, as he has told them to do, they have laid their burdens upon human souls, and have looked to human beings and human counsels, and they have received accordingly; for God removes his wisdom from men who are looked up to as God. Those who occupy positions of trust are greatly injured when they are tempted by their brethren to think that they must always be consulted by the workers, and that the people should bring to them their difficulties and trials. It is a mistake to make men believe that the workers for Christ should make no move save that which has first been brought before some responsible man. Men must not be educated to look to men as to God. While it is necessary that there be a counseling together and a unity of action among the laborers, one man's mind and one man's judgment must not be the controlling power.

When Jesus went away, he intrusted to men his work in all its varied branches, and every true follower of Christ has some work to do for him, for which he is responsible to his own Master, and that work he is expected to do with fidelity, waiting for command and direction from his Leader. We are the responsible agents of God, and have been invested with the goods of heaven, and we should have an eye single to the glory of Him who has called us. On our part there should be a faithful execution of duty, doing our appointed task to the full measure of our intrusted capability. No living being can do our work for us. We must do our work through a diligent use of the intellect which God has given, gaining in knowledge and efficiency as we make progress in our work. God never designed that another should do our thinking, while we leave our mental powers to rust through inaction. God has never designed that one man should be crushed under the burden, should be loaded down with various kinds of work as a cart pressed beneath the sheaves, while another should go free of all burden and responsibility. The president of the Conference is not to do the thinking for all the people. He has not an immortal brain, but has capabilities and powers like any other man. And to every man God has given his work. When men place the president of the Conference in the place of God, and make him the depositary of all their difficulties, the bearer of all their burdens and troubles, and the adviser in all their plans and in all their perplexities, they are doing that which is exactly opposite to what Christ has told them to do. ( Concluded in next number .) -

Look to God for Wisdom (Concluded)

Jesus has never instructed men to go to their fellow-men with all their cares, no matter in what position of trust he saw fit to place them. His instruction is , "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." In the time employed in writing your grievances to one who was already burdened and bruised with cares, you might have taken your perplexities to Jesus, and have asked him to teach you, and thus have honored God, showing that you made him your trust and your counselor.

Whatever may be the position of trust that a man occupies, he is not raised above the frailties of humanity. His position does not make him sinless or divine. He must receive wisdom and goodness and power from the same source as others; and this source of supply is open to the lowliest and the least. Jesus has invited you to come unto him; and you are not obeying Christ when you go to human sources for support and consolation. Is not this the reason that the people of God are destitute of the fruits of the Holy Spirit? Is not this one reason why their religious experience is of so dwarfed a character?

Satan exults as he sees men looking to men, and trusting in men to be wisdom for them. The soul that looks to men as to God, is left exposed to the temptations and assaults of the enemy, and the evil one sees to it that human defects shall mar the work of God. Satan will make the man whom the brethren look up to as to God, a target for his fiery darts, and will ply him with his fiercest temptations. Though at first the brother may be reluctant to take so great a responsibility as that of being a counselor to his brethren, if he does do it, he will finally encourage the very dependence that he once lamented, and he will come to feel grieved if matters are not brought to his attention. He will want to understand the reason for movements made in the cause, that have no connection with his branch of the work.

To every man is given his work, and every man must do his own thinking and planning, in order that the work may be done in such a manner as to meet the approval of God. The worker must not be bound about too much with reproofs and commands; for God is his Master, and if he looks to him for wisdom, his prayer will be answered. God will give him his own experience, that will not have its foundation in any human being, but in the living God.

Whatever position a brother may hold, he is not lightly to regard another brother who may appear to be a very humble instrumentality. God employs men who have small talents, but if they consecrate their all to him, they may, by diligent exercise of the ability which he has given, through the grace of Christ, so trade with their talents as to be fitted for more important trusts. Many among our people have trifled with the responsibility which God has laid upon them. They have not wrestled with difficulties and overcome obstacles through earnest prayer and effort. They have looked with more eagerness for the approval of mortal man than for the approval of God.

While brethren should counsel together at special seasons, yet they should individually seek for higher counsel than that heard in the assembly. It may be argued that the Lord gives special wisdom to those to whom he has intrusted grave responsibilities. The Lord does give special wisdom to him who has sacred trusts. If the human agent, moment by moment, makes God his only helper, and walks humbly with him, God will then give light and knowledge and wisdom, in order that his human agent may be able to guide his brethren who would look to him for counsel as to their duty. In a clear and forcible manner he will point them to a Source that is untainted and pure from the defects and errors that are so apparent in humanity. He may, for it is his privilege, refuse to be brains and conscience for his brethren. He may tell them with softened heart that he goes to God for supplies of wisdom and grace, and that the Lord will give liberally to all who ask him for wisdom. He will discern and lay bare the peril there is in looking to human agents instead of to God, and will encourage them to do as Jesus has instructed his children to do,--go to God for knowledge, wisdom, power, and grace.

The danger in trusting to men is, that men are liable to err. Even those who are in high positions of sacred trust, are men of like passions with the lowliest brother, and it is often the case that the man in high positions is influenced by the counsel of wife, mother, friend, or child, and his judgment is biased by human influences. But if he is continually appealed to for advice, he is in danger of thinking that he cannot err, and that he is capable of judging the cases of his brethren, and in this way he brings peril upon the church. Spirituality will wane under an influence of this kind, and the knowledge of God's will, will become more and more indistinct, while the sayings of men become of more and more importance in the eyes of the people. In this way God is dishonored, and spiritual discernment is lost. The sacred and the common become intermingled, until nothing is looked upon as sacred. God is not exalted, but is put in the shade by human inventions and by those who may be so deceived as to think that they are doing God service.

The education that should be given to all is, that they should exercise faith, that they should go to God in earnest prayer, and learn to think for themselves. To meet difficulties and plow through them by the help of God is a lesson of the highest value. If men and women do this, they realize that their help has not come from a human source, but from the living God, and that, having sought wisdom of God, they have not sought in vain. It is the privilege of every soul to go to God for himself, and to have a personal connection with the Source of all power. Then the lips can speak forth the praises, not of men, but of God. It is through a humble seeking of God that divine instruction will come to his people. They may receive guidance and wisdom, not through the channel of some other man's mind, but wisdom that is unadulterated, from the Source of all power. Then the people of God will reveal Christ and his grace, living as saints unto the Lord, with an eye single to the glory of God. Then self-sufficiency and self-importance will be abased in the dust, and the light of holiness will be shed upon all with whom they associate. Every soul surrounding those who live unto God will be affected to a greater or less degree by that divine consecration that elevates and ennobles the soul of the receiver of the Spirit of God. Those who are partakers of the divine nature will not manifest forwardness and self-exaltation, but will be filled with the spirit of discretion, and their characters will be fragrant because Christ is enthroned in the heart.

Let us, then, remember that our weakness and inefficiency are largely the result of looking to man, of trusting in man to do those things for us that God has promised to do for those who come unto him. We need Jesus, the Rose of Sharon, to beautify the character and make our lives fragrant with good works, so that we shall be a savor of Christ unto God. Will not our people arouse themselves to investigate the Scriptures, and to pluck from the garden of God the roses, the lilies, and the pinks of his promises?

Jesus loves his people. Before his crucifixion, he said to his followers, "I call you not servants, . . . but I have called you friends." After his resurrection he tenderly drew them to himself, and imparted to them divine instruction. He said, "Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight." But as Jesus ascended, he carried with him the interests of his people. He loves his believing children. Let us trust in him. Let us confide in him, talk of his love, tell of his power. Lift him up, the Man of Calvary. O lift him up, that all may behold him. -

Importance of Good Cooking

If parents themselves would obtain knowledge, and feel the importance of putting it to a practical use in the education of their dear children, we should see a different order of things among youth and children. The children need to be instructed in regard to their own bodies. There are but few youth who have any definite knowledge of the mysteries of human life. They know but little about the living machinery. Says David, "I will praise thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made." Teach your children to study from cause to effect. Show them that if they violate the laws of their being, they must pay the penalty by suffering disease. If in your effort you can see no special improvement, be not discouraged; patiently instruct, line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little. If by this means you have succeeded in forgetting yourself, you have taken one step in the right direction. Press on until the victory is gained. Continue to teach your children in regard to their own bodies, and how to take care of them. Recklessness in regard to bodily health tends to recklessness in moral character.

Do not neglect to teach your children how to cook. In so doing, you impart to them principles which they must have in their religious education. In giving your children lessons in physiology, and teaching them how to cook with simplicity and yet with skill, you are laying the foundation for the most useful branches of education. Skill is required to make good light bread. There is religion in good cooking, and I question the religion of that class that is too ignorant and too careless to learn to cook.

We see sallow complexions and groaning dyspeptics wherever we go. When we sit at the tables, and eat the food cooked in the same manner as it has been for months, and perhaps years, I wonder that these persons are alive. Bread and biscuit are yellow with saleratus. This resort to saleratus was to save a little care; in consequence of forgetfulness, the bread is often allowed to become sour before baking, and to remedy the evil a large portion of saleratus is added, which only makes it totally unfit for the human stomach. Saleratus in any form should not be introduced into the stomach, for the effect is fearful. It eats the coatings of the stomach, causes inflammation, and frequently poisons the entire system. Some plead, "I cannot make good bread or gems unless I use soda or saleratus." You surely can if you become a scholar, and will learn. Is not the health of your family of sufficient value to inspire you with ambition to learn how to cook, and how to eat?

That which we eat cannot be converted into good blood unless it is of a proper quality, simple, nutritious. The stomach can never convert sour bread into sweet. Food poorly prepared is not nutritious, and cannot make good blood. These things which fret and derange the stomach will have a benumbing influence upon the finer feelings of the heart. Many who adopt the health reform complain that it does not agree with them; but, after sitting at their tables, I come to the decision that it is not the health reform that is at fault, but the poorly prepared food. Health reformers, above all others, should be careful to shun extremes. The body must have sufficient nourishment. We cannot subsist upon air merely; neither can we retain health unless we have nourishing food. Food should be prepared in good order, so that it is palatable. Mothers should be practical physiologists, that they may teach their children to know themselves, and to possess moral courage to carry out correct principles in defiance of the health-and-life-destroying fashions. To needlessly transgress the laws of our being is a violation of the law of God.

Poor cookery is slowly wearing away the life energies of thousands. It is dangerous to health and life to eat at some tables the heavy, sour bread, and the other food prepared in keeping with it. Mothers, instead of seeking to give your daughters a musical education, instruct them in these useful branches which have the closest connection with life and health. Teach them all the mysteries of cooking. Show them that this is a part of their education, and essential for them in order to become Christians. Unless the food is prepared in a wholesome, palatable manner, it cannot be converted into good blood, to build up the wasting tissues. Your daughters may love music, and this may be all right; it may add to the happiness of the family; but the knowledge of music without the knowledge of cookery, is not worth much. When your daughters have families of their own, an understanding of music and fancy work will not provide for the table a well-cooked dinner, prepared with nicety, so that they will not blush to place it before their most esteemed friends. Mothers, yours is a sacred work. May God help you to take it up with his glory in view, and work earnestly, patiently, and lovingly, for the present and future good of your children, having an eye single to the glory of God.-- Testimony 19.

We Shall Reap As We Sow

In company with my son, W. C. White, I rode in our carriage to Sydney, a distance of twelve miles. We could have taken the cars at the station in Granville, but by riding in our carriage, we escape the confusion that is ever to be found at railway stations; we also had the advantage of riding straight to the meeting-house without the inconvenience of changing from the cars to the tram, to be left at some distance from the place of meeting. We had a very peaceful ride, and a very favorable opportunity of conversing together. This is a rare treat; for both of us are so occupied that we have but little opportunity for social interchange of thought. We found a good representation of our people at the hall, and I felt constrained by the Spirit of God to speak very plainly to the church.

I spoke from the words, "He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully." The manner in which the sowing was to be done, is presented in the following words: "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity; for God loveth a cheerful giver." No selfish man is a Christian. Jesus says, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow men." Genuine self-denial will be practiced by all who follow Christ.

Judas undertook to follow Christ, and at the same time to carry out his selfish, covetous plans. He had the same privileges as had the other disciples. He had the same privileges of hearing the lessons of Christ, which plainly presented practical godliness; but he was not always pleased with the plain truth. It cut him, and instead of taking up personal labor with Judas Iscariot, he found fault with the words and works of Christ, and criticised his plain teachings. Instead of being transformed in character, he was cultivating self-love, self-esteem, and the love of money, and was becoming more and more greedy for gain. His love for Christ was not increasing; for he had not that faith which works by love and purifies the soul. Pure religion and undefiled is a religion that is of an experimental character, and brings forth practical results.

Every member of the church of Christ will be tested and proved. To each one sacred responsibilities are committed; for each one is to be connected with Christ, and to labor earnestly and cheerfully as a free moral agent, becoming more and more intelligent in working as a laborer "together with God." By practice he must learn how to pray, putting his whole soul into his petitions. Through self-denial he must learn how to present gifts and offerings willingly unto God. He must not consume in selfish indulgence everything which he gains, and present nothing to God in acknowledgment of the fact that he is constantly the recipient of Heaven's gifts. The Christian will be constantly imparting that which is bestowed upon him. True religion is imitation of Christ. Not one of Christ's true followers will practice selfish indulgence in any way when the cause of God is languishing because of the poverty of the people. God means that some one shall supply that which is wanting for the needs of the poorer brethren, and for the necessities of his cause. The kingdom of heaven must be the first consideration. To follow Christ means continually to study his life of self-denial, and from high motives to practice his good works. To follow means to render obedience. We are under service to God, and we must obey his commands. No soldier is counted a follower of his commander unless he obeys his general's orders. The master says, "Learn of me." Keep your eye on the model, for Christ gave his life that he might become the teacher of men. Keep yourselves from idols. He desires that every one who believes in him should learn how to live his life and practice his virtues.

Jesus loved righteousness and hated iniquity. What is righteousness?--It is the satisfaction that Christ gave the divine law in our behalf. He bore the test on every point on which the sinner must bear it. He was tempted in all points as we are tempted, and through all the temptations that it was possible for the synagogue of Satan to bring upon him, he did not yield in the least degree to the power of the enemy.

Righteousness means being good and doing good. As children of God, are we developing a character that is Christlike? are we individually working daily at the vocation of being a Christian? and through the rich impartation of the gift of the Spirit of God, are we making straight paths for our feet, lest the lame be turned out of the way? The lame are those who are not firmly established in the truth, who are spiritually halting, having defects of character and needing the help of a correct example. If we make crooked paths, others make our errors an excuse for deviating from the path of righteousness. It is not enough to believe sound doctrine; we must put it into practice. A religion built on selfishness is worthless. It is a deplorable, sleazy fabric.

The apostle plainly declares what is the duty of the individual members of the church. He says, "Let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity; for God loveth a cheerful giver." The promise of God is that "he which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully." The Lord will not forget your labors of love. In this country, times are very hard, and money is very scarce. Some will learn lessons of economy at this time, who never knew what economy was before. Yet we should not forget that we are in the service of God, and that he owns us, and he owns the world. Though we are all poor and unable to do large things, the Lord calls upon every soul to practice self-denial in this time of scarcity, and be able to give, not grudgingly nor of necessity, but with cheerful gratitude for God's unspeakable gift. We are to engage in this work seriously, remembering that now is the time to lay up treasure in heaven, and to send it on beforehand. We shall have to do this through strict self-denial; but every man, woman, and youth, who claims to be the property of Christ, has a work to do in building up the kingdom of God. Now is the sowing time, the reaping time is in the future. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you. If you do your best, if you impart to others that which you have, God will see your labor of love, and will know the measure of every act of self-denial for his name's sake. You will be tested and proved, that it may be made manifest how deep and genuine is your love for Christ and your neighbor, and these tests will come closer and closer upon us. Churches must be erected. Wherever there is a little flock, it must be fed with meat in due season. The last message of mercy is to be given to the world even to the uttermost part of the earth. Those who have physical strength are to employ that strength in the service of God. They are to labor with their hands, and earn means to use in the cause of God. Those who can obtain work are to work faithfully, and to improve the opportunities they see to help those who cannot obtain labor. God is able to make his grace abound toward you, giving you a heart of tenderness and love for the souls of those for whom Christ has paid the ransom of his own life. "That ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work; (as it is written, He hath dispersed abroad, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness remaineth forever. Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) being enriched in everything to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God."

Let every believer in the truth for this time, awake to duty. Instead of studying how to gratify yourselves and follow your inclination, study how you may imitate Christ in self-denial, and thus be able to help and to save the purchase of his blood. Relieve the wants of the needy, and work to help the weak and the poorer sister churches. The Lord has made us his almoners. He places in our hands his gifts, in order that we shall divide with those who are needy, and it is this practical giving that will be to us a sure panacea for all selfishness. By thus expressing love to those who need help, you will cause the hearts of the needy to give thanksgiving unto God because he has bestowed the grace of benevolence upon the brethren, and has caused them to relieve the necessities of the needy. It is through the exercise of this practical love that the churches draw nearer together in Christian unity. Through the love of the brethren, love to God is increased, because he has not forgotten those who were in distress, and thus thank-offerings ascend to God for his care. "For the ministration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God." The faith of the brethren is increased in God, and they are led to commit their souls and bodies unto God as to a faithful Creator. "While by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men."

Giving for the necessity of the saints and for the advancement of the kingdom of God, is preaching practical sermons, which testify that those who give have not received the grace of God in vain. A living example of an unselfish character, which is after the example of Christ, has great power upon men. Those who do not live for self, will not use up every dollar meeting their supposed wants, and supplying their conveniences, but will bear in mind that they are Christ's followers, and that there are others who are in need of food and clothing. Those who live to gratify appetite and selfish desire, will lose the favor of God, and will lose the heavenly reward. They testify to the world that they have not genuine faith, and when they seek to impart to others a knowledge of present truth, the world will regard their words as sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal. Let every one show his faith by his works. "Faith without works is dead," "being alone." "Wherefore show ye to them and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting in your behalf."

I have given you a brief sketch of my discourse to the Sydney church. After the sermon we had a most precious social meeting. W. C. White spoke, presenting some precious thoughts, and many melting testimonies were borne. The meeting was blessed of God, and we knew that Jesus was in the midst, and by his Holy Spirit was moving upon hearts. We were soon in our carriage again, returning to Granville.

How is it with my brethren and sisters in America? How much do you practice self-denial in order that you may show liberality to the needy cause of God at this time? We are doing our work here under great pressure for the want of the very money that many of the members of our churches are expending upon their own fancies, in pleasing and gratifying themselves. If they had accepted the testimonies I have borne to them concerning the great want in these regions beyond, they would not be found expending one dollar in following the example of those who are multiplying pictures of themselves and their families. You would not be purchasing bicycles, which you could do without, but would be receiving the blessing of God in exercising your physical powers in a less expensive way. Instead of investing one hundred dollars in a bicycle, you would consider the matter well, lest it might be at the price of souls for whom Christ died, and for whom he has made you responsible. Please read Isaiah 58, and see what is a sure remedy for poor health. Satan will contrive to bring about many devices to absorb the means which should be devoted to the cause of God at this time. We cannot open new fields in regions beyond, for want of the very means that is used up in various ways, which might be given to destitute missions. God would have you invest in a fund to erect humble houses of worship for those who have newly come to the faith, who cannot possibly command means to do this, on account of their great poverty. Their souls are just as precious as your soul; and could you pass through the experience through which we have passed since coming to this country, you would bind about your supposed wants, and would be ready to help to build humble houses of worship in regions beyond. You would have the satisfaction of denying inclination in thus investing means in the cause of God. Night after night, we have studied the perplexing problem of how we should obtain the means to advance the work of God. It rests with you in America to solve this puzzling question. "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh; (for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 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." -

The Obedient Approved of God

"To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God." "Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."

Let the solemn question come home to every one who is a member of our churches, How am I standing before God as a professed follower of Christ? Is my light shining forth to the world in clear, steady rays? Have we as a people who have taken vows of dedication to God, preserved our union with the Source of all light? Are not the symptoms to declension and decay painfully visible among the Christian churches of to-day? Spiritual death has come upon many who should be examples of zeal, purity, and consecration. Their practices speak more loudly than their professions, and witness to the fact that some power has cut the cable that anchored them to the eternal Rock, and they are drifting without chart or compass.

The True Witness desires to remedy the perilous condition in which his professed people are placed, and he says: "I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent." Christ will cease to take the names of those who fail to turn to him and do their first works, and will no longer make intercession for them before the Father. He says, "I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot; I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked." Yet the case of those who are rebuked is not a hopeless one; it is not beyond the power of the great Mediator. He says: "I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eye-salve, that thou mayest see." Though the professed followers of Christ are in a deplorable condition, they are not yet in so desperate a strait as were the foolish virgins whose lamps were going out, and there was no time in which to replenish their vessels with oil. When the bridegroom came, those that were ready went in with him to the wedding; but when the foolish virgins came, the door was shut, and they were too late to obtain an entrance. But the counsel of the True Witness does not represent those who are lukewarm as in a hopeless case. There is yet a chance to remedy their state, and the Laodicean message is full of encouragement; for the backslidden church may yet buy the gold of faith and love, may yet have the white robe of the righteousness of Christ, that the shame of their nakedness need not appear. Purity of heart, purity of motive, may yet characterize those who are half-hearted and who are striving to serve God and Mammon. They may yet wash their robes of character and make them white in the blood of the Lamb.

To-day the question is to come home to every heart, Do you believe in the Son of God? The question is not, Do you admit that Jesus is the Redeemer of the world? and that you should repeat to your soul and to others, "Believe, believe, all you have to do is to believe;" but, Do you have practical faith in the Son of God, so that you bring him into your life and character until you are one with him? Many accept of the theory of Christ, but they make it manifest by their works that they do not know him as the Saviour who died for the sins of men, who bore the penalty of their transgression, in order that they might be brought back to their loyalty to God, and through the merits of a crucified and risen Saviour, might find acceptance with God in their obedience to his law. Christ died to make it possible for you to cease to sin, and sin is the transgression of the law.

Jesus counsels you to have your eyes anointed with spiritual eye-salve, in order that you may discern the fact that you are wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked, that you may exercise repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. The plan of salvation is not half discerned. It is made altogether too cheap a thing, and men do not take in the fact of how great an act of condescension it is on the part of Omnipotence to stoop to unite the divine with the human, to impart the Holy Spirit to the repenting transgressor of his holy law. God became man, clothing his divinity with humanity, and thus humanity has been elevated in the scale of moral value with God. But how great was the condescension of the Father and the Son to consent to the working out of the plan of salvation to save the transgressors of Heaven's exalted law!

How great is the spiritual blindness of men who declare that this great condescension on the part of God in giving his only begotten Son, was to abolish the law of God, and to make its precepts of no effect. Calvary is the unanswerable argument for the immutability of the law of God; for could one of its precepts have been altered to meet man in his fallen condition, the Son of God need not have suffered death for a guilty race. The professed Christian world is indeed in need of eye-salve, that they may see. Like David they should pray, "Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law."

Wherever there has been a departure from God, there must be a returning to him, and a doing of the first works. Jesus says, "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten; be zealous therefore, and repent." In order to repent, it is necessary to examine the life and character by the great standard of righteousness, that the peculiar sins which have dishonored God and have been an offense to him, may be discovered. That which has quenched the first love must be forsaken, whether it has been pride, sensuality, or the turning of the grace of God into lasciviousness. Those who make a profession of being Christians, that is, Christlike, and who yet live a life of sin, cast dishonor upon the truth of God. Many of this class trample upon the law of God, and teach others that its precepts are not binding, and yet they presume to take the name of Jesus upon their lips, and talk of being saved by his grace. Such teaching tends to enfeeble the moral tone of the church, and true godliness is banished while a miserable, heartless, outward form of godliness remains. Such come under the rebuke of Christ when he says, "I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth." "Thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked."

"To the law and to the testimony; if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." Paul asks, "Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?" and answers, "God forbid." Again he asks, "Do we then make void the law through faith?" and answers, "God forbid; yea, we establish the law." God's will is expressed in his holy law, and Jesus says, "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." The law of God is the standard by which character is to be measured, and he whose life is in harmony with that law is worthy to be trusted, but of what value is the testimony of a man whose life and teaching contradict the law of Jehovah? He then measures himself by his own finite standard, and may claim for himself as much as does the pope of Rome; but in the light of the detector of sin, his character may be wholly wanting. He may claim great spiritual riches, and think that he is in need of nothing, and may boast of the grace of Christ, but at the same time may have turned that precious grace into lasciviousness. This spurious character of religion is on the increase, and many whose hearts are carnal prate of the grace of Christ, while at the same time they openly blaspheme the name of the God of heaven by casting contempt upon the law of God, which rebukes their inconsistent course and detects their unchristlike character.

It is not the grace of Christ that makes void the law of God. Christ declared, "I have kept my father's commandments, and abide in his love." To those who are making void the commandments of God, the True Witness says, "I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear." Christ's white robe of righteousness will never cover any soul that is found in sin unrepented of and unforsaken. "Sin is the transgression of the law." Therefore those who are trampling upon the law of God, and teaching others to disregard its precepts, will not be clothed with the righteousness of Christ. Jesus came not to save people in their sins, but from their sins. "And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected; hereby know we that we are in him." "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned [transgressed the law], we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." We need an advocate with the Father, because it is the Father's law which we have broken, and we need to repent of our transgression, and return to our allegiance to God. "Whoso committeth sin transgresseth also the law; for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not; whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. Little children, let no man deceive you; he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the Devil; for the Devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the Devil," not the royal law that points out what is sin. "In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the Devil; whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God." "He that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us." "By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments; and his commandments are not grievous. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world [overcomers do not unite with the world in transgression of the law of God]; and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith."

"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." These are the words of our Substitute and Surety, the divine Head of the Church, himself the mightiest of conquerors. He points his disciples to his own life, to the tests he bore, to his self-denials and struggles and sufferings, and marks out the path of obedience for their feet through ridicule, contempt, scorn, mockery, rejection, and shameful death. Suffering and humiliation he bore in order to prove obedient to the law of God, to magnify the law and make it honorable; and he lays down the conditions that must be met by those who would inherit eternal life. Victory can come alone through faith and obedience, through following in his footsteps. The work of overcoming is not confined to the martyrs. We, too, are to engage in the conflict in these days of subtle temptation to worldliness, to self-confidence, pride, covetousness, and immorality; and to the overcomers will be given a crown of life and glory. -

See That Ye Abound in This Grace Also

One Sabbath, lately, in company with my son, W. C. White, I rode eight miles in our carriage to Seven Hills to meet with the church that was to assemble at three o'clock in the afternoon. Brother Hickox has been laboring in this place since coming to Sydney, and we have tried to help him in his work. Brethren Starr and McCullagh, W. C. White, and the writer have each labored in turn, and we have every reason to rejoice in the Lord, because twenty have taken their position on the side of truth. This has caused joy among the heavenly angels in the presence of Christ Jesus, and in the presence of the Father, who has made an infinite sacrifice in their behalf.

Upon this occasion I spoke from the eighth and ninth chapters of second Corinthians. Paul, in writing to his brethren at Corinth, sought to kindle their zeal and to stir them up to make contribution for the poor saints at Jerusalem. He presented the example of the church in Macedonia to inspire them to benevolent action. He said: "Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; how that in a great trial of affliction, the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; praying us with much entreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God."

The grace of Christ imparted to us individually will give us a knowledge as to how we shall accept of Christ as our personal Saviour, and how we shall imitate his example. He can mold and fashion the character by imparting his divine attributes, and then each one of us can adorn the doctrine of Christ our Saviour. Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, lovely, and of good report, will be revealed as the precious fruits of the Christian tree. The religion of Jesus Christ must be revealed in a winsome character, bright as a light that shineth in a dark place.

Of the church in Macedonia we read that "in a great trial of affliction, the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality." Then shall any of us who profess to be Christians, think that we shall be excused in doing nothing for the truth because we are poor? We regard the precious light of truth as an inexpressible, inexhaustible treasure. We are to exert an influence in proportion to our intrusted talents, be we rich or poor, high or low, ignorant or learned. We are servants of Jesus Christ, and the Lord expects us to do our best.

I said to the brethren at Seven Hills: You will soon be without a place in which to assemble to worship God. Shall we arise and build? The Lord wants you to be liberal. The members of the Macedonian churches were in deep poverty, yet they urged the apostles to receive their freewill offerings, and were willing to go beyond their power to help the saints in Jerusalem who were in greater need than themselves. We have in this record, a lesson for our instruction. Those who take their position on the side of Christ are to let their light shine forth in good works, and not to act selfishly; but each church is to consider the wants of her sister churches. "Therefore, as ye abound in everything, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also." We desire you to abound in the grace of liberality, making your gifts to assist those who have newly come to the faith, and in doing this work your joy will be abundant, according to the measure of your liberality. We call upon the children of God to come up to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty. Who is the mighty?--It is Satan, the prince of this world, for the world has chosen him as its ruler.

There is a lesson also in this chapter to those who are working in the cause of God. Paul says, "We desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also;" that is, make you to abound in the grace of liberality. A responsibility rests upon the ministers of Christ to educate the churches to be liberal. Even the poor are to have a part in presenting their offerings to God. They are to be sharers of the grace of Christ in denying self to help those whose need is more pressing than their own. Why should the poor saints be denied the blessing of giving to aid those who are still poorer than themselves? The work of educating the people along these lines has been neglected, and the churches have failed to give for the necessity of poorer churches, and thus the blessing has been withheld that should have been theirs, and will be withheld until they shall have a realizing sense of their neglect. "For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. And herein I give my advice; for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago. Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have. For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. For I mean not that other men should be eased and ye burdened; but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want; that there may be equality; as it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack."

Thank God that he has put it in the heart of his servants to feel a deep interest for your welfare, causing them to present to you the precious truth. Some of you have hesitated, and have been slow in acting upon the convictions of your conscience; but one after another, you have given your own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God. What does this mean? It means that you are to stand shoulder to shoulder with those who have earnestly worked for your salvation, and according to the light and knowledge you have received, to unite with them in communicating in the spirit and love of Jesus, the truth to those who have not had the privileges and opportunities that you have had.

There are some here who are questioning as to whether they shall be obedient to the light which they have seen, or whether they will make a compromise with conscience. Character is being determined by the manner in which the truth is being treated. The voice of Christ is heard saying, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Whom do we love best, Jesus, or the enemy of Christ? On which side are you to stand? You will do the bidding of him whom you love. God wants every one to come unto him. Christ says, "Follow me."

Brother Hickox and W. C. White made appropriate remarks. Brother McCullagh spoke a short time right to the point, and it was decided that a meeting-house should be built at Seven Hills, and that every one should do his best. Brother McCullagh said he would give two pounds, ten shillings, and brother Starr had authorized him to say that he would give two pounds, ten shillings, which would be twenty-five dollars. W. C. White had thought it would be impossible for him to give more than one pound, but he would venture to give two, if they would buy two lots instead of one. Then the brethren from Seven Hills, from their poverty, spoke one after another, pledging a pound apiece. One brother who had resided at Seven Hills, but who had removed to Paramatta, pledged five pounds. A man who sees the truth, but who has a large family of children, and has not faith to embrace the Sabbath lest he would lose his situation, pledged a pound. I had purposed to donate five pounds to the enterprise, but when I considered the poverty abounding in those who have recently embraced the truth, I doubled this donation to ten pounds. When I saw that it would be impossible to build a church with the meager sum which would be freely given, I decided to give twenty pounds. The talent of means is the Lord's intrusted talent, and as his faithful steward, I must apply it where the need is greatest.

We had a most precious meeting. Jesus was in the midst of us. The Sun of Righteousness was shining upon us. I was constrained by the Spirit of the Lord to speak words of hope and courage to those who had consented not only to believe the truth but to obey it. They will soon be left without a minister, and it would be necessary for each one to do the utmost of his ability in order that a church might be erected in which they could meet together to worship God. Each one must take upon himself the responsibility of educating and training himself to act a part in the meetings. They must be faithful witnesses for Jesus Christ, and thus become a working church. Christ prayed for his followers, "I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth." Here in this wicked world our light is to shine forth in good works. Christ charged his disciples with this responsibility. He said, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

When the precious meeting closed, it was nearly dark. We seated ourselves in our carriage, and as our faithful horse traveled homeward with us, we rejoiced in the peace of Christ. -

Study the Bible for Yourselves

When Jesus gave the injunction, "Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life; and they are they which testify of me," the priests and rulers were sitting in Moses's seat, and professing to give to the people the commands of God; but that which was so plain that the common people might clearly understand, they mystified and misinterpreted. Through false interpretation, the Jewish nation had lost the simple, practical knowledge of God and his truth. The command to search implied that they had lost something, and that they must diligently seek to discover it. The plain directions of the Scriptures, which had revealed the will of God, were covered up with mystery and tradition, with false tests, false theories and commands. The Scriptures had been wrested to the ruin of souls, and man-made tests and injunctions had been put in the place of the plain "thus saith the Lord." Jesus said to all, Search for yourselves. Allow no one to be brains for you, allow no one to do your thinking, your investigating, and your praying. This is the instruction we need to take to heart to-day. Many of you are convinced that the precious treasure of the kingdom of God and of Jesus Christ is in the Bible which you hold in your hand. You know that no earthly treasure is attainable without painstaking effort. Why should you expect to understand the treasures of the word of God without diligently searching the Scriptures?

It is proper and right to read the Bible; but your duty does not end there; for you are to search its pages for yourselves. The knowledge of God is not to be gained without mental effort, without prayer for wisdom in order that you may separate from the pure grain of truth the chaff with which men and Satan have misrepresented the doctrines of truth. Satan and his confederacy of human agents have endeavored to mix the chaff of error with the wheat of truth. We should diligently search for the hidden treasure, and seek wisdom from heaven in order to separate human inventions from the divine commands. The Holy Spirit will aid the seeker for great and precious truths which relate to the plan of redemption. I would impress upon all the fact that a casual reading of the Scriptures is not enough. We must search, and this means the doing of all the word implies. As the miner eagerly explores the earth to discover its veins of gold, so you are to explore the word of God for the hidden treasure that Satan has so long sought to hide from man. The Lord says, "If any man willeth to do his will, he shall know of the teaching." John 7:17, Revised Version.

The word of God is truth and light, and is to be a lamp unto your feet, to guide you every step of the way to the gates of the city of God. It is for this reason that Satan has made such desperate efforts to obstruct the path that has been cast up for the ransomed of the Lord to walk in. You are not to take your ideas to the Bible, and make your opinions a center around which truth is to revolve. You are to lay aside your ideas at the door of investigation, and with humble, subdued hearts, with self hid in Christ, with earnest prayer, you are to seek wisdom from God. You should feel that you must know the revealed will of God, because it concerns your personal, eternal welfare. The Bible is a directory by which you may know the way to eternal life. You should desire above all things that you may know the will and ways of the Lord. You should not search for the purpose of finding texts of Scripture that you can construe to prove your theories; for the word of God declares that this is wresting the Scriptures to your own destruction. You must empty yourselves of every prejudice, and come in the spirit of prayer to the investigation of the word of God.

The great error of the Romish Church is found in the fact that the Bible is interpreted in the light of the opinions of the "fathers." Their opinions are regarded as infallible, and the dignitaries of the church assume that it is their prerogative to make others believe as they do, and to use force to compel the conscience. Those who do not agree with them are pronounced heretics. But the word of God is not thus to be interpreted. It is to stand on its own eternal merits, to be read as the word of God, to be obeyed as the voice of God, which declares his will to the people. The will and voice of finite man are not to be interpreted as the voice of God.

The blessed Bible gives us a knowledge of the great plan of salvation, and shows us how every individual may have eternal life. Who is the author of the book?--Jesus Christ. He is the True Witness, and he says to his own, "I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand." The Bible is to show us the way to Christ, and in Christ eternal life is revealed. Jesus said to the Jews and to those who pressed about him in great multitudes, "Search the Scriptures." The Jews had the word in the Old Testament, but they had so mingled it with human opinions, that its truths were mystified, and the will of God to man was covered up. The religious teachers of the people are following their example in this age.

Though the Jews had the Scriptures which testified of Christ, they were not able to discern Christ in the Scriptures; and although we have the Old and the New Testament, men wrest the Scriptures to evade their truths; and in their interpretations of the Scriptures, they teach, as did the Pharisees, the maxims and traditions of men for the commandments of God. In Christ's day the religious leaders had so long presented human ideas before the people, that the teaching of Christ was in every way opposed to their theories and practice. His sermon on the mount virtually contradicted the doctrines of the self-righteous scribes and Pharisees. They had so misrepresented God that he was looked upon as a stern judge, incapable of compassion, mercy, and love. They presented to the people endless maxims and traditions as proceeding from God, when they had no "thus saith the Lord" for their authority. Though they professed to know and to worship the true and living God, they wholly misrepresented him, and the character of God, as represented by his Son, was as an original subject, a new gift to the world. Christ made every effort so to sweep away the misrepresentations of Satan, that the confidence of man in the love of God might be restored. He taught man to address the Supreme Ruler of the universe by the new name "Our Father." This name signifies his true relation to us, and when spoken in sincerity by human lips, it is music in the ears of God. Christ leads us to the throne of God by a new and living way, to present him to us in his paternal love.

In the system of types and offerings, the sacrifice of the Son of God was shadowed forth, and yet the Jews did not behold in Christ "the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." They did not see the value of the treasure that God had given to the world in the gift of his Son. No gift could be imparted that equaled in value the gift of the Son of God, and every other gift that men receive, is an outflowing from this measureless gift. Eternity itself will not exhaust the treasure of the gift of God to the world.

The only begotten Son of God was to teach men the goodness, mercy, and benevolence of the character of God. He taught men to regard God as the fountain of all parental affection which has flowed down, generation after generation, through the channel of the human heart. The pity, the compassion, and the love which have been manifested by parents to their children bear no comparison with the tenderness and compassion of the heart of infinite love. The love of God is constantly exercised in behalf of the happiness and salvation of his people. The Lord sent his Son into the world that, through faith in him, they might contemplate God in Christ, and approach the infinite Father in the name of his Son. We may approach the Father through the Lord our Righteousness. ( Concluded in next number .) -

Study the Bible for Yourselves (Concluded)

The knowledge of God which Jesus brought to our world and unfolded to man we are not to retain as our own possession, without imparting it to our fellow-men. The priceless knowledge of God which through his word has been committed to us, has not been given to us to remain a useless possession. We are to impart to others the knowledge of the fact that to know God and Jesus Christ whom he hath sent is eternal life. We are privileged not only to place ourselves under the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness, but to invite others to admire his loveliness, to dwell upon his charms, and to become partakers of the riches of his glory. Christ is to dwell in the heart by faith;"that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God." If this is your experience, you will certainly represent to the world the fact that "ye are complete in him." "The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love; therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee." "The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart, and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit."

The Jews were blinded and confused by their own superstition. They were of those described by the prophet when he says, "Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks; walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled. This shall ye have of mine hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow." They had so far separated from God that they knew not the Father, and could not recognize the Father's image in his representative. "Thus saith the Lord; Ask ye now among the heathen, who hath heard such things; the virgin of Israel hath done a very horrible thing. Will a man leave the snow of Lebanon which cometh from the rock of the field? or shall the cold flowing waters that come from another place be forsaken? Because my people hath forgotten me, they have burned incense to vanity, and they have caused them to stumble in their ways from the ancient paths, to walk in paths, in a way not cast up." Jesus said to the Jews, "Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father; there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust. For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me; for he wrote of me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?"

Christ was the center and the glory of the ancient dispensation. From time to time he drew aside the vail and revealed the glory behind it. Isaiah had an unclouded view of this glory when he described the Lord sitting upon the throne that was high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. "Above it stood the seraphim; each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory. And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke. Than said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts." The seraphim dwelt in the presence of Jesus, yet they veiled with their wings their faces and their feet. They looked upon the King in his beauty, and covered themselves. When Isaiah saw the glory of God, his soul was prostrated in the dust. Because of the unclouded vision he was graciously permitted to behold, he was filled with self-abasement. This will ever be the effect upon the human mind when the beams of the Sun of Righteousness shine gloriously upon the soul. The light of the glory of God will reveal all the hidden evil, and bring the soul to the place of humble confession. As the increasing glory of Christ is revealed, the human agent will see no glory in himself; for the concealed deformity of his soul is laid bare, and self-esteem and self-glorying are extinguished. Self dies, and Christ lives.

The Jews knew not God nor Jesus Christ whom he had sent. They had lost the truths presented to them by both patriarchs and prophets, and did not recognize Christ, in whom dwelt all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. Was it not strange that the only people who claim to be the chosen people of God were in such darkness by departing from God, that they did not recognize the Prince of life, who was the foundation of their system of worship, the very one who was symbolized by their sacrificial offerings? Well may we see the force of the words of Christ, "Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life; and they are they which testify of me." It is not safe to commit this work of searching the Scriptures to any other man to do for us, however learned he may be. If he has not a living connection with God, he will mislead the mind, and cause the destruction of many souls. "Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?" -

First Australian Camp-Meeting

While in the colonies, I have tried to encourage the people to work to the point of building plain houses of worship, and have talked much upon economy, and its necessity in order to advance the work in this field. The hard times which are felt in America have made a serious impression in Australia. But notwithstanding the hard times, we felt it was essential to have a camp-meeting in Melbourne before we could leave this country. We felt that, as far as it was consistent with our circumstances, we must make all things in the camp-meeting after the divine order, so as to leave the right impression upon the people as to what constitutes a camp-meeting after God's plan, that it should give character to our work. We knew this was right; but all such advanced movements involve expense. Tents had to be made, yet every arrangement was planned after the strictest economy. We planned closely, and studied economy in every part, feeling that each one was connected with all, and the whole assembly to God. Some of us who know, had a realization of the fact that we were devising and planning under the supervision of heavenly intelligences. Angels were viewing the care taken by the workers, the neat, tasty appearance of the tents, and the orderly arrangement of the grounds. They saw the effort made rightly to represent us as a people, and the truth we believe.

In this first camp-meeting in Australia we felt that we must have everything arranged in a manner that would be approved of God; for we were a spectacle unto the world, who knew us not, and to angels, and to men. We were regarded as a peculiar people by the world. In the sight of God we are regarded as a peculiar people in a different sense from that in which the world regards us. "For thou art a holy people unto the Lord thy God; the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all the people that are upon the face of the earth. The Lord did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people; but because the Lord loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the Lord brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations; and repayeth them that hate him to their face, to destroy them; he will not be slack to him that hateth him, he will repay him to his face. Thou shalt therefore keep the commandments, and the statutes, and the judgments, which I command thee this day, to do them." "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."

We knew that all heaven was interested in our preparation for the camp-meeting, and the Lord had promised to be our Counselor, if we would be guided by him in all things. "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go; I will guide thee with mine eye". In the order of our camp we were to show forth the praises of Him who hath called us out of darkness, into his marvelous light. The effect upon the people was more than we had dared to expect. The whole encampment left an impression upon those who visited it that the truth was of great importance, and that the missionary spirit is the true spirit of the gospel. Thus we did honor to our cause; but above all we honored God in doing his will, and in making so favorable an impression on the people.

Our people who encamped on the ground, sought to make the visitors as welcome as possible, and thus testified to them that they were seeking to follow Christ. It is the privilege of every one to have a drawing influence, through the endowment of the Holy Spirit. The Christian is to have an atmosphere surrounding his soul that shall be full of pleasantness, courtesy, and kindness, and represent the Spirit of Christ. These qualities of character are to be perseveringly cherished, and employed in the work of God, giving character to that work in representing Christ to the world. Human influence, deriving it efficacy from heaven, is ordained of God as an instrumentality by which the transforming, sanctifying power of the truth may be demonstrated.

The Lord is dishonored with anything that is done in connection with his service, in a lax, slipshod manner. In everything concerning the camp-meeting we desired to show that the influence of the truth was an uplifting influence, and that it fashioned the heart, the manner, and the taste of the human agent after the divine similitude. This we sought to do as far as it lay in our power. We have had a decided purpose not to merge our ways and conform our habits and practices to the mold of the habits and practices of the colonials. God would not be pleased to have us do this, and catch up their sentiments, their manners of speech, and method of pronunciation. Christ is our model, and we are to change our reason, our affections, our speech, our habits, according to his divine example, rather than seek to meet the customs, practices, and habits of education of any nation. We are to receive our mold from Christ. He is to see himself in the character of his followers. We are to copy his Spirit, to have our lives hid with Christ in God. In every true believer the character of Christ is to be reproduced. The Spirit of Christ is to be made manifest through human efforts. As those who have been transformed by the truth come in contact with others who have had a false education, and have received perverted ideas, they are to represent Christ, in order that the deficiencies of those who have had but little experience may disappear, and the mold of Christ may be seen upon them. The followers of Christ are to represent his tenderness, his courtesy, and his love toward others. His solicitude for human souls is to be reproduced in those who believe in him. They are to lift Christ up in order that he may draw all unto him. The world should see a representative of Christ in each of his believers.

It is not in the power of those who have named the name of Jesus to give him more than is his own. He has bought every human agent with an infinite price, and we are his property for both time and eternity. He owns every moment of our time, and our gifts of reason and talent belong to him. We cannot glorify God unless we express our obligation to him. Every soul converted to the truth, not only takes the name of Christian, but is under the responsibility of putting on Christ in spirit, in word, and in conduct. This invests him with the same kind of influence as had the one who through the power of the Holy Spirit led him into the light of truth. Then the likeness of Christ appears in his character; and he is a laborer together with God, and draws souls by the divine power of the grace that has been imparted to him.

Christ took humanity upon him. He was our substitute and surety. He said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do; for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. . . . For the Father loveth the Son, and showeth him all things that himself doeth; and he will show him greater works than these; that ye may marvel. For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will." -

Consequences of Adam's Sin a Warning to Men

God is King, he is high and lifted up, and the train of his glory fills the temple. God is to be feared, he alone is to be worshiped. His laws are holy, the foundation of his government in heaven and earth. How weak and foolish is the position taken by finite opposers of his government, as they declare that the law of the Governor of all intelligences is abolished. Who put these words into the mouth of men? Certainly it is not the One who is mighty in counsel; for God will never contradict himself.

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." "The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned; and in keeping of them there is great reward." One act of disobedience against the law of God on the part of the responsible human agent, could not be outweighed by a recompense of all the honors and kingdoms of this world. Yet Satan will present his most alluring temptations, and use his most deceptive arguments in order to persuade men to make void the commandments of God. Our only safety is in following the example of Christ, and meeting the tempter with, "It is written."

It would be wisdom on our part to make a study of the temptations of Christ in the wilderness, and with humble, contrite hearts, seek to understand their import, and learn their significance to us as individuals. It is not safe for us to enter into controversy with Satan, or to linger to contemplate the advantages to be reaped by yielding to his suggestions. Sin is blinding and deceiving in its nature. Disobedience to God's commandments is too terrible to be contemplated for a moment. Sin means dishonor and disaster to every soul that indulges in transgression of God's holy law, which is immutable.

Although the consequences and the penalty of transgression of God's law have been clearly presented in the word of truth, many are proving disloyal to the God of heaven, and are teaching their children and the world at large by both precept and example, that the law of God is no longer binding upon the human family. Thus they are cutting souls adrift from the great moral standard of righteousness. In the near future it will be demonstrated that it would be better never to have been born than to have been a transgressor of God's holy law; for disobedience means dishonor and disaster. Light is being presented from the Scriptures on this vital question, and those who give no heed to the light will have to suffer the fatal consequences of their indifference to the heavenly message.

God has seen fit plainly to present in his holy word the consequences of the sin of Adam, which opened the flood-gates of woe upon our world, that men might be warned not to do as did Adam. The penalty of sin is death; and to listen to the deceitful temptations of Satan, to venture in the path of transgression, is to imperil the soul. We are not to follow the words of men, however wise they may appear to be, unless their testimony is in harmony with a "thus saith the Lord." Temptations will come to us in the most seductive guise, but it is at our peril that we turn from the plain command of God to follow the assertions of men. To follow the word of the Lord, to embrace the truth, involves cross-bearing and self-denial; but it is not safe to do otherwise than to bear the cross. As you see the light, walk in the light. Let a solemn, unalterable purpose take possession of you, and resolve in the strength and grace of God, that henceforth you will live for him, and that no earthly consideration shall persuade you to disown the divine law of ten commandments, and thus disown your Saviour and your God. Seek your counsel of God, and you will find that the path of obedience to his commandments is the path of the just, that "shineth more and more unto the perfect day."

The first step in the path of obedience is to surrender the will to God. This may seem a difficult thing to do; for Satan will present every possible objection, and will manufacture difficulties, and magnify perplexities before the mind; but take the first step, and the next step on the ladder of progress will be easier. The ladder of progress must be climbed round by round; but God is above the ladder, and his glory will illuminate every step of advancement. The path of faith and self-denial is an upward path; its way is heavenward, and as you advance, the misleading clouds of doubt and evil will be left behind.

No one need be blinded by any delusion. He who makes the word of God his guide and counselor, and will listen to no voice that would lead him to take the words of men instead of that word, will always dwell safely. Let him bring the principles of the law of God into his life to regulate and control his conduct, and his life will be a success. He will grasp the righteousness of Christ by faith, and becoming a partaker of the divine nature, will thus become a doer of the divine law.

Nothing but willing obedience on the part of those who profess to love God is acceptable in his sight. He has given to every man his work; but that work is in nowise of such a nature that the worker must needs show disrespect to any of the requirements of God's law. The wisdom and glory of every man's life is to make the ways and the will of God his will and his ways, and every one who takes a course that leads away from obedience to the law of God will meet with disappointment in his plans, failure in his life, and will suffer the loss of his soul at last. Who can afford thus to do? There is no madness in our world so disastrous as that which leads men to live in rebellion against God. We are now deciding our destiny for both time and eternity.

God has given us probationary time in order that it may be made manifest whether we will be loyal, obedient children, rendering obedience to his commandments, his statutes, and his laws, or whether we will persist in following a course of disobedience, and prove ourselves unworthy of eternal life. Those who will be doers of the words of Christ will have their names written in the Lamb's book of life; but those who will not obey God's law after light has come to them from the holy Scriptures, will be written among those whose fate is to perish. For those who choose to follow the traditions of men, and are willing to be turned from the truth of God unto fables, and who train themselves to walk away from the path of God's commandments, and will not listen to the law of God, but take up with the vain excuses devised by man to continue in disobedience, would not listen to the voice of God in the heavenly courts, and would bring rebellion a second time into heaven. When the Father speaks, they hear him not; but their ears are open to hear the suggestions of the enemy of God and man.

God has waited long, and he is waiting still, to have the beings that are his by both creation and redemption, listen to his voice, and obey him as loving, submissive children, whose desire is to be near his side, and to have the light of his countenance shining upon them. We are to bear the third angel's message to the world, warning men against the worship of the beast and his image, and directing them to take their places in the ranks of those who "keep the commandments of God, and have the faith of Jesus." God has not revealed to us the time when this message will close, or when probation will have an end. Those things that are revealed we shall accept for ourselves and for our children; but let us not seek to know that which has been kept secret in the councils of the Almighty. It is our duty to watch and work and wait, to labor every moment for the souls of men that are ready to perish. We are to keep walking continually in the footsteps of Jesus, working in his lines, dispensing his gifts as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. Satan will be ready to give to any one who is not learning every day of Jesus, a special message of his own creating, in order to make of no effect the wonderful truth for this time.

Letters have come to me asking me if I have any special light as to the time when probation will close; and I answer that I have only this message to bear, that it is now time to work while the day lasts, for the night cometh in which no man can work. Now, just now, it is time for us to be watching, working, and waiting. The word of the Lord reveals the fact that the end of all things is at hand, and its testimony is most decided that it is necessary for every soul to have the truth planted in the heart so that it will control the life and sanctify the character. The Spirit of the Lord is working to take the truth of the inspired word and stamp it upon the soul so that the professed followers of Christ will have a holy, sacred joy that they will be able to impart to others. The opportune time for us to work is now, just now, while the day lasts. But there is no command for any one to search the Scripture in order to ascertain, if possible, when probation will close. God has no such message for any mortal lips. He would have no mortal tongue declare that which he has hidden in his secret councils.

We are to be laborers together with God, and to follow Jesus' method of teaching. We are to be busy, to be weighted with the last message of mercy to a perishing world. We are to have the truth planted in the heart, and teach it to others as it is in Jesus. The world is in a very solemn period; for souls are deciding what will be their eternal destiny. Satan and his angels are continually plotting to make void the law of God, and thus to enslave the souls of men in the toils of sin. The darkness which is covering the earth is deepening, but those who walk humbly with God have nothing to fear. No one but Christ can save a single soul. But who are willing to be co-laborers with Christ? We are to see far more done in the world than has yet been done. The reason why more has not been done in the past is that men have held so firmly to themselves, and have thought that they were capable of doing some great thing. Satan tempted them because they were self-sufficient.

The truth must be preached in its purity; for the speculations and suppositions of men and boasted eloquence, will amount to nothing in these days. What we must have is the converting, transforming power of the Spirit of God upon life and character, and we must become as little children. The Lord says to his workers, "A new heart will I give you." O, what a work might be accomplished if every one who attempts to hold forth the word of life would do so in sincerity and truth, having learned and continuing to learn, of Jesus! What a work might be accomplished if the teachers of truth knew how to hide self in Jesus, so that Christ and not self might appear! O that all who profess the name of Christ would draw out their souls after God with yearning desire that they might be filled with his Holy Spirit.

The whole heart is to be given to God, else the truth of God will fail to have a sanctifying effect on life and character. But it is a sad fact that many who profess the name of Christ have never given their hearts to him in simplicity. They have never experienced the contrition of an entire surrender to the claims of Christianity, and the consequence is that the transforming power of the truth is not in their lives; the deep, softening influence of the love of Christ is not made manifest in life and character. But what a work of feeding the flock of God might be done if the under-shepherds were crucified with Christ, and were living unto God to co-operate with the Chief Shepherd of the flock! Christ calls upon men to work as he worked. There is need of a deeper, stronger, more constraining testimony on the power of the truth as seen in the practical godliness of those who profess to believe it. The love of the Saviour in the soul will lead to a decided change in the manner in which workers labor for the souls of those who are perishing. When truth occupies the citadel of the soul, Christ is enthroned in the heart, and the human agent can then say, "I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." -

Duty to the Poor, the Erring, and the Wandering

"Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, 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 his 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."

Those who will be accounted worthy of an entrance into the city of God, will in character be without spot or wrinkle or any such thing. So that He who is the Truth, in whose mouth there was no guile, will be able to say to them, "Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world," and will be justified in saying, "Thou good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." Goodness and faithfulness must be found combined in the characters of those who are to inherit eternal life. The Lord cannot commend in this manner those who take pride in doing injustice, in dealing sharply with men who are related as brethren in the church, or with unbelievers. This kind of dealings is not after God's business standard, but after the standard of the world, and must be repented of by those who would enter into the kingdom of heaven.

There are men and women whose cold, unimpressible hearts have not kindled and glowed under the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness. Message after message has come to them, but they have not heeded the warning, and reformed their evil practices. The Lord Jesus, who is the judge of every man, will inquire in reference to many hard-hearted, selfish, scheming transactions, "Who hath required this at your hand?" The spirit, the character, you have manifested has not been at all after the Pattern I have given you in my life and character, when I was upon the earth. Why have you not denied self, lifted the cross, and followed me? Your character is not after the divine similitude, but after the similitude of the character of the prince of evil; because mercy and the love of God have not been manifested. Heaven would be imperiled if any such unholy characters were to enter heaven; for you do not reflect the divine attributes of goodness, mercy, and love.

By beholding you may become changed into the divine image. Jesus has given the parable of the lost sheep for our study. The true Shepherd leaves the ninety and nine, and goes into the desert at any expense and suffering to himself, in order that he may find the sheep that was lost. When he finds it, he brings it back with rejoicing. How many of the wandering and lost sheep have you sought for, and brought back to the fold with a heart full of pitying tenderness, forgiveness, and love? How many words of encouragement have you spoken to the wandering sheep, that have cost you pain, anxiety, and much inconvenience? Have you cherished a spirit to upbraid, to reproach, and to whip the poor wanderers back to the fold? or have you spoken soothing words of hope, courage, and pardon, bearing the wanderer home on your shoulders, rejoicing at every step, and saying, "Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep that was lost"?

Jesus says to you, I have given to you the parable of the prodigal son, and how has it influenced your course of action? Have you felt tender sympathy for the erring one? As you have seen him awakening to a sense of the degradation that sin has brought upon him, have you spoken to him words of encouragement and hope? Have you had a sense of his suffering from remorse as he saw the years that he had lost? and have your tears fallen with his as he wept in penitence? Did you descry him afar off, and run forth to meet him with pity and gladness and love in your voice and heart, rejoicing that the poor, sin sick soul was repenting and returning to his father's house, even as I rejoiced to welcome you to my pardoning love? I went to meet you when you were lost; I welcomed you; I took you in my arms; I wept over you. Have you followed my example? Have you welcomed the prodigal to the fold? Have you accepted his repentance, and rejoiced over his return?

How many manifest the spirit of the elder brother, who looked with coldness on the return of the prodigal, and instead of giving him a welcome, reproached those who rejoiced over his return as one who was undeserving and who had cost much trouble. Look at the two figures in the parable, and see whether you are manifesting a spirit similar to that of the self-righteous elder brother, who was full of envy, jealousy, evil surmising, and hatred toward the one whom the father received so graciously. In which class would the Lord Jesus reckon you were you on the ground where such a scene was enacted? These parables have a practical meaning that many do not discern.

Study the life and character of Christ, and seek to imitate his example. The unconsecrated course of some of those who claim to be believers in the third angel's message, has resulted in driving some of the poor sheep into the desert; and who is it that has manifested a shepherd's care for the lost and wandering? Is it not time to be Christians in practice as well as profession? What benevolence, what compassion, what tender sympathy, Jesus has manifested toward suffering humanity! The heart that beats in unison with his great heart of infinite love will give sympathy to every needy soul, and will make it manifest that he has the mind of Christ. "A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench." Every suffering soul has a claim upon the sympathy of others, and those who are imbued with the love of Christ, filled with his pity, tenderness, and compassion, will respond to every appeal to their sympathy. They will not say, when an appeal is made to them in behalf of those who are perishing out of Christ, "This does not concern me." They will not act the part of the elder brother, but will manifest personal interest and sympathy. They will follow the example of their Master, and will go out to seek and to save that which was lost, obeying the Saviour's words when he said, "Love one another as I have loved you." Every soul who attempts to retrace his wanderings and return to God, needs the help of those who have a tender, pitying heart of Christ-like love.

We are not to meet misery and repentance with censure, reproach, with suspicion, distrust, and jealousy, as the elder brother is represented as meeting the repenting prodigal; but we are to welcome the wanderer as he returns to his Father's house with the same compassion and sympathy as Jesus manifested toward us when we sought his pardoning love. He met lost humanity with infinite love. He encircled the perishing, wandering soul in the arms of his mercy, and connected sinful man with his own divine nature, and adopted the child of humanity into his own royal family. He presents this example to you, and says, Go thou and do likewise. When human agents become doers of the words and works of Christ, joy is created throughout the unfallen universe, and songs of rejoicing resound through all the heavenly worlds.

The Lord has committed his goods to the charge of his human agents, and he expects that they will trade upon them. He has given to the trust of his people the fatherless and the widow, and yet souls have been left to perish for the want of personal sympathy and labor. But your neglect of one soul is registered in heaven as neglect of Christ. Jesus has paid the ransom for every soul, and he has identified his interest with that of the weakest and most erring. What befalls the children of men, touches Christ, the Redeemer of mankind. He reproved his own nation for the way in which they treated their fellow-men, and gave them to understand that an abuse inflicted upon the weakest and most sinful, was counted as a personal abuse to himself, the Lord of heaven. The favors shown to the poor and wretched and sinful, were also counted as personal favors to himself, to be remembered and rewarded hereafter. Christ has not left us in darkness as to what are our privilege and duty to our fellow-men, but through various parables and illustrations has presented our obligation to others. He has unfolded before us the scenes of the last great day, when all men are to be arraigned before his tribunal; and the treatment given to the least of his brethren is, according to its nature, commended or condemned by the sentence: "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." Or, "Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of them, ye did it not to me."

Christ is our substitute and surety; he stands before God in the place of humanity, and he is affected as his weakest follower is affected. The sympathy of Christ is such that he cannot be an indifferent spectator of his children's sufferings. The heart of him who gave his life for humanity is touched by the wound, however slight, that is given to one of his followers by the spirit revealed in the word or action of another. Let us bear in mind that Christ is the great central heart from which the life-blood flows to every part of the great body of humanity. He is the head from which extend the nerves that reach even to the most minute and most remote parts of the body. When one member of the body with which Christ is so mystically connected, suffers, the throb of pain is felt by our Saviour.

Will the church arouse? Will her members come into sympathy with Christ, so that they will have his tenderness for all the sheep and lambs of the fold? For their sake the Majesty of heaven made himself of no reputation; for them he came to a world all seared and marred with the curse. He toiled day and night to instruct, to elevate, to bring to everlasting joy a thankless and disobedient people. For their sake he became poor, that they through his poverty might become rich. For them he denied himself; for them he endured privation, scorn, contempt, suffering, and death; for them he took the form of a servant. Christ is our pattern, shall we copy him? Shall we not have a care for God's heritage? Shall we not cherish tender compassion for the erring, the tempted, and the tried?

"Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." "Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any; even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity [love], which is the bond of perfectness, and let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful."

How much of this work has been left undone. But will not the members of our churches take hold in earnest of these matters? God will work with those who will give him a chance. Look after the orphans and the widows and the poor, and see that no wandering one is left in the desert to perish for the want of personal labor and sympathy. Let the peace of God abide in your hearts by faith; and be ye thankful. -

Truth to Be Rescued From Error

The children of God are commanded, "As he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation. . . . And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear."

Never was there a time when we needed more special connection with God than at the present time; for there is a constant tendency in human nature that makes men lean on their own understanding. Men trust in men, leaving God out of life and character. There must be more earnest efforts to live out the life of Christ, and the advocates of the truth must learn not to lean upon any man or set of men. There must be repentance of sins, Christ-like meekness, and lowliness of heart. Men must be found who have an individual experience, who cannot be enticed from the path of right, of justice, of meekness, of patience, of forbearance, of Christian courtesy. Men must be found who will not manifest anything but a Christ-like spirit when opposed by talkative, open-mouthed men who put light for darkness and darkness for light. Men are needed in this time who know that the evidences which God has given are to be relied upon in the face of all the assertions that will come from the enemies of the faith. Talk is very cheap; it is a common article of commerce, and is much more largely dealt in than is prayer or the words that God has spoken through his chosen apostles and prophets.

We may have faith in men who profess to be followers of Christ, only as we see that they are meeting God's great standard of righteousness, not some ideal of their own, but that they are actually copying the perfection of the character of Jesus Christ.

Let not any man feel that the work of God is under his special guardianship; but realize that it is under the control of Omniscience. The Lord will choose men for these times who will be workers together with him. He will choose men of resolute minds, who will follow his guidance, and act in harmony with the great I am; who will be actuated by heroic principles, and will accomplish the will of God in preventing evil and promoting good in the world. Privations, trials, and hardships will not discourage them; but they will stand forth as examples of undaunted devotion. It is this class that to all intents and purposes are the defenders of the faith once delivered to the saints. In times of proving and trial, in the day of trouble such as never was, it will be revealed who have builded their characters from material that will stand the test. God's true workmen will be forced to speak the truth and unmask hypocrisy and deception in defending every portion of the word of God. Accusation upon accusation from men of high position will come against those who would be true to God, and they will be compelled to stand in defense of the truth. But the servants of the Lord will be men of opportunity, of energy and tact, and will be ready to promote the interests of truth under every circumstance. They will not be selfish, self-important, self-sufficient persons; they will be men who have the mind of Christ. They will be kind, affectionate, loving, prompt, tender, yet resolute. They will be God-fearing men, and in the face of opposition they will move forward, firm and steadfast, to defend Bible truth. Such men will press the triumphs of the cross of Christ to the very end of the conflict. They will boldly, and yet in the Spirit of Christ, confront the agents of Satan who will seek to suppress religious liberty, and they will not give place to them for an hour.

There will be those, who, after a feeble resistance, will yield one point of truth after another. The reason they will do this is that they have never valued truth as they should. They have never enthroned the truth in the inner sanctuary of the heart, and they have not been sanctified through the truth. They will give way to the powers that be, and render obedience to men rather than to God. But those who stand firm to the truth will answer those who demand their surrender to the traditions of men and their compliance with the custom of the majority, that they owe allegiance to a higher authority than that of the State. They will declare that they cannot set aside the Sabbath of the great Creator for a man-made institution. They will declare that as partakers of the divine nature, they are placed in a position where the ordinances of men, when conflicting with the commands of God, are of no force nor value. Those who are empowered with authority will say to them as they said to Paul, "Thou art beside thyself;" and when persuasion and entreaty are in vain, heavier pressure will be brought to bear, and the steadfastness of Christ's followers will be tested to the uttermost. Every conceivable device that men and demons can invent will be brought to bear against them to overcome them; but those who have learned how to cling to God will not abate one jot or tittle of truth.

The fact that times of trouble and persecution are before the people of God must not deter them in the least from proclaiming the truth. They are to proclaim the truth because it is truth. Gems of thought are to be gathered up and redeemed from their companionship with error; for by their misplacement in the association of error, the Author of truth has been dishonored. The precious gems of the righteousness of Christ, and truths of divine origin, are to be carefully searched out and placed in their proper setting, to shine with heavenly brilliancy amid the moral darkness of the world. Let the bright jewels of truth which God gave to man, to adorn and exalt his name, be carefully rescued from the rubbish of error, where they have been claimed by those who have been transgressors of the law, and have served the purposes of the great deceiver on account of their connection with error. Let the gems of divine light be reset in the framework of the gospel. Let nothing be lost of the precious light that comes from the throne of God. It has been misapplied, and cast aside as worthless; but it is heaven-sent, and each gem is to become the property of God's people and find its true position in the framework of truth. Precious jewels of light are to be collected, and by the aid of the Holy Spirit they are to be fitted into the gospel system. God has poured his Spirit upon his servants, and qualified them to use their ability and talent in revealing truth to those who sit in darkness; but the very ability God has given by which to reveal truth to others, men, perverting their talents, employ to deceive; for they use their gifts as did Satan when he deceived the angels of heaven, and exalt self, causing their God-given abilities to administer to their own glory. These become confused by error, their minds are darkened by the enemy, and the truths which God imparted to them are buried by them in a mass of error, or basely perverted to serve the cause of evil. But these heaven-given rays of light are not to be lost to the world. These truths are to be as a lamp unto our feet, and as a light unto our path. It is these gems that will give attractiveness to the gospel plan, and they are to shine as stars amid the moral darkness of the world.

Jesus has said, "Gather up the fragments, . . . that nothing be lost." Many have seen no further meaning in this than the gathering up of the fragments after the feeding of the five thousand; but in all the teachings of Jesus spiritual applications are to be made. When he said, "Gather up the fragments," it was as if he bade them mark all his teachings, gather up every fragment of truth, and of the light which he has given, to let nothing be lost. Open up the truth to others and let every fragment have its place. In dignity and simplicity speak that which your Master has spoken to you, and present that which he has taught you by his daily walk and conversation. Hold up his life and example to those with whom you associate. He has filled every position, from the humblest to the most exalted, with acceptance to the Father, and you are to gather up the fragments of his words and works, that nothing be lost. As you advance heavenward, make use of every common, every-day habit and custom to illustrate truth, and in every calling, however menial, live out the life of Christ. In this way you will be to men a continual revelation of what Christ would have men be in your position.

The great plan of human redemption is as yet but faintly understood, because men do not place themselves in the divine channel of light. There is too much following of men, and limiting the light by men's opinions and traditions. The wonderful truth of God is to be sought out by every mind, and the results of many minds are to be brought together from many sources as God's hereditary trust, and the divine power will work in such a way that true harmony will exist. In the revelation of Christ to the world the necessity of men will be met, and the work of God will move forward with beautiful harmony, as truth is disclosed to the world. Through careful study, through prayerful meditation, men will be enabled to place the truth before men in simplicity, so that the humblest minds can comprehend it, can receive it, and become elevated through its sanctifying influence, if they will but appropriate it, and practice its principles in their daily lives.

Through all ages God has spoken and worked by human instrumentalities. God has given to men their faculties, and he expects them to use them and by use to improve their abilities. They are to employ these faculties in rescuing truth from the rubbish of error where it has been made to serve the cause of the great adversary. The gems of truth are imperishable, and the Lord would have them gathered up and placed in their proper relation, that they may embellish and adorn the doctrine of Christ our Saviour. Truth is to be communicated from one human agent to another and to be molded into the life and character of those who receive it, in order that glory may redound to God. Truth that has found its proper setting, flashes brilliant rays of divine light into darkened minds, and meets the wants and necessities of the minds and hearts of fallen men who could not be reached by any other agency. It is by living out the truth in human life that souls are to be reached. As the Son of God in human form was perfect in his life, so he requires that his followers shall be perfect in their lives. He was made in all things like unto his brethren. He hungered, he thirsted, he was weary, he slept, he wept, and yet he was the blameless Son of God, he was God in the flesh. He was tempted in all points like as we are, yet without sin, and we have not a high-priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities. He knows how to succor those that are tempted. In living out the truth of God, man is continually assured that supernatural help will be granted to him, and that while he retains his human nature, yet through an unseen agency he receives the impress of the divine nature through the truth as it is in Jesus. -

Missionary Enterprise the Object of Christ's Church

Jesus said, "He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." Those who follow Jesus will be laborers together with God. They will not walk in darkness, but will find the true path where Jesus, the Light of the world, leads the way; and as they bend their steps Zionward, moving on in faith, they will attain unto a bright experience in the things of God. The mission of Christ, so dimly understood, so faintly comprehended, that called him from the throne of God to the mystery of the altar of the cross of Calvary, will more and more unfold to the mind, and it will be seen that in the sacrifice of Christ are found the spring and principle of every other mission of love. It is the love of Christ which has been the incentive of every true missionary worker in cities, in towns, in the highways and the by-ways of the world.

The church of Christ has been organized on earth for missionary purposes, and it is of the highest importance that every individual member of the church should be a sincere laborer together with God, filled with the Spirit, having the mind of Christ, perfected in sympathy with Christ, and therefore bending every energy according to his intrusted ability to the saving of souls. Christ requires that every one who would be called by his name should make his work the first and highest consideration, and disinterestedly co-operate with heavenly intelligences in saving the perishing for whom Christ has died.

To misapply means or influence or any intrusted capital of mind or body, is to rob God and to rob the world; for it is turning the energies into another channel than that in which God designed they should move for the salvation of the world. When Christ was here upon earth, he sent out his disciples to proclaim the kingdom of God throughout Judea, and in this example, he clearly revealed that it is the duty of his people throughout all time to impart to others the knowledge they have of the way, the life, and the truth. In all his labors Jesus sought to train his church for missionary work, and as their numbers increased, their mission would extend, until eventually the gospel message would belt the world through their ministrations.

Jesus taught his followers that they were debtors both to the Jews and the Greeks, to the wise and the unwise, and gave them to understand that race distinction, caste, and lines of division made by man, were not approved of Heaven, and were to have no influence in the work of disseminating the gospel. The disciples of Christ were not to make distinctions between their neighbors and their enemies, but they were to regard every man as a neighbor who needed help, and they were to look upon the world as their field of labor, seeking to save the lost. Jesus has given to every man his work, taking him from the narrow circle which his selfishness has prescribed, annihilating territorial lines, and all artificial distinctions of society; he marks off no limited boundary for missionary zeal, but bids his followers extend their labors to the uttermost parts of the earth. He says to them, "Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal; that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together." The field of labor presents one vast community of human beings who are in the darkness of error, who are filled with longing, who are praying to One they know not. They need to hear the voice of those who are laborers together with God, saying to them, as Paul said to the Athenians, "Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you."

The members of the church of Christ are to be faithful workers in the great harvest-field. They are to be diligently working and earnestly praying, making progress, and diffusing light amid the moral darkness of the world; for are not the angels of heaven imparting to them divine inspiration? They are never to think of, and much less to speak of, failure in their work. They are not to fail nor to be discouraged. They are to be filled with hope, knowing that they do not rely upon human ability or upon finite resources, but upon the promised divine aid, the ministry of heavenly agencies who are pledged to open the way before them. The promise is given, "Thy righteousness shall go before thee." We of ourselves have no righteousness. We have only that righteousness which is imparted from Christ, the fountain of righteousness. He is "the Lord our righteousness." Angels of God will break the way before us, preparing hearts for the gospel message, and the promised power will accompany the laborer, and "the glory of the Lord shall be thy rearward."

We are all under obligation to deny self daily for Christ's sake. Jesus says, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me;" "whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple." As we call upon God at every step, pleading for divine wisdom as we advance, seeking for light and grace in order that under all and in every circumstance we shall do unto others as we would that they should do unto us were we in their place, we shall feel the necessity of fulfilling the broad and deep requirements of the holy law of God. Thus shall we lose sight of self, and looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, we shall lay upon the foundation deeds of mercy, benevolence, compassion, and love, which are compared to gold, silver, and precious stones, which the fires of the last days cannot consume. The Lord Jesus is our efficiency in all things; his Spirit is to be our inspiration; and as we place ourselves in his hands to be channels of light, our means of doing good will never be exhausted; for the resources of the power of Jesus Christ are to be at our command. We may draw upon his fullness, and receive of that grace which has no limit. The Captain of our salvation at every step would teach us that almighty power is at the demand of living faith. He says, "Without me ye can do nothing;" but again declares that "greater works than these shall ye do; because I go unto my Father."

We are to pray without ceasing. In supplicating the throne of grace in the name of Christ, the promise is sure, "Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto ye have asked nothing in my name; ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full." When you make God your trust, when you call upon him with your whole heart, he will be found of you. "Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am."

Souls are to be gathered as sheaves to Jesus Christ; but where are the reapers? Christ has commanded, "Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest." The harvest is great, but the laborers are few. Not only is there a need of reapers, but of other agencies that will work in various lines according to their ability. Every kind of labor is to be devised and set in operation. Every follower of Christ is to do something in the work, and not to do what you can, is to manifest indifference to the claims of Christ. If you refuse to be a faithful steward working under the Master, then you are following the directions of another leader, and ranging yourself with those who are warring against God. Christ said, "He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad." If we are not active in the service of Christ, we are ranking with those who are in positive hostility against him; for we are in the position of stumbling-blocks. Every means of influence that God has given you should be employed to the utmost.

Listen to the voice of Jesus as it comes sounding down along the lines to our time, addressing the professed Christian who stands idle in the market-place: "Why stand ye here all the day idle? . . . Go ye also into the vineyard." Work while it is day; for the night cometh in which no man can work. The Lord has given to every man talents according to his several ability; but he does not expect the man with the one talent to do the work of the man with the five talents. Jesus designs that each one of us shall train our powers, feeling that they are the property of Christ, and that life itself, as the purchase and gift of Christ, is of great value. Character must be held as sacred because it is Christ's purchased possession, and every power is to be kept in subordination to him. The entire influence of the disciple of Christ, from the moment he takes his position under the blood-stained banner of Immanuel, is to be exerted for Christ. "Ye are laborers together with God." No one is at liberty to say, "This will I do, and no more," and set limits to his endeavors. It is enough for him to know that he is Christ's servant, and that the ransom money has been paid for his soul, and that every jot and tittle of his power and wisdom is the gift of God, and not an inheritance to be used to please and glorify himself, but to be employed as God shall see fit,--to be laid under contribution to God. You are to "adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." -

Missionary Enterprise the Object of Christ's Church [Concluded]

"Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." To be connected with Jesus Christ is an exalted privilege. He who understands that he is not his own, but that he belongs to Christ, and keeps his eye fixed upon him, grows into oneness with him, and has the mind of Christ. Through this connection he is led to improve his talents, his influence widens, and he becomes responsible not only for his original talent, but for that which he has gained through a wise use of that which was at first given. He who has two talents is not only accountable to God for what has been given him, but for what he may gain; for he is to render to the Lord interest on his intrusted capital. He is not to study selfish gratification, but to deny himself for Christ's sake, who gave every day of his life for the saving of the soul.

Jesus does not present to his followers the hope of attaining earthly glory and riches, and of having a life free from trial; but he presents to them the privilege of walking with their Master in the path of suffering, self-denial, and reproach because the world knoweth them not. He does not hold out to them any false hopes of living at ease. He takes them to an eminence and shows them the confederacy of evil arrayed against them under the leadership of Satan, the great adversary. But while showing to them the foes with which they will have to contend, he also assures them that they will not have to fight alone. They will have the fellowship of heavenly intelligences, and though the world lieth in darkness, they are to catch the radiance from the throne of God, and diffuse the light of heaven amid the moral darkness of the world.

Not only are they to shine to illuminate the immediate darkness, but through the united endeavors of the church of Christ they are to be the light of the world. It was the object kept in view through all Christ's ministry that the church should be united in one, and be one with himself and the Father in the great work of recovering souls from the slavery of sin and the dominion of Satan, to translate them into the kingdom of God. In this work he encourages them with the thought that heavenly intelligences will mingle with their ranks, and at every point of danger the mighty Captain of their salvation will be present to strengthen them with his might, and to lead them on to success. Just before his ascension, Christ gave his last commission to his disciples. As he was about to leave the earth and enter the portals of heaven, he said: "Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned."

Christ urges again and again upon his disciples the obligation to make known the gospel to the world. When within one step of the throne of God, he opened their understanding, that they might know the Scriptures, repeating again the old commandment to go forth and preach the message of salvation. And he said unto them: "Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day; and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you; but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high." The great work committed to them required great efficiency, even the endowment of the Holy Spirit; for the tide of evil ran strong against them. A determined, vigilant leader was in command of the agencies of evil, and the followers of Christ could resist and overcome the powers of darkness only through the help that God could give them. But through the power of the Holy Spirit they were to be successful witnesses of Christ to the uttermost parts of the earth. Beginning at Jerusalem, they were to widen the scene of their operations until all nations should hear the sound of the gospel.

In the plan of Christ for the enlightenment of the world, there is, first, home missionary work to be done. The disciples were to begin at Jerusalem, though it would be the very darkest field for their operations. The most unpromising fields are those where much light has been given. Peculiar dangers will beset the feet of him who carries the lamp of life, searching for hidden jewels among the dark rubbish of earth. Yet Christ directed them to do this work, and assured them that they would be under the shield of Omnipotence, as they worked first for those nigh at hand, and afterward for those who were afar off. He bade them to strengthen their forces by uniting, and by working as one, as he and the Father were one, and said: "Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." Thus the Lord Jesus makes every provision whereby the aggressive work may be carried on both nigh at hand and afar off, and he takes upon himself the responsibility of conducting the warfare, of supplying the qualifications, and of eventually giving success to his great missionary enterprise.

The last words of Christ were, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." And spreading his hands above them in benediction, he ascended to heaven, surrounded by hosts of heavenly angels who had come to escort him on his way to the portals of God. His last commission to his disciples made them the agents whereby his gospel of glad tidings was to go to the nations. This was Christ's last will and testament to his followers who walked with him during the years of his earthly ministry, and to those who should believe on him through their word. His first work in heaven was in harmony with his last commission on earth; for he sent the promise of the Father upon them. On the day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the praying disciples, and they testified as to its source to all, wherever they went.

The missionary spirit was poured out in unlimited supplies, and the disciples testified of a crucified and risen Saviour, and convinced the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment to come. They did just as their risen Lord had directed them to do, and began at Jerusalem to publish the gospel, in the very place where the deepest prejudice existed, and where the most confused ideas prevailed in regard to Him who had been crucified as a malefactor. Three thousand received the message, and were converted. They were not intimidated through persecution, imprisonment, and death; but they continued to speak with all boldness the words of truth, setting before the Jews the work and mission and ministry of Christ, his crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension; and believers were added daily to the Lord, both of men and women. It was demonstrated that angels were in the assemblies of the saints, and their presence was made visible to some of the soldiers of Christ. "The high-priest rose up, and they all that were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and were filled with indignation, and laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison. But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors and brought them forth." The priests and rulers had forbidden them to speak any more in the name of Jesus; but what said the heavenly messenger? "Go stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life." When Peter was held in prison to be offered the next day as a sacrifice for his faith, angels of heaven came and opened the strongly barred gates, wakened Peter, and led him forth to be a witness for the Master.

We have everything to encourage us in engaging in the work of the Lord, in seeking to save souls for whom Christ died. What we need is whole-hearted missionaries, who will give themselves to the work of God without reserve, and work for those who are nigh, and for those who are afar off. Now is the time to co-operate with the angels of heaven in bringing the light of present truth before the people. Wake up, brethren and sisters; for the night is far spent, and the day is at hand. Work while the day lasts, for the night cometh in which no man can work. While mercy still lingers, go forth to rescue souls that are perishing, lest while you linger, it become everlastingly too late. "And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal." -

Present Unto the Lord Gifts of Gratitude

The Lord sends his blessing and manifests his love to the children of men. "He maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust," and yet how rarely is the Lord thanked, how seldom is his praise upon human lips! How few are found to testify to his loving-kindness, and to acknowledge his mercies to the children of men! How many families fail to retain God in their knowledge! The blessings of the Lord surround parents and children, and they are provided with temporal necessities, yet they do not accept them as gifts in trust, nor do they regard themselves as stewards of the grace of Christ. They do not respond to God's liberality, and return to the Lord a portion of his intrusted goods in tithes, gifts, and offerings, thus acknowledging their dependence upon God, and manifesting gratitude for his wonderful mercies toward them. Every earthly wish may be gratified, and yet men pass on as did the ungrateful lepers who had been cleansed and healed of their obnoxious disease. These lepers had been restored to health by Christ, and the parts that had been destroyed by the disease were recreated; but only one, on finding himself made whole, returned to give God glory, and Christ asked, "Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?"

Why does not every converted soul speak forth the praise of God? Why is it that the recipients of God's continual favors do not give more ready expression to their gratitude? Why is it that the heart is not pure, and filled with thankfulness to God? David says: "I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord; the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together." "Give unto the Lord, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the Lord glory and strength. Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; . . . worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness." "I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will show forth all thy marvelous works. I will be glad and rejoice in thee; I will sing praise to thy name, O thou Most High." "I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever; with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations." "Praise ye the Lord. Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in his commandments. His seed shall be mighty upon earth; the generation of the upright shall be blessed."

We are under obligation, because of the relation in which we stand to God and to one another, to display the grace of God for the salvation that has been brought within our reach at infinite cost. God has given his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. He has given the Holy Spirit to enlighten, renew, and sanctify the soul, and this should call forth thanksgiving and praise from every human heart. Children and youth should be educated to make God first in their thoughts, and thus a revenue of gifts and offerings, like little rivulets, would flow into the treasury of the Lord. But parents have failed to educate their children to act in an unselfish way, and have co-operated with the enemy in educating them according to a false standard. All Heaven is looking upon our churches, upon parents and children, and asking, "Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?"

The lesson which is recorded concerning the ten lepers should awaken in every heart a most earnest desire to change the existing order of ingratitude into one of praise and thanksgiving. Let the professed people of God stop murmuring and complaining. Let us remember who is the first great Giver of all our blessings. We are fed and clothed, and sustained in life, and should we not educate ourselves and our children to respond with gratitude to our heavenly Father, by giving gifts and offerings for the support of his cause? Christ has commanded his disciples, saying, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." But how is this work to be accomplished?--It is to be done through the co-operation of human agencies with heavenly intelligences. We are to be earnest laborers together with God. Parents are to bring up and educate and train their children in habits of self-control and self-denial. They are ever to keep before them their obligation to obey the word of God and to live for the purpose of serving Jesus. They are to educate their children that there is need of living in accordance with simple habits in their daily life, and to avoid expensive dress, expensive diet, expensive houses, and expensive furniture. The terms upon which eternal life will be ours are set forth in these words, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, . . . and thy neighbor as thyself."

Parents have not taught their children the precepts of the law as God has commanded them. They have educated them in selfish habits. They have taught them to regard their birthdays and holidays as occasions when they expect to receive gifts, and to follow the habits and customs of the world. These occasions, which should serve to increase the knowledge of God and to awaken thankfulness of heart for his mercy and love in preserving their lives for another year, are turned into occasions for self-pleasing, for the gratification and glorification of the children. They have been kept by the power of God through every moment of their life, and yet parents do not teach their children to think of this, and to express thanksgiving for his mercy toward them. If children and youth had been properly instructed in this age of the world, what honor, what praise and thanksgiving, would flow from their lips to God! What a revenue of small gifts would be brought from the hands of the little ones to be put into his treasury as thank-offerings! God would be remembered instead of forgotten.

Not only on birthdays should parents and children remember the mercies of the Lord in a special way, but Christmas and New Year's should also be seasons when every household should remember their Creator and Redeemer. Instead of bestowing gifts and offerings in such abundance on human objects, reverence, honor, and gratitude should be rendered to God, and gifts and offerings should be caused to flow in the divine channel. Would not the Lord be pleased with such a remembrance of him? O how God has been forgotten on these occasions. At the very time when his loving-kindness should be remembered, his mercy has been ignored. The lesson of the ungrateful lepers should not be in vain to us. "Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?" Shall only one in ten who are receiving the rich benefits of the Lord, return to bow at his feet and to give praise for his mercies? Shall presents be purchased, and money be expended for unnecessary things, and no wisdom be manifested in the outlay of God's intrusted means? Will parents come out from the world and be separate from its customs? Let them obey the injunction of God, and put forth judicious labor properly to train and educate the young in true knowledge and wisdom. Those men were called wise men who came from the far East to Jerusalem, led by a star in the heavens, to offer gifts of frankincense, myrrh, and gold to the infant Saviour. "Lo, the star, which they saw in the East, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother." Although Christ was the Majesty of heaven, he was born in poverty, and his cradle was a manger. But when the wise men "had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh."

When you have a holiday, make it a pleasant and happy day for your children, and make it also a pleasant day for the poor and the afflicted. Do not let the day pass without bringing thanksgiving and thank-offerings to Jesus. Let parents and children now make earnest effort to redeem the time, and to remedy their past neglect. Let them follow a different course of action from that which the world follows. There are many things which can be devised with taste and cost far less than the unnecessary presents that are so frequently bestowed upon our children and relatives, and thus courtesy can be shown, and happiness brought into the home. You can teach your children a lesson while you explain to them the reason why you have made a change in the value of their presents, telling them that you are convinced that you have hitherto considered their pleasure more than the glory of God. Tell them that you have thought more of your own pleasure and of their gratification and of keeping in harmony with the customs and traditions of the world, in making presents to those who did not need them, than you have of advancing the cause of God. Like the wise men of old, you may offer to God your best gifts, and show by your offerings to him that you appreciate his Gift to a sinful world. Set your children's thoughts running in a new, unselfish channel, by inciting them to present offerings to God for the gift of his only begotten Son. Let a box be made to receive the gifts of the children. The intelligences of heaven are waiting to co-operate with human agents in every work of benevolence, that there may be means in the treasury of the Lord, and "meat in mine house," saith the Lord.

In the days that were before the flood, men left God out of their reckoning, and followed the imagination of their own hearts until violence and cruelty, selfishness and self-exaltation, were the order of the day. The Lord destroyed the inhabitants of the world by a flood, and he declares that as it was in the days before the flood, so it shall be in the days when the Son of man is revealed. We are living near to the coming of the Lord in the clouds of heaven, and let those who would escape from the doom of those who forget God, be careful to maintain good works. God, the great moral Governor, has a law which is to be obeyed, and the angels of God are his officers, to witness to the deeds of evildoers, and to lay the rebellious under arrest. The transgressors of the law of God will meet a just retribution unless they repent before the Majesty of heaven, and by faith in Christ turn to allegiance before it is everlastingly too late.

A great work is to be accomplished through the instrumentality of man; for we are to co-operate with God in pressing back the tide of human woe. Through the power of the Holy Spirit we may be faithful, whole-hearted workers to stand in defense of truth and righteousness, and keep the Lord and his honor continually in mind. Let the perception be clear as to what is due to God for his benevolence in giving the gift of his Son to the human family. Let our liberalities flow toward God. Let thank-offerings be presented to Jesus, and as you gain clearer perceptions of your past deficiencies, let it be made manifest that you are seeking to make decided reformation in accordance with your faith.

For long years God has been robbed of tithes, and gifts, and offerings. Men have forgotten him, and through ignorance of his claims, they have allowed their gifts and offerings to flow in a perverted channel. Let parents and children teach the world by self-denial how they may honor the birth of Christ. Parents will have need of patience and moral strength, in order that in the fear of God they may unlearn the customs of the world. Tremendous evils have come into the world through forgetfulness of God, and through the coming holidays Satan will gather a large harvest of souls, and reap a large revenue of means through enticing men to gratify the desires of the unrenewed heart. Many souls will be led into false paths from which they will never recover. Earnest Christian endeavor should be put forth to establish a new order of things, so that the professed people may work in harmony with his plans, and thus glorify God and bless humanity. -

Be Separate

"Be not conformed 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." To whatever field of labor Christians may be called, in whatever part of the Lord's vineyard they may be assigned to work, they cannot conform to the world. The world's way is not God's way. The world would have Christians conform to its ideas, and meet its own standard of Christianity. The world has marked out a line, and demands that Christians follow in its way, and do those things which will suit the world, and make them one with it in purposes and plans. But the voice of God is heard in his word, speaking to the children of men in unmistakable language, and saying, "Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." Will you obey that voice?

The life of Christ manifested in human character will be antagonistic to the world, and in opposition to its customs and practices. Yet there is continual danger on this point among those who profess to have advanced light. It is Satan's purpose to set in operation such agencies as will lead the people of God into conformity to the world's standard, and it becomes every Bible Christian to sound an alarm in every organized body of professed followers of Jesus Christ. The ministers who stand in the sacred desk should be guarded upon this point, and not lose sight of the fact that they are to be laborers together with God. The Lord will not leave his people to the mercy of their own weak inefficiency; but he will gather them in the arms of his mercy, and bind them to his great heart of infinite love. The Lord sets before his ministers the divine standard, and instructs them that they are to be shepherds of the flock of God and ensamples of good behavior, that the ministry be not blamed, or brought down to a low, common level, and shaped according to the desires of the natural, unconverted heart. The ministers are not to carry into their sacred office their own defective spirits and faulty characters; for in all things they are to fulfill the word, and be found approving themselves "as the ministers of God."

"Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savor of his knowledge by us in every place. For we are unto God a sweet savor of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish; to the one we are a savor of death unto death; and to the other the savor of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things? For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ. Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you? Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men; forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshly tables of the heart. And such trust have we through Christ to Godward; not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament." "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; but have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but, by manifestation of the truth, commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost; in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. . . . For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal."

Those who profess the name of Christ, are to represent Christ as their pattern and example. They are to unfold to others the truth in its purity, and make known to them what are the privileges and responsibilities of the Christian life; and this can be done by the professed follower of Christ only as he conforms his character to the sacred principles of truth. There must be no betrayal of sacred trusts on the part of any one who professes to be a child of God. There must be no obliterating of the line of demarkation between Christians and the world. There must be no bringing down of the truth to a low, common level; for this will dishonor God, who has given an infinite sacrifice in the gift of his Son for the sins of the world. Christ is the way, the truth, and the life.

Many who claim to be the children of God do not seem to understand that the heart must be regenerated; for their practices ignore the words and works of Christ. By their actions they plainly say, "It is my privilege to act out myself. I should be perfectly miserable, if I did not act out myself." This is the kind of religion that is current in the world; but it bears not the heavenly indorsement. It is a deception, a delusion of the enemy. Science, so-called, human reasoning and poetry, cannot be passed on as of equal authority with revelation; but it is Satan's studied purpose to exalt the maxims, traditions, and inventions of men to an equal authority with the word of God; and, having accomplished this, to exalt the words of man to the place of supremacy. Weak souls who have never realized that to be a follower of Christ means the subordination of every power that God has given to the obedience of Christ, will be drawn into the snare that Satan has set for inexperienced feet. The true voice of God, speaking from his word, was not heard, or being heard, was ignored; for other voices attracted the attention and engaged the mind, and thus they were led astray. They did not realize that God required that every thought should be brought into captivity to Jesus Christ. Such restraint as the gospel presented seemed to them a yoke of bondage. They found nothing attractive in the voice of God, which declared unto them what it means to be a child of God, an heir of heaven; but they considered the requirement of God a cruel restriction of their liberty, and one that was wholly unnecessary. They at first neglected the word that pointed out the path cast up for the ransomed of the Lord to walk in, and then despised, and then assailed it as something that restricted and bound them. They were found at last out of conformity to the revealed will of God, and opposed in heart and practice to the word of God.

There is no safety for any of us except as we daily receive a new experience in looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Day by day we are to behold him, and to become changed into his image. We are to represent the divine attributes, and follow the footsteps of Jesus at whatever cost to ourselves. We are to place ourselves under divine guidance, consulting the word of God, and daily inquiring, Is this the way of the Lord? There are various erratic characters that are wholly unlike Jesus, and that are within the church of Christ; but unless they will submit to become as clay in the hands of the potter, and will be willing to receive the heavenly mold, and be shaped into such vessels as God shall choose to make them, they will always bear their deformity of character, always be vessels unto dishonor, and will never receive the finishing touch of immortality. No deficiency of character will be immortalized and mar heaven with its imperfection.

A profession of truth is of no value unless the soul grasps fast the principles, and appropriates and absorbs the rich nourishment of the truth, and thus becomes a partaker of the divine nature. If this is accomplished, the will of the human agent will co-operate with the divine will. The wild, trailing vine which lies prone on the ground, catches at twigs and stumps, and fastens its tendrils about the things of the earth; and in order to have it twine about a proper support, its tendrils must be cut loose from the false supports to which it has attached itself. So it is with the soul. Earthly supports must be removed, and the thoughts and affections must be trained to find their support in God. ( Concluded in next number .) -

Be Separate (Concluded)

Much is said in the epistles about having sound faith, and this should teach us the necessity of exercising caution so that we shall not weave into our experience our own inclinations and our objectionable traits of character. We should be careful that we do not mix the chaff with the wheat. We should take heed that we do not misrepresent the precious, elevating, ennobling principles of truth, and by so doing lead others astray. Soundness in the faith means the correcting of every error that exists even in the thoughts of our hearts, lest we corrupt the word of God. There is great need of healthfulness of soul, and this condition will be attained by accepting the pure truth, and bringing it into practice in our life. As Christians, we need to keep Jesus ever before our minds, remembering that he is the author and the finisher of our faith. Every soul who is seeking to become one with Jesus Christ, must remember that during this testing period of probation, it is his duty to study the life and character of Jesus Christ, and conform his life to the divine standard. This he can only do by the abundant grace of Christ. When the grace of God is given and appropriated, there will be daily improvement made. While Satan on the one side will be seeking to press the believer into his service, Christ on the other side will seek to win and draw the soul to himself. If you become victor over Satan, you will fight many a sturdy battle with inclination, and will be found on strict guard, in order that you may be loyal to God in all things. Satan continues the warfare in the determined purpose of conquering, and it will require continuous effort on your part to be an overcomer. You will have to bring self to task, asking repeatedly, Is this the way of the Lord? Keeping the eye upon Jesus, drawing from him supplies of grace, the striving one will come forth from the conflict with clearer views of God, and will rejoice in the attainment of new strength and power because he has made the Lord first and best and all in all.

Self-discipline must be carried on by every one who claims to be a child of God. Through decided discipline a man or a woman of ordinary mind will accomplish far more for the cause of God than the most brilliant talents and most learned mind without the discipline of the grace of God; for all the highly valued natural endowments are wanting in power without the discipline of the grace of God. Christians should daily feel the necessity of so training their intellectual faculties that should they be called to fill positions of trust, or be required to set the truth before the highest earthly powers, or to whatever duty they may be called, they may be able to do it to the glory of God. There is need of men and women of well-balanced minds and of healthful religious experience. There are many who have but a sickly experience. They cannot endure anything that is unfavorable, and are apt to imagine that they are slighted by their brethren and sisters. They are sick; and yet they feel whole in their one-sidedness and deformity, and will not apply to the Great Physician, who could restore them to soundness. They choose to remain as they are rather than be disturbed by reproofs and warnings. The Lord is not at fault in their case; the patients refuse to take the remedy the Great Physician prescribes. They will not apply the word of God to their souls, and become doers of the word; but prefer to come under influences that are more suited to their natural traits of character, but which counteract all that the Great Physician would do for their souls, and thus they thwart the purposes of God.

Many conform themselves to the world's standard, and are influenced by the opinions and statements of various authors of the world, and their worldly maxims floating in the mind, take the place of the pure word of God, because the word of man suits their taste, approves of their customs, and encourages their defects of character, and the word of God condemns their course. To be separate from the world, to be wholly the Lord's, to be uninfluenced by the rules, maxims, practices, and methods of the world, means far more than many comprehend. At times these worldlings at heart are very much elated because certain lines are touched which meet their natural tastes in religious matters, but they know not by practical experience what the religion of Christ means; for when circumstances change, they are as much depressed as they were elated, and they feel the want of their stimulus as much as the drunkard feels the loss of his spirituous liquor. To flash out brightly now and then under the stimulus of the world's praise is not religion. To be separate from the world, to be consecrated to Jesus Christ, mean much more than they seem to take in. The soul consecrated to the service of Christ has a peace that the world cannot give nor take away. Jesus says, "My peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." "I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you." "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Train the mind by close discipline, and let the thoughts of the heart be brought into subjection to Jesus Christ. As human agents co-operate with God in working out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

Let those who would be the children of God take heed to the command, "Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing." Association with worldly-minded men and women dims the spiritual perception; for it is in direct disobedience to the plain injunctions of the word of God. In worldly society an earthly influence is at work, an atmosphere of poisonous miasma is there which is disastrous to personal piety. Those who truly love God will not cultivate the society of those who do not love Jesus. They will have some realization of their own individual weakness, and they will study prayerfully the word of God, that they may feed upon the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of God, and they will find that Christian society and conversation is food to the soul, that in the society of those who love God, they breathe in the atmosphere of heaven. Christians will exercise love and sympathy one for another. The encouragement given one to another, the esteem manifested one for another, the helps, the instruction, the reproofs, warnings, the Christian counsel that should be found among the followers of Christ, will further them in the spiritual life; for Christian fellowship is according to God's plan. Christians are to cultivate self-restraint, love, forbearance, and unity one to another by the cords of brotherly love. Thus they will together exercise faith, hope, and love toward God; they will have tender consideration for all of like precious faith, and will draw toward those who love God. There will be fellowship such as the world knows not of. "For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness unto him; neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." -

Fellowship With the World Forbidden

"As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him; rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power." "Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any; even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. . . . And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance; for ye serve the Lord Christ."

A Christian, as described by the Scriptures, is a person who is separated from the world in his aims and practices, and is united with Christ,--a possessor of the peace which Christ alone can bestow, finding that the joy of the Lord is his strength, and that his joy is full. Christians will not leave the world to perish unwarned, and make no effort for the reclaiming of the lost. The truth of God sanctifies the believer, and he holds sweet communion with Christ. He puts to use every talent God has given him in the service of Christ in grateful love to him who gave his precious life for him, in order that he might not perish, but have everlasting life. Those who truly love Christ become laborers together with God, and they watch for every opportunity to employ the means at their command in doing good, and in patterning after the works of Christ. They will not yield to temptations to make alliances with the world. They will not unite with secret orders and bind themselves by intimacies with unbelievers. But those who are not wholly on the side of Christ are to a large degree controlled by the maxims and customs of the world. They unite in close companionship with the world, and make partners of those who do not love God, but who rather dishonor him. Alliance with the world on the part of those who profess to be Christians, is pleasing to the enemy of all righteousness; for it is favorable to his determined purpose of building up his kingdom. It is conducive to his success that many of his subjects put on a form of godliness, and assume the appearance of the children of God. By this means his power to deceive and decoy souls to ruin is greatly increased. He exercises his wisdom and power through these unconverted agencies who still claim to be the followers of Christ, and wherever this class of his subjects meet for the supposed purpose of worshiping God, Satan is there to suggest words and to exert his influence against the truth. Satan is rich in this world's goods, and he is full of cunning to deceive, and his most effective agents are those whom he can lead to take a form of godliness while they deny the power of God by their unchristlike characters.

The children of God are to stand firmly for the right under all circumstances. They are not to be deceived by those who have the mind and spirit of the world, or be united with them in their spirit or practices. The bands of union will grow stronger imperceptibly, and the professor of religion, united in some alliance with the world, will finally feel resentment against any one who presents to him the necessity of coming out from the world and being separate. He will come into a condition of such harmony with the world that he will listen to the suggestions of Satan; and as his self-importance is fed by the praise and flattery of the world, and this is more acceptable to him than the self-denial required by the cross of Christ, he turns from the peculiar people of God to those who offer enticements to gratify worldly ambitions and enterprises in harmony with the natural tastes and desires. Backslidden from God, he has tasted the applause of men, and it has become pleasant to him. As he does not receive this praise in the church of Christ, he turns to the world.

The word of God forbids the praising and glorifying of men, therefore Christians cannot glory in men; but the mere professor of religion feels grieved over this lack of human appreciation, and believing that he has wonderful qualifications that his Christian brethren do not discern or rightly estimate, he presses a little closer to the world, loves their deceptive flattery, and thinking he is worthy of being extolled, he drinks more deeply of the turbid streams of the valley, until he no longer thirsts for the snow waters of Lebanon. He is restless and uneasy among true Christians who talk of Jesus and the precious truth. The language of Canaan is a language that he no longer delights in. The atmosphere surrounding the souls of Christians is unlike the atmosphere that surrounds the soul of the worldling, and the half-hearted professor feels uneasy while in the presence of those who love God with all their hearts. He seeks to weed out from his companions those who love and fear God, and he fills up their vacant places with those who do not love and fear him, and who have no respect for his commandments. He makes it evident by his course of action that he does not honor or revere God.

The Lord says, "Them that honor me I will honor." Satan is well pleased with the sentiments of the average Christian whom the people of the world praise and extol, while they cast reproach and contempt on those who truly honor God. The worldly Christian feasting upon the flattery of men will receive no more reward than this that he seeks after. The praise of men will be his whole recompense. But God is grieved by the spirit and action of worldly-minded men and women who yet profess to be on the Lord's side. The personal worldliness of Christians testifies against the religion of Jesus Christ. How few honor God by being his faithful witnesses! Christ says of his true followers, "Ye are the light of the world." "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

God has his faithful witnesses who are not attempting to do that which Christ has pronounced impossible,--that is, seeking to serve God and Mammon at the same time. They are burning and shining lights amid the moral darkness of the world, and amid the gross darkness that covers the people like the pall of death. The members of the church of Christ are individually to be controlled by the Holy Spirit, in order that they may not have a changeable, fluctuating experience. They are to be rooted and grounded in the truth. When the joy of the saving power of Christ's righteousness is rightly understood by experimental knowledge, there will be vital interest in the church, there will be those who will teach transgressors God's ways, and sinners will be converted to the truth as it is in Jesus. It is the professors of religion that need converting; for Satan has brought his deceptions to bear upon their souls. The soul that is brought into personal contact with Christ, becomes a holy temple unto the Lord; for Jesus is made unto the believer wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. He who has fully surrendered to God has a consciousness of Christ's saving presence. He is a possessor of spiritual patience, and has the rest of soul that comes from learning of Him who is meek and lowly of heart. Trusting in Jesus to be his efficiency and righteousness, his soul is filled with a pleasant contentment.

What is the joy of the Christian?--It is the result of the consciousness of the presence of Christ. What is the love of the Christian?--It is the reflection of the love of Christ. It is the effect of the operation of the Holy Spirit. Looking to the cross of Calvary, we see Jesus dying for the sins of the world, in order that by his death, life and immortality might be brought to light in behalf of the contrite soul. Jesus is all in all, and without him we can do nothing. Without Christ, spiritual life would be impossible. But this union of Christ with the soul is the union which Satan is ever seeking to disturb, and through yielding to his temptations, the soul that once was united to Christ may become assimilated to the world, and have no relish for the bread of eternal life. The provision from the table of the Lord, the heavenly manna, is not relished; and the world-loving soul loathes the corn of heaven, and hungers and thirsts for the praise and flattery of the world. The applause of men is the food that is relished by the perverted appetite of the Christless soul. Infatuated by a Satanic ambition to have the supremacy, professed followers of Christ are led on from one delusion to another until eternity is lost out of their reckoning. But he who lives godly in Christ Jesus will have no relish for the forbidden praise of men. -

Accusers Agents of the Adversary

"God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth; but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin."

A healthy Christian is one who has Christ formed within, the hope of glory. He loves truth, purity, and holiness, and will manifest spiritual vitality, having love for the word of God, and seeking communion with those who are acquainted with the word, in order that he may catch every ray of light that God has communicated to them, which reveals Christ and makes him more precious to the soul. He who has sound faith finds that Christ is the life of the soul, that he is in him as a well of water springing up unto everlasting life, and he delights to conform every power of the soul to the obedience of his Lord. The Holy Spirit with its vivifying influence ever keeps such a soul in the love of God.

To the Christian it is written: "Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue; whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises; that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And besides this, giving all diligence, add to your faith, virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, temperance; and to temperance, patience; and to patience, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure; for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall; for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ."

In order to grow up into the full stature of men and women in Christ Jesus, it is necessary to search the Scriptures prayerfully, and to have fellowship with those who love and fear God. If Christ is an indwelling Saviour, we cannot assimilate to the world. The world crucified Jesus Christ, and is at enmity with Christ and with those who love truth, because the truth condemns the children of this world in their sinful, Christless lives. The worldling will betray the children of God, will speak against them, and falsely accuse them. But let no one who claims to be a follower of Christ receive the accusations that spring from the envyings and jealousies of those who love not truth. If you listen to accusations and charges against the children of God who are striving to obey the truth, you thereby become seduced by the enemy, and he will use you as his agent. Those who live in daily communion with Christ will learn to place a proper estimate upon their brethren, and will respect and sympathize with those who are in harmony with the pure, the good, and the true, and will condemn the course of those who are vile, profligate, and unclean before God, and despisers of his truth and righteousness. They will not help the enemy in his work of condemning the righteous and clearing the guilty.

Be afraid to stand on Satan's side, to act as his agent in receiving suggestions that will weaken and discourage those whom God loves. Be afraid to sustain and strengthen the hands of the sinner in aiding him in the least in carrying on his secret, envious workings, and in plotting against the just; for the Lord will surely punish all who engage in this kind of work. The Lord will surely take notice of you in casting reflections upon the child of God, before his brethren or before the unbelievers.

In depreciating the characters of others, the enemies of truth seek to exalt themselves, and look for the praise of men. But the Lord says, "He that loveth his life" -- seeks to be the greatest, loving the praise of men more than the praise of God -- "shall lose it, and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be. If any man serve me, him will my Father honor." Here is light on the point of accusing and of seeking to humiliate the servant of God before the eyes of men. Those who profess the truth are to respect their brethren, and they are to treat them as Christ in the person of his saints. If the love of Jesus is ever abiding in the heart, this will be the case.

After Jesus had washed his disciples' feet, he said, "Ye call me Master and Lord; and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither is he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them." In washing his disciples' feet, Jesus gave us a lesson of humility; and did we practice this ordinance as Jesus has given us the example, it would result in sweeping away the difficulties that arise between brethren, and would heal the estrangement that the enemy would bring into the church; for Jesus is present on such occasions, to bring hearts into fellowship with himself and with one another.

After he had washed the feet of his followers, he said, "I speak not of you all; I know whom I have chosen; but that the Scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me." O that the professed people of God may also have discernment, and know whom God has chosen. He had washed the feet of Judas, who was to betray him. He said, "Ye are clean, but not all." He would have his followers understand that he had a full knowledge of what Judas would do. He foretold his betrayal at the hand of Judas, and said, "Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He hath receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me." Jesus said to the people, "Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you; for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. While ye have the light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them. But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him; that the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed? Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias saith again, He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them."

The Lord has revealed the fact in his word that Satan is at the head of fallen principalities and powers, and is the ruler of the darkness of this world. Day and night he is plotting against God and against those who are seeking to obey the truth. He transforms himself into an angel of light, and makes darkness appear as light, and light as darkness; and he seeks continually to lead unstable souls to unite with him in thinking evil and in speaking evil of those who will not be turned from the truth. He is described in the Scriptures as a liar, a destroyer, a tormentor, an accuser, a murderer, and it will not be difficult to discern on which side a soul is fighting, or under what leadership he is moving, if he is found accusing and condemning others. If men and women have been placed so that they have gained influence, and they use that influence to further Satan's designs, they are uniting with the great adversary and apostate.

Our chief adversary is the devil. He is represented as going about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. When he finds men and women who have become self-exalted, as he himself became in heaven, and full of jealousy, and ambitious for power and prominence, he knows just how to lead them by his temptations so that they will prostitute their powers to his use, and become his agents in ruining their fellow-men. He is ready to work through his human agents in such a way as to conceal himself from view, in order that he may set in operation a train of circumstances that will lead men away from God, lead them away from the association and companionship of those who are connected with Christ, and influence them to do the work of annoying, distressing, and discouraging those who love Jesus. The spell of temptation holds these souls like a bewitching charm. "Every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed." Yielding to the voice of the tempter, the tempted one surrenders virtue and principle, and in place of turning at once to God with contrition and repentance, he severs the last link whereby God's power can work for him, and hell triumphs because he has become the prey of the enemy. When the adversary thus bewitches the soul and entraps the unwary feet, he then represents God as inexorable and unforgiving, declaring that it will be of no use to make a confession of sin now, for God will not pardon. Let not the tempted soul listen to the voice of the accuser and destroyer, and take the way of the hopeless apostate, and plunge into midnight darkness. Remember the promise of God. He says, "Return unto the Lord thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity. Take with you words, and turn to the Lord; say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously." The Lord answers, "I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely; for mine anger is turned away from him." Break with the enemy, and seek the presence of Jesus; with tears of confession and with penitential grief urge once more your suit at the throne of grace. The Lord will hear, the Lord will answer; return ere it be too late.

"We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succored thee; behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) Giving no offense in anything, that the ministry be not blamed; but in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in watchings, in fastings; by pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things."

Let every man who engages in the work of the ministry not merely read, but study the instruction that the apostle Paul has written under the inspiration of the Spirit of God, and then practice the same. The life that Paul describes was also the life of our Pattern, the Majesty of heaven, who clothed his divinity with humanity, and came to our world to associate with and to save those who are lost, to lift up the fallen, saying, "Follow me. I am your Redeemer, I am your Restorer. I will restore you." -

Our Duty to the Poor and Afflicted

"Hearken, my beloved brethren, hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? . . . If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?"

I appeal to my brethren in faith, and urge them to cultivate tenderness of heart. Whatever may be your calling or position, if you cherish selfishness and covetousness, the displeasure of the Lord will be upon you. Do not make the work and cause of God an excuse for dealing closely and selfishly with any one, even if transacting business that has to do with his work. God will accept nothing in the line of gain that is brought into his treasury through selfish transactions. Every act in connection with his work is to bear divine inspection. Every sharp transaction, every attempt to take advantage of a man who is under pressure of circumstances, every plan to purchase his land or property for a sum beneath its value, will not be acceptable to God, even though the money gained is made an offering to his cause. The price of the blood of the only begotten Son of God has been paid for every man, and it is necessary to deal honestly, to deal with equity with every man, in order to carry out the principles of the law of God.

The great principles contained in that law enjoin upon us the duty of loving God supremely and our neighbors as ourselves. Those who love God will keep the first four precepts of the decalogue, which define the duty of man to his Creator. But in carrying out this principle through the grace of Christ, we shall express in our characters the divine attributes, and shall work out the love of God in all our dealing with our fellow-men. "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." God gave his best gift to the world, and whosoever has the attributes of God will love his fellow-men with the same love wherewith God has loved him. The Spirit of God dwelling in the heart will be manifested in love to others.

In keeping the first four commandments, which reveal the duty of man to his God, the worshiper of God will find that he cannot cherish one fiber of the root of selfishness. He cannot do his duty to his God, and practice oppression toward his fellow-men. The second principle of the law is like unto the first, "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." "This do, and thou shalt live." These are the words of Jesus Christ, from which there can be no departure on the part of any man, woman, or youth who would be a true Christian. It is obedience to the principles of the commandments of God, that molds the character after the divine similitude. Those who render this obedience through the grace of Christ, posses the attributes of the Saviour's character, and are partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. The word "lust" here includes not only licentiousness, but covetousness, desire for position, love of money, and that which leads to false dealings and unjust practices.

"The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned; and in keeping of them there is great reward." The people who keep God's commandments are to bring the law of God into their lives, and reveal its value in their characters; they are to be Christlike and show forth true charity.

"Thou shalt not oppress a hired servant that is poor and needy, whether he be of thy brethren, or of thy strangers that are in thy land within thy gates; at his day shalt thou give him his hire, neither shall the sun go down upon it; for he is poor, and setteth his heart upon it; lest he cry against thee unto the Lord, and it be sin unto thee." "Thou shalt not defraud thy neighbor, neither rob him; the wages of him that is hired shall not abide with thee all night until morning."

The Lord Jesus gave these commandments from the pillar of cloud, and Moses repeated them to the children of Israel and wrote them in a book, that they might not depart from righteousness. We are under obligation to fulfill these specifications; for in so doing we fulfill the specifications of the law of God. If a brother who has labored disinterestedly for the cause of God, becomes enfeebled in body, and is unable to do his work, let him not be dismissed and be obliged to get along the best way he can. Give him wages sufficient to support him; for remember he belongs to God's family, and that you are all brethren. In the New Testament the world's Redeemer has specified what constitutes pure religion in our dealings with our fellow-men. Obeying the first four commandments with the whole soul causes us to render supreme love to God, and to become co-workers with God in carrying out the will of God toward our fellow-men. Keeping the first four commandments makes us one with Christ, who gave his life as a ransom to deliver all from the thralldom of sin, and to make us free men and women in him. The value of man is to be estimated at the price paid for his redemption.

The last six precepts of the decalogue reveal the duty of man to his fellow-men; and those who render obedience to the first four commandments will also carry out the injunctions of the last six. We are commanded to love our neighbors as ourselves. This command is not that we shall simply love those who think and believe exactly as we think and believe. Christ illustrated the meaning of the commandment by the parable of the good Samaritan. But how strangely these precious words are neglected, and how frequently men oppress their fellow-men, and lift up their souls unto vanity. Men glory in themselves and exalt themselves above their brethren. "Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches; but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth; for in these things I delight, saith the Lord." "Wash ye, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow."

Can we wonder that the curse of God is upon the earth, upon man and beast, when his law is set aside as a thing of naught, and men are following the imagination of their own hearts, as did the inhabitants of the world before the flood? All this foretells the coming of Christ and the end of all things. "But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be." Through selfish pride, through selfish gratification, the blessing of God has been shut away from men and from his professed people, because they have despised his words, and have failed to relieve the sufferings of humanity. "Ye shall not therefore oppress one another; but thou shalt fear thy God; for I am the Lord your God. Wherefore ye shall do my statutes, and keep my judgments, and do them; and ye shall dwell in the land in safety. And all the land shall yield her fruit, and ye shall eat your fill, and dwell therein in safety."

To those who are doers of the words of Christ, prosperity is insured. In obeying his words, you become workers together with God in uplifting, in blessing, and strengthening the sons of men, cultivating good impulses, and uprooting that which is evil. Christ said, "Make the tree good, and his fruit good." It is only practical piety that is of value. No spurious religionist will enter into the kingdom of heaven, and those who are genuine will bring forth the fruit that is found upon the Christian tree. The fruit found upon the tree is in harmony with its nature. This law prevails throughout the natural kingdom, and illustrates the truth found in the spiritual kingdom. When there is a decided change from a life of sin to one of purity, there will be a corresponding change in words and actions. Those who exercise faith dwell in the presence of purity, and are one with Christ. Their life is hid with Christ in God.

"Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God." The pure in heart ever keep before them their invisible Lord, and they catch his Spirit; they love their Lord with all the heart, and exercise in their lives the love that God has manifested toward all human beings. But "he that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected; hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked." Let all read and understand these words of John, in order that they may make no mistake. To what commandments is John referring? He says, "Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning. Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you; because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth. He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him?"

"If thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee; then thou shalt relieve him; yea, though he be a stranger, or a sojourner; that he may live with thee. Take thou no usury of him, or increase; but fear thy God; that thy brother may live with thee." How tenderly the Lord regards all who are suffering and in want! They are to be helped, not to be oppressed. "Thou shalt not give him thy money upon usury, nor lend him thy victuals for increase. I am the Lord your God, which brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, to give you the land of Canaan, and to be your God."

It would be well if every church would read in its assemblies from the Old Testament the lessons which Christ gave to the people. The Spirit and character of our Heavenly Father in his dealings with men are revealed through these lessons.

Our Duty to the Poor and Afflicted [Continued]

"If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother; but thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wanted. Beware that there be not a thought in thy wicked heart, saying, The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand; and thine eye be evil against thy poor brother, and thou givest him naught; and he cry unto the Lord against thee, and it be sin unto thee. Thou shalt surely give him, and thine heart shall not be grieved when thou givest unto him; because that for this thing the Lord thy God shall bless thee in all thy works, and in all that thou puttest thine hand unto. For the poor shall never cease out of the land; therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land."

In the Old Testament the very same principles were revealed as those which Christ gave in his sermon on the mount. The scribes and Pharisees knew so little of these principles through every-day practice, that Christ's sermon on the mount was as a new revelation to them, and sounded like heresy to their ears. They had misinterpreted the Scripture, and regarded the maxims and sayings of men that had passed to them from rabbi to rabbi, as having the sanctity of inspiration. But the commands of men were not like the divine commands, and better suited their carnal hearts. Jesus, who had instituted the law, knew just how far these professedly pious teachers had departed from the law, and how far they had made it void by their traditions. They had worshipped God in vain, "teaching for doctrines the commandments of men."

Jesus revealed to them the far-reaching principles of the law of God. That which had been said by the rabbis of old time, though it had been oft repeated, and was hoary with age, though it was regarded by men as on a par with divine authority, was put in contrast with his own divine principle. The lessons he had taught to Israel in the Old Testament he repeated in the New Testament. He enjoined upon them the exercise of mercy, compassion, and love toward all with whom they came in contact. Had the Israelites practiced the lessons which Christ spoke from the pillar of cloud, there would have been no oppression by man of his fellow-men. Jesus had said in the Old Testament: "Thou shalt not pervert the judgment of the stranger, nor of the fatherless; nor take the widow's raiment to pledge; but thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in Egypt, and the Lord thy God redeemed thee thence; therefore I command thee to do this thing. When thou cuttest down thine harvest in thy field, and hast forgot a sheaf in the field, thou shalt not go again to fetch it; it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow; that the Lord thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hands. When thou beatest thine olive-tree, thou shalt not go over the boughs again; it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow. When thou gatherest the grapes of thy vineyard, thou shalt not glean it afterward; it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow. And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt; therefore I command thee to do this thing."

If Israel had carried out the will of God that had been made known unto them, the blessing promised to the pure in heart would have rested upon them. They would have seen God, and by beholding him would have become like him in character. The ever-working principle and power of the Holy Spirit would have wrought upon human nature, till the heart was changed, and the character conformed to the likeness of Christ's character. In daily doing the words of Christ, it becomes a pleasure to do his will. Christ came to our world to live out the law of God, to be our pattern in all things. He placed himself between the mercy-seat and the vast number of heartless worshipers who were full of ostentation, pride, and vanity, and by his lessons of truth, which were eloquent with simplicity, he impressed the people with the necessity of spiritual worship. His lessons were impressive, beautiful, and weighty with importance, and yet so simple that a child could understand them. The truth he presented was so deep that the wisest and most accomplished teacher could never exhaust it. Those who work as seeing the invisible, will always preserve simplicity, charging the simplest words with the power of the grandest truths. It was with this kind of teaching that the Lord Jesus exposed the weakness and brought to confusion the theories of the most learned. The spotlessness of his character, untainted with sin, unmarred by a wrinkle, revealed the marked contrast there was between his religion and the pious pretensions of the Pharisees. They could not tolerate Jesus.

Though no fault could be found with Christ, he was rejected of men. With all his accusing power, Satan assaulted him, and could find nothing in him to condemn. Judas, who betrayed him, was constrained to own that he had betrayed innocent blood. Pilate, though he passed the sentence of condemnation upon him, declared that he found no fault in him. Pilate's wife sent word to the Roman governor, saying, "Have thou nothing to do with that just man; for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him." This was the character of the great Teacher who has commanded us to treat our brethren with tenderness and compassion. Shall we disregard his words, and choosing impurity of heart, fail to see God? In failing to obey the words of Christ we become hardhearted, insensible to the woe of our fellow-men, and lack tenderness and love.

I address those who are in responsible positions. How stands your record when compared with the Scripture of the Old and New Testaments? None of your excuses for neglect of obeying the word of God just as it reads, will stand before Heaven. When you employ a man in any branch of the work, and he does his best, and still falls into decay, and his wife and children are caused to suffer, you may pass judgment upon him because he is not successful in his work, and you may allow the cry of this brother and his family to come up against you into the ears of God; but remember that as you judge, you will be judged, and as you measure unto others, it will be measured unto you again. Are you not afraid that the Lord will bring you over the very same ground upon which your brother has fallen? Your brother was of just as much value in the sight of God as you are; for there is no respect of persons with God. He strips off the tinsel, the glitter, and the show with which men have clothed themselves, and beholds them in their true character. He allows those who boast themselves to pass through the strait places in which others have fallen, that they may be tested and tried upon the very points in which others have failed, that they may understand what it is to be regarded with indifference, contempt, and scorn. When others failed in the same place, they did not help, strengthen, and bless; but turned from them in heart, and regarded not their situation.

The Lord has represented himself as a householder who left his goods with his servants, instructing them to trade upon them for his advantage. "He called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. . . . And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading." The Lord has given talents to his servants according to their several ability, and he means that they will be good stewards of their Lord's goods. In carrying out the principles of the law of his government, they will put their talents to good use in distributing to the poor, in manifesting the compassion and love of Christ to their fellow-men. Those who do this will hear from his lips the benediction, "Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things. Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."

Followers of Christ Will Be Missionaries

Those who love Christ will be imbued with the Holy Spirit, and whether they be at home or afar off, they will do missionary work. It is essential to devise plans, to advance money for the progress of the cause of God, but even more than this is required. Personal effort must be put forth to interest souls in the church, to attract the children and the youth. Missionaries must visit families, and become acquainted with every member of the home-circle, so working that they will awaken an interest in every one to love the truth. This kind of work will not be in vain, but will leave results that will be as lasting as eternity. This is true home missionary work.

At present there is not the interest that should be manifested toward those for whom Christ died. The youth are passed by, and because no one seems to have an interest in them, they become reckless and irreligious. Those who love God ought to feed both the sheep and the lambs. They are God's agents to do this very work. With busy hands, with sensitive hearts, with tongues that are as the pen of a ready writer, they are to win the unconcerned and unbelieving, and inspire their brethren and sisters with a missionary spirit. They are not to say "go on," but "come on." As yet not one hundredth part of the efforts that should be made have been made in our large cities to diffuse the light of truth, yet the Lord holds the church accountable for the souls of those who are in darkness, who have not yet heard the warning message.

There is altogether too much self-indulgence, too much investing of money in houses, in adornments, in buying unnecessary things for display; and souls are perishing out of Christ. Men, women, and youth, according to their capacity, should be engaged in some part of the Lord's vineyard. Now is our time and opportunity; we are now in the midst of our God-given probation, in which we are to develop character after Christ's order.

A mere profession of faith does not make us Christians. The vital question is, Have we the mind of Christ? Our Heavenly Father gave Christ to our world as a sin-bearer, in order that he who would believe in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Having made so priceless a donation to men, will he not with Christ freely give us all things? In the gift of his Son, all heaven was opened up, that its priceless treasures might enrich men and women of faith. The love of God has been revealed to the hearts of believers, that they should diffuse the light of heaven, and not spend their time and money in lands and their cultivation, and in taking pleasure in the things which their imaginations might picture as being desirable, as did the inhabitants of the Noachic world.

Let every believer act his faith, and thus give a testimony to the unbelieving world that he does believe that the end of all things is at hand. "Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord." Self is not to figure so largely in the plans of those who claim to believe the truth. The truth for this time is a testing truth, which should stimulate the mind, purity the soul, and sanctify the desires. Its reality should be demonstrated in saving those who are perishing out of Christ. God's work is to be done in his way and his Spirit. In various places small companies are to consecrate themselves to God, body, soul, and spirit; and laying hold of the throne of God by faith they are to work zealously, keeping their souls in the love of God. The vital current of his love will make itself felt, and will be recognized as from heaven in the good works of his people. Those little companies who know the truth, with one voice should bid their minister go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Each one should seek to do individual work for another. Not one who has tasted the goodness, the mercy, and the love of God, can be excused from working for the souls of others.

What a large amount of the talents that God has given to his people are now bound up and buried in the earth; but let every slothful man, woman, or youth who is not employing his talents by putting them out to the exchangers, remember that he will lose the precious treasure, God's gift to him. Talents that are not improved by men will be taken from them, and given to those who will make use of the heaven-intrusted capability. The people of God should realize the fact that God has not given them talents for the purpose of enriching themselves with earthly goods, but in order that they may lay up in store a good foundation against the time to come, even for eternal life.

Let the churches say to those who preach the word: "Go into the cities and villages, and preach the warning. You are God's watchmen on the walls of Zion, and however much we should be gratified to have your labors, we shall not hold you with us. We shall draw for ourselves from the treasure house of heaven by living faith. We shall not take upon ourselves the work of sermonizing, but we will fear God and serve him, and speak often one to another. Not one of us shall be guilty of seeking the supremacy, or of cherishing a burning zeal for speechifying; but in humility of mind, we shall speak often one to another of our individual experiences in our daily life, and shall present the precious things we have found in the word of God by digging for it as for hidden treasure. We shall work in simplicity, and shall pray much, that as sharp sickles our prayers may follow God's delegated sowers and reapers as they go forth into the harvest-field.

In this kind of work the church will flourish in the Lord. They will have a growing experience in learning how to work, and how to honor God with their self-denial, gifts, and offerings. They will learn how to help those who are weak, and lame, and deficient. By being witnesses for Christ, by their example in the faithful discharge of every duty, making manifest the fact that they are good servants, serving the Lord in singleness of heart, they will reveal to all that they are living out the truth which they profess to believe. In letting their light shine in the home missionary work, they will accomplish great results. Their earnest zeal will encourage the messenger for God as he labors for the conversion of sinners, proclaiming to the unbelieving the message of warning, and bidding men, women, youth, and children to escape from the wrath of God that is coming upon all who do not love and obey the truth. Will not the large and small churches awake to their God-given responsibilities? Will they not love God in deed and in truth and their fellow-men as themselves? Will not they open the door of their hearts to Jesus, that he may come in and abide with them, and as a heavenly guest accompany them wherever they shall go, that they may introduce him to others? Shall not the people of God show forth the praises of Him who has called them out of darkness into his marvelous light! To be a child of God means to be perfectly obedient to his words, to learn of Christ, and to teach others that which you have been taught. To be a child of God means to be constantly receiving grace, and constantly imparting it to others. You will then understand what these words mean, "grace for grace."

The young man who came to Jesus asked what he should do that he might inherit eternal life. Jesus told him to keep the commandments, and enumerated several of the precepts of the law. The young man said, "All these things have I kept from my youth up; what lack I yet?" The first four commandments enjoin upon man the duty of loving God supremely, and the last six present the requirement of loving our neighbors as ourselves. How many are truly, sincerely, and whole-heartedly doing this? The Lord is coming in a little while, and are we performing the duties that result from righteousness? Love is the basis of godliness. No man has love to God, no matter what his profession may be, unless he has unselfish love for his brother. As we love God because he first loved us, we shall love all for whom Christ died. We shall not feel like letting the soul who is in the greatest peril and in the greatest need, go unlabored for and uncared for. We shall not feel like holding the erring off, or letting them alone to plunge into further unhappiness and discouragement, and to fall on Satan's battle ground. But the spirit that has largely pervaded the church is an offense to God. Every one who has been free to condemn, to dishearten, and to discourage; who has failed to give tender kindness, sympathy, and compassion to the tempted and the tried, will in his own experience be brought over the ground which others have passed, and will feel what others have suffered because of his want and sympathy, until he shall abhor his hardness of heart and open the door for Jesus to come in. The converting power of God must come to every soul who has any connection with the work and cause of God, that each one may be filled with the love and compassion of Christ, or many will never see the kingdom of heaven. The mutual admiration that is manifested among special friends will not abide the test of trial; for it is not of a holy character. When Christ abides in the soul, he will be revealed in the uplifting of those who most need uplifting. Our neighbor is every person who needs our help. Our neighbor is every soul who is wounded and bruised by the adversary. Our neighbor is every one who is the property of God. We have not seen the good Samaritan largely represented in our churches, or in our offices of publication. We have not seen the men who are reckoned to be God-fearing, manifesting tender compassion for needy souls who are straying away from Christ. Many who claim to have been God's servants have been indifferent, unfeeling, and hard. O that all who claim to be serving God would be baptized with the tenderness, the compassion of Christ, in order that they may feel for those who need words of love and acts of compassion! ( To be continued .) -

Followers of Christ Will Be Missionaries (Continued)

The people of God who profess to be keeping his commandments are but a few in comparison to those whom the world loves and honors. Those who obey the teachings of Christ must bear the cross, and know what self-renunciation means. Those who have a true Christian experience will have the heart and mind of Christ. Those who come in contact with Sabbath-keepers should be the better for their association; for if they live out the commandments of God, they are representatives of the Father and the Son. Many who have filled responsible positions of trust, have failed to practice the keeping of the commandments of God. The very ones they could have helped, they have passed by, as the priest and the Levite passed by the wounded and bruised stranger who had been left to die by the wayside. The very ones who needed the power of the divine Healer to cure their wounds, have been left uncared for and unnoticed. Many have acted as though it were enough to know that Satan had his trap all set for a soul, and they could go home, and rest, and be at ease, and care no more for the one lost sheep. In manifesting such a spirit, it is evident that we have not been partakers of the divine nature, but partakers of the attributes of the enemy of God. This is how the Lord regards it. "He that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad." Jesus said, "Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them."

To practice the principles of love which Christ taught by precept and example, will make the experience of every one who follows him, like the experience of Christ. Such souls will labor with Christ, seeking to uplift and bless their fellow-men. If we desire healthfulness of soul, a sunny experience, we must put into practice the rules given us in Isaiah 58. When those who are connected with the sacred work of God in all our institutions, shall open the door of their hearts, Jesus will come in; for a long time he has been knocking for an entrance. When he is permitted to enter, the sunshine of his righteousness will pervade the soul; but "he that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase."

Souls are perishing out of Christ. I inquire, Who are earnestly making personal efforts to seek the straying ones? Who will seek to roll back every reproach from the sacred truth of God? The voice of Christ is heard giving the invitation, "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Shall we who claim to know by experience what is the blessing to be obtained in coming to Christ, lead others to Jesus? Shall any one who professes to love God, and to love the truth, be cold, unsympathetic, and hard-hearted toward those who stumble, toward those who err, and fail to give them a helping hand when they need help? By their neglect of the erring, by their unsympathetic words and indifferent deportment, some show themselves to be of that class that pass by on the other side. Some pour out words of gall and bitterness in censure, in reproach of the erring, and it is like pouring vitriol into an open wound, instead of pouring in the healing oil. O let us be witnesses for Christ, testifying to the power of his grace by representing him in character! We are to work along Christ's lines, and if we fail to do this, our experience will be marred, and out character will be defective. We are to be continually laboring together with Christ, seeking to turn the darkness of benighted souls into day. By our words, by our actions we are to let Heaven's light shine upon them, and do nothing that will cut off one ray of the light of Christ, "which is the Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world."

Many professed Christians have interposed themselves between Christ, the Sun of Righteousness, and the world. In place of diffusing light, peace, hope, and comfort, they diffuse darkness, discouragement, and hopelessness. Every poor, tried soul needs light, needs tender, sympathizing, hopeful words. Every widow needs the comfort of helpful and encouraging words that others can bestow. Orphans who are lent to Christians in trust for God, are too often passed by and neglected, and yet they are bought with a price, and are just as valuable in the sight of God as we are. They may be ragged, uncouth, rough, destitute, cold, and hungry; yet as Gods' property, Christians should have a lively interest in them. They are members of the household of God, for whom Christians are responsible. "Their souls," saith God, "will I require at thy hands." They must be cared for, they must receive special attention. You cannot expend your means in a better way than by opening your doors to make homes for them. When the Lord sees that you are faithful in doing what you can to relieve human misery, he will move upon others to provide means to care for those who need help. Those who enlarge their hearts in this kind of work, do no more than their duty. Christ is our example. He was the Majesty of heaven, yet he did more for our fellow-men than any of us can possibly do. "Ye are laborers together with God." Let not one needless expenditure be made for the gratification of pride and vanity. Put your mites and your larger sums in the bank of heaven, where they will accumulate. Many who have had precious opportunities to wear the yoke of Christ in this most precious line of work, have refused to submit to the yoke. It has not been pleasant to practice unselfishness, and they have neglected to make the cases of the poor and unfortunate their own. They do not heed the injunctions of Christ, and improve every talent that the Lord has given them, co-operating with heavenly intelligences in gathering souls who will serve, honor, and glorify the name of Christ.

There is a great work to be done in our world, and as we approach the close of earth's history, it does not lessen in the least degree; but when the perfect love of God is in the heart, wonderful things will be done. Christ will be in the heart of the believer as a well of water springing up unto everlasting life. But those who manifest indifference to the suffering ones of humanity will be charged with indifference to Jesus Christ in the person of his suffering saints. Nothing saps spirituality from the soul more quickly than to inclose it in selfishness and self-caring. Those who indulge self and neglect to care for the souls and bodies of those for whom Christ has given his life, are not eating of the bread of life, nor drinking of the water of the well of salvation. They are dry and sapless, like a tree that bears no fruit. They are spiritual dwarfs, who consume their means of self; but "whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."

Christian principles will always be made visible. In a thousand ways the inward principles will be made manifest. Christ abiding in the soul is as a well that never runs dry. Where he abides, there will be an overflowing of beneficence. There will be acts of love for the needy, and provision will be made for the destitute. "But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give, not grudgingly, or of necessity; for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work (as it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor; his righteousness remaineth forever. Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness); being enriched in everything to all bountifulness, which causeth through us [the living human agency] thanksgiving to God."

How many through selfish plans, rob God of the praise and the thanksgiving due to his holy name, because they would hold the goods lent them in trust, and fail to relieve the necessities of their brethren who are in poverty and distress. They do not break the yoke of oppression. Many rob God in tithes and in offerings, so that there is no meat in his house. The Lord says of them, They have "gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them." Listen to the voice of God, speaking to every church, to every family, to every individual: "Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the Lord of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return? Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse; for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation." How many are in this position, who, while they are professing to serve God, are diligently serving themselves and dishonoring the God whose representatives they claim to be? They say, "I do not see that it is my duty to give to the Lord a certain portion of all my income, and I do not feel condemned in not giving it."

Wherein have we robbed God? The Lord answers through his servant the prophet. Listen to his words, which you must meet in the judgment. You will have to meet a revelation of the good you might have done in acts of charity, in giving back to God all that he claimed. Open your hearts, that you may be impressed with the words of the Lord."Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse; for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts. And all nations shall call you blessed; for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts." ( Concluded next week .) -

Followers of Christ Will Be Missionaries (Concluded)

It is a serious thing to embezzle the Lord's goods, to practice robbery toward God; for in so doing the perceptions become perverted and the heart hardened. How barren is the religious experience, how clouded is the understanding, of one who loves not God with pure, unselfish love, and who fails, therefore, to love his neighbor as himself. Though precious opportunities are often presented, he does not accept them, and refuses to wear the yoke of Christ, to be a laborer together with God. Those who follow their selfish, natural inclination, do not make their hearts an abiding place for Christ. They fail to bless others with means that God has lent to them in trust, in order that they may be his almoners; and instead of dispensing it to the poor, like the slothful servant they bury it in lands or in stocks, or give it to their relatives, and the Lord receives neither interest nor principal. The last great day will reveal to them and to the whole universe what good might have been done, had they not followed their selfish inclinations, and thus robbed God in tithes and offerings. They might have placed their treasure in the bank of heaven, and preserved it in bags that wax not old; but instead of doing this, they expended it upon themselves and their children, and seemed to feel afraid that the Lord would get any of their money or their influence, and thus they met with eternal loss. Let them contemplate the consequence of withholding from God. The slothful servant, who puts not out his Lord's money to usury, loses an eternal inheritance in the kingdom of glory.

The Lord says, "Return unto me, and I will return unto you." Do not, like the slothful servant, ask, Wherein shall I return? wherein have I robbed thee? God has laid out the truth plain and clear before every one who has embezzled his Lord's goods. God is in earnest with us. We make desperate efforts to accumulate money, and there may be flattering appearances of our success; but God says, I will blow upon it, I will scatter their substance as the wind scattereth the chaff.

Those who believe in Christ as a personal Saviour will grow in healthful experience, because they fulfill the conditions laid down in Isaiah 58. The Lord says, "Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily; and thy righteousness shall go before thee ["the Lord our righteousness"]; the glory of the Lord shall be thy reward." Consider these words, ye complaining, downcast, discontented, homesick souls. Here is the prescription that the prophet Isaiah was commanded of the Lord to present to you for the healing of the spiritual and bodily maladies. "Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am." I am thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel. "If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity [not exalting yourself, not thinking yourself very wise and prudent, while censuring and oppressing those who meet with trials and misfortunes; not grieving others by unfeeling, reproachful words and actions]; and if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday." O how many souls are starving for words of tenderness, for words of brotherly kindness, for words of hope, of faith, of forgiveness, of Christlike love, that will not quench the last spark of hope: "And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drouth, and make fat thy bones; and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not."

Let us consider that all these rich blessings are for those who keep the commandments of God. What more can we desire? What richer reward can we ask? "And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places; thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in. If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; and shalt honor him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words; then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it."

"I will mention the loving-kindnesses of the Lord, and the praises of the Lord, according to all that the Lord hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which he hath bestowed on them according to his mercies, and according to the multitude of his loving-kindness. For he said, Surely they are my people, children that will not lie; so he was their Saviour. In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the Angel of his presence saved them; in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old." "Go through, go through the gates; prepare ye the way of the people; cast up, cast up the highway; gather out the stones; lift up a standard for the people. Behold, the Lord hath proclaimed unto the end of the world, Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salvation cometh; behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. And they shall call them, The holy people, The redeemed of the Lord; and thou shalt be called, Sought out, A city not forsaken."

The Lord Jesus came to our world to seek and to save that which was lost. He said, "I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." How earnestly we should believe in Christ as our personal Saviour, cultivating an intense desire to use every God-given faculty, every God-intrusted capability of means and influence, to present a crucified and risen Saviour to those who are in darkness. What a pity it is that so many professed Christians are infatuated and deluded with the flattering prospect of becoming rich, in order to make a display and to glorify self before the world. Let every follower of Christ become a living epistle, known and read of all men. Where Christ abides in the heart, there will be deep yearnings of soul for the salvation of those who do not believe in him. Let Christians reveal to every son and daughter of Adam the fact that they are more anxious to practice the good works of Christ in this world, and to be numbered as God's chosen ones, than to be seeking for riches. Let your words and your example be a continual sermon, making manifest the fact that you are laying up your treasure above, that your life is hid with Christ in God, and that it is your hope to appear with Christ, who is your life, when he shall appear in glory.

"Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." Let this be your theme for both precept and example; for conformity to the world and harmony with Christ cannot be maintained. Worldly maxims and worldly practices sap spiritually from heart and life. Conformity to the world means resemblance to the world in meeting the world's standard. But how dwelleth the love of God in the soul of him who assimilates to the world? No man can serve the world and Jesus Christ at the same time. There is an irreconcilable antagonism between Christ and the world. Every one who loves Jesus has a solemn work to do for the world; for "ye are laborers together with God." Christ sought to save the world, not by conformity to it, but by revealing to the world the transforming power of the grace of God to mold and fashion the human character after the likeness of the character of Christ. To go over to the world in our practices will not influence the world to change its principles and practices. With an eye single to the glory of God, we are to live above the world, and yet in every way we are to seek to let the heavenly light shine forth in Christlike actions, and thus exert a powerful influence to save sinners. The moment a professed Christian goes over the line, and follows the fashions of the world, he becomes an idolater, and a stumbling-block to sinners. You can draw the world with you only as you wear Christ's yoke; but you can have no influence for good upon the world in lowering yourself to its low level. Remember Christ gave himself to save you, and you can do no less than give yourself to save souls for whom Christ died. -

The Grace of God Manifested in Good Works

"By grace are ye saved 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 them." "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Since we can be saved only through the grace of God, which is a free gift, why is it that man will to his own hurt, lift himself up in pride and take glory to himself for his supposed good works? The divine favor, the grace of God bestowed upon us through Jesus Christ, is too precious to be given in exchange for any supposed meritorious work on the part of finite, erring man. Man has nothing in himself. The most exalted does not originate from man, but is the endowment of his Creator, and can purchase nothing from God. Gold and silver cannot buy the favor of God; for the wealth of the world is the intrusted talent of the Lord. Let no one think that costly offerings to benevolent enterprises will elevate him in the sight of God, or purchase for him the favor of Heaven, or procure for him a place in the mansions which Jesus has gone to prepare for those who love him. The precious blood of Christ is wholly efficacious. "Ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot." "Ye are not your own, for ye are bought with a price."

The resurrection of Christ from the dead was the Father's seal to the mission of Christ. It was a public expression of his entire satisfaction in the atoning work. He accepted the sacrifice that Jesus had made on our behalf. It was everything that God required, perfect and complete. No human being by any work of his own could piece out the work of Christ. When on the cross Jesus uttered the cry, "It is finished!" glory and joy thrilled heaven, and discomfiture fell upon the confederacy of evil. After that triumphant cry, the world's Redeemer bowed his head and died and to all appearance the Captain of our salvation was conquered; but by his death he was a conqueror, and he has opened the gates of eternal glory so that all who believe in him may not perish, but have everlasting life.

The sinner's only hope is to rely wholly upon Jesus Christ. "Whatsoever is not of faith is sin." Our acceptance with God is sure only through his beloved Son, and good works are but the result of the working of his sin-pardoning love. They are no credit to us, and we have nothing accorded to us for our good works by which we may claim a part in the salvation of our souls. Salvation is God's free gift to the believer, given to him for Christ's sake alone. The troubled soul may find peace through faith in Christ, and his peace will be in proportion to his faith and trust. He cannot present his good works as a plea for the salvation of his soul.

But are good works of no real value? Is the sinner who commits sin every day with impunity, regarded of God with the same favor as the one who through faith in Christ tries to work in his integrity? The Scripture answers, "We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." In his divine arrangement, through his unmerited favor, the Lord has ordained that good works shall be rewarded. We are accepted through Christ's merit alone; and the acts of mercy, the deeds of charity, which we perform, are the fruits of faith; and they become a blessing to us; for men are to be rewarded according to their works. It is the fragrance of the merit of Christ that makes our good works acceptable to God, and it is grace that enables us to do the works for which he rewards us. Our works in and of themselves have no merit. When we have done all that it is possible for us to do, we are to count ourselves as unprofitable servants. We deserve no thanks from God. We have only done what it was our duty to do, and our works could not have been performed in the strength of our own sinful natures.

The Lord has bidden us to draw nigh to him and he will draw nigh to us; and drawing nigh to him, we receive the grace by which to do those works which will be rewarded at his hands. The reward, the glories of heaven, bestowed upon the overcomers, will be proportionate to the degree in which they have represented the character of Christ to the world. "He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly." Thank God that it is our privilege to sow on earth the seed that will be harvested in eternity. The crown of life will be bright or dim, will glitter with many stars, or be lighted by few gems, in accordance with our own course of action. Day by day we may be laying up a good foundation against the time to come. By self-denial, by the exercise of the missionary spirit, by crowding all the good works possible into our life, by seeking so to represent Christ in character that we shall win many souls to the truth, we shall have respect unto the recompense of reward. It rests with us to walk in the light, to make the most of every opportunity and privilege, to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, and so we shall work the works of Christ, and insure for ourselves treasure in the heavens.

Jesus says, "Verily, verily I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do; that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it. If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him, but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you." "I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away; and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. . . . 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 nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you; continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full." "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me; and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him."

From the testimony of Christ we can see that we are regarded by the Lord according to the kind of fruit we bring forth, the kind of works we perform; for they are an index of the way in which we regard Christ. "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's which sent me." These were Christ's words during the last interviews he had with his disciples before his death. The fruits of the life testify to the state of the heart. Jesus said, "Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore their fruits ye shall know them." "And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever." "Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; let him know, that he which converteth a sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins."

Christians are to be indeed the representatives of Jesus Christ; they are not to be pretenders. Shall the world form its conceptions of God by the course of those who only take the name of Christ, and do not his works? Shall they point to those who claim to be believers, but who are not believers at heart, who betray sacred trusts, and work the works of the enemy, and say, "O these are Christians, and they will cheat and lie, and they cannot be trusted"? These are not the ones who truly represent God. But God will not leave the world to be deceived. The Lord has a peculiar people on the earth, and he is not ashamed to call them brethren; for they do the works of Christ. They make it manifest that they love God, because they keep his commandments. They bear the divine image. They are a spectacle unto the world, to angels, and to men. They co-operate with heavenly intelligences, and the Lord is most honored and glorified by those who do the most good works.

True piety of heart is made manifest by good words and good works, and men see the works of those who love God, and they are led thereby to glorify God. The true Christian abounds in good works; he brings forth much fruit. He feeds the hungry, clothes the naked, visits the sick, and ministers to the afflicted. Christians take a heart-felt interest in the children that are about them, who, through the subtle temptations of the enemy, are ready to perish. Fathers and mothers, if you have guarded your own children from the wiles of the foe, look about you to save the souls of the children who have not such care. Have an interest in the souls of those for whom Christ died. There are youth all around us to whom the members of the church owe a duty; for Christ has died for them upon the cross of Calvary to purchase for them the gift of salvation. They are precious in the sight of God, and he desires their eternal happiness. The saving work of Christ is complete only when the members of the church do their part, arising and shining because their light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon them. Christ calls for voluntary co-operation on the part of his agents in doing earnest, consistent work for the salvation of souls. -

Conquer Through the Conqueror

Christ was tempted of Satan on our account. He saw that it was not possible for man in his own strength to overcome the powerful foe, therefore he came in person from the courts of glory, and bore the test that Adam failed to endure. Christ resisted the manifold temptations of Satan on man's behalf, and through his name made it possible for man to overcome Satan on his own behalf.

When we are burdened, when we are pressed with temptation, when the feelings and desires of the natural heart are contending for the victory, we should offer up fervent, importunate prayer to our Heavenly Father in the name of Christ; and this will bring Jesus to our help, so that, through his all-powerful and efficacious name, we may gain the victory and banish Satan from our side. But we should not flatter ourselves that we are safe while we make but feeble efforts in our own behalf. The words of Christ should have weight with us: "Strive [agonize] to enter in at the strait gate; for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able."

Our danger does not arise from the opposition of the world; but it is found in the liability of our being in friendship with the world, and imitating the example of those who love not God or his truth. The loss of earthly things for the truth's sake, the suffering of great inconvenience for loyalty to principle, does not place us in danger of losing our faith and hope; but we are in danger of suffering loss because of being deceived and overcome by the temptations of Satan. Trials will work for our good, if we receive and bear them without murmuring, and will tend to separate us from the love of the world, and will lead us to trust more fully in God.

There is help for us only in God. We should not flatter ourselves that we have any strength or wisdom of our own; for our strength is weakness, our judgment foolishness. Christ conquered the foe in our behalf, because he pitied our weakness and knew that we would be overcome and would perish if he did not come to our help. He clothed his divinity with humanity, and thus was qualified to reach man with his human arm, while with his divine arm he grasped the throne of the Infinite. The merits of Christ elevate and ennoble humanity, and through the name and grace of Christ, it is possible for man to overcome the degradation caused by the fall, and through the exalted, divine nature of Christ, to be linked to the Infinite. It is dangerous for us to think that by any easy or common effort we may win the eternal reward. Let us consider how much it cost our Saviour in the wilderness of temptation to carry on in our behalf the conflict with the wily, malignant foe. Satan knew that everything depended upon his success or failure in his attempt to overcome Christ with his manifold temptations. Satan knew that the plan of salvation would be carried out to its fulfillment, that his power would be taken away, that his destruction would be certain, if Christ bore the test that Adam failed to endure. The temptations of Satan were most effective in degrading human nature, for man could not stand against their powerful influence; but Christ in man's behalf, as man's representative, resting wholly upon the power of God, endured the severe conflict, in order that he might be a perfect example to us.

There is hope for man. Jesus says: "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." The work before us is to overcome as Christ overcame. He fasted forty days, and suffered the keenest pangs of hunger. Christ suffered on our account beyond our comprehension, and we should welcome trial and suffering on our own account for Christ's sake, that we may overcome as Christ also overcame, and be exalted to the throne of our Redeemer. Let us consider the life and suffering of our precious Saviour in our behalf, and remember that if we are not willing to endure trial, toil, and conflict, if we are not willing to be partakers with Christ of his sufferings, we shall be found unworthy of a seat upon his throne.

We have everything to gain in the conflict with our mighty foe, and we dare not for a moment yield to his temptations. We know that in our own strength it is not possible for us to succeed; but as Christ humbled himself, and took upon himself our nature, he is acquainted with our necessities, and has himself borne the heaviest temptations that man will have to bear, has conquered the enemy in resisting his suggestions, in order that man may learn how to be conqueror. He was clothed with a body like ours, and in every respect suffered what man will suffer, and very much more. We shall never be called upon to suffer as Christ suffered; for the sins not of one, but the sins of the whole world were laid upon Christ. He endured humiliation, reproach, suffering, and death, that we by following his example might inherit all things.

Christ is our pattern, the perfect and holy example that has been given us to follow. We can never equal the pattern; but we may imitate and resemble it according to our ability. When we fall, all helpless, suffering in consequence of our realization of the sinfulness of sin; when we humble ourselves before God, afflicting our souls by true repentance and contrition; when we offer our fervent prayers to God in the name of Christ, we shall as surely be received by the Father, as we sincerely make a complete surrender of our all to God. We should realize in our inmost soul that all our efforts in and of ourselves will be utterly worthless; for it is only in the name and strength of the Conqueror that we shall be overcomers.

If we believe in the power of Jesus' name, and present our petitions to God in his name, we shall never be turned away. The Lord says, "To this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word." The psalmist says, "He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer." Our help cometh from God, who holds all things in his own hands. Our peace is in the assurance that his love is exercised toward us. If faith grasps this assurance, we have gained all; if we lose this assurance, all is lost. When we surrender all we have and are to God, and are placed in trying and dangerous positions, coming in contact with Satan, we should remember that we shall have victory in meeting the enemy in the name and power of the Conqueror. Every angel would be commissioned to come to our rescue, when we thus depend upon Christ, rather than that we should be permitted to be overcome. But we need not expect to get the victory without suffering; for Jesus suffered in conquering for us. While we suffer in his name, while we are called upon to deny appetite, and to withdraw ourselves from lovers of pleasure, we should not murmur, but should rather rejoice that we are privileged in a very small degree to be partakers with Christ of the trial, the sacrifice, the self-denial, and the suffering that our Lord endured on our behalf, that we might obtain eternal salvation.

Nothing can be more helpless, nothing can be more dependent, than the soul that feels its nothingness, and relies wholly upon the merits of the blood of a crucified and risen Saviour. The Christian life is a life of warfare, of continual conflict. It is a battle and a march. But every act of obedience to Christ, every act of self-denial for his sake, every trial well endured, every victory gained over temptation, is a step in the march to the glory of final victory. If we take Christ for our guide, he will lead us safely along the narrow way. The road may be rough and thorny; the ascent may be steep and dangerous; there may be pitfalls upon the right hand and upon the left; we may have to endure toil in our journey; when weary, when longing for rest, we may have to toil on; when faint, we may have to fight; when discouraged, we may be called upon to hope; but with Christ as our Guide, we shall not lose the path to immortal life, we shall not fail to reach the desired haven at last. Christ himself has trod the rough pathway before us, and has smoothed the path for our feet. The narrow path of holiness, the way cast up for the ransomed of the Lord to walk in, is illuminated by Him who is the Light of the world. As we follow in his steps, his light will shine upon us; and as we reflect the light borrowed from the glory of Christ, the path will grow brighter and brighter unto the perfect day.

We may think it pleasant at first to follow pride and worldly ambition; but the end is pain and sorrow. Selfish plans may present flattering promises, and hold out the hope of enjoyment; but we shall find that our happiness is poisoned and our life embittered by hopes that center in self. In following Christ we are safe; for he will not suffer the powers of darkness to hurt one hair of our heads. He will keep that which is committed to his trust, and we shall be more than conquerors through him that loved us. -

Ordained to Bring Forth Fruit

Christ says of his followers, "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain; that whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he may give it you."

Satan, the great apostate, has drawn the world to himself; but in the gift of the only begotten Son, the Father has provided that divine power shall work in opposition to the powers of darkness. Jesus said, "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me." Satan has placed his seat on the earth, where should be the throne of God, and men prostrate themselves before the prince of evil, rendering to him the homage that belongs alone to God. But the cross of Christ has been erected between earth and heaven, and Jesus, the Prince of life, says: "Through my love, I will draw the idolatrous hearts of men to myself. I will place myself in harmony with human nature, and will engage every holy influence and agency in the universe to array itself against the forces of evil."

The Lord of life and glory came and dwelt among men. Instead of withdrawing himself because of the sinfulness of man, instead of confining his labors to a few congenial spirits, and leaving those who knew him not, to the blindness and ignorance of their sinful hearts, as they deserved to be left, he came nearer to erring humanity. Though in him dwelt all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, he clothed his divinity with humanity, and established his dwelling-place on the earth, in order that he might demonstrate to men the infinite measure of God's love. He came to reveal to men to what extent the Son of God could submit to humiliation, self-denial, and suffering, in order to accomplish his divine purpose of working out the salvation of men.

The glory of Christ is his character, and it is the character of Christ that draws the hearts of men. Connected with the God of all power, divine sympathy draws minds into harmony with the divine, and imparts fresh impulses to human hearts. The love of Christ draws the hearts of those who contemplate his humiliation and suffering in the sinner's behalf. They are amazed at the spectacle of God becoming a sacrifice for the guilty, and though they cannot fathom the depths of his love, they submit to be drawn to him, and respond to his amazing love, exclaiming, "Thy gentleness hath made me great."

In the plan of restoring in men the divine image, it was provided that the Holy Spirit should move upon human minds, and be as the presence of Christ, a molding agency upon human character. Receiving the truth, men become also recipients of the grace of Christ, and devote their sanctified human ability to the work in which Christ was engaged,--men become laborers together with God. It is to make men agents for God, that divine truth is brought home to their understanding. But I would inquire of the church, Have you answered this purpose? Have you fulfilled the design of God in diffusing the light of divine truth, in scattering abroad the precious jewels of truth?

What must be the thoughts of the angels of God as they look upon the church of Christ, and see how slow is the action of those who profess to be the followers of Christ, to impart the light of truth to the world which lies in moral darkness? Heavenly intelligences know that the cross is the great center of attraction. They know that it is through the cross that fallen man is to receive the atonement, and to be brought into unity with God. The councils of heaven are looking upon you who claim to have accepted Christ as your personal Saviour, to see you make known the salvation of God to those who sit in darkness. They are looking to see you making known the significance of the dispensation of the Holy Spirit; how that through the working of this divine agency the minds of men, corrupted and defiled by sin, may become disenchanted with the lies and presentations of Satan, and turn to Christ as their only hope, their personal Saviour. Christ says: "I have chosen you, and ordained you, that you should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain." As Christ's ambassador, I would entreat of all who read these lines to take heed while it is called to-day. "If ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts." Without waiting a moment, inquire, What am I to Christ? and what is Christ to me? What is my work? What is the character of the fruit I bear?

Through the mediumship of truth the character is transformed, and fashioned after the divine similitude. Peter represents Christians as those who have purified their souls through obedience to the truth through the operation of the Holy Spirit. This is confessing Christ. Jesus says: "Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I also confess before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven." This statement will cause all who conscientiously desire to know the way of the Lord, to fear and tremble. They will carefully consider what it is to confess Christ. The only way to understand what is our duty is to study the Scriptures and to learn perfectly the lessons of Christ, and to make a good confession of faith, not with our lips only, but in spirit, words, and works. The Lord says, "Ye are my witnesses." We do not become witnesses for Christ by maintaining a mere form of godliness, but we are his witnesses when we make that confession of Christ which is approved and accepted of the Father. To make such a confession, we must represent Christ in a holy life and blameless conversation. 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." But no one can confess Christ unless the Spirit of Christ abides within him as a living principle. The conversation and deportment will manifest what is in the heart, giving visible expression to the grace and truth within, or revealing the corruption and unbelief of the soul.

It is the Christian's business to shine. The professed follower of Christ is not fulfilling the requirements of the gospel unless he is ministering to others. He is never to forget that he is to let his light so shine before men that they, seeing his good works, may glorify their Father which is in heaven. His speech is to be always with grace, and in harmony with his profession of faith. His work is to reveal Christ to the world. Jesus Christ and him crucified is his inexhaustible theme, of which he is freely to speak, bringing out of the good treasure of his heart the precious things of the gospel. The heart that is filled with the blessed hope, that is big with immortality and full of glory, cannot be dumb. He who has a realization of the sacred presence of Christ, cannot speak light and trifling words; for his words are to be sober, a savor of life unto life. We are not to be children, tossed to and fro, but we are to be anchored in Jesus Christ, and to have something of solid worth of which to speak. Those with whom the Christian comes in contact have a right to know what has been revealed to the follower of Christ, and he is to make it known both by precept and example. The Christian is to publish the good news of salvation, and he is never to weary of the recital of God's goodness. He is continually to draw with Christ, and continually to draw from Christ, eating the flesh and drinking the blood of the Son of man, which Jesus declares are his words, that are spirit and life. Thus he will always have a fresh supply of heavenly manna. Every Christian, high or low, rich or poor, learned or ignorant, is to talk of the kingdom of God, to speak of Christ and him crucified, to those who are in ignorance and sin. You are to speak to sinners; for you know not but God is moving upon their hearts. Never forget that great responsibility attaches to every word you utter in their presence. Ask yourself the question, How many have I spoken to with my heart filled with the love of Christ, concerning the unspeakable gift of God's mercy and Christ's righteousness? To how many of your friends, relatives, and neighbors, have you written, reaching out in unselfish love, that their souls may be saved? Christ said, "I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it." ( Concluded next week .) -

Ordained to Bring Forth Fruit (Concluded)

What are you doing, my Christian brothers and sisters? Can you say that as far as it was in your power, you have declared, or represented, Christ and his love for fallen humanity to those who know him not? If you have confined your efforts mostly to those who are of the same faith as yourself, what about seeking those who are lost. If the curtain could be rolled back, you would see souls perishing in their sins, and the church idle, indolent, unsympathetic, absorbed in selfish interests, and caring not whether souls are saved or lost, so long as they themselves can have an easy time, and be secure in the hope of salvation. But no one will ever enter heaven who is not a laborer together with God. If you had any appreciation of the salvation brought to you at infinite cost, you would arouse, you would lay hold upon the strength of Jesus, you would lift up your voice like a trumpet, and show "my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins." You would cry aloud, and spare not. You would work to the utmost of your capacity, reaching first one and then another. But you cannot do the work of God unless you are abiding in Christ.

Many parents seem asleep, or dead in trespasses and sins, and have lost all sense of their accountability to God. They will have to render an account as to why their children are unsaved, why they are rebels against God's government, and are allied with the hosts of darkness. It is their privilege to possess a greater influence over their households than the monarch on his throne possesses over his subjects; but they will have the influence of the Holy Spirit only as they surrender themselves to the rule of Christ. When they are brought under discipline to Christ themselves, and are his loyal subjects, they will have power to train and educate the members of their family to be obedient; and their requirements will be in harmony with the will of God and the Spirit of Christ. Like Abraham, they will command their households to keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment.

Those who govern their families in the right way, will bring into the church an influence of order and reverence. They will represent the attributes of mercy and justice as standing hand in hand. They will reveal to their children the character of Christ. The law of kindness and love upon their lips, will not make their commands weak and without authority, and their injunctions will not be met with disobedience. Parents are standing in the place of God to their children, and unfaithful parents will have a sorrowful account to render to the God of heaven for their wicked indulgence of wrong in their children. Through firmness and decision, they might have closed the door of temptation, which, because of their irresolution in dealing with the desires and requests of their children, they have left open, and made an easy entrance for the enemy to come in and to mold and fashion their children's character after his own similitude. When home duties are ignored and neglected, children grow up to bring their parents to shame. They go into society with perverse tempers, with untamed, ungoverned wills, and in their turn they mold the characters of others who are weak and foolish, and thus swell the ranks of Satan's army that wars against divine order and authority.

The parent who professes to be a Christian, and yet who has chosen to act the part that seemed easiest, and in so doing has given Satan a chance to solicit the minds of his children, and to subvert them in evil ways, will carry this same disposition into his church relations, and will act over the same course in connection with sacred interests. Those who become careless in their home duties, deny Christ in their characters, and they go from weakness to weakness. They neglect also their duties to their friends and neighbors, and lose all realization as to their responsibilities as soldiers of the Lord Jesus Christ. If they had kept the way of the Lord at any expense to their natural feelings, and had required obedience from their children, what a different picture would have been presented before the universe of heaven!

Faithful work done in the home, educates others to do the same class of work. The spirit of fidelity to God is like leaven, and when manifested in the church, will have an effect upon others, and will be a recommendation to Christianity everywhere. The work of whole-souled soldiers of Christ is as far-reaching as eternity. Then why is it that there is such a lack of the missionary spirit in our churches?--It is because there is a neglect of home piety. The Lord God of heaven is grieved because those who should be living agents, praying, "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done," are through their unconsecrated course of action, separating their children from Christ. They are not commanding their children after them as did Abraham, teaching them from babyhood upward through childhood and youth, to render obedience.

These matters have been laid open in clear lines before me, and I know that those who neglect to keep the way of the Lord, who do not require their children to be obedient and submissive, will have to repent and reform if they ever hear from the lips of the Master, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant." Is it not time for the people of God greatly to humble their hearts before God, and inquire by diligent searching of his word and by earnest prayer, as to what is the way in which he would have them walk?

Every one should understand that every member of the human family sustains an important relationship to every other member of the human family, and forms a link in the great chain which binds man to his fellow-men. By the most sacred responsibilities, the Christian is bound to exercise his influence for Christ; and if he does this, he will love God with all his heart, and his neighbor as himself. If the Christian is to exert an influence on the side of Christ in the world, then how much more should his influence be felt in his own home? The promise of God is to him and to his children, and he should see to it that his connection is so close with God, that nothing but hallowed influences may breathe within the family circle. Parents should seek to comprehend the fact that they are to train their children for the courts of God. When they are intrusted with children, it is the same as though Christ placed them in their arms and said, "Train these children for me, that they may shine in the courts of God." One of the first sounds that should attract their attention is the name of Jesus, and in their earliest years they should be led to the footstool of prayer. Their minds should be filled with stories of the life of the Lord, and their imagination encouraged in picturing the glories of the world to come. Christian parents, you are charged with the responsibility of presenting to the world the power and excellence of home religion. Let those who have erred in training their little ones, who have failed to represent Christ in their home life, now repent of their mistakes before it is everlastingly too late. Let Christian parents resolve that they will be loyal to God, and let them gather their children into their homes with them, and strike the door-post with blood, representing Christ as the only one who can shield and save, that the destroying angel may pass over the cherished circle of the household. Let the world see that a more than human influence is at work in the home. Let parents maintain a vital connection with God, set themselves on Christ's side, and show by his grace what great good may be accomplished through parental agency. -

No Union Between the Church and the World

God is love, God is life. It is the prerogative of God to redeem, reconstruct, and restore. Before the foundation of the world the Son of God was given to die, and redemption is the mystery that was "kept in silence from times eternal." Yet sin is unexplainable, and no reason can be found for its existence. No soul knows what God is, until he sees himself a sinner in the light from the cross of Calvary; but when in his great need, he cries out for a sin-pardoning Saviour, God is revealed to him as gracious and merciful, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth. The work of Christ is to redeem, to restore, to seek, and to save that which was lost. If we are connected with Christ, we also are partakers of the divine nature, and are to be laborers together with God. We are to bind up the bruised and wounded soul, and if a brother or a sister has erred, we are not to join with the enemy in destroying and ruining, but to work with Christ to restore such a one in the spirit of meekness.

The foundation of our hope in Christ is the fact that we recognize ourselves as sinners in need of restoration and redemption. It is because we are sinners, that we have courage to claim him as our Saviour. Then let us take heed lest we deal with the erring in a way that would say to others that we have no need of redemption. Let us not denounce, condemn, and destroy as though we were faultless. It is the work of Christ to mend, to heal, to restore. God is love, in himself, in his very essence. He makes the very best of that which appears an injury, and gives Satan no occasion for triumphing by making the worst appear, or by exposing our weaknesses to our enemies.

It is the work of Satan to destroy, and the world is his agent to work along these lines. The worldling is ever on the alert, watching a chance to criticise those who would serve God. Those who have not been transformed by the grace of Jesus Christ, are filled with a complaining, querulous spirit toward the servants of Jesus. Many despise the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, and if they can make it appear that those who are striving to obey the commandments of God are faulty, they strike an arrow at the people of God for the prince of accusers. The cruel thrusts of unbelievers will do little harm if those who profess to be servants of Christ will stand true to his words, and be doers of the word, and not hearers only. When unbelievers come to one of the servants of Christ with a complaint against some brother or sister in the church, let him remember that he is pledged to Jesus Christ to love and to respect and be faithful to them who are united with him in the bonds of Christian fellowship. The Christian is not to unite with false accusers of the brethren. He is not to take up a reproach against his neighbor, or in any way to second the work of the enemy by playing into his hands, and making his work a success.

The world must not be introduced into the church and married to the church. Through union with the world the church will become corrupt,--"a cage of every unclean and hateful bird." The customs of the world must not have a place; for they will be open doors through which the prince of darkness will find access, and the line of demarkation will become indistinguishable between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not. Jesus presented a parable to his followers concerning a field in which it was supposed there was nothing sown but good wheat. But those to whom the field had been intrusted looked upon it with disappointment, for with the wheat came up also a crop of tares. They inquired of the owner, "Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?" The owner of the field replied, "An enemy hath done this."

The world is the chief enemy of religion; for Satanic forces are continually at work through the world, and it is the object of Satan to bring the church and the world into such close fellowship that their aims, their spirit, their principles, shall harmonize, and that it will be impossible to distinguish between him who professes to serve God and him who serveth him not. The enemy works continually to push the world to the front, and to make it appear that those who do not serve Jesus, who do not believe in him, and who do not seek to be doers of his word, are superior in character to those who seek to follow in his footsteps.

It was the world that crucified the Lord of life and glory. Jesus was put to death to gratify the malice of the Jews, who were filled with the spirit and principles of the world. They hated the spotless Son of God, because the principles he presented did not harmonize with their ideas,--did not coincide with their ambitious aims. They hated him because he condemned all guile, frowned upon every unholy practice, and rebuked their self-seeking policy and love of supremacy. Pilate and Herod became friends in crucifying Jesus Christ. Notwithstanding Pilate had pronounced him innocent, he gratified the enmity of the Jews, by consenting to the death of one who was guiltless. Even the disciples of Christ were swayed from their allegiance to Christ by the enmity of the world. Judas betrayed his Lord for thirty pieces of silver, and Peter denied him in his humiliation in the judgment-hall. A few hours before, he had, with great firmness, assured his Master that though all men should deny him, he would not; but that he was ready to go with him to prison and to death. In his self-confidence he would not hear to the truth that he would deny his Master thrice ere the cock should crow. He was so self-confident that he would not receive the word of Christ as verity and truth. How little he knew himself! In the very hour when he should have watched with Jesus, lifting his heart to heaven in prayer, he denied his Master. When accused of being one of the disciples of Jesus, he declared that he knew not the man; and as the charge was made again and again, he finally emphasized his denial with cursing and swearing. Then Jesus turned and looked upon Peter. That glance was full of sadness and grief, but not of despair. It broke the heart of Peter, and sent him forth to weep bitterly in repentance of his sin.

The influence of the world did not prevail with Peter. He was converted, and after the resurrection of Christ, he was endowed with the Holy Spirit, and then with boldness charged the rulers with their guilt in putting Christ to death. He said, "Ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; and killed the Prince of life." After his conversion, Peter showed that he was an entirely changed man. He was not the self-confident, boasting Peter that he had been before his conversion. And when the enemies of Christ threatened him, and charged him that he should not teach any more in the name of Jesus, and bring this man's blood upon them, their threatening did not intimidate the servant of Christ. He did not turn coward, but with the other apostles proclaimed the name of Christ until they were all shut up in prison. But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said, "Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life." The command of the angel was opposed to the command of the authorities, and which should they obey? "Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them. Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space; and said unto them, . . . Refrain from these men, and let them alone; for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to naught; but if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God."

The world is not a friend to truth, and the servants of God must not allow themselves to be affected by the accusations of worldlings against those who love the truth. Let all the believers study the lessons that Christ has given. If complaints are made against a brother or a sister, let those who hear the report follow the Saviour's instruction, and go to the accused alone, and see if the matter cannot be explained. If there is real wrong existing, and he will not hear you, then take two or three others, and in the spirit of love and meekness, seeking God for wisdom, try to restore such a one. If this method does not succeed in winning him from his evil ways, bring his case before the church. Unbelievers have no part to act in any of these dealings. They could not discern the motives or principles that believers are to follow in caring for their brethren, nor understand the relation that exists between those of like faith. As soldiers of Jesus Christ, we are under obligation to be true to one another. The followers of Christ are to keep step with their Leader, and never utter a complaint against a brother to an enemy of truth. Let there be no betrayal of sacred trusts. Give not the enemies of Christ cause to triumph or to take advantage of God's servants. Let the counsel of the people of God be with their own company. "The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him." -

Personal Labor Required of the Ministers

"And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house, testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. . . . Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood." "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; neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away."

The work of the minister is not finished when he leaves the pulpit. I have had presented before me the wrong on the part of the people of criticising ministers, and have also had presented before me the necessity on the part of ministers of thoroughness in dealing with those who need instruction both in our churches and schools. The duty of the gospel minister is plainly revealed in the word of God. "Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation 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; through whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory; whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus."

The qualifications of ministers should be just what Paul represents them to be, and were they thus qualified, we should see efficiency and fullness of labor, and every man presented perfect in Christ Jesus. "Whereunto I also labor, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily." The minister should be free from every unnecessary temporal perplexity, in order that he may give himself up to that culture that is essential for him who is handling sacred things. The minister's dress should be in accordance with the high character of the work he is doing. He should be much in prayer, and bring himself under discipline to God, that he may be self-controlled, inquiring at every step, Is this the way of the Lord? His language should be correct and no slang phrase nor cheap, low talk, should be heard from his lips. Let ministers and teachers reach the standard that is set forth in the Scriptures. Let them not neglect that which is looked upon as of little moment. Neglect of little things leads to neglect in larger responsibilities. He that is faithful in that which is least, is faithful in that which is much. The actual discipline of life is made up of a training on little things. We are to train the thoughts, bind them about, and gird up the loins of the mind. The sanctification of soul, spirit, and body is the work of a lifetime. We are constantly to behold the Pattern, and continually grow in grace and the knowledge of the truth. Even in the least responsibility, in conversation concerning plans in business counsels, we should preserve our Christian decorum. Be very nice and pure and elevated in everything that concerns eternal interests. There should be no soiled covers on a table or stand where the Bible is opened before the people. Let everything be neat and modest, and in keeping with the character of the work which we have to do. When the ordinance of baptism is administered, the candidates for baptism should be provided with robes appropriate for the occasion. They should be well-shaped garments, and made of suitable material. The best of order should be preserved, and nothing clumsy or uncouth should be seen in this holy ordinance. The administrator should make this an occasion of solemn, sacred influence upon those who are looking on, that it should have an elevating effect upon those who witness it, and not be placed on a level with common things.

The manner in which ministers conduct themselves in the pulpit and out of it and in ordinances connected with divine service, educates the people by its influence. In little acts the soul is trained and disciplined for eternity, and little things are of vast consequence in the uplifting and sanctification of the believer through the Spirit. The work of sanctification must go on, not by impulse, but by steady, healthful advances, progressing toward perfection. The members of our churches need educating, that they may manifest more reverence for the sacred service of God. This object should be kept before them in all countries. A broader, higher training should be given to our human powers, that we may do a better and more acceptable service for the Master. Ministers of God should make the most of their opportunities and advantages, that, as educators of the people, they may reach a high and holy standard. Let those who labor in word and doctrine strive to perfect themselves in the use of language. The voice is a great power, and yet many have not trained their voices in such a way that they may be used to their highest capacity. Jesus is our example. His voice was musical, and was never raised in high, strained notes while he was speaking to the people. He did not speak so rapidly that his words were crowded one upon another in such a way that it made it difficult to understand him. He distinctly enunciated every word, and those who heard his voice bore the testimony that "never man spake like this man."

Let no one for a moment think that he is prepared to graduate. We have much to learn in making our manners more acceptable , and in using our voices in highest usefulness. As light shines upon us, we should walk as children of light. He who occupies the position of an educator should set his mark high. The minister of the gospel should not devote all his attention to sermonizing; for he is to keep the church of God in order, and educate its members to conform to the divine model. The truth, when received into the heart, purifies the soul, and the religion of Jesus never makes its receiver coarse and rough and uncourteous. Truth has an elevating influence, and acts as a refiner. It is a constant educator, and molds and fashions the character after the likeness of Christ, fitting the believer for the courts above. It is a grand principle that must be worked out in practical life.

There is no danger of belittling the mind by giving due attention to the little things of life. It is of great importance to give attention to acts of politeness, to the manifestation of tender regard for the brethren. There should be no neglect of speaking soft, peaceable, and encouraging words in the family circle. The habits of the home life stamp an impression upon the character, and if they are after a Christlike order, they will lead those who possess them to speak words that will be like fragrance, and ascend as precious incense to the throne of God. Where there is not the case, the presence of the angels is not felt in the home. Love, kindness, gentleness, forbearance, and long-suffering are not found, and the character is not garrisoned with right habits.

He who accepts the position of being a mouthpiece for God should consider it highly essential that he present the truth with all the grace and intelligence that he can acquire through discipline of the mind, and in such a manner that the truth will lose nothing by his presentation. Let no one consider it a little thing to speak in a thick voice and a clumsy manner, or to pitch the voice in a high, unnatural key, and talk loud and long, and thus abuse the organs of speech given to God, and make himself unacceptable to the people. "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." Let every man have Christ abiding in him, "the hope of glory, whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus." -

True Wisdom Is Full of Mercy

"Who is a wise man, and endued with knowledge among you? let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth." What is lying against the truth?--It is claiming to believe the truth while the spirit, the words, the deportment, represent not Christ but Satan. To surmise evil, to be impatient and unforgiving, is lying against the truth; but love, patience, and long forbearance are in accordance with the principles of truth. Truth is ever pure, ever kind, breathing a heavenly fragrance unmingled with selfishness.

If there is any one in the church who desires to be a teacher, who thinks himself called upon to instruct others, let him show a fitness for the position, not by his profession merely, not by his discourses alone, but by his spirit and life. Let him not indulge in evil surmisings, let him give no credence to hearsay, or be found reporting a tale of reproach to others while neglecting to learn whether the accusation is true or false. Let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.

Those who delight to criticise their brethren, make manifest the fact that they pride themselves in their superior wisdom, because they discern stains upon the characters of their brethren that others have failed to see; but "this wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace." The apostle has given us a description of the fruits' of pure and undefiled religion, and has also delineated the character of the fruits of that wisdom which descendeth not from above. My dear brethren and sisters, will you consider these truths, noting how opposite in character and tendency they are, and determine which kind you are cultivating? May the Lord open the eyes of our people to see clearly on which side they stand. Good fruits are without partiality and without hypocrisy.

When the grace of Christ is in the heart, tender compassion will be manifested for one another, and words and deeds of kindness will be done, not merely for the few who extol and favor you, but for those for whom Christ died. The harvest of peace is sown in peace of them that make peace. Christ knows the spirit we cherish; for the faithful Witness says, "I know thy works." The thoughts of the heart are not hidden from him, and by our words and deeds we shall be judged in the last great day. God will not vindicate us if we manifest a harsh, denunciatory spirit, either toward our own brethren or toward those who are not of our faith. Those who do this may appear to have a zeal for the truth, but it is not according to knowledge. To be unkind, to denounce others, to give expression to harsh, severe judgments, to entertain evil thoughts, is not the result of that wisdom which is from above, but is the sure evidence of an unsanctified ambition, after the order of that which caused the condemnation of Jesus.

The language of the Christian must be mild and circumspect; for his holy faith requires him to represent Christ to the world. All those who abide in Christ will manifest the kind, forgiving courtesy that characterized his life. Their works will be works of piety, equity, and purity. They will have the meekness of wisdom, and will exercise the gift of the grace of Jesus. They will be willing and ready to forgive, earnestly seeking to be at peace with their brethren. They will represent that spirit which they desire to be exercised toward them by their Heavenly Father. The enemy has been at work seeking to control the thoughts and affections of many who claim to be led by the Spirit of truth. Many cherish unkind thoughts, envyings, evil surmisings, and pride, and manifest a fierce spirit that leads them to do works like those of the evil one. They have a love of authority, a desire for pre-eminence, a longing for a high reputation, a disposition to censure and revile others, and they wrap about themselves the garment of hypocrisy, calling their unsanctified ambition zeal for the truth.

He who opens his heart to the suggestions of the enemy, taking in evil surmisings, and cherishing jealousy, frequently misconstrues this evil-mindedness, calling it special foresight, discrimination, or discernment in detecting guilt and fathoming the evil motives of others. He considers that a precious gift has been vouchsafed to him, and he draws apart from the very brethren with whom he should be in harmony; he climbs upon the judgment seat, and shuts his heart against the one he supposes to be in error, as though he himself were above temptation. Jesus separates from him, and leaves him to walk in the sparks of his own kindling. Let no one among you glory any longer against the truth be declaring that this spirit is a necessary consequence of dealing faithfully with wrongdoers and of standing in defense of the truth. Such wisdom has many admirers, but it is very deceptive and harmful. It does not come from above, but is the fruit of an unregenerated heart. Its originator is Satan himself. Let no accuser of others credit himself with discernment; for in so doing he clothes the attributes of Satan with the garments of righteousness. I call upon you, my brethren, to purify the soul-temple of all these things that defile; for they are roots of bitterness.

How true are the words of the apostle, "Where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work." One person in an institution or in a church who gives loose rein to unkind thoughts by speaking evil of the brethren, may stir up the worst passions of the human heart, and spread abroad a leaven of evil that will work in all who come into association with him. In this way the enemy of all righteousness gains the victory, and the result of his work is to make of no effect the Saviour's prayer when he pleaded that his disciples might be one as he is one with the Father.

While men and women who profess the name of Christ are blinded by erroneous ideas as to what constitutes Christian character, they are still exposed to the evil that exists in their own hearts, and cherish such unkindness, such prejudice and resentment, that Christ is excluded, and Satan takes the throne of the heart. Then the Devil and his angels exult. The wisdom which is from above leads to no such evil results. It is the wisdom of Christ,--"first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits." Those who manifest these fruits have placed themselves on God's side; their will is the will of Christ. They believe the word of God, and obey its plain injunctions. They do not consult their feelings, neither do they extol their own opinions above those of others. They esteem others better than themselves. They do not stubbornly strive to carry out their own purposes, irrespective of the influence their plans will have on other souls that are precious in the sight of God. In order to have peace and unity in our institutions and in the church, our selfish ideas and preferences must be sacrificed. No principle of divine truth is to be sacrificed by any means, but our own hereditary and cultivated tendencies must often yield. No man is perfect, no one without defects.

My brethren and sisters to whom these lines are addressed, I would ask you, Are you cherishing a spirit that is easy to be entreated? Is it your custom to look upon the course of others in a fair, reasonable light, excusing them for any error they may commit as you yourself wish to be excused? Or do you strive to exalt self, and to make it appear that your brethren and sisters are in the wrong? Are you willing to forgive those who you think have not done right? Ask yourself whether you would have done as well as they have done, were you in their place. Are you ready to answer the prayer of Christ by yielding your will in submission to his, in order that peace and harmony may be maintained in the church?

I know that this has not been the spirit which has been cherished by all. Many have been altogether too willing to disparage others and justify themselves. They have upheld their course when it was decidedly contrary to the word of God, and their words of self-justification are registered against them in heavenly records, there to stand until they repent and confess their evil doings.

True wisdom is full of mercy and good fruits. There are bigots enough in the world who imagine that everything which concerns them is perfect, while they pick flaws in the motives and principles of others. Will you look at these things as they are? As long as you disparage others, you are not what God would have you to be, nor what you must be if you are ever saved in the kingdom of heaven. The converting power of God must come into your hearts and transform your characters before you can adorn the gospel of Christ with a well-ordered life and a godly conversation. Then there will be no evil-speaking, no evil surmising, no accusing of your brethren, no secret working to exalt self and disparage others. Christ will reign in your hearts by faith. Your eyes and your tongue will be sanctified, and your ears will refuse to listen to evil reports or suggestions from believers or unbelievers. Your senses, your appetites and passions, will all be under the control of the Spirit of God; they will not be given up to the control of Satan, that he may employ your members as instruments of unrighteousness.

Let the members of every family begin to work over against their own houses. Let them humble themselves before God. It would be well to have a trespass-offering box in sight, and have all the household agreed that whosoever speaks unkindly of another or utters angry words, shall drop into the trespass-offering box a certain sum of money. This would put them upon their guard against the wicked words which work injury, not only to their brethren, but to themselves. No man of himself can tame the unruly member, the tongue; but God will do the work for him who comes unto him with contrite heart in faith and with humble supplication. By the help of God, bridle your tongues; talk less, and pray more.

Never question the motives of your brethren; for as you judge them, God has declared you will be judged. Open your hearts to kindliness to the cheering rays of the Sun of Righteousness. Encourage kindly thoughts and holy affections. Cultivate the habit of speaking well of your brethren. Let not pride or selfish righteousness prevent you from making a frank and full confession of your wrong-doings. If you do not love those for whom Christ has died, you have no genuine love for Christ, and your worship will be as a tainted offering before God. If you cherish unworthy thoughts, misjudging your brethren and surmising evil of them, God will not hear your self-sufficient, self-exalted prayers. When you go to those who you think are doing wrong, you must have the spirit of meekness, of kindness, and be full of mercy and good fruits. Do not show partiality to one or more, and neglect other of your brethren because they are not congenial to you. Beware lest you deal harshly with those who you think have made mistakes, while others, more guilty and more deserving of reproof, who should be severely rebuked for their un Christlike conduct, are sustained and treated as friends. -

Recount God's Dealings

It will revive faith and encourage hope in the hearts of God's people to recount his past dealings with them. "This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth; but if we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his son cleanseth us from all sin."

This is the testimony we want to bear, and it is an uplifting testimony. It is the testimony the people need everywhere. Argumentative sermons do not soften and subdue the soul. Those who have been laborers together with God have had an experience of highest value, and this experience is needed at this time. The churches everywhere need the message borne by John. It should be borne to them by men who understand the reasons of our faith, who have had a practical experience in the past history of Seventh-day Adventists, and who have a knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ our Lord. We shall have no dark, shadowy testimony to bear if we walk in the light as he is in the light. We need to present to the people the way in which God has led us in the past, and to recount his wondrous works in behalf of his people. We need to "call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions." "For thou art a holy people unto the Lord thy God; the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth. The Lord did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because you were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people; but because the Lord loved you. . . . Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations."

Those who have had a long experience in the cause of God should be highly esteemed of their brethren, and their counsels should be regarded as of great value. There has been a drifting away from the pillars of faith. It should be the burden of every messenger to set forth the fullness of Christ. When the free gift of Christ's righteousness is not presented, the discourses are dry and spiritless; the sheep and the lambs are not fed. Said Paul, "My speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power." There is marrow and fatness in the gospel. Jesus is the living center of everything. Put Christ into every sermon. Let the preciousness, mercy, and glory of Jesus Christ be dwelt upon until Christ is formed within, the hope of glory.

The Lord would have us look away from self and cease to depreciate others. Let us gather together that which our own experience has revealed to us of the preciousness of Christ, and present it to others as a precious gem that sparkles and shines. Thus will the sinner be attracted to him who is represented as the chief among ten thousand and the One altogether lovely. The cross of Calvary is a pledge to us of everlasting life. Faith in Christ means everything to the sincere believer. The merits of Jesus blot out transgressions, and clothe us with the robe of righteousness woven in the loom of heaven. The crown of life is presented before us as the honor to be given at the end of the conflict. These precious truths are to be set forth in living characters. The Holy Spirit's work is to open them to the mind. Jesus said, "He shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you." Has not this promise been verified in our experience?

The Lord is soon to come; there must be a refining, winnowing process in every church, for there are among us wicked men who do not love the truth. There is need of a transformation of character. Will the church arise and put on her beautiful garments, the righteousness of Christ? It is soon to be seen who are vessels unto honor. "And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird." "Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not. For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble; and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of Righteousness arise with healing in his wings."

Here are brought plainly to view those who will be vessels unto honor; for they will receive the latter rain. Every soul that continues in sin in the face of the light now shining upon our pathway, will be blinded and accept the delusions of Satan. We are now nearing the close of this world's history. Where are the faithful watchmen on the walls of Zion, who will not slumber, but faithfully declare the time of night? Christ is coming to be admired in all them that believe. How painful it is to contemplate the fact that the Lord Jesus is being kept in the background. How few magnify his grace and exalt his infinite compassion and love. There will be no envy, no jealousy, in the hearts of those who seek to be like Jesus in character.

The gospel is now resolutely opposed on every hand. Never was the confederacy of evil greater than at the present time. The spirits of darkness are combining with human agencies to set them firmly against the commandments of God. Traditions and falsehoods are exalted above the Scriptures: reason and science above revelation; human talent above the teachings of the Spirit; forms and ceremonies above the vital power of godliness. We need the divine touch.

Yet Jesus says to his followers: "My peace give I unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you." It is our privilege to realize the preciousness of the Saviour as never before. Our Redeemer is a "Tried Stone." The experiment has been made, the great test has been applied, and with perfect success. In him is fulfilled all the purpose of God for the saving of a lost world. Never was a foundation subject to so severe a trial and test as this "Tried Stone." The Lord Jehovah knew what this foundation-stone could sustain. The sins of the whole world could be piled upon it. The Lord's chosen were to be revealed, heaven's gates to be thrown open to all who would believe; its untold glories were to be given to the overcomers.

"A Tried Stone" is Christ, tried by the perversity of man. Thou, O our Saviour, hast taken the burden; thou hast given peace and rest; thou hast been tried, proved by believers who have taken their trials to thy sympathy, their sorrows to thy love, their wounds to thy healing, their weakness to thy strength, their emptiness to thy fullness; and never, never has one soul been disappointed. Jesus, my Tried Stone, to thee will I come, moment by moment. In thy presence I am lifted above pain. "When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the Rock that is higher than I."

It is our privilege to enjoy sweet communion with God. Precious to the believer is his atoning blood, precious is his justifying righteousness. "Unto you therefore which believe he is precious." When I meditate upon his fountain of living power from which we may draw, I mourn that so many are losing the delight they might have had in considering his goodness. We are to be sons and daughters of God, growing into a holy temple in the Lord. "No more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God. . . . Built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone." This is our privilege. How is Heaven amazed at the present condition of the church that could be so much to the world were every stone, in its proper place, a living stone to emit light. The stone that does not shine is worthless. That which constituted the value of our churches is not dead, lusterless stones; but living stones, stones that catch the bright beams from the chief corner stone, even from the Sun of Righteousness,--the bright glory in which are combined the beams of mercy and truth that have met together, of righteousness and peace that have kissed each other.

If we are indeed followers of Christ, we must reach a higher standard. Heaven looks with pleasure upon him who worships God in spirit and in truth and in the beauty of holiness. All Heaven is employed in seeking to save that which is lost. But there are many who do not know that they are lost. They are far from spirituality; they have lost the presence of God; lost the true ideal of character and they copy the human instead of divine. All Heaven is active in seeking to surround man with light, to give opportunities to present the highest motives that man shall return to the service of God. The Redeemer of the world has conceived the lofty design of translating all who serve him in spirit and truth to his heavenly temple above. But in Christ's school we are ever learners; human opinions and authorities are not to be the controlling powers; for the lessons of Christ are spirit of life, and there are no limits to the rich mines of truth to be explored.

Are we Christians in deed and in truth? or are we such in name only? Christians are those who are growing up into a holy temple in the Lord. But "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 people." This represents a constant growth in Christian character, growth in spiritual-mindedness. The church of Christ in the world is to be a great power, and a name and praise in all the earth. Jesus has done everything to accomplish this. Now there is need of earnest, deep, sincere efforts to redeem the past unfaithfulness. Time, precious time, has been lost in wanderings and backslidings from God. Every character is to be weighed in the balances of the sanctuary; if the moral character and spiritual advancement do not correspond with the opportunities and blessings, "wanting" is written against the name.

The Light of the world is our leader, and the path has been growing brighter and brighter as we have advanced in the footsteps of Jesus. O that we may keep close to our Leader. He will fill every heart with divine love,--love to God and love for one another. How long will entreaties and warnings be given before they will be sufficiently valued to be heeded? Why not put away all selfishness, all sin, through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ? Many are not on safe ground. They have not a clear title to an inheritance among the sanctified. But while the atoning blood is presented in our behalf, why not make earnest, thorough work, and be complete in Christ Jesus?

All who claim to be children of God should seek daily to understand why they believe by searching the Scriptures for themselves. Those who humbly study the character of Jesus will reflect his image more and more. The descent of the Holy Spirit upon the church is looked forward to as in the future; but it is the privilege of the church to have it now. Seek for it, pray for it, believe for it. We must have it, and Heaven is waiting to bestow it.

Many fail to meet their high responsibilities and privileges. O how long will this deadness and insensibility continue? How long will differences rend the church? The Lord Jesus is the one spiritual Head, and we are the members of his body. The church is represented as growing up "into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ; from whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love." Cannot we pray over this matter more earnestly, that the Holy Spirit of God may quicken the discernment of his people to see that by putting away envy, evil surmisings, jealousy, they may answer the prayer of Christ, that his disciples might be one, as he is one with the Father? Can it be that the senses of those who claim to believe the truth are paralyzed? Do they not see that they deny Christ? Do they not understand that they scatter from him in acting as though it was a light matter to disagree and engage in controversy? Brother looks coldly upon brother, minister distrusts minister. The church seems to have lost the blending attribute of love, and its members unite no better than ropes of sand. And yet the great crisis of the day of God is at hand.

What is the reason of this selfishness and bigotry? What means this self-satisfaction, this disposition to tear down and not build up? The truth is not sanctifying the soul, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. Many cling to their independence, choosing their own way, but not the way and will of God. The truth is believed in theory, but not received in the love of it, and the soul is left as cold as an iron wedge. Those who are sanctified by the truth will be one in Christ Jesus. The cleansing blood of the Lamb of God cements hearts together. The branches are united in the vine.

Trials are to come upon God's people and the tares are to be separated from the wheat. But let not Ephraim envy Judah any more, and Judah will no more vex Ephraim. Kind, tender, compassionate words will flow out from sanctified hearts and lips. It is essential that we be united, and if we all seek the meekness and the lowliness of Christ, we shall have the mind of Christ, and there will be unity of spirit. -

God's Will to Be Done on Earth

"Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven." The whole life of Christ upon earth was lived for the purpose of manifesting the will of God on earth as it is in heaven. Said Christ, "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. . . . Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." Christ does not acknowledge any caste, color, or grade as necessary to become a subject of his kingdom. Admittance to his kingdom does not depend upon wealth or a superior heredity. But those who are born of the Spirit are the subjects of his kingdom. Spiritual character is that which will be recognized by Christ. His kingdom is not of this world. His subjects are those who are partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And this grace is given them of God. Christ does not find his subjects fitted for his kingdom, but he qualifies them by his divine power. Those who have been dead in trespasses and sins are quickened to spiritual life. The faculties which God has given them for holy purposes are refined, purified, and exalted, and they are led to form characters after the divine similitude. Though they have misapplied their talents and made them serve sin; though Christ has been to them a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense, because they stumbled at the word, being disobedient, yet by the drawing of his love they are led at last into the path of duty. Christ said, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."

Christ draws them to himself by an unseen power. He is the light of life, and he imbues them with his own Spirit. As they are drawn into the spiritual atmosphere, they see that they have been made the sport of Satan's temptations, and that they have been under his dominion; but they break the yoke of fleshly lusts, and refuse to be the servants of sin. Satan strives to hold them. He assails them with various temptations; but the Spirit works to renew them after the image of him who created them. They work out their own salvation with fear and trembling, knowing that it is God who worketh in them, to will and to do of his good pleasure. The human agents co-operate with the divine by putting forth earnest, holy endeavor. They realize that they have exchanged captains, and they take their directions from the lips of Jesus. As a servant looks to his master, and as a maid looks to her mistress, so these souls, drawn by cords of love to Christ, constantly look unto him who is the Author and Finisher of their faith. By beholding Jesus, by obeying his requirements, they increase in the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ whom he hath sent. Thus they become changed into his image from character to character until they are distinguished from the world, and it can be written of them: "Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light; which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God; which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy."

The qualities which shine with greatest luster in the kingdoms of the world, have no place in Christ's spiritual kingdom. That which is highly exalted among men, and brings exaltation to its possessor, such as caste, rank, position, or wealth, is not esteemed in the spiritual kingdom. The Lord says, "Them that honor me, I will honor." In Christ's kingdom men are distinguished according to their piety. Jesus said: "Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven; but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven."

The kingdom of heaven is of a higher order than any earthly kingdom. Whether we shall have a higher position or a lower position, will not be determined by our rank, wealth, or education, but by the character of the obedience rendered to the word of God. Those who have been actuated by selfishness and human ambition, who have been striving to be greatest, who have been self-important, who have felt above confessing mistakes and errors, will have no place in the kingdom of God. Whether men will be honored as members of the royal family of God, will be determined by the manner in which they bear the test and proving of God that is brought to bear upon them in this life. Those who have not been self-denying, who have not manifested sympathy for the woes of others, who have not cultivated the precious attributes of love, who have not manifested forbearance and meekness in this life, will not be changed when Christ comes. The laws of Christ's kingdom are unalterable; for they have their foundation in his own unchangeable righteous character. Not one of his precepts will be weakened or altered in the slightest degree. Heaven and earth will pass away rather than one tittle of his law shall fail. There can be no amendment made to the law of God; for "the law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul." Should the voice of the highest human authority announce an amendment or an addition to the law of God in any human legislature, such an announcement would be registered on the books of heaven as treason. It would be placed on the same list as the presumptuous claims of the first great rebel who was cast out from heaven.

In matters concerning the kingdom of Christ no compulsion or forcing of conscience is permitted. No blood is to be shed, no force of arms employed, no prison is to be opened for the incarceration of one who does not choose the kingdom of God and his righteousness. Christ will accept only of the voluntary service of the heart which has been sanctified through the truth. But if one of Christ's followers offend, his faults are not to be opened up to unbelievers, not to be brought before earthly tribunals by his brethren. Those who are lawful and obedient are the only ones who are empowered by Christ to deal with the cases of the erring. Those who correct the erring should be divested of self, and have the mind of Christ. In every council where important decisions are made, heavenly agencies watch with intense interest. There is an unseen presence in the midst of the counselors, and the manifestation of harshness, of levity, of carelessness, of partiality, is registered as an offense against God. Self must be studiously kept under control, and not permitted to become a ruling power in these meetings of decision, or in meetings for the reproof of error, or for setting aside those who are manifestly injuring the church.

The character which we now manifest is deciding our future destiny. The happiness of heaven will be found by conforming to the will of God, and if men become members of the royal family in heaven, it will be because heaven has begun with them on earth. They have cherished the mind of Christ, and when the call comes, "Child, come up higher," the righteous will take every grace, every precious, sanctified ability, into the courts above, and exchange earth for heaven. God knows who are the loyal and true subjects of his kingdom on earth, and those who do his will upon earth as it is done in heaven, will be made the members of the royal family above. -

Work Among the Colored People

I have a most earnest interest in the work to be done among the colored people. This is a branch of work that has been strangely neglected. The reason that this large class of human beings who have souls to save or to lose, have been so long neglected, is the prejudice that the white people have felt and manifested against mingling with them in religious worship. They have been despised, shunned, and treated with abhorrence, as though crime were upon them, when they were helpless and in need, when men should have labored most earnestly for their salvation. They have been treated without pity. The priests and the Levites have looked upon their wretchedness, and have passed by on the other side.

What should be done for the colored race has long been a vexed question, because professed Christians have not had the Spirit of Christ. They have been called by his name, but they have not imitated his example. Men have thought it necessary to plan in such a way as to meet the prejudice of the white people; and a wall of separation in religious worship has been built up between the colored people and the white people. The white people have declared themselves willing that the colored people should be converted. They have no objection to this. They were willing that they should be grafted into the same parent stock, Christ, and become branches with themselves of the living Vine; yet they were not willing to sit by the side of their colored brethren, and sing and pray and bear witness to the truth which they had in common. Not for a moment could they tolerate the idea that they should together bear the fruit that should be found on the Christian tree. The image of Christ might be stamped upon the soul; but it still would be necessary to have a separate church and a separate service. But the question is, Is this in harmony with the moving of the Spirit of God? Is it not after the manner in which the Jewish people acted in the days of Christ? Is not this prejudice against the colored people on the part of the white people similar to that which was cherished by the Jews against the Gentiles? They cultivated the idea until it became deep-rooted that the Gentile should not share the privileges of light and truth that were given to the Jews. They believed that the Jews alone should be recipients of heavenly grace and favor. Christ worked throughout his life to break down this prejudice. No human power alone could overcome it. This prejudice was created not by mere flesh and blood, but by principalities and powers; and in wrestling against it he was wrestling against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Again and again men have devised plans whereby to keep up the line of separation, and still bring the colored race within the influence of the gospel; but the Lord has blown upon the effort, and made it of none effect. The inquiry among us may be, "What shall we do?" "Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."

We should take into consideration the fact that efforts are being made at great expense to send the gospel to the darkened regions of the world, to enlighten the savage inhabitants of the islands of the sea, to bring instruction to the ignorant and idolatrous; yet here in the very midst of us are millions of people who are practically heathen, who have souls to save or to lose, and yet they are set aside and passed by as was the wounded man by the priest and the Levite. Professedly Christian people are leaving them to perish in their sins.

There are two classes in our world. The Lord has sent out the message to those who are represented by the first class, who have had great privileges and opportunities, who have had great light and innumerable blessings. They have been intrusted by the Lord with the living oracles. They are represented by the class to whom the king sent an invitation to the marriage feast. Jesus said, "The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, and sent forth his servants to call them that are bidden to the wedding; and they would not come. Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready; come unto the marriage. But they made it light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise; and the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth; and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good; and the wedding was furnished with guests."

How few respond to the gracious invitation of Heaven. Christ is insulted when his messages are despised, and his gracious, winning, liberal invitation is rejected. Those that were bidden to the marriage feast at first, began to make excuses. They allowed minor things to occupy their attention, and lost their eternal interests out of their reckoning. While some made temporal interests their excuse, and were totally indifferent toward the messages and messengers, others manifested a spirit of determined hatred, and took the Lord's servants and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. A power from beneath moved upon human agencies who were not under the direct influence of the Holy Spirit. There are two distinct classes,--those who are saved through faith in Christ and through obedience to his law, and those who refuse the truth as it is in Jesus. It will be impossible for those who refuse Christ through the period of probation to become justified after the record of their lives has passed into eternity. Now is the time to work for the salvation of men; for probation still continues. Let national and denominational distinctions be laid aside. Caste and rank are not recognized by God and should not be by his workers. Those who esteem themselves superior to their fellow-men, on account of position or property, are exalting themselves above their fellow-men, but they are esteemed by the universe of heaven as the lowest of all. Let us take a lesson from the words of inspiration that reprove us for this spirit, and also give us great encouragement: "Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches; but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth; for in these things I delight, saith the Lord."

No human mind should seek to draw the line between the colored and the white people. Let circumstances indicate what shall be done; for the Lord has his hand on the lever of circumstances. As the truth is brought to bear upon the minds of both colored and white people, as souls are thoroughly converted, they will become new men and women in Christ Jesus. Christ says, "A new heart also will I give you," and that new heart bears the divine image. Those who are converted among the white people will experience a change in their sentiments. The prejudice which they have inherited and cultivated toward the colored race will die away. They will realize that there is no respect of persons with God. Those who are converted among the colored race will be cleansed from sin, will wear the white robe of Christ's righteousness, which has been woven in the loom of heaven. Both white and colored people must enter into the path of obedience through the same way.

The test will come not as regards the outward complexion, but as regards the condition of the heart. Both the white and the colored people have the same Redeemer, who has paid the ransom money with his own life for every member of the human family. If those to whom Christ first sends his invitation to the marriage supper, refuse to receive the message, he will send his messengers into the highways and hedges to compel the people to come in, by means of a message so full of the light of Heaven that they will not dare to refuse. The gospel was first to be brought to those to whom God had intrusted precious truths that he desired they should make known to others. He intrusted to them the responsibility of imparting the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ whom he had sent. The Lord wrought wondrously for the children of Israel. He finally sent to them his own Son, the Prince of Life, the Messiah to whom all their sacrifices and offerings pointed; but they would not receive him. They rejected the message he bore. They refused the Messiah in whom their hope centered; but when they refused to hear the messages, rejecting the invitation that he gave, the Lord turned to the Gentile world. Those who ought to have known God and Jesus Christ whom he had sent, who ought to have united with the Sent of God in giving the message to the heathen world, would not themselves receive the invitation, and could not therefore say to others, Come, for all things are now ready. The disciples of Christ were commissioned to proclaim the message of mercy to those in the highways and the byways of the Lord's great moral vineyard. "And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth [believeth] say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely."

The Lord has a work that must be done, not only for those who are in the highways and the byways, but for those in high positions of trust. Divine power is promised not to those who are strongest, but to those who are weakest. Those who are accounted the strongest and the most enlightened should go to the aid of those who are in most need of help and enlightenment. Every one can become a laborer together with God, working with him for the salvation of the souls of the colored race.

It was when Moses stood before God, conscious of his inefficiency, that he was in the very condition in which the Lord could best reveal to him his saving grace. When he had become weak, Christ could reveal to him his power and majesty. The Lord could do little through him when he was the general of armies. He knew that he was the chosen of God, and that he would do a great and special work in delivering the Hebrew nation from bondage; but he sought to do his work in his own way, trusting in his zeal and violence. The Lord did not propose to do the work in this way. For forty years Moses was placed in the wilderness, to learn in the school of poverty, to learn in the walks of humble life, that he was weak, inefficient, helpless. He left the court of Egypt with a full knowledge of its fascinations, and had to come down to the simplicity of pastoral life. As a shepherd, it was necessary for him to look after the flock, to leave the ninety and nine in the valley, and to go in search of the wandering sheep. He had to climb the mountain steep, to search through the tangled brushwood, to look over the precipices, that he might find the lost. One day he saw a bush ablaze on the mountain, and stood wondering because the bush was not consumed. As he was gazing in astonishment, he heard a voice that seemed to come from the very center of the flame, saying, "Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I. And he said, Draw not nigh hither; put off thy shoes from off thy feet; for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground. Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God." Then the Lord gave Moses his commission, sending him to deliver Israel, the lost sheep of Israel in Egypt. Moses pleaded that he was inefficient, that Pharaoh would not believe his message nor hearken to his voice. He pleaded that the Hebrews themselves would not hearken to him, and would question the fact that the Lord had appeared to him. But the Lord said, "Certainly I will be with thee. . . . And the Lord said unto him, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod. And he said, Cast it on the ground. And he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent, and Moses fled from before it. And the Lord said unto Moses, Put forth thine hand and take it by the tail. And he put forth his hand and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand." The Lord revealed to him the fact that he could manifest such signs and miracles as would convince his people of the divine authority of the message and of the messenger that he sent. The Lord can do wonders, even with the simplest instrumentalities.

Every one whom the Lord calls should be distrustful of self, and have full trust in God. Moses went forth in the name of "I am that I am," without outward display or grandeur; yet the rod in his hand was a symbol of the divine power of Jehovah, and Moses was the instrumentality through whom God would deliver Israel from the bondage of tyranny. There is a work that must be done now by the children of God. For long years the colored race has been neglected, has been left in the slavery of sin, and they are as sheep that have no shepherd. Long ago much might have been done that has not been done. As a people we should do more for the colored race in America than we have yet done. In the work we shall need to move with carefulness, being endowed with wisdom from above. -

Are We Genuine Christians?

"For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that we through his poverty might be rich." The Captain of our salvation made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, in order that humanity might be allied to divinity. Man is to represent Christ. He is to be long-suffering toward his fellow-men, to be patient, forgiving, and full of Christlike love. He who is truly converted will manifest respect for his brethren; he will do as Christ has commanded. Jesus said, "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." Where the love of Christ abounds in the soul, there will be an expression of that love that will be understood by the world.

God would express his character in humanity; but the attributes of Christ can only be revealed through those who labor in love for the souls for whom Christ has died. God has given power to the human agent, which makes him accountable for the impressions which he makes on the minds of his fellow-men. I cannot say it is well with you when you have little concern as to what kind of impression you are making upon the minds and the characters of those with whom you associate. Those who work in a reckless, careless manner, and have no concern as to what becomes of those whom they deem to be erring, have false ideas as to what constitutes Christianity. Jesus says, "Whosoever shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea."

Not all who name the name of Christ are one with Christ. Those who do not have the Spirit and the grace of Christ are none of his, no matter what may be their profession. By their fruits ye shall know them. The customs and practices that are after the order of the world do not carry out the principles of God's law, and therefore do not breathe of his Spirit nor express his character. Christlikeness will be revealed only by those who are assimilated to the divine image. Only those who are being molded through the operation of the Holy Spirit are doers of the word of God, and express the mind and the will of God. There is counterfeit Christianity in the world as well as genuine Christianity. The true spirit of a man is manifested by the way in which he deals with his fellow-man. We may ask the question, Does he represent the character of Christ in spirit and action, or simply manifest the natural, selfish traits of character that belong to the people of this world? Profession weighs nothing with God. Before it is everlastingly too late for wrongs to be righted, let each one ask himself, "What am I?" It depends upon ourselves as to whether we shall form such characters as will constitute us members of God's royal family above.

If we would become Christlike, we must study Christ's character. God has given capabilities to the human agent by which he is to co-operate with God, in blessing, uplifting, strengthening, and ennobling, not himself only, but others with whom he associates. This work of blessing others we shall do by giving men an example in our own lives of the spirit, ways, and works of Christ. When self controls, it works to discourage, to dishearten, and to drive souls away from their Saviour. Christ says, "He that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad."

It is necessary that we should closely examine ourselves, and inquire, Is this Christ's way? Would Christ pursue this course of action? What kind of impression am I leaving upon the minds of those with whom I am connected? Shall I pursue a course of action that will weaken the confidence of any one with whom I deal, and cause him to think lightly of the Christianity that I profess? Shall I be uncourteous, unchristlike, unmerciful toward the purchase of the blood of Christ? I would speak words of warning to the brethren of our churches; for I fear that many are acting the part of the slothful servant who hid his Lord's talent in the earth. His sin was the sin of neglect, the sin of failing to improve the great treasures of knowledge that were committed to his trust. God has given precious light to his people with which to enlighten the world, and are not many treating it with indifference, and acting as though the heavenly gift was of little consequence? Christ said, "Ye are the light of the world." Who did he mean were the light of the world?--He meant those who are following in his footsteps. He says, "He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." It is those who are branches of the living Vine, who bear much fruit. They are sustained by the nourishment that flows from the parent stock. Those who abide in Christ will have the same spirit that he manifested, and be actuated by the same motives, and be pure, peaceable, and undefiled, yet they will be as burning and shining lights amid the moral darkness of the world.

Fair-weather disciples will not answer to the Lord's call in the time of peril toward which we are hastening. It will take those who not only hear but do the words of Christ, to be active disciples, "not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord." A new energy proceeding from beneath is taking possession of the whole synagogue of Satan; and a new life descending from Heaven is taking possession of every human agent who is consecrated, devoted, and who is seeking to work the works of God. The Lord can do great things through simple instrumentalities when they are devoted to his service. The Lord said to Moses, "What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod. And he said, Cast it on the ground. And he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from before it. And the Lord said unto Moses, Put forth thine hand, and take it by the tail. And he put forth his hand, and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand."

Let those who minister in word and doctrine mix faith with earnest prayer, and seek to put to use every ray of light that comes from the written word. The voice of God calls from heaven and demands the use of every intrusted capability. Every talent is to be used to its uttermost. If ever there was a time when men and women should have an assurance that they are co-partners with Christ in the saving of the world, it is now. Ask yourself, Am I a faithful steward of the grace of God? Am I burying the light, failing to improve the talent that has been lent me to trade upon? The way in which we use God's intrusted capability is deciding our own future destiny, and settling the question as to whether or not we shall intrusted with greater gifts, even with eternal riches.

Precious light is shining in order that we all may become doers of the word of Christ, and may diffuse the light of truth to others. As you see the standard of what you ought to be set before you, review your past experience, and remember that whoso confesseth and forsaketh his sins shall find mercy. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." For Christ's sake your sins may be forgiven, and may go beforehand to judgment to be "blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord." But do not sleep now on the very brink of the eternal world. Obtain the experience where you will hate the things which you once loved, and love that which you once hated; where you will count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ.

Do not live a life of uncertainty. "But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day; we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. . . . Let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for a helmet, the hope of salvation." Every human agent knows for himself whether his feet are tending toward the city of our God, or tending toward the darkness of the shadow of death. There are many who claim to be Christians who are as spurious coin. They are traveling in the broad road of selfishness and sin. But he who rests upon the merits of a crucified and risen Saviour, who has received Christ by faith, has the promise that he is the son of God. "As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name; which were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." As sons of God, we are partakers of the divine nature. We know what true light is, and know the power of the grace of Christ. We have the faith that works by love and purifies the soul. -

The Sinner Needs Compassion

On one occasion the disciples came to Jesus with the question: "Who is the greatest in the kingdom 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 as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea." The little ones here referred to who believe in Christ, are not simply those who are young in years, but little children in Christ. There is a warning contained in these words lest we shall selfishly neglect or hold in contempt our weak brethren; lest we shall be unforgiving and exacting and judge and condemn others, and thus discourage them. "Woe unto the world because of offenses! for it must needs be that offenses come; but woe to that man by whom the offense cometh! Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee; it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee; it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire. Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven. For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost."

The work of Christ is here plainly presented, and his followers are expected to do a similar work. They must use their God-given talents to save that which was lost. It is not the saint but the sinner that needs compassion, for whom we must labor earnestly and perseveringly. The angels have special charge of weak and trembling souls, those who have many defects, many objectionable traits of character. "Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven." If any injustice is done to them, it is counted as if done to Jesus himself; for Jesus identifies his interest with that of the souls he has purchased at an infinite cost. Angels are ever present where they are most needed. They are with those who have the hardest battles to fight, with those who must battle against inclination and hereditary tendencies, whose home surroundings are the most discouraging. True followers of Christ will be laborers together with God. They will seek for harmony, for peace, for oneness in Christ Jesus. Let no one venture to work with Satan to discourage souls who have much to contend against. Let them not by word or by deed push them upon Satan's battlefield.

Jesus assures us that he came to our world to save those that were lost, those that were dead in trespasses and sins, those who were strangers and enemies to God. Shall those to whom Christ has shown mercy and bestowed forgiveness, neglect or despise those whom Jesus is seeking to take home to his heart of infinite love? It is the work of Christ to bring back to God those who have strayed from him, and he requires every member of the church to work together with him in returning the wanderer to the fold. If those who are unforgiving and merciless would only listen and hear the reproof of the Saviour, "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone," would any hand be lifted? Would not every mouth be stopped? These words of Jesus to the Pharisees brought their own sins to their remembrance, and, self-condemned, they went out one by one.

Brethren and sisters, if you are workers together with God, you will not only seek to help those whom you fancy, but you will also seek to help those who most need your help to correct their errors. Many in the church have not the Spirit of Christ; for they neglect the very work that he has given them to do. Unless the converting power of God is felt on their poor hearts, they will not be rich in good works. Jesus thus illustrates the work that devolves upon those who claim to believe on his name: "How think ye? if a man have a hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray. Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish."

What a wonderful lesson of mercy, forbearance, patience, and love is this! As the shepherd cares for the sheep of his flock, so Jesus cares for perishing souls that are helpless in sin and liable to be destroyed by the arts and snares of Satan. Jesus represents himself as the good Shepherd who knows his sheep by name. He gave his life for them, and he goes to seek them before they go to seek him. There is more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner that repents than over ninety and nine just persons that need no repentance. Let ministers and people work according to God's plan. Let them exchange their way for God's way; then they will be zealous not to grieve the weak, or cause them to stumble by a hard, unforgiving, accusing spirit, but will seek to encourage and strengthen them.

We greatly need to fall on the Rock and be broken; then the melting, subduing love of Jesus will be in our hearts. We shall then follow the example of Jesus, the Majesty of heaven, and work in co-operation with the angels, and not be like the Pharisees, who were unsympathetic, proud, and hardhearted. God is not willing that even the lowest and most degraded soul should perish. In what light, then, can you regard the neglect of those who need your help?

Many of you are self-willed, proud, hardhearted, and condemnatory, when on the contrary your whole heart should be aroused to devise ways and means for saving souls. You draw apart from your brethren because they do not speak and act in a way that is pleasing to you, when in the sight of God your course is more displeasing than theirs. You do not seek to establish that unity which Christ desires should exist among brethren. What impression do these variances, this emulation and strife, make upon your families and your neighbors, upon those who do not believe the truth? And yet Jesus says, "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."

How many of you are unsanctified in heart, and while sensitive yourselves to any reproof, you make another an offender for a word! How many of you speak words which cannot produce union, but only heartache and discouragement! How many give cause for anger and are themselves angry without a cause! Jesus, the world's Redeemer, has laid down a rule to prevent such unhappy conditions, but how many of you in our churches and in our institutions have followed the directions of Christ? "If thy brother shall trespass against thee [tell it to every one you meet?], go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone; if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church; but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as a heathen man and a publican."

When a person comes to a minister or to men in positions of trust with complaints against a brother or a sister, let the minister ask, "Have you complied with the rules our Saviour has given?" And if he has failed to carry out any particular of this instruction, do not listen to a word of his complaint. In the name and Spirit of Jesus, refuse to take up a report against your brother or your sister in the faith. If members of the church go contrary to these rules, they make themselves subjects for church discipline, and should be under the censure of the church. This matter, so plainly taught in the lessons of Christ, has been treated with strange indifference. The church has either neglected her work entirely in the matter of correcting evil, or has done it with harshness and severity, thus wounding and bruising souls. Measures should be taken to correct this cruel spirit of criticism, of judging the motives of others, as though Christ had revealed to men the hearts of their brethren. The neglect of doing aright, with wisdom and grace, the work that ought to have been done, has left churches and institutions almost inefficient and Christless.

Jesus adds to the lesson these words: "Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." After the rules of Christ have been followed out to the letter, the assurance is given that the decisions of the church will be ratified in heaven. This gives a solemn significance to the action of the church. No hasty action from impulse should be taken to cut off names from the church books or to place a member under censure, until the case has been investigated according to the Bible rule in every particular. The word of God shows that it is necessary for church officers to be free from prejudice and selfish motives, and that they should have the sympathy and the love of Jesus. Human minds and hearts, unless wholly sanctified, purified, and refined from partiality and prejudice, are liable to commit grave errors, to misjudge, and to deal unkindly and unjustly with souls that are the purchase of Christ's blood. The decisions of unjust judges will be of no account in the court of heaven. They will not make an innocent man guilty nor change his character in the least before God. As surely as men in responsible positions become lifted up in their own esteem, and act as though they were to lord it over their brethren, they will render decisions which Heaven cannot ratify. -

Christ, The Light of the World, Uncomprehended

Christ announced himself as the light of the world, and John declared: "In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehended it not. . . . That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world." The disciples listened eagerly to every word that fell from the lips of their Master, and never did they feel more satisfied concerning his Messiahship than when he stood before the angry Pharisees, priests, rabbis, and rulers. With frowning countenances they urged him to speak of many things, hoping to entangle him by their opposition. But he met their statements one after another in a calm, solemn, and earnest manner, and presented ideas to them of so lofty a character that human language seemed inadequate to express his divine meaning. It seemed as though he were laying his hand on the throne of God. The hearts of his disciples were deeply moved. Though he stood as a man clothed in humble garments, his Majesty was revealed before his scornful and contemptuous opponents as he asserted his true relation with God. His words were full of power as he presented his divine claim, piling evidence upon evidence, and bringing forward such positive arguments that many were constrained to believe.

Christ was the foundation of the whole system of Jewish worship, and in it was shadowed forth the living reality,--the manifestation of God in Christ. Through the sacrificial system men could see Christ's personality and look forward to their divine Saviour. But when he stood before them, representing the invisible God,--for in him dwelt "all the fullness of the Godhead bodily,--they were not able to discern his divine character because of their want of spirituality. Their own prophets had foretold him as a Deliverer. Isaiah had declared: "Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever." But though his character and mission had been so plainly delineated, though he came unto his own, his own received him not. Occasionally divinity flashed through humanity, the glory escaped through the disguise of the flesh, and brought forth an expression of homage from his disciples. But it was not until Christ ascended to his Father, not until the descent of the Holy Spirit, that the disciples fully appreciated the character and the mission of Christ. After the baptism of the Holy Spirit they began to realize that they had been in the very presence of the Lord of life and glory. As the Holy Spirit brought the sayings of Christ to their remembrance, their understanding was opened to comprehend the prophecies, to understand the mighty miracles which he had wrought. The wonders of his life, in all its sacredness, greatness, and glory, passed before them, and they were as men wakened from a dream. They realized that "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," They seemed of much less importance in their own eyes, after their awakening to the fact that Christ had been among them, than they did before they realize this. They never wearied of rehearsing every item which had come under their notice in connection with his words and works. They were often filled with remorse at their stupidity and unbelief and misapprehension as they recalled his lessons of instruction which they had but dimly understood when he had spoken them in their presence, and which now came to them as a fresh revelation. The Scriptures became a new book to them.

The Lord has enjoined upon all the searching of the Scriptures. It is the duty of every soul to seek diligently in order to know what is truth. The disciples remembered that Christ had said, "Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth." The word was to be their guide and director. As the disciples searched Moses and the prophets which testified of Christ, they were brought into fellowship with the Deity, and learned anew of their great Teacher, who had ascended to heaven to complete the work which he had begun upon earth. They recognized the fact that in him dwelt knowledge which no human being could comprehend unaided by divine agency. They needed the help of Him whom many kings, prophets, and righteous men had foretold. They were filled with amazement as they realized that Christ had actually come from God to a sinful world to save the fallen sons and daughters of Adam. They read and reread the prophetic delineations of his work and character.

How dimly they had comprehended the prophetic Scriptures! How dull they had been in taking in the great truths which testify of Christ! But what human mind could comprehend the mystery of his incarnation, the dual character of his nature, when they looked upon so humble a personage, one so void of human grandeur, who walked as a man among men! Their eyes were holden so that they did not fully recognize the divinity in the garb of humanity. But after they were illuminated with the Holy Spirit, how they longed to see him again, and to place themselves as learners at his feet! How they wished that they might come to him, and have him explain the Scriptures which they could not comprehend! How attentively would they listen to his words! What had Christ meant when he said, "I have ye many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now"? How eager they were now to know it all! They were grieved that their imagination was so feeble, that their ideas were so wide of the mark, that they had so failed to comprehend the true reality! A herald had been sent of God to proclaim the coming of Christ and to call the attention of the Jewish nation and of the world to his mission and work, that men might make preparation for his reception. The wonderful personage whom John proclaimed had been among them for thirty years, and they had not really known him as the One sent of God. Remorse took hold of their souls because the prevailing unbelief of the Jewish nation had leavened their opinions and darkened their understanding. How many times they were filled with desire to understand something that he could have unfolded to their minds; but they had slighted their privileges and failed to improve their opportunities. Jesus, the Light of this dark world, had been shining amid its moral darkness, and they had failed to comprehend the source of his beams!

They asked themselves why they had pursued such a course as made it necessary for Christ to say to them: "O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken; ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?" Why had they not recognized their Master in him who had taught them marvelous truths? for "beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself." They often rehearsed the conversations of Christ, and said, "Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the Scriptures?" Why did we allow earthly considerations and the opposition of priests, rulers, and rabbis to confuse our senses, so that we did not comprehend the fact that a greater than Moses was among us, that One wiser than Solomon was instructing us? How dull were our ears! How feeble was our understanding!

Thomas would not believe until he had thrust his finger into the wound made by the Roman soldiers. Peter had denied Christ in the days of his humiliation, suffering, and rejection. These painful remembrances came before them in clear, distinct lines. They had been with him, but they had not known nor appreciated him. But how these things now stirred their hearts as they realized their unbelief! With what assurance they went forth to proclaim a crucified and risen Saviour! All fear of Jewish authorities was gone. They felt no timidity; for they realized that the Sun of Righteousness was shining upon this dark world. They realized that the central source of all the world's light was made known to them, and that they were blessed in comprehending that which worldly-wise men, with all their boasted science, theology, and philosophy, did not comprehend. The light and life of the world could be understood better by a handful of uneducated fishermen, who had experienced the love of God through Jesus Christ, than by those who were lifted up in self in their supposed intellectual greatness.

But how sad a thing it was for Heaven to look upon,--a world seared and marred with the curse of sin, covered with gross darkness, and yet insensible of the healing beams of the Sun of Righteousness! Christ asserted that the Pharisees, priests, and rulers chose darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. They cared not to acknowledge Christ, because it brought them into close contact with the Father, who would not tolerate sin, selfishness, and hypocrisy. Christ's mission was not to explain the complexity of his nature, but to give abundant light to those who would receive it by faith. Fallen men who should believe on him would receive the full advantage which could be produced through the mysterious union of humanity and divinity. "He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name; which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And 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." -

Personal Piety Alone of Value

In his sermon on the mount, Christ presented to the people the fact that personal piety was their strength. They were to surrender themselves to God, working with him with unreserved co-operation. High pretensions, forms, and ceremonies, however imposing, do not make the heart good and the character pure. True love for God is an active principle, a purifying agency. The scribes and the Pharisees appeared to be very punctilious in living out the letter of the law; but Christ said to his disciples, "Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven." What a startling declaration was this! It made manifest the insufficiency of legal or natural religion, and showed the need of moral renovation and the necessity of divine enlightenment. The Jewish nation had occupied the highest position; they had built walls great and high to inclose themselves from association with the heathen world; they had represented themselves as the special, loyal people who were favored of God. But Christ presented their religion as devoid of saving faith. It was a combination of dry, hard doctrines, intermingled with sacrifices and offerings. They were very particular to practice circumcision, but they did not teach the necessity of having a pure heart. They exalted the commandments of God in words, but refused to exalt them in practice; and their religion was only a stumbling-block to men. The old bottles were found unfit to contain the new wine, and new bottles must be provided for the new wine. Thus it was with priests and rabbis, scribes and Pharisees; they were as old bottles that could not contain the new wine of the kingdom of Christ. Although they had hitherto held undisputed authority in religious matters, they must now give place to the great Teacher, and to a religion which knew no bounds and made no distinction of caste or position in society, or of race among nations. But the truth taught by Christ was designed for the whole human family; the only true faith is that which works by love and purifies the soul. It is as leaven that transforms human character. The truth brought into the soul temple cleanses it of moral defilement; but where there is no change in the characters of those who profess to believe it, it is evident that it is not taken into the soul temple, and is simply no truth to those who advocate it. Such are under a deception.

The gospel of Christ means practical godliness, a religion which lifts the receiver out of his natural depravity. He who beholds the Lamb of God, knows that he takes away the sins of the world. True religion would result in an entirely different development of life and character than that seen in the lives of the scribes and the Pharisees. Jesus presented the true nature of religion in comparing his followers to the "salt of the earth." He said: "Ye are the salt of the earth; but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men." Salt that has lost its savor well represents the condition of the Pharisees and the effect of their religion upon society. Again Christ spoke of his people as "the light of the world." He said: "A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house." While Christ taught the value of humility, and condemned all the ostentation and self-exaltation which characterized the Jewish religion, he also distinctly set forth the fact that his grace and love cherished in the heart will be revealed in the character. If cherished in the soul they will be made manifest in outward conduct. Those who believe in Christ as their personal Saviour will love him, and through his Spirit and grace they will co-operate with him, giving themselves without reserve to his service. They will submit to him to be educated and disciplined for his kingdom.

Christ is our living example. He kept his Father's commandments. In his sermon on the mount he stripped human inventions and exactions from the holy precepts of the law, and revealed its true principle, showing that they were holy, just, and good. "The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul;" and this law is the foundation of his spiritual kingdom, the transcript of the divine character. If his disciples could reach no higher standard than that which was reached by the scribes and Pharisees, they could not enter into his kingdom. The condition of entrance to his kingdom was imitation of his life by obedience to his commandments. A religion like that of the Pharisees possessed no value and could not be accepted, for it possessed no saving power.

The people of God are to preserve the world from complete corruption by their own moral characteristics; but if they lose their moral qualities, they have no value to restore the world from its state of moral pollution. He who preserves his saving qualities and exercises them in benefiting humanity, is shedding forth the light of truth and co-operating with Christ. But those who lose their spirituality, whose love waxes cold because of the iniquity that abounds, have a sickly piety, and are as salt when it has lost its savor. Their energy and efficiency are gone.

The religion of the Jews had been perverted from its original nature and purpose. The Lord had given them light and knowledge to preserve them from the iniquity abounding on every hand, but they had erected partitioning walls to keep them in exclusion from every other people, and this was not under the direction of God. God does not give light that it may be hidden selfishly, and not penetrate to those who sit in darkness. Human agents are God's appointed channel to the world. Instead of being instructed to hide their light, the Saviour says to men, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." The statements which Christ made in reference to practical godliness were misinterpreted by the Pharisees; for Christ did away with all their maxims, injunctions, and precepts, because they made of no effect the commandments of God. They had burdened the law with the rubbish of tradition, and in removing it from the commandments, they claimed that he was doing away with the law of God. But Christ himself was the foundation of the whole Jewish system of religion. He rolled away from the minds of scribes and Pharisees the supposition that they were making, that he did not teach the law of God. He met their unspoken thoughts, and said, "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets; I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill." He was to fulfill every specification of the law, to obey every requirement, to redeem Adam's transgression, and to establish his kingdom upon the commandments of God. He said, "For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled."

The maxims, doctrines, and traditions of men had served to eclipse the dignity of the law before the world. They had dwelt upon forms, and the carrying out of specific, minute injunctions, and this had influenced men to depreciate the law. Though Christ did away with their multitudinous exactions, he explicitly declared that not one jot or tittle of the law should ever fail. He had come to exalt the law, to magnify the law and make it honorable. He revealed its true character by sweeping away the rubbish that had hidden it from the view of men. He sought to relieve the minds of men of the idea that the exactions of the law were stern and inexorable. The intolerable burdens which the Pharisees had urged upon the people made them regard the law as anything else than a law of liberty. They quoted the words of former rabbis to uphold their maxims and traditions, and felt bitter hatred toward Christ, whom they termed a meddler and an intruder.

Satan held almost undisputed sway over the earth when Christ came to do the work of redeeming. He was the light of the world to shine amid the moral darkness; for darkness had covered the earth, and gross darkness the people. Of them it could be said: "Your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you; . . . for your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness. None calleth for justice, nor any pleadeth for truth; they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity. . . . In transgressing and lying against the Lord, and departing away from our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood. And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off; for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter. Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey; and the Lord saw it, and it displeased him that there was no judgment. And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor; therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him. For he put on righteousness as a breast-plate, and a helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloak." -

Correct Wrong in the Spirit of Meekness

The course to be pursued toward the erring is plainly marked out in the Scriptures. Paul writes: "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted." To convince one of his errors is most delicate work; for erroneous modes of action or thinking, by being constantly indulged, become second nature, and the moral taste is confirmed in evil. It is very hard for those who err to see their faults. Many are blind to faults in themselves which are plainly discerned by others. There is always hope of repentance and reformation for the one who recognizes that he has faults; but many who recognize their errors when they are plainly pointed out, are yet too proud to confess that they are wrong. In a general way they will admit that they are human, and therefore liable to err; but such confessions count nothing with God.

"He that covereth his sins shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. Happy is the man that feareth always; but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief." "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile. . . . I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin."

It is not safe to do as did Saul,--walk contrary to the Lord's commands, and then say, "I have performed the commandment of the Lord," stubbornly refusing to confess the sin of disobedience. It was Saul's stubbornness that made his case hopeless, and yet how many venture to follow his example. The Lord in mercy sends words of reproof to save the erring, but they will not submit to be corrected. They insist that they have done no wrong, and thus resist the Spirit of God. The Lord declared this principle through his prophet: "Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king."

It is very discouraging to labor for those who stubbornly refuse to acknowledge their transgressions. When their wrong course is pointed out to them as being dangerous both to themselves and to others, they excuse their actions, laying the blame on circumstances, or heaping the censure which justly belongs to them upon others. They are filled with indignation that any one should regard them as sinners, and the one who reproves them is looked upon as a personal enemy who has done them a personal injury. The very ones who are blind to their own faults are often quick to note the faults of others, quick to criticise their words, and condemn them for something they have or have not done. They do not realize that their own errors may be much more grievous in the sight of God. They are like the man whom Christ represents as seeking to remove the mote from his brother's eye, while he has a beam in his own eye. The Spirit of God makes manifest and reproves sin that is concealed in darkness, sin that, if cherished, will increase and ruin the soul; but those who are willing to be self-deceived resist reproof, and will not yield to the influence of the Spirit of God. Yet they are quick to correct others; and in dealing with the erring, they do not manifest patience, kindness, and respect. They do not show an unselfish spirit, and manifest the tenderness and love of Jesus. They are sharp and rasping, and utter words of reproof in a wicked spirit.

Every unkind criticism of others, every word of self-esteem, is "the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity." The lifting up of self in pride, as if you were faultless, the magnifying of the faults of others, is an offense to God. It is breaking the law which says, "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." The injunction is given, "Be kindly affectioned one to another." We have no right to withdraw our confidence from a brother because some evil report comes to our ears, some accusation is made or supposition is suggested that he has done wrong. Frequently the evil report that is brought to us is made by those who are at enmity with God, those who are joining the enemy in his work of accusing the brethren. Those who are unmindful of the Saviour's words, "Take heed therefore how ye hear," allow their unsanctified ears to hear wrong, their perverted senses to imagine wrong, and their evil tongues to report wrong.

Many who are accusers of the brethren will not come out openly and talk with those who they think are in error, but will go to others, and, under the mask of friendship for the erring, will cast reflections upon them. Sometimes these accusers will openly agree with those whom they covertly seek to injure. They will state as facts, accusations which are only suppositions, and fail to give those whom they accuse a definite statement of what they suppose to be their errors, so that they give them no chance to answer the charges against them.

It is contrary to the teachings of Christ to make accusations against another, and give him no chance to clear himself in the matter. To act in this way is to pursue the subtle course which Satan has always pursued. Those who do these things have set themselves up as judges, through admitting evil thoughts. He who engages in this work communicates to those who listen to him a measure of his own spirit of darkness and unbelief. He sows in the minds of others seeds of bitterness and suspicion, and plants enmity in the hearts of those with whom he associates against one whom God has delegated to do his work. If the servant of God makes a mistake, it is seized upon, magnified, and reported to others, and in this way many are led to take up a reproach against their neighbor; they watch eagerly for all that is wrong, and close their eyes to all that is commendable and righteous.

When the sinner, in view of all his transgressions, exercises faith in God, and believes that he is pardoned because Christ has died as his sacrifice, he will be filled with gratitude to God, and will have tender sympathy toward those who, like himself, have sinned and are in need of pardon. Pride will find no place in his heart. Such faith as this will be a death-blow to a revengeful spirit. How is it possible for one who finds forgiveness, and who is daily dependent upon the grace of Christ, to turn away in coldness from those who have been overtaken in a fault and to display to the sinner an unforgiving spirit? Every one who has real faith in God will crush pride under his feet. A view of the goodness and the mercy of God will lead to repentance, and will create a desire to possess the same spirit. He who receives the Spirit of God will have clear discernment to see the good there is in the characters of others, and will love those who need the tender, pitying sympathy of forgiveness. The repenting sinner sees in Christ a sin-pardoning Saviour, and contemplates with hope and confidence the pardon written over against his sin. He wants the same work to be done for his associates; for true faith brings the soul into sympathy with God.

May God pity those who are watching, as did the Pharisees, to find something to condemn in their brethren, and who pride themselves on their wonderfully acute discernment. That which they call discernment is cold, Satanic criticism, acuteness in suspecting and charging souls with evil intentions, who are less guilty than themselves. Like the enemy of God, they are accusers of the brethren. Whatever their position and experience, they need to humble themselves before God. How can they pray, "Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us"?

"With what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again." "He shall have judgment without mercy, that hath showed no mercy." God grants no pardon to him whose penitence produces no humility, and whose faith does not work by love to purify the soul. We need to study the example of Him who was meek and lowly, who, when he was reviled, reviled not again. A vindictive spirit will not be indulged by a true Christian. Parents should teach their children to be patient under injuries. Teach them that wonderful precept in the Lord's prayer, that we are to forgive others as we would be forgiven. He who possesses the Spirit of Christ will never be weary of forgiving. -

Be Gentle Unto All Men

"The servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient; in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; and that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the Devil, who are taken captive by him at his will."

However great the confidence reposed in any man, whatever the authority given him by his position, let him not think that he can therefore indulge in surmisings, in suspicions, in evil-thinking, and evil-speaking, because he is too cowardly or too indolent to speak plainly to his brethren and sisters according to Christ's rule, and faithfully to correct existing errors. His position and authority depend upon his connection with God, upon the discernment and wisdom he receives from above. Let us be careful that we do not pass sentence of condemnation upon one who we do not feel is congenial to us, because he does not meet our ideas and praise and exalt us. Christ would have his church strong in unity. Let us all praise God that we are not to be judged according to man's finite discernment, which is very liable to be perverted.

Jesus said: "Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." Remember, there is a witness in every assembly, one who knows whether your thoughts are holy, kind, tender, and Christlike, or whether they are hard, unkind, and Satanic. A record of your words, the manner of your spirit, and the result of your action is borne up to heaven, and you cannot afford to be inattentive in this matter. The apostle says: "Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, as new-born babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby; if so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious." "Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned; behold, the judge standeth before the door."

Man cannot read the heart of man. His judgment is formed from appearances, and these are often deceptive. God reads the intent and purposes of the heart. Do nothing in an underhanded manner; be open as the day, true to your brethren and sisters, dealing with them as you wish Christ to deal with you. If you had the Spirit of Christ, you would not notice slights and make much of fancied injuries. Your mind would be occupied in contemplating the love of Jesus, and devising methods by which souls might be won to Jesus. Ordained elders and ministers need spiritual discernment, in order that they may not be the sport of Satan's temptations. They would not then be continually seeing things of which to complain. If the instruction which Christ has given were followed out in a true Christian spirit, if each one, when aggrieved, would go to the offending member as Christ has enjoined him to do, and seek in kindness to correct the wrong, many a grievous trial would be averted, and souls that are lost to the cause would be saved. But how many resort to every other expedient rather than fall on the Rock Christ Jesus and be broken. All such expedients must fail.

Christ says, "Learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls." "Take my yoke upon you." Shall we do this? Shall we wear the yoke of Christ? Shall we be renewed in the spirit of our mind, and daily cultivate humility and childlike simplicity, and be willing to be the least of all and the servant of all? Without this spirit our life is not hid with Christ in God. The self-importance which many manifest is exactly opposite to the meekness and lowliness of Christ. Those who think least of self and most of Jesus will be greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

It becomes all who expect to see Jesus as he is, to follow him daily, in order that their characters may be molded after the divine image. When our hearts reflect his likeness, we shall not judge unrighteously; we shall honor those whom God honors; and we shall be very circumspect in spirit, in word, in action, lest we grieve one of God's little ones. He who loves God because his own sins have been forgiven, will manifest a forgiving spirit toward others, and will show an earnest love for their souls.

In dealing with the erring, harsh measures should not be resorted to; milder means will effect far more. Make use of the milder means most perseveringly, and even if they do not succeed, wait patiently; never hurry the matter of cutting off a member from the church. Pray for him, and see if God will not move upon the heart of the erring. Discipline has been largely perverted. Those who have had very defective characters themselves have been very forward in disciplining others, and thus all discipline has been brought into contempt. Passion, prejudice, and partiality, I am sorry to say, have had abundant room for exhibition, and proper discipline has been strangely neglected. If those who deal with the erring had hearts full of the milk of human kindness, what a different spirit would prevail in our churches. May the Lord open the eyes and soften the hearts of those who have a harsh, unforgiving, unrelenting spirit toward those whom they think in error. Such men dishonor their office and dishonor God. They grieve the hearts of his children, and compel them to cry unto God in their distress. The Lord will surely hear their cry, and will judge for these things.

Those who are unfeeling and hard-hearted do greater harm to themselves than they do to others, for they deceive themselves by their own spirit and course. Selfishness leads the one who exaggerates every little offense, and attaches great importance to that which is said of himself, which leads him to attribute guilt to one who is ignorant of having done wrong. Selfishness works in the unsanctified heart, and leads men to depreciate those who do not highly esteem them and show them the honor which they think is their due. The lessons which Christ has given us are to be studied and incorporated into our religious life every day. He says: "If ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." "When ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have aught against any." "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you."

Through the acceptance of hearsay evidence the enemy obtains great advantage in council and committee meetings. Those who would stand for the right if they knew what it was, are led astray by the evil surmisings of others in whom they have confidence. Their prayers are thus hindered, their faith is paralyzed and unkind thoughts, unholy suspicions, alienate them from their brethren. Thus God is dishonored, and souls are imperiled.

When an effort is made to ascertain the truth in regard to those who have been represented as in the wrong, their accusers are frequently unwilling to grant them the benefit of a doubt as to the reliability of the evil reports. They seem determined that their accusations shall stand just as they have stated them, and they treat the accused as guilty without giving them a chance to explain. But when accusers manifest so fierce a determination to make a brother or a sister an offender, and cannot be made to see or feel that their own course has been wrong, it is evident that the transforming power of the enemy has been upon them, and that he has caused them to reflect his attributes.

Satan well knows that the combined strength of Satanic agencies with that of evil men is but weakness when opposed to a band of faithful, united servants of the great King, though in number they may be few. In order to overcome the people of God, Satan will work upon the elements in the character which have not been transformed by the grace of Christ, and through these unsanctified characteristics, he will seek to bring about disunion among the people of God. Unless these persons who become agents of Satan are converted, their own souls will be lost, and the souls of those who have looked up to them as men led of God will be destroyed with them, because they are partakers with them of their sins. Satan endeavors to create suspicion, envy, and jealousy, and thus lead men to question those things that it would be for their soul's interest to believe. The suspicious ones will misconstrue everything. They will call an atom a world, and a world an atom. And if this spirit is allowed to prevail, it will demoralize our churches and institutions.

When an evil report comes to our ears, before giving it credence, let us go to the one accused, and ask, with all the tenderness of a Christian, if he is guilty. A few words spoken in brotherly kindness may make manifest the fact that the reports were either wholly without foundation, or that the evil was greatly magnified. Before passing unfavorable judgment upon another, we should go to the one who we think has erred and tell him our fears, having our own souls subdued by the pitying love of Jesus. It may be that some explanation can be made that will remove our unfavorable impressions.

Christ prayed that his disciples might be one, even as he is one with the Father. Every one who claims to be a child of God should labor for this oneness. When the union exists for which Christ prayed, his followers will be a holy and powerful people. But if they let love die out of their souls, and accept the accusations of Satan's agents against the children of God, they will become servants of sin and allies of the adversary of God and of man. Let them heed the instruction of the apostle and cultivate the love of which he speaks. He says: "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. . . Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth." -

Is the Blood on the Lintel?

The directions that Moses gave concerning the passover feast are full of significance, and have an application to parents and children in this age of the world. "Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and said unto them, Draw out and take you a lamb according to your families, and kill the passover. And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the basin, and strike the lintel and the two side posts with the blood that is in the basin; and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning. For the Lord will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the Lord will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you."

The father was to act as the priest of the household, and if the father was dead, the eldest son living was to perform this solemn act of sprinkling the door-post with blood. This is a symbol of the work to be done in every family. Parents are to gather their children into the home and to present Christ before them as their Passover. The father is to dedicate every inmate of his home to God, and to do a work that is represented by the feast of the passover. It is perilous to leave this solemn duty in the hands of others. This peril is well illustrated by an incident that is related concerning a Hebrew family on the night of the passover. The legend goes that the eldest daughter was sick; but that she was acquainted with the fact that a lamb was to be chosen for every family, and that its blood was to be sprinkled upon the lintel and side posts of the door so that the Lord might behold the mark of the blood, and not suffer the destroyer to enter in to smite the first-born. With what anxiety she saw the evening approach when the destroying angel was to pass by. She became very restless. She called her father to her side, and asked, "Have you marked the door-post with blood?" He answered, "Yes; I have given directions in regard to the matter. Do not be troubled; for the destroying angel will not enter here." The night came on, and again and again the child called her father, still asking, "Are you sure that the door-post is marked with blood?" Again and again the father assured her that she need have no fear; that a command which involved such consequences would not be neglected by his trustworthy servants. As midnight approached, her pleading voice was heard saying, "Father, I am not sure. Take me in your arms, and let me see the mark for myself, so that I can rest." The father conceded to the wishes of his child; he took her in his arms and carried her to the door; but there was no blood mark upon the lintel or the posts. He trembled with horror as he realized that his home might have become a house of mourning. With his own hands he seized the hyssop bough, and sprinkled the door-post with blood. He then showed the sick child that the mark was there.

Are parents placing the mark of God upon their households in this their day of probation and privilege? Are not many fathers and mothers placing their responsibilities into others' hands? Do not many of them think that the minister should take the burden, and see to it that their children are converted, and that the seal of God is placed upon them? They do not restrict their children's desires, referring them to a "thus saith the Lord." Many suppose that the Sabbath-school influence will be all-sufficient, and that the Sabbath-school teacher will instruct and educate their children in such a way as to lead them to Christ. Fathers and mothers place their responsibility in the hands of others, and thus perilously neglect their own households.

"He cried also in mine ears with a loud voice, saying, Cause them that have charge over the city to draw near, even every man with his destroying weapon in his hand. And, behold, six men came from the way of the higher gate, which lieth toward the north, and every man a slaughter weapon in his hand; and one man among them was clothed with linen, with a writer's inkhorn by his side; and they went in, and stood beside the brazen altar. And the glory of the God of Israel was gone up from the cherub, whereupon he was, to the threshold of the house. And he called to the man clothed with linen, which had the writer's inkhorn by his side; and the Lord said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof. And to the others he said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite; let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity; slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women; but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men [men of responsibility] which were before the house.

I am much distressed because there is such manifest neglect in the home in the matter of training the children and the youth. Even in professedly Christian homes, where fathers and mothers would be supposed to be diligent students of the Scriptures, in order that they might know every specification and restriction in the word of God, there is manifest neglect of following the instruction of the word , and of bringing up the children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Professedly Christian parents fail to practice piety at home. How can fathers and mothers represent Christ's character in the home life when they are content to reach a cheap, low standard? The seal of the living God will be placed upon those only who bear a likeness to Christ in character.

If parents would fulfill the conditions upon which God has promised to be their strength, they would not fail of receiving his blessing in their households. "Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the Lord my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the Lord our God is in all things that we call upon him for? And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day? Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life; but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons; specially the day that thou stoodest before the Lord thy God in Horeb, when the Lord said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children."

"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart; and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates." "And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers; and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the Lord, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel. And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord, and served Baalim; and they forsook the Lord God of their fathers, which brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods, of the gods of the people that were round about them, and bowed themselves unto them, and provoked the Lord to anger. And they forsook the Lord, and served Baal and Ashtaroth. And the anger of the Lord was hot against Israel, and he delivered them into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them, and he sold them into the hands of their enemies round about, so that they could not any longer stand before their enemies."

The reason why the children of Israel forsook Jehovah was that the generation rose up that had not been instructed concerning the great deliverance from Egypt by the hand of Jesus Christ. Their fathers had not rehearsed to them the history of the divine guardianship that had been over the children of Israel through all their travels in the wilderness. The Lord Jesus had given special instruction from the pillar of cloud, bringing before parents the responsibility of teaching their children the statutes and the commandments of God. They were to present to their children tokens of the power of God, and to perform ceremonies that would provoke inquiry, and give them an opportunity of repeating the works of God in dealing with his people. But the parents failed to act the part that God had assigned them in diligently teaching their children, so that they might have been intelligent in regard to the works of God in leading his people through the wilderness. Had the parents been true to their trust, the children would have seen the mercy and goodness of the Lord Jesus Christ; but the parents neglected the very work that the Lord had charged them to do, and failed to instruct them in regard to God's purpose toward his chosen people. They did not keep before them the fact that idolatry was sin, and that to worship other gods meant to forsake Jehovah. If parents had fulfilled their duty, we should never have the record of the generation that knew not God, and were therefore given into the hands of the spoilers.

In the New Testament we are exhorted to be warned by the example of the Hebrews in neglecting their duty and in departing from the living God. "Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples; and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come." The failures and mistakes of ancient Israel are not as grievous in the sight of God as are the sins of the people of God in this age. Light has been increasing from age to age, and the generations that follow have the example of the generations that went before. The Lord does not change, and a sin which he condemned in former generations should be avoided by us. We should heed the admonition that has been given in the past, and lay hold of the promises that are made for the encouragement of the obedient. If we are learning lessons in obedience, following the path of faith and virtue, we have a living connection with God, and he will be our strength and support, our front guard, and our rearward. The same conditions must be fulfilled by us now as were by those who received rich blessings in former days. The reason we do not have more of the blessing of the Lord is that the professed people of God serve him with divided hearts, as verily as did ancient Israel. They profess to be worshipers of God, but many as verily worship idols as did the Hebrews.

With every generation increased light has shone, and we are responsible for the use that we make of this light. Those who pretend to serve God, and yet cherish selfishness, who seek to fulfill ambitious projects, are lovers of pleasures, lovers of self, and are as much more sinful than was ancient Israel as the light is greater which shines upon their pathway. They have the past experience in the history of the disobedience of Israel, and they know the result of their neglect of duty. They have heard warnings from God as to how to avoid the mistakes and errors of his ancient people, in order that they may escape the results of their own course of action, and they are more inexcusable in their course of sin than was ancient Israel. Many feel astonished that the Israelites should have manifested such ingratitude when God had manifested such love and care for them. They think that they would not be guilty of taking such a course; but let the question be turned upon ourselves. How much gratitude do we render to God for his loving kindness and tender mercy? How easy it is for us to forget God and Jesus Christ whom he has sent! We each come under the condemnation that rests upon ancient Israel, when we neglect to give thanksgiving to God for his daily mercies to us. When the leper returned to give glory to God, Christ asked, "Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?" Is there only one in ten who returns to give glory to God? Is this the proportion who return with overflowing hearts to render praise and thanksgiving for the mercy and loving kindness of our Heavenly Father? -

Acceptable Prayer

The world's Redeemer frequently went away alone to pray. On one occasion his disciples were not so far away but that they could hear his words. They were deeply impressed by his prayer; for it was charged with vital power that reached their hearts. It was very unlike the prayers which they themselves had offered, and unlike any prayers which they had heard from human lips. After Jesus had joined them again, they said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples."

"If we would offer up acceptable prayer, we should realize that in our petitioning we are in the audience chamber of the Most High. We should cultivate solemn thoughts, realizing that we are coming into close connection with our Creator. It means much to pray to our Heavenly Father. We come to lay our imperfect tribute of thanksgiving at his feet in acknowledgment of his love and mercy, of which we are wholly undeserving. We come to make known our wants, to confess our sins, and to present to him his own promises. He says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Jesus gave instruction to his disciples as to how they should pray: "When thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are; for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward." They do not receive their reward from God, but from men, from whom they seek their reward. They feel a certain satisfaction in publicly proclaiming their piety, and this is their reward. "But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do; for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them. For your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil; for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen."

What a contrast there is between this model prayer of Christ and the prayers formulated by human teachers! How brief, how expressive, how rich, how comprehensive! Praise and supplication are here mingled. Jesus has given to men a prayer in which every expression is full of meaning, to be studied and brought into practical life. The greatest mind may be charmed with its comprehensiveness, and the humblest intellect can understand its utterances. It is a prayer that expresses the essential subjects that we need to present to our Heavenly Father. Parents may teach this prayer to their children, and the Spirit may impress young minds with its truth. The children may gather the fact from this that our precious Saviour so loved them that he did not leave them in ignorance as to how to pray, but gave them a model prayer which they may present to God in simplicity and sincerity of heart. Christ will hear the prayer that he himself has taught to his disciples. Many times a day we may go as suppliants to God, and repeat this prayer with assurance that it will not fall to the ground.

It is not the work of any mortal to seek to particularize and explain all that is comprehended in the Lord's prayer. The wisdom of the greatest Teacher the world ever knew, is not to be darkened and mystified by words. Christ has given the prayer, and we should individually study its meaning, and be careful not to pervert its childlike simplicity. In the Lord's prayer, solidity, strength, and earnestness are united with meekness and reverence. It is an expression of the divine character of its Author.

The Lord Jesus says, "After this manner therefore pray ye." But how few heed the words of Christ and pray after this manner! Is it not best for Christians to be doers of the words of Christ, and not hearers only? We are not always to be confined to the utterance of these exact words. The Lord frequently pours upon his servants a spirit of prayer and of earnest supplication, and directs their attention to certain things embraced in certain parts of the prayer. But how many tedious prayers are offered in our churches, that are more like giving the Lord a lecture than like presenting to him a petition. It would be better if these petitioners confined themselves to the prayer that Christ gave his disciples, rather than to pray in a tedious, ceremonious manner. Long prayers in a congregation are tedious to those who listen, and do not prepare the hearts of the people for the sermon which is to follow. The prayer of Christ was in marked contrast to these long prayers with their many repetitions. The Pharisees thought that they would be heard for their much speaking, and they made long, tedious, drawn-out prayers. They lifted up their hearts in pride, and cultivated a sense of their own superiority; but this made them appear very foolish in the sight of God, who knew their motives, and understood the selfishness and arrogance of their hearts. The Lord knew that when opportunity offered, they did not hesitate to practice fraud; they used false weights and balances, and took advantage of the widow and the fatherless. He knew that they devoured widows' houses by charging exorbitant interest, and he could measure their pretentious claims to piety. They dared to parade their good deeds before the people, and for a pretense made long prayers, extolling and glorifying their own righteousness, which was as valueless in the sight of God as filthy rags. Let men take heed that they do not make religious exhibitions before the world of such a character that they will be a stumbling-block to sinners.

The model prayer of Christ is in marked contrast to the prayers of the heathen. In all false religions, ceremonies and forms have been substituted for genuine piety and for practical godliness. Dead formalism characterizes the devotion of those who have lost vital godliness. Prayer is made a mockery, and those who engage in it without feeling the spirit of their needs, can receive no reward of God. He who would pray should enter into the meaning of his prayer, putting heart and soul into his request. Let the Lord's prayer be the real expression of your needs. Often to repeat this form of prayer will not be termed vain repetition. But even the Lord's prayer may become a mere form. Prayer, how misunderstood, how perverted it has been! How few realize how solemn a thing it is to approach the throne of God. Angels bow before that throne with veiled faces, yet men who are stained by sin rush heedlessly into the divine presence. Let us remember that the holy angels approach the throne of God in reverence and holy fear. It is because men do not know God or Jesus Christ whom he has sent, that they take improper attitudes and utter improper words in their petitions. Instead of coming in contrition before God, men come without reverence in the family circle and in the congregation of the people. How many come to the season of prayer full of self-importance, and their prayers sound more as if they thought they must give the Lord information, than as if they expected to receive something from his hand. They do not approach God as humble suppliants, realizing that they are dependent upon him for life and health, for food and clothing, and for every temporal and spiritual blessing. They misinterpret the apostle's words when he tells us to come boldly to the throne of grace. Many come into the presence of God without reverence or humility, acting more like bold, forward children than like meek and lowly followers of Christ. This is not the manner of boldness that the Scriptures advocate. The boldness that is here pointed out, is that which is born of faith in the word of Christ when he says, "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." It is the boldness that comes when you realize that you do not need to dwell upon your own unworthiness and walk in the shadow that Satan would cast between your soul and God. It is proper that you should feel your weakness and soul's great need, and it is at this very time that you may come to God in full assurance of faith, claiming the promise that the weary and the heavy laden shall find rest unto their souls. The boldness is confidence in God, not self-confidence. But all rashness, all irreverence, is to be far from those who would offer acceptable prayer. Then we may heed the words of one who speaks for God, when he says, "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us."

While we are to offer our petitions with confidence in God's promises, we are not to be rash, to practice circus-like maneuvering in the name of prayer. This is not acceptable to God or beneficial to those who hear. It is simply a performance of an erring, finite being who is unacquainted with the pure, chaste, elevated character of Christianity. We are to come before God in calm confidence; but let no one imagine that it argues that a man is fervent in spirit because he screams and groans and works himself up into a passion of feeling. We are to present our requests to God in faith, asking for the very things which we know that we need. When we have a sense of what God is, we shall realize our own unworthiness; but we shall also have confidence toward God, knowing what is his character of mercy and love. We shall come into his presence through the merits of Christ, and through him have boldness and confidence. We may plead the promises of God without the fear of being presumptuous.

Christ reproved the scribes and the Pharisees because of their self-righteous prayers; and prayers of this order, that are made to be heard of men, call down no blessing from God. The Pharisees rehearsed the good works which they had done, in order that men might hear them, and they made a pretense of thanking God that they were better than other men. They flattered themselves, and did not come with a broken heart and contrite spirit. They made no acknowledgment of sin. Nothing good came from the treasure of their hearts in expressing love and gratitude to God. Filled with self-righteousness, they felt in need of nothing, and regarded themselves as having attained the standard. There was no humility of soul in presenting themselves before God. But humility is always recognized by him who has said, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you."

Qualifications for the Worker

We have before us a great work, and it is essential that we depart from every evil way, and serve God in the beauty of holiness, as though living in his presence. Let us put away all cheap talk, all suspicions and jealousies, all evil-surmising, and work according to our several abilities. Let us cherish no thought as to who shall be accounted greatest. He who keeps his heart open to the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness will ever be prepared to diffuse light. Let us walk in the light of Christ's righteousness, and pursue such a course as will make us faithful shepherds of the flock. The Spirit and grace of Christ must vitalize our daily experience, and cause us to assimilate the divine image, cleansing, refining, uplifting, supporting, and ennobling us until we shall have the mind of Christ, and learn meekness and lowliness of heart from the greatest Teacher that the world ever knew. By revealing a high and holy character we may make manifest to the world the fact that God loves us even as he loves his only begotten Son.

Let every one of us seek to be Christlike. The world is in great need of representatives of Christ. They need lives like the divine life, in order that they may have some tangible proof of the power of Christianity to uplift humanity in this world of sin and corruption. As laborers together with God, we should make our plans daily with an eye single to the glory of God. We should appreciate the condescension and love of Jesus in giving us finite beings the great privilege of bearing the yoke of Christ. We are to put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and work in his spirit, manifesting his grace, his love, his gentleness. We are to fear to indulge the spirit of self-sufficiency or to cherish the desire to be thought the greatest. The Lord knows every heart. He looks beneath the surface. He sees into the true inwardness of the soul-temple, and he will manifest himself to every one who will use the gift of his grace to bless others, and not for the purpose of exalting himself. Every ability, every power, is received from God. The human agent can originate nothing. If we are meek and lowly of heart, we may link ourselves with the forces of heaven, and be strong because Christ is strong, be great because Christ is great. We may hang our helpless souls upon Jesus, and be complete in him. The resolutions that are formed when the heart is deeply moved by the love of Christ will be high and holy, and will lead to the formation of wise plans of action. Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and walk in his counsels. Superficial piety will lead to self-sufficiency.

There are some people who are crippled in mind, who struggle with morbid peculiarity, who have had a wrong education, which colors all their labors. Every path of duty which they tread is tinged with their own defects. Unless they control these difficulties, humbly relying upon Christ as their only sufficiency, they will walk in continual uncertainty. They will resist the Holy Spirit in its influence upon their minds, and will not yield to its power. To him that hath shall be given. Those who receive the divine light will be molded in spirit and character by its holy influence; but those who choose their own way, and follow their own inclinations, will extinguish the light. Jesus said, "Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you."

O that all would look to Jesus and find in him all that precious love and affection which they fail to find in any human being! There are souls all around us starving for love, yearning for kindly, tender, appreciative words. But in Christ discontent will be healed by immeasurable love. The soul can find satisfaction in Christ. Jesus says, "If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink." Again he says: "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." Losing sight of ourselves, and looking unto Jesus, we obtain brighter and more glowing views of God. Our hearts are melted by contemplating his great love in giving us Jesus, his priceless gift. We receive Jesus, as we appreciate the love of God.

"Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world!" We see in him the perfection of wisdom, might, truth, and righteousness. With grateful wonder we repeat the words: "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Each individual may say, "He so loved me, that he gave me Jesus. I receive him as my personal Saviour. He is the God of forgiveness, the God of compassion and love. I receive his precious gift, he is mine and I am his." The more we behold the character of Christ, the more lovable it appears; then why is there so much silence everywhere? Why are not the praises of God heard from every voice? When we contemplate the love of Christ, when we behold him and become changed into his image, gratitude and thanksgiving spring up. We exclaim, "Who shall not praise thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name?"

The law of God, which so many cannot bear to hear, is the proclamation of his pure and holy character. It was because God loved mankind that he gave men his holy precepts. They are a testimony of his character, and are holy, just, and good. They bring a good report of God to the world, by presenting his holy character to mankind. "Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord." Shall we not be able to persuade the silent lips and voices to sing his praises? The time will come when all will praise him. "And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof; for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; and hast made us unto our God kings and priests. . . . Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing. And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb forever and ever." O let us begin to sing the songs of heaven here, and then we can join the heavenly company above.

Righteousness within is testified to by righteousness without. He who is righteous within is not hard-hearted and unsympathetic, but day by day he grows into the image of Christ, going on from strength to strength. He who is being sanctified by the truth will be self-controlled, and will follow in the footsteps of Christ until grace is lost in glory. The righteousness by which we are justified is imputed; the righteousness by which we are sanctified is imparted. The first is our title to heaven, the second is our fitness for heaven.

We need missionaries, but we fear to call men to the missionary field, who, though they appear to have ability, are not fitted for the work, because they are not devoted, humble, pious men. They may go forth to far countries; but because of their lack of consecration to God, they are not self denying, and therefore they make a failure of the work. How long will it be before men will learn to be wise, before they will have the mind of Christ? Missionaries should be shepherds to seek and save that which was lost. There are men who have been chosen as counselors in our churches whom God has not chosen for such positions. They are hard-hearted and unfeeling; but when God places men as caretakers of his flock to work in the interests of his kingdom, he chooses men who have hearts of flesh, who have not an education that will spoil them for dealing with human minds. The love of Christ pervades the soul and creates a kindly atmosphere. They watch for souls as those who must give account. They do not follow inclinations and give up to selfish indulgence. They have a living zeal for the work of Christ; they do their work with fidelity, and their influence leavens those with whom they associate. As soon as they hear of a field, whether it be nigh at hand or afar off, they feel like saying, "Here am I; send me." -

Go Ye Into All the World

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." Are the churches that have been organized in our cities doing that which is appointed them of God? How many cities in the United States and in other countries have not yet been entered, or if entered, have scarcely received what can be called missionary labor. The work that is done for those who know the truth, and yet who do not feed on Christ, would be better devoted to carrying the truth to the cities of our world. Who is willing to go to these cities, and, clothed in the meekness of Christ, work for the Master? Will any one presume to lay hands upon those who are willing to engage in house-to-house labor, and say, "You must not go unless we send you"? God is calling for workers, and the end of all things is at hand. If one tithe of the labor that has been expended upon our churches had been devoted to those who are perishing in ignorance, living in sin, many would have repented long ago.

The precious, saving truth has been repeated over and over again to our church-members, while right in the cities where our churches are organized, there are souls perishing for the want of knowledge that the members of our churches could impart. Aggressive warfare is scarcely known. If believers were wide awake, were watching for opportunities to diffuse light, they would find plenty of work to do. The earnestness, the sobriety, the revelation of the sense of solemn responsibility which rests upon the followers of Christ, would count strongly in favor of the truth. Those who are self-sacrificing Christians will make an impression upon their neighbors by living a life of practical godliness. They will earnestly labor in the Master's service, showing forth the praises of him who has called them out of darkness into his marvelous light. They will obey the instruction of Christ, "Let your light so shine before men, that they will see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Every member of the church should learn how to communicate light to others who sit in darkness. Let every one watch for souls "as they that must give account."

I address Christians who live in our large cities: God has made you depositaries of truth, not that you may retain it, but that you may impart it to others. You should visit from house to house as faithful stewards of the grace of Christ. As you work, devise, and plan, new methods will continually present themselves to your mind, and by use the powers of your intellect will be increased. A lukewarm, slack performance of duty is an injury to the soul for whom Christ has died. If we would find the pearls buried in the debris of the cities, we should go forth ready to do the work required by the Master. Some may work quietly, creating an interest, while others speak in halls. It is true that Satan will scheme in every possible way so as to benumb the senses, blind the eyes, and close the ears of men against the truth; but notwithstanding this, go to work. Labor from house to house, not neglecting the poor, who are usually passed by. Christ said, "He hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor," and we are to go and do likewise.

The cities in America, in this country, and in other countries, are not worked as they should be, and yet we are admonished to be laborers together with God. Instead of this, many churches, collectively and individually, have been so far removed from God, so separated from his Spirit, that they have left souls to perish all around them, while they have been calling for workers to labor in the church. This labor has been granted them, and the impenitent and the sinner have been robbed of the messages which the Lord would have given to them. If the church were a living, working organization, having life in itself, its members would experience travail for souls. Individual members of the church would strive to impart the light of the knowledge of the truth to those who have never been enlightened by the truth. When the human agent puts himself in living connection with God, the Holy Spirit will work in him "both to will and to do of his good pleasure." A vital connection is kept up between the church in heaven and the church on earth, and it is manifest that we are God's husbandry, God's building. It has been a mistake to have so many meetings in Battle Creek. One third of the time spent in ministerial institutes would have accomplished more toward the salvation of souls, because the ministers would have gone out from these meetings freighted with the precious light which had been shining from the word of God. Time would have been given for the laborers to set the truth before thousands in destitute fields. Many who have never heard the truth as it is in Jesus, would have been convicted and converted, and as a result many souls would have been added to the church, of "such as should be saved."

There has been so much preaching to our churches, that they have almost ceased to appreciate the gospel ministry. The time has come when this order of things should be changed. Let the minister call out the individual church-members to help him by house to-house work in carrying the truth into regions beyond. Let all co-operate with the heavenly intelligences in communicating truth to others. What though it be in weakness? It is Christ that speaks to the heart; it is he that creates an interest where there has been no desire to hear.

Let the worker present the truth in faith, believing in Jesus as his only efficiency. Let him reverently, devoutly, earnestly, and prayerfully grasp God's promise, and press his petitions before the throne of grace. As he feels a sense of his helplessness and weakness, "Let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me; and he shall make peace with me." The Holy Spirit will cause the word spoken to act as a two edged sword; and the hearers will see that the messenger is presenting the truth as a reality. They will realize that he knows what practical, experimental religion is. If the worker has been in the audience chamber of the Most High, if he has reverently, trustfully, opened his heart to God, that he might work through him, the people will not fail to be impressed with his teaching. When the worker depends wholly upon the higher Power, the God who seeth in secret will hear the supplication of the hungering soul, and will supply his grace richly. When we yoke up with Christ, we may leave the whole weight of the load upon Jesus, moving forward with a living faith, knowing that he will not fail nor be discouraged. When this method is followed, the laborer, through the grace of Christ, will bear such a testimony that the people will be brought into communication with him who has said, "Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." They will be led to say, "This is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven." O let the messengers of God cry aloud for the Holy Comforter; let the weary and heavy laden, the doubting soul, believe, only believe, that God is a present help in every time of need. "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God." O, let the longing soul, seeking after a knowledge of God and Jesus Christ whom he has sent, realize that the living God is our present and eternal strength. We cannot advance in the work, we cannot grow up to the full stature of men and women in Christ Jesus, until methods are adopted to secure all the working force in our churches to reach souls where they are. The leaven of truth must first be introduced by positive effort before it will work.

The centering of so many interests in Battle Creek is saying to the people, "Come here, to the center, to the heart of the work." This leaves other portions of the Lord's vineyard without any organized effort. It is our duty to bring light to places where there is no light, to cultivate the parts of the vineyard that have been let go to waste. I beseech you to look abroad over the United States, and to consider prayerfully, unselfishly, the many localities throughout the Union that are in need of help; and, realizing, that God's eye is upon you, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."

There has been too much spiritual energy expended in the church at Battle Creek. Those who have listened to the precious truth that has been pouring forth in such a free manner as it has there, have generally failed to receive or to appreciate the light given. They have failed to communicate what they have received. The persons who have been attending the ministerial institutes, have had presented before them line upon line, and precept upon precept; here a little, and there a little. But they have failed to receive any great benefit, because they have not imparted the light to others. The great outlay caused by these institutes, which have been held so often, would have brought far better returns if expended in maintaining the ministers in some part of God's neglected vineyard where there are no Sabbath-keepers. If the large churches settled in some of our cities were scattered to the four quarters of the globe, they might reveal how much the truth they have appropriated has to do with the shaping of individual character, and many eyes would be opened to behold the light of the truth. As they saw the great ignorance existing among the people, they would realize that there is work, solid, earnest work, for all in the neglected portions of the Lord's vineyard. If they were sons and daughters of God indeed, they would see that there is need of decided effort to reach the heathen in America as well as in heathen lands. The gospel is to go to every nation, tongue, and people, and ministers are not to devote their labors so entirely to the churches which know the truth. Both ministers and people lose much by following this method of labor. It is by engaging in earnest work, by hard, painful experience, that we are enabled to reach the men and the women of our cities, to call them in from the highways and the byways of life. But many of our people are surfeited with the privileges they have enjoyed, and have lost the sense of the value of human souls.

O, it makes me so sad to see that so little is being done in our cities. We should not confine our labors to some specially favored locality, but put forth well organized effort in different parts of the field. Then let the workers assemble together, give their experience, and counsel and pray together. If this method is followed, they will find abundance of work to do. These workers need not necessarily be ordained ministers, but must be such as have an earnest desire to labor for the salvation of perishing souls. ( Concluded next week .) -

Go Ye Into All the World (Concluded)

If families would locate in the dark places of the earth, places where the people are enshrouded in spiritual gloom, and let the light of Christ's life shine through them, a great work might be accomplished. Let them begin their work in a quiet, unobtrusive way, not drawing on the funds of the Conference until the interest becomes so extensive that they cannot manage it without ministerial help. Christ's manner of working is the best in all cases. He sent out his disciples two and two, with a definite message. His instruction to them was, "As ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand." Our message is no less definite. We may declare just as positively that "the kingdom of heaven is at hand." We should extend the invitation, "Come; for all things are now ready," to every nation, tongue, and people. The message declaring that the Lord of glory is soon coming in the clouds of heaven is to go "to every creature."

The life of Christ is to be revealed in humanity. Man was the crowning act of the creation of God, made in the image of God, and designed to be a counterpart of God; but Satan has labored to obliterate the image of God in man, and to imprint upon him his own image. Man is very dear to God, because he was formed in his own image. This fact should impress us with the importance of teaching by precept and example the sin of defiling, by the indulgence of appetite, or by any other sinful practice, the body which is designed to represent God to the world. The medical missionary can do a great amount of good by educating the people how to live.

In order to understand the value which God places upon man, we need to comprehend the plan of redemption, the costly sacrifice which our Saviour made to save the human race from eternal ruin. Jesus died to regain possession of the one pearl of great price. When we see those who profess to be Christians, living for self, doing nothing for the Master, can we believe that they are yoked up with Christ? There are no lazy or slothful people in the ranks of the true followers of Christ. The life of God's children is a life of self-denial, of self-sacrifice, a life of humility. Those who are not partakers of his sufferings cannot hope to share in his glory. Those who are not co-laborers with him, cannot receive the approval bestowed upon the faithful servant. It is to those who have received a knowledge of the truth, and have let their light shine upon others, that Christ says, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." We are to be judged according to the manner in which we use the knowledge of the truth which has been presented to us. The Lord gave his only begotten Son to ransom us from sin. We are his workmanship, we are his representatives in the world, and he expects that we shall reveal the true value of man by our purity of life, and by the earnest efforts put forth to recover the pearl of great price. Our character is to be modeled after the divine similitude, and to be reformed by that faith that works by love and purifies the soul. The grace of God will beautify, ennoble, and sanctify the character. The servant of the Lord who works intelligently will be successful. Our Saviour said, "Greater works than these shall ye do; because I go unto my Father." What are these "greater works"? If our lips are touched with the living coal from off the altar, we shall reveal to the world the wonderful love manifested by God in giving Jesus, his only begotten Son, to the world, "that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

The mystery of the incarnation of Christ, the account of his sufferings his crucifixion, his resurrection, and his ascension, open to all humanity the marvelous love of God. This imparts a power to the truth. The attributes of God were made known through the life and works of Christ. He was the representative of the divine character. The agony of Christ in the garden of Gethsemane, his betrayal, his rejection by the Jewish nation, his trial, the suffering inflicted by scourging and by obliging him to bear his cross,--every incident should be indelibly imprinted upon the minds of men. Each separate event was an important chapter in the working out of the redemption of the world.

In his ministry on earth, Jesus revealed the love of God for fallen man. After his crucifixion and resurrection, he appeared unto his disciples and again talked with then, opening to them the Scriptures concerning himself. He showed them that every specification of the prophecies had been fulfilled in his life, his suffering, and his death. This was to be an evidence to them of the great love of God for man, an assurance to them of the power which should attend them in their future labors. "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father." "Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in while 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."

When Christ permitted himself to be put to death, his disciples were greatly disappointed, "for as yet they knew not the Scripture, that he must rise again from the dead." On the day of his resurrection, two of his disciples, as they walked toward Emmaus, were reasoning on these things. When we honestly seek to understand the revelation of God, Christ is ready to come to our help. As these two "communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. . . . And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself." Later on he appeared to the disciples in Jerusalem, and opened "their understanding, that they might understand the Scriptures, and said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day; and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you; but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; and were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God."

They now saw that the prophecies had been literally fulfilled. They could search the Scriptures and accept their teachings with a faith and assurance which they had never known before. The divine Teacher was indeed all that he claimed to be. The prophecies relating to Christ and his mission were no longer a mystery to his disciples, but a living reality; and as they told their experience to the world, as they exalted the love of God, the divine assurance which they manifested was an evidence to men that they had received the gift of the Holy Ghost. Men's hearts were melted and subdued. The promise, "Greater works than these shall ye do; because I go unto my Father," was fulfilled. Christ, the Messiah, had come. The Saviour of the world had died, that all might have life, eternal life. It was no more a matter of faith with them that he was a Teacher sent of God. They realized that although he was clothed with humanity, he was of divine origin. With what burning language they clothed their ideas as they addressed the multitude on the day of Pentecost. They declared: "This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this the baptism of the Holy Ghost which ye now see and hear. . . .Let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. . . . And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved."

This assuring testimony could not have been given before the crucifixion of Christ, but he had promised, "Greater works than these shall ye do; because I go unto my Father." Christ had ascended to his Father. "And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus; and great grace was upon them all." The scenes of the rejection and crucifixion, the resurrection and ascension of Christ, were a living reality to them. They laid hold on the promise of Christ to some purpose. He had said, "Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son." The record says: "When they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul." -

Even So Send I You

"As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you." We are to bear as definite a testimony to the truth as it is in Jesus, as did Christ and his apostles. Trusting in the efficiency of the Holy Spirit, we are to testify of the mercy, goodness, and love of a crucified and risen Saviour, and thus be agents through whom the darkness will be dispelled from many minds, and cause thanksgiving and praise to ascend from many hearts to God. There is a great work to be done by every son and daughter of God. Jesus says: "If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever." In his prayer for his disciples, he says that he not only prayed for those in his immediate presence, but "for them also which shall believe on me through their word." Again he said, "Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father; for my Father is greater than I." Thus we see that Christ has prayed for his people, and made them abundant promises to insure success to them as his co laborers. He said, "Greater works than these [those he did] shall ye do; because I go unto my Father."

O what great privileges belong to those who are believers and doers of the words of Christ! It is a knowledge of Christ as the sin-bearer, as the propitiation for our iniquities, that enables us to live a life of holiness. This knowledge is the safeguard for the happiness of the human family. Satan knows that without this knowledge we should be thrown into confusion and divested of our strength. Our faith in God would be gone, and we should be left a prey to every artifice of the enemy. He has laid subtle plans by which to destroy man. It is his purpose to cast his hellish shadow, like the pall of death, between God and man, in order that he may hide Jesus from our view, so that he may cause us to forget the ministry of love and mercy, cut us off from further knowledge of God's great love and power to usward, and intercept every ray of light from heaven.

Christ alone was able to represent the Deity. He who had been in the presence of the Father from the beginning, he who was the express image of the invisible God, was alone sufficient to accomplish this work. No verbal description could reveal God to the world. Through a life of purity, a life of perfect trust and submission to the will of God, a life of humiliation such as even the highest seraph in heaven would have shrunk from, God himself must be revealed to humanity. In order to do this, our Saviour clothed his divinity with humanity. He employed the human faculties, for only adopting these could he be comprehended by humanity. Only humanity could reach humanity. He lived out the character of God through the human body which God had prepared for him. He blessed the world by living out in human flesh the life of God, thus showing that he had the power to unite humanity to divinity.

Christ said: "No man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him." O how dimly the exalted work of the Son of God is comprehended! He held the salvation of the world in his hands. The commission given to the apostles is also given to his followers in this age. "Repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." Our Saviour has "all power . . . in heaven and in earth," and this power is promised unto us. "Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." Even though a church may be composed of poor and uneducated and unknown persons, yet if they are believing, praying members, their influence will be felt for time and for eternity. If they go forth in simple faith, relying upon the promises of the word of God, they may accomplish great good. If they let their light shine, Christ is glorified in them, and the interest of his kingdom are advanced. If they have sense of their individual accountability to God, they will seek for opportunities to work, and will shine as lights in the world. They will be examples of sincerity and of zealous fervor in working out God's plan for the salvation of souls. The poor, the unlearned, if they choose, may become students in the school of Christ, and he will teach them true wisdom. The life of meek, childlike trust, of true piety, true religion, will be effective in its influence upon others. Persons who are highly educated are likely to depend more upon their book knowledge than upon God. Often they do not seek a knowledge of God's ways by wrestling earnestly with him in secret prayer, laying hold upon the promises of God by faith. Those who have received the heavenly unction will go forth with a Christlike spirit, seeking an opportunity to engage others in conversation, and to reveal to them the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ whom he has sent, whom to know is life eternal. They will become living epistles, revealing the Light of the world to mankind.

Christ has given "to every man his work." He expects every man to do his work with fidelity. High and low, rich and poor, all have a work to do for the Master. Every one is called to action. But if you do not obey the voice of the Lord, if you do not do his appointed work in firm reliance upon Christ as your sufficiency, if you do not follow his example, "unfaithful, slothful servant" will be registered against your name. Unless the light which has been given you is communicated to others, unless you let your light shine, it will go out in darkness, and your soul will be left in awful peril. God speaks to every one who knows the truth, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Communicate the knowledge of the truth to others. This is God's plan to enlighten the world. If you do not stand in your allotted place, if you do not let your light shine, you will become enshrouded in darkness. God calls upon all the sons and daughters of the heavenly family to be fully equipped, so that at any period they can step into the ranks ready for action. The heart made tender and sympathetic by the love of Jesus will find the precious pearls designed for the casket of the Lord Jesus.

The Lord's vineyard is a more extensive one than the present working force is able properly to cultivate. Therefore it is necessary that every one should labor to the full extent of his ability. Whosoever refuses to do this, dishonors the Lord of the vineyard, and if he continues inactive, the Lord will disown him. As the human agent endeavors to labor, God works in him and by him. When the Lord sees that little real effort for the conversion of souls is put forth in regions beyond, when he sees that golden opportunities are lost, and that the spiritual physician is devoting his energy and skill to those who are whole, neglecting the maladies of those who are ready to die, he is not pleased. He cannot pronounce the "well done" upon such work; for it is not hastening but hindering the progress of his cause, when rapid advancement is most necessary. Time and energy and means are devoted to those who know the truth, instead of being used to enlighten the ignorant. Our churches are being tended as though they were sick lambs by those who should be seeking for the lost sheep. If our people would minister to other souls who need their help, they would themselves be ministered unto by the Chief Shepherd, and thousands would be rejoicing in the fold who are now wandering in the desert. Instead of hovering over our people, let every soul go to work to seek and to save the lost. Let every soul labor, not in visiting among our churches, but in visiting the dark places of the earth where there are no churches.

In places where the standard of truth has never been lifted, more souls will be converted as a result of the same amount of work than ever before. The Lord Jesus has all power in heaven and in earth. If you will draw upon it, combining the strength of Heaven with your own, precious souls will be converted. The presence of the Holy Spirit is vouchsafed to all. Christ, our Mediator, renews our strength by the power of his presence. Every agency is to be set in operation, not to work for the churches, but to work for those who are in the darkness of error. When souls are converted, set them to work at once. And as they labor according to their ability, they will grow stronger. It is by meeting opposing influences that we become confirmed in the faith. As the light shines into their hearts, let them diffuse its rays. Teach the newly converted that they are to enter into fellowship with Christ, to be his witnesses, and to make him known unto the world. None should be forward to enter into controversy, but they should tell the simple story of the love of Jesus. All should constantly search the Scriptures for the reason of their faith, so that, if asked, they may give "a reason of the hope that is in them, with meekness and fear." The best medicine you can give the church is not preaching or sermonizing, but planning work for them. If set to work, the despondent would soon forget their despondency, the weak would become strong, the ignorant intelligent, and all would be prepared to present the truth as it is in Jesus. They would find an unfailing helper in him who has promised to save all who come unto him. ( Concluded next week .) -

Even So Send I You (Concluded)

"Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." In order that you may do this, pray, pray in faith, for that knowledge and wisdom and grace which the Lord Jesus alone can give you; and when you receive it, communicate to others. Thus souls will be saved, and there will be rejoicing in heaven. "Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that thou hast sent me." A living church is one that is engaged in earnest work for the Master. Christ's prayer to his Father was that through the sanctification of the truth his disciples might be one in him. They are to deny self. They are to consecrate every ability to his service; through patience, goodness, mercy, sympathy, and love representing our Saviour to the world. Through the influence of the Holy Spirit, all are to labor for the unity of love, that they may bring others to the knowledge of the truth. The Christlike devotion of those who stand in the wondrous light that shines from Calvary will recommend the followers of Christ and his service to the world.

May the Lord give the missionary spirit to his church. Then the workers will go into the harvest-field, pleading with our Heavenly Father that his Holy Spirit may go with them, that they may hold forth the words of life to those who are hastening to death. There are those in all our cities who have not had the truth presented to them; who have not heard the warning message of the Lord's soon coming; who have not heard that the end of all things is at hand. Unless messengers go to them in the Spirit of Christ, how shall these people hear the gospel invitation? How shall they know that their sins may be forgiven through the mercy of a crucified and risen Saviour? Aggressive warfare must be entered upon with a devoted, self-sacrificing spirit that many know nothing about. As opportunities offer, as doors open, and the word of life is brought to the people, opposition to the truth will start into operation. The door that is open to the missionary will also be open to the opposer of truth. But if the truth is presented as it is in Jesus, the hearers are responsible for its rejection.

Those who will not accept the last solemn message of warning sent to our world, will pervert the Scriptures; they will attack the character, and make false statements in regard to the faith and doctrines of the advocates of Bible truth. Every possible means will be employed to divert the attention. Shows, games, horse-races, and various other kinds of amusement will be set in operation. An intense power from beneath will stir them up to oppose the message from heaven.

What shall be done to meet our responsibilities? How shall we make proper use of the opportunities presented? There must be prayer, earnest, humble prayer; there must be determined wrestling with God for the endowment of his Holy Spirit. "Put me in remembrance," says the Lord; "let us plead together; declare thou, that thou mayest be justified." Take your Bibles and present the promises of God before the throne of grace. He says: "Ask, and it shall be given you. . . . For every one that asketh receiveth. . . . If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children; how much more shall your Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?" Believe that the Lord does just as he says he will. Go to work in faith. Hold fast to every point of vantage-ground gained. However strong the opposition may be, there must be no weakening. Hold fast by faith. Work and pray, watch and wait, hope and trust, leave everything to God. He can thresh mountains with a worm.

The church that would prove successful in the Master's service must be an aggressive one. Its members must not allow their interest in the work to flag. Heavenly intelligences are ready to co-operate with the human agent to press forward the work. At whatever cost press the battle to the gates of the enemy, yea, storm the very citadel. Do not allow yourselves to fail nor to be discouraged. Christ's authority is supreme, his power is invincible. Through the Holy Spirit the Lord works with the human agent. "He hath anointed us to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent us to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called Trees of Righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified." The Sun of Righteousness has arisen; Christ is waiting to clothe his people with the garments of salvation. And "he shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth; and the isles shall wait for his law." "His glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising."

The Lord does not wish to have one true soldier of the cross remain in ignorance or darkness. He calls us up, high up above the earth, that he may show us the vast confederacy of evil that is arrayed against us. He would remind us that "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." But he assures all who are engaged in this warfare that they are fighting under the "Captain of the Lord's host," and that the angels of heaven are assisting them in their struggle for the "crown that fadeth not away." Let us rally under the banner of Prince Immanuel, and in the name and strength of Jesus press the battle home.

There are souls perishing. They must know the terms of salvation. They must be taught that the conditions of acceptance are the same now as they were in Adam's day,--obedience to all God's commandments. Many appear to be entombed in the darkness of ignorance, intrenched behind an invincible barrier, full of error taught them by priest and ruler; but bear in mind that heavenly intelligences are working with the human agents. The Holy Spirit can pierce the stronghold of unbelief. Jesus is leading his army to the field of battle. Listen to his proclamation, "Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." Our General leads to victory, for he is a mighty conqueror.

The Duty of the Minister and the People

God has given to "every man his work." He has not left the spiritual interests of the church wholly in the hands of the minister. It is not for the good of the minister, nor for the good of the individual members of the church, that the minister should undertake exclusive charge of the Lord's heritage. Each member of the church has a part to act in order that the body may be preserved in a healthful condition. We are all members of the same body, and each member must act a part for the benefit of all the others. All members have not the same office. As the members of our natural body are directed by the head, so as members of the spiritual body, we should submit ourselves to the direction of Christ, the living head of the church. We are as branches of a common vine. Christ speaks of us as branches that have been grafted into himself, the True Vine. If we are true believers, living in daily, hourly connection with Christ, we shall be sanctified through the truth, and shall act our part in blessed union with the other branches of the True Vine.

The minister and the church-members are to unite as one person in laboring for the up-building and prosperity of the church. Every one who is a true soldier in the army of the Lord will be an earnest, sincere, efficient worker, laboring to advance the interests of Christ's kingdom. Let no one presume to say to a brother who is walking circumspectly, "You are not to do the work of the Lord; leave it for the minister." Many members of the church have been deprived of the experience which they should have had, because the sentiment has prevailed that the minister should do all the work and bear all the burdens. Either the burdens have been crowded upon the minister, or he has assumed those duties that should have been performed by the members of the church. Ministers should take the officers and members of the church into their confidence, and teach them how to labor for the Master. Thus the minister will not have to perform all the labor himself, and at the same time the church will receive greater benefit than if he endeavored to do all the work, and release the members of the church from acting the part which the Lord designed that they should.

All through our ranks, individual talent has been sadly neglected. A few persons have been selected as spiritual burden-bearers, and the talent of other members has remained undeveloped. Many have grown weaker since their union with the church, because they have been practically prohibited from exercising their talents. The burden of church work should be distributed among its individual members, so that each one may become an intelligent laborer for God. There is altogether too much unused force in our churches. There are a few who devise, plan, and work; but the great mass of the people do not lift their hands to do anything for fear of being repulsed, for fear that others will regard them as out of their place. Many have willing hands and hearts, but they are discouraged from putting their energies into the work. They are criticised if they try to do anything, and finally allow their talents to lie dormant for fear of criticism, when if they were encourage to use them, the work would be advanced, and workers would be added to the force of missionaries. The wisdom to adapt ourselves to peculiar situations, the strength to act in time of emergency, are acquired by putting to use the talents the Lord has given us, and by gaining an experience through personal work. A few are selected to hold responsible positions, and the work is divided up among these brethren. Many more who ought to have an opportunity to develop into efficient workers for the Lord, are left in the shadow. Many of those who stand in places of trust, cherish a spirit of caution, a fear that some move may be made which is not in perfect harmony with their own methods of labor. They require that every plan should reflect their own personality. They fear to trust another's methods. And why are they not to be trusted?

--Because they have not been educated; because their leaders have not drilled them as soldiers should be drilled. Scores of men should be prepared to spring into action at a moment's warning, should an emergency occur which demanded their help. Instead of this, the people go to church, listen to the sermon, pay their tithes, make their offerings, and do very little else. And why?--Because the ministers do not open their plans to the people, soliciting the benefit of their advice and counsel in planning and their help in executing the plans that they have had a part in forming.

There are to be no secret societies in our churches. "All ye are brethren." The minister's work is the lay member's work as well. Heart should be bound to heart. Let all press forward, shoulder to shoulder. Is not every true follower of Christ open to receive his teachings? And should not all have an opportunity to learn of Christ's methods by practical experience? Why not put them to work visiting the sick and assisting in other ways, and thus keep the church in a workable condition? All would thus be kept in close touch with the minister's plans, so that he could call for their assistance at any moment, and they would be able to labor intelligently with him. All should be laborers together with God, and then the minister can feel that he has helpers in whom it is safe to trust. The minister can hasten this desirable end by showing that he has confidence in the workers by setting them to work.

Who is to blame for the deficiency in the churches? Who is to be censured because willing hands and zealous hearts have not been educated to labor in a humble way for the Master? There is much undeveloped talent among us. Many individuals might be laboring in towns and cities, visiting from house to house, becoming acquainted with families, entering into their social life, dining at their tables, entering into conversation by their firesides, dropping the precious seeds of truth all along the line. As they exercise their talents, Christ will give them wisdom, and many believers will be found rejoicing in the knowledge of the truth as a result of their labors. Thousands might be getting a practical education in the work by this personal labor.

Neither Conference officer nor minister has a call from God to indulge distrust of God's power to use every individual who is considered a worthy member of the church. This cautiousness, so-called, is retarding almost every line of the Lord's work. God can and will use those who have not had a thorough education in the schools of men. A doubt of his power to do this is manifest unbelief; it is limiting the Omnipotent power of the One with whom nothing is impossible. O for less of this unsanctified, distrustful caution! It leaves so many forces of the church unused; it closes up the way so that the Holy Spirit cannot use men; it keeps in idleness those who are willing and anxious to labor in Christ's lines; it discourages many from entering the work who would become efficient laborers together with God if they were given a fair chance. Those who would be laborers, who see the great necessity for consecrated workers in the church and in the world, should seek strength in the secret places of prayer. They should go forth to labor, and God will bless them, and make them a blessing to others. Such members would give strength and stability to the church. It is the lack of spiritual exercise that makes church-members so weak and inefficient; but again I would ask, Who is to blame for the state of things that now exists?

God has given "to every man his work." Why is it that ministers and Conference officers do not recognize this fact? Why do they not manifest their appreciation of the help that individual members of the church could give? Let church-members awake. Let them take hold and help to stay up the hands of the ministers and the workers, pushing forward the interests of the cause. There must be no measuring of talent by comparison. If a man exercises faith, and walks humbly with his God, he may have little education, he may be accounted a weak man, yet he can fill his appointed place as well as the man who has the finest education. He who yields himself most unreservedly to the influence of the Holy Spirit is best qualified to do acceptable service for the Master. God will inspire men who do not occupy responsible positions to work for him. If ministers and men in positions of authority will get out of the way, and let the Holy Spirit move upon the minds of the lay brethren, God will direct them what to do for the honor of his name. Let men have freedom to carry out that which the Holy Spirit indicates. Do not put the shackles upon humble men whom God would use. If those who now occupy positions of responsibility had been kept at one class of work year after year, their talents would not have developed, and they would not have been qualified for the positions they hold; and yet they make no special effort to test and develop the talents of those newly come into the faith.

Women who are willing to consecrate some of their time to the service of the Lord should be appointed to visit the sick, look after the young, and minister to the necessities of the poor. They should be set apart to this work by prayer and laying on of hands. In some cases they will need to counsel with the church officers or the minister; but if they are devoted women, maintaining a vital connection with God, they will be a power for good in the church. This is another means of strengthening and building up the church. We need to branch out more in our methods of labor. Not a hand should be bound, not a soul discouraged, not a voice should be hushed; let every individual labor, privately or publicly, to help forward this grand work. Place the burdens upon men and women of the church, that they may grow by reason of the exercise, and thus become effective agents in the hand of the Lord for the enlightenment of those who sit in darkness.

There is a world to be warned. Let not humanity presume to stand in the way, but rather let every man stand aside, and let God work by his Holy Spirit for the accomplishment of the redemption of his purchased possession. Some of these new workers may make mistakes, but let the older ones counsel with them and instruct them how to correct their methods. They should be encouraged to surrender themselves wholly to the Lord, and go to work in a humble way. Such service is acceptable to the Master, and he will supplement their efforts by the power of his Holy Spirit, and many souls will be converted.

Let every church awake out of sleep; let the members unite themselves together in the love of Jesus and in sympathy for perishing souls, and go forth to their neighbors, pointing them to the way of salvation. Our Leader has all power in heaven and in earth. He will use men as agents for the accomplishment of his purposes whom some of the brethren would reject as unfit to engage in the work. Heavenly intelligences are combined with human instrumentalities in carrying forward the Lord's work. Angels have their places assigned them in connection with the human agents on earth. They will work through every person who will submit himself to labor in Heaven's ways; therefore, not one human being should be cast aside or left with no part to act.

The members of our large churches are not in the most favorable situation for spiritual growth or for development of efficient methods of labor. They are inclined to let others bear the burdens that the Lord designs all should have a part in carrying. Perhaps there may be a number of good workers, and these take up the work so spiritedly that the weaker ones do not see where they can get hold, so they settle down in idleness. It is a mistake for our people to crowd together in large numbers. It is not in harmony with God's plans. It is his will that the knowledge which we receive of the truth should be communicated to others; that the light which shines upon us should be reflected upon the pathway of those walking in darkness, so that we may lead others to the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world. But where a large number are congregated together in one church, this work in a large measure is neglected, and the light of truth is often only reflected back and forth upon the church-members; the world is left in darkness, the alarm is not sounded, the warning message from Heaven is not given.

The Lord has given "to every man his work," and he must have space to work. If one is ignorant of ways and means of carrying on the work, the Lord has provided a Teacher. Jesus said, "The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." There is altogether too little said concerning the sufficiency that God has provided for every soul that accepts the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Eternal Father, the unchangeable one, gave his only begotten Son, tore from his bosom Him who was made in the express image of his person, and sent him down to earth to reveal how greatly he loved mankind. He is willing to do more, "more than we can ask or think." An inspired writer asks a question which should sink deep into every heart: "He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" Shall not every believer in the Lord Jesus Christ say, "Since God has done so much for us, how shall we not, for Christ's sake, show our love to him by obedience to his commandments, by being doers of his word, by unreservedly consecrating ourselves to his service?"

Where is the faith of those who claim to be the people of God? Shall they also be included among that number of whom Christ questioned, "When the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" Jesus died to redeem us from the curse of sin and from sin itself, and shall we render him only a feeble half of those powers which he has paid such an infinite price to ransom from the hands of the enemy of our souls?

"For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich." He in whom "dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily," descended to our world, humiliated himself by clothing his divinity with humanity, that through humanity he might reach the human family. While he embraces the human race with his human arm, he grasps the throne of God with his divine arm, thus uniting humanity to divinity. The Majesty of heaven, the King of glory, descended the path of humiliation step by step until he reached the lowest point possible for humanity to experience; and why? That he might be able to reach even the lowest of mankind, sunken in the very depths of degradation though they be, that he might be able to elevate them to the heights of heaven. He has promised, "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." Wonder of wonders! Man, a creature of the earth; dust, elevated to the throne of the King of the universe! Marvelous love! inexpressible, incomprehensible love!

The Great Need of the Holy Spirit

"Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto me, both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." God has left nothing undone that could in any way work for the recovering of man from the toils of the enemy. He poured upon the disciples the Holy Spirit, in order that they might be enabled to co-operate with divine agencies in reshaping and remodeling human character. Of the Holy Spirit Jesus said, "He will reprove ["convince," margin] the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment." The Holy Spirit is not only to sanctify but to convict. No one can repent of his sins until he is convicted of his guilt. How necessary, then, it is that we should have the Holy Spirit with us we labor to reach fallen souls. Our human abilities will be exercised in vain unless they are united with this heavenly agency.

Men have fallen low, they are sunk in depths of sinful degradation, and it is because of a lack of knowledge, of the want of connection with vitalizing truth, and because they are contaminated by the corrupting influence of error. In the work of saving men, men and angels are to work in harmony, teaching the truth of God to those who are unlearned therein, in order that they may be set free from the bonds of sin. Truth alone can make men free. The liberty that comes through a knowledge of truth is to be proclaimed to every creature. Our Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the angels of heaven are all interested in this grand and holy work. To man has been given the exalted privilege of revealing the divine character by unselfishly seeking to rescue man from the pit of ruin into which he has been plunged. Every human being who will submit to be enlightened by the Holy Spirit, is to be used for the accomplishment of this divinely conceived purpose. Christ is the head of his church, and it will glorify him the more to have every portion of that church engaged in the work for the salvation of souls.

Our Saviour is to be more distinctly recognized, and acknowledged as the all sufficiency of his church. He alone can perfect the faith of his people. There is to be no wrestling for the supremacy among us, no exalting of self. No, brethren, let us lift up Jesus, and we shall reap a rich harvest. "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me." Lift him up, then; exalt the Holy One; proclaim him "the Desire of all nations," the "chiefest among ten thousand," the one "altogether lovely." Let every church of every clime take hold with an intense interest to help advance the cause. And while you labor for your own locality, pray for the general prosperity and upbuilding of the church throughout the vast harvest-field.

There is more joy in heaven over one sinner that repents, than over the ninety and nine who suppose they need no repentance. When we hear of the success of the truth in any locality, let the whole church join in songs of rejoicing, let praises ascend to God. Let the name of the Lord be glorified by us, and we shall be inspired with greater zeal to become workers together with God. The Lord urges us to fulfill the injunction, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." But we need to leave more room for the working of the Holy Spirit, in order that laborers may be bound together and may move forward in the strength of a united body of soldiers. Let all remember that we are "a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men." Therefore each one should inquire with meekness and fear, What is my path of duty? Entire consecration to the service of God will reveal the molding influence of the Holy Spirit at every step along the way. When apparent impossibilities arise in your path, present the ever-ready, complete efficiency of the Holy Spirit before your unbelieving heart, that it may shame away your over-cautious spirit. When your faith is weak, your efforts feeble, talk of the great Comforter, the Strength of heaven. When you are inclined to doubt that God is working by his Holy Spirit through human agents, remember that God has used the church and is using it to the glory of his own name. If men will not obstruct the way, God will move upon the minds of many more to engage in active service for him.

Christ's prayer to his Father in behalf of his followers was not in the interest of a few; it embraced every believer in the Son of God. "Neither pray I," said Christ, "for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that thou hast sent me." The words of this prayer are very precious. Notice what follows: "And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one; I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me."

Of all persons on the earth the true Christian is the one that the world has the most need of. But while they remain in the world, they are not to be of the world. The Saviour prayed: "I pray not that thou shouldst take them out of the world, but that thou shouldst keep them from the evil." The religion of the Bible is to be revealed in this world, in order that souls may be led to discern Christ, the Light of the world. As light is revealed, by following that light we may escape from all darkness; for He has said, "He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." The rays of the Light of life shining from the Lord Jesus enable humanity to pick their ground, to wage successful warfare, and triumph over the powers of darkness. This glorious Light reveals the abundant entrance into the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Walking in its beams we find ready admittance there.

The great General is not only leading a few soldiers; but the Captain of the Lord's host is leading the armies of both heaven and earth to battle; they are marching on to a glorious victory. Every soldier is to put on the whole armor of God, and fight courageously, realizing that he is battling in full view of the invisible universe. If the Lord's army will obey orders, they will find themselves influenced by the Holy Spirit to work the works of God. The battlefield is glorified with the light shining from the cross of Calvary.

The prayer of Christ; "that they may be one in us," should be responded to by every Christian. Each one should show an example of holy devotion, of unreserved consecration, to his service. They should be models of self-denying, self sacrificing laborers, after the example of Jesus, that God may be glorified on the earth, and that, beholding the love which binds the believers together, the world may realize that God has sent his Son to save them from their sins; and that, believing, many souls may be sanctified through the truth.

The promise of the gift of the Holy Spirit is not comprehended as it should be. The privileges to be enjoyed through its acceptance are not appreciated as they might be. God desires that his church shall lay hold by faith upon his promises, and ask for the power of the Holy Spirit to help them in every place. He assures us that he is more willing to give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him, than parents are to give good gifts unto their children. Since it is possible for every one to have the heavenly unction, "ye need not that any man teach you," and there is no excuse for shunning responsibilities. No duty should be unwelcome, no obligation evaded. "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally." Place more confidence in "Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption." The work of God is retarded by criminal unbelief in his power to use the common people to carry forward his work successfully. Because men cannot see every step forward distinctly marked out before them, they question, doubt, and hesitate, under the plea of caution. They will not walk by faith, but move by sight alone. O that frail man would realize that it is the General of the armies of heaven that is leading and directing the movements of his allies on earth. Christ himself is the renewing power, working in and through every soldier by the agency of the Holy Spirit. Every individual is to become an instrument in his hands to work for the salvation of souls. Not one who desires to labor for the Master is to be refused a place, if he is a true follower of Christ. Every one has his responsibilities to bear in the cause of Christ. The efficiency of the Spirit of God will make effective the labors of all who are willing to submit to his guidance. Therefore, how careful every officer in the Lord's army should be that he does not interpose the commandments and rulings of men between the soldier and his Captain. "Without me," says Christ, "ye can do nothing." If the officers abide not in Christ, they can do nothing. How careful, how humble, should every soul be that is enrolled in the Lord's army; how meek and free from self-sufficiency should all his officers prove themselves to be.

The end of all things is at hand. God is moving upon every mind that is open to receive the impressions of his Holy Spirit. He is sending out messengers that they may give the warning in every locality. God is testing the devotion of his churches and their willingness to render obedience to the Spirit's guidance. Knowledge is to be increased. The messengers of Heaven are to be seen running to and fro, seeking in every possible way to warn the people of the coming judgments, and presenting the glad tidings of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. The standard of righteousness is to be exalted. The Spirit of God is moving upon men's hearts, and those who respond to its influence will become lights in the world. Everywhere they are seen going forth to communicate to others the light they have received as they did after the descent of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. And as they let their light shine, they receive more and more of the Spirit's power. The earth is lighted with the glory of God.

But O, sad picture! those who do not submit to the influence of the Holy Spirit soon lose the blessings received when they acknowledged the truth as from Heaven. They fall into a cold, spiritless formality; they lose their interest in perishing souls: they have "left their first love." And Christ says unto them, "Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent." He will take his Holy Spirit from the church, and give it to others who will appreciate it.

There is no greater evidence that those who have received great light do not appreciate that light, than is given by their refusal to let their light shine upon those who are in darkness, and devoting their time and energies in celebrating forms and ceremonies. Thoughts of the inner work, the necessary purity of heart, are not entertained. The absence of harmony with God becomes apparent. The light grows dim, goes out; the candlestick has been removed. There is much exercising of man-made authority by those to whom God has not given his wisdom because they did not feel the need of the wisdom from above. This wisdom, "first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy," is contrary to their disposition. They have not the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, with which the believer in Jesus should be adorned. They do not represent the meek and lowly Carpenter of Nazareth. The set aside as of little value that which God has said "is of great price." ( Concluded next week .) -

A Word to Parents

As parents who profess to love the Lord Jesus Christ, we should see to it that the spirit of peace is in our households. God commands us to take our children and fashion them after the divine similitude. From their earliest life children should be taught to obey their parents, to respect their word, and to reverence their authority. But many allow Satan to take their children under control, and in their early life the spirit of Satan manifests itself in the little ones in passionate screams or in sullen manners. One child under the control of this evil disposition will disturb the whole household, and banish peace from its borders. Parents should take time to discipline their children. Our most precious time belongs to our own flesh and blood. Never let your child hear you say, "I cannot do anything with you." As long as we may have access to the throne of God, we as parents should be ashamed to utter any such a word. Cry unto Jesus, and he will help you to bring your little ones to him, and to keep them out of the power of the enemy. If Satan cannot succeed in ruling the fathers and the mothers, he will try with all his power to control the children, and make them rebel against God, and become disturbers of the peace of a family.

Parents, you have a solemn responsibility resting upon you. It is your duty to co-operate with Christ in aiding your children to form right characters. Jesus can do nothing without your co-operation. It is not mercy or kindness to permit a child to have its own way, to submit to its rule, and to neglect to correct it on the ground that you love it too well to punish it. What kind of love is it that permits your child to develop traits of character that will make him and every one else miserable? Away with such love! True love will look out for the present and eternal good of the soul.

How much corruption we see in the world because parents neglect to do their duty, and sin lies at their door. Satan stands by exulting as you permit your children to pass into his hands. Do not indulge your children in evil ways, but from their very infancy let them see that you love the Lord, and that you mean to train them up as he would have you. Our blessed Saviour taught us to pray, "Our Father, which art in heaven. Hallowed be thy name." Do we realize what is the meaning of this prayer? Do we realize that we must hallow that name in our families, and that if we allow our children to manifest the attributes of Satan, that name is not hallowed in our households? If we want the holy angels to take charge of our little ones, we must bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, and teach them to hallow the name of God. We teach them to say, "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." But do you teach them the meaning of this prayer? Do you teach them that the kingdom of God must be seen in your household, and that the will of God must be done by them and you? Do you break the force of this petition by shaking them, by striking them in anger, by speaking harsh words, and by manifesting passion? Do not do this, but be merciful, kind, and tender-hearted. Let the will of the Lord be done in your family, not the will of the enemy. If mild measures will not avail, you must use the rod, you must give your children to understand that God must be honored in your house; but this work is sadly neglected. Do you wonder that God does not walk through the midst of us when we allow Satan to work his way in our households, and when we neglect the solemn obligations that God has placed upon us? Of what avail will be a list of church resolutions, if we have not the Spirit of God in our homes? Christ is watching to see who are training their families for the great family above. Suppose one of your little children whom you have failed to correct, should be taken away in one of its fits of temper, what would be the result? I leave you to answer the question.

What are we to do? Let us look carefully, and begin to catch up our dropped stitches. Let us break down the strongholds of the enemy. Let us mercifully correct our loved ones, and keep them from the power of the enemy. Do not be discouraged. Eternal interests are at stake. Do not feel downcast by the rebuke; for the Lord says, "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten." The church needs men of a meek and quiet spirit, who are long-suffering and patient. Let them learn these attributes in dealing with their families. Let parents think a great deal more of their children's eternal interests than they do of their present comfort. Let them look upon their children as younger members of the Lord's family, and train and discipline them in such a way as will lead them to reflect the divine image.

The Great Need of the Holy Spirit (Concluded)

God has not appointed any man guide, nor made any man conscience for another; therefore let human hands be withheld from restraining his servants who feel the burden to enter his vineyard to labor. Let God work with his own chosen agents by his Holy Spirit. No human being is to sit in judgment upon his brother. Neither are any to feel that they can handle roughly the precious pearls for which Christ gave his life. The pearl, the precious human pearl, was found by Christ. Let man be warned; be careful how you treat the Lord's "peculiar treasure." All discourtesy, all pain, all neglect, which these souls suffer at your hands, is charged against you as inflicted upon Jesus Christ. They are not to be treated in a lordly, commanding manner. Laws and rules are being made at the centers of the work that will soon be broken into atoms. Men are not to dictate. It is not for those in places of authority to employ all their powers to sustain some, while others are cast down, ignored, forsaken, and left to perish. But it is the duty of the leaders to lend a helping hand to all who are in need. Let each work in the line which God may indicate to him by his Holy Spirit. The soul is accountable to God alone. Who can say how many avenues of light have been closed by arrangements which the Lord has not advised nor instituted? The Lord does not ask permission of those in responsible positions when he wishes to use certain ones as his agents for the promulgation of truth. But he will use whom he will use. He will pass by men who have not followed his counsel, men who feel capable and sufficient to work in their own wisdom; and he will use others who are thought by these supposedly wise ones to be wholly incompetent. Many who have some talent think that they are necessary to the cause of God. Let them beware lest they stretch themselves beyond their measure, and the Lord shall leave them to their own ways, to be filled with their own doings. None are to exercise their human authority to bind minds and souls of their fellow-men. They are not to devise and put in practice methods and plans to bring every individual under their jurisdiction.

Those who know the truth are to be worked by the Holy Spirit, and not themselves to try to work the Spirit. If the cords are drawn much tighter, if the rules are made much finer, if men continue to bind their fellow-laborers closer and closer to the commandments of men, many will be stirred by the Spirit of God to break every shackle, and assert their liberty in Christ Jesus. If men would act toward their fellow-men as to those whom Christ loves, if they would obey the commandment to "love thy neighbor as thyself," there would be sweet harmony among the brethren. How much better it would be if those who claim to be Christians would behave like Christians. How much better it would be if all would cease speaking of their own good works and ways, indulging their self-esteem; refrain from the putting forth of the finger, imagining evil, and using their influence to weaken, oppress, and destroy. If men will not come to the terms made by the leading workers, they will not entertain them, they do not care what results may follow their injustice. With them it is rule or ruin. God has not appointed any man to do such work. And no human being shall be permitted to prescribe my liberty or intrench upon the perfect freedom of my brethren, without hearing my voice lifted in protest against it.

God will move upon men of humble position in society, men who have not become insensible to the bright rays of light through so long contemplating the light of truth, and refusing to make any improvement or advancement therein. Many such will be seen hurrying hither and thither, constrained by the Spirit of God to bring the light to others. The truth, the word of God, is as a fire in their bones, filling them with a burning desire to enlighten those who sit in darkness. Many, even among the uneducated, now proclaim the words of the Lord. Children are impelled by the Spirit to go forth and declare the message from Heaven. The Spirit is poured out upon all who will yield to its promptings, and, casting off all man's machinery, his binding rules and cautious methods, they will declare the truth with the might of the Spirit's power. Multitudes will receive the faith and join the armies of the Lord.

Many of those who are professedly followers of the Lord at the present time do not submit themselves to the guidance of his Spirit, but try to harness up the Holy Spirit, and drive it in their way. All such must abandon their self-sufficiency, and yield themselves unreservedly to the Lord, that he may work out his good pleasure in and through them.

The seven last plagues are about to descend upon the disobedient. Many have let the gospel invitation go unheeded; they have been tested and tried; but mountainous obstacles have seemed to loom up before their faces, blocking their onward march. Through faith, perseverance, and courage, many will surmount these obstructions and walk out into the glorious light. Almost unconsciously barriers have been erected in the strait and narrow way; stones of stumbling have been placed in the path; these will all be rolled away. The safeguards which false shepherds have thrown around their flocks will become as naught; thousands will step out into the light, and work to spread the light. Heavenly intelligences will combine with the human agencies. Thus encouraged, the church will indeed arise and shine, throwing all her sanctified energies into the contest; thus the design of God is accomplished; the lost pearls are recovered. Prophets have discerned this grand work afar off, and have caught the inspiration of the hour, and traced the wonderful descriptions of things yet to be.

Our people have had great light, and yet much of our ministerial force is exhausted on the churches, in teaching those who should be teachers; enlightening those who should be "the light of the world;" watering those from whom should flow springs of living water; enriching those who might be veritable mines of precious truth; repeating the gospel invitation to such as should be scattered to the uttermost parts of the earth communicating the message of Heaven to many who have not had the privileges which they have enjoyed; feeding those who should be in the byways and highways heralding the invitation, "Come; for all things are now ready." Come to the gospel feast; come to the supper of the Lamb; "for all things are now ready."

Now is the time for earnest wrestling with God. Our voices should join with the Saviour's in that wonderful prayer: "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven." Let the whole earth be filled with his glory. Many may ask, "Who is sufficient for these things?" The responsibility rests upon every individual. "Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God." The scheme of salvation is not to be worked out under the laws and rules specified by men. There must be no fixed rules; our work is a progressive work, and there must be room left for methods to be improved upon. But under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, unity must and will be preserved.

All the revelations of the past bring added responsibilities upon the workers in these last days. The past, present, and future are linked together. We must learn lessons from the experiences of other ages. If there are any of our brethren who think that they have devised plans by which they can secure a monopoly of any line of God's work, they are released from all such burdens. Individually we form a part of the great whole, fulfilling our part in the scenes foreseen long ages ago. In the counsels of God a place was assigned to every person, and each one is to devote his entire ability, his influence, the energy of his whole being, in an earnest endeavor to discharge the responsibility laid upon him. It is the duty of every human intelligence to put into daily practice the instructions of Christ in the seventeenth chapter of John by living a practical, Christian life. We are to be united to one another in the bonds of Christlike love. This is the path marked out for all. By following in it, without boasting, without self exaltation, we may satisfy the high claims of God upon us. If any are inclined to boast of their superior talents, let them bear in mind that these talents are another's, only lent to them for a season, and that if they are not employed in the Lord's work, they will be taken from them. Make no boasts of your extensive knowledge and influence. The great plan of redemption connects every man with his fellow-laborer. The influence of the past helps to mold the work of the present, and that in its turn enables us to lay hold of the work line after line, upon which we may carry on the future work. All these agencies have a close relation, not only to time, but to the endless ages of the future, reaching into eternity.

Let man now cease to trust in man. While they should respect God's plan for unity of action, let all remember that the Holy Spirit is molding and fashioning the human agent in the divine similitude. The life that is hid with Christ in God is revealed through men. We are now living in the closing scenes of this world's history. Let men tremble with the sense of the responsibility of knowing the truth. The ends of the world are come. Proper consideration of these things will lead all to make an entire consecration of all that they have and are to their God. There should be no boasting, no seeking for the highest places; but all should be ambitious to do with fidelity, with an eye single to the glory of God, the sacred work which it is our exalted privilege to engage in. The eye should not be so constantly looking to man, studying the plans which men devise; but rather seeking for a knowledge of the plans which are determined by the Source of all wisdom. Then there will be no danger of having plans for work contaminated by flowing through impure human channels. Look to God; pray to God; wait and watch and pray to God; work for God. The weighty obligation of warning a world of its coming doom is upon us. From every direction, far and near, calls are coming to us for help. The church, devotedly consecrated to the work, is to carry the message to the world: Come to the gospel feast; the supper is prepared, come. The weak must not now trust in finite men if they would be as David, and David as the angel of the Lord. If we have ever importuned God, wrestling for his blessing as did Jacob, let it be now. God calls to the church to arise and clothe herself with the garments of Christ's righteousness. Crowns, immortal crowns, are to be won. The kingdom of heaven is to be gained. A world, perishing in sin, is to be enlightened. The lost pearl is to be found. The lost sheep is to be brought back in safety to the fold. Who will join in the search? Who will bear the light to those who are wandering in the darkness of error?

Interesting Experiences in Australia

[THE FOLLOWING LETTER FROM SISTER WHITE TO BROTHER OLSEN, WE ARE PERMITTED TO PRESENT TO THE READERS OF THE REVIEW. THE BRETHREN EVERYWHERE WILL BE INTERESTED IN THE HAPPY EXPERIENCES WHICH IT RECORDS.--EDS.]

North Fitzroy, Australia, May 27, 1895. On Sabbath, May 25, we had a precious meeting in the hall where our people meet at North Fitzroy. For several days before the meeting, I knew that I was expected to speak in the church on Sabbath; but unfortunately I had a severe cold and was quite hoarse. I felt inclined to excuse myself from this appointment; but as it was my only opportunity, I said, "I will place myself before the people, and I believe the Lord will answer my earnest prayers, and remove the hoarseness so that I can present my message to the people." I presented to my Heavenly Father the promise, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. . . . If ye, then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children; how much more shall your Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?" Again, Christ says, "Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son."

The word of God is sure. I had asked, and I believed that I would be enabled to speak to the people. I selected a portion of Scripture; but when I rose to speak, it was taken from my mind, and I felt impressed to speak from the first chapter of second Peter. The Lord gave me special freedom in presenting the value of the grace of God. How much is his grace to be appreciated! The apostle says: "Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue; whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises; that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust."

I was enabled by the aid of the Holy Spirit to speak with clearness and power. At the close of my discourse, I felt impressed by the Spirit of God to extend an invitation for all those to come forward who desired to give themselves fully to the Lord. Those who felt the need of the prayers of the servants of God were invited to make it manifest. About thirty came forward. Among these were the wives of the brethren A., who for the first time made manifest their desire to come near to God. My heart was filled with unspeakable gratitude because of the movement made by these two women. I could then see why I was so earnestly moved to make this invitation. At first I had hesitated, wondering if it were best to do so when my son and I were the only ones whom I could see who would give us any help on that occasion. But as though some one had spoken to me, the thought passed through my mind, "Cannot you trust in the Lord?" I said, "I will, Lord." Although my son was much surprised that I should make such a call on this occasion, he was equal to the emergency. I never heard him speak with greater power or deeper feeling than at that time. He called upon brethren Faulkhead and Salisbury to come forward, and we knelt in prayer. My son took the lead, and the Lord surely indited his petition; for he seemed to pray as though in the presence of God. Brethren Faulkhead and Salisbury also presented fervent petitions, and then the Lord gave me a voice to pray. I remembered the sisters A., who, for the first time, were taking a public stand for the truth. The Holy Spirit was in the meeting, and many were stirred by its deep movings.

At the close of the meeting many pressed their way to the platform, and taking me by the hand, requested me with tears in their eyes to pray for them. I answered heartily, "I will." The sisters A. were introduced to me, and I found that their hearts were very tender.

I will tell you a little more definitely about the situation of these A. brothers and their wives. Brother Somerville was the first one who interested these men in the truth. He requested the help of brother Starr in giving them Bible readings, and through these influences they were led to come upon the Brighton camp ground. They were delighted with the cotton city, and decided to have a tent for their families, and thus be able to receive the benefit of the meetings. The wives could be on the grounds whenever they chose, but the husbands could only attend the meetings when their business permitted. But they did this, placing themselves in the channel of light where the heavenly current could flow to their souls. They were converted and baptized. From that time they closed their music-store on the Sabbath. The father was very much troubled over their course, for they not only refused to do business themselves, but would not allow him to open their music-store to do business on the Sabbath himself. It was a very trying experience for them, but through the help of the Lord the matter was adjusted, and the brothers went on with their business without leaving the truth. They had to suffer the affliction of opposition from father and mother and relatives. The mother of one of the sisters who has now taken her position on the truth, has been a most bitter opposer, and has threatened that if her daughter did become a Sabbath-keeper, she would not allow her to enter her home; for the mother would look upon her as a disgrace to the family. Mrs. A. had often made the statement that she would never join the Seventh-day Adventists. She had been brought up in the Presbyterian Church, and had been educated to think that it was very improper for women to speak in meeting, and that for a woman to preach was altogether beyond the bounds of propriety. She enjoyed hearing Elders Daniells and Corliss, and thought them very clever speakers, but she would not listen to a woman's preaching. Her husband had prayed that God would so arrange matters that she might be converted under the ministry of sister White. When I made the appeal, and urged those to come forward who felt their need of drawing nearer to God, to the surprise of all, these sisters came forward. The sister who had lost her little one, said that she was determined that she would not move forward, but the Spirit of the Lord so forcibly impressed her mind that she dared not refuse. When the brethren A. saw their wives going forward, they said they felt like leaping and praising God. They could hardly believe their own eyes. These men have proved God's promise true; for in asking they have received, and their faith has been greatly increased in him who has made every promise sure in Jesus Christ.

My faith also was rewarded, and although difficulty was brought upon me by the prevailing epidemic, the Lord sustained me, and lifted upon me the health of his countenance. I feel so grateful to my Heavenly Father for his loving-kindness in bringing these two precious souls to unite with their husbands in obeying the truth. They have counted the cost before they have entered upon the Christian warfare. For some time these sisters have been attending the Sabbath school. They brought the little children with them that they might receive the benefit of the instruction in the smaller classes, while they themselves have felt that they have gained much instruction in studying the lessons of the senior division. They were much nearer belief in the truth, nearer the kingdom of heaven, than they themselves had thought.

This Sabbath day was a precious day. Was there not joy in heaven over these two souls who had received Christ? John says, "As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name; which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And 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. . . . And of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace."

This precious experience is one of the results of the Brighton camp-meeting. The influence of that meeting is far-reaching. The people have not yet forgotten it, but far and near it is spoken of in decidedly favorable terms. Should another camp-meeting be held in the vicinity of Melbourne, we have no doubt but that it would accomplish great good. It would be the means of aiding many who have received light and have not yet acknowledged the truth, to take their position in the ranks of commandment keepers.

To-day I have been in a council meeting where a resolution was offered to the effect that the next camp-meeting should be held in Ballarat, but before the vote was taken, I said: "I fear you are making a mistake in deciding to hold our camp-meeting in Ballarat this year. The Brighton camp meeting was successful far beyond our expectations, and from the light I have received concerning that meeting, I know that none of us have had a proper estimate of its wide spreading influence. Impressions have been made upon minds that nothing has been able to efface. The efforts of ministers and people to undo the work of that camp-meeting have to a large degree been unavailing. Hundreds are reading their Bibles with heartfelt desires to know the truth. The Spirit of the Lord is drawing them to himself, though at present they are confused by the conflicting opinions of men. The Lord has wrought since the camp-meeting in Brighton. One season has passed since it was held, and should another season pass by, it would result in great loss. There are many who are far from Melbourne who may not be able to be present at the camp-meeting should it be held there, but the Lord has done much for his people.

"As an outgrowth of the Brighton camp-meeting, several churches have been raised up. I visited the church in Williamstown, and rejoiced to see that many have had moral courage to manifest their loyalty to the commandments of God in spite of the continual opposition and contempt that have been heaped upon them and upon God's holy law. They had sought earnestly for truth, and the feelings of the earnest seeker after truth are expressed in the words of the psalmist, where he says, 'It is time for thee, Lord, to work; for they have made void thy law. Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold. Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right, and I hate every false way. Thy testimonies are wonderful; therefore doth my soul keep them. The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.'

"A church has been also raised up in Hawthorne and another in Brighton. About sixty belong to these two churches. A large number of new members have been added to the Prahran church and to the church in North Fitzroy. A number of members have also moved away; but persons are continually coming in who heard the truth at the Brighton camp-meeting. The Lord is drawing, and some are responding to his drawing. It would be a mistake to take the camp-meeting to Ballarat. Let the meeting he held where the people are, that they may not only attend; but sustain it. Let it be held where persons who have had their minds exercised may have the benefit of hearing again the reasons of our faith. The truth may be presented also to a class who have never before heard it. Were the tents pitched in a new locality, a new class of hearers would be reached.

"Some will say that these camp-meetings are very expensive, and that the Conference cannot afford to support another such meeting; but when we look at the three churches that have been organized, and are prospering in the faith, can we hesitate in answering the question, Will it pay? Shall we not raise our voices in decided affirmation, It will pay?" -

Christ, the Teacher of Righteousness

"And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write: These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars: I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die; for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee."

The ministers of the gospel of Christ, who are to watch for souls as they that must give account, will diligently study the Scriptures, and will often be found upon their knees asking for heavenly wisdom, in order that they may know how to "strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die." Jesus says, "Learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls." Jesus was the greatest Teacher the world ever knew. He presented truth in clear, forcible statements, and the illustrations he used were of the purest and highest order. He never mingled cheap symbols and figures with his divine instruction, or sought to pander to curiosity or to gratify the class that will listen simply to be amused. He did not bring sacred truth down the level of the common, and the comical illustrations that some ministers of the gospel use were never uttered by his divine lips. Christ did not employ illustrations that would create amusement and excite laughter. Many writers and ministers keep their hold upon the people by dwelling upon science falsely so-called, and by making much of common side-issues; and they forget the fact that the mind, with all its capacities, is to be used as the talent intrusted of God to glorify and exalt sacred things, and to lift up before the world the holy standard of righteousness. At times ministers who have dwelt upon themes of minor importance, who have lived below the gospel standard, through the grace of Christ grasp the sacred, solemn, elevated truths of God's word, and use illustrations that to a large degree are of an elevating and instructive character; but the hearers remember their former teachings, the shortcomings of their daily life force themselves upon them, and the spell is broken; and the most solemn appeals lose their point, the edge of the sword of truth is blunted, and the heart remains untouched.

In the instruction of the divine Teacher, there was no illustration used that would leave the least shadow upon the tablets of the soul. His words were of the purest and most elevated character. He never stooped to utter that which was comical, in order that he might attract an audience. Of him it was written, "Lo, I come; in the volume of the book it is written of me, I delight to do thy will, O my God; yea, thy law is within my heart." Christ is our example in all things. "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus; who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God; but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men; and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." He did not humble the truth to meet man in his fallen condition, and lower the standard of righteousness to suit his degradation; but he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross, in order that he might save the race that had been degraded by transgression. It was not his purpose to abolish by his death the law of God, but rather to show the immutability of its sacred claims. It was his purpose to "magnify the law, and make it honorable," so that every one who should look upon the cross of Calvary with its uplifted Victim, should see the unanswerable argument of the perfect truth of the law.

In his sermon on the mount, Jesus revealed his attitude to the law in unmistakable language. He said: "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets; I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven; but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven." There are some who presume to think that they may disregard the plain commandments of God, and yet find an entrance into the kingdom of heaven; but this is not the true interpretation of the Saviour's words, "They shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven." If these who have had light in regard to the immutable nature of the law of Jehovah, and who have heard messages of warning from the servants whom God has sent, like the inhabitants of the Old World, choose their own inventions, and refuse to receive the counsels and warnings of God, they will be called the least by the Lord Jesus Christ and by the intelligences of heaven. They may make high professions and may stand as watchmen on the walls of Zion, and yet they are counted in heaven as transgressors of the law of God; and should God permit a transgressor of his law to enter into the portals of bliss, rebellion would be immortalized, and heaven would be no better than the earth. Jesus added to the statement as to how the transgressor would be regarded, and said, "For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven."

Jesus showed the far-reaching claims of the law of God, and made it evident that though the Jewish nation claimed to be the only nation under heaven that knew the true and living God, and professed to be keeping his law, yet they did not understand its sacred character, and were teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. Truth suffered at their hands; for they had mixed with it spurious maxims, human inventions, and the traditions of men. They had loaded down the plainest precepts of God's law with the rubbish of tradition, until minds were confused and were fast losing their comprehension of the character of God, and of the nature of his law, which is holy, just, and good.

In his sermon on the mount, Christ gave the true interpretation to the Old Testament Scriptures, expounding the truth that had been perverted by the rulers, the scribes, and the Pharisees. What a vast meaning does he give to the law of God! He himself had given the law when the morning-stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy. Christ himself was the foundation of the whole Jewish economy, the end of types, symbols, and sacrifices. Enshrouded in the pillar of cloud, he himself had given specific directions to Moses for the Jewish nation, and he was the only one who could disperse the multitude of errors that through the maxims and traditions of men had accumulated about the truth. He only could present the high and infallible standard of the law of God in all its original purity; but through him heaven-born truth was presented to the world, and the misconceptions of men and the false representations of the prince of evil were swept away. He rescued truth, eternal truth, from the base companionship of error, and commanded it to shine forth in all its brightness and heavenly luster. He set the truth on high, in order that like a light it might illuminate the moral darkness of the world. He rescued every gem of truth from the rubbish of men's maxims and traditions, and exalted the truth to the throne of God from whence it had issued. Jesus restored truth that had been cast out, to its royal order, and invested it with its true importance and dignity. Christ himself was the truth and the life.

When Christ came into the world, darkness covered the earth and gross darkness the people. The living oracles of God were fast becoming a dead letter. The still, small voice of God was heard only at times by the most devout worshiper; for it had become overpowered and silenced by the dogmas, maxims, and traditions of men. The long, intricate explanations of the priests made that which was the plainest and most simple, mysterious, indistinct, and uncertain. The clamors of rival sects confused the understanding, and their doctrines were widely apart from the correct theory of truth.

It was at a crisis of this kind that the Word, the Truth, became flesh, and dwelt among us. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehended it not. . . . He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name; which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And 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."

Truth looked down from heaven upon the children of men, but found no reflection of itself; for darkness covered the earth, and gross darkness the people. If the darkness of error that hid the glory of God from the view of men, was to be dispelled, the light of truth must shine amid the moral darkness of the world. It was decreed in the councils of God that the only begotten Son of God must leave his high command in heaven, and clothe his divinity with humanity, and come to the world. No outward splendor must attend his steps, save that of virtue, mercy, goodness, and truth; for he was to represent to the world the attributes of God's character; but the world, unaccustomed to gaze upon truth, turned from the light to the darkness of error; for error was more to their perverted taste than truth.

The Jews were looking for a Messiah who would establish them in their arrogance and pride, and lead them on to victory over their enemies. Christ possessed every qualification of character that should have induced them to accept of him; but his very righteousness stood in the way of their acceptance; for his habits, character, and life were all at variance with the habits and practices of the Jews. He condemned evil wherever he found it, and the untainted purity of his life and character put to shame the wrong-doers. His course was in such marked contrast to the course of the scribes and Pharisees and the religious teachers of that day, that they were made manifest as whited sepulchers, hypocritical pretenders to religion, who sought to exalt themselves by a profession of holiness, while within they were full of ravening and all uncleanness. They could not tolerate true holiness, true zeal for God, which was the distinguishing feature of the character of Christ; for true religion cast a reflection upon their spirit and practices. They could not comprehend a character of such matchless loveliness as that of Christ's. In the heart of Jesus there was hatred of nothing save sin. They could have received him as the Messiah had he simply manifested his miracle-working power, and refrained from denouncing sin, from condemning their corrupt passions, and from pronouncing the curse of God upon their idolatry; but since he would give no license to evil, though he healed the sick, opened the eyes of the blind, and raised the dead, they had nothing for the divine Teacher but bitter abuse, jealousy, envy, evil-surmising, and hatred. They hunted him from place to place, in order that they might destroy the Son of God.

The professed people of God had separated from God, and had lost their wisdom and perverted their understanding. They could not see afar off; for they had forgotten that they had been purged from their old sins. They moved restlessly and uncertainly under darkness, seeking to obliterate from their minds the memory of the freedom, assurance, and happiness of their former estate. They plunged into all kinds of presumptuous, foolhardy madness, placed themselves in opposition to the providences of God, and deepened the guilt that was already upon them. They listened to the charges of Satan against the divine character, and represented God as devoid of mercy and forgiveness. The prophet writes of them, saying: "Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evil-doers, children that are corrupters; they have forsaken the Lord, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward." Yet for the fallen world the Lord Jesus was willing to endure humiliation, reproach, suffering, and death, in order that "whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." "He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." Hopeless as the case appeared, the Lord Jesus would undertake the ransom of the human race.

O that every soul would consider the fact that there is but one hope of salvation for him, and that is perfect submission and unquestioning obedience to the will of God, who created and who sustains every hour. I would entreat those who have separated from Christ to consider their own eternal welfare. Let them remember the words of Christ, "What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" Will you employ the very talents that God has given you, as weapons to war against God? Will you walk defiantly from the Lord who loves you, and who has died to save you? Will you follow human inventions, and trample underfoot the law of Jehovah? The Lord has borne long with you. He has given you a gift which is beyond all human computation, even the gift of his well-beloved Son. When "he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor," "his arm brought salvation;. . . and his righteousness, it sustained him." -

Draw Out Thy Soul to the Hungry

When Christ was accused of eating with publicans and sinners, he said, "I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." Again he said, "The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." "They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick." In the synagogue at Nazareth he announced the character of his mission to the world and said, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord." He quoted from the prophecy of Isaiah where it is said of him that he came "to comfort all that mourn; to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called Trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified. And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations."

Brethren, the Spirit of the Lord is upon me. I would address myself to those who are sitting in council, who would mold and fashion the work which is so important, so significant, at this time. It will not answer for any man to act in official capacity at these council meetings where important decisions are to be made, unless he realizes the sacredness of the work, and is under the molding influence of the Holy Spirit. Every phase of the work of God should bear the imprint of the character of the principles of the commandments of God, which we as a people claim to observe and vindicate. Making this profession, we shall confuse minds in regard to the character of the law, unless in spirit and work we represent the principles of God's holy commandments, and thus make manifest to the world the character of God. While claiming to be commandment-keepers, we are in danger of becoming commandment-breakers.

Christ is to be our example. The mission of Christ was to live out the law of God. On one occasion when Jesus and his disciples went through the corn, they were hungry, "and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat. But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the Sabbath day." Jesus immediately brought forward an illustration to vindicate his action, and showed that what they had done was in complete harmony with the law of God. He said to the Pharisees: "But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless." "But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God; these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone." He sought to convince them that while they were so scrupulous in the performance of their ceremonies, they neglected the weightier matters of the law, and failed to exercise mercy, judgment, and the love of God.

"Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness which they have prescribed; to turn aside the needy from judgment, and to take away the right from the poor of my people, that widows may be their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless!" In what contrast is the work of Christ set forth! "And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots; and the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord; and shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of Lord; and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears; but with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth." Brethren, take heed to these words, for they are of deep importance to every soul connected with the great work to be accomplished in these last days. Unless our eyes, our ears, our tongues, are under the control of the Holy Spirit, and guided by divine power, they cannot be trusted. They will surely mingle the thread of selfishness and the chaff of vanity with the work of God, and commingle with it that which is marred by unsanctified and ambitious projects, and the work will not bear the signature of Heaven; for it will not represent the principles of the law of God, which is a transcript of his character.

"Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. . . . He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches: To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God." We are to imitate the pattern which Christ gave us to copy. "With righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth. . . . And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins." The great crisis is upon us, and it will be for our present and eternal good to make sure that the Spirit of God is prompting us to action.

Any measure that is of such a nature as to oppress the poor and afflicted, bring neglect upon the widow and the orphan, is leading us away from the example given us in the life of Christ, and misrepresenting the principles of God's law. Representative men connected with the work and cause of God will bring a heavy retribution upon themselves if they mislead the people by their spirit and action, and misrepresent the principles of the law of Jehovah. If they weave into the work that which springs from their own natural temperament, and mar the cause by disorders of their own natural disposition, they will cause to appear in the work of God the attributes of the fallen foe and his confederate angels, rather than the attributes of Jesus Christ. The fashion of the work coming forth from every soul that is born of God has been clearly pictured before us. He who is truly a child of God will experience the transforming power of grace upon mind and heart, and his character will develop after the divine similitude. The description of the work of Christ will be the description of the work of every one who is born of God, who walks not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. The apostle says of such, "Ye are laborers together with God," representing the holy law of God to heaven, to worlds unfallen, and to the fallen world. Representing the law of God in its true character arouses the enmity of Satan. Those who love God with all the heart, will love the law of his kingdom. They will not only profess to be guided by its principles, but they will actually live them out, even in a world that is no more favorable to the development of Christian principles than were the inhabitants of the world before the flood, of whom it is written that the thoughts and imaginations of their hearts were evil, and only evil continually. A similar condition of society exists in our world to-day, and if those who claim to be God's commandment-keeping people do not put in practice the principles of the law which Christ came to our world to vindicate, pronouncing it holy, just, and good, they misrepresent the character and mission of their professed Master. They mislead men in regard to the requirements of the law, and will be stumbling-blocks in the way of sinners. The Lord of hosts has warned us that we shall take heed not to misrepresent the law of his government by any unmerciful action on our part toward our fellow-men. Neither are we to rob God in tithes and in offerings; for the remnant people of God are to be representatives to the world of the character of Christ. Not a thread of selfishness is to be woven into their practices. The law of God is to be lived out. Thus in the character of God's people a living testimony will be borne that will contradict the fallacy of Satan, who has declared that the law of Jehovah is arbitrary, and holds its subjects under a cruel bondage. ( Concluded next week .)

Draw Out Thy Soul to the Hungry (Concluded)

When the children of God manifest mercy, kindness, and love toward all men, and especially toward those of the household of faith, they bear testimony to the fact that "the law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul." It is because the law of God is trampled under foot, transgressed, and made void, that the world is becoming like Sodom, and like the world before the flood. In the midst of an apostate world, there must be those who represent loyalty to the law of God. A desperate confederacy will be formed among those who are breaking the law of God, and who are teaching others to transgress its precepts. They will make decrees to oppose God's commandment-keeping people. "And the light of Israel shall be for a fire, and his Holy One for a flame; and it shall burn and devour his thorns and his briers in one day; and shall consume the glory of his forest; and of his fruitful field, both soul and body; and they shall be as when a standard-bearer fainteth. And the rest of the trees of his forest shall be few, that a child may write them. And it shall come to pass in that day, that the remnant of Israel, and such as are escaped of the house of Jacob, shall no more again stay upon him that smote them; but shall stay upon the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, in truth. The remnant shall return, even the remnant of Jacob unto the mighty God. For though thy people Israel be as the sand of the sea, yet a remnant of them shall return; the consumption decreed shall overflow with righteousness. . . . Therefore thus saith the Lord God of hosts, O my people that dwellest in Zion, be not afraid of the Assyrian; he shall smite thee with a rod, and shall lift up his staff against thee, after the manner of Egypt. For yet a very little while, and the indignation shall cease, and mine anger in their destruction."

All the fifty-fourth chapter of Isaiah is applicable to the people of God, and every specification of the prophecy will be fulfilled. The Lord will not forsake his people in their time of trial. He says, "For a small moment have I forsaken you; but with great mercies will I gather thee. In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer." Are these words of comfort spoken to those who are making void the law of God?--No, no, the promise is for those who amid general apostasy, keep the commandments of God, and lift up the moral standard before the eyes of the world who have forsaken the ordinance, and broken the everlasting covenant. "For this is as the waters of Noah unto me; for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth; so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with thee, nor rebuke thee. For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; 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. O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colors, and lay thy foundations with sapphires. And I will make thy windows of agates, and thy gates of carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasant stones. And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children."

In the fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah, the work that the people of God are to do in Christ's lines, is clearly set forth. They are to break every yoke, they are to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked, to bring the poor that are cast out into their houses, to draw out their souls to the hungry, and to satisfy the afflicted soul. If they carry out the principles of the law of God in acts of mercy and love, they will represent the character of God to the world, and receive the richest blessings of Heaven. The Lord says, "Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily; and thy righteousness shall go before thee Christ our righteousness; and the glory of the Lord shall be thy rearward."

Christ said of his people, "Ye are the light of the world. . . . Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Our good works go before us, and the glory of the Lord is our rearward. Thus it will be when we live out the principles of the law of God as did Christ. "Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity." That is, we are not to accuse those who make mistakes, to slight those who are in poverty and under oppression of adverse circumstances. We are not to find fault with them, and condemn them. They may have far more of the love and fear of God than have the ones who treat them with hardness of heart, and who manifest a spirit wholly unlike the Spirit of Christ, lifting up their finger, as it were in reproach and denunciation, as though God had placed them on the judgment seat to measure a neighbor or a brother, "speaking vanity." O, how much of this has been encouraged! How much harm has been done because men have lifted up themselves in condemning others, when before God they were guilty of far greater mistakes and sins. They say to their brethren, "Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye," when there is a beam in their own eye.

How different is the instruction that God gives to his people at this time. They are to draw out their souls to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul. Consider for a moment how much is comprehended in this instruction. God has manifested great love toward a fallen race. While we were yet sinners, he gave his only begotten Son, "that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." The souls for whom Christ has died are of far more value than gold and silver and precious stones. Let men value souls as God has estimated them. Those who are in affliction, those who have erred from the truth, if so estimated, will not be passed by and left to perish. You ask, What kind of work is to be done for them? The Lord answers, "If a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness." Mark the word "restore." You are to restore such a one in the spirit of meekness, "considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted." If we are more favorably situated than our brethren, let us be found making straight paths for our feet; for it is through the mercy of God that we are so situated. Shall we abuse his mercy, and because we are so blessed, become hard-hearted, unfeeling, unlovable, and unloving toward the very persons who most need our compassion? There are souls who err, and who feel their shame and their folly. They are hungry for words of encouragement. They look upon their mistakes and errors until they are almost driven to desperation. Instead of lifting up the finger, instead of speaking vanity, instead of reproving and condemning and taking away the last ray of hope that the Sun of Righteousness sheds into their hearts, let your words fall as healing balm upon the bruised soul. Be not like desolating hail that beats down and destroys the tender hope springing up in the hearts. Leave not the hungry, starving soul in his helplessness to perish because you fail to speak words of tenderness and encouragement.

Let those who have been speaking vanity repent of their work before God. If they do not, they will be left to feel the same suffering of mind that their neglect has caused a brother or a friend to endure. The promise is, "If thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday." O, let us all place more value upon the words of God, and seek to comprehend their full meaning! Let us reveal in our course of action that the principles of the law of God are actuating us to love God supremely and our neighbors as ourselves. The pride of heart, the ambitious strife that leads us to gather in everything to what we term "the cause of God," is not acceptable to God. We should carefully and prayerfully consider how we can best serve the cause of God by properly representing the character of Christ in all our dealings, whether it be in direct connection with the cause of God or with our own individual work. The Lord declares "I hate robbery for burnt-offering." What a promise is made to all those who shall cherish the soft and tender spirit before God, who shall represent the character of Christ! "The Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drouth and make fat thy bones; and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not."

Who will accept the great privilege of honoring the law of God, and as co-workers with Jesus Christ, magnify it before the world? Those who are engaged in representing the character of God by keeping every precept of the law are here brought to view. "And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places; thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breech, The restorer of paths to dwell in. If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; and shalt honor him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words; then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob, thy father; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it." -

Take These Things Hence

"And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, 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 drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, 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."

These were the words he spoke at the first cleansing of the temple; and at the second cleansing of the temple, just prior to his crucifixion, he said unto them, "It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves." That was a very decided statement of condemnation. Why was it that Christ's indignation was stirred as he came into the temple courts? His eye swept over the scene, and he saw in it the dishonor of God and the oppression of the people. He heard the lowing of the oxen, the bleating of the sheep, and the altercation between those who were buying and selling. In the courts of God even the priests and rulers were engaged in traffic. As Christ's eye swept over that scene, his appearance attracted the attention of the multitude, and suddenly every voice was hushed, and every eye was fastened upon Christ. When once their attention was called to him, they could not withdraw their eyes from his face, for there was something in his countenance that awed and terrified them. Who was he?--A humble Galilean, the son of a carpenter who had worked at his trade with his father; but as they gazed upon him, they felt as though they were arraigned before the judgment bar.

What was it that he saw as he looked upon that temple court converted into a place of merchandise? They were selling oxen and sheep and doves to those who would offer a sacrifice to God for their sins. There were many poor among the multitude, and they had been taught that in order to have their sins forgiven, they must have an offering and a sacrifice to present to God. Christ saw the poor and the distressed and the afflicted in trouble and dismay because they had not sufficient to purchase even a dove for an offering. The blind, the lame, the deaf, the afflicted, were in suffering and distress because they longed to present an offering for their sins, but the prices were so exorbitant they could not compass it. It seemed that there was no chance for them to have their sins pardoned. They knew that they were sinners, and needed an offering, but how could they obtain it? Christ's prophetic eye took in the future, took in not only the years, but the ages and the centuries. He saw the downfall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the world. He saw how priests and rulers and men in high position would turn away the needy from their right, and even forbid that the gospel should be preached to the poor. In the temple courts were the priests clad in their temple garments for display, and to mark out their position as priests of God. The garments of Christ were travel-stained. He had the appearance of a youthful Galilean, and yet as he took up the scourge of small cords, and stood on the steps of the temple, none could resist the authority with which he spoke, as he said, "Take these things hence," and overthrew the tables of the money-changers, and drove out the sheep and the oxen. The people looked upon him as though spellbound; for divinity flashed through humanity. Such dignity, such authority, shone forth in the countenance of Christ, that they were convicted that he was clothed with the power of heaven. They had been taught to have great respect for the prophets, and the power displayed by Christ convinced many who had not closed their hearts against conviction, that he was one sent of God. Some said, "He is the Messiah," and those to whom he revealed himself were indeed convicted that he was the teacher sent of God; but those who stifled the voice of conscience, who desired riches, and were determined to have them, no matter in what way they were to be obtained, closed the door of the heart against him. The money-changers who were there for the purpose of changing the Roman money for the money that was to be used in the temple, were displeased at his action. Their merchandise was robbery of the people, and they had made the house of God a den of thieves. These men beheld in Christ a messenger of vengeance, and fled from the temple as though a band of armed soldiers were on their track. The priests and the rulers also fled in dismay, and the traffickers in merchandise. As they fled, they met others on their way to the temple, but they told them to go back. They said that a man having authority had driven out the oxen and the sheep, and had expelled them from the temple.

When Christ had expelled those who had sold doves, he had said, "Take these things hence." He had not driven the doves out as he had the oxen and the sheep, and why?--Because they were the only offering of the poor. He knew their necessities, and as the sellers were driven from the temple, the suffering and the afflicted were left in the courts. Their only hope had been to come to the temple where they might present their offering with a petition to God that they might be blessed in their fields, in their crops, in their children, and in their homes. The priests and the rulers had fled terrified and awed from the midst of the people; but after they had recovered from their fright, they said, "Why did we go from the presence of that one man?" They did not know who he was. They did not know that he was a representative of the Father. They did not know that he had clothed his divinity with humanity; and yet they had a consciousness of his divine power. Christ had looked after the fleeing multitude with a heart of the tenderest pity. His heart was filled with grief that the temple service had been polluted, and had misrepresented his character and mission. In his pitying love he longed to save them from their errors. He longed to save the priests and the rulers, who, while claiming to be guardians of the people, had oppressed them, and turned aside the needy from their right. But the priests and the rulers, recovering from their dismay, said, "We will return, and challenge him, and ask him by what authority he has presumed to expel us from the temple."

But what a scene met their eyes as they entered again the courts of the temple. Christ was ministering to the poor, the suffering, and the afflicted. These had cried in their anguish because they could not find relief from their affliction and their sin. They had heard of this man Jesus, they had heard a rumor concerning his compassion and love. They had heard how he had healed the sick, opened the eyes of the blind, and made the lame to walk; and one cry for pity went up from their lips. One after another they began to relate the story of their affliction, and he bent over them as a tender mother bends over her suffering child. He bade the sick and the afflicted to come forth into health and peace. He gave the suffering tender comfort. He took the little ones in his arms, and commanded freedom from disease and suffering. He gave sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, health to the diseased, and comfort to the afflicted.

When the priests entered the temple, they heard acclamations of joy and songs of praise. They heard men glorifying God for the wonderful works that were done among them. They heard mothers bidding their children to praise their deliverer, and to give thanks to him who had brought comfort and relief, health and peace. He gave them an evidence of his divine mission. He was doing the very work which had been prophesied that the Messiah would do. He had opened the book of the prophet Isaiah in the synagogue at Nazareth, and had read the description of his mission: "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound."

The priests and the rulers and the scribes ought to have known that he was the anointed of the Lord; for they claimed to be expositors of the prophecies. The Holy Spirit also wrought to present the prophecies to the minds of those who beheld the wonderful works of Christ in the temple. But many of them closed the heart to conviction; for they did not like him. They questioned, What business had he to interrupt their work? The stalls were their own, and they had paid a sufficient price to the temple authorities for the privilege of selling the sacrificial offerings to the people. When they returned, they asked, "What sign showest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?" Had he not given them a sign? Had he not flashed light and sensibility into the souls of these men? But they determined not to yield to conviction, but to close the door of their hearts against Jesus. On their way to the temple, they had given vent to their hatred, and had said that they would kill him, and be rid of the troubler. When they asked for a sign, Jesus said, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." Their hearts were full of avarice and selfishness; they had oppressed the widow, the fatherless, and the poor, and had refused to give them an offering at the small price which they could pay. When the poor had presented their affliction to them, they had turned away as unfeeling as though the afflicted had no souls to save. They had pointed the finger of scorn at them, speaking vanity, and charging the poor with sin, declaring that their suffering and poverty was a curse from God on account of their transgression. Men who could thus deal with the afflicted, were not above planning the murder of the Son of God. Whoever indulges an unkind, unmerciful, or envious disposition, is cherishing the very same spirit that put to death the Saviour of the world.

When Christ said, "Destroy this temple," he was referring to himself; for they had just been talking of putting him to death. Then said the Jews, "Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?" They were speaking of the temple at Jerusalem, but "he spake of the temple of his body. When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the Scripture, and the word which Jesus had said;" but the Jews did not believe on him. They hated him, for he had interfered with their gain-getting, and they knew that he read their hearts as an open book.

"Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did." He gave them heaven's evidence of his divine mission; but he "did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men and needed not that any should testify of man; for he knew what was in man." He had to watch them continually, for they were ever on his track, seeking for something by which they might accuse him. The question is to day, How is it with the inhabitants of the world? How do they treat the house of God? Have they not filled the churches with sacrilegious things? Have they not failed to learn the lesson of Christ, and made his Father's house, not a house of prayer, but a den of thieves?

As Christ talked with the scribes and the Pharisees, his prophetic eye was taking in the future. He heard the tramp of the Roman army, and saw Jerusalem given up to their avarice. He looked forward to the time when the protecting care of God was no longer exercised for the rebellious city. He saw that the angel of mercy would fold her wings, and take her departure. Christ looked even beyond this, he saw the inhabitants of the world just previous to his second coming, and declared that the condition of society would be similar to that of the world at the time of the flood. He said, "As the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be." What was it caused the destruction of the people in the world before the flood?--It was their own sin; for the thoughts and imaginations of their hearts were only evil, and evil continually. They trampled upon the commands of God, as did the Jews, and suffered God's retributive judgment. "Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed." ( Concluded next week .)

Take These Things Hence (Concluded)

The heart of Christ was ever touched with human woe. It was his tenderness of heart that caused him to come to earth to bring salvation to our world; it was love that led him to step down from his throne, to lay aside his royal robe, and clothe his divinity with humanity. Every voice ought to be proclaiming, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." In the highways, in the byways, the people of God should be proclaiming the message of truth. Some will hear and will be converted, and some will not. In the time of Christ there were many priests that believed on him, but they would not acknowledge him for fear they would be turned out of the synagogues. They feared they would not be popular, and that they would be in disgrace if they followed in the footsteps of Christ. The mission of Christ was to seek and to save that which was lost, and we thank God that there are a few who will take their position upon the commandments of God, even though it places them on the unpopular side. We are glad that we have been able to put our mites together and to erect a house in which to worship God. Let us praise him with heart and soul and voice. You have taken hold of the truth for the truth's sake, and have decided to obey the word of God. You have embraced the seventh-day Sabbath according to the commandment of God. The commandment says, "Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work; but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God; in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy man-servant, nor thy maid-servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day; wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it."

It requires moral courage to take a position to keep the commandments of the Lord. An opposer of the truth once said that it was only weak-minded people, foolish, ignorant persons, who would turn away from the churches to keep the seventh day as the Sabbath; but a minister who had embraced the truth, replied, "If you think it takes weak-minded persons, just try it." It takes moral courage, firmness, decision, perseverance, and very much prayer to step out on the unpopular side. We are thankful that we can come to Christ as the poor suffering ones came to Christ in the temple. We hope that this house will be a house of prayer, and that those who enter here will realize that they are coming to meet with God. Christ has said, "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." We do not expect to be able to furnish you with a minister always; but you must have root in yourselves. You must learn to draw for yourselves from the fountain of life. You have not dared to trample under foot the commandments of God, and have stepped out on unpopular truth, let the result be what it may. Will the Saviour ever turn away to leave you to struggle alone?--No, never. But he never told his disciples that they should have no trials, no self-denial to endure, no sacrifices to make. The Master was a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief. "Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty, might be rich." We thank God that in your poverty, you can call God your Father. Poverty is coming upon this world, and there will be a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation. There will be wars and rumors of wars, and the faces of men will gather paleness. You may have to suffer distress, you may go hungry sometimes; but God will not forsake you in your suffering. He will test your faith. We are not to live to please ourselves. We are here to manifest Christ to the world, to represent him and his power to mankind.

We have been hewn as rough stones from the quarry of the world. Will he leave us with our rough edges, leave us to practice close dealing, and to manifest selfishness?--Never. He brings us into his work-shop to be hewed and squared, polished and finished, for the heavenly building; for you are to be framed into a holy temple unto the Lord. When the truth is received, the rough character changes, and worldliness, selfishness, and pride are worked out of the heart. The office of the Holy Spirit is to work the man. It is not our place to work the Holy Spirit. If we are ignorant when brought into the truth, we are not to remain so. Was Christ ignorant? He was the greatest teacher the world ever saw. He chose the unlearned fishermen to be his disciples in order that they might learn of him, and become wise unto salvation. Why was it he did not choose the scribes and the Pharisees?--It was because he could not trust them. He said of them, "In vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." Why is it that the Lord does not choose the learned and the popular to-day, and work with the churches?--It is because they follow the same course as did the scribes and the Pharisees. But the greatest Teacher the world ever knew says to you, "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I [the Son of the infinite God] will give you rest." But there is something more. He continues, "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 is light."

Christ said, "I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love." Christ is testing us to-day to see if we will be obedient to the law of God as he was, and be fitted up for the society of heavenly angels. God wants a loyal people. Rebellion originated in heaven; but it is not to be found there again. If we are willing to inquire, What is the way of the Lord to do justice and judgment, to seek mercy, and to walk humbly with our God, we shall hear him say, "Child, come up higher." He has builded for us a city, and he is not ashamed to call us brethren. He will gather the strangers and the pilgrims to himself.

We hope that this house will be a place where the honor of God shall dwell. Let every one who comes to worship here surrender himself to God, with all the affections and desires. Satan will try to work upon human hearts to cause dissension among brethren, to weaken faith. Faith! of course we want it. Faith and works go together, and faith is made perfect by works. We want the faith that works, that works by love, by the love we have for Jesus Christ. If our hearts are all aglow with love for him as our personal Saviour, we shall do the work of God. Dissension will not enter here, for you will be one, as Christ is one with his Father. Your old passions will be put away, the soul temple will be cleansed by the work of the Holy Spirit, and Christ will abide in the heart, and through him we shall be able to do all things. Standing under the broad shield of omnipotence, we do not feel that we are in the minority; God is a majority. Wherever we shall go, we shall remember those who worship here, and shall pray that others may unite with you. We are to consider that Christ has set us to be a light amid the moral darkness of the world. We are not to misinterpret the character of God, we are not to be fretful, to speak out what we think, to blame and criticise and censure others; but we are to let the Holy Spirit fashion the character after the similitude of Christ.

Now let us see what Jesus will do for us if we let him. In his prayer for his disciples he said: "And now I come to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves." Is it possible to have joy in obeying Christ? It is the only real joy that any soul can have. You may have what you call "a good time," and laugh and joke; but your joy will be only a foolish gratification of a mind that is not well balanced by the Spirit of God. Christ continued, "I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world." Do you expect that the world will love you when you go contrary to the customs and traditions of the world? Do you expect to be treated better than was the Master of the house? "Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth." You have received the truth. Now do not feel that you must hide it under a bushel. Let it be known to others, let it shine forth, that others may be saved, may be sanctified through it. Be a living example, be under the control of the Spirit of Christ. Jesus says, "Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word." This tells you your duty. The word of those who believe is to be as seed sown in the hearts of others, that will spring forth and bear fruit unto life eternal.

Christ prays for the unity of his people, and says, "That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that thou has sent me." What a oneness is here represented! In this unity, divine credentials are presented to the world that they may believe in Jesus. "And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them [that is the character which Christ has, his righteousness]; that they may be one, even as we are one." Christ within is the glory of God, the hope big with immortality and eternal life. "That they may be one, even as we are one; I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know,"--and now comes the greatest assertion that has ever been made in behalf of his people,--"That thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me." Can we take that in? The God of heaven loves us as he loves his son. All the world is in rebellion against God; but those who struggle, who strive, who agonize to enter in at the strait gate, are beloved of God with peculiar tenderness, and they shall find the broad path; for "thy commandment is exceeding broad." "The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul."

When the world is brought in connection with the converted people of God, they realize that they have been transformed in character, and thus they glorify God. Of them Jesus says, "Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory [they are to behold his divinity, his oneness with the Father which he had from the beginning], which thou hast given me; for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world." Christ said to his disciples, "In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. . . . I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."

"O righteous Father," the world knows all about thee. Is that the way it reads? Does the world know all about you, brethren? Jesus says, "The world hath not known thee; but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it; that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them." Praise God, brethren, with heart and soul and voice. Even when amid trials, we should be the happiest people on the earth, because our life is hid with Christ in God, and when he shall appear, we also shall appear with him in glory. We are not living for the applause of the world; we are living for the future, immortal inheritance. We are heirs of God, and joint heirs with Jesus Christ to an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away. When sorrow takes hold of your soul, when persecuted and afflicted, lift up your head, for your redemption draweth nigh. You are to have a life that measures with the life of God. You are not to seek to meet the world's standard, but to be commandment-keepers, to be members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King, and to enjoy eternal riches.

Climb the ladder of progress heavenward. Christ is the ladder, whose base is on the earth and whose topmost round reaches to the highest heaven. God is above the ladder, and his glory is shining on every round. You must climb the ladder by clinging to Christ, and finally reach the everlasting kingdom. I pray you in the name of Christ, put on every piece of the armor of God, and fight manfully the battles of the Lord. "For 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 take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." When you are met with sneers and ridicule, rejoice that your names are written in the books of heaven, that you are to be made immortal, to have an abundant entrance into the kingdom of heaven, because you are law-abiding citizens of the heavenly country. You shall see the King in his beauty, and dwell with him, and have a life that runs parallel with the life of Jehovah.

Witnesses for Christ

We need to watch the signs of the times; for unless we are continually on guard, the enemy will steal a march upon us. There is no need of our being discouraged; for the heart is to be the dwelling-place for Jesus, but we are to keep the heart "with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."

We have been taken as rough stones out of the quarry of the world by the cleaver of truth, and placed in the workshop of God. He who has genuine faith in Christ as his personal Saviour, will find that the truth accomplishes a definite work for him. His faith is a working faith, and faith works by love, and purifies the soul. The Lord Jesus has paid the ransom money for us; he has given his own life, in order that those who believe on him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Those who receive the truth by faith will bear testimony to the quality of the faith they exercise. They will continually make improvement, looking unto Jesus, who is the Author and Finisher of our faith. We cannot create our faith; but we can be co-laborers with Christ in promoting the growth and triumph of faith.

The Lord does not desire us to be sad and disconsolate. Jesus says: "As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you; continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you." If we ask him, the Lord will give us the Holy Spirit to cleanse the habitation of the soul; for every room of the temple of God must be entered and purified. We need to compare our life and character with the great moral standard,--the ten commandments. We have enlisted in the service of Jesus Christ, and under the banner of the Prince of life, we are to exercise every spiritual and physical power.

The work of Christ in the heart does not destroy man's powers. Christ directs, strengthens, ennobles, and sanctifies the faculties of the soul. It is through personal acquaintance with him that we become qualified to represent his character to the world. John says, "As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name." And again, "Of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace." Christ is to be represented in the home circle. Fathers and mothers bear a weighty responsibility; for they will be held accountable for giving correct lessons to their children. They are to speak kindly to them, to be patient with them, to watch unto prayer, praying the Lord to mold and fashion the hearts of the children; but while asking God to mold and fashion the characters of the children, let mothers and fathers act their part, presenting to their offspring a living representation of the divine Pattern. God will not accept haphazard work at your hands. Your children are God's heritage, and heavenly angels are watching to see that both parents and children are co-laborers with God in building up character after the divine Model. "Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord when he cometh shall find watching."

There are some excellent lessons in the book of Malachi for those who profess to be followers of Christ. Two classes of witnesses are presented in the prophet's words. Of the first class it is written: "Your words have been stout against me, saith the Lord. Yet ye say, What have we spoken so much against thee? Ye have said, It is vain to serve God; and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the Lord of hosts?" These words describe those who ought better to have represented the precious truth, who ought to have been an example to those newly come to the faith. For all who follow him, the Lord has prepared a rich feast of heavenly things. He has ordained that those who follow him shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life, and walk in the light as he is in the light; for in him is no darkness at all. The Lord does not call upon his believing, obedient followers to cover the altar with tears; but to walk cheerfully and happily along. But what complainings are represented by Malachi! These witnesses say, "It is vain to serve God. "What kind of testimony do they give to the world? They continue, "And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered." When any one who loves and fears God hears men making a similar complaint, let him not respond in giving a testimony against our good and gracious Heavenly Father. Malachi turns away from the dark picture which Satan presents to these professed followers of Jesus Christ; for it is a libel on the paternal character of God. Satan has framed this picture for the contemplation of poor, unbelieving, mourning souls, and they have hung it up in memory's hall, where they can gaze upon it; but the Lord has presented another picture for the contemplation of every believer. "Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another; and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name."

Do the believers who meet in their small assemblies in humble churches or in private houses, often look upon this picture framed by the Lord of hosts? Do they hang it in memory's hall, and contemplate it with hope and joy and courage? What a hope-inspiring picture is this where the Lord is represented as bending down and hearkening to the testimonies borne by his witnesses! What inspiration it should give us to consider the fact that all the heavenly universe is represented as listening with pleasure to the words that are spoken exalting the name of God in the earth. They may not be words of oratory, and they are not words that express doubt, unbelief, and complaint; for such words do not honor the Redeemer. The words to which God and the angels listen with delight are words of appreciation for the great Gift that has been made to the world in the only begotten Son of God. Every word of praise for the blessing of the light of truth which has come in messages of warning, and which has dispelled the darkness of error, is written in the heavenly records. Every word that acknowledges the merciful kindness of our Heavenly Father in giving Jesus to take away our sins, and to impute to us his righteousness, is recorded in the book of his remembrance. Testimonies of this kind "show forth the praises of him who hath called us out of darkness into his marvelous light." Of such witnesses the Lord says, "And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him."

The fact that the Lord is represented as hearkening to the words spoken by his witnesses, tells us that Jesus is in the midst of us. He says, "Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst." One person is not to do all the witnessing for Jesus; but every one who loves God is to testify of the preciousness of his grace and truth. Those who receive the light of truth are to have lesson upon lesson to educate them not to keep silent, but to speak often one to another. They are to keep in mind the Sabbath meeting, when those who love and fear God, and who think upon his name, can have opportunity to express their thoughts in speaking one to another. Let not the little companies think that they can have no meeting when they have no minister. Let them not think that one of their members must stand in the pulpit and preach to them. The time and season are very precious. The assembled believers are in the audience chamber of the universe of Heaven. They are to witness for God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave his life for the world. The little company are to do service to God by offering to him spiritual worship. When there is no delegated minister to speak to the little companies, let each one witness to the truth, and be faithful to speak often one to another of the love of God, and thus train and educate the soul. Let each one seek to become an intelligent Christian, bearing his responsibility, and acting his personal part to make the meeting interesting and profitable.

The world is not to hold the highest place in our esteem. God desires that we so train the intellect and the affections that we shall be able to render to him pure and holy service. We are to seek for precious jewels of truth as for hidden treasure. We are to have light, that we may diffuse light to others. Those who do this, will be among that company who think upon the name of the Lord, and who speak often one to another. They will study the character of God, and will become acquainted with their Redeemer. "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." Let the character of God be the theme of your thought; for the Lord Jesus calls the attention of his church to himself, and would have his people think upon his name, and impart the knowledge they receive of him to those who are around them.

The Majesty of heaven identifies his interests with those of the believers. However humble may be their circumstances, and wherever they are privileged to meet together, it is appropriate that they speak often one to another, giving utterance to the gratitude and love that result from thinking upon the name of the Lord. Thus shall God be glorified as he hearkens and hears, and the testimony meeting will be regarded the most precious of all meetings; for the words spoken are recorded in the book of remembrance.

The Lord calls the attention of his people to the world above, which has been lost from view, and brings it again within the range of our vision. He presents before us the privilege of being taught by the greatest Teacher the world ever knew. As we open our Bibles, seeking to know the meaning of the word of God, and asking, What is truth? the Spirit of truth is pledged to take of the things of Christ and show them unto us. Every moment of life is to be weeded of vanity, and to be as a seed that will bear eternal fruit; for our intrusted talents are to be used and increased by use, in order that we may bring glory to God. Thus in the social meeting, let no one fail to improve his opportunity to testify to the praise of the Lord, for failing to take up this duty, he fails to obtain the experience that the Lord would have him. Let all remember that the Lord is hearkening, and that angels are recording in the book of remembrance every word that vindicates the character and mission of Christ. Of those who testify of the love of God, the Lord says, "They shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him."

Those who speak of the goodness of God, who talk of the plan of salvation, who relate their personal experiences, who speak often one to another, are serving God in his own ordained way, and are honoring their Redeemer, and he says that such shall be honored, even as a father honors a son who is faithful and affectionate. Let every one consider the value of the social meetings, and let not large or small companies of believers think that they cannot have an enjoyable season unless they are entertained by a preacher. Where this dependence on the minister exists, the people fail to obtain that vigorous religious experience which they so much need wherever their lot may be cast. If the minister alone does all the witnessing, then those who have newly come to the faith become dwarfed and sickly for lack of opportunity to use their spiritual muscle. They have need to learn how to testify, how to pray, how to sing, to the glory of God: but failing to do this, they have only a one-sided experience. The children of God are to grow up to the full stature of men and women in Christ Jesus. They are to be faithful in their service to God. They are to learn the trade of being spiritual worshipers of God, and it is only by practice that we learn to speak and pray to the edification of those who listen. Let us remember that angels are in the assembly of the saints, Christ in the midst to impress the mind with spiritual truths. The humblest believer, who may regard his talent as of little value, will find that by exercise of his powers, his talents will increase, and using the mites, he may gain pounds by trading with his abilities for the glory of God. Consecrate to God your mental, spiritual, and physical powers, and they will grow as they are used in the service of the Master.

Let each precious soul divest himself of the idea that the preacher of the gospel must always be in the sacred desk to sermonize, or the meeting will not be beneficial. Our meetings should take more of the form of training classes to teach the young convert what it is to do service in the house of God. Every effort made by the believers to glorify God, every comforting thought expressed, strengthens the soul of the speaker, and results in the benefit of those who listen.

In these small gatherings the Lord will use his human agents if they will surrender all to him, and the soul will gain spiritual strength. I greatly desire that every individual child of God may realize that he is a laborer together with God. The gospel is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth. The Holy Spirit will take the passions of the heart and bring them into subjection to Jesus Christ.

Have You Oil in Your Vessels With Your Lamps?

Though five of these virgins are represented as wise and five as foolish, all had lamps. They had all been convicted that they must prepare for the coming of the bridegroom, and all had gained a knowledge of the truth. There was no apparent difference between the wise and the foolish until the cry was made, "Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him;" but the true state of things was then developed. The wise had taken precautions to carry oil with them in their vessels, so that their lamps that were beginning to burn dimly might be replenished with oil; but the foolish had not provided for this emergency, and now they made an earnest, distressed petition to those who were wise. "And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out." They had neglected to prepare themselves to meet the bridegroom, and now turned to those who had provided themselves with oil. "But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you; but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves."

In reading this parable one cannot but pity the foolish virgins, and ask the question, Why is it that the wise did not divide their supply of oil? But as we make the spiritual application of the parable, we can see the reason. It is not possible for those who have faith and grace to divide their supply with those who have [it] not. It is not possible for those who have made a tho heart work, to impart the benefit of this to those who have done but surface work. The parable is designed to point out the peril of doing a surface work. Many profess to be Christians, and for a time their half-heartedness is not discerned. The difference between them and those who are truly pious is not made apparent. This parable should awaken solemn reflections. Considering it we should ask ourselves, Are we doers of the words of Christ? Are we building on the rock? Are we, in our probationary time, making our calling and election sure? We should not soothe our consciences in expectation of heaven, when we are not bearing the distinguishing characteristics of the Christian life. Paul says, "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?"

All the ten virgins appeared to be ready for the coming of the bridegroom, and yet the test brought out the fact that five were unready. Those who have true piety esteem and revere the law of God. Through the grace of Christ they exemplify the principles of the law in their lives, and will not willfully break any of the commandments of God. They realize that "to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams." They yield to Christ, who leads men to repentance of sin, who pardons the penitent soul, and clothes him with his own righteousness. The converted soul has a hatred of sin; he does not indulge in self-complacency, self-love, self-sufficiency, nor pass on day after day, claiming to be a Christian, and yet bringing dishonor upon Christ by misrepresenting him in character. Those who make this mistake, and pass on filled with self-righteousness, have not in reality made the first step heavenward. The first step toward heaven is conviction of sin, the second is repentance and obedience. True piety never exalts self.

The foolish virgins do not represent those who are hypocritical. They had a regard for truth, they advocated the truth, they were intending to go forth to meet the bridegroom. They are attached to those who believe the truth, and go with them, having lamps, which represent a knowledge of the truth. When there was a revival in the church, their feelings were stirred; but they failed to have oil in their vessels, because they did not bring the principles of godliness into their daily life and character. They did not fall upon the rock Christ Jesus, and permit their old nature to be broken up. This class is represented also by the stony-ground hearers. Christ said: "Behold, a sower went forth to sow; and when he sowed, some seeds fell by the wayside; and the fowls came and devoured them up; some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth; and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth." Jesus explains these stony-ground hearers, and says, "But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for awhile; for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended."

Many receive the truth readily, but they fail to assimilate truth, and its influence is not abiding. They are like the foolish virgins, who had no oil in their vessels with their lamps. Oil is a symbol of the Holy Spirit, which is brought into the soul through faith in Jesus Christ. Those who earnestly search the Scriptures with much prayer, who rely upon God with firm faith, who obey his commandments, will be among those who are represented as wise virgins. The teachings of the word of God are not yea and nay, but yea and amen. The requirement of the gospel is far-reaching. Says the apostle, "Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him." "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." Practical piety will not be attained by giving the grand truths of the Bible a place in the outer courts of the heart. The religion of the Bible must be brought into the large and the little affairs of life. It must furnish the powerful motives and principles that will regulate the Christian's character and course of action.

Human nature is depraved, and is justly condemned by a holy God. But provision is made for the repenting sinner, so that by faith in the atonement of the only begotten Son of God, he may receive forgiveness of sin, find justification, receive adoption into the heavenly family, and become an inheritor of the kingdom of God. Transformation of character is wrought through the operation of the Holy Spirit, which works upon the human agent, implanting in him, according to his desire and consent to have it done, a new nature. The image of God is restored to the soul, and day by day he is strengthened and renewed by grace, and is enabled more and more perfectly to reflect the character of Christ in righteousness and true holiness.

The oil so much needed by those who are represented as foolish virgins, is not something to be put on the outside. They need to bring the truth into the sanctuary of the soul, that it may cleanse, refine, and sanctify. It is not theory that they need; it is the sacred teachings of the Bible, which are not uncertain, disconnected doctrines, but are living truths, that involve eternal interests that center in Christ. In him is the complete system of divine truth. The salvation of the soul, through faith in Christ, is the ground and pillar of the truth. Those who exercise true faith in Christ make it manifest by holiness of character, by obedience to the law of God. They realize that the truth as it is in Jesus reaches heaven, and compasses eternity. They understand that the Christian's character should represent the character of Christ, and be full of grace and truth. To them is imparted the oil of grace, which sustains a never-failing light. The Holy Spirit in the heart of the believer, makes him complete in Christ. It is not a decided evidence that a man or a woman is a Christian because he manifests deep emotion when under exciting circumstances. He who is Christlike has a deep, determined, persevering element in his soul, and yet has a sense of his own weakness, and is not deceived and misled by the Devil, and made to trust in himself. He has a knowledge of the word of God, and knows that he is safe only as he places his hand in the hand of Jesus Christ, and keeps firm hold upon him.

Character is revealed by a crisis. When the earnest voice proclaimed at midnight, "Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him," the sleeping virgins roused from their slumbers, and it was seen who had made preparation for the event. Both parties were taken unawares, but one was prepared for the emergency, and the other was found without preparation. Character is revealed by circumstances. Emergencies bring out the true metal of character. Some sudden and unlooked-for calamity, bereavement, or crisis, some unexpected sickness or anguish, something that brings the soul face to face with death, will bring out the true inwardness of the character. It will be made manifest whether or not there is any real faith in the promises of the word of God. It will be made manifest whether or not the soul is sustained by grace, whether there is oil in the vessel with the lamp.

Testing times come to all. How do we conduct ourselves under the test and proving of God? Do our lamps go out? or do we still keep them burning? Are we prepared for every emergency by our connection with Him who is full of grace and truth? The five wise virgins could not impart their character to the five foolish virgins. Character must be formed by us as individuals. It cannot be transferred to another, even if the possessor were willing to make the sacrifice. There is much we can do for each other while mercy still lingers. We can represent the character of Christ. We can give faithful warnings to the erring. We can reprove, rebuke, with all long-suffering and doctrine, bringing the doctrines of Holy Writ home to the heart. We can give heartfelt sympathy. We can pray with and for one another. By living a circumspect life, by maintaining a holy conversation, we may give an example of what a Christian should be; but no person can give to another his own mold of character. Let us duly consider the fact that we are to be saved, not as companies, but as individuals. We shall be judged according to the character we have formed. It is perilous to neglect to prepare the soul for eternity, and to put off making our peace with God until upon a dying bed. It is by the daily transactions of life, by the spirit we manifest, that we determine our eternal destiny. He who is faithful in that which is least, is faithful also in much. If we have made Christ our pattern, if we have walked and worked as he has given us an example in his own life, we shall be able to meet the solemn surprises that will come upon us in our experience, and say from our heart, "Not my will, but thine, be done."

It is in probationary time, the time in which we are living, that we should calmly contemplate the terms of salvation, and live according to the conditions laid down in the word of God. We should educate and train ourselves, hour by hour and day by day, by careful discipline, to perform every duty. We should become acquainted with God and with Jesus Christ whom he has sent. In every trial it is our privilege to draw upon him who has said, "Let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me; and he shall make peace with me." The Lord says he is more willing to give us the Holy Spirit than parents are to give bread to their children. Then let us have the oil of grace in our vessels with our lamps, that we may not be found among those who are represented as foolish virgins, who were not prepared to go forth to meet the bridegroom. -

The Compelling Message

Christ has sent out an invitation to every son and daughter of Adam, saying, "Come; for all things are now ready." He has sent out his human agents to call men to the marriage supper of the Lamb. The experience that the believers gain in calling men to the gospel feast, in working in harmony with Christ, is of more value than silver and gold and precious stones. They proclaim the same message that John proclaimed: "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (for the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth; but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin."

We should sincerely inquire, "Am I feeding upon the bread of life? upon divine truth? Am I listening to the voice of God that speaks to me through his word? Am I willing to make any sacrifice rather than be found seeking to excuse myself for not thankfully accepting the invitation to the gospel feast? I have heard the call, 'Come; for all things are now ready,' and am I ready to repeat this call to others?" What excuse will those have to offer in the day of judgment who have known the truth of the Bible, and have had no courage to maintain and advocate it? While they bow their heads in shame, others who have confessed the faith by the word of their testimony, and by their manner of life, will be honored of God, and accounted precious. Could all appreciate the realities of the day of judgment, would they deny their faith for the sake of worldly advantages? Would they give up all that makes life desirable for the sake of securing worldly favors? None can live a happy and satisfactory life who do not live to honor and glorify God at any cost to self. Shall we refuse the heavenly invitation, "Come; for all things are now ready"? Shall we separate ourselves from God and heaven, and walk in the imagination of our own hearts, when this means separation from him who only can bless us? Those only are safe who believe in Christ as their personal Saviour. They have accepted the invitation to the supper of the Lord. What constitutes the gospel feast? Christ says: "I am the bread which came down from heaven." "And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day." By faith we are to make him our personal Saviour. He says: "He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father; so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. . . . It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing. The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life."

We were created to fulfill a higher and nobler purpose than merely to eat and drink, and to live to please ourselves. What infatuation, what madness, it is to refuse to partake of the richest feast that could possibly be furnished by our Heavenly Father! How vain are the excuses offered for rejecting the message to come to the marriage supper! Men declare, "I will go on with my worldly pursuits. I do not wish to displease my neighbors, and therefore I cannot come." Let men remember that they are commanded to follow the Lamb of God whithersoever he goeth. His guidance is to be chosen, his companionship valued above the companionship of neighbors and friends. It is too honorable, too precious, to be refused. We are to be willing to endure any reproach for Christ's sake; for all who accept Christ must be made conformable unto his image. Shall we reject the grace of Christ, and put away the hope of salvation, and refuse to be partakers of the sufferings of Christ? Then we shall reap the result of our choice, if we persist in rejecting the invitation of his Spirit. Were the Lord to deal with us as we deserve, would we not be punished in many ways as stubborn, ungrateful children? But he is long-suffering, he does not deal with us according to our perversity. Instead of this, he offers to take us into partnership with himself and with his Son. All may have life who will accept it; the world has been invited to the gospel feast. When those who were first invited refused the invitation, the master of the feast declared that none of those who were bidden should taste of his supper. But the banquet was not to be devoid of guests. He sent his messengers into the streets of the city, into the highways and byways, to compel men to come in, that his house might be filled. Men were to be compelled, not by force, but by the presentation of such convincing arguments that they would be constrained to come in. This compelling message represents the message that God would send to men to impel them to receive Christ, the world's Redeemer. "As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name."

But there are strong powers that work from beneath to draw men away from Christ, and to hold them infatuated captives to Satan. Men confederate with Satanic powers in holding their fellow-men away from the gospel feast. False shepherds aid Satan in his work as they cry, "Peace and safety," when sudden destruction is about to fall upon them. But Christ's faithful watchmen should sound the invitation, not holding their peace day nor night. They should present the white robes, the wedding garment, which is the righteousness of Christ, woven in the loom of heaven. If the watchmen will have faith in Christ, the Lord will give power to their message. They will be enabled so to present his grace, his love, his tenderness, the danger of rejecting the message, that men will feel constrained to accept the gospel invitation. Christ says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock; if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." Christ will impart to his messengers the same yearning love which he himself had in seeking for the lost sheep. He is unrepulsed by scorn, not turned aside by threatening; but continually seeks the lost one, saying, "How can I give thee up?" "Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, My way is hid from the Lord, and my judgment is passed over from my God? Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength."

It is the Saviour's love that constrains the messenger to bear the message to the lost. O how wonderful is the importuning of Christ with sinners! Although his love is beaten back by the refusal of hard, stubborn hearts, he returns to plead with greater force, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock." His love woos with winning force, until souls are compelled to come in. Those who come to the supper turn to the blessed Jesus and say, "Thy gentleness hath made me great." He wins them by the word of his love and power; for the word of God is the rod of his power. He says, "Is not my word like a fire? saith the Lord; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?" When the word of God is sent home to the human heart by the Holy Spirit, it is mighty to the pulling down of the strongholds of Satan. Finite men could do nothing in the great warfare, were it not for the word of God. They could not plead successfully with human hearts, that are as hard as steel, that are bolted and barred, lest Jesus should find an entrance there; but the Lord endows men with his wisdom, and the weakest one may become as David by faith in God. The Lord takes those who are devoted to him, even though they may be uneducated, humble men and women, and sends them forth with his warning message. He stirs their hearts by his Spirit, he gives them Spiritual muscle and sinew, and they are enabled to go forth with the word of God, and to compel men to come in. Thus many poor, fainting souls, who are starving for the bread of life, are out of weakness made strong, and wax valiant in the fight, and put to flight the armies of the aliens.

"See that ye refuse not him that speaketh." Every time you turn away your ear and refuse to listen, every time you fail to open the door of your heart, you strengthen yourself in unbelief, and make yourself more and more unwilling to listen to the voice of Him that speaketh, and you diminish your chance of responding to the last appeal of mercy. Be warned by what the Saviour says; for they that were bidden to the supper and refused his invitation were not to taste of the supper. There is a point beyond which forbearance cannot go. Let it not be written of you, "Ephraim is joined to idols; let him alone." Let not Christ weep over you as he wept over Jerusalem, saying, "How often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate."

We are living in a time when the last message of mercy, the last invitation, is being given to the children of men. The messengers are now saying, "Come; for all things are now ready." Heavenly angels are still working, co-operating with human agencies. The Holy Spirit is presenting every inducement to compel you to come, and Jesus is watching for some sign that will betoken the removing of the bolts and the opening of the door of your heart for his entrance. Angels are waiting to bear the tidings to heaven that another lost sinner has been found, that another has hearkened to the counsel of the True Witness, who says, "I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eye-salve, that thou mayest see." The hosts of heaven are waiting ready to strike their harps, and to sing a song of rejoicing that the Good Shepherd has sought and reclaimed his own. -

Rule in the Fear of God

The Searcher of hearts said of Abraham: "I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment." The Lord selected Abraham to be his human representative upon the earth, because he knew that Abraham would cultivate home religion, and would educate his household in the knowledge of the only true God. He knew that the fear of the Lord would circulate through his tents. He who blesses the habitation of the righteous, said, "I know him." On the part of Abraham there would be no betrayal of sacred trust, no yielding to any guidance save the Lord's. The law of God was to govern all human intelligences, and Abraham determined to keep it. He knew that he was answerable alone to the Lawgiver.

The Lord is our judge, the Lord is our law-giver, the Lord is our king, and parents and children are to be obedient to him. There is to be no oppression on the part of the parents, no disrespect and disloyalty on the part of the children. Both are to be guided by the laws of our Heavenly Father, who gave Jesus to be the propitiation for our sins. The law of God is an emanation of infinite love, and naught but blessing can result to him who administers and to him who obeys that law. In the great moral standard the Lord has given rules by which we are to be guided. Transgression is a violation of the principles of holiness. God's will is to be paramount. The High and Holy One who inhabiteth eternity, declares that his people shall keep the way of the Lord. Every way that man may devise, that deviates from the way of the Lord, will be found to be the path of the destroyer.

We are not to inquire, What is the practice of men? or, What is the custom of the world? We are not to ask, How shall I act in order to have the approval of men? or, What will the world tolerate? The question of intense interest to every soul is, What hath God said? We are to read his word and obey it, not swerving one jot or tittle from its requirements, but acting irrespective of human traditions and jurisdiction. Neither parents nor children will prosper except as they endeavor to reach the great standard of righteousness. We are not to do as did Adam, and act upon some other word rather than the word of God. Adam's departure from the word of God opened the floodgates of woe upon our world. Should not the result of Adam's disobedience be sufficient to warn us from the way of transgression? With Adam's example before us and the dire consequences of his sin, shall we venture to transgress, because the great deceiver would entice us from obedience to the word of God? Shall we wander away from our Maker? or shall we inquire, What is the way of the Lord? To refuse to keep the way of the Lord, and to listen to the voice that leads away from God's great moral standard, is to venture upon forbidden ground; and in presuming to follow his own way, man arrogates to himself wisdom superior to the wisdom of Him who is infinite and omnipotent.

Many in the Christian world are walking in the darkness of falsehood and error, and placing their wisdom above that of their Creator. Parents do this when they choose some other way than the way of the Lord, and lead their children in the same paths that they themselves in their blindness have entered upon. They do not feel under any obligation to walk with pleasure in the way of the Lord, because in so doing they would have to lift the cross, and therefore they do not lead their children in the path of truth and obedience. They act the same part as did the first deceiver, and become disloyal themselves, and through setting them a wrong example, they lead their children into disloyalty. O how many are abusing the grace of God! Although they make a profession of following Christ, they know not the day of their opportunities and privileges.

"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and . . . thy neighbor as thyself." What a change would be wrought in our world if men would keep the way of the Lord, giving supreme love and loyalty to God, and manifesting love and respect for their neighbors. Those who would do this would manifest the character of Christ, and would continually exercise justice and mercy toward their fellow-men. Should representative men keep the way of the Lord, they would point men to a high and holy standard. Those in positions of trust would be strictly temperate. Magistrates, senators, and judges would have a clear understanding, and their judgment would be sound and unperverted. The fear of the Lord would ever be before them, and they would depend upon a higher wisdom than their own. The Heavenly Teacher would make them wise in counsel, and strong to work steadfastly in opposition to all wrong, and to advance that which is right and just and true. The word of God would be their guide, and all oppression would be discarded. Lawmakers and administrators would abide by every good and just law, ever teaching the way of the Lord to do justice and judgment. God is the head of all good and just governments and laws. Those who are intrusted with the responsibility of administering any part of the law, are accountable to God as stewards of his goods.

The Lord has given instruction to lawmakers, and has said, "Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment; thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty; but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbor." He that rules over men should rule in the fear of God. The prophet says, "He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain." Those who take upon themselves the responsibility of governing men, will have to give an account of all the works they do.

Every man, woman, and child is God's property, and has been bought with a price, even with the infinite price of the precious blood of the Son of God. God will not tolerate injustice from man to his fellow-men. He will not pass over oppression and wrong. Men in office cannot permit the practice of injustice and yet be clear from the judgment of God. For the sake of their own souls, and for the sake of the souls of others, men in positions of trust should seek to do good to their fellow-men, representing the character of the great Lawgiver. "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them; for this is the law and the prophets." It is not God's design that men should be cold, hard-hearted, and oppressive toward their fellow men, and they will not be excused in being oppressive simply because they are invested with authority. Every work is to be brought into judgment, and every secret thing, whether it be good or whether it be evil, and every man will be rewarded according as his work has been. Those who practice injustice and oppression set at naught the authority of God, and declare by their actions that they have no regard for the word of Christ, who has purchased redemption at an infinite cost. Men should remember that no matter what customs have prevailed, no matter what laws have been brought into existence, the great Lawgiver is to be obeyed. God's law is to hold the supreme place, and is not made void by the maxims, customs, and inventions of men. Those who devise laws contrary to the law of God, will be brought into judgment, and will receive according to their dues.

"Run ye to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem, and see now, and know, and seek in the broad places thereof, if ye can find a man, if there be any that executeth judgment, that seeketh the truth; and I will pardon it. And though they say, The Lord liveth; surely they swear falsely. O Lord, are not thine eyes upon the truth? thou hast stricken them, but they have not grieved; thou hast consumed them, but they have refused to receive correction; they have made their faces harder than a rock; they have refused to return. Therefore I said, Surely these are poor; they are foolish; for they know not the way of the Lord, nor the judgment of their God. I will get me unto the great men, and will speak unto them; for they have known the way of the Lord, and the judgment of their God; but these have altogether broken the yoke, and burst the bonds. . . . Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not; fear ye not me? saith the Lord; will ye not tremble at my presence, which have placed the sand for the bound of the sea by a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass it; and though the waves thereof toss themselves, yet can they not prevail; though they roar, yet can they not pass over it? . . . The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so; and what will ye do in the end thereof?" "If there be a controversy between men, and they come unto judgment, that the judges may judge them; then they shall justify the righteous [those who respect and honor the law of God, the foundation of all government in heaven and in earth], and condemn the wicked."

"Thou shalt therefore obey the voice of the Lord thy God, and do his commandments and his statutes. . . . And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth; and all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God. Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field. Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep. Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store. Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out. The Lord shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face; they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways. The Lord shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses, and in all that thou settest thine hand unto; and he shall bless thee in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. The Lord shall establish thee a holy people unto himself, as he hath sworn unto thee, if thou shalt keep the commandments of the Lord thy God, and walk in his ways. . . . If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book, that thou mayest fear this glorious and fearful name, the Lord thy God; then the Lord will make thy plagues wonderful, and the plagues of thy seed, even great plagues, and of long continuance, and sore sicknesses, and of long continuance. . . . Also every sickness, and every plague, which is not written in the book of this law, them will the Lord bring upon thee, until thou be destroyed."

"For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not hidden from thee, neither is it far off. It is not in heaven, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? Neither is it beyond the sea, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go over the sea for us, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it. See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil. . . . Therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live; that thou mayest love the Lord thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him; for he is thy life, and the length of thy days."

One of the most deplorable things upon the earth is the fact that there are passionate governors and unjust judges. They forget that they are under the authority of the great Governor, the all-wise God, and that he is above every ruler, prince, governor, or king. Rulers are God's servants, and they are to serve their time as his apprentices. It is for their good that they faithfully follow the plain "thus saith the Lord," keeping the way of the Lord to do justice and judgment. They are to exercise their powers without partiality and without hypocrisy, refusing to be bought or sold, scorning all bribes, and standing in moral independence and dignity before God. They are not to connive at one act of dishonesty or injustice. They are not to do a base, unjust action themselves, nor to sustain others in acts of oppression. Wise rulers will not permit the people to be oppressed because of the envy and jealousy of those who disregard the law of God. It was this spirit that ruled the scribes and the Pharisees in their condemnation and crucifixion of the world's Redeemer. All need to keep eternity in view, and not to act in such a way that God cannot ratify their judgment in the courts of heaven.

Not long hence it will be found that it is no light matter to work against God in a single instance. Not long hence it will be found that the approval of God is worth more than any amount of silver and gold. It will be found that to every action there has been an invisible witness who has taken cognizance, and has written it in a book, so that every man will be judged according to what he has. done, whether it be good or evil. In that day sentence will be pronounced against every one that has done evil, whether he be Jew or Gentile, small or great, rich or poor, free or bond. The wise man says, "Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his days be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him." -

Choose the Lowest Place

"And he spake a parable unto those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief seats." (R. V.) The chief rooms are not to be understood as the rooms of the house, but the most exalted positions at the table, the places nearest the one most honored at the feast. Jesus marked the deportment of those who chose out the best seats, looking upon themselves as most deserving, and having no reference to those who were yet to come, or to those who were more deserving. He said: "When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honorable man than thou be bidden of him; and he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room. But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher; then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee. For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."

In this parable Christ gives a safe precept as to the proper manner of conducting ourselves when so greatly honored as to be invited as a guest to the house of one who is honorable. The word of God not only lays out the great principles that should underlie our actions, but also gives a definite rule with which to regulate our conduct. How perfectly adapted are the lessons of Christ to the regulation of society! The Lord desires that all who claim God as their Father should bring their actions into accordance with heavenly principles. He would have men recognize their obligation to their fellowmen. He would not have his children striving for the highest place.

In this parable the Lord shows us that he disapproves of the efforts of men who seek to be thought the greatest. The spirit that urges men to seek the highest place, is accompanied with pride, selfishness, and self-esteem, and the result will be that he who struggles for the highest position will find himself in the lowest. Nothing will make a man really great except to be truly good. But he who is wholly consecrated to God does not have the exaltation of self in view, but the glory of God. Amid the scenes of daily life, character is developed and made manifest. As we seek to bring the truth into practical life, we shall see the importance of taking heed to ourselves. The Christian is to imitate Christ. He is not to be careless of the proprieties of life; in so doing he places himself where he will reveal human attributes, and misrepresent the character of Christ. But wherever Christlike religion is manifested, it will work a blessing, and every detail of life will be made fragrant by the influence of the divine Spirit.

The Pharisees thought themselves righteous above all men upon the earth; but the Lord gave them a lesson that revealed their true spirit. Some who were present took the lesson to heart, and avoided the course that he pointed out as being abhorrent in the sight of God. He had come to restore the moral image of God in man. On another occasion he said, "Woe unto the world because of offenses! for it must needs be that offenses come; but woe to that man by whom the offense cometh!" Self-exaltation leads to most inconsistent manifestations. Those who indulge this spirit may profess the name of Christ, but their acts of selfishness, their inconsistency, put stumbling-blocks in the way of sinners, and we shall never know in this world the mischief that is done by their inconsistent course. The absence of Christian humility and meekness is expressed in character. The more men neglect to cultivate these attributes, the less they will manifest the character of Christ, and the more strenuous will be their efforts to exalt self. But the exaltation of self is a marked witness against those who indulge in it, and in place of leading to exaltation, it leads to abasement, and he who would be highest will find himself in the lowest position.

Christ says: "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 is light." He who cherishes pride and selfish feelings will show that he is seeking self-exaltation in the little and larger things of life. Those who are really worthy of attention and preference will never be found putting themselves forward, but will leave the best and highest places for some one else, esteeming others better than themselves. Yet this very modesty and humility of character cannot be hid. The person who is willing to be little and unknown will be esteemed, for his life will be fragrant with unselfish actions. He will not be ostentatious, and seek to impress upon others in a lower position that he is vastly their superior. Grace works quietly and steadily, and educates the believing soul in such a way that he conforms to principles upon which a well directed education is founded. It is the Spirit of God that works to mold and fashion the human agent through acts oft repeated, to the model of Christ's character. Faithful in little things, the Christian pays strict attention to the smallest matters, and thus forms a character that will lead him to be faithful in great matters. He possesses the faith that works by love and purifies the soul. God has made us his own by creation and redemption, and if we are willing to occupy a lowly position in this life, are content to be little and unknown, we shall have full recognition in the future life. Our Redeemer will say, "Child, come up higher." God has caused the sun to bless with its light not only the mountain heights, but the lowly valleys and plains, and he will cause the beams of the Sun of Righteousness to fill the souls of those who are humble and contrite, whose spirit is meek and lowly. The love and grace of Christ will fill the soul of him who humbly walks with God as did Enoch. It is in proportion as the heart is sanctified by grace, and filled with active love for God and for our fellow-men, that we do nothing for show or by compulsion. Those who love God do that which is pleasant for them to do, and that is to reveal God in character, and submit the whole heart to the sanctification of the truth.

God has promised to give wisdom to those who feel their need of it. He says, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." We must feel our need of wisdom daily, or else we shall not seek it, and will become filled with self-sufficiency, self-importance, and thus be unfitted to learn the lesson that Christ has given in regard to becoming meek and lowly of heart. All need wisdom to understand that it is true greatness to keep company with Jesus Christ, to walk in meekness and humility with God, cultivating single-hearted simplicity, and being ever ready to receive instruction from the great Teacher. God has promised his Holy Spirit, which is sufficient to teach us, illuminating to our minds the word of God, which, if practiced, will thoroughly furnish a man unto all good works. God's commandments are exceeding broad.

The lesson Christ gave at the feast was to show that pretensions, ambitious display, and strife for supremacy, will have a tendency to create envy and jealousy, and will lead those who cherish these desires to pull down others in order to exalt self. God has endowed some of his servants with special talents and gifts, and no one is called upon to disparage their excellence. These qualifications are to be appreciated, to be cultivated by their possessors, and to be employed in the Master's service. But let none use their precious attributes in exalting themselves. Let them not regard themselves as favored above their fellow-men, and vaunt themselves above those who are sincere and earnest workers. The Lord looks upon the heart. He who is most devoted to the service of God is most highly esteemed by the heavenly universe. Those who occupy positions of influence are responsible to God and to their fellow-men. But their position does not constitute them more pious and holy than their fellow men. The greater their influence, the larger is their responsibility, and the greater the necessity to comfort themselves as God's stewards, that they may deal with Christlike tenderness and consideration, and reveal the fine feelings which should control men who occupy positions of trust. Those who are placed in responsible positions should be as fathers,--just, tender, and true. They should represent the character of Christ. They should unite themselves with their brethren in the closest bonds of union and fellowship, appreciating the fact that the sympathies and prayers of their brethren will be great aids to them in assisting them to deal with justice and equity.

The Lord tests character. He permits men to occupy positions of influence, and the universe of heaven watches to see how they will fulfill their stewardship. If one is seen exalting himself, and oppressing his fellow-laborers who are in a more lowly position, if he is harsh and unsympathetic toward those who are not as favorably situated as he is himself, then he is failing to represent the character of his professed Master. If he is exacting, demanding of others what he would not do himself, taking advantage of circumstances to favor his own interests, then his plans are not in harmony with God's plans, and he is revealing a principle that has a demoralizing tendency. He is seeking to lift up himself. After a time the Lord will manifestly abase the man who has taken a position in the highest seat. In his providence he will permit circumstances to come that will bring down the lofty thoughts of self, that will shake his confidence in self, and cause him to cast aside pride and self-esteem, and to take a lowly seat. But the Lord lifts up the humble, and raises up those who are bowed down, and makes manifest the fact that those who realize that they are poor and needy are his heritage and special care. -

Character Tested By Small Occurrences

When Christ was a guest at the house of one of the chief Pharisees, there was a man at the table who did not relish the plain, practical truths which he presented in reference to men's duty toward the poor. He did not wish to follow Christ's instruction, and call the poor, the maimed, the lame, and the blind, to a feast, when they could not recompense him again by a similar invitation. He did not desire to wait for recompense until the resurrection of the just. He thought that eating and drinking were the great blessings of life, and desired to turn the conversation in a different channel from that in which Christ had directed it. He fervently ejaculated, "Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God." It was not a pleasant consideration to him to have his present duties plainly set before him. His attitude was similar to that of those who rejoice that they are saved by Jesus Christ, when they do not comply with the conditions upon which salvation is promised. Christ died to make it possible for the human family to return to their allegiance to God, and to obey all his commandments. The law is a transcript of his character. Many deceive themselves in thinking that they can continue in sin, and transgress God's holy law, and yet claim Christ as their Saviour. It was disobedience to the law of God that caused Adam to suffer the loss of Eden. Jesus died to redeem the race, to save men, not in continued transgression, but to save them from their sins. No man who is enlightened by the law of God, and yet who refuses to obey that law, will ever enter the Eden of God; for he would create a second rebellion in heaven.

The man at the feast who exclaimed, "Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God," occupied a position similar to the man who is represented as coming in to the marriage supper without having on the wedding garment. This man did not realize that he must be clothed with the garment of Christ's righteousness. He was not thinking of his fitness for heaven, but of the pleasures to be enjoyed in the kingdom of God. He made no remark concerning getting ready for eating bread with the saints in light, nor thought that he must live unselfishly, and day by day fulfill the duties that God requires that men shall do for their fellow-men. He did not realize the selfishness of his course in indulging himself at his neighbor's expense, or in feasting a few favorites who would recompense him again. He did not appreciate the love that had been manifested by the Lord toward him in bestowing upon his undeserving subject a profusion of rich gifts.

Men and women are not fulfilling the design of God, when they simply express affection for their own family circle, for their rich relatives and friends, while they exclude those from their love whom they could comfort and bless by relieving their necessities. It is true that where large affection is manifested in the home circle, it not only brightens the home and brings cheerfulness and happiness to the entire family, but if love is unselfish, it will extend without the walls of the home. The manifestation of kindness, tenderness, Christian courtesy, is approved of God. The affection manifested in the home is a manifestation of Christ's love that flows through him from the heart of infinite love to bless the members of the family circle. It is love that will constitute the bliss of the heavenly family. Those who cultivate love in the homelife will form characters after Christ's likeness, and they will be constrained to exert a helpful influence beyond the family circle, in order that they may bless others by kind, thoughtful ministrations, by pleasant words, by Christlike sympathy, by acts of benevolence. They will be quick to discern those who have hungry hearts, and will make a feast for those who are needy and afflicted. Those who have heavenly discernment, who exercise tender regard for every member of the family, will, in doing their whole duty, fit themselves to do a work that will brighten other homes, and will teach others by precept and example what it is that will make home happy.

When the Lord bids us do good for others outside our home, he does not mean that our affection for home shall become diminished, and that we shall love our kindred or our country less because he desires us to extend our sympathies. But we are not to confine our affection and sympathy within four walls, and inclose the blessing that God has given us so that others will not be benefited with us in its enjoyment. However low, however fallen, however dishonored and debased others may be, we are not to despise them and pass them by with indifference; but we should consider the fact that Christ has died for them, and that if he had not given his life for us, had not caused his light to shine into our souls, we might have been even worse than those we are inclined to despise. We should remember that Jesus has purchased the fallen man or woman or youth that we are tempted to despise. They may be giving themselves over to the power of Satan, and may be uniting with Satan in obliterating the moral image of God from themselves and from others, yet the Lord Jesus looks with yearning tenderness upon the debased and profligate. He desires to redeem those who are corrupting soul, spirit, and body. He sends out his invitation to them, saying: "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 is light."

How great should be the interest of professed followers of Christ in those whom Satan has brought under his control in both mind and body, when they consider the fact that "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Christ longs to reshape the marred human character, to restore the moral image of God in men. Shall those who profess to be laborers together with God look upon those who are wretched, who are bruised, robbed, and left to perish by the adversary of God and man, and pass by on the other side as did the priest and the Levite? Though you do not say it in words, do you in sentiment entertain the thought, "Am I my brother's keeper?"

God's character is expressed in his law, "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." He has expressed this love in giving his only begotten Son to a life of humiliation, of poverty, of shame, of denial, of rejection, mockery, and anguish. He expressed this love when he permitted Christ to be brought before the priests and the rulers and before the maddened multitudes, and placed beside Barabbas. Barabbas was a noted robber and murderer, and Christ was the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth; but when Pilate asked, "Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you?" the hoarse voice of the mob shrieked out, "Barabbas!" They had been instructed to make this choice by the priests and the rulers, and all heaven witnessed the result of their moral taste in the choice which they had made. They had what they desired. Barabbas, with all the stamp of crime and debasement upon him, was released unto them. When Pilate asked, "What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?" their voices were heard like the bellowing of wild beasts, "Let him be crucified!" When the governor asked, "Why, what evil hath he done?" they cried out the more, saying, "Let him be crucified!" When Pilate said to them, "Shall I crucify your King?" (now listen, O heaven, and be astonished, O earth, at the answer), they said, "We have no king but Caesar." They virtually said, "We will not have this man to reign over us." But the sacrifice that God made to redeem the fallen sons of Adam will one day appear in its true significance before those who have refused the Son of God, and rejected his invitation to come to the marriage supper. God proved that he loved his neighbor as himself by giving his only begotten Son to die for the world. We also are commanded to love our neighbor as ourselves. Some may ask, as did the lawyer, "Who is my neighbor?" The Lord Jesus has made it plain that every one who is temporal or spiritual need is our neighbor. He has revealed the fact that it is our duty to make straight paths for our feet, lest by precept or example we lead others in the path of transgression. But the poor are never to cease out of the land. The poor are God's legacy to those who are more favorably situated. "He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker." The Lord has left the poor to the mercy of his church, not to be neglected, not to be despised and scorned, but to be treated as the Lord's inheritance. There will always be those who will need to be ministered unto. How inconsistent it is for the professed followers of Christ to furnish their own tables with everything that appetite shall dictate, while they neglect to consider the poor as the Lord has bidden them to do.

The Lord saw that it was essential for us to be surrounded with the poor, who in their helplessness and need would lay claim to our ministration. They would be an aid to us in perfecting Christian character; for in providing food for their tables and clothing for their bodies, we would cultivate the attributes of the character of Christ. If we had not the poor among us, we would lose much; for in order to perfect Christian character, we must deny self, take up the cross, and follow where Christ, our Example, leads the way. Those who extravagantly expend means in pleasing themselves in the gratification of appetite or in any other way, make self an idol, and sacrifice at the altar of self that which would give bread to the hungry, provide comfortable clothing for the naked, furnish homes for the homeless, and relieve the sorrows of the poor. The Lord says, "I will have mercy, and not sacrifice." Let us at once seek to realize what is our obligation to the Lord's human family, and do our duty to as many as possible. We may minister to few or many, but if we do our best, it is all the Lord requires. The King will say to such, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." "Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?" Christ himself became poor for our sake, that we, through his poverty, might come into possession of eternal riches. He has adopted the poor and the suffering as his own peculiar treasure, and has left them to the care of his church. His disciples are to be stewards of his gifts, and to use his bounties in relieving suffering humanity. They are to feed and clothe and shelter those who have need. Parents are to present to their children the example of being God's almoners, in order that they in turn may become missionaries, may be tenderhearted, pitiful, kind, patient laborers together with God. They are to work as co-partners with Christ to restore, to heal, to save those who are perishing.

It is by the occurrence of small things that character is developed, and that the manner of spirit that dwelleth in us is made known in our lives. There are many who undervalue the small events of life, the little deeds that are to be performed day by day; but these are not to be estimated as small, as every action tells either for the blessing or the injuring of some one. Every action tells its own story, it bears its own history to the throne of God. It is known whether it is on the side of right or on the side of wrong. It is only by acting in accordance with the principles of God's word in the small transactions of life, that we place ourselves on the right side. We are tried and tested by these small occurrences, and our character will be estimated according as our work shall be. By studying the word of God, by becoming doers of that word, we shall be strengthened of God when placed in a trying, perilous position. As we attain power to stand the small tests of every-day life, we shall thereby gain strength and knowledge that will enable us to bear the more important tests that we shall be called upon to endure. It is well for us individually to understand what a privilege is that of prayer. Nothing can so arm the soul for the conflicts of life as prayer to our Heavenly Father. Day by day as we learn of Jesus, we can display his attributes, and we shall not waver between right and wrong. As circumstances arise that require a right attitude, we shall be loyal to God, because we have trained ourselves in habits of faithfulness and truth. He who is faithful in that which is least, will acquire strength to become faithful in that which is much. The faithful soul will permit nothing to come in between itself and God; but those who are not loyal to God cannot be esteemed as wise, true, or good. Their opinion and wisdom cannot be relied upon, or trusted to control. Those who turn cowards before men's ridicule, prove that they have lost all realization of the value of Jesus. Shall we join the company of those who are acting as Satan's agents to compass the ruin of our souls? Shall we choose Barabbas before Christ? God forbid! -

Satan's Malignity Against Christ and His People

Speaking of Satan, our Lord says that "he abode not in the truth." He was once the covering cherub, glorious in beauty and holiness. He was next to Christ in exaltation and character. It was with Satan that self-exaltation had its origin. He became jealous of Christ, and falsely accused him, and then laid blame upon the Father. He was envious of the position that was held by Christ and the Father, and he turned from his allegiance to the Commander of heaven and lost his high and holy estate. Though the angels had a knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ, though they were happy in the glorious service which they did for the King of heaven, yet, through his crooked representations of Christ and the Father, the evil one deceived a great company of angels, drew them into sympathy with himself, and associated them with himself in rebellion. Satan and his sympathizers became the avowed antagonists of God, established their own infernal empire, and set up a standard of rebellion against the God of heaven. All the principalities and powers of evil rallied to the work of overthrowing the government of God.

Satan accomplished the fall of man, and since that time it has been his work to efface in man the image of God, and to stamp upon human hearts his own image. Possessing supremacy in guilt, he claims supremacy for himself, and exercises over his subjects the power of royalty. He cannot expel God from his throne, but through the system of idolatry, he plants his own throne between the heaven and the earth, between God and the human worshiper. He intercepts every ray of light that comes from God to man, and appropriates the worship that is due to God.

Satan has wrought with deceiving power, bringing in a multiplicity of errors that obscure the truth. Error cannot stand alone, and would soon become extinct if it did not fasten itself like a parasite upon the tree of truth. Error draws its life from the truth of God. The traditions of men, like floating germs, attach themselves to the truth of God, and men regard them as a part of the truth. Through false doctrines, Satan gains a foothold, and captivates the minds of men, causing them to hold theories that have no foundation in truth. Men boldly teach for doctrines the commandments of men; and as traditions pass on from age to age, they acquire a power over the human mind. But age does not make error truth, neither does its burdensome weight cause the plant of truth to become a parasite. The tree of truth bears its own genuine fruit, showing its true origin and nature. The parasite of error also bears its own fruit, and makes manifest that its character is diverse from the plant of heavenly origin.

It is through false theories and traditions that Satan gains his power over the human mind. We can see the extent to which he exercises his power by the disloyalty that is in the world. Even the churches that profess to be Christian have turned from the law of Jehovah, and have erected a false standard. Satan has had his hand in all this; for by directing men to false standards, he misshapes the human character, and causes humanity to acknowledge him as supreme. He works counter to the holy law of God, and denies God's jurisdiction. It is at his throne that every evil work finds its starting-point and obtains its support.

Satan has charged injustice upon God, and at various times has set in motion all his supernatural agencies, in order to cut off from men the knowledge of God, to turn their attention from the temple of God, and to establish his own kingdom in the earth. At different times he has almost succeeded in spreading idolatry throughout the world. The history of the past shows that he has striven to obtain the mastery upon earth, and that his strife for supremacy has seemed to be almost wholly successful. He has worked in such a manner that the Prince of heaven has seemed to be lost sight of. It has seemed that the confederacy of idolatry has borne supreme sway, and that Satan had indeed become the god of this world. But the only begotten Son of God has looked upon the scene, has beheld human suffering and misery. With pity he has seen how his human agencies have been blinded by the deceptions of the enemy, and have become victims of Satanic cruelty. He has seen how Satan has exalted men simply for the purpose of casting them down, how he has flattered them, in order to draw them into his net and destroy them. He looked upon the schemes by which Satan works to blot from the human soul every trace of likeness to God; how he led them into intemperance so as to destroy the moral powers which God gave to man as a most precious, priceless endowment. He saw how, through indulgence in appetite, brain power was destroyed, and the temple of God was in ruins. He looked with compassion upon men who were becoming corrupted, ruined, murdered, and lost, through choosing a ruler who chained them to his car as captives, and yet these slaves were so bewildered, so beguiled and deceived, that they were actually pleased with their slavery as they moved on in gloomy procession toward eternal ruin,--to death in which is no hope of life, toward night to which comes no morning. He saw human beings possessed by devils, saw Satanic agencies incorporated with men, saw the bodies of men become the habitations for the degrading indwelling of demons. Man, made for the dwelling-place of God, became the habitation of dragons. The senses, the nerves, the passions, the organs of man, were worked by supernatural agencies in the indulgence of the grossest, vilest lust. The very stamp of demons was impressed upon the countenances of men, and human faces reflected the expression of the legions of evil with which they were possessed. Such was the prospect upon which the world's Redeemer looked. What a horrible spectacle for the eyes of infinite purity to behold! Wherein can he behold his image? And yet God, the infinite One, "so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son [for such a world!], that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

Christ came to our world, sent of God to take human nature upon him. The mysterious union was to be formed between human nature and the divine nature. Christ was to become a man, in order that he might unfold to men as fully as possible the mysteries of the science of redemption. But the scheme of redemption far exceeds the comprehension of the human mind. The great condescension on the part of God is a mystery that is beyond our fathoming. The greatness of the plan cannot be fully comprehended, nor could infinite Wisdom devise a plan that would surpass it. It could be successful only by the clothing of divinity with humanity, by Christ becoming man, and suffering the wrath which sin has made because of the transgression of God's law. Through this plan the great, the dreadful God can be just, and yet be the justifier of all who believe in Jesus, and who receive him as their personal Saviour. This is the heavenly science of redemption, of saving men from eternal ruin, and can be carried out through the incarnation of the Son of God, through his triumph over sin and death. In seeking to fathom this plan, all finite intelligences are baffled.

Before the world was created, infinite Wisdom provided for the terrible possibility of man's disloyalty. Though man transgressed God's law, yet the law was not weakened in the slightest particular. It stands fast forever and ever as his eternal throne. No hope could be found for man through the alteration of God's law, but God so loved the world the he gave himself in Christ to the world to bear the penalty of man's transgression. God suffered with his Son, as the divine Being alone could suffer, in order that the world might become reconciled to him. ( Concluded next week .) -

Satan's Malignity Against Christ and His People (Concluded)

From the moment that Christ entered the world, the whole confederacy of Satanic agencies was set at work to deceive and overthrow him as Adam had been deceived and overthrown. Could he win the victory over Christ, the world that God had created would become his empire.

When Christ was born in Bethlehem, the angels of God appeared to the shepherds, who were watching their flocks by night, and gave divine credentials of the authority of the new-born babe. Satan knew that One had come to the earth with a divine commission to dispute his authority. He heard the angel declare: "Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good-will toward men."

The heavenly heralds aroused all the wrath of the synagogue of Satan. He followed the steps of those who had charge of the infant Jesus. He heard the prophecy of Simeon in the temple courts, who had long been waiting for the consolation of Israel. The Holy Ghost was upon him, and he came by the Spirit into the temple. Taking the infant Saviour in his arms, he blessed God, and said, "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word; for mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel." Satan was filled with frenzy as he saw that the aged Simeon recognized the divinity of Christ.

The Commander of heaven was assailed by the tempter. He had no clear, unobstructed passage through the world. He was not left free and without hindrance to win to his kingdom the souls of men by his gracious mercy and loving-kindness. From the time that he was a helpless babe in Bethlehem, when the agencies of hell sought to destroy him in his infancy through the jealousy of Herod, until he came to Calvary's cross, he was continually assailed by the evil one. In the councils of Satan it was determined that he must be overcome. No human being had come into the world and escaped the power of the deceiver. The whole forces of the confederacy of evil were set upon his track to engage in warfare against him, and if possible to prevail over him. The fiercest and most inveterate enmity was put between the seed of the woman and the serpent. The serpent himself made Christ the mark of every weapon of hell. Satan knew that he must either conquer or himself be conquered. Success or failure involved too much for him to leave the work with any one of his agents of evil. The prince of evil himself must personally conduct the warfare, since all other enterprises were inferior to this. He came in determined opposition against Christ from the very beginning of his work. "And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon him. . . And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man."

Satan saw the image of God in the character and person of Jesus Christ. He knew that if Christ carried out his plan, his Satanic authority would be at an end. Therefore, the life of Christ was a perpetual warfare against Satanic agencies. Satan rallied the whole energies of apostasy against the Son of God. The conflict increased in fierceness and malignity, as again and again the prey was taken out of his hands. Satan assailed Christ through every conceivable form of temptation. Christ had come to die for the world, and Satan finally offered to him the kingdoms of the world, surrendering them to him without his striking a blow to obtain them. But the condition upon which this offer was made was one with which Christ could not comply.

"And the Devil, taking him up into a high mountain, showed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the Devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them; for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will, I give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine." He presented the world to Christ as a most dazzling, enchanting spectacle. But Christ saw that which Satan tried to veil from his eyes, and that which he flattered himself he had done. Christ had not exchanged his divinity for humanity; but he had clothed his divinity in humanity, and he gave Satan the evidence for which he had asked,--showed him that he was the Son of God. Divinity flashed through humanity, and the evil one could not resist the authority of the divine voice, as Jesus said, "Get thee behind me, Satan; for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve."

Failing to lead Christ into sin, the prince of darkness gathered together his human agencies in the religious world, and instilled into men the enmity which he felt against the champion of truth. He led them to reject Christ, to expel the Prince of truth from his territory. For a time success seemed to attend his efforts. Christ "came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name."

Just previous to his crucifixion, the Saviour said, "The prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me," Though it was the hour of the power of darkness, yet in anticipation of his triumph, Christ could say, "The prince of this world is judged." "Now is the judgment of this world; now shall the prince of this world be cast out." Viewing the work of redemption as completed, he could, even in death, speak of the great final deliverance, and represent things that were future as if present. The only begotten Son of the infinite God could successfully carry through the great plan which made man's salvation sure.

The condition of the world at the time of Christ is well described by the prophet Isaiah. He says that the people were found "transgressing and lying against the Lord, and departing away from our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood. And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off; for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter. Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey; and the Lord saw it, and it displeased him that there was no judgment. And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor; therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him. For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation upon his head."

The condition of the world previous to the first appearing of Christ is a picture of the condition of the world just previous to his second advent. The same iniquity will exist; Satan manifests the same delusive power upon the minds of men. He is setting his trained agents to work, and moving them to intense activity. He is securing his army of human agents to engage in the last conflict against the Prince of life, to overthrow the law of God, which is the foundation of his throne. Satan will work with miraculous presentations to confirm men in the belief that he is what he claims to be,--the prince of this world,--and that victory is his. He will turn his forces against those who are loyal to God; but though he may cause pain, distress, and human agony, he cannot defile the soul. He may cause affliction to the people of God as he did to Christ, but he cannot cause one of Christ's little ones to perish. The people of God in these last days must expect to enter into the thick of the conflict; for the prophetic word says: "The dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ." -

Come; For All Things Are Now Ready

A man who had been invited to the feast with Christ in the house of one of the chief Pharisees, and who heard Christ declare what was the duty of those who had God's bounties, had exclaimed in self-satisfied complacency, "Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God." He had designed to draw away the minds of those at the feast from the subject of their practical duty; but instead of this he furnished an occasion for the utterance of a parable that had still deeper significance, and that more plainly opened before the company the character and value of their present privileges.

Jesus said: "A certain man made a great supper, and bade many; and sent his servant at supper-time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it; I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them; I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come." Christ had sent out an invitation to a feast that he had provided at great cost. He had sent the Holy Spirit to move upon the minds of prophets and holy men of old to invite his chosen people to the rich feast of the gospel. The man who had sought to turn the attention from the practical duties that Christ presented, thought to carry the minds past the present life to the remote time of the resurrection of the just; but the Lord Jesus unveiled the deceptive utterance, and by means of the parable of the supper he showed that they had a part to act in that very time if they should ever have a part in the blessedness which should come in the future. They were despising the present invitation to the gospel feast. Christ had been invited as a guest to the house of the Pharisee, and he did not excuse himself. He respectfully responded to the invitation, knowing it would furnish him an opportunity to enlighten the minds of the people. The man who had sought to divert the attention of the company, spoke with great assurance, as though he thought he would certainly eat bread in the kingdom of God. But Jesus warned him and all present against the danger of rejecting the present invitation to the gospel feast. Those who refuse the invitation will never taste of the marriage supper.

He gave them the result of refusing the first invitation. He said, "So that servant came, and showed his Lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind." The servant had shown him that those to whom he had sent his invitation had rejected his message. The manner of excuses they offered, showed the selfish nature of their refusals. The Lord's messengers in every age have given the gospel invitation. The Lord had brought Israel as a favored nation out of Egypt, he had manifested great love and compassion, and had freed them from a life of servitude to become a holy and happy people. Of them it could have been said, "Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light; which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God; which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy." The Lord had first sent his invitation to his chosen people, but they had slighted and rejected his messenger. How vain, how needless, were the excuses they offered; but are the excuses that men give in his age any more sensible than those offered in the time of Christ?

Some who are invited exclaim, "I beg thee have me excused. If I should come, my neighbors would jest at and ridicule me, and I cannot bear their scorn. I have lived among them a long time, and I do not want to displease my neighbors. If they would all come, I would be very thankful to accept this invitation; but because they refuse the message of God, I beg thee have me excused." Others are desirous of paying for their lands and of building up their temporal interests, and the powers of mind and soul and body are absorbed in their earthly affairs. They are deceived in the same manner as was Eve, who was allured to do the very thing that the Lord told her not to do. Satan suggested to her that the Lord was keeping her from great and high enjoyments by unnecessary prohibitions; but the higher good could only be received by a course of disobedience to God by which she would lose the blessedness of the favor of God, and forfeit her beautiful Eden home. When the Lord speaks, will men act as did Adam and Eve, and follow their example of disobedience? Which voice shall we heed, the voice of God, or the suggestions of the great destroyer? When God commands, it is for our present and eternal good to obey. When he presents our dangers, it is safe to reverence every injunction. Voices will sound in every direction, bidding us to turn from the plain commandments of God. The pleasure-loving, the unbelieving, the disobedient, the traitorous, will present pleasing, fictitious promises of permanent exaltation that they will claim as sure to us if we will follow the course that God has forbidden. With flattering lips they will present peace and safety when destruction is at hand. Deceived themselves, they will view things of eternal interest in a false light, and will cry peace to those who choose their own way and follow their own imaginations in daring to transgress God's holy requirements. The invitation to the gospel supper will have no charm for them, though the message is, "Come; for all things are now ready."

Shall we venture to turn from God's word? Every excuse that is offered is a falsehood of Satan, a seduction by which he would draw the human mind from God. But the Lord, who holds our eternal destiny in hand, will not always be mocked. The loving and compassionate Jesus declares that there is a greater sin than that for which Sodom was overthrown. It is the sin of those who, after hearing the gospel invitation to come to the marriage supper of the Lamb, turn away, and refuse to respond to the heavenly invitation. The invitation to the gospel feast is often rejected with apologies; but those who do this show themselves to be the very actors whom the Lord saw, and presented in his message while at the house of the Pharisee.

O what senseless excuses are made for refusing to accept the conditions upon which salvation is promised! The excuses are varied that men offer to God for refusing his invitation, but they have no weight with God. The Lord has provided the feast at infinite expense, at a cost beyond all human computation. Who can comprehend the fact that God humbled himself to bear the transgressions of a fallen world? We despise Esau for selling his birthright for a mess of pottage; what about your own case? Has not your reason been convinced that you should accept the gospel invitation? Has not the Holy Spirit done its office work upon your heart and convinced you of sin, and you have thought you would repent and be ready when the messengers came to bid you to the wedding? The invitation has come to you, but when the final message reached your ears, and you heard the voice saying, "Come; for all things are now ready," were you ready to respond? When Esau sold his birthright, he thought he could easily win it back; but he found no place for repentance. Take heed lest you too long slight the heavenly invitation.

The servant who first presented the invitation, represents those who proclaimed to the Jews the advent of the Son of God, and who pointed to Christ as the Lamb of God who had come to take away the sins of the world. The priests, rulers, and religious teachers, who should have been the first to receive Jesus, ignored the message and hated the messenger. They not only refused to go to the feast themselves, but as far as possible hindered all others by misrepresenting and misinterpreting the word of God, while teaching for doctrine the commandments of men. They had slain the prophets, and at last thought they were doing God service by taking the life of his Son.

The rejection of light leaves men in darkness, so that they know not at what they stumble. The invitation which the Jews refused, was sent to the poor, the maimed, the halt, and the blind. The terrible denunciation was pronounced that none of those who had refused the invitation should taste of the marriage supper. They had listened to the suggestions of Satan, and had made excuses, and under his leadership they would be left in the darkness of unbelief. They intrenched themselves as did Pharaoh in stubborn resistance against the Lord Jesus and his disciples; they chose Barabbas instead of Christ.

The precious message has come to us in these last days. Warnings and entreaties have sounded. The invitation has been given, "Come; for all things are now ready." While it is called to-day, harden not your hearts. Shall men and women whom God has blessed with great light, permit themselves to be led astray by the flattering lies of the enemy of their souls? Shall they seek for distinction, for worldly honor and prosperity, when it involves disobedience to the commands of God? Will they yield their eternal interests and sell their birthright for a mess of pottage? Shall we not arouse, and shake off the dangerous lethargy of the world, which is lulling us to sleep in the cradle of carnal security? Will you who are intimidated with the jeers of those who trample upon God's commandments yield to the temptation to be cowards, and to forfeit the favor of God rather than to endure the reproaches of your neighbors who laugh at your singular faith? God's Spirit will not always strive with man. Those that slight the invitation, scorn the last message of mercy that God sends for their salvation, and they cannot taste of the blessed supper. Jesus, the compassionate Saviour, has sent to our world the general invitation, "Come; for all things are now ready." Will you imitate the Jews, who refused the invitation? To us the invitation is given, and the Lord would have you fear and tremble at his word, that he may kindle in your heart hope and faith and holy trust. He commands you to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and promises that all necessary things shall be added unto you. He unfolds before you the glories of paradise, and the question is, Will you accept his invitation?

The angels hastened Lot out of Sodom; but the same warnings that came to Lot are now sounding to a world that is heedless and impenitent. To each of us the message is given: "Haste! escape for thy life!" Better opportunities will never come. No earthly interest is worth a moment's consideration where eternal interests are involved. <11 Christ sends his messages of love, and directs the attention of men to the nobler world which they have lost from their vision. He seeks to uplift the mind of him who is absorbed in worldly enterprises, and bids him to look within the gates ajar, from which the glory of God is streaming to earth. With eternity in view, he asks the soul, "What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" The Lord Jesus made the world and its inhabitants; but he would lift the mind from the slavery which the love of the world enforces. Christ has pledged his own life for the redemption of his people, and he would have them consider their higher, eternal claims. The duties of this life must be placed in harmonious relation to their eternal interests, or else the affections will be absorbed in earthly things, and the mind will be utterly incapacitated for the great things of the heavenly world. The perceptions will be obscured by the little worrying, perplexing things of this life; the thoughts will be engrossed by the things of earth; and the moral, mental, and physical capabilities which God claims for his service, will be dwarfed and weakened by serving self and the world. Christ assigns to the world its place, and subjects men to the will and mind of God. He would separate them from the vanities of life, and have them co-operate with God in blessing the needy, in lifting up those who are bowed down, and in inheriting the blessing which God has promised to those who are laborers together with him. -

Duty of Man to His Fellow-Men

We are not to look with indifference upon those who are dishonored through sin; "for God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Having given Jesus, God will with him also freely give us all things that pertain unto life and godliness. However wretched may be the specimens of humanity that men spurn and turn aside from, they are not too wretched, too low, for the notice and love of God. He sends his Holy Spirit to yearn over them with tenderness, seeking to draw them to himself. God uses humanity to uplift humanity. The Lord Jesus condescended to clothe his divinity with humanity, and to stand as a representative of God upon earth, an example of what God would have humanity become through the grace of Christ. God has not left humanity out of the plan for saving humanity. Humanity must become the channel through which the grace of God is to flow to reach humanity.

What a different state of things would we see in the earth if all who profess to believe in Jesus Christ should conscientiously live by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God! How many hearts would be gladdened if the instruction of Christ was carried out, when he says, "When thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind; and thou shalt be blessed." "When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbors; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompense be made thee." We are to realize that the poor and the suffering have claims upon us; for they are God's children. Christ said, "All ye are brethren."

The very same principles which were given to the children of Israel for their guidance, by Christ, their invisible Leader, are the principles that he gave upon the mount for the benefit not only of those who were there assembled, but for our admonition to the very close of time. The poor are left within our gates as our legacy. The poor are our brethren, and God has said they shall never cease out of the land. God "hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; that they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us; for in him we live, and move, and have our being." God has made all nations of one blood, and this tells the great truth of the kinship of men. Every man is related to his fellow-men both by creation and redemption. This was the truth that Christ constantly sought to keep before his disciples and before men. The feast at the house of the Pharisee was made an occasion for presenting lessons of our individual responsibility to the human race, and for pointing out the duties that are enjoined upon man to his fellow-men. Christ gave this lesson at the feast, and it will not lose its force through all time. Its results will be as far-reaching as eternity. Christ himself has told us what constitutes true Christianity. He has shown what are the duties of brothers to brothers, of humanity to humanity, as subjects of his kingdom. His instruction to men is stamped with the seal of Heaven. The question is, Shall we walk in the light? shall we practice his words? When you make a dinner or a supper, will you pass by your friends, your brethren, your kinsmen, your wealthy neighbors, lest they bid you again, and recompense you, and call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind, that you may be blessed? for they cannot recompense you, but you will be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.

In the words of Christ we see a light shining amid the moral darkness of the world. Those who follow his instruction will form such characters as will fit them for a home among the ransomed. Those who have tender regard for the poor, who exercise sympathy to the bereaved, who heal the broken in heart, who brighten desolate homes, are following the example that is given in the life of Christ. The Lord Jesus has laid bare the great principles of genuine godliness. "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." Those who profess to be Christians should not make of none effect the words of Christ by contrary practices. Many by their practices say, "It is my business to center my affections upon my home, my relatives, my kindred, and my country. I have abundant home missionary work to do among my own." It is true that the first work that should be done is the work in the home. We should teach the lessons that Christ has so plainly specified, and carry out the instruction he has given in regard to the suffering of the world. The poor are God's property, and that which is done for them will be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.

What is pure religion? Christ has told us that pure religion is the exercise of pity, sympathy, and love, in the home, in the church, and in the world. This is the kind of religion to teach to the children, and is the genuine article. Teach them that they are not to center their thoughts upon themselves, but that wherever there is human need and suffering, there is a field for missionary work. There are many unpromising subjects about us, who are sacrificing the powers of their God-given manhood to pernicious habits. Shall we despise them?--No; the Lord Jesus has purchased their souls at an infinite price, even by the shedding of his heart's blood. Are you who profess to be the children of God, Christians in the full acceptation of the term, or in your life-practice are you only counterfeits, pretenders? Do you ask, as did Cain, "Am I my brother's keeper?" Will the Lord say to any of us as he said to Cain, "What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground"? Shall we fail to do our God-given work, and not to seek to save that which was lost? There are many who ask, as did the lawyer, "Who is my neighbor?" The answer comes down to us in the circumstances that happened near Jericho, when the priests and the Levite passed by on the other side, and left the poor bruised and wounded stranger to be taken care of by the good Samaritan. Every one who is in suffering need is our neighbor. Every straying son and daughter of Adam, who has been insnared by the enemy of souls, and bound in the slavery of wrong habits that blight the God-given manhood or womanhood, is my neighbor.

Would that the lessons given by Christ might be brought home to every soul! Would that children might be educated from their babyhood, through their childhood and youth, to understand what is the missionary work to be done right around them. Let the home be made a place for religious instruction. Let parents become mouthpieces of the Lord God of Israel, to teach the precepts of true Christianity, and let them be examples of what the principles of love can make men and women. We are to think and care for others who need our love, our tenderness, and care. We should ever remember that we are representatives of Christ, and that we are to share the blessings that he gives, not with those who can recompense us again, but with those who will appreciate the gifts that will supply their temporal and spiritual necessities. Those who give feasts for the purpose of helping those who have but little pleasure, for the purpose of bringing brightness into their dreary lives, for the purpose of relieving their poverty and distress, are acting unselfishly and in harmony with the instruction of Christ. Those who go forth to help souls that are bound in the slavery of sinful habits, go upon the mission that Jesus has sent them. There are poor souls that cannot of themselves break the chain that binds them. They have wandered far from God. They need help which the Lord has given to his stewards in talents of means and influence. Shall not those who are blessed seek to glorify God by reshaping the broken character of those who have fallen through sin? Shall not human agents become co-workers with God? With many the powers of the soul have become palsied, they are blinded with sin, their spiritual powers are incapable of appropriating and assimilating the elements of divine life. Satan exercises his ingenuity in perverting every God-given capacity. He works in such a way as to cause the recipient of God's blessing to use his powers against the Lord who created him for his own glory, and against him who paid an infinite price for his redemption. But the Lord will work through human agencies, if they will give themselves to him to be worked by the Holy Spirit. Christ will use every consecrated ability.

"God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Through the only begotten Son of God, life and immortality are brought to light. Through him are poured the streams of salvation. Through him comes the power by which the character may be reshaped, and the soul renewed to bear the moral image of God. When souls are converted to God, they become mediums through which a vital current may be communicated for the transformation of the character of many others. Recovered themselves from Satan's power, they know how to work. Human nature becomes united with the divine nature, Christ lives in the human soul, and acts through all the powers of body, soul, and spirit. From the converted soul, light shines forth to those who are perishing. Those who have been in sin, and have experienced the love of Christ, know how to sympathize, how to adapt themselves to those who are in sin and sorrow, and can exercise the love of Christ through the channel of human affection. Thus a current of blessedness and joy flows through the human channel that is consecrated to the service of God. What a stream of thanksgiving and joy flows back to God through human channels. What vast numbers might unite in becoming active members of the army of the Lord in place of living a life of selfishness and self-pleasing, that at last proves itself to be not life but the veriest mockery. But when life is enriched with the life of Christ, when its impulses are quickened by the faith that works by love and purifies the soul, then the loftiest purposes are carried out, the noblest work is done, in the name of Christ. Through his own transforming grace, Christ is multiplied in the lives of those who are restored to his image. They co-operate with Christ in offering the divine gift of the whole human family.

Selfishness would make a monopoly of eternal life. The Jewish nation thought to confine the benefits of salvation to their own nation; but the world's Redeemer showed them that salvation is like the air we breathe, like the atmosphere that belongs to the whole world. Every soul can be enriched by the love of God. The selfishness that would number Israel is an offense to God; for God's gift belongs not to a select few but to the whole word. What strange work Elijah would have done in numbering Israel in the time when God's judgments were falling upon his backsliding people. He could only count one on the Lord's side. He said in mournful accents, "I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away." The word of the Lord surprised the disconsolate man; for Christ said, "Yet I have left me seven thou sand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal." No man is to number Israel, but let every man see that he has a heart of flesh, a heart of tender sympathy, that, like the heart of Christ, reaches out for the salvation of the world. -

Ask, and Ye Shall Receive

Luke seems to have been much impressed with the prayers of the Saviour, and with his custom of communing with his Heavenly Father. He records a number of instances where the Saviour engaged in public and private prayer. He says: "Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased." Again he writes: "And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil." Jesus repeated this prayer with great solemnity, and then gave his disciples an illustration of the privilege and success of prayer. He gave this lesson to encourage his disciples to be persevering in offering their petitions, and to encourage all in continual striving in prayer.

"And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee. I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity, he will rise and give him as many as he needeth." In this lesson is an illustration of the fact that even a selfish man will reluctantly yield to an urgent request, not because his friend calls upon him, but in order to get rid of the importunate prayer that sounds in his ear and disturbs his hour of rest. He asks to be let alone, but the suppliant does not cease his importuning, and he rises and gives him all he asks, in order to get rid of the disturber of his rest. What a lesson is conveyed in this parable to those who are spiritually slothful!

Jesus continues: "And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened." If a selfish person is prevailed upon to grant the request of his friend, in order to get rid of the disturber of his rest, how much more will our Heavenly Father, who loves us, grant the requests of those to come to him in faith, and who will not yield to discouragement because of apparent delay? The petition that the suppliant offers to Heaven, God is as willing to grant as the petitioner is earnest to request. The Lord in his wisdom does not always grant the request at once. He sees that it is necessary that the petitioner should search his heart, and should exercise repentance for sin and wrong. He sees that it is necessary that the heart should be emptied of vanity so that God may pour his richest treasures into the soul. The Lord encourages us to ask. No one is to become discouraged because he does not immediately realize the relief he desires. Let the petitioner cherish trusting faith, and refuse to be disheartened. Let him appropriate the promise, believing that his petition has found favor with God, and rest in the promise, "It shall be given you." Although we cannot always be upon our knees, yet the desires of our heart should be constantly ascending to God. We should present to him those things that we feel are necessary for our advancement. We may have to pass through a painful season of suspense, and our case may seem exceedingly urgent, but in this way the soul becomes educated to look unto God as unto a faithful Creator. He would have us ponder on the promises and delight in the positive assurances that he has brought to view in his precious word.

The promises of God are like precious flowers scattered through a garden. The Lord would have us linger over them, looking closely into them, taking in their loveliness, and appreciating the favor that God has bestowed upon us by making such rich provisions for our needs. Were it not for contemplation of the promises of God, we could not understand the gracious love and compassion of God toward us, or realize how rich were the treasures prepared for those who love him. He would have the soul encouraged to repose in faith upon him, the only sufficiency of the human agent. We are to send our petitions through the darkest clouds that Satan may cast over us, and let our faith pierce to the throne of God encircled by the rainbow of promise, the assurance that God is true, that in him is no variableness neither shadow of turning. The answer may appear to be delayed, but it is not so. The petition is accepted, and the answer given when it is essential for the best good of the petitioner, and when the fulfillment of the request will work most for our eternal interest. God scatters his blessings all along our path to brighten our heavenward journey.

The man who was solicited at midnight, and who at first refused to be disturbed, does not represent God. The parable teaches us to press our petitions again and again, and exercise unfailing faith in Him whose promises are yea and amen. Again, the Saviour illustrates the way in which our Heavenly Father will deal with us, by presenting the case of a father dealing with his children. He says: "If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children; how much more shall your Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?"

Our God is not uncourteous, disobliging, and selfish. He is not like the man who refused to help one whom he called his friend. The course of God toward his solicitors is in marked contrast to this. He gives a positive assurance, saying, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." Paternal love is manifested toward the child that asks for bread, and the Father does all in his power to satisfy his request. Jesus says, "How much more shall your Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?"

We are to come before the mercy-seat with reverence, calling up to our mind the promises that God has given, contemplating the goodness of God, and offering up thankful praises for his unchangeable love. We are not to trust in our finite prayers, but in the word of our Heavenly Father, in his assurance of his love for us. Believing the promise of his unchanging love, we press our petitions to the throne of grace. Our faith may be tested by delay; but the prophet has given instruction as to what we should do. He says, "Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God." Wait upon the Lord; he has made the promise, and is back of the assurance.

In the parable the uncourteous, disobliging man yielded at last to the persevering entreaty of his friend, but God is not like this surly, selfish person. He delights to bless his heritage. In contrast with the man in the parable, Jesus asks, "How much more shall your Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?" He who hungers and thirsts after righteousness will be filled. Wait upon the Lord, comfort your heart with expectation, rejoice in hope that maketh not ashamed. Wait upon him in humility as a humble suppliant. Wait on the Lord, and he will bring it to pass. When doubts fold their dark pinions about your soul, present to the Lord his promise, "Ask, and it shall be given you." Believe you receive the things you ask for, and you shall have them. What is faith? The apostle says, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

Pray often to your Heavenly Father. The oftener you engage in prayer, the closer your soul will be drawn into a sacred nearness to God. The Holy Spirit will make intercession for the sincere petitioner with groanings which cannot be uttered, and the heart will be softened and subdued by the love of God. The clouds and shadows which Satan casts about the soul will be dispelled by the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness, and the chambers of mind and heart will be illuminated by the light of Heaven. But be not discouraged if your prayers do not seem to obtain an immediate answer. The Lord sees that prayer is often mixed with earthliness. Men pray for that which will gratify their selfish desires, and the Lord does not fulfill their requests in the way which they expect. He takes them through tests and trials, he brings them through humiliations, until they see more clearly what their necessities are. He does not give to men those things which will gratify a debased appetite, and which will prove an injury to the human agent, and make him a dishonor to God. He does not give men that which will gratify their ambition, and work simply for self-exaltation. When we come to God, we must be submissive and contrite of heart, subordinating everything to his sacred will.

In the garden of Gethsemane, Christ prayed to his Father, saying, "O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me." The cup which he prayed should be removed from him, that looked so bitter to his soul, was the cup of separation from God in consequence of the sin of the world. He who was perfectly innocent and unblamable, became as one guilty before God, in order that the guilty might be pardoned and stand as innocent before God. When he was assured that the world could be saved in no other way than through the sacrifice of himself, he said, "Nevertheless, not what I will, but what thou wilt." The spirit of submission that Christ manifested in offering up his prayer before God, is the spirit that is acceptable to God. Let the soul feel its need, its helplessness, its nothingness, let all its energies be called forth in an earnest desire for help, and help will come. Let the language of the petitioner be, "As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God." We can never commit our interests to God for time and for eternity until we accept him as the one who is worthy of our highest confidence. Let faith pierce the darkness. Walk with God in the dark as well as in the light, repeating the words, "He is faithful that promised." Through the trial of our faith we shall be trained to trust in God. The Lord will imbue us with his Holy Spirit, in order that we may feel our need and seek his help. Those who seek him with the whole heart will find him. -

An Appeal for the Southern Field

Dear Brethren and Sisters in America: I would appeal to you in behalf of the Southern field. If we consulted our own ease and pleasure, we would not desire to enter this field; but we are not to consult our own ease. "Even Christ pleased not himself;" but we are to consider the fact that that field is no more discouraging to those who would be laborers together with God, than was the field of the world as it presented itself before the only begotten Son of God. When he came to earth to seek and to save that which was lost, he did not consult his own ease or pleasure. He left his high command, he laid aside his heavenly honor and glory, he laid off his glorious diadem and royal robe, and left the royal courts, in order that he might come to earth to save fallen man. Though he possessed eternal riches, yet for our sakes he became poor, that he might enrich the human race. By accepting the Son of God as their Redeemer, by exercising faith in him, the sons and the daughters of Adam may become heirs of God and joint-heirs with Jesus Christ. The apostle says: "Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich." Christ was willing to come to a world that was all marred and seared with the curse,--the result of Adam's transgression of the law of God. He was willing to undertake the case of fallen beings who had lost their original holiness, and who were in ignorance of the perfection of God's character. He was willing to come to bring back to loyalty those who were not subject to God's moral government. In the grand counsels of Heaven it was found that it was positively necessary that there should be a revelation of God to man in the person of his only begotten Son. He came to earth to be "the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world."

The Southern field is beset with difficulties, and should I present the field to you as it has been presented to me, many of you would draw back, and say, "No, I cannot enter such a field." But the condition of the colored race is no more disheartening than was the condition of the world when Christ left heaven to work for fallen man. He clothed his divinity with humanity, and came into the world, in order that his humanity might touch humanity, and his divinity lay hold upon the throne of God in man's behalf. He came to seek the one lost sheep, to bring back the wandering one from the wilderness of sin to the heavenly fold. He was treated with every indignity by those whom he came to save from eternal ruin, and the missionary to the Southern field will need to arm himself with the mind that was in Christ Jesus. The record says: "He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name."

The Southern race has been neglected. Men have passed by on the other side, as the priest and the Levite passed by the wounded, robbed, bruised, and beaten one. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed that way, not only saw him, but he had compassion on him, and went to him, and bound up his wounds, set him on his own beast, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. How many have left the colored race to perish by the wayside? Since the slaves gained their freedom at terrible loss of life both to the North and to the South, they have been greatly neglected by those who professed to know God, and as a result thousands of them have failed to gain spiritual freedom. But shall this indifference continue? Shall not decided efforts be made to save them? Sin has degraded and corrupted the human family, but Christ did not leave men to perish in their degradation. He who was one with the Father, came to our world to bridge the gulf that sin had made, which separated man from God because of transgression. Christ, the brightness of his Father's glory, beheld humanity in its wretchedness and sinfulness, beheld souls tainted with corruption, depraved and deformed. He knew that the fallen race tended more to evil than to good, and practiced the most hateful vices. The heavenly hosts looked upon the world as undeserving of the sympathy and love of God. Angels marveled that Christ should undertake to save man in his lost, and as it seemed to them, hopeless condition. They marveled that God could tolerate a race so foul with sin as to be a blot upon his creation. They could see no room for love, but Christ saw that souls must perish unless an arm strong to deliver was reached forth to save.

Satan is the destroyer, but Christ is the restorer. From the first it was Satan's purpose to cause men to transgress the law of God. He misrepresented the character of the Father, trampled upon his law, and cast contempt upon his precepts. He inspired men with his own spirit, and made them partakers of his own attributes, and caused them to transgress the law of God. When he had accomplished his work of ruin, he pointed to the degraded, sin-polluted souls whom he had made subject to a thousand vices, and declared that they were too degraded, too wretched, to be redeemed by Heaven. He sought to present mankind in the most discouraging aspect, so that reformation might seem hopeless. Though he could not prevail with his temptations in assailing Christ, or cause him to fail or be discouraged, yet he often succeeds too well with those who should be laborers together with God. But his plans to cause the work to cease are not wholly successful. Through the grace of God those whom the enemy has oppressed for generations, rise up to the dignity of God-given manhood and womanhood, and present themselves as sons and daughters of the Most High. This result is generally brought about through well-directed, persevering missionary labor.

Why should not Seventh-day Adventists become true laborers together with God in seeking to save the souls of the colored race? Instead of a few, why should not many go forth to labor in this long-neglected field? Where are the families who will become missionaries, and who will engage in labor in this field? Where are the men who have means and experience so that they can go forth to these people, and work for them just where they are? There are men who can educate them in agricultural lines, who can teach the colored people to sow seed and plant orchards. There are others who can teach them to read, and can give them an object-lesson from their own life and example. Show them what you yourself can do to gain a livelihood, and it will be an education to them. Are we not called upon to do this very work? Are there not many who need to learn to love God supremely and their fellow men as themselves? In the Southern field are many thousands of people who have souls to save or to lose. Are there not many among those who claim to believe the truth who will go forth into this field to do the work for which Christ gave up his ease, his riches, and his life?

Christ gave up all in order that he might bring salvation to every people, nation, and tongue. He bridged the gulf that sin had made, in order that through his merits man might be reconciled to God. Why is there not an army of workers enlisted under the blood-stained banner of Prince Immanuel, ready to go forth to enlighten those who are ignorant and depraved? Why do we not go forth to bring souls out of darkness into light? Why do we not teach the perishing to believe in Christ as their personal Saviour, and aid them to see Christ by faith, and wash in the fountain that has been opened to cleanse away the sins of the world? We should teach those who are filthy how to cast away their old, sin stained garments of character, and how to put on Christ's righteousness. We should plant in their darkened minds the elevating, ennobling thoughts of heavenly things. By faith, by Christlike sympathy and example, we should lead the polluted into pure and holy lives. We should live such a life before them that they will discern the difference between error and vice, and purity, righteousness, and holiness. We should make straight paths for our feet, lest the lame be turned out of the way.

Many who claim to be Christians have accomplished little in the world because they have not kept their eyes upon Jesus, and have permitted iniquity to overcome them. Many who have gone forth as missionaries have fallen into sin, and Satan has exulted because men who claimed to be workers together with God were not daily converted, and were not, by looking unto Jesus, transformed in character. They did not make God their strength, and so made crooked paths for their feet. They could not bring the poor, ignorant souls who were debased by sin into a new life, even into the life of God, because their own life was not hid with Christ in God. As workers together with God, we must yoke up with Jesus Christ, and put on Christ. When we are planted in him, we shall grow in likeness to Christ's character. We are to be living epistles, and men are to read in our lives what it means to be a Christian. We are to represent Christ in character, and self is to be hidden with Christ in God. When this is our experience, we shall find that the angels of God will cooperate with us. Feeling our dependence upon God, we shall realize the force of Christ's words when he said, "Without me ye can do nothing." We shall then know how to have sympathy for the neglected, the oppressed, the despised, and yet at the same time have no sympathy with degradation, but in the midst of sin press closer and closer to the side of Jesus. We shall be grieved and shocked at the sins which are committed, while we wear the yoke with Christ, and are preparing to be temples for the indwelling of the Holy Ghost.

Men who have faith, and hope, and love are partakers of the divine nature, and have overcome the corruption that is in the world through lust. Such men are successful workers; for they build upon the sure foundation, gold, silver, and precious stones. They build with goodly material which is most valuable. They do not build with that which is perishable, with that which is compared to wood, hay, and stubble, which will be burned up in the fires of the last days. Their work results in redeeming souls that shall stand before the throne of God.

Christ said to his disciples: "They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. . . . I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." Those who realize their guilt, feel their need of the Saviour. Why, O why, has not more been done to diffuse light into the darkened minds of the colored race? Christ died for the colored people as verily as he died for the white people. Through faith in Christ the colored people may attain unto eternal life as verily as may the white people. Those whom the Lord sees neglected by us have been intrusted with reasoning powers, and yet they have been treated as though they had no souls. They have been wounded by a so called Christian nation. They have been left by the wayside, and decided efforts will have to be made to counteract the wrong that has been done them. But though they have been despised and neglected of men, God has given special help and enlightenment to many who were in slavery. He has illuminated their darkness when they were in the most unfavorable circumstances, and they have revealed to the world the elements of the greatness in Christian character. Many of the black race have been rich in faith and trust in God. They have manifested divine compassion for those whom they could help. They have known what it was to hunger for sympathy and help; for they were but neglected by those who saw their wretchedness and could have helped them, but who passed by on the other side, as the priest and the Levite passed by the bruised and wounded one. There are souls among the colored race that can be reached, and the very kind of labor which their circumstances require should be put forth, that they may be saved. When these souls are converted to the truth, they will become partakers of the divine nature, and will go forth to rescue their fellow-men, to lead those who are in darkness into light. They can be helped in their low estate, and in their turn can contribute to the good of others.

But there are many among the colored people whose intellect has been too long darkened to be speedily fitted for fruitfulness in good works. Many are held in bondage to depraved appetite. Many are slaves to debasing passions, and their character is of such an order as will not enable them to be a blessing. Sin and depravity have locked up their senses. They need help as much as the veriest heathen, and unless they have the right kind of help, they will be lost. But they may be taught to know God and Jesus Christ whom he has sent. The bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness may shine into the darkened chambers of their mind. They need to catch a glimpse of God. It is their privilege to have eternal life, to be in union with God, and it is the privilege of those who know the truth to repeat the story again and again of God's wonderful love to man as manifested on Calvary's cross. The chain that is let down from the throne of God is long enough to reach into the lowest depths of sin. Hold up a sin-pardoning Saviour before the lost and lowly, for Jesus has made a divine interposition in their behalf. He is able to reach to the lowest depths and lift them up from the pit of sin, that they may be acknowledged as children of God, heirs with Christ to an immortal inheritance. They may have the life that measure with the life of God. -

An Appeal for the South--2

God estimates man, not by the circumstances of his birth, not by his position or wealth, not by his advantages in educational lines, but by the price paid for his redemption. Man is of value with God in proportion as he permits the divine image to be retraced upon his soul. However misshapen has been his character, although he may have been counted as an outcast among men, the man who permits the grace of Christ to enter his soul will be reformed in character, and will be raised up from his condition of guilt, degradation, and wretchedness. God has made every provision, in order that the lost one may become his child. The frailest human being may be elevated, ennobled, refined, and sanctified by the grace of God. This is the reason God values men; and those who are workers together with God, who are filled with divine compassion, will see and estimate men in the same way that God sees and estimates them. Whatever may be the nationality or color, whatever may be the social condition, the missionary for God will look upon all men as the purchase of the blood of Christ, and will understand that there is no caste with God. No one is to be looked upon with indifference, or to be regarded as unimportant; for every soul has been purchased with an infinite price. Therefore, in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, let not the colored race be longer neglected by those who claim to believe in Christ as the Saviour of men. Let not one who claims to have heard the gracious words, "Thy sins be forgiven thee," hold himself aloof from those whose lives have been dark and shadowed.

Was it God's purpose that the colored people should have so much guilt and woe in their lives?--No. Men who have had greater advantages than they have had, have taught them immorality, both by precept and example. Debasing practices have been forced upon them, and they have received low conceptions of life, and even their conceptions of the Christian life are of a depraved order. But the people who have been more favorably situated, who have had light and liberty, who have had an opportunity to know God, and Jesus Christ whom he has sent, are responsible for the moral darkness that enshrouds their colored brethren. Can they who have been so highly privileged afford to stand in their pride and importance, and feel that they are altogether too good to associate with this depraved race? Let those who profess to be Christians look to the example of Christ. He stooped to take human nature, in order that he might be able to reach man where he was. The Majesty of heaven came to seek and to save that which was lost; and shall those for whom Christ has done so much, stand aloof from their fellow-men who are now perishing in their sins?

The Lord invites his people to become workers together with him in rebuilding and reshaping character according to the true standard of moral rectitude. Through faith in Christ we are to be recreated in his image. Jesus says, Behold, I create a new thing in the earth. Apostate man is to be recovered; fallen humanity is to be elevated; sin is to be pardoned; and sinners are to be saved, that God may be eternally glorified. The treasures of wisdom which have been hidden for ages are to be brought forth for the enriching of the lost. O what treasures of wisdom are to be opened up for the view of the world! Every divine resource is placed at the disposal of man, in order that he may become a co-laborer with God. Nothing has been withheld. When God gave his only begotten Son to our world, he gave all the treasures of heaven. What power, what glory, has been revealed in Christ Jesus! The greatest display of majesty and power is given to the world through the only begotten Son of God. With this power at our command, I would ask in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth why it is that God's people do not awake to their duty? Why is it that every individual does not become an example in doing the work that the time demands in first giving himself and then his talents of means and ability for the enlightenment and salvation of a people who are in the dense darkness of pitiful and most deplorable ignorance? Are there not men, women, and youth who will go forth to establish schools, and thus become teachers to instruct the colored people so that they may be enabled to read the word of God? We must teach them to read God's word, or they will become the ready dupes of false shepherds that misinterpret the Scriptures, and that manufacture doctrines and teach traditions which will lead them into the paths of perdition. There are preachers and teachers among the colored people who are addicted to licentious habits; and how can they understand the binding claims of the law of God, when the standard of righteousness is not revealed and exalted before their eyes by the precept and example of their teachers? We must go among them, and show them how to honor and obey God's law, in order that they may be prepared to have a part in the new earth.

Are there not those who can go from house to house, from family to family, and who can repeat the A B C of true Christian experience? Let Christ be your text. In all your labor let it be apparent that you know Jesus. Present his purity and saving grace, that by beholding, these people may become changed into the divine image. Among most of the colored people we find unseemly practices in their worship of God. They become much excited, and put forth physical exertions that are uncalled for in the solemn worship of God. Their superstitious ideas and uncomely practices cannot at once be dispelled. We must not combat their ideas and treat them with contempt. But let the worker give them an example of what constitutes true heart-service in religious worship. Let not the colored people be excluded from the religious assemblies of the white people. They have no chance to exchange their superstitious exercises for a worship that is more sacred and elevating if they are shut out from association with intelligent white people who should give them an example of what they should be and do. Let the white people practice the self-denial necessary, and let them remember that nothing is to be regarded as unimportant which affects the religious life of so vast a number of people as that which composes the colored race. They conduct their worship according to the instruction they have received, and they think that a religion which has no excitement, no noise, no bodily exercises, is not worth the name of religion. These ignorant worshipers need instruction and guidance. They can be won by kindness, and can be confirmed in well-doing. Both old and young will need to be instructed as one would instruct a family of children.

Let the worker give them an example by associating with them, and by revealing the virtues of Christ Jesus. They need to be brought in contact with cultivated minds, to come into association with those whose hearts are softened and subdued by the Holy Spirit. They are imitative, and will catch up pure sentiments, and be influenced by elevated aspirations. A new taste will thus be created, and elevated desires will spring up for things that are of good report, pure, honest, and lovely. But if the colored people are left in their present condition, and do not have presented before them a higher standard of Christianity than they now have, their ideas will become more and more confused, and their religious worship more and more demoralized. They have been strangely neglected. Poverty and want are common among them, and very little has been done to relieve their distress. We cannot be surprised that such neglect should result in hardness of heart and in the practice of vice, but God cares for this neglected class. The colored people have souls to save, and we must enter into the work, and become co-laborers with Jesus Christ. We cannot leave them as we have left them in the past. We cannot be justified in expending money so lavishly in providing conveniences for ourselves, and in furnishing facilities for those who have been more fortunate, and are already abundantly supplied with every facility, and do nothing for those who know not God and Jesus Christ whom he hath sent. We must not abandon millions of the colored race to their degradation, and because they are degraded, pass them by on the other side.

Let us bear in mind the words that Christ spoke to the people who were honored above others in being privileged to have the Lord Jesus Christ to labor among them, and yet who did not appreciate this privilege, and did not diffuse the light of Heaven to others. He said: "Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repeated long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you. And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell; for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee."

But while Christ pronounced a woe upon those who did not repent at his preaching, he had a word of encouragement for the lowly: "At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight." Many of the colored people are among the lowly who will receive the word of God, and shall not this long-neglected work of enlightening the colored people be entered into perseveringly, and be carried forward all the more diligently because it has been so long neglected? We must do a work for the colored race that has not yet been done. "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him might not perish, but have everlasting life." The Son of God, the Creator of the world, sacrificed his own life, in order that he might become the Redeemer of fallen humanity. He made an infinite sacrifice, that he might become man's surety and substitute, and shall we remain indifferent to a downtrodden, abused race?

God cares for the colored people, and if we would co-operate with him for the salvation of their souls, we must care for them, too, and become laborers together with him. We need to repent before God, because we have neglected missionary work in the most abandoned part of God's moral vineyard. There needs to be a stirring up among the members of our churches. There needs to be concern created for our colored brethren at the great heart of the work. We should rouse up to the interest that true Christians ought to feel for those who are depressed and morally degraded. The fact that their skin is dark does not prove that they are sinners above the white race. Much of their depravity is the fruit of the neglect of the white people. They have not felt the sympathy that they ought to have felt for the abandoned and wretched. Those who profess to love Christ should have worked for their colored brethren until hope would have sprung up in their hearts. Many are completely discouraged, and they have become stolid because they have been neglected, despised, and forsaken. The poor and unfortunate are numbered by thousands, and yet we have looked on indifferently, and seen their sorrow, and have passed by on the other side. Their degraded condition is our condemnation. The Christian world are guilty because they have failed to help the very ones who most need help. Christ says, "I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

Should we not work the Southern field? We have had every advantage in temporal and spiritual things, and shall we do nothing for our colored brethren? We cannot abandon the colored race and be accounted as guiltless. Christ speaks of his own mission in these words: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord." Are we not to follow the example of Christ? Are we not, as his human agents, to carry forward the work he came to do? Christ said, "They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick." We cannot leave souls for whom Christ died to be the prey of Satan's temptations. We cannot abandon this great flock to their ignorance, want, suffering, and corruption. This would not be doing the will of God. We cannot heap advantages upon ourselves and upon those who are not in need, and pass by those who are in utter want, and be approved of God. This neglect is charged against those who have had great light, who have had marvelous opportunities, and who yet leave so large a portion of God's moral vineyard unworked. For years Satan has been sowing his tares among the colored people, and the field cannot be worked as easily now as it could have been worked years ago. But there should be no delay now. Reproach is brought upon Jesus Christ when those who profess to be carrying the last message of mercy to the world pass this field by. Christ did not pass by the needy and suffering. He united works of mercy with the message of salvation he came to bear to men. He engaged in a constant, untiring ministry, and worked for the perishing and sorrowful. He prefaced his message of love by deeds of ministry and beneficence, leaving us an example that we should follow in his steps. -

An Appeal for the South--3

The world's Redeemer clearly defines what our duty is. To the lawyer who asked him how he should obtain eternal life, he said: "What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind, and thy neighbor as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right; this do, and thou shalt live. But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbor?" Then Jesus related the parable of the good Samaritan, and clearly showed that he is our neighbor who most needs our charity and help. We are to practice the commandments of God, and stand true to the relation which God has designed shall exist between man and his fellow-man It was never God's purpose that society should be separated into classes, that there should be an alienation between the rich and the poor, the high and the low, the learned and the unlearned. But the practice of separating society into distinct circles is becoming more and more decided. God designed that those to whom he intrusted talents of means, ability, and gifts of grace, should be good stewards of his beneficence, and not seek to reap all the advantages for themselves. God does not estimate man by the amount of wealth, talent, or education that he may have. He values man in proportion as he becomes a good steward of his mercy and love.

Those who center everything upon themselves misinterpret the character of God. The Lord designed that the gifts he bestows upon men should be used to minister to the unfortunate and the suffering ones among humanity.

We are in God's world, and are handling his goods, and we shall be called upon to render a strict account of the use that we have made of his intrusted riches. If we have hoarded God's gifts for our own advantage, if we have indulged in luxury, if we have heaped up treasure for ourselves, and have been indifferent to the wants of those who are suffering around us, we shall be charged as guilty of embezzling God's goods. The cries of suffering humanity go up to God, and he hears their complaints of hunger, of ignorance, and of darkness. He will surely judge those who neglect his purchased possession, who leave the suffering to perish when it is in their power to relieve them. He will hold us accountable for the guilt of those who are left to be the sport of Satan's temptations, and who in their ignorance and blindness charge God with dealing partially with the human race. It is because the rich neglect to do the work for the poor that God designed they should do, that they grow more proud, more self-sufficient, more self-indulgent and hard-hearted. They separate the poor from them simply because they are poor, and thus give them occasion to become envious and jealous. Many become bitter, and are imbued with hatred toward those who have everything when they have nothing.

God weighs actions, and every one who has been unfaithful in his stewardship, who has failed to remedy evils which it was in his power to remedy, will be of no esteem in the courts of heaven. Those who are indifferent to the wants of the needy will be counted unfaithful stewards, and will be registered as enemies of God and man. Those who misappropriate the means that God has intrusted to them to help the very ones who need their help, prove that they have no connection with Christ, because they fail to manifest the tenderness of Christ toward those who are less fortunate than themselves. As Christians, we are to manifest to the world the character of Christ in all the affairs of life. To be a Christian means to act in Christ's stead, to represent Christ. We are not to seek to get rid of the responsibilities that connect us with our fellow-men. God has not placed us in the world simply to please and honor and glorify ourselves. The character of our Christianity is tested by the dependent ones who are around us, who are ignorant and helpless. It is not proper to pile building upon building in localities where there are abundant facilities, and neglect fields that are nigh and afar off, where there is need of starting missionary enterprises. Instead of closing our eyes and senses to the wants of those who have nothing, instead of adding more and more facilities to those that are already abundant, let us seek to see what we can do to relieve the distresses of the poor, bruised souls of the colored people. Those who are heaping advantages upon advantages where there are already more than ample facilities, are not doing a work that will strengthen men in spirituality, and for neglecting destitute fields they are weighed in the balances of the sanctuary, and are found wanting. The Lord has given abundant light upon the subject of diffusing the knowledge of the truth, and no one is justified in following a selfish course. Those to whom God has intrusted much, who command the largest resources in doing a good work in behalf of the needy, and who yet have failed to do it, have withdrawn themselves from their own flesh, and have neglected their ministry to God's purchased possession, in order to gratify their own inclination. How does God look upon those who have left the poor to their poverty, the ignorant to their darkness and ignorance? How does he regard those who are willing to let the lost remain the slaves of circumstances which could have been changed in such a way as to bring relief to the distressed? God calls upon men to become Bible Christians, to represent example given them by Christ. Who can tell what will be the result of a self-denying, cross-bearing life? Eternity will reveal the result of following Jesus, and all will be amazed at the fruit that will be made manifest.

We need men who will become leaders in home and foreign missionary enterprises. We need men whose sympathies are not congealed, but whose hearts go out to the perishing that are nigh and afar off. The ice that binds about souls that are frozen up with selfishness, needs to be melted away, so that every brother shall realize that he is his brother's keeper. Then every one will go forth to help his neighbor to see the truth, and to serve God in an acceptable service. Then those who profess the name of Christ will aid others in the formation of a Christlike character. If every one would work in Christ's lines, much would be done to change the condition that now exists among the poor and distressed. Pure religion and undefiled would gleam forth as a bright and shining light. God's love in the heart would melt away the barriers of race and castle, and would remove the obstacles with which men have barred others away from the truth as it is in Jesus. True religion will induce its advocates to go forth into the highways and byways of life. It will lead them to help the suffering, and enable them to be faithful shepherds going forth into the wilderness to seek and to save the lost, to lead back the perishing sheep and lambs.

The most unfortunate may bear the image of God, and they are of value to God. Those who have true religion will realize that it is their supreme duty to reveal Christ to men, to make manifest the fact that they have learned in the school of Christ. O that we might individually realize that we are simply stewards in trust of God's means, and that we are to use the gifts God has given us, as Christ used his eternal riches, in seeking and saving that which is lost. We are only trustees, only stewards, and by and by we must give a reckoning to the Master. He will inquire how we have used his goods, and whether or not we have ministered to his family in the world. If we have enjoyed the comforts and blessings of life, and have had no care for those who were less fortunate, and have failed to relieve those who were needy and suffering, for whom Christ has given his life, we shall not hear the words of approval, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."

If God has intrusted to us the precious light of truth, and has given us a knowledge of Jesus Christ whom he has sent, and we have failed to diffuse that light, we shall be confronted with the souls whom we have held in darkness in the great day of God. We shall be dealt with as we have dealt with others. The King will say to those on his right hand: "Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink; I was a stranger, and ye took me in; naked, and ye clothed me; I was sick, and ye visited me; I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." -

An Example in History

The Hebrew nation were in servitude for a great number of years. They were slaves in Egypt, and the Egyptians treated them as though they had a right to control them in soul, body, and spirit. But the Lord was not indifferent to their condition, he had not forgotten his oppressed people. The record says: "God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto them." "The Lord said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows; and I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land, and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey."

When God called Moses to be his instrument in delivering the Hebrew nation out of cruel bondage, Moses considered the difficulties of the situation, and thought of the obstacles that he would have to encounter in doing this great work. He knew that the people were in blindness and ignorance, that their minds had become beclouded in faith, and that they were almost destitute of a knowledge of God. They had become degraded by associating with a nation of idolaters, and had corrupted their ways by practicing idolatry. Yet there were many who were righteous and steadfast among this downtrodden people. The Lord directed Moses to give them a message from himself. He said: "Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched-out arm, and with great judgments; and I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God; and ye shall know that I am the Lord your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians."

This nation of slaves was to be taught of God. Jesus Christ, enshrouded in the pillar of cloud and fire, was to be their invisible leader, the ruler over all their tribes. Moses was to be the mouthpiece of God. For forty years God ruled over them as they journeyed through the wilderness. But the Hebrew nation is not the only nation that has been in cruel bondage, and whose groanings have come to the ears of the Lord of hosts. The Lord God of Israel has looked upon the vast number of human beings who were held in slavery in the United States of America. The United States has been a refuge for the oppressed. It has been spoken of as the bulwark of religious liberty. God has done more for this country than for any other country upon which the sun shines. It has been marvelously preserved from war and bloodshed. God saw the foul blot of slavery upon this land, he marked the sufferings that were endured by the colored people. He moved upon the hearts of men to work in behalf of those who were so cruelly oppressed. The Southern States became one terrible battle-field. The graves of American sons who had enlisted to deliver the oppressed race are thick in its soil. Many fell in death, giving their lives to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that were bound. God spoke concerning the captivity of the colored people as verily as he did concerning the Hebrew captives, and said: "I have surely seen the affliction of my people, . . . and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows; and I am come down to deliver them." The Lord wrought in freeing the Southern slaves; but he designed to work still further for them as he did for the children of Israel, whom he took forth to educate, to refine, and ennoble. Christ himself wrought with his appointed leaders, and directed them as to what they should do for his people that had become so terribly degraded. They were to be kept separate from all nations, to be directed and counseled until, through a correct representation of the divine character, they should come to know God, to reverence and obey his commandments.

Those who study the history of the Israelites should also consider the history of the slaves in America, who have suffered, who have been educated in crime, degraded, and oppressed, and left in ignorance to perish. Their physical freedom was obtained at a great loss of life, and Christians generally should have looked with compassion upon the colored race, for which God had a care. They should have done a work for them that would have uplifted them. They should have worked through the wisdom of God to educate and train them. We have been very neglectful of our colored brethren, and are not yet prepared for the coming of our Lord. The cries of these neglected people have come up before God. Who has entered into the work since their deliverance from bondage, to teach them the knowledge of God? The condition of the colored people is no more helpless than was the condition of the Hebrew slaves. The children of Israel were addicted to licentiousness, idolatry, gluttony, and gross vices. This is ever the result of slavery. But the Lord looked upon his people, and after their deliverance, he educated them. They were not left uncared for. Though they had lost in years of bondage the knowledge of the true God and of his holy law, yet God again revealed himself to them. In terrible grandeur and awful majesty he proclaimed to them his holy precepts, and commanded them to obey his law. The ten commandments are a transcript of the divine character, and are as unchangeable as the eternal throne. But since the slaves of the South attained to freedom, what have we as Christians done to bear any comparison to what was done for them by those who poured out their lives on the battle-field? Have we not looked upon the difficulties that presented themselves, and drawn back from the work? Perhaps some of us have felt sad over their wretchedness, but what have we done to save them from the slavery of sin? Who have taken hold of this work intelligently? Who have taken upon them the burden of presenting to them spiritual freedom that has been purchased for them at an infinite price? Have we not left them beaten, bruised, despised, and forsaken by the way? Is this the example that God has given us in the history of the deliverance of the children of Israel?--By no means.

Walls of separation have been built up between the whites and the blacks. These walls of prejudice will tumble down of themselves as did the walls of Jericho, when Christians obey the word of God, which enjoins on them supreme love to their maker and impartial love to their neighbors. For Christ's sake, let us do something now. Let every church whose members claim to believe the truth for this time, look at this neglected, downtrodden race, that, as a result of slavery, have been deprived of the privilege of thinking and acting for themselves. They have been kept at work in the cotton fields, have been driven before the lash like brute beasts, and their children have received no enviable heritage. Many of the slaves had noble minds; but the fact that their skin was dark, was sufficient reason for the whites to treat them as though they were beasts. When freedom was proclaimed to the captives, a favorable time was given in which to establish schools, and to teach the people to take care of themselves. Much of this kind of work was done by various denominations, and God honored their work. Those who attempted to work for the black race had to suffer persecution, and many were martyrs to the cause. It was difficult to educate these people in correct ideas, because they had been compelled to do according to the word of their human masters. They had been subject to human passions, their minds and bodies had been abused, and it was very hard to efface the education of these people, and to lead them to change their practices. But these missionaries persevered in their work. They knew that the black man had not chosen his color or his condition, and that Christ had died for him as verily as he had died for his white brother. To show sympathy for the released slaves, was to expose one's self to ridicule, hatred, and persecution. Old-time prejudice still exists, and those who labor in behalf of the colored race will have to encounter difficulties.

The neglect of the colored race by the American nation is charged against them. Those who claim to be Christians have a work to do in teaching them to read, and to follow various trades and engage in different business enterprises. Many among this race have noble traits of character and keen perception of mind. If they had an opportunity to develop, they would stand upon an equality with the whites. The Hebrew nation were educated during their journeying through the wilderness. They engaged in physical and mental labor. They used their muscles in various lines of work. The history of the wilderness life of God's chosen people was chronicled for the benefit of the Israel of God till the close of time. The apostle says, "Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples; and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come." The Lord did not forsake his people in their wanderings through the wilderness, but many of them forsook the Lord. The education they had had in Egypt made them subject to temptation, to idolatry, and to licentiousness, and because they disregarded the commandments of the Lord, nearly all the adults who left Egypt were overthrown in the wilderness; but their children were permitted to enter Canaan.

The land of Egypt was nearly desolated to bring freedom to the children of Israel; the Southern States were nearly ruined to bring freedom to the colored race. For three years war was carried on, and many lives were sacrificed, and there is mourning to-day because of broken family circles. Unspeakable outrages have been committed against the colored race. They had lived on through years of bondage with no hope of deliverance, and there stretched out before them a dark and dismal future. They thought that it was their lot to live on under cruel oppression, to yield their bodies and souls to the dominance of man. After their deliverance from captivity, how earnestly should every Christian have co-operated with heavenly intelligences who were working for the deliverance of the downtrodden race. We should have sent missionaries into this field to teach the ignorant. We should have issued books in so simple a style that a child might have understood them, for many of them are only children in understanding. Pictures and object lessons should have been used to present to the mind valuable ideas. Children and youth should have been educated in such a way that they could have been instructors and missionaries to their parents.

Let us prayerfully consider the colored race, and realize that these people are a portion of the purchased possession of Jesus Christ. One of infinite dignity, who was equal with God, humbled himself so that he might meet man in his fallen, helpless condition, and become an advocate before the Father in behalf of humanity. Jesus did not simply declare his goodwill toward perishing man, but humbled himself, taking upon himself the nature of man. For our sakes he became poor, that we might come into possession of an immortal inheritance, be heirs of God and joint-heirs with Jesus Christ. -

The Bible the Colored People's Hope

The Bible is the most precious book in the world. It is the only guide to direct the soul to the paradise of God. The apostle says: "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." The Bible is a precious treasure. It should be in every home, not to be laid away or put upon a shelf, but to be diligently studied. The Bible is the hope of both the white and the colored race. The idea is disseminated that common people should not study the Bible for themselves, but that the minister or teacher should decide all matters of doctrine for them. This is the doctrine that is taught to the colored people; but the Bible is the poor man's book, and all classes of people are to search the Scriptures for themselves. God has given reasoning powers to men, and by bringing our mental faculties into connection with the word of God, the spiritual powers are awakened, and common people, as well as teachers and clergymen, may understand the will of God.

Christ said to the people, "Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life, and they are they which testify of me." Many of the colored people are unable to read, and as it is necessary to understand the word of God, it is necessary to teach these people to read. During the days of slavery, the colored people were not generally taught to read, because through this accomplishment they became more fully awake to the degradation of their condition. In attaining knowledge, their desire was increased to have liberty, that they might still further pursue their search for knowledge. They saw that it was their right to be subject to no man, but to obey God only. The proclamation that freed the slaves in the Southern States, opened a field into which Christlike workers should have entered to teach those who were hungering and thirsting for knowledge, that they might know God and Jesus Christ whom he has sent. There were precious jewels of truth that should have been searched for as a man would search for hidden treasure.

The Lord has given the Bible to us, and it is our privilege to read it for ourselves. It is our duty to search it diligently, that we may receive more and more light from its sacred pages. As we search the Bible to comprehend the truths of salvation, angels of God are present to strengthen the mind, and to aid us in understanding that which will be a benefit to us and to others. We are to explore the sacred volume as a miner explores the veins of ore in the earth, and finds the precious seams of gold. While time shall last, we shall desire to know what the Bible has to say in regard to our relation to Jesus Christ, our responsibility to God as free moral agents. We must search the Scriptures, so that we may know how to accept our responsibilities and how to impart the knowledge we have gained to others who are in need of comfort and hope. We must know by experience what it is to have Christ for our sin-bearer, in order that we may intelligently say to others, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world!"

The opinions we have received through listening to the traditions of men must not be permitted to bar the way so that we shall not receive the light that requires reformation and transformation. Enter your closets with the Bible in your hand, and there commune with God, having an ear to hear what the Spirit saith unto you. Let your heart be humbled and teachable, softened and subdued by the Holy Spirit. If you find that your former views are not sustained by the Bible, it is for your eternal interest to learn this as soon as possible; for when God speaks in his word, our preconceived opinions must be yielded up, and our ideas brought into harmony with a "thus saith the Lord." Christ said, "Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth." With submissive spirit you are to obey the truth at any cost, knowing that the precepts of the Bible are the word of the eternal God.

An experience that brings us into harmony with the word of God will cost the sacrifice of self. It will require humility of mind and a realization of utter dependence upon God. But those who gain this experience will realize the need of working for others, that they also may believe and rejoice in the truth. Very much depends upon the manner in which the truth is presented. The human heart is a hard field to work. Let the missionary ever keep the word of God upon his lips. Those who talk the truth will have light upon the word of God. Contemplating the word of Christ is beholding Christ by the eye of faith. The word of God is quick and powerful, and coming in contact with the faculties of men, the human mind becomes strong and vigorous, and able to exercise its powers in learning the lesson of sinking self into Christ.

The Bible contains the living bread for the soul. Shall this book, with its treasures of wisdom, be opened to those who are unlearned, and especially to the vast numbers of the colored people who are scattered through the United States? Shall we be justified in withholding this precious word from the ignorant and depraved, when by partaking of it by faith is eternal life? Shall we expend labor most largely for those who know the truth? Shall weeks be occupied in seeking to work up a greater interest among those who have heard the truth of salvation over and over again, and leave those who have never heard it with no effort for their enlightenment? How much more appropriate would it be for those who have been thus privileged, to expend their time, talent, and money in imparting that which they understand to those who do not know God, and have never had the Scriptures opened up before them,--in presenting the special message that is to be given to the world in these last days! Gather up the precious fragments of truth, and go to work to present them to those who are starving for the word of life.

Through the study of the word of God, a great work may be done for the Southern people. The colored people, though emancipated from physical slavery, are still in the slavery of ignorance. They are led to believe that they should do just what their ministers tell them to do. Unless their minds are enlightened so that they may understand the Scripture for themselves, and know that God has spoken to their souls, they will not be benefited by the preaching of the truth; for they are in a condition to be deceived easily by false teachers. In reaching the colored people, it is best to seek to educate them before presenting the pointed truths of the third angel's message. Let missionaries work quietly for both white and colored people in the South. Let them work in a way to help those who most need help, who are surrounded with influences that are misleading. Many of them are under the control of those who will stir up the worst passions of the human heart. The priests and rulers in Christ's day worked most successfully in stirring up the passions of the mob, because they were ignorant, and had placed their trust in man. Thus they were led to denounce and reject Christ, and to choose a robber and murderer in his place. The work in the South should be done without noise or parade. Let missionaries who are truly converted, and who feel the burden of the work, seek wisdom from God, and with all the tact they can command, let them go into this field. Medical missionaries can find a field in which to relieve the distress of those who are failing under bodily ailments. They should have means so that they may clothe the naked and feed the hungry. Christian Help work will do more than the preaching of sermons. There is a great need that a class of workers should go to this field who will do this kind of work. Let them meet together and relate their experiences, pray together, and hold their services, not in a way to attract attention to themselves, but in quietness, in meekness, and lowliness. But while they pursue this humble course, let them not sink down into cheapness in conversation, cheapness in manners and ways. Let the workers be Christlike, that they may by precept and example exert an elevating influence. Let them furnish themselves with the most appropriate, simple lessons from the life of Christ to present to the people. Let them not dwell too much upon doctrinal points, or upon features of our faith that will seem strange and new; but let them present the sufferings and the sacrifice of Christ; let them hold up his righteousness and reveal his grace; let them manifest his purity and holiness of character. Workers in the Southern field will need to teach the people line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little.

As men and women embrace the truth in this field, there will be abundant opportunity for relieving their pressing necessities. Unless this can be done, the work will largely prove a failure. To say, Be ye warmed, and be ye clothed, and be ye fed, and take no steps to bring these things to pass, will have a bad influence upon our work. Object-lessons will be of far more value than mere precepts. Deeds of sympathy will be needed as well as words that will touch the heart, and leave an uneffaceable impression upon the mind. Small schools should be established in many localities, and teachers who are tender and sympathetic, who can, like the Master, be touched by suffering, should be engaged to educate old and young. Let the word of God be taught in the simplest manner. Let the pupils be led to study the lessons of Christ; for the study of the Bible will do more to enlarge the mind and strengthen the intellect, than will any other study. Nothing will so awaken the dormant energies, and give vigor to the faculties, as coming in contact with the word of God.

There is much talent among the colored people. Their minds must be aroused, their intellects quickened into activity, that they may grasp the precious truths of the plan of salvation. Their minds have become dwarfed and enfeebled, because they have been called out and exercised upon commonplace matters, and have been occupied with low, cheap ideas. But as elevating truths are repeated, their minds will expand, and their ability increase to take in and comprehend the subjects with which they become more familiar. A field left uncultivated will soon be filled with unsightly weeds and thistles. The mind left uncultivated will be filled with that which is unsightly, and where seeds of truth are not sown, there will be no fruit of a heavenly order. The colored people have been left in ignorance, and the minds of many have lost the ability to expand. But many are not satisfied. They hunger for something they have not. Were they educated so that they could read the Bible, they would draw comfort from the plan of salvation as it is revealed in Jesus Christ. The influence of truth would work for the enlargement of their minds and the strengthening of their faculties. Thus they would be enabled to grasp other branches of knowledge, and prepared to receive information of a general character.

The Australian Camp-Meeting

Our third Australian camp-meeting was held in Armadale, a populous suburb of Melbourne, about three miles southeast from the center of the city. During the early part of the year our brethren had planned for the meeting to be held in Ballarat, a city of thirty thousand people, about ninety miles north from Melbourne. There is a faithful little church there that needed strengthening, and as the Australian Conference is in debt, it seemed desirable to hold the meeting where it would be less expensive than in Melbourne.

But the Lord has been giving me light about the work to be done in our large cities. The people in the cities are to be warned, and the message should go to them now. The time will come when we cannot work so freely in the large cities; but now, the people will listen to the message, and this is our time to work most earnestly for the people in the centers of population. Many will hear and obey, and carry the message to others.

The interest which began to be awakened by the camp-meeting held two years ago in Brighton, should be carried forward by a camp-meeting in some part of Melbourne each year. When our brethren took these things into consideration, they decided that the meeting should be held in Melbourne, and in their search for a ground were led to locate in Armadale. The first plan was to locate the meeting at Northcote, where it would be convenient for our brethren and sisters. But the Lord hedged up the way at Northcote, and led them to a locality convenient to densely populated suburbs where the message had never been given.

During the meeting we have had abundant evidence that the Lord has been guiding both in the location and in the work of the meeting. A new field has been opened, and an encouraging field it appears to be. The people did not swarm upon the ground from curiosity, as at our first meeting in Brighton, and as at Ashfield last year. The majority came straight to the large meeting tent, where they listened intently to the word; and when meeting was over, they quietly returned to their homes, or gathered in groups to ask questions or discuss what they had heard.

The interest steadily increased from the beginning of the meeting. The evening discourses, given by Elders Prescott, Corliss, and Daniells, all presented the truth as it is in Jesus Christ. Hardly a discourse was given during the whole meeting that could be called a doctrinal sermon. In every sermon Christ was preached, and as the great and mysterious truths regarding his presence and work in the hearts of men were made clear and plain, the truths regarding his second coming, his relation to the Sabbath, his work as Creator, and his relation to man as the source of life, appeared in a glorious and convincing light that sent conviction to many hearts. With solemnity the people said, "We have listened to truth to night."

A Bible study was usually given at three o'clock each afternoon. These studies followed the same lines as the evening discourses, and they were regularly attended by scores besides those living on the camp-ground. The forenoons were mostly occupied by meetings of the Australian and Union Conferences, the tract society, the Sabbath-school association, and the publishing and school interests.

The early morning hour, before breakfast, was set apart and generally observed as a silent hour for individual study and prayer. Occasionally, a general meeting was held at this hour. We have found blessing in setting apart a season when every soul could feel that there was time to pray and to study the word of God without interruption. The half-past eight morning hour was devoted alternately to district prayer-meetings and general social meetings. Although quite feeble during most of the meeting, the Lord has strengthened me to bear my testimony here. During the three weeks of the meeting I have usually spoken Sabbath, Sunday, and Wednesday afternoons, besides short talks in the morning meetings.

Sabbath morning, Oct. 19, Elder Corliss gave valuable instruction to our people. In the afternoon, I spoke from the fourth chapter of John, dwelling upon the conversation of Christ with the woman of Samaria, in which he said, "If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water." A testimony meeting followed, in which praise and glory were given to God for his unspeakable goodness and matchless love to fallen man in giving Jesus, his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. All seemed to have a desire to lift up Jesus higher and still higher. Some outsiders took part, one minister testifying that the blessing of God was in the meeting, and that it was good to be there. We felt much pleased to see so large an attendance, and were impressed with the fact that more than half were persons we had never met in general meeting before.

Sunday morning, Elder Wilson, from New Zealand, gave a most profitable, although plain and simple, discourse. It was beautiful in its simplicity. The simpler the teaching, the more the under shepherd represents the Chief Shepherd. In the afternoon the tent was full to overflowing. Quite a number stood on the outside, and all listened with deep interest, and the Lord strengthened me as I bore a plain testimony to the people, dwelling especially upon our obligation to acknowledge God in all our ways, and to seek more and more to obtain a knowledge of God, as presented in Christ's prayer in the seventeenth chapter of John.

In the evening Professor Prescott gave a most valuable lesson, precious as gold. The tent was full, and many stood outside. All seemed to be fascinated with the word, as he presented the truth in lines so new to those not of our faith. Truth was separated from error, and made, by the divine Spirit, to shine like precious jewels. It was shown that perfect obedience to all the commandments of God is essential for the salvation of souls. Obedience to the laws of God's kingdom reveals the divine in the human, sanctifying the character.

In visiting the people with the Echoes , and inviting them to the meetings, one of the workers met a woman who had been keeping the Sabbath for about twelve months. She had never heard the living preacher, but in studying the Bible she was convicted that she was keeping the wrong day, that the seventh day was the true Bible Sabbath. She is now attending the meetings, and feasting upon the truth. There are many interesting cases developing, that are just on the point of taking their stand.

The Lord is working in power through his servants who are proclaiming the truth, and he has given brother Prescott a special message for the people. The truth comes from human lips in demonstration of the Spirit and power of God.

The meetings have been well attended by the people of Armadale and Malvern, both afternoons and evenings, and on Sundays and Wednesdays large numbers have come from the distant suburbs. The people say: "You cannot appreciate the change of feeling about your meeting and work. It has been commonly reported that you do not believe in Christ. But we have never heard Christ preached as at these meetings." "There is no life in our churches. Everything is cold and dry. We are starving for the Bread of Life. We come to this camp-meeting because there is food here." As they see our stenographers reporting the discourses, they plead that they be printed soon, and placed within their reach. One who is a Sunday-school teacher, took copious notes of Elder Prescott's discourse on "God and Caesar," and then made copies for two ministers who were interested in the subject.

On every side we hear discussion of the subjects presented at the camp-meeting. One day as Elder Corliss stepped out of a train, the guard [conductor] stopped him with the request that he explain Col. 2:16. They stopped, and as the crowd rushed by, the explanation was given, and from Lev. 23:37, 38 it was shown that there were sabbaths besides the Sabbath of the Lord. Earnest requests have been sent in that some of the addresses be given in the Melbourne town hall.

As two gentlemen were coming to a Sabbath afternoon service, one remarked to the other, "These are a strange people. All we shall hear will be Moses and Sinai. After the meeting, he came to Elder Daniells, and expressed very great surprise at what he had heard. He told him what they had said, and added that he could hardly believe his ears. He had heard nothing but the plain gospel. Another man who had been considerably opposed to the work was prevailed upon to attend one of the meetings, and has since told a friend that it will be a distinct loss to the spiritual interests of the community when the Adventists go away; for Christ has been indeed exalted in these meetings.

A former Wesleyan local preacher's family are all interested, and thoroughly convinced of the truth. Even the children ask why they should "keep the pope's Sunday when they know it is not the true Sabbath." A lady who lives some distance away has been reading the Echo , and came here expressly to attend some of the meetings. In the very first one she attended, Professor Prescott made a call for those who would follow the Lord to stand. She arose, and has since been baptized. A widow who has been attending most of the meetings has now kept three Sabbaths. One lady who was much prejudiced finally came to the meeting to satisfy her children, but just as soon as the service was over, she rushed out of the tent, not wishing to speak to any one. However, she came again, and it happened that the subject was "Sunday in the New Testament;" the choir followed with, "I Will Follow Thee, My Saviour," and she says she could not get that song out of her mind; it rang in her ears continually. She is now earnestly seeking for truth.

Camp-meetings are a success in arresting the attention of the people. Many who attended the Brighton meeting two years ago have been present at the Armadale meeting. They went through that meeting without deciding to obey the truth, but are manifesting a greater interest here, and some have taken their position now in obedience to the truth. Twenty were baptized, Sunday, Nov. 10. Melbourne, Nov. 21 . -

Spirit and Life for the Colored People

The psalmist says, "The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple." Heavenly intelligences are close by the side of every one who is seeking to open the word of God to the understanding of the simple, or to those who are really desirous of becoming acquainted with the will of God. Those who open the Scripture to others should teach them the word of life, realizing the solemn, sacred work that they are doing; for they are bringing souls in contact with God, and with Jesus Christ whom he has sent. Any trifling, jesting, or joking over the word of God is dishonoring to him, and leaves an influence that is anything but good upon the mind. But if we desire to enlarge a man's mind, let us turn his attention to the Scriptures. In the Bible, we behold Him who is the way, the truth, and the life. Through understanding the word of God, efficiency is obtained for both the practical and the religious life.

Jesus said: "Labor not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you; for him hath God the Father sealed. Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. They said therefore unto him, What sign showest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work? Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat. Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life; he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. . . . I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven; if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. . . . Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father; so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me." Jesus explained what he meant by eating his flesh and drinking his blood. He meant that his disciples were to partake of his word. He said, "It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing; the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life."

The word of Christ is the bread of life that is furnished for every soul that liveth. To refuse to eat this bread is death. He that neglects to partake of the word of God shall not see life. Receiving the word is believing the word, and this is eating Christ's flesh, drinking his blood. To dwell and abide in Christ, is to dwell and abide in his word; it is to bring heart and character into conformity to his commands. In the parable of the vine and the branches, Jesus shows the vital connection that must exist between himself and his followers. He says: "I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away; and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 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 nothing."

The branches represent the believers in Jesus Christ. Those who truly believe, will do the same works that he did. They are united to Christ by the faith that works by love and purifies the soul. As the branch is nourished by the sap which flows from the parent stock, so the believer in Christ is sustained by the life of Christ. The branches represent the very youngest of the followers of Christ, as the branch includes all the tiny tendrils that belong to it. Jesus is our center. He is the parent stock that bears the branches. In him our eternal life is centered. The words that he has spoken unto us are spirit and life, and those who feed upon his word, and are doers of his word, represent him in character. His patience, meekness, humility, and love pervade their hearts. Jesus said, "Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples." If we are indeed grafted into the True Vine, we shall bear fruit similar to that of the parent stock.

Those who love Christ will do the works of Christ. They will go forth to seek and to save that which was lost. They will not shun those who are despised, and turn aside from the colored race. They will teach them how to read and how to perform manual labor, educating them to till the soil and to follow trades of various kinds. They will put forth painstaking efforts to develop the capabilities of the people. The cotton field will not be the only resource for a livelihood to the colored people. There will be awakened in them the thought that they are of value with God, and that they are esteemed as his property. The work pointed out is a most needful missionary enterprise. It is the best restitution that can be made to those who have been robbed of their time and deprived of their education. The fact that this is the case leaves a heavy debt upon the American nation. As a nation, we have been made the depositary of sacred truth, and we are to impart the precious knowledge of the word of God to others. Every earthly blessing has come to us because of the infinite price that has been paid in our behalf. If it has cost so great a price to redeem man, so that he should not perish, but have everlasting life, how we should rejoice that we are privileged to become co-workers with Christ in saving those for whom he has given his precious life! The Lord Jesus loves those for whom he has made the greatest sacrifice. He gave his own most precious life to bring life and immortality to light to all those who should believe. "This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." Those who receive Christ are in co-partnership with him, and will not mistake their life work. They will heed the words spoken by Christ. They will be guided by the Holy Spirit, and become more and more intelligent in regard to the requirements of God, and will reveal the love and grace that were revealed in the life of Christ toward those with whom he came in contact. -

Am I My Brother's Keeper?

The law of God contained in the ten commandments reveals to man his duty to love God supremely and his neighbor as himself. The American nation owes a debt of love to the colored race, and God has ordained that they should make restitution for the wrong they have done them in the past. Those who have taken no active part in enforcing slavery upon the colored people are not relieved from the responsibility of making special efforts to remove, as far as possible, the sure result of their enslavement.

When the duty of bringing the gospel to the colored race is presented, many make the plea that association with the colored people will contaminate society. But this very plea is evidence that means should be instituted to remove from this race the degradation that has been brought upon them. As a people, we should no longer say by our attitude, "Am I my brother's keeper?" We should arouse ourselves to do justly, to love mercy. We should make manifest by our actions that we have the faith for which the saints are to contend. We should go forth to seek the oppressed, to lift up the fallen, and to bring help to those who need our assistance. We should remember that many among the colored people who have been entrusted with God-given ability, who had intellectual capabilities far superior to those of the masters who claimed them as their property, were forced to endure every indignity, and their souls groaned under the most cruel and unjust oppression. They were ambitious to obtain their freedom, and sought in every possible way to obtain it. At times their deferred hope caused them to flash out with indignation, and they were forced to suffer such fearful punishments that their courage was broken, and to all outward appearances their spirits were subdued. But others planned for years, and finally were successful in gaining their freedom. Many of these have filled positions of trust, and have demonstrated the fact that the colored race is capable of cultivation and improvement. As a people claiming to be proclaiming the last message of mercy to the world, we cannot consistently neglect the Southern field; for it is a portion of God's moral vineyard. It is not our place to study consequences; but we are to go to the field and labor for the colored people as earnestly as for the white people, and leave results with God. It is our part to work with all our God-given capabilities to redeem the time that we have wasted in planning how to avoid unhappy results in working the Southern fields.

We are God's messengers, and he has sent us forth to work for both the white and the black race without partiality and without hypocrisy. We are to set forth the truth in warnings and entreaties. We are to point out the path of light in plain and simple language, easy to be understood by both white and black. We have no time to build up walls of distinction between the white and the black race. The white people who embrace the truth in the Southern field, if converted to God, will discern the fact that the plan of redemption embraces every soul that God has created. The walls of sectarianism and caste and race will fall down when the true missionary spirit enters the hearts of men. Prejudice is melted away by the love of God. All will realize that they are to become laborers together with God. Both the Ethiopian and the white race are God's purchased possession, and our work is to improve every talent that has been lent to us of God, to save the souls of both white and black. If men and women of either race refuse the truth of God, they must answer to God for their rejection of Jesus Christ, who died for their salvation. With all our might we must do our work now.

God's object in bringing us to himself is to conform us to the image of Christ Jesus. All who believe in Christ will understand the personal relation that exists between them and their brethren. They are to be as branches grafted into the same parent stock, to draw sustenance from the root. Believers, whether white or black, are branches of the True Vine. There is to be no special heaven for the white man, and another heaven for the black man. We are all to be saved through the same grace, all to enter the same heaven at last. Then why not act like rational beings, and overcome our unlikeness to Christ? The same God that blesses us as his sons and daughters, blesses the colored race. Those who have the faith that works by love and purifies the soul, will look with compassion and love upon the colored people. Many of those who have had every advantage, who have regarded themselves as superior to the colored people because their skin was white, will find that many of the colored race will go into heaven before them.

Let every one who values the precious sacrifice made by Jesus Christ, lift up his voice in prayer to God, and exclaim: "Behold, O Lord, this poor, oppressed people that have been despised and maltreated by the white nation. Breathe into their souls the breath of spiritual life. If no effort is made on their behalf, they will perish in their sins, and their blood will be found upon our garments. Father of mercies, pity thine offspring. Breathe upon these beaten, bruised, ignorant souls, that they may live. Give thy Holy Spirit to those who shall go forth as messengers to this people. Take not thy Holy Spirit from us in our councils, and enable us to make plans and devise means for the spread of the truth among them."

We need to awaken, and to understand the truth as it is in Jesus. We need to consult the word of God, in order that we shall not seek to evade disagreeable work. When we realize that we are workers together with God, the promises will not be spoken with half indifference, but will burn in our hearts, and kindle on our lips. We shall present them to the throne of God with earnestness, and the Lord will pour out his Spirit upon the devoted, consecrated worker. Those who plead with God, as did Moses, will receive the same assurances that Moses received. When Moses pleaded: "I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, show me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight; and consider that this nation is thy people. And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest." Again the Lord said to Moses, "Certainly I will be with thee." The same assurances given to Moses will be given to those who go forth to be co-laborers with Jesus Christ in the Southern field. We are not to wait for great men to undertake the work. We are to encourage those who have a burden to go to this field, who are willing to undertake the work. Let those in responsible positions give their sympathy to such workers, and furnish them with facilities whereby they may do the work required. Let not men in our institutions feel that it is their prerogative to tie the hands of workers at every step. Let those who have a mind to work do with their might whatsoever their hands find to do. Let those who take no part in the trying experience of teaching the colored people, unite their petitions with those of the workers, and plead that the Holy Spirit may move upon the hearts of the workers, and aid them in doing successful work for the Master. The Lord God of Sabaoth will hear earnest prayer. He will lead those who feel their dependence upon him, and will so guide the workers that many souls shall come to a knowledge of the truth.

Truth as it is in Jesus exercises a transforming influence upon the minds of its receivers. Let no one forget that God is always a majority, and that with him success is bound to crown all missionary effort. Those who have a living connection with God know that divinity works through humanity. Every soul that cooperates with God will do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. The Lord is a God of mercy, and cares even for the dumb beasts he has created. When he healed on the Sabbath day, and was accused of breaking the law of God, he said to his accusers: "Doth not each one of you on the Sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering? And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath day? And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed; and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him." The Lord looks upon the creatures he has made with compassion, no matter to what race they may belong. God "hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; that they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us; for in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring." Speaking to his disciples the Saviour said, "All ye are brethren." God is our common Father, and each one of us is our brother's keeper.

Lift Up Your Eyes and Look on the Field

Those who work in the Southern field will need to have a sanctified judgment, in order to discriminate in applying help where it will do the greatest amount of good. They should help those who will be a help to others, as well as those who may not be able to carry on very decided missionary operations. I know that it will be impossible for workers to remain in this field in a bare-handed condition, and do the work that is required to be done in the Southern States. It will be necessary that a fund shall be created, so that the workers may have means with which to help those who are in poverty and distress; and this practical ministry will open their hearts to respond to the truth.

It will be necessary for the worker in the Southern field not only to have an appreciation of the physical wants of the colored people, but his heart must also be aglow with the love of God. He must present the love of God with faith and assurance, and not follow any bleak, cold, methodical style. The Southern field is a field where the religious instruction will have to be repeated again and again. The language must be most simple in style, for many of the colored people are only children in understanding; but though this field has been long neglected, the words of Christ are applicable to it. Our Lord said to his disciples, "Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal; that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together."

When the Lord spoke these words to the disciples, they did not see anything that denoted that they were in an encouraging field. The seed of truth had been sown, and the harvest was about to follow. While they had been away purchasing food, Christ had preached a sermon to the woman at the well, and had sown the seed, and the harvest was to come forth speedily. She had gone back into the city of Samaria, and had spread abroad the words of Christ. She gave the invitation to those she met, saying with assurance, "Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did; is not this the Christ?" Jesus knew that at the report of the woman many, out of curiosity, would come to see and to hear him, and that many would believe on him, and drink of the water of life that he should give them. "And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did. So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them; and he abode there two days. And many more believed because of his own word; and said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying; for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world." Thus the harvest came speedily after the sowing; for the Holy Spirit had impressed the truth upon the hearts of the Samaritans.

The words that Jesus spoke to his disciples, saying that the fields were white for the harvest, are addressed to every genuine Christian. We also are to look upon the fields, and see the necessities of men. The disciples were encouraged, as they saw the readiness of the Samaritans to receive the truth. They had regarded this field as a very hard field, and yet they saw men acknowledging the words of the Master, and believing on him for themselves. This lesson is for our encouragement as well, and while there are many who will not yield to the convicting power of God's Spirit, there are also many who are hungering for the words of light and salvation. Many will receive the truth, and testify, as did the Samaritans, that Christ is the Saviour of the world. In their turn, they will become sowers of the seed of truth. We are to lift up our eyes, and look upon the fields that are white already for the harvest. For years we have passed by the Southern field, and have looked upon the colored race, feebly deploring their condition; but our eyes have been fastened upon more promising fields. But now God's people should lift up their eyes, and look upon this destitute field that has not been worked. The missionary spirit must prevail, if we form characters after the pattern, Christ Jesus. We are to love our neighbors as ourselves, and the colored people, in the sight of God, are our neighbors. It is not enough for us merely to look on and deplore the discouraging appearance of the field, and then pass by on the other side, and do nothing. Unitedly and interestedly we must take hold of the work. We are not only to look upon the fields, but we are to reap, and gather fruit unto life eternal.

God calls us to consider and to help those who are in most need of help. As workers together with God, we are not simply to deplore the destitute condition of the Southern people, but we are to seek to alleviate their condition. Here is a field in America that is nigh at hand. One is to sow the seed, another to reap the harvest, another to bind it up. There is a variety of work, which must be done now while the angels continue to hold the four winds. Many who desire to do missionary work may labor in this field. There is no time to be lost. As men, women, and children among the colored people receive the truth, they should be instructed by those who are imbued with the Spirit of God, and educated and directed in such a way that they may help others.

The Southern field is right in the shadow of your own doors. It is as land that has had a touch of the plow here and there, and then has been left by the plowman, who has been attracted to some easier or more promising field; but those who work the Southern field must make up their minds to practise self-denial. Those who would aid in this work must also practise self-denial, in order that facilities may be provided whereby the field may be worked. God calls for missionaries, and asks us to take up our neglected duties. Let farmers, financiers, builders, and those who are skilled in various arts and crafts, go to this field to improve lands, and to build humble cottages for themselves and their neighbors. Christ says to you, Lift up your eyes, and look upon this Southern field; for it needs the sowers of seed and the reapers of grain. The grace of Christ is unlimited; it is God's free gift. Why should not this neglected people have the benefit of divine hope and courage and faith? All those who will accept Christ will have sunlight in the heart, and the whole-hearted, unselfish worker will receive a reward. Those who are laborers together with God will enter into the joy of their Lord. What is this joy?--It is the joy that is felt in the presence of the angels over one sinner that repenteth more than over ninety and nine just persons who need no repentance.

Those who labor in the Southern field will meet with deplorable ignorance. The colored people are suffering the results of the bondage in which they were held. When they were slaves, they were taught to do the will of those who called them their property. They were kept in ignorance, and to-day there are thousands among them that cannot read. Many who profess to be teachers among them are corrupt in character, and they interpret the Scriptures in such a way as to fulfil their own purposes, and degrade those who are in their power. The colored people are taught that they must not think or judge for themselves, but that their ministers must be permitted to judge for them. Because of this, the divine plan of salvation has been covered up with a mass of human rubbish and falsehood. The Scripture has been perverted, and the people have been so instructed as to be easily seduced by evil spirits. Mind, as well as body, has been long abused. The whole system of slavery was originated by Satan, who delights in tyrannizing over human beings. Though he has been successful in degrading and corrupting the black race, many are possessed of decided ability, and if they were blessed with opportunities, they would show more intelligence than do many of their more favored brethren among the white people. Thousands may now be uplifted, and may become agents by which to help those of their own race. There are many who feel the necessity of becoming elevated, and when faithful teachers open the Scriptures, presenting the truth in its native purity to the colored people, the darkness will be dispelled under the bright beams of the Sun of righteousness. Directed in their search for truth by those who have had advantages enabling them to know the truth, they will become intelligent in the Scriptures.

When laws are enacted that bind the consciences of those whom God has made free, and men are cast into prison for exercising their religious liberty, many poor, timid, ignorant souls will be hindered from doing the will of God; but many will learn aright from Jesus Christ, and will maintain their God given freedom at any cost. The colored people have been slow to learn what is their right in religious liberty, because of the attitude that men have assumed toward them. In many minds there is great confusion in regard to what is individual right. Men have exercised compelling power over the mind and judgment of the colored race. Satan is the originator of all oppression, and history shows a record of the terrible results of oppressive tortures that have been endured by men who are God's property, both by creation and by redemption. Through human agencies, Satan has manifested his own attributes and passions; but every act of injustice, every fraudulent purpose, every pang of anguish, is written down in the books of heaven as done against Christ Jesus, who has purchased man at an infinite price. The manner in which men treat their fellow men is registered as done unto Christ; but those who have been faithful winners of souls will receive commendation, and will join in the song of those who rejoice, and shout the harvest home. How great will be the joy when the redeemed of the Lord will all meet together in the mansions prepared for them! What rejoicing will come to those who have been impartial, unselfish laborers together with God in winning souls to Christ! What satisfaction will fill the breast of every reaper when he hears the musical voice of Jesus saying, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant; . . . enter thou into the joy of thy Lord!"

Those who win souls to Christ glorify their Redeemer. He has not died in vain for them; for they are in harmony with Christ. They look upon those who have turned to God through their efforts, with glad rejoicing; for they also see of the travail of their souls, and are satisfied. They see that the anxious hours they have spent, the perplexing circumstances they have had to meet, the sorrows they have had to endure, have worked for them a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. As they look upon the souls they have won to Christ, and know that they are eternally saved, are monuments of God's mercy and of a Redeemer's love, they touch the golden harp, and fill the arches of heaven with praise and thanksgiving. They sing, "Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; and hast made us unto our God kings and priests, and we shall reign on the earth. . . . Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing."

"They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness, as the stars forever and ever." How great is the reward that will come to those who devote their God-given abilities to doing the words of Christ. Those who are partakers of his sufferings in this world, will be partakers of his glory in the world hereafter, and will sit down with Christ upon his throne. -

Volunteers Wanted for the Southern Field

Instruction is to be given to our colored neighbors concerning the physical, mental, and moral nature. We must give them line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little, and there a little. The youth will catch the lessons that are given, and retain them much more readily than those who are aged. How important it is that this large class of human beings, who are now in ignorance, should be taught to read for themselves, that they may know what saith the Lord unto them! How anxious every Christian family should be to have a part in helping on the education of the colored race! Many of them are poor, neglected, homeless creatures. We should teach them how to build cheap houses, how to erect school buildings in cities and villages, and how to carry on their education.

God holds us accountable for our long neglect of doing our duty to our neighbors. He sees precious jewels that will shine out from among the colored race. Let the work be taken up determinedly, and let both the young, and those of mature age, be educated in essential branches. Take hold of this nation that has been in bondage, as the Lord Jesus Christ took hold of the Hebrew nation after they came forth from Egypt. God will put his Holy Spirit upon those who put heart and soul into the work, realizing the truth of the words of inspiration: "We are laborers together with God; ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building." The Lord has long been waiting for human instrumentalities through whom he could work. How much longer shall heavenly agencies be obliged to wait for human agents who will respond to the words of Christ, "Go work to-day in my vineyard"? When the hearts of God's professed people are animated by the principle of the living faith that works by love and purifies the soul, there will be a response to these appeals. Christ linked himself in brotherhood to all nationalities. He made no distinction between the white race and the black race in his plan of salvation. He bought the meanest of humanity with an infinite price, and he notes when we leave the naked unclad, the poor unfed, the destitute unrelieved, the despised forsaken.

Those who labor in the Southern field will have many prejudices to overcome, many difficulties to encounter. At the present time there is great want among many of the colored people. Self-denial must be practised by us. We must strip ourselves of all extravagance; we must deny ourselves luxuries and the undue gratification of appetite. Let those who have not laid aside unnecessary articles of diet, do so. Let them refrain from adornment and costly furnishings. Let us set ourselves to do a work for the Southern people. Let us not be content with simply looking on, with simply making resolutions that are never acted upon; but let us do something heartily unto the Lord, to alleviate the distress of our colored brethren. The burden of poverty is sufficiently weighty to arouse our heartfelt sympathy. We are not simply to say, "Be ye warmed and filled," but we are actually to relieve the needs of the poor. Filthiness is prevalent among the colored people, and it is a breeder of disease. Discouragement is deep and widespread, and shall we refuse to stretch forth our hands to help in this time of peril?

But it is of no use to send missionaries to work in the Southern field unless they are furnished with means from your abundance to help the distressed and those who are in poverty that cannot be described. We may do the work that Christ would do if he were upon earth. We may relieve those whose lives have been one long scene of sorrow. Who will go on in indifference, and pay no attention to the woes of those who are in hunger, in nakedness, in ignorance and degradation? Who will rouse up and go without the camp, and bear reproach for Christ's sake? Who will put on Christ, and seek to rescue their colored brethren from ignominy, crime, and degradation? Who will seek to restore them to the ranks of common humanity? We must not consider them irreclaimable and utterly degenerate. With the spirit of Christ, who did not fail or become discouraged, we may do a work that will cause the heavenly hosts to fill the courts of God with songs of rejoicing. There are many who are looked upon as stoical; who are thought to be unfit to be taught the gospel of Jesus Christ; and yet through the ministration of the Holy Spirit, they may be changed by the miracle of divine grace. The stupidity that makes their cases look so hopeless will pass away; for it is the result of great ignorance. The influence of grace will prevail on the human subject, and the dull and clouded mind will awake and break its fetters. Through divine power the slave to sin may be set free. The sunshine of Christ's righteousness may beam into the chambers of mind and heart. Spiritual life will be seen, and the brutishness will disappear. Inclination to vice will disappear, and ignorance will be overcome. The heart will be purified by the faith that works by love.

There are thousands who are capable of instruction, cultivation, and elevation. With proper, persevering labor, many who have been considered hopeless cases will become educators of their race. The colored people deserve much more from the hands of the white people than they have received. The colored people may be compared to a mine that is to be worked, in which is valuable ore of most precious material. Christ has given these people souls capable of winning and enjoying immortal life in the kingdom of God. One tenth of the advantages that their more favored brethren have received and failed to improve, would cause them to become mediums of light through which the brightness of the righteousness of Christ might shine forth. Who will enlist in this work, and willingly teach the ignorant what saith the word of God? Who will engage in the work of quickening the mental faculties into sensibility, of uplifting those who are downtrodden? Can we not show that we are willing to try to repair, as far as possible, the injury that has been done to them in the past? Shall not missionaries be multiplied? Shall we hear of volunteers, who are willing to go into the field to bring souls out of darkness and ignorance into the marvelous light in which we rejoiced, that they also may see the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ? "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." -

The Tasmanian Camp-Meeting

Our first camp meeting in Tasmania was held in Hobart, Nov. 28 to Dec. 9, 1895. It was located just opposite the Newtown post-office, two miles from the center of Hobart. We were much pleased with the camp-ground. It was elevated considerably above the surrounding streets, and was reached by a flight of steps. A hawthorn hedge formed the enclosure, so that the encampment was hidden until we reached the entrance. Then the white tents, in their orderly arrangement in that grassy retreat, were an attractive sight. Hobart is surrounded by hills, rising one above another, and stretching away in the distance. Often they brought to our minds those precious words. "As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about his people from henceforth even forever."

Besides the large meeting tent, the children's tent, and the reception, book, and dining tents, there were on the ground thirty-two family tents, occupied by our people. At the beginning of the meeting there were about sixty in the encampment, and toward the close, one hundred and seven. This was a larger number than we had expected, being fully half of all the Sabbath-keepers in Tasmania. Some who had thought it impossible to attend the meeting, gratefully acknowledged the providence of God in opening the way for them to come.

As there was no conference business to divide the time of the meetings, the ten days were spent in the study of the word. The early morning hour was devoted to private study and prayer. At 8:30 a. m. there was a general social meeting, at ten o'clock a lesson on some line of Christian work, at two o'clock a Bible study, and at 7:45 p. m. a sermon. The evening meetings were mostly conducted by Elders Prescott and Corliss. Much interest was manifested by the public, and the large tent was well filled, except in rainy and threatening weather.

A very profitable series of Bible studies with the youth was held each morning. There were about twenty in attendance. Children's meetings were held twice a day. After the morning lesson, on pleasant days, teachers and children took a long walk; and during the walk, by the banks of the river or in the grassy fields, a halt was called, and a short lesson from nature given. It was noticeable that on those days when the children had a ramble in the fields, they were very quiet and orderly in the camp. The attendance at the morning meetings when only the children of the camp were present, was thirty. In the afternoon, when the school children from the neighborhood came in, there were from fifty to sixty.

On the afternoon of the first Sabbath, I spoke from Luke 21:36: "Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man." My soul was hungering and thirsting for the bread and water of life for myself and for every other soul. I realized that very much depends upon the presence and blessing of God at the first of the meeting. This is the best time to humble the soul before God, and to seek him earnestly. I knew that many present were longing for the realization that Christ was their personal Saviour. Christ was knocking, knocking at the door of their hearts. Would they let him come in as an honored guest? or would they, by dwelling upon commonplace matters, allow their God given faculties to become dwarfed and narrowed? Would they allow themselves to become overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness and the cares of this life?

There is a world lying in wickedness, in deception and delusion, in the very shadow of death,--asleep, asleep. Who are feeling travail of soul to awaken them? What voice can reach them? My mind was carried to the future, when the signal will be given. "Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him." But some will have delayed to obtain the oil for replenishing their lamps, and too late they will find that character, which is represented by the oil, is not transferable.

"God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye doubleminded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep; let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up." This was the work we needed to have done. I felt that this was a precious opportunity to invite souls to seek the Lord with us. All who were afflicted and troubled in mind, all who were in sorrow and despondency, all who had lost their first love, were invited to come forward, that we might unite with them in sending up the prayer of faith for the manifestation of the Holy Spirit.

A large share of the congregation came forward. I went down among the people, and going to the last seat in the tent, addressed several youth, inviting them to give their hearts fully to Jesus. All five of them went forward. Young girls whose hearts had been made tender, were weeping. I invited them also to come, and they responded. I knew that the angels of God were in that assembly, and my heart, that for the past five weeks had been sadly burdened and oppressed, seemed at rest, full of peace and trust in God. O, the riches of his goodness and love can never be expressed.

There were those who had been living in unbelief, doubting their acceptance with God This distrust had made them miserable, but the Lord revealed himself to their souls, and they knew that he had blessed them. One sister had desired an interview with me, but I had been forced to ask her to wait until I was stronger. That day she took her trouble to Jesus, and found rest in his love. Many others testified that they had realized more of the presence of the Lord than ever before, and their hearts were filled with thankfulness.

On Sunday I spoke again, and several times through the week. The next Sabbath we had another revival effort, and most of he congregation came forward for prayers. I knew that the members of our churches needed a work done for them, in order that they might let their light shine to the world. A formal religion is powerless. Only the religion of the heart, intense and earnest, will move upon the hearts of the careless and world loving.

There is great need of heeding the words of Christ, "I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." Here is presented the free receiving and the free giving. We are to communicate the light that God has richly bestowed upon us. The blessing of the Lord, received, must be passed on to others. Some will say, "I am not fit to serve God. How can I do this work of communicating truth? The opposition to the commandments of God is so strong, what can I, a poor weak creature, do? It is well for you to realize your weakness, but you are to lean wholly upon God for strength. Is anything too hard for the Lord to do?

The arm of the Lord is not shortened that it cannot save. His ear is not heavy that it cannot hear. God can and will work through human agencies. He can sanctify the heart, and make the human agent a vessel unto honor. Take the word; read it, consider, pray over it; let it enter into your understanding; let the light flood the soul temple, that you may testify of these things in the churches. The word of God is infallible; accept it as it reads; look with confidence to God; trust him to qualify you for his service. We are not authorized to trust in ourselves; Christ is our helper, our sufficiency. It is his to give us the victory. Christ has brought life and immortality to light, and we are to look unto him, and take this great salvation which he has won for us through his own death. Only believe; walk by faith, not by sight.

There are many souls yearning unutterably for light, for assurance and strength beyond what they have been able to grasp. They need to be sought out and labored for patiently, perseveringly. Present Jesus because you know him as your personal Saviour. Let his melting love, his rich grace, flow forth from human lips. You need not present doctrinal points unless questioned; but take the word, and with tender, yearning love for souls, show them the precious righteousness of Christ, to whom you and they must come to be saved.

Satan is working with his masterly power to hold you back, to keep you in his army. Ever bear in mind that the powers of good and evil are striving for the mastery over every soul that is seeking Jesus. Satan works to drag the enquiring souls away from the cross; but Christ is drawing them, and all who are co-operating with Christ will exert a compelling influence in bringing others to him.

As laborers for the salvation of souls, ask wisdom from God, believing that he will bestow the gift you ask. Receive the precious endowment by faith, nothing doubting. As we seek God in sincerity, believing his word, acknowledging his goodness, his mercy, and his love toward ourselves, there flows forth from us the living water to refresh and revive the spirit of the humble and the contrite. The souls that are seeking for truth need to have words spoken to them in season, for Satan is speaking to them by his temptations. If you meet with repulse when trying to help souls, heed it not. Speak to those who will listen. Impart the knowledge of the truth you have obtained; but let it be the truth as it is in Jesus. Work while it is day; for "the night cometh, when no man can work." Sow the seed in faith, and with an unsparing hand. Work as if you could behold the universe of heaven looking upon you. One soul saved is worth more than the whole world. All who are willing to examine and understand the truth, will find the precious, priceless hidden treasure.

Never forget that we cannot assimilate to the world, and be God's people. There is divinity in the word. In presenting the word to others, never make it a "suppose so," a "guess," or a "may be." Speak as one who has authority from God through his word. Declare with Peter, "We have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eye-witnesses of his majesty. . . . We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day-star arise in your hearts."

Throughout the meeting the Lord sustained me by his grace, so that I was able to speak to the people from time to time till the very close. Altogether, the meeting was a pleasant surprise to our own people and to the people of Hobart. Many said, "I thought this meeting would be a failure because of the hard times, and the difficulties that attend families leaving home for ten days; but it is a complete success. I rejoice to see so many here, and most of all that I am here, and that I hear the stirring truths from the word, and that God has let light into my heart and soul, and has given me courage for the conflict with temptation and sin." Some said," "My feet were slipping; I was losing faith in the message, and did not realize the shortness of time, nor see our present danger. Now I rejoice that I came to this meeting. The presence of the Lord has been here. His Spirit has touched many hearts. He has greatly blessed me. I shall go to my home with a determination to work for the Master." Some who for years have been praying that members of their families might give their hearts to God, were filled with joy at the fulfilment of their prayers.

The theme of the addresses and Bible studies was, Jesus Christ: his love, his sacrifice, his obedience to the will of God, his life as an example, his exaltation, his ministry, and his messages to the church. Much of the Spirit and power of God was felt as these things were dwelt upon, and all were impressed that our religion must be more a matter of the life, and less a matter of theory.

Sabbath afternoon, December 7, there were several who expressed a desire for baptism. On Sunday, fourteen were immersed in the water of the bay, as witness of their death to sin and resurrection to the new life.

At the close of the camp-meeting it was decided to continue evening meetings in the large tent for a week or two on the same grounds. Much interest is manifested to know more of the message, and there are many who need only the courage of their convictions to take their stand with us. The members of the Hobart church are greatly encouraged and strengthened, and they are now proposing to build a meeting-house of their own.

Our prayer is that the year 1896 may be a year of prosperity and growth for the cause in Tasmania; and it surely will be if those who have received light and blessing will labor in faith to prevent the same to others. -

Sanctified Humility

Let us look at and study the sixth chapter of Isaiah: "In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphim; each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory. And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke."

This was a revelation of the glory of Christ's divinity. Note the humility of the seraphim before him. With their wings they veiled their faces and their feet. They were in the presence of Jesus. They saw the glory of God,--the King in his beauty,--and they covered themselves. And what effect did this view of the Lord's glory have upon the mind of the prophet? "Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts. Then flew one of the seraphim unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar; and he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged. Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me."

Beholding the glory of the Son of God caused the prophet himself to appear very insignificant. He felt nothing but contempt for himself. "I abhor myself! Woe is me, for I am undone." The more closely we view the Lord Jesus in his purity and loveliness, the less will we esteem self, the less will we strive for the mastery, or even for recognition. When the light of Jesus reveals the deformity of our souls, there will be no desire to lift up ourselves unto vanity. The appearance of self is most unpleasing. The more continuously the sinful man looks upon Jesus, the less he sees in himself to admire, and his soul is prostrated before God in contrition.

So many have this self satisfied feeling, and manifest this inclination to uplift self unto vanity, thus giving evidence that they are clothed with the filthy rags of their own self righteousness. If they do not seek most diligently for the heavenly anointing, they will not, cannot, see Jesus. Neither can they see their own poverty. Their spiritual defects are hidden from their eyes. They have a name to live, but give not the slightest evidence that their life proceeds from God. The true spiritual life is a reflection of the life of Christ. The meekness and lowliness of our Saviour are apparent in the daily lives of his true disciples. The gentleness of Christ is revealed. Such a life is constantly speaking of his love, and telling of the power of his grace. In beholding Christ, there is a continual change wrought in the human agent; his conversation is made fragrant with divine grace.

What a Saviour we have! It was he that revealed himself to John on the Isle of Patmos, and proclaimed, "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty." None but just such an ever-living, mighty God, could pay the ransom to save sinners from going down into the pit of death.

Bear in mind that the highest qualification of the mind will not, cannot, supply the place of true simplicity, of genuine piety. The Bible may be studied as a branch of human science would be; but its beauty, the evidence of its power to save souls that believe, is a lesson that is never thus learned. If the practise of the word is not brought into the life, then the sword of the Spirit has not wounded the natural heart. It has been shielded in the poetic fancy. Sentimentalism has so wrapped it about that the heart has not sufficiently felt the keenness of its edge, piercing and cutting away the sinful shrines where self is worshiped. "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

Many believe Jesus to be the world's Redeemer; but is he your Redeemer? Is he your personal Saviour? Until the truth is brought into the soul-sanctuary, exploring, searching out the defiling things which spoil the life and character, that soul will never see the kingdom of God. For "the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness unto him; neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."

The law was given to man by his Creator to be the rule of his life. Adam transgressed that law, and fell from his high and holy state. Afterward, the law was proclaimed from Sinai, and God wrote it upon tables of stone with his own finger; for it was highly essential that his holy law should be placed in such form that it would never be lost to man, but ever kept prominently before the world. The life of Christ must be revealed in our life. Isaiah saw the glory of the lowly, self-denying life of Christ. His far-reaching, prophetic eye, like a living light, radiated the entire experience of Christ; and history is in perfect accord with the revelations of prophetic vision. Every act, every step of the way, was portrayed in living characters. Christ was revealed in and through humanity.

Jesus invites. "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 is light." Jesus Christ has here presented this matter in a most beautiful light. He veiled his own divine personage in the garb of humanity, and humbled himself as a man. O never was humility like thy humility, thou Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world! Looking unto Jesus will subdue hated self, which is ever striving for the supremacy. Let this prayer ascend to God: "Impress thine own image upon my soul." And the spiritual eye can behold the glory of the character of Christ.

"And 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. . . . And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace." This is the vital current that is to flow from the heart of Christ as living water into the human vessel, from whence it again flows in rich currents, revealing Jesus, the fountainhead. This is experimental Christianity.

The apostle Paul makes supplication to God: "That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him; the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power." But the mind must first be made adaptable to the nature of the truth to be investigated. The eyes of the understanding must be enlightened, and heart and mind brought into harmony with God, who is truth. He who beholds Jesus with the eye of faith sees no glory in himself; for the glory of the Redeemer is reflected into the mind and heart. The atonement of his blood is realized, and the taking away of sin stirs his heart with gratitude. Being justified by Christ, the receiver of truth is constrained to make an entire surrender to God, and is admitted into the school of Christ, that he may learn of him who is meek and lowly of heart. A knowledge of the love of God is shed abroad in his heart. He exclaims, O, what love! What condescension! Grasping the rich promises of faith, he becomes a partaker of the divine nature. His heart being emptied of self, the waters of life flow in, and the glory of the Lord shines forth. Perpetually looking unto Jesus, the human is assimilated by the divine. The believer is changed into his likeness.

"We all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory [from character to character], even as by the Spirit of the Lord." The human character is changed into the divine. It is the spiritual eye that discerns this glory. It is veiled, shrouded in mystery, until the Holy Spirit imparts this discernment to the soul. The reason of the natural man may seek to discern it, his intellect may think to comprehend it, but neither can behold it. Those who possess the greatest amount of knowledge are still ignorant of it, until God communicates light to the soul.

The Lord expects more of his children than we render to him. He says, "Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee."

Higher Education

The term "higher education" is to be considered in a different light from what it ha. been viewed by the students of the sciences The prayer of Christ to his Father is full of eternal truth. "These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son may also glorify thee; as thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." "For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God; for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life; and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." The power and soul of true education is a knowledge of God, and of Jesus Christ whom he hath sent. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom."

Of Jesus it is written: "And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon him. . . . And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man." A knowledge of God will constitute a kind of knowledge that will be as enduring as eternity. To learn and do the works of Christ, is to obtain a true education. Although the Holy Spirit worked the mind of Christ, so that he could say to his parents, "How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?" yet he worked at the carpenter's trade as an obedient son. He revealed that he had a knowledge of his work as the Son of God, and yet he did not exalt his divine character. He did not offer as a reason why he should not bear the burden of temporal care, that he was of divine origin; but he was subject to his parents. He was the Lord of the commandments, yet he was obedient to all their requirements, thus leaving an example of obedience to childhood, youth, and manhood.

If the mind is set to the task of studying the Bible for information, the reasoning faculties will be improved. Under study of the Scriptures the mind expands, and becomes more evenly balanced than if occupied in obtaining general information from the books that are used which have no connection with the Bible. No knowledge is so firm, so consistent and far-reaching, as that obtained from a study of the word of God. It is the foundation of all true knowledge. The Bible is like a fountain. The more you look into it, the deeper the fountain appears. The grand truths of sacred history possess amazing strength and beauty, and are as far-reaching as eternity. No science is equal to the science that reveals the character of God. Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, yet he said: "Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the Lord my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the Lord our God is in all things that we call upon him for? And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day? Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life; but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons."

Where shall we find laws more noble, pure, and just, than are exhibited on the statute-books wherein is recorded instruction given to Moses for the children of Israel? Through all time these laws are to be perpetuated, that the character of God's people may be formed after the divine similitude. The law is a wall of protection to those who are obedient to God's precepts. From what other source can we gather such strength, or learn such noble science? What other book will teach men to love, fear, and obey God as does the Bible? What other book presents to students more ennobling science, more wonderful history? It clearly portrays righteousness, and foretells the consequence of disloyalty to the law of Jehovah. No one is left in darkness as to that which God approves or disapproves. In studying the Scriptures we become acquainted with God, and are led to understand our relation to Christ, who is the sin-bearer, the surety, the substitute, for our fallen race. These truths concern our present and eternal interests. The Bible stands the highest among books, and its study is valuable above the study of other literature in giving strength and expansion to the mind. Paul says: "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." "But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; and that from a child thou hast known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope."

The word of God is the most perfect educational book in our world. Yet in our colleges and schools, books produced by human intellect have been presented for the study of our students, and the Book of books, which God has given to men to be an infallible guide, has been made a secondary matter. Human productions have been used as most essential, and the word of God has been studied simply to give flavor to other studies. Isaiah describes the scenes of heaven's glory that were presented to him, in most vivid language. All through this book he pictures glorious things that are to be revealed to others. Ezekiel writes: "The word of the Lord came expressly unto Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and the hand of the Lord was there upon him. And I looked, and, behold, a whirlwind came out of the north, a great cloud, and a fire infolding itself, and a brightness was about it, and out of the midst thereof as the color of amber, out of the midst of the fire. Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance; they had the likeness of a man. And every one had four faces, and every one had four wings. And their feet were straight feet; and the sole of their feet was like the sole of a calf's foot; and they sparkled like the color of burnished brass. And they had the hands of a man under their wings on their four sides, and they four had their faces and their wings. Their wings were joined one to another; they turned not when they went; they went every one straight forward. As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side; and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle." The book of Ezekiel is deeply instructive.

The Bible is designed of God to be the book by which the understanding may be disciplined, the soul guided and directed. To live in the world and yet to be not of the world, is a problem that many professed Christians have never worked out in their practical life. Enlargement of mind will come to a nation only as men return to their allegiance to God. The world is flooded with books on general information, and men apply their minds in searching uninspired histories; but they neglect the most wonderful book that can give them the most correct ideas and ample understanding.

How hard men work to obtain knowledge! They expend time and money in seeking to find out things that are not essential to a life of purity, that will not aid them in building up a character that will fit them to become members of the royal family, children of the Heavenly King. Some make long journeys to Jerusalem to see the place where Christ lived and taught. They listen to traditions and tales that men have invented. They spend money for that which is not bread. Christ says: "Labor not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you; for him hath God the Father sealed." To expend time and labor in finding the places where Jesus worked in Jerusalem, cannot bring any real benefit to soul or body. The money would better be expended in helping those who are perishing out of Christ. In doing this work, we may be assured that we are working in Christ's lines. Human guides may point to this spot or that one as a place where Jesus made his abode, and travelers may cultivate feelings of awe and reverence in looking upon various localities, and yet they have no certain knowledge that Christ ever taught there, or that his feet ever trod the soil. The only advantage that we can gain is an advantage that comes by faith in knowing and understanding the work of Christ for our soul's salvation, in knowing the will of God in our individual cases.

Men and women may study the will of God with profit. Let young men and young women, while the dew of youth is upon them, begin to study the word of God, which expresses his will. The steps of Christ are certainly marked out in the word. God where they can be found to day. Do not seek to go back to the land where Christ's feet trod ages ago. Christ says: "He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." We can know far more of Christ by following him step by step in the work of redemption, seeking the lost and the perishing, than by journeying to old Jerusalem. Christ has taken his people into his church. He has swept away every ceremony of the ancient type. He has given no liberty to restore these rites, or to substitute anything that will recall the old literal sacrifices. The Lord requires of his people spiritual sacrifices alone. Everything pertaining to his worship is placed under the superintendence of his Holy Spirit. Jesus said that the Father would send the Holy Spirit in his name to teach his disciples all things, and to bring all things unto their remembrance that he had said unto them. The curse rests upon Jerusalem. The Lord has obliterated those things which men would worship in and about Jerusalem, yet many hold in reverence literal objects in Palestine, while they neglect to behold Jesus as their advocate in the heaven of heavens.

Where is Christ? We would see Jesus, not the places where he used to make his abode. Christ is the bread of life, and we must feed upon his word, and be a doer of his commands. What is Christ to me? How am I related to Christ? He is in the heavens above, and as our high priest, is offering up the incense of his own merit. His holiness mingles with our prayers of repentance and faith. Through conversion we are brought into close relationship with God, and the Father loves those for whom Christ has died as he loves his own Son. Through the almighty ransom he has made, we become sons and daughters of God. We should earnestly inquire, not in regard to old Jerusalem and concerning the fables that are repeated for truth, but we should turn our eyes to the loving Saviour, who ever liveth to make intercession for us. We should prostrate the soul before the incarnate God. We are not to trust in fables, and worship places that God has cursed, and foster idolatry in so doing. Jesus said to the Samaritan woman: "Ye worship ye know not what; we know what we worship; for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth; for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit; and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." Many visit Jerusalem, and go away cherishing ideas which they suppose represent the truth, while in fact they have only come in contact with fables. They publish these falsehoods as truth.

Peter declares: "We have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eye-witnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honor and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day-star arise in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of the Scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man; but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost."

Let the mind be educated to look to Jesus. Let an effort be made to become doers of his word. The curse of God is upon Jerusalem and its surroundings, and the land is defiled under the inhabitants thereof. There is no real foundation for feelings of awe in looking upon the land of Palestine. In revering these earthly things, men clothe them with a false glory. He who came to save the world could not be endured by those he came to rescue, and they killed the Lord of life and glory, thinking to extinguish his divine light from the world. But it was impossible for the grave to hold him. He burst the fetters of the tomb, and proclaimed in triumph over the rent sepulcher, "I am the resurrection and the life." Thus Christ became a present Saviour, a divine presence, in every place. All who believe may obtain clear views of Christ's true glory. When they behold him, all these minor things sink into insignificance, just as the lesser lights vanish when the sun appears. He who catches a glimpse of the matchless love of Christ, counts all other things as loss, and looks upon him as the chiefest among ten thousand, and as the one altogether lovely. As seraphim and cherubim look upon Christ, they cover their faces with their wings. Their own perfection and beauty are not displayed in the presence and glory of their Lord. Then how improper it is for men to exalt themselves! Let them rather be clothed with humility, cease all strife for supremacy, and learn what it means to be meek and lowly of heart. He who contemplates God's glory and infinite love, will have humble views of himself; but by beholding the character of God, he will be changed into his divine image.

Christ's Words at the House of the Pharisee

Christ was invited to be a guest at the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the Sabbath day. Some of the chief men of the Jewish nation were present on this occasion, and Jesus had accepted the invitation, in order that he might improve the opportunity of speaking words of truth, that like precious seed would drop into the hearts of those who were prepared to receive it. But the "Pharisees watched him," for there was a certain man before him who had the dropsy, and they were looking for some occasion that would afford them an excuse for accusing him. Jesus knew their thoughts, and "answering spake unto the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath day? And they held their peace." They had counseled among themselves concerning this occasion, and had said that no doubt Jesus would do as he had done in times past,--would have compassion on this afflicted man, and heal him on the Sabbath day. If he did this, they would condemn him for violating the Sabbath law. Jesus knew their reasoning, but "he took him, and healed him, and let him go" He could read the intents of their hearts, and he answered their unspoken thoughts, saying: "Which of you shall have an ass or an ox fallen into a pit, and will not straightway pull him out on the Sabbath day? And they could not answer him again to these things."

The manner in which Christ anticipated their question was inexplainable, and they were so perplexed by his manner of dealing with them that they could not carry out their plans of accusing him, taking him before the council, and pronouncing him worthy of death. With these words he passed by their accusations, and put forth a parable to those that were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms. He said to them: "When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honorable man than thou be bidden of him; and he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room. But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher; then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee. For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."

Some who heard this important lesson felt the force of Christ's words, and put into practise the principles which he announced. The wise man had spoken these same words hundreds of years before: "A man's pride shall bring him low; but honor shall uphold the humble in spirit." Jesus had said to his disciples: "He that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted."

In inviting Christ to this feast on the Sabbath day, the lawyers and Pharisees had thought to awe him with their greatness and dignity. They represented the religious instructors of the day, and were among the chief men of Jerusalem. But Christ had just pronounced a woe upon Jerusalem, pointing out the manner in which they had used the servants of God, and would treat the Lord they professed to serve. He had said: "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate; and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, until the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord." He had also spoken in reproof to those who had made the feast, saying: "When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither 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 cannot recompense thee; for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just."

These words came altogether too close to suit the self-righteous, ostentatious dignitaries who were at the feast; and one of the self-conceited Pharisees, endeavoring to close the channel of such remarks, exclaimed, "Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God." These words seemed to be in line with the remarks of Christ, but they were spoken with the purpose of breaking up his conversation. Under the guise of piety, this man thought to turn the conversation away from the close personal application which the Saviour gave it, to vague generalities which would affect no one for good. But the Lord read the heart of this pretender as an open book, and fastening his eyes upon him, he continued his remarks as though he had not recognized the design of this man to stop his conversation: "Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many; and sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it; I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them; I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. So that servant came, and showed his Lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. And the Lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. For I say unto you, That none of those men which were hidden shall taste of my supper."

Our Lord presented this parable to search the man's feigned sanctity, and to make manifest the fact that he had no true appreciation of the kingdom of heaven. The religious teachers of the Jewish nation were zealous in their professions of godliness, while they refused to be doers of the word of God. They knew that this parable was spoken against them. One of their number had declared that those who ate bread in the kingdom of God should be blessed, but at the same time they were refusing the invitation to the feast that had been prepared for them. How difficult a matter it was to find guests for the table which the Lord had provided! In the parable he showed them that the first and second invitations had been given them by the prophets and by John the Baptist, but that they had made worldly enterprises and interests an excuse for refusing to accept the invitation. They were professing to look for the Messiah, and yet were misinterpreting the Scriptures in regard to his advent and work. They did not recognize him when he appeared among them, and proclaimed the blessing that would come upon those who accepted his invitation to the spiritual feast of truth. Around the family board, when breaking their daily bread, many uttered the words, "Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God;" and yet how few respected the gracious invitation to partake of the heavenly feast provided for them at infinite cost. Jesus represented the matter in its true light, and showed that in order to furnish his table with guests, he would have to send out his invitations into the highways and byways, to the lame, the poor, and the outcast. He would have to press his invitation upon men, and by the manifestation of redeeming love, compel them to come in.

Those who were sitting at the table understood the parable, and knew that their cases were represented by the different classes who began to make excuse; but they closed their eyes to the convincing facts, and would not believe that the threatened retribution would come upon them. They continued to despise the message of warning.

Jesus had spoken these words in answer to a self-righteous Pharisee who counted himself among those who should eat bread in the kingdom of God, but the lesson of warning given to him had a general application. The invitation of mercy had been refused by the Jewish nation, and the message was to be sent to the highways and hedges,--to the whole Gentile world. The way in which the message was treated in that age is an illustration of the way in which it is treated in every age of the world. The very same means are used in presenting the truth in every generation, and the same excuses are offered in refusing the invitation. Some declare that they cannot follow Christ, because to do so would interfere with their business interests. Others urge the difficulties that would arise in their social relations should they obey the commandments of God. They say they cannot afford to be out of harmony with their neighbors, acquaintances, and relatives. They make light of the message, but the Master of the feast regards their flimsy excuses as contempt of his invitation of mercy. These apologies which men offer for refusing the invitation to the heavenly supper will appear again in their true character in the day of God. The rich feast of God's grace has been provided at infinite cost, and an invitation to that feast confers special honor upon the human race. Those who accept the invitation are authorized and commissioned of God to extend it to every creature. Though the invitation was at first given to the Jewish nation, it was to be extended to all the world. Christ presents the character of the feast to which we are invited. He says: "I am the living bread which came down from heaven; if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. . . . Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. . . . It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing; the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." Shall we not accept the invitation to the gospel feast, feed upon Christ, and thus have everlasting life? -

Words of Christ in the House of the Pharisee [Concluded]

The history of the great blessings that were offered to the Jews is presented in the parable of the supper. When the feast was prepared, the servants of the king were sent out to herald the invitation, "Come; for all things are now ready." But when those to whom the invitation was extended with one consent began to make excuse, and refused to come to the supper, the master of the feast was angry, and said, "None of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper."

Jesus was sitting in the midst of priests, rulers, lawyers, and Pharisees,--in the midst of men who had long been favored with the heavenly invitation, and who claimed to be guests for the feast of the Lord. But when the time came when they should have entered into the spiritual kingdom of heaven, when by believing on Christ they should have been partakers of his flesh and blood, when they should have received him whom their sacrificial offerings typified, they all with one consent began to make excuse. Mercy was extended to them, and their probation was lengthened, until three years and a half after the death of Christ, when the apostles declared: "It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you; but seeing you put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles." The Lord gave the commission to go out into the highways and the hedges of the cities and villages, to go to the poor, the halt, the lame, and the blind, to minister to those who felt that they had need of a physician. Jesus had declared, "I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." The wandering sheep must be hunted up. The Jews refused to accept the flesh and blood of the Son of God; they would not listen to his word, which he declared is spirit and life, and rejected the invitation to the gospel feast. Through their impenitence and stubbornness of heart in refusing the heavenly invitation, they themselves were rejected. The solemn words were spoken by lips that cannot lie, saying, "None of those men that were bidden [and who have refused my invitation] shall taste of my supper."

Jesus passed from the house of the Pharisee, "and there went great multitudes with him." "Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him." Jesus received them with joy, and gave them the instruction that they so much needed; but the Pharisees were greatly offended because he received those whom they regarded with contempt, and because he complied with their request to speak unto them the words of life. The Pharisees would not receive the heavenly invitation themselves, they would not listen to his teachings, and yet they were greatly displeased because he did not respect their teachings, and would not refuse to have anything to do with the Gentiles, with publicans and sinners. They murmured, saying: "This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. And he spake this parable unto them, saying, What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he called together his friends and neighbors, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance."

The scribes and the Pharisees felt that they were in favor with God, and that they had no need of reformation; but Jesus presented parables to show them the deformity of self-righteousness, and revealed himself as the Great Physician to those who felt their need of healing. He looked with pity upon the common people, the publicans, and sinners, who solicited him to teach them what they must do to be saved. He drew aside the veil, and pointed out the nobler world, the society of heaven, which they had lost from their view. He brought celestial things within the range of their vision. In the parable of the lost sheep, the lost piece of silver, and the lost son, he showed them the love of God, and how he is working in view of the universe of heaven, co-operating with God and angels for the salvation of the lost. He revealed the fact that the censure and reproach that are cast upon him are cast also upon God and the holy angels, and that in laboring for the salvation of publicans and sinners he was carrying out the work that Heaven gave him to do in seeking those who are ready to perish. He longed to present before the scribes and the Pharisees, before the Jews and the Gentiles, the great things of eternal interest, in order that he might break the spell of infatuation that was upon them, and rescue them from the deception that imperiled their souls. He revealed to them how vain were the pursuits in which they were engaging, the importance of every moment of life, and urged upon them as upon us the necessity of giving their all to God and of devoting their faculties to his service, that they might bear precious fruit to the glory of God. -

Who Are the Nobility of the Earth?

We read in the word of God that "not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty." The rich idolize their riches, and do the very things which Jesus has told them not to do. They lay up their treasure upon the earth, and they worship and serve their treasures. By their example they educate those who dwell with them or who are connected with them to think that money is the thing to live for, and thus they testify against Christ. What saith the world's Redeemer?--"Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." Every needed blessing will be given to those who serve God.

The day is not far distant when the books will be opened, when every man shall be judged out of those things which are written in the books according to his works, whether they may be good, or whether they be evil. In the judgment those who have loved God, and Jesus Christ whom he hath sent, will be, registered in the book of life as the nobility of the earth. The worldly, who have been called the noble, who have had large possessions, should now consider what is true nobility, and if they rightly understand this, they will esteem themselves richer than the richest if they are in possession of Jesus Christ. They will realize that the payment of a mere tithe of their earthly possessions will not give them power and eternal riches; but that every dollar they possess is the Lord's own capital. That which has secured the title of noble in this world, is the possession of riches which have been entrusted of the Lord for the benefit of his suffering children, and which have been appropriated to glorify him who should have been a wise steward of God. Many such men have used all their tact and wisdom in accumulating property, but have not employed their powers in healing the woes of suffering humanity about them.

There are many youths who possess talents, and if they were trained, they would be capable of doing a good work for the Master; but those who could aid them in obtaining an education, hoard up their treasures or use them simply for the gratification of themselves, and thus fail to build up the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. How do the angels of heaven look upon the daughters of wealth and fashion who decorate themselves with costly jewels, and spend thousands of dollars in glorifying themselves? How will Christ judge those who make gifts to the rich, when the poor are starving around them, when men's actions are weighed in the golden balances of the heavenly sanctuary? Has Jesus not said, "Know ye not that . . . ye are not your own? Ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's"?

Jesus came from heaven to earth to redeem the sinner. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." God does not desire to consume the sinner because of his perversity and his rejection of the great salvation provided for him. Jesus became poor that we, through his poverty, might come into possession of eternal riches. Yet Jesus, who did all this for fallen man, sees the souls he died to save idolizing themselves, trusting to their earthly riches, and despising the riches of his grace. He endured the agonies of the cross, despising the shame, in order that sinners might be elevated to eternal joys. He died to give them life and peace, and make them benefactors of their race.

How many of the poor and sorrowful, the naked, the hungry, and the destitute, might have been placed in comfortable circumstances, with the money needlessly expended for the adornment of the body! How many youth might have been assisted to procure an education; how many orphans and widows might have been made to rejoice, to send up to God a tribute of praise for the supply of necessary comforts, if money expended for gold and jewels had been devoted to philanthropy! Many young men and women might have been trained for missionary fields, to go forth to bring light to those who sit in darkness and have no light.

The fulfilling of the plan of salvation was a mighty achievement; but the rich man who has lost eternity out of his reckoning, has no appreciation of its value. The rich do only those things that suit their convenience. One rich person tries to outdo others in display. They are actuated by the same spirit that possessed Satan in the courts above. He has worked on the same line through all the ages, and rejoices at the transformation he can work in the character by implanting in the heart the love of riches. By pride of display and position he has caused the ruin of thousands and ten thousands. He has even led those who have placed their names on the church books to follow the fashion of the world, and seek to outdo their friends and neighbors in display. This has led to the committing of forgeries and robberies. In many cases wives have been tempters to their husbands, and have forced them to steal money in order to keep up the extravagant habits in which they have indulged. When frauds have been discovered, the perpetrators have often either fled from justice or put an end to their own lives. But the extravagance of the rich, and of those who would make a great display, reacts on the poor, and compels many to be ignorant, depraved, and destitute of the necessities of life. Thousands of talented men who have moral worth, and who, if they had a chance, could take a high position in society, are compelled to serve the rich and powerful, and to receive from their hands whatever they are pleased to bestow. If those they serve are selfish and avaricious, it will be made manifest in the way in which they deal with their servants.

There are multitudes of poor children who need care and protection. There are multitudes of aged people who are dependent upon others for the necessities of life. The Lord has not designed that these sufferers should be neglected. He has given to the rich an abundance by which the needs of the poor may be supplied. As good and faithful stewards, they are to distribute God's bounties to others.

God has made provision that ignorance need not exist. Those who have means are to take up their God-given responsibility. The poor are the purchase of the blood of the Son of God, and with God there is no respect of persons. The Lord says, "Sell that ye have, and give alms." Instead of hanging a necklace of gold and jewels about your neck, instead of adorning and decorating your mortal bodies, you are to deny yourself, take up your cross daily, and follow Jesus. You are to impart to others, and care for the destitute and the ignorant.

Jesus left his high command, laid aside his royal robe and crown, and clothed his divinity with humanity, that he might seek and save the one lost sheep. He did not go to the worlds that had not fallen; he did not fix his eyes on the largest world; but he came to a world cursed by sin. The ninety and nine were his, but he left them to seek the one who had wandered away. He sees a world of sinners, full of guilt and wretchedness. He pities the sinner, sick and in need of a physician. Every one he succeeds in rescuing from the slavery of sin, awakens the greatest joy in the heart of the Redeemer. When the shepherd findeth the sheep, he layeth it on his shoulders rejoicing. That soul, however humble, is of great value in his sight. It was for the joy set before him of saving the lost, that Jesus endured the cross, despising the shame.

The heart of Christ is full of unutterable love toward every soul that comes to him. "Likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance." Jesus said, "It is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish." The love manifested in Christ reveals the parental character of the Father; for God suffered with Christ. The Sin-bearer for a fallen world made the crown of thorns as a diadem upon his bleeding temples. O stubborn sinner, who will not come unto Christ that you might have life, Jesus will miss you. He is represented as the Divine Shepherd making search for the one lost sheep, that he might take it back and give it a place of refuge with the ninety and nine. Jesus desires the salvation of every lost soul. He says: "Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish."

Dear soul, Jesus wants you in heaven, or he would never have left his glory, and come to our world to endure poverty, sorrow, abuse, rejection, and crucifixion. "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." You that refuse to come will not find your name on the Lamb's book of life, but among the lists of Satan, and in your case he will be triumphant. The Lord Jesus came to break the chains of slavery off you, to put into your mouth a new song, even praise unto God. He came that he might present you with joy to the Father, and say, "Father, this soul is mine. I died to redeem it. I have graven this soul on the palms of my hands."

Not only is there joy among the angels when a soul is rescued from sin, but the Redeemer and the Father rejoice. The sorrow of Jesus over an unsaved world pressed his divine soul, and was a sorrow to end only with his death. Now he presents every soul who repents and believes before the Father with exceeding joy. He sees of the travail of his soul, and is satisfied. In the mansions above finally will be the Shepherd and his sheep. The work will be complete, and victory will crown the ransomed ones. When the redeemed of the Lord return unto Zion, the ransomed throng will sing: "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing." -

Christ the Minister's Theme

The ministry is a sacred office; for the minister is to preach a crucified and risen Saviour,--the power of God unto salvation to all who believe. He is to lift up Christ as a complete Saviour to all who accept him. He is to present the science of salvation, and this subject can never be exhausted. Christ is our living intercessor to-day, before the Father in the heavenly court. Jesus, the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but for the sins of the whole world, is the theme instinct with divinity, which the servant of God is to present before his hearers. He is to make it plain that through the merits of Christ, through his example of suffering, the disciples of Christ are fitted for every work, for every trial and discouragement. He is to direct the people to look unto Jesus, to contemplate his self-denial, his self-sacrifice, his humiliation in our behalf, and to be ready and willing to follow in the footsteps of Jesus,--to endure the cross, despise the shame, and go without the camp bearing reproach for his sake.

The minister is to show the people how the Holy Spirit makes them one with Christ, their divine Leader. The truth is to be enthroned in the heart, that it may sanctify the soul. The power and grace of God in the heart will manifest itself as the power and wisdom of God in the outward life. Jesus said, "I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you." With the divine endowment of the Holy Spirit, the human agent is qualified to work in Christ's lines. "The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." The minister, living the life of Christ, knows from experience that the believer becomes a living agent through whom God can work. Those who believe in Christ possess the character of Christ, have the love of Christ, are one with him. They lean on Christ as their only staff and sufficiency. They are Christ's living witnesses. By their spirit, by their words, by their deportment, by their courtesy, by all their actions, they testify to the power of Christ. A power goes out from those who believe in Christ, and their testimony carries with it the conviction that they are laboring together with God; that they have communion with the Saviour.

The preaching of the word is not to be undervalued. To preach the grand and solemn truths of the gospel which is to save men's souls, is a sacred, holy work. "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, thy God reigneth." What an honor is conferred upon men who are called to be laborers together with God. As John, they are to be messengers to proclaim the coming of Christ! Like him they are to cry, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." "Lift him up, the risen Saviour," and say to all who hear, Come unto him who "hath loved us, and hath given himself for us." Lead men to contemplate the self-denial, the compassion, the great love wherewith he has loved them, which led him to pay the purchase money of his own life for our sakes. Let the science of salvation be the burden of every sermon. Let it be the theme of every song of praise. Let it be poured forth in every supplication. Let nothing be brought into the preaching to supplement Jesus Christ, the wisdom and power of God. Let his name, the only name given under heaven whereby we may be saved, be exalted in every discourse. From Sabbath to Sabbath let the trumpet of the watchmen give a certain sound. Let them hold forth the word of life, presenting hope to the penitent, and Christ as the stronghold to the believer. Let them reveal the way of peace to the troubled and despondent; let them show forth the grace and completeness of Christ as their living Saviour.

Let the minister not forget to encourage the precious lambs of the flock. Christ, the majesty of heaven, said, "Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God." Jesus does not send the children to the rabbis; he does not send them to the Pharisees; for he knows that these men would teach them to reject their best Friend. The mothers that brought their children to Jesus, did well. Remember the text, "Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God." Let mothers now lead their children to Christ. Let ministers of the gospel take the little children in their arms, and bless them in the name of Jesus. Let words of tenderest love be spoken to the little ones; for Jesus took the lambs of the flock in his arms, and blessed them.

Our expectation is from God, who has given us rich and powerful proof and weighty arguments to move the hearts of men through preaching Jesus Christ and him crucified. Simple prayer, indited by the Holy Spirit, will find its way through the open door which Christ has declared he has opened, and no man can shut. The prayers of the saints, mingled with the merit and perfection of Christ, will ascend up as fragrant incense before the Father. Such prayers will be answered; the Holy Spirit will descend; souls will come to the knowledge of the truth; sinners will be converted; and the faces of many will be turned from the world toward heaven and the Sun of righteousness. Men will have new motives for action, and will become witnesses for Christ.

Watchmen are not to slumber or sleep in their important mission. They must not only preach, but minister, educating souls by personal labor, and teaching those who have turned from error to truth by precept and example what it means to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Ministers of Christ, great is your responsibility. Go forward in Christian experience from light to a greater light, reaching a more exalted standard continually. As the power of darkness works from beneath with intense activity, so let God's human agents work more vigilantly, co-operating with the divine, giving the trumpet a certain sound. Present the living oracles of God, showing the relation of the law and righteousness, and let no watchman fail to sound an alarm, and take up the warning coming from heaven, that all may be aroused to watch for souls, as they who must give an account. Light from heaven is waiting to be imparted to those who will walk in the light, as the light is given them. Let the workers for God manifest tact and talent, and originate devices by which to communicate light to those who are near and to those who are afar off. It is no time now to tolerate sleepy watchmen, and they never should have been tolerated. The experience of those who are working under the leadership of the principalities and powers of darkness, will be gained rapidly, and be abundant in suggestion. But because it has been so difficult to arouse from their lethargy the many who have long professed to know the truth, wicked spirits in high places have rapidly advanced their enterprises, and made their plans to hedge up the way of the Lord's army of workers. May the Lord show those who have long been hindrances to the cause of God, who have placed stumbling-blocks in the way of those who would have advanced, what they have been doing, and may they make diligent work of repentance; for they have weakened the hands of others, and have given the enemy every advantage. Time has been lost, golden opportunities have been unimproved, because men have lacked clear, spiritual eyesight, and have not been wise to plan and devise means and ways whereby they might preoccupy the field before the enemy had taken possession. These men may think that they have done a very wise work; but the judgment will show that their warfare has been against Christ and his work.

Let us now wake up to earnest work. Watchmen who do not know the time of night, watchmen who feel no burden to lift up the danger signal, and give the warnings for this time, will not be intrusted with the light which God has to give. "Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; but have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: in whom the God of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us."

There must be sleepless vigilance upon the part of every follower of Christ. Every one should look upon himself as a laborer together with God, working in his line to impart light and knowledge to others. God is working, and heavenly intelligences are waiting for the co-operation of human agencies, to work out in life and character a living demonstration of truth before the eyes of men. God has qualified men with the elements of faith, and it rests with them to exercise his intrusted gift and believe the evidences which he presents. They are to accept Christ, submit their will to the will of God, and love God and obey his commandments, that Christ may be formed within, the hope of glory. They must confess Christ, and reveal to the world that they have chosen him as their portion, or they will not be saved, but will be regarded as enemies of truth. Ministers are to present before the people the attractive loveliness of heaven, the glorious prize that Christ holds out before them. Only those will enter the gates of heaven who make Christ their refuge. Let men watch for souls as those who must give an account.

The way has been made clear for all those who choose to hear, repent, and believe. All heaven is waiting the sinner's co-operation, and the only barrier that stands in his way is one which he alone can remove,--his own will. He must submit to the will of God, and through repentance and faith, come unto God for salvation. No one will be forced against his will; Christ draws, but never compels, service from any man. The Roman power never had any authority for forcing the conscience, and the Protestant world has no license to follow in its track. In not a single instance have they the example of Christ in forcing men to become his followers. He says, "Come unto me [he gives an invitation to draw the soul] all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Man is required to surrender self, to submit to be a child of God, to submit to be saved by his grace, and when this is done, divine agencies co-operate with the human agent, and the character is transformed. It is in the surrender of the will that the line of demarcation between a child of God, an heir of heaven, and the rebellious, who refuse the great salvation, is distinctly drawn. The apostle asks the question, "Who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth?" It is the truth that sanctifies the soul. It is Satan that beclouds the mind, so that eternity is lost out of the reckoning.

Let us follow the example of Christ, and daily consecrate ourselves to his service, that we may be one with Christ, as Christ is one with the Father; then we can bring glory to our Master. Abide in Christ, as the branch abides in the living vine, and you will bear rich clusters of fruit to the glory of God. Jesus rendered perfect obedience to the divine requirements, and offered to the Father an unblemished offering. Those who believe in Christ as their personal Saviour, are "made the righteousness of God in him." As you value your own salvation, hold fast to your faith in Jesus Christ; for he is all and in all to those who believe. The time is come when Christ is to be preached as never before. Do we rejoice in this? We are constrained to set forth Christ as a complete Saviour, the necessity of every soul.

"And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the spirit and of power: that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God."

God calls upon the ministers of the gospel not to seek to stretch themselves beyond their measure by bringing forward artificial embellishments, striving for the praise and applause of men, being ambitious for a vain show of intellect and eloquence. Let the ministers' ambition be carefully to search the Bible, that they may know as much as possible of God and of Jesus Christ, whom he has sent. The more clearly ministers discern Christ, and catch his spirit, the more forcibly will they preach the simple truth of which Christ is the center. They will then preach the truth as it is in Jesus, and there will be no betraying of the sacred trust that has been committed to them in the work of the gospel. How painfully is the Lord Jesus Christ kept in the background! How his glory is veiled by the character and life of his representatives! Let the watchmen on the walls of Zion not join with those who are making of none effect the truth as it is in Christ. Let them not join the confederacy of infidelity, popery, and Protestantism in exalting tradition above Scripture, reason above revelation, and human talent above the divine influence and the vital power of godliness. -

Wealth an Entrusted Talent

"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

The followers of Christ are not to despise wealth; they are to look upon wealth as the Lord's entrusted talent. By a wise use of his gifts, they may be eternally benefited, but we are to bear the fact in mind that God has not given us riches to use just as we shall fancy, to indulge impulse, to bestow or withhold as we shall please. We are not to use riches in a selfish way, devoting them simply to our own enjoyment. This course would not be doing right toward God or toward our fellow men, and would bring at last only perplexity and trouble.

We are probationers, placed upon trial. God has furnished us with opportunities by which we may copy the highest pattern of character. Christ is to be our pattern. He was rich in heavenly treasure; but although he was rich, for our sake he became poor, that we through his poverty might be made rich. The Lord has made human agents his stewards, and the whole universe of heaven is interested to see what use men make of that which has been given them. God has entrusted his blessing to men for the purpose of helping their fellow men who are in actual necessity. No one is to feel that his fellow man is of less value in the sight of God because he is poor. Those who are hungry, naked, and suffering, are committed by God himself to the mercy, the love, and the tender care of those whom he has made his stewards. Men misapply their blessings when they use their riches in an extravagant outlay for selfish indulgence, for the gratification of themselves, for lifting up their hearts in pride and vanity. They misapply their blessings when they hoard up their riches, and leave their fellow men destitute of even the necessities of life. The world favors the rich, and looks upon them as of greater value than the honest poor man; but the rich are developing their characters after the manner in which they use their entrusted gifts. They are making manifest whether or not it will be safe to trust them with eternal riches. Both the poor and the rich are deciding their own eternal destiny and proving whether they are fit subjects for the inheritance of the saints in light. Those who put their riches to a selfish use in this world are revealing attributes of character that show what they would do if they had greater advantages, and possessed the imperishable treasures of the kingdom of God. The selfish principles exercised on the earth are not the principles which will prevail in heaven. All men stand on an equality in heaven; for there is no caste with God. Christ said, "All ye are brethren."

Everything we have received in this world has come to us through the gracious mercy of Christ. His example shows every man what he should do with God's entrusted goods. Men will not live an inactive life in the earth after it has been cleansed and purified. It is to become the abode of the saints, the dwelling-place of those who have been doers of the words of Christ, who have been faithful stewards, to whom it will be safe to entrust greater treasure. "If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own? "If you reveal the fact that selfish principles control your life and character, and lead you to hoard your means to glorify yourself, and you pay no attention to the temporal and spiritual necessities of your fellow men, your destiny will be decided, and you will be left outside the kingdom of God. You have used God's means in your own way, and after a manner of your own choosing. Those who thus employ their God-entrusted talents, will not develop the character which dwelt in our Lord Jesus Christ, and will not be partakers of the higher riches which are as enduring as eternity.

Why is it that riches are called unrighteous mammon?--It is because Satan uses worldly treasure to ensnare, deceive, and delude souls, to accomplish their ruin. God has given directions as to how they are to appropriate his goods in relieving the wants of suffering humanity, in advancing his cause, in building up his kingdom in the world, in sending missionaries into regions beyond, in disseminating the knowledge of Christ in all parts of the world. If the God-entrusted means are not thus applied, will not God surely judge for these things? Souls are left to perish in their sins while church-members who claim to be Christians are using God's sacred trust of means in gratifying unholy appetites, in indulging self. What a vast amount of God's entrusted capital is expended in purchasing tobacco, beer, and liquor! God has forbidden all these indulgences because they tear down the human structure. Through their indulgence health is sacrificed, and life itself is offered on Satan's shrine. Perverted appetite causes the brain to become enfeebled, so that men cannot think sharply and clearly, and devise plans that will succeed in temporal matters; and much less can they bring a cultivated intellect into their religious transactions. They are unable to discern sacred and eternal things above those which are common and temporal. Satan has invented many ways in which to squander the means which God has given. Card-playing, betting, gambling, horse-racing, and theatrical performances are all of his own inventing, and he has led men to carry forward these amusements as zealously as though they were winning for themselves the precious boon of eternal life. Men lay out immense sums in following these forbidden pleasures; and the result is, their God-given power, which has been purchased by the blood of the Son of God, is degraded and corrupted. The physical, moral, and mental powers which are given to men of God, and which belong to Christ, are zealously used in serving Satan, and in turning men from righteousness and holiness. Everything is devised that can possibly turn the mind from that which is noble and pure, and the boundary line is almost reached when the inhabitants of the earth will be as corrupt as were the inhabitants of the world before the flood. Of the condition of society at that day it is written, "God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart." "And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence." Jesus said concerning our own day, "As the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be."

If we look at the picture of the days that were before the flood, and then turn our attention to the habits and practises of society to-day, we shall see that our earth is fast ripening for the plagues of the last days. Men have corrupted the earth by their sinful course of action. Satan is playing the game of life for the souls of men. Those who are doers of the words of Christ will find that they will have to watch and pray continually in order that they may not be led into temptation. Many do not seem to appreciate the fact that the money they? expend on amusements which only vex the soul and lay the foundation for the corruption of their morals, is money that belongs to the Lord. Those who use money for selfish gratification are pleasing and glorifying the enemy of all righteousness. If they turned their hearts to God, they would use their money to bless and uplift their fellow men, to relieve poverty and suffering. Starvation is in our world, nakedness, disease, and death; yet how few abate their sinful extravagance! Satan is inventing everything that he can possibly devise in order to keep men thoroughly occupied, so that they shall have no time to consider the question, "How is it with my soul?"

The owner of all our earthly treasures came to our world in human form. The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us. We cannot appreciate how deeply interested he must be in the human family. He knows the value of every soul. What grief oppressed him as he saw his purchased inheritance charmed with Satan's inventions! The only satisfaction Satan takes in playing the game of life for the souls of men is the satisfaction he takes in hurting the heart of Christ. Though he was rich, for our sake Christ became poor, that we through his poverty might be made rich. Yet in view of this great fact, the majority of the world permit earthly possessions to eclipse heavenly attractions. They set their affections upon earthly things, and turn away from God. What a grievous sin it is that men will not come to their senses, and understand how foolish it is to permit inordinate affections for earthly things to expel the love of God from the heart. When the love of God is expelled, the love of the world quickly flows in to supply the vacuum. The Lord alone can cleanse the soul-temple from the moral defilement.

Jesus gave his life for the life of the world, and he places an infinite value upon man. He desires that man shall appreciate himself, and consider his future well-being. If the eye is kept single, the whole body will be full of light. If the spiritual vision is clear, unseen realities will be looked upon in their true value, and beholding the eternal world will give added enjoyment to this world. The Christian will be filled with joy in proportion as he is a faithful steward of his Lord's goods. Christ yearns to save every son and daughter of Adam. He lifts his voice in warning, in order to break the spell which has bound the soul in captivity to the slavery of sin. He beseeches men to turn from their infatuation. He brings the nobler world before their vision, and says, "Lay not up for yourselves treasure upon the earth." Christ sees the danger; he knows the subtle temptations and power of the enemy; for he has experienced Satan's temptations. He gave his life to procure a period of probation for the sons and daughters of Adam. With the result of Adam's disobedience and transgressions before them, with greater light shining upon them, they are invited to come unto him and find rest unto their souls. But the greater the light and the plainer the danger signal, the greater the condemnation of those will be who turn from light to darkness. The words of Christ are too serious in their import to be disregarded.

Men seem moved with an insane desire to procure earthly possessions. Every species of dishonesty is practised in order to accumulate wealth. Men pursue their business affairs with intense zeal, as though success in this line would be a surety for obtaining heaven. They bind up the Lord's entrusted capital in worldly goods, and there is no means with which to advance the kingdom of God in the world by relieving the mental and physical distress of the world's inhabitants. Many who profess to be Christians fail to heed the command of Christ when he says, "Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

The Lord will not compel men to deal justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with their God; he sets before the human agent good and evil, and makes plain what will be the sure result of following one course or the other. Christ invites us, saying, "Follow me." But we are never forced to walk in his footsteps. If we do walk in his footsteps, it is the result of deliberate choice. As we see the life and character of Christ, strong desire is awakened to be like him in character; and we follow on to know the Lord, and to know his goings forth are prepared as the morning. We then begin to realize that "the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day."

Treasure Laid Up in Heaven

"Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead [to earthly pleasures and worldly attractions], and your life is hid with Christ in God." What follows this experience?--"When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: for which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience."

Truth languishes in our earth, and he that departeth from evil, maketh himself a prey. What shall I eat? and what shall I drink? and wherewithal shall I be clothed? are the questions which are occupying the minds of men, while eternity is dropped out of their reckoning. Men do not look upon the Lord Jesus Christ as the only hope of the world. He sees his purchased possession the sport of every kind of deception, and knows that the end thereof is eternal ruin. Those for whom he died are absorbed in providing themselves with temporal things that are not required. At the same time they are neglecting the preparation of character which would fit them for an abode in the mansions which he has purchased for them at an infinite price. Christ calls upon them to change this order of things, and to act as rational beings. He would have them use their God-given faculties in contemplating eternal realities. He lifts his voice in warning, saying, "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven. . . . No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon."

When temporal matters absorb the mind and engage the attention, the whole strength of the being is engaged in the service of man, and men look upon the worship due to God as a trifling matter. Religious interests are made subservient to the world. But Jesus, who has paid the ransom for the souls of the human family, requires that men shall subordinate temporal interests to the heavenly interests. He would have them cease to indulge in hoarding up earthly treasures, in spending money upon luxuries, and in surrounding themselves with those things which they do not need. He would not have them destroy spiritual power, but directs their attention to heavenly things. He urges that men should seek more earnestly and continually for the bread of life than for the bread which perishes. He says, "Labor not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed." "Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day." It is the word of God that is essential for our spiritual growth. "It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing; the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." Those who are doers of the words of Christ will bring heaven into their life.

Christ is our Redeemer, our owner, and he is intensely interested that we shall have peace in this world. He seeks to present before us the attractions of heaven; for where the treasure is, there will the heart be also. To lay up treasure in heaven is to use our God-given capabilities in acquiring means and influence that may be used for the glory of God. Every dollar we earn is the Lord's property, and should be used in reference to the time when we shall be called to give an account of our stewardship. No one of us will be able to evade the future reckoning. By choosing to lay up treasure in heaven, our characters will be molded after the likeness of Christ. The world will see that our hopes and plans are made in reference to the advancement of the truth and the salvation of perishing souls. They will see that Christ is all in all to those who love him.

The world is stirred to intense activity in seeking for earthly treasure. Men prostitute their God-given powers in devising and executing earthly projects; but Christ lifts his voice, like the trump of God, and calls the attention of men, saying, "What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"

In securing treasure in heaven, we place ourselves in living connection with God, who owns all the treasures of the earth, and supplies all temporal mercies that are essential for life. Every soul may secure the eternal inheritance. The Lord opens the fact before his people that there is full room for the exercise of their faculties, for the fulfilment of their loftiest aims, for the acquirement of the choicest and most enduring treasure. They may lay up treasures where neither fire nor flood nor any manner of adversity can touch. It is the highest wisdom to live in such a way as to secure eternal life. This may be done by not living in the world for ourselves, but by living for God; by passing our property on to a world where it will never perish. By using our property to advance the cause of God, our uncertain riches are placed in an unfailing bank. But it is not riches alone that is accounted as treasure. We are to dispense our wealth of thought, to use our God-given wisdom in devising and executing plans to honor and glorify God. We are to make to ourselves friends by relieving the distress of the poor and by building up every interest we possibly can in the earth, to keep heaven and God continually in view, and to lift up the standard of righteousness among men. In so doing we are using the means and the influence that the Householder has lent us in trust to make for ourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness. The world may condemn us for using our means in building meeting-houses, in feeding the hungry, in helping the oppressed and suffering out of their difficulties; but the Lord says that this is the very work that should be done with his intrusted capital. Those who make friends with the mammon of unrighteousness will be received into everlasting habitations. Every sacrifice made for the purpose of blessing others, every appropriation of means for the service of God, will be treasure laid up in heaven. -

Character of the Last Conflict

The great controversy between the Prince of light and the prince of darkness has not abated one jot or tittle of its influence as time has gone on. The stern conflict between light and darkness, between truth and error, is deepening in its intensity. The synagogue of Satan is intensely active, and in this age the deceiving power of the enemy is working in the most subtle way. Every human mind that is not surrendered to God and is not under the control of the Spirit of God, will be perverted through satanic agencies. The enemy is working continually to supplant Jesus Christ in the human heart, and to place his attributes in the human character, in the place of the attributes of God. He brings his strong delusions to bear upon the human mind, that he may have a controlling power. He seeks to obliterate the truth and abolish the true pattern of goodness and righteousness, in order that the professed Christian world may be swept to perdition through separation from God. He is working in order that selfishness may become world-wide, and thus make of no effect the mission and work of Christ.

Christ came to the world to bring back the character of God to man, and to retrace on the human, soul the divine image. Through his entire life, Christ sought by continuous, laborious efforts to call the world's attention to God and to his holy requirements, so that men might be imbued with the Spirit of God, might be actuated by love, and might reveal in life and character the divine attributes. Christ came to be the light and life of the world, and his life was one of continual self-denial and self-sacrifice. The Lord Jesus valued every human being, and could not endure the thought that one soul should perish. His great heart of love embraced the whole world, and led him to provide complete salvation for all who would believe in him. In the character of Christ, majesty and humility were blended. Temperance and self-denial were seen in every act of his life, but there was no taint of bigotry, no cold austerity, manifested in his manner to lessen his influence over those with whom he came in contact. The world's Redeemer had a greater than angelic nature; yet united with his divine majesty were meekness and humility that attracted all to himself. He speaks to all, saying, "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."

Christ is man's example. "In him was life; and the life was the light of men. . . . That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. . . . And 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." Christ, our Redeemer, comprehended all the necessities of man. He formulated the mighty plans by which fallen man is to be uplifted from the degradation of sin. In every circumstance, however trivial, he represented the Father. Though upholding the world by the word of his power, he would stoop to relieve a wounded bird. O that we all had an intelligent knowledge of Jesus Christ! Weary and worn as he often was, he pleased not himself. "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." "See that ye refuse not him that speaketh." Who are those that refuse to hear the voice of Christ!--They are those who do not hear and practise his word. They are those whose hearts were crowded and overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness and the cares of this life; who are eating and drinking, planting and building, marrying and giving in marriage. They are those who will not receive the message of warning for these last days.

The agencies of Satan are at work to keep the minds of men engrossed with the things of this life, in order that he may work counter to the mission and work of Christ. Of Satan, Christ declares he "abode not in the truth." Once Satan was in co-partnership with God, Jesus Christ, and the holy angels. He was highly exalted in heaven, and was radiant in light and glory that came to him from the Father and the Son; but he became disloyal, and lost his high and holy position as covering cherub. He became the antagonist of God, an apostate, and was excluded from heaven. He established his empire, and planted the standard of rebellion against the law of Jehovah. He invited all the powers of evil to rally about his standard, in order to form a desperate companionship of evil to league against the God of heaven. He worked perseveringly and determinedly to perpetuate his rebellion, and to cause men to turn from Bible truth, and to stand under his banner. As soon as the Lord through Jesus Christ created our world, and placed Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden, Satan announced his purpose to conform to his own nature the father and mother of all humanity, and to unite them with his own ranks of rebellion. He was determined to efface the image of God from the human posterity, and to trace his own image upon the soul in place of the divine image. He adopted methods of deception by which to accomplish his purpose. He is called the father of lies, an accuser of God and of those who maintain their allegiance to God, a murderer from the beginning. He put forth every power at his command to win man to co-operate with him in apostasy, and succeeded in bringing rebellion into our world.

All the vast, complicated machinery of evil agencies is put into action in these last days. Through generation after generation, from age to age, Satan has gathered human agencies through whom to work out his diabolical purposes, and to bring about the enforcement of his plans and devices in the earth. The great putrid fountain of evil has been continually flowing through human society. Though unable to expel God from his throne, Satan has charged God with satanic attributes, and has claimed the attributes of God as his own. He is a deceiver, and through his serpentine sharpness, through his crooked practises, he has drawn to himself the homage which man should have given to God, and has planted his satanic throne between human worshiper and the divine Father.

But in man's behalf, Christ met the specious temptations of Satan, and left to man an example as to how to overcome Satan in the conflict. He exhorts his followers, saying, "Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." Satan has made masterly efforts to perpetuate sin. He arrayed all his civil agencies to war against Jesus Christ in an active, desperate conflict, in order that he might bruise the heart of infinite Love. He seduced the people to bow to idols, and thus gain supremacy over earthly kingdoms. He considered that to be the god of this world was the next best thing to gaining possession of the throne of God in heaven. In a large measure he has been successful in his plans. When Jesus was on earth, Satan led the people to reject the Son of God, and to choose Barabbas, who in character represented Satan, the god of this world. The Lord Jesus Christ came to dispute the usurpation of Satan in the kingdoms of the world. The conflict is not yet ended; and as we draw near the close of time, the battle waxes more intense. As the second appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ draws near, satanic agencies are moved from beneath. Satan will not only appear as a human being, but he will personate Jesus Christ; and the world who has rejected the truth will receive him as the Lord of lords and King of kings. He will exercise his power, and work upon the human imagination. He will corrupt both the minds and the bodies of men, and will work through the children of disobedience, fascinating and charming, as does a serpent. What a spectacle will the world be for heavenly intelligences! What a spectacle for God, the Creator of the world, to behold! The form Satan assumed in Eden when leading our first parents to transgress, was of a character to bewilder and confuse the mind. He will work in as subtle a manner as we near the end of earth's history. All his deceiving power will be brought to bear upon human subjects, to complete the work of deluding the human family. So deceptive will be his working, that men will do as they did in the days of Christ; and when asked, Whom shall I release unto you, Christ or Barabbas? the almost universal cry will be, Barabbas, Barabbas! And when the question is asked, "What will ye then that I shall do unto him whom ye call the King of the Jews?" the cry again will be, "Crucify him!" Christ will be represented in the person of those who accept the truth, and who identify their interest with that of their Lord. The world will be enraged at them in the same way that they were enraged at Christ, and the disciples of Christ will know that they are to be treated no better than was their Lord. But Christ will surely identify his interest with that of those who accept him as their personal Saviour. Every insult, every reproach, every false accusation made against them by those who have turned their ears away from the truth and are turned unto fables, will be charged upon the guilty ones as done to Christ in the person of his saints.

Those who love and keep the commandments of God are most obnoxious to the synagogue of Satan, and the powers of evil will manifest their hatred toward them to the fullest extent possible. John foresaw the conflict between the remnant church and the power of evil, and said, "The dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ." The forces of darkness will unite with human agents who have given themselves into the control of Satan, and the same scenes that were exhibited at the trial, rejection, and crucifixion of Christ will be revived. Through yielding to satanic influences, men will be transformed into fiends; and those who were created in the image of God, who were formed to honor and glorify their Creator, will become the habitation of dragons, and Satan will see in an apostate race his masterpiece of evil,--men who reflect his own image.

Men were imbued with a satanic spirit at the time when they decided that they would have Barabbas, a thief and murderer, in preference to the Son of God. The demoniac power triumphed over humanity; legions of evil angels took entire control of men, and in answer to Pilate's question as to whom he should release unto them, they shrieked out, "Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas." When Pilate spoke again to them concerning Jesus, the hoarse cry was raised, "Crucify him, crucify him." Through yielding to demoniac agencies, men were led to take their stand on the side of the great apostate. Unfallen worlds looked upon the scene with amazement, unable to comprehend the degradation that sin had wrought. Legions of evil angels controlled the priests and rulers, and gave voice to the suggestions of Satan in persuading and tempting the people by falsehoods and bribes to reject the Son of God, and to choose a robber and murderer in his stead. They appealed to the very worst passions of the unregenerate heart, and stirred up the worst elements of human nature by the most unjust accusations and representations. What a scene was this for God to look upon, for seraphim and cherubim to behold! The only begotten Son of God, the Majesty of heaven, the King of glory, was mocked, insulted, taunted, rejected, and crucified by those whom he came to save, who had given themselves to the control of Satan.

Christ said, "If they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?" "They shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogue ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them. . . . Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved." "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." The agencies of Satan are having their last chance to develop before the world, before angels and men, the true principles of their attributes. The people of God are now to stand as representatives of the attributes of the Father and the Son. "Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods."

Redeem the Time, Because the Days Are Evil

"And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; but the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed."

Society to-day is fast approaching the condition of the world before the flood. As children grow up to youth, and youth to manhood and womanhood, they are becoming full of self-sufficiency, maturing rapidly in the knowledge of evil. Many, through constantly associating with thieves, with the depraved, dissolute, disobedient characters of society, learn to be cunning in avoiding detection, and become experts in deception and fraud. The youth of to-day are educated in crime by reading the stories which fill the popular publications. Having no regard for the right because it is right, as they read stories of theft, murder, and every other species of crime, they are led to devise means by which they could improve upon the criminals' methods, and escape detection. Foul publications assist in perfecting the education of the youth in the way that leads to perdition. The youth of our cities breathe in the tainted, polluted atmosphere of crime; the evil influence is then communicated to the country, and the whole community becomes contaminated.

Some of the rulers of the earth are not men of moral worth. They have no desire to check the publication of this foul literature which is increasing year by year, and which feeds the passion for crime and evil. Stories of criminal life such as are found in the papers of the day, and so-called revelations of the future, are treated as realities. Revolutions are predicted, and many catch the evil spirit lurking in these representations of future horrors; and they feed upon these things until they are filled with the same spirit, and are led to do even worse, were it possible, than these sensational writers depict. Christ saw the conflict that is approaching, and has sent us word to watch and pray, lest we enter into temptation. He has warned us that "as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. . . . Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed."

We are not warned against properly participating in business transactions, but against carrying to excess that which is lawful in itself, against allowing our minds to be so absorbed in earthly things that we shall not discern the important things that concern our eternal interest. We are warned against indulging perverted appetite, against surfeiting and drunkenness. Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Jude describes the condition of our world as we approach the close of earth's history, and lifts the danger-signal, that we may understand the perils of our time.

But even in the corrupt condition in which the society of to-day is, there are souls capable of better things,--souls represented by Christ under the symbol of "the lost pearl." Christ gave up everything, that he might seek and save that which was lost, that he might recover the pearl that he valued at infinite cost. What are we ready to do to co-operate with him in this work? What sacrifice are we ready to make, that we may find the lost pearl, and place it in the hands of our Saviour? The cities are teeming with iniquity, and Satan suggests that it is impossible to do any good within their borders; and so they are sadly neglected. But there are lost pearls there, whose value you cannot realize until you earnestly seek to find them. There might be one hundred workers where there is but one, who might be seeking diligently, prayerfully, and with intense interest, to find the pearls that are buried in the rubbish of these cities.

How can we find language to express our deep interest, to describe our desire that every soul should awake and go to work in the Master's vineyard? Christ says, "Occupy till I come." It may be but a few years until our life's history shall close; but we must occupy till then. The fiat will go forth, "He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still," and then there will be no more occasion to labor for souls. Every case will be decided. Are you carrying no burden for lost souls? Are you not afraid some trust has been committed unto you for which you will be held accountable? Are you sensible of the responsibility imposed by the talents entrusted to you? Have you misused your time, your strength, your influence? The despised privileges, the wasted hours, the neglected duties, are all registered in the books of heaven; and every individual must meet this record in the judgment, just as it stands. Now what are you going to do? Will you heed the admonition, "Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die"? You may fold your hands saying, "I am only a lay member of the church; it is a hopeless task for me to undertake." But have you yoked up with Christ? are you laboring in his way? O, let it no longer be a source of grief to the heavenly intelligences and to Him who has paid such an infinite price for souls, that you refuse to be channels of light, that you refuse to co-operate with the heavenly agencies for the salvation of souls! But let us "awake out of sleep," and put all our God-given abilities into the work, that it may be written in the books that we are "redeeming the time, because the days are evil." If we keep our talents inactive, we lose all ability to make use of them. The mind is a gift of God, designed to be improved and developed, that we may be able to enlighten others; but it may be perverted and misused in doing Satan's work.

The second chapter of 2 Peter presents the true condition of the world at this time, and the third chapter is full of warnings and counsel for the followers of Christ. 1 Peter 1:1-11 also contains the very instruction that we need. Shall we heed these admonitions of the Lord?

The Lord Jesus has a special work for his believing, commandment-keeping people to do. He desires that we should be faithful laborers together with God in the salvation of sinners. The servants of Jesus Christ, who know the truth and the power of the grace of God, have an extensive and important mission to fulfil; and every soul is held responsible for the proper exercise of the talents entrusted to him. We are justified by faith, but judged by the character of our works. In the parable, before the nobleman went away, he "called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, and to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability." There is not one human being to whom is not committed some talent, not one but has a work to do for the Lord. Not one is to be excused. Not one is to remain in idleness; but every man is required to do his best; the talents entrusted to him are to be used in consecrated service for the Master. Each member of the family of God is a responsible agent, and all should donate gifts to carry forward his work. From the humblest to the most exalted in privilege and position, both in the church and in the world, a strict account of the entrusted talents will be required, with the improvement which they are sure to make if put to use in the Lord's service. It is practise that enables us to use our abilities to the best advantage. Investments are to be made in such a way as to accomplish the greatest good for the cause, and to increase the revenue of the Lord's treasury. This need not apply solely to money investments, but to the improvement of our capabilities and opportunities as well. The Lord has given to every man his work, and expects returns proportionate to the ability of each. All are expected to perform their duty intelligently, so that the amount entrusted to them shall be doubled by the use they make of it. The fidelity of every human agent is to be tested and tried, and the destiny of the worker is determined by the faithful improvement, or by the lack of improvement, of his talents, according to the amount returned. Christ has paid the penalty, the wages of sin; he has shed his own precious blood to redeem the world from eternal ruin. If we always bear this in mind, we shall understand that there is no excuse for our remaining in ignorance.

The invitation of Christ is, "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you," engage with me to save all who will believe on him whom the Father hath sent. Shall we bear the yoke with Christ? shall we be co-laborers with him? Listen to what he says, "My yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Those who barricade the soul, refuse the invitation to the gospel feast; those who hoard up their talents to rust, unemployed, unimproved, must not think that such action in any way relieves them from responsibility; for God holds us responsible for the good we might do if we took up the yoke with Christ, lifting his burdens, learning more of his meekness and lowliness of heart day by day. The interest continues to accumulate on buried talents; and instead of decreasing our responsibility, the burying of our talent only increases and intensifies it. Let the human agent consider the solemn fact that the day of reckoning is just before us, and that we are daily deciding what our eternal destiny shall be. The Master examines every individual case, dealing personally with the talents entrusted by him. O solemn day of reckoning!--that day which will bring paleness to many faces,-- that day in which the words shall be spoken to many, "Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting." It will be an awful thing to be found "wanting" when the book of accounts is opened in that great day. "And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell [the graves of those who persisted in transgression and sin until death overtook them] delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." Upon the decisions reached in that day depends the future, eternal interest of every soul. We shall have unspeakable joy, or unutterable woe and misery, the horrors of despair. O how Jesus will love to recompense every true worker! Every faithfully performed duty will receive his blessing. It is then that he pronounces the benediction, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." What is the joy of our Lord? "For the joy that was set before him" he "endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." "We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succored thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." Truth, precious truth, is not to be hidden in our hearts. "A city set on a hill cannot be hid."

When we consider that Christ died for the ungodly while they were yet sinners, we are led to realize how willing and even anxious he is to bless us, that we may be a blessing to others. This is the word which he sends unto us: "Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; that in everything ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you; so that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." -

Our Youth and Children Demand Our Care

"But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: and others save with fear."

Those who have newly come to the faith should be patiently and tenderly dealt with, and it is the duty of the older members of the church to devise ways and means to provide help and sympathy and instruction for those who have conscientiously withdrawn from other churches for the truth's sake, and thus cut themselves off from the pastoral labor to which they have been accustomed. The church has a special responsibility laid upon her to attend to these souls who have followed the first rays of light they have received; and if the members of the church neglect this duty, they will be unfaithful to the trust that God has given them.

There has been altogether too little attention paid to our children and youth, and they have failed to develop as they should in the Christian life because the church-members have not looked upon them with tenderness and sympathy, desiring that they might be advanced in the divine life. In our large churches very much might be done for the youth; and shall they have less special labor? Shall less inducements be held out to them to become full-grown Christians--men and women in Christ Jesus--than was afforded them in the denominations which they have left for the truth's sake? Shall they be left to drift hither and thither, to become discouraged, and to fall into temptations that are lurking everywhere to catch their unwary feet? If they err and fall from the steadfastness of their integrity, do the members of the church who have neglected to care for the lambs, censure and blame them, and magnify their failures? Are their shortcomings talked of and exposed to others, and are they left in discouragement and despair?

The work that lies next to our church-members is to become interested in our youth; for they need kindness, patience, tenderness, line upon line, precept upon precept. O, where are the fathers and mothers in Israel? We ought to have a large number of them who would be stewards of the grace of Christ, who would feel not merely a casual interest, but a special interest in the young. We ought to have those whose hearts are touched by the pitiable situation in which our youth are placed, who realize that Satan is working by every conceivable device to draw them into his net. God requires that the church rouse from its lethargy, and see what is the manner of service demanded of them at this time of peril. The lambs of the flock must be fed. The eyes of our brethren and sisters should be anointed with heavenly eye-salve, that they may discern the necessities of the time. We must be aroused to see what needs to be done in Christ's spiritual vineyard, and go to work. The Lord of heaven is looking on to see who is doing the work he would have done for the youth and the children.

As a people who claim to have advanced light, we are to devise ways and means by which to bring forth a corps of educated workmen for the various departments of the work of God. We need a well-disciplined, cultivated class of young men and women in the Sanitarium, in the medical missionary work, in the office of publication, in the conferences of different States, and in the field at large. We need young men and women who have a high intellectual culture, in order that they may do the best work for the Lord. We have done something toward reaching this standard, but still we are far behind that which the Lord has designed. As a church, as individuals if we would stand clear in the judgment, we must make more liberal efforts for the training of our young people, that they may be better fitted for the various branches of the great work committed to our hands. As a people who have great light, we should lay wise plans, in order that the ingenious minds of those who have talent may be strengthened and disciplined and polished after the highest order, that the work of Christ may not be hindered by the lack of skilful laborers, who will do their work with earnestness and fidelity.

The church is asleep, and does not realize the magnitude of this matter of educating the children and youth. "Why," one says, "what is the need of being so particular thoroughly to educate our youth? It seems to me that if you take a few who have decided to follow some literary calling, or some other calling that requires a certain discipline, and give due attention to them, that is all that is necessary. It is not required that the whole mass of our youth should be so well trained. Will not this answer every essential requirement?"--No, I answer, most decidedly not. What selection would we be able to make out of the numbers of our youth? How could we tell who would be the most promising, who would render the best service to God? In our human judgment we might do as did Samuel when he was sent to find the anointed of the Lord, and look upon the outward appearance. When the noble sons of Jesse passed before him, and his eye rested upon the handsome countenance and fine stature of the elder son, to him it seemed that the anointed of the Lord was before him; but the Lord said to Samuel, "Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart." Not one of the noble appearing sons of Jesse would the Lord accept. But when David, the youngest son, a mere youth, and the shepherd of the sheep, was called from the field, and passed before Samuel, the Lord said, "Arise, anoint him: for this is he."

Who can determine which one of a family will prove to be efficient in the work of God? There should be general education of all its members, and all our youth should be permitted to have the blessings and privileges of an education at our schools, that they may be inspired to become laborers together with God. They all need an education that they may be fitted for usefulness in this life, qualified for places of responsibility both in private and public life. There is a great necessity of making plans that there may be a large number of competent workers, and many should fit themselves up as teachers that others may be trained and disciplined for the great work of the future. The church should take in the situation, and by their influence and means, seek to bring about this much-desired end. Let a fund be created by generous contributions for the establishment of schools for the advancement of educational work. We need men well trained, well educated, to work in the interests of the churches. They should present the fact that we cannot trust our youth to go to other seminaries and colleges established by other denominations, but must gather them in where their religious training shall not be neglected. God would not have us in any sense behind in educational work, and our colleges should be far in advance in the highest kind of education.

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." "The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple." If we do not have schools for our youth, they will attend other seminaries and colleges, and will be exposed to infidel sentiments, to cavilings and questionings concerning the inspiration of the Bible. There is a great deal of talk concerning higher education, and many suppose that this higher education consists wholly in an education in science and literature; but this is not all. The highest education includes the knowledge of the word of God, and is comprehended in the words of Christ, "That they might know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent."

The highest class of education is that which will give such knowledge and discipline as will lead to the best development of character, and will fit the soul for that life which measures with the life of God. Eternity is not to be lost out of our reckoning. The highest education will be that which will teach our children and youth, our teachers and educators, the science of Christianity, that will give them an experimental knowledge of God's ways, impart to them the lessons which Christ gave to his disciples of the paternal character of God.

"Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise loving kindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord." "He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" "Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? He retaineth not his anger forever, because he delighteth in mercy." "Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow." Let us seek to follow the counsel of God in all things; for he is infinite in wisdom. Though we have come short of doing what we might have done for our youth and children in the past, let us now repent and redeem the time. The Lord says, "Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: but if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword." -

Operation of the Holy Spirit Made Manifest in the Life

At infinite cost, provision has been made that men shall reach the perfection of Christian character. Those who have been privileged to hear the truth, and have been impressed by the Holy Spirit to receive the Holy Scriptures as the voice of God, have no excuse for becoming dwarfs in the religious life. By exercising the ability which God has given, they are to be daily learning, and daily receiving spiritual fervor and power, which have been provided for every true believer. If we would be growing plants in the Lord's garden, we must have a constant supply of spiritual life and earnestness. Growth will then be seen in the faith and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. There is no half-way house where we may throw off responsibility, and rest by the way. We are to keep advancing heavenward, developing a solid religious character. The measure of the Holy Spirit we receive, will be proportioned to the measure of our desire and the faith exercised for it, and the use we shall make of the light and knowledge that shall be given to us. We shall be entrusted with the Holy Spirit according to our capacity to receive and our ability to impart it to others. Christ says, "Every one that asketh receiveth, and he that seeketh findeth." He who truly seeks for the precious grace of Christ, will be sure not to be disappointed. This promise has been given to us by Him who will not deceive us. It is not stated as a maxim or a theory, but as a fact, as a law of the divine government. We can be assured that we shall receive the Holy Spirit if we individually try the experiment of testing God's word. God is true; his order is perfect. "He that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened." Light and truth will shine forth according to the desire of the soul. O that all would hunger and thirst after righteousness, that they might be filled!

Those men who calculate just how religious exercises should be conducted, and are very precise and methodical in diffusing the light and grace that they seem to have, simply do not have much of the Holy Spirit. If they had more of the Spirit of God, they would meddle less with the experiences of men who have received this divine gift in large abundance. There is much need of the testimony that was given to Nicodemus. Jesus said unto Nicodemus, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." Nicodemus was astonished as well as indignant at these words. He regarded himself as not only an intellectual, but a pious and religious man. But Christ said again to him, "Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so [are a few who profess to believe the truth?--No.] is every one that is born of the Spirit. Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?" Nicodemus was unbelieving. He could not harmonize this doctrine of conversion with his understanding of what constituted religion. He could not explain to his own satisfaction the science of conversion; but Jesus showed him, by a figure, that it could not be explained by any of his precise methods. Jesus pointed out to him the fact that he could not see the wind, yet he could discern its action. He might never be able to explain the process of conversion, but he would be able to discern its effect. He heard the sound of the wind which bloweth where it listeth, and he could see the results of its action. The operating agency was not revealed to view; men could not tell whence it came, or whither it went. They could not define by what law it was governed; but they could see what it produced by its action. No human reasoning of the most learned man can define the operations of the Holy Spirit upon human minds and characters; yet they can see the effects upon the life and actions. The Holy Spirit is a free, working, independent agency. The God of heaven uses his Spirit as it pleases him, and human minds and human judgment and human methods can no more set boundaries to its working, or prescribe as to the channel through which it shall operate, than they can say to the wind, "I bid you to blow in a certain direction, and to conduct yourself in such and such a manner."

Though we cannot see the Spirit of God, we know that men who have been dead in trespasses and sins, become convicted and converted under its operations. The thoughtless and wayward become serious. The hardened repent of their sins, and the faithless believe. The gambler, the drunkard, the licentious, become steady, sober, and pure. The rebellious and obstinate become meek and Christlike. When we see these changes in the character, we may be assured that the converting power of God has transformed the entire man. We saw not the Holy Spirit, but we saw the evidence of its work on the changed character of those who were hardened and obdurate sinners. As the wind moves in its force upon the lofty trees and brings them down, so the Holy Spirit can work upon human hearts, and no finite man can circumscribe the work of God. The Spirit of God is manifested in different ways upon different men. One under the movings of this power will tremble before the word of God. His convictions will be so deep that a hurricane and tumult of feeling seem to rage in his heart, and his whole being is prostrate under the convicting power of the truth. When the Lord speaks forgiveness to the repenting soul, he is full of ardor, full of love to God, full of earnestness and energy, and the life-giving Spirit which he has received cannot be repressed. Christ is in him, a well of water springing up into everlasting life. His feelings of love are as deep and ardent as was his distress and agony. His soul is like the fountain of the great deep broken up, and he pours forth his thanksgiving and praise, his gratitude and joy, until the heavenly harps are tuned to notes of rejoicing. He has a story to tell, but not in any precise, common, methodical way. He is a soul ransomed through the merits of Jesus Christ, and his whole being is thrilled with the realization of the salvation of God.

Others are brought to Christ in a more gentle way. "The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth; so is every one that is born of the Spirit." You cannot see the operating agency, but you can see its effects. When Nicodemus said unto Jesus, "How can these things be?" Jesus said to him, "Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?" A teacher in Israel, a man among wise men, a man who supposed that he was able to comprehend the science of religion, and yet stumbling at the doctrine of conversion! He was not willing to admit truth, because he could not understand all that was connected with the operation of the power of God; and yet he accepted the facts of nature, although he could not explain or even comprehend them. Like other men of all ages, he was looking to forms and precise ceremonies as more essential to religion than the deep movings of the Spirit of God.

The very work that Christ declared necessary in the case of Nicodemus is the very work that needs to be done for those men who think that everything pertaining to religion must be done in a precise, methodical way. They need to be born again; and how the new birth is accomplished matters not, so long as the heart is renewed. When the prayer is sincerely offered, "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me," the voice of the Lord answers, "A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments and do them." The renewed heart will have no plants of selfishness to cultivate. Pride will be seen in its sinfulness, and will be expelled. It is not for the human clay to find fault with the molding process of the potter, but to submit to be molded in any way. Every soul must submit to the Lord before he can be made a vessel unto honor, to be filled with the renewing, sanctifying grace of Christ.

There are many men in the ministry who need to take home to themselves the words that Christ spoke to Nicodemus. They may regard themselves as expositors of the Scriptures, and yet may make the most simple doctrines of that Bible, the most essential truth, the most practical experience in godliness, a mystery to their hearers. No man, no matter how high his calling or responsibility, can fully understand the word of God, unless he practices the word in his daily life. If the truth is made practical, then he gives expression in his character to the comfort and peace of God that passeth understanding. A child in years may be able to comprehend the meaning of the practical lessons of Christ, when the most learned masters and teachers are ignorant of their significance. Jesus answered and said, "I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemeth good in thy sight."

It is a dangerous thing for men to resist the Spirit of truth and grace and righteousness, because its manifestations are not according to their ideas, and have not come in the line of their methodical plans. The Lord works in his own way, and according to his own devising. Let men pray that they may be divested of self, and may be in harmony with heaven. Let them pray, "Not my will, but thine, O God, be done." Let men bear in mind that God's ways are not their ways, nor his thoughts their thoughts; for he says, "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." In the instruction that the Lord gave Gideon when he was about to fight with the Midianites,--that he should go out against his foes with an army of three hundred blowing trumpets, and carrying empty pitchers in their hands, and shouting, "The sword of the Lord, and of Gideon,--these precise, methodical, formal men would see nothing but inconsistency and confusion. They would start back with determined protest and resistance. They would have held long controversies to show the inconsistency and the dangers that would accompany the carrying on of the warfare in such an extreme way, and in their finite judgment they would pronounce all such movements as utterly ridiculous and unreasonable. How unscientific, how inconsistent, would they have thought the movements of Joshua and his army at the taking of Jericho! "Now Jericho was straitly shut up because of the children of Israel: none went out, and none came in. And the Lord said unto Joshua, See, I have given into thine hand Jericho, and the king thereof, and the mighty men of valor. And ye shall compass the city, all ye men of war, and go round about the city once. Thus shalt thou do six days. And seven priests shall bear before the ark seven trumpets of rams' horns: and the seventh day ye shall compass the city seven times, and the priests shall blow with the trumpets. And it shall come to pass, that when they make a long blast with the ram's horn, and when ye hear the sound of the trumpet, all the people shall shout with a great shout; and the wall of the city shall fall down flat, and the people shall ascend up every man straight before him." Where were the scientific methods in this manner of warfare? ( Concluded next week .) -

Operation of the Holy Spirit Made Manifest in the Life (Concluded)

The Lord works in his own way, in order that men shall not lift themselves up in pride of intellect, and take the credit and the glory to themselves. The Lord would have every human being understand that his capabilities and endowments are from the Lord. God works by whom he will. He takes those whom he pleases to do his work, and he does not consult those to whom he will send his messenger as to what are their preferences concerning whom or what manner of person they would like to bring the message of God to them. God will use men who are willing to be used. The Lord would use men of intelligence if they would permit him to mold and fashion them, and to shape their testimony after his own order. Men high or low, learned or ignorant, would better let the Lord manage and take care of the safety of his own ark. The work of men is to obey the voice of God. Whoever has a connection with the work and cause of God, is to be continually under the discipline of God. "Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord."

There is a great need of taking self in hand when we find ourselves watching to make capital out of the missteps of a brother, a sister, or a friend. Although we do not acknowledge that the object of defaming another is to exalt self, self-exaltation is behind the practise of noting the shortcomings of others. Let every soul remember it is best to be on guard, and to make straight paths for his own feet, lest the lame (spying ones) be turned out of the way. None of us are in danger of being too devotional, or of possessing too much Christ-likeness of character. The remedy for unlikeness to Christ, for giving occasion for your good to be evil spoken of, is to live humbly, to keep looking unto Jesus in prayerful watchfulness, until changed into the likeness of his beautiful character.

The soul cannot be satisfied with forms, maxims, and traditions. The cry of the soul must be, give me the bread of life; lift up a full cup to my parched, spiritual nature, that I may be revived and refreshed; but do not intrude and interpose yourself between me and my Redeemer. Let me see him as my helper, as the man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Thou, O Lord, must be my helper. Thou wast wounded for my transgressions, bruised for my iniquities, the chastisement of thy peace was upon me, and with thy stripes I am healed.

Christ was crucified for our sins, and was raised from the rent sepulcher for our justification; and he proclaims in triumph, "I am the resurrection and the life." Jesus lives as our intercessor to plead before the Father. He has carried the sins of the whole world, and has not made one mortal man a sin-bearer for others. No man can bear the weight of his own sins. The crucified One bore them all, and every soul who believes in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. The disciple of Christ will be fitted by his grace for every trial and test as he strives for perfection of character. By looking away from Jesus to some other one, or to something else, he may sometimes make mistakes; but as soon as he is warned of his danger, he again fastens his eyes upon Jesus, in whom his hope of eternal life is centered, and he plants his feet in the footprints of his Lord, and travels on securely. He rejoices, saying, "He is my living intercessor before God. He prays in my behalf. He is my advocate, and clothes me with the perfection of his own righteousness. This is all I require to enable me to bear shame and reproach for his dear name's sake. If he permits me to endure persecution, he will give me grace and the comfort of his presence, so that his name shall be thereby glorified."

There are souls famishing for the bread of life, thirsting for the waters of salvation; and woe unto that man who by pen or voice shall turn them aside into false paths! The Spirit of God is appealing to men, presenting to them their moral obligation to love and serve him with heart, might, mind, and strength, and to love their neighbors as themselves. The Holy Spirit moves upon the inner self until it becomes conscious of the divine power of God, and every spiritual faculty is quickened to decided action. Jesus said, "I will send you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever." A deep, thorough work is to be wrought in the soul, which the world cannot see. Those who know not what it is to have an experience in the things of God, who know not what it is to be justified by faith, who have not the witness of the Spirit that they are accepted of Jesus Christ, are in need of being born again. "The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit." What can the world know of Christian experience?--Verily, nothing. "Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you." The great Teacher explained this instruction, saying, "It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life."

In this age, the word of God is not considered reliable. The word of Christ, that cuts directly across human desires and indulgences, and condemns popular habits and practises,--the Word which was made flesh and dwelt among us,--is ignored and despised. The teachings and example of Christ are not made the criterion for the life of the professed follower of Christ. Many who name the name of Christ are walking in the light of the sparks of their own kindling, rather than following in the footsteps of their professed Master. They do not represent the same character that Christ represented in his pure, sincere love to God, and in his love for fallen man. They do not take God at his word, and identify their interests with Jesus Christ. They do not form the habit of communing with Jesus, of taking him as a guide and counselor, and thus learn the trade of living a well-defined Christian life. Those who not only hear but do the words of Christ, make manifest in character the operation of the Holy Spirit. The result of the internal operation of the Holy Spirit is demonstrated in the outward conduct. The life of the Christian is hid with Christ in God, and God acknowledges those who are his, declaring, "Ye are my witnesses." They testify that divine power is influencing their hearts and shaping their conduct. Their works give evidence that the Spirit is moving upon the inward man; those who are associated with them are convinced that they are making Jesus Christ their pattern.

Those who are in connection with God are channels for the power of the Holy Spirit. If one who daily communes with God errs from the path, if he turns a moment from looking steadfastly unto Jesus, it is not because he sins wilfully; for when he sees his mistake, he turns again, and fastens his eyes upon Jesus, and the fact that he has erred, does not make him less dear to the heart of God. He knows that he has communion with the Saviour; and when reproved for his mistake in some matter of judgment, he does not walk sullenly, and complain of God, but turns the mistake into a victory. He learns a lesson from the words of the Master, and takes heed that he be not again deceived. Those who truly love God have internal evidence that they are beloved of God, that they have communion with Christ, that their hearts are warmed with fervent love toward him. The truth for this time is believed with sound confidence. They can say with all assurance, "We have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. . . . We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day-star arise in your hearts."

The inner life of the soul will reveal itself in the outward conduct. Let the word of God bear its testimony in behalf of the messenger whom God hath sent with a message in these last days to prepare a people to stand in the day of the Lord. "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!" The wisdom of so-called intellectual men cannot be relied upon, unless they have learned and are daily learning lessons in the school of Christ. Men, in their supposed wisdom, may plan and devise theories and systems of philosophy, but the Lord calls them vain and foolish. The Lord says, "The foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men." "God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world."

No one has been created in Christ Jesus for mere self-enjoyment. He who lives unto himself is not a Christian; for self-denial and cross-bearing are the portion of every true follower of Christ We have been bought with a price, in order that we may render willing service to our Master. Every hour that we have failed to acknowledge Christ as our personal Saviour, we have robbed God; for Christ purchased us by the ransom of his own blood. The Christian cannot serve the world, or yield to the claims of any power, relation, or society, that will make him deny Christ, dishonor God, and prove disloyal to his holy law. The Christian is to surrender himself unreservedly to God as his purchased possession. God claims him for himself, and will impart to the believer special favors, enabling him to be complete in Christ, more than conqueror through him that hath loved him. -

Take the Cup of Salvation

Jesus says, "My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." The peace spoken of by the great Teacher is larger and fuller than we have imagined. Christ is ready to do large things for us, to restore our natures by making us partakers of his divine nature. He waits to link our hearts with his heart of infinite love, in order that we may be fully reconciled to God; but it is our privilege to understand that God loves us as he loves his Son. When we believe in Christ as our personal Saviour, the peace of Christ is ours. The reconciliation provided for us in the atonement of Christ is the foundation of our peace; but gloomy feelings are no evidence that the promises of God are of no effect. You look at your feelings, and because your outlook is not all brightness, you begin to draw more closely the garment of heaviness about your soul. You look within yourself, and think that God is forsaking you. You are to look to Christ. In me, Christ says, ye shall have peace. Entering into communion with our Saviour, we enter the region of peace.

Satan is our destroyer, but Christ is our restorer. We must put faith into constant exercise, and trust in God, whatever our feelings may be. Isaiah says: "Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God." You can say with the psalmist, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." "Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper. And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the Lord, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the Lord; for his mercy endureth forever. And when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord sent ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten." "Unto you therefore which believe he is precious." Consider the fact that the Lord has given his only begotten Son, "that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

God has given Jesus as our sin-bearer, in order that we may be presented perfect in the merits of Christ before the throne of God. Those who receive Jesus as the way the truth, and the life, are beloved of God, even as his only begotten Son is beloved. Jesus died to rescue souls from the bondage of sin, and every one who returns to his loyalty, is precious in the sight of God. Our glorious Redeemer, who died to secure our eternal happiness, is a risen Saviour, who has ascended to the Father. He led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. The administration of his grace is in his hands, and he ever liveth to dispense blessings in abundant measures of grace. He will give power to his children, according as their circumstances demand. He says, "Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David." "As thy days, so shall thy strength be." Little annoyances and trials borne with patience, will fit the soul for the endurance of greater trials and more severe tests, but proportionate grace will be given for every trial that shall come upon us. The Saviour says, "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

Satan knows that Christ has purchased redemption for the whole world, and he is determined to wrest from the hand of Christ every soul that he can possibly influence. But believing in Christ, we shall have grace to meet his temptations. Jesus would have us comforted with faith in his goodness. Whatever may be the tribulation that shall come upon us in the world, we are to be of good cheer, knowing that Christ has overcome the world. We will have tribulation in the world, but peace in Jesus Christ. Turn your eyes from within, and look to Jesus, who is your only helper.

How thankful we should be that Christ took human nature upon himself, and became subject to temptation, even as we are! Though he took humanity upon himself, he was divine. All that is attributed to the Father himself is attributed to Christ. His divinity was clothed with humanity; he was the Creator of heaven and earth; and yet while upon earth, he became weary, as men do, and sought rest from the continual pressure of labor. He who made the ocean, who controls the waters of the great deep, who opened the springs and channels of the earth, felt it necessary to rest at Jacob's well, and to ask a drink of water from a strange Samaritan woman. When she questioned the propriety of his request,--how it was that he, being a Jew, should ask water of one who was a Samaritan,--he spoke words to her that revealed his divine character. He said: "If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water." When the woman expressed surprise at this statement, he continued, "Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life."

Christ was one with us in suffering the temptations common to human nature. He was tempted in all points like as we are, and yet he sinned not, neither was guile found in his mouth. When tempted, he sought strength from his Heavenly Father, just as every individual may do who is tempted. He prayed often, pouring out his petitions with strong crying and tears. He besought his Father for help, in order that he might be braced for trial and strengthened for duty. My dear brother, you place yourself in the society of those who bring temptations upon you, and you do not always resist temptation; yet the first decided resistance would bring angels to your side, to strengthen you. When you present your petitions to God for help, an angel lifts up a standard for you against the enemy, in order that you may not be overcome. You should look by faith to Jesus, saying, "Lord, save, or I perish." When this petition is sincerely offered, the heavenly standard is raised, and one stronger than your enemy shields you from his assaults. Our precious Saviour condescended to take humanity upon himself, and for our sakes became poor, that we through his poverty might be made rich,--not rich in worldly treasure, but rich in the gold of love and faith,--rich in imperishable treasure. The Lord has given us precious blessings in the simple flowers of the field, in the fragrance so grateful to our senses. He has tinted every flower with beauty; for he is the great master artist. He who has created the beautiful things in nature will do far greater things for the soul. God is a lover of the beautiful, and he would adorn our characters with his own rich graces. He would have our words as fragrant as the flowers of the field. He has given us blessings in daily provision for our physical needs. The very bread we eat has upon it the image and superscription of the cross. If Christ had not died upon the cross of Calvary, we should all have miserably perished. "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

But though the Lord has freely given us all things richly to enjoy, it is essential that we pray to him, in order that he may bestow upon us his gifts. There is no uncertainty as to what will be the result. The promise is, "Ask, and ye shall receive." Watch unto prayer, and be assured that the representatives of Christ are close beside you. When you are placed in circumstances where you are tempted to indulge appetite, or to forget that you are not your own to do with yourself as you please, ask God for help. You are in the service of God, and Jesus is waiting to restore to you his moral image. He loves you. He knows that your temptations are strong; but he is by your side, in order to make a way of escape, that you may be set free from the snares of the enemy. Do not fix your eyes upon the discouraging features of your religious experience. Look to Jesus. Seek for a new heart, and never rest until you can say, "I know that my Redeemer liveth." Acknowledge every ray of light that Jesus in his matchless love and mercy gives to you.

Do not think that because you have made mistakes, you must always be under condemnation; for this is not necessary. Do not permit the truth to be depreciated before your mind because those who profess it do not live consistent lives. Cherish faith in the truth of the third angel's message. If you do not cultivate faith, its importance will gradually lose its place in your mind and heart. You will have an experience like that of the foolish virgins, who did not supply oil for their lamps, and their light went out. Faith should be cultivated. If it has become weak, it is like a sickly plant that should be placed in the sunshine, and carefully watered and tended. The Lord would have every one who has had light and evidence, cherish that light, and walk in its brightness. God has blessed us with reasoning powers, so that we may trace from cause to effect. If we would have light, we must come to the light. We must individually lay hold on the hope set before us in the gospel, making the most of the blessings that are placed within our reach. Instead of looking to see if we have not made some mistakes in believing, we should look for evidence by which to strengthen and confirm faith. The things that have been revealed, belong unto us and to our children. God's promises have been given for our encouragement.

Shall we look at our sins, and begin to mourn, and say, I have done wrong, and I cannot come to God with any degree of confidence? Does not the Bible say, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness"? It is a proper thing for us to have a realization of the terrible character of sin. It was sin that caused Christ to suffer an ignominious death on Calvary. But while we should understand that sin is a terrible thing, we should not listen to the voice of our adversary, who says, "You have sinned, and you have no right to claim the promises of God." You should say to the adversary, It is written, "If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." I am so glad that God has made a provision whereby we may know that he does pardon our transgressions! We do not believe in God as we should, and I have thought that this unbelief is our greatest sin. The psalmist says, "I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin." "Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the Lord. What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. . . . The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit." This is the kind of experience that we should have.

We must not think, when we are afflicted, that the anger of the Lord is upon us. God brings us into trials, in order that we may be drawn near to him. The psalmist says, "Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all." He does not desire us to be under a cloud. We should pray as did David, "Open thou my lips; and my mouth shall show forth thy praise." The Lord would have us lay hold of these promises for ourselves. He does not desire us to go in anguish of spirit. We are not to look at the thorns and the thistles in our experience. We are to go into the garden of God's word, and pluck the lilies, the roses, and the fragrant pinks of his promises. Those who look upon the difficulties in their experience, will talk doubt and discouragement; for they do not behold Jesus, the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world. We should keep our minds upon the love, the mercy, the graciousness of our God, in order that we may become changed into his image, by beholding the divine character. Thus joy will be brought into our experience; for by studying the word of God we shall see that we are not left to our weakness, to our doubts, and that there is no occasion for sinking under discouragement. Talk faith; act faith. Cultivate the faith that works by love, and purifies the soul.

I have not always dwelt on the good things of God as I should have done; but I do not make it a practice to look on the dark side. This morning my heart was drawn away from the things that are seen and temporal, to the things that are unseen and eternal. I said, O God, I will pluck the roses and the lilies and the pinks! I will call upon the name of the Lord! I will take the cup of salvation!

What Doth the Lord Require?

"Because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be save." "He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?"

My brother, my sister, do you in your words, in your spirit, in your actions, resemble Christ? If in word and spirit you represent the character of Christ, then you are Christians; for to be a Christian is to be Christ-like. The tongue will testify of the principles that characterize the life; it is the sure test of what power controls the heart. We may judged our own spirit and principles by the words that proceed from our lips. The tongue is always to be under the control of the Holy Spirit.

When poor, wounded, bruised souls come to you for words of hope, you are to speak to them the words of Christ. Do you refuse to give them pleasant, courteous, kind words? Those who speak as Christ spoke will never plant bitter words like barbed arrows in the wounded soul. "The Lord hearkened and heard." Will you bear in mind that the Lord hears the words we speak, and is acquainted with the spirit that prompts our action? Christ is the defense of all that are hidden in him.

Bear in mind that every unkind word, every ruthless thrust, is recorded in the books of heaven as given to Christ in the person of his suffering ones. Is it not Christ-like to speak kind words, comforting words, even though you feel inclined to do otherwise? Is it not Christ-like to help lift the burdens when they press heavily upon souls whom God has valued so highly as to give his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life?

It is of great importance what attitude we assume toward those who are laborers together with God. I am so sorry to write that the Lord withholds many blessings which he longs to bestow upon those who have a knowledge of the truth; he cannot pour out his blessing upon the human agents, because of their attitude toward their fellow laborers and their fellow men. Those who claim to be members of Christ's body will allow their own fancies, their likes and dislikes, to shape their conduct toward even God's own delegated servants. After Christ has made the infinite sacrifice to redeem us from the oppressive power of Satan, shall we fail to pity and help those who are fallen and sinful like ourselves? Shall one man usurp an authority over his brethren, and hurt their souls because he imagines that he has authority, and can do this work? The Lord "suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes, saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harms."

"Dost thou believe on the Son of God?" You are just as dependent upon Christ for all that you receive as is the weakest, poorest, and humblest soul. "Dost thou believe on the Son of God?" A mere speculative belief amounts to nothing. Do you believe on the Son of God as your personal Saviour? Then if you believe with all your heart, God dwells in the soul, and the soul in God. You represent Jesus. Those who are in positions of trust are on test and trial, to see if they will be wise men in positions of trust, to reveal whether Christ is working in and through them, so that he can represent his character and express himself in their words and actions toward his heritage, for whom he has given his own precious life. He will not suffer those who are entrusted with responsibilities to harm his children. He will punish all who are acting in his stead, if they suffer one to be hurt, bruised, or discouraged, and become crippled in spirit or influence through the course they pursue, or if they look with indifference on the wrong course of another who claims to believe the truth. He will surely punish the one who misrepresents Christ in character, in words, in attitude. Every arbitrary exaction of man toward his fellow man will react upon himself in double measure. Just in proportion as the human agent is a partaker of the divine nature, he will be in sympathy with Christ. Jesus says, "A new commandment I give unto you [that ye tolerate one another?--No], That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." "This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you."

Through false philosophy, Satan has a widespread influence over many minds that are loyal to God's commandments in sentiment but not in practise. What is the character of God?--"Merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty." Here we have the character of the Lord Jesus plainly set forth, and the principles upon which he acts as law-giver.

The fifty-first psalm is of great importance; its lessons should be studied and practised. We should say with the psalmist, "O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall show forth thy praise." If the heart is in harmony with the truth, the lips will speak words to help, to bless, to strengthen, and not take all the life, courage, and confidence out of a man, and exasperate him by the manifestation of a spirit which reveals that Satan is working through the human agent who claims to be a Christian.

The following words were written not to meet the case of a few who are great sinners, but to meet the case of men who have been entrusted with special responsibilities,--men who are not to be lords over God's heritage, but to be ensamples to the flock: "For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise." "For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones." "Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my first-born for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He hath showed the , O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?"

All these are lessons from God, to be carefully studied and diligently practised. Many of those who profess to believe important, sacred truths are by their words and actions exerting an influence that counteracts the truth. There are many whose unlawful propensities so strong, because of their high notions of the own capabilities, that the Lord cannot work through them; for it would prove their ruin. Therefore the power that should be revealed in these men as representatives of Christ is not revealed; for God cannot work with men's sins. He may bear long with them, and send them messages of warning; but unless they shall take heed and mend their ways, he will leave them to themselves, to be filled with their own doings. In these perilous times there are few who are qualified to do a work for the Master; and men know not what they are doing when they will in any way grieve the Spirit and wound and bruise the souls of men engaged in opening the Scriptures to others.

Danger of Rejecting the Truth Through Clinging to Tradition

The people of all ages will be judged according to the light they have received. The church that has been favored with great light and with precious opportunities, as were Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum, will be held accountable for the use they have made of the light. As Jesus preached throughout these cities, how he longed to see fruits of his labor! How he longed to see the church struggling to be delivered from the bondage of sin! Every effort put forth through faith in him, would make them stronger in him. Charged with his exalted mission, he stood before the world as the representative of the Father. He said, "He that hath seen me hath seen the Father;" and again, "I and my Father are one." O that the inhabitants of these cities had followed his example and imitated his character! O that by partaking of his grace, by joining with him in his labors, they had cheered the heart of Christ! O that they had manifested faith in him, by taxing their powers to the utmost in diffusing the light shining upon them! O that they had come into companionship with him who is the Fountain of healing waters, that through them streams of salvation might have reached a lost world!

Those who receive Christ are changed in nature, and instead of selfishness and self-love, they love God and their fellow men, presenting to the world a spectacle of what the grace of Christ can do. In order to present the grace of Christ to the world, it is necessary that those who profess his name should consecrate their all to God, that their hearts should be filled with love, that they may give the world an idea of the love wherewith the Father hath loved us. There is no way whereby the love of God can be measured save by the gift of his Son to the world. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Jesus could best express the love of God in deeds of mercy; and so ample, so abundant were his deeds of love, that man could not imitate them, save by becoming partaker of the divine nature.

The deeds of love and compassion performed by Jesus in the cities of Judea, were regarded with wonder by the angels of heaven; and yet multitudes in Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum looked on with indifference, and in their hardness of heart they acted as though time or eternity was scarcely worth their attention. The majority of the inhabitants of these cities spent their time in caviling over themes of little importance, and but a few took the position that the Saviour of mankind was the Christ.

The prophecies of the Scriptures were plain, and gave clear predictions of his life, character, and work; and from the testimony of men who had spoken as they were moved by the Holy Ghost, evidence was sufficient to prove that Jesus was all he claimed to be,--the Son of God, the Messiah of whom Moses and the prophets did write, the Light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Israel. But it was in vain that he sought to convince the priests and rulers, and to draw the hearts of common people to his light. Priests and rulers, scribes and Pharisees, clung to their traditions, their ceremonies, customs, and theories, and suffered not their hearts to be touched and cleansed and sanctified by divine grace. The few who did follow Christ came from among the lowly and unlearned. "At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight." Jesus was accused of eating with publicans and sinners, as though it were a crime to associate with the fallen, and he replied, "I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." Had his accusers been truly righteous by faith in God, they would gladly have received the Son of God, and would have profited by his instructions; but those who were self-righteous, rich in their supposed knowledge, and far advanced in their own eyes in spiritual things, felt no need of receiving more truth and light. Christ said of these who supposed themselves wise, "Ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God." Jesus recognized their difficulty and said, "They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick." The Pharisees believed themselves very prudent in withholding their faith and sympathy from Christ; for though they had the Scriptures, they misinterpreted them.

Jesus unfolded to men the real import of the Scriptures, and revealed to them the significance of the words that holy men of God had written as they were moved upon by the Holy Spirit. The prophets had desired to see the day of Christ, and searched what the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify. And yet Jesus stood among the people who claimed to believe the prophets, who were looked up to as wise and righteous, and "they knew him not." Had they opened their hearts to Jesus, he would have opened to them veins of the precious ore of truth, and made them rich in knowledge to give to those who were sadly impoverished and ready to perish. Jesus would have endowed them with power to communicate the knowledge of true holiness. The Holy Ghost would have been given unto them, and they would have perceived that there were advanced steps to be taken; and becoming like the holy men of old, they would have desired to look into those things which they now saw but dimly. But filled with their own self-importance, they accepted the traditions, theories, and customs of men, and rejected the commandments of God. They had made of no effect the significance of symbols, types, and shadows, and through their meaningless exactions covered up the import of the commands of God.

The work of Jesus was to reveal the character of the Father, and to unfold the truth which he himself had spoken through prophets and apostles; but there was found no place for the truth in those wise and prudent men. Christ, the way, the truth, and the life, had to pass by the self-righteous Pharisees, and take his disciples from unlearned fishers and men of humble rank. These who had never been to the rabbis, who had never sat in the schools of the prophets, who had not been members of the Sanhedrin, whose hearts were not bound about with their own ideas,--these he took and educated for his own use. He could make them as new bottles for the new wine of his kingdom. These were the babes to whom the Father could reveal spiritual things; but the priests and rulers, the scribes and Pharisees, who claimed to be the depositaries of knowledge, could give no room for the principles of Christianity, afterward taught by the apostles of Christ. The chain of truth, link after link, was given to those who realized their own ignorance, and were willing to learn of the great Teacher.

Jesus knew that he could do the scribes and Pharisees no good, unless they would empty themselves of self-importance. He chose new bottles for his new wine of doctrine, and made fishermen and unlearned believers the heralds of his truth to the world. And yet, though his doctrine seemed new to the people, it was in fact not a new doctrine, but the revelation of the significance of that which had been taught from the beginning. It was his design that his disciples should take the plain, unadulterated truth for the guide of their life. They were not to add to his words, or give a forced meaning to his utterances. They were not to put a mystical interpretation upon the plain teaching of the Scriptures, and draw from theological stores to build up some man-made theory. It was through putting a mystical meaning upon the plain words of God, that sacred and vital truths were made of little significance, while the theories of men were made prominent. It was in this way that men were led to teach for doctrines the commandments of men, and that they rejected the commandment of God, that they might keep their own tradition.

If the self-righteous priests and Pharisees had been willing to look into God's great moral mirror, and had caught but one glimpse of their own imperfection of character, they would have said with Daniel, "My comeliness was turned in me into corruption." They would then have regarded it as the greatest possible blessing to learn the lesson of the great Teacher, which would have made them wise unto salvation. If they had learned from him who was meek and lowly of heart, the scribes and Pharisees would have shared with the disciples on the day of Pentecost, and would have been filled with the Holy Spirit. They would have had Christ's mold upon them. The cold, stubborn heart would have been kindled into love by his grace, and they would have been conformed to the image of Christ. "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."

The Holy Spirit will enter the heart that can boast of nothing. The love of Jesus will fill the vacuum that is made by the emptying out of self. "All things," Jesus says, "are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him." O let us heed the words of earnest entreaty that are spoken to every soul burdened with a weight of woe, "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 is light." -

Lay Hold of the Hope

"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 is light." When you begin to feel despondent, look unto Jesus, and commune with him. When you think your brethren misunderstand you, remember that Jesus, your Elder Brother, never makes a mistake. He will judge righteously. The words of Christ uttered in the great day of the feast have a wonderful meaning and power. He lifted up his voice and said, "If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink." We are not to be driven to Christ. It is our part to come,--to make our own choice, and come to the fountain of life. Why should we not come to Christ? for in him our hope of eternal life is centered. The lessons that have come to us through Christ are not oft-repeated maxims; they are full of vital thought. But it is our part to appropriate divine truth. The apostle Paul exhorts us to lay hold on the hope set before us in the gospel. By faith we are to appropriate the promises of God, and to provide ourselves with the abundant blessings which have been secured for us through Christ Jesus. Hope has been set before us, even the hope of eternal life. Nothing short of this blessing for us will satisfy our Redeemer; but it is our part to lay hold upon this hope by faith in him who has promised. We may expect to suffer; for it is those who are partakers with him in his sufferings, who shall be partakers with him in his glory. He has purchased forgiveness and immortality for the sinful, perishing souls of men; but it is our part to receive these gifts by faith. Believing in him, we have this hope as an anchor of the soul, sure and steadfast. We are to understand that we may confidently expect God's favor not only in this world, but in the heavenly world, since he paid such a price for our salvation. Faith in the atonement and intercession of Christ will keep us steadfast and immovable amid the temptations that press upon us in the church militant. Let us contemplate the glorious hope that is set before us, and by faith lay hold upon it.

We must not permit Satan to cast his hellish shadow athwart our pathway, and accomplish his purpose of eclipsing the bright views of our future reward. Let us not look upon his shadow of darkness. We gain heaven not through our own merits, but through the merits of Jesus Christ. We cannot find salvation in our own individual selves; we are to look unto Jesus, who is the author and finisher of our faith, and as we look, we live. Satan would point us to ourselves, and seek to make us feel that we must bear our own sins. How hard poor mortals strive to be sin-bearers for themselves and for others! but the only sin-bearer is Jesus Christ. He alone can be my substitute and sin-bearer. The forerunner of Christ exclaimed, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." Shall we not give up our sins, and let them go? Shall we not turn from them and hate them, and still remember that Christ regards his human agents as of great value? We cannot calculate the estimate placed upon the soul. Then take your eyes off yourself, and encourage hope and confidence in Christ. Let your hope not be centered in yourself, but in him who has entered within the vail. Talk of the blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ.

It is true that we are exposed to great moral peril; it is true that we are in danger of being corrupted. But this danger threatens us only as we trust in self, and look no higher than our own human efforts. In doing this we shall make shipwreck of faith. Our hope of salvation is an anchor to the soul, both sure and steadfast, when it entereth into that which is within the vail. Anchored in Christ, the soul, like a ship amid the raging elements, tempest-tossed and driven, is immovable. It is not driven on the rocks or drawn into the whirlpool. "Wherefore didst thou doubt?" said Christ to the sinking Peter. The same question may be addressed to us. Why do we dishonor God with our shameful unbelief? The Lord has pledged himself to give us strength to enable us to stand. As we search the Scriptures, we find ground for confidence, provision for sufficiency. It is our privilege to say boldly, yet humbly, The Lord is my helper, therefore I shall not be moved from my steadfastness. My life is hid with Christ in God. Because he lives, I shall live also. Let us pledge ourselves before God and the angels of heaven that we will not dishonor God by speaking words of discouragement or unbelief. If we talk faith, we shall have faith; we shall be confirmed in faith. Close the door to distrust, and open the door wide to faith. Invite into the soul temple the heavenly Guest. Let every word we utter, every line we trace with the pen, give evidence of unwavering faith. Let us not think that Jesus is the Saviour of some one else, but that he is our personal friend. Entertain the precious thought that Jesus loves me. In this way the cloud of despondency and gloom will be rolled back from the soul, and we shall be enabled to make melody in our hearts unto God. We may triumph in the Lord, every day acknowledging the fact that our heavenly treasure, our everlasting portion, is sure to us through the atonement and righteousness of Jesus Christ. Believing this ourselves, we shall be able to aid others to see that their only help is in God, and encourage them to flee for refuge to Christ, laying hold on the hope set before us in the gospel.

You need never feel that you are alone. Angels are your companions. The Comforter that Jesus Christ promised to send in his name, abides with you. Christ said of his followers, "Ye are the light of the world." It is your part to let the light shine forth in clear, steady rays. Let your good works represent Christ. How many there are who feel that it would be a good thing to tread the soil of old Jerusalem, and that their faith would be greatly strengthened by visiting the scenes of the Saviour's life and death! But old Jerusalem will never be a sacred place until it is cleansed by the refining fire from heaven. The darkest blot of guilt rests upon the city that refused the light of Christ. Do we want to walk in the footsteps of Jesus? We need not seek out the paths in Nazareth, Bethany, and Jerusalem. We shall find the footprints of Jesus by the sick-bed, by the side of suffering humanity, in the hovels of the poverty-stricken and distressed. We may walk in these footsteps, comforting the suffering, speaking words of hope and comfort to the despondent. Doing as Jesus did when he was upon earth, we shall walk in his blessed steps. Jesus said, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." When the sin-cursed earth is purified from every stain of sin; when the Mount of Olives is rent asunder, and becomes an immense plain; when the holy city of God descends upon it,--the land that is now called the Holy Land will indeed become holy. But God's cause and work will not be advanced by making pilgrimages to Jerusalem. The curse of God is upon Jerusalem for the rejection and crucifixion of his only begotten Son. But God will cleanse away the vile blot. The prophet says, "I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth are passed away; and the sea is no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of the throne saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he shall dwell with them, and they shall be his peoples, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God: and he shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death shall be no more; neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain, any more: the first things are passed away. And he that sitteth on the throne said, Behold, I make all things new." Rev. 21:1-5, R. V. -

The Work of the Soldiers of Christ

"Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier."

The lessons contained in the words of Paul to Timothy are of the greatest importance to us today. He charges him to "be strong"--in his own wisdom?--No, but "in the grace that is in Christ Jesus." He who would be a follower of Christ is not to rely upon his own capabilities, or to feel confident in himself. Neither is he to be dwarfed in his religious efforts, to shun responsibilities, and remain inefficient in the cause of God. He is to draw strength from a sure and safe source, that never fails those who would have divine power. The exhortation to us is, "Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus." If the Christian feels his weakness, his inability, by putting his trust in God, he will find the grace of Christ sufficient for every emergency.

The soldier of Christ must meet many forms of temptation, and resist and overcome them. The fiercer the conflict, the greater the supply of grace to meet the need of the soul; and the very nature of the grace received will enlarge the capacity of the servant of Christ to know God, and Jesus Christ whom he hath sent. The soul of the believer will go out in intense longing to know and understand more of the truth and righteousness of Christ. All who advance in the divine life will have increased ability to search for truth as for hid treasure, and will appropriate the truth to their own souls. The true Christian will understand what it means to pass through severe conflicts and trying experiences; but he will steadily increase in the grace of Christ to meet successfully the enemy of his soul, who works through human agency to cause the ruin of the servants of Christ. By passing through severe ordeals of trial, the follower of Christ will better understand the ways of God and the plan of redemption, and will not be ignorant of the devices of the enemy. The darkness will press upon his soul at times; but the true light will shine, the bright beams of the Sun of righteousness will dispel the gloom; and although Satan seeks in every way to discourage him by presenting obstacles before him, through the grace of Christ he will be enabled to be a faithful witness of the things which he has heard from the inspired messenger of God. He does not despise or neglect the message received, but commits his knowledge to faithful men, who in their turn are to be able to teach others also. In communicating the light to others, the Christian proves the truth of the word that "the path of the just is as the shining light, which shineth more and more unto the perfect day."

He who receives and diffuses light puts out his talents to exchangers for the benefit of his fellow men, in order that they may see and understand the things by which he has been blessed. By thus communicating truth to others, the worker for Christ obtains a clearer view of the abundant provisions made for all, of the sufficiency of the grace of Christ for every time of conflict, sorrow, and trial. Through the mysterious plan of redemption, grace has been provided, so that the imperfect work of the human agent may be accepted in the name of Jesus our Advocate. Man has little power, and can accomplish but a small work at his very best. When the ability of humanity is considered in its true light, when the soul is under the shadow of the cross of Calvary, he who would be a worker for God will consecrate himself, spirit, soul, and body, without reservation, to the cause of Christ, knowing that, at his best and fullest, his own power is small. But to him who has entirely surrendered his life to God, the assurance is given that the Holy Spirit will be his helper. Jesus said, "Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you." "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive." "The Comforter . . . whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."

God is omnipotent, and at every point where we need divine help and seek for it in sincerity, it will be given. God has pledged his word that his grace will be sufficient for you in your greatest necessity, in your sorest distress. Christ will be to you a present help if you appropriate his grace. The Lord expects his servants to excel others in life and character. He has placed every facility at the command of those who serve him. The Christian is looked upon by the whole universe as one who strives for the mastery, running the race set before him, that he may obtain the prize, even an immortal crown; but if he who professes to follow Christ does not make it manifest that his motives are above those of the world in this great contest where there is everything to win and everything to lose, he will never be a victor. He is to make use of every entrusted power, that he may overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil through the power of the Holy Spirit, by grace abundantly provided that he shall not fail nor be discouraged, but be complete in Christ, accepted in the Beloved. Those who would be victors should contemplate and count the cost of salvation. Strong human passions must be subdued; the independent will must be brought into captivity to Christ. The Christian is to realize that he is not his own. He will have temptations to resist, and battles to fight against his own inclinations; for the Lord will accept no half-way service. Hypocrisy is an abomination to him. The follower of Christ must walk by faith, as seeing him who is invisible. Christ will be his dearest treasure, his all and in all.

This experience is essential to those who profess the name of Christ, for its influence pervades the conduct, and sanctifies the influence of the Christian's life in its effect upon others. The business connections and intercourse of Christians with the men of the world will be sanctified by the grace of Christ; and wherever they are, a moral atmosphere will be created, that will have power for good; for it will breathe the spirit of the Master.

He who has the mind of Christ knows that his only safe course is to keep close to Jesus, following the light of life. He will not accept work, or engage himself in business, that will hinder him from reaching the perfection of Christian character. Probation has been given to the human family,--not that they may receive worldly honor, not that they may lay up for themselves treasures upon earth, but that they may be complete in him who has given his own life for this end. They are to shine as lights in the world; they are to bring eternal realities before the indifferent, the careless, and the disloyal. The golden beams of the light of truth are to be reflected in their words and actions, for in this way they are to represent Christ to the world. They are to be earnest, thorough missionaries.

"Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ." Earnest work for the Master will bring trials; but will the true disciple be moved from his purpose? Will he faint at any tribulation? Will he snatch himself away from Christ, refusing to wear his yoke because outward troubles come upon him? Will he become disheartened? When Satan stirs up his human agents to oppose and discourage him, will he withdraw himself from the assembly of the saints, when he has the assurance that at the house of prayer he will meet with Him whom he loves? Will he go back to the world, and by his actions declare to men that the business of the world is of higher character and more worthy of his strength of body and mind than the service of God? Will he give to the worship of God a poor, sickly, tired-out service, and expect God to receive it at his hand? Hear the words that the inspired apostle has received from heaven for our instruction. He says, "No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier."

Those who would be soldiers for Christ should closely estimate what will be the influence of accepting positions of trust in advancing worldly enterprises. They should consult the Lord Jesus, and at every step ask him, Will this work serve to advance, to save, my spiritual interest, or will it hinder me from attaining perfection of character? If large gain is presented as an inducement to entangle you and imperil your soul, you have but one answer to give; "What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" Satan presented this inducement to the world's Redeemer, knowing that if he accepted it, the world would never be ransomed. Under different guises, Satan presents this temptation, knowing that those who are beguiled by it, will never stand among those who are redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. We would suppose that those who yield to one temptation and are disappointed in their expectations, would see that they have chosen a work which would continually draw them into evil, and bind them away from Christ. But instead of seeing their delusion, many go on in their blindness, and Satan has his bait all ready, and entangles them more deeply in the world, binding them up with an interest that will lead them away from the service of the Master. They cannot see afar off, but are blinded by the glamour of the flattering prospect that the world presents before them. They do not follow the light of the world, but another leader, and they walk in darkness, and they know not at what they stumble.

The Christian is enlisted to fight in the cause of God, to be a soldier of Jesus Christ; and he is bound by his vows to God to do good service in the army of Christ. To be loyal to his Master, he must refuse to engage in any business which will imperil his soul and dishonor God. He stands under the blood-stained banner of Prince Immanuel, and his best powers are to be devoted to God, his first duty is to be faithful to his Master. He is not to place himself in any position that will shut him away from the channel of light; for he must have light from heaven if he would walk in the path cast up for the ransomed of the Lord to walk in. Through business relations, Satan has laid his snare for thousands of the professed followers of Christ. Through his temptations he leads them to place themselves where they think they cannot attend the social meetings, and they breathe in the atmosphere of satanic agency. The light becomes darkness, so that they forget that they were purged from their old sins, and their moral power degenerates until they have a name to live, and are dead. They have no spiritual life. The light that was in them has become darkness, and how great is that darkness.

God calls upon his people to become luminous, and to reflect the light of his love upon the world. He calls upon them to be found in the assembly of the saints, bringing with them every soul that they can influence to go. The soldiers of Jesus Christ must arise to do the work of the Master, for in the army of the Lord there is much to be done that they have entirely neglected. Were they alive to the interest of the work, they would see souls close by their side to whom they could speak a word in season, of warning, encouragement, or comfort. There are tempted, tried souls all about us for whose ruin Satan is much more interested than are the professed brethren of Christ for their salvation. But it is the work of the servant of Christ to sow beside all waters, and the promise is, that "he that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." -

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ

I love to speak of Jesus and his matchless love. I have not one doubt of love of God. I know that he is able to save to the uttermost all that come unto him. His precious love is a reality to me, and the doubts expressed by those who know not the Lord Jesus Christ, have no effect upon me. "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Do you believe that Jesus is your Saviour, and that he has manifested his love for you in giving his precious life for your salvation? Take Jesus as your personal Saviour. Come to him just as you are; give yourself to him; grasp his promise by living faith, and he will be to you all that you desire. To every one inquiring, "What must I do to be saved?" I answer, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved." Do not for one moment doubt that he will save you just as you are, if you will only come to him. He said to the Jews, "Ye will not come unto me that ye might have life." Let not this be said of you. Jesus longs to save you, to give you peace and rest and assurance while you live, and to bestow upon you eternal life in his kingdom; but no one will be compelled to be saved. Jesus says, "Choose ye this day whom ye will serve."

Those who give their hearts to Christ will find rest in his love. We have a token of the magnitude of his love in his sufferings and death. Behold him dying upon the cross amid the deepest gloom; for the heavens are darkened and the earth convulsed. The rent rocks are but a feeble emblem of the state of his mind when he exclaimed, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" But did the Father forsake his Son, whom he called his only begotten and his well-beloved? The reason that Jesus endured such agony was because he became the sinner's substitute and surety. He himself bore the penalty of the law which the sinner deserved, in order that the sinner might have another trial, another chance to prove his loyalty to God and his commandments. There are only two classes in the whole universe,--those who believe in Christ and whose faith leads them to keep God's commandments, and those who do not believe in him, and are disobedient. The sins of the world were laid upon Christ, and for this reason he was numbered with transgressors. He bore the curse and was treated as a transgressor, in order that the repentant sinner might be clothed with his righteousness. He was condemned for sin in which he had no share, in order that we might be justified by righteousness in which we had no part. Christ has manifested his love for us, and has become our representative, in order that our sin need not drown us in perdition.

Standing as man's representative at Pilate's bar, he suffered the cruel sentence of death to be passed upon him by unreasonable and wicked men, and answered not a word to their accusations. The Majesty of heaven was brought as a lamb to the slaughter; and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth. When the poor sinner inquired the way of life, Jesus did not remain silent; but when condemned to the most ignominious and cruel of deaths, he had not a word to say. He was not silent because he was guilty; for he was the embodiment of purity and holiness. He could have delivered himself from those who came to take him in the garden of Gethsemane. A few words from his lips sent the murderous throng reeling to the earth, as if smitten by a bolt of the wrath of God. But he suffered humiliation, agony, and death in silence, because he had given his life for the life of the world. He was not compelled to do it, but he volunteered to be man's substitute and surety, and "the Lord laid on him the iniquity of us all." The wages of sin is death, and he freely offered himself as a propitiation for the sins of men. We have every reason to hope in his mercy, to believe in his love. You have every reason to believe that he can and will save you. Why? Because you are guiltless?--No; because you are a sinner, and Jesus says, "I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." The call is addressed to you, and when Satan says to you that there is no hope, tell him you know there is; "for God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

Believe that Jesus means just what he says; take him at his word, and hang your helpless soul upon him. He says, "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 is light." Do not cast away such rich promises as these. The hand that was nailed to the cross for you is stretched out to save you. Believe that Jesus will hear your confession, receive your requests, forgive your sins, and make you a member of the royal family. You need the hope which Jesus will give to cheer you under every circumstance.

When we are tempted to place our affections on any earthly object that has a tendency to absorb our love, we must seek grace to turn from it, and not allow it to come between us and our God. We want to keep before the mind's eye the mansions which Jesus has gone to prepare for us. We must not allow our houses and lands, our business transactions and worldly enterprises, to come between us and our God. We should keep before us the rich promises that he has left on record. We should study the great waymarks that point out the times in which we are living. We know that we are very near the close of this earth's history, and everything of a worldly nature should be secondary to the service of God. We should now pray most earnestly that we may be prepared for the struggles of the great day of God's preparation. We should rejoice in the prospect of soon being with Jesus in the mansions he has gone to prepare for us. Jesus can supply your every need, if you will look to him and trust in him. As you behold him, you will be charmed with the riches of the glory of his divine love. The idolatrous love of things that are seen will be superseded by a higher and better love for things that are imperishable and precious. You may contemplate eternal riches until your affections are bound to things above, and you may be an instrument in directing others to set their affections on heavenly treasures. You can help them to see that money spent needlessly is wasted, and worse than wasted; for it might have been used in presenting the truth to souls who are ready to perish. If the spend-thrift is redeemed, it will be by having an object placed before him that will show him the sin of wasting his Lord's goods. The Lord requires his servants to trade upon the goods that he has put in their charge. The talents which he has given to them are to be improved by exercise. The money placed in their hands is to be put out to the exchangers. Souls for whom Christ died need light and truth, and it must be sent to them. We may be the means through which worthy objects may be presented before them in such a way as to win their affection for Christ and heavenly things; and we are responsible for the souls that we might help. Those who rightly value money are those who see its availability in bringing the truth before those who have never heard it, and by this means rescuing them from the power of the enemy. The soul who accepts the truth will find his love for earthly things dislodged. He sees the surpassing glory of heavenly things, and appreciates the excellency of that which relates to everlasting life. He is charmed with the unseen and eternal. His grasp loosens from earthly things; he fastens his eye with admiration upon the invisible glories of the heavenly world. He realizes that his trials are working out for him a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, and in comparison to the riches that are his to enjoy, he counts them light afflictions which are but for a moment. -

Christians to Be Colaborers With God

There is no respect of persons with God. Those who have the largest responsibilities are under the most sacred obligations to be the most Christlike in spirit, word, and action, and to manifest tenderness toward all, especially toward those who do not feel that they are important personages. Let there be no putting forth of the finger and speaking vanity, no word spoken that will depreciate or condemn another. It is important work to deal with human minds. Man is God's property, and angels are looking with intense interest to see how man will deal with his fellow man. When heavenly intelligences see those who claim to be the sons and daughters of God putting forth Christlike efforts to help the erring, manifesting a tender, sympathetic spirit for the repentant and the fallen, angels press close to them, and bring to their remembrance the very words that will soothe and uplift the soul. Holy angels are on the track of every one of us. We are not to despise the least of God's little ones, not to exact homage from any one toward ourselves. The angels are all ministering spirits sent forth to minister to those who shall be heirs of salvation. Shall we be privileged to co-operate with heavenly intelligences? Will God accept us as light bearers to the world?

Jesus Christ has taken the position of one who came to seek and to save that which is lost, and he has exalted the world inasmuch as he died to redeem it, to bring back the one lost sheep to the fold. Jesus has given his precious life, his personal attention, to the least of God's little ones; and angels that excel in strength encamp round about them that fear God. Then let us be upon our guard, and never permit one contemptuous thought to occupy the mind in regard to one of the little ones of God. We should look after the erring with solicitude, and speak encouraging words to the fallen, and fear lest by some unwise action we shall turn them away from the pitying Saviour.

Those who love Jesus will love those for whom Christ died. If many of the sinners that are around us had received the light which has blessed us, they would have rejoiced in the truth, and have been in advance of many that have had a long experience and great advantages. Take these lost sheep as your special burden, and watch for souls as they that must give an account. Draw not a glance to yourself, but cry with earnest, heartfelt interest, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." This is the Christian's message to the world. This is the effective argument. Encourage your heart to put forth earnest endeavors to induce perishing souls to fix their eyes upon Him who was uplifted upon the cross; and remember that as you do this, unseen angels are flashing the light of truth into the mind, and impressing it upon the heart, and leading the soul to believe in Jesus. The sinner is enabled to see Jesus as he is,--full of compassion, pity, and love,--and he exclaims, "Thy gentleness hath made me great."

Jesus would impress upon the hearts and minds of his disciples the value of the human soul. He demands co-operation on the part of his followers in rescuing lost sinners. There is one lost sheep, the very least that could be numbered; and yet he represents the shepherd as leaving the ninety and nine, and going into the mountains to seek that one lost wanderer. Then why is it that the sons and daughters of God are so cold of heart, so indifferent to the souls that are perishing around them? Why is it that the members of the church are so willing to let the whole burden rest upon the shoulders of the ministers? How great a mistake is this, since every subject of grace is to have a part to act in saving those that are lost. To every man Christ has given his work, and personal efforts must be put forth to save the perishing. The worker must be much in secret prayer; for this work requires great wisdom in the science of saving souls. Christ said, "I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." He said also to his disciples, "Ye are the light of the world." He made the church the depositary of sacred truth. He left his church a stewardship of sacred truth, and it is the work of the church to carry forward his mission of saving the world. He is the Sun of Righteousness, who is to impart bright rays to his followers; and they, in turn, are to shed his light upon others. They are to be his representatives to the world. Believing in Christ as their personal Saviour, they take up the work where he left it. "Without me ye can do nothing," said Christ; but with him we can do all things. There is a large, a very large number of straying and lost sheep that have perished in the wild deserts of sin, simply because no one went after them, to search for them and to bring them back to the fold. Jesus uses the illustration of a lost sheep to show the need of seeking after those who have wandered from him; for a sheep once lost will never find its way back to the fold without help. It must be sought for, it must be carried back to the fold.

All heaven is interested in the work of saving the lost. Angels watch with intense interest to see who will leave the ninety and nine, and go out in tempest and storm and rain into the wild desert to seek the lost sheep. The lost are all around us, perishing and sadly neglected. But they are of value to God, the purchase of the blood of Christ. "And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray. Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish."

The world's Redeemer said, "My Father worketh hitherto, and I work. . . . The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise." In the same way the disciples of Christ work the works of Christ, copying the example of their Master. Jesus commissioned his disciples, saying, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." This commission rests upon every one who claims to believe in Jesus Christ. We are to seek to save those that are lost. We are to search for the one lost sheep, and bring him back to the fold; and this represents personal effort.

A church may be composed of those who are intelligent, well educated, and wealthy, and to the world it may appear to be a strong church; but if its members are not men and women who walk humbly with God, they are stumbling-blocks to sinners; for they direct the feet into false paths, and do not shine by reflecting the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness. They may have an appearance of shining, like an iceberg in the sun; but they do not shine with the rays of Heaven. Then there may be another church composed of men and women who have not been educated in the colleges, and who have no wealth or worldly honor, yet they feel the sacred responsibility that rests upon them, and they shine as burning lights for the Master. Wherever they go, they shed light, and diffuse a heavenly atmosphere. They go forth to seek the lost sheep. They feel that it is a great privilege to deny self, to lift up the cross, and to be partakers of the divine energy. The influence of these workers goes up to God as a sweet aroma. The true worker for God wrestles with God in prayer, and puts intense earnestness into the work of saving lost souls. He does not seek to exalt self by word or deed, but simply seeks to win souls. God pronounces the purest, the meekest, the most childlike Christian, the best worker for him, the mightiest in labor for souls. Heavenly intelligences can work with the man or woman who will not absorb the glory to himself, but who will be willing that all the glory shall redound to the honor of God. It is the man who most feels his need of divine wisdom, the man who pleads for heavenly power, that will go forth from communion with Christ, to hold converse with souls perishing in their sins; and because he is anointed with the Spirit of the Lord, he will be successful where the learned minister may have failed. God has given lessons that are all-important in regard to the duty of every disciple. Not one need be in darkness; for it is evident that every Christian is to be a living epistle, known and read of all men.

Every one who believes in Christ as a personal Saviour is under bonds to God to be pure and holy, to be a spiritual worker, seeking to save the lost, whether they are great or small, rich or poor, bond or free. The greatest work on earth is to seek and to save those who are lost, for whom Christ has paid the infinite price of his own blood. Every one is to do active service, and if those who have been blessed with light do not diffuse light to others, they will lose the rich grace which has been bestowed upon them, because they neglect a sacred duty plainly marked out in the word of God. As the light of the unfaithful one diminishes, his own soul is brought into peril; and the ones to whom he should have been a shining light, miss the labor that God intended that they should have through the human instrument. Thus the sheep unsought is not brought back to the fold.

God depends upon you, the human agent, to fulfil your duty to the best of your ability, and he himself will give the increase. If human agents would but co-operate with the divine intelligences, thousands of souls would be rescued. The Holy Spirit would give devoted workers glimpses of Jesus that would brace them for every conflict, that would elevate and strengthen them, and make them more than conquerors. When two or three are met together to unite their counsel, and to send up their petitions, the promise is for them: "Ask, and it shall be given you: seek, and ye shall find: knock, and it shall be opened unto you." "If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?" The Lord has promised that where two or three are met together in his name, there will he be in the midst. Those who meet together for prayer will receive an unction from the Holy One. There is great need of secret prayer, but there is also need that several Christians meet together, and unite with earnestness their petitions to God. In these small companies Jesus is present, the love of souls is deepened in the heart, and the Spirit puts forth its mighty energies, that human agents may be exercised in regard to saving those who are lost. Jesus ever sought to show how worthless are formal ceremonies, and strove to impress upon his disciples that the Holy Spirit must enlighten, renew, and sanctify the soul.

Christ's Life a Testimony to His Divine Claims

All the world are invited to come to the gospel feast. Jesus has called all sinners to himself. "Many are called, but few are chosen." The voice of entreaty comes to the careless and the impenitent, saying, "Turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die?" The Lord has sent forth his entreating invitation. It is the same invitation that he gave to the Samaritan woman while seated upon Jacob's well. Jesus said to her: "If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. . . . Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life."

When Jesus spoke to the woman of Samaria, he was not presenting the gospel invitation to her alone, but to the thousands upon thousands who should read his words. Jesus traveled up and down the breadth of the land, giving his invitation to the feast. When the sun illuminated the landscape, Jesus said to the vast throng: "I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." He took the opportunity of presenting himself to the people during the feast-days, when they gathered at Jerusalem. The people met together to carry out the instructions given to Moses, to "observe the feast of tabernacles seven days, after that thou hast gathered in thy corn and thy wine;" and Jesus himself stood in the midst of them. The feast of tabernacles was the great holiday of the nation. This feast was preceded by a day of atonement, which occurred on the tenth day of the seventh month, when every one was to afflict his soul by confessing his sins, both to the Lord and to his brethren. This humiliation was to prepare the way for the celebration of the feast of tabernacles, which lasted seven days, and was a memorial of the protecting care of God when he led Israel through the wilderness. In the instruction to Moses, he said: "Also in the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when ye have gathered in the fruit of the land, ye shall keep a feast unto the Lord seven days: on the first day shall be a sabbath, and on the eighth day shall be a sabbath. And ye shall take you on the first day the boughs of goodly trees, branches of palm-trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and ye shall rejoice before the Lord your God seven days. And ye shall keep it a feast unto the Lord seven days in the year. It shall be a statute forever in your generations: ye shall celebrate it in the seventh month. Ye shall dwell in booths seven days; all that are Israelites born shall dwell in booths: that your generations may know that I made the children of Israel to dwell in booths, when I brought them out of the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God." It was to the celebration of this feast that Jesus came. The Scripture says: "But when his brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret. Then the Jews sought him at the feast, and said, Where is he? And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people. Howbeit no man spake openly of him for fear of the Jews." "Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed of him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the Synagogue: for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God."

They concealed their true convictions for fear of persecution. They dared not express their true feelings and faith. Many were convinced that he was the Messiah, long looked for and greatly desired, yet they dared not express their convictions. There was dissension among the people concerning him. Some denounced him as a deceiver, while some ventured to express their favor toward him, saying that he was a good man. But this was as far as they ventured to go. They had not moral courage in the face of the denunciations uttered against him to say, I believe him to be the world's Redeemer. They dared not give utterance to the conviction that he was the divine Son of God, and that they were dependent on him alone for salvation. Many were silent, and uttered no opinion concerning him; and even some of the chief rulers who believed in him did not confess him. It was about the midst of the feast when Jesus went up to the temple and taught. "And the Jews marveled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?" He spoke with assurance, and revealed a depth of knowledge far exceeding that of the most learned of the Scribes and rabbis. It was evident that he had a thorough knowledge of the Old Testament Scriptures, and that he presented truth that was unmingled with the sayings and maxims of men. The old truths fell upon their ears like a new revelation. The people had never before heard the gospel of the Old Testament presented with such simplicity and fervor, spoken with a voice so full of melody and tenderness. They were thrilled to the very depths of their souls, and they marveled at his wisdom. Jesus read the question in their hearts, and answered the suggestions of their thoughts. He said: "My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.

Jesus presented his lessons to the people; but he did not make a practise of asserting his high and authoritative claim. He had come to save the lost world, and his words and works, his whole life in humanity, was to speak of his divinity. He left it to his own dignity, to his life, to his course of action, to witness to the people that he worked the works of God. He left it to them to draw their own conclusion concerning his claims, while he expounded to them the prophecies concerning himself. He directed them to search the Scriptures; for it was essential that they should interpret correctly the mission and work of the Son of God. He pointed out the fact to them that he was fulfilling the prophecies that had hitherto been given by holy men who were moved upon by the Holy Spirit. He declared plainly that they wrote of him, and brought the clear rays of the light of prophecy to illuminate his words and works. Conviction fastened upon the minds of his hearers, and in their minds and affections they wove a crown of glory for his head. He stood forth in his ministry as one distinguished from every other teacher. He himself had inspired the prophets to write of him. His life work had been planned in the eternal counsels of heaven before the foundation of the world. He was the light of the world, yet he was meek and lowly in heart and character. His life was the light of men, and he presented his life before the people, that their faith might lay hold upon it, and that they might become one with him.

Though he presented infinite truth, he left many things unsaid that he might have said, because even his disciples were not able to comprehend them. He said, "I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now." The burden of his teaching was obedience to the commandments of God, that would work transformation of character and inculcate moral excellence, shaping the soul after the divine similitude. Christ had been sent to earth to represent God in character. Jesus was the Life giver, the Teacher sent of God to provide salvation for a lost world, and to save men in spite of all Satan's temptations and lying deceptions. He himself was the gospel. In his teachings he clearly presented the great plan devised for the redemption of the race. Divinity had united with humanity for the purpose of uniting humanity with divinity, that through Christ man might become a partaker of the divine nature. "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

The sayings of the Lord Jesus Christ are of value beyond all computation. Those who casually read them do not comprehend their depths of meaning. They are life and light, and upon their reception depends the soul's salvation. They are truth and righteousness, and are to be carefully studied and practiced. But the sayings of Christ are not a new revelation. The principles which he expounded were announced to Moses from the pillar of cloud, and to the prophets, who spoke and wrote as they were moved upon by the Holy Spirit. But the Jews had departed from the light and the grace that had been given them, and had not practised the sacred teachings that were essential for their present, spiritual help and for their eternal interests. Because of this, the words of Christ fell upon the ears of the Jewish nation as a new revelation. They were like blind men whose eyes were opened to behold wonderful things; their hearts burned within them as he opened the Scriptures to them. Although he had not been known as a student in any of their schools, Christ told them that he had not been untaught and uneducated. He taught that which he had learned of God. He said, "My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will [he will not remain in ignorance], he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself."

He who fully purposes is his heart to do the will of God, at whatever self-denial or self-sacrifice, will certainly know the truth through his own experience. Those who will obey God's commandments, and not deviate from the precepts of Heaven, will enter into life. To will to do the will of God, is to yield the whole mind and affections to the control of God. Such a one will know of the doctrine, not be in questioning and doubt, not be halting between two opinions; for he will be willing to submit all to God, realizing that he has purchased all. It is when we give ourselves to Christ, to do his will, that we realize the truth of the saying of David, "The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple." It is then that reason and conscience are fully in harmony with the will of God, and there is no collision between the truth of God and the soul.

The doctrines that Christ taught are essential for the salvation of the soul; for perfection of character is the result of willing obedience to the truth as it is in Jesus. This is the faith that works by love and purifies the soul. It is self-exaltation that results in the rejection of Christ, and this proved the ruin of the Jews. They felt no need of a Saviour, they realized no weakness, they desired no plan of atonement. For many years they had been going through a round of service which had been instituted by Christ, and which typified Christ, yet when the Messiah walked among them in the habiliments of humanity, offering them his grace and pardoning mercy if they would forsake their sins and turn unto God, they did not discern him. Many were loaded with deception and hypocrisy. When the Pharisees and the Sadducees came to the baptism of John, he exclaimed: "O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: and think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham." He presented to the Jewish leaders the fact that they must be transformed in character. He said to Nicodemus: "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. . . . Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."

If the Jewish nation had accepted the light that Christ brought to them, it would have revealed to them their need of a Saviour, their need of atonement, their need of the purifying, pardoning love of God. It would have revealed to them the significance of the atonement which they had been celebrating, and fitted them to enjoy the feast of tabernacles and to rejoice before the Lord. They would have realized that God does not require simply a portion of the heart; but that acceptable service to himself means the consecration of heart, mind, soul, and strength. In explaining his teaching to them, Jesus said, "He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him." He who speaks by his own authority, who presents a message that does not come from God, is only a human teacher, liable to be seduced by the deceptions of the enemy; he seeks but the praise of men, the exaltation of himself; but he who is sent of God, as was Christ, is true, and no unrighteousness is in him. The common people heard him gladly, and many testified, "Never man spake like this man." -

The Cheerful Giver Accepted

"But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver." If we act in the spirit of this counsel, we may invite the divine One to audit the accounts of our temporal matters. We may feel that we are only giving offerings from that which is our Lord's entrusted gift. All our offerings should be presented with cheerfulness; for they come from the fund which the Lord has seen fit to place in our hands for the purpose of carrying forward his work in the world, in order that the banner of truth may be unfurled in the highways and byways of the earth. If all who profess the truth would give to the Lord his own in tithes and gifts and offerings, there would be meat in the house of the Lord. The cause of benevolence would no longer be dependent on the uncertain gifts of impulse, and vary according to the changing feelings of men. God's claims would be welcomed, and his cause would be considered as justly entitled to a portion of the funds entrusted to our hands. The Lord is our divine Creditor, and he has made us promises through the prophet Malachi that are very plain, positive, and important. It means very much to us whether or not we are rendering to God his own. He allows his stewards a certain portion for their own use, and if they will trade upon that which he claims, he will divinely bless the means in their hands. "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts. And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts."

The only plan which the gospel has marked out for sustaining the work of God is one that leaves the support of his cause to the honor of men. With an eye single to the glory of God, men are to give to God the proportion which he has required. Viewing the cross of Calvary, looking upon the world's Redeemer, who for our sake became poor, that we through his poverty might be made rich, we shall feel that we are not to lay up for ourselves treasures on the earth, but to lay up treasures in the bank of heaven, which will never suspend payment nor fail. The Lord has given Jesus to our world, and the question is, What can we give back to God in gifts and offerings to show our appreciation of his love? "Freely ye have received, freely give."

How much more eager will every faithful steward be to enlarge the proportion of gifts to be placed in the Lord's treasure-house, than to decrease his offering one jot or tittle. Whom is he serving? For whom is he preparing an offering?--For the One upon whom he is dependent for every good thing which he enjoys. Then let not one of us who is receiving the grace of Christ, give occasion for the angels to be ashamed of us, and for Jesus to be ashamed to call us brethren. Shall ingratitude be cultivated, and made manifest by our niggardly practises in giving to the cause of God?--No, no! Let us surrender ourselves a living sacrifice, and give our all to Jesus. It is his; we are his purchased possession. Those who are recipients of his grace, who contemplate the cross of Calvary, will not question concerning the proportion to be given, but will feel that the richest offering is all too meager, all disproportionate to the great gift of the only begotten Son of the infinite God. Through self-denial, the poorest will find ways of obtaining something to give back to God.

Time is money, and many are wasting precious time which might be used in useful labor, working with their hands the thing that is good. The Lord will never say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant," to the man who has not taxed the physical powers which have been lent him of God as precious talents by which to gather means, wherewith the needy may be supplied, and offerings may be made to God. The rich are not to feel that they can be content in giving of their money merely. They have talents of ability, and they are to study to show themselves approved unto God, to be earnest spiritual agents in educating and training their children for fields of usefulness. Parents and children are not to regard themselves as their own, and feel that they can dispose of their time and property as shall please themselves. They are God's purchased possession, and the Lord calls for the profit of their physical powers, which are to be employed in bringing a revenue to the treasury of the Lord.

Were the thousand channels of selfishness cut off that now exist, and the means directed in the right channel, there would be a large revenue flowing into the treasury. Many purchase idols with money that should go to the house of God. No one can practice real benevolence without practicing genuine self-denial. Self-denial and the cross lie directly in the path of every Christian who is truly following Christ. Jesus says: "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." Will every soul consider the fact that Christian discipleship includes self-denial, self-sacrifice, even to the laying down of life itself if need be, for the sake of Him who has given his life for the life of the world?

Christians who view Christ upon the cross, are bound by their obligation to God because of the infinite gift of his Son, to withhold nothing which they possess, however dear it may be to them. If they possess anything that can be employed to draw any soul, no matter how rich, or no matter how poor, to the Lamb of God who taketh away the sins of the world, they are to use it freely for this purpose. The Lord employs human agents to be coworkers with him in the salvation of sinners.

All heaven is actively engaged in furnishing facilities by which to extend the knowledge of the truth to all peoples, nations, and tongues. If those who profess to have been truly converted, do not let their light shine forth to others, they are neglecting the doing of the words of Christ. We need not tax ourselves with rehearsing how much has been given to the cause of God, but rather let us consider how much has been kept back from his treasury to be devoted to the indulgence of self in pleasure-seeking and self-gratification. We need not reckon up how many agents have been sent forth, but rather recount how many have closed the eyes of their understanding, so that they might not see their duty and minister to others according to their several ability.

How many might now be employed were there means in the treasury to sustain them in the work! How many facilities might be used in extending the work of God as his providence opens the way! Hundreds could be employed in the field in doing good in various branches, but they are not there. Why?--Selfishness keeps them at home; they love ease, and so remain away from the vineyard of the Lord. Some would go into regions beyond, but they have not the means to take them; for others have left undone that which they ought to have done. These are some of the reasons why a few workers have to go loaded down as a cart beneath sheaves, while others take no burden. Those who ought to be laborers in the vineyard will not undertake the work in faith and hope. The stay-at-home, professed Christians are misrepresenting Jesus Christ. They refuse to be partakers with him of his trials, of his humiliation, and of his burden bearing. They do not wear his yoke. If they would engage all their powers for God, they would not work alone. But many feel no genuine burden for souls. Step by step they might work their way until, by study and prayer, they might become skilful in the Scriptures, and be able to lay hold with intense earnestness of the God of all grace, beseeching him for his Holy Spirit to mold and fashion them and make them wise to win souls to Christ.

Actual efforts must be put forth to save souls from sin and Satan. Why is it that men and women who know the truth do not work with all their God-given powers while mercy's sweet voice is heard? Jesus is entreating, "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." Many of those who are stay-at-home believers, are not taking upon them the yoke of Christ. They refuse to lift his burdens, although he says, "My yoke is easy, and my burden is light" Christ carries the pressing weight, and bears the heaviest end of the yoke. A large number will not go without the camp, bearing the reproach, as did Jesus their Master, and yet by their attitude, by their inconsistent conduct, they actually weaken the efforts of those who are bearing the heavy burdens. They know nothing of what it means to be meek and lowly of heart. They know nothing of what it means to be self-denying, of what it means to be a partaker with those who do go forth to labor in the cause of God. They misjudge the workers and depreciate their efforts. They are not prepared to sympathize with them in their trials, in their heartaches and disappointments. They cannot be partakers with their brethren in their sufferings, nor can they be partakers with Christ in his sufferings. Failing of this, they will not be partakers with Christ in his glory, nor enter into the joy of their Lord in seeing souls saved in his eternal kingdom as a result of their self-sacrificing efforts in being laborers together with God. -

Why the Lord Waits

The blessing of God cannot come upon those who are idlers in his vineyard. Professed Christians who do nothing, neutralize the efforts of real workers by their influence and example. They make the grand and important truths they profess to believe, appear inconsistent, and cause them to have no effect. They misrepresent the character of Christ. How can God let the showers of his grace come upon the churches that are largely composed of this kind of members? They are of no manner of use in the work of God. How can the Master say to such, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant: . . . enter thou into the joy of thy Lord," when they have been neither good nor faithful? God cannot speak a falsehood. The power of the grace of God cannot be given in large measure to the churches. It would dishonor his own glorious character to let streams of grace come upon the people who will not wear the yoke of Christ, who will not bear his burdens, who will not deny self, who will not lift the cross of Christ. Because of their slothfulness they are a hindrance to those who would move out in the work if they did not block up the way. God calls not for an empty charity that is but a name, but for liberal, open-handed charity. The liberality of God demands that his people render to him his own in tithes and gifts and offerings. There are many who possess an empty benevolence, who make no retrenchments, practise no self-denial or self sacrifice. They leave that for some one else to do; but God calls for men who, through faith and prayer, will give themselves to the work; who will study, who will plan, and unite with their plans, self-denial and self-sacrifice. This is the only kind of liberality that is after the order of Christ, and which will redound to the honor and glory of God. Until this benevolence is brought into active exercise, God's blessing cannot come upon his people in its fulness and power.

Every truly converted soul will be intensely desirous to bring others from the darkness of error into the marvelous light of the righteousness of Jesus Christ. The great outpouring of the Spirit of God, which lightens the whole earth with his glory, will not come until we have an enlightened people, that know by experience what it means to be laborers together with God. When we have entire, whole-hearted consecration to the service of Christ, God will recognize the fact by an outpouring of his Spirit without measure; but this will not be while the largest portion of the church are not laborers together with God. God cannot pour out his Spirit when selfishness and self-indulgence are so manifest; when a spirit prevails that, if put into words, would express that answer of Cain,--"Am I my brother's keeper?" If the truth for this time, if the signs that are thickening on every hand, that testify that the end of all things is at hand, are not-sufficient to arouse the sleeping energy of those who profess to know the truth, then darkness proportionate to the light which has been shining will overtake these souls. There is not the semblance of an excuse for their indifference that they will be able to present to God in the great day of final reckoning. There will be no reason to offer as to why they did not live and walk and work in the light of the sacred truth of the word of God, and thus reveal to a sin-darkened world, through their conduct, their sympathy, and their zeal, that the power and reality of the gospel could not be controverted.

It is not the ministers alone, but the laymen, who are not contributing all that they can to persuade men, by precept and example, to accept the saving grace of Christ. With skill and tact, with wisdom received from above, they should persuade men to behold the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sin of the world. When the hearts of the believers are warm with the love for God, they will do a continual work for Jesus. They will manifest the meekness of Christ, and display a steadfast purpose that will not fail nor be discouraged. God will use humble men to do his work; for there is a large vineyard calling for laborers. "Why stand ye here all the day idle?"

Christ pronounced a woe upon the cities and the people who had been favored with his labors, who had witnessed his gracious works, and listened to his gracious words, and had failed to repent. To those who made a great profession of godliness while failing to bring forth corresponding works, he gave his most scathing rebukes. To the Pharisees he said, "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone." The mercy and love of God will flow forth from the lips of those in whose hearts abide the mercy and love of God. "Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not: Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you. And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee."

If those who have had great light will not respond to the invitation to become laborers with God, then God will take and use those who have had far less light and much fewer opportunities. Those who will work out their own salvation with fear and trembling, will realize that it is God that worketh in them, to will and to do of his own pleasure. There should be thousands fully awake and in earnest in the work of God, who should be bright and shining lights. There should be thousands who know the time in which we are living, and who wait not to be urged, but who are constrained by the power of God to diffuse light, to open to others the truth that is so distinctly revealed in the word of God. There is no time to lose. Men and women should be ministering in unenlightened communities in regions beyond. After they have awakened an interest, they should find the living preacher who is skilful in the presentation of the truth, and qualified to instruct families in the word of God. Women who have the cause of God at heart can do a good work in the districts in which they reside. Christ speaks of women who helped him in presenting the truth before others, and Paul also speaks of women who labored with him in the gospel. But how very limited is the work done by those who could do a large work if they would! There are families that have means which they could use for God's glory in going to distant lands to let their light shine forth in good works to those who need help. Why do not men and women engage in the missionary work, following the example of Christ?

But we can say nothing more than to repeat what has been said. Instruction has been given, but how few have acted upon it! How few have been sufficiently interested to go without the camp bearing the reproach of Christ! God calls for personal effort from those that know the truth. He calls for Christian families to go into communities that are in darkness and error, to go into foreign fields, to become acquainted with a new class of society, and to work wisely and perseveringly for the cause of the Master. To answer this call, self sacrifice must be experienced. While many are waiting to have every obstacle removed, souls are dying without hope and without God in the world. Many, very many, for the sake of worldly advantage, for the sake of acquiring knowledge of the sciences, will venture into pestilential regions, and will go into countries where they think they can obtain commercial advantage; but where are the men and women who will change their location, and move their families into regions that are in need of the light of the truth, in order that their example may tell upon those who shall see in them the representatives of Christ?

The Macedonian cry is coming from every quarter of the world, and men are saying, "Come over, . . . and help us," and why is there not a decided response? Thousands ought to be constrained by the Spirit of Christ to follow the example of him who has given his life for the life of the world. Why decline to make decided, self-denying efforts, in order to instruct those who know not the truth for this time? The chief Missionary came to our world, and he has gone before us to show us the way in which we should work. No one can mark out a precise line for those who would be witnesses for Christ. Those who have means are doubly responsible; for this means has been entrusted to them of God, and they are to feel their accountability to forward the work of God in its various branches. The fact that the truth binds souls by its golden links to the throne of God, should inspire men to work with all their God-given energy, to trade upon their Lord's goods in regions beyond, disseminating the knowledge of Christ far hence among the Gentiles.

Many to whom God has entrusted means with which to bless humanity, have let it prove a snare to them, instead of letting it prove a blessing to themselves and others. Can it be that the property that God has given you shall be permitted to become a stumbling-block? Will you let his entrusted means, which has been given you to trade upon, bind you away from the work of God? Will you allow the trust which God has reposed in you as his faithful steward, serve to lessen your influence and usefulness, by keeping you from being laborers together with God? Will you permit yourself to be detained at home, in order to hold together the means which God has entrusted to you to put into the bank of heaven? You cannot plead that there is nothing to do; for there is everything to do. Will you be content to enjoy the comforts of your home, and not try to tell perishing souls how they may obtain the mansions Christ has gone to prepare for those who love him? Will you not sacrifice your possessions, in order that others may obtain an immortal inheritance?

What are the principles of the law of God? "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and . . . thy neighbor as thyself." Every soul that obeys the first four commandments, will obey the last six commandments, and make manifest what is the duty of man to his fellow men. He will manifest tender, pitying love toward every one for whom Christ has died. He will consecrate himself to be a missionary, to be a laborer together with God. All who have the Spirit of Christ are missionaries; for they derive zeal and energy from the chief Missionary. They will have the wisdom that comes from God, which is neither a blind impetuosity nor a cold, calculating Phariseeism, but springs from trust in God. "The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace."

What can the universe of heaven think of those who profess to believe that Jesus Christ is the world's only hope of salvation, when they do so little to make him known to those who are in the darkness of error? In the great day when every case is decided for eternity, how enormous will seem the guilt of those who have failed to warn their associates in probationary time of the doom that awaits those who neglect so great salvation. What a revelation will then be made of what professed Christians might have done, and did not do! How many souls will they see that might have been saved through their instrumentality had they been laborers together with God! Many who profess to love God seem to be enclosed in an icy atmosphere, and the love of Christ has never melted their souls. The Lord Jesus says, "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts. And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts." -

Conformity to the World

"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communication hath light with darkness? and what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 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 people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." In the grand truths given in the Old and New Testament Scriptures, we hear the voice of God speaking in unmistakable language to the children of men: "Come out from among them, and be ye separate, . . . and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty."

Christians, whatever may be their field of labor, whatever part of the Lord's vineyard is assigned them, cannot be in conformity to the world. The world's ways are not God's ways. There must be no obliteration of the line of demarcation given us by Jesus Christ, to separate between Christians and the world, thus bringing down the truth to a common level, and dishonoring the God who has at an infinite sacrifice, sent his Son into the world. There must be no betrayal of holy trust on the part of any who profess to be children of God.

There is no safety for the child of God unless he daily receives a new and fresh experience in looking unto Jesus. By beholding him day by day, he will reflect his image, and thus represent his divine attributes. His only safety lies in daily placing himself under the guidance of God's word, in daily bringing his course of action to the test inquiry, "Is this the way of the Lord?" A divine life will represent Jesus Christ, and will be antagonistic to the customs, practises, and standards of the world.

We need, as Christians, to keep Jesus ever before us, looking unto him, the "author and finisher of our faith." Every soul who is seeking to become a joint heir with Jesus Christ must consider that his special work during this testing period is to study the character of Christ, and conform to that character. He cannot do this in his own strength; but through the abundant grace given of God, daily improvement will be made. Satan, on the one side, is striving to press you into his service; Christ, on the other, is seeking to win and draw you to himself. You cannot become victor over Satan's devices without fierce conflicts with inclination. Satan, striving for the mastery, is determined to conquer. Every faculty is to be strictly guarded and held loyal to God. This is the way of the Lord, to bring self under severe discipline, constantly keeping the eye fixed on Jesus. Through his grace, the striving one comes out of the conflict with temptation with clearer views, rejoicing in a new and elevated strength and power, because he makes the Lord "first, and last, and best in everything." The religious life is simply abiding in Christ.

While many profess to be sons and daughters of God, in practice they ignore the example of the works and words of Christ. "It is my privilege," they plainly say by their actions, "to act myself. I should be perfectly miserable if I could not act myself." This is the religious current with the world; but it does not bear the heavenly indorsement. It is a deception, a delusion. Persons may, under certain influences of the moment, be full of ecstasies; for chords are touched whose vibrations are pleasing to the natural taste. But these persons will have to learn that this is not the religion of Jesus Christ. When the circumstances change which so elated them, the depression and want of stimulus is felt, as the drunkard feels the want of the stimulus of the intoxicating cup. To flash out brightly now and then under the praise of the world is not the religion of Jesus Christ. Science, so-called, human reason and poetry, cannot pass as revelation, although it is Satan's plan that these things shall become first in human minds. Those souls that have not realized that the follower of Christ must subordinate every power that has been bestowed upon him to the will of God, will be drawn into the net which Satan has so carefully woven for their inexperienced feet. They cannot see that it is required of them to bring every thought into captivity to Christ. This restraint is to them a galling yoke. The voice of God, speaking to them through his word, revealing what it means to be a child of God, an heir of heaven, to walk in the path cast up for the righteous, is first neglected, then despised, then assailed. Other voices than God's arrest their attention and engage their thoughts. They are found, in the place of conformity to the revealed will of God, opposed in heart and practice to his requirements. Unless these souls are willing to become as clay in the hands of the potter, to be molded into such vessels as God can use, they will always show a deformity of character, will always bear the marks of a vessel unto dishonor, because they refuse to be made vessels unto honor. They will never receive the finishing touch of immortality. Such characters would, in their deficiency, mar heaven.

As the professed people of God have been growing more and more into conformity with the world through various agencies which Satan has set in operation, it behooves Christ's faithful ministers to sound the alarm throughout all our churches. Their duty in this respect is expressed in this same epistle to the Corinthians, where the Lord places before us the true standard of the minister of Christ. He is to be a worker together with God. "Now then," says Paul, "we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." Having called the people to Christ, he is to be a shepherd of the flock, an example of good behavior. The work of the minister is not to be brought down to a low, earthy standard, shaped according to man's natural, unconverted heart. He is not to carry with him into the work his own spirit and deficiencies of character, but in all things he is to fulfill the word, representing before the people Jesus Christ as their pattern, unfolding before them the truth in its purify, and conforming his life to its holy principles.

God requires the training of the mental faculties. They need to be so cultivated that we can, if necessary, set the truth before the highest earthly powers to the glory of God. The converting power of God upon heart and character is also needed every day. Self-discipline must be carried on by every one who claims to be a child of God; for it is in this way that the mind and will are brought into subjection to the mind and will of God. Decided discipline in the cause of the Lord will accomplish more than eloquence and the most brilliant talents. An ordinary mind, well trained, will accomplish more and higher work than the most educated mind and the greatest talents, without self-control.

A mere profession of the truth is of no value. The soul that would become a partaker of the divine nature must grasp firmly the principles of truth, and personally appropriate and absorb the rich nourishment to be derived therefrom. In purpose and will, the human agent must co-operate with God. Self is to be corrected of all its defects. The vine that is trailing upon the ground, and clinging to the stumps and rubbish within its reach, must have its tendrils cut away from these earthly supports, and find its true support in entwining about God.

Much is said in the epistles of being sound in the faith. This should teach us the necessity of caution. We must not weave into our experience our own inclinations and strong traits of character. This will misrepresent the precious, elevating, ennobling principles of truth, and lead others astray. Soundness in the faith means more than many discern. It means to correct every error that exists in our thoughts and actions, lest we corrupt the word of God.

There are needed for this time well-balanced minds, healthy, wholesome Christians. Many of those who profess Christ have a sickly experience. They cannot bear anything unfavorable. They lose heart if they think they are in any way slighted or hurt, if their brethren have not been as tender with them as they think they should be. The Great Physician would, by his infinite skill, restore them to sound moral health; but the patient refuses to take the prescription he offers. These persons may apply the word of God to their case for a short time, but they do not become doers of that word. They soon come under influences which suit their natural tastes and counteract all they have gained.

Separated and consecrated to Jesus Christ, the soul finds joy and peace. Christ does not leave us in our weakness and inefficiency, but, gathering us in the arms of his mercy, binds us to his great heart of infinite love. "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." "I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you." "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Here is Christ's work; will you, the human agent, co-operate with him? "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." -

Letter to Believers on Pitcairn Island

"Sunnyside," Cooranbong, N. S. W., May 12, 1896 Dear Brethren and Sisters on Pitcairn Island: I send you greeting. I have received from you letters and tokens of remembrance, which I value highly because they speak to me of your love to one whom you have never seen. I have much love for you, and my heart goes out in prayer that you may grow in spiritual knowledge and understanding. Nothing would please me better than to spend some time with you on your island home, but we each have our corner in the Master's vineyard in which to work for him. God has given to each man his work. Our part is to do this work faithfully and well.

How glad I am that you may have with you the presence of One who is all-sufficient and all-powerful. Although you are cut off from the world by the broad ocean, you are not alone. The apostle John, banished to the Isle of Patmos by men inspired of Satan to persecute those who bore faithfully witness to God, was visited by the heavenly messenger. Writing of his experience, John says: "I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. I was in the spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia. . . . And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; and in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment 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 his 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 shineth in his strength. And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive forevermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter."

On this lonely island John received "the Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: who bear record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand."

That same Jesus who appeared to John on the Isle of Patmos will visit each one of you on your island home. He will be found of all who call upon him, and will manifest unto them his love and the love of his Father. Light from the Son of God shone on the barren Isle of Patmos, making it a heaven to the lonely exile; and if you keep close to Jesus, your Elder Brother, your home will be honored by the divine Presence. Keep your eyes uplifted to Jesus; feel that it is your privilege to come to him with all your griefs and troubles, be they large or small. Trust him as implicitly as a child trusts its parents.

But though you are largely shut away from the temptations which assail those living in cities and villages, you are not out of the reach of the enemy. Satan is constantly plotting the ruin of men and women; he watches untiringly to see where he can introduce himself; and he will seek to turn you from your allegiance to God. But in God there is strength to overcome all temptations. When you are tempted, let your heart go out to God in prayer for strength to resist the enemy. Learn to believe in Jesus, and to take him at his word. Fasten the mind on his precious promises, that you may give help to those with whom you associate. The young as well as the old are to be workers together with God in the battle against evil. By faith in the blood of Christ they can keep their own souls in the love of God. Each morning let them say, I must live for Jesus today; I must love him, and think of him, and refuse to be led by the tempter to do a wrong action. Then they will be victors in the battle, and a victory gained to day fortifies the soul against to-morrow's temptations. Ask God to show you what you should avoid, and what you should encourage Parents and children, "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure."

God has given man a guide-book, which shows him the way to heaven. The Bible is the voice of God to man, telling him what he must do to gain eternal life. "Search the Scriptures," said Christ, "for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me." If you would be successful students of this word, ask God for the aid of his Holy Spirit, who will teach us all things. Carefully study the Bible, verse by verse, praying that God will give you wisdom to understand his word. Take one verse, and concentrate your mind on it, praying to ascertain the thought God has put in that verse for you. Dwell upon the thought until it becomes your own, and you know "what saith the Lord."

It will not do merely to read God's word; for the truth it contains is like treasure hid in a field; it does not lie upon the surface, and only the earnest, persevering searcher is rewarded by finding the jewels of priceless worth,--the inexhaustible riches of Christ Jesus. Never, till I made a business of searching the Bible, did I know what treasures it contains.

Few realize what they lose by not searching the Scriptures.

All who search the inspired word for themselves will gain a knowledge of a personal, abiding Saviour; and their Christian experience will not depend upon feeling, but upon the word of the living God. "The words I speak unto you," said Jesus, "they are spirit, and they are life." And the more one studies the word of God, the more that word takes possession of his mind, and he sees deeper and deeper into the divine purpose. Said the psalmist, "The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple," --to all who, with the simplicity of a child, will search that word. "My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; so that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; if thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord giveth wisdom; out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding."

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." The experience you gain by a study of God's word will enable you to be a help to others. As you appropriate the precious promises it contains, you will find help and assurance. Your light will shine brighter and brighter unto the perfect day; for you will know Him whose going forth is prepared as the morning. The precious Saviour watches over each one of his little flock on your island. He gave his own precious life that you might not perish; and each one should bear in mind that his life is given him, not to be lightly esteemed, but to be used in God's service. A life of faithful service to God is the only happy life. Living for him, we may enjoy a sweet sense of peace and assurance.

Well may our hearts turn to our Redeemer with the most perfect trust when we think of what he has done for us, even when we were sinners. "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Through faith we may rest in his love. "Him that cometh to me," he says, "I will in no wise cast out." It would be a terrible thing to stand before God clothed in sinful garments, with his eye reading every secret of our lives. But through the efficacy of Christ's sacrifice we may stand before God pure and spotless, with our sins pardoned and atoned for. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." The redeemed sinner, clothed in the white robes of Christ's righteousness, may stand in the presence of a sin-hating God, made perfect by the virtue and merits of his Saviour. "As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name." Keep your eye fixed upon Jesus. Think of him as your friend. Through his rich grace he can save to the uttermost all who come to him. He tells us in his word that he is the "living bread which came down from heaven;" and that "if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever."

"As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power." "Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him." -

Who Are Representing Christ?

We are living in times that try men's souls. Those in high positions of trust, whom we may call--as God called some in the days of Noah--mighty men, men of renown, know little of the causes that underlie the present state of society. Many do not care to know; others do not study from cause to effect. Those who hold the reins of government are not able to solve the problem of moral corruption, poverty, pauperism, and increasing crime of every type, manifest in all classes, from the highest to the lowest. Many are struggling vainly to place business operations on a more secure basis. The great extremes of wealth and want produce unnumbered evils.

In our large cities there exists an appalling condition of poverty. Multitudes are destitute of food, clothing, or shelter fit for a human being. In the same cities are men of wealth, who have more than heart could wish; who live luxuriously, spending their money upon richly furnished houses and personal adornment; or worse, upon the gratification of the sensual appetites,--upon tobacco, liquors, and other things that destroy the power of the brain, unbalance the mind, and debase the soul. While they are thus selfishly indulging themselves, all heaven is looking down upon these unfaithful stewards. God and angels mark how the means given to men with which to honor the Creator by blessing the world, is turned to the gratification of self, to the dishonor of God, and the neglect of his heritage.

The Lord declares: "Ye that put far away the evil day, and cause the seat of violence to come near; that lie upon beds of ivory, and stretch themselves upon their couches, and eat the lambs out of the flock, and the calves out of the midst of the stall; that chant to the sound of the viol, and invent to themselves instruments of music, like David; that drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the chief ointments: but they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph. Therefore now shall they go captive with the first that go captive, and the banquet of them that stretched themselves shall be removed. The Lord God hath sworn by himself, saith the Lord the God of hosts, I abhor the excellency of Jacob, and hate his palaces: therefore will I deliver up the city with all that is therein."

Israel had transgressed the law, violated the Sabbath, and oppressed the poor, turning away the stranger from his right. They had given themselves to indulgence of appetite, to wine-drinking, and to similar things. The Lord put his rebuke upon them, and foretold their degradation. Through indulgence in wine and strong drink, they were confusing their judgment, and deteriorating their character. "Shall horses run upon the rock? will one plow there with oxen? for ye have turned judgment into gall, and the fruit of righteousness into hemlock: ye which rejoice in a thing of naught, which say, Have we not taken to us horns by our own strength? But, behold, I will raise up against you a nation, O house of Israel, saith the Lord the God of hosts; and they shall afflict you from the entering in of Hemath unto the river of the wilderness." This whole prophecy presents lessons upon temperance, reproving selfishness, luxurious living, indulgence in those things that pervert the senses, and lead to extravagance and sin.

The prince of darkness has set in operation every device to ruin and destroy man. He has legions of evil workers uniting with him to obliterate the image of God in our youth. I ask those who are acquainted with truth, who know righteousness, What are you doing? Are you using your influence to bring into the ranks of the Lord's army all whom you can possibly reach? Have you yourself enlisted to fight the battles of the Lord? As Christians it is our work to represent Christ. We are to set an example that shall be in striking contrast to the practises of this evil age. He that is selfish will neglect to do the very work he ought to do, and take up a work that God has not given him to do. "He that loveth pleasure ["sport," margin] shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich." "He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honor." "The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labor. He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not."

"He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want." This breaks up worldly policy, and sets aside worldly maxims. "That thy trust may be in the Lord, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee. Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, that I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee? Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate." Consider also these words: "For the Lord will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoil them. Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go." Why?--"Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul."

While distrust and alienation are pervading all classes of society, Christ's disciples are to reveal the spirit that reigns in heaven. Because the world was ruined through sin, God gave his Son to draw men back to him. He "so loved the world, that he gave" all that heaven could give for the saving of the lost. In every soul who receives that love it will manifest itself in like manner. God so loved that he gave. If we love with his love, we, too, shall give all. We shall be co-workers with him whose mission it is to "preach the gospel to the poor; . . . to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord." We shall do the work he has set before us,--"to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke; . . . to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house; when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh."

Again the Lord says: "Lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; and make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way: but let it rather be healed." All about us are souls that have gone out of the way,--souls that have been wounded and bruised by the enemy, and that feel a craving for help, for comfort, for sympathy. These souls, when brought in contact with us, should find a strong hand stretched out to clasp their hand,--a strong, living faith that will help them to put their trust in Jesus.

All who pray in sincerity, "Be thou my pattern," will work in Christ's lines; they will reveal that they themselves are striving to follow Christ, and as the natural result, they will lead others to seek the higher life. The power of speech is a precious gift of God, and if used in speaking words of hope and courage to the oppressed, it will be a savor of life unto life. But it may be a savor of death unto death. Harsh or even thoughtless words may be a great hindrance to the struggling, fainting soul. They may sting and bruise until the soul shall be driven upon Satan's ground, never again to listen to the voice of Christ.

The Saviour marks all our work as though done unto himself; for he identifies his interest with that of suffering humanity. Every one who names the name of Christ is called, so far as it lies in his power, to help every other soul in the heavenward way. But let none feel that Christ has placed them on the judgment-seat to pass judgment on a brother or sister who is unfortunate, or who falls into error. Many hearts are sorely stricken, to whom words fitly spoken might bring peace and rest. These souls are a test to their brethren and sisters, revealing what is in the heart. All heaven is looking to see how we treat those that need our help. It is this that reveals whether the glowing fire of the first love is still burning upon the altar of the heart. What a power the church would have in it if all its members were so imbued with the Spirit of Christ as to speak to one another only words of comfort and peace and hope; if none felt it their prerogative to judge, to oppress, to cast a dark shadow on the soul of another!

When the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" the Saviour "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 as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of sea. Woe unto the world because of offenses! for it must needs be that offenses come; but woe to that man by whom the offense cometh! Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire. Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven. For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray. Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish."

My brethren, be not deceived in regard to your own souls. They that are hearers and doers of the words of Christ are the only ones who have built on the eternal Rock, and whose house will stand secure when the storms beat upon it. What kind of foundation have you been building upon,--sliding sand or solid rock? If you are not doers of the words of Christ, your house is sure to fall. Do you seek to save souls that are perishing? or do you fold your arms, and leave those unhelped whom you could help? You will gain no strength or encouragement to your own soul in neglecting to work the works of Christ.

"Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him," said Jesus, "shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." "If thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday: and the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not." -

The Kingdom of Christ

"Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God?" said Christ, "or with what comparison shall we compare it?" Christ found the kingdoms of the world corrupt. After Satan was expelled from heaven, he erected his standard of rebellion on this earth, and sought by every means to win men to his standard. In order the more successfully to gain the allegiance of the world, he put on the garb of religion. By familiar intercourse, through his agents, with the inhabitants of the world, he worked to extend his power, that the contagion of evil might be wide-spread. His purpose was to establish a kingdom which would be governed by his own laws, and carried on with his own resources, independent of God; and so well did he succeed, that when Christ came to the world to establish a kingdom, he looked upon the governments of men, and said, "Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God?" Nothing in civil society afforded him a comparison. The world had cast aside that class of people most needing care and attention; even the most earnest religionists among the Jews, filled with pride and prejudice, neglected the poor and needy, and some among them frowned upon their existence.

In striking contrast to the wrong and oppression so universally practised were the mission and work of Christ. Earthly kingdoms are established and upheld by physical force, but this was not to be the foundation of the Messiah's kingdom. In the establishment of his government no carnal weapons were to be used, no coercion practised; no attempt would be made to force the consciences of men. These are the principles used by the prince of darkness for the government of his kingdom. His agents are actively at work, seeking in their human independence to enact laws which are in direct contrast to Christ's mercy and loving-kindness.

Prophecy has plainly stated the nature of Christ's kingdom. He planned a government which would use no force; his subjects would know no oppression. The symbols of earthly governments are wild beasts, but in the kingdom of Christ, men are called upon to behold, not a ferocious beast, but the Lamb of God. Not as a fierce tyrant did he come, but as the Son of man; not to conquer the nations by his iron power, but "to preach good tidings unto the meek;" "to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;" "to comfort all that mourn." He came as the divine Restorer, bringing to oppressed and downtrodden humanity the rich and abundant grace of Heaven, that by the power of his righteousness, man, fallen and degraded though he was, might be a partaker of divinity.

In the eyes of the world, Christ was peculiar in some things. Ever a friend of those who most needed his protection, he comforted the needy, and befriended those shunned by the proud and exclusive Jews. The forsaken ones felt his protection, and the convicted, repentant soul was clothed with his salvation. And he required of his subjects that they give aid and protection to the oppressed. No soul that bears the image of God is to be placed at the footstool of human power. The greatest possible kindness and freedom are to be granted to the purchase of the blood of Christ. Over and over again in his teaching, Christ presented the value of true humility, showing how necessary it is that we exercise helpfulness, compassion, and love toward one another.

Professed Christians of to-day have the example of Christ before them, but do they follow it? Often, by the hardness of their hearts, they make it manifest that they do not belong to the kingdom of Christ. Too many educate themselves to censure and condemn, repulsing with harsh, stinging words, those who may seek their help. But cold-hearted worldliness excludes the love of Jesus from the heart. We can cooperate with Christ in the upbuilding of his kingdom only by being sanctified by his Spirit. We must use no force, take up no weapons to compel obedience; for to do this would be to exhibit the same spirit revealed by the enemies of Christ.

Christ can do nothing for the recovery of man until, convinced of his own weakness and stripped of all self-sufficiency and pride, he puts himself under the control of God. Then and then only can he be a true subject of God. No confidence can be placed in human greatness, human intellect, or human plans. We must place ourselves under the guidance of an infinite mind, acknowledging that without Jesus we can do nothing. "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up." "Do ye think that the Scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble."

Christ taught that his church is a spiritual kingdom. He himself, "the Prince of peace," is the head of his church. In his person humanity, inhabited by divinity, was represented to the world. The great end of his mission was to be a sin-offering for the world, that by the shedding of blood an atonement might be made for the whole race of men. With a heart ever touched with the feelings of our infirmities, an ear ever open to the cry of suffering humanity, a hand ever ready to save the discouraged and despairing, Jesus, our Saviour, "went about doing good." His words inspired hope; his precepts awakened men to faith, and caused them to put their trust in him.

Before man can belong to the kingdom of Christ, his character must be purified from sin and sanctified by the grace of Christ. He must become a member of Christ's body, receiving nourishment from him as the branches of the vine derive their strength from the parent stalk. And all who are members of the kingdom of Christ will represent him in character and disposition. Who are thus working out their lives in the service of Christ? All such will sit with him on his throne. But all who exalt themselves, all who oppress their fellow men in any wise, do this to Jesus Christ; for every soul has been purchased at an infinite price, and through faith in Christ is capable of receiving immortality, to live through the eternal ages.

How long God will bear with the heartless indifference shown in the treatment of men toward their fellow men, we cannot determine. But "whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." If men sow deeds of love and compassion, words of comfort, hope, and encouragement, they will reap that which they have sown.

Christ longs to manifest his grace, and stamp his character and image upon the whole world. He was offered the kingdoms of this world by the one who revolted in heaven, to buy his homage to the principles of evil; but he come to establish a kingdom of righteousness, and he would not be bought; he would not abandon his purpose. This earth is his purchased inheritance, and he would have men free and pure and holy. The world's Redeemer hungered and thirsted for sympathy and co-operation; and his earthly pilgrimage of toil and self sacrifice was cheered by the prospect that his longings would be satisfied, that his work would not be for naught. And though Satan works through human instrumentalities to hinder the purpose of Christ, there are triumphs yet to be accomplished through the blood shed for the world, that will bring glory to God and to the Lamb. His kingdom will extend, and embrace the whole world. The heathen will be given for his inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for his possession. Christ will not be satisfied till victory is complete. But "he shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied." "So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun."

Our Battle With Evil

The will of man is aggressive, and is constantly striving to bend all things to its purposes. If it is enlisted on the side of God and right, the fruits of the Spirit will appear in the life; and God has appointed glory, honor, and peace to every man that worketh good.

When Satan is permitted to mold the will, he uses it to accomplish his ends. He often works under cover as an angel of light. He has synagogues for worship, and an immense number of followers. But with all his high professions, he is at enmity with God. He instigates theories of unbelief, and stirs up the human heart to war against the word of God. With persistent, persevering effort, he seeks to inspire men with his own energies of hate and antagonism to God, and to array them in opposition to the institutions and requirements of Heaven and the operations of the Holy Spirit. He enlists under his standard all evil agencies, and brings them into the battle-field under his generalship to oppose evil against good.

It is Satan's work to dethrone God from the heart, and to mold human nature into his own image of moral deformity. He stirs up the evil propensities, awakening unholy passions and ambitions. He says, "All this power, these honors, and riches, and sinful pleasures, will I give thee;" but his conditions are that integrity shall be yielded, conscience blunted. Thus he degrades the human faculties, and brings them into captivity to sin.

God calls upon men to oppose the powers of evil. He says: "Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal bodies, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin; but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God."

The Christian life is a warfare. But "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." In this conflict of righteousness against unrighteousness, we can be successful only by divine aid. Our finite will must be brought into submission to the will of the Infinite; the human will must be blended with the divine. This will bring the Holy Spirit to our aid; and every conquest will tend to the recovery of God's purchased possession, to the restoration of his image in the soul.

The Lord Jesus acts through the Holy Spirit; for it is his representative. Through it he infuses spiritual life into the soul, quickening its energies for good, cleansing from moral defilement, and giving it a fitness for his kingdom. Jesus has large blessings to bestow, rich gifts to distribute among men. He is the wonderful Counselor, infinite in wisdom and strength; and if we will acknowledge the power of his Spirit, and submit to be molded by it, we shall stand complete in him. What a thought is this! In Christ "dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him." Never will the human heart know happiness until it is submitted to be molded by the Spirit of God. The Spirit conforms the renewed soul to the model, Jesus Christ. Through its influence, enmity against God is changed into faith and love, and pride into humility. The soul perceives the beauty of truth, and Christ is honored in excellence and perfection of character. As these changes are affected, angels break out in rapturous song, and God and Christ rejoice over souls fashioned after the divine similitude.

It is by contemplating Christ, by exercising faith in him, by experiencing for ourselves his saving grace, that we are qualified to present him to the world. When the soul is renovated through the truth and brought into harmony with God, the Lord will accept us as workers together with himself, for the salvation of others. Jesus will be our theme; his love burning upon the altar of our hearts, will reach the hearts of the people. The truth will be presented, not as a cold, lifeless theory, but as a living force to change the life. But the power is of God through his Holy Spirit, which works effectually on hearts and minds. When Jesus left to his disciples the work which he had begun, he charged them: "Tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high." And he promised, "Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." And the disciples "continued with one accord in prayer and supplication," waiting for the fulfillment of the promise.

We should pray as earnestly for the descent of the Holy Spirit as the disciples prayed on the day of Pentecost. If they needed it at that time, we need it more to-day. All manner of false doctrines, heresies, and deceptions are misleading the minds of men; and without the Spirit's aid, our efforts to present divine truth will be in vain.

We are living in the time of the Holy Spirit's power. It is seeking to diffuse itself through the agency of humanity, thus increasing its influence in the world. For if any man drinks of the water of life, it will be in him "a well of water springing up into everlasting life;" and the blessing will not be confined to himself, but will be shared by others.

On occasions when the Holy Spirit has manifested its power among our churches or in our schools, some have given it a mere formal acknowledgment; others have met it with unbelief and resistance; and still others have given the heavenly Guest a confined range, limiting its power and its operations. It has been looked upon as an element to be restricted, controlled. The Spirit of God has unconfined range of the heavenly universe; and it is not the province of finite human minds to limit its power or prescribe its operations. Let no one pronounce judgment upon the Holy Spirit; for it will pronounce judgment upon those who do this.

To reject the Holy Spirit, through whose power we conquer the forces of evil, is the sin that surpasses all others; for it cuts us off from the source of our power,--from Christ and communion with him. When there is a manifest awakening in church or school, and it is evident that the Holy Spirit is working, the first intimation of the heavenly influence should be honored. Let the routine of study or work be secondary, and let every one co-operate with the divine agency, with hearty thanksgiving that God has visited his people.

The warfare between good and evil has not grown less fierce than it was in the days of the Saviour. The path to heaven is no smoother now than it was then. All our sins must be put away. Every darling indulgence that hinders our religious life must be cut off. The right eye or the right hand must be sacrificed, if it causes us to offend. Are we willing to renounce our own wisdom, and to receive the kingdom of heaven as a little child? Are we willing to part with our self-righteousness? Are we willing to sacrifice the approbation of men? The prize of eternal life is of infinite value. Are we willing to welcome the Holy Spirit's aid, and co-operate with it, putting forth efforts and making sacrifices proportionate to the value of the object to be obtained?

The exhortation of the Spirit of God is of peculiar force at this time: "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For 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 take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." -

Take Heed Lest Ye Fall

"Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; and were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; and did all eat the same spiritual meat; and did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness." "Now these things were our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play."

In the hearing of all Israel, and with awful majesty, God had spoken from Mount Sinai, declaring the precepts of his law. Overwhelmed with a sense of guilt, and fearing to be consumed by the glory of the presence of the Lord, the people had entreated Moses, "Speak thou with us, and we will hear; but let not God speak with us, lest we die."

God called Moses up into the mountain that he might communicate his law to him; and when the presence of Moses was withdrawn, the solemn impression made upon the people by the manifestation of God's presence, passed quickly away. Although the glory of God was still like a devouring fire upon the top of the mountain, old habits of thought and feeling began to assert their power. Even the leaders of the host seemed to lose their reason. The memory of their covenant with God, their terror when, falling upon their faces, they had exceedingly feared, all vanished like smoke from the minds of the people. Weary of waiting for the return of Moses, they began to clamor for some visible representation of God.

Aaron, who had been left in charge of the camp, was tempted to believe that if he resisted the demands of the people, they would take his life, and instead of exercising faith in God, trusting to divine power to sustain him, he yielded to their clamors. Collecting the golden ornaments, he made a molten calf, and fashioned it with a graving tool. Then the leaders of the people declared, "These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt."

Aaron saw that the image he had made pleased the people, and he was proud of his workmanship. He built an altar before the idol, and declared: "To-morrow is a feast to the Lord." "And they rose up early on the morrow, and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace-offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play." After feasting, they gave themselves up to mirth and dancing, which ended in the shameful orgies that mark the heathen festivals.

God in heaven beheld it all, and he warned Moses of what was taking place in the camp, saying: "Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation. And Moses besought the Lord his God, and said, Lord, why doth thy wrath wax hot against thy people, which thou hast brought forth out of the land of Egypt with great power, and with a mighty hand? Wherefore should the Egyptians speak, and say, For mischief did he bring them out, to slay them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth? Turn from thy fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against thy people. . . .And the Lord repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people."

As Moses came down from the mountain with the two tables of the testimony in his hand, he heard the shouts of the people, and as he came near, he beheld the idol and the reveling multitude. Overwhelmed with horror and indignation that God had been so dishonored, and that the people had broken their solemn covenant with him, he cast the tables of stone upon the ground, and broke them. Though his love for Israel was so great that he was willing to lay down his own life for the people, his zeal for the glory of God moved him to anger, which found expression in this act of such terrible significance. God did not rebuke him. The breaking of the tables of stone was but a representation of the fact that Israel had broken the covenant which they had recently made with God. His anger was not prompted by self-love or wounded ambition, but was that righteous indignation against sin, which springs from zeal for the glory of God, and which is referred to in the words of Scripture, "Be ye angry, and sin not."

And Moses "saw that the people were naked; (for Aaron had made them naked unto their shame among their enemies)" "And Moses said unto Aaron, What did this people do unto thee, that thou hast brought so great a sin upon them? And Aaron said, Let not the anger of my lord wax hot: thou knowest the people, that they are set on mischief. For they said unto me, Make us gods, which shall go before us: for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him." "And he took the calf which they had made, and burnt it in the fire, and ground it to powder, and strewed it upon the water, and made the children of Israel drink of it."

Mark the extreme fanaticism and sin into which the people were led by the enemy. In his service and under his influence, they exhibited the traits of his character. They ate and drank without a thought of God or of his mercy, without a thought of resisting the one who was leading them on to the most shameful deeds. Mirth and dancing were carried to such a point that the senses were infatuated and beguiled. God was dishonored; for his people had become a shame in the sight of the nations. Judgments were about to fall upon the infatuated multitude; yet in his mercy God gave them another opportunity to forsake their sins. "Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Who is on the Lord's side? let him come unto me." The trumpeters caught up the words, and sounded them through their trumpets, "Who is on the Lord's side? let him come unto me." All who were repentant had the privilege of taking their stand beside Moses. "And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together unto him. And he said unto them, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, Put every man his sword by his side, and go in and out from gate to gate throughout the camp, and slay every man his brother, and every man his companion, and every man his neighbor. . . . And there fell of the people that day about thee thousand men."

Those who had shown so little sense of the presence and greatness of God, and who, after the exhibition of his majesty, were ready to depart from him, would be a continual snare to Israel; and they were slain as a rebuke to sin, and to lead the people to fear to dishonor God. In this work there was no hypocrisy or partiality shown; no confederation was made to shield the guilty; for the terror of the Lord was upon the people.

To us the warning is given: "All these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come." There can be no presumption more fatal than that which leads men to venture upon a course of self-pleasing. In view of this solemn warning from God, should not fathers and mothers take heed? Should they not point out to the youth the dangers that are constantly arising to lead them away from God? Many parents allow their children to attend pleasure parties, thinking that amusement is essential for health and happiness; but what dangers are in that path! The more the desire for pleasure is gratified, the stronger it becomes, till at last the life experience is largely made up of self-gratifications. God bids us beware. "Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall."

Pleasure parties of a worldly nature, gatherings for eating and drinking, are inspired from a power that is from beneath. They are an oblation to the enemy of God. By indulging in such gratifications, the mind becomes intoxicated, even as in liquor-drinking; and the thoughts, allowed to run in a low channel, soon pervert the powers of the mind. The common conversation and perverted ideas are woven into the texture of the character, and defile the soul. Like Israel of old, the pleasure lovers eat and drink, and rise up to play.

All who take part in that which dishonors God bring upon the cause of God a stain not easily effaced. They wound their own souls, and will carry the scars through their lifetime. The wrong-doer may see his sin, and repent; God may pardon him; but the power of discernment, which ought ever to be kept keen and sensitive to discern between the sacred and the common, is in a great measure destroyed. Because of this, some will remain in blindness and insensibility, adopting worldly and even infidel sentiments, accepting human devices and imaginations as divine, while they turn away from the demonstrations of the Holy Spirit.

Two great powers are at work in this world, -- one from above, and the other from beneath. Every man is under the influence of one or the other. Those who are united with Christ will work in Christ's lines; those who are in union with Satan will work under the inspiration of their leader. The will of man is left free to act, and by action is revealed what spirit is moving upon the heart. "By their fruits ye shall know them."

To all who are waiting our Lord's appearing, I would say, Have you individually watched your soul as one who is co-operating with God for its purification from all sin, and for its entire sanctification to God? By precept and example do you teach the youth sanctification through the truth, unto holiness and obedience to God? or by thought and action do you say, "My Lord delayeth his coming"?

The Holy One of Israel has given us rules of guidance, and all who would be saved must follow these rules; for they form the standard of character. The Lord's will must become our will in everything. His religion must be brought into all we do, giving sanction to each daily duty. No one can swerve from the first principles of righteousness without sinning.

In that great day when the accounts of all are opened, it will be known who is prepared to meet his Lord in peace. "Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man." -

The Need of Consecrated Workers

"And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the Lord, which he commanded them not. And there went out fire from the Lord, and devoured them, and they died before the Lord. Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that the Lord spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified." And the special charge was given to Aaron: "Do not drink wine nor strong drink, thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go into the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations: and that ye may put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean."

The Lord gave special directions to Moses in regard to everything connected with his work; for he was jealous for his honor. He said, "I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified." To-day his work is as sacred as in the time of the children of Israel. The proclamation of his truth, that is to shine amid the moral darkness of the world, is a work over which God and the heavenly angels have supervision; and none should be engaged in this work but those that are sanctified by a living connection with God. Converted men are needed,--men who will love and honor God, fearing to move in their own wisdom, and realizing that their efforts can prove successful only as recognized by him without whose blessing there is no prosperity. Every moment divine power must be combined with human effort, else strange fire will be offered instead of the sacred.

Many fail to recognize the sacredness of the work in which they are engaged. But in order to work successfully, they should keep its exalted character ever before them. Let all read the directions given by Christ to Moses, requiring every man to be in his place, and do that part of the work to which he was appointed and set apart. If, in putting up or taking down the tabernacle, any man was found out of place, or ventured upon any officious action, that man was put to death.

To handle sacred things as we would common matters is an offense to God; for that which God has set apart to do his service in giving light to this world is holy. Those who have any connection with the work of God are not to walk in the vanity of their own wisdom, but in the wisdom of God, or they will be in danger of placing sacred and common things on the same level, and thus separate themselves from God. And just in proportion to man's consecration to God in this life, will be his advancement in the future life. It is impossible for men to refuse to walk in the light God has given them and still have a living connection with him. They may lay plans which are looked upon as wise, but without God for their counselor, these plans will prove to be a snare. The enemy will work through such ones to carry out his own devices; for they reject the means by which God would teach and direct them.

The last dream which God gave to Nebuchadnezzar, and the experience of the king in connection with it, contain lessons of vital importance to all those who are connected with the work of God. The king was troubled with his dream; for it was evidently a prediction of adversity, and none of his wise men would attempt to interpret it. The faithful Daniel stood before the king, not to flatter, not to misinterpret in order to secure favor. A solemn duty rested upon him to tell the king of Babylon the truth. He said: "My lord, the dream be to them that hate thee, and the interpretation thereof to thine enemies. The tree that thou sawest, which grew, and was strong, whose height reached unto the heaven, and the sight thereof to all the earth; whose leaves were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all; under which the beasts of the field dwelt, and upon whose branches the fowls of the heaven had their habitation: it is thou, O king, that art grown and become strong: for thy greatness is grown, and reacheth unto heaven, and thy dominion to the end of the earth. And whereas the king saw a watcher and an holy one coming down from heaven, and saying, Hew the tree down, and destroy it; yet leave the stump of the roots thereof in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts of the field, till seven times pass over him; this is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the Most High, which is come upon my lord the king: that they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will. And whereas they commanded to leave the stump of the tree roots; thy kingdom shall be sure unto thee, after that thou shalt have known that the heavens do rule. Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by showing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity.

But Nebuchadnezzar did not heed the heaven-sent message. One year after he had been thus warned, as he walked in his palace, he said within himself, "Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honor of my majesty?" The God of heaven read the heart of the king, and heard its whisperings of self-congratulation. "While the word was in the king's mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O King Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee. And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will. The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar.

To-day there is a Watchman taking cognizance of the children of men, and in a special sense of those who are to represent God by receiving his sacred truth into the heart and revealing it to the world. That Watcher is guarding the interests of all. Every individual is before him. There is not a thought of the heart that is unnoted. Nothing can be hidden from him. His ear hears the secret whisperings, and every secret thing is to be brought into judgment. All need to learn that the heavenly Watcher is acquainted with the children of men. If men forget this, there is danger of a spirit of selfishness and self exaltation entering their work. These principles practised are not only detrimental to all within the sphere of their action, but will lead to a development of character so objectionable that its possessor cannot find a place among the redeemed. He that sitteth in the heavens requires that a different spirit shall control his workers.

Whatever the position we are called to fill, our only safety is in walking humbly with God. The man who glories in his supposed capabilities, in his position of power, in his wisdom, in his property, or in anything else than Christ, will be taken in the net of the enemy. He who fails to walk humbly before God will find a spirit rising up within him, prompting the desire to rule others connected with him, and causing him to oppress others who are human and erring like himself. He appropriates to himself jurisdiction and control over other men,--an honor which belongs alone to God.

Under the rebuke of God the proud heart of Nebuchadnezzar was humbled. He acknowledged Jehovah as the living God. "At the end of the days," the record reads. "I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the Most High, and I praised and honored him that liveth forever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation:....he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?. . . I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those who walk in pride he is able to abase." Thus the king of Babylon became a witness for God. He presented himself as a living epistle, giving his testimony, warm and eloquent, from a grateful heart that was partaking of the mercy and grace and righteousness and peace of the divine nature.

O that all who have had great light shining round them in rich abundance might become humble and faithful agents for God, and, like the king of Babylon, raise their voices in recognition of God! Then they might be made, in truth, guardians of sacred trusts. "For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings." -

The Keeping Power of God's Love

"Now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. . . . Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honorable, and I have loved thee: therefore I will give men for thee, and people for thy life. . . . I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth; even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him."

The Lord loves every one of those for whom he gave his Son, and he does not wish us to spend our days mourning over our sins. Everything that God could do he has done to manifest his great love and mercy to us. He "so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Then rest in the assurance of the love of God. Open the door of your heart, and let the sunbeams of Christ's righteousness drive away the shadow of sadness and grief.

Not because we first loved him, does God love us; but "while we were yet sinners," Christ died for us, making full and abundant provision for our redemption. Although by our disobedience we have merited God's displeasure and condemnation, he has not forsaken us; he has not left us to grapple with the power of the enemy in our own finite strength. Heavenly angels fight our battles for us; and co-operating with them, we may be victorious over the powers of evil. Trusting in Christ as our personal Saviour, we may be "more than conquerors through him that loved us."

"Thus saith God the Lord, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein: I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles: to open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house." This precious assurance of God to Christ embraces all who receive Jesus Christ; for John says, "As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name." As we draw nigh to him by faith, he draws nigh to us, adopting us into his family, and making us sons and daughters of the Most High.

By disobeying the commands of God, man fell under the condemnation of his law. This fall called for the grace of God to appear in behalf of sinners. We should never have learned the meaning of this word "grace" had we not fallen. God loves the sinless angels, who do his service, and are obedient to all his commands; but he does not give them grace. These heavenly beings know naught of grace; they have never needed it; for they have never sinned. Grace is an attribute of God shown to undeserving human beings. We did not seek after it, but it was sent in search of us. God rejoices to bestow this grace upon every one who hungers for it. To every one he presents terms of mercy, not because we are worthy, but because we are so utterly unworthy. Our need is the qualification which gives us the assurance that we shall receive this gift.

But God does not use his grace to make his law of none effect, or to take the place of his law. "The Lord is well pleased for his righteousness' sake; he will magnify the law, and make it honorable." His law is truth. "He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law." God gave man a perfect law. An imperfect law would have perpetuated sin--made God the author of sin. Jesus came to condemn sin in the flesh, to bear the curse of sin for us; and he took the law from beneath the feet of those who were trampling upon it, and made it honorable. He kept his Father's commandments; and only by being a partaker of the divine nature, can man keep them.

God's grace and the law of his kingdom are in perfect harmony; they walk hand in hand. His grace makes it possible for us to draw nigh to him by faith. By receiving it, and letting it work in our lives, we testify to the validity of the law; we exalt the law and make it honorable by carrying out its living principles through the power of the grace of Christ; and by rendering pure, whole-hearted obedience to God's law, we witness before the universe of heaven, and before an apostate world that is making void the law of God, to the power of redemption.

"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost, which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour." Let no one try to carry his own sins, for they have been atoned for by the great sin-bearer. The only begotten Son of God voluntarily met the claims of God's violated law. He was stricken of God and afflicted in our behalf. One with the Father, he was fully able to bear the penalty of our disobedience. By connecting his divinity with our humanity, Christ has exalted the human family. His divinity grasps the throne of the Infinite in behalf of man. As our substitute, he took our sins upon himself, and now he intercedes before the Father in our behalf. "In all things it behooved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of his people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted."

It is impossible for us to save ourselves. Only by the efficacy of the blood of Jesus Christ can we be saved. He died on Calvary's cross for us, and we may be complete in him; for his sacrifice is all-sufficient. Why will you keep your eyes fastened on self, when your Saviour stands beside you, saying, "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 is light"? "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." Lay your sins on me.

Satan will come to you, saying, "You are a sinner;" but do not allow him to fill your mind with the thought that because you are sinful, God has cast you off. Say to him, Yes; I am a sinner, and for that very reason I need a Saviour. I need forgiveness and pardon, and Christ says that if I will come to him, I shall not perish. In his letter to me I read, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." When Satan tells you that you are lost, answer, Yes; but Jesus came to seek and to save that which was lost. "A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench." The greater my sin, the greater my need of a Saviour.

The moment you grasp God's promises by faith, saying, I am the lost sheep Jesus came to save, a new life will take possession of you, and you will receive strength to resist the tempter. But faith to grasp the promises does not come by feeling. "Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." You must not look for some great change to take place; you must not expect to feel some wonderful emotion. The Spirit of God alone can make a lasting impression on the mind.

Christ longs to see his people resist the adversary of souls; but only by looking away from self to Jesus can we do this. Cease to bemoan your helpless condition; for your Saviour is touched with the feeling of your infirmities, and to-day he says to you, Be not discouraged, but cast your burdens upon me. I will take them all, and will bring to pass that which is good for your soul. Looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, we shall be inspired with hope and shall see the salvation of God; for he is able to keep us from falling. When we are tempted to mourn, let us force our lips to utter the praises of God; for he is worthy of praise. "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." "Trust ye in the Lord forever; for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength."

Never has a soul that trusts in Jesus been left to perish. "I, even I, am he," the Lord declares, "that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins. Put me in remembrance; let us plead together: declare thou, that thou mayest be justified." "I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth: I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain; I the Lord speak righteousness, I declare things that are right. . . . Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is none else." Respond to the calls of God's love, and say, I will trust in the Lord, and be comforted; for he has loved me. I will praise the Lord, for his anger is turned away. -

Our Advocate and Our Adversary

"And he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him." Zech. 3:1.

The third chapter of Zechariah contains truths that can be dwelt upon with benefit. There are lessons that are profitable for all. Here are represented the people of God, as it were a criminal on trial. Joshua, as high priest, is seeking for a blessing for the people, who are in great affliction. While he is thus pleading before God, Satan is standing at his right hand as his adversary. He is an accuser of the children of God, and is making the case of Israel appear as desperate as possible. He presents before the Lord their evil doings and defects. He shows their faults and failures, with the hope that they will appear of such a character in the eyes of Christ that he will render them no help in their great need. Joshua, as representative of God's people, stands under condemnation, clothed with filthy garments. Aware of the imperfections of Israel, he is weighed down with discouragement. Satan is pressing upon his soul a sense of guiltiness that makes him feel almost hopeless. Yet he stands there as a suppliant, with Satan arrayed against him.

But let us see what position Christ takes toward Joshua and the accuser: "And the Lord said unto Satan, The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan; even the Lord who hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?"

Satan would cover the people of God with blackness, and ruin them; but Jesus interposes. Although they had sinned, yet Jesus took the guilt of their sins upon his own soul. He snatched the race as a brand from the fire. With his long human arm he encircled humanity, while with his divine arm he grasped the throne of the infinite God. And thus man has strength given him that he may overcome Satan, and triumph in God. Help is brought within the reach of perishing souls; the adversary is rebuked.

"Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel. And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment. And I said, Let them set a fair mitre upon his head. So they set a fair mitre upon his head, and clothed him with garments." Then the angel with the authority of the Lord, made a solemn pledge to Joshua: "If thou wilt walk in my ways, and if thou wilt keep my charge, then thou shalt also judge my house, and shalt also keep my courts, and I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by. Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, thou, and thy fellows that sit before thee: for they are men wondered at."

Notwithstanding the defects of the people of God ever since the fall, Jesus will not turn away from the objects of his care. He has the power to change our raiment, to remove the filthy garments, to place upon the repenting, believing sinner his robe of righteousness, and write pardon against his name.

Satan commenced his work as an accuser in heaven. This has been his work ever since the fall, and it will be his work in a special sense as we approach nearer to the close of time. He is aroused when he sees a people on the earth, who, even in their weakness and sinfulness, have respect unto the law of Jehovah. He has no intention that they shall obey God. He delights in their unworthiness, and has devices prepared for every soul, that all may be ensnared and separated from God. He would accuse and condemn God, and all who strive to carry out his purposes in this world, in mercy and love, in compassion and forgiveness. Every manifestation of God's power for his people arouses the enmity of Satan against them. Every time God works in their behalf, Satan with his angels is aroused to work with relentless vigor to compass their ruin. He is jealous of every soul who makes Christ his strength. His object is to instigate evil, and when he has succeeded, throw all the blame upon the tempted one, presenting him before the Advocate, clothed in the black garments of sin, and endeavoring to secure to him the severest penalty. He would urge justice without mercy. Repentance he does not allow. The penalty, he argues, can never be remitted, and God be just.

The sinner cannot contradict or answer the charge of Satan against him, but our Advocate presents his wounded hands, and makes an effectual plea in behalf of the repenting one who has placed his case in the hands of Jesus. Our Saviour silences this bold accuser by the unanswerable argument of the cross. Jesus stands to plead his own blood in behalf of the sinner. He has unveiled the disguised tempter, and shown him in his true light, as a malignant enemy to Christ and man. The condemnation and murder of the Son of God were brought about by Satan's false accusations, and that against one who was pure, holy, and undefiled. This work has forever alienated from Satan the affections and sympathy of the heavenly world Not one thought of sympathy remained in their hearts for him who had been an exalted angel. This same work he is carrying on in the world to-day in the children of disobedience,--those whose minds are subject to his control. The cross of Calvary shows how far Satan will carry his work.

This counterfeit justice that Satan advocates, God abhors; it must not come into the experience of the sons and daughters of God. Satan's censuring must not be imitated by any one who is a partaker of the mercy and the love of God. Let not one of his professed children climb upon the judgment seat to accuse or condemn another. Guard your own soul; watch closely for the first jealous thought, the first suggestion to question or judge others. God has not set you to be a judge over your brethren; and while you do so, your own soul will be as destitute of the Spirit of God as were the hills of Gilboa of dew and rain. Those who are ready to accuse and find fault with others, commit sin against their own souls. Those who would bring others to justice, should be the embodiment of spotless purity themselves. Never disparage one soul for whom Christ has died; for when you accuse and condemn his followers, you accuse and condemn Christ. Be instruments in the Lord's hands of saving souls "with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh." We must not be severe with the infirmities of others, but attend zealously to our own individual case.

Angels of God are watching the character you develop, they are weighing your words and actions; therefore take heed to your ways; examine closely your own heart, prove whether you are in the love of God. When Jesus is abiding in your heart by faith, when his love controls the heart, you will have love for your brethren and sisters. When you see, or think you discern a defect or error, you will not blaze it abroad; but tell him his fault between thee and him alone. By the blood of Christ he may be cleansed. It was this blood, the mighty argument of the cross of Calvary, that broke the power of Satan as an accuser.

Those who are connected with, and are laboring for, the church of God, stand in the same position as Joshua is represented as occupying. As God's servants see the defects of Israel, as they see the sins that are not put away, it calls forth from their sorrowful hearts the prayer, "Spare thy people, O Lord, and give not thine heritage to reproach." But God is not pleased, he is not glorified by many who claim to believe the truth. He calls upon his church to arouse. Look not to the ministers to do your work; sleep not as did the foolish virgins, who had no oil in their lamps. Have your lamps supplied with the oil of the grace of Christ. Should every one in the church let his light shine forth to others as God designs he should, what a work would be done. A living church will be a working church. Bring your powers to Jesus; put them into exercise Think, meditate, watch, and pray. A close connection with Jesus will increase your power of accomplishing good, your intellect will be strengthened. The time that will try men's souls is just before us. We shall then have no advocate to rebuke the devil, and plead in our behalf.

Every soul must resist the discouragement that Satan will surely suggest, that our sins are too many and too grievous to be pardoned. Sinner, Jesus loves you. He has thrust his own arm into the burning to rescue you. Then let faith take the place of doubt, hope and courage the place of fear and unbelief. Daily confess your sins, and hope for pardon. Let not the careless or indifferent attitude of any one dishearten you, or dull the life current flowing through your soul. If you see that those who ought to be wide awake, who ought to be ensamples to the flock, do not meet their high and holy responsibility, then feel to the depths of your soul that there is more need for you to meet the requirements of God and keep his charge. You must act like living men; work with fidelity.

The Lord proclaimed from Sinai, "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy." Do you keep the Sabbath according to the commandment? Do you command your children and your household after you, as did Abraham? Parents have not done their work with fidelity in their families. They have not felt a burden for souls, even for their own children. They have not restrained them, but have indulged them, neglected their eternal interests. The books of heaven testify against them. When you see your children out of the ark, without God, and without hope in the world, make haste; for the storm of God's wrath is coming upon the children of disobedience. God has committed to each sacred trusts. He has given talents to each to be improved, not buried; these talents he will demand of you ere long. Do not wait for some one to do your work. If our life is hid with Christ in God, Satan's miracle-working power, already being manifested, will not deceive us.

But there is a more important feature in this lesson. Its full meaning will be experienced by those who shall be alive at the coming of the Lord. There are those who will keep God's charge to the very close of time. They will know the fellowship of Christ's sufferings. Satan's malignity will be intensified toward them, as he sees that his time is short. He knows that he is sure of those who are under his delusions, but those who will not be deceived by him, he will persecute until the final rebuke of God is put upon him. He will perform miracles to fasten the deception upon the already deceived, and to deceive others. I wish to impress upon you the necessity of a close and holy walk with God. To say that we believe on the Son of God is not enough We must have Christ dwelling in our hearts by faith. "If" is the temptation that strikes against Jesus. In fullest confidence we must accept Jesus as our Saviour, and reveal him in our life and character. Thus may we stand amid the perils of the last days.

The Uplifted Saviour

"And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Christ, the spotless Son of God, honored humanity by taking upon himself fallen human nature. A suffering, tempted man, beset by Satan's devices, his divinity clothed with humanity, he so lived on this earth as to show, by his perfect obedience to his Father's will, what humanity could become by partaking of the divine nature.

In humility Christ began his mighty work for the uplifting of the fallen race. Passing by the cities and the renowned seats of learning, he made his home in the humble and obscure village of Nazareth. In this place, from which it was commonly supposed that no good could come, the world's Redeemer passed the greater part of his life, working at his trade as a carpenter. His home was among the poor; his family was not distinguished by learning, riches, or position. In the path which the poor, the neglected, the sorrowing, must tread, he walked while on earth, taking upon him all the woes which the afflicted must bear.

It was the proud boast of the Jews that the Messiah was to come as a king, conquering his enemies, and treading down the heathen in his wrath. But it was not the mission of Christ to exalt man by ministering to his pride. He, the humble Nazarene, might have poured contempt upon the world's pride, for he was commander in the heavenly courts; but he came in humility, showing that it is not riches, or position, or authority that the God of heaven respects, but that he honors a humble, contrite heart, made noble by the power of the grace of Christ.

Christ closed his life of toil and denial in our behalf by a crowning sacrifice for us. That the penalty of our transgressions might not fall upon our heads, that we might be saved from ruin and degradation, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. As the serpent was lifted up in the wilderness, even so the Son of Man was lifted up on the cross, that by beholding him, we might be uplifted, elevated, and ennobled.

If there is anything in our world that should inspire enthusiasm, it is the cross of Calvary. "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God." Christ, made unto us "wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption," should be humbly and thankfully received by us. His sacrifice should inspire us with zeal to work in his service, calling upon others to behold in him "the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world."

Christ's gracious presence is ever speaking to us in his word, pointing us to the One slain from the foundation of the world. To each one who will receive him he is the hope of glory. Looking to him, we reflect his image to all around us. He is the source of spiritual power, and if he abides in our hearts, the divine influence will flow forth in our words and actions to all within the sphere of our influence, begetting in them desires and aspirations for strength and purity, for holiness and peace, for a joy that brings no sorrow with it.

Christ is a living Saviour. To-day he sits at the right hand of God as our advocate, making intercession for us; and he calls upon us to look unto him and be saved. But it has ever been the tempter's determined purpose to eclipse Jesus from the view, that men may be led to lean upon the arm of humanity for help and strength; and he has so well accomplished his purpose that men, turning their eyes from Jesus, in whom all hope of eternal life is centered, look to their fellow men for aid and guidance.

God saw the danger into which humanity would fall by making flesh its arm, and through his servants he has given directions and warnings. Christ is uplifted in the pages of the Bible, that all may see that in him alone there is "everlasting strength;" and unless the sinner makes it his life-work to behold the Saviour, and by faith accepts the merits which it is his privilege to claim, he can no more be saved than Peter could walk upon the water unless he kept his eyes fixed steadily upon Jesus. "He that cometh from above is above all. He that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all. And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony. He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him."

As the serpent was lifted up in the wilderness by Moses, that all who had been bitten by the fiery serpents might look and live, so must the Son of Man be lifted up before the world by his servants. Christ and him crucified, is the message God would have his servants sound through the length and breadth of the world. The law and the gospel will then be presented as a perfect whole. Those who accept the salvation so freely offered, have more than a nominal faith, a theory of truth; they believe to a purpose, appropriating to themselves the richest gifts of God's love. With assurance they can say, "Of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace." "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."

"He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. . . . If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us . . . . And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love, dwelleth in God, and God in him." It is the perpetual life of all believers to love God supremely; and thus loving God, they will love others as themselves. Life and hope will spring up in the hearts of those who thus receive the message of Christ's love. The bright rays of the Sun of Righteousness will fill them with joy and gladness. Looking upon their great antitype, they can say, "It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us."

All power is given into the hands of Christ, in order that he may dispense rich blessings to men, and impart to them the priceless gifts of his own righteousness. But many, blinded by sin, have lost sight of Christ, and are groping in the dark shadows of discouragement. Go to them with a heart filled with love and tenderness, and tell them of the uplifted Saviour, who is the sacrifice for the whole world; invite them to receive the righteousness of Christ, to claim justification through faith in the divine surety; direct them to the all sufficient atonement made for their sins, to Christ's merits, and his changeless love for the human family.

As the high priest sprinkled the warm blood upon the mercy-seat while the fragrant cloud of incense ascended before God, so, while we confess our sins and plead the efficacy of Christ's atoning blood, our prayers are to ascend to heaven, fragrant with the merits of our Saviour's character. Notwithstanding our unworthiness, we are to remember that there is One who can take away sin, and who is willing and anxious to save the sinner. With his own blood he paid the penalty for all wrong-doers. Every sin acknowledged before God with a contrite heart, he will remove. "Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?" -

Whosoever Will, Let Him Come

"I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star." Here is brought to view the Christian's strength and efficiency, and I would that I had power to present the subject in its fulness. Christ is the root, and he sustains every branch by his divine power; but those who make finite man their dependence will certainly fall.

Christ is the root; his disciples are the branches. Great dishonor is done to Christ by those who profess to be his disciples, and are not. If men are not evidencing that they are branches in the divine root, if they are not partakers of the divine nature, they will not, they cannot, love those for whom Christ has given his life. His word declares: "We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren." But notwithstanding these positive utterances, there is but little expression given to that love which evidences that its possessors are sons and daughters of God.

Christ is the "bright and morning star." He is the Christian's light. "They that follow me," he says, "shall not walk in darkness." They are to receive their light from the morning star; and as they catch his bright beams, they are actively, interestedly, to transmit to others the light received.

"As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. . . . And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace." Every sincerely converted soul has his work to do; he is to receive grace from Christ, and to give as freely as he has received. He is to let the light from the bright and morning star shine forth in self-denial, in self-sacrifice, as Christ has given the example in his own life and character.

Jesus would impress upon his church that they are his brethren. He would have them unite with him in one brotherhood, as laborers together with God. They are to constitute the light of the world. They are to be co-partners with Christ in the great work of saving souls. Their efforts will be determinedly opposed; but they are to remember that Jesus failed not nor was discouraged. His manner of labor must be the plan adopted by his followers. The Lord expects every man to do his duty, each uniting with each, and all with Christ, the root and offspring of David, the bright and morning star.

When they are in unity with him, a living testimony goes forth, in words and actions, that the church have the spirit and mind of Christ. They love as brethren; they are the light of the world, the salt of the earth.

Jesus freely offers salvation. "The Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." Jesus says, "Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." This offer embraces all who accept Christ individually. The invitation "Come" is to be echoed by every soul who is a partaker of the divine nature. Christ was standing only a few steps from the heavenly throne when he gave his commission to his disciples. Including as missionaries all who should believe on his name, he said, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." God's power was to go with them. If those who claimed to have a living experience in the things of God had done their appointed work as the Lord ordained, the whole world would have been warned ere this, and the Lord Jesus would have come in power and great glory. For God has appointed a day in the which he will judge the world. He tells us when that day shall come,--"This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." Jesus wants every minister to whom he has committed a trust, to be faithful, to remember his injunctions, to contemplate the vastness of the work, and upon how large a number the obligation rests. "Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto me, both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."

God has organized his instrumentalities for drawing all men unto him. As the worker seeks to give to others the light God has given him, the Lord imparts increased light; and doing his best, with an eye single to the glory of God, he realizes the value of souls. As he visits from house to house, opening the Scriptures to those whose understanding is darkened, angels of God will be close beside him to impress the heart of the one who is athirst for the water of life.

When the latter rain is poured out, the church will be clothed with power for its work; but the church as a whole will never receive this until its members shall put away from among them, envy, evil-surmisings, and evil-speaking. Those who cherish these sins know not the blessed experience of love; they are not awake to the fact that the Lord is testing and proving their love for him by the attitude they assume toward one another. Christ says to us, "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." When this commandment is obeyed, envy, evil-speaking, evil-surmising, and evil-thinking will not be indulged; they will have no part in the formation of character.

This love means growth spiritually. Christ has given an example which his people are to follow. He binds them to one another and to himself by his own divine attributes. Their oneness with Jesus Christ makes them love one another, for this is the sure fruit. He makes their affection for one another the badge of their discipleship.

As the Saviour lifted his eyes to heaven, just before he descended to the greatest depths of his humiliation, offering up his life on the cross, he prayed that his disciples might all be one, "even as we are one: . . . that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me."

God's people have battles to fight, close and severe, but not against their brethren. All dissension, all desire to hurt or weaken or destroy the influence or work of one of God's weakest workers, will be registered in the books of heaven as done unto Jesus. The warfare we must undertake is against the confederacy of evil; but woe unto those who shall turn their implements of warfare against their own brethren!

"But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?" The love of Jesus in the heart will always be revealed in kind- heartedness and tender compassion for those for whom he paid so dear a price. The beloved disciple continues: "My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. . . . And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight." We cannot be loveless Christians; the thing is simply impossible.

The education of the church has not been altogether what it should be. Satan has been working to blind the understanding, that the church shall not realize her weighty responsibilities. The ordained minister is depended upon to pray, and to open the Scriptures to the people who assemble for worship; but God would have every one do a work for the Master. Thousands might be at work who are not ordained to preach the gospel. It is humble men whom God will use,--those who will open their hearts to the voice and knock of Jesus, that he may come in and abide with them. And because they have neglected their God-given work, many have lost their first love. A hard, selfish spirit has taken possession of a large number of those who, if they had loved the souls for whom Christ has died, would work for them in a variety of ways as God's instrumentalities.

God reminds his army that they are to fight in unison with the angels of heaven, and that more than angels are engaged in the warfare. The Holy Spirit, Christ's representative, is in their ranks, arming the weakest with his might to press forward unto victory. -

The Spirit of Sacrifice

The plan of salvation was laid in a sacrifice so broad and deep and high that it is immeasurable. Christ did not send his angels to this fallen world, while he remained in heaven; but he himself went without the camp, bearing the reproach. He became a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; himself took our infirmities, and bore our weaknesses. And the absence of self-denial in his professed followers, God regards as a denial of the Christian name. Those who profess to be one with Christ, and indulge their selfish desires for rich and expensive clothing, furniture, and food, are Christians only in name. To be a Christian is to be Christlike.

And yet how true are the words of the apostle: "For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's." Many Christians do not have works corresponding to the name they bear. They act as if they had never heard of the plan of redemption wrought out at an infinite cost. The majority aim to make a name for themselves in the world; they adopt its forms and ceremonies, and live for the indulgence of self. They follow out their own purposes as eagerly as do the world, and thus they cut off their power to help in establishing the kingdom of God.

These ease-loving, worldly men are Satan's most diligent and devoted servants. They will sacrifice to the idol self; and when its demands are satisfied, there is not much left for the cause of Christ. And yet how they magnify the little crosses, the privations and buffetings they meet in their daily life. How much they talk about them, and how grieved they become over them. They feel that heaven is certainly earned by the trials they have endured and the sacrifices they have made. But the apostle says, "Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin." All this, and a thousandfold more, Christ bore for us. Let us consider him who endured the contradiction of sinners against himself. Jesus died our sacrifice. How do our works compare with his?

In his teaching, Christ illustrated this condition of selfishness by a parable. He said: "There was a certain rich man which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: and there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, and desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table." Self is here represented by the rich man living in a mansion, clothed in purple and fine linen, and faring sumptuously every day, while the suffering cause of God is allowed to lie at the gate, fed from the crumbs which fall from the rich man's table.

The work of God, which should be going forward with tenfold its present strength and efficiency, is kept back, like a spring season held by the chilling blast of winter, because some of God's professed people are appropriating to themselves the means that should be dedicated to his service. Because Christ's self-sacrificing love is not interwoven in the life practises, the church is weak where it should be strong. By its own course it has put out its light, and robbed millions of the gospel of Christ.

Why is it that there are not more missionaries in the field to-day? Why are the calls that come in from every land for men to spread a knowledge of the truth, passed by unheeded?--It is because there are none to send. The laymen, though they have the precious light of truth, excuse themselves on the plea that they cannot preach. But this excuse will not avail. Laymen can minister. It is their privilege to lay hold of divine power with one hand, and with the other to reach forth to save humanity.

To defraud God is the greatest crime of which man can be guilty; and yet this sin is deep and wide-spread. Through the prophet Malachi, God says: "Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of Hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it" These are the words of God, who speaks, and it is. Shall we not hear his voice? Shall we not change the order of things, and co-operate with Christ?

The Lord will not accept the gift that is presented grudgingly. He loves a cheerful giver. He is not dependent upon man for means to carry on his work. He says: "Every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills. . . .If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof." Have you brought to God your gifts and offerings out of the abundance he has bestowed upon you? Have you given him that which he claims as his own? If not, it is not yet too late for you to make the wrong right. The Spirit of Jesus can melt the icy selfishness that pervades the soul.

O that men and women would arouse, and venture something for the truth's sake! Temporal matters must not be allowed to interpose between God and the soul. Heed the admonition of Christ: "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Worldly treasure is a lodestone to hold the thoughts, to limit the plans, and to control the judgment according to the world's standard.

Everywhere men are tying up their money, and hiding it in the earth. They are seeking worldly treasure. They do not make the kingdom of God and his righteousness their first consideration. That must wait their time and pleasure, although thousands of souls are dying around them without the light, unready for eternity. God says to them, "Thou wicked and slothful servant,. . . thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury." These short-sighted men have no ability to measure the gift of eternal life, to realize the value of the eternal weight of glory. They have allowed the world to eclipse the divine attractions. They build upon the treacherous sand, and when the blasts of the tempest break upon them, their foundation will be swept away.

In a parable the Lord sets before us the results of this covetousness: "The ground of a certain rich man brought forth 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. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."

This is the object--to lay up treasure on earth--which the worldling sets before himself. The Lord blessed this man with rain from heaven; with sunshine, warming the earth, and causing vegetation to flourish. The Lord entrusted his means to him; but he managed it all for himself; he defrauded God of both interest and principal. Everything was used to minister to his own enjoyment. Christ denounces the covetousness which caused this man to rob God of his due. "Thou fool," he says, "this night thy soul shall be required of thee."

The love of Christ is broad and deep and full, and should awaken in the heart a response that will overbalance every worldly consideration. The cross of Calvary is a convincing proof of his interest in humanity. His plea in their behalf, before he ascended to the Father, was, "Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me; for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world." "I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me."

How can those for whom Christ has sacrificed so much, continue to enjoy his gifts selfishly? His love and self-denial are without a parallel; and when this love enters into the experience of his followers, they will identify their interests with those of their Redeemer. Their work will be to build up the kingdom of Christ. They will consecrate themselves and their possessions to him, and use both as his cause may require.

This is nothing more than Jesus expects of his followers. No individual who has before him so great an object as the salvation of souls will be at a loss to devise ways and means for denying self. This will be an individual work. All that it is in our power to bestow will flow into the Lord's treasury, to be used for the proclamation of truth, that the message of Christ's soon coming and the claims of his law may be sounded to all parts of the world. Missionaries must be sent out to do this work.

The love of Jesus in the soul will be revealed in word and deed. The kingdom of Christ will be paramount. Self will be laid a willing sacrifice on the altar of God. Every one who is truly united with Christ will feel the same love for souls that caused the Son of God to leave his royal throne, his high command, and for our sake become poor, that we through his poverty might be made rich. -

Laboring in the Spirit of Christ

"Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand."

Here are presented souls that might have been saved if the watchman had spoken to them the words of life. But this he neglected to do. He chose his own course, was indolent and self-indulgent; and although brought into close contact with souls, he made no personal effort to save them. The work of the watchman is to speak as from the lips of God. By so doing he might save a soul from death; but, neglecting his God-given work, the soul is left to perish in his iniquity. But God declares, "His blood will I require at thine hand." It is not enough for the minister to preach; he is to be a watchman. The duty of a watchman is arduous; he is to show untiring vigilance. He is to be a discerning man, able to see the dangers and understand the peril of souls.

Many love to preach, but shun the labor that is required to life souls out of sin. Men are dying all around us, and we have not made any special efforts to address them earnestly, interestedly, affectionately, as Christ would have done had he been on the earth. We are Christ's ambassadors, watchmen unto the house of Israel, to see the dangers that await souls, and give them warning. The pastor is a shepherd of the sheep, guarding them, feeding them, warning them, reproving them, or encouraging them, as the case may require. There is visiting to be done, not to have a pleasant chat, but to do the work required of a watchman. There should be earnest conversation and prayer with these souls. This is the kind of work that gains valuable experience in the upbuilding of Christ's kingdom.

But if this work is neglected, the wolves will find access to the flock. They will work for their master, as the watchman has failed to work for his. The sheep will be wounded and bruised, owing to the cold indifference and irresponsible course pursued toward them by the shepherd.

God has enjoined upon the watchmen to watch for souls as they that must give an account. Said the apostle Paul: "Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood."

Joseph felt the need of strength from God in his youth. He sought the kingdom of God and his righteousness. Although a lonely exile, his life was marked with fidelity. He sought to do others good, and the beauty of holiness, of faith and trust in God, manifested in his life, was a living illustration of a child of God, an heir of heaven.

Jesus, our precious Saviour, was the majesty of heaven. But what a life was his, marked with self-denial, with love, with tenderest compassion for the fallen race! He was a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief. With his own special sorrows?--No; but with the griefs and sorrows of men. Jesus was a living illustration of what man must become. That which he experienced and exemplified in his life he expects us to practise in our lives. He made himself of no reputation; he was holy, harmless, undefiled; his life was glorified by the light that shines from the throne of God.

The kingdom of God must be our first consideration. There must be obedience to God's requirements. With sorrow for sin, and patient love, we must have that faith which works by love and purifies the soul; we must work as Christ worked. We shall have greater earnestness and zeal when we take in the plan of redemption, and what a great sacrifice has been made to save the fallen race. We must participate in that sacrifice. Ministers must arouse from their lethargy, and labor for the salvation of the souls for whom Christ has paid so infinite a price.

This work is done leisurely and indifferently. There must be more earnest and determined effort. John Welch, a faithful minister of Christ, felt so great a burden for souls that he often arose in the night, and sent up to God his earnest supplication for their salvation. His wife pleaded with him on one occasion to regard his health, and not venture on such exposure. Mark his answer: "O woman, I have the souls of three thousand to answer for, and I know not how it is with them." John Knox, when in an agony of prayer for his beloved land, cried out in the burden of his soul, "O God, give me Scotland, or I die!"

In a town in New England a well was being dug; and when the work was nearly finished, while one man was still at the bottom, the earth caved in and buried him beneath an avalanche of sand and gravel. Instantly the alarm went forth, and mechanics, farmers, merchants, lawyers, and ministers hurried breathlessly to the rescue. Ropes, ladders, spades, shovels--all that could be needed and used were soon brought by eager and willing hands. "Save him! O, save him!" was the cry. They worked with desperate energy, till the sweat glistened like beads upon their brows, and their arms trembled with exertion. At length a tin tube was thrust down, through which they shouted to the man to answer if he was still alive. The response came, "Alive, but make haste! It is fearful here." With a shout of joy they renewed their efforts, and at last he was reached and saved, and the joyful cheer went up that seemed to reach to the very heavens, "He is saved!" and the cry was taken up and echoed through every street and alley in the town.

Was this too great zeal and interest, too great enthusiasm, to save the life of one man? It surely was not; but what is the loss of one life in comparison with the loss of a soul? If the threatened loss of one life will create such intense excitement in human hearts, should not the loss of a soul create greater and deeper solicitude in the hearts of men who claim to realize their danger? Shall we not show as great zeal and perseverance in laboring for the eternal salvation of souls as were manifested for the life hanging in the balance, of that man buried beneath the sand and rubbish?

The Son of God, who was equal with the Father, gave his life to save the souls of men; and he has enjoined upon his followers that they love one another as he has loved them. Souls are perishing around us for the want of light. They are to be labored for, prayed for, attracted to God by the good works of those who profess the truth. Thus shall we follow the injunction, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." "Ye are the light of the world." Then let the light shine in true goodness, in the beauty of holiness, leaving a bright track heavenward. Reflect light, and it will be reflected back to God in thankful praise from men whose hearts are quickened, whose imagination is kindled, to grasp the glories that eye hath not seen and hear the melodies which ear hath not heard. Grasping the things that are unseen, let heaven's glory shine forth upon others.

A Presbyterian lady once made the remark: "O that we could have the pure gospel as it used to be preached from the pulpit! Our minister is a good man; but he does not take in the wants of the people. He clothes the cross of Calvary with beautiful flowers, which hide all its shame, conceal all its reproach. My soul is starving for the bread of life which came down from heaven. How refreshing it would be to hundreds of poor souls like me to listen to something simple, plain, and Scriptural, that would nourish our souls. The ministers do not have what we want. We want light, and peace, and holiness."

The cross of Calvary alone can reveal the worth of the soul. No man can correctly estimate its value unless he is able to comprehend the height and depth of the glory from which Christ descended that man might be saved and join in the glad song of triumph and everlasting praise to God and the Lamb. The price of man's ransom could be paid only by One equal with God, the spotless Son of the infinite Father. Unless this sacrifice had been made, souls would have perished.

The greatest blessing that God can give to man is the spirit of earnest prayer. All heaven is open before the man of prayer. The prayers offered in humble faith will be heard. "The Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." The ambassadors of Christ will have power with the people after they have, with earnest supplication, come before God.

Jesus has a deep, earnest interest in every sinner. He withheld not himself. We see him constantly engaged in earnest labor. He did not excuse himself from bearing burdens. He toiled; he was often weary and hungry. The souls he came to save were of such value that he could not leave them in peril unwarned; and this is the way that his representatives must labor, coming close to their fellow men. Christ's true ambassadors will labor with the spirit of earnestness and zeal of which he has given an example in his life. They will labor not alone for time, but for eternity. They will look to Calvary, and present Christ and him crucified as the sinner's only hope.

Those who have the love of God in their hearts, will, in exact proportion to their love, feel a solicitude for souls. The love of Christ will be revealed in earnest efforts to bring sinners from darkness to the light of truth. Ministers who feel the burden of the work upon them will not hesitate at any sacrifice, at weariness or toil, that they may present those for whom they labor perfect in Christ Jesus. -

The Folly of Self-Pleasing

In these last days of the world's history, when self-indulgence and pleasure seem to be the objects for which men live, the followers of Christ must strive to become like him in character, that they may not be ashamed to meet their record in the books of heaven, when every man will be rewarded according to his deeds. "To them who by patient continuance in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life: but unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile: for there is no respect of persons with God."

There are a large number of professed Christians who would feel surprised and deeply injured if they were shown the light in which God regards them. They are spiritually dead, while professing to live. They are false lights--signs that point in the wrong direction. To these I would lift my voice in warning. Study your Bibles, analyze your motives and principles, before it is too late. When you repent and become converted, you will see and appreciate the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. The half-hearted, pleasure-loving professor of religion is the very best agent Satan has to allure souls away from the straight gate and from the narrow path. Such have proved the ruin of souls they might have saved had they walked in the footprints of the Light of life.

And yet these persons think that because they have a form of godliness, they are accepted of God. But God does not receive such as his sons and daughters. In that great day when he shall render to every man according as his works have been, they will realize the truth of the words, "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. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."

We are often solicited to give advice as to whether it is wrong for Christians to attend parties for amusement. I would remind all such inquirers of their privilege of seeking the Lord in prayer. "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea, driven with the wind and tossed."

He who truly desires to know the will of the Lord will not run any risk by venturing on unknown ground. He will bring to his Heavenly Father a humble, contrite heart, not a determination to have his own way. Nor will he come in doubt whether to receive the heavenly wisdom, and walk in wisdom's ways, or follow his own inclinations and desires; for of such God says, "Let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord." God will not be mocked by his creatures. We are not to venture on an uncertain course for an hour's self-pleasing.

To those who desire to know how far they can go in indulgence and amusements, I would say, Just so far as you can keep the companionship of Christ. Look to Calvary, and as you behold Christ offering up his precious life for you, that you may have an opportunity to form a character for eternal life, ask yourself the question, How shall I occupy the time given me of God at an infinite cost? He "so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

Christ was a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief. He was wounded for our transgressions; he was bruised for our iniquities. The chastisement of our peace was upon him, and by his stripes we are healed. Can you follow in his footsteps, and at the same time find your enjoyment in parties of pleasure? Those who have accepted Christ will need to watch and pray constantly, that they may not be deceived by any of Satan's devices. The person who is not cherishing in his heart the love of Jesus, will follow in the lead of those who are lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God.

The gaiety, the foolish nonsense, the lack of sobriety, that are current in pleasure parties and picnic gatherings, lead to grave evils. The youth are pleased with exciting pleasures, as was Herod when the daughter of Herodias danced before him. Satan with his angels was present at that feast of long ago. It was he who instigated the king to make the promise which led to the death of one of the greatest prophets the world has ever seen. But there is also another witness at these gatherings. Angels of heaven are present, taking note of every word and action. How little those present realize, when they join in the mirth and jest, that for "every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment."

The prophet saw this event. He says, "And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works."

"The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together." "As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name." These words mean more than many suppose. To believe on his name means to receive Christ as our personal Saviour. All who receive him may come to the Father in his name. And as a son, the Father will receive the repenting sinner to his favor and his heart, to partake of the riches of his grace. He may ask what he will, and it will be done unto him. Those who have decided to do nothing in any line that will displease God, will know, after they present their case before him, just what course to pursue. With an eye single to the glory of God, they will do his will, even if it does not accord with their inclinations.

While living in close connection with God, we shall hear his voice in loving entreaties and warnings: "Watch and pray, lest ye enter into temptation." "Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving." "Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time." "Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man." "Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation."

Then whom shall we choose to serve? Shall we make Christ our personal Saviour; study his life and practise; go only where we are sure he leads the way, and where we can keep him by our side as an honored Friend and Counselor? Our heart's desire, breathed out in prayer to God, should be, Abide with me. -

The Missionary Spirit

When Moses pleaded with the Lord, "I beseech thee, show me thy glory," the Lord made him the promise, "I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy." "And the Lord descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the Lord. And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation."

It is his righteous character that constitutes the glory of God; and it is this same glory that Christ prays may be given to his followers upon the earth. Hear the petition that he makes to his Father for them: "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. . . . And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. . . . And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them."

This request of Christ has no limit to its fulness. He desires that his followers shall reveal to the world his spirit of unity and love. But before this unity can exist among them, there must be a genuine renovation of every heart; there must be a vital connection with God; the character must be formed after the divine similitude.

Though each is charged with responsibility, and each has a part to act, "none of us liveth to himself." God has designed by the unity of his people to impress upon a sinful world, and also to reveal to the heavenly intelligences, the fact that Christ has not died in vain. "Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light: which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy." The pure and holy principle of love distinguishes the character and conduct of Christians from those of worldlings. Standing out from the world, we are to become representatives of the goodness, mercy, and love of God. Thus we may be spectacles unto the world, and to angels, and to men.

In the great plan of salvation it is the Lord's will that the members of his family on earth shall become workers together with him in fulfilling his purposes of love. He was called his followers to imitate his life of self-denial and self-sacrifice. Heaven's wonderful Gift, with his holy influence unites the family in heaven with the family on earth in this work, that they may co-operate in winning souls for Christ. God bids us with one hand, the hand of faith, take hold of his mighty arm, and with the other hand, that of love, reach perishing souls. Christ is the way, the truth, and the life; he desires us to walk even as he walked.

God calls for those who are at ease in Zion to be up and doing. Will they not listen to the Master's voice? He wants prayerful, faithful workers, who will sow beside all waters. Those who labor thus will be surprised to find how trials, resolutely borne in the name and strength of Jesus, will give firmness to the faith, and renew the courage. In the path of humble obedience are safety and power, comfort and hope; but the reward will finally be lost by those who are doing nothing for Jesus. Weak hands will be unable to cling to the Mighty One; feeble knees will fail to support in the day of adversity. It is the Christian worker who will receive the glorious prize and hear the words, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant: . . . enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."

We are children of God, dependent upon one another for happiness. We cannot be happy while we are wrapped up in our interest for ourselves. We should live in this world to win souls for the Saviour. If we injure others, we injure ourselves also. If we bless others, we also bless ourselves; for the influence of every good deed is reflected upon our own hearts. The tenderness and love that Jesus has revealed in his own life should be an example to us of the manner in which we should treat our fellow beings.

God holds us as his debtors, and also as debtors to our fellow men who have not the light of truth. He has given us light, not to hide under a bushel, but to set on a candlestick, that all around us may be benefited. The grace of God ruling in the heart, and bringing the mind and thoughts into subjection to Jesus, will make us strong to work for him.

Jesus pleaded, not for one holy, but for all his disciples, "Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am." That earnest prayer included not only his disciples then living, but all his followers to the close of time. "Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word." Yes, that prayer embraces even us. We should be comforted by the thought that we have a great Intercessor in the heavens presenting our petitions before God. "If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." In the hour of greatest need, when discouragement would overwhelm the soul, it is then that the watchful eye of Jesus sees that we need his help. When all human support fails, if we call upon him, Jesus comes to our aid, and his presence scatters the darkness and lifts the cloud of gloom.

Missionaries of God are wanted to carry the light of truth to those who sit in the shadow of death. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life;" and this is the love his children are to manifest toward those that are without. Thousands who now reject the message of salvation would accept Christ if they could see the beauty of his character reflected in his followers.

Then can we be surprised that the enemy should put forth every effort in his power to create dissension, alienation, and strife in the church of God, that they may not reveal to the world the glory, the character, of Christ?

It is time that the people of God brought fervent love for one another into their daily experience. When the love of Jesus is abiding in the heart, it will be revealed in every action. Differences of opinion will disappear; for self will no longer seek the supremacy. Thus the church may become a bright and shining light, and Heaven, looking on, may see that there is a body with one spirit, one hope, drawing toward one great center -- Christ.

A Test of Gratitude and Loyalty

"Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the first-fruits of all thine increase: so shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine." This scripture teaches that God, as the giver of all our benefits, has a claim upon them all; that his claim should be our first consideration; and that a special blessing will attend all who honor this claim.

Herein is set forth a principle that is seen in all the dealings of God with men. The Lord placed our first parents in the garden of Eden. He surrounded them with everything that could minister to their happiness, and he bade them acknowledge him as the possessor of all things. In the garden he caused to grow every tree that was pleasant to the eye or good for food; but among them he made one reserve. Of all else, Adam and Eve might freely eat, but of this one tree God said, "Thou shalt not eat of it." Here was the test of their gratitude and their loyalty to God.

So the Lord has imparted to us heaven's richest treasure in giving us Jesus. With him he has given us all things richly to enjoy. The productions of the earth, the bountiful harvests, the treasures of gold and silver, are his gifts. Houses and lands, food and clothing, he has placed in the possession of men. He asks us to acknowledge him as the giver of all things, and for this reason he says, Of all your possessions I reserve a tenth for myself, besides gifts and offerings, which are to be brought into my storehouse. This is the provision God has made for carrying forward the work of the gospel.

It was by the Lord Jesus Christ himself, who gave his life for the life of the world, that this plan for systematic giving was devised. He who left the royal courts, who laid aside his honor as commander of the heavenly hosts, who clothed his divinity with humanity, in order to uplift the fallen race, who for our sake became poor, that we through his poverty might be rich, has spoken to men, and in his wisdom has told them his own plan for sustaining those who bear his message to the world.

The Lord has devised this plan because it is best for us. Satan is constantly working to foster in men worldliness, covetousness, and avarice, that he may ruin their souls and hinder the work of God. The Lord is seeking to cultivate in us gratitude and liberality. He desires to free us from selfishness, which is so offensive to him, because so contrary to his character. In carrying out God's plan, men may by his grace so relate themselves to him and to their fellow men that they will be registered in the books of heaven as colaborers with Christ in the plan of redemption.

Not only does the Lord claim the tithe as his own, but he tells us how it should be reserved for him. He says, "Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the first-fruits of thine increase." This does not teach that we are to spend our means on ourselves, and bring to the Lord the remnant, even though it should be otherwise an honest tithe. Let God's portion be first set apart. The directions given by the Holy Spirit through the apostle Paul, in regard to gifts, present a principle that applies also to tithing. "On the first day of the week, let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him." Parents and children are here included. Not only the rich, but the poor are addressed. "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart [through the candid consideration of God's prescribed plan], so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver." The gifts are to be made in consideration of the great goodness of God to us.

And what more appropriate time could be chosen for setting aside the tithe and presenting our offerings to God? On the Sabbath we have thought upon his goodness. We have beheld his work in creation as an evidence of his power in redemption. Our hearts are filled with thankfulness for his great love. And now, before the toil of the week begins, we return to him his own, and with it an offering to testify our gratitude. Thus our practise will be a weekly sermon, declaring that God is the possessor of all our property, and that he has made us stewards to use it to his glory. Every acknowledgment of our obligation to God will strengthen the sense of obligation. Gratitude deepens as we give it expression; and the joy it brings is life to soul and body.

The duty and privilege of systematic giving to the cause of God are matters that should by no means be neglected by our ministers. God has called them to watch for souls as they that must give an account. He has commissioned them to bear his message to the churches. They should see that none are left in ignorance concerning this subject. They should seek to impress the people with a sense of their entire dependence upon God, and their accountability to him for all his benefits.

God has given special direction as to the use to which the tithe should be devoted. He does not design that his work shall be crippled for want of means. That there may be no haphazard work and no error, he has made our duty on all these points very plain. The portion that God has reserved for himself is not to be diverted to any other purpose than that which he has specified. Let none feel at liberty to retain their tithe to use according to their own judgment. They are not to use it for themselves in any emergency, nor to apply it as they see fit, even in what they may regard as the Lord's work. God has shown honor to men in taking them into partnership with himself in the great work of redemption. He expects his agents to labor, not against him, but in unison with him, that his treasury may be supplied.

The minister should, by precept and example, teach the people to regard the tithe as sacred. He should not feel that he can retain and apply it according to his own judgment, because he is a minister. It is not his. He is not at liberty to devote to himself whatever he thinks is his due. Let him not give his influence to any plans for diverting from their legitimate use the tithes and offerings dedicated to God. Let them be placed in his treasury, and held sacred for God's service as he has appointed. The tithe is God's portion, not at all the property of man, and the Scripture declares that he who withholds it is guilty of robbery. Who, then, will stand with clean hands before the Lord?

As a people and as individuals we need to have a deeper sense of our duty to God and our responsibility to the world. There should be more earnest study of the Scriptures. I have been deeply impressed with the importance of studying the book of Daniel in connection with the smaller prophets, especially Malachi. And we need to give careful attention also to the lessons taught in the building of the tabernacle and the temple, and in the temple service. Through the prophets God has given a delineation of what will come to pass in the last days of this earth's history, and the Jewish economy is full of instruction for us.

The rivers of blood that flowed at the harvest thanksgiving, when the sacrifices were offered in such large numbers, were meant to teach a great truth. For even the productions of the earth, the bounties provided for man's sustenance, we are indebted to the offering of Christ upon the cross of Calvary. God teaches us that all we receive from him is the gift of redeeming love. From his instruction to Israel, he would have us learn that he has made ample provision for the poor to receive the comforts of this life, and also for the gospel to be carried to all those who are perishing in their sins. The whole sanctuary service was designed to impress the people with the fact that the things which God has set apart for himself are holy. They were ever to observe the distinction between the sacred and the common. Holy things must be kept holy.

When these things are studied and heeded as the message of God to every soul, we shall see the deep movings of his Spirit among us. Conscience will be aroused. The record of past days will make its disclosure of the vanity of human inventions, by which men have excused themselves for neglecting the claims of God. The Holy Spirit will reveal faults and defects of character that ought to have been discerned and corrected. It will show how, through the grace of Christ, the character might have been transformed. The Lord's servants will see how they should have had the joy of victory where they have known the sorrow of defeat.

The Lord will not only reveal himself as a God of long-suffering mercy, but by terrible things in righteousness he will make it manifest that he is not a man that he should lie. He will have no fellowship with false dealing. He will sanction no pretense. The time is near when the inner life will be fully revealed. All will behold, as if reflected in a mirror, the working of the hidden springs of motive. The Lord would have you now examine your own life, and see how stands your record with him.

The period of our probation is fast closing. The year 1896 will soon be as a tale that is told. Soon our opportunity to give the last message of mercy to the lost will be forever past. The help of every one that loves Jesus is needed now in the Lord's work. Let there be no idlers in the Master's vineyard. Let there be no robbery of God in tithes and offerings needed to sustain his cause.

"The liberal deviseth liberal things; and by liberal things shall he stand." "There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty." The promise to those who honor God with their substance still stands upon record upon the sacred page. If the Lord's people had faithfully obeyed his directions, the promise would have been fulfilled to them. But when men disregard the claims of God plainly set before them, the Lord permits them to follow their own way, and reap the fruit of their doings. Whoever appropriates to his own use the portion that God has reserved, is proving himself an unfaithful steward. He will lose not only that which he has withheld from God, but also that which was committed to him as his own.

The Lord is still testing us to see whether we will prove faithful servants. He is calling upon his people to consider his goodness, to respond to his mercy, and to give proof of their loyalty by bringing all the tithes into his storehouse. "Prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of Hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." -

Love to God and Man

"Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity [love], I am become as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbals. . . . And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity [love], it profiteth me nothing."

In God's sight the life that is destitute of the grace of love is a failure. No good can be accomplished unless the Spirit of the God of love pervades every action. Zeal in religious lines cannot supply its place; nor can the talent of speech, used in this direction, profit anything unless love for God and the purchase of his blood prompts the words spoken. This spirit of love is to be brought into our daily lives, and exercised toward our fellow men. It was the love revealed in our Saviour's life that made his intercourse with humanity a savor of life unto life. He came to our world to manifest the character of God. His professed followers may make great achievements, may do works wonderful in the eyes of their fellow men; but in the eyes of God it profits nothing if love has not prompted the actions; if they have been tainted by selfishness, and mingled with unsanctified and unholy ambitions. While professing to be the children of God, their hearts are destitute of his love. Such are a misrepresentation of the character of God.

And what are some of the characteristics of this love? Let the word of God answer the question: "Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth."

The soul who does not love God supremely and his neighbor as himself, allows self to stand in the way. He is virtually saying, Stand on one side; I am holier than thou. Your works can bear no comparison with mine. This the apostle calls being "puffed up." But love "doth not behave itself unseemly," is not self-centered. It can discern the value of others' virtues, and as a sure result, "is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth."

When fault is found in a brother, or misfortune befalls him, the one in whom true love dwells will not seek to make it public, saying: I told you how it would be; I told you he was not to be depended upon. I worked to disconnect him from that position of influence; for I knew he was not to be trusted. By thus dwelling upon his weakness, you cultivate a spirit of suspicion; you give to your brother no spiritual help, no tenderness, no love. That cold, self-tainted atmosphere is as a spiritual malaria; and the erring brother feels in his heart the sentiments that are cherished toward him. He in turn becomes discouraged, loses faith in his brethren, and grows careless and indifferent.

But this is not the way we are to treat those who are weak in the faith,--those who have not much strength of character. Our course of action is clearly marked out for us: "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted." Those who have, through their own error of judgment, pursued such a course as to discourage one of the Lord's children, should go to the word of God for themselves; they should heed the admonitions given by the world's Redeemer,--he who took our human nature, and was in all points tempted like as we are, that he might be able to succor them that are tempted. In Matt. 18:1-14 is contained a lesson of the highest importance to those who are striving for the crown of eternal life. There we read, "Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." Calling a little child to him, Jesus said: "Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. . . . Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven."

In Rev. 2:1-3, Christ presents many excellent qualities which the church at Ephesus possessed. He says: "Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write: . . . I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: and hast borne,and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast labored, and hast not fainted."

But though there was much to commend, one thing was lacking. "Nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen; and repent, and do the first works. . . . He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches: To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God." It is evident that the Lord here has reference to the love that should be cherished in the hearts of the members of the family of God for one another. Something which they had they have lost, and the Lord calls upon them to repent without delay. He will not approve of work that is destitute of his Spirit and his love.

Christ taught this principle of love. On one occasion "a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" Christ had been presenting to the people truths which, because they were true, were as cutting as a two-edged sword, and the priests and rulers could not gainsay them. With murder in their hearts, yet fearing to speak themselves, they urged the lawyer to tempt Jesus with this question. Jesus understood their motives; for he could read men's hearts, and he said to the lawyer: "What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself." Jesus said unto him, "Thou hast answered right: this do , and thou shalt live." These are the two great principles upon which hang all the law and the prophets.

Would it not be the safer plan, my brethren and sisters, to keep the commandments of God in the spirit and in the letter? Obedience to the first four, in which is enjoined supreme love for God, will lead us to love our neighbor as ourselves; "for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?" It is because so many members of the church do not bring the commandments of God into the daily life that there is so little of the love of God manifested one toward another. And the absence of this love makes the church weak and inefficient.

The church militant is not the church triumphant. Satan is actively working; he is watching the character of each one, to find out whom he can most successfully tempt to dishonor God by departing from his holy commandments. Christ says: "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you , that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." "He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him." The love here commended is not so clothed with selfishness that it is not discerned. "He that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth." Darkness has blinded his eyes; he is deceived by the enemy; and as a result the spirit of the arch-deceiver actuates his works,--works of such a character as to hurt, misjudge, and destroy.

"Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father." What is the message we are to receive and practise? "For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that ye should love one another. Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous." This cruel spirit will be manifested toward those who advocate the principles of Christ. But let not this spirit discourage those who have the truth for these last times.

"We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. . . . And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us." "Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous."

When the truth is enshrined in the heart, it will be manifested in the daily life. The truth of the psalmist's words will be realized: "The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul." "Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart. Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight. Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness." The home will be sweetened by its influence, and the business transactions will be entered upon as if in full view of the heavenly universe.

"If ye love me, keep my commandments." All the proud boasting of righteousness avails nothing. "He that doeth righteousness is righteous." "If a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself." All the self-righteous claims of the professors of religion will have no weight with the man who possesses that wisdom which is from above; which is "first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy."

"The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy." How precious are these words from the Lord! They irradiate the pathway of the Christian amid all his toils and burdens. He has a heavenly Friend to whom he may turn for guidance and help in every time of need.

A Letter from Sister White

Yesterday Sister McEnterfer accompanied me to Ashfield. We were pleased to meet Brethren Farnsworth and Israel at the station. Brother and Sister Farnsworth have just ended their long voyage over the Pacific Ocean. They did not have a pleasant or enjoyable trip, and were glad to feel solid ground once more under their feet.

On Sabbath Brethren Israel and Farnsworth attended the morning meeting in the Paramatta church. At the same time a meeting was being held in Sydney, in a hall which is hired by the Sydney church. I spoke to the people in Ashfield. The service was held in their new church, and I felt grateful to our Heavenly Father for such a neat little chapel where we could worship God upon his holy Sabbath. Brother Semmens opened the meeting with prayer. The Lord gave me freedom to speak to those assembled. As I looked upon the earnest, interested faces of the children, my heart was touched, and I addressed myself to them, encouraging them to do service for God.

In their early years, children may be useful in God's work. They are the younger members of his family, and he will give them his grace and his Holy Spirit, that they may overcome impatience, fretfulness, and all sin. Jesus loves the children. He has blessings for them, and he loves to see them obedient to their parents. He desires them to be his little missionaries, denying their own inclinations and desires for selfish pleasure to do service for him; and this service is just as acceptable to God as is the service of grown-up children.

The Lord Jesus received the mothers who brought their children to him for his blessing. He appreciated their earnest desire that in their early childhood their children should be brought to him, that he might put his hands upon them and give them his blessing. What comfort and encouragement this should give parents to teach their children that Jesus loves them and will receive and bless them. Parents, teach your children that Jesus has given his own precious life, in order that they may come to him and receive his blessing.

Children should pray for grace to resist the temptations which will come to them,--temptations to have their own way and to do their own selfish pleasure. As they ask Christ to help them in their life-service to be truthful, kind, obedient, and to bear their responsibilities in the family circle, he will hear their simple prayer. When very young, children may be taught to be useful in the home life, to live to please Jesus, that they may become members of the family above. They may be missionaries in the home, relieving, as far as possible, the weary mother, who has so many cares and burdens to bear.

Parents, help your children to do the will of God by being faithful in the performance of the duties which really belong to them as members of the family. This will give them a most valuable experience. It will teach them that they are not to center their thoughts upon themselves, to do their own pleasure, or to amuse themselves. Patiently educate them to act their part in the family circle, to make a success of their efforts to share the burdens of father and mother and brothers and sisters. Thus they will have the satisfaction of knowing that they are really useful.

Let only pleasant words be spoken by parents to their children, and respectful words by children to their parents. Attention must be given to these things in the home life; for if, in their character-building, children form right habits, it will be much easier for them to be taught by God and to be obedient to his requirements.

Children as well as those of older years are exposed to temptations; and the older members of the family should give them, by precept and example, lessons in courtesy, cheerfulness, affection, and in the faithful discharge of their daily duties. Children must be taught that they are a part of the home firm. They are fed, and clothed, and loved, and cared for; and they must respond to these many mercies by bringing all the happiness possible into the family of which they are members. Thus they become children of God, missionaries in the home circle.

If parents neglect the education of their children, they deprive them of that which is necessary for the development of a symmetrical, all sided character, which will be of the greatest blessing to them all through their life. If children are allowed to have their own way, they receive the idea that they must be waited upon, cared for, indulged, and amused. They think that their wishes and their will must be gratified. Educated in this way, they carry through all their religious experience the deficiencies of their home training.

God would have our families symbols of the family in heaven. Let parents and children bear this in mind every day, relating themselves to one another as members of the family of God. Then their lives will be of such a character as to give to the world an object-lesson of what families who love God and keep his commandments may be. Christ will be glorified; his peace and grace and love will pervade the family circle like a precious perfume. A beautiful offering, in the child life of Christian missionaries, will be made to God. This will make the heart of Jesus glad, and will be regarded by him as the most precious offering he can receive.

May the Lord Jesus Christ be an object of worship in every family. If parents give their children the proper education, they themselves will be made happy by seeing the fruit of their careful training in the Christlike character of their children. They are doing God the highest service by presenting to the world, well-ordered, well-disciplined families, who not only fear the Lord, but honor and glorify him by their influence upon other families; and they will receive their reward. Mrs. E. G. White. Ashfield, Sydney, N. S. W., Sept. 4, 1896. -

The Right Use of God's Gifts

The love and benevolence of God and the merciful designs of his government are proclaimed in his word. "The eyes of all wait upon thee," writes the psalmist, "and thou givest them their meat in due season. Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing." To God we are indebted for life itself. In him "we live, and move, and have our being," receiving from him "life, and breath, and all things." The sun, which brings us light, and ripens that which the earth produces, is his gift. Were it not for his miracle-working power, which by day and by night causes vegetation to flourish, there would be no harvest to gather. His blessings are new every morning, and his loving care is extended to all his creatures.

God crowned his love and benevolence by the wonderful gift of his Son. He "so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." The streams of salvation are poured into our hearts by the grace of Christ; every blessing, whether temporal or spiritual, comes to us as the purchase of his blood. And God desires that now, in the year 1896, our memories be freshened, and our hearts be filled with gratitude, as we connect our outward, worldly blessings with the great sacrifice, the wonderful atonement, made in our behalf.

Our indebtedness to God and our entire dependence upon him should lead us to acknowledge him as the giver of all our blessings, and by our offerings we acknowledge this. Of the bounties he has bestowed upon us, he requires that a portion be returned to him. By giving to the Lord his due, we declare to the world that all our mercies are from him, that all we possess belongs to him.

In every offering to God we are to acknowledge the one great Gift; that alone can make our service acceptable to him. When Abel offered the firstling of the flock, he acknowledged God, not only as the giver of his temporal blessings, but also as the giver of the Saviour. Abel's gift was the very choicest he could bring; for it was the Lord's specified claim. But Cain brought only of the fruit of the ground, and his offering was not accepted by the Lord. It did not express faith in Christ. All our offerings must be sprinkled with the blood of the atonement. As the purchased possession of the Son of God, we are to give the Lord our own individual lives.

Right and appropriate was the festal anthem of the Jewish nation, "Hosanna; . . . blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord." When the Jews held their services of thanksgiving, after the ingathering of nature's treasure, they offered sacrifices to God. To us it might seem strange that sacrificial offerings should have formed so important a part of the universal rejoicing; and to outward appearance, it was a strange combination to mingle the sacrifice of beasts with the expressions of joy. But this was built upon the true foundation; for Christ himself was the object of these ceremonial services. When, in these festal gatherings, blood was shed, and offerings were made to God, the people were not only thanking him for his present mercies, but they were thanking him for the promise of a Saviour, and by this expressing the truth that without the shedding of the blood of the Son of God, there could be no forgiveness of sins. These celebrations were right and acceptable in the sight of God. Christ is to be regarded and appreciated as the source whence all our blessings flow.

But when the Jewish people departed from God, they lost sight of the true significance of these festal celebrations. Christ, with his divinity clothed with humanity, stood among them, witnessing their jubilant festivities and solemn services, but he was unrecognized. He was the foundation and antitype of these services, but he was not honored by those who were celebrating them. His eye looked upon the leafy encampments, his ear heard the words of song and understood their deep import; but the actors knew not the deep meaning of the words they uttered. Thousands of voices shouted, "Hosanna; . . . blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord;" thousands of voices prayed for the coming of Him who even then stood among them, and whom they would not receive. "He came unto his own, and his own received him not."

Thus by precept and example the Jews tore down what they were trying to maintain by outward ceremonies. So enveloped were they in darkness and unbelief, that the influence of their words and offerings of thanksgiving were destroyed by their example. The principles represented were not accepted by God. Their offerings did not bear the divine credentials; for they were neutralized by a wrong practise. While they praised God with their lips, they pledged themselves with the same mind to murder his Son. Their hearts were devoid of the spirit of true worship, and were filled with wicked purposes, hypocrisy, and all manner of corruption.

"Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God." Beware lest, like the Jews, you thank God with your lips only. He will not accept this offering. "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit," a heart filled with thanksgiving to him, and willing to prove the sincerity of its devotion by acts of ready obedience.

The Lord has committed talents to men, that they may be better fitted to honor and glorify him. To some he has entrusted means; to others, special qualifications for service; to others, tact and influence. Some have five talents, others two, and others one. From the highest to the lowliest, each has been entrusted with some gift. These talents are not our own. They belong to God. He has given them to us for conscientious use, and he will one day ask for an account of them.

The great lesson we are daily to learn is that we are stewards of God's gifts,--stewards of money, of reason, of intellect, of influence. As stewards of the Lord's gifts, we are to trade upon these talents, however small they may be. Many neglect this work because they think their talent too small to honor God. But you should not thus estimate the talents God has given you. Because you do not seem to be so highly favored as some others, you should not underrate your entrusted gifts, hiding them in the earth. We cannot place an accurate estimate upon our powers. However small your talent may appear, use it in God's service, for he has need of it. If it is wisely used, you may bring to God one soul who also will dedicate his powers to the Master's service. That soul may win other souls and thus one talent, faithfully used, may gain many talents.

God has bestowed gifts upon every man according to his several ability. Each one is to work in God's great moral vineyard. He bids you use your entrusted gifts, large or small, in whatever sphere you may be called to act, employing every capability, and improving the smallest gift for him. Many have left the one and the two and the five talents out of their reckoning; but by so doing, they rob God. He expects all to do their best, and he will require the interest in proportion to the amount of entrusted capital. It is our privilege, on the great reckoning day, to bring our talents to the Lord, saying, "Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents; behold, I have gained beside them five talents more."

God would have us realize that he has a right to mind, soul, body, and spirit,--to all that we possess. We are his by creation and by redemption. As our Creator, he claims our entire service. As our Redeemer, he has a claim of love as well as of right,--of love without a parallel. This claim we should realize every moment of our existence.

Before believers and unbelievers we must constantly recognize our dependence upon God. Our bodies, our souls, our lives, are his, not only because they are his free gift, but because he constantly supplies us with his benefits, and gives us strength to use our faculties. By returning to him his own, by willingly laboring for him, we show that we recognize our dependence upon him.

Jesus asks us to consecrate ourselves to him. He has placed signal honor upon the human race; for he says, "As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name." Shall we not, then, give to Christ that which he has died to redeem? If you will do this, he will quicken your conscience, renew your heart, sanctify your affections, purify your thoughts, and set all your powers at work for him. Every motive and every thought will be brought into captivity to Jesus Christ.

Those who are sons of God will represent Christ in character. Their works will be perfumed by the infinite tenderness, compassion, love, and purity of the Son of God. And the more completely mind and body are yielded to the Holy Spirit, the greater will be the fragrance of our offering to him.

If the spirit of self-denial and self-sacrifice imbued the hearts of all who claim to be children of God, every one would represent Jesus to the world. It is because of self-seeking on the part of his professed followers that the gospel of Christ is, to so great a degree, robbed of its power. If our hearts were free from all selfishness, the water of life, flowing from Christ to the world,--the gift of righteousness and immortality, brought to light through the gospel,--would be imparted to those who are ready to perish. By our unselfish devotion, other souls would be won to Christ.

God has ordained that men and women and children should be educated by his word to become colaborers with Christ in the great work of dispensing his gifts to the world. But those who do this work must be like Christ. They must bear his image, and live his pure, unselfish life. By too many the incarnation and work of the Son of God are but dimly comprehended. He was the Majesty of heaven, the King of Glory; "yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich." He pleased not himself, but cheerfully gave his life to ransom the world. He went about doing good, and this we must do if we would co-operate with him. Selfishness, self-pleasing, self-serving, can find no place in the life of the true Christian.

The life of Christ is an example of what a Christian can do with the powers given him of God. Do not become discouraged because your gift is not so large as that of some one else. Cheerfully give what you have, and God will bless your efforts. As you press close to the bleeding side of Christ, you will be actuated by his Spirit, and your heart will respond to his call. You will work as he worked, revealing his loving, unselfish spirit. Your faith will be strong, working by love and purifying your soul. Strengthened by power from above, you will be enabled to meet the Lord's requirements, applying yourself resolutely to irksome tasks and self-sacrificing deeds for the Master's sake.

The Right Use of God's Gifts [Concluded]

The talents that God has given to each one of his children are to be used to honor and glorify him. They are the instrumentalities with which we are to work, and our final reward will depend upon the piety, the earnestness, and the unselfishness, which now characterize our lives. Day by day, hour by hour, in the use we make of these gifts, we are deciding our eternal destiny, determining what decisions shall be made in the Judgment. Day by day we are making our mark for eternity. Our whole life-work is bound up with the solemn period of the Judgment.

Our eternal interests are involved in the use we make of our property, our time, our strength, our capabilities. The whole value of our life-work is measured by the employment of our entrusted talents. God will one day reckon with his servants, that he may know how much each one has gained by trading; and the rewards bestowed will be proportionate to the work done. "Behold," said Christ, "I come quickly, and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be." Please read the third chapter of Malachi. The subject is there presented in a striking and decided manner. It is not traced by human pen; the voice of God is speaking for the benefit of all who live upon the face of the earth.

The property we possess is given us by God, and it is to be used in his service. It is not to be regarded as our own, to be used as our fancy shall dictate; but is to be employed in doing the will of God in behalf of truth and righteousness. The Lord has need of this talent; and rich and poor should awake to their God-given responsibility in this matter, and work to the utmost of their ability to honor and glorify God.

Those who allow a covetous spirit to take possession of them cherish and develop those traits of character which will place their names on the record-books of heaven as idolaters. All such are classed with thieves, revilers, and extortioners, none of whom, the word of God declares, shall inherit the kingdom of God. "The wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the Lord abhorreth." Covetous attributes are ever opposed to the exercise of Christian beneficence. The fruits of selfishness always reveal themselves in a neglect of duty, and in a failure to use God's entrusted gifts for the advancement of his work.

"They that will be rich,"--those who are fully determined to obtain riches and to enjoy the pleasures of this world,--"fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts." For a time Satan holds out before them many worldly attractions and opportunities, but that which the word of God declares to be the sure result must come upon them. Their end is destruction and perdition. "For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."

As Christians, we are to follow our Leader step by step in the heavenward way. His gifts are not to be absorbed in worldly pursuits. He has enjoined upon us, "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." By this sign the children of God and the children of the enemy are distinguished. "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever."

Life is a gift of God. Our bodies have been given us to use in God's service, and he desires that we shall care for and appreciate them. We are possessed of physical as well as mental faculties. Our impulses and passions have their seat in the body, and therefore we must do nothing that would defile this entrusted possession. Our bodies must be kept in the best possible condition physically, and under the most spiritual influences, in order that we may make the best use of our talents. "Know ye not," asks Paul, "that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's."

A misuse of the body shortens that period of time which God designs shall be used in his service. By allowing ourselves to form wrong habits, by keeping late hours, by gratifying appetite at the expense of health, we lay the foundation for feebleness. By neglecting to take physical exercise, by overworking mind or body, we unbalance the nervous system. Those who thus shorten their lives by disregarding nature's laws, are guilty of robbery toward God. We have no right to neglect or misuse the body, the mind, or the strength which should be used to offer God consecrated service.

All should have an intelligent knowledge of the human frame, that they may keep their bodies in the condition necessary to do the work of the Lord. Those who form habits that weaken the nerve power and lessen the vigor of mind or body, make themselves inefficient for the work God has given them to do. On the other hand, a pure, healthy life is most favorable for the perfection of Christian character and for the development of the powers of mind and body.

The law of temperance must control the life of every Christian. God is to be in all our thoughts; his glory is ever to be kept in view. We must break away from every influence that would captivate our thoughts and lead us from God. We are under sacred obligations to God so to govern our bodies and rule our appetites and passions that they will not lead us away from purity and holiness, or take our minds from the work God requires us to do. "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."

The uncertainty of life should teach us the necessity of working to the utmost of our ability to serve God and to be a blessing to our fellow men. No one is sure of a day. Accident, sickness, or death may come to us at any moment. None of us know how long our life will last; and while we have it in our possession, it should be most precious in our estimation. We are not our own; this life is not ours; and as the property of God, it is our duty, as far as possible, to keep our bodies free from disease. We are Christ's purchased possession, and we read in God's word, "His servants shall serve him." Then let us devote our lives to his service.

Our influence is given us by God. In whatever sphere of life we may be placed, it is our duty to use this gift for him, and to strengthen it. The first great secret to learn is that whatever degree of influence we possess, be it great or small, it will increase only by being used.

We are God's servants, and individually we must yield ourselves to him; for he knows just what he would have us do, and just what position we can acceptably fill. As we act the part assigned us, he supplies, by his own power, the qualities essential for the place he wishes us to fill. The life that is dedicated to God will not be left to become the sport of Satan's temptations, or to be used as natural inclination may choose; for God co- operates with the one who strives to do his will.

We must not attempt to shape circumstances for ourselves. Everything that has an evident tendency to dampen our zeal or devotion in the cause of God, must be avoided. Selfishness must be put away; for the love of God cannot dwell in the heart where self is enshrined. The inclinations which war against the holy principles of purity and godliness must be wholly given up.

In our work for God, we often create many of our worries and trials by endeavoring to reach the world's standard. God would have us fix our eyes upon Jesus, and study his will. Christ calls to us: "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 is light." The true believer is brought into close contact with the Redeemer. And if we preserve the meekness and lowliness of Christ, if we walk humbly by the side of the great Burden bearer, we receive his individuality, and work in his lines, and by the influence that we exert, others are drawn to him.

God is personally dealing with each one of us. Some may be given credit for natural energy of character, but God is the source whence all our capabilities spring. He has given us knowledge and endowments and opportunities, that by diligent use we may be better qualified to do the duties and bear the responsibilities that are required of us as his servants. We are to make the best use of the gifts he has bestowed upon us. They must not be allowed to weaken and decay through misuse or indolence on our part. The words of inspiration exhort us, "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." As we use our endowments in God's service, we become one with Christ. Our responsibility is then his, and he strengthens us for service.

We may add to our talents by improving those we already have. The Lord expects us to gain knowledge, to increase our ability, and to improve our talents; but we can never do this if we allow our minds to be molded by worldly surroundings. Only by obedience to God's plans can we fulfil his design for us. "Giving all diligence," writes the apostle Peter, "add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."

As we work on the plan of addition, we shall find that God is working for us on the still broader plan of multiplication; for he says, "Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue."

All are to stand as minutemen, ready for service at a moment's warning. From hour to hour, in your varied life, opportunities to serve God will open before you. These opportunities will constantly come and go. Be ever ready to make the most of them. The opportunity to speak in the hearing of some needy soul the word of life may never offer itself again; therefore let no one venture to say, "I pray thee have me excused." Lose no opportunity that offers itself to hold forth the word of life, to make known to others "the unsearchable riches of Christ;" for opportunities neglected may soon be forever beyond recall.

Every true Christian will be ready for instant action, not depending on his own ability, but trusting in God. He will be instant in season and out of season. At all times and in all places he will be ready to speak, to pray, or to sing to the praise of God. He will use his influence only for the Master. His sanctified energies and endowments will be employed in exalting the Lord Jesus, in magnifying the truth, and in extending the interests of the kingdom of God. -

Honesty Toward Men and Toward God

"Harken unto me, my people; and give ear unto me, O my nation: for a law shall proceed from me, and I will make my judgment to rest for a light of the people. My righteousness is near; my salvation is gone forth, and mine arms shall judge the people; the isles shall wait upon me, and on mine arm shall they trust. Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath; for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner; but my salvation shall be forever, and my righteousness [which is his holy law, the transcript of his character] shall not be abolished. Harken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings. For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool; but my righteousness shall be forever, and my salvation from generation to generation." The whole of the fifty-first chapter of Isaiah is worthy of close, earnest study, and we would do well to commit it to memory. It has a special application to those who are living in the last days.

"And now, O ye priests, this commandment is for you. If ye will not hear, and if ye will not lay it to heart, to give glory unto my name, saith the Lord of Hosts, I will even send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings; yea, I have cursed them already, because ye do not lay it to heart." "The Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy; for I the Lord your God am holy. . . . Turn ye not unto idols. . . . I am the Lord your God."

The Lord requires of all who claim to be his people far more than they give him. He demands that all who claim to believe on Christ shall reveal to the world, in their lives, that Christianity which was exemplified in his life and character. If the word of God is enshrined in their hearts, they will make manifest the power and purity of the gospel. A practical example of the power of the gospel in the daily life is of much more value to the world than sermons or professions of godliness that are not accompanied by good works. Let all who name the name of Christ remember that, individually, they are making an impression, favorable or unfavorable to Bible religion, on the minds of all with whom they come in contact.

Christ declared: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind. . . . This do, and thou shalt live." This commandment, which he gave when enshrouded in the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night, he again lays down as the condition of eternal life.

In Leviticus 19 are recorded words given by Christ to Moses to speak to the children of Israel. Read what the people of God in ancient times were commanded to do, and what not to do; for these are the principles contained in the royal law: "Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment; thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty; but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbor." Personal preferences and partiality are not to appear in the life-practise of the Christian.

"Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself: I am the Lord." "The stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God. Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment, in meteyard, in weight, or in measure. Just balances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin, shall ye have: I am the Lord your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt. Therefore shall ye observe all my statutes, and all my judgments, and do them: I am the Lord." "Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy; for I am the Lord your God. And ye shall keep my statutes, and do them: I am the Lord which sanctify you." "And ye shall be holy unto me: for I the Lord am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine." "Ye shall observe to do therefore as the Lord your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. Ye shall walk in all the ways which the Lord your God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be well with you, and that ye may prolong you days in the land which ye shall possess."

Here is shown the work of the minister of righteousness: "The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips; he walked with me in peace and equity, and did turn many away from iniquity. For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth; for he is the messenger of the Lord of Hosts." But a solemn charge is made by the God of Israel: "Ye are departed out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble at the law; ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi, saith the Lord of Hosts. Therefore have I also made you contemptible and base before all the people, according as ye have not kept my ways, but have been partial in the law. Have we not all one father? hath not one God created us? why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother, by profaning covenant of our fathers? Judah hath dealt treacherously and an abomination is committed in Israel and in Jerusalem; for Judah hath profaned the holiness of the Lord which he loved, and hath married the daughter of a strange god. The Lord will cut off the man that doeth this, the master and the scholar, out of the tabernacles of Jacob, and him that offereth an offering unto the Lord of Hosts. And this have ye done again, covering the altar of the Lord with tears, with weeping, and with crying out, insomuch that he regardeth not the offering any more, or receiveth it with good-will at your hand. . . . Ye have wearied the Lord with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied him? When ye say, Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and he delighteth in them: or, Where is the God of judgment?"

The words of the Lord in Mal. 3:1-3 lay down the work essential to be done in the church of God: "Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of Hosts. But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap: and he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness." A message which is as a two-edged sword must be given to the people, to clear away the evils that are seen among them. A living testimony that will awaken the paralyzed conscience is to be borne.

"And I will come near to you to judgment: and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not me, saith the Lord of hosts." All the sins here specified have been coming in among the people who claim to be the people of God; and it is high time that there was a reformation, a transformation, of character. Who among us, who are called commandment-keepers, have been "partial in the law," neglecting the living principles which are a transcript of the character of God? Has not the imperfect example of those who have departed from the law of God caused many to stumble at the law? "Therefore have I also made you contemptible and base before all the people, according as ye have not kept my ways, but have been partial in the law."

The Lord commands his people, "Thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbor, and not suffer sin upon him." Here faithful dealing with the sins of those who claim to be children of God is enjoined. Be they men in the most humble condition, or men entrusted with power and responsibility, no partiality is to be shown to those in the wrong, no hypocrisy is to be practised in dealing with them. If a man's position involves sacred interests, God's watchmen are to be the more earnest and faithful in dealing with him. Not one evil principle will pass uncorrected. If those in the wrong refuse to repent, and to correct their errors, let them be separated from the Lord's work; for the corrupting principles of evil will leaven all with whom they are connected.

The Jews claimed to obey the law of God, and they appeared to be very strict in observing some portions of the law; but the precepts that interfered with their personal interests were unheeded. The people offended God by lightly esteeming the requirements that touched their earthly treasures. Beware, brethren, lest while professing to honor the law of God, you fall into the same error as did the Jews; beware lest the love of earthly treasure shall draw your hearts from God.

No man can make an offering to the Lord in righteousness until practical right-doing is brought into the daily life. When does the Lord say that the offering of Judah and Jerusalem shall be pleasant unto him as in the former years? When "he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness."

"Then I turned," writes Zechariah, "and lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a flying roll. And he said unto me, What seest thou? And I answered, I see a flying roll; the length thereof is twenty cubits, and the breadth thereof ten cubits. Then said he unto me, This is the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth; for every one that stealeth shall be cut off as on this side according to it; and every one that sweareth shall be cut off as on that side according to it. I will bring it forth, saith the Lord of Hosts, and it shall enter into the house of the thief, and into the house of him that sweareth falsely by my name; and it shall remain in the midst of his house, and shall consume it with the timber thereof and the stones thereof."

In our dealings with our fellow men, as well as in our relations with God, we are to show strict justice and honesty. Every human being is to be estimated according to the price that Christ has paid for his redemption. Our fellow men are of as much value as we are, and God calls upon us to treat them as we would be treated. He wants no sharpers connected with his work. He wants no man to take advantage of others, in order to bring means into his treasury. He will sanction no man in appropriating to himself more than he has justly earned. The Lord will not sustain men in his service who are self-indulgent, and who do not represent the character and work of Christ.

Those who indulge in any sort of unfair dealing, either with God or with their fellow men, are sowing the seed for a very bitter harvest. The Lord requires those who claim to be his servants to reveal the principles of heaven in all their work. They are to show kindness to all men, cherishing patience, long-suffering, forbearance, generosity. This is living the gospel, and only to those who thus serve him will God say: "Well done, thou good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."

God has revealed his interest in fallen men by giving them a Saviour. He covenanted not to stir up his wrath against the perversity of his children, not to censure them in his hot displeasure, until every advantage had been given them through all their period of probation. And even when they shall refuse his warnings, his messages of invitation, the presentation of his righteousness; when they continue to sin in the face of light and evidence, still he will not break forth upon them in his great anger. He leaves all judgment to his Son, whom he gave as a sin offering for the world.

God has a yearning desire to save the purchase of the blood of Christ from the sure result of a wrong course of action; for sin, if persisted in, will bring upon them the wrath of the rejected Lamb. Mercy, rich and free, is presented in the gift of Christ's righteousness. Those who scorn this precious gift, who despise and reject the Saviour, who refuse the invitation, "Let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me; and he shall make peace with me," reject the offer of the attributes of character which will constitute them sons and daughters of God. For "as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name [What name?--Immanuel, the Son of God]: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And 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."

The Word is our instructor. All who will be doers of the word, in sincerity and truth, will behold his glory,--"the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." Then there is indeed a new birth, a transformation of character. "Of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace." This makes us living epistles, "known and read of all men." "He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life; and he that believeth not on the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him."

"It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness." "Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the Lord of Hosts."

This is the message which must be proclaimed; "Return unto me, and I will return unto you." "But ye said, Wherein shall we return?" God gives his people reproofs, warnings, and instruction, because there is a manifest neglect of righteous principles. He sends messengers to bear to the churches his reproofs and warnings, that their wrongs may be corrected. He gives the invitation, "Return unto me, and I will return unto you," and yet self-vindication is shown in the words, "Wherein shall we return?"

The reproof and warning and promise of the Lord are given in definite language in Mal. 3:8; "Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee?" The Lord answers, "In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse; for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation." The Lord of heaven challenges those whom he has supplied with his bounties to prove him. "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of Hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it."

This message has lost none of its force. It is just as fresh in its importance as God's gifts are fresh and continual. There is no difficulty in understanding our duty in the light of this message, given through God's holy prophet. We are not left to stumble along in darkness and disobedience. The truth is plainly stated, and it can be clearly understood by all who wish to be honest in the sight of God. A tithe of all our income is the Lord's. He lays his hand upon that portion which he has specified that we shall return to him, and says, I allow you to use my bounties after you have laid aside the tenth, and have come before me with gifts and offerings.

The Lord calls for his tithe to be given in to his treasury. Strictly, honestly, and faithfully, let this portion be returned to him. Besides this, he calls for your gifts and offerings. No one is compelled to present his tithe or his gifts and offerings to the Lord. But just as surely as God's word is given to us, just so surely will he require his own with usury at the hand of every human being. If men are unfaithful in rendering to God his own, if they disregard God's charge to his stewards, they will not long have the blessing of that which the Lord has entrusted to them.

"Your words have been stout against me, saith the Lord. Yet ye say, What have we spoken so much against thee? Ye have said, it is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully [in black] before the Lord of Hosts?" God does not require his people to do this. Christ is the light of the world, and he says, "He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." But the mournful complaint continues: "And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered." This is the language of a soul in darkness. The condition here revealed is the sure result of disobedience. Those who make the complaint are neglecting their obligation to give to the Lord his own. It is because so little heed is given to the Lord's special injunctions that darkness and temptation and trial are brought upon the church.

The tithe is set apart for a special use. It is not to be regarded as a poor fund. It is to be especially devoted to the support of those who are bearing God's message to the world; and it should not be diverted from this purpose.

The great object of our work is to carry the light to those who are in darkness. Our work is world-wide. God's delegated messengers are not to hover about the people who have been long in the truth. Altogether too much labor is devoted to the churches. God's people are not to depend on others to do their work for them. Let the Lord's messengers carry the triumphs of the cross into the regions beyond, calling upon the members of the church to send their prayers as sharp sickles into the harvest-field. Let the church appoint pastors or elders who are devoted to the Lord Jesus, and let these men see that officers are chosen who will attend faithfully to the work of gathering in the tithe. If the pastors show that they are not fitted for their charge, if they fail to set before the church the importance of returning to God his own, if they do not see to it that the officers under them are faithful, and that the tithe is brought in, they are in peril. They are neglecting a matter which involves a blessing or a curse to the church. They should be relieved of their responsibility, and other men should be tested and tried.

The Lord's messengers should see that his requirements are faithfully discharged by the members of the churches. God says that there should be meat in his house, and if the money in the treasury is tampered with, if it is regarded as right for individuals to make what use they please of the tithe, the Lord cannot bless He cannot sustain those who think that they can do as they please with that which is his.

The Lord has given to every man his work. His servants are to act in partnership with him. If they choose, men may refuse to connect themselves with their Maker; they may refuse to give themselves to his service, and trade upon his entrusted goods; they may fail to exercise frugality and self-denial, and may forget that the Lord requires a return of what he has given them. All such are unfaithful stewards. A faithful steward will do all he possibly can in the service of God; the one object before him will be the great need of the world. He will realize that the message of truth is to be given, not only in his own neighborhood, but in the regions beyond. When men cherish this spirit, the love of the truth and the sanctification they will receive through the truth, will banish avarice, overreaching, and every species of dishonesty.

It will not be long before probation will close. If you do not now serve the Lord with fidelity, how will you meet the record of your unfaithful dealing? Not long hence, a call will be made for a settlement of accounts, and you will be asked, How much owest thou unto my Lord?" If you have refused to deal honestly with God, I beseech you to think of your deficiency, and if possible to make restitution. If this cannot be done, in humble penitence pray that God for Christ's sake will pardon your great debt. Begin now to act like Christians. Make no excuse for failing to give the Lord his own. Now, while mercy's sweet voice is still heard, while it is not yet too late for wrongs to be righted, while it is called to-day, if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

God calls for fathers, mothers, and children to become partners with him in the great work of rescuing their own souls from Satan's power. Let them unite with Christ, and strive with heart and mind and strength to save themselves through faith. When through the grace of Christ you have been converted, God calls upon you to wear his yoke, and labor in his lines to save other souls who are bound up with Satan, and who do not realize their peril. Hear me, for Christ's sake, hear me. The season of God's mercy will soon be ended. The call for sinners to repent and be converted will soon be heard no more. That God whose invitation you have refused, that Saviour whose Spirit you have grieved and insulted, will soon rise in his anger to punish transgressors. Dare we think what the wrath of the Lamb means?

Every day you remain in sin you are grieving God by your impenitence. Will you not remember that the time is just upon you when the last day of mercy will come? Then God will rise up out of his place to punish the world for its iniquity. Then the earth shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain. The clouds of wrath which have been gathering will burst with pitiless fury upon the world. I beg of you who shall read these words to hear for your soul's sake. Venture not one step further in your impenitence. "Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little." -

An Appeal for the South

I appeal to families who understand the truth. What are you doing? You can be God's ministers, taking up the work in this neglected field that needs to be plowed, and to be sowed with the gospel seed of truth. Who for Christ's sake will give themselves to this work? You could have had missionaries in this hard field many years ago. God has called you to labor in his vineyard: but the most miserable, unpromising portions of the vineyard have been passed by. Human beings, who are the Lord's by creation and by redemption, have been left for wolves to devour, while you have lived at ease, eating from the abundant supply which God gave you to share with those in need.

In the past, some attempts have been made to present the truth to the colored people, but those among the white people who claim to believe the truth, have wanted to build up a high partition between themselves and the colored race. We have one Saviour, who has died for the black man as well as for the white man; and those who possess the Spirit of Christ will have love and pity for all who know not the precious Saviour. They will labor to the utmost of their ability to wipe away the reproach of ignorance from black and white alike.

From the light God has given men, the blood of souls will surely be found upon the garments of those who, like the priest and Levite, are passing by on the other side. This is just what our people are doing. They have been eating of the large loaf, and have left the suffering, distressed people of the Southern regions starving for education, starving for spiritual advantages. While feeding from a well-supplied table, they have not allowed even the crumbs that fall from the table to be bestowed upon the colored people. By their actions they have said, Am I my brother's keeper? Where are those who have had so much light, so much food, that they have lost their appetite, and do not appreciate the bread of life? These rich treasures if imparted to others, would be life and hope and salvation to them.

It is not merely the white people in the Southern field that are to receive the message of truth. Methods and plans must be devised to reach the colored people. Divine illumination must come to them. This kind of work calls for laborers, and the duty rests upon our responsible men to set men to work in that field, and to sustain the work with a portion of the means supplied by tithes and offerings from the believers in all parts of our world. The Bible, the precious Bible, is not to be chained to any one place. It is to go to all parts of the world; its sacred truth is to be everywhere studied.

You cannot send laborers into the Southern field, and merely say to one, You may work there, or to another, You may work here. Facilities must be provided, and workmen sent who can plan for these States. I beseech you, brethren, do not take the work out of the hands of those who would work, every chance they may have, to obtain means to work in the Southern States. It is not your privilege to grasp every tittle to dispose of as you see fit. God has been teaching me, and I will not rest, I dare not hold my peace. I urge you to supply the people of this long-neglected field with food out of your abundance.-- Unpublished M. S.

God's Claim Upon Us

God has a claim on us and all that we have. His claim is paramount to every other. And in acknowledgment of this claim, he bids us render to him a fixed proportion of all that he gives us. The tithe is this specified portion. By the Lord's direction it was consecrated to him in the earliest times. The Scriptures mention tithing in connection with the history of Abraham. The father of the faithful paid tithes to Melchisedec, "priest of the Most High God." Jacob also recognized the obligation of tithing. When, fleeing from his brother's wrath, he saw in his dream the ladder connecting heaven and earth, the gratitude of his heart found expression in the vow to God: "If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, so that I come again to my father's house in peace; then shall the Lord be my God: and this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God's house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee."

When God delivered Israel from Egypt to be a special treasure unto himself, he taught them to devote a tithe of their possessions to the service of the tabernacle. This was a special offering, for a special work. All that remained of their property was God's, and was to be used to his glory. But the tithe was set apart for the support of those who ministered in the sanctuary. It was to be given from the first-fruits of all the increase, and, with gifts and offerings, it provided ample means for supporting the ministry of the gospel for that time.

God requires no less of us than he required of his people anciently. His gifts to us are not less, but greater, than they were to Israel of old. His service requires, and ever will require, means. The great missionary work for the salvation of souls is to be carried forward. In the tithe, with gifts and offerings, God has made ample provision for this work. He intends that the ministry of the gospel shall be fully sustained. He claims the tithe as his own, and it should ever be regarded as a sacred reserve, to be placed in his treasury for the benefit of his cause, for the advancement of his work, for sending his messengers into "regions beyond," even to the uttermost parts of the earth.

God has laid his hand upon all things, both man and his possessions; for all belong to him. He says, I am the owner of the world; the universe is mine, and I require you to consecrate to my service the first-fruits of all that I, through my blessing, have caused to come into your hands. God's word declares, "Thou shalt not delay to offer the first of thy ripe fruits." "Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the first-fruits of all thine increase." This tribute he demands as a token of our loyalty to him.

We belong to God; we are his sons and daughters,--his by creation, and his by the gift of his only begotten Son for our redemption. "Ye are not your own; for ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." The mind, the heart, the will, and the affections belong to God; the money that we handle is the Lord's. Every good that we receive and enjoy is the result of divine benevolence. God is the bountiful giver of all good, and he desires that there shall be an acknowledgment, on the part of the receiver, of these gifts that provide for every necessity of the body and the soul. God demands only his own. The primary portion is the Lord's, and must be used as his entrusted treasure. The heart that is divested of selfishness will awaken to a sense of God's goodness and love, and be moved to a hearty acknowledgment of his righteous requirements.

God gives to us, that we may give. He desires us to be laborers together with him. In heaven he is carrying forward the great work of redemption. That work engages the divine councils. It requires the ministry of angels upon the earth; and it requires also our co-operation. In the natural world, man must do his part in the work of the earth. He must till and prepare the soil. And God, working through nature, giving sunshine and showers, quickens the seed sown, and causes vegetation to flourish. Thus the sowing is rewarded in the reaping of earth's treasures in bountiful harvests. The lesson is true in spiritual as in temporal things. Man must work under the guidance of the divine hand; for unless God co-operates with him, there will be no increase. Human power cannot cause the seed sown to spring into life. But there can be no reaping unless the human hand acts its part in the sowing of the seed.

The reaping will testify of what the sowing has been. God, through the inspired apostle, has said: "He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity," feeling compelled to do so because of the pressure brought to bear upon him, when his heart is not in the work; "for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work (as it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth forever. Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness); being enriched in everything to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men; and by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you. Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift." Here the matter is plainly laid out, specifying the privilege and duty of every believer. Let this ninth chapter of II Corinthians be read and reread. How could language express more than is here given? The inspired pen traces the advantages reaped by every soul who will become a laborer together with God in his work of beneficence.

Many who profess to be Christians provide abundantly for themselves, supplying all their imaginary wants, while they give no heed to the wants of the Lord's cause. They have thought it gain to rob God by retaining all, or a selfish proportion, of his gifts as their own. But they meet with loss instead of gain. Their course results in the withdrawal of mercies and blessings. By their selfish, avaricious spirit, men have lost much. If they had fully and freely acknowledged God's requirements and met his claims, his blessing would have been manifest in increasing the productions of the earth. The harvests would have been greater. The wants of all would have been abundantly supplied. The more we give, the more we shall receive.

This subject of the use of the means entrusted to us should be carefully considered; for the Lord will require his own with usury. While in poverty, many regard systematic giving as a Bible requirement; but when they come into possession of money or property, they do not acknowledge God's claim upon them. They look upon their means as their own. But not so did King David regard his possessions. He understood that God is the great proprietor of all things, and that he himself was highly honored in that he had been taken into partnership with God. His heart was filled with gratitude for the favor and mercy of God, and in his prayer when presenting offerings for the building of the temple, he said, "Of thine own have we given thee."

The cause of God is ever demanding. Industry is therefore required on the part of all, high and low, rich and poor, in order that due returns may be made to God, that there may be "meat" in his house, and that the servants whom he has called to do the work of communicating the truth to a perishing world may be supported.

Not only does God require the tithe, but he requires that all we have be used to his glory. There must be no spendthrift habits; it is God's property that we are handling. Not one dollar or one shilling is our own. The squandering of money in luxuries deprives the poor of the means necessary to supply them with food and clothing. That which is spent for the gratification of pride in dress, in buildings, in furniture, and in decorations, would relieve the distress of many wretched, suffering families. God's stewards are to minister to the needy. This is the fruit of pure and undefiled religion. The Lord condemns men for their selfish indulgence while their fellow beings are suffering for the want of food and clothing.

God's money is needed. It is hoarded and buried in the world, while multitudes are starving for temporal food and spiritual knowledge. It is spent in foolish amusements, in dissipating games and sports and idolatrous practises. God says, "Shall I not visit for these things?" Already he is sending his judgments upon the earth. Terrible plagues are visiting our world, in famines, in floods, in calamities by sea and land, in earthquakes in divers places. And because of men's wickedness the Lord does not restrain the destroying power.

Professed Christians reject the Lord's plan of raising means for his work; and to what do they resort to supply the lack? God sees the wickedness of the methods they adopt. Places of worship are defiled by all manner of idolatrous dissipation, that a little money may be won from selfish pleasure-lovers to pay church debts or to sustain the work of the church. Many of these persons would not of their own accord pay one shilling for religious purposes. Where, in God's directions for the support of his work, do we find any mention of bazaars, concerts, fancy fairs, and similar entertainments? Must the Lord's cause be dependent upon the very things he has forbidden in his word--upon those things that turn the mind away from God, from sobriety, from piety and holiness? And what impression is made upon the minds of unbelievers? The holy standard of the word of God is lowered into the dust. Contempt is cast upon God and upon the Christian name. The most corrupt principles are strengthened by this unscriptural way of raising means. And this is as Satan would have it. Men are repeating the sin of Nadab and Abihu. They are using common instead of sacred fire in the service of God. The Lord accepts no such offerings. All these methods for bringing money into his treasury are an abomination to him. It is a spurious devotion that prompts all such devising. O what blindness, what infatuation, is upon many who claim to be Christians! Church members are doing as did the inhabitants of the world in the days of Noah, when the imagination of their hearts was only evil continually. All who fear God will abhor such practises as a misrepresentation of the religion of Jesus Christ.

There is sin, enormous sin, charged against many who profess to be Christians. The great Pleader says, My claims upon the human heart have been ignored. God calls for repentance, for reformation.

The Lord calls upon every one of his children to let heaven's light--the light of his own unselfish love--shine out amid the darkness of this degenerate age. If he sees you acknowledge him as the possessor of yourself and all your possessions, if he sees you use your entrusted means as a faithful steward, he will register your name in the books of heaven as a laborer together with him, a partner in his great firm, to work in behalf of your fellow men. And joy will be yours in the final day, as it is seen that the means wisely used in helping others has caused through you thanksgiving to God.

The Lord declares that what a man sows he shall also reap. Shall we not, then, by our good works, seek to sow the very best quality of seed? In the last days of the old year shall we not make our account right with God by bringing all the tithes into his storehouse? Will any venture longer to rob God in tithes and offerings? In the coming holidays, let our gifts be not to one another, but to the house of God, "that there may," he says, "be meat in mine house." In place of spending our time and means in getting up something to surprise and gratify our friends, shall we not turn all our offerings into God's treasury? Shall we not make a thank-offering to the Lord? Will those who profess to be Christians see this matter in its true bearing? Will they awake to a sense of their obligation to God, and render to him his own?" Every man as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver." -

The Importance of Obedience

Obedience or disobedience decides every man's destiny. Those who obey God are counted worthy to share his throne, while those who disobey will be forever lost. But sin has weakened our powers of obedience, and in our own strength we can never obey God. Knowing this, God sent Jesus to our world to live his law. Only the mind that is trained to obedience to God can do justice to his divine claims, and God gave Christ up to humiliation and suffering, to be afflicted with all the temptations wherewith humanity is afflicted, that in his strength we might be enabled to keep his law. It was for the recovery of man that Christ came into the world, and it is to the will of man that he appeals. The knowledge of God through Jesus Christ brings every thought into obedience to his will. The heart that was defiled by disobedience to God's requirements, and which in its fall dragged down the faculties of the whole being, is renewed by this knowledge.

All may study with profit the experience of the first Adam in contrast with that of the second Adam. The first Adam possessed beautiful Eden, a gift from God to the beings he had created. The sinless pair were very happy in their possession; for nothing that was needed to sustain them, or to please the senses, was withheld. Only one test was made,--they were not to eat of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil; and death was the penalty of the transgression of this command.

But Satan came to them, and told them that if they ate of the forbidden fruit, they would immediately become as gods, knowing good and evil. God wished them to know only good. Will they listen to the strange voice, which charges God with selfishness and injustice for making such an arrangement? Will they disobey God by listening to the insinuations of the enemy, because addressed to them in flattering words? Can it be that they will do this terrible thing?

They did do it. Adam fell from his loyalty because he did not obey the "Thou shalt not" of God's word; and by his sin the flood-gates of woe were opened upon our world. If faithful to God's requirements, he would have had perfect descendants, as pure and uncorrupted as he himself was when he came from the hand of God. As father of the human race, he could have imparted the pure higher education, which he himself had received direct from God. But by his disobedience he spoiled God's plan for himself and for his posterity.

After Adam had sinned, the only means of salvation for the human race was for the Son of the infinite God to give his life that they might have another trial of obedience. What love the Father manifested in behalf of man, erring and disobedient though he was! He "so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." God was in the world, represented by Christ.

Christ, the second Adam, came to a world polluted and marred, to live a life of perfect obedience. The race, weakened in moral power, was unable to cope with Satan, who ruled his subjects with cruel authority. Christ came to stand on the field of battle in warfare against all the satanic forces. By representing in his life the character of God, he sought to win man back to his allegiance.

Clad in the vestments of humanity, the Son of God came down to the level of those he wished to save. In him was no guile or sinfulness; he was ever pure and undefiled; yet he took upon him our sinful nature. Clothing his divinity with humanity, that he might associate with fallen humanity, he sought to regain for man that which, by disobedience, Adam had lost for himself and for the world. In his own character he displayed to the world the character of God. He pleased not himself, but went about doing good. His whole history, for more than thirty years, was one of pure, disinterested benevolence. By his words, his influence, and his example, he made men feel that it was possible for them to return to their loyalty and be reinstated in God's favor. He led them to see that if they repented, if their characters were transformed after the divine similitude, they would win immortality.

Can we wonder that men were astonished at his teaching? "He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes." The teaching of the scribes and Pharisees was a continuous repetition of fables and childish traditions. Their opinions and ceremonies rested on ancient maxims and rabbinical sayings which were frivolous and worthless. With what astonishment did the people listen to the words that fell from the lips of the divine Teacher! Christ did not dwell on weak, insipid sayings and theories of men. As one possessing the highest authority, he addressed his hearers, presenting before them momentous subjects; and his appeals carried conviction to their hearts. The opinion of all, expressed by many who were not able to keep silent, was, "Never man spake like this Man."

God desires that the beings made in his image shall render obedience to him. He is "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." For this he gave his only begotten Son to this world, that in his strength men might have power to obey. He has "blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: according as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love." In order that sinners may hear the message of salvation, he calls upon those who claim to be his servants to co-operate with the heavenly intelligences in carrying forward his work. He has plainly stated the way in which the ministry of his word is to be sustained. Each one is to act his part. No one is excused from cheerfully doing his part to keep the treasury of God supplied with means. These offerings are to be used in his work, drawn from the treasury as the cause demands, to extend his work in regions beyond. God waits to see if we, who have been purchased by the life of the Son of God, through whom all our temporal blessings flow, will render obedience to him in this master. Shall we disobey God by withholding from him our tithes and offerings? Other souls, as precious in his sight as we are, must have the light of truth brought to them. Then shall we not follow the example of our Saviour, and work to save others?

The Bible teaches the whole will of God concerning us. "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." The teaching of this word is exactly that needed in all circumstances in which we may be placed. It is a sufficient rule of faith and practise; for it is the voice of God speaking to the soul, giving the members of his family directions for keeping the heart with all diligence. If this word is studied,--not merely read, but studied,--it furnishes us with a storehouse of knowledge which enables us to improve every God-given endowment. It teaches us our obligation to use the faculties given us. Guided by its precepts, we may render obedience to God's requirements.

All who will come to the word of God for guidance, with humble, inquiring minds, determined to know the terms of salvation, will understand what saith the Scriptures. But those who bring to the investigation of the word a spirit which it does not approve, will take away from the search a spirit which it has not imparted. The Lord will not speak to a mind that is unconcerned. He wastes not his instruction on one who is willing irreverent or polluted. But the tempter educates every mind that yields itself to his suggestions, and is willing to make of none effect God's holy law.

We need to humble our hearts, and with sincerity and reverence search the word of life; for that mind alone that is humble and contrite can see light. The heart, the mind, the soul, must be prepared to receive light. There must be silence in the soul. The thoughts must be brought into captivity to Jesus Christ. The boastful self-knowledge and self-sufficiency must stand rebuked in the presence of the word of God.

The Lord speaks to the heart that humbles itself before him. At the altar of prayer, as the throne of grace is touched by faith, we receive from the hand of God that celestial torch which enlightens our darkness, and convinces us of our spiritual necessity. The Holy Spirit takes of the things of God, and reveals them to the one who is sincerely seeking for the heavenly treasure. If we yield to his guidance, he leads us into all light. As we behold the glory of Christ, we become changed into his image. We have that faith which works by love, and purifies the soul. Our hearts are renewed, and we are made willing to obey God in all things.

Stirring times are before us, and it is fatal to be careless and indifferent. "Yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry." We cannot afford to be disobedient to God's requirements. The wrath which the impenitent are now treasuring up against that day when the judgment shall sit, and every case shall be judged and awarded according to the things written in the books of heaven, will soon break upon them. Then the voice of mercy will no longer plead in behalf of the sinner. The word will be, "Ephraim is joined to idols: let him alone."

But the voice of entreaty is still heard. Mercy lingers; it is not yet too late for wrongs to be repented of and righted. "I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." "Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." Now is the time to receive the word of truth and life and salvation. Now is the time for those who know the truth to say to those who are in darkness, "Come." In the place of calling the messenger of God to your aid, to labor for you, for the sake of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, who came to our world to call sinners to repentance, let all who claim to be Christians say by precept and example to those who are out of the fold, "Come; for all things are now ready."

I would call upon all to be wide-awake. The time in which we are now living is the only probation we shall have. The perils of the last days are upon us. Erelong the opportunity to gain eternal life by obedience to God's commandments will be forever gone. If the invitations given now are refused, if we persist in disobedience, we shall have no second probation. "Choose you this day whom ye will serve,"-- God or Mammon. Now, while it is called to- day, if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, lest it be the last invitation of mercy. -

A Lesson From the Sanctuary

"In the year that King Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphim: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of Hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke."

As the prophet Isaiah beheld the glory of the Lord, he was amazed, and, overwhelmed with a sense of his own weakness and unworthiness, he cried, "Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of Hosts."

Isaiah had denounced the sin of others; but now he sees himself exposed to the same condemnation he had pronounced upon them. He had been satisfied with a cold, lifeless ceremony in his worship of God. He had not known this until the vision was given him of the Lord. How little now appeared his wisdom and talents as he looked upon the sacredness and majesty of the sanctuary. How unworthy he was! how unfitted for sacred service! His view of himself might be expressed in the language of the apostle Paul, "O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?"

But relief was sent to Isaiah in his distress. He says: "Then flew one of the seraphim unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: and he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged."

In the previous chapter Isaiah had pronounced a woe upon the people who had separated themselves from God: "Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope." Men may seek to strengthen their forces by confederating together, making, as they suppose, strong societies to carry out the plans they have formed. They may lift up their souls in pride and self-sufficiency; but the One mighty in counsel does not plan with them. Their unbelief in his purposes and work, and their confidence in man will not permit them to receive the messages he sends. They say: "Let him make speed, and hasten his work, that we may see it: and let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw nigh and come, that we may know it!" But God says: "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink: which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him."

The class here represented, in order to exalt their own opinions, employ a reasoning which is not authorized by the word of God. They walk in the sparks of their own kindling. By their specious reasoning, they confuse the distinction that God desires to have drawn between good and evil. The sacred is brought down on a level with common things. Avarice and selfishness are called by false names; they are called prudence. Their rising up in independence and rebellion, their revenge and stubbornness, in their eyes are proofs of dignity, evidences of a noble mind. They act as though ignorance of divine things were not dangerous and even fatal to the soul; and they prefer their own reasoning to divine revelation, their own plans and human wisdom to the admonitions and commands of God. The piety and conscientiousness of others are called, fanaticism, and those who practice truth and holiness are watched and criticized. They deride those who teach and believe the mystery of godliness, "Christ in you the hope of glory." The principles underlying these things are not discerned by them; and they go on in wrongdoing, leaving the bars open for Satan to find ready access to the soul.

All self-exaltation and self-admiration are the result of ignorance of God and of Jesus Christ, whom he has sent. How quickly will self-esteem die, and pride be humbled in the dust, when we view the matchless charms of the character of Christ! The holiness of his character is reflected by all who serve him in spirit and in truth. If our lips have need of cleansing, if we realize our destitution, and come to God in contrition of heart, the Lord will remove the uncleanness. He will say to his angel, "Take away the filthy garments," and clothe him with "change of raiment."

Let every soul who claims to be a son or a daughter of God examine himself in the light of heaven; let him consider the polluted lips that make him "undone." They are the medium of communication. "Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things." Then let them not be used in bringing from the treasure of the heart words that will dishonor God and discourage those around you, but use them for the praise and glory of God, who has formed them for this purpose. When the cleansing coal is applied from the glowing altar, the conscience will be purged from dead works to serve the living God; and when the love of Jesus is the theme of contemplation, the words coming from human lips will be full of praise and thanksgiving to God and to the Lamb.

How many words are spoken in lightness and foolishness, in jesting and joking! This would not be so did the followers of Christ realize the truth of the words, "Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned."

Harsh and unkind words, words of censure and criticism of God's work and his messengers, are indulged in by those who profess to be his children. When these careless souls discern the greatness of God's character, they will not mingle their spirit and attributes with his service. When our eyes look by faith into the sanctuary, and take in the reality, the importance and holiness, of the work there being done, everything of a selfish nature will be abhorred by us. Sin will appear as it is,--the transgression of God's holy law. The atonement will be better understood; and by living, active faith, we shall see that whatever of virtue humanity possesses, it exists only in Jesus Christ, the world's Redeemer.

The seraphim before the throne are so filled with reverential awe in beholding the glory of God that they do not for an instant look upon themselves with self-complacency, or in admiration of themselves or one another. Their praise and glory are for the Lord of Hosts, who is high and lifted up, and the glory of whose train fills the temple. As they see the future, when the whole earth shall be filled with his glory, the triumphant song of praise is echoed from one to another in melodious chant, "Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of Hosts." They are fully satisfied to glorify God; and in his presence, beneath his smile of approbation, they wish for nothing more. In bearing his image, in doing his service and worshiping him, their highest ambition is fully reached.

The vision given to Isaiah represents the condition of God's people in the last days. They are privileged to see by faith the work that is going forward in the heavenly sanctuary. "And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament." As they look by faith into the holy of holies, and see the work of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary, they perceive that they are a people of unclean lips,--a people whose lips have often spoken vanity, and whose talents have not been sanctified and employed to the glory of God. Well may they despair as they contrast their own weakness and unworthiness with the purity and loveliness of the glorious character of Christ. But if they, like Isaiah, will receive the impression the Lord designs shall be made upon the heart, if they will humble their souls before God, there is hope for them. The bow of promise is above the throne, and the work done for Isaiah will be performed in them. God will respond to the petitions coming from the contrite heart.

The object of this great and solemn work of God is to gather together the sheaves for the heavenly garner; for the earth is to be filled with the glory of the Lord. Then let none be dismayed as they see the prevailing wickedness and hear the language coming from unclean lips. When the powers of darkness set themselves in array against the people of God; when Satan shall muster his forces for the last great conflict, and his power seems to be great and almost overwhelming, the clear view of the divine glory, the throne high and lifted up, arched with the bow of promise, will give comfort, assurance, and peace. -

True Worth

In his word the Lord has shown what man may become if connected with the Source of all wisdom. The soul of every one is precious. All heaven is interested in the plan of salvation, and its power is waiting our demand. We may choose wisely, and through Christ become more precious in the sight of God than the golden wedge of Ophir, or we may become as sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal; but if we do choose to degenerate, we shall become wholly worthless, and lose heaven with all its riches.

Character cannot be bought with gold; it does not come to us by accident. Character is earned by individual effort through the merits and grace of Christ. It is formed by hard, stern battles with self. Conflict after conflict must be urged against hereditary tendencies. We shall have to criticize ourselves closely, and allow not one unfavorable trait to remain uncorrected, unreformed.

If the character is left to be molded as chance may direct, it will become deformed and unlovely. There are in every one weak points that need to be strengthened; for Satan will take advantage of every unguarded spot. The question to be settled is, Will you follow the light God has given? If you would do so, close the door against your own suggestions, desires, and doubts. Temptations will thicken about your pathway; but the Lord will be nigh to you if you call upon him in sincerity. Stand fast in the strength of Jesus. Swerve not from the right to gain any one's friendship or to avoid difficulty. Christians can afford to be straight-forward, and firm as a rock to principle. All the excellence of character we attain will be gained in moving in this straight line. Be kind and considerate to others; but at the same time be frank and sincere; for the Lord despises dissembling. Never allow the gold of character to be dimmed with the dross of earthly, corruptible metal. The standard of the world is not the criterion for the Christian. Reputation, property, everything earthly, may be sacrificed; for this will not lessen our value in the heavenly records; but principle must be preserved.

Truthfulness and frankness should be ever cherished by all who claim to be followers of Christ. God and the right should be the motto. Deal honestly and righteously in this present evil world. Some will be honest when they see that honesty will not endanger their worldly interests; but all who act from this principle will have their names blotted out of the book of life.

Strict honesty must be cultivated. We can go through the world but once; we cannot come back to rectify any mistakes; therefore every move made should be with godly fear and careful consideration. Honesty and policy will not harmonize; either policy will be subdued, and truth and honesty hold the lines of control, or policy will take the lines, and honesty cease to direct. Both cannot act together; they can never be in agreement. When God makes up his jewels, the true, the frank, the honest, will be his chosen ones, his treasures. Angels are preparing crowns for such; and light from the throne of God will be reflected in its splendor from these star-gemmed diadems.

These things will bear thoughtful consideration,--close, critical examination. With your Bible in your hand, study its claims with earnest prayer that you may never be self-deceived. We are now living in an age when the question is asked, "When the Son of Man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" In this age of degeneracy, where we are surrounded with moral pollution, God's people are to form characters for heaven. This work is to go on daily.

We are in the investigative judgment; and the work for the time is solemn heart-searching. The duty devolves upon every one to consider, to watch, and to pray. You are not bidden by the Lord to examine your neighbor's heart. Let your investigative powers be put to work to discover what evil is lurking in your own heart, what defects are in your character; what work needs to be done in your own home. Parents are responsible for the souls of their children; they are accountable for the mold of character they give them. They will, if they realize their duty, work most earnestly for their own salvation and for the salvation of their children. When parents are careless in their own ways, and in regard to the character and deportment of their children, they lose the favor of God. But every family that will seek God with humiliation and prayer will be doing the work that is essential for eternal salvation.

Satan is working diligently and most successfully to put his selfish stamp upon the characters of even professed Christians, and many are becoming narrow in their ideas of duty and obligation. They are degenerating, and receiving a stamp of character which is offensive to God. Self-love and unholy passions occupy the citadel of the soul. To those who are professedly keeping the law of God, but are daily transgressing its holy principles, let me say, Search, O search and see how little reverence you have for eternal things, how little love for devotion.

The proving time has come, and angels are watching the development of character. How many, since they have professed Christ, have changed for the better? My brother, my sister, are you becoming more and more like Jesus, who is pure, holy, undefiled? Can your associates see in you the likeness of Christ? Can they see that you maintain in your dress, in your conversation, your daily life, the simplicity of your Master?

Many know so little about their Bibles that they are unsettled in the faith. They remove the old landmarks, and fallacies and winds of doctrine blow them hither and thither. Science, falsely so-called, is wearing away the foundation of Christian principle; and those who once were in the faith drift away from the Bible landmarks, and divorce themselves from God, while still claiming to be his children. But are they?--No; no. The relation they sustain to God is truly represented in Matt. 7:22, 23: "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."

Christ is our Pattern. Separated from God, leaning to their own understanding, men become fools; and yet in their own estimation, and in the estimation of others, they are often the wisest of men. Their sayings are eagerly caught up, repeated, extolled, and adopted, while the utterances of the living God, who made heaven and earth, are disregarded because not in harmony with their ideas of science. Could these once see themselves as God views them, how soon their attitude would change, how soon the godless prating would cease, how ashamed they would be of their boasting and their vanity; how their vain imaginations would change. Their corrupt hearts, roving on the enemy's ground, can find no happiness, no peace. We are not safe in trusting in ourselves. Unless divested of the robes of our own wisdom and self-righteousness, and clothed with Christ's robe of spotless purity, we shall be in infinite peril. We shall not appear of half the value in our own estimation when we view Jesus in his matchless charms.

The ambition of every soul should be to make straight his paths, that the feet of others may not be led astray. But the care and anxiety with many is to shape their course to be admired by men. The highest effort of their mental powers is directed to this end. They speak and act that they may float upon the tide of popularity. There is no dependence to be placed upon this class; for they will betray sacred trusts, if by so doing they can serve their own interests. They study their own purposes so intently that they have no time for the study of God's word. The day of retributive judgment is coming on apace, and it will find them unprepared.

What value can Christians place on the praise and flattery of men who have no reverence for God nor love for his truth? The honor of such persons is of no worth. We should not aim to receive the applause of the world, but to render honor to Him who is worthy of the heart's best and holiest affections. This is a worthy ambition, and it brings the highest reward; for God has promised, "Them that honor me I will honor."

O how much the Spirit of Christ is needed by every one who has any interest or acts any part in the work of God! God would have every one make the most of his own talents and opportunities. Brethren, show your appreciation of the gifts of God by putting them to a wise use, with an eye single to his glory. Self must not gain the mastery. Hide yourself in Jesus, and let the precious Redeemer appear as the One altogether lovely, the chiefest among ten thousand. You must become a partaker of the divine nature if you would escape the corruption that is in the world through lust.

There are many men of noble qualities whom God would use in his cause; but the bewitching power of Satan has been cast over them like a spell. Science, falsely so-called, would lead them to reason away the very foundation of true religion. It has so confused their senses that the testimony of the Spirit and word of God is questioned. Doubts are entertained because they cannot harmonize these with their views of science and natural principles. Thus they enter the wilderness of unbelief, and make shipwreck of their faith. The truth as it is in Jesus, in its simplicity, would have proved an anchor to them; but they have broken away from the stronghold, and drifted about, beaten by the winds and waves of unbelief.

It is the duty and privilege of all to use reason as far as man's finite faculties can go; but there is a boundary where man's resources must cease. There are many things that can never be reasoned out by the strongest intellect, or discerned by the most penetrating mind. Philosophy cannot determine the ways and works of God; the human mind cannot measure infinity. Jehovah is the fountain of all wisdom, of all truth, of all knowledge. There are high attainments that man can reach in this life through the wisdom that God imparts; but there is an infinity beyond that will be the study and the joy of the saints throughout eternal ages. Man can now only linger upon the borders of that vast expense, and let imagination take its flight. Finite man cannot fathom the deep things of God; for spiritual things are spiritually discerned. The human mind cannot comprehend the wisdom and power of God. -

The Unfaithful Servant

"Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strewed: and I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strewed: thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance; but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth."

The teaching of this parable is plain. All the gifts of intellect or of property which any one has are entrusted to him. They are the Lord's goods, and are to be used to his honor and glory. They are to be improved and increased by use, that the Lord may receive returns from them. But the Lord receives no returns from many talents; for, like the unfaithful servant, those to whom they are entrusted put them where they are not increased.

All in whose hearts selfishness is cherished will listen to the temptations of Satan, and will act the part of the unfaithful, slothful servant. They will hide their entrusted treasure, neglecting to use their talents for the Lord. All such can reap only as they have sown. They have sown sparingly, or not at all, and they will reap sparingly. But although the Lord has told them this in words too plain to be honestly misconstrued, they cherish dissatisfaction in their hearts, and complain that the Lord is a hard master; that they are dealt hardly and unjustly with. By this they sow in other minds the seeds of discontent and unbelief. Agents of the enemy, by precept and example they lead others to neglect to obey God. Disaffection is sown, to yield a harvest of disaffection.

To day this work is being done by many who claim to know God. They speak in a repining, complaining manner of the Lord's requirements. They do not directly charge God with being unjust, but they complain of everything touching the question of using their influence or their means in his service. Whoever they may be, if those to whom the Lord has entrusted his gifts do not make the best use of their endowments, if they do not co-operate with the heavenly angels by trying to be a blessing to their fellow men, they will receive the denunciation from the Lord, Thou wicked and slothful servant. You had my gifts to use, but you neglected to use them. You claimed to know me, but your words in regard to my requirements were unjust. You, who thought you knew so much wickedly misrepresented me, and led others to think that I was unjustly hard and exacting. "Cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth." In that day these unfaithful servants will see their mistake, and will realize that by selfishly putting their talents where the Lord could receive no increase from them, they have not only lost all they had, but have lost also the eternal riches.

The Lord has spoken regarding those who complain of his dealings with them: "Your words have been stout against me, saith the Lord. Yet ye say, What have we spoken so much against thee? Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the Lord of Hosts? And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered." This spirit is cherished in the hearts of many. They are not sanctified by the Holy Spirit, and are discourteous, even to the Lord of Hosts, charging him with partiality and injustice. But those who reveal this distrustful, murmuring, jealous spirit do not keep the ordinances of the Lord, and their service is not accepted by him.

Never will a murmur that the Lord has dealt unjustly, reaping where he has not sown, and gathering where he has not strewed, pass the lips of the true servant of God. Those who accept Jesus as their personal Saviour will live lives of humility, patience, and love. They did not give themselves to the Lord for the sake of the profit they should receive. They have become one with Christ, as Christ is one with the Father, and daily they receive their reward in being partakers of the humility, the reproach, the self-denial, and the self-sacrifice of Christ. They find their joy in keeping the Lord's ordinances. In true service they find hope, and peace, and comfort; and with faith and courage they go forward in the path of obedience, following him who gave his life for them. By their consecration and devotion they reveal to the world the truth of the words, "I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me."

"They that feared the Lord," writes the prophet Malachi, "spake often one to another; and the Lord harkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name." Were the words spoken, words of complaint, of faultfinding, of self-sympathy?--No; in contrast to those who speak against God, those who fear him speak words of courage, of thankfulness, and of praise. They do not cover the altar of God with tears and lamentations; they come with faces lighted up with the beams of the Sun of Righteousness, and praise God for his goodness.

Such words make all heaven rejoice. Those who utter them may be poor in worldly possessions, but by faithfully giving to God the portion he claims, they acknowledge their indebtedness to him. Self-serving does not make up the chapters of their life-history. In love and gratitude, with songs of joy upon their lips, they bring their offerings to God, saying as did David, Of thine own we freely give thee. "And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of Hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him." Let there be silence while you think whether you are among the number that fear the Lord, and that think upon his name.

Christians are to recognize the fact that they are doing God's work. They must be faithful in the improvement of their days and hours, conscientiously discharging their God-given duties; for God will not accept haphazard work. We need to fear lest covetousness, which is idolatry, shall become a prevailing power; lest God's professed people shall stand before him guilty of the same sins as was the unfaithful servant. Those who truly serve God will fear him, but not as did the unfaithful servant, who hid his talent in the earth because he was afraid the Lord would receive his own. They will fear to dishonor their Maker by failing to improve their talents.

Those who work unselfishly, with an eye single to the glory of God, will grow in humility, in goodness, and in true Christian courtesy toward God and their brethren. Those who thus grow in humility and obedience will gain a knowledge of God's will, and will have increased power with God. The powers of darkness will press against them to hinder their progress in the divine life, and to hedge up the way, that the word of God may not be presented to others; but they depend upon an arm more mighty to save than that of man, and in his strength they gain the victory.

Christ has identified himself with suffering humanity, and in the lessons given just prior to his crucifixion, he has plainly specified the work he desires his servants to do. Any neglect on the part of professed Christians of the duty they owe to their brethren is an offense against Christ. Those who hide their talents, who refuse to impart their blessings to others, dishonor Christ in the person of his saints. Please read the twenty-fifth chapter of Matthew, and let all who have these illustrations before them think whether the words are applicable to them. We need to be filled with the breath and life of Christ, that we may be co-workers with him; for thousands are unconverted, thousands are dying without hope and without God in the world.

All are to be judged according to their works, not according to their profession. What revelations will be made in the day of Judgment! Many who have called themselves Christians will be found to have been not servants of God, but servants of themselves. Self has been their center; self-service has been their life-work. By living to please themselves and to gain all they could for themselves, they have crippled and dwarfed the capabilities and powers entrusted to them by God. They have not dealt honestly with God. Their lives have been one long system of robbery. These now complain against God and their fellow men, because they are not recognized and favored as they think they ought to be. But their unfaithfulness will be revealed in that day when the Lord judges the cases of all. He will return "and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not."

In that day those who think that God will accept meager offerings and unwilling service will be disappointed. God will not put his superscription upon the work of any man, high or low, rich or poor, that is not done heartily, faithfully, and with an eye single to his glory. But those who have belonged to the family of God here below, who have striven to honor his name, have gained an experience that will make them as kings and priests unto God; and they will be accepted as faithful servants. To them the words will be spoken, "Well done, good and faithful servant: . . . enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."

"And I saw a great white throne," writes John, "and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works." "And he said unto me, It is done. . . . He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son." "Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city." Is not this promise worth everything to us? Is not the reward which is to be given to every faithful servant large enough? And shall we not make it our life-work to offer our Maker faithful service, to keep his commandments, that we may be "heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ," counted worthy to "inherit all things"?

The Importance of Personal Effort

In every land there are thousands of souls in darkness, without the knowledge of the truth,--souls who have never heard the last message of mercy to a perishing world. They know not that the end of all things is at hand. "Peace and safety" is the cry that is sounded from the popular pulpits. And yet how many of God's professed people are at ease in Zion. The churches in general are weak and dependent. They think that some one must be with them every Sabbath to spread for them a gospel feast. They do not realize that they must individually appropriate to themselves the truth that has been unfolded to them, and communicate its light to those who know it not; and they are doing comparatively nothing, either in home missions or in the "regions beyond." Can you, dear brethren and sisters, be doers of the word of God while indifferent to the souls that are perishing around you? Can you listen to the truth, Sabbath after Sabbath, and not impart its light to others?

The church must not depend so fully as she has done in the past upon the ordained minister alone to carry the gospel to the world. God has given to every man his work. For many years he has been bidding his people, "Go work to-day in my vineyard." He calls upon men who understand the Scriptures to go into places where the message of truth has never penetrated, and there work, imparting to others what God has imparted to them. They can be as the salt, communicating saving properties to those with whom they come in contact.

The standard of truth may be raised by humble men and women; and the youth, and even children, may be a blessing to others, by revealing what the truth has done for them. God will use the most feeble instruments if they are wholly submitted to him. He can work through them to reach souls to whom the minister could not obtain access. There are the highways and byways to be searched. With your Bible in your hand, with your heart warm and glowing with the love of God, you may go out and tell others your experience; you may make known to them the truth that has impressed your heart, praying with faith that God will make your efforts successful in their salvation. Communicate light, and you will have more light to communicate. Thus you may become laborers together with God.

God desires that his children shall make use of all their powers, that in working to bless others, they may grow strong in the strength of Jesus. You may not be learned; you may not be thought capable of doing a great work for God; but there are things which you can do. You can let your light shine forth to others. Through the prophet Isaiah, Christ has said: "Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rereward. . . . And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday: and the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drouth, and make fat thy bones; and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not."

Every one may have an understanding of the truth, and exert an influence for good. Then go to work, my brethren and sisters. Gain an experience by working for others. You may make mistakes; but this is not more than the most intelligent, and those in positions of trust, have done again and again. You will not always meet with success; but you can never know the result of humble, disinterested effort to help those who are in darkness. Through the agency of the Holy Spirit, you may win souls from error to truth, and in so doing your own souls will be filled with the love of God. Unaccustomed paths will open before you in your work of ministry. You will often have to step out of the beaten track, and, under the Holy Spirit's guidance, do special work for God; but if you make him your dependence, he will give you wisdom and strength according to your need.

I pray that church-members may see the peril of departing from God's expressed commandment, and repent of their lifelong neglect of the service of Christ while professing to be his followers. If they would go forth as pilgrims and strangers, and make for themselves homes where there is work to be done, letting their light shine forth to those who are in darkness and error, they would then be able to say, "And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace." We shall receive fresh supplies of grace, as we impart to others that which we already have.

The Holy Spirit will impress upon the mind the truth that the religion of the Bible is a grand and precious reality. You need not only to assent to the truth, but to put it into practise. Let every ray of light which shines from the word be heeded as the eternal truth of God. Then as you place your will on the Lord's side, look around for some work to do for the Master. Set to work at whatever your hand finds to do; for it is in practising truth, in blessing others, that you work out your own salvation. If God works in you to will and to do of his good pleasure, you will cultivate those traits of character that every heir of heaven must possess.

The reason many have so superficial an experience is that they do so much for themselves and so little for Jesus. Intercourse with those who are in need of help, with the purpose of saving their souls, will lead us to pray for wisdom, and look to Jesus as our helper. By unselfish labor for others, we shall establish ourselves in the faith far more firmly than by listening to so many sermons. The Holy Spirit will be our helper, giving us arguments with which to meet opposition, and in all our work giving us steadfast faith and unshaken confidence. Thus we shall gain an experience of more value than gold, silver, or precious stones.

The Lord would awaken his church to her calling. This is to follow in the footsteps of Christ, and present him to the world, that the world may say of his disciples, "They have been with Jesus, and have learned of him." Then let each engage in this work in all humility of mind. "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren," said Christ, "ye have done it unto me." Shall we not, then, without delay, go without the camp, bearing the reproach for Christ's sake? In so doing we shall share largely of the Holy Spirit's teaching and leading.

There must be no idlers in the work of God. He desires that his people shall engage in living missionary work, and thus be doers of his word. He desires that they shall labor in love for one another; that they shall pray most earnestly for themselves that they may be branches in the Living Vine, daily drawing nourishment from him, and bearing rich clusters of precious fruit. "Herein is my Father glorified," he says, "that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples."

The Importance of Personal Effort [Concluded]

"What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well; the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?"

Individually we must be earnest, zealous workers for the Master. The Lord desires that we shall communicate to others that which the eternal and unseen communicates to us of spiritual realities. He desires that we shall study the truth for ourselves, that it may become rooted in our hearts, and a part of our very existence; and that, in turn, we shall represent its principles to others. Mind, and heart, and soul, and strength must be enlisted in the service of God.

God has placed no barrier in the way of any Christian to prevent his working to bring others to Christ. But self has obstructed the path of obedience to God. Men to whom God has committed his talents have power, and when that power is allied to true goodness as it is in Jesus, it becomes a divine power. But men have appropriated their talents for selfish purposes; and when God has called for his own, their ears have been dull of hearing.

When our powers are thus used to accomplish an evil work, they become a savor of death unto death. Never can corruption be so deadly in its influence as when connected with that which is pure and righteous. Pure rites and ordinances, when perverted to selfish purposes by the contaminating influence of worldly men, become instrumental in dishonoring Christ, and hurting the souls with whom he identifies his interest. As God's workmen, we have in the past devoted our efforts too largely to the churches. The time and labor thus expended have done these churches much injury. Our brethren and sisters should feel that now is the golden opportunity to unite their influence in the home circle and in the church, to work for those who have never heard the truth. But they have learned to expect altogether too much labor for themselves. They have been treated to a great deal of food which they have not shared with souls who are starving for the bread of life. They have received an education that has made them selfish. Instead of giving truth to the unenlightened, they have done very little to qualify themselves for work as the servants of God.

God's people have neglected their solemn obligations to one another; they have not helped one another as it is their privilege and duty to do. Instead of finding ways and means whereby they could do earnest work for Jesus, who has done so much for them,--instead of encouraging, strengthening, and establishing souls in the truth,--they have called the Lord's delegated workmen away from their appointed labor, to revive and strengthen their own souls. If they were in living connection with Christ, as the branch is in connection with the vine,--if they were drawing their support from Christ, the root,--there would not be such spiritual feebleness. If they would do the work that God has appointed them, they would be partakers of the divine nature, and escape the corruption which is in the world through lust.

The lay members of the church should have far more encouragement to bear responsibilities. They are to be educated to do service for Jesus. Teach them in what lines they can serve God best. Set them to work in many ways. Let there be fewer sermons, and far more taxing, personal labor. All the discourses preached will not help the members of the church to understand their duty unless you teach them how to work. The satisfaction of seeing companies raised up in different places through personal effort will strengthen and establish them. The self-sacrificing efforts put forth by all who believe in Christ as a present help in their work, will give them strength and power. All who truly follow Christ will be used to communicate light to their fellow men. Church-members need closely to examine their own hearts, to see whether they are in the love of God, whether they are serving God or self.

Great wisdom is needed in teaching the churches to have root in themselves. They must not be taught to trust in their own sufficiency, but to depend on the Holy Spirit's guidance. Instead of calling upon the ministers for the living water, let them go to the fountain themselves. Let them say, We will not call the ministers from their work of giving the last message of mercy to the world, in order to keep us revived. We will institute every means possible to keep our own hearts pure and holy. We can have life through Christ alone; it is our privilege to seek him.

The institutes that have been held for the instruction of ministers have accomplished a good work, but a work that has not been half appreciated. Had those who received instruction in these institutes spent the time, instead, in giving light and truth to those who have no knowledge of it, in starting the work in new localities, in opening the Scriptures to families by house-to-house labor,--had they moved out in simple, trusting faith, saying at every step, I must have Jesus with me,--they would have received an education from the great Teacher himself. In the day of final reckoning it will be seen that the salvation of every soul is dependent upon the fruit borne in good works.

This work must be more extended. There must be far less hovering about the churches. Many are spiritually weak because they have not let the light which God has given them shine forth to the world. They have not connected with Christ, and become channels of blessing. God's people must read and practise his word for themselves. In the place of depending upon ministers, they must learn to place their trust in God. He exhorts them to "stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong."

There are many who desire to see souls coming to a knowledge of the truth; but who among us are engaged in real, earnest work for the Lord? Who, with earnest, humble faith, are bringing souls to him by visiting, by conversing, and by explaining the Scriptures? The sacrifice that we ourselves are willing to make for the good of others is what will convince them of our sincerity. Says one: "I felt so great an interest and love for the souls of the people who know not the truth, that I gave up my home, my church, my family and friends, and gave my whole life to labor for their salvation. They know that I love them. " This is doing as Christ did. Our lives will be a testimony that will speak louder than words. As Christ's followers, we are called to self-denial and self-sacrifice. He has said, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."

But there is backsliding among us, and God is dishonored. Many lights are burning dimly, and some are going out. Among those who profess to be waiting for the Lord, many are like the foolish virgins; they have no oil in the vessel with their lamps. When the cry is heard, "Behold the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him," who among us will be found with our lamps trimmed and burning, and go in with him to the marriage feast?

I call upon the church to arouse, to gather up the precious rays of light with which they have been blessed. Lift the torchlight high, that all may see it. Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Gird yourselves, and go forth to proclaim the truth to others because you dare not hold your peace. But do not go in a spirit of self-sufficiency. Go, instead, weighted with the Holy Spirit, and then your words will have power. You are to be like men who are waiting for their Lord,--waiting, watching, and working. You have no time to lose. The signs specified by Christ, as harbingers of his coming, are being fulfilled; the Lord is soon to appear in the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. He is coming to be admired in all them that believe. Are you, dear brethren and sisters, ready for his appearing?

There are lessons for the children of God to learn. They are required to come up to their high and holy position as members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King. They are of heavenly extraction, and they must reveal this in all their works. Have you the light of truth? Then impart the same in purity, in a peaceable disposition, in quietness and heavenly-mindedness. We plead with you to put on your beautiful garments, even the robe of Christ's righteousness, woven in the loom of heaven. Submit yourselves wholly to God. Then you will be vessels unto honor, whom he can use to his own name's glory. -

The Christian Warfare

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For 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 take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."

Every Christian must take a part in the warfare against sin. The enemies of God would crush his law. They hate it because it reproves their sins. A profligate man once said that he wished all evidences of the truth to be destroyed; for they were so convincing that they could not be controverted. So to-day many cry, "Away with the law of God!" for the same reason that the Jews, in condemning Jesus, cried, "Away with this man!" The word of God rebukes iniquity, and his law condemns the lawbreaker. "Sin is the transgression of the law," John declares. The law is the sin-detector, and therefore the very mention of the commandments of God stirs up the evil attributes of him who is wilfully sinning against God.

A single mention of God's law is a sting to the conscience of such men. A single sentence of Holy Writ, which expresses the binding claims and the immutability of the law of God, drives them beside themselves with rage. The words, "The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul;" "Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments;" "Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law," cause them to be stirred to madness. They make no such prayer, but close the eyes of their understanding, lest they shall see, and be convinced and converted.

During our recent camp-meeting at Adelaide, two men took their stand on the street just outside the entrance to the camp-ground, and preached against the truth. They were men who had before fought like tigers against the truth, and had exulted in their supposed victory; and now the evidence for the truth was so strong that they wished to storm it down. They interrupted the meetings, and made a trade against the truth. The people were indignant at these interruptions; they wished to hear what was said in the tent; and finally the police took the matter in hand, and there were no more outbreaks. But though these disorderly elements were at work, we knew that the Lord had a work to be done, and we went right on, making no reference to the persistent opposition. Our work was to preach the truth.

From hour to hour those who work to promulgate the truth must depend on the blessing which comes from God, and from God only. And just in proportion as we have faith and trust in God, we shall receive blessings in rich abundance. The blessing of the Holy Spirit will be on the truth, which is proclaimed in the sight of the heavenly universe, and heaven's light will shine forth to elevate and ennoble.

Many things were said against Mrs. White during the Adelaide meeting. Soon after my work there commenced, an article appeared in one of the papers, representing me as among the greatest fanatics. But these things disturbed me not. God is our refuge and strength. He teaches us where we may hide from the strife of tongues; if we will let him, he will lead us into his pavilion. Our lives, hid with Christ in God, will be refreshed and strengthened.

Those who hate the law of Jehovah reveal that they have carnal minds, which are not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. This is not for want of proof, but because of the stubborn resistance of their unbelieving hearts,--not because of ignorance, but because they have set their feet in the path of transgression. It is not evidence that they need; for they have had evidence piled upon evidence, and it has only rendered them more desperate, abusive, and cruel in their denunciations. They are determined not to turn their feet out of the path of sin into the path of holiness; they will not run in the way of God's commandments. They have cast the Lord's instruction behind their backs, and they manifest the attributes of the destroyer. This is the root and groundwork of all the terrible hatred against the law of Jehovah. We have this hatred to meet, but if we arm ourselves against our assailants with, "It is written," we are in no peril. It was thus that Christ met the foe, and he says, "Without me ye can do nothing." We must have the mind which was in Jesus. Read what composes the Christian's armor. Take this armor, and put it on, trusting in God to give you the victory.

When the Lord Jesus visited our earth, he brought with him renovating energy. He put enmity between the seed of the woman and the serpent. But there is no enmity between fallen angels and fallen men. Both, through apostasy, are evil; and wherever there is evil, with no disposition to repent, it will always league with Satan against God. Fallen men and fallen angels unite in a desperate struggle to destroy God's great standard of righteousness. There was a bond of sympathy among the angels that Satan succeeded in drawing into rebellion, and he made them his allies in the effort to dethrone God and to abolish his law. Satan's work in our world to day is to destroy the moral image of God in man, by making void the divine law; and our enemies are inspired by his spirit. By casting aside God's great standard of character, he can deprave human nature, and win men and women to his standard; for, "Where no law is, there is no transgression." With what triumph, then, he watches the professedly Christian world, as they earnestly do the very work he is doing.

As God's servants strive to fight against the enemy of God, Christ must be to each one of them a personal Saviour. Each one must experience his pardoning grace. The tree of life is a representation of the preserving care of Christ for his children. As Adam and Eve ate of this tree, they acknowledged their dependence upon God. The tree of life possessed the power to perpetuate life, and as long as they ate of it, they could not die. The lives of the antediluvians were protracted because of the life-giving power of this tree, which was transmitted to them from Adam and Eve.

Christ is the source of our life, the source of our immortality. He is the tree of life, and to all who come to him he gives spiritual life. "Verily, verily, I say unto you," he declared, "Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. . . . I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. . . . Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. . . . I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat? Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of Man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. . . . It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life."

Christ also speaks of the relation existing between himself and his followers, under the symbol of the vine and its branches. "I am the true vine," he says, "and my Father is the husbandman. . . . 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."

My brother, my sister, Jesus is inviting you to become a branch of the Living Vine. He is calling upon you to connect with him, that in his strength you may do his commandments. You have tried to sever yourself from him, but you have not succeeded. God loves you, and would have you sit at his feet and learn of him. His forgiveness, compassion, and long-suffering are represented to the world in Christ. If Christ had not paid the ransom for our souls, we would not have had a probation in which to develop characters of obedience to God's commandments. Then do not disappoint Christ by perversity and unbelief. Appreciate God's gift to man. Show that you understand what your probation means. It means life or death to each one of us. By our daily conduct we are deciding our eternal destiny.

It is not toil that degrades men, or that ranks them among the outcasts of society; it is sin. Adam, pure and innocent, and fresh from the hand of God, was given his work. This work did not degrade him. While he was engaged in his appointed work, he never thought of hiding from God, but responded as soon he heard his footsteps in the garden, and hastened to shorten the distance between him and his Maker. What precious communings he had with God! But after he sinned, he feared that every sound was the footstep of God. He did not want to see God, and when he heard him coming, he did not hasten to meet him, but hid himself. "And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?" This, then, was the reason. He had broken the command of God; and the light of righteousness that had encompassed him as a garment had disappeared, leaving him naked, and he was afraid to meet God. Sin is the only nakedness, the only degradation, the only dishonor, that we can know; it is the only thing that will make us afraid to meet God. After transgressing God's commands, man was excluded from the tree of life; for by eating of it, he would only prolong a life of sin. But Christ has promised, "To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God." "Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."

God sent Christ into the world to redeem men from sin. Shall we not, then, accept the society of the only begotten Son of God? The sinner is privileged to recognize Christ as his divine and adorable brother, but this relationship cannot be claimed while he continues to cherish sin. If you will cast your burden upon Christ, the sin-bearer, he will remove your sins, and irradiate your mind with the bright beams of his righteousness. Then you will no longer look upon the requirements of God as briers and thorns which pierce the flesh. When you consider thoughtfully the commandments of God, when you behold God in Jesus Christ, you will turn from the deceptions of Satan. You will acknowledge the truth which sanctifies the receiver, and a marvelous change will be wrought in you. The prejudices and jealousies which have proved your stumbling-block and spoiled your life will vanish.

Religion does not consist in observing mere forms. A religion that has been handed down to us by our teachers, and which we have received only as a part of our education, will not stand against the devices of Satan. Religion must be conviction, deep and penetrating, crucifying the flesh. As the blood circulates through the body in a vitalizing current, so Christ must be received into the heart. What will avail any soul unless Christ is received into the heart by faith? Of all who thus receive him the word declares, "To them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name."

The commandments of God are not the dry theories and maxims growing on the trunk of Phariseeism. Every jot and tittle of the law of God is a pledge of perfect rest and assurance in obedience. If you will obey these commandments, you will find, in every specification, a most precious promise. Take Jesus as your partner. Ask of him help to keep God's law. He will be to you a safeguard and counselor, a guide that will never mislead.

There is no safe armor for the Christian but truth. This will be our safeguard in our associations with our fellow men. Our convictions must be true, our feelings must be true. We need to make sure that we are on the Lord's side in the warfare that is going forward on this earth. Truth must become our personal property, a part of our individual selves, if we would fight manfully the good fight of faith. If God's truth is cherished as an abiding principle, it will keep watch over our souls, and will send an alarm if danger threatens, summoning us to action against every enemy. But no power but truth--steadfast, pure truth--can keep us loyal to God. The simple truth of God, as it is in. Jesus, brought into the practical life, will elevate and refine; but if it is not rooted in the heart, we cannot stand against evil. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ alone can make us steadfast to true principles and keep us so. -

Love Not the World

"I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. . . . Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of Man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. . . . It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life. But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him."

In the providence of God, men and women are brought into positions favorable for them to become acquainted with the precious message of truth, and with the messenger who bears this truth. They are given sufficient evidence to settle doubts, to encourage faith, and to inspire them with confidence; but God never removes from their minds the possibility of doubting.

Thus Jesus had associated with himself, men who he knew were dwelling in an atmosphere of doubt and unbelief. Though day by day they listened to his all-important lessons, which they must obey if they would have eternal life, Christ found them misinterpreting and misapplying these sacred truths. They were confident that they had clear penetration and discernment, but they could not see afar off. The merest atom placed before their eyes was magnified into an object of vast proportions; but they could not discern spiritual things. Their moral eyesight was defective, and there was every danger that they would be overcome by the devices of Satan.

Jesus saw that those who were walking and talking with him, and listening to his instructions, were not being benefited by them. He saw that they were mistaking phantoms for realities and realities for phantoms, calling a world an atom and an atom a world; and he presented before them saying truth. Without heaven sent wisdom they could not fathom his words. If they had removed the atom placed before their eyes, if the truth had been received, the evil would have been remedied. But they would not look at the future realities of eternity. They did not, in imagination, grasp the unseen world. In order that he might practise upon them an endless succession of delusions, Satan presented before them the things of this world as all- attractive and all-absorbing; and they listened to his temptations.

Jesus declared that he knew from the first, those who united with him, who had not faith in him as their Saviour. Yet he did not repulse them. He gave them evidence sufficient to establish their faith in his message and in his claims as the Son of God. But when he saw that the influence of these skeptics was leavening the minds of those who would receive and believe the truth and be converted, he made the truth in reference to himself more plain and forcible. This brought matters to a crisis. The Saviour then presented before them the alternative,--a remedy for their unbelief, or a separation from him. "From that time," we read, "many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him." Judas remained, though Jesus knew that he would betray him.

Those who follow Christ to-day will encounter the same difficulties, the same unbelief, the same attempts to pervert the meaning of the truth. They will meet the same tendency to raise the world and the things of the world above eternal interests. As they bear the message of truth, they will continually meet those who use their influence to counteract and misconstrue the truth. These have ears, but they hear not aright; eyes have they, but they see not correctly; and Satan uses them to accomplish his purpose.

In his teaching, Christ sought to adjust the claims of heaven and earth. In his lessons of instruction, this was an all important subject. He saw that men are in danger of cherishing an inordinate love for the world. The love of God is supplanted by a love for the world. Nothing but the power of the omnipotent God can dislodge this love. The things which are earthly and temporal lead men away from God, although the advantages to be gained are but an atom in comparison with eternal realities. They have eyes, but they see not aright. Instead of keeping the heavenly world in view, the things of this world are ever before their eyes, and are magnified till they eclipse the world of bliss.

Turning away from heavenly attractions, from imperishable wealth, from peace, from nobility of soul, man pours out his affections on unworthy, unsatisfying things; and by constantly beholding this world, he becomes conformed to it. His mind, capable of elevation, and privileged to grasp the eternal blessedness of the saints, turns away from an eternity of greatness, and allows its powers to be chained like a slave to an atom of a world. It is humiliated and dwarfed by allegiance to worldly things.

Jesus came to change this order of things, to correct this wide-spread evil. He lifts up his voice as the voice of God in warnings, reproofs, and entreaties, seeking to break the spell which infatuates, enslaves, and ensnares men. He presents before them the future eternal world, and addressing them in decided language, says, "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"

God would have us lift ourselves above the world. Jesus, the world's Redeemer, presents before us the eternal inheritance, the immortal riches, saying: "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal." He takes the world from its position of boasted supremacy, placing it where it should be, subject to spiritual and eternal world. "The love of money is the root of all evil," writes Paul. While money is of value if rightly used, it is not to be worshiped. Christ tells us that we are not to please ourselves, but that we must weed our lives of all vanities. He commands us to cultivate those attributes which will make every moment of our lives fragrant with good works.

God does not design that eternity shall overwhelm us, and unfit us for the duties of this life; and it will never do this if we accustom our minds to dwell upon the themes of eternity, and mingle them with our life duties. The contemplation of eternal realities will not disqualify us for the duties of this life. All the useful pursuits and activities of life are to stand revealed to us as encircled with the hallowed rainbow of promise. Christians are to be "not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord." They are not to spend their time in meditation; neither are their lives to be all bustle, zeal, and excitement. These qualifications are to be blended.

The gospel of Christ is and ever will be aggressive. Christ gave himself a sacrifice for the world. He cheerfully gave his own life as a ransom for an apostate world; and he does not design that selfishness and worldliness shall exist in the hearts of his followers. Conformity to the world is expressly forbidden by the word of God. But the grievous sin of idolatry exists in many of the churches to-day. They are not in harmony with God. Defilement, which should be washed away with the blood of a sin-pardoning Saviour, exists.

Christians have an important work to do in this world. Their light is to shine forth to those who are in darkness. The gospel is to be preached to every creature. They are to imitate the example of Christ; his words and actions are to be their pattern. They are to bear his image, and follow him in all his ways. He lived not for himself; his life was spent in doing good to others, and his children are to follow where he has led the way. With their labors, their prayers, and their money they are to bless those who need help. In the world, but not of the world, they are to work as Christ worked, representing him by a sanctified life. But in this work they must have the fear of God, which his word tells us is the beginning of wisdom.

The Master has employed us as his servants, and we are to be vigilant workers until he shall return the second time to this earth. We are to wait for the coming of the Lord, and work diligently to prepare the way for him. Waiting alone is not all that is required; we are to wait and watch and pray and work. This combination of waiting, watching, praying, and working constitutes us true Christians. To those who stand in idle expectancy, Christ says, "Why stand ye here all the day idle?" "Work while it is called to-day." "The night cometh, when no man can work."

Paul wrote to Timothy, "Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee." This exhortation is applicable to all who live in these last days. The Lord requires thorough, entire service. The mind and the affections must be given to him. The light must be kept burning in the inner sanctuary of the soul. Then Christians will be given a spiritual eyesight. They will be enabled to understand and to do the requirements of God.

Christ has given a commission to his servants, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." This commission lays every member of the church of Christ under a solemn weight of responsibility. The conversion of sinners is entrusted to the followers of Christ, and this work is not to be relinquished while there is a sinner unconverted. The words of instruction, "We are laborers together with God," are of great importance. All, both laymen and ministers, are under tribute to God. Our capabilities are entrusted gifts, which the Lord expects us to multiply by constant use; and our responsibility is in exact proportion to the gifts entrusted. God has given to us freely of his goods, and we are to show unswerving fidelity to him.

No selfishness is to find a place in the heart of the Christian. "Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof." "I beseech you therefore, brethren," writes Paul, "by the mercies of God that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed 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." God's chosen ones are to be just what he meant they should be, and what the apostle declares they are,--"a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men."

The Prayer That God Accepts

Jesus taught his disciples to pray, and he often urged upon them the necessity of prayer. He did not bid them to study books to learn a form of prayer. They were not to offer prayer to men, but to make their requests known to God. He taught them that the prayer which God accepts is the simple, earnest petition from a soul that feels its need; and he promised to send the Holy Spirit to indite their prayers.

God invites us to come to him with our burden of guilt and our heart sorrows. Sin fills us with fear of God; when we have sinned, we try to hide ourselves from him. But whatever our sin, God bids us come unto him through Jesus Christ. It is only by taking our sins to God that we can be freed from them. Cain, under the rebuke of God, acknowledged his guilt in killing Abel; but he fled away from God, as if he could thus escape from his sin. Had he fled to God with his burden of guilt, he would have been forgiven. The prodigal son, realizing his guilt and wretchedness, said, "I will arise and go to my father." He confessed his sin, and was taken back to his father's heart.

If we would offer acceptable prayer, there is a work to be done in confessing our sins to one another. If I have sinned against my neighbor in word or action, I should make confession to him. If he has wronged me, he should confess to me. So far as is possible, the one who has wronged another is to make restitution. Then in contrition he is to confess the sin to God, whose law has been transgressed. In sinning against our brother, we sin against God, and we must seek pardon from him. Whatever our sin, if we but repent and believe in the atoning blood of Christ, we shall be pardoned.

Daniel's example of prayer and confession is given for our instruction and encouragement. For nearly seventy years, Israel had been in captivity. The land which God had chosen for his own possession was given into the hands of the heathen. The beloved city, the recipient of heaven's light, once the joy of the whole earth, was now despised and degraded. The temple that had contained the ark of God's covenant and the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat, was in ruins. Its very site was desecrated by unholy feet. Faithful men who knew of the former glory were filled with anguish at the desolation of the holy house that had distinguished Israel as God's chosen people. These men had been witnesses to the denunciations of God because of the sins of his people. They had been witnesses to the fulfilment of this word. They had been witnesses also to the promises of his favor if Israel would return to God, and walk circumspectly before him. Aged, gray-headed pilgrims went up to Jerusalem to pray amid its ruins. They kissed its stones, and wet them with their tears, as they entreated the Lord to have mercy on Zion, and cover her with the glory of his righteousness. Daniel knew that the appointed time for Israel's captivity was nearly ended; but he did not feel that because God had promised to deliver them, they themselves had no part to act. With fasting and contrition he sought the Lord, confessing his own sins and the sins of the people.

He said: "All Israel have transgressed thy law, even by departing, that they might not obey thy voice; therefore the curse is poured upon us, and the oath that is written in the law of Moses the servant of God, because we have sinned against him. And he hath confirmed his words, which he spake against us, and against our judges that judged us, by bringing upon us a great evil: for under the whole heaven hath not been done as hath been done upon Jerusalem. As it is written in the law of Moses, All this evil is come upon us: yet made we not our prayer before the Lord our God, that we might turn from our iniquities, and understand thy truth."

There had been a kind of prayer offered,--commonplace, self-justifying prayer,--but not the prayer that comes from a broken heart and contrite spirit. Daniel makes no plea on the ground of his own goodness; but he says: "O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name: for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousness, but for thy great mercies." His intensity of desire makes him earnest and fervent. He continues: "O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, harken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God; for thy city and thy people are called by thy name."

This prayer was the work of the Holy Spirit. It was heard in heaven. "Whiles I was speaking and praying," Daniel says, "and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the Lord my God for the holy mountain of my God; yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, . . . being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation. And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding. At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to show thee; for thou art greatly beloved."

What a prayer was that which came forth from the lips of Daniel! What humbling of soul it reveals! The warmth of heavenly fire was recognized in the words that were going upward to God. Heaven responded to that prayer by sending its messenger to Daniel. In this our day, prayers offered in like manner will prevail with God. "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." As in ancient times, when prayer was offered, fire descended from heaven, and consumed the sacrifice upon the altar, so in answer to our prayers, the heavenly fire will come into our souls. The light and power of the Holy Spirit will be ours.

Daniel's heart was burdened for the people of God, for the city and temple that were laid waste. His deepest interest was for the honor of God and the prosperity of Israel. It was this that moved him to seek God with prayer and fasting and deep humiliation. Brethren in responsible positions in the Lord's work for this time, have not we as great need to call upon God as had Daniel? I address those who believe that we are living in the very last period of this earth's history. I entreat you to take upon your own souls a burden for our churches, our schools, and our institutions. That God who heard Daniel's prayer will hear ours when we come to him in contrition. Our necessities are as urgent, our difficulties are as great, and we need to have the same intensity of purpose, and in faith roll our burden upon the great Burden-bearer. There is need for hearts to be as deeply moved in our time as in the time when Daniel prayed.

We have only one channel of approach to God. Our prayers can come to him through one name only,--that of the Lord Jesus our advocate. His Spirit must inspire our petitions. No strange fire was to be used in the censers that were waved before God in the sanctuary. So the Lord himself must kindle in our hearts the burning desire, if our prayers are acceptable to him. The Holy Spirit within must make intercessions for us, with groanings that cannot be uttered.

A deep sense of our need, and a great desire for the things for which we ask, must characterize our prayers, else they will not be heard. But we are not to become weary, and cease our petitions because the answer is not immediately received. "The kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force." The violence here meant is a holy earnestness, such as Jacob manifested. We need not try to work ourselves up into an intense feeling; but calmly, persistently, we are to press our petitions at the throne of grace. Our work is to humble our souls before God, confessing our sins, and in faith drawing nigh unto God. The Lord answered the prayer of Daniel, not that Daniel might glorify himself, but that the blessing might reflect glory to God. It is the design of God to reveal himself in his providence and in his grace. The object of our prayers must be the glory of God, not the glorification of ourselves.

When we see ourselves weak, ignorant, and helpless, as we really are, we shall come before God as humble suppliants. It is ignorance of God and of Christ that makes any soul proud and self-righteous. The infallible indication that a man knows not God, is found in the fact that he feels that in himself he is great or good. Pride of heart is always associated with ignorance of God. It is the light from God that discovers our darkness and destitution. When the divine glory was revealed to Daniel, he exclaimed, "My comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength." The moment the humble seeker sees God as he is, that moment he will have the same view of himself that Daniel had. There will be no lifting up of the soul unto vanity, but a deep sense of the holiness of God and of the justice of his requirements. The fruit of such an experience will be manifested in a life of self-denial and self-sacrifice.

Brethren, the Lord calls for copartnership in his work. He desires us to enlist our interests in his cause, as Daniel did. We should receive great benefits from a study of the book of Daniel in connection with the Revelation. Daniel studied the prophecies. He earnestly sought to know their meaning. He prayed and fasted for heavenly light. And the glory of God was revealed to him in even greater measure than he could endure. We are in equal need of divine illumination. God has called us to give the last message of warning to the world. There will be voices heard on every side to divert the attention of God's people with new theories. We need to give the trumpet a certain sound. We do not half realize what is before us. If the books of Daniel and the Revelation were studied with earnest prayer, we should have a better knowledge of the perils of the last days, and would be better prepared for the work before us--we should be prepared to unite with Christ and to work in his lines.

God has honored us by showing how greatly he values us. We are bought with a price, even the precious blood of the Son of God. When his heritage shall conscientiously follow the word of the Lord, his blessing will rest upon them in answer to their prayers. "Therefore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: and rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil. Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him? . . . Ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the Lord your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed."

Our Words

"Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbor, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbor." "He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation." Speech is the means by which thought is expressed. Rightly used, this gift is a wonderful blessing, whose power for good cannot be estimated; misused, it is a curse to humanity and a dishonor to God. "Death and life are in the power of the tongue;" "and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!"

Every uttered word exerts an influence, every action involves a train of responsibility. No one can live to himself in this world, even if he would. Each one forms a part of the great web of humanity, and through our individual threads of influence, we are linked to the universe. Christ used his influence to draw men to God, and he has left us an example of the way in which we should speak and act. A person who is molded by the Spirit of God will know how to speak a "word in season to him that is weary," and will realize the highest human blessedness,--the joy of imparting to others the precious treasures of the wisdom and grace of Christ. But those who permit themselves to be controlled by the enemy of all good will speak words which should never be uttered.

The great want of the world is hearts in which Christ abides as an honored guest. But the meekness and lowliness of Jesus have been too hard a lesson for many to learn. The sanctifying power of the truth has not been allowed to influence them for good, bringing the emotions of the heart and the words of the lips into conformity to the will of God; and too often, while Jesus stands knocking at the door of the heart, men are so busily engaged in talking of the faults of others that they fail to grant him an entrance.

Some who profess to love Christ, cherish cruel thoughts against others; and these thoughts, with their baleful influence, flow to the world in their words. All such are more closely allied to the great deceiver than to him who said, "Blessed are the peacemakers." Satan rules the tongues of all who give themselves into his keeping, filling the heart with envy and jealousy, and prompting the false whisper which so often causes untold misery. Those who lend themselves to his service do a work which makes him rejoice; but the angels of God weep as they see the evil that is wrought. Could those who thus give themselves up to mischief-making see how well pleasing their course of action is to the adversary of souls, they would say with the psalmist: "Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue. What shall be given unto thee? or what shall be done unto thee, thou false tongue? Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper."

There is need to close the door which now stands open in the free, unjust use of the tongue, by which the enemy so often enters. He is constantly at work, adapting himself to the various dispositions and circumstances of those whom he is seeking to entangle. That soul is in the greatest danger which, though blind to its own faults, is all too quick to make known the failings of others. If the tongue were kept as with a bridle, if the eloquence of silence were more often preserved, how many heartaches would be saved! how many souls kept from entering the dark shadow of despair and discouragement!

It is not God's purpose that his children should isolate themselves, drawing apart from one another. In their intercourse he would have them reveal him by a patient, long-suffering, forbearing spirit, by words which cheer and encourage those that faint by the way. If we are willing to learn, Christ will teach us to manifest in our daily lives his goodness, mercy, and love. Every soul who will become consecrated to him will be a channel through which his love can flow,--an agent co-operating with divine intelligences,--and will find his happiness increased as he imparts happiness to others.

He who is your neighbor is to be earnestly sought for and labored for. Is he ignorant? let your communication make him more intelligent. Is he downcast and discouraged? let your words speak hope to his soul. Those who are defective in character are the very ones God enjoins us to help. "I am not come to call the righteous," said Christ, "but sinners to repentance." By the influence of words spoken from a heart full of love, the discouraged ones may become trophies of grace,--heirs of God, and joint heirs with Jesus Christ.

"Take heed to thyself," was the charge given to Timothy. To-day this lesson is fearfully neglected by those who pride themselves upon entering the kingdom of God. Satan works untiringly to thwart the purpose of God, and he tempts the children of God to be severe upon the errors of others, while they themselves are careless in regard to their own course of action, and mingle defects with their work. There will always be something which we can criticize; but when we view things as God views them, we shall not look at the work of others with a critical eye, eager to find some flaw, but will seek to find something of which we can approve. Let him who makes criticism and faultfinding his first duty, who spends his God-given time in speaking words which sow the seeds of doubt and unbelief, take heed lest defects far more serious be found in his own character.

Be sharp and critical with yourself, for the eternal interests of your soul demand this; but do not place a stumbling-block in the way of sinners by talking of the defects of those around you. Those who love God supremely, and their neighbors as themselves, will see so many imperfections in their own work, so much that needs to be cleansed from defilement, that they will feel no inclination to dwell upon the defects of others.

Nothing is hidden from God. Says the true Witness, "I know thy works." Every word that we speak is heard and recorded by the Majesty of heaven, who has declared, "By thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned." Could our eyes be opened, could we see the heavenly Watcher by our side, listening to the words we utter, we would strive to control our tongues; for we would realize that we were speaking in the hearing of the heavenly universe. If they are left unrepented of, we shall meet once more the bitter spirit, the revengeful feelings, and the angry words; "for God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil." O that men, instead of making the mistakes of others the subject of their conversation, would turn their critical glances inward, seeking power from on high to guard well their words, that in the Judgment they might stand justified in the sight of God!

Christ, the Lamb of God, can take away the desire to speak words which hurt and bruise the souls of others. His power is limitless, and if we shut ourselves in with him, we shall grow more like him. Strength will be given us to subdue the inclination to speak and judge harshly; we shall be enabled to make straight paths for our feet, lest the "lame be turned out of the way." If we will yield heart and mind into the keeping of Christ, if we will control our thoughts, bringing them into obedience to his will, our words will be such as the angels love to hear, and will bless all those with whom we come in contact.

All who have the mind of Christ will turn away from everything tending to deformity of character. If Christ is taken as our pattern in all things, if he is formed within, "the hope of glory," our minds will be filled with thoughts that are pure and lovely. We shall feel no inclination to think or to talk of the failings of others, or to triumph over the knowledge of a brother's error. Mercy and love will be cherished; that charity which "suffereth long and is kind," which "beareth all things" and "thinketh no evil," will appear in word and action.

The most persuasive eloquence is the word that is spoken in love and sympathy. Such words will bring light to confused minds and hope to the discouraged, brightening the prospect before them. The time in which we live calls for vital, sanctified energy; for earnestness, zeal, and the tenderest sympathy and love; for words that will not increase misery, but will inspire faith and hope. We are homeward bound, seeking a better country, even a heavenly. Instead of speaking words which will rankle in the breasts of those that hear, shall we not speak of the love wherewith God hath loved us? Shall we not try to lighten the hearts of those around us by words of Christlike sympathy? Shall we not tell of the prospective rest in store for the people of God? "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver"

Day by day we are sowing seed for the future harvest, and we cannot be too careful of the seed which we sow by our words. Often words are carelessly spoken and forgotten, but these words, for good or for ill, are bringing forth a harvest. Sow one unkind, harsh word, and this seed, finding soil in the minds of your hearers, will spring up and bear fruit after its own kind. Sow one seed in loving, gentle, Christlike words, and it will bring you rich returns. Our minds must be carefully guarded, lest words be spoken which are not a blessing, but a curse. If by our words we sow wheat, we shall reap wheat; if we sow tares, we shall reap tares; and the harvest, whether of wheat or of tares, will be sure and abundant. -

Let Us Love One Another

"Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. . . . And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world." (See further 1 John 4:18-21.)

It is the expression of God's love for us that makes us care for one another. When the Lord Jesus dwells in our hearts, we think the thoughts of God, and do the works of God. How can I find language to express the deep, earnest interest I have for our people? I am filled with yearning of soul that those who have accepted present truth should realize that they are to be sanctified through the truth; otherwise they lie against the truth. God is the author and finisher of our faith. Notwithstanding our varying types of character, we are brought into church capacity through the profession of our faith. Christ is the head of the church; and if those whose names are on the church record do not belong to Jesus, the invisible Head, they are like the fruitless branch of the vine, and are taken away. If one is really a fruitful branch, he will make it manifest by bearing fruit, giving evidence of his absolute allegiance to Christ. He will have a spiritual connection with God. Faith and love constitute the gold of character, and will be ever working on the Lord's side to unite and harmonize the members of Christ's body.

Name, position, or wealth will not weigh one jot in the scale with God. Men and women are admitted to the church who do it no honor. But however poor, whatever the rank, tribe, or nationality, all are to be heartily received on their confession of faith, if you have evidence that the grace of God, which brings salvation, has wrought upon the heart. All who are sons or daughters of God will deny ungodliness and worldly lusts. All who take their position on the Lord's side will, as branches of the True Vine, receive nourishment, and will be stimulated by the vine to bear like fruit. They will be in co operation with God, according to their ability exercising themselves unto godliness by walking in newness of life, which is daily repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

This faith in Christ is demonstrated by works; it produces a transformation of character through the effectual working of God's Holy Spirit. Selfishness and pride, with all their force, will make a stand against anything that would show them to be sinful. But all who shall endure as seeing him who is invisible, will have to lie very low at the foot of the cross. Contrition of soul will mark the experience of every one who has received the grace of Christ.

Let us hear the testimony of God upon this subject: "Thus saith the Lord; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord. For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited." This is precisely the condition of those who have not a vital connection with Christ. They seem to be ever working at cross-purposes with God, and are so full of jealousy, evil surmising, discord, and strife--Satanic attributes--that they are constantly lying against the truth; they are not doers of the words of Christ. Yet many church-members are in this very position. They dwell, as it were, in the salt land, in a parched wilderness.

"Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drouth, neither shall cease from yielding fruit." This is the evidence that souls are connected with God. "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings. "But to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word." "For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place." Therefore we are to reverence the Lord God, and walk carefully and tremblingly before him. For our comfort and encouragement he adds that notwithstanding his high and holy position, he dwells "with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones." In this wonderful statement from our Heavenly Father, all may learn what their character will be if they are indeed in vital connection with God.

Can one be a co-worker with God, and not work as God works? Will the poor, sinful agent take it upon himself to pronounce sentence against any one, however humble, with whom God dwells because he is cherishing the spirit of contrition? Do those who claim to be branches of the Living Vine bear fruit like unto the parent stock? Unless they fall upon the rock Christ Jesus, and are broken,--unless there is a thorough conversion of soul, body, and spirit,--they give evidence that they are not working in Christ's lines, and are not obedient to his commandments. Faith and love and trust in God are needed in the church. Jesus says: "If thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell." When they have plucked out the eye and cut off the hand,--surrendered the attributes which Satan has inspired,--then they will be tender and pitiful; for the love of Christ will constrain them.

Satan will seek earnestly to intercept every ray of light coming from the throne of God, and will place his own darkness for light. It is he who prompts the keen criticism, the Satanic accusing. But it is the love of Jesus cherished in the soul that will overcome every opposing force. It places the man wholly on the side of Christ; for it brings him into harmony with the principles of the law of God. O, what a change takes place! the boughs that receive nourishment from the root bear rich clusters of fruit. When one is thus united to Christ, how will he praise God that his eyes have been anointed with heavenly eye salve to discern his poverty, his nakedness! In humble faith he can declare: He has opened mine eyes, he has changed my heart. He has conquered the stubbornness of my will, and his grace has conformed me to his will, that I may become a fruit-bearing branch of the True Vine. He has brought me back to my allegiance, not only to be an advocate of the law, but a doer of its precepts.

O, let us all determine to crucify self and to imitate God! We are to express in our own lives the holiness of God, showing his forbearance, his tenderness, his compassion and love, and thus communicate his attributes. Then we shall no longer judge from the sight of the eye or the hearing of the ear. We shall bear in mind that we are yoked up with Christ, to draw with him, and to do the greatest possible amount of good. Our work may not be appreciated; we may be misjudged, falsified, and mistreated by those who claim to be Christians; but we are to look to Christ and follow him. Christians are to walk even as he walked. They are to have the mind of Christ, to posses that faith which works by love and purifies the soul.

He who is conformed to the image of Christ will possess his grace, and will help to strengthen every brother in the faith. No harsh or bitter words that discourage the soul will fall from his lips. "If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves." "Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; and make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way. . . . Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord."

Here is a work which you are authorized to have an earnest zeal to accomplish. "Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled." (See Isa. 59:1,2.) All who have a vital connection with God are guided by his counsel. United in church capacity, they give themselves to do Christ's work. If we will open the door to Jesus, he will come in and abide with us; our strength will always be reinforced by his actual representative, the Holy Spirit.

But whenever the church unites with it a man who is without earnestness and sanctified moral purpose, it has a hindrance that weakens moral power, and turns souls away from faith and love and trust in God. Whenever anything is encountered that is contrary to his mind, such a one will reveal his true spirit. In councils he does unlawful acts, pronounces unjust sentences; and through his influence, decisions are made that are entirely contrary to God's will and ways. Thus he proves himself disloyal to God. He has neglected to follow the rules which Christ has given, and he works according to the principles of the world. If others sit by and let these things pass, God charges the sin upon them also. It is a duty to keep our offices of publication pure, that there shall be no conniving to do injustice in business transactions.

He who loves God and his fellow men as he loves himself will practise no robbery toward God or man. All who live out the law of God will on all occasions maintain the strictest integrity. If men are in living communion with the only true God, they will have the presence of a living Saviour. Such men will be a blessing to the church. Christians who cherish love toward their brethren, and manifest confidence in them, greatly strengthen them. We are to be complete in him who gave his life for us. -

Pray for the Latter Rain

"Ask ye of the Lord rain in the time of the latter rain; so the Lord shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain." "He will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain." In the East the former rain falls at the sowing-time. It is necessary in order that the seed may germinate. Under the influence of the fertilizing showers, the tender shoot springs up. The latter rain, falling near the close of the season, ripens the grain, and prepares it for the sickle. The Lord employs these operations of nature to represent the work of the Holy Spirit. As the dew and the rain are given first to cause the seed to germinate, and then to ripen the harvest, so the Holy Spirit is given to carry forward, from one stage to another, the process of spiritual growth. The ripening of the grain represents the completion of the work of God's grace in the soul. By the power of the Holy Spirit the moral image of God is to be perfected in the character. We are to be wholly transformed into the likeness of Christ.

The latter rain, ripening earth's harvest, represents the spiritual grace that prepares the church for the coming of the Son of Man. But unless the former rain has fallen, there will be no life; the green blade will not spring up. Unless the early showers have done their work, the latter rain can bring no seed to perfection.

There is to be "first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear." There must be a constant development of Christian virtue, a constant advancement in Christian experience. This we should seek with intensity of desire, that we may adorn the doctrine of Christ our Saviour.

Many have in a great measure failed to receive the former rain. They have not obtained all the benefits that God has thus provided for them. They expect that the lack will be supplied by the latter rain. When the richest abundance of grace shall be bestowed, they intend to open their hearts to receive it. They are making a terrible mistake. The work that God has begun in the human heart in giving his light and knowledge, must be continually going forward. Every individual must realize his own necessity. The heart must be emptied of every defilement, and cleansed for the indwelling of the Spirit. It was by the confession and forsaking of sin, by earnest prayer and consecration of themselves to God, that the early disciples prepared for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. The same work, only in greater degree, must be done now. Then the human agent had only to ask for the blessing, and wait for the Lord to perfect the work concerning him. It is God who began the work, and he will finish his work, making man complete in Jesus Christ. But there must be no neglect of the grace represented by the former rain. Only those who are living up to the light they have, will receive greater light. Unless we are daily advancing in the exemplification of the active Christian virtues, we shall not recognize the manifestations of the Holy Spirit in the latter rain. It may be falling on hearts all around us, but we shall not discern or receive it.

At no point in our experience can we dispense with the assistance of that which enables us to make the first start. The blessings received under the former rain are needful to us to the end. Yet these alone will not suffice. While we cherish the blessing of the early rain, we must not, on the other hand, lose sight of the fact that without the latter rain, to fill out the ears and ripen the grain, the harvest will not be ready for the sickle, and the labor of the sower will have been in vain. Divine grace is needed at the beginning, divine grace at every step of advance, and divine grace alone can complete the work. There is no place for us to rest in a careless attitude. We must never forget the warnings of Christ, "Watch unto prayer," "Watch and pray always." A connection with the divine agency every moment is essential to our progress. We may have had a measure of the Spirit of God, but by prayer and faith we are continually to seek more of the Spirit. It will never do to cease our efforts. If we do not progress, if we do not place ourselves in an attitude to receive both the former and the latter rain, we shall lose our souls, and the responsibility will lie at our own door.

"Ask ye of the Lord rain in the time of the latter rain." Do not rest satisfied that in the ordinary course of the season, rain will fall. Ask for it. The growth and perfection of the seed rests not with husbandman. God alone can ripen the harvest. But man's co-operation is required. God's work for us demands the action of our mind, the exercise of our faith. We must seek his favors with the whole heart if the showers of grace are to come to us. We should improve every opportunity of placing ourselves in the channel of blessing. Christ has said, "Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst. The convocations of the church, as in camp-meetings, the assemblies of the home church, and all occasions where there is personal labor for souls, are God's appointed opportunities for giving the early and the latter rain.

But let none think that in attending these gatherings, their duty is done. A mere attendance upon all the meetings that are held will not in itself bring a blessing to the soul. It is not an immutable law that all who attend general gatherings or local meetings shall receive large supplies from heaven. The circumstances may seem to be favorable for a rich outpouring of the showers of grace. But God himself must command the rain to fall. Therefore we should not be remiss in supplication. We are not to trust to the ordinary working of providence. We must pray that God will unseal the fountain of the water of life. And we must ourselves receive of the living water. Let us, with contrite hearts, pray most earnestly that now, in the time of the latter rain, the showers of grace may fall upon us. At every meeting we attend, our prayers should ascend that at this very time, God will impart warmth and moisture to our souls. As we seek God for the Holy Spirit, it will work in us meekness, humbleness of mind, a conscious dependence upon God for the perfecting latter rain. If we pray for the blessing in faith, we shall receive it as God has promised.

The continual communication of the Holy Spirit to the church is represented by the prophet Zechariah under another figure, which contains a wonderful lesson of encouragement for us. The prophet says: "The angel that talked with me came again, and waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep, and said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof: and two olive-trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof. So I answered and spake to the angel that talked with me, saying, What are these, my Lord? . . . Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of Hosts. . . . And I answered again, and said unto him, What be these two olive branches which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves? . . . Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth."

From the two olive-trees, the golden oil was emptied through golden pipes into the bowl of the candlestick, and thence into the golden lamps that gave light to the sanctuary. So from the holy ones that stand in God's presence, his Spirit is imparted to human instrumentalities that are consecrated to his service. The mission of the two anointed ones is to communicate light and power to God's people. It is to receive blessing for us that they stand in God's presence. As the olive-trees empty themselves into the golden pipes, so the heavenly messengers seek to communicate all that they receive from God. The whole heavenly treasure awaits our demand and reception; and as we receive the blessing, we in our turn are to impart it. Thus it is that the holy lamps are fed, and the church becomes a light-bearer in the world.

This is the work that the Lord would have every soul prepared to do at this time, when the four angels are holding the four winds, that they shall not blow until the servants of God are sealed in their foreheads. There is no time now for self-pleasing. The lamps of the soul must be trimmed. They must be supplied with the oil of grace. Every precaution must be taken to prevent spiritual declension, lest the great day of the Lord overtake us as a thief in the night. Every witness for God is now to work intelligently in the lines which God has appointed. We should daily obtain a deep and living experience in the work of perfecting Christian character. We should daily receive the holy oil that we may impart to others. All may be light-bearers to the world if they will. We are to sink self out of sight in Jesus. We are to receive the word of the Lord in counsel and instruction, and gladly communicate it. There is now need of much prayer. Christ commands, "Pray without ceasing;" that is, keep the mind uplifted to God, the source of all power and efficiency.

We may have long followed the narrow path, but it is not safe to take this as proof that we shall follow it to the end. If we have walked with God in fellowship of the Spirit, it is because we have sought him daily by faith. From the two olive-trees, the golden oil flowing through the golden pipes has been communicated to us. But those who do not cultivate the spirit and habit of prayer cannot expect to receive the golden oil of goodness, patience, long-suffering, gentleness, love.

Every one is to keep himself separate from the world, which is full of iniquity. We are not to walk with God for a time, and then part from his company, and walk in the sparks of our own kindling. There must be a firm continuance, a perseverance in acts of faith. We are to praise God, to show forth his glory in a righteous character. No one of us will gain the victory without persevering, untiring effort, proportionate to the value of the object which we seek, even eternal life.

The dispensation in which we are now living is to be, to those that ask, the dispensation of the Holy Spirit. Ask for his blessing. It is time we were more intense in our devotion. To us is committed the arduous, but happy, glorious work of revealing Christ to those who are in darkness. We are called to proclaim the special truths for this time. For all this the outpouring of the Spirit is essential. We should pray for it. The Lord expects us to ask him. We have not been whole hearted in this work.

What can I say to my brethren in the name of the Lord? What proportion of our efforts has been made in accordance with the light the Lord has been pleased to give. We cannot depend upon form or external machinery. What we need is the quickening influence of the Holy Spirit of God. "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of Hosts." Pray without ceasing, and watch by working in accordance with your prayers. As you pray, believe, trust in God. It is the time of the latter rain, when the Lord will give largely of his Spirit. Be fervent in prayer, and watch in the Spirit.

Christ Represents the Beneficence of the Law

"The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." It is essential that every subject of the kingdom of God should be obedient to the law of Jehovah, in order that his infinite glory may have a perfect establishment. The professed followers of Christ are tested in this life to see whether or not they will be obedient to God. Obedience will result in happiness, and will insure the reward of eternal life. Failure on the part of Adam on one point resulted in terrible consequences, and sin has grown to such vast proportions that it cannot be measured. But in the midst of rebellion and apostasy, in the midst of those who were disloyal, impenitent, and obstinate, God looks down upon those who love him and keep his commandments, and says, "I love them that love me," and will cause them to inherit substance. "I will render vengeance to mine enemies, and will reward them that hate me."

Christ lived in accordance with the principles of God's moral government, and fulfilled the specifications of the law of God. He represented the beneficence of the law in his human life. The fact that the law is holy, just, and good is to be testified before all nations, tongues, and peoples, to worlds unfallen, to angels, seraphim, and cherubim. The principles of the law of God were wrought out in the character of Jesus Christ, and he who co-operates with Christ, becoming a partaker of the divine nature, will develop the divine character, and become an illustration of the divine law. Christ in the heart will bring the whole man, soul, body, and spirit into captivity to the obedience of righteousness. Christ's true followers will be in conformity to the mind and will and character of God, and the far-reaching principles of the law will be demonstrated in humanity.

Pardoning, redeeming love is brought to view in Christ Jesus. Satan had misrepresented the character of God, and it was necessary that a correct representation should be made to worlds unfallen, to angels, and to men. Satan had declared that God knew nothing of self-denial, of mercy and love, but that he was stern, exacting, and unforgiving. Satan never tested the forgiving love of God; for he never exercised genuine repentance. His representations of God were incorrect; he was a false witness, an accuser of Christ, and an accuser of all those who throw off the Satanic yoke, and come back to render willing allegiance to the God of heaven.

Satan charged God with an unforgiving spirit, because he would not receive on terms of favor those who disobeyed his law and therefore misrepresented his character. But forgiveness of sins would be of no avail unless the course of transgression was abandoned, and the grace of Christ imparted to the sinner to renovate, purify, and ennoble him who had fallen by iniquity. This was the only way by which the sinner could be restored to divine favor, and trusted to come into copartnership with Jesus Christ. But in Christ we behold the character of the Father, and see the pitying tenderness which God exercised for fallen man, giving his only begotten Son as a ransom for the transgressors of the law. It is in beholding the love of God that repentance is awakened in the sinner's heart, and an earnest desire is created to become reconciled to God. When the transgressor becomes acquainted with God, and experiences his love, it produces in his heart a hatred for sin and a love for holiness.

The more we study the attributes of the character of God as revealed in Christ, the more we see that justice has been sustained in the sacrifice that met the penalty of the law, and that mercy has been provided in the only begotten Son, who bore the penalty of the law in the sinner's place, in order that man might have another probation, another opportunity to be obedient to the law of God's government, that it might be made manifest who could be trusted to become members of the Lord's family, children of the Heavenly King. Those who are obedient to the law of the government of God while in this brief probation, amid all the counter-influences of Satanic agencies, will be pronounced in heaven loyal children of the Lord of Hosts. They will be declared to be separate from the sinful practises of the world, and to them God gives the promise, "I will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty."

By both creation and redemption we are the Lord's property. We are absolutely his subjects, and amenable to the laws of his kingdom. Let no one foster the delusion that the Lord God of heaven and earth has no law by which to control and govern his subjects. We are dependent upon God for everything we enjoy. The food which we eat, the clothing we wear, the atmosphere we breathe, the life we enjoy from day to day, are received from God. We are under obligation to be governed by his will, to acknowledge him as our supreme ruler. We are under obligation to coincide with all his plans and designs. As all our blessings come from God, we are under the highest obligation to render gratitude to him for his mercies, his goodness and benevolence, and to manifest this gratitude by returning to him his own in gifts and offerings, ever cherishing a sense of our dependence upon him.

Those who have a knowledge of God in Christ Jesus are under obligation to perform his expressed will in doing his commandments, which are a transcript of his character. We are under a debt of gratitude to God for the revelation of his love in Christ Jesus; and as intelligent human agents, we are to reveal to the world the manner of character that will result from obedience to every specification of the law of God's government. In perfect obedience to his holy will, we are to manifest adoration, love, cheerfulness, and praise, and thus honor and glorify God. It is in this way alone that man may reveal the character of God in Christ to the world, and make manifest to men that happiness, peace, assurance, and grace come from obedience to the law of God. Thus glory redounds to God in good and righteous actions through harmony with the laws of Jehovah's government.

It was positively necessary that man should know his Heavenly Father, and discern his paternal attributes of character; for in becoming acquainted with God, men may become partakers of the same virtues and the same glory. In the prayer of Christ for his disciples, the truth embodied is of the deepest significance and interest to all his followers. "These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: as thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." To render acceptable service to God, it is essential that we should know God, to whom we belong, in order that we may be thankful and obedient, contemplating and adoring him for his wonderful love to men. We could not rejoice in and praise a being of whom we had no certain knowledge; but God has sent Christ to the world to make manifest his paternal character.

It is our privilege to know God experimentally, and in true knowledge of God is life eternal. The only begotten Son of God was God's gift to the world, in whose character was revealed the character of him who gave the law to men and angels. He came to proclaim the fact, "The Lord our God is one Lord," and him only shalt thou serve. He came to make it manifest that, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." That which proceeds from the mind of God is perfect, and needs not to be taken back, corrected, or altered in the least. We may ascribe all perfection to God. He holds in his hand the existence of every human being, and upholds all things by the word of his power.

Unless men shall know God as Christ has revealed him, they will never form a character after the divine similitude, and will therefore never see God. It is a matter for astonishment among the angels in heaven, that any who have once known God should become careless, should permit their minds to be absorbed in any temporal pursuit, and allow their attention to be diverted from the God of heaven, so that they wantonly and willingly forget their Maker, and substitute for him other lords and other gods. The day has come when there are lords many and gods many, and Satan has purposed to interpose himself between God and the human soul, so that men shall not give homage to God in keeping his law. Satan has wrapped about him garments of angelic brightness, and he comes to men as an angel of light. He causes the guilty soul to see things in a perverted way, so that he hates that which he should love, and loves that which he should hate and despise. God is so misrepresented to him that he cares not to retain the true and living Father in his knowledge, but turns to the worship of false gods. He knows not that the love of God is without a parallel, yet Christ has revealed that love to a fallen world. John calls upon the world to behold the wondrous love of God, saying, "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God; therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not."

Jesus said, "Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you." It is not a surprising thing that the world misunderstand and misinterpret the children of God, since they know not God. As the world treated the world's Redeemer, so will they treat his followers. Jesus said: "If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I have said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me."

If the world knew the principles of the laws of God's government, if they obeyed his commandments, they would discern the character of God in the law, and would no longer be at enmity with God. But turning from the law of God, men have no means of discerning his character, and the attributes of the character of Satan are cherished and cultivated. After Jesus told his disciples what manner of treatment they might expect from the world, he said, "These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended." That is, in receiving persecution from the hands of the world, they were not to feel that God was dealing with them unjustly, in permitting them to be thus treated. Jesus continued: "They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service." Why is it that men reach this state of deception? Why is it they walk so contrary to all the laws of God? Jesus answers: "And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me."

Turning away from the law of God, trampling the commandments under their feet, men cannot know God; for the law of God is a transcript of his character. Failing to understand the law of God, they also fail to know the human agent who discerns the attributes of the character of God revealed in his law. This is why men are filled with prejudice against the truth of God, why they are inspired with the spirit of the great adversary of God and of his children. This is why they bear false reports, fabricating lies, and loving the lies that are prepared for their using. This is why they make such decided efforts to turn away the people from the law of God; for they have not seen him, neither known him. -

The Perils of the Last Days

"As it was in the days of Noah, so also shall it be in the days of the Son of Man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; but the same day the Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed."

Christ sees the wickedness on the earth to-day. He sees that the sins of Noah's and Lot's time are being repeated. What terrible revelations of crime are being made! Everything seems to be stirred with an intense activity from beneath. Excitement is continually kept up. Feasting, buying, and selling, are brought into the churches. The watchman cries, "The morning cometh, and also the night." The night symbolizes prevalence of error, misinterpretation and misapplication of Scripture. Every species of delusion is now being brought in. The plainest truths of God's word are covered with a mass of man-made theories. Deadly errors are presented as the truth to which all must bow. The simplicity of true godliness is buried beneath tradition.

The doctrine of the natural immortality of the soul is one error with which the enemy is deceiving man. This error is well-nigh universal. But who told men that they would not die? Who told them that God has reserved a portion of his universe where the wicked are to suffer through the ceaseless ages of eternity, without a particle of hope?--It was the serpent. God said that sinners would die. Satan declares that they will not die. Many believe the oft-repeated lies of the serpent to be genuine truth. They echo his words when they assert that God has ordained that sin shall be immortalized in a place of torment.

This is one of the lies forged in the synagogue of the enemy, one of the poisonous drafts of Babylon. "All nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues."

Another false doctrine is that the first day of the week is the Sabbath of the Lord. By traditions received from the Roman Catholic Church, the fourth commandment of the decalogue is made of none effect. By their acceptance of a spurious sabbath, men have dishonored God, and have honored the usurper, who thought to change times and laws. Many dangerous errors have been brought in to get rid of the true Sabbath. Men have taken the side of the great rebel, and rather than accept the word of God just as it reads, have placed themselves in a net of heresy. Satan is bringing the churches and the world into corrupt harmony upon this point.

Night, dark and portentous, is enclosing the Christian world. Apostasy from God's commandments is evidence of this night, deep, dark, and apparently impenetrable. Systems that make the truth of God of none effect are cherished. Men are teaching for doctrine the commandments of men, and their assertions are taken as truth. The people have received manmade theories. So the gospel is perverted and the Scripture misapplied. As in the days of Christ, the light of truth is pushed into the background. Men's theories and suppositions are honored before the word of the Lord of Hosts. The truth is counteracted by error. The word of God is wrested, divided, and distorted by higher criticism. Jesus is acknowledged, only to be betrayed by a kiss. Apostasy exists, and will enclose the world till the last. Its hideous character and darkening influence will be seen in the maddening drafts dealt out from Babylon.

But before the Lord punishes men for their iniquity, he sends them messages of warning. Before he visits them with his judgments, he gives them a chance to repent. He remembered the sins of the Noachian world, but he did not punish them without warning them. For one hundred and twenty years this warning was sounding in their ears; but they did not repent. The last year of their probation found them more stubborn and defiant than ever. "And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. . . . And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth. And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth." The inhabitants of Sodom, also, perished by fire, which was rained upon them from heaven, because they turned from God, and corrupting themselves, filled the earth with their polluted wisdom.

Had these men placed themselves under the control of the Spirit of God, had they co operated with the heavenly intelligences, what a world of beauty and happiness we would now look upon! Had these long-lived, mentally strong men been vitalized by the Holy Spirit, they would have been a power for God.

Man can be exalted only by laying hold of the merits of a crucified and risen Saviour. The finest intellect, the most exalted position, will not secure heaven. Satan had the highest education that could be obtained. This education he received under the greatest of all teachers. When men talk of higher criticism, when they pass their judgment upon the word of God, call their attention to the fact that they have forgotten who was the first and wisest critic. He has had thousands of years of practical experience. He it is who teaches the so-called higher critics of the world to-day. God will punish all those who, as higher critics, exalt themselves, and criticize God's holy word.

The world's Redeemer warned his disciples against the false teaching which was and would continue to be the greatest obstacle to the progress of the truth. "There shall arise false christs, and false prophets," he said, "and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before." And Peter writes: "There were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of." The leaven of false doctrine will be accepted in preference to the truth. "Beware," writes Paul, "lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ."

Under whose banner are we standing? Where are we? and what is Christ to us? By our course of action we decide our own destiny. By the society we choose, we determine what influences shall mold our character. If we choose the world, earthly influences make their imprint upon our minds, and though we may not realize it, we sink lower and lower; for if we do not grow in grace, we must deteriorate.

It makes every difference with the future eternal well-being of men whether they follow God's way or their own way. Their way may be entirely wrong. Are there many paths to heaven? If so, man may take any path that suits his fancy. But there is only one true way. Christ said to his disciples: "Whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me."

The Lord will uplift us if we will consent to be uplifted. He who recognizes God in Christ, who receives Christ as the world's Redeemer and his personal Saviour, enters in at the door. He does not climb up some other way. Of all such it is written, "As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name." The truth, the light, the life, shining into our hearts, sanctifies and elevates us. What greater elevation can earth present? What greater honor can earthly potentates bestow? Man is taken from his degradation, cleansed from moral defilement, and made an heir of God and a joint heir with Jesus Christ. His life is hid with Christ in God, and when he who is life shall appear, he also will appear with him in glory. This glory will be revealed at the second appearing of Christ. Then the saints will be exalted indeed. They will sit with Christ on his throne, and with Christ they will judge the world.

"The night is far spent, the day is at hand." The end is near. Soon the Lord will come, with ten thousand of his saints; and Satan's system, which has destroyed so many that Christ came to save, will be broken up. Despotism is now seeking to obtain a foothold in every clime, but its day will soon be ended. "For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities. . . . Therefore shall her plagues come in one day; death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire; for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her."

Satan is in controversy with Christ, and with all who follow in his footsteps. This conflict will continue until the voice is heard, saying, "It is done." "He that is unjust, let him be unjust still; and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: an he that is holy, let him be holy still. And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."

"The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also, and the works that are therein, shall be burned up. . . . Ye, therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." -

Co-Workers With Christ

The mission of the followers of Christ is to save perishing sinners. It is to make known the love of God to men, and to win them to Christ by the efficacy of that love. And in proportion as the love of Christ fills the heart and controls the life, it will be our pleasure to do the will of Christ, whose servants we claim to be. Divine wisdom has appointed, in the plan of salvation, the law of action and reaction, making the work of benevolence, in all its branches, twice blessed. God could have accomplished his object in saving sinners without the help of man, but he knew that man could not be happy without acting a part in the great work of redemption. That man might not lose the blessed results of benevolence, our Redeemer formed the plan of enlisting him as his co-worker.

In sending out the twelve, Christ sent none alone. They were to go forth two and two, invested with a power from himself to heal the sick and rebuke Satanic agencies as a proof of their mission. Galilee was to be their principal field of labor. In Jerusalem and Judea, where Christ himself had labored, and where they would be sure to meet the bigoted Pharisees, their efforts would avail but little, and bring discouragement to themselves. The population of bigoted religionists made this a hard, forbidding field. The disciples were to avoid, as far as possible, stirring up the prejudices of the religious leaders. Therefore they were to confine their labors to their own nation. Christ's injunction to them was, "Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel."

The education of the disciples and their Jewish prejudices unfitted them for work among the Samaritans or the heathen. They made this manifest on Christ's last journey to Jerusalem. On that journey, he "sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him. And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem." They did not open their doors to the heavenly Guest, and did not urge him to abide with them, although they beheld him weary with his journey, and the night was drawing on. The disciples knew that he designed to tarry there that night, and they felt keenly the slight thus put upon their Lord. In their anger, they prayed Jesus to call down fire from heaven to consume those who had thus abused him. But Christ rebuked their indignation and zeal for his honor, and told them that he came not to visit with judgment, but to show mercy. These disciples were not yet fitted to work outside their own nation.

In the parables of Christ to the scribes and Pharisees and the priests and rulers, he explained their position of unbelief and opposition in its varied forms. Some of them were thoroughly self-centered. They had no room in their hearts for Jesus. Self was constantly appearing, leading them to manifest a harsh, domineering spirit. Another phase of their unbelief was expressed in their proud, perverted fanaticism. In all these lessons Christ was teaching his disciples, line upon line, precept upon precept. Those traits of character which Christ condemned, they were not to bring into their lives, but they were to weed from their hearts every wrong thought and practise.

When the twelve were sent out, they were undertaking their first mission without the personal presence of Christ. Their preparation for the journey was to be of the simplest kind. Nothing must be allowed to divert their minds from their great work, or in any way occasion opposition, and close the door for future work. They were not to adopt the dress of the religious teachers, nor use any guise in apparel to distinguish them from the humble peasants. They were not to enter into the synagogues, and call together the people for public service; their efforts were to be put forth in house-to-house labor. They were to accept the hospitality of those who were worthy, those who would welcome them heartily, as if entertaining Christ himself; and such would be blessed by their prayers, their songs of praise, and the opening of the Scriptures in the family circle. These disciples were to be heralds of the truth, to prepare the way for the coming of the Master. The burden of their message was a repetition of that of John the Baptist and of Christ himself, "The kingdom of God is at hand."

In thus sending the workers out two and two, it was God's design that by their prayers, their counsel, and their conversation, they should be a help to each other,--that when one should be perplexed and confused by difficult questions, the other might be prepared to aid his brother worker.

The instruction of the divine Teacher is for his followers in all time. The teaching given to his disciples was given also to all who receive the truth through their word. The word of God is to be their constant instructor. They are to feed upon it, to see and understand and appropriate the reproofs, the correction, and the instruction given to them through it. Every phase of Christ's teaching is as essential for those who are carrying forward God's work in the earth to-day as it was for the chosen twelve, from John, the beloved disciple, to Judas, who would not be benefited thereby. And all who, seeing their defects of character, their great need of the transforming grace of Christ, who desire to overcome their faint-heartedness and irresolution, their desire to be first, and become molded after the divine Pattern, may become co-workers with Christ.

As children of God, none of us are excused from taking a part in the great work of Christ for the salvation of our fellow men. It will be a difficult work to overcome prejudice, and to convince the unbelieving that our efforts to help them are disinterested. But this should not hinder our labor. There is no precept in the word of God that tells us to do good only to those who appreciate and respond to our efforts, and to benefit only those who will thank us for it. God has sent us to work in his vineyard. It is our duty to do all we can. "In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that." We have too little faith. We limit the Holy One of Israel. We should be grateful that he condescends to use any of us as his instruments. For every earnest prayer put up in faith, an answer will be returned. It may not come just as we have expected; but it will come at the very time when we most need it. "If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you."

We should work as did our divine Teacher, sowing the seeds of truth with care, anxiety, and self-denial. We must have the mind of Christ if we would not become weary in well-doing. His was a life of continual sacrifice of others' good. We must follow his example. We must sow the seed of truth, and trust to God to quicken it to life. The precious seed may lie dormant for some time, but the grace of Christ will convict the heart, and the seed sown be awakened to life, and spring up to bear fruit to the glory of God. Missionaries in this great work are wanted to labor unselfishly, earnestly, and perseveringly, as co-workers with Christ and the heavenly angels, for the salvation of their fellow men. -

Words to Parents

Haphazard work in the home will not pass the review in the Judgment. Faith and works are to be combined by Christian parents. As Abraham commanded his household after him, so they are to command their households after them. The standard which every parent must raise is given: "They shall keep the way of the Lord." Every other way is a path which leads, not to the city of God, but to the ranks of the destroyer. "The wages of sin is death," for the child as well as the parent. Children are the Lord's heritage. The soul of the little child that believes in Christ is as precious in his sight as are the angels about his throne. They are to be brought to Christ, and trained for Christ. They are to be guided in the path of obedience, not indulged in appetite or vanity.

When the disciples sought to send away the mothers who were bringing their little ones to Christ, he rebuked their narrow faith, saying, "Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven." He was grieved that the disciples should rebuke the mothers for bringing their children to him; that his followers should say, by word or action, that his grace was limited, and that children should be kept away from him. To the Pharisees on one occasion he said, "Have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?" Christ had an experience in infancy and childhood. Of his childhood life we read, "And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man."

A great responsibility rests upon parents; for the education and training which shape the eternal destiny of children and youth are received in their early childhood. The parents' work is to sow the good seed diligently and untiringly in the hearts of their children, occupying their hearts with seed which will bring forth a harvest of right habits, of truthfulness and willing obedience. Correct, virtuous habits formed in youth will generally mark the course of the individual through life. In most cases those who reverence God and honor the right will be found to have learned this lesson before the world could stamp its image of sin upon the soul. Men and women of mature age are generally as insensible to impressions as is the hardened rock; but youth is impressible, and a right character may then be easily formed.

If, in their early childhood, children are not perseveringly and patiently trained in the right way, they will form wrong habits. These habits will develop in their future life, and will corrupt others. Those whose minds have received a low cast, who have been cheapened by wrong home influences, by deceptive practises, carry their wrong habits with them through life. If they make a profession of religion, these habits will be revealed in their religious life.

If disobedience is allowed in the home life, the hearts of the children will be filled with opposition to the government of God. The power of the Holy Spirit will prove ineffectual to soften and subdue their hearts. If in later years, under special circumstances, they yield to the gospel of Christ, they will have to fight terrible battles to bring the disloyal will into submission to the will of God. Often the church has to suffer through its members because of the wrong education received by them in childhood. When children, they were allowed to practise deception in order to gain their own way; and the spirit that was permitted to be rebellious in the home will be the last to render obedience to the requirements of God's word.

It is no easy matter to train and educate children wisely. As parents try to keep judgment and the fear of the Lord before them, difficulties will arise. The children will reveal the perversity bound up in their hearts. They show love of folly, of independence, a hatred of restraint and discipline. They practise deception and utter falsehoods. Too many parents, instead of punishing the children for these faults, make themselves blind in order that they shall not see beneath the surface, or discern the true meaning of these things. Therefore the children continue in their deceptive practises, forming characters that God cannot approve.

The standard raised in God's word is sent aside by parents who dislike, as some have termed it, to use the strait-jacket in the education of their children. Many parents have a settled dislike to the holy principles of the word of God, because these principles place too much responsibility on them. But the after sight, which all parents are obliged to have, shows that God's ways are the best, and that the only path of safety and happiness is found in obedience to his will. Owing to this lack of training, an army of rebellious children is now swelling society. Even the children of parents who know the truth help to make up this army. The trees that should have been trained to bear good fruit produce thorn berries.

Not a particle of variance should be shown by parents in the management of their children. Parents are to work together as a unit. There must be no division. But many parents work at cross-purposes, and thus the children are spoiled by mismanagement. If parents do not agree, let them absent themselves from the presence of their children until an understanding can be arrived at. It sometimes happens that of the mother and father, one is too indulgent, and the other too severe. This difference works against good results in the formation of the characters of their children. No harsh force is to be exercised in carrying out reforms, but at the same time no weak indulgence must be shown. The mother is not to seek to blind the eyes of the father to the faults of the children, neither is she to influence them to do those things which the father has forbidden them to do. Not one seed of doubt should the mother plant in her children's minds in regard to the wisdom of the father's management. She should not, by her course of action, counteract the work of the father. She should not complain that the father restricts the children too much. Nothing can save children but vigilance and wise discipline.

The work of all parents is to train their children in the way of the Lord. This is not a matter that can be trifled with, or set aside, without incurring the displeasure of God. We are not called upon to decide what course others shall pursue, or how we may get on the most easily, but, What saith the Lord? Neither parents nor children can have peace or happiness or rest of spirit in any false path. But when the fear of God reigns in the heart, combined with love for Jesus, peace and joy will be felt. Parents, spread out the word of God before him who reads your heart and every secret thing, and inquire, What saith the Scripture? This must be the rule of your life. Those who have a love for souls will not be silent when they see their danger. We are assured that nothing but the truth of God can make parents savingly wise in dealing with human minds, and keep them so.

If the moral qualities of children are neglected by parents and teachers, they are sure to be perverted. If the children are left to have their own way, if their minds are controlled by Satanic agencies, they are never happy; for Satan takes possession of them, and fashions their characters after his similitude. Vigilance must be exercised by parents. They must sow their children's hearts with good seed, or Satan will sow his seed, and a harvest of briers and thorns will be produced. To let children have their own way is to insure a proficiency in evil.

The Christian family is to be a training school, from which children are to graduate to a higher school in the mansions of God. Scolding, loud-voiced commands, or threatenings should never be heard. Parents should keep the atmosphere of the home pure and fragrant with kind words, with tender sympathy and love; but at the same time, they are to be firm and unyielding in principle. If you are firm with your children, they may think that you do not love them. This you may expect; but never manifest harshness. Justice and mercy must clasp hands; there must be no wavering or impulsive movements.

Mothers and fathers need to be filled with that faith which works by love, and purifies the soul. Truth is no truth to the receiver unless it is brought, with its cleansing, refining, sanctifying power, into the soul temple. It cannot be progressive when it is kept in the outer court, when it is placed side by side with a carnal mind. O that parents were truly the sons and daughters of God! Their lives would then be fragrant with good works. A holy atmosphere would surround their souls. Their earnest supplications for grace and for the guidance of the Holy Spirit would ascend to heaven; and religion would be diffused through their homes as the bright, warming rays of the sun are diffused through the earth. -

Words to Parents [Continued]

Parents whose hearts are filled with true and sanctified love for their children will follow the way marked out by God for the education and discipline of their children. But the sin of parental neglect is almost universal. Blind affection for those who are connected with us by the ties of nature too often exists. This affection is carried to great lengths; it is not balanced by the wisdom or the fear of God. Blind parental affection is the greatest obstacle in the way of the proper training of children. It prevents the discipline and training which are required by the Lord. At times, because of this affection, parents seem to be bereft of their reason. It is like the tender mercies of the wicked,--cruelty disguised in the garb of so-called love. It is the dangerous undercurrent which carries children to ruin.

O how quickly, through mismanagement in the home, falsehood becomes habit! In the word of God, parents have been given line upon line, and precept upon precept. But many parents who profess religion fail to practise the Christian virtues. They allow their children to grow up pursuing their own course, and disregarding the lessons which God has given for them and the rules of conduct he designs that all shall follow. Such parents discard the principles and injunctions of the Lord, as did Eli.

The history of Eli's family is given as a warning to parents. His sons did wickedly, and he restrained them not. He was too indulgent to train his children aright. His blind affection led him to connive at sin by hiding the defects of his children. By thus pampering sin, he gave his children lessons in the art of deceiving. Though he was judge in Israel, he did not repress evil in his sons during their childhood and youth, but allowed it to grow by repetition. And when these sons were placed in holy office, their sins, so mildly dealt with by their father, became a terrible power for evil. In the very service of God they practised iniquity.

God sent a message to Eli by his prophet, declaring to him the sinful course of his sons. "There came a man of God unto Eli, and said unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Did I plainly appear unto the house of thy father, when they were in Egypt in Pharaoh's house? . . . Wherefore kick ye at my sacrifice and at mine offering, which I have commanded in my habitation; and honorest thy sons above me, to make yourselves fat with the chiefest of all the offerings of Israel my people? . . . Behold, the days come, that I will cut off thine arm, and the arm of thy father's house, that there shall not be an old man in thine house."

We read that Eli remonstrated with his sons. But he did not go far enough. He remonstrated with them, but he did not take decided measures to punish them. He did not deal with them as a faithful judge should have done. He did not set things in order. He spoke to them regarding their sins, and appealed to them to cease their wicked practises; but he did not restrain them. He permitted them to occupy positions of sacred trust, though they were corrupting their own ways, and causing Israel to sin by their precepts and example. Without effectual restraint their evil grew apace. Sons of Belial, they communicated their iniquitous practises to others. Eli forsook the way of the Lord by permitting his sons to dishonor God, and the woe of God was upon him.

Fathers and mothers, hear the words which came to Eli from the high and holy One that inhabiteth eternity: "Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle. In that day I will perform against Eli all things which I have spoken concerning his house: when I begin, I will also make an end. For I have told him that I will judge his house forever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not. And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering forever." Their sins were allowed to increase in magnitude until the limit of the Lord's forbearance was reached, and then he said: I will make an end. I will carry this matter to its final result. The wages of sin is death. Parents and children were both to suffer. Neither sacrifice nor offering was to be found for their transgression.

What might have been averted had Eli followed the counsel of God! What iniquity, which the Lord declared was not to be forgiven forever, might have been saved! Shall not our hearts as well as our ears tingle as we read the denunciation of God against the godless sons of Eli? Parents, take this lesson home, and in the place of educating your children in the path of self-indulgence, self-gratification, and disobedience, learn of Abraham. Abraham commanded his household and his children after him to keep the way of the Lord. The Searcher of hearts said of him, "I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment." O for wise and judicious commanders, who will walk in the way of the Lord as did Abraham, to deal justly and love mercy, who will despise every phase of falsehood and deception! Abraham walked in the counsel of God. He did not rule by oppression, neither was he controlled by blind passion. He made strait paths for his feet, lest the lame should be turned out of the way; and God blessed him, and made him a blessing.

As the hour of Christ's humiliation, rejection, and crucifixion drew near, he felt that he must tell his disciples of the trial that was before him. Peter loved his Lord; he could not bear to hear of his death; and he exclaimed, "Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee." Did Jesus commend Peter for thus manifesting his love for him, and his desire to shield him from suffering? He who loved us and gave himself for us, knew that Satan was suggesting doubt and unbelief to Peter; and he answered, "Get thee behind me, Satan No longer interpose between me and my erring servant. Let me come face to face with Peter."

In a most solemn manner Christ had repeatedly declared, "My kingdom is not of this world." He laid the foundation of his church in the presence of God and all the heavenly intelligences, and in the presence of the unseen army of hell, which was in arms against him. The only way his church could be established was on the rock, the broken and bruised body of Christ. His sacrifice was the only star of hope which illuminated the darkness of a fallen world. The gates of hell could not prevail against a church built upon this foundation.

Christ came to this world, and rescued his disciples from the empire of sin; but at every step of his way he was contested by the devices and stratagems of the prince of darkness. Satan's work was to discourage Jesus as he strove to save the depraved race, and Peter's words were just what he wished to hear. They were opposed to the divine plan; and whatever bore this stamp of character was an offense to God. They were spoken at the instigation of Satan; for they opposed the only arrangement God could make to preserve his law and control his subjects, and yet save fallen man. Satan hoped they would discourage and dishearten Christ; but Christ addressed the author of the thought, saying, "Get thee behind me, Satan."

This is recorded for our benefit and instruction. The angel of darkness sometimes appears in the garments of affection, counseling us to walk contrary to the law of God. Parents may indulge their affection for their children at the expense of obedience to God's holy law. Guided by this affection, they disobey God by allowing their children to carry out wrong impulses, and withhold the instruction and discipline which God has commanded them to give. When parents thus disregard the commands of God, they imperil their own souls and the souls of their children. By failing to walk in the way of the Lord, they allow Satan to work his will in their children.

In the words and actions of the perverted child, parents must meet and repulse Satan, just as Christ repulsed the outspoken Peter. God requires parents to guard well their words and influence, and to close the door of their hearts against Satan. He has placed them as guardians, and if they would save their children, and bring them up as subjects of the kingdom of Christ, they must repress evil, and counteract Satan's wily and deceiving power.

Children should be watched and guarded and disciplined faithfully. It requires skill and patient effort to mold the young in the right manner. Certain evil tendencies are to be carefully restrained and tenderly rebuked. The mind is to be stimulated in favor of the right. The child should be encouraged in attempting to govern self, and all this is to be done judiciously, or the purpose desired will be frustrated. Parents may well inquire, "Who is sufficient for these things?" God alone is their sufficiency; and if they leave him out of the question, not seeking his aid and counsel, hopeless indeed is their task. But by prayer, by study of the Bible, and by earnest zeal on their part, they may succeed nobly in this important duty, and be rewarded a hundredfold for all their time and care. -

Words to Parents [Concluded]

God calls upon parents to take heed to the warnings and counsels given in his word, and train up their children, his purchased possession, in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. He has spoken to parents in regard to the character-building of his own property. He has spoken decidedly against all iniquity, and against all its supposed modifications. While parents have the power to discipline, educate, and train their children, let them exert that power for God. He requires from them pure, faultless, undeviating obedience. He will tolerate nothing else. He will make no excuse for the mismanagement of children. The leaven of goodness, of purity, of true holiness, is to be placed in the hearts of children, as good seed in good soil.

But too often children are allowed to grow up without religion because their parents think they are too young to have Christian duties enjoined upon them. They may go to church, or stay at home, or wander about on the Sabbath, just as they please. Like Eli, the parents advise, but do not command. They do not exercise the control that God requires shall be exercised, and the curse for mismanagement of children falls upon them.

The question of the duty of children in regard to religious matters is to be decided absolutely and without hesitancy while they are members of the family. They should be taught that they must not play cards, attend theaters, or hold dancing-parties. They should be warned against indulgence in liquor drinking and against choosing companions whose characters are doubtful.

Children who are misruled, who are not educated to obey and respect, link themselves with the world, and take their parents in hand, putting a bridle on them, and leading them where they choose. Too often, at the very time when the children should show unquestioning respect and obedience to the counsel of their parents, the parents slacken the reins of discipline. Parents who have hitherto been bright examples of consistent piety are now led by their children. Their firmness is gone. Fathers who have borne the cross of Christ, and kept the marks of the Lord Jesus on them in singleness of purpose, are led by their children in questionable and uncertain paths. Fathers and mothers are giving way to the inclination of godless children, and assisting them with money and facilities to make an appearance in the world.

O what an account such parents will have to render to God! They dishonor God, and show all honor to their wayward children, opening their doors to amusements which they have in the past condemned from principle. They have allowed card-playing, dancing-parties, and balls to win their children to the world. At the time when their influence over their children should be strongest, bearing a testimony of what true Christianity means, like Eli they bring themselves under the curse of God by dishonoring him and disregarding his requirements, in order to gain the favor of their children. But a fashionable piety will not be of much value in the hour of death. Although some ministers of the gospel may approve this kind of religion, parents will find that they are leaving the crown of glory to obtain laurels that are of no value. God help fathers and mothers to arouse to their duty!

If parents would bring their children up in the fear of the Lord, they themselves must walk in the way of the Lord. If they neglect to educate and train themselves: if they cherish those traits of character which disqualify them for patiently training their children in right habits; if they will not take the responsibility of reaching a high standard for themselves, failing to become sanctified through the truth and transformed in character, how ca they impress upon their children the necessity of forming correct habits? Such parents cannot elevate the souls of any within the sphere of their influence.

It is the duty of those who claim to be Christians to present to the world well-ordered, well-disciplined families,--families that will show the power of true Christianity. If parents fail to make the effort required to do this, their children should be placed under the care of those who will feel it their duty to do the work which the parents have neglected.

Parents are not to regard those who tell them disagreeable truth as enemies. In our experience we have become acquainted with parents who would turn away impatiently from wise counsel, to accept the words of their children because they belonged to them, though the children were not telling the truth. A mother who lacks discernment, and how does not follow the guidance of the Lord, may educate her children to be deceivers and hypocrites. The traits of character thus cherished may become so persistent that to lie will be as natural as to breathe. Pretense will be taken for sincerity and reality. Children thus educated will repeat words they have heard others utter, though they may have no sense of their real meaning.

Parents should set their children an example of strict truthfulness. They should never utter one word that is not true. They should train their children to respect Christians. Parents, do not allow your children to see that you take their word before the statements of older Christians. You cannot do them a greater injury. By saying, I believe my children before I believe those whom I have evidence are children of God, you encourage in them the habit of falsifying.

Parents and teachers, be true to God. Let your life be free from deceitful practises. Let no guile be found in your lips. However disagreeable it may be to you at the time, let your ways, your words, and your works show uprightness in the sight of a holy God. O, the effect of the first lesson in deceit is terrible! Shall any how claim to be sons and daughters of God give themselves up to deceitful practises and lying?

Never let your children have the semblance of an excuse for saying, Mother does not tell the truth. Father does not tell the truth. When you are tried in the heavenly courts, shall the record be made against your name, A deceiver? Shall your offspring be perverted by the example of those who ought to guide them in the way of truth? Instead of this, shall not the converting power of God enter the hearts of mothers and fathers? Shall not the Holy Spirit of God be allowed to make its mark upon their children?

It cannot be expected that children will be altogether guileless. But there is danger that through unwise management, parents will destroy the frankness which should characterize child experience. By word and action parents should do all in their power to preserve artless simplicity. As children advance in years, parents should not give the slightest occasion for the sowing of that seed which will develop into deceit and falsehood, and mature into untrustworthy habits.

In their important work parents must ask and receive divine aid. Even if the character, habits, and practises of parents have been cast in an inferior mold, if the lessons given them in childhood and youth have led to an unhappy development of character, they need not despair. The converting power of God can transform inherited and cultivated tendencies; for the religion of Jesus is uplifting. "Born again: means a transformation, a new birth in Christ Jesus.

The time is coming when all parents must meet their children at the bar of heaven. That will be an important period. How will Eli meet his children and the consequence of their evil works? How will Abraham meet his household? Parents, how will you meet your children? You know that every case will be judged according to the deeds done in the body. Will you neglect the present opportunity of instilling correct principles into the minds of your children?

Children need painstaking effort; for if Satan is given any opportunity, he will make their ways perverse. O that mothers and fathers would realize their responsibility and accountability before God! What a change would take place in society! Children would not be spoiled by being praised and petted, or made vain by indulgence in dress. They would not be indulged in wrong. They would be taught to fear the Lord and to walk in his ways. Parents, do not, through mistaken love for your children, neglect to train them aright. Educate and train them for God. Put yourselves in the school of Christ, and learn of him, that you may teach the same lessons to your children. As you do this, God will bless you, and make you a blessing. -

Words to Ministers

"And the angel that talked with me," writes Zechariah, "came again, and waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep, and said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and, behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof: and two olive-trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof. . . . Then answered I, and said unto him, What are these two olive-trees upon the right side of the candlestick, and upon the left side thereof? And I answered again, and said unto him, What be these two olive branches which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves? And he answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my Lord. Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth."

These heavenly messengers empty the golden oil out of themselves, that the light may be given to the earnest searcher for truth. "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of Hosts." "And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the Lord your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed."

Many of those whom the Lord has called to do a work for him in the ministry are loaded down with an accumulation of books. Buying books becomes with some a passion. Often these books lie on the book-shelves, scarcely touched. Some are read; but if the time that is occupied in studying these books were devoted to earnest prayer, if ministers would link their souls with the divine Teacher, and search the Scriptures, hungering and thirsting for the knowledge which comes direct from the inexhaustible Fountain, they would be greatly blessed.

Those who depend wholly upon God do not need expensive libraries in order to gain an insight into the Scriptures. Many expensive books are not essential; and those who study these books to the neglect of the Bible are in danger of becoming confused in their ideas. Is it not a fact that those who possess the most aids, in the way of theological works, are the least prepared to hold forth to others the word of life? God has given us an aid, his holy word, and this is entirely safe; it may be depended on. The shepherds of the flock of God, who read and study the one trustworthy book, and pray for information from it, will find the heavenly messengers right at hand, ready to empty from themselves the golden oil.

A minister's discourse should be short. If a discourse is long, it loses half its force. He who teaches the word of God should cultivate his powers of speech, that the sacred themes upon which he dwells may be presented in the very best manner, that the precious golden oil may cause his lamp to reflect clear and distinct rays. The truth should lose none of its power and attractive loveliness because of the channel through which it is communicated. We should seek to cultivate the purest, highest, noblest qualifications, that we may rightly represent the sacred, holy character of the work and cause of God.

"Be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord." "Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the Lord, which he commanded them not. And there went out fire from the Lord, and devoured them, and they died before the Lord. And Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that the Lord spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified." The Lord gave all Israel a necessary lesson. It would be well for all to read and ponder over the words contained in the tenth chapter of Leviticus. Is it not of sufficient consequence for us to take heed what we do when we are in God's service? But are not these things forgotten? Is not a careless view taken of the word of God? Is not strange fire, which the Lord has commanded shall not be used, put upon the censers, and mingled with the incense which is offered before God?

He who holds forth the word of life is not to allow too many burdens to crowd upon him. He must take time to study the word of God and to search his own heart. If he closely examines his own heart, and gives himself to the Lord, he will better understand how to grasp the hidden things of God. The diligent, humble teacher, seeking by earnest prayer and study for the truth as it is in Jesus, will most assuredly be rewarded. He seeks for help, not from the ideas of human writers, but from the very Fountain of wisdom and knowledge; and the Holy Spirit's office work is to empty the golden oil into the golden bowls, that the lamps may send forth clear, perfect rays, bringing to light the purposes of God in truths of a higher order. Under the guidance of the holy intelligences, the searcher of the Scriptures understands the truth of divine revelation. What a privilege is this!

The understanding of the Bible is the only means by which we can hope to sow the seeds of truth in the hearts of others. We do not realize sufficiently the need of the word of God in the ministration of the gospel. It is not by the might or the power of the human agent that truth is impressed upon minds, "but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of Hosts." The peculiar temperament and knowledge and wisdom of the one that preaches the word cannot make his work successful. Paul may plant, and Apollos water; but God gives the increase. He who works for God must exalt the word of the living God. Christ must be exalted as the crucified Saviour.

By the ministration of the word in private families and in the church, truth is to be made known. This is the Lord's appointed agency, by which his dealings are to be kept fresh from generation to generation. Much should be made of the ministration of the word. When the services of the Lord's house are looked upon as the instrumentality through which the Holy Spirit operates by the word, a power higher than human power works, and the services are made of extraordinary power, not because of the great efficiency of the speaker, but because of the might and power of God.

The teacher of the truth should advance in knowledge, growing in grace and in Christian experience, cultivating habits and practises which will do honor to God and to his word. He should show others how to make a practical application of the word. Every advance we make in sanctified ability, in varied studies, will help us to understand the word of God; and the study of the Scriptures helps us in the study of the other branches essential in education. After the first acquaintance with the Bible, the interest of the earnest seeker grows rapidly. The discipline gained by a regular study of the word of God enables him to see a freshness and beauty in truth that he never before discerned. Reference to texts, when speaking, becomes natural and easy to a Bible student.

Above everything else, it is essential for the teacher of the word of God to seek most earnestly to possess himself of the internal evidence of the Scriptures. He who would be blessed with this evidence must search the Scriptures for himself. As he learns the lessons given by Christ, and compares scripture with scripture, to see whether he himself bears its credentials, he will obtain a knowledge of God's word, and the truth will write itself on his soul.

The truth is the truth. It is not to be wrapped up in beautiful adornings, that the outside appearance may be admired. The teacher is to make the truth clear and forcible to the understanding and to the conscience. The word is a two-edged sword, that cuts both ways. It does not tread as with soft, slippered feet.

There are many cases where men who have defended Christianity against skeptics have afterward lost their own souls in the mazes of skepticism. They caught the malaria, and died spiritually. They had strong arguments for the truth, and much outside evidence, but they did not have an abiding faith in Christ. O, there are thousands upon thousands of professed Christians who never study the Bible! Study the sacred word prayerfully, for your own soul's benefit. When you hear the word of the living preacher, if he has a living connection with God, you will find that the Spirit and the word agree.

The Old and New Testaments are linked together by the golden clasp of God. We need to become familiar with the Old-Testament Scriptures. The unchangeableness of God should be clearly seen; the similarity of his dealings with his people of the past dispensation and of the present, should be studied. Under the inspiration of the Spirit of God, Solomon wrote, "That which hath been is now: and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past." In mercy God repeats his past dealings. He has given us a record of his dealings in the past. This we need to study carefully; for history is repeating itself. We are more accountable than were those whose experience is recorded in the Old Testament; for their mistakes, and the results of those mistakes, have been chronicled for our benefit. The danger-signal has been lifted to keep us off forbidden ground, and we should be warned not to do as they did, lest a worse punishment come upon us. The blessings given to those of past generations who obeyed God are recorded that we may be encouraged to walk circumspectly, in faith and obedience. The judgments brought against wrong-doers are delineated that we may fear and tremble before God. This Scripture biography is a great blessing. This precious instruction, the experience of ages, is bequeathed to us.

It is time well employed to search the Scriptures; "for in them ye think ye have eternal life." And Jesus declares, "They are they which testify of me." By the work of the Holy Spirit the truth is riveted in the mind and printed in the heart of the diligent, God fearing student. And not only is he blessed by this kind of labor; the souls to whom he communicates truth, and for whom he must one day give an account, are also greatly blessed. Those who make God their counselor reap the most precious harvest as they gather the golden grains of truth from his word; for the heavenly Instructor is close by their side. He who obtains his qualification for the ministry in this way will be entitled to the blessing promised to him who turns many to righteousness.

Christian Unity

Christ prayed for his disciples: "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me."

In this prayer of Christ's, God has expressed his desire for the unity of his believing people. But there is an unwearied conflict kept up on this earth. Satan works to make the prayer of Christ of none effect. He makes a continual effort to create bitterness and discord; for he knows that where there is unity, there is strength,--a oneness which all the powers of hell cannot break. All who bring weakness and sorrow and discouragement upon God's people, by their own perverse ways and tempers, aid the enemy of God, and are working directly against the prayer of Christ.

The friends of the prince of darkness, notwithstanding their jarring and bitter recriminations, are linked together as with bands of steel in the one great object of disloyalty to Jehovah. How important, then, that the soldiers of the Prince of Life be one in their loyalty to him!

In union there is strength; in disunion there is weakness. God's chosen ones are to reveal to the world their union one with another. It is not possible for a few to walk to heaven alone because they can agree with no others. God's people are to be a unit. If some entertain ideas so peculiar that others cannot accept them, they should compare notes in a teachable spirit, and all should be willing to learn. They should make the most strenuous efforts to be one, to come into the unity of the faith in the bonds of peace.

Our names are registered as Christians. We go to the Lord's table; we profess to be sons and daughters of God, members of the Lord's family, children of the Heavenly King. But too often those who claim to love Jesus, deny him by their lack of confidence in one another. Too often evil is watched for, actions are viewed in the worst light, words are misconstrued and misinterpreted. Many talk earnestly about the faults of others, but their own faults trouble them little. If they would devote their voices to the confession of their own sins, it would be better. God knows the ways of his children. Every word, every thought, every motive, is open before the eyes of him who sees all things. Then let us show that we love Jesus by enthroning him in our hearts, by denying self for the sake of others. Let us work together harmoniously, as staunch members of one family.

We must guard well every point; for Satan is unwearied in his work of temptation. Watch well your words; guard well the spirit that prompts your words. Stand as faithful sentinels over your own defective attributes of character, that you may do nothing which will prove a stumbling-block to your brother. Do not make crooked paths for your feet, paths that will turn his feet out of the way of life. I wish all to remember that a day is coming in which the case of every one will be revealed. Then the plague-spot that tainted your character, the rock of offense that wrecked your bark, will be seen. Many will then realize that the tongue, though a little member, can do a weight of mischief. Many, eternally lost, will then, in their despair, look reproachfully upon those who sowed bitterness in their hearts, and planted suspicious thoughts in their minds.

No provision has been made for Christians to draw apart from one another. By our unity and love we are to reveal the character of Christ. "Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savor." "Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. . . . Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs."

The word of God clearly points out our duty. We are to cultivate kindness and forbearance and love. We are not to misrepresent our brethren because our ideas are not thought to be of the highest value. By our conduct we show what our influence and the principles we hold are worth. If self is our center, self will appear in all we do. If Christ is our center, we shall bear his likeness, and our words will glorify him.

"And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God."

"God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves. Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feeble-minded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men."

Are we striving most earnestly to obey these words? Shall we not draw nigh to God, fearing to sin against him by being unjust to our brethren? If we hope in God's mercy, we shall manifest the most tender interest in all for whom Christ has died. We shall fear to offend his children. We shall not wound nor bruise his heritage. We shall not, because we are not exalted and honored as we think we should be, handle the reputation of our brethren in a way that offends God, who loves them as he loves us, and who takes as much pleasure in them as he does in us.

The Lord has called us to unity in the bonds of Christian fellowship and love. "A new commandment I give unto you," said Christ, "That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." "If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you."

It is gold of character that God estimates as of value. He reads the purposes of the heart; and he has seen disaffection where his children should have been one in Christian unity. Christ is hungry and thirsty to see Christians working upon Christian principles. In all their afflictions he is afflicted. He longs to see his children manifesting his character. "Will a man rob God?" Human brotherhood is needed.

Dissension, bickering, self-seeking, are not of God, but of Satan. In the last great day those who have sympathized with self, and by their words of suspicion have turned in the wrong direction the scale in which the soul of a human being was hanging, will see their mistake. When their influence was needed to turn the balance for the right, they stood under Satan's banner, and did his work, sowing seeds of disunion and criticism; and the blood of souls will be charged to them. They will be held accountable for what they might have done had they been instant in season and out of season in the work of Christ. The wrong impression made upon human minds may live long after those who made it are dead.

We see that which God requires of us. Shall we not put our pride and dignity where it will not be so easily bruised and wounded? Shall we not lay it all at the feet of Christ? Shall we not allow our minds to be softened by the Holy Spirit, that we may not act like children in our association one with another, but as Christ's brave soldiers, go without the camp, and bear the reproach for his sake? Shall we not cherish love rather than strife and hatred? Shall we not covenant with God that we will not be like the children of the wicked one,--pettish, jealous, full of evil surmisings,--but like a tree that is known by its good fruit? Then by our unity and by our love one for another, all men will see that we are Christians. -

Bible Religion

Bible religion is not a garment which can be put on and taken off at pleasure. It is an all-pervading influence, which leads us to be patient, self-denying followers of Christ, doing as he did, walking as he walked. "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." "Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rereward. . . . If thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday: and the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drouth, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not."

"Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous." If no one ever came under your notice who needed your sympathy, your words of compassion and pity, then you would be guiltless before God for failing to exercise these precious gifts; but every follower of Christ will find opportunity to show Christian kindness and love; and in so doing he will prove that he is a possessor of the religion of Jesus Christ.

This religion teaches us to exercise patience and long-suffering when brought into places where we receive treatment that is harsh and unjust. "He that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile." "Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that we should inherit a blessing." "Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. . . . If ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled." When Christ was reviled, he reviled not again. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth." His religion brings with it a meek and quiet spirit.

"And to keep himself unspotted from the world." The religion of Christ demands that we be distinct from the world, which has trampled the law of God underfoot. Said Christ: "If ye love me, keep my commandments. . . . He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. . . . He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me." "As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love, even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love." Do you show that you love God supremely by rendering obedience to his commandments? If not, you are not "unspotted from the world." Only the obedient will is accepted by God; and by constant reliance upon his power, we may gain strength to do his commandments.

There is constant need of patience, gentleness, self-denial, and self-sacrifice in the exercise of Bible religion. But if the word of God is made an abiding principle in our lives, everything with which we have to do, each word, each trivial act, will reveal that we are subject to Jesus Christ, that even our thoughts have been brought into captivity to him. If the word of God is received into the heart, it will empty the soul of self-sufficiency and self-dependence. Our lives will be a power for good, because the Holy Spirit will fill our minds with the things of God. The religion of Christ will be practised by us; for our wills are in perfect conformity to the will of God.

Some who profess to have true religion sadly neglect the guide-book given by God to point the way to heaven. They may read the Bible, but merely reading God's word, as one would read words traced by a human pen, will give only a superficial knowledge. Talking of the truth will not sanctify the receivers. They may profess to be working for God, when, were Christ among them, his voice would be heard, saying, "Ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God." Such cannot know what true religion means.

"The words that I speak unto you," said Christ, "they are spirit, and they are life." Jeremiah testifies to the word of God, saying, "Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart." There is divine healing in God's word, which the so-called wise and prudent cannot experience, but which is revealed to babes. "The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple." If this word is enshrined in the heart, it becomes the treasure-house of the mind, from which we bring forth things new and old. We no longer find pleasure in thinking of the common things of earth, but say, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."

"Search the Scriptures." No other book will give you such pure, elevating, ennobling thoughts; from no other book can you obtain a deep, religious experience. When you devote time to self-examination, to humble prayer, to earnest study of God's word, the holy Spirit is near to apply the truth to your heart. As you feed upon the heavenly manna, you will find comfort and joy, and will be inspired to tell others of the wonderful experience you have received.

The Bible, and the Bible alone, is to be the rule of our faith. It is a leaf from the tree of life, and by eating it, by receiving it into our minds, we shall grow strong to do the will of God. By our Christlike characters we shall show that we believe the word, that we cleave to the Bible as the only guide to heaven. So shall we be living epistles, known and read of all men, bearing a living testimony to the power of true religion.

If we do not receive the religion of Christ by feeding upon the word of God, we shall not be entitled to an entrance into the city of God. Having lived on earthly food, having educated our tastes to love worldly things, we would not be fitted for the heavenly courts; we could not appreciate the pure, heavenly current that circulates in heaven. The voices of the angels and the music of their harps would not satisfy us. The science of heaven would be as an enigma to our minds. We need to hunger and thirst for the righteousness of Christ; we need to be molded and fashioned by the transforming influence of his grace, that we may be fitted for the society of heavenly angels.

Of ourselves, we can neither obtain nor practise the religion of Christ; for our hearts are deceitful above all things; but Jesus Christ, the great physician of souls, who, with unerring skill, can read the heart of man better than he himself can, has shown us how we may be cleansed from sin. "My grace is sufficient for thee," he says to those who mourn their inefficiency. "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Every burden is considered by the one who bids us follow him, before it is placed upon our shoulders. To every tried, tempted soul, Christ says, I am able to strengthen you for the duties of the Christian life. Looking unto Jesus, the author and the finisher of our faith, we shall catch the light of his countenance, reflect his image, and grow up unto the full stature of men and women in Christ Jesus. Our religion will be attractive, because it will possess the fragrance of the righteousness of Christ. We shall be happy; for our spiritual meat and drink will be to us righteousness and peace and joy.

Jesus says, "Without me ye can do nothing." Living in Christ, adhering to Christ, supported by Christ, drawing nourishment from Christ, we bear fruit after the similitude of Christ. We live and move in him; we are one with him and one with the Father. The name of Christ is glorified in the believing child of God. This is Bible religion. -

The Grace of Humility

"Thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones."

The grace of humility should be cherished by every one who names the name of Christ; for self-exaltation can find no place in the work of God. Those who would co-operate with the Lord of Hosts must daily crucify self, placing worldly ambition in the background. They must be long-suffering and kind, full of mercy and tenderness to those around them. True humility must be seen in all they do.

Much fitful, spurious humility is seen among professed Christians. Some, determined to conquer self, place themselves as low as possible; but they try only in their own strength, and the next wave of praise or flattery carries them up out of sight. They are not willing to submit wholly to God, and he cannot work through them. Take no glory whatever to yourself. Do not work with a divided mind, trying to serve God and self at the same time. Keep self out of sight. Let your words lead the weary and heavy laden to Jesus, the compassionate Saviour. Work as seeing him who is at your right hand, ready to give you strength for service. Your only safety is in entire dependence upon Christ.

God honors those who humble themselves before him. Moses disheartened by the discontent and murmuring of the people he was leading into the land of promise, pleaded with God for the assurance of his presence, saying: "See, thou sayest unto me, Bring up this people; and thou hast not let me know whom thou wilt send with me. Yet thou hast said, I know thee by name, and thou hast also found grace in my sight. Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, show me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people." And the Lord said, "My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest."

Encouraged by the assurance of God's presence, Moses drew still nearer, and ventured to ask for still further blessings. "I beseech thee," he said, "show me thy glory." Think you that God reproved Moses for his presumption?--No, indeed. Moses did not make this request from idle curiosity. He had an object in view. He saw that in his own strength he could not do the work of God acceptably. He knew that if he could obtain a clear view of the glory of God, he would be enabled to go forward in his important mission, not in his own strength, but in the strength of the Lord God Almighty. His whole soul was drawn out after God; he longed to know more of him, that he might feel the divine presence near in every emergency or perplexity. It was not selfishness that led Moses to ask for a sight of the glory of God. His only object was a desire better to honor his Maker.

God knows the thoughts and intents of the heart, and he understood the motives that prompted the request of his faithful servant. He answered Moses, saying: "I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before thee; and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live. And the Lord said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock: and it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a cleft of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by." "And the Lord descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the Lord. And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth."

Moses had genuine humility, and the Lord honored him by showing him his glory. Even so will he honor all who will serve him, as did Moses, with a perfect heart. He does not require his servants to work in their own strength. He will impart his wisdom to those who have a humble and contrite spirit. The righteousness of Christ will go before them, and the glory of the Lord will be their rereward. Nothing in this world can harm those who are thus honored by a close connection with God. The earth may shake; the pillars of the world may tremble under them, but they need not fear. "I am persuaded," writes Paul, "that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

God has been waiting long for his followers to manifest true humility, that he may impart rich blessings to them. Those who offer him the sacrifice of a broken and contrite spirit, will be hidden in the cleft of the rock, and will behold the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world. As Jesus, the sin-bearer, the all-sufficient sacrifice, is seen more distinctly, their lips are tuned to the loftiest praise. The more they see of the character of Christ, the more humble they become, and the lower is their estimate of themselves. No heedless presumption is seen in their work. They do not seek self-exaltation; they are not anxious to mix common fire with the sacred fire of God's own kindling. Self is lost sight of in their consciousness of their own unworthiness and of God's wonderful glory.

Christ came to this world for no other purpose than to manifest the glory of God, that man might be uplifted by its restoring power. All power and grace were given to him. His heart was a well-spring of living water, a never-failing fountain, ever ready to flow forth in a rich, clear stream to those around him. His whole life was spent in pure, disinterested benevolence. His purposes were full of love and sympathy. He rejoiced that he could do more for his followers than they could ask or think. His constant prayer for them was that they might be sanctified through the truth, and he prayed with assurance, knowing that an almighty decree had been given before the world was made. He knew that the gospel of the kingdom would be preached in all the world; that truth, armed with the omnipotence of the Holy Spirit, would conquer in the contest with evil; and that the blood-stained banner would one day wave triumphantly over his followers.

Yet Christ came in great humility. When he was here, he pleased not himself, but "humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." To his followers he says, "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." To all who reveal his meekness and lowliness, living lives of self-denial and self-sacrifice, submitting themselves in humble obedience to his will, he will manifest the glory of God.

Those who value a holy and happy walk with God, who prize the strength that a knowledge of him brings, will leave nothing undone if only they may behold God. They will cherish the spirit that trembles at his word, and in every place, and under every circumstance, they will pray that they may be allowed to see his glory.

True humility is evidence that we behold God, and that we are in union with Jesus Christ. Unless we are meek and lowly, we cannot claim that we have any true conception of the character of God. Men may think that they are serving God faithfully; their talents, learning, eloquence, or zeal may dazzle the eye, delight the fancy, and awaken the admiration of those who cannot see beneath the surface; but unless these qualifications are humbly consecrated to God, unless those to whom these gifts are entrusted seek that grace which alone can make their work acceptable, they are regarded by God as unprofitable servants.

From the root of true humility springs the most precious greatness of mind,--greatness which leads men to conform to the image of Christ. Those who possess this greatness gain patience and trust in God. Their faith is invincible. Their true consecration and devotion keep self hidden. The words that fall from their lips are molded into expressions of Christlike tenderness and love. Having a sense of their own weakness, they appreciate the help which the Lord gives them, and they crave his grace that they may do that which is right and true. By their manner, their attitude, and their spirit, they carry with them the credentials of learners in the school of Christ.

"Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time." All heaven enters into co-partnership with those who come to Christ for eternal life, submitting themselves to him as those who have made a surrender of all to God. God requires his servants to stand under the blood-stained banner of Prince Emmanuel, striving in his power to keep the principles of truth pure and uncorrupted. They must never step aside from the path of self-denial and humility which every true Christian must travel. As they thus co operate with God, Christ is formed within, "the hope of glory." Clad in his meekness and lowliness, they find their highest joy in doing his service. Earthly ambition gives way to a desire to serve the Master.

"Though the Lord be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off." "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise." Those who reveal the meek and lowly spirit of Christ are tenderly regarded by God. Nothing is unnoticed by him. He marks their self-denial, their effort to uplift Christ before the world. Though these humble workers may be looked upon with scorn by the world, they are of great value in the sight of God. Not only the wise, the great, the beneficent, will gain a passport into the heavenly courts,--not only the busy worker, full of zeal and restless activity. No; the pure in heart, in whose lips there is found no guile; the poor in spirit, who are actuated by the Spirit of an abiding Christ; the peacemaker, whose highest ambition is to do God's will,--these will gain an abundant entrance. They are God's jewels, and will be among that number of whom John writes, "I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth." They have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. "Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them." -

Never Man Spake Like This Man

Of Christ's teaching it is said, "The common people heard him gladly." "Never man spake like this man," declared the officers who were sent to take him. His words comforted, strengthened, and blessed those who were hungering for that peace which he alone could give. O how tender and forbearing was Christ! how filled with pity and tenderness were his lessons to the poor, the afflicted, and the oppressed!

The educated were charmed with Christ's teaching, and the uneducated were always profited; for he appealed to their understanding. His illustrations were taken from the things of daily life, and although they were simple, they had in them a wonderful depth of meaning. The fowls of the air, the lilies of the field, the seed, the shepherd and the sheep,--with these objects, Christ illustrated immortal truth; and ever afterward, when his hearers chanced to see these things of nature, they recalled his words. Christ's illustrations constantly repeated his lessons.

Christ always used the most simple language, yet his words were received by deep, unprejudiced thinkers; for they were words that tested their wisdom. Spiritual things should always be presented in simple language, even though learned men are being addressed; for such are generally ignorant regarding spiritual things. The simplest language is the most eloquent. Educated and uneducated need to be addressed in the plainest, simplest manner, so that the truth may be comprehended, and find lodgment in the heart. So Christ addressed the vast crowds that thronged about him; and all, learned and unlearned, were able to comprehend his lessons.

Christ's words, so comforting and cheering to those that listened to them, are for us to-day. As a faithful shepherd knows and cares for his sheep, so Christ cares for his children. He knows the trials and difficulties surrounding each one. "He shall feed his flock like a shepherd," declares Isaiah; "he shall gather the lambs with his arms, and carry them in his bosom." Christ knows his sheep intimately, and the suffering and helpless are objects of his special care. He gave his life for them, and he knows their wants as no one else can.

Christ has weighed every human affliction, every human sorrow. He bears the weight of the yoke for every soul that yokes up with him. He knows the sorrows which we feel to the depth of our being, and which we cannot express. If no human heart is aroused to sympathy for us, we need not feel that we are without sympathy. Christ knows; and he says, Look unto me, and live. "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." I have borne your griefs and carried your sorrows. You have the deepest, richest sympathy in the tender, pitying love of your Shepherd. "We have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." His humanity is not lost in the exalted character of his Omnipotence. He is ever longing to pour out his sympathy and love upon those whom he has chosen, and who will respond to his invitation.

Christ did not design that his words should return to him void. "Heaven and earth shall pass away," he said to the large multitude that pressed around him, "but my words shall not pass away." He himself wrote nothing; but the Holy Spirit brought all his words and acts to the remembrance of his disciples, that they might be recorded for our benefit. Christ's instruction was given with the greatest clearness. There was no need for any one to misunderstand. But the scribes and Pharisees, determined to resist him, misconstrued and misapplied his words. The utterances which were the bread of life to starving souls were bitterness to the Jewish rulers.

Ezekiel declares: "Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they showed difference between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from my sabbaths, and I am profaned among them. . . . And her prophets have daubed them with untempered mortar, seeing vanity, and divining lies unto them, saying, Thus saith the Lord God, when the Lord has not spoken. The people of the land have used oppression, and exercised robbery, and have vexed the poor and needy: yea, they have oppressed the stranger wrongfully. And I have sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none." In his sermon on the mount, Christ spoke as though he knew that the scribes and Pharisees believed the Old Testament. They were in that gathering, and the disciples were close beside their beloved Teacher. There Christ declared, "Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven." By his words he condemned their formalism and hypocrisy. And though applying directly to those before him, these words apply also to those of this age who do not the will of God. They are far-reaching, and come sounding down the ages to our time.

The woman of Samaria said to Christ, "Our fathers worshiped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship." Jesus answered, "Believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." A God of infinite holiness does not accept a spiritless offering. Those who worship him must worship him in spirit and truth, or else their worship is valueless. God has no part or lot in the matter; for their pretensions are vain.

These words are still sounding. They contain truth which is universal, which is a light to all believers and a condemnation to all unbelievers. But they were particularly fitted to the Jewish nation. The religious services of the Jews had degenerated from spiritual worship to a mere formalism. "In vain do they worship me," said Christ, "teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." The proud lovers of pleasure were so fully engrossed with their own ambitious expectations and desires that they had no relish for the words of the great Teacher. He did not encourage their worldly projects; he never flattered them or praised their smartness; and his words were not pleasant to their world-bound souls.

The Jewish leaders, the scribes and Pharisees, made the well-springs of the water of life foul by their false precepts. They beclouded that which was clear. By their example of pride, hardness, and selfishness, they misrepresented the character of God. They made him altogether such a one as themselves. Their own imagination was darkened and polluted by their wicked works. Their religious degeneracy clouded their minds, so that nothing that concerned Christ's kingdom was correctly discerned. By their stubborn resistance of the message borne to them by the Lord of life and glory, they became past feeling. Evidence they had in abundance; more would only have increased and deepened their guilt. But thinking themselves wise, they became as fools. They used their intellect in an endeavor to brand the truth of God with falsehood.

A divine voice had been appealing to them for three years and a half, but they hated it, and were plotting to silence it by death. "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have everlasting life." But the Jewish nation refused to accept the offering; and Christ took up the lamentation of unrequited love: "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!" You have perverted my words, and wrested my entreaties. Ye bind heavy burdens, and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders, but ye yourselves will not touch them with one of your fingers. You would not believe on me yourselves that you might become the sons of God, and them that would have entered in, you hindered by your sophistries and falsehoods.

Ambition demanded everything of a Messiah, but it responded not to the works which no man had done or could do, or to words which never before had been spoken. The Jews endeavored to gather to themselves all that was promised as the sure result of a life refined, elevated, and ennobled by virtue and righteousness. As a nation that practised righteousness, they assumed a superiority over all other nations of the world; but for a thousand years they had been loading the cloud of vengeance which at last broke over them with relentless fury. They followed their own standard, walking in the light of the sparks of their own kindling, and they perished in their delusion. They followed the imagination of their own hearts, and God gave them up to be crushed by their own ambition, destroyed by the falsehoods and delusions upon which they had built.

The Jews claimed to believe the law, but they broke every precept of it by their spirit of rebellion against Christ. History is being repeated. The shepherds of the flock of God are doing in this day just what the Jewish leaders did in their day. The Christian world is going over the same ground, manifesting the same spirit. Church-members claim to be superior to others, because they believe on Christ, but they are not doers of his words any more than the Jews were obedient to the law which they professed to hold in such high esteem.

Many to-day, as did the Jews, will turn conviction into resistance because of the cross involved. By their resistance to the messages of truth, professed Christians show that, had they lived on the earth at the time of Christ's first advent, they would have joined with the Jews in accusing him, and would have taken an active part in crucifying the Prince of Life. When the claims of God's law are presented to them, they act as did the Jews when the claims of truth, spoken by the divine Teacher, fell upon their ears; but these rejecters of truth cannot always remain deaf to the claims of God's law, for it is eternal and irrevocable.

"It is the spirit that quickeneth," said Christ; "the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." "Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, 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 his 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."

The Work for To-Day

Why has it not been understood from the word of God that the work being done in medical missionary lines is a fulfilment of the scripture, "Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. . . . The servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. And the Lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled"?

This is a work that the churches in every locality, north and south and east and west, should do. The churches have been given the opportunity of answering this work. Why have they not done it? Some one must fulfil the commission.

A work which should have been done has been left undone. Those who have been engaged in the medical missionary work have been doing the very class of work the Lord would have done. If these workers will give themselves to the work, the Lord will accept them. But the churches, who feel no burden to obey the word, are meeting with great loss. The work may apparently seem uninviting, but it must be done. The churches are doing so very much less than the Lord has appointed them to do, that the medical missionary work done by others seems in every way disproportionately large.

O how much, how very much, remains to be done! and yet how many that might use their God-given talents aright are doing almost nothing besides caring for and pleasing themselves! But the hand of the Lord is stretched out still, and if they will work to-day in his vineyard, he will accept their service.

The work of the apostle Paul was a wonderful work. The Holy Spirit wrought on his mind, showing him that the gifts of God come straight from God to all who seek him with a whole heart, the circumcised and the uncircumcised, Barbarian, Scythian, bond, and free. Paul held to his inspired truth, and taught it to others, opposed as he was by the apostles, who ought to have upheld him. He took his position against Peter, who was one of the pillars of the church, and his companion in labor, and against Barnabas, the first one to honor him with the right hand of fellowship, when all his Christian brethren were afraid of him, and questioned and doubted his fitness for the work, because he had persecuted the church.

But the Lord had worked for Paul, and had given him increased light. He who had persecuted Christ in the person of his saints was touched and made tender by the Spirit of God. The work done for him by God placed him under the control of God. He realized that he must himself be taught by God, and then firmly resist any approach to bind unnecessary burdens upon the Gentile Christians.

Paul's brethren withstood him. Those whom the Lord had used as his witnesses protested against him, and declared that he was advocating theories that were contrary to the fundamental principles which they had been taught. But Paul firmly held his ground. He had dedicated himself and all his powers, his talents, and his ability, to God, and by God he was taught the truths of the gospel, which are able to make men wise unto salvation.

To-day those human, living agencies who have a vital connection with God are not to be reproved and handicapped by the prejudices of their fellow men. The events which concern Christ's kingdom on this earth are not to be under the control of any human power. The salvation of man is to be achieved. The traditions and maxims of men must not be cherished as golden grains of truth. Paul was compelled to stand alone, looking constantly to God, and obtaining his orders from him. He was to make no concessions. The burden was heavy, but he brought freedom to the churches. It was no longer considered duty to teach and practise painful rites.

The Lord chose Joseph, through much affliction to him, to carry a heavy burden in an idolatrous nation. He was to work in the line God had chosen for him, that the knowledge of God might shine forth in the kingdom of Egypt. Joseph did not betray his sacred trust.

A great mistake has been made by man's trusting in man, and making flesh his arm. Methods and plans will be devised to hedge about the work that should be done. Men trust in human strength, and do not come to Christ; and they are strengthless. Distinct plans must be laid, but they must not be of that character that will place man under the control of men.

The Lord will raise up men, and place his Spirit upon them, and prepare them for the work which must be done. He himself, the God of truth, will qualify them to bear a fresh, living testimony for him. They will be witnesses for God. They will not spring up from their own prompting; they will be constrained by the Spirit of God to volunteer to advocate truth. God will sustain them. He sees what is needed, and year by year he arranges for his plan of operation. He will not allow men to drift as they choose. If men will be men, God will work in and through them.

The standard-bearers are falling, and young men must be fitted up as workers, that the people may be reached. The aggressive warfare is to be extended. Time, money, and labor are not to be so largely expended on those who know the truth. God's servants are to go into the dark places of the earth, calling perishing souls to repentance.

Events of great importance are coming upon the earth. Men must not depend on men, but on Jesus Christ. He says, "I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger, and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not." O, why do we not show actual, living faith? Why do we not, in this period of the earth's history, come directly to him who says, "I am the bread of life"? "All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in nowise cast out." -

Cooking on the Sabbath

"What Shall We Have for Sabbath Dinner?" is the heading of an article in a recent Review. The question is asked, "What shall we have for our Sabbath dinner? Good housewives, can't you tell us?" We refer all who read this article to the law of God, spoken in awful grandeur from Mount Sinai: "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work; but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy man servant, nor thy maid servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it." This is the precept of Jehovah.

The Sabbath bears the sanctity of Jehovah. Through Isaiah the Lord has spoken: "If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; and shalt honor him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it."

Jesus said: "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. Labor not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of Man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed." "They said therefore unto him, What sign showest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work? Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat. Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life; he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst."

It is far more essential for all who claim to believe on Jesus Christ to understand by experience what this scripture means, than to be in such perplexity as to what shall be cooked on the Sabbath to be placed on our tables. It is of far greater consequence for us to know what is our spiritual nourishment. "Then said Jesus unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of Man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live forever."

"My flesh," says Christ, "I will give for the life of the world." He tells us that we have no life unless we eat his flesh and drink his blood. He could not possibly mean temporal eating and drinking. Christ made this statement over and over again, because the spiritual life of the world depended upon their understanding his words and doing them. He took no apparent notice because those who heard him were offended, but repeated his lesson over and over again.

All who will consult their Bibles will know, "What saith the Lord?" "And it came to pass, that on the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for one man; and all the rulers of the congregation came and told Moses. And he said unto them, This is that which the Lord hath said, To-morrow is the rest of the holy Sabbath unto the Lord: bake that which ye will bake to-day, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning." "And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, Concerning the feasts of the Lord, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my feasts. Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the Sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no work therein: it is the Sabbath of the Lord in all your dwellings." "And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my Sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you. Ye shall keep the Sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people. Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the Sabbath of rest, holy to the Lord: whosoever doeth any work in the Sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel forever: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested and was refreshed."

There is a way of quoting Scripture--the words that Christ considered of so much consequence that death was the penalty of transgression--so as to pervert it. Should we not handle the words of Christ with sacredness? It was said, in the article mentioned, "There are numerous victims, too, of such a regimen who can say, as did certain murmurers of old, and with far more reason, 'Our soul loatheth this.'" This is mixing up the restrictions of the plain, "Thus saith thy Redeemer," with the murmuring of the children of Israel in loathing the light bread which was angels' food. "Persons inclined to doubt the universal application of those ancient laws, still scruple to cook food on Sabbath, but merely rewarm what has been previously cooked; though one might question why there is more offense in baking or boiling what has been prepared beforehand than in rebaking, reboiling, or restewing what has been already cooked." Did the writer take the word of God just as it reads? The Lord has said: "To-morrow is the rest of the holy Sabbath unto the Lord; bake that which ye will bake to-day, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning."

That manna was given by a miracle of God Please read this entire chapter. Who was the leader of the children of Israel?--Jesus Christ enshrouded in the pillar of cloud. Chapters thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, and sixteen of the book of Exodus give the history of the children of Israel. Chapter thirteen tells of the wonderful works of God in causing the Red Sea to stand up as a wall on one side, so that the waters should not overflow, and how a passage was made through the waters. Thus the whole of the vast army of more than a million people went safely over. The cloud that went before them rose high above them, and settled down as a wall of fire between them and the Egyptians; and not one of them perished. "And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them: and it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these: so that the one came not near the other all the night. And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left."

Their Leader was a mighty general of armies. His angels, that do his bidding, walked on either side of the vast armies of Israel, and no harm could come to them. Israel was safe. Who would have supposed that Israel could ever murmur again? Then came the sacred song of triumph, led by Miriam. Moses did not hesitate to join in the sacred song with timbrels. But when the armies of Israel came to Marah, they found that they could not drink of the waters; for they were bitter. Then the people had an opportunity to express their belief in the Lord, their invisible leader, and in Moses his servant, their visible leader. Did they wait patiently, and see what the Lord would do with and for them as they called upon him for relief? "And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink?" Why did they not consider the wondrous work of God, and say, The Lord hath shown himself mighty to deliver, and he will not let us die of thirst? But they murmured against God. Moses cried unto the Lord, and again the Lord heard him. He showed Moses a tree which, when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet. "There he made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there he proved them, and said, If thou wilt diligently harken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee. And they came to Elim, where there were twelve wells of water, and threescore and ten palm-trees: and they encamped there by the water."

Thus a loving, gracious, heavenly Leader was guiding the travels of the children of Israel. "And they took their journey from Elim, and all the congregation of the children of Israel came unto the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after their departing out of the land of Egypt. And the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness: and the children of Israel said unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh-pots, and when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger."

O why were the children of Israel so faithless? How wondrously the Lord had worked for them, that they should not die! He had called his armies from heaven to fight in their behalf, and gained for them a glorious victory, and yet how little faith and confidence they had under the proving of God! He gave them his ordinance, a statute which he would never fail to keep, yet at the first trial, they complained and murmured against their leaders. Their store of corn was nearly exhausted, and there was no apparent prospect of procuring more. The Lord knew what he would do, but he would try their faith to see if they would take the words of assurance that he had given them of his merciful protection and care. He was educating his people to have faith in him. Their complaints against the servants of God, who were bearing responsibilities and heavy burdens in the work, were against God in their work. ( Concluded next week .) -

Cooking on the Sabbath (Concluded)

After all the experiences of Israel and the pledges of God to his people, we marvel at their hardness and their unbelief. But the expression of the feelings of one is contagious, and Satan stands by to inspire other hearts with the very same spirit. Their present inconvenience, their thoughts of what might be, the hopeless, discouraging picture of the desolate wilderness, they were inspired by Satan to charge upon Moses and Aaron. They accused their leaders of bringing them from the slavery of Egypt to kill them and their children with hunger. All their lives they had been accustomed to walk by sight. Here they had every evidence that they had an unseen Leader. He had just given them a statute, assuring them how much he would do for them if they would keep his commandments. "Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come." Please read this whole chapter.

"And he said unto them, This is that which the Lord hath said, To-morrow is the rest of the holy Sabbath unto the Lord: bake that which ye will bake to-day, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning." The Lord had graciously promised to relieve all their grievances. He desired to give them a religious training under the eye of God, "that I may prove them," he said, "whether they will walk in my law, or no." The first lesson taught them was that their constant dependence for daily nourishment was upon God, and that by him their wants would be abundantly supplied.

Speak not lightly of the restrictions placed upon Israel in Sinai regarding the cooking of manna. The Lord has placed barriers around his Sabbath, that it may not be regarded with the least carelessness or irreverence. When the Lord said, "To-morrow is the rest of the holy Sabbath: bake that which ye will bake to-day, and seethe that ye will seethe," he meant that Friday should be our preparation day, in which we are to do all our cooking. The Sabbath is not to be a day when titbits shall be prepared or cooked. If it is really essential to have beans on the Sabbath, let them be cooked on Friday, and kept warm in the oven. They need not be eaten cold unless preferred. But let no remarks be made as though it were a very light thing whether or not we regard the special requirements of God in regard to the Sabbath. It is not left for any man or woman to venture to disregard one requirement of God.

I see no question in this matter as to what we shall have on the Sabbath day. The food which we have provided on the preparation day can be placed on the table warm, especially in cold weather. In traveling, persons eat cold lunches for days together, and realize no inconvenience or harm. We want palatable, healthful food every day of the week; but upon the Sabbath, let your cook have her day of rest, in the place of cooking for a family. Let every provision be made on Friday. But do not let the Sabbath be regarded as a day in which to get something especially gratifying to eat. Educate your children and every member of the family to enjoy plain, simple food, and to be ready to receive the blessing which the Lord of the Sabbath is waiting to bestow upon all who are in an attitude to receive it. He has this for every one who shows his love for God in keeping holy the Sabbath day, God's great memorial of creation. Speak softly, walk softly. Let not a word of lightness or trifling come from your lips. This is God's day. He has blessed the seventh day, as his Sabbath, to be sacredly observed.

The Sabbath is not to be a gloomy day, a day of unrest and uneasiness. Parents may take their children outdoors, in the groves, in the flower garden, and teach them that the Lord has given them these beautiful things as an expression of his love. Christ has said: "Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: and yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to-day is, and to-morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your Heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."

Let the mind be directed to the lessons of the book of nature, and to nature's God, who made the world in six days, and rested on the seventh; "wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it." Do not make light of the Sabbath requirements; and when it comes to eating on the Sabbath, those who would feed on Christ, who would have the rich blessing of God, will partake of a very simple diet on that day.

The thoughts are not to be educated to be full of what we shall eat, and what we shall drink, and wherewithal we shall be clothed. We need to prepare for the Sabbath. The clothing that we shall wear on that day is to be put in order. The boots should not be left unblacked or unpolished until the Sabbath. You dishonor God by doing this work on that day. How easy it is to allow reckless neglect of the preparation for the Sabbath!

Teach the children that God means just what he says. The very same Jesus who has given us the Sabbath, and has directed us how to keep it holy, is the Alpha of Genesis, and carries us step by step through the ages, through the incarnation, through his offering of himself as a living sacrifice for the redemption of a fallen world. He was tried, but was not condemned, because there was nothing to condemn. After the trial Pilate said, "I find no fault in him." Yet he gave himself up to be murdered because his own nation was jealous of him, and hated him. Christ died as a malefactor on the cross of Calvary. He was laid in the grave. The third day he rose from the dead, and proclaimed, over the rent sepulcher of Joseph: "I am the resurrection, and the life." He ascended to his Father, and today he is our advocate in the courts of heaven.

We trace Christ all through the Old Testament and the New. "And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely."

Here we have the Alpha of Genesis and the Omega of Revelation. The blessing is promised to all those who keep the commandments of God, and who co-operate with him in the proclamation of the third angel's message. "I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star." That which Christ has spoken in the Old Testament is for all the world. What he has said in reference to his commandments is not yea and nay, but yea and amen.

In this perilous period, when we see universal contempt placed upon the law of God, when the world is choosing between the holy Sabbath of the fourth commandment and the spurious sabbath, shall we say one word that will detract from the words of the Lord of the Sabbath? The Lord God of heaven knew what a deadening influence the abounding iniquity would have upon the chosen believers, what a paralyzing power it would be against piety and true loyalty to God. In giving us the statement of the occurrences which would mark the approach of the second advent of our Lord and Saviour, Christ says, "Because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold." We see this fulfilled to the letter. The experience of many is becoming dwarfed and sickly and wonderfully deformed. Everything that surrounds us creates an atmosphere that is saturated with unrighteousness. Even under the most faithful surroundings, it is difficult to hold fast the Christian profession of faith unto the end, to stand decidedly and earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints. But it is most difficult to keep true and loyal to God's holy commandments, when there are few in number to help and encourage one another, and when many of these are sickly and ready to die because they do not honor God by keeping his commandments truly and loyally.

Much so-called Christianity passes for genuine, faithful soundness, but it is because those who profess it have no persecution to endure for the truth's sake. When the day comes when the law of God is made void, and the church is sifted by the fiery trials that are to try all that live upon the earth, a great proportion of those who are supposed to be genuine will give heed to seducing spirits, and will turn traitors and betray sacred trusts. They will prove our very worst persecutors. "Of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them;" and many will give heed to seducing spirits.

Those who have lived on the flesh and blood of the Son of God--his holy word--will be strengthened, rooted, and grounded in the faith. They will see increased evidence why they should prize and obey the word of God. With David, they will say, "They have made void thy law. Therefore love I thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold." While others count them dross, they will arise to defend the faith. All who study their convenience, their pleasure, their enjoyment, will not stand in their trial. "Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him." Precious words! "It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life."

The fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah is to be read, studied, and practised. "Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rereward. Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity; and if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday: and the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drouth, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in. If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; and shalt honor him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it."

Let no one yield to temptation and become less fervent in his attachment to God's law because of the contempt placed upon it; for that is the very thing that should make us pray with all our heart, and soul, and voice, "It is time for thee, Lord, to work: for they have made void thy law." Therefore, because of the universal contempt, I will not turn traitor when God will be most glorified and most honored by my loyalty.

What! shall Seventh day Adventists relax their devotedness when all their capabilities and powers should be placed on the Lord's side; when an unflinching testimony, noble and uplifting, should come from their lips? "Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold." When the law of God is most derided and brought into the most contempt, then it is time for every true follower of Christ, for those whose hearts have been given to God, and who are fixed to obey God, to stand unflinchingly for the faith once delivered to the saints. "Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not." It is time to fight when champions are most needed.

Those who make light of the third angel's message do so because they know little of Daniel or the Revelation. They have not read these prophecies with a determination to find out the meaning by prayer, by study, and by fasting. If they had had the experience of Daniel or of John, they would know that the third angel's message will go forth unto perfect victory. Those who proclaim that message because they see and believe it, will understand that very much is comprehended by it. The third angel is represented as flying through the heavens with a banner on which is inscribed, "The commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." All who will gather warmth from the coldness of others, courage from their defections, and loyalty from their treason, will triumph with the third angel's message.

The Two Classes

"Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil." The means which the Lord has employed, in the gracious provision of his mercy, to soften and subdue the objects of his love, has, through the workings of Satan, encouraged the depraved and hardened hearts in perversity, resistance, and transgression, so that David, even as far back as his day, was led to exclaim, "It is time for thee, Lord, to work: for they have made void thy law. Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold."

O that all might consider, before it is everlastingly too late, that there are limits to the mercy and forbearance of God! There are those who, by their impenitence under the beams of light that have shone upon them, are very near the line where the forbearance of God is exhausted. In mind and heart they are saying, "My Lord delayeth his coming," and they are eating and drinking with the drunken. But God declares of such, "Sudden destruction cometh upon them; . . . and they shall not escape."

At this time, when great light is shining forth from the word of God, making dark mysteries plain as day, is the day of mercy, of hope, of joy and assurance to all who will be benefited thereby, to all who will open their minds and hearts to the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness. But there is an opposite class to this,--those who will not come to the light, who despise the truth because it exposes error, and transgression, and sin; and as a result, depravity and boldness in transgression are becoming all-pervading.

There are diligent students of the word of prophecy in all parts of the world, who are obtaining light and still greater light from searching the Scriptures. This is true of all nations, of all tribes, and of all peoples. These will come from the grossest error, and will take the place of those who have had opportunities and privileges and have not prized them. These have worked out their own salvation with fear and trembling, lest they should become deficient in doing the ways and will of God, while those who have had great light, through the perversity of their own natural heart, turned away from Christ because they were displeased with his requirements. But God will not be left without witnesses. The one-hour laborers will be brought in at the eleventh hour, and will consecrate their ability and all their entrusted means to advance the work. These will receive the reward for their faithfulness, because they are true to principle, and shun not their duty to declare the whole counsel of God. When those who have had abundance of light throw off the restraint which the word of God imposes, and make void his law, others will come in to fill their places and take their crown.

While many have reduced the word, the truth, the holy law of Jehovah, to a dead letter, and by their example testify that the law of Jehovah is a hard, rigorous burden; while they say, "We will lay off this yoke, we will be free, we will no longer remain in covenant relation with God, we will do as we please," there will be men who have had very meager opportunities, who have walked in ways of error because they knew not any other or better way, to whom beams of light will come. As the word from Christ came to Zacchaeus, "I must abide at thy house," so the word will come to them; and the one supposed to be a hardened sinner will be found to have a heart as tender as a child, because Christ has deigned to notice him.

Great is the work of the Lord. Men are choosing sides. Even those supposed to be heathen will choose the side of Christ, while those who become offended, as did the disciples, will go away and walk no more with him, and others will come in and occupy the place they have left vacant. The time is very near when man will reach the prescribed limits. He has now almost exceeded the bounds of the long-suffering of God, the limits of his grace, the limits of his mercy. The record of their works in the books of heaven is, "Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting." The Lord will interfere to vindicate his own honor, to repress the swellings of unrighteousness and bold transgression.

What effect will the attempt of men to make void the law of God have upon the righteous? Will they be intimidated because of the universal scorn that is put upon the holy law of God? Will the true believers in the, "Thus saith the Lord," become wavering and ashamed because the whole world seems to despise his righteous law? Will they be carried away by the prevalence of evil? -- No; to those who have consecrated themselves to God to serve him, the law of God becomes more precious when the contrast is shown between the obedient and the transgressor. In proportion as the attributes of Satan are developed in the despisers and transgressors of the law of God, to the faithful adherent the holy precept will become more dear and valuable. He will declare, "They have made void thy law. Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold." It is the ones who have been faithful stewards of the grace of God whose love of God's commandments grows with the contempt which all around him would put upon them.

Wicked men and the church harmonize in this hatred of the law of God, and then the crisis comes. Then we see the class specified in Mal. 3:13-15: "Your words have been stout against me, saith the Lord. Yet ye say, What have we spoken so much against thee? Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the Lord of Hosts? And now we call the proud happy: yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered." Here is a company of disaffected, professed Christians, whose chief business is to murmur and complain, and accuse God by accusing the children of God. They see nothing defective in themselves, but very much to despise in others.

But while they are murmuring and complaining, and falsely accusing, and doing Satan's work most zealously, another class is brought to our notice: "Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord harkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of Hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not."

This subject is urging itself upon my mind. Consider it; for it is a matter of vast importance. With which of these two classes shall we identify our interest? Read the fourth chapter of Malachi, and think about it seriously. The day of God is right upon us. The world has converted the church. Both are in harmony, and are acting on a short-sighted policy. Protestants will work upon the rulers of the land to make laws to restore the lost ascendancy of the man of sin, who sits in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. Roman Catholic principles will be taken under the care and protection of the state. This national apostasy will speedily be followed by national ruin. The protest of Bible truth will be no longer tolerated by those who have not made the law of God their rule of life. Then will the voice be heard from the graves of martyrs, represented by the souls that John saw slain for the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ which they held; then the prayer will ascend from every true child of God, "It is time for thee, Lord, to work: for they have made void thy law."

When our first parents fell from their high estate through transgression, God's law was made void. Then Christ entered upon his work as our Redeemer, and probation was granted to the inhabitants of the world. In Noah's day, men disregarded the law of God until almost all remembrance of him had passed away from the earth. Their wickedness reached so great a height, violence, crime, and every kind of sin became so intensely active, that the Lord brought a flood of water upon the world, and swept away the wicked inhabitants thereof. But mercy was mingled with judgment. Noah and his family were saved. In the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, we see that the Lord will interfere; fire came down from heaven, and destroyed those wicked cities.

From time to time the Lord has made known his manner of working. He is mindful of what is passing upon the earth; and when a crisis has come, he has revealed himself, and has interposed to hinder the working of Satan's plans. He has often permitted matters with nations, with families, and with individuals, to come to a crisis, that his interference might become marked. Then he has let the fact be known that there was a God in Israel who would sustain and vindicate his people. When the defiance of the law of Jehovah shall be almost universal, when his people shall be pressed in affliction by their fellow men, God will interpose. The fervent prayers of his people will be answered; for he loves to have his people seek him with all their heart, and depend upon him as their deliverer. He will be sought unto to do these things for his people, and he will arise as the protector and avenger of his people. The promise is, "Shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him? . . . I tell you that he will avenge them speedily."

The Protestant governments will reach a strange pass. They will be converted to the world. They will also, in their separation from God, work to make falsehood and apostasy from God the law of the nation. In the place of those who have the light of truth allowing jealousy and evil surmisings to come in and weaken their love and union one with another, their united prayers should ascend to heaven for the Lord to arise, and put an end to the violence and abuse which are practised in our world. More prayer and less talk is what God desires, and it would make his people a tower of strength. -

The Ordinances

The symbols of the Lord's house are simple and plainly understood, and the truths represented by them are of the deepest significance to us. In instituting the sacramental service to take the place of the Passover, Christ left for his church a memorial of his great sacrifice for man. "This do," he said, "in remembrance of me." This was the point of transition between two economies and their two great festivals. The one was to close forever; the other, which he had just established, was to take its place, and to continue through all time as the memorial of his death.

"And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table. And truly the Son of Man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed!" "I speak not of you all; I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me."

With the rest of the disciples, Judas partook of the bread and wine symbolizing the body and blood of Christ. This was the last time that Judas would be present with the twelve; but that the scripture might be fulfilled, he left the sacramental table, Christ's last gift to his disciples, to complete his work of betrayal. O why did not Judas at that solemn service recognize in its true light the awful work he had pledged himself to perform? Why did he not throw himself penitent at the feet of Jesus? He had not yet passed the boundary of God's mercy and love. But when his decision was made to carry out his purpose, when he left the presence of his Lord and fellow disciples, that barrier was passed.

In this last act of Christ in partaking with his disciples of the bread and wine, he pledged himself to them as their Redeemer by a new covenant, in which it was written and sealed that upon all who will receive Christ by faith will be bestowed all the blessings that heaven can supply, both in this life and in the future immortal life.

This covenant deed was to be ratified by Christ's own blood, which it had been the office of the old sacrificial offerings to keep before the minds of his chosen people. Christ designed that this supper should be often commemorated, in order to bring to our remembrance his sacrifice in giving his life for the remission of the sins of all who will believe on him and receive him. This ordinance is not to be exclusive, as many would make it. Each must participate in it publicly, and thus say: "I accept Christ as my personal Saviour. He gave his life for me, that I might be rescued from death."

The children of God are to bear in mind that God is brought sacredly near on every such occasion as the service of feet-washing. As they come up to this ordinance, they should bring to their remembrance the words of the Lord of life and glory: "Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them."

The object of this service is to call to mind the humility of our Lord, and the lessons he has given in washing the feet of his disciples. There is in man a disposition to esteem himself more highly than his brother, to work for himself, to serve himself, to seek the highest place; and often evil surmisings and bitterness of spirit spring up over mere trifles. This ordinance, preceding the Lord's Supper, is to clear away these misunderstandings, to bring man out of his selfishness, down from his stilts of self-exaltation, to the humility of spirit that will lead him to wash his brother's feet. It is not in God's plan that this should be deferred because some are considered unworthy to engage in it. The lord washed the feet of Judas. He did not refuse him a place at the table, although he knew that he would leave that table to act his part in the betrayal of his Lord. It is not possible for human beings to tell who is worthy, and who is not. They cannot read the secrets of the soul. It is not for them to say, "I will not attend the ordinance if such a one is present to act a part." Nor has God left it to man to say who shall present themselves on these occasions.

The ordinance of feet-washing has been especially enjoined by Christ, and on these occasions the Holy Spirit is present to witness and put a seal to his ordinance. He is there to convict and soften the heart. He draws the believers together, and makes them one in heart. They are made to feel that Christ indeed is present to clear away the rubbish that has accumulated to separate the hearts of the children of God from him.

These ordinances are regarded too much as a form, and not as a sacred thing to call to mind the Lord Jesus. Christ ordained them, and delegated his power to his ministers, who have the treasure in earthen vessels. They are to superintend these special appointments of the One who established them to continue to the close of time. It is in these, his own appointments, that he meets with and energizes his people by his personal presence. Notwithstanding that there may be hearts and hands that are unsanctified who will administer the ordinance, yet Jesus is in the midst of his people to work on human hearts. All who keep before them, in the act of feet-washing, the humiliation of Christ, all who will keep their hearts humble, who will keep in view the true tabernacle and service, which the Lord pitched and not man, will never fail to derive benefit from every discourse given, and spiritual strength from every communion. They are established for a purpose. Christ's followers are to bear in mind the example of Christ in his humility. This ordinance is to encourage humility, but it should never be termed humiliating in the sense of being degrading to humanity. It is to tender our hearts toward one another. Those who come to the sacramental service with their hearts open to the influences of the Spirit of God will be greatly blessed, even if the ones who officiate are not benefited thereby.

How the heart of Christ is pierced by the forgetfulness, the unwillingness and neglect, to do the things that God has enjoined upon us! The heart needs to be broken, that selfishness may be cut away from the soul and put away from the practise. If we have learned the lessons that Christ desires to teach us in this preparatory service, the witness will respond to the feelings implanted in the heart for a higher spiritual life.

The broken bread and pure juice of the grape are to represent the broken body and spilled blood of the Son of God. Bread that is leavened must not come on the communion table. The unleavened bread is the only correct representation of the Lord's Supper. Nothing fermented is to be used -- only the pure fruit of the vine and unleavened bread are to be used.

We do not come to the ordinances of the Lord's house merely as a form. We do not make it our business, as we gather around the table of our Lord, to ponder about and mourn over our shortcomings. The ordinance of feet-washing embraced all this. "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." We do not come with our minds diverted to our past experience in the religious life, whether that experience is elevating or depressing. We do not come to revive in our minds the ill-treatment we have received at the hands of our brethren. The ordinance of humility is to clear our moral horizon of the rubbish that has been permitted to accumulate. We have assembled now to meet with Jesus Christ, to commune with him. Every heart is to be open to the bright beams of the Son of Righteousness. Our minds and hearts are to be fixed on Christ as the great center on whom our hopes of eternal life depend. We are not to stand in the shadow, but in the saving light of the cross. With hearts cleansed by his most precious blood, and in full consciousness of his presence, although unseen, we may listen to his voice that thrills the soul with the words: "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." On these occasions, heaven is brought very near to the true members of the Lord's family, and they are brought into sweet communion one with another.

These things we are never to forget. The love of Jesus, with its convincing power, is to be kept fresh in the memory. We must not forget him who is our strength and our sufficiency. He has instituted this service that it may speak constantly to our senses of the love of God that has been expressed in our behalf. He gave us all that it was possible for him to give, -- he gave his life for the life of the world, -- and his appeal to our love is strikingly made in the words of the apostle Paul, recorded in 1 Cor. 11:23-34.

The second appearing of Christ in the clouds of heaven is ever to be kept before us. Almost his last words of consolation to his disciples were: "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself: that where I am, there ye may be also."

And the communion is to be a constant reminder of this. Says Christ: Under a conviction of sin, remember that I died for you. When oppressed and persecuted and afflicted for my sake and the gospel's, remember that my love was so great that I gave my life for you. Will you evidence your love for me, if required to die for me? When you feel your duties stern and severe, and almost too heavy to bear, will you remember that it was for your sake that I endured the cross, despising the shame? When your heart shrinks from the trying ordeal, remember that your Redeemer liveth to make intercession for you. "Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

Christ declared,"Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of Man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you." We cannot as individuals maintain our bodily life unless we eat and drink for ourselves of temporal food. In order to maintain spiritual life and health, we must feed on Jesus Christ, which is studying his word, and doing those things that he has commanded in that word. This will constitute a close union with Christ. The branch that bears fruit must be in the vine, a part of it, receiving nourishment from the parent stalk. This is living by faith upon the Son of God. Christ has declared: "I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 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 nothing." -

Peril of Sinning Against Light

"The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." No matter how sinful a person has been, no matter what his position may be, if he will repent and believe, coming unto Christ, and trusting him as his personal Saviour, he may be saved unto the uttermost. But how dangerous is the position of him who knows truth, but delays to practise it. How perilous it is for men to seek to amuse the mind, to gratify the taste and satisfy the reason, by neglecting what has been revealed as duty, and rambling off in search of something they do not know. God has opened a garden of precious plants and flowers, where men may enjoy the fragrance and pluck the fruit; but that which may be known becomes tame after a time, does not delight their senses, and they want something not in the garden, as did Adam and Eve in Eden,--something which God has seen fit to withhold. They are not benefited by the rich banquet which he has set before them, but desire to taste that which he has not provided, to gain access to gardens not opened to their feet. But what blessings are lost by not making a proper use of the privileges freely given us of God! Through ingratitude and unholy desire, men want something which they do not have.

Jesus says, "Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you." Gather up every ray, pass not one by. Walk in the light. Practise every precept of truth presented to you. Live by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God, and you will then follow Jesus wherever he goeth. When the Lord presents evidence upon evidence and gives light upon light, why is it that souls hesitate to walk in the light? Why do men neglect to walk in light to a greater light? The Lord does not refuse to give his Holy Spirit to them that ask him. When conviction comes home to the conscience, why not listen, and heed the voice of the Spirit of God? By every hesitation and delay, we place ourselves where it is more and more difficult for us to accept the light of heaven, and at last it seems impossible to be impressed by admonitions and warnings. The sinner says, more and more easily, "Go thy way for this time; when I have a more convenient season, I will call for thee."

I know the danger of those who refuse to walk in the light as God gives it. They bring upon themselves the terrible crisis of being left to follow their own ways, to do after their own judgment. The conscience becomes less and less impressible. The voice of God seems to become more and more distant, and the wrong-doer is left to his own infatuation. In stubbornness he resists every appeal, despises all counsel and advice, and turns from every provision made for his salvation, and the voice of the messenger of God makes no impression upon his mind. The Spirit of God no longer exerts a restraining power over him, and the sentence is passed, "He is joined to idols, let him alone." O how dark, how sullen, how obstinate, is his independence! It seems that the insensibility of death is upon his heart. This is the process through which the soul passes that rejects the working of the Holy Spirit.

He that walketh in darkness knoweth not at what he stumbleth. The soul that at first delays and hesitates, resisting light and pressing against all knowledge, has excellent intentions of making a square turn about when a convenient season shall come; but the wily foe that is upon his track makes his plans to bind him by the imperceptible threads of evil habits. Character is formed by habits, and one step in the downward road is a preparation for the second step, and the second for those that shall follow. Habits are formed by repetition of acts, and it takes time for a person who has been religiously instructed to throw off all restraint, and become accustomed to, and at home in, an evil course, and happy in doing the drudgery of Satan.

The children of God are to shine as lights in the midst of a perverse and crooked generation. But if right habits are not cultivated, they will give way to natural tendencies, and will become self-sufficient, self-indulgent, reckless, covetous, revengeful, independent, self-willed, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God. As one who loves your soul, I would warn you not to delay, waiting for a time when you will be more inclined to serve God than at the present time. Every hour that you delay, you bind yourself away from God, erect barriers against him in your habits and practises, and make more difficult your repentance and return to the paths of righteousness. May God help the backslider and the sinner no longer to remain in the entanglement which the evil one is strengthening around them. Wait not to reason, wait not to measure possibilities and probabilities. Break with the deceiver at once. Insult no longer the Spirit of God. Press your way to the throne of grace through the opposing powers of hell. You are standing on the brink of the eternal world. Make a rush for the kingdom of God. It will require every energy of mind and purpose of soul. Delay not, saying, "I am not religiously inclined." This very fact should make you fear lest the Spirit of God is being grieved away for the last time. Dare you run the risk?

"How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge? Turn you at may reproof: behold, I will pour out my Spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you. Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; but ye have set at naught all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; when your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you. Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: for that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord."

The person who is drawn again and again by his Redeemer, and who slights the warnings given, yields not to his convictions to repent, and heeds not when he is exhorted to seek pardon and grace, is in a perilous position. Jesus is drawing him, the Spirit is exerting his power upon him, urging him to surrender his will to the will of God; and when this invitation is unheeded, the Spirit is grieved away. The sinner chooses to remain in sin and impenitence, although he has evidence to encourage his faith, and more evidence would do no good. His sins of past and present are presented before him, yet the drawing is in vain; for he refuses to change his course of action. There is another drawing to which he is responding, and that is the drawing of Satan. He yields obedience to the powers of darkness. This course is fatal, and leaves the soul in obstinate impenitence. This is the blasphemy that is most general among men, and it works in a most subtle way, until the sinner feels no remorse of conscience, no repentance, and consequently has no pardon. The man is left to himself, loving darkness rather than light. This is the case of thousands to-day.

But I will address these lines to those who have had light, those who have had privileges, those who have had warnings and entreaties, who have made no determined effort to yield themselves in full surrender to God. I would warn you to fear lest you sin against the Holy Ghost, and be left to your own course, sunk in moral lethargy, and never obtain forgiveness. Why allow yourselves to be longer educated in the school of Satan, and pursue a course of action that will make repentance and reformation impossible? Why resist the overtures of mercy? Why say, "Let me alone," until God shall be compelled to give you your desire, since you will have it so? Those who resist the Spirit of God think that they will repent at some future day, when they get ready to take a decided step toward reformation; but repentance will then be beyond their power. According to the light and privileges given will be the darkness of those who refuse to walk in the light while they have the light.

No one need look upon the sin against the Holy Ghost as something mysterious and indefinable. The sin against the Holy Ghost is the sin of persistent refusal to respond to the invitation to repent. If you refuse to believe in Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour, you love darkness rather than light, you love the atmosphere that surrounded the first great apostate. You choose this atmosphere rather than the atmosphere that surrounds the Father and the Son, and God allows you to have your choice. But let no soul be discouraged by this presentation of the matter. Let no one who is striving to do the will of the Master be cast down. Hope thou in God. The Lord Jesus has made it manifest that he regards you at an infinite estimation. He left his royal throne, he left his royal courts, he clothed his divinity with humanity, and died a shameful death upon the cross of Calvary, that you might be saved. All the suffering and humiliation of the Son of God was endured that we might understand how God loved the world, how he purposed to bring moral power within our reach that we might be ennobled, elevated, and become partakers of the divine nature. By his grace, Christ enlarges and multiplies the faculties of men as they co-operate with heavenly intelligences, and transformation of character is the result. Through faith in Christ his powers of mind and heart are enlarged, and the believer is endowed with refined and holy affections.

The character of Daniel is an illustration of what a man may become through the grace of Christ. He was strong in intellectual and spiritual power. The Holy Spirit is the source of all power, and works as a living, active agent in the new life created in the soul. The Holy Spirit is to be in us a divine indweller. Then let gratitude and love abound in your heart to God. "Study to show thyself approved unto God." Let your conduct, your character, be in accordance with the sacred trust and heavenly endowment of the Holy Spirit. Never, never, feel at liberty to trifle with the opportunities granted to you. Study the will of God; do not study how you can avoid keeping the commandments of God, but study rather how you may keep them in sincerity and truth, and truly serve him whose property you are. Do not be satisfied with meeting a low standard, but consult the Spirit of God, obey its dictates, serve God in the beauty of holiness, and render glory to his name.

God's Holy Sabbath

In this world the controversy between the Prince of Life and the prince of darkness is being carried on. Ever since Satan fell, the conflict between right and wrong has been waging. After Christ was crucified, and had ascended to heaven, those who believed in him took up the work, and carried forward the warfare in his name. This conflict is still going on, and is becoming more and more earnest and positive. Satan is marshaling his forces for the last great battle; and the great question at issue is the Sabbath of the fourth commandment.

Satan has been blessed with great advantages. There can be no one greater or more talented, none more wise and good, than was Satan before he apostatized. But he allowed a spirit of selfishness to take possession of him, and he fell through self-exaltation. Angels fell with him because they placed themselves on the side of the great rebel instead of on the side of Christ. We read in Jude: "And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day."

Satan has a great mind, but it is prostituted to evil; it is wise only to plan and to do evil. Ever since his fall, he has worked against God. He has striven to tear down God's appointed institutions. He led the Jewish leaders to pervert the true meaning of the Sabbath. Their teaching in regard to it was altogether wrong. They piled their own traditions and maxims upon it, burying it out of sight.

Satan is the sharpest critic that the world has ever known, and he works to hinder and pervert truth. He has induced men to strive to change the Sabbath of the fourth commandment. Under his dictation the first day of the week has been adopted by the Christian world as the Sabbath. He has used his masterly mind to influence other men to adopt the same views that he himself entertains. But if we turn aside from the fourth commandment, so positively given by God, to adopt the inventions of Satan, voiced and acted by men under his control, we cannot be saved. We cannot with safety receive his traditions and subtleties as truth.

The man of sin has exalted Sunday; but whatever has been done in the change of the fourth commandment, has been done without God's sanction, and is in direct opposition to his express commands. What we all need is truth--plain, simple, unvarnished truth--that will sanctify the soul. Many will advance theories in regard to the change of the Sabbath from the seventh to the first day of the week; but God has made positive declarations in regard to the sacredness of the Sabbath instituted at Eden and proclaimed from Mount Sinai, and a penalty is attached to the disregard and dishonor of the seventh day of the week.

It becomes every one blessed with reasoning power to beware from what source he receives light and knowledge. We should not be dazzled by men who boast of their education and talent, but who use their power to bewilder souls. Thoughts flash from their minds which charm, but are soon forgotten. When these supposed grand thoughts, which perplex and mystify while they please, are presented, let those who have souls to save or to lose, inquire, Is there Scripture to prove the truth of these utterances?

Where eternal interests are involved, it becomes every soul to require ministers of the gospel to give Scriptural evidence for everything they say. The traditions of the Fathers, the customs and sayings of professedly good men, the opinions of the most learned divines or of the highest critics,--all are worthless unless they harmonize with the word of God. We must go back from the so called "Fathers" to the great Heavenly Father, the Creator of the universe. The Sabbath of the Lord must rest on its own basis--the word of the living God.

Every one is tested and tried in probationary time in regard to his obedience to the word of God. But what is the matter with the professed Christian world?--That which was the matter with Adam and Eve in Eden,--they are listening to another voice than that of God. God's voice, which is speaking plainly and distinctly to them through the fourth commandment, is disregarded; and a false voice, which advocates a false Sabbath, is listened to. They turn from a plain, "Thus saith the Lord," to a Sabbath based upon inference and supposition, without a particle of Scriptural evidence to support it. Satan has succeeded in throwing the Christian world off the track, as he threw Adam and Eve off. People are walking in by and forbidden paths. O, why are men, when tempted, so easily overcome? Why are they so deceived in regard to the Sabbath? Why, without any foundation for their faith, do they accept and exalt a spurious Sabbath?

It is much easier to accept sophistry and fables than the truth. But it is a very serious matter for us to endanger our souls and forfeit immortality by worshiping a spurious institution. We cannot rely upon man's assertions any more safely than could the Jews upon their false theories in the time of Christ. Men's statements do not make truth falsehood or falsehood truth. We cannot with safety build our faith upon a false foundation, and give heed to fables because they have been passed down to us as tradition, even though they are hoary with age. Christ said of the Jews, who were loading down the law of God with the sayings and maxims of the ancient rabbis, "In vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." These words are addressed to every soul who is doing likewise.

At the creation, God sanctified and blessed the Sabbath. He gave it to his people "to be a sign between me and them," he declared, "that they might know that I am the Lord that sanctify them." If this people had walked in the commandments of God, if they had kept his Sabbath, he would have greatly blessed them. But he declares: "The house of Israel rebelled against me in the wilderness; they walked not in my statutes, and they despised my judgments, which if a man do, he shall even live in them; and my sabbaths they greatly polluted: then I said, I would pour out my fury upon them in the wilderness, to consume them. . . . Because they despised my judgments, and walked not in my statutes, but polluted my sabbaths: for their heart went after their idols." This was why, after God had established his people in the godly land of Canaan, they did not go forward from strength to strength, a praise in the earth as God's peculiar people. When the Sabbath interfered with their business, they found it inconvenient to observe it. They did not give up the Sabbath in theory, but they did not keep it according to the fourth commandment.

"I am the Lord your God; walk in my statutes, and keep my judgments, and do them; and hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am the Lord your God. Notwithstanding the children rebelled against me; they walked not in my statutes, neither kept my judgments to do them, which if a man do, he shall even live in them; they polluted my sabbaths: then I said, I would pour out my fury upon them, to accomplish my anger against them in the wilderness."

Why did the Lord not cut off this rebellious people, that had been blessed with so much light? They provoked him to deal with them in wrath. But the Lord declared: "Nevertheless I withdrew mine hand, and wrought for my name's sake, that it should not be polluted in the sight of the heathen, in whose sight I brought them forth." Every nation upon the earth was watching the people for whom God had done so much. If they had followed him, he would have exalted them, and made them a praise in the earth. They would have been regarded as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinances of their God.

God did not then punish the children of Israel as they deserved: but, "Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil." Israel did not repent, and God says: "I lifted up mine hand unto them also in the wilderness, that I would scatter them among the heathen, and disperse them through the countries; because they had not executed my judgments, but had despised my statutes, and had polluted my sabbaths, and their eyes were after their fathers' idols."

Those who reverence the commandments of Jehovah will, after the light has been given them in reference to the fourth precept of the decalogue, obey it without questioning the feasibility or convenience of such obedience. God made man in his own image, and then gave him an example of observing the seventh day, which he sanctified and made holy. He designed that man should worship him upon that day, and engage in no secular pursuits. No one who disregards the fourth commandment, after becoming enlightened in regard to the claims of the Sabbath, can be held guiltless in the sight of God.

God's Holy Sabbath [Concluded]

God's holy Sabbath is not to be used to obtain worldly advantages. But with too many, the world is an idol. They place worldly principles and worldly advantages before the Lord God of Hosts. They worship money. Before the heavenly universe, before the worlds unfallen, and before their fellow men, they show that in their eyes, gain is godliness. They accept fables invented to turn men from truth and righteousness. By choosing the world and its attractions, they divorce themselves from God.

Satan presented the world and its advantages to Christ, saying, "All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me." But divinity flashed through humanity, and Christ exclaimed, "Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve."

This response every true follower of the Lord will be compelled to make. Those who have in their foreheads the seal of the infinite God will regard the world and its attractions as subordinate to eternal interests. They will keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment. Christ resisted the temptations of the enemy with the only weapon that the soldier of the cross of Christ can successfully use,--"It is written." Where?--In the Old and New Testaments. With these words we are to defend ourselves and warn others, holding forth to them the word of life.

Many have never understood that Sunday is not the Sabbath of the fourth commandment. In his subtlety, Satan has covered up this fact, and has presented a common day as sacred, that the whole world may become guilty before God by transgression. Many are utterly ignorant that they are not keeping the fourth commandment. It is essential for all to seek for truth from the divine guide book, that they may decide what the Lord says on this question. Men have said much, but we cannot build our faith on the words of any man. There are two sides to this question. The God of heaven presents his law, and Satan holds out his spurious Sabbath. There are two classes,--the obedient and the disobedient, the tempted and the tempters.

The time has come for the true light to shine amid moral darkness. The third angel's message has been sent forth to the world, warning men against receiving the mark of the beast or of his image in their foreheads or in their hands. To receive this mark means to come to the same decision as the beast has done, and to advocate the same ideas, in direct opposition to the word of God. Of all who receive this mark, God says, "The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb."

If the light of truth has been presented to you, revealing the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, and showing that there is no foundation in the word of God for Sunday observance, and yet you still cling to the false Sabbath, refusing to keep holy the Sabbath which God calls "My holy day," you receive the mark of the beast. When does this take place?--When you obey the decree that commands you to cease from labor on Sunday and worship God, while you know that there is not a word in the Bible showing Sunday to be other than a common working-day, you consent to receive the mark of the beast, and refuse the seal of God. If we receive this mark in our foreheads or in our hands, the judgments pronounced against the disobedient must fall upon us. But the seal of the living God is placed upon those who conscientiously keep the Sabbath of the Lord.

"And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. . . . The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. . . . And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth." They were to be cut off because they had polluted the earth which God created to be enjoyed by a righteous people.

"As it was in the days of Noah," declared Christ, "so shall it be also in the days of the Son of Man." And is it not so? Any one who will look into the daily papers may see a long list of crimes--drunkenness, theft, robbery, embezzlement, murder. Sometimes whole families are murdered, that man's desires to possess money or goods that do not belong to him may be gratified. The world is indeed becoming as it was in the days of Noah, because men openly disregard God's commands.

Sunday is a child of the papacy. It has been nourished and cradled by the Protestant world as a genuine requirement of Jehovah, but it has no foundation in the word of God. The Christian world is tested by their relation to this matter. God moves upon men to search the Scriptures for evidence to sustain Sunday. Those who search with a desire for truth will see that in the past they have been relying on tradition, and have accepted an institution of the papacy. Those who, with contrite hearts, search the word of God for truth, will receive a blessing from God. Their characters are formed after the divine similitude. The mind is in a state of continual advancement. By beholding they become changed into the divine likeness. Their education is begun on earth to be carried on in the school above.

As the searcher for truth advances in his investigation, he sees that inferences and traditions and the suppositions and sayings of men, have baptized Sunday as a Sabbath. The more earnestly and candidly this question is canvassed, the more clearly will men who are judgment-bound see that there is not a particle of Scriptural evidence to sustain Sunday. God never placed his sanctity upon that day. Those who observe it offer God strange fire in place of sacred. God has never said, "Keep sacred the first day of the week," but he has said, "Moreover also I gave them my Sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am the Lord that sanctify them."

This subject opens before the earnest seeker after truth. It becomes more and more clear to him that God has not changed or altered the thing that has gone out of his lips. He sees the sanctity and blessing placed upon the seventh day, and the necessity for its observance. The more earnestly he investigates this subject, the more convinced he becomes of the truth of God's word, as seen in the law of the ten commandments. His interest in truth is tested, his love for God proved, as he advances. If he submits his will to God's will, all will be well. If he chooses obedience to God's commandments at any cost, his peace and happiness will increase.

Many excuse themselves for keeping Sunday by saying, "My father and grandfather were good Christians, and they died keeping Sunday. They will be saved, and I am willing to run the risk of doing as they did. The whole world keeps Sunday; and I am as well off as the rest of the members of my church." But will these excuses be accepted in the Judgment?--No, no. Had their fathers had the light and the messages of warning which God has sent to his people in these last days, they would, if they were candid, God-fearing men, have obeyed the commandments of God. Our fathers are not accountable for the light they never received, or for the messages of warning they never heard; and shall their habits and customs be thought worthy of respect merely because they have been handed down from generation to generation? "If I had not come and spoken unto them," said Christ, referring to the Jews, "they had not had sin: but now they have no cloak for their sin. . . . If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father."

Special truths have been adapted to the conditions of the nations as they have existed. The present truth, which is a test to the people of this generation, was not a test to the people of generations far back. If the light which now shines upon us in regard to the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, had been given to the generations of the past, God would have held them accountable for that light.

We are accountable only for the light that shines upon us. The commandments of God and the faith of Jesus are testing us. If we are faithful and obedient, God will delight in us, and bless us as his own chosen, peculiar people. When perfect faith and perfect love and obedience abound, working in the hearts of those who are Christ's followers, they will have a powerful influence. Light will emanate from them, dispelling the darkness around them, refining and elevating all who come within a sphere of their influence, and bringing to a knowledge of the truth all who are willing to be enlightened, and to follow in the humble path of obedience.

Great blessings are promised to those who keep holy God's Sabbath. "If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath," God says, "from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; and shalt honor him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words; then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it." -

Prepare to Meet Thy God

"Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their Lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. And if he shall come in the second watch, or in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants . . . . Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of Man cometh at an hour when ye think not."

We are here warned not to defraud our souls of the privileges and rights which the Lord has provided in order that we may be rich in faith, and heirs according to the promise. We are to watch as for a thief in the night. The first symptoms of spiritual slumber are to be sternly overcome. The first inclinations to spiritual indolence are to be firmly resisted. "Be sober, be vigilant," exhorts the apostle. Every moment is to be faithfully employed. "He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved." We are told to work out our own salvation, and the power by which we are to do this is plainly stated: "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure."

Many are losing much by growing less fervent, less ardent and zealous toward God and in behalf of their fellow men. Let all watch and pray, guarding their present and eternal good by resisting every temptation. Let them beware of resting content with spasmodic efforts to serve God. By yielding to fitful impulses, and indulging in passionate words and unholy actions, they mar their prospect of the blessed hope.

Those who would be ready to meet their Lord must keep their lamps filled with the oil of grace. It was a neglect to do this that distinguished the foolish virgins from the wise. They had lamps, but no oil; their characters could not stand the test. The wise virgins had not only an intelligent knowledge of the truth, but through the imparted grace of Jesus Christ, their faith and patience and love constantly increased. Their lamps were replenished by their vital connection with the Light of the world. While the foolish virgins awoke to find their lamps burning dimly, or going out in the darkness, the wise virgins, with their lamps burning brightly, entered the festal hall, and the gates were shut. Greatly rejoicing at the sound of the bridegroom's voice, they joined the bridal procession.

The oil with which the wise virgins filled their lamps represents the Holy Spirit. "The angel that talked with me came again," writes Zechariah, "and waked me, as a man is wakened out of his sleep, and said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof: and two olive-trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof . . . . Then answered I, and said unto him, What are these two olive-trees upon the right side of the candlestick and upon the left side thereof? And I answered again, and said unto him, What be these two olive-branches which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves? And he answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord. Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth."

The anointed ones standing by the Lord of the whole earth, have the position once given to Satan as covering cherub. By the holy beings surrounding his throne, the Lord keeps up a constant communication with the inhabitants of the earth. The golden oil represents the grace with which God keeps the lamps of believers supplied, that they shall not flicker and go out. Were it not that this holy oil is poured from heaven in the messages of God's Spirit, the agencies of evil would have entire control over men.

God is dishonored when we do not receive the communications which he sends us. Thus we refuse the golden oil which he would pour into our souls to be communicated to those in darkness. When the call shall come, "Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him," those who have not received the holy oil, who have not cherished the grace of Christ in their hearts, will find, like the foolish virgins, that they are not ready to meet their Lord. They have not, in themselves, the power to obtain the oil, and their lives are wrecked. But if God's Holy Spirit is asked for, if we plead, as did Moses, "Show me thy glory," the love of God will be shed abroad in our hearts. Through the golden pipes, the golden oil will be communicated to us. "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of Hosts." By receiving the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness, God's children shine as lights in the world.

Only by knowing God here can we prepare to meet him at his coming. "This is life eternal," said Christ, "that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou has sent." But many of those who profess to believe in Christ do not know God. They have only a surface religion. They do not love God; they do not study his character; therefore they do not know how to trust, how to look and live. They do not know what restful love is, or what it means to walk by faith. Opportunities to hear and receive the messages of God's love are unappreciated and unimproved. They fail to understand that it is their duty to receive, that they may enrich others. They have not that faith which is given to those who accept Christ as their personal Saviour; therefore they do not keep the last six commandments. They do not walk in love toward their brethren. They do not know what it means to yoke up with Christ and learn of him. They are not like him in character. They do not receive him as the one who takes away their sins, and imputes to them his righteousness.

The world by wisdom knows not God. Many have talked eloquently about him, but their supposed sound reasoning, their subtle arguments, bring men no nearer to him, because they themselves are not in vital connection with him. Professing themselves to be wise, they become fools. Their wrong impressions and imperfect knowledge of God do not lead them to become partakers of his divine nature. Their lives are not conformed to his image. A correct knowledge of God is not a hearsay report, but an intelligent, experimental knowledge.

In his lessons and his mighty works, Christ is a perfect revelation of God. This Christ declares through the inspired evangelist. "No man hath seen God at any time," he says; "the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him." "No man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him." These words show the importance of studying Christ's character. Only by knowing Christ can we know God.

As our representative, Christ stands on the highest possible ground. When he came to the world as God's messenger, he held the salvation of God in his hand. All mankind was delivered to him; for in him was the fulness of the God-head. He is the light of the world, and he came to illuminate the world. Had that light been hidden, the world must have perished; but it is God's plan that man shall not perish, but have everlasting life.

So fully did Christ reveal the Father, that the messengers sent by the Pharisees to take him were charmed by his presence. Under the Holy Spirit's convicting power they forgot their commission. As they beheld the soft light of the glory of God that enshrouded his person, as they heard the gracious words that fell from his lips, they loved him. And when, returning without him, they were asked by the Pharisees, "Why have ye not brought him?" they answered "Never man spake like this man." As we behold Christ, we shall be changed into his image, and made fit to meet him at his coming.

Now is the time to prepare for the coming of our Lord. Readiness to meet him cannot be attained in a moment's time. Preparatory to that solemn scene there must be vigilant waiting, combined with earnest work. The union of these two makes us complete in Christ. The active and devotional must be combined as were the human and divine in Christ. So God's children glorify him. Amid the busy scenes of life their voices will be heard speaking words of encouragement, hope, and faith. The will and the affections will be consecrated to Christ. Thus they prepare to meet their Lord; and when he comes, they will say, with joy: "This is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: . . . we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation."

"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing them that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent, that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless." -

The Sin of Rejecting Light

"Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb; and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw. And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David? But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub, the prince of the devils." The course pursued by the Pharisees called forth the denunciation of Christ. He said to them: "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand; and if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand? And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges. But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you. . . . Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men; but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of Man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come."

By rejecting the light that was shining upon them, by refusing to examine the evidence to see whether the messages were from heaven, the Pharisees sinned against the Holy Ghost. Christ, the world's Redeemer, was in the world. "All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. . . . He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not." The voice of his Spirit came to them, saying, "This is the Son of God; believe on him." But turning their faces from the light, they refused to listen, choosing, instead, to cultivate their unbelief. Thus the light which, if received, would have been to them a savor of life unto life, rejected, became a savor of death unto death,--death to spirituality.

The Pharisees were self-deceived. They rejected the teaching of Christ because he exposed the evil of their hearts and reproved their sins. They would not come to the light, fearing that their deeds would be reproved. They chose darkness rather than light. "This is the condemnation," said Christ, "that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil." "If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloak for their sin. He that hateth me hateth my Father also. If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father." And at the destruction of Jerusalem the Pharisees reaped their harvest.

The Jews pursued their course of rejecting Christ until, in their self-deceived, deluded state, they thought that in crucifying him they were doing God a service. Thus it will be with all who resist the entreaties of the Spirit of God, and persist in doing what they know to be wrong. The Spirit once resisted, there will be less difficulty in resisting it a second time. If we maintain the independence of the natural heart, and refuse the correction of God, we shall, as did the Jews, stubbornly carry out our own purposes and ideas in the face of the plainest evidence, and shall be in danger of as great deception as came on them. In our blind infatuation we may go to as great lengths as they did, and yet flatter ourselves that we are doing work for God. Those who continue in this course will reap what they have sown. They were afforded a shelter, but they refused it. The plagues of God will fall, and he will prevent them not.

God never compels a man to offend and be lost. We read that he hardened the heart of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and that Pharaoh refused to let Israel go. Did God strengthen and confirm the king in his obstinacy?--No, he simply allowed the seeds of unbelief to produce their fruit; and the seed sown when the first miracle was rejected, produced a harvest of infidelity. God left the king to the inclinations of his own heart.

The great I AM acquainted Pharaoh with his mighty works, showing him that he was the ruler of heaven and earth. But the king chose to defy the God of heaven. He would not consent to break his proud heart even before the King of kings, that he might receive the light; for he was determined to have his own way, and work out his own rebellion. His proud disregard of God's command, "Let my people go," confirmed him in his determination not to yield, though evidence was piled upon evidence; and every additional evidence of the power of God that the Egyptian monarch resisted, carried him on to a stronger and more persistent defiance of God. Thus the work went on, finite man warring against the expressed will of an infinite God. This case is a clear illustration of the sin against the Holy Ghost. "Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." Gradually the Lord withdrew his Spirit. Removing his restraining power, he gave the king into the hands of the worst of all tyrants,--self.

In this our day the sin of the Pharisees is being repeated. Many are turning from light, refusing to listen to the warning of God's Spirit. But by closing the heart to divine impressions, we put away the forgiveness which our Redeemer is so graciously offering to us. By rejecting mercy and truth, we prepare for a course of resistance which, if followed, will continue till we have no power to do otherwise. A point is reached where the most pointed appeals were without effect. The desire to submit to God and to do his will is no longer felt. The spiritual senses become dulled. Darkness is the result, and how great is that darkness!

The Holy Spirit strives with every man. It is the voice of God speaking to the soul. But let that voice be resisted, and we, like the Pharisees, shall stifle conviction and resist evidence, however plain. God will give us up, and we shall be left to our own inclinations.

Jesus declares to us that there is a greater sin than that which caused the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. It is the sin of those who have had the light of truth, and are not moved to repentance. It is the sin of rejecting the light of the most solemn message of mercy to the world. It is the sin of those who see Jesus in the wilderness of temptation, bowed down as with mortal agony because the sins of the world, and yet are not moved to thorough repentance. Christ fasted nearly six weeks to overcome, in behalf of man, the indulgence of appetite, and vanity, and the desire for display and worldly honor. He has shown us how we may overcome as he overcame; but it is not pleasant to human nature to endure conflict and reproach, derision and shame, for his sake. It is not agreeable to deny self, and to be ever seeking to do good to others. It is not pleasant to overcome as Christ overcame; and many turn away from the Pattern which is plainly given them to copy, and refuse to imitate the example that the Saviour came from the heavenly courts to set for them.

It will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for those who have had our privileges, and the great light which shines in our day, but who have neglected to follow the light and to give their hearts fully to God.

"I am come a light into the world," said Christ, "that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness." "Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you; for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth." The light will indeed become darkness to those who do not walk in it; but it will shine with increasing brightness on the path of those who do walk in it. "The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day." -

Did Christ Break the Sabbath?

"At that time Jesus went on the Sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungered, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat. But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the Sabbath day. But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungered, and they that were with him; how he entered into the house of God, and did eat the showbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests? Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the Sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath, and are blameless? But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple. But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless. For the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath day."

Jesus had lessons which he desired to give to his disciples, that when he was no longer with them, they might not be misled by the wily misrepresentations of the priests and rulers in regard to the correct observance of the Sabbath. He would remove from the Sabbath the traditions and exactions with which the priests and rulers had burdened it. In passing through a field of grain on the Sabbath day, he and his disciples, being hungry, began to pluck the heads of grain and to eat. "But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the Sabbath day." To answer their accusation, he referred them to the action of David and others, saying: "Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungered, and they that were with him; how he entered into the house of God, and did eat the showbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests? Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the Sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath, and are blameless? But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple."

If excessive hunger excused David from violating even the holiness of the sanctuary, and made his act guiltless, how much more excusable was the simple act of the disciples in plucking grain and eating it upon the Sabbath day! Jesus would teach his disciples and his enemies that the service of God was first of all; and if fatigue and hunger attended the work, it was right to satisfy the wants of humanity even upon the Sabbath day.

Through Moses, Christ had declared: "And on the Sabbath day two lambs of the first year without spot, and two tenth deals of flour for a meat-offering, mingled with oil, and the drink-offering thereof: this is the burnt-offering, of every Sabbath, beside the continual burnt-offering, and his drink offering." The work of the priests in connection with the sacrificial offerings was increased upon the Sabbath, yet in their holy work in the service of God, they did not violate the fourth commandment of the decalogue. Works of mercy and of necessity are no transgression of the law. God does not condemn these things. The act of mercy and necessity in passing through a grain field, of plucking the heads of wheat, of rubbing them in their hands, and of eating to satisfy their hunger, he declared to be in accordance with the law which he himself had proclaimed from Sinai. Thus he declared himself guiltless before scribes, rulers, and priests, before the heavenly universe, before fallen angels and fallen men.

When Moses desired to see the glory of God, God revealed his character to his servant. "And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, long suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty." He who made this proclamation to Moses was the One who now spoke to the Pharisees, though now his divine character was veiled by the garb of humanity. But the priests and rulers had not that which they needed so much,--a knowledge of God's character. For this reason they were constantly misrepresenting him. They had much to unlearn of the traditions and inventions of men; they had need to learn the true principles of the law of Jehovah.

Christ saw that lessons must be given to scatter the rubbish of traditional exactions which they themselves had invented and piled upon the holy institution, given in love by a merciful God. The Sabbath was not to be that which the Jews had made it,--a rigorous burden and exaction, loaded down with continual additions of their own invention. By this means the day was made what Satan had been working on human minds to make it,--a grievous yoke in the place of a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable. God gave the Sabbath to be a blessing to man; it was to be to him a memorial of God's work of creation; it was to remind him of God's sacred rest, for which reason he had "blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it."

Christ declared, "I have kept my Father's commandments." In what did he, in the keeping of his Father's commandments, differ from the scribes and Pharisees, in their professed observance of the law of God? When these men had asked him, "Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?" Christ answered them, "Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoreth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me." This is why they charged Christ with Sabbath-breaking, and this is why men to day charge Christ with transgression of the law.

He continued: "Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition."

Christ then gave them an instance where they had departed from the principles of the law of God, and had done entirely contrary to its requirements: "For Moses said, Honor thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death: but ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free. And ye suffer him no more to do aught for his father or his mother; making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye." God had given them the command, "Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee;" but this, like the Sabbath command, they had made of none effect through their tradition. Christ stood as the defender of the law against their perversion of it.

Notwithstanding Christ's positive declaration, "I have kept my Father's commandments," we have heard intelligent ministers of the gospel state before their congregations that Christ broke the Sabbath. But Christ distinctly proclaims himself guiltless of this charge. He who made the Sabbath, and declared himself its Lord, understood perfectly its requirements. He said: "If ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless. For the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath day." And through his prophets he had proclaimed the same word: "For I desire mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings"

When Christ has declared himself guiltless, what can men mean by repeating the words of the Pharisees, and declaring that he and his disciples broke the Sabbath? Cannot they understand the meaning of Christ's words when he says, "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love"? "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him." "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's which sent me." "By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous." "And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him." -

Did Christ Break the Sabbath? [Concluded]

"And it came to pass also on another Sabbath, that he entered into the synagogue and taught: and there was a man whose right hand was withered. And the scribes and Pharisees watched him, whether he would heal on the Sabbath day; that they might find an accusation against him. But he knew their thoughts, and said to the man which had the withered hand, Rise up, and stand forth in the midst. And he arose and stood forth. Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the Sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it?" "And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the Sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out? How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the Sabbath days. Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other." Here Christ settled the question he had asked. He pronounced it right to perform a work of mercy and necessity. "It is lawful," he said, "to do well on the Sabbath days."

The man might have said, "Lord, for a long time I have been unable to move that hand; how can I stretch it forth?" But Christ is the author and finisher of our faith. In bidding the man stretch forth his hand, he imbued him with faith in his word; and as the man made the attempt to obey, his will moving in harmony with the will of Christ, life and elasticity came back to the hand; it was restored whole as the other.

When Christ put to the people the question, "Is it lawful on the Sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it?" he met them upon their own ground. It had often been stated by the teachers of the people, and indeed was one of their maxims, that for them not to do good when they had opportunity, was to do evil,--that to refrain from saving life when it was in their power to do so, was to make themselves guilty of murder. With this question also he confronted them with their own wicked purposes. They were following upon his track to find occasion for falsely accusing him; they were hunting his life with bitter hatred and malice, while he was saving life, and bringing happiness to many hearts. Was it better to slay upon the Sabbath, as they were planning to do, than to heal the afflicted, as he had done? Was it more righteous to have murder in the heart upon God's holy day, than to have that love toward all men which finds expression in deeds of charity and mercy?

The opportunity to do good may be disregarded and ignored, but obligation rests upon the man who sees his opportunity, and does not improve it. This principle has been clearly defined in the instruction of Christ. He shows that in the last great day every one must stand upon the merits of what he has done or left undone. It is by these things that our characters are developed. Christ is represented as saying, in that day, to those on his right hand: "Come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer, and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."

But to those on his left hand he will say: "Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: for I was an hungered, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal."

As Jesus looked upon the people, it seemed to them that he read their very souls. Divinity flashed through humanity. There was indignation and anger in his look because of their hypocrisy and the hardness of their hearts. He hated their duplicity, their ingenious methods for resisting truth and righteousness. His heart was filled with remorse on their account; and his soul was grieved that his teachings, his works, or the law of God could not impress their flinty hearts, and overcome their determined purpose to resist the light.

One would suppose that such an exhibition of power as the healing of the withered hand would have filled the rulers with awe, would have overcome their prejudice and unbelief, and that they would have declared, as did Nathanael, who had far less evidence, "Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel." But they were filled with madness that Christ had given this additional evidence of his divine character, and in so doing had confirmed the minds of those present that the rabbis were wrong in their idea of the claims and principles of the Sabbath law. He had not shown respect for their cherished views of what the law demanded, and they hated him for it. They hated him because he told them the truth; they hated him for his purity, his singleness of purpose.

And their madness, their envy and hatred, must find vent. The rulers communed one with another how they should rid themselves of this bold advocate of righteousness, whose words and works were drawing the people away from the teachers of Israel. Notwithstanding their counter-influence, "the world," they declared, "is gone after him." But they thought that might and numbers would bring things as they wished; and they took counsel together how they might destroy him.

We see this enacted to day. Those who are themselves transgressing the law of God, making the commandments of God of none effect through their tradition, follow with reproach and accusations the servants whom God sends with a message to correct their evils. They determine to remove them, to still their voice forever, rather than forsake the sins that have called forth the rebuke of God. This was the course that Cain pursued when he slew his brother Abel. But Cain gained nothing by his evil deed. God said, "The voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground." The earth that received the blood testified against the murderer.

Jesus knew of the snare laid for him, and he withdrew himself to a secluded place, where he spent the night in prayer. But from Jerusalem, from Idumaea, from the regions of Tyre and Sidon, came great multitudes to him "when they heard the things that he did." People of all classes--men and women of wealth and honor, the rich and the poor, those in health and those afflicted with disease--came to him, and he healed them all. And he charged them that they should not make him known, that it might be fulfilled that was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: "Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my Spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street. A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth. He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law." -

The Bible in Our Schools

It is not wise to send our youth to universities where they devote their time to gaining a knowledge of Greek and Latin, while their heads and hearts are being filled with the sentiments of the infidel authors whom they study in order to master these languages. They gain a knowledge that is not at all necessary, or in harmony with the lessons of the great Teacher. Generally those educated in this way have much self-esteem. They think they have reached the height of higher education, and carry themselves proudly, as though they were no longer learners. They are spoiled for the service of God. The time, means, and study that many have expended in gaining a comparatively useless education should have been used in gaining an education that would make them all-round men and women, fitted for practical life. Such an education would be of the highest value to them.

What do students carry with them when they leave our schools? Where are they going? What are they going to do? Have they the knowledge that will enable them to teach others? Have they been educated to be wise fathers and mothers? Can they stand at the head of a family as wise instructors? In their home life can they so instruct their children that theirs will be a family that God can behold with pleasure, because it is a symbol of the family in heaven? Have they received the only education that can truly be called "higher education"?

What is higher education? No education can be called higher education unless it bears the similitude of heaven, unless it leads young men and young women to be Christlike, and fits them to stand at the head of their families in the place of God. If, during his school life, a young man has failed to gain a knowledge of Greek and Latin and the sentiments contained in the works of infidel authors, he has not sustained much loss. If Jesus Christ had deemed this kind of education essential, would he not have given it to his disciples, whom he was educating to do the greatest work ever committed to mortals, to represent him in the world? But, instead, he placed sacred truth in their hands, to be given to the world in its simplicity.

There are times when Greek and Latin scholars are needed. Some must study these languages. This is well. But not all, and not many, should study them. Those who think that a knowledge of Greek and Latin is essential to a higher education, cannot see afar off. Neither is a knowledge of the mysteries of that which the men of the world call science necessary for entrance into the kingdom of God. It is Satan who fills the mind with sophistry and tradition, which exclude the true higher education, and which will perish with the learner.

Those who have received a false education do not look heavenward. They cannot see the One who is the true Light, "which lighteth every man that cometh into the world." They look upon eternal realities as phantoms, calling an atom a world, and a world an atom. Of many who have received the so-called higher education, God declares, "Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting,"--wanting in a knowledge of practical business, wanting in a knowledge of how to make the best use of time, wanting in a knowledge of how to labor for Jesus.

The practical nature of the teaching of him who gave his life to save men is an evidence of the value he places upon men. He gave the education which alone can be called the higher education. He did not turn his disciples away because they had not received their instruction from pagan and infidel teachers. These disciples were to proclaim truth that was to shake the world, but before they could do this, before they could be the salt of the earth, they must form new habits, they must unlearn many things learned form priest and rabbi. And to-day those who would represent Christ must form new habits. Theories which originate with the world must be given up. Their words and their works must be after the divine similitude. They must not place themselves in connection with the debasing principles and sentiments that belong to the worship of other gods. They cannot with safety receive their education from those who know not God, and acknowledge him not as the life and light of men. These men belong to another kingdom. They are ruled by a disloyal prince, and they mistake phantoms for realities.

Our schools are not what they should be. The time which should be devoted to laboring for Christ is exhausted on unworthy themes and self-pleasing. Controversy arises in a moment if once stated opinions are crossed. So it was with the Jews. To vindicate personal opinion and petty interests, to gratify worldly ambition, they rejected the Son of God. Time is passing. We are nearing the great crisis of this earth's history. If teacher continue to close their eyes to the necessities of the time in which we are living, they should be disconnected from the work.

Many of the instructors in the schools of the present day are practising deception by leading their students over a field of study that is comparatively useless, that takes time, study, and means that should be used to gain that higher education that Christ came to give. He took upon him the form of humanity, that he might lift the mind from the lessons men deemed essential to lessons which involve eternal results. He saw the world wrapped in satanic deception. He saw men earnestly following their own imagination, thinking they had gained everything if they had found how they might be called great in the world. But they gained nothing but death. Christ took his stand in the highways and byways of this earth, and looked upon the crowd eagerly seeking for happiness, thinking that in every new scheme they had discovered how they might be gods in this world. Christ pointed men upward, telling them that the only true knowledge is a knowledge of God and of Christ. This knowledge will bring peace and happiness in this present life, and will secure God's free gift, eternal life. He urged his hearers, as men possessing reasoning power, not to lose eternity out of their reckoning. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness," he said, "and all these things shall be added unto you." You are then co-workers with God. For this I have bought you with my suffering, humiliation, and death.

The great lesson to be given to the youth is that, as worshipers of God, they are to cherish Bible principles, and hold the world as subordinate. God would have all instructed as to how they can work the works of Christ, and enter in through the gates into the heavenly city. We are not to let the world convert us; we are to strive most earnestly to convert the world. Christ has made it our privilege and duty to stand up for him under all circumstances. I beg of parents to place their children where they will not be bewitched by a false education. Their only safety is in learning of Christ. He is the great central Light of the world. All other lights, all other wisdom, are foolishness.

Men and women are the purchase of the blood of God's only begotten Son. They are Christ's property, and their education and training are to be given, not with reference to this short, uncertain life, but to the immortal life, which measures with the life of God. It is not his design that those whose services he has purchased, shall be trained to serve mammon, trained to receive human praise, human glorification, or to be subservient to the world.

"Then said Jesus unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of Man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in Him." These are the terms of life made by the world's Redeemer, before the foundations of the earth were laid. Are the teachers in our schools giving the students to eat of the bread of life? Many of them are leading their students over the same track that they themselves have trod. They think this the only right way. They give students food which will not sustain spiritual life, but which will cause those who partake of it to die. They are fascinated by that which God does not require them to know.

Those teachers who are as determined as were the priests and rulers to carry their students over the same old path in which the world continues to travel will go into still greater darkness. Those who might have been co-laborers with Christ, but who have spurned the messengers and their message, will lose their bearings. They will walk in darkness, knowing not at what they stumble. Such are ready to be deceived by the delusions of the last day. Their minds are preoccupied with minor interests, and they lose the blessed opportunity of yoking up with Christ, and being laborers together with God.

The tree of knowledge, so-called, has become an instrument of death. Satan has artfully woven himself, his dogmas, his false theories, into the instruction given. From the tree of knowledge he speaks the most pleasing flattery in regard to the higher education. Thousands partake of the fruit of this tree, but to them it means death. Christ says to them: "Ye spend money for that which is not bread. You are using your God-entrusted talents to secure an education which God pronounces foolishness."

Satan is striving to gain every advantage. He desires to secure, not only students, but teachers. He has his plans laid. Disguised as an angel of light, he will walk the earth as a wonder-worker. In beautiful language he will present lofty sentiments. Good words will be spoken by him, and good deeds performed. Christ will be personified, but on one point there will be a marked distinction. Satan will turn the people from the law of God. Notwithstanding this, so well will he counterfeit righteousness, that if it were possible, he would deceive the very elect. Crowned heads, presidents, rulers in high places, will bow to his false theories. Instead of giving place to criticism, division, jealousy, and rivalry, those in our schools should be one in Christ. Only thus can they resist the temptations of the arch-deceiver.

Time is passing, and God calls for every watchman to be in his place. He has been pleased to lead us to a crisis greater than any since our Saviour's first advent. What shall we do? God's Holy Spirit has told us what to do; but, as the Jews in Christ's day rejected light and chose darkness, so will the religious world reject the message for to-day. Men professing godliness have despised Christ in the person of his messengers. Like the Jews, they reject God's message. The Jews asked regarding Christ, "Who is this? Is not this Joseph's son?" He was not the Christ that the Jews had looked for. So to-day the agencies that God sends are not what men have looked for. But the Lord will not ask any man by whom to send. He will send by whom he will. Men may not be able to understand why God sends this one or that one. His work may be a matter of curiosity. God will not satisfy this curiosity; and his word will not return unto him void.

Let the work of preparing a people to stand in the day of God's preparation be entered upon by all who believe the word. During the last few years serious work has been done. Serious questions have agitated the minds of those who believe present truth. The light of the Sun of Righteousness has been shining in every place, and by some it has been received, and perseveringly held. The work has been carried forward in Christ's lines.

Every soul that names the name of Christ should be under service. All should say, "Here am I; send me." The lips that are willing to speak, though unclean, will be touched with the living coal, and purified. They will be enabled to speak words that will burn their way to the soul. The time will come when men will be called to give an account for the souls to whom they should have communicated light, but who have not received it. Those who have thus failed in their duty, who have been given light, but who have not cherished it, so that they have none to impart, are classed in the books of heaven with those that are at enmity with God, not subject to his will or under his guidance.

A Christian influence should pervade our schools, our sanitariums, our publishing houses. Under the direction of Satan, confederacies are being formed, and will be formed, to eclipse the truth by human influence. Those who join these confederacies can never hear the welcome, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant; . . . enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." The instrumentalities established by God are to press forward, making no compromise with the power of darkness. Much more must be done in Christ's lines than has yet been done.

Strict integrity should be cherished by every student. Every mind should turn with reverent attention to the revealed word of God. Light and grace will be given to those who thus obey God. They will behold wondrous things out of his law. Great truths that have lain unheeded and unseen since the day of Pentecost, are to shine from God's word in their native purity. To those who truly love God the Holy Spirit will reveal truths that have faded from the mind, and will also reveal truths that are entirely new. Those who eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of God will bring from the books of Daniel and Revelation truth that is inspired by the Holy Spirit. They will start into action forces that cannot be repressed. The lips of children will be opened to proclaim the mysteries that have been hidden from the minds of men. The Lord has chosen the foolish things of this world to confound the wise, and the weak things of the world to confound the mighty.

The Bible should not be brought into our schools to be sandwiched in between infidelity. The Bible must be made the groundwork and subject-matter of education. It is true that we know much more of the word of the living God than we knew in the past, but there is still much more to be learned. It should be used as the word of the living God, and esteemed as first, and last, and best in everything. Then will be seen true spiritual growth. The students will develop healthy religious characters, because they eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of God. But unless watched and nurtured, the health of the soul decays. Keep in the channel of light. Study the Bible. Those who serve God faithfully will be blessed. He who permits no faithful work to go unrewarded will crown every act of loyalty and integrity with special tokens of his love and approbation. -

Make Straight Paths for Your Feet

"Lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; and make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled."

These words should teach us to be very careful how we snap the thread of our faith by dwelling on our difficulties until they are large in our own eyes, and in the eyes of others, who cannot read our inner, heart life. All should remember that the conversation has a great influence for good or for ill.

By sowing evil in the minds of the weak, who have no vital connection with God, by telling them how little confidence you have in others, you tear away the hold their brethren have on them, because you destroy their confidence in them. But do not allow the enemy so to use your tongue; for at the day of final reckoning, God will call you to give an account of your words. Do not exert an influence that will break the hold of any trembling soul from God. Even though you are not treated as you think you should be, do not allow the root of bitterness to spring up; for thereby many will be defiled. By your words you may cause others to become suspicious. They will then think evil as you do, and will begin to accuse as you have done. Thus you place them where they cannot be at peace with their brethren. They sell their birthright for a morsel of sympathy, that they may hear themselves praised by those who do not know whether their hearts are cleansed or defiled. What is the sympathy of poor mortals worth? God alone can look beneath the surface. He measures the spirit, and he alone can know what men are.

Many who claim to be Christians are not Christians. The distinction between the position of the saved and the lost is not now as plain as it by and by will be. At times the contrast is scarcely discernible. Our only safety is in refusing to follow any one in a questionable course. Stand firmly for the right. When the Lord makes up his jewels, the contrast between the righteous and the wicked will be decidedly marked. "Then shall ye return," writes the prophet Malachi, "and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not." Murmurers and accusers, those who are envious and jealous, will then be found standing on their own chosen side, with Satan and his angels.

The man who loves God meditates on the law of God day and night. He is instant in season and out of season. He bears the fruit of a branch vitally connected with the Vine. As he has opportunity, he does good; and everywhere, at all times and in all places, he finds opportunity to work for God. He is one of the Lord's evergreen-trees; and he carries fragrance with him wherever he goes. A wholesome atmosphere surrounds his soul. The beauty of his well-ordered life and godly conversation inspires faith and hope and courage in others. This is Christianity in practise. Seek to be an ever-green-tree. Wear the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. Cherish the grace of love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness. This is the fruit of the Christian tree. Planted by the rivers of water, it always brings forth its fruit in due season.

The Christ the Christian loves is the bread of life. He who eats Christ's flesh and drinks his blood becomes one with him. The word of God is his meat and his drink. He prospers in whatever he does; for he does not look merely to this present world to receive his reward; he labors earnestly and truly, and his reward is an eternity of blessedness. "The righteous shall flourish like the palm-tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing."

The graces of Christ's Spirit must be cherished and revealed by the sons and daughters of God. By their humility, their penitence, their desire to be like Jesus, to be conformed to his will by practising his lessons in their daily life, they honor him. They hope in God, and commit the keeping of their souls to him, as unto a faithful Creator, and God honors their trust in him.

But God takes none to heaven but those who are first made saints in this world through the grace of Christ, those in whom he can see Christ exemplified. When the love of Christ is an abiding principle in the soul, we shall realize that we are hid with Christ in God. Then we shall be able to say: "I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." Look to Calvary. Let every proud look be humbled. Look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, "who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." "Thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place; with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones." The cry of the broken heart is as music in the ears of the Lord, because he can restore and heal.

"The Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy." "Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him." "The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. . . . As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us." He looks upon his redeemed heritage with pity. He is ready to pardon their sins if they will surrender and be loyal to him. In order to be just, and yet the justifier of the sinner, he laid the punishment of sin upon his only begotten Son.

But it is only because of the value of the sacrifice made for us that we are of value in the Lord's sight. It is only because of Christ's imparted righteousness that we are counted precious by the Lord. For Christ's sake he pardons those that fear him. He does not see in them the vileness of the sinner; he recognizes in them the likeness of his Son, in whom they believe. In this way only can God take pleasure in any of us. "As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name."

Were it not for Christ's atoning sacrifice, there would be nothing in us in which God could delight. All the natural goodness of man is worthless in God's sight. He does not take pleasure in any man who retains his old nature, and is not so renewed in knowledge and grace that he is a new man in Christ. Our education, our talents, our means, are gifts entrusted to us by God, that he may test us. If we use them for self-glorification, God says, "I cannot delight in them; for Christ has died for them in vain."

If men do not reflect the spirit and attributes of Christ, God cannot take pleasure in them. One word which exalts self causes the light of God's countenance to be withdrawn. Those only who, by prayer and watchfulness and love, work the works of Christ, can God rejoice over with singing. The more fully the Lord sees the character of his beloved Son revealed in his people, the greater is his satisfaction and delight in them. God himself, and the heavenly angels, rejoice over them with singing. The believing sinner is pronounced innocent, while the guilt is placed on Christ. The righteousness of Christ is placed on the debtor's account, and against his name on the balance sheet is written: Pardoned. Eternal Life.

"Ye are God's husbandry." As one takes pleasure in the cultivation of a garden, so God takes pleasure in his believing sons and daughters. A garden demands constant labor. The weeds must be removed; new plants must be set out; branches that are making too rapid development must be pruned back. So the Lord works for his garden, so he tends his plants. He cannot take pleasure in any development that does not reveal the graces of the character of Christ. The blood of Christ has made men and women God's precious charge. Then how careful should we be not to manifest too much freedom in pulling up the plants that God has placed in his garden! Some plants are so feeble that they have hardly any life, and for these the Lord has a special care.

In all your transactions with your fellow men, never forget that you are dealing with God's property. Be kind; be pitiful; be courteous. Respect God's purchased possession. Treat one another with tenderness and courtesy. Exert every God-given faculty to become examples to others. Lose not one opportunity to work for God, that through your influence you may qualify others to work for him. By your obedience to God, respect yourselves as the purchased possession of his ear Son. Seek to be uplifted in Christ. This work is as lasting as eternity. Many will regret that their ideas of Christianity were not uplifted with an uplifted Saviour. Shall we, sons and daughters of God, forget our royal birth? Shall we not rather honor our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ? Shall we not show forth the praises of him who has called us out of darkness into his marvelous light?

God has not made any man or woman a sin-bearer. He has not laid upon any one the duty of confessing the sins of his fellow men. Each one is to search his own heart, and confess his own sins. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Leave your fellow men in the hands of God. Let him who knows the heart and all its waywardness be able to deal with you in mercy because you have shown mercy and compassion and love. "Make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed."

What the Revelation Means to Us

"The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those sayings which are written therein; for the time is at hand."

Many have entertained the idea that the book of Revelation is a sealed book, and they will not devote time and study to its mysteries. They say that they are to keep looking to the glories of salvation, and that the mysteries revealed to John on the Isle of Patmos are worthy of less consideration than these.

But God does not so regard this book. He declares: "I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: and if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly."

The book of Revelation opens to the world what has been, what is, and what is to come; it is for our instruction upon whom the ends of the world are come. It should be studied with reverential awe. We are privileged in knowing what is for our learning. But do we treat the word of God with the reverence which is his due, and with the gratitude which God would be pleased to see? "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."

The Lord himself revealed to his servant John the mysteries of the book of Revelation, and he designs that they shall be open to the study of all. In this book are depicted scenes that are now in the past, and some of eternal interest that are taking place around us; other of its prophecies will not receive their complete fulfilment until the close of time, when the last great conflict between the powers of darkness and the Prince of heaven will take place.

The final struggle will be waged between those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus and that apostate power which will deceive all who dwell upon the earth. "And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, and deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: and that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name."

We are standing on the threshold of great and solemn events. Many of the prophecies are about to be fulfilled in quick succession. Every element of power is about to be set to work. Past history will be repeated; old controversies will arouse to new life, and peril will beset God's people on every side. Intensity is taking possession of the human family. It is permeating everything upon the earth. And for what?--Games, plays, amusements; men are rushing and crowding, and contending for the mastery. That which is common and perishable is absorbing their attention, so that things of eternal interest are scarcely thought of. Human beings, possessed with energy, zeal, and perseverance, will place all their God-given powers in co-operation with Satan's despotism to make void the law of God. Impostors of every caste and grade will claim to be worthy and true, and there will be a magnifying of the common and impure against the true and the holy. Thus the spurious is accepted, and the true standard of holiness is discarded, as the word of God was discarded by Adam and Eve for the lie of Satan.

Many have so long chosen their own standard, rejecting the infallible standard that will judge them at the last day, that they are themselves deluded. They misconstrue the teaching of the word of God; and steadfastly setting their face against his commandments, they exalt the precepts of men. The expressions from many professed ministers of the gospel indicate a more than common bitterness against, and contempt for, the law of God. As in David's day, that law is despised. It is treated as an innovation, and rejected as the rule of life.

Those who have once been convicted of the truth, but have resisted the Holy Spirit's influence, walk and work in co-partnership with Satan, the first apostate. Blinded by the sophistry of him who was once found in the heavenly courts, they join his ranks. The apostle Paul, speaking of this says, "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron." Those who have turned away from a plain, "Thus saith the Lord," will be blinded in a superstitious faith in every kind of apostasy, and will be led into that terrible iniquity which God's word represents as being drunken with the blood of the saints.

When this enmity against the law of God becomes so intense, we may know that Satan is imbuing human minds with the same hatred of truth and of the precepts of God as turned the heart of Cain against his brother Abel. In this time of prevailing iniquity it is essential that we individually draw nigh unto God. His voice is heard, saying: "Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. For, behold, the Lord cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain." It is possible for men to go so far in disobedience that it will be necessary for God to arise and let them know that he is God, and that he will interpose, and punish the world for its iniquity.

The time is now approaching when God will vindicate his honor, and bring this unrighteousness to an end. Of this time the apostle Paul speaks when he says: "But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child, and they shall not escape." When the attractions of the horse-race are all-absorbing; when the excitement of the cricket-match runs high; when the fascination of the gambling hall is strong; when parties are indulging in luxurious feasts, and revelry is at its height; when all are forgetful of God and of eternity, and "Peace and safety" is the cry that is heard, "then sudden destruction" will come upon men, "and they shall not escape."

And will the true child of God be carried away by the prevailing iniquity? Will the chosen of God be tempted by the universal scorn which he sees put upon the law? Will he think less of that law, and give it less honor and obedience?--No; the prevailing apostasy will fill his soul with zeal for the honor of God. He sees that the heavenly universe is stirred with indignation because of the ingratitude of man, for whom the Lord has done so much, and God's law becomes more precious as it is trampled upon by unholy feet. In proportion as it is ignored and brought into contempt by one class, it will be valued and honored by the other. Those who co-operate with God by obedience will exclaim, with the psalmist: "They have made void thy law. Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold."

Jesus, who knew no sin, and in whose mouth no guile was found, came to sow the world with truth. When charged with evil by the Pharisees, he stood up boldly before his accusers, and said, "Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?" The convicting power of God had deeply stirred the hearts of these teachers, but they turned their faces persistently from the light. They resisted the work of the Holy Spirit of God. Sufficient evidence of the divinity of Christ had been given them. More evidence would not have changed the current of their feelings, but would only have hardened them in unbelief.

Christ declared, "If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth." If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father." To his disciples he said, "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love." "If ye love me, keep my commandments." "He that hateth me hateth my Father also." "He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him."

We know that the world, sensual and corrupt, love darkness rather than light because their deeds are evil. Error and false prophets are chosen before the gospel of Christ. But shall we discard the standard of character which the God of heaven has given to our world, and venture to erect a standard of human invention? God desires that his commandment-keeping people shall arise to the emergency, and co-operate with the heavenly agencies in uplifting the standard of righteousness, setting forth to the world the message of heaven.

Each should feel that it is required of him to consecrate every hour to the service of Christ. The Son of God was given that we might be renewed, refined, elevated, ennobled, that God might see his image restored in the heart of man. But the Lord cannot take away our sin unless we shall co-operate with him in the work. The inquiry of each should be, "Am I cleansed from sin? Do I hate sin, and love righteousness? Am I prepared to make any and every sacrifice for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord?" Professed Christians who have a divided heart will not be in the Lord's army; for the Lord accepts no such enlistments. This is not a sentimental and spasmodic service. In these times we need an assurance from heaven to enable us to stand firmly for the faith once delivered to the saints.

The benediction pronounced upon those who keep God's law is, "Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city." "And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the Mount Zion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads. . . . Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." -

The Great Controversy

We are living in the closing scenes of this earth's history, and what is now done for God is accomplished under the most disadvantageous circumstances. Satan has great skill and wonderful ability. God entrusted him with power and wisdom; but he became filled with self-exaltation and thought that he should be first in heaven. Through this self-seeking, this striving for the supremacy, sin entered into the world.

Satan resolved to make an effort to overthrow the government of God, and set up a kingdom of his own. He began this work by doing just as men who ought to know better are doing to-day. He complained of the supposed defects in the management of heavenly things, and sought to fill the minds of the angels with his disaffection. Because he was not supreme, he sowed seeds of doubt and unbelief. Because he was not as God, he strove to instil into the minds of the angels his own envy and dissatisfaction. Thus the seeds of alienation were planted, afterward to be drawn out and presented before the heavenly courts as originating, not with Satan, but with the angels. So the deceiver would show that the angels thought as he did.

It was most difficult to make the deceiving power of Satan apparent. His power to deceive increased with practice. If he could not defend himself, he must accuse, in order to appear just and righteous, and to make God appear arbitrary and exacting. In secret he whispered his disaffection to the angels. There was at first no pronounced feeling against God; but the seed had been sown, and the love and confidence of the angels was marred. The sweet communion between them and their God was broken. Every move was watched; every action was viewed in the light in which Satan had made them see things.

That which Satan had instilled into the minds of the angels--a word here and a word there--opened the way for a long list of suppositions. In his artful way he drew expressions of doubt from them. Then, when he was interviewed, he accused those whom he had educated. He laid all the disaffection on the ones he had led. As one in holy office, he manifested an overbearing desire for justice, but it was a counterfeit of justice, which was entirely contrary to God's love and compassion and mercy.

Just such transactions are taking place today. Many place such confidence in their own ideas that they present their theories as if they could make no mistake. Once their words are spoken, they never go back, never repent, never feel that they need forgiveness. They feel that they are infallible. Thus it has been in past history; thus it will be again. False religious confidence becomes supposed infallibility. How can these deluded ones think that they are the only ones led and taught of God? When this spirit is manifested, what can be done? You cannot convince them, because they say, "God has led me." They will not acknowledge that they have acted on wrong principles. They maintain that they have moved rightly. The only course that can be pursued is to leave them to develop their principles. They may never see their error, but others may be convinced and saved. To attempt to unmask them would be to call sympathy to their side.

Great efforts will be made by those who suppose their own wisdom to be supreme, in exactly the same lines on which Satan worked, and which caused so much mischief in the paradise of God. The very same principles are revealed and upheld to-day. When a man is elected to a position of trust, to preside over important interests, large and broad, or over interests of less extent, but still important, Satan stirs up the minds of those who are selfish, who are not consecrated to God's service, who have not an eye single to his glory. He fills their hearts with the spirit of criticizing and accusing. If they think that they are not especially favored, they will talk of the mistakes and errors of the one against whom they are working. This step taken, Satan, whose special business it is to create alienation and strife, will place the matter before these persons in a most deceiving way, and they will bring against those in positions of trust the most unjust charges, in order to discourage and destroy God's servants.

Satan's representations against the government of God, and his defense of those who sided with him, were a constant accusation against God. His murmurings and complaints were groundless; and yet God allowed him to work out his theory. God could have destroyed Satan and all his sympathizers as easily as one can pick up a pebble and cast it to the earth. But by so doing he would have given a precedent for the exercise of force. All the compelling power is found only under Satan's government. The Lord's principles are not of this order. He would not work on this line. He would not give the slightest encouragement for any human being to set himself up as God over another human being, feeling at liberty to cause him physical or mental suffering. This principle is wholly of Satan's creation.

The principles of the character of God were the foundation of the education constantly kept before the heavenly angels. These principles were goodness, mercy, and love. Self-evidencing light was to be recognized and freely accepted by all who occupied positions of trust and power. They must accept God's principles, and, through the presentation of truth and righteousness, convince all who were in his service. This was the only power to be used. Force must never come in. All who thought that their position gave them power to command their fellow beings, and control conscience, must be deprived of their position; for this is not God's plan.

These principles are to be the foundation of education in God's church to-day. The rules given by him are to be observed and respected. God has enjoined this. His government is moral. Nothing is to be done by compulsion. Truth is to be the prevailing power. . All service is to be done willingly, and for the love of God. All who are honored with positions of influence are to represent God; for when officiating, they are in the place of God. In everything their actions must correspond to the importance of their position. The higher the position the more distinctly will self-sacrifice be revealed if they are fit for the office. Every heart that is controlled by these principles will be loyal. But when those who profess to be God's service resort to accusation, they are adopting Satan's principles to cast out Satan; and this never will work.

In the councils of heaven it was decided that principles must be acted upon that would not at once destroy Satan's power; for it was God's purpose to place things upon an eternal basis of security. Time must be given for Satan to develop the principles which were the foundation of his government. The heavenly universe must see worked out the principles which Satan declared were superior to God's principles. God's order must be contrasted with Satan's order. The corrupting principles of Satan's rule must be revealed. The principles of righteousness expressed in God's law must be demonstrated as unchangeable, perfect, eternal.

The Lord saw the use Satan was making of his powers, and he set before him truth in contrast with falsehood. Time and time again during the controversy, Satan was ready to be convinced, ready to admit that he was wrong. But those he had deceived were also ready to accuse him of leaving them. What should he do?--submit to God, or continue in a course of deception? He chose to deny truth, to take refuge in misstatements and fraud.

The Lord allowed Satan to go on, and demonstrate his principles. God did reveal that his principles were right, and he carried the worlds unfallen and the heavenly universe with him; but it was at a terrible cost. His only begotten Son was given up as Satan's victim. The Lord Jesus Christ revealed a character entirely opposite to that of Satan. As the high priest laid aside his gorgeous, pontifical robes, and officiated in the white linen dress of a common priest, so Christ emptied himself, and took the form of a servant, and offered the sacrifice, himself the priest himself the victim.

By causing the death of the Sovereign of heaven, Satan defeated his own purpose. The death of the Son of God made the death of Satan unavoidable. He was allowed to go on until his administration was laid open before the worlds unfallen and before the heavenly universe. By shedding the blood of the Son of God, he uprooted himself from the affections of the unfallen beings. He was seen by all to be a liar, a thief, and a murderer.

God sees that the same course of action is being pursued the world over. Men and women come to the place where the road diverges; it is either right or wrong. Thousands upon thousands clothe themselves in what they suppose to be an impenetrable disguise, and choose the wrong. An attempt to make their course plain to others by abrupt disclosures would only cause a larger number to choose the side of wrong. Thus the wrong-doers would be sustained, and many souls would be ruined.

To-day Satan is working upon human minds by his crooked principles. These will be adopted and acted upon by some who claim to be loyal and true to God's government. How shall we know that they are disloyal and untrue?--"By their fruits ye shall know them." God does not force any one. He leaves all free to choose. But he says, "By their fruits ye shall know them." The Lord will not write as wise those who cannot distinguish between a tree that bears thorn-berries and a tree that bears olives.

Individually, we are deciding our eternal destiny, deciding whether we shall enjoy the highest honor that can be given to man, even an eternal weight of glory, or be ranked with Satan by possessing his character, by dishonoring God because we profess to be Christians while misrepresenting Christ. Those who choose to reveal the character of the arch-deceiver identify themselves with him beyond the possibility of a change, because they choose not to see themselves as wrong. This was the course that Satan pursued. -

The Great Controversy [Concluded]

Through dissension and alienation, Satan reaps his harvest of souls. He leads those who are ambitious for money, ambitious to be first, too proud to be anything but the highest, to murmur and complain. These poor souls have not overcome their natural and cultivated tendencies, and they are deceived by Satan, and led into sin. Satan must deceive in order to lead away. "In vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird." Underhand work must be done; a deceptive influence must be exerted; pretenses must be set forth as truth; suspicion must be lulled to sleep. Satan clothes temptation and sin with the garments of righteousness, and by this deception he wins many to his side. Christ pronounced him a liar and a murderer. O that unwary souls would learn wisdom from Christ!

As the end draws near, Satan will stir up minds, in proportion to their capabilities and knowledge, to sow seeds which will produce a harvest that they will not care to garner. He works in so deceiving a way that he himself is not detected, and then he reaps the benefit of the disaffection shown by those whom he has tempted. He is all prepared to hurl charges through them against those whom God would have stand stiffly for the truth.

Through apostasy, fallen men and fallen angels are in the same confederacy, leagued to work against good. They are united in a desperate companionship. Through his evil angels, Satan contrives to form an alliance with professedly pious men, and thus he leaves the church of God. He knows that if he can induce men, as he induced the angels, to join in rebellion, under the guise of servants of God, he will have in them his most successful allies in his enterprise against heaven. Under the name of godliness, he can inspire them with his own accusing spirit, and lead them to charge God's servants with evil and guile. They are his trained detectives; their work is to create feuds, to make charges which create discord and bitterness among brethren, to set tongues in active service for Satan, to sow seeds of dissension by watching for evil, and by speaking of that which will create discord.

I beseech all who engage in the work of murmuring and complaining because something has been said or done that does not suit them, and that does not, as they think, give them due consideration, to remember that they are carrying on the very work begun in heaven by Satan. They are following in his track, sowing unbelief, discord, and disloyalty; for no one can entertain feelings of disaffection, and keep them to himself. He must tell others that he is not treated as he should be. Thus they are led to murmur and complain. This is the root of bitterness springing up, whereby many are defiled.

Thus Satan works to-day through his evil angels. He confederates with men who claim to be in the faith; and those who are trying to carry forward the work of God with fidelity, having no man's person in admiration, working without hypocrisy and partiality, will have just as severe trials brought against them as Satan can bring through those who claim to love God. Proportionate to the light and knowledge these opposers have is Satan's success. The root of bitterness strikes deep, and is communicated to others. Thus many are defiled. Their statements are confused and untruthful, their principles are unscrupulous, and Satan finds in them the very helpers he needs.

The only remedy for our churches, for our families, and for individuals, is entire conformity to the will and character of God. Unless God shall work through the two olive-trees, his witnesses, causing them to empty from themselves the golden oil through the golden tubes into the golden bowl, and hence to the burning lamps, representing the church, no one will be safe for a moment from the machinations of Satan. He will, if possible, deprave human nature, and assimilate it to his own corrupt principles. But this golden oil will revive the Spirit of God in the heart of man. A Christlike principle will be introduced which will be like leaven. Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, satanic agencies will be overcome.

Envy and jealousy are diseases which disorder all the faculties of the being. They originated with Satan in paradise. He started on the track of apostasy, and his jealous spirit caused him to see many things that were objectionable, even in heaven. After he fell, he envied Adam and Eve their innocence. He tempted them to sin, and they yielded, and became like himself, disloyal to God. But they repented of their sin, received Christ, and returned to their loyalty. So the enemy tempts men and women to-day. Those who listen to his voice will demerit others, and will misrepresent and falsify in order to build up themselves. But nothing that defiles can enter heaven, and unless those who cherish this; spirit are changed, they can never enter there for they would criticize the angels. They would envy another's crown. They would not know what to talk of unless they could bring up the imperfections and errors of others. O that such would become changed by beholding Christ! O that they would become meek and lowly by learning of him! Then they would go forth, not as missionaries for Satan, to cause disunion and alienation, to bruise and mangle character, but as missionaries for Christ, to be peacemakers and to restore. Let the Holy Spirit come in and expel this unholy passion, which cannot survive in heaven. Let it die; let it be crucified. Open the heart to the attributes of Christ, who was holy, harmless, undefiled.

Jesus said to his disciples, "Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees." His voice comes sounding down the line to our time, "Beware of that misrepresenting tongue, which is not content unless leagued with the disaffected, those who are tempted to think they have been misused." Self, self, self, is the theme of all such. They become envious and jealous, and Satan helps them, putting his magnifying-glass before their eyes until a mote looks to them like a mountain. With a beam in their own eye, they are very anxious to pull the mote out of their brother's eye. But the word of God exhorts, "Love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous." True moral worth does not seek to make a place for itself by thinking and speaking evil, by depreciating others. All envy, all jealousy, all evil-speaking, with all unbelief, must be put away from God's children.

Genuine conversion is needed, not once in years, but daily. This conversion brings man into a new relation with God. Old things, his natural passions and hereditary and cultivated tendencies to wrong, pass away, and he is renewed and sanctified. But this work must be continual; for as long as Satan exists, he will make an effort to carry on his work. He who strives to serve God will encounter a strong undercurrent of wrong. His heart needs to be barricaded by constant watchfulness and prayer, or else the embankment will give way; and like a mill-stream, the undercurrent of wrong will sweep away the safeguard. No renewed heart can be kept in a condition of sweetness without the daily application of the salt of the word. Divine grace must be received daily, or no man will stay converted.

The sufferings of the Redeemer, in his life and in his death, make it possible for man to return to his loyalty, and become refined and elevated. As his substitute and surety, Christ elevates man, and brings his mind into sympathy with the divine mind. Through faith, that faith that works by love and purifies the soul from all moral defilement, we may overcome every evil trait of character. By accepting the provision made for us, we may represent the character of Christ. Thus we are identified with the Son of God, being one with him as he is one with his Father. So we may overcome the enemy who would lead us away from our loyalty. We may become more than conquerors through him that loved us.

Cain and Abel are given us in Bible history to represent the two orders in humanity. Abel was faithful and loyal to God, and he was preferred by the Lord. Cain was disloyal; he wished his own ideas to prevail. Abel protested against these principles as disloyal. But as the eldest, Cain thought that his methods and plans should have the supremacy. It made him very angry that Abel would not concede to his views, and his anger burned so hotly that he killed his brother. Here the two principles of right and wrong are developed.

The firmness manifested by Daniel must be shown by all God's children. All temptations to depart from pure and holy principles must be unhesitatingly rejected. There must be a firm adherence to right principles. As a people we are to stand unmoved by all Satan's delusions, even though he come as an angel of light. Thus we may constantly contend for the faith once delivered to the saints.

Test and trial will come to every soul that loves God. The Lord does not work a miracle to prevent this ordeal of trial, to shield his people from the temptations of the enemy. If they are tempted severely, it is because circumstances have been so shaped by the apostasy of Satan that temptations are permitted. Characters are to be developed that will decide the fitness of the human family for the heavenly home,--characters that will stand through the pressure of unfavorable circumstances in private and public life, and that will, under the severest temptations, through the grace of God grow brave and true, be firm as a rock to principle, and come forth from the fiery ordeal, of more value than the golden wedge of Ophir. God will endorse, with his own superscription, as his elect, those who possess such characters.

All who love God and are loyal to his government, will be tempted to change leaders. But God has said, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me." "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength." The Lord accepts no half-hearted service. He demands the whole man. Religion is to be brought into every phase of life, carried into labor of every kind. The whole being is to be under God's control. We must not think that we can take supervision of our own thoughts. They must be brought into captivity to Christ. Self cannot manage self; it is not sufficient for the work. Whoever tries to do this will be worsted. God alone can make and keep us loyal. -

"Do we keep before our minds as a fact that every endowment of sense and reason and intuition belongs to the undying fulness of our nature, and that we shall carry all these, with their fruits of use and misuse, before the judgment-seat of God?"

Ye Are the Light of the World

The Lord has made his people the depositaries of sacred truth. He has set them on an elevated position, above the world. He declares of them: "Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." And again he says: "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid."

Upon every individual who has had the light of present truth devolves the duty of developing that truth on a higher scale than it has hitherto been developed. The Lord will hold us accountable for the influence we might have exerted, and did not because we did not earnestly try to understand our accountability in this world. We need not think that because we are only a tiny light, we need not be particular about shining. The great value of our light lies in its shining amid the moral darkness of the world,--in shining not to please and glorify ourselves, but to honor God. If we are doing service for God, and our work corresponds to the ability God has given us, that is all he expects of us.

"And the angel that talked with me came again, and waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep, and said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof: and two olive-trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof. So I answered and spake to the angel that talked with me, saying, What are these, my lord? Then the angel that talked with me answered and said unto me, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord. Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of Hosts. . . . Then answered I, and said unto him, What are these two olive-trees upon the right side of the candlestick and upon the left side thereof? And I answered again, and said unto him, What be these two olive branches which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves? And he answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord. Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the side of the Lord of the whole earth."

We know that the lamps which give us light have no light in themselves. They cannot fill themselves. So the holy appointed ones must empty the golden oil into the golden tubes. And the heavenly fire, when applied, makes them burning and shining lights. Our hearts cannot shed light on others unless there is a vital connection with heaven. This alone can make them burn steadily with holy, unselfish love for Jesus and for all who are the purchase of his blood. And unless we are constantly replenished with the golden oil, the flame will die out. Unless the love of God is an abiding principle in our hearts, our light will cease.

"Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." The tiniest lamp, kept replenished with the golden oil, and sending forth its bright beams to dispel the darkness, is of far more value than the large lamp which flashes with brilliancy for a time, then sputters and goes out, leaving souls in darkness to stumble along as best they can. It is the golden oil, emptied by the heavenly messengers into the golden tubes, to be conducted into the golden bowl, that creates a continuous bright and shining light. It is the love of God continually transferred to man that keeps him a bright and shining light for God. Then he can communicate the light of truth to all who are in the darkness of error and sin.

The golden oil is not manufactured by any human skill. It is the unseen power of the heavenly messengers who wait before the throne of God to communicate to all who are in darkness, that they may diffuse heaven's light. Into the hearts of those united to God by faith, his golden oil of love flows freely, to flow forth again in good works, in real, heartfelt service for God. These souls become a blessing to their fellow men, and thus are enabled to shine.

We see children, they may be brothers and sisters, who, if they chance to be pleased, and circumstances are all favorable for them, are in good spirits, kind and courteous. But wait until something comes that does not please them. Then see how passion is expressed in the voice and attitude. Where now is the cheerfulness, the love, the true Christian politeness? Instead of these graces, the countenances express hatred.

God can look upon these things only with grief and sadness, even in inexperienced children. But when these objectionable attributes are manifested in grown-up children,--when those who have come to years of maturity, who have had great light and knowledge and experience, act like children in their fits of malice,--it is a sad thing. They are piercing Christ afresh, and putting him to open shame. Satan and his confederate angels point to those who profess to be the children of God, but who, by their disposition and attributes, show that they are after the similitude of the apostate, and taunt Christ and the heavenly angels. How long shall we thus crucify the Son of God afresh, so that God will be ashamed to call us his sons and daughters? Is it not time that we put away childish things? Shall we be of the number who are ever learning, and never able to come to a knowledge of the truth?

God admonishes his people: "Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, as new-born babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby." "Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: and be ye kind one to another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savor."

The sin of much talking is not small. Words bitter as gall may be spoken in the heat of satanic passion; but when the sin is realized, why is it not acknowledged? It may be that some have cultivated a spirit of evil surmising, and have communicated their suppositions to others. But those whose hearts are right with God will say: I cannot hear these evil reports. If you know evil of your brethren and sisters, go to them, in the spirit of Christ, and talk it over with them. Get it out of the way. Let no flaw in your speech, no defect in your spirit, break the friendship and love which Christ has enjoined upon you to cultivate. "A word fitly spoken," says the wise man, "is like apples of gold in pictures of silver."

Christ used leaven to illustrate this spirit of evil surmising and evil thinking. As the leaven spreads through the meal in which it is hidden, so will the leaven of evil surmising and malice pervert the entire being--thoughts, actions, and character--where it is received. Of this leaven, he bids his followers beware. Again, he uses leaven to illustrate the gospel of the kingdom. With this leaven, the word of God, true goodness, righteousness, and peace are introduced. This brings the entire affections into conformity to the mind and will of God. Wherever it goes, the leaven of truth makes a change in mind and heart. The entire character is transformed. All who will receive into the heart the truth as it is in Jesus, will reveal its leavening power. When the kingdom of heaven is established in the heart, the whole character is conformed to the character of Christ; for the truth is a life-giving principle. The power of God is working, like the leaven, no subdue the entire being. Even the thoughts are brought into captivity to the will of Christ. "If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things have become new."

As the leaven, though hidden in the flour, and deposited only in one place, brings all surrounding it under the leavening process, so the working of truth continues secretly, silently, steadily, to pervade all the faculties of the soul. And there is sure to follow a holy influence. A consistency will run through the whole life, showing it to be a work of the heart.

Christ taught a similar truth by the parable of the grain of mustard seed, saying: "The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof."

The word of truth should ever be in mind and heart, that those who believe the truth may be prepared to speak a word in season. To sow the seed of truth by a few well-chosen words, may appear to be but a small beginning; but that word, spoken from the heart, may take root, spring up, and bear an abundant harvest of truth. In ourselves we can do nothing. We are all weak; but if we make the most of the Lord's entrusted talent, his divine power will give us efficiency.

There are many whose sphere of influence seems narrow; their abilities are limited, their opportunities are few, their knowledge is small; yet if they will let the peace of God rule in their hearts, they may do more than those who have naturally greater capabilities, but who trust to their own efficiency. It is "not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of Hosts." The strength and talents belong to God; and who can estimate the great work that may be done in the sowing of the gospel seed? It will be as the morsel of leaven hidden in the meal.

And what changes are wrought, all unknowingly, by the one who tremblingly brings from the storehouse the precious word upon which he has been feeding! The strength is not his own; it is God's. One heart, turned to God and brought under the power of truth through the co-operation of the Holy Spirit, becomes a working agency, a fresh instrument to communicate light. By that one lamp, kept steadily burning, many others will be lighted.

Preach the Word

"But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; and that from a child thou hast known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."

The word of God is like a treasure-house. It is a light that shineth in darkness. It is better to neglect anything of a temporal nature than to neglect to search the Scriptures. God has appointed that through the study of the Bible, important truth shall be communicated to his human agents. My heart aches as I see that even among those who claim to be looking for Christ's appearing in the clouds of heaven, there are those who permit their minds to be taken up with that which is merely fictitious. The world is full of such books, but God has given us a definite work to do, and we are not to turn to side issues, and employ time and workers in selling books that give no light. Christianity is an intensely practical thing, and those who have put on Christ should walk even as he walked. We should be wholly engaged in the work of God. "Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God?"

God does not generally work miracles to advance his truth. If the husbandman neglects to cultivate the soil after sowing his seed, God works no miracle to counteract the sure result of neglect. In the harvest he will find his field barren. God works according to great principles which he has presented to the human family, and it is our part to mature wise plans, and set in operation the means whereby God shall bring about certain results. Those who make no decided effort, but simply wait for the Holy Spirit to compel them to action, will perish in darkness. We would ask those who are waiting for a miracle, What means have been tried which God has placed within your reach? We would ask those who are hoping for some supernatural work to be done, who simply say, "Believe, believe," Have you submitted yourself to the revealed command of God? The Lord has said, "Thou shalt," and, "Thou shalt not." Let all study the parable of the talents, and realize that to every man God has given his work,--to every man he has entrusted his talents, that by exercising his ability, he may increase his efficiency. You are not to sit still, and do nothing in the work of God. There is work, earnest work, to be done for the Master in overcoming evil habits that are condemned in the word of God, and in doing those good things that are there commanded. Individually, you must battle against evil, wrench yourself from all hurtful associations, study God's word, and pray for divine aid to war against the world, the flesh, and the devil. You need daily light from God to fight the good fight of faith.

He who does nothing until he feels especially compelled to do something for God, will never do anything. God has given his word, and is this not sufficient? Can you not hear his voice in his word? If you will use God's appointed means, and diligently search the Scriptures, having a determined purpose to obey the truth, you will know the doctrine whether it be of God; but God will never work a miracle to compel you to see his truth. God, in giving his only begotten Son to die on Calvary's cross, has made it possible for all men to be saved. Christ died for a ruined world, and through the merit of Christ, God has elected that man should have a second trial, a second probation, a second test as to whether he will keep the commandments of God, or walk in the path of transgression, as did Adam. Through an infinite sacrifice, God has made it possible that men shall practise holiness in this life. Those who would ascertain their election for the future life, may ascertain it by their attitude of obedience to the commandments of God. Strong emotions, strong impulses, or desires, for heaven, when listening to a description of the charms of a future life, will no prove that you are elected to sit down with Jesus Christ upon his throne. If you would know the mystery of godliness, you should follow that which has been revealed. The conditions of eternal life have been plainly stated. Jesus says: "If ye love me, keep my commandments. . . . He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. . . . 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's which sent me." Here are the conditions upon which every soul may be elected to eternal life. Your obedience to God's commandments will prove that you are predestinated to a glorious inheritance. You are elected to be laborers together with God, to work in harmony with Christ, to wear his yoke, to lift his burden, and to follow in his footsteps. You have been provided with means whereby you may ascertain what to do to make your calling and election sure. Search the Scriptures, and you will find that not a son or daughter of Adam is elected to be saved in disobedience to God's commandments.

Should God save men in disobedience, after granting them a second probation, putting them to the test in this life, they would fail to regard his authority in the future life. Those who are disloyal to Christ in this world would be disloyal to him in the world to come, and would create a second rebellion in heaven. Men have the history of Adam's disobedience and fall before them, and because of this they should be warned against venturing to transgress the law of God. Jesus Christ has died in order that all men may have a chance to make their calling and election sure; but the standard of righteousness in this gospel age is no less than it was in the days of Adam, and heaven will be the reward of obedience.

The world is making void the law of God, but Christians are elected to faith, loyalty, and sanctification. They are elected to obey the commandments of God, although in so doing they must lift the cross.

The Bible, just as it reads, is to be our guide. Nothing is so calculated to enlarge the mind and strengthen the intellect as the study of the Bible. No other study will so elevate the soul and give vigor to the faculties as the study of the living oracles. The minds of thousands of ministers of the gospel are dwarfed because they are permitted to dwell upon commonplace things, and are not exercised in searching for the hidden treasure of the word of God. As the mind is brought to the study of God's word, the understanding will enlarge, and the higher powers will develop for the comprehension of high and ennobling truth. It is according to the character of the matter with which the mind becomes familiar that it is dwarfed or enlarged. If the mind is not raised up to make vigorous and persistent effort in seeking to comprehend truth by comparing scripture with scripture, it will surely become contracted and lose its tone. We should set our minds to the task of searching for truths that do not lie directly upon the surface.

Ministers who are teaching Bible truths for this time are bearing to the people a message of a most solemn character, and they need to discipline the mind in order that they may comprehend the grand theme of redemption. They should understand from what man is to be redeemed, and how he is to be brought back to the paradise of God. It was through disobedience that men fell; but will continued disobedience make him acceptable to God? Will continual transgression make him a fit subject of heaven? Let ministers preach the word of God. "I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine." Ministers are not to preach men's opinions, not to relate anecdotes, get up theatrical performances, not to exhibit self; but as though they were in the presence of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, they are to preach the word. Let them not bring levity into the work of the ministry, but let them preach the word in a manner that will leave a most solemn impression upon those who hear. Let them not present their own ideas and fanciful notions as God's word, but let them present the pure word of God, in all sincerity.

Paul mentions some ministers who wrest the Scriptures, but when they shall appear before the Judge of all the earth to answer for their work, they will wish that they had not handled the word of God deceitfully. The Lord's faithful ministers will heed the injunction given to Timothy, "Be instant in season, out of season." "They will seize opportunities in season at their appointments, and out of season when in private places by the wayside, or in families where they shall visit. Through personal labor they will press the truth home upon the conscience with all earnestness, declaring in fervency of spirit that, if heeded, it will work man's salvation, and if neglected, his condemnation. They must not only warn men, but reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine. Many, many opportunities are unimproved because ministers consider the occasion as one out of season; but even under forbidding circumstances, the Lord may fasten the word of truth into the conscience of the hearer. "In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good."

Satan can furnish men with endless excuses and evasions to cause them to neglect the duty of speaking words of warning to those who are erring, and of presenting the truth as it is in Jesus to souls who are perishing. The minister who loves to sermonize will be in danger of preaching to a great length, as though a multitude of words was all-essential, and thus he will become so weary that he will have neither disposition nor strength to engage in personal effort when he has an opportunity of coming heart to heart with his hearers. The minister should be ready to open the Bible, and according as circumstances shall require, read reproof, rebuke, warning, or comfort to those who listen. He should teach the truth, rightly dividing the word, suiting out portions that will be as meat in due season to those with whom he associates. Too many ministers neglect to deal faithfully with those with whom they come in contact. They leave plain dealing to be done by other ministers: for they do not want to run the risk of losing the friendship of those for whom they labor. If ministers would deal at the right time with those who err, they would prevent an accumulation of wrong, and save souls from death. If the work of reproving is neglected by one minister, and taken up by another, those who are reproved, receive the impression that the minister who did not point out their errors was a good minister. But this is not the case; he was merely a preacher, not a worker together with God for the suppression of sin. In the meekness of Jesus, you should do the work which will gave full proof of your ministry. You should show a heartfelt sorrow for sin, but manifest no unholy passion in reproving the error. All your efforts must be made with long-suffering and doctrine; and if you see but meager results of your work, do not be discouraged. This experience will call for the manifestation of long-suffering and patience. Keep working, be discreet, be discerning, understand when to speak and when to keep silence.

Paul charged Timothy to "preach the word," but there was yet another part to be done,--"to reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine." This work cannot be neglected with safety. Ministers must be instant in season and out of season, watching for souls as they that must give an account. They must exercise great carefulness. Watch in all things, watch for the devices of Satan, lest you be beguiled from doing the disagreeable part of the work. Difficulties must not intimidate or discourage you. Having well-balanced minds and established characters, meet the difficulties, and in overcoming them gain a rich experience. Do the work of an evangelist,--water and cultivate the seed already sown. When a new church has been raised up, it should not be left destitute of help. The minister should develop the talent in the church, that meetings may be profitably kept up. Timothy was commanded to go from church to church, as one who should do this kind of work, and build up the churches in the most holy faith. He was to do the work of an evangelist, and this is an even more important work than that of the ministers. He was to preach the word, but he was not to be settled over one church.

Be determined that you will not shun the disagreeable part of the work, and by unfaithfulness be a partner to the ruin of some human soul. If we are Christians indeed, we shall have in us the spirit of Him who died for the perishing. We shall love the erring and the sinner too well to flatter him, and thus encourage him in his course of wrong-doing. We must watch for souls as they that must give an account. We must be sure that we display that love that is holy and sanctified, not that favor which savors of sentimentalism. There is an abundance of this counterfeit current in the world; but it is not current with God. We must unfurl the banner which the Eternal has given to us to be displayed in the world. If we are true to God in minor matters, we shall have a holy boldness when we are called upon to make wise decisions, and shall be enabled to have a close walk with God, and be laborers together with God. -

Judas

The history of Judas presents before us the sad ending of the life of a man who might have been honored of God. By co-operating with Christ, not mechanically, but with heart and soul, Judas might have obtained victory after victory. He was trusted by his fellow disciples, and by his Master he was given a special work to do for the church. He understood the Scriptures, and at times seemed to have large discernment to take in the meaning of the word of God. He could present the words of the Old-Testament Scriptures in an acceptable manner. He had keen perceptive powers, a retentive memory, and was able to communicate the word to others. Had he been a doer of the word, he would have had grace and power from Christ to apply that word to his own soul. Possessing appropriating faith, he would, under the influence of light, have appreciated the presence of the Spirit, would have consecrated his heart, and would have received the seal of oneness with Christ.

But Judas stopped short of this. He had not received Christ as his personal Saviour. He did not think that his character needed the transforming grace of Christ. In many respects he acted as Christ's disciple. He manifested an interest in his work, and in a certain sense believed on him. But Christ read beneath the surface. He saw the true inwardness of the heart. He knew that Judas was not converted. He was not a true son of God. He had not lost something he once possessed. He had never experienced the soul cleansing, the change of character, that constitutes conversion.

Judas had valuable qualities, but there were some traits in his character that would have to be cut away before he could be saved. He must be born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible. His great hereditary and cultivated tendency to evil was covetousness. And by practise this became a habit which he carried into all his trading. His economical habits developed a parsimonious spirit, and became a fatal snare. Gain was his measurement of a correct religious experience, and all true righteousness became subordinate to this. Christlike principles of uprightness and justice had no room in his life practises.

When Judas first united with the twelve, he manifested a spirit subordinate to his Master. He loved the great Teacher. He had listened to the parables illustrating the gospel of the kingdom of God, and he desired to be with the man whose teaching he knew to be superior to anything he had ever heard, although it was condemnatory of all pretense, hypocrisy, and avarice. There came to him a desire to be changed in spirit and inclination, and he hoped to experience this by connecting himself with Christ. Yes; in the companionship of Christ, Judas might have found continual strength and aid; he might have co-operated with Christ in overcoming temptation, instead of yielding to the suggestions of Satan.

Knowing that he was being corrupted by covetousness, Christ gave him the privilege of hearing many precious lessons. He heard Christ laying down the principles which all must possess who would enter his kingdom. He was given every opportunity to receive Christ as his personal Saviour, but he refused this gift. He would not yield his way and will to Christ. He did not practise that which was contrary to his own inclinations; therefore his strong avaricious spirit was not corrected. While he continued a disciple in outward form, and while in the very presence of Christ, he appropriated to himself means that belonged to the Lord's treasury.

Several of the disciples were looked upon by Judas as very deficient. They would not see their opportunities, and take advantage of circumstances. The church, he thought, would never prosper with such short-sighted men. Peter was so impetuous; he would move without consideration. John, who was gathering the power of the truths that fell from the lips of Christ and bringing them into the sanctuary of the soul, was looked upon by Judas as a p poor financier, one who could not keep the church free from financial embarrassment. Matthew, who had had an education which qualified him for accuracy in all his undertakings, was very definite and particular in regard to honesty. He was ever contemplating the words of Christ, and became so absorbed in them that he could not be trusted to do sharp, far-seeing business. Thus Judas summed up all the disciples, and flattered himself that the church would often be brought into perplexity and embarrassment if it were not for his managing ability. Judas thought himself the capable one, who would not allow himself to be cheated in a bargain. In his own estimation he was an honor to the cause, and as such he always represented himself.

Christ's last journey to Jerusalem, whither he went with his disciples to attend the Passover feast, was a fatal one for Judas. Not that it needed to be thus, but he himself made it so by his own course of action. The dissensions which frequently arose among the disciples as to which of them should be greatest, were generally created by Judas. On this occasion this spirit led to the request of James and John that one might sit at the right hand of Christ, and the other on his left, in his kingdom. But Christ taught them that those who were nearest to their Lord in position, were not of special consequence; that those who would bring Christ into the heart as an abiding presence would not selfishly seek the highest position in personal relation to him.

Thus it is with Christians to-day. Those who, in the spirit and love of Jesus, become one with him, will be in close fellowship one with another, bound together by the silken cords of love. Then the ties of human brotherhood will not be always on the strain, ready at any provocation to snap asunder. "All ye are brethren," will be the sentiment of every child of faith. When the followers of Christ are one with him, there will be no first and last, no less respected or less important ones. A blessed brotherly fellowship will bind all to Christ in a firm loyalty that cannot be broken.

The turn that affairs had taken at the feeding of the five thousand had dissatisfied Judas. It was he who had set on foot the project to take Christ by force and make him king. But Christ, with greater authority than he was in the custom of exercising, had rebuked this step. This had provoked Judas, and he became more and more separated from Jesus.

If Judas had practised the lessons of Christ, he would have surrendered to Christ, he would have consecrated his heart fully to God; but his confused experience was misleading him. When with the disciples, he introduced controversies, doubts, and misleading sentiments, repeating the objections that the scribes and Pharisees urged when questioning the claims of Christ. He did this at first in order to develop his reasoning powers; but the more he gave expression to the unbelieving remarks made, the more he turned them over in his mind, the more doubt and unbelief came in.

All the little and large troubles and crosses, the difficulties and hindrances to the advancement of the gospel, Judas interpreted as being evidences against its truthfulness. He would introduce texts of Scripture that had no connection with the themes of truth that Jesus was seeking to impress upon the minds and hearts of his disciples. And these texts, separated from their connection, and placed where they had no appropriate bearing and force, confused their minds and increased the discouragements that were constantly pressing in with the suggestions of the scribes and Pharisees. The sayings of the Pharisees also were so used by him to encourage unbelief, and lessen the force of truth upon the minds of the disciples, that Jesus declared of him that he had a devil. Yet all this was done by Judas in such a way as to give the impression that he was conscientious. And while the disciples were searching for evidence to confirm the words of the great Teacher, Judas would lead them almost imperceptibly on another track. Thus in a very religious and apparently wise way he was presenting matters in a different light from that in which Jesus had given them, and attaching to his words a meaning that he never intended to convey.

The disciples did not see in this the working of the enemy; but Jesus saw that the mind of Judas was open to questionings, doubt, and unbelief which had more or less influence on the other disciples, and that in this way, Satan was communicating his attributes to Judas, and opening up a direct channel through which to work.

If all could understand the deep trials and discouragements that came to the human nature of Christ in his mission, verily human hearts would draw nigh to the human heart of Jesus. The old nature of the disciples often appeared. Often their natural characteristics strove for the mastery. But Jesus was ever presenting before them that these must be given up, emptied from the soul, that he might implant a new nature therein.

That Judas, with all his faults and defects of character, was numbered among the twelve, is an instructive lesson, one by the study of which Christians may be profited. God takes men as they are, with the human element in their character, and then trains them for his service if they will be disciplined and learn of him. When Judas was chosen by the Lord, his case was not hopeless. He had some good qualities. In his association with Christ in the work, by listening to his discourses, he had a favorable opportunity to see his wrongs, to become acquainted with his defects of character, if he really desired to be a true disciple. He was even placed in a position where he could have his choice either to develop his covetous disposition or to see and correct it.

Judas might have been benefited by these lessons, had he possessed a desire to be right at heart; but his acquisitiveness overcame him, and the love of money became a ruling power. Through indulgence, he permitted this trait in his character to grow and take so deep a root that it crowded out the good seed of truth sown in his heart. But the fact that Judas was not right at heart, that he was corrupted by selfishness and love of money, is no evidence that there are not true Christians, genuine disciples, who love their Saviour and try to imitate his life and example. There will ever be some who do not live out their profession, whose daily lives show them to be anything but Christians. But those who, in the love of God, desire to do his will, will manifest the same in their lives. The more man views his Saviour, the more will he become assimilated to his image, and work the works of Christ.

Judas [Concluded]

The love of money grew in the heart of Judas with the exercise of his shrewd abilities. His practical financiering ability, if exercised, enlightened, and molded by the Holy Spirit, would have been of great service to the little church; and by the sanctification of his spirit, he would have had a clear insight, a correct discernment to appreciate heavenly things. But worldly policy plans were constantly cherished by Judas. There was no outbreaking sin on his part; but his sharp scheming, the selfish, parsimonious spirit that took possession of him, finally led him to sell his Lord for a small sum of money.

He might have obtained a larger sum; but Satan had impressed upon his mind that Christ, who had so often defeated the purposes of the scribes and Pharisees, would not suffer himself to be taken. How often he had seen the scribes and Pharisees, as Jesus taught them the truth in parables, carried away with the striking figures presented! When questions were given for their decision, they pronounced judgment against themselves, condemning the course they themselves were pursuing. How often when Christ had made the application of the word to their hearts, and showed that they were the ones whose course he was illustrating, the plain truth sent home enraged them, and in their mortification and madness they had taken up stones to cast at the world's Redeemer! Again and again he would have been killed had it not been for the heavenly angels who attended him and guarded his life until the time when the case of the Jews as a nation should be decided. This human life must be kept by the power of God until his day of work was ended.

If Christ could escape so many snares set to destroy him, thought Judas, he certainly would not allow himself to be taken by the scribes, the Pharisees, and the Sadducees; and he decided to put the matter to the test, and bring the crisis. He, Judas, would act his part in selling his Lord, and the priests would be cheated out of their money. If Christ really were the Son of God, the Messiah, the people for whom he had done so much in relieving them from the oppressive power of Satan, would rally, and come to his assistance. Then he, Judas, would have the credit of having placed him on David's throne. This would forever settle many minds that were now in such uncertainty. And this act would place him as first, next to Christ, in the new kingdom.

There are two kinds of experience,--the external showing and the inward working. The divine and the human were at work in the character of Judas. Satan was working the human, Christ the divine. Jesus longed to see Judas rise to his appointed privileges. He had the privilege of being conformed to the image of Christ's character. This regeneration, this new birth, would have come to him through a vital connection with Christ. The Saviour's abiding presence would have been to him a daily renewal of consecration and progressive sanctification of the entire man. But the human side of the character of Judas was confused with his religious sentiments, and was treated by him as essential. By taking this view of things, he left an open door for Satan to enter and take possession of him.

When unbelief and envy are allowed even utterance, they become agents to expel calm, living, trusting faith. Truth is misunderstood, and perverted to mean error. Evidence might be piled upon evidence, but Satan is close at hand to see that the word spoken shall be misapplied, and become a matter of suspicion and distrust. How careful, then, should every person be that he does no despite to the Spirit of grace!

Those who resist the Spirit of God, and provoke him to depart, know not to what lengths Satan will lead them. When the Holy Spirit departs from the man, he will imperceptibly do those things which once he viewed, in a correct light, to be decided sin. Unless he heeds the warnings, he will wrap himself in a deception that, as in the case of Judas, will cause him to become a traitor and blind. He will follow, step by step in the footsteps of Satan. Who, then, can strive with him to any purpose? Will the ministers plead with him and for him? All their words are as idle tales. Such souls have Satan as their chosen companion, to misconstrue the word spoken, and bring it to their understanding in a perverted light. When the Spirit of God is grieved away, every appeal made through the Lord's servants is meaningless to them. They will misconstrue every word. They will laugh at and turn into ridicule the most solemn words of Scripture warnings, which, if they were not bewitched by satanic agencies, would make them tremble. Every appeal made to them is in vain. They will not hear reproof or counsel. They despise all the entreaties of the Spirit, and disobey the commandments of God which they once vindicated and exalted. Well may the words of the apostle come home to such souls, "Who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth?" They follow the counsel of their own heart until truth is no more truth to them. Barabbas is chosen, Christ is rejected.

It is essential to live by every word of God, else our old nature will constantly reassert itself. It is the Holy Spirit, the redeeming grace of truth in the soul, that makes the followers of Christ one with one another, and one with God. He alone can expel enmity, envy, and unbelief. He sanctifies the entire affections. He restores the willing, desirous soul from the power of Satan unto God. This is the power of grace. It is a divine power. Under its influence there is a change from the old habits, customs, and practises which, when cherished, separate the soul from God; and the work of sanctification goes on in the soul, constantly progressing and enlarging. -

Words of Comfort

While sitting round the communion table, Christ spoke words of intense interest to his disciples. He was soon to pass through scenes that would be to them the severest test. Not only did he see distinctly his own humiliation and suffering, but he saw also the effect that this would have upon the disciples. He would not leave them in darkness regarding his future work. He did not call upon them for sympathy. Words of heavenly sympathy flowed from his lips. His heart was drawn out in love for them; for he knew that they would be grievously disappointed by his crucifixion. He knew that in their sorrow they would be assailed by the enemy; for Satan's craft is most successful when carried on against those who are depressed by difficulties.

"Verily, verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me." Christ gave his disciples an evidence that although Judas had been among them as one of the twelve, although he had been treated with the same tender consideration as were the other disciples, he would betray his Saviour. All the work of Judas was known to Christ; none of his secret, underhand work was concealed from Christ's gaze. By telling Judas that he would betray him, Christ gave another evidence of his divinity.

"Little children, yet a little while I am with you," Christ said. "Ye shall seek me; and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you." Christ reads the hearts of all, and he knew that these words were a great shock to the disciples. In answer to Peter's inquiry, "Lord, whither goest thou?" he said, "Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards. Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake." Peter remembered these words when he himself was crucified. They were indeed fulfilled. After he denied his Lord, he was truly converted; and when he was called up before his persecutors, he remembered his shameful denial, and urged that he be crucified with his head downward. He did die for the Master he loved, and even in the manner of his death, he followed his Lord. During these last sorrowful hours, Christ told his disciples that on the night of his trial, they would all be offended because of him, and that he would be left alone. He told them that for a little while after his death they would be sorrowful, but that their sorrow would be turned into joy. He told them that the time was coming when they would be put out of the synagogues, and that those who killed them would think that they were doing God service. He stated plainly why he told them these things while he was yet with them,--that when his words were fulfilled, they would remember that he had told them of them before they came to pass, and thus be strengthened to believe in him as their Redeemer. In prefiguring his future, he was plain and definite, that in their coming trial, the disciples might know that the Most High would not forget or forsake them, but would send his Spirit to remain with them forever. So Christ manifested his great love and tender compassion.

Christ's statements saddened and amazed the disciples. But they were followed by the comforting assurance: "Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know." For your sake I came into the world. I am working in your behalf. When I go away, I shall still work earnestly for you. I came into the world to reveal myself to you, that you might believe. I go to my Father and yours, to co-operate with him in your behalf. The object of Christ's departure was the opposite of what the disciples feared. It did not mean a final separation from him. He was going to prepare a place for them, that he might come again, and receive them unto himself.

Not only to the disciples, but to us, are these words of comfort spoken. In the last scenes of this earth's history, war will rage. There will be pestilence, plague, and famine. The waters of the deep will overflow their boundaries. Property and life will be destroyed by fire and flood. We should be preparing for the mansions that Christ has gone to prepare for them that love him. There is a rest from earth's conflict. Where is it?--"That where I am, there ye may be also." Heaven is where Christ is. Heaven would not be heaven to those who love Christ if he were not there. Are we individually forming characters that will be meet for the society of Christ and the heavenly angels?

How plain were Christ's words! How simple the language! A child could have understood it. But the disciples were perplexed. Thomas, always troubled by doubts, said: "Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also, and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him."

"I am the way, the truth, and the life." When the apostle Paul, through the revelation of Christ, was converted from a persecutor to a Christian, he declared that he was as one born out of due time. Henceforward Christ was all and in all to him. "For me, to live is Christ," he declared. This is the most perfect interpretation in a few words, in all the Scriptures, of what it means to be a Christian. This is the whole truth of the gospel. Paul understood what many seem unable to comprehend. How intensely in earnest he was! His words show that his mind was centered in Christ, that his whole life was bound up with his Lord. Christ was the author, the support, and the source of his life.

Philip said to Christ, "Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us." He wished Christ to reveal the Father in bodily form; but God had already revealed himself in Christ. The doubt was answered by words of reproof. "Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip?" Christ said. Is it possible that after walking with me, hearing my words, seeing my miracle of feeding the five thousand, of healing the sick of the dread leprosy, of raising Lazarus, whose body had seen corruption, and who was indeed a prey to death, you do not know me? Is it possible that you do not see the Father in the works which he does through me? Do you not believe that I came to testify of the Father? "How sayest thou then, Show us the Father?" "He that hath seen me hath seen the Father." I am the brightness of his glory, the express image of his person. "Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you, I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake."

Christ emphatically impressed on the disciples the fact that they could see the Father by faith only. God cannot be seen in external form by any human being. Christ alone can represent the Father to humanity; and this representation the disciples had been privileged to behold for over three years.

"Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake." Their faith might safely rest on the evidence given in Christ's works,--works that no man ever had done or could do. These wonderful works, so full of convincing power, ought to have removed all prejudice and unbelief from the hearts of the Jews. By raising Lazarus from the dead, Christ had given a proof of his divinity. Through him the Father had been revealed to believers and unbelievers.

If the disciples had believed in this vital connection between the Father and the Son, their faith would not have forsaken them when they saw his suffering and death to save a perishing world. Christ was seeking to lead them from their low condition of faith to the higher experience they might have received had they truly realized what he was,--God in human flesh. He desired them to see that their faith must lead up to God, and be anchored there. How earnestly and perseveringly our compassionate Saviour sought to prepare his disciples for the storm of temptation that was soon to beat about them! He would have had them hid with him in God.

As Christ was speaking these words, the glory of God was shining from his countenance, and all present felt a sacred awe as they listened with rapt attention to his words. They felt that their hearts were more decidedly drawn to him, and as they were drawn to Christ in greater love, they were drawn to one another. They felt that heaven was very near them, and that the words to which they listened were a message to them from their Heavenly Father.

Words of Comfort--No. 2

"Verily, verily, I say unto you," Christ continued, "he that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father." By this Christ did not mean that the disciples would make any more exalted exertion than he had made. He meant that their work would have greater magnitude. He did not refer merely to miracle-working, but to all that would take place under the working of the Holy Spirit. Christ's work was largely confined to Judea. But though his personal ministry did not extend to other lands, people from all nations listened to his teaching, and carried the message to all parts of the world. Many heard of Jesus by hearing of the wonderful miracles that he performed. And the knowledge of his suffering and death, which were to be witnessed by the large number in attendance at the Passover, would be spread from Jerusalem to all parts of the world.

Used as Christ's representatives, the apostles would make a decided impression on all minds. The fact that they were humble men would not diminish their influence, but increase it. The minds of their hearers would be carried from them to the Majesty of heaven, who, though unseen, was still working through them. The teaching of the apostles, their words of trust, would assure all that it was not by their own power they worked, but that they were only continuing the same work carried forward by the Lord Jesus when he was with them. Humbling themselves, they would declare that he whom the Jews had crucified was the Prince of life, the Son of the living God, and that in his name they did the works that he had done.

"Greater works than these shall be do; because I go unto my Father." He would intercede for them, and would send them his own representative, the Holy Spirit, who would attend them in their work. This representative would not appear in human form, but by faith would be seen and recognized by all who should believe in Christ.

"And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it." This promise is given on condition: "If ye love me, keep my commandments." The ten commandments, Thou shalt, and, Thou shalt not, are ten promises secured to us if we render obedience to the law governing the universe. A certain lawyer came to Christ, saying: "Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering, said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live." This is the sum and substance of the law of God. The terms of salvation for every son and daughter of Adam are here outlined. It is plainly stated that the condition of gaining eternal life is obedience to the commandments of God.

The whole universe is under the control of the Prince of life. Fallen man is subject to him. He paid the ransom money for the whole world. All may be saved through him. He calls upon us to obey, believe, receive, and live. He would gather together a church embracing the whole human family, if all would leave the black banner of rebellion, and place themselves under his banner. Those who believe on him, he will present to God as loyal subjects. He is our Mediator as well as our Redeemer. He will defend his chosen followers against Satan's power, and subdue all their enemies. Through him, they will be conquerors, and more than conquerors. Writing to the Ephesians, Paul says: "The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us ward, who believe according to the working of his mighty power, which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places."

"Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand." "I will be as the dew unto Israel: he shall grow as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon. His branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be as the olive-tree, and his smell as Lebanon. They that dwell under his shadow shall return; they shall revive as the corn, and grow as the vine: the scent thereof shall be as the wine of Lebanon. . . . Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the Lord are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein."

Those who dishonor God by transgressing his law may talk sanctification; but it is of the same value, and just as acceptable, as was the offering of Cain. Obedience to the commandments of God is the only true sign of sanctification. Disobedience is the sign of disloyalty and apostasy. "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him." Again, Christ repeated the condition of union with him. This promise is made to every sincere Christian. Our Saviour speaks so plainly that no one need fail to understand that true love will always produce obedience. Obedience is the sign of true love. Christ and the Father are one, and those who in truth receive Christ will love God as the great center of their adoration, and will also love one another; and in so doing they will keep the law.

"And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you." Christ was about to depart to his home in the heavenly courts; but he assured his disciples that he would send them the Comforter, who would abide with them forever. To the guidance of this Comforter, all may implicitly trust. He is the Spirit of truth; but this truth the world can neither see nor receive.

Christ gave his followers a positive promise that after his ascension he would send them his Spirit. "Go ye therefore," he said, "and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father [a personal God], and of the Son [a personal Prince and Saviour], and of the Holy Ghost [sent from heaven to represent Christ]: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world."

"The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I." This assurance was given to the disciples, to be given to all who should believe on him till the close of this earth's history.

Christ desired his disciples to understand that he would not leave them orphans. "I will not leave you comfortless," he declared; "I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also." Precious, glorious assurance of eternal life! Even though he was to be absent, their relation to him was to be that of a child to its parent.

"At that day," he said, "ye shall know that I am in the Father, and ye in me, and I in you." He sought to impress the minds of the disciples with the distinction between those who are of the world and those who are of Christ. He was about to die, but he desired them to realize that he would live again. And although, after his ascension, he would be absent from them, yet by faith they might see and know him, and he would have the same loving interest in them that he had while with them.

Christ assured his disciples that after his resurrection; he would show himself alive to them. Then every mist of doubt, every cloud of darkness, would be rolled away. They would then understand that which they had not in the past understood,--that there is a complete union between Christ and his Father, a union that will always exist.

The words spoken to the disciples come to us through their words. The Comforter is ours as well as theirs, at all times and in all places, in all sorrows and in all affliction, when the outlook seems dark and the future perplexing, and we feel helpless and alone. These are times when the Comforter will be sent in answer to the prayer of faith.

There is no comforter like Christ, so tender and so true. He is touched with the feeling of our infirmities. His Spirit speaks to the heart. Circumstances may separate us from our friends; the broad, restless ocean may roll between us and them. Though their sincere friendship may still exist, they may be unable to demonstrate it by doing for us that which would be gratefully received. But no circumstances, no distance, can separate us from the heavenly Comforter. Wherever we are, wherever we may go, he is always there, one given in Christ's place, to act in his stead. He is always at our right hand, to speak soothing, gentle words; to support, sustain, uphold, and cheer. The influence of the Holy Spirit is the life of Christ in the soul. This Spirit works in and through every one who receives Christ. Those who know the indwelling of this Spirit reveal its fruit,--love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith. -

The Vine and the Branches

In his lessons, Christ did not aspire to high-flown, imaginary things. He came to teach, in the simplest manner, truths that were of vital importance, that even the class whom he called babes might understand them. And yet, in his simplest imagery, there was a depth and beauty that the most educated minds could not exhaust.

Christ drew his lessons from nature's vast resources, and by this means impressed upon the minds of his hearers truths that are as enduring as eternity. And when he was no longer with them, the precious lessons he had bound up with the things of nature were, through the Holy Spirit's working, revived in the memory of his followers. Every time they looked upon the things of nature around them, these repeated to them the lessons of their Lord.

The vine had often been used as a symbol of Israel; and the lesson Christ now gave his disciples was drawn from this. He might have used the graceful palm to represent himself. The lofty cedar that was towering toward the skies, or the strong oak that spreads its branches and lifts them heavenward, he might have used to represent the stability and integrity of those who are followers of Christ. But instead of this, he took the vine, with its clinging tendrils, to represent himself and his relation to his true believers.

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman."

On the hills of Palestine our Heavenly Father planted a goodly Vine, and he himself was the Husbandman. It had no remarkable form that would at first sight give an impression of its value. It appeared to come up as a root out of a dry ground, and attracted but little attention. But when attention was called to the plant, it was by some declared to be of heavenly origin. The men of Nazareth stood entranced as they saw its beauty; but when they received the idea that it would stand more gracefully and attract more attention than themselves, they wrestled to uproot the precious plant, and cast it over the wall. The men of Jerusalem took the plant, and bruised it, and trampled it under their unholy feet. Their thought was to destroy it forever. But the heavenly Husbandman never lost sight of his plant. After men thought that they had killed it, he took it, and replanted it on the other side of the wall. He hid it from the view of men.

The branches of this Vine were seen by the world; but its stock was not visible. The dry, sapless branches chosen and grafted into this stock have represented the Vine. Fruit has been obtained from them; there has been a harvest that the passers-by have plucked; but the parent stock itself has been hidden from the rude assaults of men.

"Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away," said Christ; "and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit." Every fruitful branch is pruned, that it may bring forth more fruit. Even fruitful branches may display too much foliage, and appear what they really are not. The followers of Christ may be doing some work for the Master, and yet be doing not half what they might do. He then prunes them, because worldliness, self-indulgence, and pride are cropping out in their lives. The husbandmen clip off the surplus tendrils of the vines, thus making them more fruitful. The overgrowth must be cut away, to give room for the healing beams of the Sun of Righteousness.

"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."

This is no casual touch, no off-and-on connection. Every branch that bears fruit is a living representative of the vine; for it bears the same fruit as the vine. But unless it becomes united firmly to the vine stock, fiber by fiber and vein by vein; unless its channels are supplied with the nourishment it receives from the parent stock, the branch becomes a withered stalk, frail and weak, and produces no fruit. Every branch will show whether or not it has life; for where there is life, there is growth. There is a continual communication of the life-giving properties of the vine, and this is demonstrated by the fruit which the branches bear.

As the graft receives life when united to the vine, so the sinner partakes of the divine nature when in connection with Christ. Finite man is united with the infinite God. A vital connection with Christ is essential for spiritual life. The branch must become part of the living Vine. And there is a certainty in his words, "Because I live, ye shall live also." Christ is the source of all true strength. He reveals his grace to all true believers. He imparts to them his own merits in grace and goodness, that they may bear fruit unto holiness. All who are really in Christ will experience the benefit of this union. The Father accepts them in the Beloved, and they become the objects of his solicitude and tender care. This connection with Christ results in the purification of the heart, and in a circumspect life and faultless character. The fruit borne upon the Christian tree is "love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance."

"I am the vine, ye are the branches." Christ would assure his disciples that they do not stand alone; but that just as the vine with its clinging tendrils climbs higher and higher on the trelliswork toward heaven, so may the true believer entwine his tendrils about God, and have support in Christ. He would have them bear in mind that the Father himself stands in exactly the same relation to his children as the Husbandman sustains to the Vine.

"He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned."

The branch grafted into the living vine will testify if it has, fiber by fiber and vein by vein, become one with the parent stock. The life of the vine will become the life of the adopted sapling. Its sap vessels receive of the current flowing through the vine stock, and it will bear much fruit .

Christ is the True Vine; his disciples are the branches in that Vine, and they are one with him. He is the Root, the sustaining life of every believing soul. If his followers abide in him, they will bear his fruits. In union and communion with him, and under his molding influence, they will reveal his character. But the branch that seems to be connected with the Vine--the man who has the appearance of attachment and piety, whose name is registered in the books as a Christian, but who brings forth no fruit--will be separated from the Vine stock. This branch reveals itself to be worthless. After a time its ruin will be apparent. It will be as a branch that is dead, and its end is to be consumed with fire. -

The Vine and the Branches--2

"If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you," Christ continued, "ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you."

Every provision has been made in behalf of the human family. The heavenly treasury is supplied with the goods of heaven for them. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

In Christ is God; and yet he, the Alpha,--the beginning,--the Omega,--the ending,--came as man. In taking upon himself humanity, Christ is related to the whole human family; but to any church this relationship is of no avail without a personal faith,--the identification of the individual heart and mind and soul and strength with Jesus Christ. Christ came to teach that through living faith in him, we may become one with him. And his promise is, "Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out" as branches that are withered and bear no fruit. As the representative of the human family, he came to save all who would make application, with prayer and supplication to, God in his name.

Man has no right to the name of Christian unless he will become Christlike in words, in spirit, and in action. To be a Christian means culture after the divine character of Christ. That mind which was in Christ Jesus cannot be correctly represented by untrained powers, which result in an unfurnished mind. The untrained powers of those who claim to be followers of Christ dishonor him who has paid the price for their redemption. A narrow mind and dwarfed character cannot meet the mind of God. Passion manifested by a professed Christian is a denial of Christ; it gives victory to Satan, and enthrones him in the heart. Such a man gives testimony to the world that Satan has more power over him than has Christ. His words, spirit, and character testify that the molding and fashioning hand of Satan is upon him, making of him a vessel that will dishonor God.

The physical, mental, and moral powers are the endowments of God, and are to be appreciated and cultivated. We are here on probation, in training for the higher life. All heaven is waiting to co-operate with those who will be subordinate to the ways and will of God. God gives grace, and he expects all to use it. He supplies the power if the human mind feels any need or any disposition to receive. He never asks us to do anything without supplying the grace and power to do that very thing. All his biddings are enablings.

"Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples." Here the disciple whose religion is a profession only is distinguished from the true. Christ requires strict fidelity to truth and righteousness. "Let your light so shine before men," he says, "that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." "That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ; being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God."

There must be no lawless deviation from right. Evil passions, envy, evil surmisings, jealousy, accusing of the brethren, cannot be indulged without denying Christ. Christianity must be brought into the life service, as a light kept ever shining, full of vital force. There is no such thing as occupying a neutral position. Each will have given him his work according to his ability.

The living Christ demands self-denial and strong faith. Circumstances are not to rule the life. The child of God, the heir of heaven, cannot drift hither and thither. In his mercy and love for his people, God sends them reproofs and warnings. This is kindness and benevolence on his part. It is an expression of the great love wherewith he hath loved us, that he reveals to us our misconception of his character. He does not want man to spoil himself, and make shipwreck of his faith. He has set before every one who is striving for an immortal crown, the example he is to follow. Every soul must be as a learner in the school of Christ. We shall profit by the searching of the Scriptures, by wearing Christ's yoke and lifting his burdens. Those who learn of Christ will never be anything else than meek and lowly in heart. They will learn their lessons, and give definite expression of them from lips that have no guile. In faith, hope, and charity, they will seek to serve Christ and one another, united in one by holy cords, and fully in harmony with the spirit and mind of Christ.

If we follow in the footstep of Jesus, we shall be obedient to the word. Christ enjoins upon his followers, "As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love." By your course of action show your faith in me, and let the world and the heavenly universe witness your enjoyment of my love. When obedient to my words, you will glorify me. "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love."

In Christ there was a subjection of the human to the divine. He clothed his divinity with humanity, and placed his own person under obedience to divinity. Satan had tempted Adam and Eve to believe that they should be as gods. Christ requires that humanity shall obey divinity. In his humanity, Christ was obedient to all his Father's commandments.

Christ has expressed his love for man in that he has given his life for the ransom of the world. And this love is to measure the love that his disciples shall ever manifest for one another. "These things have I spoken unto you," he says, "that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you." "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another." "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples,"--disciples of Him who laid down his life for them whom he loved. "Ye are my friends," he says, "if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his Lord doeth: but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. These things I command you, that ye love one another."

This chapter is simple in its illustrations, and is one that all may understand. Christ is ever seeking to present before his followers the privileges that are offered to sinful, feeble humanity. He would teach them that only through him can it be restored to healthful growth. We are to bear in mind that the branches in the True Vine are the believers who are brought into oneness by connection with the Vine.

The connection of the branches with one another and with the Vine constitutes them a unity, but this does not mean uniformity in everything. Unity in diversity is a principle that pervades the whole creation. While there is an individuality and variety in nature, there is a oneness in their diversity; for all things receive their usefulness and beauty from the same source. The great Master Artist writes his name on all his created works, from the loftiest cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop upon the wall. They all declare his handiwork, from the lofty mountain and the grand ocean to the tiniest shell upon the seashore.

The branches of the vine cannot blend into each other; they are individually separate; yet every branch must be in fellowship with every other if they are united in the same parent stock. They all draw nourishment from the same source; they drink in the same life-giving properties. So each branch of the True Vine is separate and distinct, yet all are bound together in the parent stock. There can be no division. They are all linked together by his will to bear fruit wherever they can find place and opportunity. But in order to do this, the worker must hide self. He must not give expression to his own mind and will. He is to express the mind and will of Christ. The human family are dependent upon God for life and breath and sustenance. God has designed the web, and all are individual threads to compose the pattern. The Creator is one, and he reveals himself as the great Reservoir of all that is essential for each separate life.

Christian unity consists in the branches being in the same parent stock, the vitalizing power of the center supporting the grafts that have united to the Vine. In thoughts and desires, in words and actions, there must be an identity with Christ, a constant partaking of his spiritual life. Faith must increase by exercise. All who live near to God will have a realization of what Jesus is to them and they to Jesus. As communion with God is making its impress upon the soul, and shining out in the countenance as an illuminating light, the steadfast principles of Christ's holy character will be reflected in humanity. -

The Vine and the Branches--3

The lesson which Christ drew from the vine and its branches he taught by another illustration. "Verily, verily, I say unto you," he said, "except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me."

Many of the Jews who claimed to be Christ's disciples had murmured among themselves because Christ had said: "I am the bread which came down from heaven. And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven? Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves. No man can come unto me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. Not that any man hath seen the Father; save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world."

But the priests and rulers strove among themselves, saying: "How can this man give us his flesh to eat? Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me."

The Saviour read the hearts of all who joined themselves to him as his disciples. He knew that there were many who thought themselves his disciples, who were not. He knew that their bitterness of spirit would be displayed if any word spoken by him did not harmonize with their preconceived opinions. He knew that prejudices and jealousies would be aroused at the slightest reference to their peculiar principles. And understanding, as he did, the heart and all its working, he sought to present the plain facts concerning his relation to humanity, his mission, and his work. The words that the Saviour spoke were the truth. He laid the ax at the root of the tree. "This is that bread which came down from heaven," he said; "not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live forever."

The lesson drawn from these two symbols contains the very mystery of godliness. No one need be left in darkness. It is the truth that is to be received, and its reception will be revealed in the life of every true believer. When by faith the believer takes hold of Christ, there comes a turning-point in his life. He receives the spirit and mind of Christ, and represents his character.

But a large number of those who followed Christ were not grafted into the True Vine, and they revealed the fact when Christ gave this lesson. "Many therefore of his disciples, when they heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it? When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you? What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before? It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him."

These disciples were not receiving Christ and believing in him, and the Saviour knew that it was time for them to understand what should be their relation to himself.

Every temptation is one of the Lord's means of establishing his people in the faith. They will obtain an experience if they will seek unto the Lord; or through the wiles of Satan, they may yield their faith. But if they will refuse to make any move until they seek counsel of God, if they will open the word to understand what is written therein, they will see where they are standing, and what is their peril. The disciples who forsook Jesus had entertained contention and unbelief. Unbelief had grown into a habit; and now had become a more distinct and startling opportunity to demonstrate that they were offended. The strife of the Jews over Christ's words, meeting them with questioning and doubt, gathered about the souls of these disciples the dark clouds of unbelief. Their faith had not been genuine, and the test revealed their weakness and unreliable position. These lessons were designed to give to all a knowledge of self, to show them the true position they sustained toward Christ. Temptation, working in darkness, was causing the weak and tempted ones to lose faith in Christ, because they could not understand the spiritual meaning of his words.

Christ uttered sayings that have power to obtain a place in every heart that is seeking to know the will of God. He declared: "For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world." "I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. . . . All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out." More precious than gold are these words. Those who will to do his will, shall know of the doctrine. But if their human ideas, received through traditions and maxims and customs of men, are still retained as of value, they may be convinced that the words of Christ will satisfy their highest wants; that these words can comfort, encourage, strengthen, and settle them, and remove from them their unrest and uncertainty; they may feel a most earnest desire for the results following the partaking of the bread from heaven, and may even be frank enough to express their wish, "Lord, evermore give us this bread:" yet they will reject Christ, and lose his proffered blessings.

This lesson was given to test and prove his believing disciples also. These disciples had turned away from the priests and rulers to Christ, and now Christ revealed his true relation to them. Have they genuine faith in him? or are they of the number to whom Christ said, "Ye also have seen me, and believe not"? Turning to the twelve, he said: "Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil? He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve."

Christ had come to the time when the truth must be spoken decidedly, that the disciples who were indeed in the Vine might be distinguished from those who had no vital connection with Christ. And here was a branch that apparently was one with the Vine; but after living with the disciples, and listening to the words of Christ, he gave evidence that he was not abiding in the Vine.

Judas was one who exerted a large influence over the disciples. He was of a commanding appearance, and had excellent qualifications. But these endowments had not been sanctified to God. His energies were devoted to self-serving, self-exaltation, and gain. Had he humbled his heart before God under this divine instruction that pointed so plainly to himself, he would no longer have remained a tempter, expressing his unbelief to his brother disciples, and thus sowing the seeds of unbelief in their hearts.

But Judas had opened the door of his heart, the chambers of his mind, to the temptations of Satan. And the enemy sowed in his heart and mind the seed which he communicated to his brethren. The questioning doubts which were passed on to the minds of his brethren. This one man, professing to be a follower of Christ, while not bearing the precious fruit revealed in the life of Christ, would be a channel of darkness to the other disciples in the time of test and trial that was soon to come, and that was even then upon them. He presented so much accusation of his brethren that he was counterworking the lessons of Christ. This is why Jesus called Judas a devil.

God was still unknown to Judas as a living God, a loving Father. The life of Judas was not hid with Christ in God. That poor, independent soul, separate from the spirit and life of Christ, had a hard time. He was ever under condemnation, because the lessons of Christ were always cutting him. Yet he did not become transformed, and converted into a living branch through connection with the True Vine. This dry sapling adhered not to the Vine until it grew into a fruitful, living branch. He revealed that he was the graft that did not bear fruit,--the graft that did not, fiber by fiber and vein by vein, become knit with the Vine, and partake of its life.

The dry, disconnected sapling can become one with the parent vine stock only by being made a partaker of the life and nourishment of the living vine, by being grafted into the vine, by being brought into the closest relationship possible. Fiber by fiber, vein by vein, the twig holds fast to the life-giving vine, until the life of the vine becomes the life of the branch, and it produces fruit like that of the vine.

This is so with the follower of Christ. When he is truly connected with Christ, he will not be like those disciples who were offended because their own minds were not spiritual. They saw the truths that pleased them; but when they came to hear something they could not explain or reason out, because they were not in vital connection with Christ, they were offended. They turned away, and walked no more with him. It was better that these fruitless branches should reveal themselves while Christ was with them. It was for this reason that the words of Christ were spoken, that these disciples might be proved to be just what they were,--not of the faith, but among those that believed not. Just as long as they were with Christ, they revealed a spirit of unbelief. They found the words of Christ opposed to their ideas and maxims, and bore no fruit as branches of the Living Vine.

Connection With Christ

The lessons that Christ gave in the synagogue to all that were there assembled, come down through the ages to our time. His words come impressively to every heart, and we are to take heed to them. We are not to give them casual, but special, attention. Comparatively little attention should be given to the subject of temporal food, to satisfy temporal hunger; but that food which comes down from heaven is of the highest consequence to us. The bread of life comes to satisfy our highest spiritual demands,--the hunger of the soul. It is God's truth that is the bread of life. It is the truth that confronts the falsehood of the enemy.

All the way from the first disciple to the present time there have been those who have professed to believe in the same way that these disciples in Christ's day believed in him. These received the name of disciples; but they had not dug deep, and laid their foundation upon the Rock. Many who profess to be Christians to-day have not a vital connection with Christ. They do not discern their great spiritual necessity. They say, "I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing." They know not that they are wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked. This is the sure consequence of neglecting to abide in the Vine, of neglecting to avail themselves of a personal relation to Christ. Christ cannot endure pretentious Christians,--those who do not live his character. He will spew such out of his mouth as utterly distasteful to him.

Can it be possible, one asks, that there can be any one in our church who feels such self-sufficiency as this? Time will answer this question. When reproof comes to them from God, if they are humbly seeking him, they will receive the reproof as a blessing, and will at once begin to ascertain their spiritual necessities. If they feel that they are rich in knowledge and are in need of nothing, they will take offense, as did the disciples who turned from Christ and walked no more with him. There are many who need to be awakened by plain, decided Testimonies to discern their spiritual deficiencies. Why are they not wise? Christ answers the question. They consider themselves whole, in no need of a physician. "I am rich, and increased with goods," they say, "and have need of nothing." The disciples who turned away from Christ were of this class, and many who are reproved for their wrongs in this time act just as did those men to whom Christ said, "Ye also have seen me, and believe not."

But the One who is mighty in counsel says: "Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eye-salve, that thou mayest see." Then they will not reveal that they are worthless branches, separate from the True Vine, to be cast into the fire, and burned.

The eye is the sensitive conscience, the inner light, of the mind. Upon its correct view of things the spiritual healthfulness of the whole soul and being depends. The "eye-salve," the Word of God, makes the conscience smart under its application; for it convicts of sin. But the smarting is necessary that the healing may follow, and the eye be single to the glory of God. The sinner, beholding himself in God's great moral looking-glass, sees himself as God views him, and exercises repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

This is the work of the Holy Spirit. Said Christ: "Nevertheless I tell you the truth: it is expedient for you that I go away; for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they believe not on me; of righteousness, because I go to my Father."

Self-sufficiency is the fatal danger of a lukewarm state. The Laodiceans boasted of a deep knowledge of Bible truth, a deep insight into the Scriptures. They were not entirely blind, else the eye-salve would have done nothing to restore their sight, and enable them to discern the true attributes of Christ. Says Christ, By renouncing your own self-sufficiency, giving up all things, however dear to you, you may buy the gold, the raiment, and the eye-salve that you may see.

The Lord sees the necessities and the peril of the soul. He came to our world in the garb of humanity, that his humanity might meet our humanity. While we were in sin, he pledged his life for us. He loves the sinner, but hates the sin. Therefore he does not leave his tempted ones with eyes that are nearly blind to their own imperfections. The man who uses the eye-salve is enabled to see himself as he is. His wretchedness is discovered; he feels his imperfections, his spiritual poverty, and his need of being healed of his spiritual malady.

The rebuke of wrong is designed for the good of the professed follower of Christ, who is misrepresenting Christ by his spirit of self-righteousness and self-sufficiency. "As many as I love," says Christ, "I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock; if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. 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."

The reception of the Word, the bread from heaven, is declared to be the reception of Christ himself. As the Word of God is received into the soul, we partake of the flesh and blood of the Son of God. As it enlightens the mind, the heart is opened still more to receive the engrafted Word, that we may grow thereby. Man is called upon to eat and masticate the Word; but unless his heart is open to the entrance of that Word, unless he drinks in the Word, unless he is taught of God, there will be a misconception, misapplication, and misinterpretation of that Word.

As the blood is formed in the body by the food eaten, so Christ is formed within by the eating of the Word of God, which is his flesh and blood. He who feeds upon that Word has Christ formed within, the hope of glory. The written Word introduces to the searcher the flesh and blood of the Son of God; and through obedience to that Word, he becomes a partaker of the divine nature. As the necessity for temporal food cannot be supplied by once partaking of it, so the Word of God must be daily eaten to supply the spiritual necessities.

As the life of the body is found in the blood, so spiritual life is maintained through faith in the blood of Christ. He is our life, just as in the body our life is in the blood. He is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption, just as the bone, sinew, and muscle are nourished, and the whole man built up, by the circulation of the blood through the system. In vital connection with Christ, in personal contact with him, is found health for the soul. It is the efficacy of the blood of Christ that supplies its every need and keeps it in a healthy condition.

By reason of the waste and loss, the body must be renewed with blood, by being supplied with daily food. So there is need of constantly feeding on the Word, the knowledge of which is eternal life. That Word must be our meat and drink. It is in this alone that the soul will find its nourishment and vitality. We must feast upon its precious instruction, that we may be renewed in the spirit of our mind, and grow up into Christ, our living Head. When his Word is abiding in the living soul, there is oneness with Christ; there is a living communion with him; there is in the soul an abiding love that is the sure evidence of our unlimited privilege.

A soul without Christ is like a body without blood; it is dead. It may have the appearance of spiritual life; it may perform certain ceremonies in religious matters like a machine; but it has no spiritual life. So the hearing of the word of God is not enough. Unless we are taught of God, we shall not accept the truth to the saving of our souls. It must be brought into the life practise.

When a soul receives Christ, he receives his righteousness. He lives the life of Christ. As he trains himself to behold Christ, to study his life and practise his virtues, he eats the flesh and drinks the blood of the Son of God. When this experience is his, he can declare, with the apostle Paul: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." -

Exposing of the Brethren's Mistakes Reproved

"And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves. Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feeble-minded, support the weak, be patient toward all men."

In this day we have been privileged to have increased light and large opportunities, and we are held responsible for the improvement of light. This will be manifested by increased piety and devotion. Our loyalty to God should be proportionate to the light which shines upon us in this age. But the fact that we have increased light does not justify us in dissecting and judging the character of men whom God raised up in former times to do a certain work and to penetrate the moral darkness of the world. In the past the servants of God wrestled with principalities and powers, and with the rulers of the darkness of this world, and with spiritual wickedness in high places, the same as we, who bear aloft the banner of truth, do to-day. These men were God's noblemen, his living agencies, through whom he wrought in a wonderful manner. They were depositaries of divine truth to the extent that the Lord saw fit to reveal the truth that the world could bear to hear. They proclaimed the truth at a time when false, corrupt religion was magnifying itself in the world.

I could wish that the curtain could be rolled back, and that those who have not spiritual eyesight might see these men as they appear in the sight of God; for now they see them as trees walking. They would not then put their human construction upon the experience and works of the men who parted the darkness from the track, and prepared the way for future generations. Living down in our own generation, we may pronounce judgment upon the men whom God raised up to do a special work, according to the light given to them in their day. Though they may have been overcome with temptation, they repented of their sins; and no opportunity is left for us to depreciate their characters or to excuse sin. Their history is a beacon of warning to us, and points out a safe path for our feet if we will but shun their mistakes. These noble men sought the mercy-seat, and humbled their souls before God.

Let not our voices or pens show that we are disregarding the solemn injunctions of the Lord. Let no one depreciate those who have been chosen of God, who have fought manfully the battles of the Lord, who have woven heart and soul and life into the cause and work of God, who have died in faith, and who are partakers of the great salvation purchased for us through our precious sin-bearing, sin-pardoning Saviour. God has inspired no man to reproduce their mistakes, and to present their errors to a world that is lying in wickedness, and to a church composed of many who are weak in faith. The Lord has not laid the burden upon men to revive the mistakes and errors of the living or the dead. He would have his laborers present the truth for this time. Speak not of the errors of your brethren who are living, and be silent as to the mistakes of the dead. Let their mistakes and errors remain where God has put them,--cast into the depths of the sea. The less that is said by those who profess to believe present truth, in regard to the past mistakes and errors of the servants of God, the better it will be for their own souls, and for the souls of those whom Christ has purchased with his own blood. Let every voice proclaim the words of the first and the last, the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. John heard a voice saying, "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, said the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them."

"Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted." If you think your brethren are in error, or in danger of making strong statements and of going to extremes, in the love of Christ and in the spirit of meekness, go to them and talk the matter over with them. If you wish to be laborers together with God, if you are spiritually minded yourself, you will not seek to expose the errors and mistakes of your brethren, but will seek to correct them, and will restore the one you deem to be in danger. When this work of restoring those who err is neglected, sin lies upon those who have seen their brethren's defects, and have not followed out the gospel rule. God would have his laborers upbuild and strengthen and save those who are in danger of falling. Those who are in close connection with God, and who have a sense of the sacred character of his work, will bear one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. This is the special work of those who believe the present truth.

Those who neglect their God-given responsibilities, and who will not take every means in their power to save those for whom Christ died from making a misstep, are neglecting his work, and are failing to be colaborers with Christ. But if, through lack of foresight, mistakes are made by men who are chosen and beloved of God, and they make haste to correct their errors as soon as their attention is called to their mistakes, shall a brother take advantage of the circumstance? Shall articles be traced by an unfriendly pen calculated to weaken the confidence of others in the man who honestly erred in judgment, when he thought he was in the right? Let those who would do this kind of work consider how they would like to have it done to themselves, were they in similar circumstances. Let them consider whether they would have received reproof in the spirit of meekness, or whether pride would have had the mastery, and they become doubly guilty in expressing, in word and attitude, sullen defiance of the reprover. Would they have been obedient to correction, and received reproof in that spirit of meekness which yields the peaceable fruits of righteousness?

The word of caution comes down along the line to our time: "Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. Be not deceived [in your opinion of your own piety]; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." No frost shall blight the crop, no mildew blast it, no palmer-worm devour it; the harvest is sure. Then be careful what seed you sow. God calls upon every man, woman, and youth to sow precious seed in time, that with joy he may reap in eternity.

We have no time now, and should have no disposition, to stand as spectators of the great warfare between good and evil. We should be actively engaged in fighting the good fight of faith, and this will demand all the energies of the mind, all the capabilities and powers of the being. We are to be faithful soldiers, obeying the orders of the Captain of our salvation. We are not to take the Captain's place; but hourly to live in constant contact with Christ. We must know, individually, that we know the truth, not only theoretically, but practically. We must bring its divine principles into our daily life. God requires truth in the inward parts, and in the hidden part wisdom. He requires us to practise righteousness, to manifest patience, mercy, and love. We should carefully review our character in the light of the character of God, as expressed in his holy law. There should be no deviating from the perfect standard. The Lord says, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."

Ample provision has been made that the people of God may attain perfection of character. The apostle says, "This is the will of God, even your sanctification." Let every individual draw for himself from the inexhaustible source of all moral and intellectual power, in order that he may work the works of righteousness. Through the cross of Calvary every facility is furnished whereby man may be in union with his fellow men, and in harmony with Christ in God. The Father says that he will love those who believe that Christ died for them, even as he loves his only begotten Son. The cross of Christ is the assurance that we may be complete in him. "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." In Christ is excellence, in him is intellectual greatness and moral efficiency.

The Holy Spirit ever abides with him who is seeking for perfection of Christian character. The Holy Spirit furnishes the pure motive, the living, active principle, that sustains striving, wrestling, believing souls in every emergency and under every temptation. The Holy Spirit sustains the believer amid the world's hatred, amid the unfriendliness of relatives, amid disappointment, amid the realization of imperfection, and amid the mistakes of life. Depending upon the matchless purity and perfection of Christ, the victory is sure to him who looks unto the Author and Finisher of our faith. We shall be more that conquerors through him who hath loved us, and given himself for us. He has borne our sins, in order that through him we might have moral excellence, and attain unto the perfection of Christian character. Our Righteousness is our substitute and surety.

Let no one think he can hide his imperfection behind men who have been chosen of God, yet who have shown weakness, who have made mistakes, and who have been guilty of sin. The Lord has recorded the mistakes and sins of his servants, not that they may be reproduced, but that their experience may serve as a danger-signal, that others need not fall in going over the ground where they stumbled. If you are ambitious for self-preferment, you must overcome, or you will never enter the courts of heaven. Let selfishness be rooted out of the heart. In the life of Christ there was no fiber of selfishness. He lived no to please himself. Are you covetously retaining the means which God would have you use to his name's glory? Bear in mind that covetousness is idolatry. If you keep the commandments of God, you will love God with all your heart, mind, might, soul, and strength, and your neighbor as yourself. You will not cherish an overbearing, dictatorial spirit. There will be no place in the heavenly courts for anything save sympathy and love, kindness and goodness. Mercy, long-suffering, and tender compassion are the attributes of the character of Christ. The opposite of these attributes belong to the character of Satan, and will never find an entrance into the city of our God. Love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance, are the fruits that appear on the Christian tree. "By their fruits ye shall know them." "They that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts." Christians reveal the fact that they have a heavenly endowment. They think upon "whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report." -

Words of Warning

"And as some [the disciples] spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said, As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down."

The world's Redeemer made this the occasion of giving the disciples some lessons of great consequence to them. As they looked upon the rich adornments of the temple, he spoke to them of the calamity that was to come upon it. And carrying their minds on, he spoke of the close of this earth's history, when not merely a nation, but the whole world, would be destroyed. In the words spoken at this time, Christ has left lessons that are especially applicable to our time. "They are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come."

"They asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass? And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived; for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them. But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by. Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake. . . . Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer: for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist."

From those who thus boldly witness for Christ, men will hear truth who never heard it before. In some hearts the seed will take root. The converting power of God will win souls from darkness to light. Some of the very men on the judgment-seat--lawyers and jurors--will embrace the truth, and in their turn will confess Christ, and show their loyalty to all the commandments of God, especially the Sabbath command, which will be made, as it has ever been, the test question.

"And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death." Christ shows that the deeds of cruelty done to his people will be a repetition of the deeds done to him. "If the world hate you," he declared, "ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also."

Christ shows that without the controlling power of the Spirit of God, humanity is a terrible power for evil, to hurt and destroy humanity. When men banish this Spirit, unbelief and hatred of reproof stir up satanic influence. Principalities and powers, the rulers of the darkness of this world, and spiritual wickedness in high places, will unite in a desperate companionship. They will be leagued against God in the person of his saints. By misrepresentation and falsehood, they will demoralize both men and women who, to all appearances, believe the truth. False witnesses will not be wanting in this terrible work. But Christ gives the assurance: "There shall not a hair of your head perish. In your patience possess ye your souls." Christ will restore the life taken; for he is the Life-giver: he will beautify the righteous with immortal life.

After speaking of the end of the world, Jesus came back to Jerusalem, the city then sitting in pride and arrogance, and saying, "I sit a queen, . . . and shall see no sorrow." "And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies,' he said, "then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. Then let them which are in Judea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto. For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled."

How terrible it was for Christ, whose heart overflowed with love for those whom he had purchased with human agony, to see Jerusalem fast filling up the figures of the reckoning that is kept with nations and individuals. On another occasion, with tears in his eyes and voice, Christ exclaimed, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and [ye could not?--No] ye would not!" You would not yield up your determination to turn from the light. You resisted every measure which Heaven ordained for your peace and salvation. You have refused and rejected until mercy has exhausted her last resources. What more could I have done for my vineyard than I have done? I left no means untried in my efforts to lead you to repentance and to God, that you might live. But the arm strong to support, to shield, and to save will be found strong to execute the commands of a long-suffering God, who keeps mercy for thousands, "forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin," but who "will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation." Why?--Because they did the same wicked deeds as did their fathers.

The retribution to come upon Jerusalem could be delayed only a short time; and as Christ's eye rested upon the doomed city, he saw not merely its destruction, but the destruction of a world. He saw that as Jerusalem was given up to destruction, so the world will be given up to its doom. He saw the retribution that will be visited on the adversaries of God. The scenes that were transacted at the destruction of Jerusalem will be repeated at the great and terrible day of the Lord, but in a more fearful manner.

A world is represented in the destruction of Jerusalem, and the warning given then comes sounding down along the line to our time: "And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring." Yes, the sea shall pass its borders, and destruction will be in its track. It will engulf the ships that sail upon its broad waters; and with the burden of their living freight, these will be hurled into eternity.

There will be calamities by land and by sea, "men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth; for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory." In just the same manner that he ascended, will he come the second time to our world. "And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh."

In this perilous time, who will be found traitors? Who will choose the friendship of the enemies of Christ? Who will accept the bribery of the world, at the expense of the principles of righteousness? Of such it will be said, "If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! But now they are hid from thine eyes." O, if men would only hear the last call of mercy that God has sent to our world, warning them of temperance, righteousness, and judgment to come, truth and light and grace would be given them, to be given to the world.

But ministers and teachers have resisted the light, refused the grace which God has richly provided for them, and abused the opportunities he has graciously presented to them. He looks from his throne, and sees warnings despised, convictions set aside, and the truth buried beneath the rubbish of tradition. A "Thus saith the Lord" is counted as an idle tale. Fables are chosen before the truth of heavenly origin. Invitations to repentance and the convictions of the Spirit of God are slighted.

Confirmed impenitence is the result of refusing light and of walking in the sparks of our own kindling. Those who follow this course follow a path that leads to perdition. They are called upon to come out of the world, and be separate. But the strait and narrow path does not look attractive; it is hard to enter the strait gate, and their eyes turn with longing desire to the wide gate and the broad way. "Wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat."

Fatal hardness of heart! The peace, the mercy, the grace, the exceeding great reward of obedience, are now hidden from their eyes. The irrevocable sentence of condemnation must come from the divine lips. Christ declares, "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? Then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."

Angels are co-operating with human intelligences, watching and working to draw the world to Christ, as Christ worked to draw the Jewish nation to God. But "because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil." The Lord wills not that any man shall perish, but that all shall come to him and be saved. But instead of his loving-kindness softening and subduing the soul, many of the objects of his love and mercy are encouraged to more obstinate resistance. O, that men would remember that there is a limit to the forbearance of God! They throw off all restraint, and make void his law; they establish their own perverted law, and try to force those who honor God, and keep his commandments, to trample his law under their feet; but they will find, too late, that the tenderness which they have mocked is exhausted.

The warning of Christ comes sounding down along the line to our time: "Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man." -

Christian Liberality

"This I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (as it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor; his righteousness remaineth forever. Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) being enriched in everything to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God."

God is in heaven, but he has delegated his work to those on this earth. This work is to represent Christ. Christ gave himself, a full, complete offering, for the life of the world: and God calls upon all men to make a complete surrender of all they have and are to him, that they may be co-laborers with Christ. This call is just; for to whom is every member of the human family indebted for his possessions?--To God, who not only gives men temporal blessings, but freely offered up his only begotten Son, "that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

God has entrusted men with his gifts, that they may represent his benevolence toward those who are poor and needy. If they have the spirit of Christ, they will reveal it unmistakably by their helpfulness to others, by a faithful discharge of their duty, by acting tenderly and kindly toward God's heritage. As God sees that his children manifest compassion toward those who are poor and needy, he will bless them as faithful stewards.

"Moreover, brethren," writes the apostle Paul, "we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; how that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power, they were willing of themselves; praying us with much entreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God. Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also. Therefore, as ye abound in everything, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge; and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also. . . . For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich."

To a youthful ruler who inquired of him, "Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus answered, "Sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me." This was not a hard requirement; for the ruler was not handling his own property. His goods had been entrusted to him by the Lord. The choice was left with him; he must decide for himself. Did he accept the eternal treasure? or did he decide to gratify his desire for earthly treasure, and in so doing, refuse the eternal riches?--When he heard Christ's words, "he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions." He chose the earthly good, and lost the eternal weight of glory.

Individually, we are tried as was the young ruler. God tests us to see if, as stewards, we can safely be trusted with the eternal riches. Shall we do as the ruler did,--fasten our grasp upon the treasures lent us by God, choosing that which appears most agreeable to the natural heart, and refusing to use our possessions as God plainly states he expects us to? or shall we take up our cross, and follow our Saviour in the path of self-denial?

Millions of people in our world are making the choice made by the young ruler. They have intelligence, but they cannot decide to be honest stewards of their Lord's goods. Many say, "I will bless and glorify myself; I will be honored as a man above his fellows." Jesus paid the price for their redemption; for their sake he became poor, that they might be rich; and yet, though wholly dependent on him for all their earthly possessions, they refuse to do his will by showing love to their fellow men. They are not willing to relieve the necessities of those around them with the means which the Lord has placed in their hands for this purpose. They refuse to appropriate the Lord's capital for the benefit of others, and hold fast to their possessions. Like the ruler, they refuse the heavenly treasure, and choose that which is agreeable to themselves. By such selfishness they prove themselves unworthy of the eternal riches. They show that they are unfit for a place in the kingdom of God; if they were allowed to enter there, they would, like the great apostate, claim everything as if they had created it, and would spoil heaven by their covetousness.

Moses was called upon to choose between the world and God. Two conflicting objects were placed before him. The treasures of Egypt, the honor of a temporal crown, and all the worldly benefits involved in this choice, were presented by the prince of this world. The opposite side was presented by the Prince of Light, the world's Redeemer. He held out the recompense of reward, the unsearchable riches of Christ, and showed also the path of affliction, self-denial, and self-sacrifice, that must be traveled by all who gain this reward.

The decision was left with Moses. As a free moral agent he was at liberty to choose All heaven was interested in the matter. What would be his choice?--obedience to God, with the eternal recompense of reward, or obedience to that most agreeable to his own will? "By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward."

"By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible." This is a lesson for all who would render true service to God. We must not venture to remain where our associations will tend to draw us away from God, and to obscure our view of the reward of obedience.

There is no saving faith in Christ only as it is revealed by obedience. Every human being is under a solemn responsibility to obey God. His present and eternal happiness depends upon his willing obedience to the divine requirements. Man's will and inclination are to be wholly yielded to God. When this is done, man will co-operate with God, showing, by precept and example, that he has chosen to be, in all his ways, under the control of his Maker. God rejoices when, like Moses, his children choose rather to serve him than to enjoy the pleasures of this world. Could the curtain be rolled back, could men behold the angelic host as they glorify God with songs of gladness and rejoicing, they would realize that obedience ever causes joy, and disobedience, sorrow. God and the angels rejoice over every victory gained by the Christian; but when temptation overcomes the soul, there is sorrow in heaven.

While in this world, men are tested by the society they choose, and by the attributes of character they develop. All who belong to the kingdom of Christ are of one family. They love God supremely, and their neighbors as themselves. "Therefore, as ye abound in everything, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also,"--the grace of Christian liberality. "To do good and to communicate forget not." By "communicate," the apostle does not here mean "to speak;" for in the verse previous he has said, "By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name." By this "communicating" the apostle means Christian liberality. God desires that the bounties which he has freely given to his children shall be communicated to those who are in need. By this communication, by the utterance of kindly words, accompanied by deeds of love, those who work for God will find entrance to hearts, and will win others to Christ.

"Charge them that are rich in this world," says the apostle, "that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate." God would have those whom he has blessed with means, take of their abundance, and relieve the necessities of the poor. As they do this, they receive their reward; for they are "laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life."

God's children should be educated to see that he has claims upon them. As regularly as the seasons come round, he gives us the harvest of the earth. His liberality is constant and systematic; and our returns to him are to be made in accordance with the gifts which day by day he bestows upon us. The steady, unfailing flow of Jehovah's goodness testifies of his love and benevolence. Then shall we not, with hearts filled with gratitude for all his blessings, respond by dispensing his gifts as faithful stewards?

All classes are entrusted with the Lord's gifts, and none are exempt from the work of Christian beneficence. There will be those who, by their unfaithfulness, will make God's benevolence to them a curse. The blessings that are shut up to the service of self, work harm instead of benefit, and God will withdraw his gifts from the unfaithful steward. Let us carefully follow God's directions in the use of what he has given us; and as we do this, he will supply grace for every time of need; for he is acquainted with the desires of the heart to follow a wrong course, and with the temptations that surround us. Let us carry out God's requirements by imparting our blessings to those around us, not from compulsion, but because he has, for our own good, made us laborers together with him. He has ordained that we shall carry forward his work by an active, living benevolence, which has for its foundation a "Thus saith the Lord." In his strength we can do this; for he is able to make all grace abound toward us, that we, "always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work."

The Limit of God's Mercy

"Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil."

The means which the Lord has employed in the gracious provision of his mercy, to soften and subdue the objects of his love, have, through the workings of Satan, encouraged the depraved and hardened hearts in perversity, resistance, and transgression. Even as far back as the days of David, this led him to exclaim, "It is time for thee, Lord, to work: for they have made void thy law."

Because of the goodness and long-suffering of God, many have been led to consider and appreciate his mercy and loving-kindness, and this has led them to repentance. On the other hand, many have become more careless, and have abused his mercy. To their own loss and shame, they have followed the will of Satan, irrespective of the retribution that will surely come upon them for their disobedience and transgression. They will yet learn that God is jealous of his honor and his glory. He will not have his laws trifled with. Men cannot with impunity treat them with indifference and defiance.

If God had decided, in his councils in heaven, to visit the transgressors of his law with instant death, there would have resulted a much greater restriction of the inclination to do those things that are offensive to God. The very men who seem to be dead to entreaties and warnings sent in mercy by God, those who will not be deterred from their evil course of action, would be prudent to save their lives, even if they had no love for God. But the Lord's arrangement, made in council with his only begotten Son, was to leave men free moral agents to a certain length of probation. His eye would discern all their works, but he would compel no man's service. If the love displayed in his long-suffering and patience could not bring them to repentance and perfect surrender to the laws of his kingdom, then they must be left to choose whom they would serve. Their life must testify of their choice. If men love transgression, and choose to disregard his laws, after sufficient test and trial their case is forever decided. God cannot have such as members of his family in heaven. Their punishment will be in accordance with the character of their defiance and rebellion against God.

A vast reformation would be wrought in the world if the veil of the future could be lifted, and all could see that very soon there is to be a change in the attitude of God, in his dealings with the perversity of man; that there are limits to divine mercy and forbearance. There are those who, by their impenitence under the beams of light that have shone upon them, are very near the line where the forbearance of God is exhausted. In mind and heart they are saying, "The Lord delayeth his coming," and they are eating and drinking with the drunken. But God declares of such that "sudden destruction cometh upon them," "and they shall not escape."

The present time, when great light is shining forth from the Word of God, making dark mysteries plain as day, is the day of mercy, of hope, of assurance, of joy, for all who will be benefited thereby, for all who will open their minds and hearts to the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness. But there are those who will not come to the light, who despise the truth because it exposes error and transgression and sin; and as a result, boldness in transgression is becoming all-pervading.

The time is very near when men will reach the prescribed limits. They have now almost exceeded the bounds of the long-suffering of God, the limits of his grace, the limits of his mercy. The record of their works in the books of heaven is, "Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting."

The Lord will interfere to vindicate his own honor, to repress the swellings of unrighteousness and bold transgression. He will not be left without witness. The one-hour laborers will be brought in at the eleventh hour, and will consecrate their ability and their entrusted means to advance the Lord's work. While many have reduced the Word, the truth, the holy law of Jehovah, to a dead letter, and by their example testify that this law is a hard, rigorous burden; while they say, "We will lay off this yoke, we will be free, we will no longer remain in covenant relation with God, we will do as we please," there will be men who have had very meager opportunities, who have walked in ways of error because they knew no better way, to whom beams of light will come. As the word of Christ came to Zacchaeus, "I must abide at thy house," so the word will come to them; and those supposed to be hardened sinners will be found to have hearts as tender as a child's, because Christ has deigned to notice them. These will receive the reward for their faithfulness because they are true to principle, and shun not their duty to declare the whole counsel of God. When those who have had abundance of light throw off the restraint which the Word of God imposes, and make void his law, others will come in to fill their place and take their crown.

In all parts of the world there are diligent students of the Word of prophecy, who are obtaining light, and still greater light, from their study of the Scriptures. This is true of all nations, of all tribes, and of all peoples. Many will come from the grossest error, and will take the place of those who have had opportunities and privileges, and have not prized them. These have worked out their own salvation with fear and trembling, lest they should become deficient in doing the ways and will of God; while those who have had great light have, through the perversity of their own natural heart, turned away from Christ because displeased with his requirements. Even many supposed to be heathen will take the side of Christ, while those who become offended, as did the disciples in the synagogue at Capernaum, will go away, and walk no more with him.

From time to time the Lord has made known the manner of his working. He is mindful of what is passing upon the earth; and when a crisis has come, he has revealed himself, and has interposed to hinder the working out of Satan's plans. With nations, with families, and with individuals, he has often permitted matters to come to a crisis, that his interference might be marked. Then he has made known the fact that there is a God in Israel who will sustain and vindicate his people.

In Noah's day, men had disregarded the law of God until almost all remembrance of the Creator had passed away from the earth. Their wickedness reached so great a height, violence, crime, and every kind of sin became so intensely active, that the Lord brought a flood of water upon the earth. Yet mercy was mingled with judgment. Noah and his family were saved, but the wicked inhabitants of the world were swept away. In the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, also, when fire came down from heaven and destroyed those wicked cities, we see that the Lord will interfere for his people.

In these last days wicked men and professed Christians will harmonize in their hatred of the law of God. Then the crisis will come; then we shall see the class specified in Mal. 3:13-15: "Your words have been stout against me, saith the Lord. Yet ye say, What have we spoken so much against thee? Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the Lord of hosts? And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered." Here is a company of disaffected professed Christians, whose chief business is to murmur, and complain, and accuse God by accusing the children of God. They see nothing defective in themselves, but very much that is displeasing in others.

But while they are murmuring, and complaining, and falsely accusing, and doing Satan's work most zealously, another class is brought to our notice: "Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord harkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not."

In this time of prevailing iniquity, the Protestant churches that have rejected a "Thus saith the Lord," will reach a strange pass. They will be converted to the world. In their separation from God, they will seek to make falsehood and apostasy from God the law of the nation. They will work upon the rulers of the land to make laws to restore the lost ascendency of the man of sin, who sits in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. The Roman Catholic principles will be taken under the protection of the state. The protest of Bible truth will no longer be tolerated by those who have not made the law of God their rule of life.

And what effect will these attempts of men to make void the law of God have upon the righteous? Will they be intimidated by the almost universal scorn that is put upon the law of God? Will the true believers in the "Thus saith the Lord," become wavering and ashamed because the whole world seems to despise his righteous law? Will they be carried away by the prevalence of evil?--No; to those who have consecrated themselves to God to serve him, the law of God becomes more precious when the contrast is shown between the obedient and the transgressor. In proportion as the attributes of Satan are developed in the despisers and transgressors of the law of God, to the faithful adherent the holy precepts will become more dear and valuable. It is the ones who have been faithful stewards of the grace of God, whose love for God's commandments grows with the contempt which all around would put upon them.

When the defiance of God's law is almost universal, when his people are pressed in affliction by their fellow men, God will interpose. Then will the voice be heard from the graves of martyrs, represented by the souls that John saw slain for the Word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ, which they held,--then the prayer will ascend from every true child of God: "It is time for thee, Lord, to work: for they have made void thy law." The fervent prayers of his people will be answered; for God loves to have his people seek him with all the heart, and depend upon him as their deliverer. He will be sought unto to do these things for his people, and he will arise as their protector and avenger. "Shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him? -

He Was Wounded for Our Transgressions

"Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death; but found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses, and said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days." This was the only charge that could be brought against Christ. But these words had been misstated and misapplied. Christ had said, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. . . . But he spake of the temple of his body."

Priests and rulers, with many others, taunted him with this false statement. While he hung upon the cross, it was repeated in mockery by the scribes and Pharisees, and echoed by the multitude. "They that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads, and saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself." But though misstated, Christ's words were being fulfilled. Publicity was given to them, and they were made more impressive by the proclamations of his enemies.

"Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said, He saved others; himself be cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him." Would they have believed on him had he come down? -- No. In the resurrection of Lazarus a convincing proof had been given of Christ's divinity. It was not evidence that the priests and rulers needed. This they had; but in spite of it, they sought for false witnesses, that they might mislead the minds of the people, and prejudice them against the truth.

In the parable of the rich man and Lazarus a representation is given of those who refuse light. While the rich man was suffering the punishment of his sins, he asked that Lazarus might be sent to warn his brethren, lest they also share his fate. Abraham is represented as saying to him: "They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham; but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead." Yet to the Jews one had come who had been raised from the dead. Among them was Lazarus, who had lain four days in the grave, but who was now a living witness of the power of Christ. But in spite of this, the priests not only plotted to put Christ to death, but Lazarus also; for he was likely to be an obstacle in the way of killing Christ.

Those who placed Christ before the world, hanging on the cross between two thieves, bruised and wounded, bore a testimony to his work. Many heard the words of mockery addressed to him as he hung on the cross; for they were spoken in no whispered tones. Thus a testimony to Christ's claims was borne in the hearing of thousands. Many minds entered on a track of thought that increased in intensity and earnestness as they searched the Scriptures for themselves. The conviction forced itself upon their minds that Jesus was the Messiah.

Those who in derision uttered the words, "He trusted in God; let him deliver him now if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God," little thought that their testimony would sound down the ages. But although spoken in mockery, never were words more true. They led men to search the Scriptures for themselves. Wise men heard, searched, pondered, and prayed. There were those who never rested until, by searching the Scriptures and comparing passage with passage, they saw the meaning of Christ's mission. They saw that free forgiveness was provided by him whose tender mercy embraces the whole world. They read the prophecies regarding Christ, and the promises so full and free, pointing to a fountain opened for Judah and Jerusalem. Hope sprang up in their hearts as they read the words:--

"For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth. And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the Lord shall name. Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God. Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land be any more termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called, Hephzibah, and thy land Beulah: for the Lord delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married. . . . Go through, go through the gates; prepare ye the way of the people; cast up, cast up the highway; gather out the stones; lift up a standard for the people. Behold, the Lord hath proclaimed unto the end of the world, Say ye to the daughter Zion, Behold, thy salvation cometh; behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him."

Never before was there such a general knowledge of Jesus as when he hung upon the cross. He was lifted up from the earth, to draw all unto him. Into the hearts of many who beheld the crucifixion scene, and who heard Christ's words, was the light of truth to shine. With John they would proclaim, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." Truth is truth, and will remain truth, and in the end will triumph gloriously. The lamp of life is trimmed by the hand that lighted it. The Jewish leaders sought to remove it from the earth, but it shone on, and irradiated the world. Christ rose from the grave, and over the rent sepulcher of Joseph he proclaimed, "I am the resurrection and the life." Men in this age will repeat the history of the past. By their falsehoods they think that they can quench the light of the world, but their efforts only make the light shine brighter.

"Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene." As Christ's mother stood by the cross upon which he hung, she realized the truth of the words spoken by Simeon, when he took the infant Saviour in his arms and blessed him. "Mine eyes have seen thy salvation," he said, "which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. And Joseph and his mother marveled at those things which were spoken of him. And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."

That time had come. The hearts of the persecutors, the revilers, the murderers, were indeed revealed. Attributes which form character were developed. Unbelieving Israel took sides with the first great apostate.

Christ, bearing the sin of the world, seemed to be deserted; but he was not wholly left alone. John stood close by the cross. Mary had fainted in her anguish, and John had taken her to his house, away from the harrowing scene. But he saw that the end was near, and he brought her again to the cross. Even in his dying hour, Christ remembered his mother. He saw her distress, and he said to her, "Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home." This thoughtful care lifted a weight from Mary's mind; she would no longer be obliged to choose her own home, and run the risk of offending her relatives; for Christ's wish was law. Christ knew what she most needed,--the tender sympathy of one who loved her because she loved Jesus.

"Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour." Human passions were raging at the foot of the cross when the earth was bereft of the light of the sun. The Sun of Righteousness was withdrawing his light from the world, and nature sympathized with her dying Author. A great darkness clothed the earth as with sackcloth of hair, and enshrouded the cross. It was as if the sun in its noonday splendor had been blotted out. Thus was represented the night of woe that was settling down on the Jewish nation.

"And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" These words would not be misunderstood, but priests and rulers interpreted them to suit their own understanding. With bitter contempt and scorn, they said, "This man calleth for Elias." Jesus said, "I thirst." These words, which should have awakened compassion in every heart, were held up to ridicule by the priests, in whose hearts humanity was eclipsed by satanic malignity. One of the hardened Roman soldiers, touched with pity as he looked at the parched lips, took a stalk of hyssop, and dipping it in a vessel of vinegar, lifted it to the Saviour's lips. But from the mockers came the words, "Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him."

This scene was transacted in the sight of heaven and earth. Angels beheld the pitiless scorn and contempt shown to Jesus by those who should have acknowledged him as the Messiah. To this length they were led when unrestrained by the Lord of heaven. So it is with all religious zealots who separate from heavenly influences.

Again came the cry, as of one in mortal agony, "It is finished." "Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost." Christ, the Majesty of heaven, the King of glory, was dead. The Jewish leaders had crucified the Son of God, the long-expected Messiah, him (so the people had hoped) who was to bring about so many reforms. They refused the only One who could save them from national ruin.

"And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent." Those who had induced the people to release Barabbas and crucify Christ, now trembled with terror. They were conscious of the wicked deed they had done. They realized that they had shed the blood of the Son of God. This blood they had invoked on themselves, saying, "His blood be on us, and on our children." Christ had prayed, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." But they made this prayer an impossibility; for they would not be convicted, they would not repent and be converted.

Christ has said, "If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you." There is no greater evidence that Satan is working than that those who profess to be sanctified to God's service persecute their fellow beings because they do not believe the same doctrine that they themselves believe. These will rush with fury against God's people, stating as true that which they know to be untrue. Thus they show that they are inspired by him who is an accuser of the brethren, and a murderer of the saints of God. But if God permits tyrants to do with us as the priests did with his Son, shall we give up our faith, and go back to perdition? It is not because God does not care for us that he permits these things to be; for he declares, "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints."

With Satan at their head to imbue them with his spirit, men may afflict God's people, they may cause pain to the body, they may take away their temporal life; but they cannot touch the life that is hid with Christ. We are not our own. Soul and body, we have been bought with the price paid on the cross of Calvary; and we are to remember that we are in the hands of him who created us. Whatever Satan may inspire evil men to do, we are to rest in the assurance that we are under God's charge, and that by his Spirit he will strengthen us to endure. "He shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper. He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy. He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence: and precious shall their blood be in his sight."

The time is soon to come when the Lord will say, "Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. For, behold, the Lord cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain." Those who love God need not be surprised if those who claim to be Christians are filled with hatred because they cannot force the consciences of God's people. Not long hence they will stand before the Judge of all the earth, to render an account for the pain they have caused to the bodies and souls of God's heritage. They may indulge in false accusations now, they may deride those whom God has appointed to do his work, they may consign his believing ones to prison, to the chain-gang, to banishment, to death; but for every pang of anguish, every tear shed, they must answer. For every drop of blood drawn forth by torture, for all they have burned with fire, they will receive punishment. God will reward them double for their sins. They have drunk the blood of the saints, and have become intoxicated with exultation. God says to his ministers of judgment: "Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double. How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow. Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her." -

Christian Benevolence--No. 1

"As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life." In the Word of God alone shall we find how to secure eternal life. We are not left to conjecture as to how we shall obtain it; we are to work out the statement made, and receive the truth into the heart. Religion that comes from God is the only religion that will lead to God. "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life." "And as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name."

The love of God revealed for man is beyond any human computation; it is infinite. And the human being who is a partaker of the divine nature will love as Christ loves, will work as he worked. The love that is inspired by the love we have for Jesus will see in every soul, rich or poor, a value that cannot be measured by human estimate. The world sinks into insignificance in comparison with the value of one soul. This love can exist, and be kept pure, refined, and holy, only through the love in the soul for Jesus Christ, nourished by daily communion with God. There will be an inborn compassion and sympathy which will not fail nor be discouraged. This is the spirit that should be encouraged to live in every heart, and be revealed in every life.

Coldness on the part of Christians is a denial of the faith. But this spirit will melt away before the bright beams of Christ's love in his follower. Willingly, naturally, he will obey the injunction, "Love one another, as I have loved you."

And the love of God in the heart, manifested in true, unselfish missionary labor, will be more mighty than the sword or courts of justice in dealing with the evil-doer. Often the hearts of men will harden under rebuke, but they cannot withstand the love expressed toward them in Christ. The living missionary, with his heart overflowing with the love of God, can break down the barriers. The medical missionary, taking up his appointed work, can not only relieve bodily maladies, but through the love and grace of Christ, can heal the diseased soul, leprous with sin.

The Lord has enlisted every believing soul in his service, to bring the transgressor of his law back to obedience and loyalty to Christ. He will accept those who will devote themselves to him, to work with the combined influence of the heavenly, unfallen intelligences to restore the moral image of God in man. "We are laborers together with God," he declares; "ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building." Bid the sinner have hope, and not feel that he is an outcast from his fellows. Reveal to the desperate, discouraged sufferer that he is a prisoner of hope. Let your message be, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." Present before men in your life a love higher than it is possible for you to express in words. You are laborers together with God, to bring back lost faith in God.

There is a work to do for the wealthy, in awakening them to a sense of their responsibility and accountability to God to conduct all their business relations as those who must give an account to him who will judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and kingdom. The wealthy man needs your labor in the love and fear of God. He trusts in his riches, and feels not his danger. The eyes of his mind need to be attracted to things of enduring value. He needs to recognize the authority of true goodness, which says, "Come unto me, all ye that labor, and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Put off that yoke which you have manufactured for your neck, and over which you have been perplexing yourself, and take my yoke upon you. "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 is light." "If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink." "Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out."

O, if that man of wealth would only listen, if he would only hear, if he would only take time to consider, he could not but discern in these invitations the superior goodness that invites him! He would see that it is the voice of the true Shepherd that calls him, and that God will give him something of more value than gold, or silver, or precious stones. O that, in the place of trusting in uncertain riches, he would realize that he is a responsible agent, a steward of the means entrusted to him; that God calls upon him to be faithful in the use and improvement of his goods; and that he may, if he will, become a distinguished worker together with God in uplifting those whom Christ came to the world to save.

The Lord has endowed man with capabilities and power and influence; he has entrusted him with his money; but these gifts are not to be lavishly spent in self-gratification. To every man he has given his work. Man is to be a co-worker with God in the great redemption. The money that God has entrusted to men is to be used in blessing humanity, in relieving the necessities of the suffering and the needy. Men are not to feel that they have done a very wonderful thing when they have endowed certain institutions or churches with large gifts. In the wise providence of God, there are constantly presented before them the very ones who need their help. They are to relieve the suffering, clothe the naked, and help many who are in hard and trying circumstances, who are wrestling with all their energies to keep themselves and their families from a pauper's home. God never meant that this misery should exist. He never meant that one man should have an abundance of the luxuries of life, while the children of others should cry for bread. The means over and above the positive necessaries of life are entrusted to men to do good, to bless humanity. God has entrusted his goods to stewards; and if these stewards love him, they will love those formed in his image.

But too often those who are enjoying the gifts of God add house after house, and farm after farm, to their possessions. Some even build for their dogs, homes that are like palaces, and keep hired attendants to take care of them, while their fellow beings are left to misery and crime, to disease and death. How long, O Lord! how long, shall this state of things exist? God will judge the world in righteousness by that man Jesus whom he hath ordained to judge the quick and the dead; and those who have long neglected to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked, to give relief and comfort to suffering humanity, will have to render an account to God for the misapplication of his entrusted talents. What a record will then appear of money spent on pleasures and the gratification of appetite in wine and liquor and rich dainties, for extravagant houses and furniture and dress, while human beings received not one pitying look, one word of sympathy.

The principle of worldlings is to get all they can of the perishable things of this life. Selfish love of gain is the ruling principle in their lives. But the purest joy is not found in riches, nor where covetousness is always craving, but where contentment reigns, and where self-sacrificing love is the ruling principle. There are thousands who are passing their lives in self-indulgence, and whose hearts are filled with repining. They are victims of selfishness and discontent in the vain effort to satisfy their minds with indulgence. Unhappiness is stamped upon their very countenances, and behind them is a desert, because their course is not fruitful in good works.

Those who feel no special pleasure in seeking to be a blessing to others, in working, even at a sacrifice, to do them good, cannot have the spirit of Christ or of heaven; for they have no union with the work of heavenly angels, and cannot participate in the bliss that imparts elevated joy to them. But Christ says to his disciples, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." I lead in the path of self-denial. I require nothing of you, my followers, but that of which I, your Lord, give you an example in my own life.

By a chain of circumstances which should call forth their charities, God bestows upon men the best means of cultivating benevolence. He designs to keep them habitually giving to help the poor and to advance his cause. He sends his poor as the representatives of himself. By their necessities, a ruined world is drawing forth from us talents of means and of influence, of which it is in perishing need. And as we heed these calls by labor and by acts of benevolence, we are assimilated to the image of him who for our sake became poor. In bestowing, we bless others, and thus accumulate true riches. -

Christian Benevolence--No. 2

Those who are yoked up with Christ will not give with a patronizing air, as though they should have great praise for their benevolence. They will realize that they are trading in their Lord's goods, not their own, and that they will have to give an account, in the Judgment, of the use they have made of their entrusted capital. Those truly love their neighbor as themselves who realize their responsibilities and the claims that suffering humanity has upon them, and carry out the principles of God's law in the daily life.

It is not God's plan at all that the rich should give gifts to those who have abundance. It is the distressed, the downtrodden, the discouraged, the hungry, the suffering, the naked, the poor, of whom Christ says, "Ye have the poor always with you." We need to take closer views of God's word and of eternity. This will not disqualify any one for the duties of life, or to act a Christlike part in society. The gospel of Christ is not only to be believed, but to be acted. We are to be doers of the word. We are daily determining our destiny in the future life by the character we develop in this.

Jesus, the world's Redeemer, laid off his royal crown, laid aside his royal robe, and clothed his divinity with humanity; though adored and worshiped by the angelic host, he left his high command, and for our sake became poor, that we, through his poverty, might be made rich. This is not riches in houses and lands, but the riches which will endure unto eternal life.

Christ penetrated into the very inner circles of life. He sought to arrest the actors in domestic life, in the midst of their household cares, and call their attention to the fact that they had eternal interests to secure. He told them: Your various endowments are so many talents. These the Lord has entrusted to you to be improved, and by their use to gain other talents. They will increase through constant exercise. God has made men almoners of his providence, to use wisely the entrusted capital, as well as the endowments of his grace, to do all the good they possibly can, and thus constitute themselves wise, faithful stewards, laborers together with God, to reshape characters, and to elevate and help those who need help.

The command is given, Work while the day lasts: the night cometh, when no man can work. Jesus asks, "Are there not twelve hours in the day." If these hours were employed as if men realized that they were accountable human beings, responsible before God, as serious, candid, heaven-bought subjects, keeping eternity in view, there would be sufficient time to secure for every soul an inheritance among the sanctified in the kingdom of God. There would be time for each one to be instrumental in the saving of many souls through precept and example. But we have no time to waste, no time to devote to selfish pleasure-loving, no time to give to the indulgence of sin. Time is golden. We have characters to form for the future, immortal life. Angels of God are watching our development of character; they are weighing moral worth.

It is said that one of earth's rulers, when told by the physician that he could live but a few moments, exclaimed, "A kingdom for one hour's time!" Year after year he had been granted the twelve hours of the day, but he had not spent them in securing his eternal interests.

Christ points out to us that which he expects us to do. He has given us a glimpse of eternity, that we may realize that there is something higher than temporal things to engage our attention, and call into activity all our delegated powers. They must be used to glorify our Redeemer. Christ calls for the human agents to co-operate with the divine agencies in saving the world. Not one is to feel that he can use his time as he chooses. Heavenly requirements are not to be ignored.

It is the almost universal practise of men to subordinate the eternal to the temporal; the claims of the future, the unseen, to the common affairs of the present. But Christ declares, "Ye cannot serve God and Mammon." "No man can serve two masters." The god of this world claims wonderful activity and constant slavery to his will. Christ, the uplifted Saviour, calls men to look and live. He declares, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness," he declares, and all needed things of secondary importance "shall be added unto you."

If the churches that have had great light and great opportunities will walk humbly with God, the Lord will give every member a work to do for him. If you make no success in the highways, go into the byways, to those who are poor, despised, and forsaken. If you work for them while mounted upon the stilts of your dignity and superiority, you will accomplish nothing; but if you will be truly converted to the Lord Jesus Christ, and learn of him who is meek and lowly in heart, you will show that you have learned how to work the works of God. This is the work of God, that you believe on him whom he hath sent, that you go to him for counsel and instruction, and pray, and watch, and work.

Waste nothing in your life practise. Jesus worked a miracle to feed the five thousand tired people. He selected a pleasant place for them,--for "there was much grass in that place,"--and gave his orders, commanding them to sit down. Then he took the five loaves and two small fishes. No doubt many remarks were made as to the impossibility of satisfying five thousand hungry men, besides women and children, from that scanty store. Then Jesus gave thanks, and placed the food in the hands of his disciples, to distribute to the multitude. The food increased in the hands of Christ, and as often as the disciples returned to him, they received a fresh supply.

Here is a lesson to be learned. Blessings, either spiritual or temporal, will accompany those who impart to the multitudes that are in need of these gifts. In the act of imparting, an increase is given of God.

The necessities of the great multitude were supplied. Then came the words of Christ. "Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost." He who had all reserves at his command gave a lesson that not a fragment should be wasted. He who has plenty should not waste. Let nothing be wasted that can do good to any one. Collect every fragment; for some one will need it.

The souls of the poor are of just as much value in the sight of God as are the souls of the rich. Then labor for those who need your help, although you may receive very little sympathy from those who are prosperous. Christ says, "Freely ye have received, freely give."

In every large city there are human beings who are not cared for, and are made of less consideration than the brutes. Moral degradation meets the eye and pains the senses. Human beings live in dark cellars, in houses that are reeking with dampness and filth. Children are born in these terrible places. Through the years of infancy and youth, their eyes behold nothing attractive; nothing of the beauty of nature cheers their vision. They hear the name of God only in profanity.

These children are allowed to grew up molded and fashioned in character by low precepts, disagreeable surroundings, and wretched examples. Impure words and the fumes of liquor greet the senses. Want and wretchedness are on every hand, because of the insufficient and miserable food, which is unfit for human beings to subsist upon; and from these abodes of want there are sent forth piteous cries for food and clothing by many who know nothing about prayer.

Christians, will you consider that Jesus gave his life to save these souls? Will you not co-operate with him in this great work? It is not fitful service that God accepts; it is not emotional spasms of piety that make us children of God. He calls upon us to work for principles that are true, firm, and abiding. If Christ is formed within, the hope of glory, he will be revealed in the character, it will be Christlike. We are to represent Christ to the world, as Christ represented the Father. -

Our Words--No. 1

"A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned."

The Jewish priests and rulers, to whom these words were addressed, held positions of great responsibility. They were not ignorant men; they were looked upon by the people as wise teachers, whom they must obey. But they were unworthy of their holy office. Christ said of them: "Whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented. For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil. The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children."

Here is shown the improper use made of the gift of speech. John was the greatest prophet born of women. "Verily I say unto you," Christ declared, "among them that are born of women there hath not arisen a greater than John the Baptist." "This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee." He was sent by God to prepare the way for his only begotten Son; but bitter, unkind words were spoken of him, and those who spoke these words pronounced judgment on themselves in so doing. "They say, He hath a devil," Christ said. Did that make it so?--No; these words were spoken because he rebuked sin, and called men to repentance.

Many to-day feel at liberty to use the talent of speech recklessly, without thinking of the influence their words will have upon others. The Lord sends his messages by whom he will, and those who make disparaging remarks of the messengers and the message need to remember that they would speak in the same way of Christ if he should come to them as he came to the Jews, with a message that did not suit their unrenewed hearts. Those who use their speech to mimic the one who is speaking the words of God are charged with having done this to Christ; for it is done to him in the person of his saints.

The pious rulers would not receive John, and neither would they receive Christ who declared to them, "I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." Christ clothed his divinity with humanity, to meet humanity where it was, but not to speak the words of humanity. He sat at the table with publicans and sinners, he went among the most needy to speak words of life, and to sow the seeds of truth; for there he found more hopeful subjects than among the jealous, prejudiced scribes and Pharisees, who thought themselves exalted to heaven by their position.

Christ carried on his work among the needy and suffering. These judged him by his works. "Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw." When this man was healed, the people were amazed, and they expressed their conviction when they said, "Is not this the Son of David?" meaning, Is not this the Messiah? The gracious works they had witnessed were to them a convincing evidence that he who performed them had the power of God, and they had no thought of attributing them to any other agency. Hence the inquiry, "Is not this the Son of David?"

But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, contemptuously, "This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub, the prince of the devils." These words were inspired by Satan. The enmity and prejudice of the rulers were stirred into a fury of madness; and priests and rulers, Pharisees and Sadducees, united in pouring forth their hatred. From the treasure-house of their hard, stubborn hearts came the words, "This fellow doth not cast out devils but by Beelzebub, the prince of the devils." They could not ignore Christ's wonderful works, or attribute them to natural causes, so they said, They are the works of the devil. In unbelief they spoke of the Son of God as a human being. The works of healing done before them, works which no man had ever done or could do, were a manifestation of the power of God. But they charged Christ with being in league with hell. Their talent of speech was used to abuse the world's Redeemer, and the recording angel wrote their words in the books of heaven. They attributed to satanic agencies the holy power of God, manifested in the works of Christ. Thus the Pharisees sinned against the Holy Ghost. Stubborn, sullen, iron-hearted, they determined to close their eyes to all evidence, and thus they committed and unpardonable sin.

"If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin," Christ said, "but now they have no cloak for their sin. . . . But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause." Christ's works of mercy contrasted too sharply with their pride, selfishness, and evil actions. They could not bear to have his goodness and tender sympathy acted out, even to those whom they despised.

"Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: and if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand? And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges. But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you. Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house. He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad. Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come. Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit." In Christ's works the Pharisees were given sufficient evidence of his mission, but they rejected this evidence.

"O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh." By their words the Pharisees and Sadducees were exerting a deadly influence upon the people, who looked upon them as wise and good men. They were false teachers, poisoning the religious principles of the people by their deception, and teaching for doctrine the commandments of men. The Pharisees especially were stirred by a power from beneath, and they strove earnestly to exalt their manufactured precepts, their traditions and man-made commandments, above the law of God.

As for you, Christ said, your words reveal the malignity of your hearts. "A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned." Your words are an index of your character, and they will testify against you.

Here we see the importance of carefulness in the employment of speech. This talent is a great power for good when it is used aright, but it is just as great a power for evil when the words spoken are poisonous. If this talent is abused, out of the heart proceed evil things. The words are either a savor of life unto life or of death unto death.

It is the privilege of all to fill the chambers of the soul with pure and holy treasures by making themselves thoroughly familiar with the precious words of Christ, spoken for our instruction. "The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple." The word "simple" does not here mean those who lack reason and intellect. It means that class specified in Isa. 57:15: "Thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones." By heeding the reproof and encouragement given in God's word, we may "walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness." Those who are thus strengthened will not walk with head bowed down like a bulrush. Cheap, nonsensical remarks, spoken to create levity, will not fall from their lips.

"Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 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." Then shall we not all, old and young, learn to converse in the language that is spoken by those who are translated into God's kingdom? Shall not our words be such as will be heard with pleasure by our Heavenly Father?

As those who claim to be Christians, we are under solemn obligations to reveal the truth of our profession by our words. The tongue is a little member; but what an amount of good it can do if the heart is pure! If the heart is stored with good things, if it is stored with Christlike tenderness, sympathy, and politeness, this will be shown by the words spoken and the actions performed. The light shining from the word of God is our guide. Nothing so weakens a church as a wrong use of the talent of speech. We dishonor our Leader when our words are not such as should come from the lips of a Christian.

"Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." The quality of our works is shown by our words. When our words and works harmonize in Christ, we show that we are consecrated to God, perfecting holiness in his fear. As we give ourselves, soul, body, and spirit, to him, he works in us, both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

The love of Christ in the heart is revealed by the expression of praise. Those who are consecrated to God will show this by their sanctified conversation. If their hearts are pure, their words will be pure, showing an elevated principle working in a sanctified direction. The mind will be absorbed in holy contemplation, and there will be a sense of the presence of God.

Our Words--No. 2

"Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure; for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth."

This admonition and warning was left on record for all who have a knowledge of the truth, and claim to be Seventh-day Adventists. Our probation is of more value to us than all the gold and silver of the world. Man has been given a second trial; but it was at an infinite cost to heaven that we were granted another opportunity to form characters of which God can approve. Christ united his divinity with humanity. He possessed the qualities of infinite and finite. In his person all excellence dwells. His sacrifice was our ransom from the slavery of sin. By his atonement we are enabled to sit with him on his throne, and share his glory. Then shall we, with such possibilities before us, show ourselves incapable of appreciating the heavenly gift? As the recipients of his grace, shall we not do our part by working out our salvation with fear and trembling? It is God that works in us both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Man works, and God works; but God can do nothing without man's co-operation.

We are responsible for the gift of hearing and for the gift of speech. These gifts may be used to the glory of God. Will not those who have ears to hear, hear as for their lives, and hear to a purpose? Take heed and obey. Truly to believe on the Son of God is to have Christ dwelling in the heart, and to dwell in Christ. Then the Lord is glorified by a pure and holy service.

"The seed is the word of God." "He that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit [even the fruit of the lips, in appropriate words to the glory of God], and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty." The fruitful hearer is a sincere believer in Jesus Christ. Christ was fruitful because he had that faith which works by love and purifies the soul. A true believer shows that his character has been transformed by living a spiritual life, by living on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. His consecration is shown by the words that fall from his lips and by his zeal in good works. Has the hearing of the word humbled our pride? Has it wrought repentance in the soul? Do the fruits of righteousness appear in our lives, shown by our holy conversation? Are we bringing forth fruit to the glory of God, or do others see how little we, who profess to believe the truth, reveal it in our lives?

"Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God." Will not those thus cleansed manifest it by the words spoken? Will they not be holy in all manner of conversation? Having received the message of truth for this time, will they not reveal this truth "in all holy conversation and godliness, looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? The earth also, and the things that are therein, shall be burned up. Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless."

"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; as obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance; but as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation. Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear."

Let all who read these words take heed, and ascertain the character of the fruit borne by their words. Is Christ formed within us, the hope of glory? If so, the society of the frivolous will be avoided. If we put on Christ, and wear his garment of righteousness, we shall certainly reveal this by pure and holy conversation.

There is too little conversation among Christians in regard to the precious chapters in their experience. The work of God is crippled, and God is dishonored, by the abuse of the talent of speech. Jealousy, evil-surmising, and selfishness are cherished in the heart, and the words show the inward corruption. Evil-thinking and evil-speaking are indulged by many who name the name of Christ. These seldom make mention of the goodness, mercy, and love of God, manifested in giving his Son for the world. This he has done for us, and should not our love and gratitude demand expression? Should we not strive to make our words a source of help and encouragement to one another in our Christian experience? If we truly love Christ, we shall glorify him by our words. Unbelievers are often convicted as they listen to pure words of praise and gratitude to God.

"If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." Those who do this work must seek strength and wisdom from above. They must be refreshed by drinking from the stream of life, that their labors may not become exhausting; for those who are doing God's service will strive to communicate what they receive. Therefore provision is made for every soul. "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts." The golden oil, representing the Holy Spirit, is communicated to God's servants by the two anointed ones that stand by the Lord of the whole earth. This will supply the necessities of all who hunger and thirst after righteousness. But if we make no preparation by self-examination and prayer, we cannot receive this precious oil.

Please read the fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah. Great light is given in this chapter. The earnest prayer from the humble, contrite heart will be heard and answered. "Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit." This we have a right to expect if we co-operate with God by consecrating ourselves, soul, body, and spirit, to his keeping. No foolish talking or evil-speaking will then be heard. The tongue will utter right things.

The love of God in the heart will lead us to speak gentle words. "Charity [love] suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth." Shall we not remember this? If the love of God is in our hearts, we shall not think evil, we shall not be easily disturbed, we shall not give loose rein to passion; but we shall show that we are yoked up with Christ, and that the restraining power of his Spirit leads us to speak words that he can approve. The yoke of Christ is the restraint of his Holy Spirit; and when we become heated by passion, let us say, "No; I have Christ by my side, and I will not make him ashamed of me by speaking hot, fiery words." Christ's word to all who are connected with him is: "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 is light."

The education of the speech must not be neglected in our schools. Those who go into society with a desire and a determination to be as Christ commanded them to be, will not condescend to unchristian conversation. They will seek to represent Christ by their Spirit and words. They will aim to promote the happiness of all with whom they come in contact, by revealing Christ as the sin-pardoner, by taking notice of those who are neglected, by informing the ignorant, encouraging the desponding, comforting the afflicted, supporting the weak; and in these labors of love, they will realize that they have a divine Helper.

The Lord has rich blessings for all who serve him in righteousness and truth. Great thoughts, noble aspirations, clear perceptions of truth, unselfish purposes, yearnings for purity and holiness, will bear fruit in words that reveal the character of the heart-treasure. This is religion. Let us pray, as did David, "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my Redeemer." -

The Plan of Redemption

What a wonderful plan is the plan of redemption! Christ saw that the world had so absorbed the minds of men that they did not see the beautiful image of truth. While men slept, Satan had worked with his bewitching power to bring in traditions and false maxims, and had buried the truth beneath a mass of rubbish. He saw that the world had taken the place of God in man's affections and mind, and had divorced the soul from him; that the love of God was expelled from the heart, and the eternal world was lost from the vision. Christ himself was the Word, the Wisdom, of God; and in him God himself came down from heaven, and clothed himself in the habiliments of humanity. He engaged in the mysterious conflict with Satan and his hosts, that man might understand elevated themes of truth. He rescued the truth from the companionship of error, and sent it forth free to the world. He caused it to shine in its own native clearness and purity; for he designed that it should illuminate the dense darkness of the earth and the gross darkness of the people. All his work in its many lines was to make man meet for the inheritance of the saints in light; his words of life were given that the darkness which prevailed might pass away, and the true light shine forth.

Only a brief record has been given of the words and works of Christ during the three years and a half that he was with his disciples; there are many things that the pen has not traced. Yet even this brief relation of facts is full of life and lessons, and is of deepest interest to every soul. We may learn how Jesus spent his time from day to day, and we shall find an activity that will surprise us.

The Sea of Galilee was a place to which he often resorted with his disciples. Capernaum, Chorazin, and Bethsaida were places highly favored, because they received the largest share of his ministerial labor. In these places at a distance from the metropolis of Judea, the Saviour found people of simple tastes, who would more readily harmonize with his work. Near the ford of Jordan was the road frequented by travelers on the way from Damascus to Jerusalem. Here his words were listened to by men from all parts of the world. Thus the precious truth which he came to unfold was as seed sown beside all waters.

The apostles were Christ's personal attendants. They traveled with him from place to place throughout the cities and towns of Palestine. They partook with him of his frugal fare, and with him were sometimes hungry and often weary. They followed him through the crowded streets, by the side of the lake, and in the lonely wilderness. They saw Jesus in every phase of his life. They witnessed his miracles, and heard his lessons of instruction. And it was the design of Christ that these followers should be co-partners with himself to build up, strengthen, and advance his kingdom in the world. He therefore commissioned his disciples to go forth and carry the message he had given them. He bade them lift their voices to the traders in vanity, and break the spell of infatuation, bringing to mind eternal interests. "The kingdom of God is at hand," was to be their message.

The work of the disciples needed molding and correcting by tenderest discipline, and by opening to others a knowledge of the word they themselves had received; and Christ gave them special instruction in regard to their course of action and their work. In his own life he had given them an example of strict conformity to the rules which he now laid down for them. They were not to enter into controversies; this was not their work. They were to reveal and advocate the truth in their own characters, through earnest prayer and meditation revealing personal experience in genuine Christianity. This would be in decided contrast to the religion of the Pharisees and Sadducees. They were to call the attention of their hearers to greater truths yet to be revealed. They were to cast the arrow, and the Spirit of God was to guide the shaft into the heart.

The message which the disciples were to bear was of infinite importance. It was to impregnate every moment of the present life with future, eternal realities. They were enjoined to make known to all who would hear them that the greatness of his kingdom is the wealth of his salvation. And this message was not to be slighted and rejected with impunity. "Into whatsoever city ye enter," he said, "and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say, Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city. Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you. And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell. He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me."

Christ designed that his disciples should learn by experience the meaning of faith in him. In healing the sick and casting out devils they would obtain an experience which was new to them, and thus would be brought where they needed special wisdom from above. They desired in all things to exercise sound discretion, and when brought, as they often were, into painful perplexity, they dared not act independently. How they longed to have their Master by their side, that he might tell them what course to pursue! But they obtained an experience by relying on the promises given them by Christ. They claimed the promise, "Ask, and it shall be given you." They did pray most earnestly, and were not left without the Holy Spirit. At times they were tempted to move unadvisedly; but the words of the prophet, "Lean not unto thine own understanding," and, "In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths," led them to One who would not err in counsel.

As the apostles presented the truth, the grace of God made itself manifest, taking possession of the soul. This resulted in giving them a sympathy with Christ. Christ co-operated with them, in all their efforts arousing and quickening their spiritual life. The entrance of the word of God into their souls manifested itself in their character and conversation; and the disciples returned to Christ freighted with a treasure costlier than that with which any earthly business could have repaid them. In a special sense their minds were dealing with both worlds, and were broadening and strengthening for future development which would tax their faith to the uttermost.

This is the experience that the workers of to-day are to obtain. You are to lean wholly on God. You must not trust to your own wisdom. If you desire to put forth the energies of your spiritual life, if you would have your heart illumined by the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness, remove every obstruction, throw open the passage of communication between Christ and the soul, that the life which is in him may flow freely to you, and that you may impart the same to others.

Christ attaches great importance to the work of the ministry; but this does not mean preaching merely. It means personal effort also. The Saviour of the world devoted more time and labor to healing the sick than to preaching. His last injunction to his apostles, his representatives upon earth, was to lay hands on the sick, that they might recover. And when the Master shall come again, he will commend those who have visited the sick, and relieved the necessities of the afflicted. "Well done, good and faithful servant," he will say; "enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."

There is need of seeking clearness of spiritual eyesight, that we may discern the best methods of working. We have a wily foe upon our track, and we must not be ignorant of the power that is working against us. Many professed Christians will be seduced by Satan's delusions. There is safety only in continually seeking counsel of God, refusing to receive the praise of any one, and bracing the mind by the knowledge of the word of God, received through diligent study. Then Satan's illusions may be resisted. The application of spiritual truth to the heart and conscience by the Holy Spirit's agency, is saving in its influence. "The entrance of thy words," says the psalmist, "giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.

In receiving and believing the words of God, the understanding is enlightened and strengthened. These truths are of vital, soul-stirring interest, and are designed to engage the attention of all for whom Christ has died. They are truths that reach into eternity, and their greatness and importance correspond to their duration.

The Christian who has a knowledge of God and a sense of his presence will cultivate his reasoning powers, and will live with an eye single to the glory of God. He will have breadth of thought. His mind will be enlarged, his faculties strengthened to examine the scriptures that are difficult and obscure. With humility and caution will he contemplate the Word; and the entrance of the word of God into his heart will give him understanding. The pure principles which he adopts will have a molding influence upon his life and character. The Spirit of Christ will dwell in him as a well of water, springing up into eternal life.

Though many do not positively reject the message which the Lord sends them, they give little response to it in life and character, in comparison with what the Lord has a right to expect from them. But it is God's design that the truth shall be carried into the sanctuary of the soul, and work upon the conscience, and that its presence there shall be revealed by the works done to restore the moral image of God in man. Every one may find something to do in saving souls and advancing the truth of God. And all who engage in this work are laboring for time and for eternity. The promise of Inspiration is, "They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever." -

The Truth Revealed in Jesus

When prophets stood in defense of the truth, it was the word of God that was given to them. They understood the work of salvation to be accomplished by the Messiah to come. But after Christ came, after he died as man's sacrifice, after the typical sacrifices were fulfilled by the antitype, the old truth in the typical service was revealed more clearly. In Christ, the representative of the Father, a wonderful truth was revealed to the world. The light from the cross of Calvary, reflected back upon the Jewish age, gives character and significance to the whole Jewish economy; and on this side of the cross, in a special manner, we have the truth as it is in Jesus. Truth communicated through our Redeemer becomes indeed present truth.

What a truth is presented as we gaze upon Jesus in connection with the cross of Calvary, as we see this Wonderful, this Counselor, this mysterious victim, stooping beneath the amazing burden of our race! That the transgressor might have another trial, that men might be brought into favor with God the Father, the eternal Son of God interposed himself to bear the punishment of transgression. One clothed with humanity, who was yet one with the Deity, was our ransom. The very earth shook and reeled at the spectacle of God's dear Son suffering the wrath of God for man's transgression. The heavens were clothed in sackcloth to hide the sight of the divine sufferer.

It was the transgression of the law of God that made this suffering necessary. And yet men harbor the thought, and give expression to the suggestions of Satan through those who trample upon the law of God, that all this suffering was to make that law of none effect. Deceived and blinded by the great transgressor, they tell the people that there is no law, or that, if they keep the commandments of God in this dispensation, they have fallen from grace. What a delusion is this that Satan has fastened upon human minds!

When the theory that the law of Jehovah is not binding upon the human family is adopted and taught, man in blinded to his terrible ruin. He cannot discern it. Then God has no moral standard by which to measure character, and to govern the heavenly universe, the worlds unfallen, and this fallen world. Could God have abolished the law in order to meet man in his fallen condition, and yet have maintained his honor as Governor of the universe, Christ need not have died. But the death of Christ is the convincing, everlasting argument that the law of God is as unchanging as his throne. In the place of the great sacrifice's abating one jot or one tittle of the Father's law, that sacrifice exalts the law; it proclaims to worlds unfallen and to the fallen race that God's law is changeless, and that he will maintain his authority and sustain his law.

Were the law understood apart from Christ, it would have a crushing power upon sinful men, blotting the sinner out of existence. But by understanding the law in connection with Christ, receiving him by faith as his substitute and surety, man sees himself as a prisoner of hope. The truth as it is in Jesus is an acquaintance with the holy, just, and good law of God, as this law is elevated, and its immutability demonstrated, in Christ. He magnified the law, expanded its every precept, and in his obedience left man an example, that he also may meet its demands.

Then why will men be so deceived, and rush on in transgression, breaking God's law, and teaching others to do the same, rushing on the thick bosses of Jehovah's buckler? Why will they make trial for themselves? Why will they test the justice of God, whether he will venture to deal out to man, unsparingly and unflinchingly, the portion that is expressly declared in the Scriptures for all transgressors of the law? The agonies of the garden of Gethsemane, the insult, the mockery, the abuse, heaped upon God's dear Son, the horrors and ignominy of the crucifixion, furnish sufficient and thrilling demonstration that God's justice, when it punishes, does the work thoroughly. The fact that his own Son, the surety for man, was not spared, is an argument that will stand to all eternity before saint and sinner, before the universe of God, to testify that he will not excuse the transgressor of his law.

God is love. He has shown that love in the gift of his only begotten Son. Yet the love of God does not excuse sin. God did not excuse sin in Satan, in Adam, or in Cain, nor will he excuse sin in any of the children of men. The perverted nature of man may distort the love of God into an attribute of weakness; but light is shining from the cross of Calvary, that man may have correct views, and hold theories that are not perverted.

God has given his law for the regulation of the conduct of nations, of families, and of individuals. There is not one worker of wickedness, though his sin is the least and the most secret, that escapes the denunciation of that law. The whole work of the father of lies is recorded in the statute-books of heaven; and those who lend themselves to the service of Satan, to present to men his lies by precept and practise, will receive according to their deeds. Every offense against God, however minute, is set down in the reckoning. And when the sword of justice is taken in hand, it will do the work that was done to the divine sufferer. Justice will strike; for God's hatred of sin is intense and overwhelming.

The truth as it is in Jesus will teach most important lesson. It will show that the love of God is broad and deep; that it is infinite; and that in awarding the penalty to the disobedient, those who have made void God's law, it will be uncompromising. This is the love and the justice of God combined. It reaches to the very depth of human woe and degradation, to lift up the fallen and oppressed who lay hold of the truth by repentance and faith in Jesus. And God works for the good of the universe, for the good of the rebellious sinner, by causing the sinner to suffer the penalty of his sin.

The plan of salvation is but dimly comprehended by the Christian world. Man, as now taught by men who claim to have a knowledge of the Scriptures, can never know the extent of his fallen, degraded condition; but the mission of Christ will reveal the truth as it is in Jesus. Man can know the depths to which he has sunk only by beholding the wondrous chain of redemption employed to draw him up. The extent of our ruin can be discerned only in the light of the law of God exhibited in the cross of Calvary. The wonderful plan of redemption must be discerned in the death of Christ.

The world by its own wisdom cannot acquire a correct knowledge of the true and living God. When Christ came to this world, clothing his divinity with humanity, the treatment he received from the highest authorities of a nation that professed to know God, made fully manifest the strength of human wisdom and reason. Their reason could not form a correct idea of God through his way and works.

Only through faith in Christ is it possible for man to live the law. Man is not able to save himself, but the Son of God fights his battles for him, and places him on vantage-ground by giving him his divine attributes. And as man accepts the righteousness of Christ, he is a partaker of the divine nature. He may keep the commandments of God, and live. Says Peter: "According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust."

The truth as it is in Jesus is obedience to every precept of Jehovah. It is heart work. Bible sanctification is not the spurious sanctification which will not search the Scriptures, but will trust to good feeling and impulses rather than to the seeking for truth as for hidden treasure. Bible sanctification will lead its possessors to know the requirements of God and to obey them. There is a pure and holy heaven in store for those who keep God's commandments. It is worth lifelong, persevering, untiring effort. Satan is on your right hand and on your left; he is before you and behind. He supplies his falsehoods to every soul who is not cherishing the truth as it is in Jesus. He, the destroyer, is upon you to palsy your every effort. But there is a crown of life to be won, a life that measures with the life of God. And those who do not close their hearts and minds to conviction will learn what the love of a holy and righteous God is; for it is an amazing principle, which works in a mysterious and wonderful manner to secure the salvation of the race. -

The Danger of Rejecting Light

While on earth, Christ accomplished the work for which he left the throne of God in heaven. He worked for humanity, that through his work, humanity might be elevated in the scale of moral value with God. He assumed human nature, that he might elevate the human family, make them partakers of the divine nature, and place them on vantage-ground with God. His every action had been in behalf of the fallen world,--to seek the sheep that had strayed from the fold, and bring it back to God.

But the mission and character of Christ were misinterpreted by the Jewish nation. The Pharisees claimed to understand the Scriptures, and the coming of the Messiah was the burden of their searching. Yet they refused to listen to the teachings of Christ, because those teachings directly condemned their cherished sins. Christ therefore declared that they had rejected the word of God, inasmuch as they had rejected him whom God had sent. He commanded them, "Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me."

"Ye will not come to me, that ye might have life," he said. The One who patriarchs and prophets had testified would come, and who had declared the manner of his coming,--the One for knowledge of whom they had searched the Scriptures,--he who could give them life and light,--was among them; yet they refused to receive him. Those who should have echoed the message of John, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world," held him up before the people as a deceiver.

Had the Son of Man come flattering their pride and justifying their iniquity, the Pharisees and rulers would have hastened to do him honor. But Christ declared: "I receive not honor from men. But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you. I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. How can ye believe, which receive honor one of another, and seek not the honor that cometh from God only?"

Jesus did not represent his work as differing from that of his Father. His plans were not independent of God. He moved in perfect harmony with God; his every act carried out his Father's will. His life was the mind of God expressed in humanity. He had come to the world in the Father's name, that through him we might have life. To the Jews he said: "I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him. . . . When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him. As he spake these words, many believed on him. Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. . . . I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father. . . . If I honor myself, my honor is nothing: it is my Father that honoreth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God."

When Christ should go to the Father, he could tell him that he had fulfilled his mission. Christ came to fulfill the law by perfect obedience in a world that was transgressing that law. "I am not come," he said, "to destroy, but to fulfil," -- to manifest in my life every precept that my Father has given, and thus magnify the law, and make it honorable. Thus he left to all who believe in him an example of obedience to the law of God. "As the Father hath loved me," he says, "so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love."

Christ was the only begotten Son of God, yet he became a servant. Through the prophet Isaiah the Lord declares this. He says of him: "Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my Spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street. A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth. He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law."

The Lord saw us in a sad condition, and sent to our world the only messenger that he could trust with his great treasure of pardon and grace. Christ, the only begotten Son of God, was the delegated messenger. He was ordained to do a work that even the angels of heaven could not accomplish. He alone could be trusted to do the work required for the redemption of a world all seared and marred with the curse. And in this gift the Father gave all heaven to the world.

What a change was this for the Son of God, him who was the adored of angels, the Light of heaven! He might have gone to the pleasant homes of the unfallen worlds, to the pure atmosphere where disloyalty and rebellion had never intruded; and there he would have been received with acclamations of praise and love. But it was a fallen world that needed the Redeemer. "I came not to call the righteous," said he, "but sinners to repentance. He came to represent the Father in bringing the message of hope and salvation to our world. He lived not for himself; he did not consult his own ease and pleasure; he did not yield to temptation; and he condescended to die in order that sinful men might be redeemed, and live eternally in the mansions he was to prepare for them. His mission was to teach souls who were dying in their sins.

This work Christ has laid upon every one whom he has purchased. The Lord will give ample light to all who will be true and loyal to him, but he will show no more favor to Phariseeism and self-righteousness to-day than when he walked in his humanity in our world. The soul that encourages an atmosphere of doubt, God cannot favor with constantly increasing grace. His mercy and the gracious influences of his Spirit remain the same for all who will receive them. His offer of salvation does not change. It is man who changes his relationship to God. Many place themselves where they cannot recognize his grace and his salvation. They are under a delusion as to what constitutes Christianity. And while man refuses to become pure, holy, and undefiled, as God's law requires him to do, he is walking away from Christ.

The man who refuses the light that God has given in his word, cannot expect that the appeal ignored by him to-day will soften and humble his heart on the morrow, and that higher incentives and greater rewards will be presented before those who are refusing God's mercy. Every day Satan is stealing a march upon the poor, tempted soul who will not yield his heart to God; and with each rejection of light, the probability of his becoming a Christian lessens, until the Holy Spirit is grieved away.

But will those who have had light and truth reveal that they have not the spirit and love of Christ in the heart, -- that they are not connected with the parent vine stock? Should they not rather, as the favored people of God, manifest to the world that they are one with Christ, as he is one with the Father? This every true worker with Christ will do, through the grace given him. As Christ was dependent upon his Father, so man is dependent upon Christ. "I can of mine own self do nothing," he declared. The work which I do is all of my Father. The necessity is anticipated by him to whom I have access at all times. Had there been one deviation from the divine mind in the work of Christ, the plan of redemption would have proved a failure. So man can do nothing apart from Christ. When there is any deviation on our part from working in Christ's lines, a false mold is given to his work. Man is to live only for the accomplishment of the same work given the Son of God to do. He is honored in being a laborer together with God; and the Lord appreciates his workmanship. God has left nothing undone that he could do for us. He gave a perfect example of his character in the character of his Son; and it is the work of Christ's followers, as they behold the incomparable excellency of his life and character, to grow in his likeness. As they look unto Jesus and respond to his love, they will reflect the image of Christ. -

Denouncing the Pharisees

For the last time, Christ is in the temple. He has given warnings to the Pharisees and scribes, and uttered denunciations against them, while at their tables, having been invited there that they might find some pretext for causing him to be put to death. Now, addressing them and his disciples, he says, "The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat." The Jewish teachers stood up to read the Scriptures, but were seated when they expounded them. As persons exalted, they supposed themselves capable of acting in the place of Moses as interpreters of the law given by God.

"All therefore," continued Christ, "whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say [when teaching the law from the Scriptures], and do not." They did not bring their own works into accordance with the written Word. They enjoined duties upon others, but their own teaching they did not practise. "For they bind heavy burdens [of exactions and requirements] and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, and love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi."

The phylacteries were strips of parchment, with scriptures written upon them, which were worn upon the wrists, the forehead, and the arms. But all this outward appearance of piety was, through their spiritual pride, only violating both the spirit and the letter of the law.

Whatever good thing they do, said Christ, whatever zeal they show, is not that they may obey and honor God, but to gain approval and respect for themselves, that others may think them pious and holy. The oft-repeated "rabbi" was very acceptable to the ear, but Jesus warned his disciples against this. He said to them: "But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ."

By these words Christ meant that no man is to place his spiritual interest under another, as a child is guided and directed by his earthly father. This spirit, whenever encouraged, has led to a desire for ecclesiastical superiority, and has always resulted in the injury of those who have been trusted, and addressed as "father." It confuses the sense of the sacredness of the prerogatives of God.

Of these sins the scribes and Pharisees were guilty; and it was for this that Christ denounced them, saying, "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men." And to the lawyers he said: "Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered."

Knowledge is the only key that will give entrance into heaven. The inspired John declares, "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." A right knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ whom he has sent is eternal life to all who believe.

"Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretense make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves. . . . Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchers, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchers of the righteous, and say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets. Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets. Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers. Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell? Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city: that upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar. Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation."

The most terribly momentous period of the Jewish nation was at the time when Jesus was in the midst of them. Yet it was this generation, that had been honored and favored above all people on the earth, that was guilty of rejecting all the importunity of the yearning love of Christ.

Anguish, deep and unfathomable, pressed upon the soul of Christ; and in the intense pain of unrequited love, he exclaimed, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee," not content to receive with indifference and spurning the message sent by God's servants unto you, your hatred against God you have vented upon his messengers. You will not suffer them to live. "How often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!" The same work that you do to my messengers whom I send will be reflected back upon you. Refusing to be gathered, you will realize what it means to be scattered, to be the despised of all nations.

In the lamentation of Christ, the very heart of God was pouring itself forth in his representative. This was the separation struggle, the mysterious farewell of the long-suffering love of the Deity; it was the expression of abused, rejected love. Christ's representation is a most striking one. He would have gathered his chosen people together as a hen gathers her chickens under her wing. He would have given them protection, they would not have been left defenseless. When the hen sees that her brood is in danger, she calls them under her sheltering wings. She will resist any enemy that may approach. She will die rather than that those who have fled for protection under her sheltering wings should suffer. This will Christ do for those who fly to him for refuge. He will gather his children together under his mediatorial wings, and there they will be safe.

But the chosen nation of God must receive its eternal retribution for its refusal of the Son of God. "Behold, your house is left unto you desolate," Christ said. Christ himself was the Lord of the temple. When he should leave it, its glory would depart,--that glory once visible over the mercy-seat in the holy of holies, where the high priest entered only once a year, on the great day of atonement, with the blood of the slain victim,--typical of the blood of the Son of God,--and sprinkled it upon the altar.

The Jewish nation would none of the counsels of Christ; they despised all his reproofs. They would not come to him, that they might have life. Therefore he declared to them, Your destruction lies at your own door; you yourselves are responsible. "Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord." -

True Christianity

The Lord expects his followers to reveal, in the transformation of their life and character, the power of the gospel, which converts and sanctifies the soul. He calls for all tact and energy to be educated and trained for his service. And yet there are but few who have educated themselves to take in the subject of redemption, and the responsibility which it places upon the followers of Christ. Thousands are doing nothing in real service for the Master. They have no feeling for sin-sick souls who are perishing out of Christ. Although many profess godliness, they help very little in alleviating the poverty and suffering that exist all around them; they reach out no hand to save the perishing. Selfishness increases in every line. It is seen in the clothing of the body, in the decorating of the home, in expending money for that which is not bread, in gratifying pride, and in selfish indulgence. Compassion is becoming rare in the hearts of those who claim to be Christians. They seem to have drunk a deadly draft of Satan's "peace-and-safety" decoction, and to be insensible to the perils to which human souls are exposed.

The Lord of glory clothed his divinity with humanity, and came to our world to endure self-denial and self-sacrifice, in order that the moral image of God might be restored in man. All the heavenly attributes were in his heart in abundance, and flowed out in an irrepressible stream of good works. Mark how readily and heartily he ministered to those in need, how his eyes took in the situation of every tempted soul, how his heart was touched with human woe!

In Christ's unwearying efforts is our pattern. Pity for those in need and suffering will be awakened in all who will attempt this self-denying, self-sacrificing work that the Majesty of heaven came to our world to perform. Those who receive Christ by faith will represent his compassion, his goodness, and his love in a world that is marred and seared with the curse. The degree to which these graces exist in the life and character, measures the genuine likeness to God. "By their fruits," said Christ, "ye shall know them." This is the true test both in grace and in nature.

If men would but consider the souls who are ready to perish as of more value than their own pleasure and selfish indulgence, means, in small and large sums, would flow into the treasury as the price of self-denial in outward adornment, in household furniture, and many other things. God's people would act as if they were pilgrims and strangers in this world.

Those who have great light have the privilege of obtaining still greater light if they will but appreciate that which they already have. But if that light is not appreciated, if God's professed people will not themselves become light to those who are in darkness, the light they have, but do not rejoice in and impart, will become darkness. If they would put their tact and ability to use in the service of Christ, he would put his Spirit upon them. The grace and attributes of Christ, imparted to others, would draw from the treasure-house of God more grace, as circumstances should demand.

The Lord has made it our duty to seek him in earnest prayer, that we may understand his will. He has shown the error of the human race in having direct communion with God to so slight a degree. This is where the weakness of thousands lies to-day. They place finite man where God should ever be, and thereby lose a great wealth of experience. They catch the spirit of the world; they act as the world acts, and talk as the world talks. Its notions and traditions and infidel sentiments they receive as truth; and when something new is introduced, they grasp it with eagerness. That which is but chaff they look upon as manna from heaven. They are leavened by the human ideas and erroneous sentiments of professed Christians who are far from being doers of the word. Men, women, and children are neglectful of their God-given responsibilities. Perverted appetites are indulged to the injury of mental, physical, and moral health. They are fictitious representations of Christ Jesus. They belong to that class whom Paul describes as lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God. As a result, their hearts are hardened. Christ's grace of sympathy and tender pity is regarded as a weakness, and they are led to a misconception of the work that needs to be accomplished.

Many have been entrusted with precious talents of intellect. But what good has been accomplished with these entrusted capabilities? What has been done with the education received from God? Have they, with all their varied plans, appreciated the Giver? or have they joined the apostate who was once a covering cherub, and placed their powers at the disposal of Satan? The work given man in this world is to co-operate with Christ in counterworking the work of the first great rebel, in suppressing the rebellion that he has created. Man is to work as Christ worked for humanity.

But who are walking even as he walked? Who are working in Christ's lines? Who among us have the faith which works by love and purifies the soul? Who are coming into such conformity to God as was represented in the grace of him who is our pattern? Those who yoke up with Christ will have the mind of Christ. They will garrison the mind so that it shall not become enslaved to the control of a power that will stop at nothing in its earnest zeal to win the victory.

We need to guard continually against the sophistry in regard to geology and other branches of science falsely so-called, which have not one semblance of truth. The theories of great men need to be carefully sifted of the slightest trace of infidel suggestions. One tiny seed sown by teachers in our schools, if received by the students, will raise a harvest of unbelief. The Lord has given all the brilliancy of intellect that man possesses, and it should be devoted to his service.

Because so little effort has been made to engage young men and women in the missionary work which must be done to bring the gospel invitation to all, there is but one worker where there should be a hundred. The indifference which is manifested for suffering humanity is charged against churches and families and individuals. The medical missionary work is becoming disproportionate to the moral influence and spiritual labor put forth by church-members generally to reach the souls dead in trespasses and sins. Churches that ought to work in Christ's lines are inclined to make disparaging remarks of those who engage in medical missionary work. And yet they profess to be the people of God.

True Christlike compassion will be manifested in seeking to save those who are lost, looking for them not only in the churches, but also in the world. The woes of men are to be met by all who believe in Christ: the lost are to be sought for on every side; restoration is to be begun. Compassion manifested for the physical necessities opens the way for the soul to be reached.

What excuse can be made in the great day of God for the neglect of souls for whom Christ has died? Wasted opportunities will be presented before those who might, with their God-given abilities and influence, have accomplished a work for God. Then they will see how their unfaithfulness has left souls unassisted, unwarned, unenlightened. Then they will realize that the blood of these souls is upon the garments of those whose duty it was to work in Christ's lines to save the souls for whom he died.

Many of us have a serious account to settle for the misuse of our God-given faculties. For the misuse of the talent of time that has been wasted in selfish pleasure, the waste of the influence which God requires to be employed in his service in response to the service he is constantly doing for us, for the neglect to carry unselfish burdens in this life, God will call us to account. He declares "And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city." -

Tradition

"Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread." Expecting to see Jesus at the Passover, the Pharisees had laid a trap for him. But Jesus, knowing their purpose, had absented himself from this gathering. "Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes." As he did not go to them, they came to him.

This deputation was sent from Jerusalem for the express purpose of watching Jesus, that something might be found with which to accuse him. The Pharisees saw that the disciples did not observe diligently the traditions of the elders. They did not practise the custom of "washing of cups and pots, brazen vessels, and of tables." Hoping to provoke a controversy, the Pharisees said to Christ, "Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?" They thought to draw from Christ words of which they could make capital. But he answered them with authority, while divinity was revealed with startling power: "Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoreth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do."

Christ gave them an example of what they were repeatedly doing, and had done just before coming in search of him. "Full well ye reject the commandment of God," he said, "that ye may keep your own tradition. For Moses said, Honor thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death: but ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free. And ye suffer him no more to do aught for his father or his mother." They set aside the fifth commandment as of no consequence, but were very exact in carrying out the tradition of the elders. The sayings of supposed great men had been handed down from rabbi to rabbi, nullifying the plain requirements of God, "making the word of God of none effect," said Christ; "and many other such like things ye do."

"And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand." He spoke with no hesitation, but with authority, as one who would flash light upon all around him. "Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man." These words, spoken in the hearing of the multitude, infuriated the ecclesiastical powers. The cavilers were seeking to destroy Christ's influence over the people, but he flashed forth such divine truth that they dared not ask him further questions. Christ knew that if he could speak directly to the people, opening to them the Scriptures, he would be heard; for they were in a far more receptive frame of mind than were the leaders. The punishment would fall upon those who were leading them from the path of rectitude. The people listened eagerly to all that Christ said; for never before had they heard such words. They were plain, direct, forcible, and brief, and clearly defined the true meaning of sin and pollution.

The Pharisees had given expression to their hatred, but they dared not then carry out their full purpose. They slunk away, repulsed. They would not receive the light shining on their pathway. When the light shines forth, those who are unwilling to receive it begin to cultivate in the heart the seeds of bitterness. These they also plant in other hearts. This evil seed prepares a place for itself, and the unconverted heart sees everything in a perverted light. So it was with the Pharisees.

"Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?" Christ knows the hearts of all men. Nothing is hid from him. "He answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up. Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch." "For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed. Therefore the Lord shall have no joy in their young men, neither shall have mercy on their fatherless and widows; for every one is an hypocrite and an evil-doer, and every mouth speaketh folly."

"Then answered Peter and said unto him, Declare unto us this parable. And Jesus said, Are ye also yet without understanding? Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draft? But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies; these are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man."

In this our day we meet the same false religious requirements upheld by the Pharisees. The fourth precept of the decalogue is set aside, as the Jews set aside the fifth commandment, while traditions are eagerly grasped and enforced. The Lord did not give the Jews their multitudinous traditions and ceremonies. He did not require them to occupy precious time in doing that which was of no benefit to any one, while they disregarded his commands; neither has he commanded men to observe the first day of the week.

To a large degree the religious world is following in the path of the Jews. The Pharisees taught for doctrine the commandments of men, making the word of God void by their traditions, and this the teachers of to-day are doing by upholding the first day of the week,--a day that bears not the divine credentials. They clothe their false Sabbath with a garb of sanctity, and many would compel its observance by imprisonment and fine. Under the enemy's training, their zeal will grow until, like the Jews, they will think they are doing God a service by heaping reproach on those who have the moral courage to keep his commandments.

Those who do this venture to make of none effect a commandment instituted in Eden; for there, when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy, the foundation of the Sabbath was laid, and the seventh day was set apart to be observed as sacred. The Lord blessed this day as the day of his rest, and sanctified it, commanding man to "remember." Do not forget it; keep it holy.

Man has no permission from God to nullify one precept of the decalogue. He has no permission to lead the minds of others to bow to an idol, or to make laws compelling God's heritage to worship that which is false. Of those who do this, God says, "This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoreth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me." They place the commandments of men on a level with the divine requirements; yea more, they exalt a spurious Sabbath above the Sabbath of the fourth commandment. Their obedience to man-made requirements makes their worship null and void; but God bears with their ignorance till light comes to them.

The worship of a common working-day, and the multitudinous ceremonies connected with this false sabbath, are of the same nature as the wrongs pointedly exposed by Christ when he said, "And many other such like things ye do." The plain evidence of truth is not discerned. Laying aside the commandments of God as altogether unimportant, men follow tradition. They reject God's law, in order that they may keep their tradition. Common things are exalted above those things that are sacred and heavenly.

Satan has taken the world captive. He has introduced an idol sabbath, apparently giving to it great importance. He has stolen the homage of the Christian world away from the Sabbath of the Lord for this idol sabbath. The world bows to a tradition, a man-made commandment. As Nebuchadnezzar set up his golden image on the plain of Dura, and so exalted himself, so Satan exalts himself in this false sabbath, for which he has stolen the livery of heaven.

In this work the principles of the enemy are deep and deceiving, and Christ's words are appropriate, "Laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men." The heavenly universe is amazed that, in their credulity, men transfer the benediction given to the seventh day to the first day of the week. The Sabbath is God's memorial of creation and rest, and at the beginning of the Sabbath command he places the word of warning, "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy." "Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men: therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvelous work among this people, even a marvelous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid." Thus it was with the Jewish nation, and thus it will be with all who, laying aside the commandments of God, teach for doctrine the commandments of men. -

Go, Preach the Gospel--No. 1

"For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: and he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the first-born from the dead; that in all things he might have the pre-eminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; and, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven."

Before leaving his disciples, Christ gave them their commission. Standing but one step from the throne, his last instruction to them was, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations." "Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world."

"Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." Again and again the words are repeated, that they may not lose their significance. Upon all creatures under heaven, high and low, rich and poor, was the light of heaven to shine in clear, strong rays. The disciples were to be colaborers with him, their Redeemer, in the work of saving the world. Christ assured them, "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth." They were to go forth in his name, and he promised them the ministry of his Spirit. He did not lay before them a plain and easy path. They were to be partakers of his sufferings. But he told them of the legacy they would receive. If they united with one another and with him, his righteousness would shine upon them, and from them to a world constantly increasing in wickedness.

The disciples were to catch the radiance of the light from the Saviour's presence, and were to let that light shine upon those walking in the shadow of death. They were commissioned to begin their work in Jerusalem. They were to bear witness to Christ in the city which had been the scene of his great humiliation. Here they were to give evidence of their strength and efficiency by lifting Christ up before those who had resisted his mercy and his love. Under the inspiration of Satanic agencies, those whom God had made the depositaries of sacred truth had denied and crucified their Messiah. To them the wondrous power of God was to be revealed. But the work of the disciples was not to begin and end in Jerusalem. They were to carry the truth to all nations.

Christ carried the minds of his disciples to an eminence, and showed them the vast confederacy arrayed against him who came as the light and life of men. He told them that they were to fight not merely against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers, against the ruler of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. He reminded them that they were engaged in a warfare on which eternal results depended. In view of the heavenly universe, they were warring against principalities and powers. But they were not left to depend on human wisdom or human facilities. They were to work as seeing him who is invisible.

In his name the warfare of truth against error was to be carried forward, subverting the strongholds of idolatry and sin. People were to be stirred to carry the truth to all tongues and nations, giving the trumpet a certain sound, and rousing the slumbering nations from spiritual apathy and death. The disciples were to be his witnesses. Their every action was to fasten attention on his name, as possessing that vital power by which men may be brought into oneness with him who is the source of all power and efficiency. They were to center their faith in him who is the fountain of mercies, blessings, and power. They were to present their petitions to the Father in his name, and then their prayers would be answered. They were to baptize in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Christ's name was to be their watchword, their badge of distinction, their bond of union, the authority for their course of action, and the source of their success. Nothing was to be recognized in his kingdom that did not bear his name and superscription.

In order that his disciples might engage in this great work, and fulfil their commission, Christ declared that they would have power as God's peculiar people: "Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."

Christ read the minds of his disciples, and he saw that they were awake to the peculiar dangers that would assail them. He assured them that if they would go forward in faith to fulfil their commission, they would move under the shield of Omnipotence. He made every provision for the success of their mission. He took the responsibility of the work upon himself.

This was his last instruction to his disciples. He had told them his will concerning their work. He had opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures. He had plainly assured them that they were to begin their work in Jerusalem, the very hardest field they could enter, and were to preach the remission of sins to all nations. "Ye are witnesses of these things,"--his trial, his rejection, his crucifixion, his rising from the dead, and being on the earth for forty days. "And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high."

"And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven." While the Saviour's hands were still outstretched in blessing, he was taken from them; and as they stood gazing upward, to catch a last glimpse of their ascending Lord, the sound of the voices of the angels that escorted him was wafted down to them. "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." "And they . . . returned to Jerusalem with great joy: and were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God."

"And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication."

"And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."

By the power of the Holy Spirit the disciples were fitted to act out the impression that had been left upon their minds by Christ's words,--that they held in trust the most sacred truths ever committed to mortals. The church was fitted for the work of representing Christ. The messengers of God spoke as the Spirit gave them utterance. In accordance with the directions given, they prayed in the name of Jesus. So were the words of Christ fulfilled: "Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. . . . The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

Shortly before his ascension, Christ had prayed, "For their sakes I sanctify myself." He had given himself wholly to the work of human redemption. Charged with this exalted office, Christ stood as the head of humanity, the visible representative of an invisible God. "He that hath seen me," he declared, "hath seen the Father;" and again, "I and my Father are one." And having embodied in himself the love of God, Christ has imparted it to those who believe on his name, that the copies of his character may be multiplied.

"As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world." They are a part of the great firm in the science of salvation, which is to work the works of Christ. "And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth."

To us as well as to the disciples, Christ has given the work of carrying the truth to the world. But before engaging in this great and aggressive warfare, upon which eternal results depend, Christ invites all to count the cost. He assures them that if they take hold of the work with undivided hearts, giving themselves as light-bearers to the world, if they will take hold of his strength, they will make peace with him, and obtain supernatural assistance that will enable them in their weakness to do the deeds of Omnipotence. If they go forward with faith in God, they will not fail nor become discouraged, but will have the assurance of infallible success.

The hour came for the lifting up of the Son of God on the cross, and the hour has now come for him to be lifted up from the earth. Impelled and stimulated by the love of Christ, as God's people advance in the work marked out for them, they will conquer through faith. By faith they may behold even more than angels in their ranks; for the abundant aid of the General of armies is ready for them in every emergency. He leads them on from victory to victory, proclaiming at every step, "I have overcome the world." Your leader goeth forth, conquering and to conquer. Never forget that you are fighting the battle of the Lord of hosts, in full view of the invisible world. -

Go, Preach the Gospel--No. 2

"How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth! . . . Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem: for the Lord hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem. 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."

"Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people. Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee, because of the Lord thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee."

This work is given to all who have had Christ set forth crucified among them. By the baptism of the Holy Spirit, God's people are to do, through the instrumentality of their Master, the work that Christ did. They are to represent the benevolence of God to our world. Partakers of the divine nature, they are not only to save their own souls, through faith in Jesus; but Christ says of them, Ye are laborers together with God. As his witnesses, he has given to each his work. As his representatives, they are to bear to the world the message of invitation and mercy.

Christ enjoins upon his disciples to lift up the world's Redeemer. They are to have a sense of their obligation to devote their entrusted capabilities to the work of winning souls to the gospel of him who has made so full a sacrifice for the enlightenment and recovery of the world.

The utmost eloquence cannot describe the love of God. So vast was the conception of the divine Teacher of the love of God, that its measure could not be expressed. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." What scales, then, can weigh the tremendous guilt of professed believers in Christ, who, for the sake of gain, give their powers of persuasion to matters earthly and common, losing sight of Christ, losing all knowledge of him! If we taxed our intellectual and spiritual powers more to comprehend this love in a fuller sense than we do now, we would put to the tax every capability, every power, to seek and save souls that are perishing out of Christ. Christlike work would be done.

Christ travailed in soul for the salvation of perishing sinners. "As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name." He commissioned his disciples to be unceasing in their efforts to save the world. He himself appointed the Christian ministry and the various means of grace, as channels through which his grace and light and truth might be communicated to every creature that is in need. Abundant provision is in readiness to give spiritual power, and to set the grace of Christ flowing through channels that are cleansed, and ready to receive the heavenly gift.

In accepting Christ, and individual members of the church take the responsibility of doing the work he has appointed them. By faith they pledge themselves to wear the yoke of Christ, and bear his burdens. If they refuse to practise self-denial, and fail to place themselves in the channel where the Lord, by his Spirit, can work through them, they are not registered as Christians in the books of heaven. The more deeply the church feels the need of multiplying channels, the more thoroughly will the riches of the grace of Christ adorn the doctrines of the gospel of salvation.

In every age of the world the gift of the Holy Spirit is the great promise for the church. "Ask, and it shall be given you." There are supplies for all. "I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh." The promise of the Holy Spirit to accomplish the work is repeated in every soul that is converted to the truth. Every one newly added to the church is to be educated in regard to the work he is to do for the Master in winning souls to Christ.

The Lord requires all who profess to be Christians to be filled with the Holy Spirit, and then to consecrate their means and powers to his work. They will then have a lofty estimate of what is due to the world's Redeemer. They are to realize that they are to use every jot and tittle of their influence to help one another to appreciate the heavenly endowment. The absence of the means or influence of one whose name is registered in the church-books means robbery to God. All are to wear the yoke of Christ, and lift his burdens, by watching for souls as they that must give account. To every man is given his work; no one is excused.

The promised influence of the Holy Spirit, which molds and fashions the worker, enables him to co-operate with heavenly intelligences. Such a worker will be God's living, working agency, through whom he can manifest himself. But those who are not daily converted to the Master's use, dishonor their profession of faith. They dishonor the Holy Spirit, who is appointed to aid God's people in the great and grand work of watching for souls as they that must give account.

We are to look unto Jesus, "the author and finisher of our faith." The Lord Jesus allied himself to us, that we might appreciate the high privilege of being partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. Satan seeks to pervert Christianity by filling the hearts of church-members with his attributes. The law of God is the expressed character of God, but Satan has worked against it until, by a large number of those who claim to open the word of God to others, the law is declared to be abrogated. But this law is the standard of the character they must attain in order to be among God's family in the heavenly courts.

The Christian church is to endure the seeing of him who is invisible. The members of the body of Christ are to reach the highest attainments in mental, physical, and spiritual soundness, because the church is the instrumentality by which Christ enlightens those that sit in darkness. God calls upon his light-bearers to put away all selfishness, all that confuses them, and distracts them from their work. As did Daniel, they are to bring self-culture into their lives.

Look to Jesus, the source of all strength, for perfection of understanding. "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth," said Christ. If God withheld not his only begotten Son, but gave him up to death, that we might be restored to the image of the Creator, how much more will he, with him, freely give us all things?

We may expect that the Holy Spirit will impress the hearts and minds of the workers. He takes the youth with fresh talent, energy, courage, and ready susceptibilities, and brings them into harmony with divine agencies, which give no doubtful precepts, and do not lead those desiring to know the Lord to take one false step. The Lord requires all who enter his service to be consecrated and converted daily, as vessels unto honor. Simplicity will be their true eloquence.

The heart that is under the molding of the Spirit of truth is full of holy sentiments. It possesses the meekness and lowliness of Christ, and a veneration for the pure, the merciful, the upright, who possess sterling integrity, combined with the most tender sympathy for humanity. Such a one places true goodness before greatness. He has a mental culture that is in harmony with the character of Christ. Such a man will possess eloquence that is of a superior order. "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: and . . . thy neighbor as thyself." Obedience to this command is the mainspring to the highest eloquence. Those who obey these principles practise true godliness. The soul is purified from selfishness and sensuality and from every phase of sin; it chooses those things that are lovely and of good report, and is a vessel unto honor.

There is altogether too little account made of the Holy Spirit's power to work upon mind and character. Those who reject the Holy Spirit, thinking that the human being, single-handed, can struggle with principalities, and powers, and spiritual wickedness in high places, will find themselves overmatched.

Christ calls upon his church to come into harmony with his character. As in the case of Daniel, in exact proportion as the spiritual character is developed, the intellectual capabilities are increased. He who loves God with all his heart and his neighbor as himself, attains this position through the working of the Holy Spirit upon mind and heart. The Lord will qualify him to be a colaborer with Jesus in the greatest work ever given to mortals.

By the word coming from God, we are instructed to educate, educate, educate, young men and young women to understand the living oracles of God. This knowledge will be of the greatest possible value to them as they labor for God. God requires that minds shall not be dwarfed by a connection with the church, but strengthened, elevated, enriched, ennobled, and made fit for the most sacred work ever committed to mortals. The Lord will have a well-trained army, ready to be called into action at a word. These will be well-disciplined men and women and youth, who have placed themselves under educating influences that have made them vessels unto honor.

The Holy Spirit is the molding power. "Without me," said Christ, "ye can do nothing." But let the Holy Spirit take hold of heart and character, and all who will heed its voice will be lights in the world. Experimental Bible religion is a leavening power wherever it is introduced.

The young men and women who join the church should have a special education in the work for which they are adapted. But if one continues to choose a low, common train of conversation, receive him not as a worker. He will do more than can be counteracted to spoil the other workers. Be sure that such are not chosen to do the work that is so sacred. The words, the spirit, the attitude, determine the scale of usefulness. Let not the work of God be cheapened by those who show that they do not appreciate the elevated character of the work.

The highest interests demand the close attention and energy that are too often given to lower and comparatively insignificant things. Under the molding, educating influence of the greatest Teacher the world has ever known, capabilities and powers will be brought into the church. These are not to be hidden, but are to be used in lines outside the church to augment the power and efficiency of the church. Those who possess these powers are to proclaim the gospel of Christ to all nations, tongues, and peoples.

Those who are truly converted are born again. "A new heart also will I give you," God says. Provision is made by God himself for every soul that turns to the Lord, to receive his immediate co-operation. The Holy Spirit becomes his efficiency. Faith in Christ is our only hope of salvation. The work of every true Christian is to set forth Christ and him crucified. "Ye are the light of the world," Christ said. What constitutes God's people lights in the world?--Abiding in Christ. Doing this, they can co-operate with him in the grand work of winning souls from darkness to light. -

Personal Effort

"And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things. And when the day was now far spent, his disciples came unto him, and said, This is a desert place, and now the time is far passed: send them away, that they may go into the country round about, and into the villages, and buy themselves bread: for they have nothing to eat. He answered and said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they say unto him, Shall we go and buy two hundred pennyworth of bread, and give them to eat? He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes."

Five loaves and two fishes! What a meager portion, seemingly! But in his life of assumed humanity, the Saviour relied implicitly upon God; he knew that his Father's power was sufficient for all things. Taking the small supply of food, he blessed it, and dividing it among the disciples, bade them distribute it to the multitude. "And they did all eat, and were filled."

The provision lasted until the deed of mercy was accomplished, and the wants of every hungry soul were supplied. Then Christ said, "Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost." "And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes." So Christ would teach us economy.

From this miracle, Christ would have us learn lessons applying to spiritual things. By his action he showed the necessity of relieving temporal hunger; and how much more important it is that spiritual hunger be satisfied. In this world there are hearts that are crying aloud for the living God, that are starving for the bread of life. God requires that the truth committed to men be not only eaten by them, but given to others.

As we do this work, we must learn to rely upon what God can do for the saving of souls. Generally too much dependence is placed upon human ability, and too little faith is shown in him whose grace is sufficient to supply all our deficiencies. We are inclined to think that unless an organized company of workers is sent to a field, the efforts put forth will be useless. We feel as if we must belong to some organization if we would accomplish good.

But John the Baptist did not work on this plan. His mission was to prepare the way for the Messiah by his God-given message; and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, he did the work appointed him without calling to his aid priest or rabbi.

In the place of relying upon men for guidance, we should humble ourselves before God, confessing our sins, and pleading with him for forgiveness. We should forsake our proud, self-sufficient way, and go to work, seeking God most earnestly for strength to give the bread of life to those who are not converted,--those who are sick and in need of a physician.

After the disciples had received the Holy Spirit, they went out to give to others the light and knowledge they had received. They were few in numbers, but under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, they did more for the conversion of those in Jerusalem than the large religious organizations had ever done. They extended their work to the remote parts of the earth. God blessed their efforts, and thousands of such as should be saved were added to the church. So the Lord would have us labor. Unless those now gathered in cities will go forth willingly to do earnest, solemn work for the Master, the Lord himself will scatter them.

Success does not depend upon the numbers engaged in the work. Whether they be few or many, all are to work to the utmost of their ability, feeling that as individuals they have a personal responsibility to labor for Christ.

When Christ fed the multitude, each one of the disciples was given a part in the work. Christ asked his Father's blessing on the food, and it came; but the work was not left to one man. Each one was given something to do. So it is now. God has given to every man his work; and he expects all to do their part faithfully. When the truth is presented, God does not design that one man shall do the greatest part of the work. No man should put himself and his work in the place of God. One man's voice must not be heard continually, while others stand by as onlookers. All are to labor for the promotion of the work. Every available power is to be used to carry forward the great work.

No one should lose sight of his personal responsibility, relying on some other worker to do the work he should do, forgetting that he has a part to act in relieving those who are perishing for want of the bread of life. Ordained ministers are not the only ones who can work for Christ. Those who have heard the truth and rejoice in it have a work to do also. At all times they can work for God. It is a law of God that whoever believes the truth as it is in Jesus will make it known. In this perilous time no one can really believe the truth, and stand idly by as a spectator, without interest in the work of God.

God has given different gifts to different people. These varied gifts meet and impress varied minds. In any effort made to advance the truth, a diversity of gifts is a help. By their personal influence some may win their way to hearts and subdue stubborn natures, while others, though not possessing this God-given tact, may have more knowledge and experience.

God desires all to realize that they must be careful how they strive to control those who are doing his work. No one is to seek to bind the hands of God's instrumentalities. God has given to every man his work, and if his children will consecrate themselves to him, no one has a right to specify who is to work, or who is not to work. Let God work through whomsoever he will.

Faithfully and earnestly we are to do the work God has given us, be it large or small. No one else can do our work for us. Individual effort must be made. The Holy Spirit worked through John, but it did not submerge him in some one else. Christ called Matthew from the receipt of custom; he did not make Matthew John. He took his disciples just as he found them, and connected them with himself. He poured out his Spirit upon these human agencies, that they might speak the word of righteousness to those in need of light.

As we work for God, the outlook may not be flattering, yet if faithful, unselfish workers will go to those places that have not yet received the truth, and act their part by communicating the light they have received, God will bless their efforts. As they hold forth the bread of life to perishing souls, even though they themselves do not know where the means to carry forward the work is coming from, God will open a way before them. They will be furnished with grace, ample and full, which will supply their every necessity. The Lord will not allow his work to languish.

A simple faith and trust in God brings its reward. But the work must be regarded as God's work. It is to be done for the good of others, not to gratify pride or self-sufficiency. Every worker must be ready to sacrifice his own wishes and plans for the good of others.

The work of saving souls is infinitely above any other work in our world. He who is brought under the influence of the truth, and through faith is made a partaker of Christ's love, is by that very act appointed to save others. He has a mission in the world. He is a co-worker with Christ.

It pays to labor for those for whom Christ has died. Our strength and resources can be expended in no better way. As we co-operate with God in this work, we can think of Christ's words, which are so full of assurance: "I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance." God loves the souls to whom he gave his only begotten Son, and he calls upon us to see all men through the eyes of divine compassion. -

The Perfect Law

The law of God, as presented in the Scriptures, is broad in its requirements. Every principle is holy, just, and good. The law lays men under obligation to God; it reaches to the thoughts and feelings; and it will produce conviction of sin in every one who is sensible of having transgressed it requirements. If the law extended to the outward conduct only, men would not be guilty in their wrong thoughts, desires, and designs. But the law requires that the soul itself be pure and the mind holy, that the thoughts and feelings may be in accordance with the standard of love and righteousness.

In his teachings, Christ showed how far-reaching are the principles of the law spoken from Sinai. He made a living application of that law whose principles remain forever the great standard of righteousness,--the standard by which all shall be judged in that great day when the judgment shall sit, and the books shall be opened. He came to fulfil all righteousness, and, as the head of humanity, to show man that he can do the same work, meeting every specification of the requirements of God. Through the measure of his grace furnished to the human agent, not one need miss heaven. Perfection of character is attainable by every one who strives for it. This is made the very foundation of the new covenant of the gospel. The law of Jehovah is the tree; the gospel is the fragrant blossoms and fruit which it bears.

When the Spirit of God reveals to man the full meaning of the law, a change takes place in his heart. The faithful portrayal of his true state by the prophet Nathan made David acquainted with his own sins, and aided him in putting them away. He accepted the counsel meekly, and humbled himself before God. "The law of the Lord," he said," is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever: the judgments of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honey-comb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my Redeemer."

Paul's testimony of the law is: "What shall we say then? Is the law sin [the sin is in the man, not in the law]? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead. For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me."

Sin did not kill the law, but it did kill the carnal mind in Paul. "Now we are delivered from the law," he declares, "that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter." "Was that then which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful." "Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good." Paul calls the attention of his hearers to the broken law, and shows them wherein they are guilty. He instructs them as a schoolmaster instructs his scholars, and shows them the way back to their loyalty to God.

There is no safety nor repose nor justification in transgression of the law. Man cannot hope to stand innocent before God, and at peace with him through the merits of Christ, while he continues in sin. He must cease to transgress, and become loyal and true. As the sinner looks into the great moral looking-glass, he sees his defects of character. He sees himself just as he is, spotted, defiled, and condemned. But he knows that the law cannot in any way remove the guilt or pardon the transgressor. He must go farther than this. The law is but the schoolmaster to bring him to Christ. He must look to his sin-bearing Saviour. And as Christ is revealed to him upon the cross of Calvary, dying beneath the weight of the sins of the whole world, the Holy Spirit shows him the attitude of God to all who repent of their transgressions. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

We need, individually, to take heed as we have never done before to a "Thus saith the Lord." There are men who are disloyal to God, who profane his holy Sabbath, who cavil over the plainest statements of the Word, who wrest the Scriptures from their true meaning, and who at the same time make desperate efforts to harmonize their disobedience with the Scriptures. But the Word condemns such practises, as it condemned the scribes and Pharisees in Christ's day. We need to know what is truth. Shall we do as did the Pharisees? Shall we turn from the greatest Teacher the world has ever known to the traditions and maxims and sayings of men?

There are many beliefs that the mind has no right to entertain. Adam believed the lie of Satan, the wily insinuations against the character of God. "And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." When Satan tempted Eve, he said, "Hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath saith, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: for God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil."

The knowledge which God did not want our first parents to have was a knowledge of guilt. And when they accepted the assertions of Satan, which were false, disobedience and transgression were introduced into our world. This disobedience to God's express command, this belief of Satan's lie, opened the flood-gates of woe upon the world. Satan has continued the work begun in the garden of Eden. He has worked vigilantly, that man might accept his assertions as proof against God. He has worked against Christ in his efforts to restore the image of God in man, and imprint in his soul the similitude of God.

The belief of a falsehood did not make Paul a kind, tender, compassionate man. He was a religious zealot, exceedingly mad against the truth concerning Jesus. He went through the country, haling men and women, and committing them to prison. Speaking of this, he says: "I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day. And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women."

The human family are in trouble because of their transgression of the Father's law. But God does not leave the sinner until he shows the remedy for sin. The only begotten Son of God has died that we might live. The Lord has accepted this sacrifice in our behalf, as our substitute and surety, on the condition that we receive Christ and believe on him. The sinner must come in faith to Christ, take hold of his merits, lay his sins upon the sin-bearer, and receive his pardon. It was for this cause that Christ came into the world. Thus the righteousness of Christ is imputed to the repenting, believing sinner. He becomes a member of the royal family, a child of the heavenly King, an heir of God, and joint heir with Christ. -

Waiting and Working for Christ

"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press forward to the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in anything ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ."

This warning in regard to the perils of the people of God is given by one who knew. The enemies of the cross of Christ will put on the garments of light. This they did in Paul's day. As the apostle saw the power of their influence for wrong, he warned the people with weeping not to give them encouragement. They were enemies of Christ, "whose end is destruction, . . . who mind earthly things."

"For our conversation is in heaven," Paul continues, "from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved." "Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh."

Is Christ soon to come in the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory? Is the end of all things at hand? If so, those who claim to be followers of Christ must work in proportion to their faith. Our part is not to wait in idle expectancy, but to act in accordance with our faith in the word of God. Vigilant waiting is to be combined with earnest watching. In view of the solemn events soon to take place, every soul who has been privileged to hear the truth is to work earnestly.

No one who is in Christ's service can rest content with doing nothing. The Christian life is not alone a life of waiting and meditation, not alone a life of prayer, but a life also of work. We are to wait, and watch, and work for Christ. Thus only can we attain to the full stature of men and women in Christ.

"We are laborers together with God," is the inspired declaration. While we search the Scriptures to learn God's plan, we are to strive to carry out that plan, praying for strength to do the work that God has given us. Not only are we to seek for strength from God, in order to know his will, but to do that will. As his earthly agents, we are to co-operate with divine intelligences in carrying out God's plan for the salvation of those for whom Christ has died. As we work under the Captain of our salvation, faithfully obeying his orders, our characters are developed. Through his merits we are enabled to work in harmony with God's great plan.

While we are to guard against all hurry and bustle that would lead us to neglect to form characters after the divine Pattern, we are also to heed the admonition, "Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord." We are to guard against the devices which lead to spiritual declension, that the day of the Lord may not come upon us as a thief. Those who merely profess to be Christians,--the subjective part of religion,--who do not do faithful service for Christ, will fail of obtaining that experience that will make them of value in God's sight. But those who realize the necessity of working for the Master, communicating to others the light and knowledge that he has given them, will be growing Christians. Waiting, praying, watching, and working, they are prepared to witness to the truth.

Heart-work reveals itself in actions. Those who appreciate truth and righteousness will show their zeal by their efforts to give the light to others. Those who are chosen vessels must reflect the character of Christ. Through these the grace of Christ from the river of the water of life flows in rich, pure streams, enabling them to bless all with whom they come in contact.

Golden instruction is given us in the fourth chapter of Zechariah. "The angel that talked with me," the prophet writes, "came again, and waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep, and said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof: and two olive-trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof. So I answered and spake to the angel that talked with me, saying, What are these, my lord? Then the angel that talked with me answered and said unto me, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord. Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts. . . . And I answered again, and said unto him, What be these two olive branches which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves? And he answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord. Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth."

There is a work for all to do for the Master. Every human being who has a vital connection with Christ will earnestly strive to carry forward the work committed to him. But no selfishness can enter God's work. The most splendid service, if it originates with self, is useless. Unless the root is holy, no fruit can be borne to God's glory.

God calls upon every true worker to be an ambassador of love. The Lord is at the door, and all the manhood and womanhood of our spiritual being is to be called into activity. We are to be justified by faith and judged by works. God's law claims obedience from all, and condemns disobedience. All are tested and proved, to see if they will keep the law of the heavenly courts. At this time, when universal contempt is shown by the professed Christian world to the royal law of Jehovah, God's witnesses are to arise and show their loyalty by keeping his law. Their prayer will be, "It is time for thee, Lord, to work: for they have made void thy law."

"Ye are my friends," Christ said, "if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you." For what purpose?--That they might make it known to others. "When the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: and ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning."

God has said, Remember, do not forget, that thou keep holy the Sabbath day. If we are loyal to God's commandments, we shall hold as sacred the day he has sanctified and blessed as commemorative of his work of creation. He has set the Sabbath as a sign between us and him throughout all our generations forever, and we honor him when we reverence his Sabbath.

"He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? Jesus answered and said unto him, 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." Precious assurance, to be realized as true by those who are obedient.

"He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me." "As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love." Shall we not continue in God's love by obeying implicitly all his commandments? "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full." Full and entire obedience brings joy, not mourning, doubt, and uncertainty.

All who stand under the blood-stained banner of Prince Emmanuel, working out his commands as loyal subjects, can claim the words: "Hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. . . . Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning." Here it is definitely stated that it is the law given in Eden to which John refers, and that this law has binding claims upon all mankind.

We are not in a dreamland of inaction. We are soldiers of Christ, enlisted in the work of showing our loyalty to him who has redeemed us. What we are in the heavenly home, when saved, eternally saved, will be the reflection of what we now are in character and holy service. Shall we not show our loyalty by keeping God's commandments here, in this our place of probation? Shall we not raise the standard of loyalty to the God of heaven, irrespective of consequences, unheeding the reviling and hatred of the churches that have apostatized from the service of their Creator?

The Lord has a people on the earth, who follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. He has his thousands who have not bowed the knee to Baal. Such will stand with him on Mount Zion. But they must stand on this earth, girded with the whole armor, ready to engage in the work of saving those who are ready to perish. Heavenly angels conduct this search, and spiritual activity is demanded of all who believe present truth, that they may join the angels in their work.

We need not wait till we are translated to follow Christ. God's people may do this here below. We shall follow the Lamb of God in the courts above only if we follow him here. Following him in heaven depends on our keeping his commandments now. We are not to follow Christ fitfully or capriciously, only when it is for our advantage. We must choose to follow him. In daily life we must follow his example, as a flock trustfully follows its shepherd. We are to follow him by suffering for his sake, saying, at every step, "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him." His life practise must be our life practise. And as we thus seek to be like him, and to bring our wills into conformity to his will, we shall reveal him.

Are we following Christ with unswerving loyalty, keeping his life of perfect obedience, of purity and self-sacrifice, ever before us, that, by beholding, we may become changed into his image? Do we strive to imitate his fidelity? If we educate ourselves to say, Be thou my Pattern; if by the eye of faith we see him as a living Saviour, we shall be strengthened to follow him. Then with the undefiled we shall follow him in the future life. As eye- and heart-witnesses, we can bear testimony to his majesty; for by faith we have been with him in the holy mount. -

All That Will Live Godly in Christ Jesus Shall Suffer Persecution

After hearing Christ's words in regard to the destruction of Jerusalem, the disciples came to him with the question, "When shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?" In answer, Christ gave them important lessons, interweaving with the destruction of Jerusalem a still greater destruction,--the final destruction of the world. The warning here given as to what the disciples would have to meet at the hands of their fellow men is a warning to us also.

"Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted," Christ said, "and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another." These words will be fulfilled. Those who have been our companions in Christian association will not always maintain their fidelity. Envy and evil-surmising, if cherished, will separate very friends. When a man loses the shield of a good conscience, he loses the co-operation of heavenly angels. God is not working in him. He is controlled by another spirit.

We must not think that Satan will cease for one moment his efforts to do to Christ's followers as he did to Christ. "If the world hate you," Christ said, "ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me. . . . This cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause." Can those who claim to be followers of Christ say, with their Master, "They hated me without a cause"?

"The mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming." "Son of man, say unto the prince of Tyrus, Thus saith the Lord God; Because thine heart is lifted up, and thou hast said, I am a god, I sit in the seat of God, in the midst of the seas; yet thou art a man, and not God, though thou set thine heart as the heart of God:. . . . therefore thus saith the Lord God; Because thou hast set thine heart as the heart of God; behold, therefore I will bring strangers upon thee, the terrible of the nations: and they shall draw their swords against the beauty of thy wisdom, and they shall defile thy brightness. They shall bring thee down to the pit, and thou shalt die the deaths of them that are slain in the midst of the seas. Wilt thou yet say before him that slayeth thee, I am God? but thou shalt be a man, and no God, in the hand of him that slayeth thee. Thou shalt die the deaths of the uncircumcised by the hand of strangers: for I have spoken it, saith the Lord God."

The time is fast approaching when this scripture will be fulfilled. The world and the professedly Protestant churches are in this our day taking sides with the man of sin; and to those who have the light of the commandments of God is the message given, "Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. . . . For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works." The great issue that is coming will be on the seventh-day Sabbath. This day God would have us reverence. "I am the Lord your God," he declared; "walk in my statutes, and keep my judgments, and do them; and hallow my Sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am the Lord your God."

There are many who would serve Christ, provided they could serve themselves also. But this cannot be. The Lord will not accept cowards in his army. There must be no dissembling. Christ's followers must stand ready to serve him at all times and in every way that may be required. "He that is not with me is against me," Christ declares; "and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad."

Many have tried neutrality in a crisis, but they have failed in their purpose. No one can maintain a neutral position. Those who endeavor to do this will fulfill Christ's words, "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and Mammon." Those who begin their Christian life by being half and half, will at last be found enlisted on the enemy's side, whatever may have been their first intentions. And to be an apostate, a traitor to the cause of God, is more serious than death; for it means the loss of eternal life.

Double-minded men and women are Satan's best allies. Whatever favorable opinion they may have of themselves, they are dissemblers. All who are loyal to God and the truth must stand firmly for the right because it is right. To yoke up with those who are unconsecrated, and yet be loyal to the truth, is simply impossible. We cannot unite with those who are serving themselves, who are working on worldly plans, and not lose our connection with the heavenly Counselor. We may recover ourselves from the snare of the enemy, but we are bruised and wounded, and our experience is dwarfed. "Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God."

Christ does not promise his followers a smooth and easy path, but he does not ask them to travel the Christian way alone. "When the Comforter is come," he said, "who I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: and ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning. These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended." Christ told his disciples the truth regarding the future, that when their trial came, they might not fall into discouragement and doubt. When John the Baptist was beheaded, his disciples were inclined to reproach Christ because he had not worked a miracle to save his servant. So to-day there is danger that we shall become dissatisfied because Christ does not work a miracle in our behalf, and humiliate our enemies.

"They shall put you out of the synagogues." Has not this been done? Have not those who have accepted the light in regard to the binding claims of the law of God, who have decided to observe conscientiously the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, been turned out of the churches? But they are precious in God's sight. When the light came to them, they repented and were converted, and Christ's words are applicable to them: "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him."

"Yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service." These words come sounding down along the line to our time. A deception is upon those who oppress their fellow men because they do not believe the same form of doctrine that their oppressors believe. Such can give no stronger evidence to the heavenly universe and to the worlds unfallen that they have chosen to stand on Satan's side; for Satan is ever an oppressor of those who love God.

Again Christ repeated the reason for so fully presenting the future: "These things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you," to strengthen you by my presence and comfort you by my words. "But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou? But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart. Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you."

The true and faithful follower of Christ must suffer persecution. There is no way of avoiding it. Paul wrote to Timothy: "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them."

How many have come to Christ, ready to cast their interests in with his, and, like the rich young ruler, earnestly desiring to inherit eternal life! But when the cost is presented to them,--when they are told that they must forsake all, houses and lands, wife and children, and count not their lives dear unto themselves,--they go away sorrowful. They want the treasures of heaven, and the life that measures with the life of God, but they are not willing to give up their earthly treasures. They are not willing to surrender all to obtain the crown of life.

Persecution has frightened many poor souls from the blood-stained banner of Prince Emmanuel to the black banner of the great apostate. For the sake of this life, they transgress the law of God, and in that day when all transgressors are destroyed, they will be bound up with Satan to suffer the second death. But while persecution from those who worship at false shrines will cause some to yield up the truth, it will never induce a true child of God to separate from Christ, in whom his hopes of eternal life are centered. -

Christ's Commission

The Lord has given his church a special work of personal service to do. God could have sent angels to work for the reformation of man, but he did not do this. Humanity must touch humanity. The church is the Lord's instrumentality. He works through those that are willing to be worked. If the church had cherished a sense of her accountability, fervent, earnest messengers would have carried the truth to countries far and near. God's living word would have been preached in every corner of the earth.

What was Christ's last commission to his disciples before he left them?--Lifting up his hands, he blessed them, and said, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." This command has not been fully obeyed by the professed followers of Christ. Our salvation depends on our obedience. It is left with each one to say whether he will qualify himself to do the work God has appointed him to do, or whether he will bury his talent in the earth.

Christ's commission is to be received and acted upon. We are to go forth in faith, with earnest prayer for the promise of One who has said, "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." With the promise of such companionship, we are guilty of great unbelief and disobedience if we refuse to take up the cross of self-denial and self-sacrifice.

The words, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature," are spoken to every individual. We may be adapted for different branches of the work; but while we do our part unselfishly, we are obeying the command. Do we search the precious word of God interestedly, that we may say, "The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple," not to men and women of weak intellect, but to those who cherish simplicity of heart and mind, who are willing to be taught by the Holy Spirit, that they may know how to open the word of life to others? As we communicate the light that has found entrance to our souls, the Holy Spirit gives increased light, and our hearts are filled with the precious joy of the Lord.

Christ did not go to heaven directly after his death. It is claimed by some that when he died, although his body was laid in the grave, his spirit went to heaven. But after his resurrection he said to Mary, "Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God." If, after he bowed his head and died, he went directly to heaven, certainly he did ascend to his Father.

Christ remained in the grave the allotted period of time, and then he took up his life again. In the hearing of the people he had said, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," referring to his body. He came forth from the grave a conqueror, proclaiming, over the rent sepulcher of Joseph, "I am the resurrection, and the life."

We have a crucified, risen Saviour to present to the people. All who have come to Jesus for pardon have found him ever ready to take their sins, and to impute his righteousness to them. He who has come to Christ, and has been truly converted, will have a longing to save the souls that are out of Christ. He who loves God supremely and his neighbor as himself cannot rest content with doing nothing. He goes forth proclaiming, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." As he comes to Christ himself, his whole soul breathes out for Christ. He receives the light and knowledge that the Lord gives to every true seeker to impart to others. After the Holy Spirit has molded the heart of the true believer, the light that enters heart and mind cannot be shut in; it must shine forth to others.

God will use humble men as his instruments. Even though they have but one talent, if they trade upon it, it will increase. The great fault in the church is that the work of saving souls is so limited that the advancement of the kingdom of God is slow. A backslidden church is the sure result of a selfish church,--a church that does not use her talents in co-operating with Jesus to restore the image of God in men. We are to minister to every creature. A responsibility is laid upon us to work for all,--our friends, our acquaintances, those who are bound up with the world and alienated from God. The apparently amiable and agreeable are to come into the sphere of our labors. The truth is for them as much as for us, and we must say, "Come."

God has entrusted the knowledge of the truth of redemption to every converted soul, and this knowledge is to be given to others. With a tender, sympathetic heart, tell them of the great truth of redemption. If we are in earnest, we can and will so speak that all will see that we have the love of the truth in our hearts. The frivolity and love of amusement that we encounter may chill our soul, but it will not silence the message we bear as Christ's witnesses. And each soul saved will save other souls; for those who are truly converted will realize that they are the depositaries of sacred trusts. What rich blessings will follow pure, consecrated effort, the worker depending on God to give the increase!

It is a most fatal mistake to suppose that the work of saving souls depends alone on ordained ministers. All who are ordained unto the life of Christ are ordained to work for the salvation of the souls of their fellow men. "The Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." It is by the Spirit's power that souls that are dead in trespasses and sins are quickened to hear the words of life.

There are heathen at our doors; there is infidelity in the church that palsies the working element with unbelief. The command to work unselfishly and earnestly, wearing Christ's yoke and bearing his burdens, rests upon every soul. Wherever his work, whatever his business, his first interest is to seek the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and by precept and example, in word, spirit, and action, to show his earnest zeal for Christ. -

God's Standard of Character

The law of God is binding on all human intelligences. "Think not," said Christ, "that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven."

God requires obedience to his law. But Satan, ever since his fall, has been working against this law. He created disaffection in heaven by his ambition to be higher than Christ, the Commander of the heavenly host; and then he attacked the law of Jehovah. He held a position next to Christ, and in his rebellion he carried the angels with him. With their leader, these were expelled from heaven; and when Christ came to this earth to live the law that Satan had declared could not be kept, Satan followed him from the manger to the cross, doing all in his power to render his work a failure.

Many mistakes were made by the Jewish teachers in regard to the true character and far-reaching principles of the law. Its relation to sin was misconceived and misapplied. The outward action was dealt with, but inward sins were not touched. Those who did not allow the defilement of the soul to develop into outward defilement, were looked upon as righteous, while in their hearts they cherished thoughts of the most sinful character,--thoughts that were earthly and sensual.

In his sermon on the mount, Christ made known the comprehensive and far-reaching character of the law of God. He applied its great principles to the thoughts and the desires. He taught that all wrong thoughts and feelings, though unknown to any human being, are a transgression of the law of God, and that those who cherish them must suffer the penalty. Thus the law was shown to reach the inner life.

Christ presented the truth as a sharp sword, which cut to the soul. He flashed the divine requirements upon the secrets of the perverted heart. "Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: but I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." "Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: but I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire."

In the Old Testament and the New the law is shown to be God's standard of character. A lawyer came to Christ with the question, "What shall I do to inherit eternal life?" "What is written in the law? how readest thou?" the Saviour asked. The lawyer had been urged by Christ's enemies to ask him this question, that they might find something wherewith to accuse and condemn him. In his wisdom, Christ referred the question back to the questioner. This was so unexpected that the lawyer did not study how to evade the matter, but answered him honestly, in accordance with the light that he had. He was acquainted with the principles of the law, and he replied, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself." "Thou hast answered right," said Christ; "this do, and thou shalt live." To love God with all the heart is the first great law of the universe. When the love of God fills the heart, love to our fellow men will flow forth in words and deeds as the fruit of that love.

From the pillar of cloud the Lord gave the same lesson to Moses, to be given to the people. "The Lord spake unto Moses, saying,. . . Ye shall do my judgments, and keep mine ordinances, to walk therein: I am the Lord your God. Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgments: which if a man do, he shall live in them. I am the Lord."

"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates."

To-day Satan's influence is great, and it is his special work to make void the law of God. Those who place themselves under his control he leads to do this also. The work he began in heaven he has zealously carried out on the earth. The war between the two great armies is waged upon the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Satanic agencies are united with human agencies in an effort to make void the law of God, and to teach for doctrines the commandments of men. Two contending forces are striving for the mastery. Shall we allow our influence to swell the tide of iniquity and transgression? Every soul that believes the word of God should arise and shine because his light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon him. Shall we not study the word of God critically, refusing to trust to our own intelligence, which may be under the control of a masterly tempter?

It means everything to us on which side we place our influence. It makes all possible difference what we believe. The falsehood maintained by Satan, that the law of God is abrogated, will be accepted in all honesty by those who have not walked in the light as it has shone upon their path. They have turned aside to falsehood, and they wrest the Scriptures to maintain their false theories. The more sincerely a man believes falsehood, the more fatal it is to his own soul. He earnestly advocates this falsehood, and those who have not been sanctified through the truth accept it. The more he advocates error, the more certain he becomes that it is truth, and that truth is error, and must be exposed and denounced. He is imbued with a zeal that is in accordance with the zeal of his leader.

A striking contrast is seen between those who practise the truth and those who have joined the ranks of the apostate. Meek and lowly will those be who follow the Lamb of God. Boastful, denunciatory, and lawless in word and deed will those be who war against the commandments of God. They are thus because they have the spirit and attributes of the dragon, who was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, who keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus.

God's law is immutable and eternal; for it is the transcript of his character, and by it God designs to bring the family on earth into harmony with the family in heaven. God has made it possible for men to obey his requirements, by making it possible for them to be partakers of the divine nature. Thus our characters may be molded in accordance with the law of God. And by willing obedience to this law our characters are conformed to the character of God.

Obedience to the law of ten commandments is the condition of salvation. This is God's positive requirement. The Bible declares that no one can truly love God and yet refuse to obey his law, after receiving light in regard to its immutability. Many attempt to justify their disobedience by distinguishing between God's commandments and Christ's commandments. This they do, that they may bear the name of Christian and yet live in violation of God's law. But those who plead thus place their faith in a falsehood devised by the father of lies.

God's commandments are indeed the commandments of Jesus. "If a man love me," Christ declared, "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 hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. . . . He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me."

"He that saith, I know him," John wrote, "and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning."

Through Jesus there is divine sympathy between God and the human beings who, through obedience, are accepted in the Beloved. Thus humanity conforms to the will of divinity, fulfilling the words, "If ye love me, keep my commandments." The commandment-keeping people of God are to walk in the sunlight of Christ's righteousness, their countenances expressing cheerfulness and thanksgiving, joyful in the assurance, "Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city." -

Parental Responsibility--No. 1

In the education of their children, parents should begin early to establish in them correct methods and habits; for the early education of the youth shapes their character in both their secular and religious life. Their minds should be directed in profitable channels of thought. Their occupations should be such as not only to benefit themselves, but to teach others the development of thought and labor that will be for their present and eternal good.

Children may be trained for the service of sin, or for the service of righteousness. Solomon says, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." This language is positive. The training that Solomon enjoins is to direct, educate, develop. But in order for parents to do this work, they must themselves understand the "way" the child should go. It is impossible for parents to give their children proper training unless they first give themselves to God, learning of the great Teacher the precious lesson of obedience to his will. The mother should feel her need of the Holy Spirit, that she may herself have a genuine experience in submission to the way and will of the Lord. Then, through the grace of Christ, she can be a wise, gentle, loving teacher of her children.

Fathers and mothers are responsible for the health, the constitution, and the development of the characters of their children. No one else should be left to see this work. As parents, it devolves upon you to co-operate with the Lord in educating your children in sound principles, keeping their minds open and impressible by the inculcation of Bible truth. This will develop strong characters.

Diet. In two many cases the parents are only grown-up children. They are not intelligent teachers; they do not realize the responsibilities that rest upon them. In their ignorance of the wants of their infants, many parents think that they can be fed upon those things which they themselves eat. They have no knowledge of what constitutes a proper diet. Many mothers have come to me, saying, "My baby does not thrive. It is poor and fretful and sick. What is the matter with it?"

"What do you give your child to eat?" I have questioned.

"The same food that we ourselves eat,--a little bit of everything,--a little tea, coffee, potato, beer, and meat."

This variety of food is unwholesome for the parents, and is much more so for the child. The child has but a small stomach, and should have regular periods of eating, and then it should not eat too largely. Overeating crowds the stomach, and distress is the result. The "stuffing" process has placed many a little child in its narrow bed, just because of the ignorance of the parents. Let the child dress simply, and eat of the simplest and most wholesome diet. Let him not be indulged, and tempted to eat more than he should. This will ruin the digestive organs before he can become intelligent upon the important subjects of how to eat, how to dress, how to exercise, in order to retain health. The youth who are not perseveringly educated to respect the laws of their own being, will easily turn aside from the laws which God has ordained for their spiritual life.

The Spoiled Child. In some families the wish of the child is law. Everything he desires is given him. Everything he dislikes, he is encouraged to dislike. Indulgence is supposed to make the child happy, but it only makes him restless and discontented. Indulgence has spoiled his appetite for plain, healthful food, and for the plain use of his time; self-gratification has done the work of unsettling his character for time and for eternity.

A great mistake is made when the lines of control are placed in the child's hands, and he is allowed to bear sway in the home. But this has been done, and will continue to be done, because fathers and mothers are blind in their discernment and calculation. The child who is not carefully and prayerfully disciplined will be unhappy in this life, and will form such unlovely traits of character that the Lord can not unite him with his family in heaven. There is a very great burden to be carried all through the life of a spoiled child. When his will is crossed, he is aroused to anger. In trial, in disappointment, in temptation, he will follow his undisciplined, misdirected will.

Children who have never learned to obey will have weak and impulsive characters. They may profess to be Christians, but how sad is their experience. They seek to rule, but have not learned to submit. These half-educated children are without moral strength to restrain their wayward tempers, to correct their wrong habits, or to subdue their uncontrolled wills. That mother who, knowing what is best for the spiritual and physical help of her child, yields to his tears and importunity, will, through her own training, be pierced through with many sorrows.

The heavenly intelligences can not co-operate with fathers and mothers who neglect to train their children, and who allow Satan to make the youthful mind an instrument through which he can work to counteract the working of the Holy Spirit. The youth may profess to be converted, but the character will reveal whether or not the neglected work of the parents has been overruled by good. What sin can be greater than that of allowing children to be spoiled by mismanagement? When these children have families of their own, they carry their defects with them, and thus the neglect of parents to deal faithfully carries evil from generation to generation. Thus the world is deprived of the moral power of rectitude and integrity which it should have.

The happiness of every child may be secured by strong, even discipline. A child's truest graces consist in modesty and obedience,--in attentive ears to hear the words of direction, in willing feet and hands to walk and work in the path of duty. And a child's true goodness will bring its own reward, even in this life. The early years are the time for the training process, not only that the child may become most serviceable and full of grace and truth in this life; but that he may secure the place prepared in the home above for all who are true and obedient. In our own training of children, and in the training of the children of others, we have proved that they never love parents and guardians less for restraining them from doing evil.

The future of society depends on the education and training of the youth of to-day. Parents, a solemn work is resting upon you. The greatest power, the efficient gospel, has its effect in the well-ordered, well-disciplined family. The children are not be treated as dolls, made to be dressed and undressed,--idols, to have affection and indulgence lavished upon them, and parental self-sacrifice cater to their impulses. They are to learn to obey in the family government. They are to form a symmetrical character, of which God can approve, maintaining law in the home life. Christian parents are to educate their children to obey the law of God. The reasons for this obedience and respect for the law of God may be impressed upon the children as soon as they can understand its nature, so they will know what they should do, and what they should abstain from doing.

God requires obedience of every human being. Upon this our eternal future depends. In obedience to the law of God we shall form a beautiful character. "The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul." Children should be taught to respect every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. Parents are ever to magnify the precepts of the law of the Lord before their children, by showing obedience to that law, by themselves a living under the control of God. If a sense of the sacredness of the law takes possession of the parents, it will surely transform the character by converting the soul.

Parents, never prevaricate, never tell an untruth by word or deed. If you want your child to be truthful, be truthful yourselves; be straightforward and undeviating. Even a slight prevarication should not be allowed. If the mother is accustomed to be untruthful, the child will follow her example.

The work of "breaking the will" is contrary to the principles of Christ. The will of the child must be directed and guided. Save all the strength of the will, for the human being needs it all; but give it a proper direction. Treat the child's will wisely and tenderly, as a sacred treasure. Do not hammer it to pieces; but by precept, by true example and love, wisely fashion and mold it until the child comes to years of responsibility. Then still guide with your counsel, bringing your child up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. -

Parental Responsibility--No. 2

If parents desire their children to be pleasant, they should never speak to them in a scolding manner. The mother often allows herself to become irritable and nervous. Often she snatches at the child, and speaks in a harsh manner. If a child is treated in a quiet, kind manner, it will do much to preserve in him a pleasant temper. The grandest and noblest work that parents have to do for their Master is to bring Bible discipline into their government. Mothers, teachers, and guardians of the youth, be careful. If things arise to irritate, you are not at liberty to act out your feelings. Educate yourselves to carry a pleasant countenance, and to bring sweetness and melody into the voice. The angels of God are ever near your little ones; and your harsh, loud tones of fretfulness are not pleasant to their ears. Let love and tenderness, patience and self-control, be at all times the law of your speech. Winning love is to be like deep waters, ever flowing forth in the management of your children.

All through his life, Christ performed acts of love and tenderness for the children. He took the little ones in his arms, and blessed them. On one occasion he called a little child to him, and set him in the midst of his disciples, 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 as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me."

Parents should heed the words of Christ: "Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven." These words are not spoken for the benefit of those only who are young in years. They include all who are newly come to the faith, who are little children in experience, born again into the kingdom of God.

It is your duty, parents, to educate and train your children to do service for him whose they are by creation and redemption. If the Lord could present a little child in its simplicity as an object-lesson, then be careful how you treat the precious little ones, the lambs of the flock. There need be no harsh tones, no hard, painful strokes upon the little form. If, in the fear and love of God, you will do your duty, you will not deserve the pain you cause your child to suffer because of your masterly spirit that is so easily provoked. We would be much happier if we would manifest the gentleness of Christ in dealing with the little ones, who have everything to learn from the lips and character of the parents. It is a pleasant thing for God and the angels above to behold this work carried on in the families of earth in a Christlike manner, the parents fully appreciating the value of the souls of the little ones committed to their care.

The long, protracted effort made to obtain an education in books is a mistake. There is danger of arousing love for pleasure and amusement. This gives the youth an education which is deleterious and unprofitable, and which God can not bless; for it divorces the thoughts from him, and corrupts the soul. Those who receive this training are wavering and irresolute. They crave those things that are not essential for this life, or for the future, immortal life. They are full of conceit and self-importance. Unless completely transformed in character, they will never understand and know the truth.

All are to be students in this life. We are to improve our faculties, that we may do the best kind of service for him who has given his life to redeem us. We are to think soberly, and consecrate ourselves to God day by day. Then we shall consider every hour precious, and shall purify our souls with stern resolution. Our opportunities and privileges are golden. We have a high standard to reach. We are to do missionary work for the Master, co-operating with Christ in restoring the moral image of God in men.

The glory of God is to be kept before the mind's eye. This should be the one aim and purpose of parents. Everything that would hinder in this consecrated service is to be left. We are to separate ourselves from whatever position we have placed ourselves in that would fetter us to cheap habits, common words, common works, or littleness of purpose. Christians are to be Christlike. All who sincerely believe that the living oracles of God mean just what they say, will act that faith.

Nothing can excuse parents from their responsibility toward their children in their influence in the home discipline and education. Low, cheap, common talk should find no place in the family. When the heart is pure, rich treasures of wisdom will flow forth. The heart should be a holy temple for God, where no entrance of corrupt principles is allowed to divorce us from God, and extinguish our moral and spiritual power. In the training of their children, parents should inculcate right principles. Every action is liable to be repeated. Every course of action has a twofold character and importance. It is virtuous or vicious, right or wrong, according to the motive which prompts it. A wrong action, by frequent repetition, leaves a permanent impression upon the mind of the actor, and also on the minds of those who are connected with him in any relation, either spiritual or temporal. The parents or teachers who give no attention to the small actions that are not right, establish those habits in the youth. Principle must be firmly held by parents and teachers. They must reverence the principles of God's holy word, and let their own lives reveal that they are pure and noble and heavenly.

On every hand we see a neglect to train children to engage in useful labor. They are allowed to grow up in ignorance of simple and necessary things. But those who are so unfortunate in their training must awake; take the burden of the matter upon themselves; and, if they ever expect to have success, find incentives to the honest employment of their God-given powers. Their own enlightened understanding must lead them to engage in useful work. Without this kind of education, this principle of action will not be established. Their work will be fitful, and their efforts in every line, feeble.

Parents are not to be slaves to their children, doing all the self-sacrifice, while the children are permitted to grow up careless and unconcerned, letting all the burdens rest upon their parents. The children are God's precious heritage, to be disciplined, educated, and trained to lift burdens in their early years. These should be light at first; but children should be carefully educated to do their part, that they may understand how to do their work with willing aptitude. Young men and young women who have been so unfortunate as to have the idea impressed upon their minds that work is degrading to ladies and gentlemen, will in the end lose the credit of being ladies and gentlemen. There are domestic duties calling for a helping hand; in every place there are things that require energetic, persevering, skilled activity, which ready, experienced hands know how to undertake. The laws of necessity require that our missionaries, in the fulfilment of the duties of common, practical life, become wise in methods and plans.

Work is constantly being done in heaven. There are no idlers there. "My Father worketh hitherto," said Christ, "and I work." We can not suppose that when the final triumph shall come, and we have the mansions prepared for us, idleness will be our portion,--that we shall rest in a blissful, do-nothing state. We have a great work to do in this our day to prepare the way for the King of kings and Lord of lords. Be sure he finds us at the occupation he has given us. To every man he has given his work,--a fitting occupation,--to prepare a people to stand in the great day of the Lord. -

Words of Warning

When Christ sent forth the twelve, he warned them of the persecution they would receive for his sake. "Behold," he said, "I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues." They will do this while they apparently wish you to regard them as your friends. By the deceptive attitude which they assume to retain your confidence, they will betray you. They hide the spirit of the wolf under the appearance of the sheep. Their lips may speak words as smooth as oil, but the poison of asps is under their tongues.

The truth of Christ's words was verified in the case of Lazarus. Those who witnessed the resurrection of Lazarus were unable to keep silence; the miracle was the burden of the conversation of thousands. God designed that there should be witnesses to give publicity to this, Christ's crowning miracle. At the feast of the Passover, many were drawn from their homes to see and hear Jesus. "And they came not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead." Many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus. Those who saw Lazarus told others, and thus the news spread. Such a thing had never before been heard of. That he who had been cut off from among the living, now stood among them with the love of God expressed in his face, was the subject on all lips.

"The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him." The evidences of the resurrection of Lazarus were so clear that the rulers could not resist them; neither could they frame their falsehoods so long as he stood to bear testimony against them. All the false statements of the priests and rulers, all their hatred and jealousy, could not draw the people to them as long as Lazarus was living to say: He spoke, and I was released from the bonds of death. "I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me." The same omnipotent power that made the world has conquered death. And as long as Lazarus lived, his testimony could not be silenced.

"The chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death; because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus." As they had laid their plans to kill Jesus, so they consulted together how they might, in some secret manner, employ men to rid them of the presence of Lazarus. If he were removed, they thought, they could more easily accomplish the death of Christ. When men open the door of the heart to let Satan in as their guest, they follow his promptings, and let unbelief bear sway. They misinterpret and misapply the Scriptures; for they read the Word in the light of their own perverted imagination. While they put on an appearance of sanctity, and profess to be doing the service of God, there is no end to the crimes they will commit if circumstances but favor them.

"And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake," Christ continued, "for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, take no thought [be not anxious] how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak."

From the burning bush the Lord reproved Moses for unbelief when he pleaded his inability to speak. "Who hath made man's mouth?" he said, "or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say." When the word of Lord came to Jeremiah, he said, "Ah, Lord God! behold, I can not speak: for I am a child." But the Lord said to him: "Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord."

The same God who gave his messages to Moses and Jeremiah will give his word to his witnesses in this generation. "For it is not ye that speak," Christ declares, "but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you." This word of the Lord has been verified in all ages, and it will be verified to the close of time in all who hold the beginning of their confidence firm unto the end. The most powerful testimony will be given in defense of the faith once delivered to the saints. The Holy Spirit is close beside those who are called to witness for truth and righteousness. He orders the testimony that is borne before earthly authorities, that the glorious truth may appear.

The history of Judas is written for our learning. He was a betrayer of sacred trusts. He had an opportunity to become converted, heart and soul, to Christ. The Saviour bore long with his perversity and defects of character. He gave no personal rebuke; he dealt with him by revealing principles of righteousness. But this was not enough. Before he left his disciples, he desired them to know the true character of Judas, and he reproved him for his covetousness in rebuking Mary for her use of the ointment.

Christ washed the feet of Judas. This was the time for Judas to confess his sin, and ask the forgiveness of Christ. This was his opportunity to accept Christ, or to shut the door of his heart against the light. The promptings of the Spirit were repressed. Judas partook of the broken body and spilled blood of his Lord, and went out from the table to betray his Master. He would not receive counsel nor reproof; he was determined to have his own way, to follow his own impulses.

We have far greater light than Judas had. We have a crucified, risen, and ascended Saviour, who ever liveth to make intercession for us. The Lord reveals to men their danger, and warns them to put away all selfishness, that they may have that faith which works by love and purifies the soul. Yet, notwithstanding this, Satan works upon human minds to do as Judas did. The deadly, groveling passions that take possession of the heart in these last days, when self once becomes lifted up, bring all kinds of evil. Those who sympathized with Korah, Dathan, and Abiram in their apostasy, brought blight and death upon themselves. So it will be in these last days. The cause of Christ will be betrayed. Those who have had the light of truth, and have enjoyed its blessings, but who have turned away from it, will fight down the Spirit of God. Inspired with a spirit from beneath, they will tear down that which they once built up, and show to all reasonable, God-fearing souls that they can not be trusted. They may lay claim to truth and righteousness, but their spirit and works will testify that they are betrayers of their Lord. The attributes of Satan they call the movings of the Holy Spirit.

There are but two classes in our world, and they are thus described in the word of God: "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him." "Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie."

The warning of Christ comes sounding down the line to our time: "Then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold." "And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved."

Said Christ: "It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."

Men will have great opportunities and privileges, and great light; and they will either go forward unto the perfection of Christ's character, or they will follow their own peculiar traits of character. Under the sway of Christ, they will be mild and teachable; under the inspiration of Satan, they will reveal a harsh spirit, and become betrayers of their brethren. They will walk frowardly, in the way of their heart. If those who have light will open the chambers of the mind, they will see as the Lord sees; they will take counsel and reproof; they will open the door of the heart of Jesus, and will welcome him in as an honored guest. Then the soul will be a temple where Christ can dwell. -

The Lord's Supper and the Ordinance of Feet-Washing--No. 1

"Then came the day of unleavened bread; when the passover must be killed. And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat. And they said unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare? And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in. And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guest-chamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples? And he shall show you a large upper room furnished: there make ready. And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover. And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him. And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer: for I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves: for I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come."

"And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table. And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed!" "I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me."

With the rest of the disciples, Judas partook of the bread and wine, symbolizing the body and blood of Christ. This was the last time that Judas was present with the twelve. But that the Scripture might be fulfilled, he left the sacramental table, Christ's last gift to his disciples, to complete his work of betrayal. O, why did not Judas at that solemn service recognize in its true light the awful work he had pledged himself to perform? Why did he not throw himself penitent at the feet of Jesus? He had not yet passed the boundary of God's mercy and love. But when his decision was made to carry out his purpose, when he left the presence of his Lord and fellow disciples, that barrier was passed.

This covenant deed was to be ratified with Christ's own blood, which it had been the office of the old sacrificial offerings to keep before their minds. This was understood by the apostle Paul, who said: "For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshipers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: in burnt-offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me), to do thy will, O God. Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt-offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: but this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God."

Christ designed that this supper should be often commemorated, in order to bring to our remembrance his sacrifice in giving his life for the remission of the sins of all who will believe on and receive him. And this ordinance is not to be exclusive, as many would make it. Each must participate in it publicly, and thus bear witness: I accept Christ as my personal Saviour. He gave his life for me, that I might be rescued from death.

"And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him; Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; he riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. Jesus said to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all. For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean."

The children of God are to bear in mind that God is brought sacredly near on every such occasion as the service of feet-washing. As they come up to this ordinance, they should bring to their remembrance the words of the Lord of life and glory: "Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. It I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them."

The object of this service is to call to mind the humility of our Lord, and the lessons he has given in washing the feet of his disciples. There is in man a disposition to esteem himself more highly than his brother, to work for himself, to serve himself, to seek the highest place; and often evil-surmisings and bitterness of spirit spring up over mere trifles. This ordinance preceding the Lord's Supper is to clear away these misunderstandings, to bring man out of his selfishness, down from his stilts of self-exaltation, to the humility of spirit that will lead him to wash his brother's feet. It is not in God's plan that this should be deferred because some are considered unworthy to engage in it. The Lord washed the feet of Judas. He did not refuse him a place at the table, although he knew that he would leave that table to act his part in the betrayal of his Lord. It is not possible for human beings to tell who is worthy, and who is not. They can not read the secrets of the soul. It is not for them to say, I will not attend the ordinance if such a one is present to act a part. Nor has God left it to man to say who shall present themselves on these occasions.

The ordinance of feet-washing has been especially enjoined by Christ; and on these occasions the Holy Spirit is present to witness and put a seal to this ordinance. He is there to convict and soften the heart. He draws the believers together, and makes them one in heart. They are made to feel that Christ is indeed present to clear away the rubbish that has accumulated to separate the hearts of the children of God.

These ordinances are regarded too much as a form, and not as a sacred thing to call to mind the Lord Jesus. Christ ordained them, and delegated his power to his ministers, who have the treasure in earthen vessels. They are to superintend these special appointments of the One who established them to continue to the close of time. It is on these, his own appointments, that he meets with and energizes his people by his personal presence. Notwithstanding that there may be hearts and hands that are unsanctified who will administer the ordinance, still Jesus is in the midst of his people to work on human hearts. All who keep before them, in the act of feet-washing, the humiliation of Christ, all who will keep their hearts humble, and keep in view the true tabernacle and service, which the Lord pitched and not man, will never fail to derive benefit from every discourse given, and spiritual strength from every communion. These ordinances are established for a purpose. Christ's followers are to bear in mind the example of Christ in his humility. This ordinance is to encourage humility, but it should never be termed humiliating, in the sense of being degrading to humanity. It is to make tender our hearts toward one another. -

The Lord's Supper and the Ordinance of Feet-Washing--No. 2

Those who come to the sacramental service with their hearts open to the influences of the Spirit of God will be greatly blessed, even if those who officiate are not benefited thereby. Christ is there to make the heart susceptible to his Holy Spirit, and to discern the entire dependence of his people upon him for their salvation. "For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. For I will not contend forever, neither will I be always wroth: for the spirit should fail before me, and the souls which I have made. For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wroth, and smote him: I hid me, and was wroth, and he went on frowardly in the way of his heart."

These ordinances were established that all might have the privilege of acknowledging their wrongs, and confessing their sins at this time. And as the heart is softened and melted under the movings of the Holy Spirit, the heavenly anointing gives them spiritual eyesight to discern their errors. Jesus has pledged himself to be present in the fulness of his grace to change the current of the minds that are running in selfish channels. This service can not be repeated without one thought's linking itself with another. Thus a chain of thought calls up remembrances of blessings, of kindnesses, and of favors received from friends and brethren, that have passed out of mind. The Holy Spirit, with its quickening, vivifying power, presents the ingratitude and lack of love that have sprung from the hateful root of bitterness. Link after link of memory's chain is strengthened. The Spirit of God is at work upon human minds. The defects of character, the neglect of duties, the ingratitude to God, are brought to the remembrance, and the thoughts are brought into captivity to Christ.

How the heart of Christ is pierced by the forgetfulness, unwillingness, and neglect to do the things that God has enjoined upon us! The heart needs to be broken, that selfishness may be cut away from the soul, and put away from the practise. If we have learned the lessons that Christ desires to teach us in this preparatory service, the Witness will respond to the feelings implanted in the heart for a higher spiritual life.

"Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him." Christ does indeed manifest himself unto the believers who thus reveal their faith by coming together at the communion table with the simplicity of children to remember Jesus, his words, and his requirements, determined to exclude from the heart all selfishness and love of supremacy.

The broken bread and pure juice of the grape are to represent the broken body and spilled blood of the Son of God. Bread that is leavened must not come on the communion table; unleavened bread is the only correct representation of the Lord's Supper. Nothing fermented is to be used. Only the pure fruit of the vine and the unleavened bread are to be used.

We do not come to the ordinances of the Lord's house merely as a form. We do not make it our business, as we gather around the table of our Lord, to ponder over and deprecate our shortcomings. The ordinance of feet-washing included all this. "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." We do not come with our minds diverted to our past experience in the religious life, whether that experience be elevating or depressing. We do not come to revive in our minds the ill-treatment we have received at the hands of our brethren. The ordinance of humility is to clear our moral horizon of the rubbish that has been permitted to accumulate. We have assembled now to meet with Jesus Christ, to commune with him. Every heart is to be open to the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness. Our minds and hearts are to be fixed on Christ as the great Center on whom our hopes of eternal life depend. We are not to stand in the shadow, but in the saving light, of the cross. With hearts cleansed by Christ's most precious blood, and in full consciousness of his presence, although unseen, we may listen to his voice that thrills the soul with the words: "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." On these occasions, heaven is brought very near to the true members of the Lord's family, and they are brought into sweet communion one with another.

There can be no union between our soul and God except through Christ. Union and love between brother and brother must be cemented and rendered eternal by the love of Jesus. Then do we not assemble around the communion table to meet and converse with Jesus as we receive the bread and wine symbolizing his broken body and spilled blood? Thus we must feed on Christ, or we can have no communion with him.

Christ knows that if we should allow our minds to become engrossed with earthly things, we would forget him in whom our hopes of eternal life are centered, and so lose the lifegiving power, the peace and joy, which the Lord wishes us to receive and retain. And he said: "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you."

These things we are never to forget. The love of Jesus, with its convincing power, is to be kept fresh in the memory. We must not forget him who is our strength and our sufficiency. He has instituted this service, that it may speak constantly to our senses of the love of God that has been expressed in our behalf. He gave us all that it was possible for him to give,--he gave his life for the life of the world.

And his appeal to our love is strikingly made in the words of the apostle Paul: "For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till he come. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another. And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come."

Christ's second appearing, in the clouds of heaven, is ever to be kept before us. Almost his last words of consolation to his disciples were: "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."

And the communion is to be a constant reminder of this. Says Christ: Under a conviction of sin, remember that I died for you. When oppressed and persecuted and afflicted for my sake and the gospel's, remember that my love was so great that I gave my life for you. Will you evidence your love for me, if required, by dying for me? When you feel your duties stern and severe, and almost too heavy to bear, will you remember that it was for your sake that I endured the cross, despising the shame? When your heart shrinks from the trying ordeal, remember that your Redeemer liveth to make intercession for you. "Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

Christ declared: "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you." We can not, as individuals, maintain our bodily life unless we eat and drink for ourselves of temporal food. In order to maintain spiritual life and health, we must feed on Jesus Christ by studying his word, and doing the things he has commanded in that word. This will constitute a close union with Christ. The branch that bears fruit must be in the vine, a part of it, receiving nourishment from the parent stalk. This is living by faith upon the Son of God. Christ has declared: "I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch can not 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 nothing."

The Lord's Supper and the Ordinance of Feet-Washing--No.3

"And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body. And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it. And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many. Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God. And when they had sung a hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives." Here was established the great memorial, the Lord's Supper. Can we take in the strains of Christian melody rising to heaven from the lips of the disciples? Christ, the Captain of our salvation, made of himself a sacrificial offering. The Prince of life became the Prince of martyrs.

"Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him; Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; he riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all. For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean."

The act of Christ in washing the feet of his disciples was a sacred one; his motive in so doing was to bring about, through their remembrance of what Christ had done for them, a state of feeling where no exaltation of one above another should find place. This ordinance was to bring brother to an understanding of the feelings of his brother.

The last act of Christ in behalf of his betrayer was to wash his feet. He, their Lord and Master, showed that he would do anything to save the most guilty sinner. He said, "He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all." If he will believe on Jesus Christ as the Son of God, the Redeemer of the world, he is the child of God.

Christ came not to save man in his sins, but from his sins. John's testimony of him was, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." And "as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name."

Christ had washed the feet of Judas first. This disciple was having his last opportunity. When the ceremony was ended, the Master said, "Ye are clean, but not all. For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean." These words were spoken that Judas might understand that Christ had read his secret purposes, that he was not ignorant of his wicked schemes. This was his opportunity to confess and be converted. The disciples did not understand his words at the time, but they were imprinted on their memory afterward, and they had something to consider in the patience, the mercy, and the forbearance of God toward the most grievously erring.

Christ gave his disciples to understand that the washing of their feet did not cleanse away their sin, but that the cleansing of their heart was tested in this humble service. If the heart was cleansed, this act was all that was essential to reveal the fact. He had washed the feet of Judas; but he said, "Ye are not all clean." Judas brought a traitor's heart to this scene, and Christ revealed to all that he knew him to be the betrayer of his Lord, and that the washing of his feet was not an ordinance to cleanse the soul from its moral defilement.

"So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord; and ye say well; for so I am [for I have given you an example of the position you should hold toward one another]. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you." Here is the object-lesson: "Ye also ought to wash one another's feet." "Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent, greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them." This ordinance is not to be treated in a mechanical way as a form. Its real object is to teach humility.

"I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me. Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me."

Jesus would give convincing proof that he understood perfectly the character of Judas, and that he had not withheld his ministry even from him whom he knew to be working to betray him into the hands of his enemies. And we have, in his example, the lesson that the ordinance of feet-washing is not to be deferred because there are some professed believers who are not cleansed from their sins. Christ knew the heart of Judas, yet he washed his feet. Infinite Love could do no more to bring Judas to repentance, and save him from taking this fatal step. If this service of his Master, in humbling himself to wash the feet of the worst sinner, did not break his heart, what more could be done? It was the last act of love that Jesus could evidence in behalf of Judas. Infinite Love could not compel Judas to repent, confess his sin, and be saved. Every opportunity was granted him. Nothing was left undone that could be done to save him from the snare of Satan.

Let all behold, in the boundless love of Christ, a long-suffering Saviour, who holds out every inducement for the sinner to receive him, repent, and be cleansed from the defilement of sin. We must understand that because we suppose one to be in error and sin, we are not to divorce ourselves from him, refuse to have any association with him, and make our suppositions prominent. The example of Christ will not sustain any one in these conclusions. Many a soul may be saved by further effort on the part of his brother; but a careless separation from him, leaving him exposed to the temptations of Satan, and driving him upon the devil's battle-ground, is not the method of Christ. He sought to restore, not to destroy. He who washed the feet of his disciples was the Majesty of heaven. He had the hoarded love of eternity in his heart, but he was in their midst as one who served; and in washing their feet, he gave them evidence that he would do any service, however humble, in order to make them heirs together with him of all the eternal wealth of heaven's treasure.

When this simple ordinance is being performed, the followers of Christ should bear in mind that this is the time for all to search their hearts to see if they are willing to humble themselves in spirit, and follow the example of Christ. He gives them this ordinance as a test, a heart-searcher. The Holy Spirit will be present on every occasion to convince of sin, of any wrong action done to a brother. Let none grieve the Holy Spirit of God by disregarding the object of this ordinance, and the gracious opportunity it presents to confess every wrong, every act of injustice done to a brother. Had Judas accepted this last chance given him by Christ, the poor sinner would never have betrayed his Lord, and the words of Christ would never have been spoken, "Ye are not all clean."

The Lord is present on every occasion when this humble ceremony is performed. He is the unseen Witness. He reads every heart, with its concealed purposes, its wrong-doings, its sin. You can neglect, you can leave, these seasons of divine appointment; and of you Christ's words may be appropriately spoken, "Ye are not all clean."

Is any sin cherished? Let it be cut away from the soul by confession. The first look, the first act, of contrition and repentance that you direct toward Christ, does not escape his notice. The first step you take toward him will bring him more than a step toward you. All things, especially on this occasion, are ready for your reception. He will meet you in your weakness, repenting, broken-hearted soul, with his divine strength; he will meet your emptiness and spiritual poverty with his inexhaustible fulness.

In this ordinance, Christ discharged his disciples from the cares and burdens of the ancient Jewish obligations in rites and ceremonies. These no longer possessed any virtue; for type was meeting antitype in himself, the authority and foundation of all Jewish ordinances that pointed to him as the great and only efficacious offering for the sins of the world. He gave this simple ordinance that it might be a special season when he himself would always be present, to lead all participating in it to feel the pulse of their own conscience, to awaken them to an understanding of the lessons symbolized, to revive their memory, to convict of sin, and to receive their penitential repentance. He would teach them that brother is not to exalt himself above brother, that the dangers of disunion and strife shall be seen and appreciated; for the health and holy activity of the soul are involved.

This ordinance does not speak so largely to man's intellectual capacity as to his heart. His moral and spiritual nature needs it. If his disciples had not needed this, it would not have been left for them as Christ's last established ordinance in connection with, and including, the last supper. It was Christ's desire to leave to his disciples an ordinance that would do for them the very thing they needed,--that would serve to disentangle them from the rites and ceremonies which they had hitherto engaged in as essential, and which the reception of the gospel made no longer of any force. To continue these rites would be an insult to Jehovah. Eating of the body, and drinking of the blood, of Christ, not merely at the sacramental service, but daily partaking of the bread of life to satisfy the soul's hunger, would be in receiving his word and doing his will.

The Lord's Supper and the Ordinance of Feet-Washing--No. 4

Christ came to seek and to save that which was lost. His instruction was confined to the wants of their own condition in practical life. The curiosity that led them to seek for something they had not, when they came to him with prying questions, he turned into occasions of most solemn, earnest, vital appeal. When they were so eager to pluck from the tree of knowledge, he presented them with the fruit of the tree of life. They found every avenue closed to them, which would not advance them in spiritual understanding of the narrow way, leading to eternal life. They found every fountain sealed, save the fountain of eternal life. While the Holy Spirit was given them to understand everything that was essential for their salvation in the living oracles, the word of God, their unnecessary, uneasy, speculating inquiries were not opened before them. The devoted, humble seekers after the Way, the Truth, and the Life will be directed in safe paths to the mansions he has gone to prepare for them. All the light of revelation is permitted to shine upon this path alone, to make it so distinct that not one human soul need wander from the highway of holiness.

The great Teacher's wisdom in limiting the measure of our researches in earthly directions, called the attention of all to his legislation from the very foundation of our world,--to a code of morals, pure, simple, and practical, unencumbered by the long years of types and sacrifices, which passed away when the only true Sacrifice, Jesus, the only begotten Son of God, was offered for the sins of the world. His lessons to his disciples are received by all who would become his disciples, to the end of time. These lessons discharge his followers from the bondage of the ceremonial law, and leave them the ordinance of baptism to be received by repentance and faith in Jesus Christ as the only one who can take away sin.

The ceremony of feet-washing and the Lord's Supper, in its simplicity and spirituality, is to be observed with true solemnity, and with hearts full of thankfulness. Its participants are not to exhaust their powers of thought or their physical powers on outward forms and ceremonies. All the vigor of mind and the healthfulness of body are to be fresh to engage in the work of the gospel, to lead souls from sin into the upward path of holiness. In this ordinance is presented the necessity of economizing all the thoughts, all the energies, all the affections and faculties, to wear Christ's yoke, to come into partnership with him in seeking to save the souls that are perishing without God and without hope in the world.

This work the whole angelic host are engaged in as their highest service; and the human agent is to become a channel to meet humanity, and communicate to the world that which God has communicated to him, putting mind, heart, and soul into the work. God has made every provision that his requirements should meet a response in every soul, and that all should be eager, interested workers, putting forth all their entrusted capital of money, of vigor, of capabilities, that they may be worked upon by the Holy Spirit, adorning the doctrine of Christ their Saviour.

None should glory in their capabilities, or pride themselves in their intellectual greatness. All that can stir the soul, give impulse to the human agent, and awaken the godly to intense activity, comes from God. To those who are in connection with the work of the heavenly angels to embody in human nature the perfection of heavenly grace in Christ,--those who are one with Christ and with God,--he will give impulse to energize their every spiritual power. He calls upon all to surmount their difficulties, instead of looking at and deploring them. God will give sanctified energy to all who profess Christ. He arranges all rites, he collects all influences, and works them to his own name's glory.

God treats the human agencies connected with himself with a heavenly respect. The whole of God's law is of this character. Taking off every oppressive weight that man would lay upon his fellow man, he prescribes only that which is absolutely necessary for his physical, mental, and moral well-being. He imbues man with the attributes of God, and builds up the human character after the divine similitude, a goodly fabric of spiritual beauty and perfection.

In order to do this, in order that man might be in partnership with the great firm of heaven, Christ's lessons, from the beginning to the close of his life, taught humility before God. This would lead man to a love for his brother,--a spirit of love and forbearance toward all for whom Christ has died. Genuine humility is expressed in the words: "Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, and of putting on of apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price." Humility is the lesson which Jesus has given in all his teachings all through his ministry, by both precept and example. He raised this precious attribute out of the dust in which it had been trodden, and clothed it with the garments of his own righteousness. "Blessed are the poor in spirit," he says; "for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

Satan erected his standard of revolt against God in heaven. He aspired to be like God, and determined to assert a power of independence of God. His after-history has revealed a persevering determination to establish his empire, governed by laws, and replenished with resources, independent of God. Every species of idolatry, sensuality, crime, rebellion, and irreligion, is the fruit borne from the proud and exalted claims of Satan. The Lord Jesus came to tear away the deceptive claims of Satan, and to reveal to the world that pride, self-sufficiency, and wrestling for the supremacy have no favor with heaven; for they are the attributes of Satan. Look at the humility of our Saviour in humbling himself to our humanity: "And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient 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: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow."

In the East a common courtesy granted to travelers as they were welcomed to a house, was that a servant should remove their sandals and wash their feet. This hospitable action was neglected on one occasion, and the Lord reminded the Pharisee, whose invited guest he was, that he had shown discourtesy in this manifest neglect.

"Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat. And they said unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare? And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where be entereth in. And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guest-chamber where I shall eat the passover with my disciples? And he shall show you a large upper room furnished: there make ready. And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover. And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him. And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer: for I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves: for I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.

"And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table. And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed! And they began to inquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing. And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest."

When they assembled to partake of the Lord's Supper, the ordinance of feet-washing was to be established as a religious ceremony. There was the pitcher of water, the basin, and the towel; but there had been a contention as to which should be the greatest in the Master's kingdom. The request of the sons of Zebedee that they should be awarded the most honored position, created jealousy and a heated discussion as to who should be thus favored. They began to refer to their capabilities and qualifications, and to declare who would best serve for the advancement of the kingdom. They had heard the words of Christ to John when, in response to the request of James and John, "Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory," Jesus said: "Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized. But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared."

But the disciples did not consider these words, and keep silent. The disciples should have learned the lessons of the Master,--that it is not reputation, natural talent, acquired skill, professional standing, nor any honor given them of men, that weighs at all in the decisions of heaven; "but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father." Had they thought of the lessons given them in reference to humility, they would have had altogether different opinions of the ones who should be honored in the kingdom of God. The disciples had often contended as to which of them should occupy the highest place of honor in the kingdom of God. Christ had given them special lessons, the most striking and positive of which is recorded in Matthew 18: "At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom 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 as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea." Yet again and again these lessons had to be repeated. The Lord had assured them that his kingdom was not of this world, but it was difficult for his disciples to be set right on this point.

To Every Man His Work

"'Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.' 'Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to smite his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; the lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, and shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'

"A steward identifies himself with his master. His master's interests become his. He has accepted the responsibilities of a steward, and he must act in the master's stead, doing as the master would do if he were presiding over his own goods. The position is one of dignity, in that his master trusts him. If a steward in any wise acts selfishly, and turns the advantages gained in trading with his lord's goods to his own advantage, he has perverted the trust reposed in him. The master can no longer look upon him as a servant to be trusted, one on whom he can depend.

"Every Christian is a steward of God, entrusted with his goods. Ministers and laymen have a work committed to them as individuals. All who are connected by faith with our Lord Jesus Christ have a ministry to perform. Those who do not take their position on the Lord's side, ought to without delay; for they will have to give an account of themselves to God. Christ paid the ransom for them as verily as for every professed Christian. If they despise the gift, the question will be asked, 'Who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?'

"Whether you are believers or unbelievers, you are the Lord's property, bought with a price. You may ignore your relationship with God as his children. Whose children, then, are you?--Children of the devil, and his deeds you are content to do. But all the influence you might have exercised by using your talent in behalf of truth and by co-operating with God, all the improvement your talents would have made if put into actual service through the provision made for you to co-operate with God, will be charged to your account. You stubbornly held yourself on Satan's side, giving your influence to the great apostate; and all the good you might have done through the atoning sacrifice, but did not do, will be charged against you when you are weighed in the balances and found wanting. You had a work to do. A special stewardship was entrusted to you, but you would not accept the trust. Christ crucified was presented to you. The Spirit of God pleaded with you. By being lifted up on the cross, Christ sought to draw you to himself. But your stubborn will would not yield to his invitations. His appeals were resisted. You are stewards, notwithstanding; but unfaithful, dishonorable stewards, burying your talents in the world, serving Satan in the place of serving the Lord. Impenitent sinner, what excuse will you give to God for all your wasted opportunities?"

"'It is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.' He may not be an eloquent speaker, but he can present the truth in the clearest simplicity. He can work intelligently, doing his best according to his ability; and if he is faithful, God will give him wisdom, and increase his talents.

"To some are entrusted larger responsibilities than to others. But if you have only one talent, you may increase it by use, to two. Then by working humbly, trustingly, you may add to the two, two more. Thus the work in your charge may be continually growing. But there are a large number of idle stewards. . . .

"Let every church-member carefully consider his responsibilities, and look himself in the face. Become acquainted with yourself. Urge home upon your own heart that you are not to seek to make yourself a specialty, for effect, for praise, but a specialty in seeking first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. Inquire seriously, Am I faithful? First be a most faithful steward over yourself. Search your own heart, and often compare it with the great mirror of the word of God, until, tried and searched of God, you will be approved of him, not having your own righteousness, but the righteousness of Jesus Christ. Strengthened by his might in the inner man, you will be accepted as a vessel unto honor.

"You may say, I have not large means, and can do but little with the little I have. All the Lord asks of you is to be a faithful steward, to render to God a tenth of all your increase, without stopping to measure the matter to see how you are coming out. You who have but little means, render back to him the portion belonging to him; for it is not yours. It is a serious matter to rob God. Thus you deprive yourself of the blessing he has promised to bestow if you exercise faithful stewardship. If you have been untrue to God, if you show that you will not do according to the agreement he has made with you, will he bless you with facilities for obtaining more means? You keep yourself under condemnation as an unfaithful steward by working contrary to a 'Thus saith the Lord.' You deprive the treasury of God of your proportion of his agreement with you because you choose to walk in the light of the sparks of your own kindling. In your finite wisdom, you think you are making better terms with yourself than God has made with you. How, then, if you are an unfaithful steward with the least, can the Lord entrust to you larger responsibilities?

"God wants all his stewards to be exact in following divine arrangements. They are not to offset the Lord's plans with some deed of charity, some gift, or some offering, done or given when and how they, the human agents, shall see fit. God has made his plan known; and all who co-operate with him will carry out his plan, instead of daring to attempt to improve on it by their own arrangements. Those who honor a 'Thus saith the Lord,' who accept exactly what the Lord has devised, will do according to God's plan. God will honor them, and work in their behalf; for we have his pledged word that he will open the windows of heaven, and pour us out a blessing, such as there will not be room enough to receive.

"It is a very poor policy for men to seek to improve on God's plan, and invent a makeshift, averaging up their good impulses in this and that instance, and offsetting them against all that is required by God. God calls upon you to give every jot of influence to his own arrangement and ordinances. We are to strike true and faithful figures in tithing, and then say to the Lord, I have done as thou hast commanded me. If thou wilt honor me by trusting me with thy goods to trade upon, I will, by thy grace, be a faithful steward, doing all in my power to bring meat to thy house; and I will seek to instruct others how to work in the same lines.

"Bear in mind, 'Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.' Men who have large responsibilities are to be sure that they are not robbing God in any jots or tittles, when so much is involved, as is so plainly stated in Malachi. Here we are told that a blessing is given for a faithful disposition of the tithes, and a curse for the covetous retention of the money which should flow into the treasury. Then ought we not to be sure to work on the safe side, so dealing with God in handling the property lent us on trust, that no shadow of reproach shall fall upon us?

"'Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts. And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts.' I need not ask, Will not God bless those who are faithful?--We have his pledged word. But the blessing of God is withdrawn from dishonest, covetous church-members in this life. God says it; and what God says is true. Who of you claiming to be the children of God will venture to meet your delinquencies when the books shall be opened, and every man judged according to the deeds done in the body?

"The first point we need to settle is that we are not to look upon the property we are handling as our own, with which we may do as we please. It is the Lord's, to be administered in accordance with his prescribed plans. Be faithful in giving to the Lord the specified amount he has directed you to give. Then present the great mystery of godliness, lifting up Christ, and saying, 'Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.'

"Every church-member who has been truly converted is to be given some work. 'The cause which I knew not I searched out,' Job declared. Consideration is to be given as to what service for God means. It means that we are to do the same kind of ministry that Christ did when he was in our world. In this work, whether we are rich or poor, we are called upon to wear Christ's yoke, and learn of him to be meek and lowly in heart. Some more especially may be given the work of setting forth Christ from the pulpit, opening the oracles of God to the churches. Yet they should not seclude themselves from visiting families, talking with them, praying with them, exhorting them, encouraging those who need encouraging, and presenting a 'Thus saith the Lord' to meet every cause of deficiency. Altogether too little of this work is done. Personal labor is greatly needed. Many, many souls might be saved if those who claim to be followers of Christ would work as Christ worked, living not to please self, but to glorify God, acting as missionaries, showing genuine love for the Master by making every possible use of their entrusted talents. From the very nature of work in Christ's lines, those who do it will lose sight of self.

"We are called upon to love souls as Christ loved them, to feel a travail of soul that sinners shall be converted. Present the matchless love of Christ. Hide self out of sight. O, what care should be taken by all who claim to be Christians, that they do not call their passions and self-importance, religion! By showing vanity, by longing for distinction, many hide the person of Christ, and expose themselves to view. There is such self-importance in their own ideas and ways, and they cherish such a pleasing sense of their own smartness, that the Lord can not bestow his Holy Spirit upon them. If he did, they would misinterpret it, and exalt themselves still higher because of it. Their self-pleasing ideas are a great hindrance to the advancement of the work. Whatever part they act, self is the main picture presented. Their own zeal and devotion are thought to be the great power of truth. Unaware to themselves, all such are unfaithful stewards. They swerve the work into wrong lines. Self-importance leads them where they will be left to make false moves.

"We are not to exalt the work of any man, magnifying him and praising his judgment. The first rising of self is the beginning of your fall, your separation from Christ. We can not in any degree exalt self without being humbled. As Christians, we are to make the light of Christ's truth shine. Self is to be kept out of sight. Christ is the Truth and the Light. He is the mirror from which to reflect truly every work done to his name's glory. The world needs light. 'Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.'

"What makes it so hard for the rich to enter into the kingdom of heaven? Why are riches, in the place of becoming a precious treasure used to advance the work and cause of God, made a curse, separating the soul from God? Why allow them to lead to the idolatry of self? God wants you, rich men, to use your goods as a sacred trust, not your own. He has made you stewards over these goods. You are to calculate wisely, employing your powers to use, to the very best advantage, the money entrusted.

"But O, how many of God's gifts have been misused, because those to whom they were given did not have the fervor of the love of Christ in the soul! There is great need of each one doing his best. There are those who would have used wisely the talents given them, if they had been left to struggle and depend on their capabilities. But they became the possessors of means, and they lost the incentive to cultivate their talents, and make all possible of themselves by communicating what they had. An abundance of money has spoiled them for faithfully fulfilling their stewardship.

"Let all who claim to be Christians deal wisely with the Lord's goods. God is making an inventory of the money lent you and the spiritual advantages given you. Will you, as stewards, make careful inventory? Will you examine whether you are using economically all that God has placed in your charge, or whether you are wasting the Lord's goods by selfish outlay in order to make a display? Would that all that is spent needlessly were laid up as treasure in heaven!

"God gives more than money to his stewards. Your talent of imparting is a gift. What are you communicating of the gifts of God, in your words, in your tender sympathy? Are you allowing your money to go into the enemy's ranks to ruin the ones you seek to please? Then, again, the knowledge of truth is a talent. There are many souls in darkness that might be enlightened by true, faithful words from you. There are hearts that are hungering for sympathy, perishing away from God. Your sympathy may help them.

"The Lord has need of your words, dictated by his Holy Spirit. He has need of the investment of your means. He needs your work for the salvation of souls. You can permit your means to be taken out of your hands to please your children. You may allow the enemy to rob you of the means that God calls for, to be used in lifting up the standard of truth in places where the people have not yet heard the message. Your means may be sunk in worldly investments, and turned into worldly channels. It may be used to do no one any good. But the Lord, the owner of all, will call you to render your account to him.

"The first work for all Christians to do is to search the Scriptures, with most earnest prayer, that they may have that faith that works by love, and purifies the soul from every thread of selfishness. If the truth is received into the heart, it works like good leaven, until every power is brought into subjection to the will of God. Then you can no more help shining than can the sun. You have striven to separate from every kind of rubbish, and to let the peace of Christ rule in your heart. But if you do not have the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness, you will reveal this by your outward insincerity. You will show this by revealing a heart that is pleased with vanity and outward adornment, by using the means that comes into your hands to gratify the unsanctified soul with idols of some order. How small is the treasure laid up in heaven by such! How little do they communicate to others in sacred ministry!

"All natural gifts are to be sanctified as precious endowments. They are to be consecrated to God, that they may minister for the Master. All social advantages are talents. They are not to be devoted to self-pleasing, amusement, or self-gratification. Money and estates are the Lord's, to be used wholly to honor him; for he has pledged his word that if we use his entrusted goods as faithful stewards, we shall be rich in blessings, of which we shall have a supply to bless others. But if we regard the advantages given to us as our own, to be used according to our pleasure, to make a display and create a sensation, the Lord Jesus, our Redeemer, is put to shame by the characters of his professed followers."

"The Lord has given evidence of his love for the world. There was no falsity, no acting, in what he did. He gave a living Gift, capable of suffering humiliation, neglect, shame, reproach. This Christ did that he might rescue the fallen. While human beings were instituting schemes and methods to destroy him, the Son of the infinite God came to our world to give an example of the great work to be done to redeem and save man. But to-day the proud and disobedient are striving to acquire a great name and great honor from their fellow men by using their God-given endowments to amuse. This they do instead of calling upon them to behold the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world.

"God's great and strange work is to redeem and save, and thus repair the ruin that sin has made. Some see many things in the Bible that to them sanction a course of action that God will never approve. But when God converts human agents, they will flee to Christ, their life, to be hid with him in God. They will lift up their eyes to the perpetual desolation which sin has made and is making, and will pray that they may be co-laborers with Christ. They will begin to repair the old waste places which have been made by high and low in the law of God.

"All who desire a place of distinction have an opportunity to wear the yoke of Christ 'Learn of me,' says the Great Teacher; 'for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.' Let the cry of the soul be, 'O Lord, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth. . . . For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall. . . . And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the Lord; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.'

"The gift of correct example is a great thing. But many gather about the soul an atmosphere that is malarious. These know not, in this their day, the things that belong to their peace. They have, to a great degree, lost the faculty of spiritual discernment. They call good evil, and evil good.

"The gifts of speech, of knowledge, of sympathy and love, communicate a knowledge of Christ. All these gifts are to be converted to God. The Lord stands in need of them; he calls for them. All are to act a part in preparing their own souls and the souls of others to dedicate their talents to God. Every soul, every gift, is to be laid under contribution to God. All are to co-operate with God in the work of saving souls. The talents you possess are given you of God to make you efficient co-laborers with Christ. There are hearts hungering for sympathy, perishing for the help and assistance God has given you to give to them. Our churches are sickly, because they do not do their appointed work. They are not as God would have them be. O, that they would awake from their lethargy!

"'Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For 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 take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.'" -

Christianity.

- "'Christianity.' How many there are who do not know what it is! It is not something put on the outside. It is a life inwrought with the life of Jesus. It means that we are wearing the robe of Christ's righteousness. In regard to the world, Christians will say, We will not dabble in politics. They will say, decidedly. We are pilgrims and strangers; our citizenship is above. They will not be seen choosing company for amusement. They will say, We have ceased to be infatuated by childish things. We are strangers and pilgrims, looking for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God."-- Testimony . -

"The Lord has been greatly dishonored by his people catching up the issues that arise in this time of test and trial. His people are to keep free from politics. They are to stand as a separate and peculiar people; the name of God, our Ruler, is to be in their foreheads, showing to all that he is their Sovereign.

"If those who know the truth will have faith and zeal corresponding to their knowledge; if they desire to manifest their piety, and reveal what the truth has done for them, showing that the salt has not lost its savor, they will communicate the saving and sanctifying power of the truth to all with whom they associate. There will then be less controversy and a deeper interest in the things of God. . . . Men are to become the subjects of Christ's kingdom. Through the divine power imputed to them, they are to return to their allegiance. By laws and resources, God has ordained a heavenly communication with man's spiritual life, that, in its action, is as mysterious as the science and operation of the wind. John 3: 7, 8. Christ declared, 'My kingdom is not of this world.' While it imprints its influence upon earthly governments, it can not take the slightest imprint from them without marring the divine similitude. So spiritual is the character of God's work upon the human heart that receives it, that it makes every one a new creature, without destroying or weakening any capability God has given to man. It purifies every attribute fit for connection with the divine nature. That which is born of the Spirit is spirit; and when man is born from above, a heavenly peace pervades the soul.

"Christ's subjects are those who keep his commandments. These only are counted as his subjects. If, after the light has come, the disobedient continue in transgression, they are subjects of the kingdom of the prince of this world. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

"But the heavenly principles that distinguish those who are one with Christ from those who are one with the world have become almost indistinguishable. The professed people of Christ are no longer a separate and peculiar people. The line of demarcation is indistinct. People are subordinating themselves to the world, to its practises, its customs, its selfishness. The church has gone over to the world in transgression of the law, when the world should have come over to the church in obedience to the law. Daily the church is becoming converted to the world. Professing Christians are slaves of Mammon. Their indulgence of appetite, and extravagant expenditure of money for selfish gratification, greatly dishonor God.

"Contrary to worldly kingdoms, Christ does not find his subjects,--he makes them. Those who stand under the blood-stained banner of Prince Immanuel are the subjects of a kingdom not recognized by worldly kingdoms, whose subjects have wandered from their allegiance to God, from their obedience to the law of his kingdom. These are accounted as dead in trespasses and sins. They are destitute of the Spirit of God, which worketh in the children of obedience.

"I am come, Christ said, to set up a new kingdom. Except a man be born of the Spirit, he can not be enrolled as a subject of my kingdom."-- Testimony, Jan. 11, 1897 . -

"The Lord did not want you to employ your God-given time, and set your talents to work, in wrong channels. Your work was not set you in that line at all. Neither you nor any of your brethren had any work to do in arguing or writing or talking any part whatever in politics. God was dishonored by all who acted any part in politics.

"God has chosen a people who are to proclaim the third angel's message to the world. They are to be a separate and peculiar people in this world of churches who are transgressing his commandments. We have a special work to do to prepare the people for the greatest event the world has ever seen. The books of Daniel and Revelation are of great consequence to us, and should be studied with great earnestness.

"'For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth. The Lord did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people: but because the Lord loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the Lord brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations; and repayeth them that hate him to their face, to destroy them: he will not be slack to him that hateth him, he will repay him to his face. Thou shalt therefore keep the commandments, and the statutes, and the judgments, which I command thee this day, to do them. . . . And the Lord will take away from thee all sickness, and will put none of the evil diseases of Egypt, which thou knowest, upon thee; but will lay them upon all them that hate thee.'

"The Lord would have his people a separate and peculiar people, bearing the sign and seal of the Sabbath, in preserving the memorial, the seventh day, upon which the Lord rested after his work of creation. 'And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.' He gave the Sabbath to man as a day of rest, when his people might assemble to worship him, and come in close relationship with God. All heaven is interested in the worship of God's people.

"When man is created anew in Christ Jesus, he becomes partaker of the divine nature. God has, through his own power, united in man the human and the divine. He clothes humanity with the robe of Christ's righteousness. Man is enabled to discern the Saviour; and by beholding, he is changed into the likeness of his character. He recognizes the words of Christ, 'All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.' He who discerns Christ is a partaker of his Spirit and his righteousness. He has the inward assurance that Christ is abiding in the soul-temple.

"The redemption of men draws them away from political strife to rest and peace and quietude in God. All who contemplate this will indeed have the mind of Christ, and will be clothed with the garments of Christ's righteousness. And all who are thus blessed will, with ardor, cry, "We beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.'

"Here was presented to the human mind spiritual and glorious light. 'The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, . . . full of grace and truth.' What nearness to God we may experience! What views of heaven we may obtain! But that which is of the greatest importance to all who live their life to God, is for them to understand their daily service for Jesus Christ, in representing his character in meekness and lowliness of heart, and in being good and doing good. . . .

"The Lord would have us represent Christ, and show to the world his attractive character. We may have joy in the Lord, if we will keep his commandments. If we indeed have our citizenship above, and a title to an immortal inheritance, an eternal substance, then let us have that faith that works by love and purifies the soul from every spiritual defilement. If our citizenship is above, what right have we to be engaging in political strifes? We are not called to any such service. 'Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.' What more could we ask? We shall be members of the royal family, children of a heavenly King, heirs of God, and joints heirs with Christ to an immortal inheritance. We shall have the crown of life, that fadeth not away."-- Testimony, Dec. 14, 1897 .

The Lord's Supper and the Ordinance of Feet-Washing--No. 5

"For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire laborers into his vineyard. And when he had agreed with the laborers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the market-place, and said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way. Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise. And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle? They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive. So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the laborers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first. And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny. But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny. And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house, saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day. But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny? Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee. Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good? So the last shall be first, and the first last."

The laborers for the Master were his official servants, upon whom he laid the weightiest responsibilities to do his work. And he agreed to give them their wages. From time to time he added others to the laborers, saying, "Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you." Some were found waiting for work at the eleventh hour, only one hour before the close of the working-day. When the reckoning-time between the master and workers came, the last hired were the first paid. When the first came, they supposed that they would receive more than those who had worked for so short a period; but they received every man a penny. Yet those who received all that had been promised them were displeased.

This parable was forever to quench the eager, grasping, mercenary spirit which is so offensive to God. Those who possessed this spirit were revealing their own unworthiness of having their wages increased, or to have the highest place. The complaint was: "These last have wrought but one hour; and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day." The answer came: "Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?. . . .Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good? So the last shall be first, and the first last."

The spirit with which each one labors is what determines his usefulness and faithfulness in the work. In all who indulge the spirit of criticizing and murmuring, these attributes are confirmed, and thus the root of dissension and bitterness grows up imperceptibly. When circumstances occur that demand the most attentive, whole-souled interest, to do the right kind of work, to co operate with God, such are found on the wrong side. Satan's temptations find a place in their mind and heart; and they work to counteract, rather than to co-operate with, God.

The Lord understands all the defects in human character. He desires to save man. It was for this purpose that he came to this world. In him all sufficiency dwells. In him dwells all "the fulness of the Godhead bodily." The defective characters that remain thus, when One is among them who came to our world for the express purpose of taking away the sin of the world, make manifest that they do not appreciate the attributes of Christ sufficiently to hunger and thirst after righteousness, and they will not be exalted as worthy. "Blessed are the meek," were the words that fell from his divine lips; "for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."

These are the characters that are fitting for heaven. Christ is every possible strength to all who will appropriate his words by faith. He is indeed the Bread of life. No man, woman, youth, or child can say, I have cravings that he can not satisfy. All cravings that he does not fill are supplied with a superior sufficiency, which is for the perfection of Christian character.

We all need to understand that the craving for supremacy is placing men where they will never gain the supremacy in the future life, even if they gain it in this. The ordinance of feet-washing was a revealer of character, and always will be. The Holy Spirit is present on such occasions to convict of sin, and the heart is touched and made contrite. The penitential confession clears the moral atmosphere of the soul, and awakens holy principles. The subduing grace of Christ comes into the heart, and the love of Christ draws hearts together in a blessed unity. Sins are seen in the light in which God views them. They are confessed, they are forgiven.

The administration of the sacrament of the Lord's Supper is for the purpose of making a forcible illustration of the infinite sacrifice made for a sinful world, and for us individually, as a part of that great whole of fallen humanity, before whose eyes Christ has evidently been set forth crucified among them.

"For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till he come. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord."

This is a special service; and in its observance there is to be a peaceful, grateful heart. Inasmuch as this service, in the bread and wine, represents the body the Lord gave for the sin of the world, the ministration of the sacrament is commemorative of Christ's humiliation, betrayal, and sufferings, as an offered sacrifice. In symbol, Christ is set forth crucified among us. The representative of Christ is present. No one can partake of the emblems of the Lord's sacrifice in behalf of the world, with his spiritual sensibilities in full and free exercise, without recalling the whole painful history connected with the scene of Christ's communion with his disciples. Before the mind passes the whole scene of his great agony in the garden of Gethsemane. All the abuse and suffering that man could heap upon his fellow man were endured by our Lord and Master.

The Lord Jesus is present on every occasion. He reads every purpose of the heart, and his righteous principles are vindicated in the heart-searching, the heart-humbling, the penitence; and the atonement itself provided by Infinite Love is acceptable to God, and Christ's righteousness is imputed to the sinner. The humiliating ordinance is made an occasion of appeal to the spiritual imagination, and there is a vital connection with Jesus Christ. If a man is to be convinced, the truth as it is in Jesus must be presented to his mind, and must appeal to his heart. Christ refuses every other method,--everything like compulsion, or restriction, or force. His only weapons are truth and love. "I, if I be lifted up from the earth," he says, "will draw all men unto me." Fallen humanity is drawn, not forced, into any position.

To all who receive him, Christ is an inexhaustible treasure-house of supply for all spiritual necessities. Then let us take in all the blessedness of the provision made, that when we shall engage in the ordinance of feet-washing, we may take in all its significance. The Holy Watcher is present from heaven to make this season one of soul-searching, one of conviction of sin, and of the blessed assurance of sins forgiven. "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace, wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God." They have the blessed assurance, "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world."

And now, with humble, subdued, and grateful hearts, they come to the sacramental service. We need to have an understanding that we are living under the dispensation of the Spirit. Our senses must be cultivated through the improvement of our God-given opportunities to lay hold, with intellect and soul, upon the mystery of godliness by obtaining a more thorough knowledge of the work of redemption. This is not to be merely the work that ministers must do. Every soul who names the name of Christ must participate in it. The members of the church who listen to the word that is preached among them are to put to a practical use that word as a God-sent message to them individually. They are to comprehend, which it is the privilege of all to do, far more intelligently and deeply than they have done, the expiatory sufferings of Christ. -

The Lord's Supper and the Ordinance of Feet-Washing--No. 6

Christ was performing an act of service for his disciples. He took a towel, and girded himself. He had many things to say to them, but how would they bear it? He saw that commotions of a forbidding order were taking hold upon them. Contention had come in among them. For one of their number to wash the feet of the rest was, they thought, an act to be looked down upon,--an act that servants were supposed to do always,--and there was no one that made a move, yet, the while, all were trying to appear unconscious. O, how wretchedly miserable they felt! They seemed to think only of themselves. What terrible selfishness, and choosing to have their own way!

The Saviour let the matter linger a little while, to see if their hearts would change. And then he, the one they loved, rose, and laid aside his garments, and, taking a towel, girded himself, pouring water into the basin. It was then that the disciples were astonished and ashamed. Christ could not have put upon them a greater rebuke. In his heart he pitied his disciples. He knew that after his death, all this scene would scourge them, and be sufficient punishment. His soul was already pressed under a severe load, that none of them could enter into. But his love did not change at all. He knew that the hour was just before him when he should depart out of this world, and go unto the Father; yet, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. His love was enduring, it was divine. Their childish jealousies and passions were hurting their own souls.

Christ gave no word of rebuke to Judas,--the poor, sinful man who had allowed himself to become the channel of darkness. O that he would be ashamed, convicted, and be willing to cast out Satan! But Judas turned the wrong way. The greater the goodness, the humility, and the love of Christ expressed toward him, the more powerful were the enemy's presentations that this was not the Son of God, but a pretender. Judas knew better; but he braced his soul against light. He had given up all hope of temporal preferment, and now sought to obliterate from his mind everything that he had heard. He had often been deeply impressed under the Holy Spirit's working; but he fought away from Jesus, and became a traitor, a betrayer.

The disciples knew nothing of the purposes of Judas. Jesus alone could read his secret. Yet the Master did not expose him. When Jesus' precious hands were bathing those soiled feet, and wiping them with the towel, the heart of Judas thrilled through and through with an impulse there and then to confess. He was the first one whose feet were washed. The way Christ treated his disciples, and especially poor, deluded Judas, was a sample of his treatment of them all through his association with them. Judas was not, in appearance or deportment, the low, villainous man that might be supposed. He was considered by his associate disciples to be a man of great capabilities. He had considerable breadth of knowledge, and his qualifications would have been valuable if they had been sanctified to the service of God. But while the disciples were ashamed, mortified, and conscience-stricken, their hearts subdued and broken, they felt their hearts go out to Jesus with that deep, earnest faith that works by love and purifies the soul. Judas was rejecting Jesus.

When Peter's turn came, he utterly refused to allow Christ to touch his feet. He would gladly have taken the place of the Master, and become even a slave for his sake. He exclaimed, "Thou shalt never wash my feet." But Christ told him, as he had told John when he refused to baptize Jesus, "Suffer it to be so now." That which he did not understand then, he would better comprehend at another time. He assured Peter, "If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me." Except in the case of one, this washing signified the cleansing from sin. He said, "Ye are clean, but not all." Judas would not be cleansed by repentance, remorse, and confession. His last chance was being offered him. In his heart, Jesus felt the keenness of hunger for that soul. His soul had a burden similar to that he bore when he wept over the doomed city on the crest of Olivet. In his agony of tears his heart said, "How shall I give thee up?" "If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes." Judas' last chance was gone.

When Christ told Peter that unless he submitted to this service, he could have no part with him, Peter surrendered his pride and self-will. This can never, never be. He was all broken up at the thought, and exclaimed, "Not my feet only, but also my hands and my head." Jesus had a lesson, deep, full, and significant: "He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all." The true version reads, "He that is bathed needeth not save to wash his feet." That lesson comprehended more than bodily cleansing. The feet of Judas were washed, but his heart was defiled with sin. In the very act of girding himself with a towel to wash the feet of his disciples, Jesus would subdue and cleanse them from their alienation, and dissension, and jealousy, and pride. Not one of them was in an acceptable state before God, with such a spirit of unhappy dissension. The renewed heart, cleansed from every defilement, was of far more consequence than the outward application of water to their dusty feet. Jesus could not give them the lessons he so much desired to impart unless they would come into a proper state of humility and affection. Dissension always creates hatred, but Christ washed it away in the act of washing his disciples' feet. A change of feeling did come; the union of heart and love for one another did exist. They became meek, teachable, and loving, and would have conceded to any one the highest place. They were prepared to partake of the last supper with fragrant feelings of love, deep and full, for their Master and for one another.

Shall we learn the lesson of the marvelous wisdom and love of God? Shall we, at the ordinance of feet-washing, be softened and subdued, as were the first disciples? Peter shrank from bringing his soiled feet in touch with the hands of his Lord and Master; yet how often we bring our sinful, polluted souls in contact with the heart of Christ, who hates nothing but sin. O, how we grieve the pure, holy Spirit of Christ with our defiling sins! We are not prepared for the appreciation of the holy communion with Christ and with one another unless we are cleansed by his efficacy.

We need closely to investigate our life and character, and have true contrition of soul, having fellowship with Christ and fellowship with our brethren. Then we shall show that we can appreciate the work of the Holy Spirit upon our hearts. The barriers of pride, of self-sufficiency, are first to be broken down; then the love of Jesus will abound in our hearts. Then we can partake of the communion with a consciousness of sins forgiven; for whosoever sits down at the communion service should sit down humble and clean in heart, and purified from all defilement. Then the sunshine of Christ's righteousness will fill the chambers of our minds and the soul temple. We shall "behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world."

This humble service is to recover man from the difficulties of sin. We are to bear in mind that in washing one another's feet, we are in Christ's place. And while we do this service, Christ is our witness; angels are watching, and the atmosphere of heaven is surrounding us. When we do just what Christ has charged us to do, we are bringing ourselves in close relation to our Lord, who is present on that occasion. There is One in our midst who has said, "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." He is present to impress hearts. The life of him who is the Light from above and the Way below, will guide into all truth every soul who will come to him. His whole life was an unfolding of his love,--a revelation of the character of God. His Father is our Father.

We can better take part in this instituted ordinance when we call to mind his words: "Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me. Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me." -

Treasure Hidden

The sayings of Christ are to be valued not merely in accordance with the measure of man's understanding; they are to be considered in the important bearing which Christ himself gave them. He took old truths, of which he himself was the originator, and placed them before his hearers in heaven's own light. And how different was their representation! What a flood of meaning, and brightness, and spirituality was brought in by their explanation!

Christ set forth deeper and more spiritual truths than had ever before been heard from rulers, scribes, or elders. "I am the way, the truth, and the life," he declared. The rich treasures of truth opened before the people attracted and charmed them. They were in marked contrast with the spiritless, lifeless expositions of the Old Testament Scriptures by the rabbis. And the miracles which Jesus wrought kept constantly before his hearers the honor and glory of God. He seemed to them a messenger direct from heaven; for he spoke not to their ears only, but to their hearts. As he stood forth in his humility, yet in dignity and majesty, as one born to command, a power attended him; hearts were melted into tenderness. An earnest desire was created to be in his presence, to listen to the voice of him who uttered truth with such solemn melody.

At the beginning of his ministry, Christ had declared the character of his work. "And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up for to read. And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord."

That word was fulfilled. The sick were healed, demoniacs were restored, lepers and paralytics were made whole. The dumb spoke, the ears of the deaf were opened, the dead were brought to life, and the poor had the gospel preached to them. Every miracle wrought by Christ convinced some of his true character. Had a man in the common walks of life done the same works that Christ did, all would have declared that he was working by the power of God. But there were those who did not receive the light of heaven, and they set themselves more determinedly against this evidence.

The Jews were expecting an earthly prince, who would deliver them from power which God had declared would rule over them if they refused to keep the way of the Lord, and obey his laws. They had made their proud boast that Israel's king, the star arising from Judah, would break their thraldom, and make of them a kingdom of priests.

It was not the absence of external honor and riches and glory that caused the Jews to reject Jesus. The Sun of Righteousness, shining amid the moral darkness in such distinct rays, revealed the contrast between sin and holiness, purity and defilement, and such light was not welcome to them. Christ was not such a one as themselves. The Jews could have borne the disappointment of their hopes better than they could bear the righteous denunciation of their sins. In parables, Christ laid bare their professed sanctity. He compared them to whited sepulchers, deceiving the people by their pretensions to purity.

In his youth, Christ was subject to his parents,--an example of obedience to all the youth. In his youth he learned the trade of a carpenter, and earned his bread by the sweat of his brow. Thus he honored physical labor. It should be an encouragement and source of strength to every human being, in the performance of the commonplace duties of life, to know that Jesus toiled to provide for his own temporal wants.

The teachings of Christ, in precept and example, were the sowing of the seed afterward to be cultivated by his disciples. The testimony of these fishermen was to be referred to as the highest authority, by all the nations of the world. They had not learned in the schools of the prophets; but Jesus had been their teacher, and had given them knowledge uncorrupted by tradition and bigotry. Christ scattered the heavenly grain, which minds and hearts that desired light and knowledge might gather up as precious treasure sent from heaven.

After his resurrection, Christ opened the understanding of his followers, that they might understand the Scriptures. Everything had been transformed by the working of the arts of Satan. Truth was covered up by the rubbish of error, and hidden from finite sight. When Christ had foretold his humiliation, rejection, and crucifixion, the disciples would not take in his meaning. It had been a part of their education that the Messiah would set up a temporal kingdom; and when Christ spoke of his sufferings, they did not understand his words. He reproved them because of their slowness of apprehension, and promised them that when the Comforter should come, he would bring many things to their remembrance.

Christ had many truths to give to his disciples, of which he could not speak, because they did not advance with the light that was flashed upon Levitical laws and the sacrificial offerings. They did not accept the light, advance with the light, and follow on to still greater brightness as Providence should lead the way. And for the same reason, Christ's disciples of 1898 do not comprehend important matters of truth. So dull has been the comprehension even of those who teach the truth to others, that many things can not be opened to them until they reach heaven. This ought not to be. But as men's minds become narrow, they think they know all, when they have only a glimpse of truth. They close their minds, as if there were no more for them to learn; and should the Lord attempt to lead them on, they would not accept the increased light. They cling to the spot where they see light, when that which they see is only a glimmer of the bright beams they might enjoy. They know very little of what it means to follow in the footsteps of Christ.

In their harmonious relation, the truths of Scripture are like links in a chain. Just as fast as our minds are quickened by the Spirit of God to comprehend light, and in humbleness appropriate it, we shall dispense it to others, and give the glory back to God. The development of truth is the reward of the humble-hearted seeker who will fear of God, and walk with him. The truth which the mind grasps as truth is capable of constant expansion and new development. While we behold it, the truth is revealed in all its bearings in the life and character, and becomes more clear, and certain, and beauteous. The mind that grasps it in its preciousness becomes elevated, ennobled, sanctified.

Far, very far, are human minds from grasping the teachings of Christ. These are old truths in new settings. The entire system of Judaism was the gospel veiled. Those who will not consider are like the Jews. It is humbling to their dignity and pride to work the mines of truth. But the Light of the world is sending his divine rays to illuminate the entire Jewish economy, and the minds that have been accepting the sayings of men as the commandments of God are to be educated to look to God himself, the author of all truth.

In his habits and customs and practises, Christ did not conform to the standard of the world. What a lesson he gives to the churches that bear his name! They are not to exalt themselves above the Majesty of heaven, their Redeemer. What do men find in the example of Christ to justify them in their feelings of superiority, in keeping themselves apart from their fellow men, hiding themselves from their own flesh, because they have obtained more of this world's goods than their neighbors? Because the world honors the wealthy and despises the poor, shall those who claim to follow Jesus do the same? Whose example are such following?--Surely not the example of him who said, "He hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, "to preach the gospel to the poor."

Very many teachers are content with a supposition in regard to the truth. They have crude ideas, and are content with a surface work in searching for truth, taking for granted that they have all that is essential. They take the sayings of others for truth, being too indolent to put themselves to diligent, earnest labor, represented in the Word as digging for hidden treasure. But man's inventions are not only unreliable, they are dangerous; for they place man where God should be. They place the sayings of men where a "Thus saith the Lord" should be. The world's Redeemer alone possesses the key to unlock the treasure-house of the Old Testament. He explores hidden things. He separates the precious truth from superstition and error and the devisings and imaginings of men.

Sharp, clear perceptions of truth will never be the reward of indolence. Investigation of every point that has been received as truth will richly repay the searcher; he will find precious gems. And in closely investigating every jot and tittle which we think is established truth, in comparing scripture with scripture, we may discover errors in our interpretation of Scripture. Christ would have the searcher of his word sink the shaft deeper into the mines of truth. If the search is properly conducted, jewels of inestimable value will be found. The word of God is the mine of the unsearchable riches of Christ. -

Go, Preach the Gospel [--No. 1]

"And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world."

This is a consecrated message, commissioning God's servants to preach the gospel to all nations, tongues, and peoples. Christ gave his life to save sinners. He gave himself as a substitute for the sinful race. He made an offering of himself, that men might be elevated and ennobled by entering into oneness with him. He came to quicken their understanding, that they might discern truth. The truths which God had given had been lost or obscured. Through the lapse of time, they had been removed from their true place in the economy of God. Christ replaced and re-established these principles. He laid out a work before his disciples. They were to preach the word. Not in their own strength were they to do this. Christ came to reveal the truth. "The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, . . . full of grace and truth." In his power the disciples were to carry forward the work given them.

And to those who have the light of truth in this time is the commission given, "Go work to-day in my vineyard." All heaven is waiting for men to co-operate with heavenly intelligences by repeating the lessons given by Christ to his disciples when he was with them in humanity. At all times and in all places, we are to work for God. The call is to be given in the highways and hedges, "Come; for all things are now ready." All who go forth as Christ has directed, with a sense of their responsibility for the souls to be saved, will have an increasing solicitude to win souls to Christ; and they will be blessed in their work. There are many who desire the truth. After hearing the word from God's messengers, they receive it. Through diligent searching, they understand their Bibles as never before. All heaven is full of joy when souls thus hunger and thirst after righteousness, confessing their sins, and receiving remission from Christ.

The Pharisees could not understand why the holy Teacher sent from God should eat with publicans and sinners. "Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?" they asked the disciples. In answer to them, Christ spoke words that will live through all time: "Go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." "The Son of man is come to save that which was lost. How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray. Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish." "I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance."

Why did Christ eat with publicans?--Because he knew that at their tables there were sinners to be saved. In all his words he scattered the seeds of truth. This his ambassadors are to do. They are to study how they can reach souls. They are to be found in every place where there are souls in need of a Saviour.

In Christ's strength, men may go forward in the great, grand work of imparting his life-giving principles to those who are perishing in their sins. Those who are called and chosen will be co-laborers with Christ. They have a part to act under the greatest Educator the world has ever known. He who is consecrated to God, sanctified by the breath of Christ, is one with Christ. He can communicate to others the instruction he has received. He can tell them that the merits of a crucified and risen Saviour are our hope and crown of rejoicing.

Jesus is our surety. "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." Christ, our Passover, has been sacrificed for us. Every drop of blood shed by the Jewish sacrifices pointed to the Lamb of God. All the typical offerings were fulfilled in him. Type met antitype when he died on the cross. He came to make it possible, by the sacrifice of himself, to put away sin. He paid the ransom for our redemption. We are bought with a price; and Christ calls upon us to let him take our sins, and impute to us his righteousness.

God is found of those who diligently seek him. His servants are not to be slothful in business. They may understand that it is their privilege to be obedient to all his requirements. They are to be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. They are not to serve worldly interests. They are not to seek for gold and silver as their god. All their desires are to be directed heavenward. Those who believe the truth are to use their entrusted capital of intellect and wealth in God's service. God has made them his stewards; they are to act in his stead. God has a controversy with those who misapply the capabilities and powers given them. Souls that might have been saved are lost through their unfaithfulness, indolence, and neglect.

Think of what may be gained by all who seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness! There is a great work before all who will do this. A field of usefulness is open to him who will do good in this life. The words and works of the one who thus serves God are a savor of life unto life. He may not be able to speak to congregations, but he can lead souls to Jesus.

The Lord has more and still more grace and love to give to those who preach the gospel to sinners. A work is to be done in and for the churches. They are not merely to be preached to; they are to be educated to receive Christ as their Saviour. The hearts of the members are to be so softened and humble that they will receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save their souls.

Ministry does not consist alone in preaching. Those minister who relieve the sick and suffering, helping the needy, speaking words of comfort to the desponding and those of little faith. Nigh and afar off, souls are weighed down by a sense of guilt. It is not hardship, toil, or poverty that lowers and degrades humanity. It is guilt, wrong-doing. This brings unrest and dissatisfaction. Jesus would have his children minister to sin-sick souls. Those that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak until they become strong.

The Lord has debarred no one from ministering to others. "These signs shall follow them that believe," he declared to his disciples. "In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover."

Why do we not present our sick and suffering before God in the arms of our faith? Why do we not teach them to believe in the great Healer? Why do we not lay hold of the promises, and bring the sick to God, praying for his healing power to be revealed? Why do we not plead the promise, "These signs shall follow them that believe"? This is the privilege of God's children, and faith should lay hold of all that it is possible to have as an endorsement of faith.

Christ's promises are just as fresh and strong and trustworthy now as they were in the days of the apostles. Some have carried the matter of faith-healing to an extreme, and this has greatly hurt the subject. But the need of faith in God should be kept before the church. The realization of our privileges has become almost extinct. Let this part of the commission be brought into our practical life. It is of as much importance as the preaching of the word.

These signs shall follow them that believe on Christ as a risen Saviour, who proclaimed, over the rent sepulcher of Joseph, "I am the resurrection, and the life." But if the workers neglect to link themselves in divine connection with God, the electric current of reviving, life-giving spiritual energy can not flow in full, rich streams to the people. The church needs to be awakened. When Christ was on this earth, trying to reclaim souls, to restore the moral image of God in man by warnings, entreaties, appeals, by a perfect example of obedience to his Father's will, he could not do many mighty works in some of the places he visited, because of their unbelief. This is why we do not now see more of the deep moving of the Spirit of God upon human minds, more of his power manifested in healing the sick. Unbelief is the barrier between us and God.

How sad it is that God is disappointed and robbed of his glory because those who minister the word do not realize their privilege, and fail to increase in faith and charity. Bring your sick to God in faith. Humble your hearts before him, confessing your sins. Then pray earnestly, trustingly. You will see the practical working of God's power, and it will be said, "God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to naught things that are."

Much more of God's light and love and grace should be seen in our churches. Then we should see souls receiving the impress of the image of Christ. Those who keep the love of Christ glowing in the heart will provoke others to good works. A hundredfold will be rendered to God in praise and gratitude, in willing, cheerful obedience. The hearts of God's children will be full of praise and thanksgiving to him who gave his life for the life of the world.

Standing within one step of his Father's throne, Christ made the promise, "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." We need more of Christ's wisdom. If we prayed in faith, and took God at his word, he would work for us. But our faith in eternal realities is weak. We have a heavy charge against us in the books of heaven for neglecting to do our utmost for the salvation of those who are nigh and afar off. Every day we are losing our grasp of eternal interests. God will not honor such manifest unbelief. Why do we not lay hold of the promises, presenting them before God in living faith? We must no longer remain indifferent. Let us awake to our duty. Let us not sleep as do others. Let us devote every entrusted power and endowment to the service of God, who has given Jesus to be our righteousness and our efficiency. Let us rely upon him who has promised to help us.

Christ came to our world to restore the moral image of God in man. He takes human agents into co-partnership with himself, giving them the breath of his own Spirit, the life of his own life. To all who would obtain a correct view of their duty in regard to their fellow men, Christ gives power to obtain righteousness and to do their work successfully. These breathe the atmosphere that surrounds Christ. They live the true life that he lived in our world.

Christ seeks to engage the attention of repentant sinners, that they may read the expression of love in his face, and receive him as their Saviour. He would turn men's minds from every sound that emanates from him who abode not in the truth. He has knowledge to impart,--the absolute necessity of regeneration by the Holy Spirit, who comes to the believing soul under the great seal of solemn assurance. I speak to you, he said; I, who speak not merely as a man,--I, who am the Truth,--I, who am acquainted with heaven, and all the characters that shall be there admitted,--I, who hold the keys of the kingdom of heaven,--I say, "Except a man be born again, he can not see the kingdom of God." The realization of the absolute necessity of regeneration through the Holy Spirit comes to all who, by patient continuance in well-doing, seek for glory, honor, and immortality.

There is majesty in the truth. Those who possess that faith which works by love, and purifies the soul, have a message, plain and decided, to bear to those who know not the truth. They have an important work entrusted to them. They are to live close to the One who has said, "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations." The messenger who bears the word of life to a perishing world, is bound to speak the truth. The Lord Jesus is by his side, ready to enlarge the narrow confines of human knowledge, that all may see that the teacher is presenting the gift of imperishable wealth to all who will believe on Christ. There is power in Christ to redeem the mental and moral character, and to mold the man after the divine likeness.

None who breathe the breath of God, receiving the Holy Spirit from him, can be indifferent in regard to the welfare of others. Their own souls are inspired with the love of Christ, and they use all their powers in the work of presenting Bible principles. Some may tire of the warnings and appeals given them. The workers may receive no response from them. This is discouraging, but it is no more so to us than it was to Christ. There are others who have not realized that they need to behold the Lamb of God. These become interested, and inspired with hope. They believe in the Saviour, and he fills their souls with his grace. How precious to them does the light appear! How different is their attitude from the attitude of the scorner of grace! If scorners see one inquiring, What must I do to be saved? they make light of his convictions, and try by every false method to prevent him from seeking for truth as for hidden treasure. But those who have received Christ understand the meaning of the words, "The entrance of thy words giveth light." They eat the bread that comes down from heaven; and they are surprised that their companions turn from the truth, which to them is so precious.

The great apostle Paul spoke from a heart full of love, because in Ephesus there were souls who had accepted Christ as the Saviour: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: according as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love. . . . In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace." This is the message that God has commissioned his servants to bear. -

Go, Preach the Gospel--No. 2

Marked and decided hostility is at this time shown to God. Passion and human wisdom are arrayed against purity and holiness, against self-denial, against the law which governs heaven and earth. Man's purpose, dictated by the wisdom of Satan, is to deny God's requirements. Human laws have taken the place of the divine. The will of finite man has been brought into direct collision with the will of the infinite God. The judgment of the creature is set above that of the Creator. Man is working in direct hostility to the God of heaven.

The man of sin has exalted himself against God, sitting in the temple of God, and showing himself to be God. He has trampled underfoot God's great memorial of creation, established to commemorate his work; and in its stead he has presented to the world a common working-day. This day he has set up as a rival sabbath, to be observed and honored. Thus the world has been turned against God; for the Lord declares that he has sanctified the day of his rest.

But though every member of the human family should accept this child of the papacy, in no case would this invalidate the holy Sabbath of Jehovah. Those who accept the false sabbath exalt the man of sin, and assail the government of God. But the man of sin can not annul what God has declared shall stand fast forever. The work now to be done in our world is to exalt the law of the Lord, and call the attention of the people to it. The time has come when the truth is to be proclaimed against falsehood and error.

"After these things," writes John, "I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, 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 hath remembered her iniquities. Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double. How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow. Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her."

The Lord has given his church a special work. The crisis is right upon us. We have only, as it were, a moment of time. We must now take our Bibles, and in the Holy Spirit's power, proclaim the great truth for these last days. It will not be long before every one shall have heard the warning and made his decision. Then shall the end come. "There followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb."

People are suffering for want of a knowledge of the truth. They do not understand what they must do to be saved. Unless the gospel is preached clearly, simply, over and over again, line upon line, precept upon precept, Satan will cast his shadow between the sinner and God. God will be represented as a stern, unforgiving Judge. Christ taught in simplicity, making everything connected with the salvation of the soul plain and easy to be understood; and thus his ambassadors are to present the truth. There must be given to the world the message that the way of repentance and faith is now made plain through him who had power to lay down his life and to take it again. "He that believeth in me," Christ declared, "though he were dead, yet shall he live."

The conflict between good and evil will continue till the close of time. Satan will inspire his followers with hatred against God. His warfare is not carried on in subordination to established law, but in positive defiance to the God of heaven. He works with malice to destroy souls; but eternal vigilance, laying hold of the promises of God, will raise up a standard against the enemy for the tempted soul.

The church militant is not in this world the church triumphant. From generation to generation, the enemy has been marshaling his forces against God. His enmity against the law of God has increased as time has passed. And his followers are at enmity with any one who has moral courage to depart from evil, and bear witness to the truth. They pay no respect to the divine law, but they are strict in enforcing human laws. They are not in harmony with God. They are not attracted by his righteousness. In their human judgment they will condemn men who conscientiously keep the commandments of God. But God's children will not be frightened from their purpose by the proud, presumptuous opposition of evildoers. By faith they see a crown of life awaiting those who are victorious, and they press forward toward the mark for the prize of their high calling in Christ Jesus.

Angels are sent to minister to those who shall be heirs of salvation. Could the eyes of God's children be opened, they would see from how many evils they have been saved, how many perils they have escaped. "Lo, I am with you alway," Christ says, "even unto the end of the world." You may be taken by councils, and condemned by the men who have been chosen to administer justice, but who are themselves trampling underfoot the highest of all laws, even the law of Jehovah. "But be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

Suffering, want, despondency, misery, unbelief, the ministers of God will meet every day. Their work is not a work of self-pleasing. Many, many souls are unsaved. Fasten yourselves by faith to the Lord, and tell sinners that the Saviour is calling for them. Entreat them to tarry not; for he is calling, "Come; for all things are now ready." These are days of peril. Be instant in season and out of season. Be always ready, saying, "Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth."

The Lord longs to give precious blessings to the self-denying, self-sacrificing worker. He would have his servants at their post of duty, their loins girt about with truth. Gird up the loins of your mind; be sober, and hope to the end, watching, waiting, praying, and working.

The apostle Paul, in his epistle to the Corinthians, lifts a voice of warning: "Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God. [They live in an atmosphere of sin, and therefore sin is not to them exceeding sinful.] I speak this to your shame."

Christ's commission is ever to be kept before the church. Sinners must be saved by the light reflected from the church by the ministry of the word. Through God's commandment-keeping people, sinners are to behold the Sun of Righteousness. Ministers and people are to catch the light of God's purposes, hidden from the world because it can not see the Sun of Righteousness.

"Ye are the light of the world," Christ said to his disciples. As light-bearers, you are to reflect to the world the rays of the Sun of Righteousness. You are a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men. God's people should now receive the light and diffuse it. They need not try to shine; if their hearts are enlightened by Christ, they can not help shining. The brightness will appear; every true disciple will reveal Christ to the world as the sin-pardoning Saviour.

The church is to show to the world God's forbearance, his holiness, meekness, mercy, and truth. Christians are to shine brighter and brighter, daily catching more and more of the beams from the Redeemer's face. God has appointed every member of the human family to represent the truth. He has given men and women capabilities and faculties, and has endowed them with ability to improve these powers. The voice, the affections, influence, property,--all are entrusted to man to be returned to God.

God would have us quicken our powers by appropriating his grace and communicating it. Just in accordance with the grace imparted will be the grace given us to use. We must work while the day lasts. Pure doctrines have been lost; and as the result, error has taken the field where truth alone should be. God's requirements are lost sight of. All that can possibly be done should be done to dispel the moral darkness.

The Lord says to those living in 1898, as he said to those of Israel who had chosen to serve him, "I will give them an heart to know me, that I am the Lord." The Lord has given us Jesus our Saviour. He revealed in humanity the character that he wishes us to reveal. The Lord's purpose concerning his people is, I have given them minds; I will increase my grace to them.

Will not those who have backslidden from God return? Let there be no delay. "In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear thou not: and to Zion, Let not thine hands be slack. The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing." "And thou shalt return and obey the voice of the Lord, and do all his commandments which I command thee this day. And the Lord thy God will make thee plenteous in every work of thine hand, . . . for the Lord again rejoice over thee for good, as he rejoiced over thy fathers: if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to keep his commandments and his statutes which are written in this book of the law, and if thou turn unto the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul. For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not hidden from thee, neither is it far off. It is not in heaven, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? Neither is it beyond the sea, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go over the sea for us, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it." -

Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord

In John the Baptist, God raised up a messenger to prepare the way of the Lord. He was to bear to the world an unflinching testimony, reproving and denouncing sin. In announcing John's mission and work, the angel said: "He shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."

John had not been educated in the schools of the rabbis. He had obtained no human scholarship. God and nature had been his teachers. The forerunner of Christ did not expose himself to evil conversation and the corrupting influences of the world. He chose to have his home in the wilderness, where, by studying the book of nature, he could become acquainted with the character of God, and preserve the sacred sense of his majesty.

To prepare the way before Christ, one was needed who, like the prophets of old, could summon the degenerate nation to repentance, and the voice of John was lifted up like a trumpet. His commission was, "Show my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins." He presented no long arguments, no fine-spun theories, elaborately delivered in their "first," "secondly," and "thirdly." Pure, native eloquence was revealed; every word carried with it certainty and truth.

All went forth into the wilderness to hear him. Unlearned peasants and fishermen came from the surrounding country. The Roman soldiers from the barracks of Herod came to hear him. Chieftains came, with their swords at their sides, to put down anything that savored of rebellion. The avaricious tax-gatherers came from the regions round about; and from the Sanhedrin came the phylacteried priests. All listened as if spellbound; and all, even the Pharisee, the Sadducee, and the cold, unimpressible scoffer, came away with the sneer gone, and cut to the heart with a sense of their sins.

John called every class to repentance. He met sin with open rebuke in men of humble occupation and in men of high degree. He declared the truth to kings and nobles, whether they would hear or reject it. And kings and nobles, Pharisees and Sadducees, Roman soldiers, officers trained in all court etiquette, and wily, calculating tax-gatherers and world-renowned men listened to his words. They had confidence in his plain statements, and were convicted of sin.

"And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then? He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise."

"Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do?" Did the Baptist say, Leave your toil and custom-houses?--No; he said to them, "Exact no more than that which is appointed you." If they were tax-gatherers still, they could hold just weights and balances of truth in their hands. They could reform in those things that savored of dishonesty and oppression.

"And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages."

To the Pharisees and Sadducees he said, "Begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father." Your claims are not of the least value. They will not impart to you pure principles and holiness of character. Your ceremonial sacrifices possess no value unless you discern in them the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. By turning from God's requirements, and following your own perverted ideas, you have lost those characteristics which would constitute you children of Abraham. Pointing to the rocks in wild confusion around him, he said: "God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham." "And now also the ax is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire." "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire."

Through this messenger of God, even Herod Antipas had his last opportunity to hear the truth. The opportunity came for John to speak face to face with the royal commandment-breaker. He spoke to Herod in regard to his marriage with Herodias, saying, "It is not lawful for thee to have her." He spoke to the king of a future retribution, when God would judge every man according to his works. John made no reference to the laws of men, but he pointed the people to the statutes given by the Lord God of heaven.

Herod heard the straightforward reproof of his character and life practise, and he knew it to be the truth. He knew the Baptist to be a just and holy man; but while he respected his frankness, he did not love his practical godliness. And for his reproof of the wicked king, John lost his liberty and his life. "Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias his brother Philip's wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done, added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison."

In this age, just prior to the second coming of Christ in the clouds of heaven, God calls for men who will prepare a people to stand in the great day of the Lord. Just such a work as that of John is to be carried on in these last days. The Lord has given messages to his people, through the instruments he has chosen, and he would have all give heed to the admonitions and warnings he sends. The message preceding the public ministry of Christ was: Repent, publicans and sinners; repent, Pharisees and Sadducees; "repent; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Our message is not to be one of peace and safety. As a people who believe in Christ's soon appearing, we have a message to bear,--"Prepare to meet thy God." We are to lift up the standard, and bear the third angel's message. Our message must be as direct as was the message of John. He rebuked kings for their iniquity. Notwithstanding that his life was in peril, the truth did not languish upon his lips. And our work in this age must be as faithfully done.

The inhabitants of the world at this time are represented by the dwellers upon the earth at the time of the flood. The wickedness of the antediluvians is plainly stated: "And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually." God became weary of this people, whose thoughts were only of sinful pleasure and indulgence. They sought not the counsel of him who had created them, nor cared to do his will. The rebuke of God was upon them, because they followed the imagination of their own hearts; and there was violence in the land. "And it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. . . . And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth. And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth."

In his teachings, Christ referred to this: "But as the days of Noe were," he said, "so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be."

Look at the picture which the world presents to-day. Dishonesty, fraud, and bankruptcies, violence and bloodshed, exist on every hand. The widows and the fatherless are robbed of their all. Plays, horse-races, and amusements of every kind occupy the mind. In the church, sins have become fashionable. They are glossed over and excused. The right hand of fellowship is given to the very men who bring in false theories and sentiments. Thus the discernment and sensibilities have become deadened as to what constitutes right principles. Conscience has become insensible to the counsel and reproofs which have been given. The light given, calling to repentance, has been shut out by the thick cloud of unbelief and opposition brought in by human plans and human inventions.

The inhabitants of the antediluvian world had the warning given them prior to their overthrow; but the warning was not heeded. They refused to listen to the words of Noah; they mocked at his message. Righteous men lived in that generation. Before the destruction of the antediluvian world, Enoch bore his testimony unflinchingly. And in prophetic vision he saw the condition of the world at the present time. He said: "Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, to execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him."

"These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage. But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; how that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit."

It is loving earnestness that God requires at this time. Ministers may have but little learning from books; but if they do the best they can with their talents; if they work as they have opportunity; if they clothe their utterances in the plainest and most simple language; if they walk in carefulness and humility, seeking for heavenly wisdom; if they work for God from the heart, actuated by love for Christ and the souls for whom Christ has died, they will be listened to by men of even superior ability and talents. There will be a charm in the simplicity of the truths they present.

The men who have spent long terms in the study of books are not all revealing in their lives that earnest ministry which is essential for this time. Some do not have a simple, straightforward testimony. Among ministers there is a need of the infusion of the Spirit of God. The prayerful, earnest appeals that come from the heart of the whole-hearted messenger, will create conviction. It will not need the learned men to do this; for often they depend more on their own learning than upon their knowledge of God, and of Jesus Christ, whom he has sent. All who know the only true and living God will know Jesus Christ, the only begotten of the Father, and they will preach Christ and him crucified.

The True, or the False?

"What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid." The apostle decidedly denies the assertion: "Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead."

What is sin?--It is the result of Satan's administration. It is his work to make of no effect the law of God. He is determined that man shall do what God has forbidden him to do. By his deceptive, artful temptations, he strives to make men disobey. This he did with Adam and Even in Eden, and this he will continue to do till the close of time.

"For I was alive without the law once," Paul continues; "but when the commandment came, sin revived, and [the law died?--No] I died. And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me." But because of this does Paul say, I am opposed to the commandment?--No; he declares : "Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good."

"Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful." Here we are plainly shown that the commandments of God are true and righteous, and that they are to be honored and obeyed. Right down on this side of the crucifixion, Paul declares, "Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good."

Satan has invented thousands of errors to counterfeit God's truth. And the false paths that he has made have been followed as if they were paths of right. Thousands of false steps he has taken, and men seem eager to endorse the false, rather than to follow the path of truth and righteousness.

Counterfeits are made so as to resemble the true as nearly as possible. The Lord has specified the seventh day as the day that is to be kept holy. He has said, "Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it." This day is God's great memorial, established to celebrate the work of creation. On this day God rested, sanctifying and blessing it as the day of his rest.

But a false sabbath has been instituted. Who instituted it?--The man of sin, who has thought to change times and laws. The world has turned from the true and living God to serve an idol, but because of this has Satan accomplished what he desired?--No; the Lord's word reads just as it did when it was given. Satan's counterfeits do not bear God's signature. Though every son and daughter of Adam should endorse these falsehoods, God's truth would not be annihilated. Not the smallest jot or tittle of the law has ever been given over to Satan, to be manipulated according to his fancy. If this could have been done, it would have been when the matter was first agitated in the heavenly courts. But there the first intimation of a change in God's law was met by a decided No. This led to a battle in heaven, and Satan, next to Christ the most exalted being in the heavenly courts, was overcome, and with his sympathizers cast out of heaven. Thus it was shown that Satan was not in the right, and that God had not abrogated or changed his law. This law is the transcript of his character; and throughout the eternal ages it will remain Yea and Amen, perfect and unalterable, without variableness or shadow of turning.

The principles of God's law are contained in the two precepts, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself." When we realize this, there will be a searching after truth, a deep conviction of the far-reaching claims of God's law.

That law takes cognizance of the thoughts of the heart, as well as of the actions of the life. A man may be a lawbreaker in heart, yet if the outward action is wanting, he is treated as loyal by the world. He may in heart be an adulterer, yet by his fellow men he may be regarded as possessing great integrity. But God's law looks into the secrets of the heart, and pours a flood of light on things that have been buried in darkness. Why, then, do not the teachers of the people search for truth as for hidden treasure? Why do they not humble their souls in the dust, lest they be deceived, as were Adam and Eve in Eden?

By his deceptions, Satan has led the people away from God. The sayings of men are exalted above the word of God. The world has accepted a false sabbath, discarding the holy, sanctified day of the Lord of hosts. Men have shut themselves away from the light, saying, by word and action, Seek no further. And God says, Shall I not judge for these things? Why do not the religious teachers of to-day instruct the people regarding the traitorous movement that Satan has made in putting a common working-day in the place of the day that God has set apart as holy?

The fourth commandment is the only one to which "remember" is prefixed. God says, "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy." Do not forget it. "Ye shall do my judgments, and keep mine ordinances, to walk therein: I am the Lord your God. Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgments: which if a man do, he shall live in them: I am the Lord." The Lord presents himself as the authority for his requirements. There is to be no departure from the word of God in order to exalt the word of man. God is authority and what he says is to be done.

The whole matter centers here. Obedience means eternal life; disobedience means eternal death. Error never becomes truth, though it may be hoary with age. Then shall intelligent beings decide that in this world, to which Satan was banished as an exile, God has given the rebel what he claimed and failed to gain in heaven? Shall the professed Christian churches change leaders, taking a "Thus saith Satan" in the place of a "Thus saith the Lord"?

When there is so much at stake, why do not those who claim to be God's delegated messengers go to the Word of life, and make honest, wise, prayerful research, saying, We will know what saith the Lord in this matter? If the search is undertaken in the spirit of Christ, it will be awarded. But if the teachers of the people echo the words of the great apostate, it will be found to their shame and ruin; and they will carry with them those whom they have deceived, as Satan in his rebellion carried out of the heavenly courts those who accepted his words instead of the words of God.

Sin lies at the door of those who do not allow their ignorance to be expelled by the rays of light from God's word. They are doing what the Jews did in the days of Christ,--teaching for doctrine the commandments of men. By their actions they say, We do not wish to be disturbed. Let us alone. Do not disturb our peace. To God's messengers, sent to them with words of warning and reproof, they say, "Art thou he that troubleth Israel?"

God purchased men by giving his only begotten Son to die for them. If those who claim to be light-bearers in the world lead the people in paths of transgression, they are not only answerable for their own souls, but for the souls of those whom they mislead. By their profession of sanctity, they lead the unwary into disobedience, and their names are recorded on the books of heaven as workers of iniquity. God will not accept the inventions of men who in their work enter the inner circle of God, where only the Holy One, whose form is that of the Son of God, has a right to tread. In the great day of judgment, what will those who have taken sides with the apostate plead as an excuse for their conduct? How contemptible to them will appear the sparks which they have kindled, in contrast with the holy fire of God's kindling!

Sin is the most fearful thing in the whole universe. So fearful is it that it could be pardoned only by the sacrifice of the Son of the infinite God. If unpardoned, it must be followed by eternal death. There is a time coming when every unrepentant transgressor of God's law will know what it means to be a sinner, standing in God's sight uncovered, without the robe of Christ's righteousness, and with a full sense that there is no power in the law to save the transgressor.

Shall all the efforts that Heaven has made to restore in the human race the image of God be in vain because men teach for doctrines the commandments of men? Shall we sell our Lord, in order to be in harmony with the rebellious multitude? Shall our names be recorded in heaven as the names of those who have corrupted the way of the Lord? Shall we be of that number who say, "Lord, Lord," but refuse to do his will? Shall we be among those who present their supposedly good works to God, because they think he needs to be reminded of his duty toward them? He, the God of heaven, will one day present their own case before them, and they will see clearly that they were the ones who needed to be reminded.

God will say to all such, Why did you not keep sacred my memorial of creation? Why did you not hear my warnings? "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. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils, and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." He who ventures to corrupt truth and exalt error,--he who sells his intellect or integrity at any price, in order to gain worldly advantage,--will one day be denied in sorrow. -

Witnesses for Christ

"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."

Christ gave this commission to his disciples just before, in his risen and glorified body, he ascended to his Father. This charge he gives to every one who has an intelligent knowledge of the plan of salvation. It is the privilege of his followers to reveal Christ and the Father to the world. The work of Christ in the world was to reveal the Father; and when praying for his disciples, he said: "As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world." "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word. Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee. For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me."

This is the knowledge that every true witness will have. Upon this rock will he stand. His faith in Christ as the Son of the infinite God, the mighty Counselor, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, will give him assurance. And resting his faith in Christ, he will become one with the Father. He will have an experimental knowledge of what Christ is to the believer. He will realize that no member of the human family can, of himself, meet the claims of God's law or satisfy his justice, but that Christ is the justifier of those who believe.

We have an infinite Redeemer, and how precious are the gems of truth that testify to this in God's word. But these precious jewels have been buried beneath a mass of rubbish, of tradition, of heresies, which Satan himself has originated. His schemes are working with a strange power upon human minds to eclipse the value of Christ to those who believe in him. The enemy of God and man has cast a spell over those who profess to be the followers of Christ, until of many it can be said, They know not the time of their visitation.

In the sacrifice of Christ for our world, his mediation is made visible. This is the evidence of things unseen, and makes faith the gift of God. "For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; . . . having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven."

It was by this means that Christ acquired the power to lay under tribute to himself man's entrusted talents, influence, and wealth to carry forward this great work in the world. It is contrary to the Lord's plan that one soul should withhold from him his ability, his means, or his influence. Every soul to whom the Lord has given a knowledge of the truth is a thread in the great web of humanity. He is to fill his position, to act his part, holding himself under the orders of the Captain of his salvation. Each is to bear a part in the work of saving souls, that there may be no hindrance to the upbuilding of the kingdom of God.

The Lord's Spirit is grieved when any of his servants withhold their tribute of service. When this is done, additional burdens fall on those who are willing to labor. To all who are converted to God, and who, through faith, become partakers of the divine nature, are entrusted talents, to be employed in the salvation of souls. Each is commanded, "Go work to-day in my vineyard." And in working as a colaborer with Christ, man is educated for the work. As a faithful servant looks to his master, and a handmaid to her mistress, so the servant of God will look in earnest prayer to Christ. He will be a doer of the Word. He will obey orders. If the Christian is to be the light of the world, he must shine; he must be a faithful worker for Christ, holding forth the word of life, lifting up Jesus before the people, and repeating his lessons.

"Charge them that are rich in this world," says the apostle, "that they be not high-minded, and trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 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 against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life."

By precept and example, the followers of Christ are to preach Christ. They are to entreat their fellow men not to provide for themselves only an earthly portion, and deprive themselves of eternal happiness. "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth," says Christ, "where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." He who secures his treasure beside the eternal throne, becomes a partaker of the heavenly attributes. Divine attributes and temporal blessings are appreciated and enjoyed in a sense that the worldling can not understand.

When the Lord asked Solomon what he should give him, Solomon said: "Thou hast showed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. And now, O Lord my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in. And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that can not be numbered nor counted for multitude. Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?

"And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honor: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days. And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days."

This is a lesson for us. Our petitions to God should not proceed from hearts that are filled with selfish aspirations. God exhorts us to choose those gifts that will redound to his glory. He would have us choose the heavenly instead of the earthly. He throws open before us the possibilities and advantages of a heavenly commerce. He gives encouragement to our loftiest aims, security to our choicest treasure. When the worldly possession is swept away, the believer will rejoice in his heavenly treasure, the riches that can not be lost in any earthly disaster. Then why should we not let our property go before us to heaven? By our works here below we lay up for ourselves a good foundation against the time to come.

Why are so many who profess to be children of God devoting their God-entrusted capabilities to selfish purposes? They are stewards of the grace of Christ, and should lift up Jesus before the world. They should talk of Christ. His praise should be on their lips because the Sun of Righteousness is shining in their hearts. Through them his holy name should be exalted in the earth. Many, many, become the subjects of Satan's temptations because they do not disinterestedly and energetically engage in the service of Christ, but take their position in opposition to the great worker. The names of such can not be registered in the books of heaven as laborers together with God. They are numbered with the idlers.

The True Witness says, "I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love." In the ardor of the first love, what testimonies were poured forth for Christ! what entreaties were made from souls overflowing with love! what joyous gratitude filled the heart and flowed forth from the soul, when the believer first became conscious of the love of Jesus! With tears and prayers, he offered his petitions to God, and entreated his friends to accept Jesus. His yearning sympathy was revealed in the love he manifested for the souls for whom Christ had died.

Sinners will not always respond to the Heaven-born pity revealed by the laborer in his first love. Minds may seem unimpressed; we may meet with coldness. But the example of Christ is placed before us, that we may not fail nor be discouraged. Faith--living, active faith--must work through apparent discomfiture and contempt. The love of Christ in the heart must not be quenched, but show itself invincible through God. In seeking wisdom from God in the work of saving souls, unwavering faith must be manifested.

Yet how many in our churches have lost their first love! With many it is almost extinct. Shall not the Christian graces be brought back? The Lord expects his stewards to be faithful, educating and training all their powers, that when the Lord comes to scrutinize his talents, they may return his own with usury. Unless Christlike humility is brought into the life, the believer will grow away from the simplicity of the work. He will bring in spiritual pride and self-sufficiency to supply the place that should be filled with the love of Jesus. Bungling work will be done, because the worker is not disposed to act a self-denying, self-sacrificing part. This he leaves for some one else to do. The love of Christ is scarcely mentioned. The minister whose heart is unsubdued by the grace of Christ can not give his attention to the people. He has not the Christ-love in his own soul, and therefore it can not flow out in rich currents to others.

The Lord makes every effort to reclaim those who place themselves out of the rank of workers, as if they were not responsible for the salvation of their own souls and of the souls of others. But if these men continue in this position, Christ can not become responsible for their salvation; for they hide their Lord's talents, and bind themselves to the side of the enemy. "He that is not with me," says Christ, "is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad."

In the work of redemption, all heaven is constantly employed. Angels are actively engaged in executing God's plans, to bring men back from their rebellion to reconciliation with him. With intense earnestness they are co-operating with God to bring to man moral efficiency, that, in and through Christ, he may be more than conqueror! Jesus left the heavenly courts and came to our world, bringing with him the sympathies of the angels. He advanced from the manger to Calvary, with all the heavenly intelligences in his train. In the dying victim on Calvary, mercy answered the claims of justice with a full compensation.

All who are partakers of this great salvation wrought out by Jesus Christ are under obligation to work as laborers together with God. In the heavenly courts the roll is called, on which every name is registered, and the heavenly agencies respond to the call. The service given by every human being upon earth is there recorded. If any are negligent, it is recorded; if diligent, the same is reported; if idlers, the fact stands against their names. In all the great mass of humanity, not one is lost sight of. Then let every one be ready to answer the call, saying, "Here, Lord, ready for action."

The world has claims upon you. If you fail to shine as lights in the world, some will rise in the Judgment, and charge upon you the blood of their souls. It will be seen that you were an agent in the hands of the enemy of God and man to mislead and deceive by your profession of Christianity. You did not lead souls to piety and devotion. You had a name to live, but were spiritually dead. You had not the vitalizing influence of the Spirit of God, which is abundantly provided for all who, in faith, make demands upon it.

If man turns away, and does not act his part, he not only imperils his own soul, but deprives those who are in darkness of the light he could bring them. Man must watch constantly for opportunities to do good. Then he will co-operate with the heavenly agencies. The spirit of Christ will lead men to impart to others the light given them of God. Truth in the heart longs for diffusion. According to our appreciation of its value, will be our desire to impart it. -

The Christian's Duty

"The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body is full of darkness. Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness. If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light."

This privilege is presented before every soul. Each may have heaven's light to guide him. If we discern the truth, and obey it, our whole course of action will be in accordance with the truth; for the truth sanctifies the receiver. But if men refuse to search for the truth as for hidden treasure, if the mind is pleased with the theories of error, the soul will remain in darkness. The course of the life, the development of the character, will be corrupted by false sentiments. Error never sanctifies. It can do no good. And how full of darkness is the soul that receives error as truth, and shapes his course of action in accordance with it.

All to whom the heavenly inspiration has come are put in trust with the gospel. The most solemn responsibility rests upon them to devote their powers to making known the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom he has sent. They must not live a divided life. "Ye can not serve God and Mammon," says the Great Teacher. You may think that you can serve both; but Christ says, You will hold to the one, and despise the other. Christ lived not to please himself. He was self-denying. In behalf of man, he consented to become a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief. All who stand ready to make a compromise with the world do in truth despise the humble, self-denying, self-sacrificing principles of Christ.

All who have the mind of Christ will live the law of God. They will feed upon Christ, and become partakers of the divine nature. They will stand as God's living sentinels for the truth. It is not a trifling matter for those who have the light of truth to be non-committal, nor for the sentiments of the heart to be expressed in the words, "My Lord delayeth his coming." The influence of the peace-and safety sentiment is in the midst of us. A worldly, malarious influence prevails to soothe those who should be stirred by the message of truth to stand as faithful sentinels at the post of duty. Truth must be expressed in our lives. The light must shine brightly, or we shall cause others to stumble and fall.

Those who hide their light will soon lose all power to let it shine. They are represented by the foolish virgins; and when the crisis comes, and the last call is made, "Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him," they will find that while they have been mingling with the world, their light has gone out. They did not continue to provide themselves with the oil of grace. The peace-and-safety cry hushed them to slumber, and made them careless in regard to their light. The ease-loving, world-loving professed Christians can not go in with the wise virgins to the marriage feast. When they solicit entrance, saying, "Lord, Lord, open unto us," the reply is made, "Verily I say unto you, I know you not."

The voice of God speaks to his people, saying: "Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing: and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters." Those who are watching and waiting for the appearance of Christ in the clouds of heaven will not mingle with the world in gatherings merely for their own amusement. As faithful watchmen, they will be found proclaiming, "The morning cometh, and also the night."

God calls upon those who stand as soldiers under his blood-stained banner to go to work. He will give increased light to those who love the light, to those who seek for the truth with keen perception. In the Holy Spirit, celestial aid is given to every soul. Heavenly inspiration is still imparted to God's people. God would have those who know the truth impart that which they have gained in Christian experience. The time is coming when it will be too late to use the light we now have. Then the decree will go forth: "He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."

God's people must give to the world a representation of the character of Christ. A message has come from God, which must be proclaimed: "I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely."

Those who are of a contrite heart will receive the message from heaven, and will repeat the words of invitation, "Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." Christ called the attention of the woman of Samaria from the inferior gifts of this life to those things that are eternal, saying: "If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water." "Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life."

These words of Christ are to be repeated by every worker together with God. Our faith will give evidence of its sincerity in genuine work for the souls that are in darkness. In the place of educating ourselves to have a do-nothing spirit, we shall have an earnest desire to create in every heart a love for souls. Words of entreaty and warning will be spoken to those who are seeking to quench their thirst from the waters of the valley instead of the snow waters of Lebanon.

Those whom Christ has connected with himself will, so far as in them lies, labor diligently and perseveringly, as he labored, to save the souls who are perishing around them. It is impossible for those who are really converted, enjoying communion with God, to be negligent of the vital interests of those who are perishing outside of Christ. There may be some who think the way of life trying and difficult. These should go to work and seek to help others. In such efforts, mingled with prayer for divine light, their own hearts will throb with the quickening influence of the grace of God; their own affections will glow with more divine fervor; and their whole Christian life will be more of a reality, more earnest, more prayerful.

The Sabbath Test--No. 1

The Sabbath was given to all mankind to commemorate the work of creation. The great Jehovah, when he had laid the foundations of the earth, when he had dressed the whole world in its garb of beauty, and created all the wonders of the land and the sea, instituted the Sabbath day and made it holy. When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy, the Sabbath was set apart as God's memorial. God sanctified and blessed the day in which he had rested from all his wondrous work. And this Sabbath, sanctified of God, was to be kept for a perpetual covenant. It was a memorial that was to stand from age to age, till the close of earth's history.

God brought the Hebrews out of their Egyptian bondage, and commanded them to observe his Sabbath, and keep the law given in Eden. Every week he worked a miracle to establish in their minds the fact that in the beginning of the world he had instituted the Sabbath. Through the prophet Isaiah, God speaks thus of his works for Israel: "When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt. . . . I taught Ephraim also to go, taking them by their arms; but they knew not that I healed them. I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love." Through the psalmist he says: "He brought forth his people with joy, and his chosen with gladness: . . . that they might observe his statutes, and keep his laws."

On the fifteenth day of the second month after their departure from Egypt, the children of Israel came to the wilderness of Sin; and there "the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron. . . . And the children of Israel said unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh-pots, and when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger.

"Then said the Lord unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no. And it shall come to pass, that on the sixth day they shall prepare that which they bring in; and it shall be twice as much as they gather daily. And Moses and Aaron said unto all the children of Israel, At even, then ye shall know that the Lord hath brought you out from the land of Egypt: and in the morning, then ye shall see the glory of the Lord; for that he heareth your murmurings against the Lord: and what are we, that ye murmur against us? And Moses said, This shall be, when the Lord shall give you in the evening flesh to eat, and in the morning bread to the full; for that the Lord heareth your murmurings which ye murmur against him: and what are we? your murmurings are not against us, but against the Lord."

"And in the morning the dew lay round about the host. And when the dew that lay was gone up, behold, upon the face of the wilderness there lay a small round thing, as small as the hoar frost on the ground. And when the children of Israel saw it, they said one to another, It is manna: for they wist not what it was. And Moses said unto them, This is the bread which the Lord hath given you to eat. This is the thing which the Lord hath commanded, Gather of it every man according to his eating, an omer for every man, according to the number of your persons; take ye every man for them which are in his tents. . . .

"And it came to pass, that on the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for one man: and all the rulers of the congregation came and told Moses. And he said unto them, This is that which the Lord hath said, To-morrow is the rest of the holy Sabbath unto the Lord; bake that which ye will bake to-day, and seethe that ye will seethe: and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning. And they laid it up till the morning, as Moses bade: and it did not stink, neither was there any worm therein. And Moses said, Eat that to-day; for to-day is a Sabbath unto the Lord: to-day ye shall not find it in the field. Six days ye shall gather it; but on the seventh day, which is the Sabbath, in it there shall be none.

"And it came to pass, that there went out some of the people on the seventh day for to gather, and they found none. And the Lord said unto Moses, How long refuse ye to keep my commandments and my laws? See, for that the Lord hath given you the Sabbath, therefore he giveth you on the sixth day the bread of two days; abide ye every man in his place, let no man go out of his place on the seventh day."

In the third month they came to the desert of Sinai, and there the law was spoken from the mount in awful grandeur. During their stay in Egypt, Israel had so long heard and seen idolatry practised that to a large degree they had lost their knowledge of God and of his law, and their sense of the importance and sacredness of the Sabbath; the law was given a second time to call these things to their remembrance. In God's statutes was defined practical religion for all mankind. Before Israel was placed the true standard of righteousness.

"And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my Sabbaths ye shall keep." Some, who have been anxious to make of none effect the law of God, have quoted this word "Sabbaths," interpreting it to mean the annual sabbaths of the Jews. But they do not connect this positive requirement with that which follows:--

"For it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you. Ye shall keep the Sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people. Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the Sabbath of rest, holy to the Lord: whosoever doeth any work in the Sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel forever: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed."

There are those who hold that the Sabbath was given only for the Jews; but God has never said this. He committed the Sabbath to his people Israel as a sacred trust; but the very fact that the desert of Sinai, and not Palestine, was the place selected by him in which to proclaim his law, reveals that he intended it for all mankind. The law of ten commandments is as old as creation. Therefore the Sabbath institution has no special relation to the Jews, any more than to all other created beings. God has made the observance of the Sabbath obligatory upon all men. "The Sabbath,"it is plainly stated, "was made for man." Let every one, therefore, who is in danger of being deceived on this point give heed to the word of God rather than the assertions of men.

In Eden, God said to Adam concerning the tree of knowledge, "In the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." "And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: for God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil." Adam listened to the voice of Satan speaking through his wife; he believed another voice than that which spoke the law in Eden.

Every man has been placed on trial, as were Adam and Eve in Eden. As the tree of knowledge was placed in the midst of the garden of Eden, so the Sabbath command is placed in the midst of the decalogue. In regard to the fruit of the tree of knowledge, the restriction was made, "Ye shall not eat of it, . . . lest ye die." Of the Sabbath, God said, Ye shall not defile it, but keep it holy. "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy." As the tree of knowledge was the test of Adam's obedience, so the fourth command is the test that God has given to prove the loyalty of all his people. The experience of Adam is to be a warning to us so long as time shall last. It warns us not to receive any assurance from the mouth of men or of angels that will detract one jot or tittle from the sacred law of Jehovah. -

The Sabbath Test--No. 2

Notwithstanding the deplorable results of our first parents' belief of a lie, similar presentations are made to-day. Satan claims to be the prince of this world, and he wishes to obliterate from the minds of men all knowledge of the Creator, the rightful owner of the earth. As the most successful way to accomplish this, he has attempted to change the fourth commandment of the decalogue. He knows that if he can change the Lord's rest day from the seventh to any other day of the week, if he can succeed in deluding the world in regard to this one commandment, he will gain the homage that is due to the Lord of heaven; therefore he presents a day in his own honor,--a day that God has not blessed and sanctified.

God could not alter one precept of his law to meet man in his lost condition; for in so doing he would reveal that he was not an all-wise and infallible being, without variableness or shadow of turning. No man can prove that God has changed the thing that has gone out of his lips. God is not changeable. He is not a man, that he should lie. One precept, one jot or tittle, of the law changed or altered, would have given Satan all he asked in heaven in his controversy with Christ. Satan could not point to any time when the Lord had changed his holy rest day, when he had removed his sanctity from the seventh day of the week and placed it upon the first. Therefore he had to employ his deceiving power to make men believe that the fourth commandment had been changed.

The scheme of Satan has been successful, and he is well pleased that he can sway the religious mind by presenting a mass of false theories and innumerable conjectures and sayings of men. His disguise gives him an advantage in his master working. In his counsels the way is prepared in so specious a manner that his satanic cunning is not detected. Thus he turns men's minds from the genuine to the false. The day instituted by God, when men should engage in the worship of Jehovah, is trampled underfoot, and Satan's invention--a spurious, idol sabbath--is exalted.

By the falsehoods and devices of the man of sin, the Sunday has gradually gathered to itself a covering of sanctity, and its claims upon the human race have become established; many now honestly believe that God has changed his purpose, and that he now designs Sunday to be exalted above the day which, in the beginning, he blessed and sanctified. Thus Satan gathers into his ranks not only the unbelieving world, but also the churches. Some who profess to be God's peculiar people go over to the enemy's side. They profane the day that he has sanctified, and exalt and honor a day on which he has placed no sanctity. Thus, just as surely as did Adam, they constitute themselves transgressors of the law.

Many who profess to be Christians have divorced themselves from Christ. They second the efforts of the man of sin, and, infused with his spirit, show determined opposition to the holy law of God. They array themselves against the fourth precept of the decalogue, and accept a spurious sabbath. They place themselves on Satan's side of the question. They heed the voice of Satan rather than the voice of God. Notwithstanding the most positive assertions from lips in which is no guile, men professing to believe the word of God take the word of Satan, and believe his lie; and they act in accordance with the character of him who has deceived them. They are inspired with hatred and malice against those who will not receive the lies of the great apostate, who will not bow down to worship an idol sabbath.

The world and many of the professed followers of Christ are united in their efforts to honor the Sunday. Through the deceiving power of Satan, they will strive to make God's law of no effect. But the word of God contains the truth, and all who support the truth of God for this time are doing their work for time and for eternity. Those who bring the word of God into mind and heart take their stand on the side of God and the heavenly universe. They will stand heart to heart and hand to hand in defense of the holy and the pure, while those who support error by word, and pen, and voice, and by the oppression of those who are linked with the truth, are ranged upon the other side. They are leagued with the first great apostate and the evil men who are his agents. The Word declares of these that they shall "wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived."

God foresaw the workings of the arch-deceiver--every art and device in his crooked twistings and turnings. He knew that Satan's purpose was to make void the law of God, especially the fourth commandment, which specifies in unmistakable language who is the living God, the Creator of the heavens and the earth. Therefore God gave his word through Moses: "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy man servant, nor thy maid servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it."

God has not left the matter so undefined that we can not tell when the true Sabbath comes. "Six days," he says, "may work be done; but in the seventh is the Sabbath of rest, holy to the Lord." He has given directions that on Friday, the day prior to the Sabbath, shall be prepared all the food to be eaten on the Sabbath. "Bake that which ye will bake," he says, "and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning." Servile work for a livelihood, or common business transactions upon the Sabbath, constitute those who take part in them transgressors. All labor necessary to provide for the sustenance of the body is to be done in the six working days.

In the fourth commandment the claims of God are expressed. In it he has specified his holy day; and he declares that so long as heaven and earth remain, not one jot nor tittle of his law shall be changed. "Think not," he says, "that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven."

If the Lord designed to change the day, why did he give no intimation of it? He certainly knew if he designed to do any such thing. When the transgressors of the law of God raise their objections to the Sabbath specified in the fourth commandment, they have their answer in the words of Christ: "Verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled."

Heaven and earth still stand to confirm every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. For a time the powers of darkness have seemed to prevail, the man of sin has seemed to triumph; but during all the days when darkness seemed to eclipse the light, the Sabbath has been kept by God's representatives. And as we near the second appearing of Christ in the clouds of heaven, when he comes to take the kingdom under the whole heaven, and reign as King of kings and Lord of lords; when light shines from the throne of God, and the Sabbath of the fourth commandment stands in its own merits and native dignity,--then all who are true to God will see and acknowledge its perpetuity. -

The Sabbath Test--No. 3

The practical application of the word of God reveals the principles of righteousness in all their relations to the human being; and these principles, brought into the heart, work outwardly in the life, and thus become manifest from generation to generation. The principles of truth and holiness have existed since the world was created; but Satan's constant effort has been to eclipse every ray of light coming to man from the throne of God. The great apostate is constantly at work to put darkness for light and light for darkness. But light is constantly shining forth from heaven to the children of men; and if they walk in the light, they will advance. The light will make manifest the errors that have accumulated through the assertions of men.

Satan has worked through deception to institute a spurious Sabbath, that the worship of God's people might become an offense to the Creator. When the people did this in their ignorance, the Lord as merciful, and bore with them. Men will not be judged for light they have never had. But those who have kept Sunday, whose attention has been called to this error, but who would not open their eyes to behold wondrous things out of the law, will be judged according to the light that has come to them. All who will not give attention to the message from heaven will take the side of Satan, and will denounce the only true Sabbath. They will not change their course of action, but will bring all the attributes of Satan to bear against the truth and make it of none effect; for exceedingly repulsive to them is the day upon which the Lord places so much value.

Shall we selfishly argue, as reasons for not obeying the command, that it will put us out of joint with all the world? It were better thus than to be disconnected from God. But no excuse of selfish interest or unbelief, no arguments of the long observance of a false sabbath, will be accepted by God. The Sunday-sabbath is hoary with age, but this does not give it one tittle of sanctity, for God has not made it sacred. Sunday is not the Lord's day; although it is called so by ministers throughout Christendom. This assertion of men has not removed the sanctity from the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, nor made the Sunday a day to be reverenced. God has not placed one particle of sanctity upon the first day of the week.

The transgression of the fourth commandment came little by little. It did not come abruptly; but the first day gradually usurped the place of the holy Sabbath until the light of God's great memorial, which pointed to him as the living God, the Creator of the world, was no longer kept before the people; the first day was exalted.

But the Lord would not have his church left in darkness. The light of truth has been shining in our world in clear rays. The binding claims of the law of Jehovah, the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, are clearly and distinctly defined.

"My father," reasons one, "kept Sunday, and he was a good man; and what was good enough for my father is good enough for me." But this is a mistake. We can not be accepted in rendering to God the same service that our fathers rendered. In order to be blessed of God as our fathers were, we must manifest that faithfulness and devotion to God that will honor him before the world. We must acknowledge him as supreme. In order to reveal the truth, we must improve the light in our day as our fathers improved the light in their day.

To the apostles and prophets, Christ revealed himself, and gave light for their time. Holy men of old walked with God. These men of faith lived the truth revealed to them for their time. They improved their opportunities and privileges, and returned their talents to God with an increase. They believed in the light, they walked in the light; and the light in them did not become darkness.

More is demanded of those who live under the proclamation of the last message of mercy to be given to the world. We must reveal the binding claims of the law of God, every precept of which is "holy, and just, and good." We are not required to serve God as did the people of Israel, in going to Jerusalem to worship; neither are we required to offer up to him our flocks and herds as sacrificial offerings, symbolizing the one great Offering. At one time the chosen of God were to do this, bearing in mind that, through the shedding of the blood of the only begotten Son of God, their sacrifices were acceptable. But no such sacrifice is now required at the hands of the church. By the exceeding great and precious promises we are made partakers of the divine nature. Our path is enlightened now, and the light reveals the fraud practised by Satan in bringing in a false sabbath, thus gaining in the world what he failed to gain in heaven,--a change in the law of God.

The Lord now requires of his church perfect obedience to all his commandments. He will not accept less than his due. Man may receive grace and truth to obey all his commandments, which are reasonable and just. All his righteous demands must be fully met; for this second probation granted to the fallen race cost an infinite price, even the life of the Son of God.

In his life and death, Jesus taught the strictest obedience. He did not consult his convenience or pleasure when he left his station of high command to become a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief, accepting ignominy and death in order to deliver man from the consequence of his disobedience. Jesus died, not to save man in his sins, but from his sins. Man is to leave the error of his ways, to follow the example of Christ, to take up his cross and follow the Master, denying self, and obeying God at any cost.

If men, after this great and merciful condescension on the part of God, maintain their position with the first apostate, no force will be used with them. God accepts no unwilling service. Rational, accountable beings have the light in contrast with darkness placed before them, and they are invited to walk in the light in harmony with God. If they receive the words of men in place of the plainly stated word of God, and follow the inclination of their own hearts in disobedience to the law of Jehovah; if they trample upon his Sabbath, and honor the sabbath brought into existence by the man or sin,--they will treasure up against themselves the wrath of the Lamb.

It is not a lack of knowledge of spiritual light and understanding that will separate any soul from the presence of God. These are not the things that will decide his destiny. It is the truth, brought home to the understanding, but rejected because of the cross it involves, that will condemn the sinner in that day of final judgment.

Upon the Throne of His Glory

"When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: and before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: and he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left."

Christ would have all understand the events of his second appearing. The judgment scene will take place in the presence of all the worlds; for in this judgment the government of God will be vindicated, and his law will stand forth as "holy, and just, and good." Then every case will be decided, and sentence will be passed upon all. Sin will not then appear attractive, but will be seen in all its hideous magnitude. All will see the relation in which they stand to God and to one another.

At his first advent, Christ came to the world as its Redeemer. He came to plant truth in the hearts of all who would give place to it, who would receive it and be converted. He came to take away the sin of the world, and to fill every heart with pure, healthful joy. He longed to breathe into prostrate humanity the breath of life. And in his attitude toward men was a foreshadowing of his work in the Judgment. From the men whom the world had favored, those who found their own enjoyment in fulsome flattery, he turned with gladness to a peculiar people, and showed which class was blessed. He assigned appropriate rewards to those who were faithful and true. Having brought into the world the accumulated treasure of heaven, he bestowed it upon them. He pronounced his blessings upon true merit, upon all who were seeking for that righteousness which it was his prerogative to give. To those who should suffer for his name's sake, he declared: "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven." He gave evidence that all the treasures of heaven were at his command, and that in dispensing them he knew no restriction.

Let us mark the partition made between the sheep and the goats, and listen to his words to each:--

"Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

"Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? when saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

"Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: for I was an hungered, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal."

When God's people are clothed with white robes, and crowned as true subjects of his kingdom, those who have been disloyal will see the inconsistency of their uniting with the loyal to honor and magnify the law of God, which they have educated themselves to disregard. They have regarded the law of God as null and void, and should they be trusted to come through the gates into the city? They then find that they have no passport, nothing in them that can change their life sentiments. They have made their choice of false sentiments in the place of truth, and holiness, and righteousness, and they can not change them. Every man who, by his actions, has declared, I will not have this Man to reign over me, will no longer have the privilege of being under that rule.

Those who have tried to lay their plans in councils, and by their superior numbers gain power to oppress the saints of God, to compel them to dishonor and disobey their Redeemer, will understand the work they have done upon the earth, as enemies of God, betrayers of sacred trusts. They will then know how many souls they have deceived and led away from allegiance to God. They will see that they have made themselves responsible for their own destruction and the destruction of God's property, his own heritage, purchased at an infinite cost. The blood of these souls will be upon their garments. They will understand in that day that they were dealing with Christ in the person of his saints. Whatever influence opposes the truth that God has made it the duty of his servants to proclaim in his name, dishonors him. This is a violence offered to the laws of his kingdom, and he will not suffer it to go unpunished.

"The Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son." The Judge, the Prince of sufferers for the truth's sake, is on the throne,--he who suffered himself to be arraigned before Herod and Pilate, who was rejected by his own nation, and condemned by the man who had declared, "I find no fault in him ,"--he who was lacerated with stripes, spit upon, degraded, and whose holy brow was crowned with thorns. He does not now stand before the bar of Pilate or Herod. He himself is judge, and these men stand before him whom they scourged, and delivered up to the will of his enemies. Pilate and Herod, who suffered the Lord to be scourged; priests and rulers, who clamored for the death of the Messiah; those who mocked him,--all now understand what it means to meet the wrath of the Lamb.

"The hour is coming," Christ said, "in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth." That voice is to resound through all the habitations of the dead; and every saint who sleeps in Jesus will awake and leave his prison-house. Then the virtue of character we have received from Christ's righteousness will ally us to true greatness of the highest order. Every action of ours in befriending God's people will be rewarded as done unto himself.

In the day of final reckoning, Christ does not present before men the great work he has done for them in giving his life for their redemption. He presents before them the faithful work they have done for him. What surpassing love is this! He even mentions the work of the heathen, who have no intelligent knowledge of the law of the Lord, but who have done the very things the law required, because they have heeded the voice speaking to them in the things of nature. When the Holy Spirit implants Christ's Spirit in the heart of the savage, and he befriends God's servants, the quickening of the heart's sympathy is contrary to his nature, contrary to his education. The grace of God, working upon the darkened mind, has softened the savage nature untaught by the wisdom of men. And these uneducated heathen, in all their cruelty, are regarded in a more favorable light than are those who have had great light and evidence, but who have rejected the mercy and reproof of God.

Christ implants his grace in the heart of the savage, and ministers to the necessity of the missionary, even before he has heard or comprehended the words of truth and life. Behold that crowd collected about God's servant to harm him! But the Lord is working upon the heart and mind of perhaps one man to plead in behalf of his servant; and when the war council has determined the destruction of the Christian's life, the intercession of that savage turns the decision, and his life is spared. O, the love that goes forth to the savage for this one act! To such Christ says, in the Judgment: "I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me." "Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world." -

Week of Prayer in Australia--No. 1

In all our Australasian churches the nine days from May 28 to June 5 were set apart as a special season of self-examination, prayer, and thanksgiving.

Appropriate readings were published and sent out to the officers of the churches, and to isolated families of Sabbath-keepers. In these readings the perils and duties of the present time were clearly set before our people, with fervent exhortations to purity of life, godliness, and consecration.

A review of the special blessings of the year showed clearly that the Lord has had a constant care for his people, and is ever working in their behalf. As individuals, as families, and as churches, we have felt his loving care; and in the growth of our Conferences and the development of our institutions, we see material advancement. During the year, churches and companies of Sabbath-keepers have been raised up in several places, and two commodious meeting-houses built, one in Cooranbong and one in Stanmore.

One year ago there were about fifty students attending the school. During May of this year, one hundred were in attendance. Last year at this time the health home was struggling to win back the patronage it had lost through the interruption of its work on account of the sale of the building it occupied, which necessitated moving; now it is full to overflowing with patients, and earning something with which to make up the losses of last year. The Echo Publishing Company has erected a large and convenient building, which will double its capacity for work; and the New Zealand Tract Society has just completed the erection of a commodious building, in a good location in Wellington, which furnishes abundance of room for the book depository, and provides a good meeting-hall for the Wellington church.

And right here I wish to express my thanks, and the hearty thanks of our brethren in these colonies, to our brethren and friends in America and in Africa, who have responded so heartily to our appeals for assistance to build meeting-houses in the important centers in these colonies; and whose timely assistance has enabled us to erect plain but commodious meeting-houses in Melbourne, Sydney, Ashfield, Wellington, Hobart, Epsom, Christchurch, and Cooranbong. Great care has been exercised in the use of the funds given for this work, and in no case have appropriations been made till the brethren in the locality where a house was needed have lifted to the extent of their ability. It would have been hardly possible in any of these places for our people, unaided, to build a suitable place of worship.

Our Institutions. The Lord has entrusted his people in the Australasian colonies with manifold blessings with great responsibilities. The Echo Office, the school, the health home, and the tract society depositories are centers of influence, established in the providence of God as places through which he may work in a special manner. By the appointment of these centers, God designs to bring human beings into connection with himself, that humanity may touch humanity; and that men, controlled by the Holy Spirit, may increase in knowledge, strengthening every principle of character according to the divine similitude.

It is of great importance that the workers in all these institutions shall fully understand their privileges and their responsibilities. If this is not done, self will be woven into the work, and will take the place that should be given to God. The managers of our institutions should teach the workers, by precept and example, that in all things the excellence of God is to be made prominent. And church officers must teach this also in the churches. The standard of the Lord must be uplifted. All should be made to see that our institutions are of God's appointment. Those who depreciate one of them, representing, from selfish motives, that it is an inferior affair, must render to God an account for their words and influence. The Lord designs that everything connected with his work shall be treated as sacred. Let all be warned that no common fire is to be used in place of the sacred fire, that common things are not to be mingled with God's appointed agencies.

Let all beware how they weave self-serving and self-pleasing into the work. If they do this, they dishonor God, and he can not use them to his name's glory. When trial comes to prove us; when we can not see an increase of prosperity and comfort before us, but a probable lessening of these things; when there is a pressure necessitating a sacrifice on the part of all, how shall we receive Satan's insinuations that we are going to have a hard time, that everything is going to pieces, and that there is sore trouble ahead of us? If we listen to these suggestions, unbelief in God will spring up, bringing blindness to the soul.

We ought to believe that God has always had a care for his people and for his institutions. We ought to look at the work that he has done, the reforms that he has wrought. We ought to gather up the fragments of heaven's blessings, and all the tokens of good, saying: "Lord, I believe in thee; I believe in thy servants and in thy work. I will trust in thee. Thou hast made this institution a center of light. It is thine own instrumentality, and we will not fail nor be discouraged. We are greatly honored in being connected with thy work. We will be true to the work of God. We will act faithfully our part. We will keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment."

God has sent trials to his institutions, to prove who will stand faithful under the severe temptations of the enemy. Those who have shown themselves ready to listen to the voice of a stranger rather than to the voice of God, have lost much. They have loosened their hold on Christ, and chosen a broken reed on which to lean. For them, there is but one way of escape, and that is to learn to be afraid of themselves, carefully to reject false principles and wrong theories, accepting the invitation, "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart."

The Lord would have the Echo Office stand as a living witness for the truth. Rays of light must be shed abroad through various avenues. Therefore the commercial work should not be entirely cut away, but it must be cleansed of all that is offensive in character. It would be a mistake for our offices of publication to build up barriers to exclude all work from the outside; for this would close an avenue through which rays of light and knowledge should be given to the world.

The Echo Office, and our publishing houses in Europe and America, should give more attention than they have done to the education of the workers. Each institution should be a school for the training of laborers. Patient effort should be bestowed upon the youth. Every good attribute is to be cultivated and developed with kindness, love, compassion, and tenderness. There should be no scolding, no fretting, but much praying with the learners. Do not fret, do not worry. By looking at appearances, and complaining when difficulties come, you show an enfeebled, sickly faith. Show your faith by earnest, cheerful work. The Lord is rich in resources. He made the world. He is never bound by circumstances. We need to look heavenward, in faith. Let us look to God, who has light, and power, and efficiency. God will open heaven, and let us see that he is light, and that in him is no darkness at all. God will bless every one who is in a position to communicate light and love to others.

With these, and many other words, I presented to the workers in the Echo Office, and to our laborers in our established centers, the principles that should guide us in our present work in Australasia, where there are so many open doors, so many ripening fields, and so few laborers to go forth with the message which is due at this time, and for which thousands are hungering.

The managers of our institutions in every land should constantly study how they may enlarge the sphere of their usefulness. The work in our publishing houses is ever in danger of being crippled by the influence of unconsecrated workers, and restricted by narrow plans and prejudices. We must ever strive to make our printing-houses, as well as our sanitariums, training-schools for home and foreign missionaries. -

Week of Prayer in Australia--No. 2

Just prior to the week of prayer, the spiritual condition of the communities around Cooranbong, Maitland, Newcastle, and Gosford was spread out before me like a panorama; and words were spoken regarding the work to be done in these communities by those connected with our school. The people are as sheep without a shepherd; many are hungering for the bread of life. It was represented to me that we had assembled in council, and the One who was our Teacher spoke of the light which should shine forth to all these places. His words brought light and spirit into our meeting. The instruction will not soon pass from my mind.

"This school," he said, "must not be conducted on stereotyped human plans, as are many of the schools among those who have a knowledge of the truth." The Bible is to lie at the foundation of all the education given; but more, far more, than a theoretical teaching of Bible truth is required. It is not enough to fill the minds of the students with precious lessons of the deepest importance,and then leave lesson after lesson unused. Missionary work should be done by suitable persons, that they may learn to impart what they have received. We are not to seal up the precious ointment; but we are to break the bottle, and let the fragrance be shared by all around. Among the students, there are those who have precious talents. Let these talents be put out to usury.

It is necessary to the best education that we give the students time to do missionary work,--time to become acquainted with the spiritual needs of the families in the community around them. They should not be so loaded down with studies that they can not have time to put to use the knowledge they have acquired. They should be encouraged to make earnest missionary effort for those in the darkness of error, by becoming acquainted with them, and taking them the truth where they are. With all humility of heart, seeking knowledge from Christ, praying, and watching unto prayer, they may make known to others the truth that is placed before them day by day.

The teachers and students in our schools need the divine touch. God can do much more for them than he had done, because, in the past, his way has been restricted. If a missionary spirit is encouraged, even if it takes some hours from the program of study, much of heaven's blessing will be given, provided there is more faith and spiritual zeal, more of a realization of what God will do.

If students will do faithfully the work that is given to them, they will see that they need all the instruction they are receiving. They will diligently seek to understand the purpose of God, that they may communicate to others the precious lessons they have received. The lessons which they are obtaining from the word of God will make them diligent students in all lines of study, and fit them for faithful service.

Students should be qualified to speak in an acceptable manner before congregations; and they should therefore train themselves to use pure, simple language, and to follow the best methods of speaking. Much attention should be given to the practise of reading with full, clear voice and distinct utterance, giving the proper emphasis to each word. To spell correctly, to write a clear, fair hand, and to keep accounts, are essential accomplishments. Bookkeeping has been strangely dropped out of our school work in many places, but it should be considered a study of primary importance. A thorough preparation in these studies will fit students to stand in positions of trust.

The lessons given in Bible lines should be repeated over and over again, in plain, simple language. It is important that the truths of God's word shall be securely fastened in the mind; and nothing will do this so effectually as for those who hear to engage in missionary labor, and speak to others the truths that have impressed their own minds. All can communicate, if they will, the grand yet simple truths regarding the mission and work of Christ. If they seek the Lord daily in earnest prayer, they will understand how to meet the people as Christ met them, adapting the instruction to their varied circumstances and understanding. The spiritual lessons regarding the kingdom of God, they should illustrate by the natural things with which their hearers are familiar. Then, as these natural objects are seen, day by day, the lesson of truth will be repeated to the mind.

The ministry of the divine Word is an important part of God's plan; but every one who takes part in this work must have a teachable spirit, and must yoke up with Christ. The frail human instrument is nothing. Without Christ we can do nothing. Teachers and students must so unite with Christ that their minds will be brought into captivity to him. We must let Christ be revealed in us. We must be his representatives to the world. We must "walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time." Self-confidence is not an evidence of advancement in the knowledge of God. The great Teacher says, "Learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls."

Students as Home Missionaries. Before I presented these matters to the students of the Avondale school, a few had been diligently engaged in missionary effort, visiting families, distributing reading-matter, and holding Bible readings in places from one to five miles away; but many of the students here, as in most other schools, were acting upon the theory that it was wisest to learn all they could while in school, and wait till after school closed before undertaking any active missionary effort.

For some weeks beforehand, Elders Haskell, Hughes, W. C. White, and I had united with the officers of the Union Conference in making plans and preparations for the week of prayer. Letters containing information regarding the progress of the work, manuscripts that might be read in families and churches, and appeals for help to carry forward the work, were sent to leading workers in all the colonies. As we studied what would be for the best interests of the New South Wales churches, and for those students in the school who had had an experience in working for Christ, it was thought best to encourage persons of some experience to leave the school, and spend the week in visiting in the churches, in helping to conduct the meetings, and uniting with the workers in these churches in earnest work for those needing help. Seven were thus sent out from Cooranbong, besides Elder Haskell, who spent the week with the Stanmore church, upon which he has bestowed so much efficient and loving labor.

When this matter was first considered, by some it seemed a serious thing to lose one week out of the school term. It had cost much to reach the school, and apparently this was the last opportunity for attendance, and each lesson was very precious. But after consideration, the service was accepted cheerfully; the cross was lifted, and as it was lifted, it lifted the bearer. None of the workers settled down to have an easy time, but they moved rapidly from place to place. They met a hearty reception. They found lonely souls hungry for spiritual encouragement; as they watered others, their own souls were watered.

When these workers returned to the school, they were full of joy and courage. Their faith had developed with labor, and they were ready to cheer and help their fellows. Just then there was throughout the colony a visitation of the influenza, in a severe form. It appeared first in the cities, and then worked its way through the country. As might be expected, the school was one of the last places visited. There were many sick all around us; and the students who are in the class of practical nursing, freely offered to go, when needed, and care for the sick. So they were sent out, two and two, to give treatments, and to nurse those who were very feeble.

These experiences prepared their hearts to appreciate and receive instruction regarding the value of missionary effort as a part of their education. As this subject was presented in the school and in the church, during the week of prayer, students and teachers sought to act upon the suggestions, and opportunities for labor were found in all directions. Sabbath and Sunday afternoons, from sixteen to twenty students are engaged in holding prayer-meetings, Bible readings, young people's meetings, and preaching services, in from six to ten different places. One result of this work we already see,--the workers are greatly blessed. Other results may be seen in the future. -

Week of Prayer in Australia--No. 3

In all our planning and preparations for the week of prayer, we sought to make the meeting a blessing to the largest number possible. We desired that this season should be a season of refreshing, not only to our churches, but also to the communities in which we lived. Therefore, the plan and the purpose of the meetings were advertised as widely as possible.

At Cooranbong we arranged for a song service, with several short addresses on our educational work, the Sunday evening preceding. The song service drew a large congregation, and the plan of the meetings during the week of prayer was clearly set forth, and all were invited to attend. It was a matter of encouragement to see our commodious meeting-house filled, and also to observe the interest manifested in the several addresses setting forth the aims and objects of our school.

Why We are Here. W. C. White said: "The question is often asked us, and is sometimes suggested by our backwoods experiences: 'Why are you here? Why do you have this large and beautiful meeting-house here in the edge of the forest? Why is it that, hidden away in the bush, a quarter of a mile from the road, you have a school in which one hundred students gather daily for instruction? Why have you selected such an isolated place for the three commodious buildings already erected, and for the others soon to be built? Is not Cooranbong a strange place for a large educational institution?'

"As we study questions of truth and duty, we find that hardy, courageous workmen are needed in the Master's service. God needs as laborers men and women who have good physical powers; clear, active minds; and decided moral principles, that can not be shaken by temptation, nor put aside because of difficulties. There is need of persons who have a symmetrical training of all their mental, moral, and physical powers. Practical men and women are wanted,--those who will teach the religion of Christ, and exemplify it in their daily life and work.

"Our Conferences say to us: Train us young men and women who will love to minister to others; who will take up any good work that lies in their pathway; who will forget their own comfort, in their efforts to strengthen and comfort others.

"Our mission board says: We need many workers for foreign fields,--for Polynesia, Malaysia, India, China, and Japan,--but they should be hardy, practical workers. Sometimes the highly educated students from the most popular schools are quite helpless and inefficient in the mission field. Sometimes those who can read the Oriental languages can not keep a set of accounts, and their reports are very perplexing. Train us men and women who will be thrifty, economical, industrious; who can teach the people the best ways to build houses, to till the soil, to cook, and to sew.

"Our medical missionary board says: Train us many missionary nurses, --men and women who love their fellow men; who will minister tenderly to the poor and needy, without raising the question of remuneration; who will dare to go to any place where their ministry is needed. Men and women are needed with muscles like iron and nerves like steel,--persons who can decide quickly what should be done in an emergency, and who will minister with skilful hands, prompted by a tender heart. Such workers are needed in the islands of the sea, in the isolated homes in the Australian bush, and in the slums of our large cities.

"What can we do in response to these demands? Shall we go into the city, and build up our school where there will be the most ease and comfort? or shall we use the circumstances and surroundings of the country as a means of developing, as far as possible, the traits and characteristics required?--We have chosen the country, and we do not regret the choice."

Our Relations to those Around Us. "I am very glad," said Elder Cassius B. Hughes, "to meet so many of our friends and neighbors here to-night; and when I say 'friends and neighbors,' I use the words in their deepest meaning. If we do not become to you friends and neighbors indeed, the mission of this school will be largely unaccomplished. Schools are for learning; but we must not forget that 'the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.' In the beautiful parable of the good Samaritan, the Saviour has taught us what it means to be a real neighbor. Therefore, if we fulfill our mission here, you will be better because of having associated with us, and we shall be better because of having associated with you. It is a very essential thing, in order that the school may accomplish what it should, that we become acquainted with you. Our feelings of friendliness will surely grow if we accomplish that for which God sent us here.

"When Christ was on earth, he went about doing good, In the school of to-day, there is too much selfishness. Students attend school that they may themselves be benefited, that they may obtain knowledge that will secure for them good positions. This is not the right idea of education. Our school must not be satisfied with this aim, but it must aim to help men and women, in order that they may help others.

"This school has been established to teach men and women how to minister to others, and thus to find happiness. This is a grand object, and you may say, 'Who is sufficient for these things?' We will answer this question by asking another, 'Who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the Lord?' Who is ready to do what God asks him to do? If God asks us to give something that we have, are we willing to give it? When we are willing to do this, we shall be accomplishing the object for which our school was established."

The Missionary Nurses' Class. Elder H. C. Lacey briefly presented the objects and working of the department of hygiene and nursing: "In connection with the other work undertaken by our school, there has been organized this year a special department of physiology and hygiene. This department offers to the student the means of acquiring a practical knowledge of the workings of the wonderful mechanism of the human body, and furnishes an opportunity of becoming acquainted with the most approved methods in the rational treatment of disease. The study of anatomy, the form and structure of the body; of physiology, the use and functions of the various organs; and of hygiene, the laws that underlie their healthful activities, is pursued from a Biblical and scientific point of view.

"The object we have before us is the qualifying of laborers to engage in the all-round work of the third angel's message. In this school we are trying to fit ourselves that we may warn others to prepare for the second coming of Christ. We need a thorough fitting up for this work, not only spiritually and intellectually, but also physically. A thorough preparation for work includes the faithful development of the body as well as the soul; and the aim of this department is to prepare us to teach others how to care for the physique which God has given them."

The Business Department. Mrs. H. C. Lacey, in presenting the outlines of the business department, said: "In the business department, the common branches are faithfully and thoroughly taught. After these come bookkeeping, stenography, and typewriting. There are ten in the stenography class, and fifteen are studying bookkeeping."

The Preparatory Department and the Normal Course. Mrs. C. B. Hughes spoke thus of the normal course for teachers: "The wise man says, 'Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.' We who believe that Christ is soon coming, should be especially faithful so to train the little ones that they, with us, may be ready to meet him when he comes. We know that there are many fathers and mothers all over the land who desire that their children shall be trained aright, and we hear their oft-repeated calls for teachers. Therefore the board has made plans for the normal training of teachers. Most things have small beginnings. Christ tells us that the smallest of seeds, put into the ground, grows to be a tree that the birds may lodge in. So it is with our normal department. So far, it is only a seed. We have about fifty students in the preparatory departments, and three young ladies are being instructed in the work of teaching."

The Agricultural Department. Mr. H. C. Thompson, our farmer, then presented some of the products of the soil. Oranges and lemons from our school orchard, sweet potatoes and other products from the garden, were shown with pride; for they were all of extraordinary size and quality. He spoke briefly of what may be realized as the result of a faithful cultivation of the land, and pointed out that some of the difficulties that must be encountered by the agriculturist in this climate are largely compensated for by the fact that we can successfully engage in the cultivation of garden crops all the year around.

The meeting closed with an earnest appeal from the chairman for the people of Cooranbong and vicinity to unite in the development of the district by the planting of orchards and the cultivation of garden produce, so that all may live upon the products of the soil, and not have to subsist on the bodies of dead animals.

The good influence of this meeting was felt throughout the week of prayer; and the spirit of cordial friendship continues to grow. -

Week of Prayer in Australia--No. 4

The week of prayer was a busy time for me, and for all our workers at the school and at "Sunnyside." For several weeks I had been engaged in writing out matters that had been presented to me regarding our denominational institutions, and the spirit that must be cherished by the managers and workers, and also many matters regarding our educational work, which I hope soon to publish; but now I laid all other work aside, and gave my entire strength to the various meetings held in and around Cooranbong.

The first Sabbath was a day of earnest activity. From "Sunnyside" and the school, two teams and a boat were sent to Dora Creek to bring to the meetings those who were not able to walk so far. The people had been invited to bring their lunch, and come to the meeting prepared to spend the day, and they responded freely to the invitation. Some were much surprised that we would exert ourselves on the Sabbath to bring them to the meeting. They had been taught that Sunday-keeping consisted largely in physical inactivity; and they thought that because we were zealous in the matter of Sabbath-keeping, we would keep it according to the teachings of the Pharisees. We told our friends that in the matter of keeping the Sabbath, we studied the example and teachings of Christ, whose Sabbaths were often spent in earnest effort to heal and to teach; that we believed that one of our sisters who was nursing a sick family was keeping the Sabbath as much as the one who was leading a division in the Sabbath-school; that Christ could not please the Pharisees of his day, and that we did not expect that our efforts to serve the Lord would satisfy the Pharisees of our day.

Our meeting-house was well filled Sabbath morning with earnest listeners to the reading, "The End of All Things Is at Hand." In the afternoon I spoke for half an hour, and then we had a social meeting. Church-members, students, and visitors testified freely, and all were blessed. We were glad that we had exerted ourselves to encourage old and young, believers and unbelievers, to come to the meeting. Knowing that the notice was short, and that some might come without lunch, we had provided abundance of plain food; and after some had been invited to the homes of our people, there were about forty who gathered under the broad-spreading gum-trees, and ate their food with thanksgiving and friendly conversation. After the meetings, our horses and carriages were again brought into service to carry some to their homes.

On Sunday morning I spoke to a congregation of between thirty and forty in the old schoolhouse at Dora Creek. Brother and Sister H. C. Lacey accompanied me, and led the singing. Most of those present were not of our faith, and they seemed deeply interested. I had perfect freedom, as I usually do in speaking to those who are hungry for truth. At the close of the meeting we arranged for our teams to go in the evening, to bring about twenty to the meeting at Cooranbong.

At the Sunday-night meeting, the progress of the cause of present truth in Australasia was briefly reviewed, and the present needs of the field were presented; also the work, and the financial embarrassments, of the Foreign Mission Board. What the cause in Australia and New Zealand has received from our brethren in America and Africa was clearly set forth; for it is only as we review our mercies and blessings, that we can be intelligently thankful. All were surprised to learn how much we have received, through the hands of the mission board, from our dear brethren in other lands. The lesson drawn from this study was that from those to whom much is given, much is required. Therefore we are under great obligation, here in Australasia, to give ourselves to the Master's work, and to educate and train our young men and women, that they may be fitted and ready to serve the Lord in home and foreign missions.

Monday was a busy day. At six in the morning, there was a meeting in the vestry of the church. Seventeen were present. I talked to them on faith. I am sure that we are not where we ought to be in this matter. Unbelief is the great obstacle in the way of our spiritual advancement. We all need to pray, "Lord, increase our faith." Nearly all bore testimony, acknowledging their lack of faith, and their weakness because they have not put their whole trust in the Lord, and taken Christ as their personal Saviour.

At nine o'clock I attended a meeting of the students in the school chapel. About eighty were present, and the room was full. An hour was occupied in reading, and in talking to them about the necessity of their understanding how to exercise faith. This is the science of the gospel. The Scripture declares, "Without faith it is impossible to please God." The knowledge of what the Scripture means when urging upon us the necessity of cultivating faith, is more essential than any other knowledge that can be acquired. We suffer much trouble and grief because of our unbelief, and our ignorance of how to exercise faith. We must break through the clouds of unbelief. We can not have a healthy Christian experience, we can not obey the gospel unto salvation, until the science of faith is better understood, and until more faith is exercised. There can be no perfection of Christian character without that faith that works by love, and purifies the soul.

The students in our schools need to study these words: "The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward." Then they will be able intelligently to pray: "Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer."

The youth have precious talents; but unless they consecrate these to God, they can not intelligently speak these words of the nineteenth psalm. When they understand the infinite sacrifice made for them, they will realize their responsibility as servants of Jesus Christ. If the humiliation and suffering borne by him in behalf of the human race are appreciated, a purer and more healthy atmosphere will surround the souls of those who take the name of Christian.

In the afternoon there was a general meeting at the church. I attended; and after engaging in prayer, I again talked to the people on the subject of faith, and told them my experience in the night season. I was then before a company, talking to them about faith. I was trying to show them that they must be able intelligently to voice the words of John, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." Men must behold him as their sin-bearer. Then the word of God was opened before me in a most beautiful and striking light. Page after page was turned, and I read the gracious invitations and words of entreaty to seek God's glory and God's will, with the promise that all other things would be added. These promises and invitations stood out upon the page as in golden letters.

I said: Why do you not grasp the promises? Seek first to know God. Search the Scriptures. Feed on the words of Christ, which are spirit and life. Then your knowledge will grow. Study your Bibles. Study not the philosophy contained in many books, but study the philosophy of the word of the living God. Compared with this, other literature is of little consequence. Do not fill your minds with so many things that are cheap and unsatisfying. In the word of God is spread before you the richest banquet. This is the Lord's table, abundantly provided, whereof you may eat and be satisfied.

We need, during this week of prayer, to come to God in confidence. We must put away the darkness that would interpose between our souls and God. We must cultivate perfect trust in God, and make him our counselor. His love must be cultivated in the heart. Thanksgiving and praise should be offered to God. He wants the whole mind. "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord." God's word is full of assurances of what he will do for us if we will come to him and ask in faith. Faith is essential. It surrounds the soul with the atmosphere that pervades heaven. This is the rest that Christ has promised to all who come to him.

We ask you, brethren and sisters, to render to God offerings of thanksgiving for all his blessings. This includes not only the fruit of the lips, but the entire being; for this is the Lord's purchased possession. We must understand that the garden of the heart is to be cultivated. The weeds of selfishness are to be diligently uprooted.

As we cultivate the soil day by day, we may learn precious spiritual lessons. The fallow ground of the heart must be broken up. It must be warmed by the rays of the sun, and purified by the air. Then the seed, to all appearance lifeless and inactive, is to be dropped into the soil prepared for its reception. Trees also are to be planted, and cultivated with care. And after man has done his part, God's miracle-working power gives life and vitality to the things placed in the soil. Man is not to overlook the power of God, nor is he to neglect his part of the work, appointed to him by God. Man is not to be slothful. His industry is essential if he would have a harvest. And so it is with the work to be done in the human heart and mind. "The seed is the word of God." "He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man."

Christ is the author of all truth. He came down from heaven to give to the world the bread of life. "The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us." And yet how little do men understand the relation of earthly and heavenly things! And must the veil remain ever upon our eyes?--No, indeed. God designs that in this probationary time, man may comprehend the truths of his word. They are revealed to us and to our children. A treasure-house of precious jewels is opened to the minds of all who will search the word of God.

The Lord would have us become diligent learners of the things of his kingdom, and he would have us understand that as we receive knowledge, a responsibility rests upon us to go to work to communicate to others that which we have received. We must present the truth as it is in Jesus. Having received great light, and united with the church to do the service of God, we must labor to scatter the good seed, and thus in other minds and hearts prepare the way for the operation of the Spirit of God.

O, why do those who know the truth remain in a state of indifference to the wants of others? Why do they bring no sheaves to the Master? Why do they look to others to do the work which God has given them to do? I wish that every soul could have the experience that I had last night, and hear the words of counsel, reproof, and encouragement falling from the lips of the divine Teacher. He said: "The leaves of the tree of life are proffered you. They are sweeter than honey and the honeycomb. Take them, eat them, and your faintheartedness will pass away. Are you thirsty? Come. Whosoever shall drink of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst."

"And in that day thou shalt say, O Lord, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortest me. Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation. And in that day shall ye say, Praise the Lord, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted. Sing unto the Lord; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth. Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee." -

The Week of Prayer at Avondale School

On Wednesday morning, June 1, I met with the students in the school chapel. I read to them important words of counsel and instruction, and I was impressed by the Holy Spirit to encourage them to exercise faith in God. I knew that if the eyes of teachers and students were opened, they would see that the Lord Jesus was among them, and that they were honored by the presence of the greatest Teacher that the world has ever known. The Saviour is watching the development of character. He is weighing moral worth. With what pleasure he looks upon the students, both old and young, who are daily hearing the instruction from his written word!

The students in our schools should value the privilege of knowing the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom he has sent. The moment we glance inquiringly toward Christ, seeking his grace, he advances to us. He encourages us to behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. As soon as we sincerely desire conformity to Christ's likeness, the Lord, by his Holy Spirit, begins to transcribe that likeness on the heart. He who commanded the light to shine out of darkness is willing and longing to shine in every heart, to give each one the light of the knowledge of his glory in the face of Jesus Christ.

I told the students that in his providence the Lord had directed us to this place, and had established us here in the woods, away from the large cities and their influences, which are constantly ensnaring the young. The Lord designs that this shall be a center to which our youth shall be brought to receive the highest education,--that which they can take with them into the eternal world. This education is to be gained by obtaining a knowledge of truth, eternal truth.

Every moment of time is precious, too precious to be idled away. Our time is to be employed in useful labor. Cheerfulness and joy are to be cultivated and cherished; but commonness, nonsense, and idle words are to be put away and avoided. Here students are to obtain a symmetrical education by learning to use, with equality and faithfulness, brain and nerve, bone and muscle, conscience and will power,--all consecrated to God. This is God's design regarding our school. As students seek to obtain this education, they will become familiar with various kinds of physical labor, with various lines of study, and with various phases of Christian experience, including intelligent effort to help others, and to seek and to save those for whom Christ gave his life.

We desire to make our school what God has revealed that it should be. We must not forget that God has guided in the matter of its location, the selection of its teachers, and the general plan of its work. We must remember that this school is not to pattern after any other school; but that we are carefully to study the word of God, to learn what the school will become if we receive and act upon the instruction found in that word.

In each one of our schools, Satan will seek to become the guide of teachers and students. He will introduce the thought that amusements are essential. He would be pleased to have students who are preparing to become missionaries accept the idea that amusements are essential to health. But the Lord has provided a better way. God has provided useful employments for the development of health, and these useful employments will also qualify students to be a help to themselves and to others.

Physical strength and valuable education are to be obtained in chopping and clearing, in planting and cultivating the various crops; in caring for the domestic animals, and in helping to erect necessary buildings. Later on, a printing-press should be connected with our school, that students may learn how to set type, and how to operate a printing-press. Tent-making should also be established, and students should be taught this work.

For the lady students there are many employments that should be provided, that they may have a comprehensive and practical education. They should be taught cooking, dressmaking, and gardening. Flowers should be cultivated, and strawberries planted. Thus, while being educated in useful labor, they will have healthful outdoor exercise. Later on, bookbinding and a variety of other trades should be established. These will not only furnish healthful exercise, but will impart knowledge of great value. To-day the world's greatest curse is idleness.

It is a matter of great importance that students obtain an education that will fit them for successful business life. We must not be satisfied with the one-sided education given in many schools. The common branches must be thoroughly mastered, and bookkeeping should be considered one of the most important studies. All who expect to engage in the work of the Lord should learn how to keep accounts. A knowledge of bookkeeping should be regarded as important as a knowledge of grammar. In the world there are many who have made a failure in business, and are considered dishonest, who are true at heart, but have failed to succeed because they did not know how to keep accounts.

It is also very essential that students understand the principles of physiology and the art of nursing the sick; for the world is full of sickness, and they should be prepared to minister to the sick wherever they go.

There should be awakened and cherished in the minds of students a desire to help one another, and also a determination to help those within the range of their influence outside of the school. Living treasures of light are received from the Bible studies; and the students, by their effort to impart to others the light that they have received, will increase their store of knowledge. In their effort to benefit others, they will receive special help from divine agencies. As they impart grace, they will receive grace for grace; for they are doing the appointed work. "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Heavenly angels are commissioned to co-operate with those who seek to obey this instruction. It is the divine intelligences that make the impressions on human hearts. If we ask in humility and faith, God will impart to us wisdom and grace to work in harmony with these agencies. "The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."

The students in our schools must be thoroughly educated in regard to true science. The God of heaven sent his Son into our world to give lessons which contain the true science. But were Christ in our world to-day, he would say to many teachers, as he said to the Pharisees, "Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also." "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. . . . All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made." The science of education is to be found in the words spoken by Christ and his inspired servants. Teachers and students are to bring the word of God into every study, into all their physical labors, and into every plan and purpose of life. By a living connection with God, they may surround their souls with an atmosphere that is Christlike. If they are emptied of self, if they are humble and contrite before God, a wholesome, life-giving atmosphere will pervade the school.

But we can not serve Christ, we can not wear his yoke and bear his burdens, unless we learn in his school how to love one another. When love is cherished in the heart, self dies, and Christ lives in the soul. To all who fully consecrate themselves to God, the heavenly oil is communicated. But neither students nor teachers can meet their God-given responsibilities unless they consecrate themselves to God, unless they are willing to be led by the Holy Spirit. The mind of teachers and students is finite and faulty unless they receive the holy oil that flows from the two olive-trees into the hearts of the workers who are under submission to God. "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts."

Our students are now deciding their eternal destiny. They are deciding whether they will be fitted for the companionship of angels. If they do the will of God, they will be crowned with glory and honor, and have eternal life. If they are converted daily, they can work for their associates in the school, and for others. They show that they can be relied upon. They refuse to be vessels unto dishonor, but are vessels unto honor.

After I had spoken to the students for nearly an hour, opportunity was given for them to speak. Nearly all bore testimony to the goodness and mercy of God, mingled with thanksgiving for the blessings enjoyed during the present school year. It was evident that the faithful work of the teachers, and especially the instruction given in the Bible classes, was not in vain. As precious seed sown in good ground, it was springing up, and promised to bear a rich harvest. -

Week of Prayer at Avondale Church

There was a large attendance at our meetings on Sabbath, June 4. Besides the families of the Avondale church, there were about forty present from Dora Creek, making a congregation, old and young, of over two hundred. The weather was excellent, and about thirty took their dinner under the large gum-trees near the church. This was the last Sabbath of the week of prayer, and the time appointed for the bringing in of the annual offerings for missions.

During the week, envelopes had been distributed, in which the gifts to missions might be enclosed; and on the envelope was a place for the name of the giver, and for the reference to a Scripture text expressing the thought accompanying the gift. A similar provision was made for gifts to the school.

At the opening of the meeting a psalm of thanksgiving was read, and then invitation was given for each one to read the text that had been selected to accompany his gift. Then prayer was offered that God would accept our offerings and our praise; the gifts were collected; and the article on consecration, written by Brother A. T. Jones, was read. The Scripture texts and the article on consecration made a deep impression on all; and from this day, changes were wrought in many lives.

In the afternoon I spoke from 2 Corinthians 8 and 9. These chapters, speaking of the joyful giving of churches that were in deep poverty, and giving instruction regarding the principles that should govern Christian benevolence and ministry, seemed to be very appropriate. We are surrounded with difficulties and with poverty, yet we may have the joy of giving. As we read the chapters, we felt that our people could understand them. We knew that nearly all who had bestowed their gifts had not given from their abundance, but that they had given as a result of self-denial, and with a desire to do what was within their power. To all such the sixth verse of the ninth chapter comes as a precious promise: "But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully."

The promises, the encouragement, and the instruction in these chapters are the words of inspiration; they are the voice of God speaking to us to-day. When every one will do to the utmost of his ability, giving in faith and love, and with an appreciation of the infinite sacrifice made for us, the Lord will receive the gifts, and will make his gifts to abound toward us so that we shall lose nothing.

The Lord knows all the thoughts of our hearts. He understands all our circumstances, and the self-denials and sacrifices made for the advancement of his work in the earth. He saw how willingly and earnestly the people of this place entered heart and soul into the work of helping to finish the buildings required for our first term of school.

There are times when much is to be gained by a united, prompt, and persistent effort. The time for opening our school had been appointed; but our brethren throughout the colonies were looking for a postponement. They had waited long for the school to open, and were discouraged. There was much work yet to be done on the buildings, and our funds were exhausted. Therefore the builders said that the work could not be done at the appointed time. But we said there must be no delay. The school must be opened at the time named. So we laid the matter before the church, and called for volunteers. Thirty men and women offered themselves for the work; and although it was hard for them to spare the time, a strong company continued at the work day after day till the buildings were completed, cleaned, and furnished, ready to be used at the day set for opening the school.

When the time came for this meeting-house to be built, there was another test of faith and loyalty. We had a council to consider what should be done. The way seemed hedged about with difficulties. Some said: "Enclose a small building, and when money shall come in, enlarge; for we can not possibly complete at this time such a house as we desire." Others said, "Wait till we have money with which to build a commodious house." This we thought to do; but the word of the Lord came to me in the night season, "Arise, and build without delay."

We then decided that we would take hold of the work, and walk out by faith to make a beginning. The very next night there came from South Africa a draft for two hundred pounds. This was a gift from Brother and Sister Lindsay, of Cape Town, to help us in building the meeting-house. Our faith had been tested, we had decided to begin the work, and now the Lord put into our hands this large gift with which to begin. With this encouragement the work was begun in earnest. The school board gave the land and one hundred pounds. Two hundred pounds was received from the Union Conference, and the members of the church gave what they could. Friends outside of the church helped, and the builders gave a part of their time, which was as good as money. Thus the work was completed, and we have this beautiful house, capable of seating four hundred people. We thank the Lord for this house in which to worship him. He understands all the strait places through which we were brought. When difficulties arose, Elder Haskell, who was superintending the work, would call the workmen together, and they would pray earnestly for God's blessing upon themselves and the work. The Lord heard prayer, and the house was completed in seven weeks.

To Brother and Sister Lindsay, we say now, as we said when the draft arrived: We thank you for helping us in the beginning by the gift of one thousand pounds for the purchase of our school land, and we thank you for again coming to our assistance. And we give honor and praise to Him who has committed to you this treasure, and that he has put it into your hearts to respond to the necessities of his work in this place. And to our brethren and sisters here, who have sacrificed and labored for the building of this house, we say: "And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: as it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth forever."

"He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them," said Jesus, "he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him." Here faith and works are combined. The one who loves, obeys: the love of the heart shapes the conduct. When the Lord speaks to us, saying, "Go forward," it is not for us to stand and talk of difficulties, but promptly to obey, knowing that God understands the nature of every difficulty. If those in his service will stop talking unbelief and magnifying difficulties, and will move forward in humble obedience, God, in his providence, will co-operate with the finite efforts of man, and thus testify to the world of his omnipotence.

Thus God will encourage his faithful stewards who are ready to put all their energies and God-given endowments to the very best use. As all learn the lesson of faithfully rendering to God what is his due, he, through his providences, will enable some to bring princely offerings, as Sister Wessels and her children have done, laying upon the altar of God their offerings in Christian liberality. He will enable others to present smaller offerings; and the small offerings and the large are acceptable to him, if given with an eye single to his glory. "Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness; being enriched in everything to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God."

As the promises and principles were presented to the people, many hearts were cheered; and some who had made small offerings, with which they were not satisfied, brought additional gifts after the meeting.

The closing meeting of our special season of thanksgiving and prayer was held Sunday afternoon. Again our meeting-house was well filled. The friendly visits and invitations from our brethren had encouraged a number of families to come from a distance to this afternoon meeting, who could not readily travel so far in the evening. Our teams had brought about twenty-five from Dora Creek; and just before the service, they held a consultation with our church officers, which led to a decision to rent a cottage for meetings, and to establish regular services there, Sabbath morning and Sunday afternoon.

As I spoke to the people, my spirit was stirred again to urge upon students, and church-members not in the school, to arouse, and obtain all they possibly could of an intelligent knowledge of the Scriptures, and then bring this knowledge into their practical life. The church is to be a shining light, a blessing to others. Said Christ, "I am the vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit."

I felt an earnest desire that our people should see and appreciate the missionary fields right around us. "Say ye not, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together."

And so it is to-day. There is work to do everywhere in the fields within our sight, if we would but lift up our eyes and look. God's servants must throw off all inclination to sloth. Lay firm hold of the work given you, and hold it fast. "Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ." The work requires physical, mental, and moral power. If we do not cultivate the ability to impart to others, we shall soon lose our power to do the work required at this time; but if we exercise our talents in God's service, heavenly angels will be close by our side to help us.

The Offerings. By Sunday afternoon it was known that the gifts to the mission fund and to the school amounted to about two hundred and twenty-five dollars. We all desired to bring it to two hundred and fifty; and the students in the school, who had very little money to give, proposed to give a day's labor. This proposition was presented to the whole school; and it was arranged to suspend school the next day, that all the students might be free to give one day's labor to the cause of missions. The young men took a job of clearing, and the young women made one hundred and fifty pounds of granola. All united in the work, and worked with a will. When the results of this day's labor were turned into cash, we found that our united gifts had reached the desired amount,--two hundred and fifty dollars. We all wish it were a hundred times more; but we are glad to have had a part in doing this much for the cause we love. -

The Revelation of God

"God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ."

Before the fall, not a cloud rested upon the minds of our first parents to obscure their clear perception of the character of God. They were perfectly conformed to the will of God. For a covering, a beautiful light, the light of God, surrounded them. The Lord visited the holy pair, and instructed them through the works of his hands. Nature was their lesson-book. In the garden of Eden the existence of God was demonstrated in the objects of nature that surrounded them. Every tree of the garden spoke to them. The invisible things of God were clearly seen, being understood by the things which were made, even his eternal power and Godhead.

But while it is true that God could thus be discerned in nature, this does not favor the assertion that after the fall a perfect knowledge of God was revealed in the natural world to Adam and his posterity. Nature could convey her lessons to man in his innocence; but transgression brought a blight upon nature, and intervened between nature and nature's God. Had Adam and Eve never disobeyed their Creator, had they remained in the path of perfect rectitude, they could have known and understood God. But when they listened to the voice of the tempter, and sinned against God, the light of the garments of heavenly innocence departed from them; and in parting with the garments of innocence, they drew about them the dark robes of ignorance of God. The clear and perfect light that had hitherto surrounded them had lightened everything they approached; but deprived of that heavenly light, the posterity of Adam could no longer trace the character of God in his created works.

The things of nature upon which we look today give us but a faint conception of Eden's beauty and glory; yet the natural world, with unmistakable voice, proclaims the glory of God. In the things of nature, marred as they are by the blight of sin, much that is beautiful remains. One omnipotent in power, great in goodness, in mercy, and love, has created the earth, and even in its blighted state it inculcates truths in regard to the skilful Master Artist. In this book of nature opened to us,--in the beautiful, scented flowers, with their varied and delicate coloring,--God gives to us an unmistakable expression of his love. After the transgression of Adam, God might have destroyed every opening bud and blooming flower, or he might have taken away their fragrance, so grateful to the senses. In the earth, seared and marred by the curse, in the briers, the thistles, the thorns, the tares, we may read the law of condemnation; but in the delicate color and perfume of the flowers, we may learn that God still loves us, that his mercy is not wholly withdrawn from the earth.

Nature is filled with spiritual lessons for mankind. The flowers die only to spring forth into new life; and in this we are taught the lesson of the resurrection. All who love God will bloom again in the Eden above. But nature can not teach the lesson of the great and marvelous love of God. Therefore, after the fall, nature was not the only teacher of man. In order that the world might not remain in darkness, in eternal spiritual night, the God of nature met us in Jesus Christ. The Son of God came to the world as the revelation of the Father. He was that "true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world." We are to behold "the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ."

In the person of his only begotten Son, the God of heaven has condescended to stoop to our human nature. To the question of Thomas, Jesus said: "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake."

The most difficult and humiliating lesson that man has to learn is his own inefficiency in depending upon human wisdom, and the sure failure of his own efforts to read nature correctly. Sin has obscured his vision, and of himself he can not interpret nature without placing it above God. He can not discern in it God, or Jesus Christ, whom he has sent. He is in the same position as were the Athenians, who erected their altars for the worship of nature. Standing in the midst of Mars Hill, Paul presented before the people of Athens the majesty of the living God in contrast with their idolatrous worship.

"Ye men of Athens," he said, "I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, To the Unknown God. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; neither is worshiped with men's hands, as though he needed anything, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; and hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; that they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: for in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device."

Those who have a true knowledge of God will not become so infatuated with the laws of matter or the operations of nature as to overlook, or refuse to acknowledge, the continual working of God in nature. Nature is not God, nor was it ever God. The voice of nature testifies of God, but nature is not God. As his created work, it simply bears a testimony to God's power. Deity is the author of nature. The natural world has, in itself, no power but that which God supplies. There is a personal God, the Father; there is a personal Christ, the Son. And "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in times past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high."

The psalmist says: "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard." Some may suppose that these grand things in the natural world are God. They are not God. All these wonders in the heavens are only doing the work appointed them. They are the Lord's agencies. God is the superintendent, as well as the Creator, of all things. The divine Being is engaged in upholding the things that he has created. The same hand that holds the mountains and balances them in position, guides the worlds in their mysterious march around the sun.

There is scarcely an operation of nature to which we may not find reference in the word of God. The word declares that "he maketh his sun to rise," and "the rain to descend." He "maketh grass to grow upon the mountains. . . . He giveth snow like wool: he scattereth the hoar-frost like ashes. He casteth forth his ice like morsels: . . . he sendeth out his word, and melteth them: he causeth his wind to blow, and the waters flow." "He maketh lightnings for the rain; and bringeth the wind out of his treasuries."

These words of Holy Writ say nothing of the independent laws of nature. God furnishes the matter and the properties with which to carry out his plans. He employs his agencies that vegetation may flourish. He sends the dew and the rain and the sunshine, that verdure may spring forth, and spread its carpet over the earth; that the shrubs and fruit-trees may bud and blossom and bring forth. It is not to be supposed that a law is set in motion for the seed to work itself, that the leaf appears because it must do so of itself. God has laws that he has instituted, but they are only the servants through which he effects results. It is through the immediate agency of God that every tiny seed breaks through the earth, and springs into life. Every leaf grows, every flower blooms, by the power of God.

The physical organism of man is under the supervision of God; but it is not like a clock, which is set in operation, and must go of itself. The heart beats, pulse succeeds pulse, breath succeeds breath, but the entire being is under the supervision of God. "Ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building." In God we live and move and have our being. Each heart-beat, each breath, is the inspiration of him who breathed into the nostrils of Adam the breath of life,--the inspiration of the ever-present God, the great I am.

The ancient philosophers prided themselves on their superior knowledge. Let us read the inspired apostle's understanding of the matter. "Professing themselves to be wise," he says, "they became fools, and changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things. . . . Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshiped and served the creature more than the Creator." In its human wisdom the world can not know God. Its wise men gather an imperfect knowledge of God from his created works, and then in their foolishness they exalt nature and the laws of nature above nature's God. Those who have not a knowledge of God through an acceptance of the revelation he has made of himself in Christ, will obtain only an imperfect knowledge of him in nature; and this knowledge, so far from giving elevated conceptions of God, and bringing the whole being into conformity to his will, will make men idolaters. Professing themselves to be wise, they will become fools.

Those who think they can obtain a knowledge of God aside from his Representative, whom the Word declares is "the express image of his person," will need to become fools in their own estimation before they can be wise. It is impossible to gain a perfect knowledge of God from nature alone; for nature itself is imperfect. In its imperfection it can not represent God, it can not reveal the character of God in its moral perfection. But Christ came as a personal Saviour to the world. He represented a personal God. As a personal Saviour, he ascended on high; and he will come again as he ascended to heaven,--a personal Saviour. He is the express image of the Father's person. "In him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily." -

Christ's Attitude Toward the Law

The great plan of redemption was laid before the foundation of the world. Christ did not stand alone in this wondrous undertaking for the ransom of man. In the councils of heaven, before the world was created, the Father and the Son covenanted together that if man proved disloyal to God, Christ, one with the Father, would take the place of the transgressor, and suffer the penalty of justice that must fall upon him. "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." What a price was this for heaven to pay to ransom the transgressor of the law of Jehovah!

Christ did not come to change the Sabbath of the fourth commandment; he did not come to weaken or set aside the law of God in one particular: he came to express in his own person the love of God, and to vindicate every precept of the holy law. Instead of abrogating the law to meet man in his fallen condition, Christ maintained its sacred dignity.

The Lord does not save sinners by abrogating his law, the foundation of his government in heaven and earth. God is a judge, the guardian of justice. The transgression of his law in a single instance, in the smallest particular, is sin. God can not dispense with his law, he can not do away with its smallest item, in order to pardon sin. The justice, the moral excellence, of the law must be maintained and vindicated before the heavenly universe. And that holy law could not be maintained at any smaller price than the death of the Son of God.

Christ bore sin in man's behalf, that the sinner might have another trial, with all its opportunities and advantages. "Whosoever committeth sin," says John, "transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him."

When Christ gave the sermon on the mount, the Pharisees were present, watching every word. The Saviour read their hearts; he knew that they were bracing themselves to resist light. Their prejudice against him was strengthening. They were saying in their hearts, "He is doing away the law. We will have no such teaching." But while they were bottling up their wrath, there fell on their startled ears the answer to their unspoken thought: "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven."

This is the judgment pronounced in the kingdom of heaven. Some have thought that the commandment-breaker will be there, but will occupy the lowest place. This is a mistake. Sinners will never enter the abode of bliss. The commandment-breaker, and all who unite with him in teaching that it makes no difference whether men break or observe the divine law, will by the universe of heaven be called least among the human agencies. For not only have they been disloyal themselves, but they have taught others to break the law of God. Christ pronounces judgment upon those who claim to have a knowledge of the law, but who, by precept and example, lead souls into confusion and darkness. They are teaching for doctrines the commandments of men, and making void the law of God through their traditions. "For I say unto you [my disciples], That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven."

"Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled." As long as heaven and earth remain, not one jot nor tittle shall pass from the law. As long as the canopy of heaven is above our heads, and the earth beneath our feet, there should be no argument nor controversy over this question. Until the heavens and the earth remove, you may be sure that the law of Jehovah will hold its exalted place.

"Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbade him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness." In "fulfilling" all righteousness, Christ did not bring all righteousness to an end. He fulfilled all the requirements of God in repentance, faith, and baptism, the steps of grace in genuine conversion. He did this as an example, that we should follow in his steps. In his humanity, Christ filled up the measure of the law's requirements. And this he did as an example to us. He was the head of humanity, its substitute and surety. Human beings, by uniting their weakness to the strength of his divine nature, may become partakers of his character.

Satan will use every subtle argument to deceive men and women as he did in Eden to deceive Adam and Eve. "Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?" Satan said to Eve. "And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: for God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil."

Adam and Eve both ate of the fruit, and obtained a knowledge which, had they obeyed God, they would never have had,--an experience in disobedience and disloyalty to God,--the knowledge that they were naked. The garment of innocence, a covering from God, which surrounded them, departed; and they supplied the place of this heavenly garment by sewing together fig-leaves for aprons.

This is the covering that the transgressors of the law of God have used since the days of Adam and Eve's disobedience. They have sewed together fig-leaves to cover their nakedness, caused by transgression. The fig-leaves represent the arguments used to cover disobedience. When the Lord calls the attention of men and women to the truth, the making of fig-leaves into aprons will be begun, to hide the nakedness of the soul. But the nakedness of the sinner is not covered. All the arguments pieced together by all who have interested themselves in this flimsy work will come to naught.

The Lord Jesus Christ has prepared a covering, the robe of his own righteousness, that he will put on every repenting, believing soul who by faith will receive it. Said John, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." Sin is the transgression of the law; but Christ died to make it possible for every man to have his sins taken away. A fig-leaf apron will never cover our nakedness. Sin must be taken away, the garment of Christ's righteousness must cover the transgressor of God's law. Then when the Lord looks upon the believing sinner, he sees, not the fig-leaves covering him, but his own robe of righteousness, which is perfect obedience to the law of Jehovah.

Christ came to give an example of the perfect conformity to the law of God required of all, from Adam, the first man, down to the last man who shall live on the earth. He declared that his mission was not to destroy the law, but to fulfil it in perfect and entire obedience. In this way he magnified the law, and made it honorable. In his life he revealed its spiritual nature. In the sight of heavenly beings, of worlds unfallen, and of a disobedient, unthankful, unholy world, he fulfilled the far-reaching principles of the law. He came to demonstrate the fact that humanity, allied by living faith to divinity, can keep all the commandments of God. He came to make plain the immutable character of the law, to declare that disobedience and transgression can never be rewarded with eternal life. He came as a man to humanity, that humanity might touch humanity, while divinity laid hold upon the throne of God. But in no case did he come to lessen the obligation of men to be perfectly obedient. He did not destroy the validity of the Old Testament Scriptures. He fulfilled that which was predicted by God himself. He came, not to set men free from that law, but to open a way whereby they might obey that law, and teach others to do the same. -

The Day of Reckoning

"When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: and before him shall be gathered all nations." Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of this event: "Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, to execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him."

In his teachings, Christ sought to impress men with the certainty of the coming judgment, and with its publicity. This is not the judgment of a few individuals, or even of a nation, but of a whole world of human intelligences, of accountable beings. It is to be held in the presence of other worlds, that the love, the integrity, the service, of man for God, may be honored to the highest degree. There will be no lack of glory and honor. The Son of man will come in the clouds of heaven with his own glory, with the glory of his Father, and the glory of the holy angels. The law of God will be revealed in its majesty; and those who have stood in defiant rebellion against its holy precepts will understand that the law that they have discarded, and despised, and trampled underfoot is God's standard of character. Vividly before the mind of every commandment-keeper, and before every transgressor, will be brought the scene when the Sabbath was first given to man in Eden. Those who have ministered in word and doctrine; who by smooth words and fair speeches have taught that the law of God is no longer binding, that the Sabbath of the fourth commandment was given for the Jews only; who have educated their hearers to show contempt for the warnings sent by the Lord's prophets and apostles and delegated servants, will have brought to their minds the scenes of Sinai in all their grandeur,--God the Father, and the holy angels, the blackness and darkness, the lightning's blazing flash, the thunder, the tempest, the earthquake, the sound of the trumpet waxing louder and louder, and the voice of God proclaiming his holy law.

The glory of this scene has faded from the minds of those who ought to have kept it in remembrance; but when the transactions of the last great day take place, the law of God will assert its high authority, pronouncing guilty of transgression every man who has disregarded a "Thus saith the Lord." Those who have had the light of truth presented before them, but have accepted the fables manufactured by the prince of darkness, will then understand the words of Christ: "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven."

In this speck of a world, the heavenly universe manifests the greatest interest: for Jesus paid an infinite price for the souls of its inhabitants. The world's Redeemer has bound earth to heaven by ties of intelligence; for the redeemed of the Lord are here. Yet we come in contact with the busy activity of our cities, we mingle with the multitude in the crowded thoroughfares, we enter marts of trade and walk the streets; and through all, from morning till evening, the people act as if business, sport, and pleasure were all there is to life,--as if this world were all there is to occupy the mind. How few contemplate the unseen agencies!

All heaven is intensely interested in the human beings who are so full of activity, and yet have no thought for the unseen, whose thoughts are not upon the word of God and its instruction. If men would appropriate the word of God, they would be assured that there are agencies for good and evil observing their every word and deed. These are in every assembly for business, in councils, and in meetings for the worship of God. In these public assemblies there are more listeners than can be seen with the natural sight. These unseen agencies are co-laborers with God or with Satan, and they work more mightily and more constantly than do men. Sometimes the heavenly intelligences draw aside the curtain that hides the unseen world, that our minds may be withdrawn from the hurry and rush, and consider that there are witnesses to all we do and say, when engaged in business, or when we think ourselves alone.

The Lord would have us understand that these mighty ones who visit our world have borne an active part in the work which we have called our own. These heavenly beings are ministering angels, and they frequently disguise themselves in the form of human beings, and as strangers converse with those who are engaged in the work of God. In the lonely places they have been the companions of the traveler in peril. In tempest-tossed ships they have spoken words to allay fear and inspire hope in the hour of danger. Many, under different circumstances, have listened to the voices of the inhabitants of other worlds. Time and again have they been the leaders of armies. They have been sent forth to cleanse away pestilence. They have eaten at the humble board of families, and often have they appeared as weary travelers in need of shelter for the night.

We need to understand better than we do the work of these angel visitants. It would be well for us, as children of God, to consider that heavenly beings hear our words, and behold our works. Heavenly angels are co-operating with us in every good work, and thus earth is connected with heaven.

"The Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son." "He hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man." In his super-added humanity consists the reason of Christ's appointment. God has committed all judgment unto the son, for without controversy he is God manifest in the flesh.

God designed that the Prince of sufferers in humanity should be judge of the whole world. He who came from the heavenly courts to save man from eternal death; he whom men despised, rejected, and upon whom they heaped all the contempt of which human beings, inspired by Satan, are capable; he who submitted to be arraigned before an earthly tribunal, and who suffered the ignominious death of the cross,--he alone is to pronounce the sentence of reward or of punishment. He who submitted to the suffering and humiliation of the cross here, in the counsel of God is to have the fullest compensation, and ascend the throne acknowledged by all the heavenly universe as the King of saints. He has undertaken the work of salvation, and shown before unfallen worlds and the heavenly family that the work he has begun he is able to complete. It is Christ who gives men the grace of repentance; his merits are accepted by the Father in behalf of every soul that will help to compose the family of God.

In that day of final punishment and reward, both saints and sinners will recognize in him who was crucified the Judge of all living. Every crown that is given to the saints of the Most High will be bestowed by the hands of Christ,--those hands that cruel priests and rulers condemned to be nailed to the cross. He alone can give to men the consolation of eternal life.

A sign in the heavens was given to the wise men of the East who were searching for Christ. To shepherds who were keeping their flocks on the hills of Bethlehem, the angel host appeared. All heaven recognized the advent of Christ. Unseen angels were present in the judgment-hall. When Christ was scourged with the cruel thongs, they could scarcely endure the sight. Angels of heaven were present at his death. The darkness that covered the earth at his crucifixion concealed the company of heaven's powerful agencies; but the earth quaked beneath the tread of the heavenly throng. The rocks were rent. For three hours the earth was shrouded in impenetrable darkness; nature with her dark robes hid the sufferings of the Son of God.

And will Christ's second coming be wanting in glory?--No; he comes to triumph. At his death, creation shrouded itself in darkness, and all nature sympathized with his sorrow and humiliation. At his second appearing, nature will testify her triumph. Many think lightly of Christ now. They despise and reject him, and say, "Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning." But we read, "He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him." The same Jesus whose atonement has been rejected, whose followers have been despised and reviled, will be revealed from heaven "in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power." "And all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him."

Solemn will be the day of final decision. In prophetic vision the apostle John describes it: "And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works." Then is it not of tremendous importance to us, individually, that our works be right works? Probationary time is granted us, opportunities and privileges are given us, to make our calling and election sure. How we should prize this precious time, and improve every talent God has given, that we may be faithful stewards over ourselves, keeping our souls in the love of God! We must have simple, increasing faith. We must depend upon God; for we "are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation."

The apostle says: "The kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every freeman, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; and said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: for the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?"

Too well do the unprepared inhabitants of earth know what to expect. Satan can not pay a ransom for their souls; and poor, deluded, professed Christians, who have been content to let the ministers search the Scriptures for them, see that they will receive as their works have been. Those, too, who have wrested the Scriptures, and taught for doctrines the commandments of men, see that they must answer for the souls of those who have been led into error and apostasy. A wail of agony and despair reaches heavenward, but it echoes back to earth. Louder, far louder, than any human cry, is the last trumpet's sound; and far above all is heard the voice of Omnipotence: "Depart from me, ye that work iniquity." -

The Work Required of God's People

As God's people, we have a special work to do. All who have submitted their will to the will of God are to become laborers together with him. The invitation of Christ 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 and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." All who respond to this invitation receive the assurance of him who is the way, the truth, and the life. If they will yoke up with Christ, they will become laborers together with God.

There are but two classes of persons in our world,--those who receive Christ, and those who reject him. All who receive him believe in him. John declares, "As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name." But many have a spurious religion, and all the professions of Christianity in the world will not elevate the soul with God. His word declares: "Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree can not bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them."

Are we obedient or disobedient to the commandments of God? Have we made Christ our personal Saviour? Have we put on the robe of Christ's righteousness? These are the questions that decide the soul's salvation. Said Christ: "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. . . . Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, 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 his 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."

Let us seriously ask ourselves the question, Have I come to Christ? Have I put my neck under the yoke of Christ? Have I learned in the school of Christ his meekness and lowliness of heart? All who are doers of the Word build securely on the rock Christ Jesus. When the follower of Christ places implicit trust in the word of God, and yields obedience to it, his duty will be made plain to him. He will regard his talents as consecrated to the Giver, and will use them in laboring together with God.

The apostle Paul says: "We are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath love us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work."

Here are presented the two great forces that are to co-operate in the work of saving souls: the strong, loving, working faith of the human agent is to unite with divinity. This is what Christ means when he says, 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." This is the condition of the partnership. We must be laborers together with God in seeking and saving the lost. Christ said, "I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." And we are not to be idle nor indifferent. Souls are perishing around us. It behooves all who claim to believe Christ to show their faith by their works. As soon as we leave the black banner of Satan, and stand under the bloodstained banner of Prince Immanuel, there is earnest work for us to do.

It is at the peril of our souls that we are willingly ignorant of the conditions under which we have enlisted in the army of the Lord. We are to be co-workers with Christ in seeking to save that which is lost. As God's professed people, we are to have an experimental knowledge of him. We are to search for the doctrine of Christ, armed with faith, and employing whatever resources God has provided. Diligent, prayerful search is essential. We must search for the truth as for hid treasure.

There must be well-organized effort and unity in our co-operation with Christ. Love must pervade the church. All evil-speaking and bearing of false witness is disloyalty to God and to his cause. There must be unity of action; love and disinterested benevolence must be revealed. "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?" Mutual love and confidence constitute forces that will be a power for good. Satan sees this, and he manages to sow tares among the wheat. God designs that his people shall press together; and all who have the mind of Christ will do this.

If our piety is sound and healthy, we shall have nothing to fear from open opposers; but there are deceivers,--those who sow the tares while men sleep. We want to be sure on which side we are working; for the crisis is upon us. We have no time now to work with divided interest. We must work with one spirit, even with the mind of Christ; and if we do this, new life will come into the church. If God, the great Master-worker, is with us, we shall withstand the great temptations that are to try us, and shall remain loyal and true to principle. We shall achieve victories which the littleness of our faith has led us to regard as impossible.

God calls upon every sincere believer to find his place in the work. Wake up, brethren! for Christ's sake, wake up! Kindle your tapers at the divine altar. God calls you to set your houses in order. Let personal piety pervade your homes. Let your influence tell on the side of righteousness and truth. Let every talent be put into exercise. God calls for a wise and unreserved co-operation with the principles of truth. He calls for active, whole-souled workers.

The call must be made, Who will be on the Lord's side? let him come over with the loyal and the true. The law of God, which binds us to render firm and undivided obedience to our Maker, tolerates no easy fellowship with the careless, the lax, unconverted, who demonstrate that the truth has no power upon the heart and character, whose influence is not to gather with Christ, but to separate from him. Our churches must be purified from impiety, from many things that have accumulated to hinder the advancement of the work. "By their fruits," said Christ, "ye shall know them."

"We are laborers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building." God has chosen to bring to perfection nothing in the plan of salvation without the co-operation of the human with the divine. He could save the human race only through his Son, who combined humanity with divinity. In his divine plan of salvation, God gave his only begotten Son that every voice may be silent upon the point that it is not possible for humanity to keep the law of God. In Christ, divinity and humanity bore every test of temptation; in him, humanity is exalted and honored. In Christ, man is privileged to become a partaker of the divine nature.

The part we are called to act in the work may be small and inferior; but that part is indispensable to the victory we are to gain over the world, the flesh, and the devil, through the intercession of Christ as our Advocate with the Father. The fragrant incense of the merits of Christ gives to the believing soul the virtues of his character. Thus it is that the co-operation of divine energy and merit with man makes him a complete overcomer in every sense, and elevates humanity in the scale of moral value with God.

We are not to think that we can honor God in any line except through the merits of Christ. We are to bear in mind that man, with his finite capabilities can accomplish nothing. Every organ of the human machinery is dependent upon God for its action. Everything required to keep the being in health, God supplies. "Know ye not," says the apostle, "that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; and ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's."

In everything that tends to the sustenance of man is seen the concurrence of divine and human effort. "The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof;" yet the Lord graciously causes the earth to produce for the benefit of man. But man must co-operate with God. He must prepare the soil, and sow the seed. He must act as part in the work to show his appreciation of the bountiful provision God has made. And the Lord takes care of the seed sown, giving sunshine and showers, dew and clouds. Without these agencies there would be no increase. And thus it is in every business pursuit, every department of study and science. We must have the power of divinity to unite with us, or our human efforts will be a failure.

Whenever man accomplishes anything in spiritual or temporal lines, he should bear in mind that he does it only through the co-operation of his Maker. There is great necessity of our seeking the Lord in our dependence. Too much confidence has been placed in man, too much reliance on human inventions. However sure man may be of his knowledge and his capabilities, he must, before he can co-operate with God, become meek and lowly in heart; he must wear Christ's yoke, and carry Christ's burdens. Immeasurably inferior is the part which the human agent sustains; but if he is linked up with the divinity of Christ, he can do all things through the strength that Christ imparts.

Christ's Prayer for Us

In the prayer of Christ recorded in the seventeenth chapter of John is plainly defined the relation that it is the privilege of man to sustain to God. This prayer has instruction for every soul who will heed its lessons. If the people of God will have no other gods before the Lord, if they will refuse to have their minds diverted to strange gods that are no gods, they will respond to that prayer. They will not allow themselves to act contrary to its teachings. Those who claim to be followers of Christ will honor and exalt the work of their Leader. Will our people work away from this prayer, or will they work to it, answering to their duty as intelligent beings?

"I have given them thy word," Christ prayed; "and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth."

We need to take these words home to our hearts. Our minds need not dwell so largely upon what the world is doing. Our question should be, What am I individually doing to let my light shine forth to the world? What am I doing to dispel its moral darkness? Should we not eat and drink the words of Christ? His word is truth, which he represents by his flesh and blood, which he has given for the life of the world.

"As thou hast sent me into the world," Christ continued, "even so have I also sent them into the world." Would we understand Christ's purpose in sending us into the world? He says: "Ye are the light of the world." "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." This is our work. Our earnest activities are to be signalized before the world by an unselfish life and a purified character.

A great responsibility rests upon all who in this age of the world's history claim to be followers of Christ. The example of Christ is before us. "For their sakes," he said, "I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me."

Why do not those who have the word of God work out its glorious principles? It rests upon us not merely to use the great gift of speech in the service of the Master, but to bring glory to God by a consistent life and a godly conversation. The fallen world needs the light of heavenly sanctification demonstrated in a glorified character; and it is our duty, before the heavenly universe and a fallen world, to reach the perfect unity which this prayer presents. It is our duty to reflect the light of heaven upon a world that is under the scepter of Satan.

Who among us are arousing themselves to understand the wonderful science of salvation? The unity of the people of God constitutes their credentials to the world that they stand on vantage-ground; that they are members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King. To those who cultivate this unity, the promise is given that God will love them as he loves his only begotten Son. What an exalted position those will occupy whose life here responds to the life of Christ! Christ declares: "The glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one. . . . And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them."

As a part of God's great heritage, we are to represent the character of those who shall compose the family of God. Said Christ: "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." When so much is at stake, shall we not, for Christ's sake, exercise our talent of speech in expressing our love and devotion and whole-heartedness for Christ,--in revealing to others the love that Christ has expressed for all the world?

Again, Christ said: "As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he may give it you. These things I command you, that ye love one another."

These blessed assurances are for every one who will respect them, and who will, in character, reveal to the world their interpretation. "If ye love me," Christ said, "keep my commandments." If we are doers of the Word, we can come to God with full assurance of faith, saying, "Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope." When we zealously obey God's word from the heart, we may make that word our plea. The Lord always works in accordance with his word.

The weakness of our Christian experience is wholly due to the perversity of the human heart. The Lord has prepared great things for those who will partake of his likeness. He is longing to represent himself in the individual members of his church, if they will walk, not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. But he can not strengthen and bless a people who are full of self, and who have no room for him. There are many who will not comply with the conditions of salvation, because they desire to keep the world and its advantages first; and those things that are greater than any worldly consideration are treated with indifference. This constant slipping down into a worldly current, while bearing the name of Christians, is dishonoring to God. If our actions reveal that we do not believe God's word, we can receive nothing from Christ. Our prayers are insincere. God says, "Let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord."

The religion of the Bible calls for a deep earnestness, that will exalt the spiritual and eternal. Christ taught the truth. He taught as One who knew that man could reach a higher standard in divine things. He knew that all whom he addressed had the power given them of God to respond to the divine requirements. His call was: "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 is light."

Man will find rest in complying with the conditions of the invitation. And the call is not to a few, but to all. Christ is the Redeemer of the world. His greatest message to the world was, "Learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." "If any man will come after me," he said, "let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." Jesus accepted that cross, with all its humiliation and suffering, that he might make it possible for every member of the human family to follow in his footsteps. He requires of human beings nothing which, in his own humanity, he has not himself borne. He knows that the strength of man in itself is wholly inefficient; but he also knows that the provision made is ample and abundant, able to strengthen him, and make him capable of responding to the call.

When human beings turn aside from the righteousness of Christ to exalt their fellow men, and lay their laurels at their feet, they lose their view of Christ. And when the men thus raised to a pinnacle have not discernment to understand the requirements of the word of God; when, with all their capabilities, they can not read their duty to their God; when they can not discern that the invitation, "Learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart," is for them; when they take a path that leads away from Christ in any line, they encourage disobedience rather than obedience. All the high and honorable positions that they may gain by disobedience, they will sometime know to be the path over which Satan has traveled before them.

The earnestness that Christ reveals in this matter should not be disregarded. He urges all to unite with him, that their interests may be wrapped up in him, and that they may become one with the Father. Then man will not take glory to himself or to any of his fellow men. God alone will receive the glory. There are heights which we all have the privilege of reaching, but they can be gained only by partaking of the humility of the Redeemer. In yoking up with Christ, man becomes a constant worker with God; and through Christ he is strengthened to rise to the heights to which God calls him. -

Words of Warning--No. 1

"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord."

This was the most solemn denunciation ever uttered against Jerusalem. After denouncing the hypocrisy of the Jewish leaders, who, while they worshiped the temple, were working with a hatred inspired by Satan to destroy the only One who made the temple sacred, Christ bade adieu to the once hallowed courts. He quitted the temple forever, declaring, "Your house is left unto you desolate."

Henceforth a cloud blacker than sackcloth hung over the once favored nation. Looking into the future, Christ saw the gates of Jerusalem burst open by the Roman legions. He saw the walls broken, and the beautiful stones, which had been laid with artistic skill one upon another, torn down, so that not one was left standing. The Arm strong to save had become strong to smite.

Solemn judgments had been pronounced against Jerusalem by the prophets. Its iniquity and crime had once caused it to be destroyed, and its people carried captive to Babylon. In their humiliation, many sought the Lord with repentance and confession; and when they returned from captivity, they seemed for a time to reform. In his mercy, God forgave them, and gave them his blessing. "I will not contend forever," he declares, "neither will I be always wroth: for the spirit should fail before me, and the souls which I have made. For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wroth, and smote him: I hid me, and was wroth, and he went on frowardly in the way of his heart. I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him and to his mourners. I create the fruit of the lips. Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the Lord; and I will heal him."

But the leaders of the people did not remain converted. They did not, as faithful sentinels, keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment. Again and again the word of the Lord through his prophets was rejected. Then God sent his only begotten Son with a message of mercy; but they refused to receive him, and said, "This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance shall be ours." Christ "came unto his own, and his own received him not."

The time of the greatest responsibility for the Jewish people was when Christ was among them. And had they but known it, this was also the time of their greatest privilege and blessing. But they refused every overture of mercy, and rejected the Son of God, and thus made themselves guilty of the greatest of all sins.

Christ charged the whole nation with this sin. In rejecting my servants and prophets, he said, you have not only rejected them, but the Son of God, whose you are by creation and by redemption. You would none of my counsel, you despised all my reproof. If you are destroyed, you yourselves will be responsible. I have offered you help because I loved you, but you would not come unto me, that you might have life.

"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!" You have refused to see in me a merciful Saviour, offering your redemption. When God's heavy judgments fall upon you, you will still refuse to see in me a sin-pardoning Saviour. But you will one day long for the Deliverer who was once among you, and whom you would not receive.

Thus with power and authority our Lord reproved the Jewish nation. "Ye shall not see me henceforth," he continued, "till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord." When the Jewish people see Christ again, they will ask no sign. That day will not be to them a day of joy, although, as they see the One they rejected, the acknowledgment will come from their lips, with overwhelming power, "Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord." When Christ comes in the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory, they will praise him whom they once cursed; but it will then be too late.

Jerusalem was lost because of its obstinate refusal to acknowledge the truth. This the world is doing to-day. Men refuse to see the truth that is plainly revealed in the word of God. A "Thus saith the Lord" is regarded as of no account, while the words of men are given great authority. And as the inhabitants of Jerusalem were punished, so will those be punished who refuse to receive truth. God would have us realize that by the city of Jerusalem a world is represented. Christ's utterances regarding the destruction of Jerusalem are ever to be connected with the more terrible destruction of the world.

The disciples were unable to understand Christ's words with reference to the temple. They called his attention to its massive stones, saying, "Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here." The stones of the temple were of the purest marble, of perfect whiteness, and the pillars supporting the porches were of massive dimensions. How such stones could be overthrown, the disciples could not comprehend. They could not understand words which doomed to destruction the walls that had withstood the devastation of armies. Their ideas were vague, and it was difficult for the Lord to make his lessons intelligible to them.

As the attention of the rejected One was called to the magnificence of the temple, what must have been his thoughts! The view before him was indeed beautiful; but he said, sadly: I see it all, and the buildings are indeed wonderful. You point to these stones as apparently indestructible, but listen to my words. I tell you solemnly that the day will come when there shall not be left one stone upon another that shall not be thrown down. Forty years after Christ uttered this prediction, his words were fulfilled to the letter. In the siege of Jerusalem it is stated that more than a million people perished, and that many were led into captivity.

Christ's words had been spoken in the hearing of a large number of people; but when he was again alone, Peter, James, John, and Andrew came to him, saying, "Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?"

In his answer, Jesus did not take up separately the destruction of Jerusalem and the last great day of his coming. He mingled the description of these two events. When he spoke of the destruction of Jerusalem, his words referred also to the final destruction that will take place when the Lord rises out of his place to punish the world for its iniquity. The entire chapter in which are recorded Christ's words regarding this, is a warning to all who shall live during the last scenes of this earth's history.

Turning to his disciples, Christ said, "Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many." Many false Messiahs will appear, claiming to work miracles, and declaring that the time for the deliverance of the Jewish nation has come. These will mislead many.

These words were fulfilled. Between the death of Christ and the siege of Jerusalem, many false Christs appeared. But this warning is given also to those who live in this age of the world. The same deceptions practised prior to the destruction of Jerusalem will again be practised. The same events that took place at the overthrow of Jerusalem will take place again.

"And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet." Prior to the destruction of Jerusalem, men wrestled for the supremacy. Emperors were murdered. Those standing next to the throne were slain. "All these things must come to pass, but the end [of the Jewish nation as a nation] is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows." As the rabbis see these signs, Christ said, they will declare that they are God's judgments on the nations for holding his chosen people in bondage. They will say that these signs are the tokens of the advent of the Messiah. Be not deceived; they are the beginning of his judgments. The Jewish people have looked to themselves. They have not repented and been converted, that I should heal them. The signs that they argue as tokens of their release from bondage are signs of their destruction. -

Words of Warning--No. 2

"Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted," Christ continued, "and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another." All this the Christians suffered. Fathers and mothers betrayed their children; children betrayed their parents; friends delivered their friends to the Sanhedrin. Until he himself was converted, Saul of Tarsus was exceedingly bitter against all who believed in Christ. He then began to preach Christ and him crucified, and the enemies of the gospel caused him and Silas to be whipped, and thrown into prison.

Through the apostles, God gave the Jewish people a last opportunity to repent. But they turned away from every entreaty. In the arrest, the trial, and the imprisonment of his witnesses, God manifested himself. He gave them words to speak, and a tongue and voice with which to vindicate the truth and acknowledge him as the Son of God. They were men of whom the world was not worthy, yet their judges pronounced on them the death sentence. They were not allowed to live and serve their God. By killing them, the Jews crucified afresh the Son of God.

So it will be again. But it is over the seventh-day Sabbath that the battle will be fought. The authorities of this world will rise up in their pride and power to make laws to restrict religious liberty. They will assume a right that is God's alone, and, like Nebuchadnezzar, will think that they can force the conscience, which only God can control. Even now they are making a beginning, and this they will carry forward till they reach a boundary over which they can not step. Then God will interpose in behalf of his loyal, commandment-keeping people.

Christ told his disciples that they would be delivered up to councils; but he told them, also, that they were not to be anxious as to how they should vindicate the truth; for he would give them a mouth and wisdom that all their adversaries could not gainsay nor resist. These words were fulfilled at the trial of Stephen, and at the trial of Paul, who made Felix tremble as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come.

Whenever persecution takes place, the spectators make decisions either for or against Christ. Because of persecution, many will be offended. The principles of the truth cut directly across their practise, and they will stumble and fall, apostatizing from the faith they once advocated. Many who have professed to love the truth will then show that they have no vital union with the True Vine. They will be cut away, as branches that bear no fruit, and will be bound up with unbelievers, scoffers, and mockers.

Those who apostatize in time of trial will bear false witness and betray their brethren, to secure their own safety. They will tell where their brethren are concealed, putting the wolves on their track. Christ has warned us of this, that we may not be surprised at the cruel, unnatural course pursued by friends and relatives. "Little children, it is the last time," John writes, "and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us."

"And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many." False Christs did arise, deceiving the people, and leading great numbers into the desert. Magicians and sorcerers, claiming miraculous power, drew the people after them into the mountain solitudes. But this prophecy was also spoken for the last days. Companies inspired by Satan will be formed to deceive and delude. This will be a sign of the second advent.

"And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place (whoso readeth, let him understand), then let them which be in Judea flee into the mountains [let there be no presumptuous dallying]: let him which is on the housetop not come down to take anything out of his house: neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes. And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the Sabbath day." Forty years afterward, at the siege of Jerusalem, the Christians obeyed this warning; and not a Christian perished in the destruction of the city.

"Pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the Sabbath day." Christ made the Sabbath, and he never abolished it. The Sabbath was not rendered null and void by the crucifixion, as many claim. Christ's death on the cross is an unanswerable argument in favor of the changeless character of every precept of God's holy law.

"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets," Christ said; "I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil." As the head of the human family, he lived every precept, every jot, every tittle, of the law. He lived in humanity the life that he requires his followers to live, and therefore there is no excuse for any one to fail of reaching the standard of perfection.

Christ emphasizes his words: "For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled." So long as the heavens and the earth remain, so long will the Sabbath of the fourth commandment hold its claim on the human family.

The Sabbath was given to the world as the memorial of creation. "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy," God says. "Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy man servant, nor thy maid servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it."

God gave explicit directions concerning his Sabbath. "Verily my Sabbaths ye shall keep," he declared; "for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you. . . . Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the Sabbath of rest, holy to the Lord: whosoever doeth any work in the Sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel forever: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh he rested, and was refreshed."

But human lawmakers speak, saying: Verily, the first day of the week shall ye keep, because it is the world's sabbath. The churches keep this day holy, and those under our supervision shall keep it also, because it is so ordained on our statute-books. We have chosen Sunday as the sabbath, and men must keep it.

But this day so universally exalted is a spurious sabbath, a common working-day. It is accepted in the place of the day that the Lord has blessed and sanctified; but the sure result of this course may be seen in the punishment which fell upon Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron. As priests of God, these men had been commanded to offer always the fire of God's own kindling, which was kept burning before God day and night. This was ever to be strictly observed. But Nadab and Abihu drank wine too freely; and because of this their minds were not keen, but confused, and they were unable to distinguish between the sacred and the common. They took their censers, "and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the Lord, which he commanded them not. And there went out fire from the Lord, and devoured them, and they died before the Lord."

God has given full directions regarding his law, so that none need be left in darkness, unless they choose darkness rather than light. But the apostasy of the Jewish nation represents the apostasy that will be made by the world in the last days. Just as the Jews chose darkness in regard to the message that Christ came to the world to bring, so men to-day are choosing darkness. Sanctified and blessed by God, the Sabbath was designed to be the great memorial of creation, and a blessing to mankind. But men are trampling it underfoot. It is the test of to-day, as Christ was the test when he was in our world in human form. It will ever stand unmoved, a rock of offense to the Christian world, as was Christ to the Jewish nation. As the rejection of Christ decided the eternal destiny of the Jews, so the rejection of God's holy memorial will decide the fate of many professing Christians.

Men may ignore the Sabbath, they may trample it under their feet; but they can not make it less binding upon them. No one has any excuse for accepting the rubbish that has been piled upon the Sabbath of the Lord. No one has any excuse for accepting a human sabbath, created by him whom God designates as the "man of sin," who shall think to change times and laws. He thinks to, but he does not do it; although he may think thus to show his supremacy over God, he can not change God's law; this is God's prerogative only. God is over all kings and rulers. He is God, and besides him there is none else.

The statutes of the Lord are to be reverenced and obeyed. God is supreme authority; and when his law is set aside as a matter of no consequence, the transgressor must surely bear the results of his own sin, though God bears long with him.

Words of Warning--No. 3

"Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before. Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be."

Here, again, the warning regarding the destruction of Jerusalem is blended with the warning of the second advent. The disciples heard Christ's words, but they did not then fully understand them. It was necessary for the Holy Spirit to guide them into all truth, bringing to their remembrance all things that Christ had said to them. They could not understand why he connected the perils of the overthrow of Jerusalem with the perils of the last days. But those who live in this age may understand Christ's warning, and should place it in the period where it belongs. The gospel must be carried to every kingdom under heaven, and then shall the end come.

Christ knew that the disciples could not comprehend the instruction he had given them in answer to their question, "When shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?" He knew the terrible future of the once-chosen people of God; but he knew, also, that his disciples could not then fully understand his description of the fearful scenes to be enacted at the destruction of Jerusalem. In his answer, the two events--the destruction of Jerusalem, and the end of the world--were merged into one. It was in mercy to his disciples that Christ blended these events, leaving them to study out the meaning for themselves.

Christ had made every effort to keep his disciples informed in regard to the truth. He had given them every opportunity to know the truth. He had invited them to put their confidence in him as the Messiah, and in his mission and work, but they had not yet a proper understanding of the nature of his kingdom. They were thrilled with distress as they listened to his lamentation over Jerusalem; but they did not realize the true meaning of his words. Had Christ opened the future to them as he saw it, they would have been unable to endure the scene. To the last, they looked for a temporal kingdom, to be established at Jerusalem. Christ's revelation of the scenes to take place at the destruction of Jerusalem, they associated with his personal coming, when he himself would punish the Jews, but would also free them from Roman bondage. He had told them definitely that he would come a second time, and they thought that probably his judgments would fall upon those who had rejected his love. He would then, they thought, lay low every stone in the temple; for they believed that no earthly power could do this.

But long before Christ's second coming, retribution fell upon the apostate nation, which was still further to show its hatred against Christ by its treatment of his followers.

From the destruction of Jerusalem, Christ passed on to a much greater event,--the last link in the chain of this earth's history,--the coming of the Son of God in majesty and glory. "Immediately after the tribulation of those days," he said, "shall the sun be darkened and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: and then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, when they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other."

Christ gave special directions in regard to this event. "Now learn a parable of the fig-tree," he said; "when his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: so likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, This generation [the generation that saw the signs] shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away."

"But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only." Christ plainly said that he himself could not make known the day or the hour of his second appearing. Had he been at liberty to make this time known, what need would there have been for him to exhort his followers to maintain an attitude of earnest watchfulness, living, working, and waiting as if their time was not their own, but the Lord's; cultivating fidelity, faith, and love; and purifying the soul through the truth?

Christ told his disciples that the time of his coming was involved in secrecy; yet notwithstanding this, there have been and will be those who claim to know when this great event will take place. Very earnest they are in trying to map out the future, which the Lord has placed in a thick cloud; and notwithstanding their failures, they continue their work. But their reasoning is false, and the Lord has warned them off the ground they occupy; for the coming of the Son of man is God's mystery. "Secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children forever."

"But as the days of Noe were," Christ continued, "so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be." Christ does not here bring to view a temporal millennium,--a thousand years in which all are to prepare for eternity. He tells us that as it was in Noah's day, so will it be when the Son of man comes.

How was it in Noah's day?--"God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually." Had man co-operated with God, there would have been no Cain-worshipers. Abel's example of obedience would have been followed. Men might have worked out the will of God. They might have obeyed his law, and in obedience they would have found salvation. God and the heavenly universe would have helped them to retain the divine likeness. Longevity would have been preserved; and God would have delighted in the work of his hands. But the inhabitants of the antediluvian world turned from Jehovah, refusing to do his will. They followed their unholy imagination and perverted ideas. "God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth. And God said unto Noah, . . . Make thee an ark of gopherwood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch. . . . And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and everything that is in the earth shall die."

Remember the warning, "As the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be." It was because of the wickedness of the inhabitants of the old world, that they were destroyed; and to-day the world is following in the same way. No flattering signs of millennial glory are to be seen. Human lawmakers open their law-books, and pronounce sentence against those who do not keep their laws. But those who frame and enforce these laws are themselves transgressors of God's law, and their transgression is filling the earth with wickedness. Betting, horse-racing, gambling, dissipation, lustful practises, untamable passions, are fast filling the earth with violence and moral pollution. Bank failures ruin thousands of families. Widows and orphans are left to starve. Every species of indulgence prevails. Men have become so infatuated with vice that they will not listen to warnings or appeals.

"Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. . . . Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to smite his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; the lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, and shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth."

This is the day of the Lord's preparation. He says: "Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame." The great work from which the mind should not be diverted, is the consideration of our safety in the sight of God. The storm is coming, relentless in its fury. Are we prepared to meet it? Are our feet on the Rock of Ages? Are we one with Christ, as he is one with the Father? -

How Oft shall I Forgive My Brother?

"Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down, and worshiped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.

"But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellow servants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. And his fellow servant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. So when his fellow servants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellow servant, even as I had pity on thee? and his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my Heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses."

This parable is designed to show the spirit of tenderness and compassion which man should manifest for his fellow man. The pardon of this king represents a pardon that is supernatural,--a divine forgiveness of all sin. Christ is represented by the king who, moved with compassion, forgave the debt of his servant. Man was under the condemnation of the broken law. He could not save himself; and for this reason, Christ came to this world, clothed his divinity with humanity, and gave his life, the Just for the unjust. He desired to give in his own life an example of the forbearance that man should exercise toward his fellow man.

When the debtor pleaded for delay, with the promise, "Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all," the sentence was revoked; the whole debt was canceled; and he was soon given an opportunity to pattern after the master who had forgiven him. Going out, he met a fellow servant who owed him a hundred pence. But he who had been so mercifully treated dealt with his fellow laborer in an altogether different manner. His debtor made an appeal similar to that which he himself had made to the king, but without a similar result. He who had so recently been forgiven was not kind, and tender-hearted, and pitiful. The goodness, mercy, and love shown to him he did not exercise in dealing with his fellow servant. He heeded not the request to be patient. The goodness shown to him only hardened his heart. The small sum owed him was all that the ungrateful servant could keep in mind. He demanded all that he considered his due, and carried into effect the sentence which had been so graciously revoked for him.

The lesson to be learned is that we must have the spirit of true forgiveness, even as Christ forgives the sinner, who can in no case pay his enormous debt. We are to bear in mind that Christ has paid an infinite price for the souls of men, and we are to treat them as Christ's purchased possession.

It is not to be thought that this parable teaches indolence. The word of God teaches that if a man will not work, neither shall he eat. The Lord does not require the hardworking man to support those who are not diligent. There is a waste of time, a lack of effort, which brings to poverty and want. If these faults are not seen and corrected by those who indulge them, all that might be done in their behalf is like putting treasure into a basket with holes. But there is an unavoidable poverty; and we are to manifest tenderness and compassion toward those who are unfortunate.

In the prayer which Christ taught his disciples, he said: "Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors." By this he did not mean us to understand that in order to be forgiven, we are not to require our just dues from our debtors; but if through unwise management they have been placed where they can not pay, they are not to be treated harshly, oppressed, nor placed in prison.

There is no virtue in advocating that theft or fraudulent actions shall go unpunished; but there are matters connected with the church that are to be kept within its own borders. Personal revenge is not becoming to a child of God. If he is abused, he is to take it patiently; if defrauded of that which is his just due, he is not to appeal to unbelievers in courts of justice. Rather, let him suffer loss and wrong. The one wronged may feel injured, and may be tempted to cause oppression to his fellow man; but if he follows this course, he reveals that he has not the Spirit of Christ.

Christians need not contend for their rights. They stand under the protection of the banner of Christ. They are to acknowledge the supreme authority of the King of kings and Lord of lords. In matters of difficulty between them and their brethren, they are not to appeal to Caesar or to Pilate. An account is kept of all these matters; and in his own good time, Christ will avenge his own elect. God will deal with the one who defrauds his brother and the cause of God. "Vengeance is mine," he says; "I will repay."

The apostle Paul charges us: "If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, fulfill ye my joy, that ye be like-minded, having the same mind, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus." "Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel. . . . For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake."

Too often when wrongs have been reproved again and again, and the wrong-doer confesses his fault, the one who has suffered becomes weary, and thinks he has forgiven quite enough. But the Saviour has given us an example how we should deal with those who err. "If thy brother trespass against thee," he says, "rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him." Do not hold him off as unworthy of your confidence. Consider "thyself, lest thou also be tempted."

The spirit of forgiveness is to be cherished; yet the Lord says, "If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him." The trespass may be against ourselves, or against some other soul whom Christ has purchased with his own blood. These wrongs are not to be passed by. The Lord has commanded us not to suffer wrong against our brother. It is only right that indignation be felt against wrong-doing; for by it Christ is dishonored. Sin is to be called by its right name, and is to be plainly laid out before the wrong-doer. "If thy brother shall trespass against thee," Christ said, "go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: and if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as a heathen man and a publican."

In his charge to Timothy, Paul says: "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry." Again he says: "There are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers. . . . Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith."

Christ knew the perversity of the hearts of men, even of those who should be brought into church capacity, and he outlined the course to be pursued. He knew that this, if followed, would close the door to misunderstanding, alienation, and strife. But these directions have been largely disregarded by the professed people of God, and dissension is the result.

Christ is the instructor of his people. He would have them sit at his feet as little children, and learn the lessons that are so essential for them to know. "Verily I say unto you," he said, "except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." Strife for superiority is the result of yielding to the temptations of the enemy. No man should cherish the idea that he must be first; that he must be above his brethren; that his voice must be the voice in counsel, and in the plans laid. When man places himself where God should be, he is just where Satan is pleased to have him. And by exalting himself in those who will listen to his suggestions, Satan is carrying forward the same work that he began in heaven.

It takes time and patience to grow in Christlikeness of character; but it is a very easy matter to accept the attributes of Satan, and fall into his ways. It is an easy matter to become accusers of the brethren, and to set ourselves up as a standard of character; and the deception of Satan will be complete unless decided resistance is made against the first approach of the enemy. Unless God is sought in prayer, unless his converting grace comes to the soul, there will be no inclination to oppose Satan's wily temptations.

Paul asks, "Is Christ divided?" Have we not one spiritual Head? Christ has been the uniting stone, the chief corner-stone, in all ages. The patriarchs, the Levitical priesthood, and Christians of to-day, all have their center in him. He is all and in all. "The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works."

The cross of Christ is the pledge of our fellowship and union. The time must come when the watchmen shall see eye to eye; when the trumpet shall give a certain sound; when "Ephraim shall not envy Judah, and Judah shall not vex Ephraim" any more. -

A Neglected Duty

The charge given to Peter by Christ just before his ascension was, "Feed my lambs," "feed my sheep;" and this commission has been given to every minister and worker. But the work has been neglected. While something has been done for the education and religious training of the youth, there is still a great lack. Many more need to be encouraged and helped. There is not that personal labor given which the case requires. It is not the ministers alone who have neglected this solemn work of saving the youth; the members of the churches will have to settle with the Master for their indifference and neglect of duty.

The Lord is not glorified when the children are neglected and passed by. They are to be educated, disciplined, and patiently instructed. They require more than casual notice, more than a word of encouragement. They need painstaking, prayerful, careful labor. The heart that is filled with love and sympathy will reach the hearts of the youth who are apparently careless and hopeless.

We must not be careless in regard to any soul, however unpromising he may appear. We must yoke up with Christ, and in his name understand his work and do it. "We are laborers together with God," Christ declares; "ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building." "Ye are the light of the world." We must gather up the divine rays of light coming from Christ, and let the heavenly splendor be reflected upon the broad ways and byways of life, to guide the feet of the wanderers into the path that leads to eternal life.

All can not be helped with the same line of work. God deals with each according to his temperament and character, and we must cooperate with him. Wisdom is needed in dealing with individual minds. There must be more study, more earnest prayer for wisdom. Often those whom we pass by with indifference, because we judge them from outward appearances, are the ones who have in them the best material for workers, and who will repay all the efforts we bestow upon them. The ways and means used in winning them to Christ will be gratefully used by them in winning others.

The Lord would have the education in our schools such as will advance every pupil in the knowledge of God, and of Jesus Christ, whom he has sent. A great mistake is made by teachers when they give their students the impression that in order to reach perfection in literary attainments, they must sip at the impure fountain where customs and traditions and errors that are hoary with age continue to flow. This is the greatest dishonor that can be done to God. Teachers and students are to heed the instruction given through the apostle Paul. "All Scripture," he says, "is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."

"But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honor, and some to dishonor. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the Master's use, and prepared unto every good work. Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; and that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will."

The true dignity of the youth who makes God his trust will reveal itself. The Holy Spirit will work in him to make of him a representative of God, to declare the message of God. He may stand as a counselor before kings; for heavenly intelligences stand by his side. Mark the counsel given by the youthful Joseph to the kings and rulers and so-called great men of Egypt. He bore the test of character in adversity, and the gold was undimmed in prosperity. He showed the same sacred regard for God's will when he stood next the throne as when in a prison-cell. Joseph carried his religion everywhere; this was the secret of his unwavering fidelity.

Daniel in Babylon was given words of wisdom, and reproof, and counsel, by the heavenly intelligences. His life is given us as a bright example of what man may become, even in this life, if he will make God his strength, and wisely improve the opportunities and privileges within his reach. Daniel was but a youth when he was carried away captive to Babylon; but he would not permit any power to turn him aside from the path of duty. He refused to use wine as a beverage, though it was placed before him at the king's command. He might have argued that under the circumstances, there was no other course for him than to do what was required. But while Daniel was willing to obey those who had the rule over him, kings and decrees could not make him swerve from his allegiance to the King of kings. He knew that by use, wine would become pleasant to him, and would be preferred to water.

A second consideration of these youthful captives was that at the king's table the blessing of the heathen gods was invoked. The king set apart a portion of his food and wine to be presented to these idols. By this act, according to their religious instruction, the whole was consecrated to the idols. Daniel and his three brethren deemed it a dishonor to the God of heaven to eat the food thus consecrated. These four children decided that they could not eat of the king's food, nor drink of his wine; for to do this would be to implicate them with heathenism, and dishonor the principles of their religion.

Much was involved in this decision. They were regarded as slaves, though they were particularly favored because of their apparent intelligence and comeliness of person. But they decided that even any pretense to eat of the king's food, or to drink of his wine, would be a denial of their religious faith. There was no presumption with these youth, but a firm love for truth and righteousness. They did not choose to be singular; but they must be, else they would corrupt their ways in the court of Babylon, and be exposed to every kind of temptation in eating and drinking. The corrupting influences would remove their safeguard, and they would dishonor God, and ruin their own character.

The education that these four youth had received was not after the order of the worldly schools, but according to the design of God. The school in which they had been educated was not after the order of the schools that existed before the flood,-- schools in which nature was worshiped above the God of nature, in which infidel sentiments prevailed, and the ideas of God were cloudy and obscure. Their education was not after that of Sodom and Gomorrah, to the exclusion of all true religion. These youth had been brought up in homes where they were taught to fear the Lord. And this early education was to them the means of their preservation. The lessons learned in their earliest years were the means of their remaining uncorrupted in the courts of Babylon. The truth was truth to them. Its principles were stamped upon their hearts. It was understood by them that "with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." The first and great commandment, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind," was truth to them, and it was obeyed.

Joseph, Daniel, and the three Hebrew children came forth from their trial like pure gold. If the curtain could have been rolled back, men would have seen the heavenly universe looking with admiration upon these youth, who, amid temptation and moral corruption, made God their trust. The Lord saw that these youth would be vessels unto honor; they would not defile the channels through which he worked: and all heaven rejoiced.

These representative youth are an illustration of the unanswerable question, "Who teacheth like him?" For the youth of this time who will read the will and purposes of God, these Hebrew youth are a testimony of what all may become when connected with the living God. Their noble example should bring strength to the tried and tempted, even at the present day.

Time brings to every human being a responsibility; and the youth are to use the faculties of mind and body in accomplishing the work that God has given them to do. They are required to use every hour in doing good in the service of the Master. Every passing day brings us nearer to the time when we shall see him whom our souls love. Beyond this present is the eternal future. Just now is the time of our test and trial. Now is the seedtime of grace and the ripening harvest. Time is very precious. Days and weeks and months are filling up the year; and as they pass, we have one day, one week, one month, less in which to prepare for the future life. Yet thousands are lingering in careless and heedless indifference, feeling no need of bearing responsibilities, spending their precious time as if it were of no value. This pleasure, this excursion, they say, will pass away time. This is not the true view of life. Time is a precious talent, for which they must render an account to God.

God calls for laborers in his vineyard. He wants those who have an education in the word of God, those whose weapons of 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." With such the great thought will be: Is this God's will? Is it his way? Have I engaged in a business that will keep me from prayer, from serving God? If so, I must give it up; for in the place of reflecting light upon the pathway of others, I shall be leading away from God. Is this amusement that I am engaged in of a character that will strengthen my heart for the faithful service of God? Will it fortify me for trial, and enable me to discern temptation and the ways of the world? Can I ask God to go with me in this arrangement for my pleasure? If not, I will not enter into it, however attractive it may be. I am to have an eye single to the glory of God. Nothing is to come in to make me view things in a perverted light, so that my interest shall be divided, and I shall not, with my whole heart, glorify God.

Not all the teachers in our schools have honored God. Some are going over the same routine in educational lines as are those in the schools that have not had the light and knowledge that God has graciously given us for this time. Where is the gracious acknowledgment coming from the lips of teachers and students? When the Lord has drawn nigh, and given tokens of his presence and his blessing, some have shown unmistakable signs of annoyance. They could not see the wisdom of the Lord in interrupting their routine of studies. They saw not nor acknowledged God. The manifestation of the Holy Spirit among them has been regarded by some as an altogether unnecessary element, and even a hindrance. That which should have called forth heartfelt gratitude and thanksgiving has been treated almost with scorn. Virtually, they have said, We do not want God's words or works interwoven with our work of teaching.

The educators of the youth should be Christians. Then they will have a sense of their responsibility as Christians. This they will maintain under all circumstances and provocations, never displaying passion nor an arbitrary spirit. They will reveal sound principles, unswerving integrity, and pure sentiments, expressed in pure words. These are the high thoughts that will draw the youth to the higher education, in which an atmosphere of purity will surround the soul. -

The Great Supper

Under the parable of a great supper, Christ shows that many will choose the world above himself, and, as the result, will lose heaven. He said: "A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: and sent his servant at supper-time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready."

Long before the feast, the invitations had been given; and when the supper was ready, the servants went to call the guests. But those bidden did not appreciate the invitation. "They all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I can not come."

Again the king sent to those who had refused the invitation, giving them every opportunity to reflect, and to accept the gracious call. "Behold," he said, "my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: and the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them."

When the servant came and showed his lord these things, the master of the house was angry. He turned from those who had thus insulted the bounty offered them; and invited a class who were not full,--who were not in possession of houses and lands, but were poor and hungry, and would appreciate the bounties provided, and in return would render to the master sincere gratitude, unfeigned love and devotion. He said to his servants: "Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. And the servants said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room."

The command was then given: "Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. For I say unto you that none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper."

The greatest privilege of the Jewish nation lay in their possession of light concerning the kingdom of God. To them had been entrusted the oracles of God. When others were in darkness, and knew not God, they were entrusted with a revelation of God's will. The truth was committed to them in clear lines, to be communicated to others; but instead of feeling the obligation they were under to God to impart to others all they had received from him, they were filled with self-complacency. They made the boast that they were the only favored people of God, and were therefore more exalted than other nations.

The outward sign is of no value with God, if the heart and mind and strength are not devoted to him. If these are used to exalt and favor self, all claims to superior wisdom will be as nothing in his sight. "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom," he says, "neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord."

When Christ sent forth his disciples, first twelve, and later seventy, declaring, "The kingdom of heaven is at hand," the gospel message was not accepted. Those bidden to the feast would not come. These servants were sent out later to say: "Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage." This was the message borne to the Jewish nation after Christ was crucified; but the nation that claimed to be God's peculiar people rejected the gospel brought to them in the power of the Holy Spirit. Many did this in the most scornful manner; while others were so exasperated by the offer of salvation--the offer of pardon for rejecting the Lord of life and glory--that they turned upon the bearers of the message, stoning Stephen, killing James by the sword, and committing men and women to prison.

Then the third call was made, in the highways and hedges,--a compelling call to the marriage supper of the Lamb: "Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled."

In the work of the servants in the highways and hedges is represented the call to the Gentiles. The Jews had despised the message, and cruelly treated the messengers; yet the wedding was furnished with guests. Paul and Barnabas declared to the Jews: "It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth. And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed."

The scene changes. The king comes in to examine the guests; and he sees one who has come to the table without the wedding garment, which he himself has provided for every guest. He is clothed in his old citizen's dress. Why should he insult his lord by refusing to wear the dress that has been prepared for him? Addressing the one who has thus dishonored him, the king says: "Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen."

This parable correctly represents the condition of many who profess to believe in Christ. The Lord has sent them an invitation to the supper that he has prepared for them, at great cost to himself; but worldly interests look to them of greater importance than the heavenly treasure. They are invited to take part in things of eternal interest; but their farms, their cattle, and their home interests seem of so much greater importance than obedience to the heavenly invitation, that they overpower every divine attraction. These earthly things are made the excuse for disobedience to the command, "Come; for all things are now ready." Those invited to the heavenly feast look at their worldly possessions, and say, "No, Lord; I can not follow thee; I pray thee have me excused."

The very blessings that God has given to these men, to prove them, to see if they will render unto God "the things that are God's," they use as an excuse for refusing to obey the claims of truth. They grasp their earthly treasure, and say, "I must take care of these things; I must not neglect the things of this life; these things are mine." Thus their hearts become as unimpressible as the beaten highway. They close the door of their hearts to the heavenly message, but throw it open to the world's burdens and business cares; and Jesus knocks in vain for admittance.

All who have had the light of truth are being tested, as were the Jews. As a people, we have been exalted to the highest privileges. The Lord has been revealed to us in ever-increasing light. Our privileges are far greater than were the privileges of the Jews. We have not only the great light committed to ancient Israel, but we have also the increased evidence of the great salvation brought to us through Christ. That which was type and symbol to the Jews is reality to us. They had the Old Testament history; we have that and the New Testament also. We have the assurance of a Saviour who has come,--a Saviour who has been crucified, has risen, and has proclaimed over the rent sepulcher of Joseph, "I am the resurrection, and the life." In our knowledge of Jesus and his love, the kingdom of God has been placed in the midst of us. Christ has been proclaimed to us in sermons and chanted to us in songs. The spiritual banquet has been set before us in rich abundance. We have had presented to us by the messengers of God the richest feast,--the righteousness of Christ, justification by faith, the exceeding great and precious promises of God in his word, free access to the Father by Jesus Christ, the comforts of the Holy Spirit, and the well-grounded assurance of eternal life in the kingdom of God. We ask, What could God do for us that he has not done in preparing the great supper, the heavenly banquet?

The glory, riches, and honor offered by the Son of God are of infinite value; it is beyond the power of men, or even of angels, to give any just idea of their worth. If men, plunged in sin and degradation, refuse these heavenly benefits, refuse a life of obedience, scorn the gracious invitation of mercy, and choose the paltry things of earth, Christ will carry out the figure used in the parable. Such will not taste of his glory, but the invitation will be extended to another class. Those who choose to make excuses, and continue in sin and conformity to the world, will be left to their idols. There will be a day when not one will beg to be excused. When Christ shall come in his glory, and in the glory of the Father, with all the heavenly angels surrounding him, there will not be one indifferent spectator. Speculations will not then engross the soul. The miser's piles of gold, which have feasted his eyes, will no longer be attractive. The palaces which the proud men of earth have erected, and which have been their idols, they will turn from with loathing. No one will then plead his lands, his oxen, or the wife he has just married, as a reason why he should be excused from sharing the glory that bursts upon his astonished vision. All will want a share, but know it is not for them.

In earnest, agonizing prayer they call for God not to pass them by. The kings, the mighty men, the lofty, the proud, the mean man, alike bow together under a pressure of woe, desolation, misery inexpressible. The heart-anguished prayer is wrung from their lips, "Save us from the wrath of an offended God." But a voice, terrible in its majesty, answers them: "Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; but ye have set at naught all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh." -

The Sin of Unbelief

The Jews as a nation were not atheists nor avowed unbelievers, but the vital truths concerning Jesus Christ were misapprehended by them. They wrested the Scriptures to justify their own course of action; and refused to receive Christ as the Messiah, the Son of God, the Saviour of the world.

John the Baptist had preceded Christ with the message, "Prepare ye the way of the Lord." He had called upon the Jews to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. Christ came to reveal to men the nature of the kingdom of heaven. He came to show that it is not instituted by men; that it is not controlled by partiality, nor corrupted by hypocrisy. It is not for the few self-centered ones to share largely of the heavenly gift, while the stricken and unfortunate are left desolate and forsaken. The kingdom of heaven is a dispensation of divine mercy, of forgiveness and peace. The darkness of a guilty world was broken by the bright beams of the Sun of righteousness. And "as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name."

When the Pharisees saw the Spirit of Christ working in the hearts of the disobedient; when they beheld sinners coming to the righteousness of the Just; when they saw impartial goodness and mercy, the attributes of the throne of God, extended toward those whom they despised, their hearts were filled with hatred against Christ. The scribes and Pharisees were full of self-conceit and ostentation, and they were disappointed that Christ did not approve of these attributes. They were not deceived in the character of Christ. They saw the contrast between their own impurity and unholiness and the purity and holiness of Christ. In such a kingdom as he would set up, they would find nothing to nourish their pride and ambition. Had Christ fallen in with them, and strengthened their high claims to superiority, they would have looked upon him with favor; but when they saw the publicans and sinners attracted to him, and following him, they were exasperated. They saw these men listening with earnestness to his lessons, and the word went round, "This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them."

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." It was this teaching of Christ that called forth from the Pharisees such bitter hatred. That all were lost; that all were sinners and needed forgiveness; that both Jew and Gentile were included in the work of the Redeemer; that all must conform to the great moral standard,--this was contrary to their self-righteous ideas, and they hated the Great Teacher. They would not tolerate the teaching that did not distinguish them as a holy people, a royal nation.

Was the unbelief of the Jews excusable? Were they guiltless?--Christ's word to them made them responsible. He addressed them as responsible agents, setting before them their duty. He healed the sick, comforted the sorrowing, and relieved the distressed. The dead obeyed his voice, and came forth to life. But his grand work of mercy and compassion was unheeded. The rulers of Israel closed their hearts against their Messiah. Lessons and appeals fell from his lips with so convincing a power that they were convicted of the truth; but they resisted the impressions of the Holy Spirit, and Christ said to them, "Ye will not come to me, that ye might have life."

In rejecting Christ, the Jewish nation put from them the blessings which he came to bring them. They bound themselves in everlasting chains of unbelief and resistance. They placed themselves in a position where the calamities predicted must come upon them, because they knew not God, nor Jesus Christ, whom he had sent.

God gives sufficient evidence to every soul. He does not promise to remove every doubt, but he gives a reason for faith. And sufficient evidence was given to the Jews. On the day of Pentecost the message of the apostle Peter was: "Ye men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: him being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain." "Ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; and killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses."

"I wot that through ignorance ye did it," said Peter; but this ignorance did not excuse the action; for they had had great light. Peter says that had they known Jesus to be the Prince of life, they would not have crucified him. But why did they not know?--Because they did not choose to know. They had no interest to search and study, and their ignorance proved their eternal ruin. The ignorance of the Jews was inexcusable, and involved a fearful responsibility. They had had the strongest evidence on which to base their faith, and they were under obligation to God to accept the evidence he had given them. Their unbelief made them guilty of the blood of the only begotten Son of the infinite God.

The followers of Christ will experience the same kind of treatment that their Master received at the hands of men. Men who have had light and evidence will turn as determinedly from Christ as did the Jewish nation. Christ declares: "If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world; therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me."

"It is enough for the disciple," said Christ, "that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."

There should be no reluctance on the part of man to make known the truth of the word of God, because his neighbors are not pleased with his difference of opinion. This will be a trial of faith, and there will be a temptation to shirk responsibilities because the duties presented are not agreeable. Your neighbors may choose to stand with those who do not love God with the whole heart, who selfishly serve their own interests; but is that sufficient reason why you should do the same? When the invitation is given, "Come; for all things are now ready," will you say, "I can not come to the gospel feast; I can not heed your invitation: my neighbors will think me foolish, and will ridicule me, and I can not bear ridicule"? Will you say, "I must not displease my neighbors; I must attend to my farm; I must work on the Sabbath: if I keep the commandments of God, I can not be in harmony with my neighbors"? Jesus says that those who slight the gospel invitation,--an invitation purchased at the cost of the life of the Son of God,--shall not taste of his supper.

The Lord is sending an invitation in our day. Who will gladly accept it? Who will venture to refuse?

"For the Lord spake thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying, Say ye not, A confederacy, to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid." What is their fear?--It is that if they obey the commandments of God, they will be despised and ridiculed; if they come out from the world, they will be left to suffer want. Such a fear reveals unbelief in him who provides all our blessings. He sends the showers upon our lands, and permits the sun to shine, that vegetation may flourish. One word from God could withdraw the rain and cut off our supplies of food. With locust and pestilence he could destroy our crops. The Lord has borne long with the perversity of men; but he has their deeds written in the books of heaven, and will repay for their unrighteousness and disregard of his commandments.

Christ made no ostentatious claims to the Messiahship; he did not choose to take a position of royal dignity. But his appearance as a man among men caused the multitude to be easily swayed by the prejudice which leavened the whole nation. From the time when Christ worked the miracle to feed the five thousand, and refused to become their king, his popularity began to wane; and he devoted himself more earnestly to the instruction of his disciples. To inculcate the truth--this was his work, this was his great burden. The twelve were far from being perfect in knowledge, and Christ would not leave them in uncertainty. His enemies sought to prejudice every mind possible. The open hostility of the Pharisees made it necessary for Christ to lay out, in clear, decided lines, the truths concerning himself, and to unmask the hypocrisy of his enemies.

As he neared the time of separation from his disciples, his teaching became more significant and mysterious to their minds. He presented himself before the people as the bread of life. The multitude were impressed with his teaching, large crowds followed him, and precious rays of light were shed upon them; but the disciples no longer held to the hope that the Jews, as a nation, would receive Christ. And now as he clearly defined his spiritual kingdom, and discouraged the idea of a temporal reign, the worldly minded among the people, and even among those who professed to be his disciples, turned from him.

As light is presented before us, we need to watch and pray, lest in the day of our opportunity we follow the example of the Jews; lest we receive the sayings of men rather than the truth, which would disturb our complacency; lest we refuse to live the life of Christ, and thus sacrifice the favor of God. Those who refuse to follow where Christ leads can not have the faith that works by love and purifies the soul. When called to trial, they will yield up their faith in Christ as their personal Saviour, and become open transgressors of the commandments of God. They choose to stand under the banner of the first apostate,--the one who brought sin into the world. They choose to be one with transgressors, rather than be out of joint with their neighbors.

Those who, because they see difficulties in their pathway, and do not want to suffer inconvenience, turn away from the most ample evidence, crucify to themselves the Son of God, and put Christ to open shame. By turning from the truth of God to a lie, they give proof that, had they lived in Christ's day, they would have treated the Saviour as did the unbelieving Jews. These will not in any sense be found excusable before God, before the angels of heaven, or before men.

Man's own state of mind does not relieve him of responsibility; for he need not be in that state of mind which will lead him to refuse light. The mind that resists truth will see everything in a perverted light. It will be fastened in the toils of the enemy, and will view things in the light of the enemy. Saul of Tarsus was an example of this. He had no moral right to be an unbeliever. But he had chosen to accept the opinions of men rather than the counsel of God. He had the prophecies pointing to the Messiah, but preferred the sayings of the rabbis, the word of men. In his own wisdom, Saul knew not God, nor Jesus Christ, whom he had sent. Afterward, in repeating his experience, he declared that he thought he ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. Saul was honest in his unbelief. His was no pretension; and Jesus arrested him in his career, and showed him on whose side he was working. The persecutor accepted the words of Christ, and was converted to faith in the Saviour.

Saul did not treat with indifference the unbelief that had led him to follow in Satan's track, and cost the suffering and death of the most precious of earth,--those of whom the world was not worthy. He did not plead that his error of judgment was excusable. Long after his conversion, he spoke of himself as the chief of sinners. "For I am the least of the apostles," he said, "that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God." He did not make one excuse for his cruel course in following faithfully the dictates of a conscience that was false.

No human being is excusable for having a conscience that will permit him to cause pain or suffering to any of God's children. Christ declares: "Whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe unto the world because of offenses! for it must needs be that offenses come; but woe to that man by whom the offense cometh!"

Those who believe in Jesus are very precious to him; and any injury done to them is as if done to Christ himself. He identifies his interest with that of suffering humanity; and those that would interpose between God and the souls who would do him service will be punished in proportion to the light they have had. -

Home Missionary Work

Relating his experience, the apostle Paul said: "Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: and how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house, testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. . . . Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God."

This is home missionary work,--work that God's ministers are to strive faithfully to do. They are not only to preach; they are to minister by going from house to house, becoming acquainted with the different families in the church, some of whom may be converted, while others are still without God and without hope in the world. It is possible to preach many sermons without accomplishing the work essential for the well-being of the people of God. The discourses given are to be followed with personal labor. A work may be done by visiting people in their homes, and speaking helpful, encouraging words to them, which will be far more effective than the work done by preaching.

The enemy of righteousness presents strong inducements to men and women, that he may, if possible, lead them to yield to his allurements. Therefore great care and vigilance must be shown by the ministers of the church of God in caring for their flocks. They must watch for souls as they that must give an account, showing the same interest in their brethren and sisters in the faith that brothers and sisters of the same family show in one another. In Christ we are all members of the same family. God is our Father; and he expects us to take an interest in the members of his household,--not a casual interest, but a decided, continuous interest.

Some, because they do not receive and impart light, have no genuine spiritual experience. They are often surprised by temptations that come in forms so fascinating that they do not recognize them as deceptions of the wily foe.

How important that they obtain the experience necessary for them to have! The members of the Lord's family are to be wise and watchful, doing all in their power to save their weaker brethren from Satan's concealed nets. If one member falls into temptation, the other members are to care for him with kindly interest, seeking to arrest the feet that are straying into false paths, and win him to a pure and holy life. This service God requires from every member of his church.

This is home missionary work, and it is as helpful to those who do it as it is to those for whom it is done. The kindly interest we manifest in the home circle, the words of sympathy we speak to our brothers and sisters, fit us to work for the members of the Lord's household, with whom, if we remain loyal to Christ, we shall live through eternal ages. "Be thou faithful unto death," Christ says, "and I will give thee a crown of life." Then how carefully should the members of the Lord's family guard their brethren and sisters!

It is a wonderful thing for a sinner to be brought to God through Christ, to learn to know Christ. This is true conversion. Then how tender we should be in our dealings with those who are striving for the crown of life! We should make ourselves their friends. If they are poor, and in need of food and clothing, we should minister to their temporal as well as their spiritual wants. Thus we may be a double blessing to them. He who, in love and tenderness, had helped a needy soul may at another time be in need of compassionate words of hope and courage. Then the one who has been helped should in turn manifest loving, patient interest in him who is in need of help. Our daily prayer should be, "Help us to help each other, Lord; each other's woes to bear."

God would have us encourage the young to seek earnestly for a deeper experience in the Christian life. By appropriate words from the Scriptures we are to help them to know him who is their peace, their joy, their strength, their shield, their Guide and Counselor, the source of their comfort, their all and in all. Have you turned from your idols to God? Those who come to Jesus with true purpose of heart, surrendering themselves to his service, will know the blessedness of perfect trust. If they have in truth enlisted in his service, they will find in him all that is required for the perfection of Christian character. By his fulness their soul-hunger will be satisfied. It is the privilege of all to follow on to know the Lord, that they may know that his goings forth are prepared as the morning.

Not only are those of the household of faith to be cared for; but we are also to labor for those who are not with us in the faith. Christ died for them. They are the purchase of his blood, and are of value in God's sight. They need to be pointed to the Saviour. This you may do by speaking words of courage and hope to them, giving, if need be, tangible proof of your interest in them by helping them to procure food and clothing. Many could be reached by the truth if God's people gave evidence of a genuine interest in them.

Christ declared, "I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." "They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick." It is not according to Christ's teaching to expend undue time and attention upon those who know the truth; for there is danger of thus encouraging selfishness and helplessness. We are to remember that the souls of all are of value with God. Let those who have a knowledge of the truth inquire, How can I best meet those who take no interest in religious things?

You meet many people, talk with them, visit among them; but have you spoken to them any words that show an interest in their spiritual welfare? Have you presented Christ to them as a sin-pardoning Saviour? If you have not, how will you meet those souls--lost, eternally lost--when, with them, you stand before the bar of God? Who can say, with the apostle Paul: "I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house, testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ"?

Those who have gained a knowledge of the truth are to teach others by engaging in house-to-house work, that those around them may receive the knowledge of Christ, and turn from their idols to serve God. But this work is strangely neglected. Large portions of the Lord's vineyard are left to lie uncultivated and neglected. Thousands might to-day be rejoicing in the truth if those who claim to love God and keep his commandments would work as Christ worked and as the apostle Paul worked,--going from house to house, and in all humility declaring the need of repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

"I have showed you all things," Paul writes, "how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive." "We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbor for his good to edification. For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me."

Many may be converted by the instrumentality of those who are laborers together with God. The heavenly intelligences stand close beside every soul who is earnestly laboring to win souls to Christ, that these souls may in their turn glorify God, as it is written, "For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name." When souls are converted, both the laborer and those labored for, glorify God; and it rejoices God's heart of love that the heavenly intelligences have found channels through which they can communicate the riches of Christ's mercy and grace. There is joy in the presence of the angels over one sinner who turns from sin to show repentance toward God and faith in Christ. All heaven is made glad, and seraphs and cherubs touch their golden harps, and sing praise to God and to the Lamb for their mercy and loving-kindness to the children of men. Then why are we not in earnest? Shall we not individually labor earnestly for those around us, whose souls are just as precious in God's sight as are our own?

Those who receive and impart Christ's grace receive grace for grace. "As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God," "having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the Beloved, in whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace."

What blessings are here given us! It is God's purpose, by his dealings with those who receive Christ as a personal Saviour, to glorify his name through the eternal ages. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." By giving heaven's richest treasure, his only begotten Son, to die for man, God would demonstrate before all created intelligences how much he loves the fallen race.

"I have declared unto them thy name," Christ said in his wonderful prayer, "and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them." The knowledge that such possibilities and privileges lie before humanity should stir us to greater activity, leading us to make more self-denying, self-sacrificing efforts in behalf of those who know not Christ. Shall not those whose hearts are warmed by the love of Christ show how much they prize that love by telling others about it, seeking in every possible way to arrest the attention of the unconverted, and point them to Jesus? Show them by precept and example that you appreciate God's love. Wherever you are, in whatever society you may be, do what you can to declare the name and love of God, seeking to impress minds with the great loss they sustain by not enlisting in Christ's service.

"Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things."

We do not half work for the Master. He would have us watch for souls as they that must give an account. In his great love for us "he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Knowing this, let us use every entrusted talent for God, seeking earnestly to gain recruits for his army. Do not fail, in the gentleness of Christ, to make personal appeals. "We are laborers together with God." Can the angels say this of us?

Christ walked on this earth among men, uplifting the weak, the halting, the suffering, and making glad the hearts of the desponding and discouraged. To all he gave the gracious invitation, "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 is light." We are privileged to draw from Christ's resources. In him there is an inexhaustible supply of grace and light and love. And the more we impart, the more we receive. As we supply the necessities of others, our own souls are refreshed and satisfied with the love of Jesus. "God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: . . . being enriched in everything to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God." -

Judge Not

"And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he steadfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem, and sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him. And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem. And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them."

After Christ had fed the five thousand, the people determined to make him king. Hundreds were ready to rally round his standard; and the enthusiasm ran so high that a purpose was formed to take him by force, and place him on the throne. But with an authority they dared not resist, Jesus dismissed the multitude.

From this time his popularity appeared to wane, and the disciples began to have a clearer conception of his mysterious character. He had given them many lessons showing the relation in which he stood to his Father; and apparently they were overcoming the hope they had so firmly entertained,--that he would reign as a temporal prince in Jerusalem. Christ told them of the trials he must endure, of the final rejection of his work, and of his betrayal, crucifixion, and resurrection. He told them that events were fast ripening for the closing scenes of his life, and declared that he must go again to Jerusalem, to be present at the Passover feast.

He sent messengers before him, to prepare for his coming. But the people refused to receive him, because he was on his way to Jerusalem. This they interpreted as meaning that Christ showed a preference for the Jews, whom they hated with an intense bitterness. They had hoped that Christ would acknowledge their temple and worship; and when they saw him going to Jerusalem, they broke forth into bitter accusations against him. Their insulting words showed open contempt for the Son of God.

James and John, Christ's messengers, were greatly annoyed at this insult. They loved their Lord, and were filled with indignation because he had been so rudely treated by the Samaritans, who he was honoring by his presence. They had recently been with him in the mount of transfiguration, and had seen him glorified by God, and honored by Moses and Elijah. This manifest dishonor on the part of the Samaritans should not, they thought, be passed over without marked punishment.

Coming to Christ, they reported to him the words of the people, telling him that they had even refused to give him a night's lodging. They thought that a grievous wrong had been done him; and seeing Carmel in the distance, where Elijah slew the false prophets, they said, "Wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?" They were surprised to see that Christ was pained by their words, and still more surprised as his rebuke fell upon their ears: "Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them."

What a lesson this is to those who are fired with religious zeal, and who would cause to suffer those whose belief is not in accord with their own! What a rebuke to those who are quick to speak harshly, and who manifest an overbearing, condemnatory spirit toward those who entertain ideas out of harmony with their theories!

The rebuke given to James and John sounds down along the line to our time. Many reveal the attributes of Satan by trying to compel their fellow men to believe as they believe. They desire to punish those who, they think, dishonor Christ. They may say that they are working for truth and liberty, they may claim to be doing honor to God; but if they exercise a zeal that brings pain to the bodies and spirits of those who dare to differ with them, they are controlled by the enemy of God. Such may think themselves righteous; but Christ says to them, as to the disciples: "Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them." By his dealing with the Samaritans, Christ has shown us that although men manifest unmistakable contempt for him, his followers are not to harbor thoughts of hatred and revenge.

Many choose the world before Christ. Paul wrote to Timothy, "Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me: for Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world." This we shall meet. Those whom we have loved and trusted will leave the faith, and by their falsehoods do us harm. But we are to work on, lifting up Christ, the sin-pardoner, higher and still higher. We must not be overwhelmed because good and bad are gathered into the church. Judas was numbered among the disciples. He had every advantage a man could have; but although he heard the truth, and listened to the principles so plainly laid down, Christ knew that he did not receive the truth. He did not eat the truth. It did not become part of himself. His old habits constantly asserted themselves. But Christ did not take forcible means to cut Judas away from the disciples.

There is a time coming when those who have joined the church, but have not joined Christ, will be manifest. Their corrupt principles can not blend with Christ. The heart must be made new before it can receive the truth that sanctifies the receiver. But to sit in judgment on those who, we think, are wrong--to condemn them and cast them out--is not for mortals to do. God has not given this work to any human being. "Let both grow together until the harvest," Christ says. He has bought men with a price, even his precious blood; and he would not lose one soul. His experience with Judas is recorded to show his long patience with perverse human nature. He came not to "destroy men's lives, but to save them." He will decide who are worthy to dwell in perfect unity with the saints in the family of heaven.

God can not reveal himself through some who have been entrusted with work for him. He can not make them channels through which his compassion and love can flow; for they insult his goodness by exhibiting a masterful spirit toward those whom they regard as being in error and needing reproof. By their own unsanctified passions they eclipse Christ's love and mercy. The enemy of all good is allowed to rule in their hearts, and their lives reveal his attributes. They claim that the word of God directs them; but by their actions they say, We want not thy way, O Lord, but our own way.

By their words, their works, and their spirit, those who pursue such a course are making a record in the books of heaven that they will not care to meet; for God does not value them as they value themselves. Men are abusing their probationary opportunities, and are grievously neglecting the high privileges conferred upon them. Though finding nothing in the word of God to vindicate their actions or countenance their opinions, they persist in having their own way. In the day when judgment is passed upon all, the sentence will be pronounced against them, "Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting."

Let those who desire to control their fellow men read God's declaration on this subject. He says: "Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not to the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye."

The work of saving souls is to be carried forward amid opposition, peril, loss, and suffering. Christianity is to be wrought out by self-denial and cross-bearing. Christ did not mark out an easy path to heaven. He declares to his followers: "If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you." Christ is our example. When he was reviled, he reviled not again. When the cruelty of men caused him to suffer painful stripes and wounds, he threatened not, but committed himself to One who judges righteously. "Let this mind be in you," writes Paul, "which was also in Christ Jesus." Our interests must be submerged in Christ, that we may be able to say, "I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me."

Christ came from his heavenly home to raise up workers to be his messengers, to co-operate with him in presenting his message of mercy to the world. They are to be the ministers of his grace, and their hearts should throb in unison with the heart of Christ. It should be their meat and drink to do the will of him who has called them to his service. If Christ abides in them, they will be brought into captivity to him. They will no longer live the common life of selfishness; for Christ will live in them. His character will be produced in them. Then the bitter, poisonous root of selfishness will be uprooted. Tender feelings, full of sympathy for the erring, take possession of the man or woman who has fallen on the Rock, and been broken.

The Truth as It Is in Jesus--No. 1

The word of God is to be our spiritual food. "I am the bread of life," Christ said; "he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst." The world is perishing for want of pure, unadulterated truth. Christ is the truth. His words are truth, and they have a deeper significance than appears on the surface, and a value beyond their unpretending appearance. Minds that are quickened by the Holy Spirit will discern the value of these words. When our eyes are anointed with the holy eye-salve, we shall be able to detect the precious gems of truth, even though they may be buried beneath the surface.

Truth is delicate, refined, elevated. When it molds the character, the soul grows under its divine influence. Every day the truth is to be received into the heart. Thus we eat Christ's words, which he declares are spirit and life. The acceptance of truth will make every receiver a child of God, an heir of heaven. Truth that is cherished in the heart is not a cold, dead letter, but a living power.

Truth is sacred, divine. It is stronger and more powerful than anything else in the formation of a character after the likeness of Christ. In it there is fulness of joy. When it is cherished in the heart, the love of Christ is preferred to the love of any human being. This is Christianity. This is the love of God in the soul. Thus pure, unadulterated truth occupies the citadel of the being. The words are fulfilled, "A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you." There is a nobleness in the life of the one who lives and works under the vivifying influence of the truth.

It is needful for all who are working in the cause of God to ponder these things, that they may guard against self-sufficiency. The Lord is dishonored when those who profess to serve him reveal a character that is a denial of their faith. We are not to trust in self; for the Lord leaves those who are self-sufficient to their own human wisdom. All desire for self-exaltation places the human agent where the Holy Spirit can not work with him. In no case can the Holy Spirit co-operate with the methods and plans of self-sufficient men. It is not for any to seek to be great preachers, wonderful evangelists. All who believe the truth, who understand the dignity and elevated character of the message they bear, will hide in Christ, realizing that their security and efficiency come from God. They will not live selfish lives; for the truth is elevating, refining, and sanctifying in its influence.

I know, and am afraid as I realize, that with hundreds religion is a cold, formal thing. Many professed Christians will lose the eternal life that is within the reach of all. I can not forbear to tell you in the name of the Lord that you are not on safe ground unless the truth teaches you your danger, bringing you every day closer to Christ in character. Many poor souls are puffed up with pride and self-importance. If they do not change this position, they will be tempted still more strongly to display their supposed qualifications and powers. Every provision has been made for them, but they have no hungering nor thirsting after righteousness. There is no room in the heart for the Spirit of God.

Many are supposed to be converted who will not stand the stress of trial and temptation. Under difficulty the test of God's word shows them to be faithless, envious, jealous, full of evil-surmisings. Many, many, are stony-ground hearers. They have no depth of spiritual experience. They do not apply the truth to the heart and conscience. Self, with all its unsanctified elements, is alive, revealing attributes that strengthen evil instead of repressing it. There is a lack of pure-toned piety; and this lack makes them weaklings in the army of the Lord, when they might be giants if they were but willing to be truly converted.

Our lack of faith and the absence of the love and respect due to all the children of God, detract from our influence, and make our labors of none effect. When the power of the Holy Spirit is appreciated and felt in the heart, far less of self will be exhibited, and far more of the feeling of human brotherhood will be revealed. Our part is not to exhibit self, but to let the Holy Spirit work in us. Thus, self-deceived men and women may be rescued from delusion.

All, high or low, if they are unconverted, are on one common platform. Men may turn from one doctrine to another. This is being done, and will be done. Papists may change from Catholicism to Protestantism; yet they may know nothing of the meaning of the words, "A new heart also will I give you." Accepting new theories, and uniting with a church, do not bring new life to any one, even though the church with which he unites may be established on the true foundation. Connection with a church does not take the place of conversion. To subscribe the name to a church creed is not of the least value to any one if the heart is not truly changed.

This question is a serious one, and its meaning should be fully realized. Men may be church-members, and may apparently work earnestly, performing a round of duties from year to year, and yet be unconverted. They may write in defense of Christianity, and yet be unconverted. A man may preach pleasing, entertaining sermons, yet be far from Christ as regards religious experience. He may be exalted to the pinnacle of human greatness, yet never have experienced the inward work of grace that transforms the character. Such a one is deceived by his connection and familiarity with the sacred truths of the gospel, which have reached the intellect, but have not been brought into the inner sanctuary of the soul.

We must have more than an intellectual belief in the truth. Many of the Jews were convinced that Jesus was the Son of God, but they were too proud and ambitious to surrender. They decided to resist the truth, and they maintained their opposition. They did not receive into the heart the truth as it is in Jesus. When truth is held as truth only by the conscience, when the heart is not stimulated and made receptive, only the mind is affected. But when the truth is received as truth by the heart, it has passed through the conscience, and has captivated the soul with its pure principles. It is placed in the heart by the Holy Spirit, who reveals its beauty to the mind, that its transforming power may be seen in the character.

Unless a man is renewed in the spirit of his mind by the power of the Holy Spirit, he will become restless and dissatisfied, because he has not died to self. Only in Christ can we find true rest. "Come unto me," he cried, "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 is light." And again he says: "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." "For without me ye can do nothing." Without Christ we can do nothing correctly, any more than could Cain. Of what advantage is any system of religion to one who has not been transformed in character by the Holy Spirit's power?--It is saying without doing; it is a profession of faith without works.

O that all who shall read these lines would search their hearts as with a lighted candle, and define, if they can, what true conversion is. The Lord never created man to lord it over his fellow man. This propensity has been indulged to the wreck and ruin of humanity. The souls of those who have indulged themselves in this are cast in a mold that Satan himself has made to fashion their characters. Every soul carries his credentials with him. By his actions he shows whether he is under the power of the Holy Spirit, or whether he is striving to climb over his fellow men to rule or to ruin.

With the great truth we have been privileged to receive, we should, and under the Holy Spirit's power we could, become living channels of light. We could then approach the mercy-seat; and seeing the bow of promise, kneel with contrite hearts, and seek the kingdom of heaven with a spiritual violence that would bring its own reward. We would take it by force, as did Jacob. Then our message would be the power of God unto salvation. Our supplications would be full of earnestness, full of a sense of our great need; and we would not be denied. The truth would be expressed by life and character, and by lips touched with the living coal from off God's altar. When this experience is ours, we shall be lifted out of our poor, cheap selves, that we have cherished so tenderly. We shall empty our hearts of the corroding power of selfishness, and shall be filled with praise and gratitude to God. We shall magnify the Lord, the God of all grace, who has magnified Christ. And he will reveal his power through us, making us as sharp sickles in the harvest-field.

God calls upon his people to reveal him. Shall the world manifest principles of integrity that the church does not maintain? Shall a selfish ambition to be first be shown by the followers of Christ? Shall not the principles cherished by them be unselfish, laid upon the true foundation, even Christ Jesus? What material shall we bring to this precious foundation, that there may no longer be antagonism but unity in the church? Shall we build with worthless material,--wood, hay, stubble? Shall we not rather bring the most precious material,--gold, silver, precious stones? Shall we not distinguish sharply between the chaff and the wheat? Shall we not realize that we must receive the Holy Spirit in our hearts, that it may mold and fashion the practical life? Shall we not strive to discern the meaning of the atonement of Christ?

We are living in perilous times. In the fear of God I tell you that the true exposition of the Scriptures is necessary for the correct moral development of our characters. When mind and heart are controlled by the Holy Spirit, when self is dead, the truth is capable of constant expansion and development. When the truth as it is in Jesus molds our characters, it will be seen to be truth indeed. As it is contemplated by the believer, it will grow brighter, shining with its original beauty. It will increase in value, quickening and vivifying the mind, and subduing selfish, unchristlike coarseness of character. It will elevate our aspirations, enabling us to reach the perfect standard of holiness. -

The Truth as It Is in Jesus--No. 2

God gives to every man his work, and with the imparted commission he gives to his messengers a measure of power proportionate to their faith. He is constantly unfolding to the heart the riches of his grace. Light will shine forth in clear rays from those who receive light from the word of God. Converted messengers are needed, to give the words of the Most High to the people.

The teacher of the truth must practise the truth he communicates to the people, else his labor will be in vain. Those who support the truth, not only by argument, but in their lives, range themselves on the side of righteousness. By a converted life they give evidence that they bear a solemn message of warning, which is a savor of life unto life, or of death unto death. When men are really converted, controversy and debate will be ended. The plain, searching truth will be proclaimed by lips touched with a live coal from the altar of God.

The true minister of the gospel will not stand before the people to speak smooth words; to cry, Peace and safety. He realizes the dangers that threaten the soul, and he presents the truth as it is in Jesus. The truth comes from his lips clear, plain, and decided, as if he fully believed the words spoken to be a savor of life unto life, or of death unto death. He knows that he has the Spirit and power of God, and his words awaken the consciences of his hearers.

The lessons given by the greatest Teacher the world has ever known were given in plain, simple language. Christ's words were explicit and direct. His instruction was given line upon line, precept upon precept. Christ reproached his disciples with their slowness of comprehension. Why did they not understand his lessons?--Because his words did not agree with what they had been taught, or with their hopes and expectations. Christ tried to impress his disciples that he had left in their possession truths of which they did not realize the value.

The Old Testament is the ground where the seeds of practical godliness were first sown. This was repeated in Christ's words to his disciples. We have yet to learn that the whole Jewish economy is a compacted prophecy of the gospel. It is the gospel in figures. From the pillar of cloud, Christ presented man's duty to God and to his fellow men. His words to his appointed agencies, both in the Old Testament and in the New, point out plainly the Christian virtues. Through all his teaching he scattered the precious grains of truth. All will find these to be as precious pearls, rich in value, if they will practise the principles laid down.

We have the truth. Shall we not practise it? Selfishness is the great evil that makes of none effect the preaching of the cross of Christ. Preach the word. Do not drown the voice of Christ by your own interpretation of the Scriptures. Do not make the word of God mean what he never meant it to mean. Make a practical application of the truth. Urge the truth home with sanctified assurance and directness, presenting the high standard God sets before his people. Truth must become truth to the receiver to all intents and purposes. It must be stamped upon the heart. "With the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind." This is the service that God requires. Nothing short of this is pure and undefiled religion. The heart is the citadel of the being; and until that is wholly on the Lord's side, the enemy will gain constant victories over us by his subtle temptations.

If the life is given into its control, the power of the truth is unlimited. The thoughts are brought into captivity to Christ. From the treasure of the heart are brought forth appropriate and fitting words. Especially will our words be guarded. Writing to Timothy, Paul says: "Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us."

The Holy Spirit must work on the hearts of the teachers of God's word, that they may give the truth to the people in the clear, pure way that Christ himself gave the truth. He revealed it, not only in his words, but in his life. If God's messengers realize the necessity of the Holy Spirit's working, this Spirit will speak through them to the hearers, who will understand the meaning of the truth spoken.

Men in this age of the world act as if they were at liberty to question the words of the Infinite, to review his decisions and statutes, indorsing, revising, reshaping, and annulling, at their pleasure. If they can not misconstrue, misinterpret, or alter God's plain decision, or bend it to please the multitude and themselves, they break it. We are never safe while we are guided by human opinions; but we are safe when we are guided by a "Thus saith the Lord." We can not trust the salvation of our souls to any lower standard than the decision of an infallible Judge. Those who make God their guide, and his word their counselor, follow the lamp of life. God's living oracles guide their feet in straight paths. Those who are thus led do not dare judge the word of God, but ever hold that his word judges them. They get their faith and religion from his word. It is the guide that directs their path. It is a light to their feet, and a lamp to their path. They walk under the direction of the Father of light, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. He whose tender mercies are over all his works makes the path of the just as a shining light, which shines more and more unto the perfect day. -

The Truth as It Is in Jesus--No. 3

I am afraid for our churches. I tremble before God on their account. We have light on the Scriptures, and we shall be held accountable for all the light not cherished. The works of many do not harmonize with the truth they have received. There is far too much of the human element brought into our plans. We do not depend upon the Holy Spirit to work with its transforming energy upon the heart and life. We are deficient in faith, which is invincible and mysterious. The efficacy of truth is weakened by the course of those who do not purify their souls by obeying the truth.

The secrets of the Lord are with them that fear him and keep his covenant. We need faith in God, that under the sanctifying power of God's word, the principles of human brotherhood may be manifested. We need the Holy Spirit's guidance. Its power upon mind and heart will enable us to present the truths of God's holy word. Sound doctrines brought into actual contact with human souls will result in sound and elevating practises. The truth as it is in Jesus must be cherished. Then Christians will not be Christians in name only. The love of Christ will pervade their lives.

The power of the Holy Spirit is needed to chase away our unbelief and unchristlike attributes: We must see our need of a physician. We are sick, and do not know it. May the Lord convert the hearts of his workmen! When there is a converted ministry, then look for results. But we can not convert our own hearts. This work can be done only by the power of the Holy Spirit. In every stage of the work let this be remembered: "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts."

"All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." But this should not intimidate one soul. What can give such sunshine to the soul as the evidence of sins forgiven? What can impart true nobility if it is not the restoration of the moral image of God in man? Whence can peace come if not from the Prince of Peace? To what source can we look for help, but to Him who can give us light in the midst of darkness?

Christ has promised to send us the Comforter, whose work is to establish the kingdom of God in the soul. When such abundant provisions of mercy, grace, and peace have been made, why do human beings act as if they regarded the truth as a yoke of bondage?--It is because the heart has never tasted and seen that the Lord is good. The truth of the word of God is thought by some to be a fetter. But it is the truth that makes men free. If the truth therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. The truth separates man from his sins, from his hereditary and cultivated tendencies to wrong-doing. The soul that cherishes the love of Christ is full of freedom, light, and joy. In such a soul there are no divided thoughts. The whole man yearns after God. He does not go to men to know his duty, but to Christ, the source of all wisdom. He searches the word of God, that he may find out what standard he must reach.

Can we ever find a surer guide than Jesus? True religion consists in being under the guidance of the Holy One in thought, word, and deed. He, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, takes the humble, earnest, whole-hearted seeker, and says, Follow me. He leads him in the narrow way to holiness and heaven. Christ has opened this path for us at great cost to himself, and we are not left to stumble our way along in darkness. Jesus is at our right hand, proclaiming, I am the way; and all who decide to follow the Lord will be led in the royal path cast up for the ransomed of the Lord to walk in.

The usefulness of workers for God depends on whether they have an abiding Christ. "Without me," he says, "ye can do nothing." God's workers should be filled with his Spirit. By their faith and labor of love, true Christians give unquestionable evidence that their work is wrought in God. Their spiritual discernment testifies that they have been taught of God, that their eyes are not blinded to the interests of the cause of God, or to the elements of true Christianity.

"Our gospel came not unto you in word only," writes Paul, "but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake." Paul lived the gospel that he preached; and if our ministering brethren will live the truth, they will be loving, kind, tender, lowly in heart, unpretending, earnest, devoted. Their works will be their credentials. There would be a hundredfold more conversions than the record shows to-day if God's workmen were what they should be. God demands truth in the inward parts. The Spirit of those in the ministry must correspond to the truth preached.

Will the workers in the various lines of God's work ponder these things? A large share of the shallowness of the work is the result of the shallowness of the workers. When the Spirit of God works, something will be done, and in a much larger degree than we have yet seen. Where is the power of the workers? Where is the demonstration of the Spirit? Where is the assurance of faith? There is a sad deficiency in the preaching of God's word. Much fluent talking may be done. Much cleverness may be shown in the presentation of the different points of truth. All this has been seen. Ears are gratified, a present emotion is excited; but where are the souls who are identifying themselves with Christ? Where is the holy unction, the living earnestness, the deep moving of the Spirit of God? Where are those who expound the truth by upholding staunch, correct principles, irrespective of loss or gain? O that God would impress his ministers with the need of being thoroughly converted! O that he would impress them with their need of an abiding Christ! Then there would be a revival of the Holy Spirit.

The question has been asked, What kind of vessels does the Spirit use? What does Christ say?--"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 is light." What kind of vessels are meet for the Master's use?--Empty vessels. When we empty the soul of every defilement, we are ready for use. Are we emptied of self? Are we cured of selfish planning? O for less self-occupation! May the Lord purify his people, teachers, and churches. He has given a rule for the guidance of all, and from this there can be no careless departure. But there has been, and still is, a swerving from righteous principles. How long shall this condition of things exist? How can the Master use us as vessels for holy service until we empty ourselves, and make room for his Spirit to work?

God calls for his people to reveal him. Shall the world manifest principles of integrity that the church does not maintain? Shall a selfish ambition to be first be shown by the followers of Christ? Shall not the principles cherished by them be laid upon the true foundation, even Christ Jesus? What material shall we place upon this foundation, that there may no longer be antagonism, but unity, in the church? Shall we bring to it wood, hay, stubble? Shall we not rather bring the most precious material,--gold, silver, precious stones? Shall we not distinguish sharply between the chaff and the wheat? Shall we not realize that we must receive the Holy Spirit in our hearts, that it may mold and fashion the life?

We are living in perilous times. In the fear of God I would say that the true exposition of the Scriptures is necessary for the correct moral development of our characters. When mind and heart are worked by the Spirit, when self is dead, the truth is capable of constant expansion and new development. When the truth molds our characters, it will be seen to be truth indeed. As it is contemplated by the true believer, it will grow brighter, shining with its original beauty. It will increase in value, vivifying the mind, and subduing selfish, unchristlike coarseness of character. It will elevate our aspirations, enabling us to reach the perfect standard of holiness.

A Lesson from Israel's Sin--No. 1

God is no respecter of persons, but in every generation they that fear the Lord, and work righteousness, are accepted by him; while those who are murmuring, unbelieving, and rebellious will not have his favor. They will not have the blessings promised to those who love the truth, and walk in it. Those who have the light, and do not follow it, will find that their blessings will be changed into curses, and their mercies into judgments. God would have us learn humility and obedience as we read the history of ancient Israel, who were his chosen and peculiar people, but who brought their own destruction by following their own ways.

When the Lord called for Moses to come up into the mount, it was six days before he was received into the cloud, into the immediate presence of God. The top of the mount was all aglow with the glory of God. And yet, even while the children of Israel had this glory in their very sight, unbelief was so natural to them that they began to murmur because Moses was absent. While the glory of the Lord signified his presence upon the mountain, and their leader was in close converse with God, they should have been sanctifying themselves by close searching of heart, humiliation, and godly fear. But instead of this, the congregation demanded of Aaron to make them gods to go before them, and lead them back into Egypt. "Make us gods," they said, "which shall go before us." Though Moses was absent, the presence of the Lord remained; they were not forsaken. The manna continued to fall; they were fed by a divine hand morning and evening. The cloudy pillar by day, and the pillar of fire by night, signified the presence of God. The divine presence was not dependent upon the presence of Moses. But at the very time when he was pleading with the Lord in their behalf, they were rushing into shameful errors, into transgression of the law so recently given.

"And the Lord said unto Moses, Go, get thee down; for thy people [he does not condescend to own them as his people], which thou broughtest out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves: they have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them: they have made them a molten calf, and have worshiped it, and have sacrificed thereunto, and said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.

"And the Lord said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiff-necked people: now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation."

What a trial of the faith of Moses was this! But he would not consent to leave the mount until his pleadings in behalf of Israel were heard, and his request that God would pardon them was granted: "And Moses besought the Lord his God, and said, Lord, why doth thy wrath wax hot against thy people, which thou hast brought forth out of the land of Egypt with great power, and with a mighty hand? Wherefore should the Egyptians speak, and say, For mischief did he bring them out, to slay them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth? . . . Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, thy servants, to whom thou swearest by thine own self, and saidst unto them, I will multiply your seed as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have spoken of will I give unto your seed, and they shall inherit it forever. And the Lord repented of the evil which he had thought to do unto his people."

This idolatry on the part of ancient Israel was an offense to God; but are there not idols just as offensive cherished in our families and in our churches to-day,--idols which have the same influence upon us as did the golden calf upon the Israelites? On the part of God's professed people there is a manifest disregard of the warnings given by Peter: "Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, and of putting on of apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price."

The time has come when we as a people should search ourselves to see what idols we are cherishing; when the shepherds of the flock should do faithful work as the sentinels of God. In dress, in speech, in deportment, we are to be a people distinct and separate from the world. "I will therefore that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works."

God requires of his people a zeal according to knowledge. He desires them to be doers of the word. The outer appearance testifies of the inward working of the heart. The truth received into the heart accomplishes the transformation of the mind and heart and character. To Daniel the Lord revealed the condition of the inhabitants of the earth in these last days. "Many shall be purified," he said, "and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand."

This is a subject the comprehension of which will put to the stretch every spiritual sinew and muscle. There is a great work to be done for the members of the church, to wean them from their idols. The church-members have had great blessings; they have had the living oracles of God opened to their understanding; they have not been left in darkness and error, as those who are doing wickedly. Now God calls upon those who claim to believe the truth to show to the world its converting power on the heart and character, and to reveal to the world that they are of the number who are being purified, and made white, and tried.

A Lesson from Israel's Sin--No. 2

Let us follow the history of Israel further. Moses returned from the mount to find the children of Israel eating and drinking, and dancing and singing around the golden calf. "And he took the calf which they had made, and burnt it in the fire, and ground it to powder, and strewed it upon the water, and made the children of Israel drink of it." This was their god.

Then Moses turned to Aaron and said, "What did this people unto thee, that thou hast brought so great a sin upon them?" The man who might have saved the Hebrews in the hour of their peril is calm. He does not show indignation because of the sins of the people; neither does he reproach himself, nor manifest remorse under the sense of his wrong; but he seeks to justify himself in a grievous sin. He makes the people accountable for his weakness in yielding to their request.

Aaron's course, in permitting such a condition of things, was displeasing to God. Notwithstanding the defiant attitude of the people, Aaron should have stood firm as a rock to duty. Had he stood with true moral courage, and in boldness rebuked the leaders in their shameful request, his timely words would have prevented that terrible apostasy. True, noble decision for the right in the hour of Israel's peril would have balanced their minds in the right direction. But his desire to be popular with the congregation, and his fear of incurring their displeasure, led Aaron to sacrifice the allegiance of the Hebrews in that decisive moment.

This instance should teach us that in every place the church needs faithful sentinels. God's servants are to be very careful lest they encourage anything savoring of idolatry; for the Lord will charge the sin upon them. The church claiming to believe the truth will have all kinds of temptations to enter into a course of action that will divorce the soul from God; and in all our churches, faithful men should be appointed, who will bear responsibilities nobly for God. Firm barriers should be erected to prevent disaffection and corruption from entering the church.

The apostle declares: "A bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; but a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: whose mouths must be stopped."

"Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Who is on the Lord's side? let him come unto me. And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together unto him. And he said unto them, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, Put every man his sword by his side, and go in and out from gate to gate throughout the camp, and slay every man his brother, and every man his companion, and every man his neighbor. And the children of Levi did according to the word of Moses: and there fell of the people that day about three thousand men."

Before this action was taken, opportunity was given for all who would to take sides against idolatry and for God. But when the people stood in sullen stubbornness, God saw that he must punish the transgressors, that there might not be rebellion in the camp of Israel.

In the prayer of Moses we may learn something of the burden brought upon him because of the weakness of Aaron in not standing firm for that which he knew to be right: "And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses said unto the people, Ye have sinned a great sin: and now I will go up unto the Lord; peradventure I shall make an atonement for your sins. And Moses returned unto the Lord, and said, O, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold. Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin--; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written. And the Lord said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book. Therefore now go, lead the people unto the place of which I have spoken unto thee: behold, mine Angel shall go before thee; nevertheless in the day when I visit I will visit their sin upon them."

If the people so mercifully spared by God would repent with that repentance which needs not to be repented of; if they would serve God and honor his name, their sin on this occasion would no more be remembered against them. But if, when tempted, they pursued a similar course; if they showed no strength to resist temptation, but repeated their evil work; if they murmured and complained against Moses, these former sins would be placed to their account as unforgiven.

The Lord did not look favorably upon his people because of their sin. He said: "I will send an Angel before thee; . . . unto a land flowing with milk and honey: for I will not go up in the midst of thee; for thou art a stiff-necked people: lest I consume thee in the way. And when the people heard these evil tidings, they mourned: and no man did put on him his ornaments. For the Lord had said unto Moses, Say unto the children of Israel, Ye are a stiffnecked people: I will come up into the midst of thee in a moment, and consume thee: therefore now put off thy ornaments from thee, that I may know what to do unto thee. And the children of Israel stripped themselves of their ornaments by the mount Horeb. And Moses took the tabernacle, and pitched it without the camp, afar off from the camp, and called it the Tabernacle of the congregation. And it came to pass, that every one which sought the Lord went out unto the tabernacle of the congregation, which was without the camp."

The apostle Paul plainly says that the experiences of the Israelites in their travels have been recorded for the benefit of those who live in this age of the world. He says: "With many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted." "Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples; and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall."

Our dangers are not less, but greater, than were those of the Hebrews. There will be temptations to jealousies and murmurings, and there will be outspoken rebellion, as are recorded of ancient Israel. The Hebrews were not willing to submit to the directions and restrictions of the Lord. They wanted to have their own way, to follow the leadings of their own minds, and to be controlled by their own judgment. But God would have his people disciplined, and brought into harmony of action, that they may be of the same mind and of the same judgment.

Peter exhorts his brethren: "Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble." The apostle Paul also exhorts his Philippian brethren to love and unity: "If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, fulfil ye my joy, that ye be like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vain-glory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others." Again he says, "Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another."

God designs that his people shall be a unit,--that they shall be of the same mind and of the same judgment. The prayer of Christ for his disciples was that they might be one, as he is one with the Father. "Neither pray I for these alone," he said, "but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one; even as we are one. I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me." -

A Trip to Queensland

Our first camp-meeting in Queensland was held in Brisbane, Oct. 14-24, 1898. From the one hundred and seventy-five Sabbath-keepers in all parts of that great colony, over one hundred were at the meeting. Several had come from Townsville, which is one thousand miles to the north, and there were a dozen or more from Rockhampton, which is about half as far. There were a few who had attended one of our camp-meetings in the southern colonies; but to most of those present, this was their first opportunity to attend a general meeting of our people.

For some weeks before this meeting, my health was not good, and my work in writing was very urgent; therefore I was not willing to attend the meeting, and decided not to do so. But in the visions of the night I was addressing large audiences, where the people stretched forth their hands as if to say, We need light. Will you help us? I was shown several companies, varying in size, but all painfully in earnest, reaching out their hands and asking for help, and these words were distinctly spoken to me: "Say not ye, There are four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together."

I dreaded the journey to Brisbane, and would fain have believed that this meant Maitland, Newcastle, and the smaller places within thirty miles from Cooranbong. but again the scene of people calling for help was presented before me, and a voice said, they are as sheep that have not shepherd. Then I said, I will go to the camp-meeting; for the Lord has been teaching me my duty.

We left home Wednesday evening at eight o'clock, and after one hour's ride to Newcastle, changed to the express-train to Brisbane. Accompanied by Sister McEnterfer, I took a small room in the Pullman sleeping-car, while Sister Minnie Hawkins, one of my copyists, and several young ladies from the school, who were going to join Sister Haskell in Bible work in Brisbane, found places in the ordinary carriages.

Although much wearied, I felt very peaceful and quiet in the Lord; and I prayed most earnestly that the Lord would impress upon those attending the camp-meeting the fact that it would not be what they could do that would make the meeting a success, but that their part in its success would depend upon their entire surrender to God. If men desire to place themselves where they can be used of God, they must not criticize others, nor labor to make their defects apparent. This is Satan's special temptation, whereby he strives to hinder the work of God. The Lord can not bless hearts that are not meek and lowly. It is not our work to seek to humble others. The word of God to us is, "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time."

At the meeting before us, there will be many precious souls seeking for light, who know not the reasons for our faith. How important that our attitude shall not be that of condemnation toward those who have been walking in what light they have had. Although they are not walking in the way of God's commandments, he has not forsaken them; for they have supposed that they were obedient, and have testified that they accept Christ as a personal Saviour.

As I awoke in the night, my soul was filled with a hungering and thirsting after righteousness; and in my dreams I was standing before many people, with great earnestness urging them to trust in God, to have increasing faith and confidence in Jesus; for in him all hope of eternal life is centered. He is the chiefest among ten thousand, and altogether lovely. In all our ways we should acknowledge him, and thank him for his manifold benefits. His angels, thousands upon thousands and ten thousand times ten thousand, are commissioned to minister to those who shall be heirs of salvation. They guard us against temporal evil, and press back the powers of darkness, to save us from destruction. If Satan had his way, and carried out his designs, destruction would be seen on every hand. Why is it that we do not value God's watch care? Why is it that we so seldom recount his mercies? Why is it that so little thanksgiving flows back to God? By our failure to express gratitude, we are dishonoring our Maker. Have we not reason to be thankful every moment? And should we not express our thankfulness, even when there are difficulties in our pathway?

When I awoke and looked out of the window, I saw two white clouds. Then I fell asleep again; and in my dreams these words were spoken to me: "Look at these clouds. It was just such clouds as these that enshrouded the heavenly host who proclaimed to the shepherds the birth of the world's Redeemer." I awoke and looked out of the car window again, and there were the two large white clouds, as white as snow. They were distinct, separate clouds, but one would approach and touch the other, and for a moment they would blend together; then they would separate, and remain as distinct as before. They did not disappear, but continued in sight throughout the forenoon. At twelve o'clock we changed cars, and I did not see the clouds any more.

During the day I was deeply impressed with the thought that angels of God, enshrouded in these clouds, were going before us; that we might rejoice in their guardianship, and also in the assurance that we should see of the salvation of God in the meetings to be held in Brisbane. And now that the meetings are over, and we have seen the wonderful interest manifested by the people, I am more than ever sure that heavenly angels were enshrouded in these clouds,--angels that were sent from the courts above to move upon the hearts of the people, and to restrain those distracting influences that sometimes find access to our camp-grounds, by which minds are diverted from the consideration of the vital truths which are daily presented. At this meeting, thousands have heard the gospel invitation, and have listened to truths that they never have heard before. During the whole meeting, there has not been any boisterous opposition, or loud contention from those whose hearts are opposed to the law of God. And throughout the city, we hear of no public opposition. This is an unusual experience; and we believe that the angels of God have been present to press back the powers of darkness, that unbelief should not have the supremacy. The Holy Spirit has also been at work with the efforts of God's servants, that the sword of the Spirit might flash to the right and the left, cutting through the fleshly tables of the heart, piercing the recesses of the soul, and bringing conviction to the consciences of men. If we will discard the rubbish of self, if we will purify our souls by obeying the truth, the workers will individually gain precious experiences. -

The Queensland Camp-Meeting

The Brisbane camp-meeting was held in Woolloongabba, one of the southern suburbs of the city, about three miles from the general post-office. The camp was composed of thirty-three tents, and was situated on high, sloping ground, just far enough from the main thoroughfare to be free from the noise of passing carts and trams. Great economy had been exercised in fitting up the camp, yet everything was neat and orderly, and the entire camp presented a wholesome appearance. At night the large tent and the grounds were brilliantly lighted with electricity, and this added much to the pleasure of those attending the evening meetings.

When we arrived in Brisbane, we were met at the station by Brethren Daniells, Haskell, Wilson, and Palmer, and were taken in a cab to a comfortable house close to the meeting. The next day was Friday; and all were busy completing the preparation of the camp, and getting ready for the Sabbath. At the evening meeting the tent was well filled, eight or nine hundred being present.

Sabbath morning there was a good attendance at the Sabbath-school. At the forenoon service Elder Haskell spoke from the words, "We would see Jesus." Like the Greeks who made this request, the people seemed deeply interested, and the discourse made a deep impression. In the afternoon I spoke about the call to the supper, recorded in Matthew 22. I made special reference to the man who came in without the wedding garment; and sought to arouse all to understand what would be the result if any are found without the wedding garment, the white linen, the robe of Christ's righteousness, provided by the King for all who are bidden to the supper. At an infinite cost to heaven, provision has been made for all, that they may receive grace and sanctification of the Spirit, and be numbered with the blood-washed throng. The wedding garment must be put on in this life. In this life we are to be clothed with the righteousness of Christ. In the evening, Elder Haskell spoke to a large congregation.

In the night I was instructed that in this meeting we must each one look to the Lord, and not to one another, saying, "What shall this man do?" Each one must seek the Lord earnestly to know for himself what he is to do in the service of the Lord. "For by grace are ye saved 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 them. . . . Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit."

It takes all kinds of timber fitly to frame this building, and Jesus Christ himself is to be the chief corner-stone, "in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth into an holy temple in the Lord." This is the work to be done in our camp-meetings. We are to build together, not separately. We are to work unitedly. Every stick of timber is to find its place, that a united framework may be made,--a habitation of God through the Spirit. Let none of us strive to be first: for if we do this, the spirit of self will work until there is no room for the Spirit of God. Let no one climb up on the judgment-seat: for God has placed none of us there. Let no one indulge in evil-surmising. Let us all draw nigh to God. Let us learn of Christ, and wear his yoke. Our brethren and sisters are to understand that they all have a part in the work; and that their work is essential, according to their ability. "We are laborers together with God." We must give to every man his place, because God has given to every man a work; and if any part of this work is neglected, a complete habitation for God is not built.

Sunday morning I attended the early meeting. There were about one hundred present. We realized that the Spirit of the Lord was present, as we made intercession for the people and the ministers, and especially for those in feeble health. In the testimony meeting which followed, we felt the subduing influence of the Lord. Nearly all were weeping. I spoke briefly, showing the necessity of each one seeking the Lord for himself. When our hearts are sanctified with the truth, they will be in unity with the heart of Christ. Says the apostle, "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus." Are self-seeking and self-exaltation pressing their way into your soul? Contemplate Jesus, your Saviour. Think how he humbled himself. He who was commander in the heavenly courts laid aside his crown, his kingly robe, and clothed his divinity with humanity, that humanity might touch humanity, and divinity lay hold upon divinity. It was for the sake of fallen man that he humbled himself.

Some of those present had been standing in their own light. Some had been quick to discover the evil, and to talk of the evil in their brethren; but the good which they had seen in the lives of their brethren, they had not commended. Thus they grieved the heart of Christ, and placed their own souls in jeopardy. It is the will of God that we humble ourselves before him. Let us follow the example of him who humbled himself for us, that we may be uplifted. Thus we shall reveal that we appreciate the sacrifice made in our behalf. "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you." "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." Then "when the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him."

We may learn precious lessons in Christian experience by a study of Jacob's repentance and his wrestling with the angel. Jacob knew his peril. He knew that without the protection of God, he would be helpless before his enemy. He did all in his power to atone for his past transgressions; and then in humiliation and repentance, pleaded for divine protection. With cries and tears he made his supplication to God; and when the strong hand of the angel was laid upon him, he wrestled with all the energy of his being. Jacob put forth all his strength, supposing that he was wrestling with a lawless opponent; but when the Lord put his finger with a divine touch upon Jacob, the wrestling ceased. When Jacob knew that it was the Lord, he fell upon the neck of the angel, and held him, pleading, "Bless me, even me." When the angel said, "Let me go, for the day breaketh," Jacob said, "I will not let thee go, except thou bless me." Then his name was changed, to correspond to the change in his character; for the angel said, "Thy name shall be called no more Jacob [supplanter] but Israel; for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed."

Let us seek the Lord with all the heart. Let us have faith in God. Let us cultivate a prayerful frame of mind. Let us educate the tongue to speak right words,--words that will encourage and strengthen our fellow men. Let us talk of goodness, and mercy, and the love of God. Put away all unbelieving words, and all that is cheap and common. Then the angels of the Lord will be with us, and the peace of God will fill the soul. Following these remarks, many excellent testimonies were borne, and the melting love of God was manifest among those assembled.

In the forenoon, Elder Daniells spoke to a good audience. In the afternoon the tent was full, and many who could not enter stood outside, while I spoke for over an hour on the subject of Christian temperance. In the evening, Elder Haskell spoke on the prophecies of Daniel, making the matter so clear that all could understand the prophecy.

On Friday morning we listened to the wants of the cause as they were presented by Brethren Haskell, Daniells, Semmens, and W. C. White. All about us are fields white unto the harvest; and we all feel an intense desire that these fields shall be entered, and that the standard of truth shall be raised in every city and village. As we study the vastness of the work, and the urgency of entering these fields without delay, we see that hundreds of workers are needed where there are now but two or three, and that we must lose no time in building up those institutions where workers are to be educated and trained.

Those speaking for the Avondale school said that during the first year of the workings of that school, with an attendance of sixty students, there were about thirty who were over sixteen years of age; and from this number, ten were employed during the vacation in various branches of our religious work. During the second year there were one hundred in attendance, and from among fifty who were over sixteen years of age, definite work was found for thirty-two during the vacation. Twenty-five of these were employed by the Conferences and societies in religious work.

From the first, the managers of the school have struggled amid financial difficulties to provide adequate buildings for the work. Each year the buildings provided have been crowded to overflowing, and with the present prospect that the number of students next year would be much increased, they felt that it was an imperative duty to undertake at once to erect the college hall, to cost about seven hundred and fifty pounds, two cottages for teachers, and a carpenter shop, which would bring the expense for buildings up to one thousand pounds.

Those who spoke for the Summer Hill Sanitarium said that this institution had received but little aid from our people in the way of gifts, and that the progress of the work had been slow at the first for the want of facilities with which to work. But amid difficulties its work had grown from the employment of two nurses, at the beginning, to the employment of two physicians, five certificated nurses, six nurses in training, and four other helpers. The earnings had increased from about three hundred pounds the first year to five hundred pounds a quarter. With its present facilities, the effort to train workers is hampered, and the expenses for labor are nearly as much as would be needed to do twice the work if we had larger bath-rooms. By the greatest economy, something has been saved from the earnings of the institution during the last year, but this has all been required to buy furniture, and to pay some of the losses of the first year; therefore the sanitarium has not the means with which to build new bath-rooms, and it appeals to our people to raise five hundred pounds to build and equip a good set of bath-rooms. This will enable the institution to do better work for its patients, to increase its patronage without increasing its running expenses, and to do twice as much as it is now doing in the training of workers, who may afterward go out to establish medical missions in the large cities of all the colonies.

Those who spoke for the health food business pointed out the great need of our having proper foods to place in the hands of those who resolve to give up the use of flesh-foods, and who do not know what to use in the place of meat. They also explained that the location of the food factory at Cooranbong would enable the managers to employ students in the work, and thus strengthen our united educational effort. For this work, five hundred pounds was needed to give the work a start. The loss to our cause will be great if the work is delayed.

The Australasian Union Conference recognized the school, the sanitarium, and the food factory as three agencies working in harmony for the education and training of home and foreign missionaries, who should go forth prepared to minister to the physical, mental, and moral needs of their fellow men. We all feel that the work is urgent. There is no part that can wait. All must advance without delay. In view of this, appeals have been made to our people in all the colonies to raise two thousand pounds for the erection of the necessary buildings this summer.

When the matter was fairly before them, our Queensland brethren and sisters took hold to do their very best; and before the camp-meeting closed, those present had pledged one hundred and twenty-five pounds toward the fund. Thus they set a noble example to their brethren who did not attend the meeting, and to the churches in the other colonies.

At the forenoon meeting on Sabbath, Brother Jesse Pallant was ordained to the gospel ministry. It cheers our hearts to see the young men of these colonies developing in experience, and being consecrated to this holy ministry. In the early morning meeting, the Lord gave me a testimony for the people regarding cheerfulness. We are to cultivate joy and cheerfulness, and thus represent the Lord Jesus Christ. He does not want his people to be mourning and complaining. He would have them talk of his love, their hearts full of hope and courage, their words expressing joy and gladness, their lives revealing the joy of their Saviour. In the afternoon I spoke to a large audience; and when I called forward those who wished to give themselves to the Lord in solemn covenant, fourteen responded, and we had a season of prayer with them.

On Sunday, the camp-ground was thronged with the interested and the curious. It was a busy day for all the workers. All felt that this was a special opportunity for earnest labor; so they mingled with the throng of visitors, conversing, answering questions, reading and explaining the Scriptures, distributing papers and tracts, and taking the addresses of those most interested.

All through the meeting the public interest steadily increased. Our own people were greatly blessed; and their hungry interest to catch every word of truth encouraged the speakers, and drew from them their richest treasures of knowledge and experience. From all parts of Brisbane the people came daily, and every evening the large tent was well filled. The daily papers gave friendly and intelligent reports of the meetings, and the electric tram-cars carried large calico signs, calling attention to the camp-meeting. This, which we had looked forward to as a very small meeting, has proved to be one of the most interesting and profitable camp-meetings held in Australia.

After the Camp-Meeting

The last days of the Brisbane camp-meeting were full of interest. The attendance at the evening meetings steadily increased, and frequently men and women came long distances, saying they had just learned about the meetings. During the second Sunday, the grounds were thronged. Some had been at the meeting the first Sunday, and came again, bringing friends; many we recognized as those who had attended the evening meetings; but there were hundreds who had come to the meeting for the first time. According to appointment, our meeting was to close the following day, but it was evident that the work of the meeting was not finished. It was too busy a time for consultation; for every worker on the grounds was busy, visiting, entertaining the interested and the curious, distributing reading-matter, and holding short Bible readings with those who questioned about the doctrines taught at the meeting. Those who bore the burden of the meeting felt that an earnest effort must be made to follow up this interest, and many prayers ascended that God would direct in planning and executing the work.

In the night, light came to me, and I was deeply moved. It was represented to me that the cloud still rested over the tabernacle. The cloud had not yet lifted, and the tents must not be taken down. This was our time to seek the Lord earnestly for wisdom and strength, and to labor with all our powers to give the warning message to the people. The people were under conviction, and this camp-meeting remained a necessity. I was not able to speak at the early meeting, but sent word that according to light given to me, there ought to be nothing done unnecessarily to give the impression to the people that the meeting had closed.

Arrangements had already been made to keep the large tent standing for a week or two; but it was the plan of our people to take down the family tents as fast as possible, and let all go to their homes except the regularly appointed Bible workers. But now other plans were rapidly formed. A Bible study for workers was appointed to be held each morning; and our people were invited to remain on the grounds, and aid in the work of the following week. As many tents were left standing as possible, and the families that remained to help keep up the public interest and enjoy the Bible studies were furnished the use of tents without charge. A score or more remained on the grounds for another week, and many others would have done so if they had known beforehand of the opportunity.

The experiences of this meeting, with what has been presented to me at various times regarding the holding of camp-meetings in large cities, lead me to advise that a larger number of camp-meetings be held each year, even though some of them are small; for these meetings will be a powerful means of arresting the attention of the masses. By camp-meetings held in the cities, thousands will be called out to hear the invitation to the feast, "Come; for all things are now ready." After arousing an interest, we must not cut these meetings short, pulling down the tents, leaving the people to think that the meeting is over, just at the time when hundreds are becoming interested. It is just then that the greatest good may be accomplished by faithful, earnest work. The meetings must be so managed that the public interest shall be maintained.

It may be difficult, sometimes, to hold the principal speakers for some weeks to develop the interest awakened by the meeting; it may be expensive to retain the grounds, and to keep standing a sufficient number of the family tents to maintain the appearance of a camp-meeting; it may be at a sacrifice that several families remain camping on the grounds, to assist the ministers and Bible workers in visiting and in holding Bible study with those who come on the grounds, and in visiting the people at their homes, telling them of the blessings received at the meetings, and inviting them to come: but the results will be worthy of the effort. It is by such earnest, energetic efforts as these that some of our camp-meetings have been instrumental in raising up strong, working churches; and it is by just such earnest work that the third angel's message must be carried to the people of our cities.

Sometimes a large number of speakers attend a camp-meeting for a few days; and just when the interest of the people is beginning to be fully aroused, nearly all hurry away to another meeting, leaving two or three speakers behind to struggle against the depressing influence of the tearing down and removal of all the family tents. How much better it would be in many cases, if the meetings were continued for a longer time; if persons would come from each church, prepared to remain a month or longer, helping in the meetings, and learning how to labor acceptably. Then they could carry a valuable experience to their churches when they return home. How much better if some of the same speakers who arouse the interest of the people during the largest attendance at the meeting would remain to follow up the work begun, by a thoroughly organized protracted effort. To conduct meetings in this way would require that several be in progress at the same time, and this would not permit a few men to attend all the meetings; but we must remember that the work is to be accomplished "not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts."

Instruction Regarding Labor. For a few days after it was decided to continue the camp-meeting, it was quite a struggle for the workers to keep up heart, because of the distraction which attends the departure of friends, and the resettling preparatory for the summer's work. At the Monday evening meeting the public congregation had voted a hearty request that the meetings continue, and each night the large tent was well filled. The morning Bible classes, which were attended by about thirty persons, were of unusual interest. There were about twelve workers of varied experience and gifts, to be employed in following up the interest awakened by this meeting; and as we saw the extent of the field before them, we wished there were many more.

At the beginning of the Sabbath my heart went out in prayer that God would give wisdom to these workers, and in the visions of the night many words of instruction and encouragement were spoken to us. Ministers and workers were in a meeting where Bible lessons were being given. We said, We have the Great Teacher with us to-day, and we listened with interest to his words. He said: There is a great work before you in this place. You will need to present truth in its simplicity. Bring the people to the waters of life. Speak to them the things which most concern their present and eternal good. Do not present subjects that will arouse controversy,--things that it will require a person of experience by your side to defend. In all that you say, know that you have something that is worthy of the time you take to say it, and of the time of the hearers to hear. Speak of those things which are essential, those things which will instruct, bringing light with every word.

Learn to meet the people where they are. Let not your study of the Scriptures be of a cheap or casual order. Let not your instruction be of a character to perplex the mind. Do not cause the people to worry over things that you may see, but which they do not see, unless these are of vital consequence to the saving of the soul. Do not present the Scriptures in a way to exalt self, and encourage vainglory in the one who opens the Word to others. The work for this time is to train students and workers to deal with subjects in a plain, serious, and solemn manner. There must be no time uselessly employed in this great work. We must not miss the mark. Time is too short for us to undertake to reveal all that might be opened up to view. Eternity will be required that we may know all the length and breadth, the height and depth, of the Scriptures. There are some souls to whom certain truths are of more importance than other truths. Skill is needed in your education in Scriptural lines. Read and study Ps. 40:7, 8; John 1-14; 1 Tim. 3:16; Phil. 2:5-11; Col. 1:14-17; Rev. 5:11-14.

To the apostle John, on the Isle of Patmos, were revealed the things that God desired him to give to the people. Study these revelations. Here are themes worthy of our contemplation, large and comprehensive lessons, which all the angelic hosts are now seeking to communicate. Behold the life and character of Christ, and study his mediatorial work. Here are infinite wisdom, infinite love, infinite justice, infinite mercy. Here are depths and heights, lengths and breadths, for our consideration. Numberless pens have been employed in presenting to the world the life, the character, and the mediatorial work of Christ; yet every mind through whom the Holy Spirit has worked has presented these themes in a light that is fresh and new, according to the mind and spirit of the human agent.

The truth, if received into the heart, is capable of constant development and expansion. It will increase in brightness as we behold it; and as we aspire to grasp it, its height and breadth will ever increase. Thus it will elevate us to the standard of perfection, and fit us for our work by giving us faith and trust in God. We want the truth as it is in Jesus; for we desire to make the people understand what Christ is to them, and what the responsibilities are that they are called upon to accept in him. As his representatives and witnesses, we need to come to a full understanding of the saving truths attained by an experimental knowledge.

Teach the great, practical truths that must be stamped upon the soul. Teach the saving power of Jesus, "in whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins." All should be made to comprehend the power of the truth to those who receive it. "In him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily." Men need to understand that the Deity suffered under the agonies of Calvary. The Majesty of heaven was made to suffer at the hands of wicked men,-- religious zealots, who claimed to be the most enlightened people on the face of the earth. Men claiming to be the children of Abraham worked out the wrath of Satan upon the innocent Son of the infinite God. While Christ was bearing the heavy guilt incurred by man's transgression of the law of God, while in the act of bearing our sins, of carrying our sorrows, he was mocked and reviled by the very men appointed to teach the law, and lead the people to love and obey God.

It was at the cross that mercy and truth met together, that righteousness and peace kissed each other. Let students and workers study this again and again, that they, setting forth the Lord crucified among us, may make it a fresh subject to the people. Teach that the life of Christ reveals an infinitely perfect character. Teach that "as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name." Tell it over and over again, that we may become the sons of God, members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King. Let it be known that all who accept Jesus Christ, and hold the beginning of their confidence firm unto the end, will be heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ, "to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." -

The Newcastle Camp-Meeting

It was a serious question in the minds of the leading men of the New South Wales Conference whether we could hold a camp-meeting this year in this Conference. The meeting held last year in Stanmore was a marked success. From it the truth was sounded forth to the people of Sydney; and through the attendance of visitors from the country, the knowledge of the Sabbath and Advent message was carried to scores of towns and villages throughout the whole colony. But the expense of this meeting had left our little Conference in debt, and it was feared that we would have to forego a camp-meeting this year, for lack of funds.

Finally, it was proposed that we hold the meeting in Newcastle. As there had never been a camp-meeting in Newcastle, there would be no unfavorable comparisons if this was a small one. Being only twenty-five miles from Cooranbong, it was thought that the brethren of the Avondale church could assist much in fitting up the grounds, and in furnishing supplies, which would help to carry the meeting through without great expense. It was also thought that the time had fully come for us to make a decided effort to present the truth to the eighty thousand people of Newcastle and its surrounding towns; and we knew that the best possible way to do this was by holding a camp-meeting, following it with tent-meetings, accompanied by visiting, Bible work, the selling of the Bible Echo and religious and health books, and by Christian Help work, and the establishment of a medical mission.

Repeatedly during the last five years, it has been presented to me that a great work is to be done in the cities of Australasia, that the present is a favorable time to work, and that no time should be lost; and recently light has come to me, encouraging us to put forth greater efforts in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, and indicating that the time has come for us to enter Newcastle and its surrounding towns. Several small companies were presented to me, and with them two larger companies that were stretching out their hands imploringly, saying, "'Come over, . . . and help us,' We are starving for the Bread of life." In the two larger companies some were praying, some were weeping. A voice said, "They are as sheep without a shepherd. I will feed my flock. I will give them the living Bread from heaven." During the camp-meetings just held in Brisbane and Newcastle, I recognized in the congregations assembled the two larger companies that I had seen calling for help.

We had feared that this would be a small, thinly attended meeting, but our people came out well. From a membership of four hundred in the Conference, there were over two hundred at the camp-meeting. And in the outside attendance we were pleasantly surprised. At the first evening meeting there were a thousand present. Contrary to out fears, it was proved that the holiday season was the best to secure a large attendance of the most earnest, serious people. I have never attended meetings where a deeper, more abiding interest was manifested.

During the first Sabbath of the meeting, we felt that the heavenly angels were in the camp. The outside elements seemed to be working against us. There was a severe tempest of wind and rain, but no one seemed to be discouraged. The heavenly streams of the love of God flowed into our hearts, and the countenances of some revealed the Holy Spirit's work. Several not of our faith took part with us in thanksgiving and praise to God. When the rain came down in torrents, we poured out our thanksgiving in songs of praise. Many testified that it was the best Sabbath meeting they had ever enjoyed.

An Impressive Dream. During the night of the first Sabbath of the Newcastle meeting, I seemed to be in meeting, presenting the necessity and importance of our receiving the Spirit. This was the burden of my labor,--the opening of our hearts to the Holy Spirit. On one occasion Christ told his disciples, "I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye can not bear them now." Their limited comprehension put a restraint on him. He could not open to them the truths he longed to unfold; for while their hearts were closed to them, his unfolding of these truths would be labor lost. They must receive the Spirit before they could fully understand Christ's lessons. "The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost," Christ said, "whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."

In my dream a sentinel stood at the door of an important building, and asked every one who came for entrance, "Have ye received the Holy Ghost?" A measuring-line was in his hand, and only very, very few were admitted into the building. "Your size as a human being is nothing," he said. "But if you have reached the full stature of a man in Christ Jesus, according to the knowledge you have had, you will receive an appointment to sit with Christ at the marriage supper of the Lamb; and through the eternal ages, you will never cease to learn of the blessings granted in the banquet prepared for you.

"You may be tall and well-proportioned in self, but you can not enter here. None can enter who are grown-up children, carrying with them the disposition, the habits, and the characteristics which pertain to children. If you have nurtured suspicions, criticism, temper, self-dignity, you can not be admitted; for you would spoil the feast. All who go in through this door have on the wedding garment, woven in the loom of heaven. Those who educate themselves to pick flaws in the characters of others, reveal a deformity that makes families unhappy, that turns souls from the truth to choose fables. Your leaven of distrust, your want of confidence, your power of accusing, closes against you the door of admittance. Within this door nothing can enter that could possibly mar the happiness of the dwellers by marring their perfect trust in one another. You can not join the happy family in the heavenly courts; for I have wiped all tears from their eyes. You can never see the King in his beauty if you are not yourself a representative of his character.

"When you give up your own will, your own wisdom, and learn of Christ, you will find admittance into the kingdom of God. He requires entire, unreserved surrender. Give up your life for him to order, mold, and fashion. Take upon your neck his yoke. Submit to be led and taught by him. Learn that unless you become as a little child, you can never enter the kingdom of heaven."

"Abiding in Christ is choosing only the disposition of Christ, so that his interests are identified with yours. Abide in him, to be and to do only what he wills. These are the conditions of discipleship, and unless they are complied with, you can never find rest. Rest is in Christ; it can not be as something apart from him.

"The moment his yoke is adjusted to your neck, that moment it is found easy; then the heaviest spiritual labor can be performed, the heaviest burdens borne, because the Lord gives the strength and the power, and he gives gladness in doing the work. Mark the points: 'Learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart.' Who is it that speaks thus?--The Majesty of heaven, the King of glory. He desires that your conception of spiritual things shall be purified from the dross of selfishness, the defilement of a crooked, coarse, unsympathetic nature. You must have an inward, higher experience. You must obtain a growth in grace by abiding in Christ. When you are converted, you will not be a hindrance, but will strengthen your brethren."

As these words were spoken, I saw that some turned sadly away and mingled with the scoffers. Others, with tears, all broken in heart, made confession to those whom they had bruised and wounded. They did not think of maintaining their own dignity, but asked at every step. "What must I do to be saved?" The answer was, "Repent, and be converted, that your sins may go beforehand to judgment, and be blotted out." Words were spoken which rebuked spiritual pride. This God will not tolerate. It is inconsistent with his word and with our profession of faith. Seek the Lord, all ye who are ministers of his. Seek him while he may be found, call upon him while he is near. "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon."

As I presented these principles to the people in the Sabbath meeting, all seemed to feel that the Lord had spoken through the feeble instrument. We called upon those who wished to consecrate themselves to the Lord, and several responded. After these had borne their testimony, the rain came down in torrents. It seemed as if the windows of heaven were opened. I made this a symbol of what the Lord will do for his people in letting the latter rain of his rich blessing in truth and righteousness fall upon them. We devoted some time to singing "The Evergreen Shore," "Is My Name Written There?" "When the Mists Have Rolled Away," and similar songs. As soon as the storm abated, we had a season of prayer, and Elders Daniells and Robinson prayed in the Spirit, as I had never heard them pray before. The meeting then closed.

The Newcastle Camp-Meeting [Concluded]

There were no business meetings held at the Newcastle camp-meeting; therefore the people were free to devote their whole time to the spiritual interests of the meeting. The annual session of the Conference had been held in the winter, just after the week of prayer; and the matter of raising funds for the school, the sanitarium, and the health food factory had been presented to all the churches a few weeks before. This gave to the ministers and the people time to study the Word, time to meditate, and opportunity to converse with those who visited the camp. It also left us free to organize strong companies of workers to go out during the camp-meeting into Newcastle and its various suburbs to distribute literature, and invite people to the meetings. By this means, hundreds of persons were secured as regular attendants during the last half of the meeting, who might otherwise have thought little about it.

The responsibilities of the meeting were wisely distributed among many workers, so none were borne down by a crushing load. Brethren Daniells, Tenney, Colcord, and Starr spoke to the large audiences in the evenings. I usually attended the morning meetings, and spoke in the afternoon four times each week. Brethren Tenney and Lacey conducted daily meetings with the young people The Bible studies on practical lessons given at these meetings were greatly appreciated; and before the camp-meeting closed, many of our young people took advanced steps in consecration. Bible studies were conducted in the large tent each day by Brethren Starr, Tenney, and Robinson.

Lectures on health topics were given almost every day at five o'clock in the afternoon, by Dr. Caro and Brethren Semmens and Reekie. These lectures awakened a great interest, and led to the organization of a large health club. This work, if properly followed, should result in the establishment of a well-organized medical mission in Newcastle. But where can we look for the workers to conduct it, without weakening our work in Sydney? Our Sanitarium in Sydney ought to be put on such a footing that it could establish branches in other cities; and we pray earnestly that it may receive the support which the character of its work demands.

Children's meetings were organized and led by Sister S. E. Peck, assisted by efficient Sabbath-school workers. A large number of children attended daily, but they were so quiet and orderly that by many their presence in the camp was hardly noticed. They seemed enthusiastic in their enjoyment of the meetings, and they exerted a strong influence for the encouragement of their parents to attend. I will give a brief outline of the work done, as written out by one who had a part in it.

The Children's Work. In the work done with and for the children at this meeting, an effort was made not only to help them, but to instruct and aid those who had been working, and others who wished a preparation for work, with the children in our Sabbath-schools.

With this in view, on the first Sabbath the children were organized into departments and classes, and the teachers began their work. Each day the teachers met for counsel and instruction. A part of the time of these meetings was devoted to a consideration of such subjects as--

What Makes a Successful Teacher.

How to Secure Well-learned Lessons.

Value and Danger of Object-lessons.

Need of Order, and How to Secure It.

Use of the Blackboard.

Music.

The rest of the time was given to a careful study of the lesson to be given to the children.

The subjects of the lessons given were as follows:--

"Make Straight Paths for Your Feet."

Parable of the Houses on the Rock and on the Sand.

Parable of the Good Samaritan.

" " " Prodigal Son.

" " " Sower.

Sabbath, Dec. 31, 1898.

The Sabbath-school Lesson.

Song Service.

A Happy New Year, and How to Make It.

The Evils of Small Sins.

Parable of the Tares.

Parable of the Lost Sheep.

God's Record Books and the Book of Life.

The New Jerusalem.

The Sabbath-school Lesson.

"The Candle Sermon:" "Ye are the Light of the World."

A Lesson from Flowers and Fruit.

The motto for the first week was, "This Week for Jesus;" at the beginning of the second week, it was changed to, "This Year for Jesus."

At the beginning of the work, there were six children in the primary department and about fifteen in the kindergarten. As soon as the children living in the surrounding neighborhood learned of the meetings being held for them, they began to attend, and each day found from twenty to thirty new ones added to our classes. The average daily attendance from the outside was between eighty and one hundred, and most of the children were very regular. The same spirit of earnestness, attention, and order which characterized the services among the older ones, marked the children's meetings. Both in the class work and in the general review exercises the work was so arranged that the children had a part in doing as well as listening , and in this way they soon felt at home, and their eagerness to bear some part in the work testified to their interest.

Each lesson opened with a general exercise, which was followed by the class studies; and at the close all reassembled for a brief review and song. In the opening exercises, after the song and prayer, the motto and all the memory verses previously learned were recited, either in concert or individually, or both. A short, appropriate reading or recitation was given by one of the children who had previously volunteered to prepare it. The "Scripture alphabet" was learned and recited by the children, each choosing his own letter and verse. The selection and learning of the verses were done at home, and these responsibilities placed upon the children proved an additional incentive for them to be present the following day, and to be regular in attendance.

The ready responses in the review exercises testified that the interest in class work had been marked, and that many valuable truths had found their way into the minds and hearts of the children. As the children returned to their homes, the parents were surprised and pleased to hear them repeat the whole lesson. Many parents expressed, in various ways, their appreciation of the work that had been done for the children, and regretted that we must leave so soon.

Several teachers from Sunday-schools attended the meetings, and expressed themselves as greatly pleased and benefited by the work done. One gentleman, a Sunday-school superintendent, came on the grounds at the first of the meeting, as he afterward said, discouraged with his own work, and with a feeling of opposition to ours. He attended the children's and teachers' meetings regularly, and said that he gradually felt all his opposition leaving him, and found himself in hearty sympathy with our work. Before he had attended three lessons, he said he would like to become one of us; for he could feel a power present which he did not know among his own people.

Parents sometimes came with their children, and seemed as much interested as the little ones. Others, though not in harmony with our views, took the trouble neatly to dress their children, and allowed them to come. Some parents remarked that they did not know what we did with their children, but that one thing was certain,--the children would come, and they could not keep them at home. Some of the children came long distances, and we have every reason to believe that much of the seed sown fell into good ground.

Closing Work of the Meeting. On the second Sabbath the revival work was continued. After the morning service an appeal was made to the unconverted and those who desired to renew their connection with God. A large number responded. Then the congregation separated, those who were seeking a new experience being invited to another tent for prayer and counsel, while the rest of the congregation remained to engage in prayer for them. The effort was greatly blessed. To many it did indeed seem to mark the beginning of a new life.

On the evening after the third Sabbath, Dr. Caro spoke to nearly three thousand persons on the subject, "The Man and the Habit." The lecture was illustrated by lime-light views showing the terrible power of habit as seen in the downward course of the drunkard, from the innocent child to the sin-hardened criminal. Solemn and instructive was this object-lesson. The effects of the tobacco curse, the liquor curse, the opium curse, were vividly portrayed. Then a powerful appeal was made for the shielding of the youth from evil associations, and for the offer of a helping hand to the tempted and the fallen. At the close, several hymns--"God Be with You till We Meet Again," and others--were shown on the screen, and sung by the whole audience, with an earnestness and feeling that made my heart glad.

I never before attended a camp-meeting where it seemed so much as if the stately tread of the mighty host of heaven was among us. Newcastle with all its suburbs is deeply moved, and the interest extends to other towns and cities. Several ministers and workers are to remain here, and meetings will be continued in the large tent. We pray for an abundant harvest from the seed that has been sown. -

Come Unto Me, . . . and I Will Give You Rest

Here is a giving by Christ, and on our part an acceptance of the promise, a conscious finding, a sense of relief from all perplexing doubt. Simple enough, is it not?--Thus it appears. But the promise is large and far-reaching. It implies much. It means deliverance from constant, perplexing uncertainty. The word "rest" is repeated. "I will give you rest." Learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls."

The reason there are so many in perplexity is because they take their case into their own finite hands, and manufacture yokes that are not pleasant for them to wear. They think they understand their needs, and they worry and plan and devise, while Christ stands inviting,"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 is light." The yokes of human manufacture gall the necks that wear them. Christ says, Try my yoke; it is easy: lift my burdens; for they are light.

If you have not found that rest offered to all who will learn of him who is meek and lowly in heart, would you not better yoke up with Christ without delay? Bear only his burdens. Do not load yourself with cares that weigh you down to the ground. Your troubles come because you are so anxious to manage matters yourself that you do not wear the yoke of Christ.

By some the promise of God is grasped so eagerly that it becomes their own, and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit is their experience. Others suppose that they must wait until they become worthy. To these I would say, Never, never, will you become worthy. If this were possible, the Prince of heaven need not have come to our world. But by taking our human nature, he declared to the heavenly universe that he united humanity to divinity, in order that men and women might stand on vantage-ground, and be once more tested and tried. Through the sacrifice and merits of the Redeemer, man is made a partaker of the divine nature; but he must act his part by co-operating with the one who has promised. Not only does Christ say, "I will give you rest," but, "Ye shall find rest unto your souls."

We are told in God's word to "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." What does this mean?--Fear lest you shall err in choosing the timber for your character-building. God alone can supply solid timber. Well may mortal man be afraid lest he shall weave into his character the defective threads of his inherited and cultivated tendencies to wrong. Well may he tremble lest he shall not submit all things to him who is working in his behalf, that God's will may be done in him.

Discard your citizen's dress, and put on the wedding garment which Christ has prepared. Then you can sit in heavenly places with Christ Jesus. God welcomes all who come to him just as they are, not building themselves up in self-righteousness, not seeking to justify self, not claiming merits for what they call good actions, not priding themselves on their supposed knowledge. While you have been walking and working in meekness and lowliness of heart, a work has been done for you,--a work that only God could do. It is God who works in you, both to will and to do of his good pleasure. That good pleasure is to see you abiding in Christ, resting in his love. Let not anything rob your soul of peace, of restfulness, of the assurance that you are accepted just now. Claim every promise; all are yours if you will comply with the prescribed terms. Entire self-surrender, an acceptance of Christ's ways, is the secret of perfect rest in his love.

The abiding rest--who has it? That rest is found when all self-justification, all reasoning from a selfish standpoint, is put away. Entire self-surrender, an acceptance of his ways, is the secret of perfect rest in his love. We must learn his meekness and lowliness before we experience the fulfilment of the promise, "Ye shall find rest unto your souls." It is by learning the habits of Christ that self becomes transformed,--by taking his yoke, and then submitting to learn.

Giving up the life to Christ means much more than many suppose. God calls for an entire surrender. We can not receive the Holy Spirit until we break every yoke that binds us to our objectionable traits of character. These are the great hindrances to wearing Christ's yoke and learning of him. There is no one who has not much to learn. All must be trained by Christ. When we fall upon the living Rock, our wrong traits of character are taken away as hindrances to perfection of character. When self dies, Christ lives in the human agent. Acquaintance with Christ makes us long to abide in him, and to have him abide in us.

Christ desires all to become his students. He says, Yield yourselves to my training. I will not extinguish you, but will work out for you a character that will fit you to be raised from the lower grade to the higher school. Submit all things to me. Let my life, my patience, my long-suffering, my meekness, my lowliness, be worked out in your character, as one who abides in me. Then you will have power to overcome.

Will those who hear, hear to a purpose? A Paul may plant, and an Apollos water, but God gives the increase. Do not manufacture many things that you must do in order to find rest, assurance, confidence. Leave this work, which not even the wisest of the human family can do, and put your trust in One who has promised rest to your soul. Do just what he has told you to do, and be assured that God will do all that he has said he would do. The promise is, "Come unto me, . . . and I will give you rest." Have you come to him, renouncing all your make-shifts, all your unbelief, all your self-righteousness? Come just as you are, weak, helpless, and ready to die. What is the "rest" promised?--It is the consciousness that God is true, that he never disappoints the one who comes to him. His pardon is full and free, and his acceptance means rest to the soul, rest in his love.

An Example of Faithfulness--No. 1

The children of Israel were taken captive to Babylon because they separated from God, and no longer maintained the principles that had been given to keep them free from the methods and practises of the nations who dishonored God. The Lord could not give them prosperity, he could not fulfil his covenant with them, while they were untrue to the principles he had given them zealously to maintain. By their spirit and their actions they misrepresented his character, and he permitted them to be taken captive. Because of their separation from him, he humbled them. He left them to their own ways, and the innocent suffered with the guilty.

The Lord's chosen people proved themselves untrustworthy. They showed themselves to be selfish, scheming, dishonorable. But among the children of Israel there were Christian patriots, who were as true as steel to principle, and upon these loyal men the Lord looked with great pleasure. These were men who would not be corrupted by selfishness, who would not mar the work of God by following erroneous methods and practices, men who would honor God at the loss of all things. They had to suffer with the guilty, but in the providence of God their captivity at Babylon was the means of bringing them to the front, and their example of untarnished integrity shines with heaven's luster.

Nehemiah and Ezra are men of opportunity. The Lord had a special work for them to do. They were to call upon the people to consider their ways, and to see where they had made their mistake; for the Lord had not suffered his people to become powerless and confused and to be taken into captivity without a cause. The Lord especially blessed these men for standing up for the right. Nehemiah was not set apart as a priest or a prophet, but the Lord used him to do a special work. He was chosen as a leader of the people. But his fidelity to God did not depend upon his position.

The Lord will not allow his work to be hindered, even though the workmen may prove unworthy. God has men in reserve, prepared to meet the demand, that his work may be preserved from all contaminating influences. God will be honored and glorified. When the divine Spirit impresses the mind of the man appointed by God as fit for the work, he responds, saying, "Here am I; send me."

God demonstrated to the people for whom he had done so much that he would not serve with their sins. He wrought, not through those who refused to serve him with singleness of purpose, who had corrupted their ways before him, but through Nehemiah; for he was registered in the books of heaven as a man . God has said, "Them that honor me I will honor." Nehemiah showed himself to be a man whom God could use to put down false principles and to restore heaven-born principles; and God honored him. The Lord will use in his work men who are as true as steel to principle, who will not be swayed by the sophistries of those who have lost their spiritual eyesight.

Nehemiah was chosen by God because he was willing to co-operate with the Lord as a restorer. Falsehood and intrigue were used to pervert his integrity, but he would not be bribed. He refused to be corrupted by the devices of unprincipled men, who had been hired to do an evil work. He would not allow them to intimidate him into following a cowardly course. When he saw wrong principles being acted upon, he did not stand by as an onlooker, and by his silence give consent. He did not leave the people to conclude that he was standing on the wrong side. He took a firm, unyielding stand for the right. He would not lend one jot of influence to the perversion of the principles that God has established. Whatever the course others might pursue, he could say, "So did not I, because of the fear of God."

In his work, Nehemiah kept the honor and glory of God ever in view. The governors that had been before him had dealt unjustly with the people, "and had taken of them bread and wine, beside forty shekels of silver; yea, even their servants bear rule over the people." "But so did not I," Nehemiah declared, "because of the fear of God."

It was Nehemiah's aim to set the people right with God. He found the book of the law, and caused it to be read in the hearing of the people. "Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month. And he read therein before the street that was before the water-gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law. . . . And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground. . . . Also day by day, from the first day unto the last day, he read in the book of the law of God."

In the ninth chapter of Nehemiah the works of the Lord in behalf of his people are recorded. The sins of the people in turning from God are pointed out. These sins had separated them from God, and he had permitted them to be brought under the control of heathen nations.

This history has been recorded for our benefit. What has been will be, and we need to look to God for counsel. We must not trust to the counsel of men. We need increased discernment, that we may distinguish between truth and error. The history of the children of Israel shows the sure result of turning from Bible principles to the customs and practises of men. The Lord will not serve with any plans which gratify the selfishness of men, and blight his work. He will not give prosperity to devices that lead away from fidelity to his commandments. He demands that the talents lent to man shall be used in keeping his way, in doing justice and judgment, whether it be to break down or to restore and build up. God would not have us follow the wisdom of men who have disregarded his word, and made themselves a reproach by their practises and counsels. They have laid themselves as manacled victims on the altar of mammon, and the plainest, simplest principles of Christianity are disregarded by them. Satan triumphs; for the light of the Sun of Righteousness does not shine into their hearts.

We are to follow no false theories in regard to dealing with our brethren. The Lord needs men who are as firm as a rock to principle. We must have more than a pretense of righteousness; for we shall have to meet theories that can not bear the light of close inspection. They are not supported by a "Thus saith the Lord," and should find no place in our work; for we are to represent God in character.

All who learn of Christ to be meek and lowly will be his witnesses. They have a living connection with him, and they will reveal the Christlikeness in the smallest things of life. Truth and righteousness will also be revealed in their most important actions; for "he that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much." Let all who claim to be Christians bear constantly a living testimony to the truth as it is in Jesus. From Christ, the source of living power, they will receive their message.

An Example of Faithfulness--No. 2

There are two great principles, one of loyalty, the other of disloyalty. We all need greater Christian courage, that we may uplift the standard on which is inscribed the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. We are to make no compromise with the leaders of rebellion. The line of demarcation between the obedient and the disobedient must be plain and distinct. We must have a firm determination to do the Lord's will at all times and in all places.

Speaking of Satan, Christ said, "He . . . abode not in the truth." There are in every age souls of whom these words might be spoken. Before his fall, Satan was highly exalted. His position was next to that of Christ, and he was radiant with holiness. But he swerved from his allegiance to the blessed and only Potentate, and lost his high position. From this time he became an avowed antagonist of God, and influenced others to unite with him against God. Planting the standard of rebellion, he rallied the supporters of his disaffection, that evil might become a power against good.

To-day men are following Satan's lead. All who break the law of God, and teach others to do so are Satan's agents. Satan is the root, and those who teach others to break the least of God's commandments are the branches. They are warring against the law of Jehovah, and in the books of heaven their names are recorded as associate rebels with the first great apostate.

Christian strength is obtained by serving the Lord faithfully. Young men and young women should realize that to be one with Christ is the highest honor to which they can attain. By the strictest fidelity they should strive for moral independence, and this independence they should maintain against every influence that may try to turn them from righteous principles. Stronger minds may, yes, they will, make assertions that have no foundation in truth. Let the heavenly eye-salve be applied to the eyes of your understanding, that you may distinguish between truth and error. Search the Word; and when you find a "Thus saith the Lord," take your stand.

God is looking with interest upon the youth. He would have every Christian manifest the same interest in children and youth; for the time of temptation has come to our world, and the young must be labored for, hunted for, and brought into the fold. Awaken the consciences of young men and women by holding forth in clear, simple language the word of the living God. Present it to them as the young man's counselor, urging them to follow its teachings. When they see professed Christians neglecting their words and deportment, and doing things that are contrary to a "Thus saith the Lord," they are to turn from them, that they may say, as did Nehemiah, "So did not I, because of the fear of God."

In "Pilgrim's Progress" there is a character called Pliable. Youth, shun this character. Those represented by it are very accommodating, but they are as a reed shaken by the wind. They possess no will-power. Every youth needs to cultivate decision. A divided state of the will is a snare, and will be the ruin of many youth. Be firm, else you will be left with your house, or character, built upon a sandy foundation. There are many who are on the wrong side, when the Lord desires them to be faithful men, who can distinguish good from evil.

Manifest decision at any cost. Do not yield to the influence brought to bear upon you by men who show that they act without spiritual guidance. The power by which they are guided is a power from beneath. Yet they are so talkative that their misstatements have great force with men who ought to know better than to be swayed by superficial religious characters, whose conscience may be represented by an India-rubber ball.

Turn away from such men. Be as little as possible in their society. They have talents; and if they were converted, they could lead others in safe paths; but they are unconverted, and therefore they are not to be trusted. Those who would walk in the path cast up for the chosen of the Lord, must not be swayed in matters of conscience by men who have often been zealous for the wrong. They must show moral independence, and must not be afraid to be singular.

The wrong customs, practises, and theories of the world are to find no recognition in the life of the one who has chosen to be on the Lord's side. Consecrate all that there is of you--soul, body, and spirit--to the Lord. Yield every power you have to the control of the Holy Spirit.

False shepherds are many, and the Lord has warned us in regard to them. "Enter ye in at the strait gate," he says; "for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree can not bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them."

Many are changed by every current. They wait to hear what some one else thinks, and his opinion is accepted as altogether true. If they would lean wholly upon God, they would grow strong in his strength; but they do not say to the Lord, I can not make any decision until I know thy will. Their natural inclination is to allow another to be conscience for them; and they speak after he has spoken, saying what he says, and acting as he acts. When these persons are placed in circumstances where they must think and act for themselves, they dare not express any decided opinion. Yet often, like Aaron, they have much ability. God pity such weaklings.

When men connected with the work of God allow themselves to be bought and sold, when they violate truth in order to gain the favor and approval of men, God records them as betrayers of sacred trust. Let every man stand in moral independence, resolved that his mind shall be molded only by the Holy Spirit. God calls for minute-men, who are not ready to echo the words of unconverted men. In an emergency such men are sure to lead into false paths. The Lord desires us to follow on step by step to know him.

"Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." We must free ourselves from the customs and bondage of society, that when the principles of our faith are at stake, we shall not hesitate to show our colors, even though we are called singular for so doing. Keep the conscience tender, that you may hear the faintest whisper of the voice that spoke as never man spoke. Let all who would wear the yoke of Christ show an inflexible purpose to do right because it is right. Keep the eye fixed on Jesus, inquiring at every step, Is this the way of the Lord? The Lord will not leave any one who does this, to become the sport of Satan's temptation.

When perplexities arise, as they are sure to do, draw near to God, and he will draw near to you; and then when the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard for you. Decide that there is a great work to be done, and that no man's influence or opposition shall divert you from the plain path of duty. Then you can say, with Nehemiah, "Remember me, O my God, for good."

Do not imitate men. Study your Bibles, and imitate Christ. Do not lend yourselves to any selfish confederacy. Do not bind yourselves to stand by one another in any questionable matter. Scheming, underhand working, and untruthful practises, which much talk has made apparently justifiable, have been and are still carried on. Church-members have engaged in lines of work that have corrupted their sense of honor. They can never be saved unless the Lord, by his Spirit, shall touch their hearts, leading them to see that their entire system of working is condemned by the Bible.

We are not to fashion ourselves after the world's type. God's people will hear conversations regarding the carrying out of wrong methods and plans. Words of irreverence will be spoken. Religion will be jested about. Hear the voice of God: "My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not." Those who are controlled by the Spirit of God are to keep their perceptive faculties awake; for the time has come when their integrity and loyalty to God and to one another will be tested. Do not commit the least injustice in order to gain an advantage for yourselves. Do unto others, in small matters as well as in great, as you would that others should do unto you. God says, "Ye are my witnesses." You are to act in my place. Could the curtain be rolled back, you would see the heavenly universe looking with intense interest upon the one who is tempted. If you do not yield to the enemy, there is joy in heaven. When the first suggestion of wrong is heard, dart a prayer to heaven, and then firmly resist the temptation to tamper with the principles condemned in God's word. The first time the temptation comes, meet it in such a decided manner that it will never be repeated. Turn from the one who has ventured to present wrong practises to you. Resolutely turn from the tempter, saying, I must separate from your influence; for I know you are not walking in the footsteps of our Saviour.

Even though you may not feel able to speak a word to those who are working on wrong principles, leave them. Your withdrawal and silence may do more than words. Nehemiah refused to associate with those who were untrue to principle, and he would not permit his workmen to associate with them. The love and fear of God were his safeguard. He lived and worked as in view of the unseen world. And David said, "I have set the Lord always before me."

Dare to be a Daniel. Dare to stand alone. Thus, as did Moses, you will endure the seeing of Him who is invisible. But a cowardly and silent reserve before evil associates, while you listen to their devices, makes you one with them. "Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty."

Have courage to do right. The Lord's promise is more valuable than gold and silver to all who are doers of his word. Let all regard it as a great honor to be acknowledged by God as his children. If children, then we are heirs, heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ, to the heavenly inheritance. Then should not all believers be witnesses? Should not the language of their hearts be, "O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day." To the soul who loves God the law is not a burden. He delights in the law of God after the inner man, and his prayer is, "Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of they law." The word of God is the voice of the Father to the heart of the child, and the child expresses his love by saying, "I delight to do thy will, O my God."

The Excellency of the Soul

[IN PLACE OF THE USUAL STUDY, THIS WEEK I GIVE TO MY SISTERS A PORTION OF A LETTER JUST RECEIVED FROM SISTER WHITE. IT IS SO FULL OF GOOD THINGS THAT I FEEL I MUST SHARE IT WITH YOU, KNOWING THAT IT WILL BE A MEANS OF STRENGTH AND ENCOURAGEMENT TO YOU, AS IT HAS BEEN TO ME.--S. M. I. H.]

"Sunnyside," Cooranbong, N. S. W., March 25,1899. Dear Sister Henry: I awoke at two o'clock, and know there is no more sleep for me. Your letter was read with interest, and I am grateful to my Heavenly Father, that although we can not meet face to face, we can have the advantages of pen and ink for communicating with each other.

There is a large work to be done, and we are seeking to do all we can in Newcastle and suburbs. The ministers are now aroused to opposition. We feel sorry for these shepherds, and sorry for the poor sheep who are starving for the precious words of life, which we, as God's servants, would be glad to give them, and which they long to receive, but of which they are afraid. God help them, is my prayer. If we could only impress them with the value of the human soul! If they could be proofs be made to understand that they must each act for himself, that each has a soul to save or to lose, then they would each act individually and independently of any human influence. If we can make these souls, who are waiting in the balance, to see, once to have a clear conviction of, the excellency of the human soul, which Christ has so valued as to give his life to save, we would be able to win them. What an account the ministers must meet who are making of none effect the plain, distinct "Thus saith the Lord."

The work you are doing to help our sisters feel their individual accountability to God is a good and necessary work. Long has it been neglected; but when this work has been laid out in clear lines, simple and definite, we may expect that the essential duties of the home, instead of being neglected, will be done much more intelligently. The Lord would ever have us urge upon those who do not understand, the worth of the human soul.

If we can arrange, as you are now working, to have regularly organized companies intelligently instructed in regard to the part they should act as servants of the Master, our churches will have life and vitality such as have been so long needed.

Christ our Saviour appreciated the excellency of the soul. Our sisters have generally a very hard time, with their increasing families and their unappreciated trials. I have so longed for women who could be educators to help them to arise from their discouragement, and to feel that they could do a work for the Lord. And this effort is bringing rays of sunshine into their lives, and is being reflected upon the hearts of others. God will bless you, and all who shall unite with you, in this grand work.

Many youth as well as our older sisters manifest themselves shy of religious conversation. They do not take in the matter as it is. The word of God must be their assurance, their hope, their peace. They close the windows that should open heavenward, and open the windows wide earthward. But when they shall see the excellency of the human soul, they will close the windows earthward, cease depending on earthly amusements and associations, break away from folly and sin, and will open the windows heavenward, that they may behold spiritual things. Then can they say, I will receive the light of the Sun of Righteousness, that I may shine forth to others.

The most successful toilers are those who will cheerfully work to serve God in small things. Every human being is to work with his own individual thread, weave it into the fabric that composes the web, and complete the pattern.

The work of Christ was largely composed of personal interviews. He had a faithful regard for the one-soul audience; and that one soul has carried to thousands the intelligence received.

Educate the youth to help the youth; and in seeking to do this work each will gain experience that will qualify him to become a consecrated worker in a larger sphere. Thousands of hearts can be reached in the most simple way. The most intellectual, those who are looked upon and praised as the world's great and gifted men and women, are often refreshed by the most humble, simple words spoken by one who loves God, who can speak of that love as naturally as worldlings can speak of those things which their minds contemplate and feed upon. Words, even if well prepared and studied, have little influence; but the true, honest work of a son or a daughter of God in words, or in a service of little things, done in natural simplicity, will unbolt the door, which has long been locked, to many souls.

But let every worker, whether a child, a youth, or a person of mature age, put on Christ; that is, seek him in prayer, and believe that his prayers are accepted of God, because he has charged all to watch and to pray without ceasing. Some pray during the week of prayer, and then suppose their praying may cease; and as they do not continue to pray, they do not continue to receive. They must continue to ask, that they may receive. Ask, and you shall receive. Seek me, and you shall find me close beside you, ready to shield, to help, to bless you. I will lead the current of your thoughts away from cheap and frivolous things. I will open for you subjects to contemplate that will give you my peace, my joy, and consolation, that will take away your worries. Our powers are not to be employed and worn out with responsibilities that belong to God, and not to any human being. Then let us educate the soul not to chafe and irritate and weaken its powers unnecessarily, but keep itself in calmness and in peace.

The wails of a world's sorrows are all around us; its shadow is pressing in upon us, and our minds must be ready for every good word and work because we know we have the presence of Jesus. The sweet influence of his Holy Spirit is teaching and guiding our thoughts, to speak the words that will refresh and cheer and brighten the path of others.

If we can, my sister, we should speak often to our sisters, and lead them in the place of saying "Go." Lead them to do as we should do: to feel as we should feel, a strong and abiding perception of the value of the human soul. We are learners that we may be teachers. This idea must be imprinted in the mind of every church-member.

We believe fully in church organization, but in nothing that is to prescribe the precise way in which we must work; for all minds are not reached by the same methods. Nothing is to be allowed to keep the working servant of God from his fellow man. The individual believer is to labor for the individual sinner. Each person has his own lamp to keep burning; and if the heavenly oil is emptied into these lamps through the golden pipes, if they empty the golden oil out of themselves, and if it is received into the vessels which have been emptied of self, and so prepared to receive the holy oil, that lamp, well supplied with the holy oil, can to some purpose throw its light on the sinner's path. Very much more light shines from one such lamp onto the path of the wanderer, than would be given by a whole torchlight procession got up for parade and show. O, what a work may be done if we will not stretch ourselves beyond our measure!

Teach this, my sister. You have many ways opened before you. Address the crowd whenever you can; hold every jot of influence you can by any association that can be made the means of introducing the leaven to the meal. Every man and every woman has a work to do for the Master. Personal consecration and sanctification to God will accomplish, through the most simple methods, more than the most imposing display.

Personal work must be done; personal sanctification makes each one a partner with the Lord Jesus Christ, and he is invincible. Those who follow in the footsteps of Christ will not be seeking for show and parade. Christ is not there. He that will come after me let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. Without me, ye can do nothing to my name's glory. All this world's lusts, pleasures, and human power will pass away. Not one jot or tittle of all the world's pleasures and its supposed valuable treasures will be taken into the eternal world with any soul. One kind of life is spent in doing the will of God, and that life and labor shall abide forever; for the labor spent in advancing the kingdom of God in this world will carry its results into the future eternal kingdom of God.

Teach our sisters that every day the question is to be, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do this day? Each vessel consecrated to God will daily have the holy oil emptied into it, that it may be emptied out into other vessels. Every day we may be advancing in the Christian character, waiting and watching for opportunities to do the will and work of God. Every word uttered, every work performed in Christ's lines, will have an enduring pre-eminence. Speak the words that are given you of God, and the Lord will certainly work with you. Do not fail nor be discouraged, although you may see many things which you do not approve. I hope and pray that you may be clothed with the righteousness of Christ daily. In much love, (Signed) Ellen G. White. -

Not by Might, Nor by Power

"Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write: These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hands who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks: I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: and hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast labored, and hast not fainted." "Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; the mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches."

This figure, presented to John by Christ when he appeared to him on the Island of Patmos, is similar, in many respects, to the one shown to Zechariah. "The angel that talked with me," writes Zechariah, "came again, and waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep, and said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof. . . . Then answered I, and said unto him, What are these two olive-trees upon the right side of the candlestick and upon the left side thereof? And he answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord. Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth."

This chapter is full of encouragement for those who do the work of the Lord in these last days. Zerubbabel had gone to Jerusalem to build the house of the Lord. But he was compassed with difficulties. His adversaries "weakened the hands of the people of Judah, and troubled them in building," "and made them to cease by force and power." But the Lord interposed in their behalf, and the house was finished. "This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts. Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it. . . . For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the Lord, which run to and fro through the whole earth."

The very same difficulties which were created to hinder the restoration and upbuilding of the work of God, the great mountains of difficulty which loomed in Zerubbabel's way, will be met by all who to-day are loyal to God and to his work. Many human inventions are used to carry out plans after the mind and will of men with whom God is not working. But it is not boastful words nor a multitude of ceremonies that show that the Lord is working with his people. The assumed power of the human agent does not decide this question. Those who place themselves in opposition to the Lord's work may hinder for a time, but the same Spirit that has guided the Lord's work all the way through will guide it to-day. "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts." Through the golden pipes, the olive-branches empty the golden oil out of themselves. These olive-branches are the anointed ones that stand by the Lord of the whole earth. Through them the Holy Spirit is communicated to the churches. Thus heaven and earth are united. The power that is in heaven unites with human intelligences.

The Lord would have every soul strong in his strength. He would have us look to him, receiving our directions from him. "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord."

We are to ask God for wisdom, believing that our prayers are heard. Thus we may brace ourselves against temptation. God would have us stand as firm as a rock to principle, working in harmony with him, that he may answer our prayers; for he can do nothing to help unless we co-operate with him. Unless we keep our souls in the love of God, unless we have firm, determined faith, we are like the waves of the sea, driven by the wind and tossed. Under favorable circumstances and good influences, we seem to make advancement, and we think we have faith. But when circumstances alter, when the waves of temptation beat strongly against us, we falter, and lose heart. God would have us advance always, trusting in his power. Angels of God minister to every believing child. Only believe the promises of God; and when temptation comes, set your face as a flint Zionward, and move forward.

God would ever have us witness for him, strengthened to do this by his Holy Spirit. As we do this, we may be called upon to suffer tribulation; but wherever we are, whatever we are called upon to suffer, Christ will be near us. The disciple John ever bore the most unflinching testimony for Christ. As long as he lived, he preached Christ as the word of life. "The Word was with God, and the Word was God," he declared. "The same was in the beginning with God. . . . And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us." "This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all." As John drew near the close of his life, his testimony was given with the power of the Spirit of God.

This living witness greatly disturbed those who had rejected Jesus. Kings and rulers could not bear to hear this name; for they deemed Christ a rival. The mention of his name, the incidents of his life, his death, and his resurrection, kindled their furious jealousy. They saw John the aged, honored and beloved, constantly referring to Jesus as the eternal Word, giving to him a power exceeding their power. His testimony was always the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. And notwithstanding his age, his venerable appearance, his white locks, in their envy and jealousy they condemned the faithful apostle to what was then thought to be the most severe of all punishments. He was separated from his beloved people, and banished to Patmos. "I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ."

Christ's aged representative was exiled, that his testimony might no longer be heard; for it was a living power on the side of right. But though separated from his brethren, he was visited by Christ, whom he had not seen since the ascension. "I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day," he writes, "and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last. . . . I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive forevermore."

Christ knew just where to find John; and there, on the lonely island, he gave him a view of the closing scenes of this earth's history. This has been recorded for us. The record is "the revelation of Jesus Christ." The revealer is the revealed. The living God is shown, superintending, day by day, the events connected with his church. John was shown the slain Lamb of God, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Conqueror, standing in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks, which are the seven churches.

When the mother of Zebedee's children came to Christ with the request, "Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left, in thy kingdom," Christ said, "Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able. And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give." This baptism James had already experienced. John was now drinking of the cup of which Christ had partaken. He was being baptized with suffering for his name's sake.

God judges every man according to his work. Not only does he judge, but he sums up, day by day and hour by hour, our progress in well-doing. Should not this constrain us no longer to be children, but men, who are learning of Christ? Shall we not create such an atmosphere about our souls, through the grace given us by Christ, that we shall constantly advance heavenward? As the people of God, shall we not unite in seeking him with humble and contrite hearts? The Lord said to Jacob, "Let me go, for the day breaketh." But Jacob said, "I will not let thee go, except thou bless me." And there and then he was blessed. "Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel," God declared; "for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed." Even so will God's children be blessed if they wrestle with him for his Spirit.

We are living amid the closing scenes of this world's history, and our lives should not be as the life of a butterfly. As servants of God, we should quit us like men, and be strong. The contrast between a vain life and a life full of holy purpose can not fail to be seen. Let us remember that our citizenship is in heaven. Here we have no continuing city, but we seek one to come. Let us heed the call, "Come out from among them, and be ye separate." Do not mingle with the world from choice; but if you have a word of warning, of invitation, of entreaty, do not fear to speak it. Lose no opportunity of witnessing for Christ. He is the source of all grace, and he will send to his people the precious golden oil, enabling them to witness boldly for him. As we consecrate ourselves to God, the Holy Spirit will impart to us the holy oil, that our lamps may be kept bright and shining.

The Law Exalted by Christ

Christ had altogether a higher, broader conception of the law than had the rabbis. He himself had inspired prophets and holy men of old to testify of the spiritual character of the law. Christ was the foundation of the whole Jewish economy. In the sacrificial offerings, type was to meet antitype in his life in the world, and in his death upon the cross for the sins of men. "Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into."

The rabbis, the priests and rulers, had ceased to look beneath the symbol for the truth that was signified by their outward ceremonies. The gospel of Christ was prefigured in the sacrificial offerings, and Levitical types. The prophets had high, holy, and lofty conceptions, and had hoped that they would see spirituality of doctrine among the people in their day; but one century after another had passed by, and the prophets had died without seeing their expectations realized. The moral truth that they presented, which was so significant to the Jewish nation, to a large degree lost its sacredness in their eyes. As they lost sight of spiritual doctrine, they multiplied ceremonies. They did not reveal spiritual worship in purity, in goodness, in love for God and love for their fellow men. They kept not the first four or the last six commandments, yet they increased their external requirements. They knew not that One was among them who was prefigured in the temple service. They could not discern the Way, the Truth, and the Life. They had gone into idolatry, and worshiped external forms. They continually added to the tedious system of works, in which they trusted for salvation.

In his sermon on the mount, Christ stripped away the mass of rubbish that had been wrapped about the law of God, and gave no honor to their human traditions. He proclaimed the true character of the law, revealing it as he had given it in Eden and from Mount Sinai. He presented it in its elevated character as binding upon all ages and conditions of men, as a law that will never lose its force in time or eternity. Christ lived the law, and his life of purity and holiness was a constant rebuke to the religious teachers of the day. His example condemned their godless lives. Addressing his disciples, he said: "Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven." Not only did the scribes and Pharisees violate the law of God themselves, but they led men to accept their words, to practise their human inventions, and follow their precept and example. They taught for doctrines the commandments of men. They desired to define to the smallest details the requirements of the law, and this led them to accumulate a mass of human sayings. These maxims they taught to the people as principles of the law, and thus they confused the faith and corrupted the morals of those whom they led into idolatry by their perversion of truth.

There was great need that the Lawgiver himself should explain the true meaning of the law; and in his sermon on the mount, Christ expounded its principles. The religious teachers of the day had treated eternal realities as if they were trifles, and had exalted their own sayings and inventions, which had no place in God's law, as the only religion. In presenting their sacrificial offerings in their temple worship, they were as actors in a play. Christ condemned their corruption, which they called religion, and declared of them that they knew not the Scriptures nor the power of God.

Christ presented before the people the holiness of the law. He summed it up in these words, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, . . . and thy neighbor as thyself." This represents the whole duty of men to God and to their fellow men. This same law had existed in Eden before there was a people known as Jews, and it had been proclaimed on Mount Sinai to the Israelites by the Lord Jesus Christ. It had not been originated simply for their obedience, but was proclaimed anew to them as the living oracles of God. The law of God is the expression of his goodness and love, the transcript of his character. There is no power in the law to pardon the transgression of law; but the tidings of salvation through a Mediator was the only hope for the transgressor. "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

Through the plan of salvation the law holds its dignity in condemning the sinner, and the sinner can be saved through the propitiation of Christ for our sins, "in whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins." The law is not changed in any particular to meet man in his fallen condition. It remains what it ever has been,--holy, just, and good. "The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul." It is a righteous law, one to be respected and honored; for it convicts the sinner of his sin, and convinces him of his need of a Saviour. It is then that he exercises repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul describes his experience, saying: "I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died." He saw his need of a Saviour. Looking into the great standard of righteousness, he saw himself a sinner in the light of the law. But as he looked into the face of Christ, he could say, with full assurance: "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief." He could rejoice in the fact that provision had been made for his redemption, through the merits of the blood of the only begotten Son of God, and that pardon could be written against his name. It was evident to him that the law did not abate one jot of its justice, but through the atoning sacrifice, through the imputed righteousness of Christ, the repentant sinner stands justified before the law.

Christ bore the penalty that would have fallen upon the transgressor; and through faith the helpless, hopeless sinner becomes a partaker of the divine nature, escaping the corruption that is in the world through lust. Christ imputes his perfection and righteousness to the believing sinner when he does not continue in sin, but turns from transgression to obedience of the commandments. Christ rendered perfect obedience to the law, and man could not possibly obey the holy precepts had it not been for the provision that was made for the salvation of the fallen sons and daughters of Adam. Clothed with the habiliments of humanity, Christ passed over the ground where Adam stumbled and fell. He became subject to the same temptations to disregard the word that God had spoken, and to accept the voice of the tempter, who had disguised himself as an angel of light. He met the wily foe's temptations, saying: "It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." He was assailed by the tempter on every point upon which we are tempted; but as man's substitute and surety, Christ redeemed Adam's disgraceful fall, and kept the way of the Lord.

Thus he placed the human family upon vantage-ground, identifying his interest with that of fallen man. The prince of fallen angels conducted the warfare against the only begotten Son of God. Evil angels leagued with evil men, and earth and hell arrayed their powers against him, in order to overcome him. Unrighteousness leagued against righteousness and truth, error and iniquity assailed the standard of righteousness. Satan imbued his instrumentalities with his own spirit, and men became agents in the deceptive work, playing the game for the life and character of every son and daughter of Adam. He carried out the same plan upon which he had entered in heaven. There he had succeeded in carrying with him a large number of angels, who sought with him to make of no effect the standard of righteousness. Since his expulsion from heaven, he has worked with unabated earnestness, with sleepless vigilance.

Jesus, the world's Redeemer, stands between Satan and every soul. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." And those who lay their sins upon Christ through faith in his righteousness, will come off victorious. As our Mediator, Jesus was fully able to accomplish this work of redemption; but O, at what a price! The sinless Son of God was condemned for the sin in which he had no part, in order that the sinner, through repentance and faith, might be justified by the righteousness of Christ, in which he had no personal merit. The sins of every one who has lived upon the earth were laid upon Christ, testifying to the fact that no one need be a loser in the conflict with Satan. Provision has been made that all may lay hold of the strength of him who will save to the uttermost all who come unto God by him.

Christ receives upon him the guilt of man's transgression, while he lays upon all who receive him by faith, who return to their allegiance to God, his own spotless righteousness. Those who thus receive Christ can say, with the psalmist: "The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honey-comb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward." With David we can pour forth the sacred song: "Good and upright is the Lord: therefore will he teach sinners in the way. The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way. All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies." "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile."

Not only is man forgiven through the atoning sacrifice, but through faith he is accepted in the Beloved. Returning to his loyalty to God, whose law he has transgressed, he is not merely tolerated, but he is honored as a son of God, a member of the heavenly family. He is an heir of God, and a joint heir with Jesus Christ. Of those who are accepted in Christ, Jesus says: "And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may known that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me."

What inexpressible love has the Saviour manifested toward the children of men! Not only does he take off the brand of sin, but he cleanses and purifies the soul, clothing it in the robe of his own righteousness, which is without spot, woven in the loom of heaven. He not only lifts the curse from the sinner, but brings him into oneness with himself, reflecting upon him the bright beams of his righteousness. He is welcomed by the heavenly universe, accepted in the beloved Son of God. What glory can fallen man, through repentance and faith, bring back to God! He accepts the law of Jehovah as his counselor, his reprover, his standard of character, and thus testifies to worlds unfallen and to this sinful world, that the law is immutable in its character, and has been exalted and honored by the death of Christ, the only provision through which man could be saved. O, how precious is the atoning sacrifice, because of that which it accomplishes! The cross speaks to the hosts of heaven, to worlds unfallen, and to the fallen world, the value which God has placed upon men, and of his great love wherewith he has loved us. It testifies to the world, to angels, and to men, the immutability of the divine law. The death of God's only begotten Son upon the cross in the sinner's behalf is the unanswerable argument as to the changeless character of the law of Jehovah. -

God's Purpose in the Gift of His Son

"Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me. And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me. I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak."

In carrying out his plan for the salvation of man, Christ represented his Father in all things. The history of his life is an exact record of the purposes of God toward man, and the instruction he desires man to have in the manifestation of perfection in humanity. Christ took upon him the nature of man, that he might carry man with him, and place him in the domains of mercy, in the arms of the infinite God. Through disobedience, man had divorced himself from God, and had become an apostate against his government. But it was God's design that man should be restored, and again have access to the tree of life.

It is only by a clear discernment of spiritual things that the original apostasy can be understood. The controversy in heaven began with selfish strife for position, a desire on the part of Lucifer to be equal with God. The disaffection of Satan in entertaining the thought that he should stand as head of the heavenly order at first seemed a small thing, but by dwelling upon this thought, it was strengthened. Step by step he miscalculated the position that had been assigned him by God, to be maintained only in God, until he finally came to look with enmity upon everything coming from Jesus Christ. Satan rebelled against the laws governing the heavenly intelligences; and by representing these in a deceptive light, by his unbelief and complaints, he drew others with him into rebellion.

Christ, as commander of heaven, was appointed to put down the rebellion. Satan and all his sympathizers were cast out of heaven. Then was begun the work which, before the foundations of the world were laid, Christ had engaged to do. At the appointed time he came to our world in human flesh, that he might become man's substitute and surety. Christ came to prove that "God is love." This was disputed by him who was once a covering cherub in heaven, and who, in consequence of his ambitious project, developed a character that made him at war with God. This world became the scene of the great conflict between Christ and Satan.

Christ joined himself with the nature of man, that through him man might again become one with God, preserving the closest union with his fellow men,-- the same that exists between the Father and the Son. Christ lived not to please or glorify himself. He came to live and work in behalf of fallen man. Every moment of his life, every deed that he performed, was an expression of his unselfish love. That the Son of the infinite God should bind himself so closely with man was condescension and mercy so wonderful that its mysteries could scarcely be understood.

Christ sought to teach the grand truth so needful for us to learn, that God is always with us, an inmate of every dwelling, that he is acquainted with every action performed on earth. He knows the thoughts that are framed in the mind and indorsed by the soul. He hears every word that falls from the lips of human beings. He is walking and working in the midst of all our transactions in life. He knows every plan, he measures every method. And yet by many his hand is not recognized, his wonderful footsteps are not discerned.

It is through the machinations of the enemy that men become disloyal to God, and are identified with Satan. They are deceived; and when temptation comes, they do not discern that it is temptation. Their mistake lies in failing to enter fully into sympathy with God's appointed agencies, in the accomplishment of the work assigned them by God. Did they strive to meet his royal standard of righteousness, this would elevate their minds to a divine level, and bring them into healthful sympathy with Christ.

All heaven is looking upon God's commandment-keeping people of this age. Its inhabitants view the dissension and strife among the nations of the earth, who are controlled by the power of the prince of darkness. Strife, strife, is on every hand. Men are striving for place and position in the world, and will use every means possible in their efforts to gain the end they seek. But shall they see this spirit permeating the church? Shall strife and dissension hold sway among the people who have seen great light? Shall corruption leaven the people whom God has set to be the light of the world? Shall not, rather, the pure, holy truth of God be cherished, and be kept burning upon the altar of every heart, and be diffused to the world?

In every institution in our ranks there are dangers threatening us. In every place where large interests are centered, Satan will work with all his deceiving power upon every mind that he can use to hinder the work that God designs shall be accomplished. Thus it has been in the past, and thus it will continue to be. The spirit of the world, the ambitious strife for the supremacy, will eventually bring every soul who cherishes this spirit to discord and disunion. Deception will come to human minds, paralyzing spiritual discernment, and the deceiver will succeed in mingling the common fire with the sacred, until sacred things are brought down to a level with common, earthly imaginations, and conducted after the manner of worldly maxims, meeting the world's standard, but having not the superscription of heaven.

Christ was appointed to be the light of the world: and if those who are in darkness will receive that light, will permit themselves to be enlightened; if they will no longer walk in the sparks of the fire of their own kindling, but in the light of him who is to lighten every man that cometh into the world, they will shine amid the darkness of the world.

Observe the Christian who is walking in that light, and you will see Jesus Christ manifested in his every act. Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of his faith, he becomes divested of self-serving and self-glorification. He does not flash about him the sparks of human inventions, but the light kindled from the altar of sacred sacrifice. John declares: "As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God."

The disciples of Christ are bound by their character to reveal him to the world. Their obligation to God in this respect is imperative. God has given his Son to the world as an entire offering, and the object of this sacrifice was that his disciples might be one with him, as he is one with the Father. We are not to fix our eyes upon man, and take our position with him in his defective character and movements. We are to stand with Christ in God, keeping our minds clear, our actions holy.

It is the design of God that through man his glory shall be revealed to the world; but it is only those who connect themselves with God in Jesus Christ, who can reveal that goodness and that fidelity which Christ manifested in his life. As the branches of the vine are united in the parent stock, so will the children of God be united as one in Christ. They are to reveal to the world the character of God. They must study the Scriptures with the purpose in view of living the unselfish life of Christ. The true Christian will not become self-centered or conservative in his plans. "Of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace." As God's grace is given us freely, so it must be imparted to others. Through the apostle we are admonished, "As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him." -

The Importance of Home Training

True education means much more than many suppose. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. By some, education is placed next to religion, but true education is religion. The Bible is to be made the child's first textbook. From this book, parents are to give wise and godly instruction. The word of God is to be the rule of the life. The first lesson that children are to be taught is that God is their Father. This lesson should be given them in their earliest years. Parents are to realize that they are responsible before God for making their children acquainted with their Heavenly Father. From the very first it is their duty to teach their children the importance of obeying the law of God. That God is love, is to be taught by every lesson.

Let not home education be regarded as a secondary matter. It occupies the first place in all true education. Fathers and mothers have entrusted to them the molding of their children's minds. It is their privilege to help their children obtain that knowledge which they may carry with them into the future life. But for some reason many parents dislike to give their children religious instruction. They leave them to pick up, in Sabbath-school, the knowledge they should impart concerning their responsibility to God. Such parents need to understand that God desires them to educate, discipline, and train their children, ever keeping before them the fact that they are forming characters for the present and the future life. Parents should be ministers of righteousness in the home, surrounding their children with pure, sweet influences, that the higher, nobler powers of the mind may not be enslaved by the lower passions.

The Lord is calling for children to enlist under the blood-stained banner of Prince Immanuel. He is waiting to receive children. He can fit them to be missionaries for him; for in him is found everything required for the development of a symmetrical character. "Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not," Christ said; "for of such is the kingdom of heaven."

It is God's design that the earthly home shall be a symbol of the home in heaven. From their earliest years, children should be taught to render implicit obedience to their parents. Their future well-being requires kindly, loving, but firm discipline.

The Lord has plainly specified the duty of those he has created. Parents are to obey his commandments, and they are also to see that their children keep the way of the Lord. The same voice that spoke the sermon on the mount spoke to Moses from the pillar of cloud, enjoining obedience on the children of Israel: "Thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth. The Lord did not set his love upon you, nor choose you because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people: but because the Lord loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the Lord brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations; and repayeth them that hate him to their face, to destroy them: he will not be slack to him that hateth him, he will repay him to his face. Thou shalt therefore keep the commandments, and the statutes, and the judgments, which I command thee this day, to do them."

"Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord: and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates."

These words came directly from the lips of Christ. He was just as verily the Redeemer of his people then as he was when he came to our world in human form.

Abraham cultivated home religion. He so conducted his household that the fear of the Lord circulated through his home. The heavenly universe marked Abraham's course in his home. "I know him," said the heart-searching God, "that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment." It is the duty of fathers and mothers to do justice to their children, so guiding them that they will be a blessing in the home, in the school, and in the church. Parents need to bring discipline into the homelife. They need to imitate the life of Abraham, showing themselves capable of ruling with combined affection and authority.

It is often necessary to command children to keep the way of the Lord. There is a blind affection that gives children the privilege of doing as they please. Such love is not sanctified love. Those who manifest it do their children a cruelty that eternity alone will reveal. The children are misguided; and the evil of their undisciplined, unrestrained disposition is a curse in the home, in the neighborhood, and in the church.

The Lord will not vindicate the misrule of parents. To-day hundreds of children swell the ranks of the enemy, living and working apart from the purpose of God. They are disobedient, unthankful, unholy; but the sin lies at the door of their parents. Christian parents, thousands of children are perishing in their sins because of the failure of their parents to rule the home wisely. If parents were obedient to the unseen Leader of the armies of Israel, whose glory was enshrouded in the pillar of cloud, the unhappy state of affairs now existing in so many families would not be seen.

True parents will not say to their children: Follow your own choice. Go where you will, and do what you will. Instead, they will say: Listen to the instruction of the Lord. In whatever business you engage, remember that you are the Lord's property, and that it is your duty to honor him by obedience. Serve the Lord; for in this lies your safety. Place yourselves in the channel of light, making God's law the rule of your life. Then you can be trusted in any position.

Parents may understand that as they follow God's directions in the training of their children, they will receive help from on high. They receive much benefit; for as they teach, they learn. Their children will achieve victories through the knowledge that they have acquired in keeping the way of the Lord. They are enabled to overcome natural and hereditary tendencies to evil. By setting an example of kindness and patience, by molding the characters of their children after the divine pattern, fathers and mothers become qualified to help the youth outside of their homes.

Parents, it is your work to develop in your children patience, constancy, and genuine love. In dealing aright with the children God has given you, you are helping them lay the foundation for pure, well-balanced characters. You are instilling into their minds principles which they will one day follow in their own families. The effect of your well-directed efforts will be seen as they conduct their households in the way of the Lord.

Blessed is the family where father and mother have surrendered themselves to God to do his will! One well-ordered, well-disciplined family tells more in behalf of Christianity than all the sermons that can be preached. Such a family gives evidence that the parents have been successful in following God's directions, and that their children will serve him in the church. Their influence grows; for as they impart, they receive to impart again. The father and mother find helpers in their children, who give to others the instruction received in the home. The neighborhood in which they live is helped, for in it they have become enriched for time and for eternity. The whole family is engaged in the service of the Master; and by their godly example, others are inspired to be faithful and true to God in dealing with his flock, his beautiful flock. -

Disease and Its Causes

Since the fall in Eden, the race has been degenerating. Deformity, imbecility, disease, and human suffering have been pressing heavier and heavier upon each successive generation, and yet the masses are asleep as to the real causes. They do not consider that they themselves are guilty, in a great measure, for this deplorable state of things. They generally charge their sufferings upon Providence, and regard God as the author of their woes. But it is intemperance, to a greater or less degree, that lies at the foundation of all this suffering.

Eve was intemperate in her desires when she put forth her hand to take of the fruit-forbidden tree. Self-gratification has reigned almost supreme in the hearts of men and women since the fall. Especially has the appetite been indulged, and they have been controlled by it, instead of by reason. For the sake of gratifying the taste, Eve transgressed the command of God. He had given her everything her wants required, yet she was not satisfied. Ever since, her fallen sons and daughters have followed the desires of their eyes and of their taste. They have, like Eve, disregarded the prohibitions God has made, and have followed in a course of disobedience, and, like Eve, have flattered themselves that the consequence would not be as fearful as had been apprehended.

Man has disregarded the laws of his being, and disease has been steadily increasing. The cause has been followed by the effect. He has not been satisfied with food which was the most healthful; but has gratified the taste even at the expense of health.

God has established the laws of our being. If we violate these laws, we must, sooner or later, pay the penalty. The laws of our being can not be more successfully violated than by crowding upon the stomach unhealthful food, because craved by a morbid appetite. To eat to excess, of even simple food, will eventually break down the digestive organs; but to eat too great an amount of food, and that unwholesome , and the evil is greatly increased. The constitution must become impaired.

The human family have been growing more and more self-indulgent, until health has been most successfully sacrificed upon the altar of lustful appetite. The inhabitants of the old world were intemperate in eating and drinking. They would have flesh-meats, although God had given them no permission to eat animal food. They ate and drank to excess, and their depraved appetites knew no bounds. They gave themselves up to abominable idolatry. They became violent and ferocious, and so corrupt that God could bear with them no longer. Their cup of iniquity was full, and God cleansed the earth of its moral pollution by a flood. As men multiplied upon the face of the earth after the flood, they forgot God, and corrupted their ways before him. Intemperance in every form increased to a great extent.

The Lord brought his people out of Egypt in a victorious manner. He led them through the wilderness to prove them and try them. He repeatedly manifested his miraculous power in their deliverances from their enemies. He promised to take them to himself as his peculiar treasure if they would obey his voice and keep his commandments. He did not forbid them to eat the flesh of animals, but withheld it from them in great measure. He provided them food which was the most healthful. He rained their bread from heaven, and gave them purest water from the flinty rock. He made a covenant with them: if they would obey him in all things, he would preserve them from disease.

But the Hebrews were not satisfied. They despised the food given them from heaven, and wished themselves back in Egypt, where they could sit by the flesh-pots. They preferred slavery, and even death, rather than to be deprived of meat. God, in his anger, gave them flesh to gratify their lustful appetites, and great numbers of them died while eating the meat for which they had lusted.

Nadab and Abihu were slain by the fire of God's wrath for their intemperance in the use of wine. God would have his people understand that they will be visited according to their obedience or transgressions. Crime and disease have increased with every successive generation. Intemperance in eating and drinking, and the indulgence of the baser passions, have benumbed the nobler faculties. Appetite, to an alarming extent, has controlled reason.

The human family have indulged an increasing desire for rich food, until it has become a fashion to crowd all the delicacies possible into the stomach. Especially at parties of pleasure is the appetite indulged with but little restraint. Rich dinners and late suppers are partaken of, consisting of highly seasoned meats, with rich gravies, rich cakes, pies, ice-cream, etc.

Professed Christians generally take the lead in these fashionable gatherings. Large sums of money are sacrificed to the gods of fashion and appetite, in preparing feasts of health-destroying dainties to tempt the appetite, that through this channel something may be raised for religious purposes. Thus ministers and professed Christians have acted their part and exerted their influence, by precept and example, in indulging intemperance in eating, and in leading the people to health-destroying gluttony. Instead of appealing to man's reason, to his benevolence, his humanity, his nobler faculties, the most successful appeal that can be made is to the appetite.

The gratification of the appetite will induce men to give when otherwise they would do nothing. What a sad picture for Christians! With such sacrifice is God well pleased? How much more acceptable to him was the widow's mite! Such as follow her example from the heart will have well done. To have the blessing of Heaven attend the sacrifice thus made, can make the simplest offering of the highest value. -

The Remission of Sins

Before his death Jesus told his disciples what the priests and rulers would do to him, but the disciples could not understand his words. Now, after they had been verified, after Christ had been rejected, condemned, scourged, crucified, buried, and had risen from the dead on the third day, the disciples believed. They had gained a valuable experience. All the sophistry and reasoning of the scribes and Pharisees could not now turn them from Christ. They could say, as did Paul, "I know whom I have believed." Their faith in Christ was rewarded by a most remarkable experience. They saw their beloved Master. They heard his voice as he opened to them the Scriptures; and from this they obtained much knowledge.

The lessons given by Christ to his disciples after his resurrection were with reference to the Old Testament Scriptures. He could now explain to them the prophecies concerning himself. They were surprised that they had not discerned the meaning of the inspired record of Christ's work and the reception that would be given him by the Jewish dignitaries. While the poor heard him gladly, those to whom had been committed the sacred oracles closed the eyes of their understanding, that they might not see Christ. And by misapplying the Scriptures, substituting their own traditions and fables for truth, and upholding their words as the commandments of God, they so bewildered the minds of the people that they could not see Christ.

Christ rebuked these false teachers. "In vain they do worship me," he said, "teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." "Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition." This is the work of many of the teachers of this time. They make void the law of God by teaching the commandments of men. "Ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God," Christ said to the teachers of his day; and his words apply to all who claim to know the truth, yet who make void the law of God by their traditions.

"Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. And when he had so said, he showed unto them his hands and his side." He gave them evidence that he was the same Jesus who had been crucified. "Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: whosesoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whosesoever sins ye retain, they are retained."

Thus the disciples received their commission. They were to teach and to preach in Christ's name. The instruction given them had in it the vital, spiritual breath that is in Christ. He alone could give them the oil which they must have in order to work successfully. Christ's likeness must appear in them. They could be successful only as they studied their Master's character and followed his example.

The Holy Spirit is the breath of life in the soul. The breathing of Christ upon his disciples was the breath of true spiritual life. The disciples were to interpret this as imbuing them with the attributes of their Saviour, that in purity, faith, and obedience, they might exalt the law, and make it honorable. God's law is the expression of his character. By obedience to its requirements we meet God's standard of character. Thus the disciples were to witness for Christ.

The impartation of the Spirit was the impartation of the very life of Christ, which was to qualify the disciples for their mission. Without this qualification their work could not be accomplished. Thus they were to fulfil the official duties connected with the church. But the Holy Spirit was not yet fully manifested, because Christ had not yet been glorified. The more abundant impartation of the Holy Spirit did not take place till after Christ's ascension.

"Whosesoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whosesoever sins ye retain, they are retained." The lesson here given to the disciples means that wise men, truly taught of God, possessing the inward working of the Holy Spirit, are to act as representative men, samples of the whole body of believers. These are to show themselves capable of preserving due order in the church; and the Holy Spirit will convince of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment. But the remission of sins is to be understood as the prerogative of God alone. The warnings in the seventh chapter of Matthew forbid men to pronounce judgment on their fellow men. God has not given his servants power to cast down or to destroy. The apostles were unable to remove the guilt from any soul. They were to give the message from God: It is written -- the Lord has said -- thus and thus in regard to lying, Sabbath-breaking, bearing false witness, stealing, idolatry.

Christ has given rules for the guidance of his church. "If thy brother shall trespass against thee," he said, "go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."

Remitting sins or retaining applies to the church in her organized capacity. God has given directions to reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffering and doctrine. Censure is to be given. This censure is to be removed when the one in error repents and confesses his sin. This solemn commission is given to men who have in them the breath of the Holy Spirit, in whose lives the Christ-life is manifested. They are to be men who have spiritual eyesight, who can discern spiritual things, whose actions in dealing with the members of the church are such as can receive the indorsement of the great Head of the church. If this is not so, in their human judgment they will censure those who should be commended, and sustain those who are controlled by a power from beneath.

The gospel commission is to be carried out by men who know the inward working of the Spirit of God, who have the attributes of Christ. Christ's breath is breathed upon them, and he says to them, "Receive ye the Holy Ghost." All who are thus inspired by God have a work to do for the churches. As Christ's representatives, the ministers of the grace of God, they may say to others, It is written, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." This is remission of sins in accordance with the word of God.

In all labor with the members of the church, every eye is to be directed to Christ. Those in the wrong are to confess their sins to the sin-pardoning Saviour; and the servants of the Lord Jesus are not to strive, but to minister in word and doctrine. The shepherds are to take a kindly interest in the flock of the Lord's pasture. They are to present the grace of Christ, comforting the erring by speaking of the divine tenderness of the Saviour, encouraging those who have fallen to repent and believe in him who alone can pardon transgression.

Let the tenderness of Christ find a place in the hearts of his ministers. Watch for souls as they that must give an account. Watch constantly, vigilantly, and pray earnestly. Faithfully warn every soul that is in danger. Encourage the sinner to go to Christ. If he repents of his sin, he will find abundant pardon. He has assurance that his sins will be remitted; for thus it is written. Bear in mind that first the Lord gave his disciples the Holy Spirit. Those to-day who would do the work of the disciples must receive the presence of the Holy Spirit, and work under its influence.

Remission of sins can be obtained only through the merits of Christ. On no man, priest or pope, but on God alone, rests the power to forgive sins. "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." "As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God." "If we say we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth. . . . But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected." This is the message that is to be borne. On this basis Christians are free. Give encouragement of sins remitted. "If we walk in the light, as he in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. . . . If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." "These things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: and he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world." -

Disease and Its Causes

Men and women who profess to be followers of Christ are often slaves to fashion, and to a gluttonous appetite. Preparatory to fashionable gatherings, time and strength, which should be devoted to higher and nobler purposes, are expended in cooking a variety of unwholesome dishes. Because it is fashion, many who are poor and dependent upon their daily labor will be to the expense of preparing different kinds of rich cakes, preserves, pies, and a variety of fashionable foods for visitors, which only injure those who partake of them; when, at the same time, they need the amount thus expended, to purchase clothing for themselves and their children. This time occupied in cooking food to gratify the taste at the expense of the stomach, should be devoted to the moral and religious instruction of their children.

Fashionable visiting is made an occasion of gluttony. Hurtful foods and drinks are partaken of in such measure as greatly to tax the organs of digestion. The vital forces are called into unnecessary action in the disposal of it, which produces exhaustion, and greatly disturbs the circulation of the blood; and as a result, want of vital energy is felt throughout the system. The blessings which might result from social visiting are often lost, for the reason that your entertainer, instead of being profited by your conversation, is toiling over the cook-stove, preparing a variety of dishes for you to feast upon. Christian men and women should never permit their influence to countenance such a course by eating of the dainties thus prepared. Let them understand that your object in visiting them is, not to indulge the appetite, but that your associating together, and interchange of thoughts and feelings, might be a mutual blessing. The conversation should be of that elevated, ennobling character that may afterward be called to remembrance with feelings of the highest pleasure.

Those who entertain visitors should have wholesome, nutritious food, from fruits, grains, and vegetables, prepared in a simple, tasteful manner. Such cooking will require but little extra labor or expense, and, partaken of in moderate quantities, will not injure any one. If worldlings choose to sacrifice time, money, and health to gratify the appetite, let them do so, and pay the penalty of the violation of the laws of health; but Christians should take their position in regard to these things, and exert their influence in the right direction. They can do much in reforming these fashionable, health and soul-destroying customs.

Many indulge in the pernicious habit of eating just before sleeping-hours. They may have taken three regular meals; yet because they feel a sense of faintness, as if hungry, will eat a lunch, or fourth meal. By indulging this wrong practise, it has become a habit, and they feel as if they could not sleep without taking a lunch before retiring. In many cases the cause of this faintness is because the digestive organs have been already too severely taxed through the day in disposing of unwholesome food forced upon the stomach too frequently, and in too great quantities. The digestive organs thus taxed become weary, and need a period of entire rest from labor to recover their exhausted energies. A second meal should never be eaten until the stomach has had time to rest from the labor of digesting the preceding meal. If a third meal be eaten at all, it should be light, and several hours before going to bed.

But with many the poor tired stomach may complain of weariness in vain. More food is forced upon it, which sets the digestive organs in motion, again to perform the same round of labor through the sleeping-hours. The sleep of such is generally disturbed with unpleasant dreams, and in the morning they awake unrefreshed. There is a sense of languor, and a loss of appetite. A lack of energy is felt through the entire system. In a short time the digestive organs are worn out; for they have had no time to rest. These become miserable dyspeptics, and wonder what has made them so. The cause has brought the sure result. If this practise be indulged in a great length of time, the health will become seriously impaired. The blood becomes impure, the complexion sallow, and eruptions will frequently appear. You will often hear complaints from such, of frequent pains and soreness in the region of the stomach; and while performing labor, the stomach becomes so tired that they are obliged to desist from work, and rest. They seem to be at a loss to account for this state of things; for, setting this aside, they are apparently healthy.

Those who are changing from three meals a day to two, will at first be troubled more or less with faintness, especially about the time they have been in the habit of eating their third meal. But if they persevere for a short time, this faintness will disappear.

The stomach, when we lie down to rest, should have its work all done, that it may enjoy rest, as well as other portions of the body. The work of digestion should not be carried on through any period of the sleeping-hours. After the stomach, which has been overtaxed, has performed its task, it becomes exhausted, which causes faintness. Here many are deceived, and think that it is the want of food which produces such feelings; and without giving the stomach time to rest, they take more food, which for the time removes the faintness. And the more the appetite is indulged, the more will be its clamors for gratification. This faintness is generally the result of meat-eating, and eating frequently, and too much. The stomach becomes weary by being kept constantly at work, disposing of food not the most healthful. Having no time for rest, the digestive organs become enfeebled, hence the sense of "goneness," and desire for frequent eating. The remedy such require is to eat less frequently and less liberally, and be satisfied with plain, simple food, eating twice, or, at most, three times, a day. The stomach must have its regular periods for labor and rest; hence eating irregularly and between meals is a most pernicious violation of the laws of health. With regular habits and proper food the stomach will gradually recover.

Because it is the fashion, in harmony with morbid appetite, rich cake, pies, and puddings, and every hurtful thing are crowded into the stomach. The table must be loaded down with a variety, or the depraved appetite can not be satisfied. In the morning these slaves to appetite often have impure breath and a furred tongue. They do not enjoy health, and wonder why they suffer with pains, headaches, and various ills. The cause has brought the sure results.

In order to preserve health, temperance in all things is necessary,--temperance in labor, temperance in eating and drinking.

Many are so devoted to intemperance that they will not change their course of indulging in gluttony under any considerations. They would sooner sacrifice health, and die prematurely, than to restrain the intemperate appetite. And there are many who are ignorant of the relation their eating and drinking has to health. Could such be enlightened, they might have moral courage to deny the appetite, and eat more sparingly of that food alone which is healthful, and by their own course of action save themselves a great amount of suffering.

Efforts should be made to preserve carefully the remaining strength of the vital forces, by lifting off every overtasking burden. The stomach may never fully recover health, but a proper course of diet will save further debility; and many persons will recover more or less, unless they have gone very far in gluttonous self-murder.

Those who permit themselves to become slaves to a morbid appetite, often go still further, and debase themselves by indulging their corrupt passions, which have become excited by intemperance in eating and drinking. They give loose rein to their debasing passions, until health and intellect greatly suffer. The reasoning faculties are, in a great measure, destroyed by evil habits.

I have wondered that the inhabitants of the earth were not destroyed, like the people of Sodom and Gomorrah. I have seen reason enough for the present state of degeneracy and mortality in the world. Blind passion controls reason, and every high consideration with many is sacrificed to lust.

The first great evil was intemperance in eating and drinking. Men and women have made themselves slaves to appetite. -

The Canvassing Work

The canvassing work should never languish. The agencies set in operation to do this work need always to be under the control of the Holy Spirit of God. There must be perfect harmony and unity of spirit among the workers who handle the books which are to flood the world with light. Wherever the canvassing work is presented among our people, let both the health books and the religious books be presented together as parts of a united work. The relation of the religious and the health books is presented to me as illustrated by the union of the warp and the woof to form a beautiful pattern and a perfect piece of work.

In the past, by many, the health books have not been handled with proper interest. It has not been regarded as essential that they should go to the world. But what can be a better preparation for the coming of the Lord, and for the reception of other truths essential to prepare a people for his coming, than to arouse the people to see the evils of this age, and to stir them to reformation from self-indulgence and unhealthful living? Is not the world in need of being aroused on the subject of health reform? Are not the people in need of the truths presented in the health books? By our canvassers in the field should be entertained a sentiment regarding the health works altogether different from that which has heretofore prevailed.

Divisions and distinct parties should not be seen among our canvassers and general agents. All should be interested in the sale of the books treating upon the health question, as well as in the sale of the religious works. The line is not to be drawn that certain works only are to occupy the attention of the canvassers. Perfect unity must be manifested in all the work.

Just as much education is necessary for the successful handling of the religious books as for the handling of those treating upon questions of health and temperance. Just as much should be said regarding the work of canvassing for books containing spiritual food, just as much effort should be put forth to encourage and educate workers to circulate books containing the third angel's message, as is said and done to develop workers for the health books.

Let each publisher and general agent work as enthusiastically as he can to encourage the agents now in the work, and to hunt up and train new workers. Let each build up and strengthen the work as much as he can without weakening the work of others. Let all be done in brotherly love, and without selfishness.

The indifference with which the health books have been treated by many is an offense to God. To separate the health work from the great body of the work, is not in his order. Present truth lies in the work of health reform just as verily as in other features of gospel work. Neither branch of the work, when separated from the other, can be a perfect whole.

The gospel of health has able advocates, but their work has been made very hard because many ministers, presidents of Conferences, and others in influential positions, have not given the question of health reform its proper attention. They have not recognized it in its relation to the work of the message as the right arm of the body. While very little respect has been shown to this department of our work by many of the people, and by some of the ministers, the Lord has shown his regard for it by sending to it abundant prosperity. When properly conducted, the health work is an entering wedge, which will make an opening for other truths to find entrance to the heart. When the third angel's message is received in all its fulness, health reform will be given its place in the councils of the Conference, in the work of the church, in the home, at the table, and in all the household arrangements. Then the right arm will work to serve and protect the body.

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed 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." This solemn exhortation, found in the twelfth chapter of Paul's epistle to the Romans, should be prayerfully studied by us. Only those who practise self-denial and self-sacrifice, living simple, healthful lives, will understand what constitutes the acceptable and perfect will of God.

The twelfth chapter of Romans was presented to me as written in golden characters, containing wonderful truths, which are not practised. In this chapter the voice of God is speaking to us in clearer, stronger words that I could express. The fourteenth chapter also is the voice of God to those who are engaged in the work of health reform. Study these chapters, brethren and sisters, and make them your guide in future labors.

The Lord desires his church to be a perfect body,--not all arms, not all body without arms, but body and arms together,--and every member working as a part of the one great whole. As the right arm is connected with the body, so the health reform and medical missionary work is connected with the third angel's message, and is to work efficiently as the right arm, for the defense of the body of truth. -

Disease and Its Causes

Pork, although one of the most common articles of diet, is one of the most injurious. God did not prohibit the Jews from eating swine's flesh merely to show his authority, but because it is not a proper article of food for man. It fills the system with scrofula, and especially in that warm climate produces leprosy, and diseases of various kinds. Its influence upon the system in that climate is far more injurious than in a colder climate. But God never designed swine to be eaten under any circumstances. The heathen used pork as an article of food, and American people have used pork freely as an important article of diet. Swine's flesh would not be palatable to the taste in its natural state. It is made agreeable to the appetite by highly seasoning, which makes a bad thing worse. Swine's flesh, above all other flesh-meats, produces a bad state of the blood. Those who eat freely of pork can not but be diseased. Those who have much outdoor exercise do not realize the bad effects of pork-eating as those do whose life is mostly indoors, and whose habits are sedentary, and whose labor is mental.

But it is not the physical health alone which is injured by pork-eating. The mind is affected, and the finer sensibilities are blunted, by the use of this gross article of food. It is impossible for the flesh of any living creature to be healthy when filth is its natural element, and when it feeds upon every detestable thing. The flesh of swine is composed of what they eat. If human beings eat their flesh, their blood and their flesh will be corrupted by impurities conveyed to them through the swine.

The eating of pork has produced scrofula, leprosy, and cancerous humors. Pork-eating is still causing the most intense suffering to the human race. Depraved appetites crave those things which are the most injurious to health. The curse, which has rested heavily upon the earth, and has been felt by the whole race of mankind, has also been felt by the animals. The beasts have degenerated in size, and in length of years. By the wrong habits of man they have been made to suffer more than they otherwise would.

There are but few animals that are free from disease. Many have been made to suffer greatly for the want of light, pure air, and wholesome food. When they are fattened, they are often confined in close stables, and are not permitted to exercise, and to enjoy free circulation of air. Many poor animals are left to breathe the poison of filth which is left in barns and stables. Their lungs will not long remain healthy while inhaling such impurities. Disease is conveyed to the liver, and the entire system of the animal is diseased. It is killed, and prepared for the market, and people eat freely of this poisonous animal food. Much disease is caused in this manner. But people will not believe that the meat they have eaten has poisoned their blood, and caused their sufferings. Many die of disease caused wholly by meat-eating, yet the world does not seem to be the wiser.

Because those who partake of animal food do not immediately feel its effects, is no evidence that it does not injure them. It may be doing its work surely upon the system, and yet the persons for the time realize nothing of it.

Animals are crowded into close cars, and almost wholly deprived of air and light, food and water, and are carried thus thousands of miles, breathing the foul air arising from accumulated filth; and when they arrive at their place of destination, and are taken from the cars, many are in a half-starved, smothered, dying condition, and if left alone, would die of themselves. But the butcher finishes the work, and prepares the flesh for market.

Animals are frequently killed that have been driven some distance for the slaughter. Their blood has become heated. They are full of flesh, and have been deprived of healthy exercise; and when they have to travel far, they become surfeited and exhausted, and in that condition are killed for market. Their blood is highly inflamed, and those who eat of their meat eat poison. Some are not immediately affected, while others are attacked with severe pain, and die from fever, cholera, or some unknown disease. Very many animals are sold for the city market known to be diseased by those who have sold them, and those who buy them for the market are not always ignorant of the matter. Especially in larger cities this is practised to a great extent, and meat-eaters know not that they are eating diseased animals.

Some animals that are brought to the slaughter seem to realize what is to take place, and become furious, and literally mad. They are killed while in that state, and their flesh prepared for market. Their meat is poison, and has produced, in those who have eaten it, cramp, convulsions, apoplexy, and sudden death. Yet the cause of all this suffering is not attributed to meat. Some animals are inhumanly treated while being brought to the slaughter. They are literally tortured, and after they have endured many hours of extreme suffering, are butchered. Swine have been prepared for market even while the plague was upon them, and their poisonous flesh has spread contagious diseases, and great mortality has followed.

The Duty of Parents to Children

There are deep responsibilities resting upon Christian parents which many do not accept and carry in the fear of the Lord. God has given to men and women reasoning faculties, and he designs that they shall put them to use. But many who profess to believe the most sacred truths ever given to the world do not reach the standard to which God calls them. They do not sanctify themselves through the truth, that their children may be sanctified. Fathers, mothers, your children are the younger members of the Lord's family, and he requires you to bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, constantly instilling into their minds correct principles, and training them by the law of kindness and love.

Parents are to make the religion of Christ attractive by their cheerfulness, their Christian courtesy, and their tender, compassionate sympathy; but they are to be firm in requiring respect and obedience. Right principles must be established in the mind of the child. If parents are united in this work of discipline, the child will understand what is required of him. But if the father, by word or look, shows that he does not approve of the discipline the mother gives; if he feels that she is too strict, and thinks that he must make up for the harshness by petting and indulgence, the child will be ruined. He will soon learn that he can do as he pleases. Parents who commit this sin against their children are accountable for the ruin of their souls.

"Wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." Satan has prepared pleasing attractions for parents as well as for children. He knows that if he can exert his deceptive power upon mothers, he has gained much. The ways of the world are full of deceitfulness and fraud and misery, but they are made to appear inviting; and if the children and youth are not carefully trained and disciplined, they will surely go astray. Having no fixed principles, it will be hard for them to resist temptation. So long as the father's eye is upon them, the mother's watchcare over them, there is a certain degree of security; but if the mother, in her love of society, leaves her children to themselves, Satan uses the opportunity to their ruin. Separated from the influence which should hold them in check, these youth reveal that they are weak in moral power. They have no strength to resist temptation; and when sinners entice them, they are unable to meet them with a resolute No. The youth who follow their own impulse and inclination can have no real happiness in this life, and in the end will lose eternal life.

God calls upon fathers and mothers to become intelligent in regard to the laws which govern physical life, that they may know what are and what are not correct physical habits. Right habits in eating and drinking and dressing must be insisted upon. Children must be taught to make a right use of the things of this life, and to let alone everything that will injure the powers of mind or body. Parents who would secure physical soundness in their children must teach them that every organ of the body and every faculty of the mind is the gift of a good and wise God, and that it is to be used to his glory, that by a proper exercise of the talents lent them they may secure eternal happiness.

The souls as well as the bodies of the youth are affected by the habits of eating and drinking. Wrong habits render the youth less susceptible to Bible instruction. God calls upon parents to guard their children against the indulgence of appetite, and especially against the use of stimulants and narcotics. The tables of Christian parents should never be loaded down with food containing condiments and spices. They are to study to preserve the stomach from any abuse. Fathers and mothers may do much in giving right characters to their by controlling their own appetites and passions. Fathers who use tobacco and liquor poison their blood, and transmit to their children their own vitiated habits intensified. They give them as a legacy feeble moral powers. Thus the sins of parents are perpetuated in their offspring. In the day of final account, what a weight of crime will be charged to parents who have neglected their duty to themselves and their children.

Those who have charge of God's property in the souls and bodies of the children formed in his imaged should erect barriers against the sensual indulgence of the age, which is ruining the physical and moral health of thousands. If many of the crimes of this time were traced to their true cause, it would be seen that they are chargeable to the ignorance of fathers and mothers who are indifferent on this subject. Health and life itself are being sacrificed to this lamentable ignorance. Parents, if you fail to give your children the education which God has made it your duty to give them, you must answer to him for the results. These results will not be confined merely to your children. As the one thistle permitted to grow in the field produces a harvest of its kind, so the sins resulting from your neglect will work to ruin all who come within the sphere of their influence.

Parents send their children to school; and when they have done this, they think they have educated them. But education is a matter of greater breadth than many realize: it comprises the whole process by which the child is instructed from babyhood to childhood, from childhood to youth, and from youth to manhood. As soon as a child is capable of forming an idea, his education should begin. The teachers in the school will do something toward educating your children, but your example will do more than can be accomplished by any other means. Your conversation, the way in which you manage your business matters, the likes and dislikes to which you give expression, all help in molding the character. The kindly disposition, the self-control, the self-possession, the courtesy your child sees in you, will be daily lessons to him. Like time, this education is ever going on, and the tendency of this every-day school should be to make your child what he ought to be.

The circumstances in which children are placed will often have a deeper influence on them than even the example of parents. There are wealthy men in the world who expect their sons to be what they were in their youth, and blame the depravity of the age if they are not. But they have no right to expect this from their children, unless they place them in circumstances similar to those in which they themselves lived. The circumstances of the father's life made him what he is. In his youth he was pressed with poverty, and had to work with diligence and perseverance. His character was molded in the stern school of poverty. He was forced to be modest in his wants, active in his work, simple in his tastes. He had to put his faculties to work in order to obtain food and clothing. Fathers labor to place their children in a position of wealth, rather than where they themselves began. This is a common mistake. Had children to-day to learn in the same school in which their fathers learned, they might become as useful as they. But the circumstances have been altered. Poverty was the father's master; abundance of means surrounds the son. All his wants are supplied. His father's character was molded under the severe discipline of frugality; every trifling good was appreciated. His son's habits and character are formed, not by the circumstances which once existed, but by the present situation, ease and indulgence.

The parent may think that he will counteract these tendencies, and bring up his son to economical habits, to tax his physical and mental powers, and to guard his associations. He realizes the benefits to be derived from a plain, simple diet, and he will seek to have his child restricted to the plainest food. But his surroundings are such that simplicity can not be preserved. The table is spread with food of every description to gratify the taste of visitors; and what the child sees others indulge in, he reasons that he should also have. When luxury abounds on every side, how can it be denied him?

Christ discerned these dangers in the life of the rich man. He said: "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt; and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal." Again he says: "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." This is the first work to be engaged in. Every family should rear its altar of prayer, realizing that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. If any persons in the world need the strength and encouragement that religion gives, it is those who are responsible for the education and training of children. They can not do their work in a manner acceptable to God while their daily example teaches those who look to them for guidance that they can live without God. If they educate their children to live for this life only, they will make no preparation for eternity. They will die as they have lived, without God, and parents will be called to account for the loss of their souls. Fathers, mothers, you need to seek God morning and evening at the family altar, that you may learn how to teach your children wisely, tenderly, lovingly, line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little. -

Disease and Its Causes

Men and women, by indulging the appetite in eating rich and highly seasoned foods, especially flesh-meats, with rich gravies, and by using stimulating drinks, as tea and coffee, create unnatural appetites. The system becomes fevered, the organs of digestion are injured, the mental faculties are beclouded, while the baser passions are excited, and predominate over the nobler faculties. The appetite becomes more unnatural, and more difficult of restraint. The circulation of the blood is not equalized, and the blood becomes impure. The whole system is deranged, and the demands of appetite become more unreasonable, craving exciting, hurtful things, until it is thoroughly depraved.

With many the appetite clamors for the disgusting weed, tobacco, and ale, made powerful by poisonous, health-destroying mixtures. Many do not stop even here. Their debased appetites call for stronger drink, which has a still more benumbing influence upon the brain. Thus they give themselves up to every excess, until appetite holds complete control over the reasoning faculties; and man, formed in the image of his Maker, debases himself lower than the beasts. Manhood and honor are alike sacrificed to appetite. It required time to benumb the sensibilities of the mind. It was done gradually but surely. The indulgence of the appetite in first eating food highly seasoned, created a morbid appetite, and prepared the way for every kind of indulgence, until health and intellect were sacrificed to lust.

Many have entered the marriage relation who have not acquired property, and who have had no inheritance. They did not possess physical strength, or mental energy, to acquire property. It has been just such ones who have been in haste to marry, and who have taketh upon themselves responsibilities of which they had no just sense. They not did possess noble, elevated feelings, and had no just idea of the duty of a husband and father, and what it would cost them to provide for the wants of a family. And they manifested no more propriety in the increase of their families than that shown in their business transactions. Those who are seriously deficient in business tact, and who are the least qualified to get along in the world, generally fill their houses with children; while men who have ability to acquire property generally have no more children than they can well provide for. Those who are not qualified to take care of themselves should not have children. It has been the case that the numerous offspring of these poor calculators are left to come up like the brutes. They are not suitably fed nor clothed, and do not receive physical or mental training, and there is nothing sacred in the word "home" to either parents or children.

The marriage institution was designed of Heaven to be a blessing to man; but in a general sense it has been abused in such a manner as to make it a dreadful curse. Most men and women have acted, in entering the marriage relation, as if the only question for them to settle was whether they loved each other. But they should realize that a responsibility rests upon them in their marriage relation further than this. They should consider whether their offspring will possess physical health, and mental and moral strength. But few have moved with high motives, and with elevated considerations,--that society had claims upon them which they could not lightly throw off; that the weight of their families' influence would tell in the upward or downward scale.

Society is composed of families. And heads of families are responsible for the molding of society. If those who choose to enter the marriage relation without due consideration were alone to be the sufferers, then the evil would not be so great, and their sin would be comparatively small. But the misery arising from unhappy marriages is felt by the offspring of such unions. They have entailed upon them a life of living misery; and though innocent, suffer the consequence of their parents' inconsiderate course. Men and women have no right to follow impulse, or blind passion, in their marriage relation, and then bring innocent children into the world to realize from various causes that life has but little joy, but little happiness, and is therefore a burden.

Children generally inherit the peculiar traits of character which the parents possess, and in addition to all this, many come up without any redeeming influence around them. They are too frequently huddled together in poverty and filth. With such surroundings and examples, what can be expected of the children when they come upon the stage of action, but that they will sink lower in the scale of moral worth than their parents, and their deficiencies in every respect be more apparent than theirs? Thus has this class perpetuated their deficiencies, and cursed their posterity with poverty, imbecility, and degradation. These should not have married; at least, they should not have brought innocent children into existence to share their misery, and hand down their own deficiencies, with accumulating wretchedness, from generation to generation, which is one great cause of the degeneracy of the race. -

God's Design for His People

The strength of God's people lies in their union with him through his only begotten Son, and their union with one another. There are no two leaves of a tree precisely alike; neither do all minds run in the same direction. But while this is so, there may be unity in diversity. Christ is our root, and all who are grafted into this root will bear the fruit which Christ bore. They will reveal the fragrance of his character in the talent of speech, in the cultivation of hospitality, of kindness, of Christian courtesy and heavenly politeness. Look at the flowers in a carpet, and notice the different colored threads. All are not pink, all are not green, all are not blue. A variety of colors are woven together to perfect the pattern. So it is in the design of God. He has a purpose in placing us where we must learn to live as individuals. We are not all fitted to do the same kind of work, but each man's work is designed by God to help make up his plan.

When the Lord commanded the children of Israel to build the tabernacle, and gave them the plan for its furniture, its curtains, and everything pertaining to it, all were not given the same work. The Lord chose his workers, and then fitted them for their work by giving to them skill, and imparting to them his wisdom. To each worker was appointed work according to his ability. No worker was to lay hold of one portion of the work, and place himself in the way of his fellow laborer. Each was to do with the strictest fidelity the part appointed him. The plan of the great Deviser was followed, and the tabernacle came forth, from the hands of the workers, complete, each part in harmony with every other.

Industry in a God-appointed work is as much a part of true religion as is devotion. We are not to think that in any of the work essential in the building of the tabernacle one part was menial and the other not. Every part of God's work means service. He declares of his people, Ye are laborers together with God. We are to bear in mind that this world is the Lord's workshop. We are to bear the image of God, and every soul saved through the sacrifice of the Son of God must in this life be made complete in Christ. There is much to do in order to fit us for the courts of the Lord. The roughness of spirit, the coarseness of speech, the cheapness of character, must be put away, or we can never wear the garment woven in the heavenly loom,--the righteousness of Christ.

The Lord designs to bring his people as material from the quarry of the world, that he may work them. They are in need of the ax and the hammer, of planing and polishing; for if this work is not done, the stones will retain their roughness. They will be unsymmetrical, and unfitted to fill the place Christ has prepared for every one who will enter the kingdom of heaven. Those who, under the education of Christ, make it possible to reach the highest attainments will take every divine improvement with them to the higher school. But those who are unwilling to have their characters molded after the divine similitude make the angels sad; for by clinging to their sinful habits and practises they spoil the design of God.

Angels of God are appointed to minister unto those who shall be heirs of salvation. The work of these heavenly beings is to prepare the inhabitants of this world to become children of God, pure, holy, undefiled. But men, though professing to be followers of Christ, do not place themselves in a position where they can understand this ministry, and thus the work of the heavenly messengers is made hard. The angels, who do always behold the face of the Father in heaven, would prefer to remain close by the side of God, in the pure and holy atmosphere of heaven; but a work must be done in bringing this heavenly atmosphere to the souls who are tempted and tried, that Satan may not disqualify them for the place the Lord would have them fill in the heavenly courts. Principalities and powers in heavenly places combine with these angels in their ministration for those who shall be heirs of salvation. But how sad it is that this work is hindered by the coarseness, the roughness, the worldly-mindedness of men and women who are so desirous of securing their own ends, of gratifying their own wishes, that they lose sight of the word of God, which should be their instructor and their guide.

The Lord gives to every angel his work for this fallen world. Divine help is provided for men and women. They have the opportunity of co-operating with the heavenly intelligences, of being laborers together with God. There is placed before them the possibility of gaining a fitness for the presence of God, of being enabled to see his face. Heavenly angels are working to bring the human family into a close brotherhood, a oneness described by Christ as like that existing between the Father and the Son. How can men so highly favored by God fail to appreciate their opportunities and privileges? How can they refuse to accept the divine help proffered? How much it is possible for human beings to gain if they will keep eternity in view!

Satanic agencies are always warring for the mastery over the human mind, but the angels of God are constantly at work, strengthening the weak hands and confirming the feeble knees of all who call upon God for help. The promise to every child of God is, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

The Lord is more willing to give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him than parents are to give good gifts to their children. Then ask. Believe what God has said. He will surely fulfil his word. Say from your heart, "My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever." The victory must be gained day by day. As Christ's representatives, we are to stand on vantage-ground before the world. Let us, then, engage in this part of the Christian warfare, determinedly overcoming every weakness of character.

The Lord has had true-hearted men and women, those who have made a covenant with him by sacrifice. They have not swerved from their integrity. They have kept themselves unspotted from the world, and they have been led by the Light of life to defeat the purposes of the wily foe. Will human beings now act their part in resisting the devil? If they will do this, he will surely flee from them. Angels, who will do for you what you can not do for yourselves, are waiting for your co-operation. They are waiting for you to respond to the drawing of Christ. Draw nigh to God and to one another. By desire, by silent prayer, by resistance of satanic agencies, put your will on the side of God's will. While you have one desire to resist the evil, and sincerely pray, Deliver me from temptation, you will have strength for your day. It is the work of the heavenly angels to come close to the tried, the tempted, the suffering ones. They labor long and untiringly to save the souls for whom Christ has died. And when souls appreciate their advantages, appreciate the heavenly assistance sent them, respond to the Holy Spirit's working on their behalf; when they put their will on the side of Christ's will, angels bear the tidings heavenward. Returning to the heavenly courts, they report their success with the souls for whom they have ministered, and there is rejoicing among the heavenly host.

The angels of God have seen in the churches a condition of things which has grieved them, and grieved the Holy Spirit. The professed people of God have shown a lack of unity and love. They have not heeded the admonition, "Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savor." The apostle Paul says, "We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbor for his good to edification. For even Christ pleased not himself. . . . Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that ye through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be like-minded one toward another, according to Christ Jesus: that ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God."

Again he says: "Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another; not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality."

This admonition has been strangely neglected: "Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality." Plans have been devised by which the loving attentions shown in hospitality and visiting, a work which should bind heart to heart, are cut off. Let not methods and plans be invented which will give no opportunity for brotherly love to live. The spirit of covetousness, O, let it die! Our Heavenly Father gives us of his bounty freely, and for his sake who gave his life for us we should entertain our brethren and sisters.

The Lord designs that we shall care for the interests of one another. The apostle Paul gives us an illustration of this. Addressing the church at Rome, he says: "I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea; that ye receive her in the Lord as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also."

Christ's admonition to his disciples is to be heeded by us. Almost his last words before he gave his life for the world were, "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another." How much, Lord?--"As I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." -

Disease and Its Causes

If women of past generations had always moved from high considerations, realizing that future generations would be ennobled or debased by their course of action, they would have taken their stand, that they could not unite their life interest with men who were cherishing unnatural appetites for alcoholic drinks, and tobacco, which is a slow but sure and deadly poison, weakening the nervous system, and debasing the noble faculties of the mind. If men would remain wedded to these vile habits, women should have left them to their life of single blessedness, to enjoy these companions of their choice. Women should not have considered themselves of so little value as to unite their destiny with men who had no control over their appetites, but whose principal happiness consisted in eating and drinking, and gratifying their animal passions. Women have not always followed the dictates of reason instead of impulse. They have not felt in a high degree the responsibilities resting upon them, to form such life connections as would not enstamp upon their offspring a low degree of morals, and a passion to gratify debased appetites, at the expense of health and even life. God will hold them accountable, in a large degree, for the physical health and moral characters thus transmitted to future generations.

Men and women who have corrupted their own bodies by dissolute habits have also debased their intellects, and destroyed the fine sensibilities of the soul. Very many of this class have married, and left, for an inheritance to their offspring, the taints of their own physical debility and depraved morals. The gratification of animal passions, and gross sensuality, have been the marked characteristics of their posterity, descending from generation to generation, increasing human misery to a fearful degree, and hastening the depreciation of the race.

Men and women who have become sickly and diseased have often, in their marriage connection, selfishly thought only of their own happiness. They have not seriously considered the matter from the standpoint of noble, elevated principles, reasoning in regard to what they could expect of their posterity, but diminished energy of body and mind, which would not elevate society, but sink it still lower.

Sickly men have often won the affections of women apparently healthy, and because they loved each other, they felt themselves at perfect liberty to marry, neither considering that by their union the wife must be a sufferer, more or less, because of the diseased husband. In many cases the diseased husband improves in health, while the wife shares his disease. He lives very much upon her vitality, and she soon complains of failing health. He prolongs his days by shortening the days of his wife. Those who thus marry commit sin in lightly regarding health and life given to them of God to be used to his glory. But if those who thus enter the marriage relation were alone concerned, the sin would not be so great. Their offspring are compelled to be sufferers by disease transmitted to them. Thus disease has been perpetuated from generation to generation. And many charge all this weight of human misery upon God, when their wrong course of action has brought the sure result. They have thrown upon society an enfeebled race, and done their part to deteriorate the race, by rendering disease hereditary, and thus accumulating human suffering.

Another cause of the deficiency of the present generation in physical strength and moral worth, is men and women uniting in marriage whose ages widely differ. It is frequently the case that old men choose to marry young wives. By thus doing, the life of the husband has often prolonged, while the wife has had to feel the want of that vitality which she has imparted to her aged husband. It has not been the duty of any woman to sacrifice life and health, even if she did love one so much older than herself, and felt willing on her part to make such a sacrifice. She should have restrained her affections. She had considerations higher than her own interest to consult. She should consider, if children be born to them, what would be their condition? It is still worse for young men to marry women considerably older than themselves. The offspring of such unions, in many cases, where ages widely differ, have not well-balanced minds. They have been deficient also in physical strength. In such families have frequently been manifested varied, peculiar, and often painful traits of character. The children often die prematurely; and those who reach maturity, in many cases are deficient in physical and mental strength, and moral worth.

The father is seldom prepared, with his failing faculties, properly to bring up his young family. These children have peculiar traits of character, which constantly need a counteracting influence, or they will go to certain ruin. They are not educated aright. Their discipline has too often been of the fitful, impulsive kind, by reason of the father's age. He has been susceptible of changeful feelings,--at one time overindulgent, while at another he is unwarrantably severe. In some such families, everything is wrong, and domestic wretchedness is greatly increased. Thus a class of beings has been thrown upon the world as a burden of society. Their parents were accountable in a great degree for the characters developed by their children, which are transmitted from generation to generation.

Those who increase the number of their children, when, if they consulted reason, they must know that physical and mental weakness must be their inheritance, are transgressors of the last six precepts of God's law, which specify the duty of man to his fellow man. They do their part in increasing the degeneracy of the race, and in sinking society lower, thus injuring their neighbor. If God thus regards the rights of neighbors, has he no care in regard to closer and more sacred relationship? If not a sparrow falls to the ground without his notice, will he be unmindful of the children born into the world, diseased physically and mentally, suffering, in a greater or less degree, all their lives? Will he not call parents to an account, to whom he has given reasoning powers, for putting these higher faculties in the background, and becoming slaves to passion, when, as the result, generations must bear the mark of their physical, mental, and moral deficiencies? In addition to the suffering they entail upon their children, they have no portion but poverty to leave to their pitiful flock. They can not educate them, and many do not see the necessity, neither could they find time if they did, to train them, and instruct them, and lessen, as much as possible, the wretched inheritance transmitted to them. Parents should not increase their families any faster than they know that their children can be well cared for and educated. A child in the mother's arms from year to year is a great injustice to her. It lessens, and often destroys, social enjoyment, and increases domestic wretchedness. It robs their children of that care, education, and happiness which parents should feel it their duty to bestow upon them.

The husband violates the marriage vow, and the duties enjoined upon him in the word of God, when he disregards the health and happiness of the wife, by increasing her burdens and cares by numerous offspring. "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it. . . . So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church."

We see this holy injunction almost wholly disregarded, even by professed Christians. Everywhere you may look, you will see pale, sickly, care-worn, broken-down, dispirited, discouraged women. They are generally over-worked, and their vital energies exhausted by frequent child-bearing. The world is filled with images of human beings who are of no worth to society. Many are deficient in intellect, and many who possess natural talents do not use them for any beneficial purposes. They are not cultivated, and the one great reason is that children have been multiplied faster than they could be well trained, and have been left to come up much like the brutes.

The Christian's Duty

Probationary time is our period of test and trial. It cost a price that can not be computed,--the life-blood of the Son of the infinite God. This time is an entrusted talent, a precious gift, to be improved in God's service. The Christian will not trifle one hour away. He will spend it in working the works of Christ.

The Lord calls for the whole heart, the entire affections. He will not accept any divided service. When we give all we have and are to him, our love for those for whom he died is strengthened. Finding its source in Christ, this pure, holy affection flows forth in a rich current to those who come within the sphere of our influence.

In doing Christ's will, we stand on a high and holy field of action. He is the foundation, the source of all power. All his workers are to be tributary to him. They are to realize that they are under obligation to use his gifts with grateful liberality. They are to be cheerful almoners of his treasures. Thus, one with Christ, they walk and work in harmony with him.

The lack of practical obedience will constitute the ground of the condemnation of those that are lost. Those who refuse his counsel, who will not co-operate with him, in probationary time, would not co-operate with him in heaven. They reject his offer of help when it is essential for them to represent his character, and it would not be safe to take them to heaven.

The Lord is displeased with many who claim to believe the truth. They act like unreasonable, passionate children. Christ can not accept their work. He does not need the service of those who are inspired by the enemy of all good. Many connected with the work of God give way to their temper. They fret and grumble when things do not move in a way that pleases them. The Lord is dishonored by this discontent and faultfinding. Those who give way to these traits of character can not inspire confidence as Christians.

Christ is always calm and dignified, and those who labor with him will use, in their work, the oil of grace. Their words and actions will be soothing. They will realize that the wrath of man is altogether unnecessary for the advancement of God's work.

"All ye are brethren." When our ministers visit the churches, let them not think to help the people by finding fault with them. Let those who visit the churches cultivate a spirit of meekness and brotherly love. Let their words be Christlike. Let them show that they are hidden with Christ in God. Then their words will have a power that will impress the hearts of the people.

If those who fight for their own way would take time to think; if they would plead with God to give them self-control; if they would watch unto prayer, their words of complaint and faultfinding would be much fewer. They would not find pleasure in criticizing. Thankfulness would take possession of their poor, worrying, fretting hearts, and they would rest in God, trusting in him to steer the ship. God could manage if we had nothing to do or say, but he permits us, yes, he invites us, to co-operate with him.

What work are we doing for the Lord? Have we consecrated ourselves to him? When we join the church, we enter into solemn covenant to use our God-given powers in exerting a healthful influence. This God desires us to do at all times and in all places. In this age of the world, when iniquity abounds, discouragement will come to every soul. Let us take all our perplexities to God in prayer. He is our refuge in time of trouble. Do we desire to have our prayers answered? Then we must not be faint-hearted. We must not allow Satan to cast his hellish shadow between our souls and God. This he will strive every day to do. And many of the professed children of God wrap themselves about with this dark shadow. But this need not be. When Satan tempts us to doubt, faith must rise in unfaltering strength, refusing to yield to the darkness, saying, Lord, I cast my helpless soul on thee. I must have light. I must feel the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness shining into my soul. When we seek the Lord with full purpose of heart, our sincere prayers will cleave the darkness, and the light of Christ's glory will clothe the soul.

In the last great day every man will be rewarded according as his work has been. In unmistakable lines, Christ has laid down the terms of his settlement. So definite are they that no one can offer an excuse for not walking in the way of the Lord.

Diligence in worldly business is not enough. Busy activity in things that are as nothingness will not tell one jot or tittle in favor of any soul. The sum and substance of pure and undefiled religion is specified in God's word: "If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this: To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." This is the outgrowth of inward piety, tenderness, and love. The church whose members live this scripture will be a living power. Its members will not banish the love of God from their hearts by gossiping and recounting their grievances. The voice will not be used to weaken and destroy souls. Subjects will be dwelt upon that will bring rest to souls; words will be spoken that will comfort the feeble-minded and support the weak.

God calls upon us to be his agencies in dispensing his gifts to others. When men appropriate everything for their own advantage, he withdraws his gifts from them, and places them in the hands of those who will be faithful stewards. Christ gave himself for our salvation, and in turn we must without reserve give ourselves to him. This is God's plan for the discipline of his people. Those who love God sincerely watch for opportunities to prove to the world that they are new men and women in Christ. They do not live to amuse and glorify self. The Lord is their strength, and he enables them to perform holy, beneficent actions. Our outflow of charity is to be proportionate to Christ's liberality to us. Thus we live true religion. Rich and poor need to study what God's word teaches on this subject. They may find culture and education in learning how to give. Christ declared, "The poor always ye have with you." He has plainly stated that the decisions of the last day will turn upon the question of practical benevolence. To have ministered to the hungry, the stranger, the naked, the sick, are the credentials which will testify that we are Christ's disciples. "Thou hast been faithful over a few things," he says, "I will make thee ruler over many things."

How closely Christ has linked himself with suffering humanity! In reckoning with his heritage he places himself on the poor man's side, and registers any neglect to the poor as done to the One to whom man belongs by creation and by redemption; and every act of self-denial, performed to help the suffering, he acknowledges as done to himself. "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."

The hearts of those who reveal the attributes of Christ glow with divine love. They are imbued with a spirit of gratitude. But the heart that is destitute of love in unthankful. Christ calls upon his disciples to cut away from their lives every defilement of soul and body. Clear foresight and discernment are required, that we may help those who need help.

Christ is our example. He gave his life as a sacrifice for us, and he asks us to give our lives as a sacrifice for others. Thus we may cast out the selfishness which Satan is constantly striving to implant in our hearts. This selfishness is death to all piety, and can be overcome only by manifesting love to God and to our fellow men. Christ will not permit one selfish person to enter the courts of heaven. No covetous person can pass through the pearly gates; for all covetousness is idolatry.

Satan will continue to play the game of life for our souls as long as time shall last. And the end of all things is at hand. "Ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh." Watch therefore, that when he cometh, ye may be found ready. Prepare to meet thy God. There are sins to be confessed, and wrongs to be righted. Time should now be devoted to earnest preparation for the Master. In this solemn day of atonement we must humble our hearts before God, and confess our sins. We must have faith corresponding to the important, solemn truths which we profess. This is the only evidence we can give to the world to show that our religion is genuine.

Of the virgins who went forth to meet the bridegroom, five were wise, and five were foolish. In which of these classes shall we be found? This question we must answer for ourselves. If we are fully consecrated to God, seeking earnestly to do his will, we shall stand at our post of duty, doing what we can to advance his work.

The churches are to be looked after and cared for, but they are not to demand continuous labor. The members are to receive help and instruction from the Great Teacher, and then, girded with the heavenly armor, they are to stand in the army of God. Do not educate our churches to expect constant ministerial help. If they do the work of God has given them to do, the truth will grow and flourish in their hearts. They will reveal the fact that they are determined to increase their abilities by exercise. In order to have God's approval, we must come up to the help of the Lord against the mighty powers of darkness. Armed with the sword of the Spirit, we are to go to the battle, holding forth the word of life, seeking to save souls. If the churches desire to guard against becoming narrow and selfish, let them work for the souls for whom Christ gave his life.

Our Redeemer made the greatest possible sacrifice for the human race. Thus he has shown the estimate he places on us. Do you desire to work so as best to please him? Gird on the armor, and fight manfully the battles of the Lord. Christ will give grace to those who are hunters and fishers of men.

Lift up Jesus. Lift him up, the man of Calvary, with the voice of song and prayer. Seek earnestly to spread the gospel. Tell the precious story of God's love for man. In this work you will find a satisfaction that will last through the eternal ages. Christ has given us this work as our special charge, and he is the source of our wisdom and efficiency.

Talk the truth, pray it, sing it. Point sinners to Christ, saying, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." Co-operate with Christ and the heavenly intelligences in the work of reinstating the economy which Christ instituted. Declare with power and assurance that Christ came to live the law of Jehovah. God desires his people to be ready, with souls aglow with his love, to impart as fast as they receive. They are to show what the truth has done for them, that God may be glorified. -

Disease and Its Causes

Children in this age are suffering, with their parents, more or less, the penalty of the violation of the laws of health. The course generally pursued with them, from their infancy, is in continual opposition to the laws of their being. They were compelled to receive a miserable inheritance of disease and debility, before their birth, occasioned by the wrong habits of their parents, which will affect them in a greater or less degree through life. This bad state of things is made every way worse by parents' continuing to follow a wrong course in the physical training of their children during their childhood.

Parents manifest astonishing ignorance, indifference, and recklessness, in regard to the physical health of their children, which often results in destroying the little vitality left the abused infant, and consigns it to an early grave. You will frequently hear parents mourning over the providence of God, which has torn their children from their embrace. Our Heavenly Father is too wise to err, and too good to do us wrong. He has no delight in seeing his creatures suffer. Thousands have been ruined for life because parents have not acted in accordance with the laws of health. They have moved from impulse, instead of following the dictates of sound judgment, constantly having in view the future well-being of their children.

The first great object to be attained in the training of children is soundness of constitution, which will prepare the way in a great measure for mental and moral training. Physical and moral health are closely united. What an enormous weight of responsibility rests upon parents when we consider that the course pursued by them before the birth of their children has very much to do with the development of their character after their birth.

Many children are left to come up with less attention from their parents than a good farmer devotes to his dumb animals. Fathers, especially, are often guilty of manifesting less care for wife and children than that shown to their cattle. A merciful farmer will take time to devote especial thought as to the best manner of managing his stock, and will be particular that his valuable horses shall not be overworked, overfed, or fed when heated, lest they be ruined. He will take time to care for his stock, lest they be injured by neglect, exposure, or any improper treatment, and his increasing young stock depreciate in value. He will observe regular periods for their eating, and will know the amount of work they can perform without injuring them. In order to accomplish this, he will provide them only the most healthful food, in proper quantities, and at stated periods. By thus following the dictates of reason, farmers are successful in preserving the strength of their beasts. If the interest of every father, for his wife and children, corresponded to that care manifested for his cattle, in that degree that their lives are more valuable than the dumb animals, there would be an entire reformation in every family, and human misery be far less.

Great care should be manifested by parents in providing the most healthful articles of food for themselves and for their children. And in no case should they place before their children food which their reason teaches them is not conducive to health, but which would fever the system, and derange the digestive organs. Parents do not study from cause to effect in regard to their children, as in the case of their dumb animals, and do not reason that to overwork, to eat after violent exercise and when much exhausted and heated, will injure the health of human beings, as well as the health of dumb animals, and will lay the foundation for a broken constitution in man, as well as in the beasts.

If parents of children eat frequently, irregularly, and in too great quantities, even of the most healthful food, it will injure the constitution; but in addition to this, if the food is of an improper quality, and prepared with grease and indigestible spices, the result will be far more injurious. The digestive organs will be severely taxed, and exhausted nature will be left a poor chance to rest and recover strength, and the vital organs will soon become impaired, and break down. If care and regularity are considered needful for dumb animals, they are as much more essential for human beings, formed in the image of their Maker, as they are of more value than the dumb creation.

The father, in many cases, exercises less reason, and has less care, for his wife, and their offspring before its birth, than he manifests for his cattle with young. The mother, in many cases, previously to the birth of her children, is permitted to toil early and late, heating her blood, while preparing various unhealthful dishes of food to suit the perverted taste of the family and of visitors. Her strength should have been tenderly cherished. A preparation of healthful food would have required but about one half the expense and labor, and would have been far more nourishing.

The mother, before the birth of her children, is often permitted to labor beyond her strength. Her burdens and cares are seldom lessened, and that period, which should be to her, of all others, a time of rest, is one of fatigue, sadness, and gloom. By too great exertion on her part, she deprives her offspring of that nutrition which nature has provided for it, and by heating her blood, she imparts to it a bad quality of blood. The offspring is robbed of its vitality, robbed of physical and mental strength. The father should study how to make the mother happy. He should not allow himself to come to his home with a clouded brow. If he is perplexed in business, he should not, unless it is actually necessary to counsel with his wife, trouble her with such matters. She has cares and trials of her own to bear, and she should be tenderly spared every needless burden. -

Not in Man's Wisdom

Before his ascension, Christ commissioned his disciples: "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." When the disciples prepared themselves for the descent of the Holy Spirit, by putting away all selfishness, all love of supremacy, and all differences, by becoming of one accord, of one mind, divine grace came upon them in a marked manner. The pentecostal season brought to them the evidences that they were accepted in the Beloved, and that their prayers, ascending to God in faith, would assuredly be answered. The power of the Holy Spirit was given to accompany the preaching of the Word.

In the commission to the disciples, and the descent of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, Christ shows that power and wisdom are not with the many, and that they do not come from man, but from Christ. The apostle Paul declares: "He is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the first-born from the dead; that in all things he might have the pre-eminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; and, having made peace through the blood of the cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: if ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; . . . 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 of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."

Speaking to his disciples, Christ said, "It is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven." These they were to proclaim to the world. "What ye hear in the ear," he said on one occasion, "that preach ye upon the housetops;" for there is nothing in the knowledge of truth and righteousness that is to remain a mystery. The door is thrown open for all who believe. "And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it."

Christ makes a distinction between those who believe on him and those who do not, and tells his followers the evidence they must give to the world that they love the Saviour, who gave his life a ransom for them. "If ye love me," he says, "keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he will give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world can not receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you." "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself unto him. . . . 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."

The apostle Paul declares: "We have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things which are freely given to us to God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."

This scripture explains why men whose minds are occupied with worldly things do not give attention to things of eternal interest. Either God or Satan has the control of the intellect. If man sustains no vital relation to God, he reveals that he is connected with another leader, who is controlling his mind, and holding him in darkness, that he may not see the evidences of truth. The world can not receive the Spirit of truth, because they have not made the truth, which would make them wise unto salvation, their study. They can not receive truth, because they do not see Christ as the truth. They do not know him. "This is life eternal," said Christ, "that they might know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent."

Those who know the truth are responsible for those who know it not. As a part of God's great firm, we have a work to do in building up the interests of that firm. As instruments of righteousness, we are to build up the kingdom of God, according to the plans he has laid before us. All who are connected with God will be imbued with his Spirit. The light that has been given them they will communicate to those who are in darkness. They will never cease their efforts to win souls to Christ. This is the work before all who claim to believe in Jesus. And in this work they will give themselves to God, soul, body, and spirit. They will bear their burden of soul in prayer to God, that those who know him not may be convicted and converted. To neglect this work is to insult Jehovah, to grieve the Holy Spirit, and to prove disloyal to Christ.

The Lord would have all his workers weighted with a wisdom that is divine, that wisdom which God gives to all who ask in faith. Paul said: "And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of man, but in the power of God."

The apostle Paul had all the privileges of a Roman citizen. He was not behind in the Hebrew education; for he had learned at the feet of Gamaliel; but all this did not enable him to reach the highest standard. With all this scientific and literary education, he was, until Christ was revealed to him, in as complete darkness as are many at this time. Paul became fully conscious that to know Jesus Christ by an experimental knowledge was for his present and eternal good. He saw the necessity of reaching a high standard.

It had been Paul's custom to adopt an oratorical style in his preaching. He was a man fitted to speak before kings, before the great and learned men of Athens, and his intellectual acquirements were often of value to him in preparing the way for the gospel. He tried to do this in Athens, meeting eloquence with eloquence, philosophy with philosophy, and logic with logic; but he failed to meet with the success he had hoped for. His after-sight led him to understand that there was something needed above human wisdom. God taught him that something above the world's wisdom must come to him. He must receive his power from a higher source. In order to convict and convert sinners, the Spirit of God must come into his work, and sanctify every spiritual development. He must eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of God.

Christ is the mystery of godliness, and God calls for a humble reliance upon him, whose divine aid is promised to all. The church at Corinth did not make the fear of Christ the first, the last, and the best in everything. They were fearful of offending the Jews and the learned heathen, and they were becoming weak. Paul declared to them that he had not come to them with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that their faith might not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. "Howbeit," he said, "we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to naught." "For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to naught things that are: that no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: that, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord."

This mystery all the intelligence of human beings is of itself incapable of understanding. Man's learning may be considered supreme, but it is not that higher education which he can take with him into the kingdom of heaven. The learned men of the world, notwithstanding all their intellectual studies, know not the truth as it is in Jesus. In his epistle to the Ephesians, Paul brings to view a kind of education which these supposed intellectual stars have not: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ," he says, "who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: according as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the Beloved."

These divine heights the true believer may reach. All who will may see the mystery of godliness. But it is only through a correct understanding of Christ's mission and work that the possibility of being complete in him, accepted in the Beloved, is brought within our reach. His long human arm embraces the human family; his divine arm grasps the throne of the Infinite, that man may have the benefit of the infinite sacrifice made in his behalf. And to as many as receive him, he gives the power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.

There are many who are too exalted in their own opinion to receive this mystery. There is a science that the Most High would have these great men understand; but they can not see the Truth, the Life, the Light of the world. Human science is not divine enlightenment. Divine science is the demonstration of the Spirit of God, inspiring implicit faith in him. The men of the world suppose this faith to be beneath the notice of their great and intelligent minds, something too low to give attention to; but here they make a great mistake. It is altogether too high for their human intelligence to reach.

The gospel message is far from being opposed to true knowledge and intellectual attainments. It is itself true science, true intellectual knowledge. True wisdom is infinitely above the comprehension of the worldly wise. The hidden wisdom, which is Christ formed within, the hope of glory, is a wisdom high as heaven. The deep principles of godliness are sublime and eternal. A Christian experience alone can help us to understand this problem, and obtain the treasures of knowledge which have been hidden in the counsels of God, but are now made known to all who have a vital connection with Christ. All who will may know of the doctrine.

God is glorified in having channels through which he can communicate the treasures of heaven to a fallen world. Every one who will cleanse his soul of impurity, and let the similitude of Christ's character be placed on his character, will reflect back to God in pure currents the praise and thanksgiving of the souls he has won for Christ. The Saviour says, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father." -

Disease and Its Causes

The mother too often meets with cold reserve from the father. If everything does not move off just as pleasantly as he could wish, he blames the wife and mother, and is indifferent to her cares and daily trials. Men who do this are working directly against their own interest and happiness. The mother becomes discouraged. Hope and cheerfulness depart from her. She goes about her work mechanically, knowing that it must be done, and this soon results in a loss of both physical and mental health. Children are born to them suffering with various diseases, and God holds the parents accountable in a great degree; for it was their wrong habits that fastened upon their unborn children the disease under which they are compelled to suffer all through their lives. Some live but a short time with their load of debility. The mother anxiously watches over the life of her child, and is weighed down with sorrow when she is compelled to close its eyes in death; and she often regards God as the author of all this affliction, when in reality the parents are the murderers of their own child.

The father should bear in mind that the treatment of his wife before the birth of his offspring will materially affect the disposition of the mother during that period, and will have much to do with the character developed by the child after its birth. Many fathers have been so anxious to obtain property quickly that higher considerations have been sacrificed; some have been criminally neglectful of the mother and her offspring, and too frequently the life of both has been sacrificed to the strong desire to accumulate wealth. Many do not immediately suffer the heavy penalty for their wrong-doing, and are asleep as to the result of their course. The condition of the wife is sometimes no better than that of a slave; and sometimes she is equally guilty with her husband, of squandering physical strength to obtain means to live fashionably. It is a sin for such to have children; for their offspring will often be deficient in physical, mental, and moral worth, and will bear the miserable, close, selfish impress of their parents, and the world will be cursed with their meanness.

It is the duty of men and women to act with reason in regard to their labor. They should not exhaust their energies unnecessarily; for by doing this, they not only bring suffering upon themselves, but, by their errors, bring anxiety, weariness, and suffering upon those they love. What calls for such an amount of labor?--Intemperance in eating and drinking, and the desire for wealth, have led to this intemperance in labor. If the appetite is controlled, and only healthful food is eaten, there will be so great a saving of expense that men and women will not be compelled to labor beyond their strength, and thus violate the laws of health. The desire of men and women to accumulate property is not sinful if in their efforts to attain their object they do not forget God, and transgress the last six precepts of Jehovah, which dictate the duty of man to his fellow man, and so place themselves in a position where it is impossible for them to glorify God in their bodies and spirits, which are his. If, in their haste to be rich, they overtax their energies, and violate the laws of their being, they place themselves in a condition where they can not render to God perfect service, and are therefore pursuing a course of sin. Property thus obtained is gained at an immense sacrifice.

Hard labor and anxious care often make the father nervous, impatient, and exacting. He does not notice the tired look of his wife, who has labored with her feeble strength just as hard as he has labored with his stronger energies. He suffers himself to be hurried with business, and through his anxiety to be rich, loses in a great measure the sense of his obligation to his family, and does not measure aright his wife's power of endurance. He often enlarges his farm, requiring an increase of hired help, which necessarily increases the housework. The wife realizes every day that she is doing too much work for her strength, yet she toils on, thinking the work must be done. She is continually reaching down into the future, drawing upon her future resources of strength, and is living upon borrowed capital; and at the period when she needs that strength, it is not at her command, and if she does not lose her life, her constitution is broken past recovery.

If the father would become acquainted with physical law, he would better understand his obligations and his responsibilities. He would see that he had been guilty of almost murdering his children, by suffering so many burdens to come upon the mother, compelling her to labor beyond her strength before their birth, in order to obtain money to leave for them. They nurse these children through their suffering life, and often lay them prematurely in the grave, little realizing that their wrong course has brought the sure result. How much better to shield the mother of his children from wearing labor and mental anxiety, and let the children inherit good constitution, and give them an opportunity to battle their way through life, not relying upon their father's property, but upon their own energetic strength! The experience thus obtained would be of more worth to them than houses and lands purchased at the expense of the health of mother and children.

It seems perfectly natural for some men to be morose, selfish, exacting, and overbearing. They have never learned the lesson of self-control, and will not restrain their unreasonable feelings, let the consequences be what they may. Such men will be repaid by seeing their companions sickly and dispirited, and their children bearing the peculiarities of their own disagreeable traits of character.

It is the duty of every married couple studiously to avoid marring the feelings of each other. They should control every look of fretfulness and passion. They should study each other's happiness in small matters as well as in large, manifesting a tender thoughtfulness in acknowledging kind acts and little courtesies. These small things should not be neglected; for they are just as important to the happiness of man and wife, as food is to sustain physical strength. The father should encourage the wife and mother to lean upon his large affection. Kind, cheerful, encouraging words from him to whom she has entrusted her life-happiness will be more beneficial to her than any medicine; and the cheerful rays of light that such sympathizing words will bring to the heart of the wife and mother, will reflect their own cheering beams upon the heart of the father.

The husband will frequently see his wife careworn and debilitated, growing prematurely old, in laboring to prepare food to suit his vitiated taste. He gratifies the appetite, and will eat and drink those things which cost much time and labor to prepare for the table, and which have a tendency to make those who partake of these unhealthful things nervous and irritable. The wife and mother is seldom free from headache, the children suffer from the effects of eating unwholesome food, and there is a great lack of patience and affection with parents and children. All are sufferers together; for health has been sacrificed to lustful appetite. The offspring, before its birth, has had transmitted to it disease and an unhealthy appetite. The irritability, nervousness, and despondency manifested by the mother will mark the character of her child.

The Sanctifying Power of Truth

"Another parable spake he unto them: The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened."

This parable illustrates the penetrating and assimilating power of the gospel, which is to fashion the church after the divine similitude by working on the hearts of the individual members. As the leaven operates on the meal, so the Holy Spirit operates on the human heart, absorbing all its capabilities and powers, bringing soul, body, and spirit into conformity to Christ.

In the parable the woman placed the leaven in the meal. It was necessary to supply a want. By this God would teach us that, of himself, man does not possess the properties of salvation. He can not transform himself by the exercise of his will. The truth must be received into the heart. Thus the divine leaven does its work. By its transforming, vitalizing power it produces a change in the heart. New thoughts, new feelings, new purposes are awakened. The mind is changed, the faculties are set to work. Man is not supplied with new faculties, but the faculties he has are sanctified. The conscience hitherto dead is aroused. But man can not make this change himself. It can be made only by the Holy Spirit. All who would be saved, high or low, rich or poor, must submit to the working of this power.

This truth is presented in Christ's words to Nicodemus: "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again he can not see the kingdom of God. . . . That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit."

When our minds are controlled by the Spirit of God, we shall understand the lesson taught by the parable of the leaven. Those who open their hearts to receive the truth will realize that the word of God is the great instrumentality in the transformation of character. "The entrance of thy words giveth light," the psalmist declares; "it giveth understanding unto the simple." And Christ prayed for his disciples, "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth." "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

Christ came to this world to declare the truth, that we might be sanctified by it. Speaking of him, John says: "That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And 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. . . . And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace."

In his prayer for us, Christ said, "This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." These words embody everything; and we can not, therefore, place too much importance on them. "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Then shall we not awaken to our holy responsibilities, and strive to meet God's standard of character? If we are one with Christ by faith, we are sons and daughters of God.

"Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace."

"What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet." The Holy Spirit presents the law to the sinner as God's only standard of character. "For I was alive without the law once," Paul continues; "but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me. Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. . . . I delight in the law of God after the inward man."

"For if by one man's offense death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ." "For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous." By the grace of Christ we are saved. But grace does not abolish the law of God. The law is the transcript of God's character. It presents his righteousness in contrast with unrighteousness. By the law is the knowledge of sin. The law makes sin appear exceeding sinful. It condemns the transgressor, but it has no power to save and restore him. Its province is not to pardon. Pardon comes through Christ, who lived the law in humanity. Man's only hope is in the substitute provided by God, who gave his Son, that he might reconcile the world to himself. "He hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him."

"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 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; that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."

"For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. . . . For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: but we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling-block, and unto the Greeks foolishness; but unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. . . . Of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption."

Are you standing on the foundation laid by Christ? Have you faith in him, who is made unto us "wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption"? His word is true, and it requires those who believe in him to be sanctified, soul, body, and spirit. Sanctification is the measure of our completeness. The moment we surrender ourselves to God, believing in him, we have his righteousness. We realize that we have been redeemed from sin, and we appreciate the sacrifice made to purchase our freedom.

Our salvation is complete, because it is founded on the accomplishment of a plan laid before the foundation of the world. Before Christ came, a ceremonial holiness could be obtained by offering the blood of bulls and of goats; but these sacrifices could not cleanse the conscience. They were but a representation of Christ, the great sacrifice. The substance of all the sacrifices and offerings, he came to this world to do God's will by offering himself. He came as the world's Redeemer, to stand at the head of humanity. The Holy Spirit comes to man through Christ. We are given a decided testimony regarding the value of Christ's offering. God's word declares, "By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." It was a whole and entire sacrifice that was made for us.

The last great crisis is upon us. The working of the man of sin is revealed. "The mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness."

"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. . . . Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever."

This sanctification we must all experience, else we can never gain eternal life. It is obtained by a union with Christ, a union which no power of Satan can break.

Christ demands undivided heart-service,--the entire use of mind, soul, heart, and strength. "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." When we make this surrender, Christ sets our minds at rest, and consecrates our hearts and hands to his service. His wisdom gives us spiritual life, and enables us to manifest love to God and to one another. We reveal his grace in our characters; for we have his life. He presents us spotless before his Father; for we are sanctified through his blood. We are purged from dead works; for Jesus takes possession of the sanctified soul, to renew, sustain, and guide all its impulses, and give vitality to its purposes. Thus we become temples for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. -

Disease and Its Causes

In past generations, if mothers had informed themselves in regard to the laws of their being, they would have understood that their constitutional strength, as well as the tone of their morals, and their mental faculties, would in a great measure be represented in their offspring. Their ignorance upon this subject, where so much is involved, is criminal. Many women should never have become mothers. Their blood was filled with scrofula, transmitted to them from their parents, and increased by their gross manner of living. The intellect has been brought down, and enslaved to serve the animal appetites. Children born of such parents have been great sufferers, and of but little use to society.

It has been one of the greatest causes of degeneracy in preceding generations, that wives and mothers, who otherwise would have had a beneficial influence upon society in raising the standard of morals, have been lost to society through the multiplicity of home cares, because of the fashionable, health-destroying manner of cooking, and also in consequence of too frequent child-bearing. The mother has been compelled to endure needless suffering, her constitution has failed, and her intellect has become weakened by so great a draft upon her vital resources. Her offspring suffer because of her debility; and through her inability to educate them, society has thrown upon it a class poorly fitted to be of any benefit.

If these mothers had given birth to but few children, and had been careful to live upon such food as would preserve physical health and mental strength, so that the moral and intellectual might predominate over the animal, they could have so educated their children for usefulness that they would have been bright ornaments to society.

If, in past generations, parents had, with firmness of purpose, kept the body servant to the mind, and had not allowed the intellectual to be enslaved by the animal passions, there would be in this age a different order of beings upon the earth. And if the mother, before the birth of her offspring, had always possessed self-control, realizing that she was giving the stamp of character to future generation, the present state of society would not be so depreciated in character.

Every woman about to become a mother, whatever may be her surroundings, should encourage constantly a happy, contended disposition, knowing that for all her efforts in this direction she will be repaid tenfold in the physical, as well as in the moral, character of her offspring. Nor is this all. By habit she can accustom herself to cheerful thinking, and thus encourage a happy state of mind, and cast a cheerful reflection of her own happiness of spirit upon her family, and those with whom she associates. And in a very great degree her physical health will be improved. A force will be imparted to the life springs; the blood will not move sluggishly, as would be the case if she were to yield to despondency and gloom. Her mental and moral health are invigorated by the buoyancy of her spirits. The power of the will can resist impressions of the mind, and will prove a grand soother of the nerves. Children who are robbed of that vitality which they should have inherited from their parents should have the utmost care. By close attention to the laws of their being, a much better condition may be established.

The period in which the infant receives its nourishment from its mother is critical. Many a mother, while nursing her infant, has been permitted to overwork, heating her blood over the cook-stove; and the nursling has been seriously affected, not only with fevered nourishment from the mother's breast, but its blood has been poisoned by the unhealthy diet of the mother, which has fevered her whole system, thereby affecting the food of the infant. The infant is also affected by the condition of the mother's mind. If she is unhappy, easily agitated, irritable, giving vent to outbursts of passion, the nourishment the infant receives from its mother will be inflamed, often producing colic, spasms, and, in some instances, causing convulsions, or fits.

The character also of the child is more or less affected by the nature of the nourishment received from the mother. How important, then, that the mother, while nursing her infant, should preserve a happy state of mind, having perfect control of her own spirit. By thus doing, the food of the child is not injured, and the calm, self-possessed course the mother pursues in the treatment of her child has much to do in molding the mind of the infant. If it is nervous, and easily agitated, the mother's careful, unhurried manner will have a soothing and correcting influence, and the health of the infant will be much improved.

Infants have been greatly abused by improper treatment. If fretful, they have generally been fed to keep them quiet, when, in most cases, receiving too much food, made injurious by the wrong habits of the mother, was the very cause of their fretfulness. More food only made the matter worse; for the stomach was already overloaded.

Children are generally brought up from the cradle to indulge the appetite, and are taught that they live to eat. The mother does much toward the formation of the character of her children in their childhood. She can teach them to control the appetite, or she can teach them to indulge the appetite, and become gluttons. The mother often plans to accomplish a certain amount of work during the day; and when the children trouble her, instead of taking time to soothe their little sorrows, and divert them, something is given them to eat, to keep them still. This accomplishes the purpose for a short time, but eventually makes things worse. The children's stomachs are pressed with food when they have not the least want of food. All that is required is a little of mother's time and attention. But she regards her time altogether too precious to devote to the amusement of her children. Perhaps to arrange her house in a tasteful manner for visitors to praise, and to have her food cooked in fashionable style, are, with her, higher considerations than the happiness and health of her children.

Intemperance in eating and in labor debilitates the parents, often making them nervous, and disqualifying them rightly to discharge their duty to their children. Three times a day parents and children gather around the table, loaded with a variety of fashionable foods. The merits of each dish have to be tested. Perhaps the mother has toiled till she is heated and exhausted, and is not in a condition to take even the simplest food till she has first had a period of rest. The food she wearied herself in preparing is wholly unfit for her at any time, but especially taxes the digestive organs when the blood is heated and the system exhausted. Those who have thus persisted in violating the laws of their being have been compelled to pay the penalty at some period of their life.

There are ample reasons why there are so many nervous women in the world, complaining of dyspepsia, with its train of evils. The cause has been followed by the effect. It is impossible for intemperate persons to be patient. They must first reform bad habits, and learn to live healthfully; then it will not be difficult for them to be patient. Many do not seem to understand the relation the mind sustains to the body. If the system is deranged by improper food, the brain and nerves are affected, and slight things annoy those who are thus afflicted. Little difficulties are to them troubles mountain high. Persons thus situated are unfitted properly to train their children. Their life will be marked with extremes; sometimes they will be very indulgent, at other times severe, censuring for trifles that deserve no notice. -

The Pearl of Great Price

"Again the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: who, when he hath found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it."

Truth is represented as a pearl of great price. It is to be enthroned in the heart; for it alone can convince of, and reclaim from sin. By comparing the kingdom of heaven to a pearl, Christ desired to lead every soul to appreciate that pearl, above all else. The possession of the pearl, which means the possession of a personal Saviour, is the symbol of true riches. It is a treasure above every earthly treasure.

Christ is ready to receive all who come to him in sincerity. He is our only hope, our Alpha and Omega. He is our sun and shield, our wisdom, our sanctification, our righteousness. Only by his power can our hearts be kept in the love of God. He longs to give us his peace and rest. But he will not tolerate one particle of pretense or hypocrisy. There are those who say and do not, who profess to know the truth, but whose lives are a denial of it. The Lord knows these.

On one occasion Christ warned his disciples to beware how they cast their pearls before those who had no discernment to appreciate their value. They were to be careful how they applied their time and taxed their strength. "Give not that which is holy unto the dogs," he said, "neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you."

There are those who will be rescued from the very depths of pollution. Isaiah speaks of this class: "Wash you, make you clean," he says; "put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool."

The evils are to be cut away from the life. Sins are to be repented of. Though they are as scarlet, they may be made as white as snow. Just as great a transformation as possible is to take place in the character. But if, after test and trial, after being brought into connection with those who work faithfully in their behalf, men and women do not give evidence that they have been purified from wrong habits and practises, they show that they do not appreciate the pearl of great price. If they are dishonest in any transaction, temporal or spiritual, if they are not straightforward, they show that they regard the rich mercies of God as a common thing. They can not see the value of the pearl of great price. "If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land," God declares; "but if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. How is the faithful city become an harlot." How have those who have had every opportunity to know the truth become defiled with the corruptions of the ungodly. "It was full of judgment; righteousness lodged in it; but now murderers. Thy silver has become dross, thy wine mixed with water."

Those represented in these words have mingled the sacred with the common. They profess to believe the truth, but they can not carry dishonest practises in the narrow road and through the strait gate. By their actions they show that they have chosen the road in which the world travels. "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." "Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. When once the Master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are: then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out. And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God. And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last."

We shall meet those who have so perverted the conscience that they are unable to discern the precious truth of God's word. Then let all be careful with whom they connect. When men show themselves unimpressionable, unable to appreciate the pearl of great price; when they deal dishonestly with God and with their fellow men; when they show that the fruit they bear is the fruit of the forbidden tree, beware lest, by connecting with them, you lose your connection with God. They give evidence that God is not working with them, and the knowledge gained by a connection with them is misleading. You can not be a savor of life unto them; for they will not appreciate the word of God. "Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine."

We shall see in the future, as we have seen in the past, all kinds of characters develop. We shall witness the apostasy of men in whom we have had confidence, in whom we trusted, who we supposed were as true as steel to principle. Something comes to test them, and they are overthrown. If such men fall, some say, Whom can we trust? This is a temptation Satan brings to destroy the faith of those who are striving to walk in the narrow road. Those who fall have evidently corrupted their way before the Lord. They are beacons of warning, teaching those who profess to believe the truth that the word of God alone can reclaim men from guilt, and keep them steadfast in the way of holiness.

The word of God is the pearl of great price. It is unchangeable, eternal. Truth as it is in Jesus sets men right, and keeps them so. The truth is an anchor to the soul, both sure and steadfast. But the truth is no truth to him who does not obey it. When men drift away from the principles of truth, they always betray sacred trust. Let every soul, whatever may be his sphere of action, make sure that the truth is implanted in the heart by the power of the Spirit of God. Unless this is made certain, those who preach the Word will betray holy trusts. Physicians will make shipwreck of the faith. Lawyers, judges, senators, will become corrupted, and yielding to bribery, will allow themselves to be bought and sold. Those who do not walk in the light as Christ is in the light, are blind leaders of the blind. "Clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots." -

Disease and Its Causes

The mother frequently sends her children from her presence because she thinks she can not endure the noise occasioned by their happy frolics. But with no mother's eye over them to approve, or disapprove, at the right time, unhappy differences often arise. A word from the mother would set all right again. They soon become weary, and desire change, and go into the street for amusement; and pure, innocent-minded children are driven into bad company, and evil communications breathed into their ears corrupt their good manners. The mother often seems to be asleep to the interest of her children, until she is painfully aroused by the exhibition of vice. The seeds of evil were sown in their young minds, promising an abundant harvest. And it is a marvel to her that her children are so prone to do wrong. Parents should begin in season to instil into infant minds good and correct principles. The mother should be with her children as much as possible, and should sow precious seed in their hearts.

The mother's time belongs in a special manner to her children. They have a right to her time as no others can have. In many cases mothers have neglected to discipline their children, because it would require too much of their time, which they think must be spent in the cooking department, or in preparing their own clothing, and that of their children, according to fashion, to foster pride in their young hearts. In order to keep their restless children still, they have given them cake or candies, almost any hour of the day, and their stomachs are crowded with hurtful things at irregular periods. Their pale faces testify to the fact that mothers are doing what they can to destroy the remaining life forces of their poor children. The digestive organs are constantly taxed, and are not allowed periods of rest. The liver becomes inactive, the blood impure, and the children are sickly and irritable, because they are real sufferers from intemperance; and it is impossible for them to exercise patience.

Parents wonder that children are so much more difficult to control than they used to be, when in most cases their own criminal management has made them so. The quality of food they bring upon their tables, and encourage their children to eat, is constantly exciting their animal passions, and weakening the moral and intellectual faculties. Very many children are made miserable dyspeptics in their youth by the wrong course their parents have pursued toward them in childhood. Parents will be called to render an account to God for thus dealing with their children.

Many parents do not give their children lessons in self-control. They indulge their appetite, and form the habits of their children, in childhood, to eat and drink according to their desires. So will they be in their general habits in their youth. Their desires have not been restrained; and as they grow older, they will not only indulge in the common habits of intemperance, but they will go still further in indulgences. They will choose their own associates, although corrupt. They can not endure restraint from their parents. They will give loose rein to their corrupt passions, and will have but little regard for purity or virtue. This is the reason there is so little purity and moral worth among the youth of the present day, and is the great cause why men and women feel under so little obligation to render obedience to the law of God. Some parents have not control over themselves. They do not control their own morbid appetites, or their passionate tempers; therefore they can not educate their children in regard to the denial of appetite, nor teach them self-control.

Many mothers feel that they have not time to instruct their children; and in order to get them out of the way, and get rid of their noise and trouble, they send them to school. The schoolroom is a hard place for children who have inherited enfeebled constitutions. Schoolrooms generally have not been constructed with reference to health, but with regard to cheapness. The rooms have not been arranged so that they can be ventilated, as they should be, without exposing the children to severe colds. And the seats have seldom been made so that the children can sit with ease, and keep their little, growing frames in a proper posture to insure healthy action of the lungs and heart. Young children can grow into almost any shape, and can, by habits of proper exercise and correct positions of the body, obtain healthy forms. It is destructive to the health and life of young children for them to sit in the schoolroom, upon hard, ill-formed benches, from three to five hours a day, inhaling the impure air caused by many breaths. The weak lungs become affected; and the brain, from which the nervous energy of the whole system is derived, becomes enfeebled by being called into active exercise before the strength of the mental organs is sufficiently matured to endure fatigue.

In the schoolroom the foundation has been surely laid for diseases of various kinds. But, more especially, the most delicate of all organs, the brain, has often been permanently injured by too great exercise. This has often caused inflammation, then dropsy of the head, and convulsions, with their dreaded results. And the lives of many have been thus sacrificed by ambitious mothers. Of those children who have apparently had sufficient force of constitution to survive this treatment, there are very many who carry the effects of it through life. The nervous energy of the brain becomes so weakened that after they come to maturity, it is impossible for them to endure much mental exercise. The force of some of the delicate organs of the brain seems to be expended.

And not only has the physical and mental health of children been endangered by their being sent to school at too early a period, but they have been the losers in a moral point of view. They have had opportunities to become acquainted with children who were uncultivated in their manners. They were thrown into the society of the coarse and rough, who lie, swear, steal, and deceive, and who delight to impart their knowledge of vice to those younger than themselves. Young children, if left to themselves, learn the bad more readily than the good. Bad habits agree best with the natural heart; and the things which the children see and hear in infancy and childhood are deeply imprinted upon their minds; and the bad seed sown in their young hearts will take root, and will become sharp thorns to wound the hearts of their parents.

During the first six or seven years of a child's life special attention should be given to its physical training, rather than the intellectual. After this period, if the physical constitution is good, the education of both should receive attention. Infancy extends to the age of six or seven years. Up to this period, children should be left, like lambs, to roam about the house, and in the yard, in the buoyancy of their spirits, skipping and jumping, free from care and trouble.

Parents, especially mothers, should be the only teachers of such infant minds. They should not educate from books. The children generally will be inquisitive to learn the things of nature. They will ask questions in regard to the things they see and hear, and parents should improve the opportunity to instruct, and patiently answer these little inquiries. They can, in this manner, get the advantage of the enemy, and fortify the minds of their children, by sowing good seed in their hearts, leaving no room for the bad to take root. The mother's loving instruction at a tender age is what is needed by children in the formation of character. -

The Pearl of Great Price [Concluded]

While God warns us to beware how we waste truths of the highest value upon those who do not appreciate them, he also presents to us such cases as that of Cornelius and the centurion, "a devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway." An angel came to this man, saying, "Cornelius." When he saw the angel, "he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter. He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the seaside: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do."

There are many to-day who are in the same position as Cornelius. They are living up to the light they have received, and God speaks to them, as he spoke to Cornelius, and brings them by his appointed agencies to the place where they will receive the truth into good and honest hearts. God reveals himself to those who are striving to form characters that he can approve. The prayers of those who fear him, who recognize their obligations to him, are heard and answered. The Lord takes special notice of those who walk in the light that he has given them, who testify by their deeds that they are trying to honor God. Through a Peter he will present the pearl of great price, and through a Cornelius and his family many souls will be brought to the light.

God declares, "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." "Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame." In every place God has his witnesses, who testify to the power of his rich grace. In all their ways they acknowledge God, and he directs their path. They testify to the transforming power of the grace of God; for they stand under the blood-stained banner of Prince Emmanuel.

God desires us to realize the value he sets on his believing people. "They that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord harkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him." "The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. The face of the Lord is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit."

Christ has revealed the value of his word. He declares that we must eat and drink his flesh and blood, if we would be partakers of the divine nature. "Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. . . .This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. . . . Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. . . .It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life."

No work of man can improve the great and precious truths of God's word. They are not a mixture of truth and error. They are without a flaw.

"God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." He is the same yesterday, to-day, and forever. The righteousness of Christ, as a pure white pearl, has no defect, no stain, no guilt. This righteousness may be ours. Salvation, with its blood-bought, inestimable treasures, is the pearl of great price. It may be searched for and found. But all who really find it will sell all they have to buy it. They give evidence that they are one with Christ, as he is one with the Father. In the parable the merchant man is represented as selling all that he had to gain possession of one pearl of great price. This is a beautiful representation of those who appreciate the truth so highly that they give up all they have to come into possession of it. They lay hold by faith of the salvation provided for them at the sacrifice of the only begotten Son of God.

There are some who are seeking, always seeking, for the goodly pearl. But they do not make an entire surrender of their wrong habits. They do not die to self that Christ may live in them. Therefore they do not find the precious pearl. They have not overcome unholy ambition and their love for worldly attractions. They do not lift the cross, and follow Christ in the path of self-denial and self-sacrifice. They never know what it is to have peace and harmony in the soul; for without entire surrender there is no rest, no joy. Almost Christians, yet not fully Christians, they seem near the kingdom of heaven, but they do not enter therein. Almost but not wholly saved means to be not almost but wholly lost.

A daily consecration to God brings peace and rest. The merchant sold all that he had to possess the pearl. When those who are seeking for salvation refuse to fail or be discouraged, they will find peace and rest in the Lord. Christ will clothe them with his righteousness. He will provide them with a clean heart and a renewed mind. These blessings cost the life of the Son of God, and are freely offered to those for whom the sacrifice was made. But how do many treat the proffered gift?--They turn away, choosing rather the pleasures of this life. Christ says of them, "Ye will not come to me, that ye might have life."

Sinners are under a fearful deception. They despise and reject the Saviour. They do not realize the value of the pearl offered to them, and cast it away, rendering to their Redeemer only insult and mockery. Many a woman decks herself with rings and bracelets, thinking to gain admiration, but she refuses to accept the pearl of great price, which would secure for her sanctification, honor, and eternal riches. What an infatuation is upon the minds of many! They are more charmed with earthly baubles, which glitter and shine, than with the crown of immortal life, God's reward for loyalty. "Can a maid forget her ornaments, or a bride her attire? yet my people have forgotten me days without number." -

Disease and Its Causes

The first important lesson for children to learn is the proper denial of appetite. It is the duty of mothers to attend to the wants of their children, by soothing and diverting their minds, instead of giving them food, and thus teaching them that eating is the remedy for life's ills.

If parents had lived healthfully, being satisfied with a simple diet, much expense would have been saved. The father would not have been obliged to labor beyond his strength, in order to supply the needs of his family. A simple, nourishing diet would not have had an influence unduly to excite the nervous system and the animal passions, producing moroseness and irritability. If he had partaken only of plain food, his head would have been clear, his nerves steady, his stomach in a healthy condition; and with a pure system, he would have had no loss of appetite, and the present generation would be in a much better condition than it now is. But even now, in this late period, something can be done to improve our condition. Temperance in all things is necessary. A temperate father will not complain if he has no great variety of his table. A healthful manner of living will improve the condition of the family in every sense, and will allow the wife and mother time to devote to her children. The great study with parents will be in what manner they can best train their children for usefulness in this world, and for heaven hereafter. They will be content to see their children with neat, plain, comfortable garments, free from embroidery and adornment; and will earnestly labor to see them in possession of the inward adorning, the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

Before the Christian father leaves his home, to go to his labor, he will gather his family around him, and bowing before God, will commit them to the care of the Chief Shepherd. He will then go forth to his labor with the love and blessing of his wife, and the love of his children, to make his heart cheerful through his laboring hours. And that mother who is aroused to her duty realizes the obligations resting upon her to her children in the absence of the father. She will feel that she lives for her husband and children. By training her children aright, teaching them habits of temperance and self-control, and teaching them their duty to God, she is qualifying them to become useful in the world, to elevate the standard of morals in society, and to reverence and obey the law of God. Patiently and perseveringly will the godly mother instruct her children, giving them line upon line, and precept upon precept, not in a harsh, compelling manner, but in love; and in tenderness will she win them. They will consider her lessons of love, and will happily listen to her words of instruction.

Instead of sending them from her presence, that she may not be troubled with their noise, nor be annoyed with the numerous attentions they would desire, she will feel that her time can not be better employed than in soothing and diverting their restless, active minds with some amusement, or light, happy employment. The mother will be amply repaid for her efforts in taking time to invent amusement for her children.

Young children love society. They can not, as a general thing, enjoy themselves alone; and the mother should feel that in most cases the place for her children, when they are in the house, is in the room she occupies. She can then have a general oversight of them, and be prepared to set little differences right, when appealed to by them, and correct wrong habits, or the manifestation of selfishness or passion, and can thus give their minds a turn in the right direction. That which children enjoy they think mother will be pleased with, and it is perfectly natural for them to consult her in little matters of perplexity. And the mother should not wound the heart of her sensitive child by treating the matter with indifference, or by refusing to be troubled with such small matters. That which may be small to the mother is large to her children. A word of direction, or caution, at the right time will often prove of great value. An approving glance, a word of encouragement or praise, from the mother, will often cast a sunbeam into their young hearts for a whole day.

The first education children should receive from the mother in infancy, should be in regard to their physical health. They should be allowed only plain food, of that quality that will preserve to them the best condition of health; and that should be partaken of only at regular periods, not oftener than three times a day, and two meals would be better than three. If children are disciplined aright, they will soon learn that they can receive nothing by crying or fretting. In training her children, a judicious mother will act not merely in regard to her own present comfort, but for their future good. And to this end, she will teach them the important lesson of controlling the appetite, and of self-denial, that they should eat, drink, and dress with reference to health.

A well-disciplined family, who love and obey God, will be cheerful and happy. The father when he returns from his daily labor, will not bring his perplexities to his home. He will feel that home, and the family circle, are too sacred to be marred with unhappy perplexities. When he left his home, he did not leave his Saviour and his religion behind. Both were his companions. The sweet influence of his home, the blessing of his wife, and the love of his children, make his burdens light; and he returns with peace in his heart, and cheerful, encouraging words for his wife and children, who are waiting joyfully to welcome his coming. As he bows with his family at the altar of prayer to offer up his grateful thanks to God for his preserving care of himself and loved ones through the day, angels of God hover in the room, and bear the fervent prayers of God-fearing parents to heaven, as sweet incense, which are answered by returning blessings.

Parents should impress upon their children that it is sin to consult the taste, to the injury of the stomach. They should impress upon their minds that by violating the laws of their being they sin against their Maker. Children thus educated will not be difficult of restraint. They will not be subject to irritable, changeable tempers, and will be in a far better condition for enjoying life. Such children will the more readily and clearly understand their moral obligations. Children who have been taught to yield their will and wishes to their parents will the more easily and readily yield their wills to God, and will submit to be controlled by the Spirit of Christ. Why so many who claim to be Christians have numerous trials, which keep the church burdened, is because they have not been correctly trained in their childhood, and were left in a great measure to form their own character. Their wrong habits, and peculiar, unhappy dispositions were not corrected. They were not taught to yield their will to their parents. Their whole religious experience is affected by their training in childhood. They were not then controlled. They grew up undisciplined, and now, in their religious experience, it is difficult for them to yield to that pure discipline taught in the word of God. Parents should realize the responsibility resting upon them to educate their children in reference to their religious experience.

Those who regard the marriage relation as one of God's sacred ordinances, guarded by his holy precept, will be controlled by the dictates of reason. They will consider carefully the result of every privilege the marriage relation grants. Such will feel that their children are precious jewels committed to their keeping by God, to remove from their natures the rough surface by discipline, that their luster may appear. They will feel under most solemn obligations so to form their characters that they may do good in their life, bless others with their light, and the world be better for their having lived in it, and they be finally fitted for the higher life, the better world, to shine in the presence of God and the Lamb forever. -

Christ's Mission

Christ was the greatest missionary the world has ever known. How did he come? What was his message? John, his forerunner, lifted up his voice in the wilderness of Judea, crying, "Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord." "Make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be laid low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. . . . O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! Behold, the Lord God will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom."

Christ bore the same message that John bore. "From that time," we read, "Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." But while John preached in the wilderness, Christ's work was done among the people. That he might reach sinners where they were, he encircled the race with his long human arm, while with his divine arm he grasped the throne of the Infinite, uniting finite man to the infinite God, and connecting earth with heaven.

"Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my Spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street. A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth. He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law."

"And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting their net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." Thus Christ called his first disciples. They were not chosen from among the Pharisees, but from among humble fishermen. With these lowly men he could co-operate, educating and training them to the highest work ever given to mortals.

"And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom." Connected with this work was his ministry of healing. He went about "healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. And his fame went throughout all Syria; and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatic, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them. And there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and from Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judea, and from beyond Jordan."

Here I wish to impress upon all interested in missionary work that the truth is first to be presented and the warning given to the people, "The kingdom of God is at hand." Nothing will so impress minds as the uplifting of the Saviour. "As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up." In the wilderness the word was given, sounded by the trumpet, caught up by appointed men; and those who heard in faith and looked toward the uplifted symbol were saved. To-day those who are bitten by the serpent are to look and live. "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." All who look upon him will live. Then the question, "What must I do to be saved?" is answered.

The message that Jesus gave to the palsied man is given to us. "They brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed." There was a crowd around the house in which Jesus was, and the sick man's friends sought a way to bring him directly to Christ, that they might lay him before him. "And when they could not find what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went upon the housetop, and let him down through the tiling with his couch into the midst before Jesus."

Christ saw that the man was suffering with bodily disease, and he saw also that he was suffering with a sin-sick soul. He knew that in order to heal bodily maladies he must bring relief to the mind, and cleanse the soul from sin. The man needed health of soul before he could appreciate health of body. The Saviour was not unmindful of the effort that was made to bring the man to him, and his heart of love and pity was moved. "He saw their faith," and it was enough. "Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee," he said to the sick man. Many watched with bated breath every movement in this strange transaction, feeling that Christ's words were an invitation to them. Were they not soul-sick? Were they not anxious to get rid of their burden of guilt?

But the Pharisees could not conceal their anger. As if filled with holy horror, they began to reason, saying, "Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sin, but God alone?" But it was the Son of the living God who had uttered the words, "Thy sins be forgiven thee." Had not the Pharisees been blinded by prejudice, they would have seen that he who was before them was the Christ, and that he was in the Father, and the Father in him. "I and my Father are one," he declared.

"When Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answering said unto them, What reason ye in your hearts? Whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Rise up and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins (he said unto the sick of the palsy), I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house. And immediately he rose up before them, and took up that whereon he lay, and departed to his own house, glorifying God." He was healed of the leprosy of sin, healed of the maladies that had afflicted his body, healed every whit. "And they were all amazed, and they glorified God, and were filled with fear, saying, We have seen strange things to-day."

"And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me. And he left all, rose up, and followed him." Just such invitations must be given by Christ's ambassadors. General invitations are given; but not enough definite and personal invitations. If more personal calls were made, more decided movements would be made to follow Christ.

"And Levi made him a great feast in his own house." He felt himself highly honored by Christ's call, and gave expression to his feelings by making a feast and calling his friends. Jesus and his disciples were invited, and "many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples." Jesus never refused invitations of this kind, because here he could ask and answer questions that would diffuse light. He never neglected an opportunity to sow the seeds of truth in human minds, knowing that the time would come when hearts would respond to the words that fell from his lips.

"But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat with publicans and sinners? And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

This is a lesson for all our churches. The Lord went into the busy thoroughfares of travel that he might speak words which would reach the hearts of sinners. They were sick, and needed a physician who could portray before them their true condition. Thus Christ reached to the very depths of human woe and misery.

Christ's work was a marked work. With his teaching he mingled the work of healing. "When he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease." "And as ye go," he said, "preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils; freely ye have received, freely give. Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses." "And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing everywhere."

This is the work that should be done to-day. Missions should be established, not merely in one or two cities in America, but in many localities. The buildings should be as inexpensive as possible. It is not expensive buildings that give character to our work; it is the spirit manifested by workers who show that they have the co-operation of the Holy Spirit. This gives power to their influence, and character to the work.

The Lord has sent his people to different parts of the globe, among idolatrous and heathen nations, that they may win souls from darkness to light. Their first work is to bear the message, Christ the crucified one is our Saviour. They are to awaken an interest in Christ's willingness to forgive sins, bearing the message, "This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent."

Christ gave his disciples an example of the work they were to do. On one occasion, we read, he "went into the borders of Tyre and Sidon, and entered into an house, and would have no man know it: but he could not be hid. For a certain woman whose young daughter had an unclean spirit, heard of him, and came and fell at his feet: . . . and she besought him that he would cast forth the devil out of her daughter. But Jesus said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it unto the dogs." This was the sentiment of the disciples. "And she answered and said unto him, Yes, Lord: yet the dogs under the table eat of the children's crumbs. And he said unto her, For this saying go thy way; the devil is gone out of thy daughter. And when she was come to her house, she found the devil gone out, and her daughter laid upon the bed."

"And again, departing from the coasts of Tyre and Sidon, he came unto the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the coasts of Decapolis. And they bring unto him one that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech; and they beseech him to put his hand upon him. And he took him aside from the multitude, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spit, and touched his tongue; and looking up to heaven, he sighed, and saith unto him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened. And straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain."

"And he charge them that they should tell no man: but the more he charged them, so much the more a great deal they published it; and were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well: he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak."

This was Christ's work. But our churches have not filled their place in co-operating with God in this work. Every position in life is permitted in the providence of God. Each sphere of action requires most thorough consecration to God. Those who are hid with Christ in God will become instruments in God's hands for the development of Christian virtue. All classes have a part to act. God's people are not to sit Sabbath after Sabbath hearing the word, and then do nothing to communicate to others what they have heard. They are to be laborers together with God. The Lord has given each one a work to do. No one will he excuse who cherished the inclination to fold his hands and make self a center. Truth is to be proclaimed. It is to go forth as a lamp that burneth. Not a thread of selfishness is to be woven into the work. We must see light in God's light. -

Disease and Its Causes--Drugs and Their Effects

The human family have brought upon themselves diseases of various forms by their own wrong habits. They have not studied how to live healthfully, and their transgression of the laws of their being has produced a deplorable state of things. The people have seldom accredited their sufferings to the true cause--their own wrong course of action. They have indulged in intemperance in eating, and made a god of their appetite. In all their habits they have manifested a recklessness in regard to health and life; and when, as the result, sickness has come upon them, they have made themselves believe that God was the author of it, when their own wrong course of action has brought the sure result. When in distress, they send for the doctor, and trust their bodies in his hands, expecting that he will make them well. He deals out to them drugs, of the nature of which they know nothing; and in their blind confidence they swallow anything that the doctor may choose to give. Thus powerful poisons are often administered, which fetter nature in all her friendly efforts to recover from the abuse the system has suffered; and the patient is hurried out of this life.

The mother who has been but slightly indisposed, and who might have recovered by abstaining from food for a short period, and ceasing from labor, having quiet and rest, has, instead of doing this, sent for a physician. And he, who should be prepared to give a few simple directions, and restrictions in diet, and place her upon the right track, is either too ignorant to do this, or too anxious to obtain a fee.

He makes the case appear a grave one, and administers his poisons, which, if he himself were sick, he would not venture to take. The patient grows worse, and poisonous drugs are more freely administered, until nature is overpowered in her efforts, and gives up the conflict, and the mother dies. She was drugged to death. Her system was poisoned beyond remedy. She was murdered. Neighbors and relatives marvel at the wonderful dealings of Providence in thus removing a mother in the midst of her usefulness, at the period when her children need her care so much. They wrong our good and wise Heavenly Father when they cast back upon him this weight of human woe. Heaven wished that mother to live, and her untimely death dishonored God. The mother's wrong habits, and her inattention to the laws of her being, made her sick. And the doctor's fashionable poisons, introduced into the system, closed the period of her existence, and left a helpless, stricken, motherless flock.

This is not always the result which follows the doctor's drugging. Sick people who take these drug-poisons do appear to get well. With some, there is sufficient life-force for nature to draw upon, to so far expel the poison from the system that the sick, having a period of rest, recover. But no credit should be allowed the drugs taken; for they only hindered nature in her efforts. All the credit should be ascribed to nature's restorative powers.

Although the patient may recover, yet the powerful effort nature was required to make to induce action to overcome the poison, injured the constitution, and shortened the life of the patient. There are many who do not die under the influence of drugs; but there are very many who are left useless wrecks, hopeless, gloomy, and miserable sufferers, a burden to themselves and to society.

If those who take these drugs were alone the sufferers, then the evil would not be so great. Parents not only sin against themselves in swallowing drug-poisons, but they sin against their children. The vitiated state of their blood, the poison distributed throughout the system, the broken constitution, and various drug-diseases, as the result of drug-poisons, are transmitted to their offspring, and left to them as a wretched inheritance. This is another great cause of the degeneracy of the race.

Physicians, by administering their drug-poisons, have done very much to increase the deterioration of the race, physically, mentally, and morally. Everywhere you may go you will see deformity, disease, and imbecility, which in very many cases can be traced directly back to the drug-poisons administered by the hand of a doctor as a remedy for some of life's ills. The so-called remedy has fearfully proved itself to the patient, by stern, suffering experience, to be far worse than the disease for which the drug was taken. All who possess common capabilities should understand the wants of their own system. The philosophy of health should compose one of the important studies for our children. It is all-important that the human organism be understood; then intelligent men and women can be their own physicians. If the people would reason from cause to effect, and would follow the light which shines upon them, they would pursue a course which would insure health, and mortality would be far less. But the people are too willing to remain in inexcusable ignorance, and trust their bodies to the doctors, instead of having any special responsibility themselves.

Several illustrations of this great subject have been presented before me. The first was a family consisting of a father and daughter. The daughter was sick, and the father was much troubled on her account, and summoned a physician. As the father conducted him into the sick-room, he manifested a painful anxiety. The physician examined the patient, and said but little. They both left the sick-room. The father informed the physician that he had buried the mother, a son, and a daughter, and that this daughter was all that was left to him of his family. He anxiously inquired of the physician if he thought his daughter's case hopeless.

The physician then inquired in regard to the nature and length of the sickness of those who had died. The father mournfully related the painful facts connected with the illness of his loved ones. "My son was first attacked with a fever. I called a physician. He said that he could administer medicine which would soon break the fever. He gave him powerful medicine, but was disappointed in its effects. The fever was reduced, but my son grew dangerously sick. The same medicine was again given him, without producing any change for the better. The physician then resorted to still more powerful medicines, but my son obtained no relief. The fever left him, but he did not rally. He sank rapidly and died.

"The death of my son, so sudden and unexpected, was a great grief to us all, especially to his mother. Her watching and anxiety in his sickness, and her grief, occasioned by his sudden death, were too much for her nervous system, and she was soon prostrated. I felt dissatisfied with the course pursued by this physician. My confidence in his skill was shaken, and I could not employ him a second time. I called another to my suffering wife. This second physician gave her a liberal dose of opium, which he said would relieve her pain, quiet her nerves, and give her rest, which she much needed. The opium stupefied her. She slept, and nothing could arouse her from the deathlike stupor. Her pulse and heart at times throbbed violently, and then grew more and more feeble in their action, until she ceased to breathe. Thus she died, without giving her family one look of recognition. This second death seemed more than we could endure. We all sorrowed deeply; but I was agonized, and could not be comforted.

"My daughter was next afflicted. Grief, anxiety, and watching had overtasked her powers of endurance, and her strength gave way, and she was brought upon a bed of suffering. I had now lost confidence in both of the physicians I had employed. Another physician was recommended to me as being successful in treating the sick; and although he lived at a distance, I was determined to obtain his services.

"This third physician professed to understand my daughter's case. He said that she was greatly debilitated, that her nervous system was deranged, and that fever was upon her, which could be controlled, but that it would take time to bring her up from her present state of debility. He expressed perfect confidence in his ability to raise her. He gave her powerful medicine to break up the fever. This was accomplished. But as the fever left, the case assumed more alarming features, and grew more complicated. As the symptoms changed, the medicines were varied to meet the case. While under the influence of new medicines, she would, for a time, appear revived. This would flatter our hopes that she would get well, only to make our disappointment more bitter as she became worse.

"The physician's last resort was calomel. For some time she seemed to be between life and death. She was thrown into convulsions. As these most distressing spasms ceased, we were aroused to the painful fact that her intellect was weakened. She began slowly to improve, although still a great sufferer. Her limbs were crippled as the effect of the powerful poisons which she had taken. She lingered a few years, a helpless, pitiful sufferer, and died in much agony."

After this sad relation the father looked imploringly to the physician, and entreated him to save his only remaining child. The physician looked sad and anxious, but made no prescription. He arose to leave, saying that he would call the next day. -

The Salt of the Earth

In his teachings, Christ likened his disciples to objects most familiar to them. He compared them to salt and to light. "Ye are the salt of the earth," he said; "ye are the light of the world." These words were spoken to a few poor, humble fishermen. Priests and rabbis were in that congregation of hearers, but these were not the ones addressed. With all their learning, with all their supposed instruction in the mysteries of the law, with all their claims of knowing God, they revealed that they knew him not. To these leading men had been committed the oracles of God, but Christ declared them to be unsafe teachers. He said to them, Ye teach for doctrine the commandments of men. "Ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God." Turning from these men to the humble fishermen, he said, "Ye are the salt of the earth."

Christ's own character was to be represented in his disciples. They were to bear the gospel to the world. They were to be doers of the word that they presented, which was to be to them and to others a savor of life unto life. From them was to go forth a message, illuminating in its influence, and saving in its power.

By these words of Christ we gain some idea of what constitutes the value of human influence. It is to work with the influence of Christ, to lift where Christ lifts, to impart correct principles, and stay the progress of the world's corruption. It is to diffuse that grace which Christ alone can impart. It is to uplift, to sweeten the lives and characters of others by the power of a pure example united with earnest faith and love. God's people are to exercise a reforming, preserving power in the world. They are to counter-work the destroying, corrupting influence of evil. By pen and voice they are to uplift before men the One who came to seek and to save that which was lost.

The Jews were familiar with the figure of the salt, and there was in the words of Christ that which commended his principles to his hearers. "If the salt have lost its savor," he said, "wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden underfoot of men." This was the condition of the Jewish nation. The salt was there, but it was useless. It could do no good to any one. This represents those who have once accepted Bible truth, who have once understood what it means to be as the salt with its saving properties, but who have lost their connection with Christ. They possess in themselves no saving qualities. They are criticizers, accusers of the brethren, as was the first apostate. They do not seek to enlighten and save their fellow men. These person are useless as far as truth and righteousness are concerned, and are fit only to be treated as the salt that has lost its savor.

Christ presents before us true religion. He reverses the decisions of ages, and shows that true knowledge is in direct opposition to the opinions of men. The work of the people of God in the world is to restrain evil, to elevate, to purify, and to ennoble mankind. The principles of kindness and love and benevolence are to uproot every fiber of the selfishness that has permeated all society and corrupted the church. Then the Lord God Omnipotent can reign, and the Spirit of Christ will be an abiding influence in the life. If men and women will open their hearts to the heavenly influence of truth and love, these principles will flow forth again, like streams in the desert, refreshing all, and causing freshness to appear where now are barrenness and dearth. The influence of those who keep the way of the Lord will be as far-reaching as eternity. They will carry with them the cheerfulness of heavenly peace as an abiding, refreshing, enlightening power.

Again, there is to be an open influence. Christ says, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Christ exercised mercy, tenderness, and compassion, that he might bless suffering humanity. He worked to restore the physical and the moral image of God in man. In this work man is to be a laborer together with God. Physical and moral health and spiritual light are to be communicated from the mighty Healer.

The light that shines from those who receive Jesus Christ is not self-originated.. It is all from the Light and Life of the world. He kindles this light, even as he kindles the fire that all must use in doing his service. Christ is the light, the life, the holiness, the sanctification, of all who believe, and his light is to be received and imparted in all good works. In many different ways his grace is also acting as the salt of the earth: whithersoever this salt finds its way, to homes or communities, it becomes a preserving power to save all that is good, and to destroy all that is evil.

True religion is the light of the world, the salt of the earth. Christian parents, will you consider that the salt possesses saving virtues for your family? There are to be no loud-voiced commands in the home. Let nothing come forth from your lips that is unkind and exasperating to your children. These children receive their first lessons from their father and mother; and no harsh, severe, gloomy representation should be given them. The love of Christ is to fashion their characters. Manifest the meekness and gentleness of Christ in dealing with the wayward little ones. Bear in mind that they have received their perversity as an inheritance from the father or mother, and be patient with the children who have inherited your own traits of character.

Be firm and decided in carrying out Bible instruction, but never give way to passion. Bear in mind that when you become harsh or unreasonable before your little ones, you teach them to be the same. God requires you to educate your children, bringing into your discipline all the generalship of a wise teacher, who is under the control of God. If the converting power of God is exercised in your home, you yourselves will be constant learners. You will represent the character of Christ, and your efforts will please God. Never neglect the work that should be done for the younger members of the Lord's family. You, parents, are the light of your home. Let your light shine forth in pleasant words, in soothing tones. Then angels will be in your home; and the discipline you give your children will go forth in strong, clear currents to the world. Your children will carry with them the precious influence of their home education. Then work in the home circle, in the first years of the children's lives, and they will carry into the schoolroom and into the world an influence that will be a savor of life unto life.

When the church shall understand her relation to the world, active personal work will be done. As a people, we are responsible for the souls that are perishing out of Christ. Every soul who is joined to Christ should be a living, active agency to represent him. He is to be a saving power in a perishing world. Souls are crying, "Send us help. We are thirsting for the waters of salvation. We are starving for the bread of life." Will our church members feed upon the word of life, and feel no burden to carry the truth to those who sit in the darkness of error? Do Christ's followers have no conception of the infinite price that has been paid to ransom these souls from the power of Satan? There is need of a strong and united influence to co-operate with the Captain of our salvation in taking the spoil from the power of the enemy, and making men and women free in Christ. Shall we not every one seek to stimulate others to work for fallen man? Pray earnestly, unitedly, perseveringly, for spiritual power. The fountain of grace and knowledge is ever flowing. It is inexhaustible. It is from this abundant fulness that we are supplied.

Every one has talents of value to be used in winning souls to Christ. But many who claim to be disciples of Christ have no real connection with God. They do not go forth in service. They possess no Christlike attributes. The salt has lost its savor. Men who have never experienced the tender, winning love of Christ in the soul can not lead others to the fountain of life. But if the love of Christ is abiding in the heart, it will prove a powerful, working agency. It will be revealed in the conversation, in the tender, pitiful spirit, in the efforts made to uplift the souls with whom we are brought in contact.

The dissemination of the truth of God is not confined to few ordained ministers. The truth is to be scattered by all who claim to be disciples of Christ. It must be sown beside all waters. There is danger for those who do little or nothing for Christ. The grace of God will not long abide in the soul of him who, having great privileges and opportunities, remains silent. Such a man will soon find that he has nothing to tell. If church-members would realize what their account has been, and still is, they would deny self. They would lift the cross. They would seek to save the souls that are perishing. They would go forth with weeping, bearing precious seed in love, that they might come again with rejoicing, bringing their sheaves with them. -

Disease and Its Causes--Drugs and Their Effects

Another scene was then presented before me. I was brought into the presence of a female, apparently about thirty years of age. A physician was standing by her, and reporting that her nervous system as deranged, that her blood was impure and moved sluggishly, and that her stomach was in a cold, inactive condition. He said he would give her active remedies, which would soon improve her condition. He gave her a powder from a vial upon which was written "Nux vomica." I watched to see what effect this would have upon the patient. It appeared to act favorably. Her condition seemed better. She was animated, and even seemed cheerful and active.

My attention was then called to still another case. I was introduced into the sick-room of a young man who was in a high fever. A physician was standing by the bedside of the sufferer, with a portion of medicine taken from a vial upon which was written "Calomel." He administered this chemical poison, and a change seemed to take place, but not for the better.

I was then shown still another case. It was that of a female, who seemed to be suffering much pain. A physician stood by the bedside of the patient, and was administering medicine taken from a vial upon which was written "Opium." At first this drug seemed to affect the mind. She talked strangely, but finally became quiet, and slept.

My attention was then called to the first case, that of the father who had lost his wife and two children. The physician was in the sick-room, standing by the bedside of the afflicted daughter. Again he left the room without giving medicine. The father, when alone in the presence of the physician, seemed deeply moved, and inquired, impatiently, "Do you intend to do nothing? Will you leave my only daughter to die?"

The physician said: "I have listened to the sad history of the death of your much-loved wife and your two children, and have learned from your own lips that all three died while in the care of physicians, and while taking medicines prescribed and administered by their hands. Medicine has not saved your loved ones; and as a physician, I solemnly believe that none of them need, or ought to, have died. They could have recovered if they had not been so drugged that nature was enfeebled by abuse, and finally crushed." He stated decidedly to the agitated father: "I can not give medicine to your daughter. I shall only seek to assist nature in her efforts, by removing every obstruction, and then leave nature to recover the exhausted energies of the system." He placed in the father's hand a few directions, which he enjoined him to follow closely: "Keep the patient free from excitement, and every influence calculated to depress. Her attendants should be cheerful and hopeful. She should have a simple diet, and should be allowed plenty of pure soft water to drink. She should bathe frequently in pure soft water, and this treatment should be followed by gentle rubbing. Let light and air be freely admitted into her room. She must have quiet and undisturbed rest."

The father slowly read the prescription, wondered at the few simple directions it contained, and seemed doubtful that any good would result from such simple means.

Said the physician: "You have had sufficient confidence in my skill to place the life of your daughter in my hands. Withdraw not your confidence. I will visit your daughter daily, and direct you in the management of her case. Follow my directions with confidence, and I trust in a few weeks to present her to you in a much better condition of health, if not fully restored."

The father looked sad and doubtful, but submitted to the decision of the physician. He feared that his daughter must die, if she had no medicine.

The second case was again presented before me. The patient had appeared better under the influence of nux vomica. She was sitting up, folding a shawl closely around her, and complaining of chilliness. The air in the room was impure. It was heated, and had lost its vitality. Almost every crevice where pure air could enter was guarded, to protect the patient from a sense of painful chilliness, which was especially felt in the back of the neck and down the spinal column. If the door was left ajar, she seemed nervous and distressed, and entreated that it should be closed, for she was cold. She could not bear the least draft of air from the door or windows. A gentleman of intelligence stood looking pityingly upon her, and said, to those present: "This is the second result of nux vomica. It is especially felt upon the nerves, and it affects the whole nervous system. There will be, for a time, increased forced action upon the nerves. But as the strength of this drug is spent, there will be chilliness and prostration. Just to the degree that it excites and enlivens will be the deadening, benumbing results following."

The third case was again presented before me. It was that of the young man to whom was administered calomel. He was a great sufferer. His lips were dark and swollen. His gums were inflamed. His tongue was thick and swollen, and the saliva was running from his mouth in large quantities. The intelligent gentleman before mentioned looked sadly upon the sufferer, and said: "This is the influence of mercurial preparations. This young man had sufficient nervous energy remaining to begin a warfare upon this intruder, this drug poison, to attempt to expel it from the system. Many have not sufficient life-force left to arouse to action; and nature is overpowered, ceases her efforts, and the victim dies." -

Christ's Denunciation of the Pharisees

When Christ came to the world, moral power was at a low ebb. The Jews as a people were not spiritually minded. Their hearts went out after their idols,--supremacy, wealth, and worldly honor. The teachers of the nation interpreted the Scriptures according to their cherished ideas. They taught that the Messiah was to come as an earthly prince, who would reign on David's throne, and crush the heathen under him. They led the people to believe that God would stretch out his arm in their behalf according to his promise, while they did not comply with the conditions of that promise. So far had they separated themselves from God by their wicked works, by their pride and self-righteousness, their oppression of the poor and needy, their hatred and jealousy, that spiritual things were not discerned.

The angels did not announce the birth of Christ to those who claimed to have great light and knowledge. The rabbis who explained the law in the synagogue--those who above all others should have been intelligent in regard to the coming of the Messiah and the manner of his appearing--knew nothing of the Babe cradled in the manger. Had the angels appeared to them with the good tidings of great joy, telling them the wonderful story of the Babe of Bethlehem, they would have rejected the message with contempt. Such humble birth was not according to their lofty ideas. Therefore the Lord of glory passed by the self-exalted, the men intoxicated with self-love and worldly honor, and came to the men who were humble, who would receive the heavenly messengers and the tidings that were to echo to earth's remotest bounds.

It was to the humble shepherds that the birth of Christ was first made known. While they were watching their flocks on the hills of Bethlehem, "lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

The manner of Christ's first advent, and the condition of those to whom the joyful tidings came, is a lesson we shall do well to study. The Lord does not honor those who honor themselves. He does not give his precious light to those who will not make a right use of it,--who use it to honor themselves, in the place of exalting the Lord God of Israel. Those whom the Lord has blessed with great privileges are to be pure and humble and undefiled. The humility of the world's Redeemer is solemn and instructive. He was the Majesty of heaven, yet while on earth, he was unhonored and almost unknown. The light of the world, the heir of glory, he was despised and rejected of men.

As we trace the course pursued by the scribes and Pharisees, and see the light and privileges granted them, we are led to inquire, How could those teachers read the word of God without perceiving the truths which it teaches? Upon these men was placed the responsibility of explaining the law in the synagogue; but Christ declared, "Ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God." Ye teach for doctrine the commandments of men. The sayings of men, coming down through the rabbis from age to age, had molded their religious worship. Traditions were constantly increasing, which kept the mind in a state of questioning and controversy over the most trivial matters. New laws were constantly being enacted, and the people were taught to regard them as the requirements of God, until a mechanical service became the sum of their religion and their worship. Many of these laws were not committed to writing, and exaction after exaction was added until a most unreasonable mass of maxims and fables was brought together. He who attempted to bring forward scriptures that conflicted with these laws and traditions, was condemned as if he had refused to accept a "Thus saith the Lord." This education of the rabbis was well-pleasing to Satan; for through them he was preparing the way so that when Christ should come to the world, he would be rejected by his own nation.

Christ designed that his disciples should have an education altogether different from that which they had received from the scribes and Pharisees. He accused these men of teaching many things contrary to the law. "The scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses seat," he said; "all therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, and love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. . . . He that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted."

When the question was asked, "Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread," Christ answered them, "Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? For God commanded, saying, Honor thy father and thy mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death. But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; and honor not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition. Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoreth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." Thus Christ showed the comparative value of the law of God and their traditions.

"Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites," Christ continued; "for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in." Do we not find just such teachers in our day, men who will not obey the plainest statement of the Word, and who, after they have turned from the light of God themselves, do their utmost to lead others into the same path? They manifest the same spirit toward those who keep God's commandments that the scribes and Pharisees manifested toward Christ. How earnest are these transgressor's of God's law to hedge up the way of those who would accept Christ. They will not enter in themselves, and those who would enter in they hinder.

"Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretense make long prayers: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation." There are many who claim to be sanctified, but who are not. Shall we receive their testimony? If they are holy, their testimony will be in accordance with the divine will; their prayer will be the prayer of Christ, "Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth."

What shall be the detector of character in these last days?--"Ye shall know them by their fruits." "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." If men come to us, making void the law of God, we may know that their sanctification is worth just as much, when weighed in the balances of heaven, as were the long, pretentious prayers of the Pharisees.

"Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves. . . . Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchers, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity."

These fearful denunciations were made upon the Jews, because, while teaching the law of God to the people, they were not doers of the Word. Had they kept the law of God, they would have discerned Christ and his mission. So it is in our day. There are those who walk in darkness when light shines from every page of the written Word. They study the Scriptures that they may interpret them to suit themselves. They sink the Scriptures to their own perverted ideas. They are not honest. They doubt that which they have every reason to believe. They become reasoners in doubt, experts in finding fault. God's word is misinterpreted, misstated, misapplied, and has no power upon the life and character.

If professed Christians really believe in God, they will not disregard his commandments. Christ says: "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever, therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven." -

Disease and Its Causes--Drugs and Their Effects

The fourth case, the person to whom was given opium, was again presented before me. She had awakened from her sleep much prostrated. Her mind was distracted. She was impatient and irritable, finding fault with her best friends, and imagining that they did not try to relieve her sufferings. She became frantic, and raved like a maniac. The gentleman before mentioned looked sadly upon the sufferer, and said to those present: "This is the second result of taking opium."

Her physician was called. He gave her an increased dose of opium, which quieted her ravings, yet made her very talkative and cheerful. She was at peace with all around her, and expressed much affection for acquaintances, as well as for her relatives. She soon grew drowsy, and fell into a stupefied condition. The gentleman mentioned above, solemnly said: "Her condition is no better now than when she was in her frantic ravings. She is decidedly worse. This drug-poison, opium, gives temporary relief from pain, but does not remove the cause of pain. It only stupefies the brain, rendering it incapable of receiving impressions from the nerves. While the brain is thus insensible, the hearing, the taste, and the sight are affected. When the influence of opium wears off, and the brain arouses from its state of paralysis, the nerves, which had been cut off from communication with the brain, shriek out, louder than ever, the pain in the system, because of the additional outrage the system has sustained in receiving this poison. Every additional drug given to the patient, whether it be opium or some other poison, will complicate the case, and make the patient's recovery more hopeless. The drugs given to stupefy, whatever they may be, derange the nervous system. An evil, simple in the beginning, which nature aroused herself to overcome, and which she would have overcome had she been left to herself, has been made tenfold worse by the introduction of drug-poisons into the system. The result of these poisons is a destructive disease of itself, forcing into extraordinary action the remaining life-forces to war against and overcome the drug intruder."

I was brought into the sick-room of the first case, that of the father and his daughter. The daughter was sitting by the side of her father, cheerful and happy, with the glow of health upon her countenance. The father was looking upon her with happy satisfaction, his countenance speaking the gratitude of his heart, that his only child was spared to him. Her physician entered, and after conversing with the father and child for a short time, arose to leave. He addressed the father thus: "I present to you your daughter restored to health. I gave her no medicine, that I might leave her with an unbroken constitution. Medicine never could have accomplished this. Medicine deranges nature's fine machinery, and breaks down the constitution, and kills, but it never cures. Nature alone possesses restorative powers. She alone can build up her exhausted energies, and repair the injuries she has received by inattention to her fixed laws."

He then asked the father if he was satisfied with his manner of treatment. The happy father expressed his heartfelt gratitude and perfect satisfaction, saying: "I have learned a lesson I shall never forget. It was painful, yet it is of priceless value. I am now convinced that my wife and children need not have died. Their lives were sacrificed while in the hands of physicians, by their poisonous drugs."

I was then shown the second case,--the patient to whom nux vomica had been administered. She was being supported by two attendants, from her chair to her bed. She had nearly lost the use of her limbs. The spinal nerves were partially paralyzed, and the limbs had lost their power to bear her weight. She coughed distressingly, and breathed with difficulty. She was laid upon the bed, and soon lost her hearing and sight; and after lingering thus a while, she died. The gentleman before mentioned looked sorrowfully upon the lifeless body, and said to those present: "Witness the protracted influence of nux vomica upon the human system. At its introduction, the nervous energy was excited to extraordinary action to meet this drug-poison. This extra excitement was followed by prostration, and the final result has been paralysis of the nerves. This drug does not have the same effect upon all. Some, who have powerful constitutions; recover from abuses to which they may subject the system; while others, whose hold on life is not so strong, who possess enfeebled constitutions, never recover from receiving into the system even one dose: many die from no other cause than the effects of one potion of this poison. Its effects are always tending to death. The condition the system is in, at the time those poisons are received into it, determines the life of the patient. Nux vomica can cripple, paralyze, destroy health forever, but it never cures."

The third case--that of the young man to whom had been administered calomel--was again presented before me. He was a pitiful sufferer. His limbs were crippled, and he was greatly deformed. He said that his sufferings were beyond description, and life was to him a great burden. The gentleman whom I have repeatedly mentioned looked upon the sufferer with sadness and pity, and said: "This is the effect of calomel. It torments the system as long as there is a particle of the poison left in it. It ever lives, not losing its properties by its long stay in the living system. It inflames the joints, and often sends rottenness into the bones. It frequently manifests itself in the tumors, ulcers, and cancers, years after it has been introduced into the system."

The fourth case was again presented before me,--the patient to whom opium had been administered. Her countenance was sallow, and her eyes were restless and glassy. Her hands shook as if palsied, and she appeared greatly excited, imagining that all present were leagued against her. Her mind was a complete wreck, and she raved in a pitiful manner. The physician was summoned, and seemed to be unmoved at these terrible exhibitions. He gave the patient a more powerful potion of opium, which he said would set her all right. Her ravings did not cease until she became thoroughly intoxicated. She then passed into a deathlike stupor. The gentleman already mentioned looked upon the patient, and said, sadly: "Her days are numbered. The efforts that nature has made have been so many times overpowered by this poison that the vital forces are exhausted by being repeatedly induced to unnatural action to rid the system of this poisonous drug. Nature's efforts are about to cease, and then the patient's suffering life will end." -

The First and the Second Advent

At the first advent of Christ, which was in apparent obscurity, the angels of heaven could scarcely be restrained from pouring forth their glories to grace the birth of the Son of God. The glorious manifestations of heaven were not entirely restrained. The wonderful event was not without some attestations of a divine character. That birth, so little prepared for on earth, was celebrated in the heavenly courts with praise and thanksgiving in behalf of man.

While the shepherds on the hills of Bethlehem watched their flocks by night, "the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." The message given, the angels swept back to heaven, and the light and glory of their presence was no longer seen.

He who came in human flesh, and submitted to a life of humiliation, was the Majesty of heaven, the Prince of life, and yet the wise men of the earth, the princes and rulers, and even his own nation, knew him not. They did not recognize him as the long-looked-for Messiah. Notwithstanding mighty miracles did show forth themselves in him, notwithstanding he opened the eyes of the blind, and raised the dead to life, Christ suffered the hatred and abuse of the people he came to bless. They regarded him as a sinner, and accused him of casting out devils through the prince of devils. The circumstances of his birth were mysterious, and were remarked upon by the rulers. They charged him with being born in sin. The Prince of heaven was insulted because of the corrupt minds and the sinful, blasphemous unbelief of men. What a baleful thing is unbelief! It originated with the first great apostate, and to what fearful lengths it will lead all who enter upon its path is seen in the Jews' rejection of their Messiah.

The leaders of the Jewish nation had the Old Testament Scriptures, which plainly foretold the manner of Christ's first advent. Through the prophet Isaiah, God had described the appearance and mission of Christ, saying, "He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth."

The leaders in Israel professed to understand the prophecies, but they had received false ideas in regard to the manner of Christ's coming. Satan had deceived them; and all the glories of Christ's second advent they applied to his first appearing. All the wonderful events clustering around his second coming, they looked for at his first. Therefore, when he came, they were not prepared to receive him. The disciple John tells of the reception with which he met. He says: "He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not."

Between the first and the second advent of Christ a wonderful contrast will be seen. No human language can portray the scenes of the second coming of the Son of Man in the clouds of heaven. He is to come with his own glory, and with the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. He will come clad in the robe of light, which he has worn from the days of eternity. Angels will accompany him. Ten thousand times ten thousand will escort him on his way. The sound of the trumpet will be heard, calling the sleeping dead from the grave. The voice of Christ will penetrate the tomb, and pierce the ears of the dead, "and all that are in the graves . . . shall come forth."

"And before him shall be gathered all nations." The very One who died for man is to judge him in the last day; for the Father "hath committed all judgment unto the Son: . . . and hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man." What a day that will be, when those who rejected Christ will look upon him whom their sins have pierced. They will then know that he proffered them all heaven if they would but stand by his side as obedient children; that he paid an infinite price for their redemption; but that they would not accept freedom from the galling slavery of sin. They chose to stand under the black banner of rebellion to the close of mercy's hour.

As they gaze upon his glory, there flashes before their minds the memory of the Son of Man clad in the garb of humanity. They remember how they treated him, how they refused him, and pressed close to the side of the great apostate. The scenes of Christ's life appear before them in all their clearness. All he did, all he said, the humiliation to which he descended to save them from the taint of sin, rises before them in condemnation.

They behold him riding into Jerusalem, and see him break into an agony of tears over the impenitent city that would not receive his message. His voice, which was heard in invitation, in entreaty, in tones of tender solicitude, seems again to fall upon their ears. The scene in the garden of Gethsemane rises before them, and they hear Christ's amazing prayer, "Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me."

Again they hear the voice of Pilate, saying, "I find in him no fault at all." They see the shameful scene in the judgment-hall, when Barabbas stood by the side of Christ, and they had the privilege of choosing the guiltless One. They hear again the words of Pilate, "Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus, which is called Christ?" They hear the response, "Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas." To the question of Pilate, "What shall I do then with Jesus?" the answer comes, "Let him be crucified."

Again they see their Sacrifice bearing the reproach of the cross. They hear the loud, triumphant tones tauntingly exclaim, "If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross." "He saved others, himself he can not save."

Now they behold him not in the garden of Gethsemane, not in the judgment-hall, not on the cross of Calvary. The signs of his humiliation have passed away, and they look upon the face of God,--the face they spit upon,--the face which priests and rulers struck with the palms of their hands. Now the truth in all its vividness is revealed to them. It is the wrath of the Lamb that they have to meet,--of him who came to take away the sin of the world,--of him who had ever acted toward them with infinite tenderness, long-suffering patience, and inexpressible love. They realize that they have forfeited all the riches of his great salvation. As they look upon him who died to take away their guilt, they cry out to the rocks and mountains, "Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth upon the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: for the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?"

We are now amid the perils of the last days. The scenes of conflict are hastening on, and the day of days is just upon us. Are we prepared for the issue? Every deed, small and great, is to be brought into recognition. That which has been considered trivial here will then appear as it is. The two mites of the widow will be recognized. The cup of cold water offered, the prison visited, the hungry fed,--each will bring its own reward. And that unfulfilled duty, that selfish act, will not be forgotten. In the open court around the throne of God it will appear a very different thing from what it did when it was performed. The secret sin that appears as nothing now, when placed before men in the light of God's countenance, will appear grievous. It will be seen that these selfish pleasures and indulgences have made the human being a lover of pleasure more than a lover of God.

How stands our account in the books of heaven? Have we chosen to be partakers with Christ in his sufferings? Have we been learning in the school of Christ his meekness and lowliness of heart? Have we stood by the side of Christ to bear his reproach? Have we taken his yoke upon us, and lifted the cross in self-denial and self-sacrifice? Have we helped to bear his burdens, and co-operated with him in his work?

Satan has come down with great power, working with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; but it is not necessary for any to be deceived; and we shall not be if we have fully taken our stand with Christ to follow him through evil as well as through good report. The serpent's head will soon be bruised and crushed. The glorious memorial of God's wonderful power is soon to be restored to its rightful place. Then paradise lost will be paradise restored. God's plan for the redemption of man will be complete. The Son of Man will bestow upon the righteous the crown of everlasting life, and they shall "serve him day and night in his temple; and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes." -

Disease and Its Causes--Drugs and Their Effects

More deaths have been caused by drug-taking than from all other causes combined. If there was in the land one physician in the place of thousands, a vast amount of premature mortality would be prevented. Multitudes of physicians, and multitudes of drugs, have cursed the inhabitants of the earth, and have carried thousands and tens of thousands to untimely graves.

Indulgence in eating too frequently, and in too large quantities, overtaxes the digestive organs, and produces a feverish state of the system. The blood becomes impure, and then diseases of various kinds occur. A physician is sent for, who prescribes some drug, which gives present relief, but does not cure the disease. It may change the form of disease, but the real evil is increased tenfold. Nature was doing her best to rid the system of an accumulation of impurities; and had she been left to herself, aided by the common blessings of heaven, such as pure air and pure water, a speedy and safe cure would have been effected.

In such cases the sufferers can do for themselves that which others can not do as well for them. They should begin to relieve nature of the load they have forced upon her. They should remove the cause by fasting a short time, and giving the stomach time to rest. The feverish state of the system should be reduced by a careful and understanding application of water. These efforts will help nature in her struggle to free the system of impurities. But generally the persons who suffer pain become impatient. They are not willing to practise self-denial, and suffer a little from hunger, neither are they willing to wait the slow process of nature to build up the overtaxed energies of the system; but they are determined to obtain relief at once, and so take powerful drugs, prescribed by physicians. Nature was doing her work well, and would have triumphed; but while accomplishing her task, a foreign substance of a poisonous nature was introduced. What a mistake! Abused nature has now two evils to war against instead of one. She leaves the work in which she was engaged, and resolutely takes hold to expel the intruder newly introduced into the system. Nature feels this double draft upon her resources, and becomes enfeebled.

Drugs never cure disease. They only change its form and location. Nature alone is the effectual restorer, and how much better can she perform her task if left to herself! But this privilege is seldom allowed her. If crippled nature bears up under the load, and finally accomplishes in a measure her double task, and the patient lives, the credit is given to the physician. But if nature fails in her effort to expel the poison from the system, and the patient dies, it is called a wonderful dispensation of Providence. If the patient had taken a course to relieve overburdened nature in season, and understandingly used pure, soft water, this dispensation of drug mortality might have been wholly averted. The use of water can accomplish but little, if the patient does not realize the necessity of strict attention to his diet.

Many are living in violation of the laws of health, and are ignorant of the relation their habits of eating, drinking, and working sustain to their health. They will not arouse to their true condition until nature protests against the abuse she is suffering, by aches and pains in the system. If, even then, the sufferers would only begin the work right, and would resort to the simple means they have neglected,--the use of water and proper diet,--nature would have just the help that she requires, and which she ought to have had long before. If this course is pursued, the patient will generally recover without being debilitated.

When drugs are introduced into the system, they may for a time seem to have a beneficial effect. A change may take place, but the disease is not cured. It will manifest itself in some other form. In nature's efforts to expel the drug from the system, intense suffering is sometimes caused the patient. The disease that the drug was given to cure may disappear, but only to reappear in a new form, such as skin diseases, ulcers, painful diseased joints, and sometimes in a more dangerous and deadly form. The liver, heart, and brain are frequently affected by drugs, and often all these organs are burdened with disease; and the unfortunate subjects, if they live, are invalids for life, wearily dragging out a miserable existence. Oh, how much that poisonous drug cost! If it did not cost the life, it cost quite too much. Nature has been crippled in all her efforts. The whole machinery is out of order, and at a future period in life, when these fine works, which have been injured, are to be relied upon to act a more important part in union with all the fine works of nature's machinery, they can not readily and strongly perform their labor, and the whole system feels the lack. These organs, which should be in a healthy condition, are enfeebled, and the blood becomes impure. Nature keeps struggling, and the patient suffers with different ailments, until there is a sudden break-down, and death follows. More die from the use of drugs than would die from disease, were nature left to do her own work.

Very many lives have been sacrificed by physicians' administering drugs for unknown diseases. They have no real knowledge of the exact disease that afflicts the patient. But physicians are expected to know in a moment what to do; and unless they act at once as if they understood the disease perfectly, they are considered by impatient friends, and by the sick, as incompetent. Therefore, to gratify erroneous opinions of the sick and their friends, medicine must be administered, experiments and tests tried, to cure the patient of a disease of which the physician has no real knowledge. Nature is loaded with poisonous drugs, which she can not expel from the system. The physicians themselves are often convinced that death was the result of their use of powerful medicines for a disease that did not exist. -

Give Unto the Lord the Glory Due Unto His Name

We are all living on probation. Those who have passed into their graves have been tested and tried, to see if they would realize their responsibility to serve God. A desire to glorify God should be to us the most powerful of all motives. It should lead us to make every exertion to improve the privileges and opportunities provided for us, to use wisely the Lord's goods. It should lead us to keep brain, bone, and muscle in the most healthful condition, that our physical strength and mental clearness may help us to be faithful stewards. Selfish interest must ever be held subordinate; for if given room to act, it contracts the intellect, hardens the heart, and weakens moral power. Then disappointment comes. The man has divorced himself from God, and sold himself to unworthy pursuits. He can not be happy; for he can not respect himself. He has lowered himself in his own estimation. He is an intellectual failure.

Daniel was regarded by the Lord as a man , because he was a steward who traded faithfully on his Lord's goods. He did not forget God, but placed himself in the channel of light, where he could commune with God in prayer. And we read that God gave Daniel and his fellows knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom.

Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon dreamed a dream, which none of his wise men could interpret. The secret was revealed to Daniel in the night vision, and we read: "Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God forever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: and he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: he revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him. I thank thee, and praise thee, O thou God of my fathers, who hast given me wisdom and might, and hast made known unto me now what we desired of thee: for thou hast now made known unto us the king's matter."

Daniel did not stand before king Nebuchadnezzar to glorify human power, to dishonor God by failing to acknowledge his goodness. Had he not acknowledged God as the source of his wisdom, he would have been an unfaithful steward. Those who follow the example set by Daniel will connect with the Lord. They will consult him as a son consults a wise father. Not all human fathers possess wisdom; but God may always be trusted and depended on. With perfect assurance we may commit the keeping of our souls to him as unto a faithful Creator.

Did Daniel's faithful recognition of God before kings, princes, and statesmen detract from his influence?--No. Read his firm, bold testimony, and then follow his example. Let the clear-cut testimony, like a sharp, two-edged sword, cut to the right and to the left. Make appeals that will bring foolish, wandering minds back to God.

After Daniel had given Nebuchadnezzar God's warning in regard to self exaltation, he said to him, "Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be accepted unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by showing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquility." Had the king heeded this counsel, the threatened evil might have been averted; but he went on with proud superiority until his reason was taken from him, and he became as the beasts of the field. God allowed him to suffer seven years of deplorable degradation, and then removed his chastening hand. Then the king acknowledged his sin. "At the end of the days," the record reads, "I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the Most High, and I praised and honored him that liveth forever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation: and all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou? At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honor and brightness returned unto me; and my counselors and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me. Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase."

Those who act a part in the work of God do good only because God is behind them, doing the work. Shall we then praise men, and give thanks to them, neglecting to recognize God? If we do, God will not co-operate with us. When man puts himself first and God second, he shows that he is losing his wisdom and righteousness. All that is ever done toward restoring the moral image of God in man is done because God is the efficiency of the worker. Christ, in his prayer to his Father, declared, "This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent."

Said the great apostle Paul, "Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful." Let every steward understand that as he strives to advance the glory of God in our world, whether he stands before Christians or infidels, peasants or princes, he is to make God first and last, and best in everything. Man can not show greater weakness than by thinking he will find greater acceptance in the sight of men if he leaves God out of his assemblies. God must stand the highest. The wisdom of the greatest man is foolishness with him. The true Christian will realize that he has a right to his name only as he uplifts Christ with a steady, persevering, and ever-increasing force. No ambitious motive will chill his energy; for it comes from an inexhaustible source -- the light of life.

"It is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful." When we are faithful in making God known, our impulses will be under divine supervision, and we shall make steady growth, spiritually and intellectually. But when men enter into a confederacy to exalt men, and have little to say of God, they are weakness itself. God will leave those who do not recognize him in every effort made to uplift humanity. It is Christ's power alone that can restore broken-down human machinery. In every place let those around you see that you give God the glory. Let man be put in the shade; let God appear as the only hope of the human race. Every man must rivet his character-building to the eternal Rock, Christ Jesus; then it will stand amid storm and tempest.

God will prepare the mind to recognize him who alone can help the striving, struggling soul. All who stand under his banner he will educate to be faithful stewards of his grace. God has given man immortal principles, to which every human power must one day bow. He has given us truth in trust. The precious beams of this light are not to be hidden under a bushel, but are to give light to all that are in the house. Truth, imperishable truth, is to be made prominent. Show those with whom you come in contact that the truth is of consequence to you. It means much to you to stand by the principles that will live through the eternal ages.

God has given every man talents, that His name may be exalted, not that man may be lauded and praised, honored and glorified, while the Giver is forgotten. All have been entrusted with God's gifts, from the lowest and most poverty stricken to the highest and wealthiest, who walk in haughty pride. To every man have been given physical, mental, and moral powers. Let none waste their God-given time in regrets that they have only one talent. Spend every moment in using the talents that you have. They are the Lord's, to be returned to him. It is not your own property you are handling, but the Lord's. One day he will come to receive his own with usury. Faithfully fulfil your appointed stewardship, that you may meet him in peace.

Have we consecrated all our talents to God? We can not be excused in withholding one from him. Reason is a precious gift. Do not abuse it; for God can remove it. The gift of speech is a valuable talent. Never despise nor undervalue this gift. Thank God for entrusting it to you. It is a precious gift, to be sanctified, elevated, and ennobled.

As a sacred trust the voice should be used to honor God. It should never utter harsh, impure words, or words of faultfinding. The gospel of Christ is to be proclaimed by the voice. With the talent of speech we are to communicate the truth as we have opportunity. It should ever be used in God's service. But this talent is grievously abused. Words are spoken that do great harm. Christ declared, "Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give an account thereof in the day of Judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned."

Money is a talent, which is to be placed in God's treasury, for investment in his cause. But many are robbing God in tithes and offerings. "Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me," God declares. "But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it."

Are we as individuals searching the word of God carefully and prayerfully, lest we shall depart from its precepts and requirements? The Lord will not look upon us with pleasure if we withhold anything, small or great, that should be returned to him. If we desire to spend money to gratify our own inclinations, let us think of the good we might do with that money. Let us lay aside for the Master small and large sums, that the work may be built up in new places. If we spend selfishly the money so much needed, the Lord does not, can not, bless us with his commendation.

As stewards of the grace of God, we are handling the Lord's money. It means much, very much, to us to be strengthened by his rich grace day by day, to be enabled to understand his will, to be found faithful in that which is least as well as in that which is great. When this is our experience, the service of Christ will be a reality to us. God demands this of us, and before angels and men we should reveal our gratitude for what he has done for us. God's benevolence to us we should reflect back in praise and deeds of mercy. Please read the eighth and ninth chapters of 2 Corinthians. These words show the impression made on those for whom we work when we act as Christ would have acted in our place: "He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: . . . being enriched in everything to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men; and by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you. Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift."

Do all church-members realize that all they have is given them to be used and improved to God's glory? God keeps a faithful account with every human being in our world. And when the day of reckoning comes, the faithful steward takes no credit to himself. He does not say, "My pound;" but, "Thy pound hath gained" other pounds. He knows that without the entrusted gift no increase could have been made. He feels that in faithfully discharging his stewardship he has but done his duty. The capital was the Lord's, and by his power he was enabled to trade upon it successfully. His name only should be glorified. Without the entrusted capital he knows that he would have been bankrupt for eternity. The approval of the Lord is received almost with surprise, it is so unexpected. But Christ says to him, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord." -

Disease and Its Causes--Drugs and Their Effects

Physicians are censurable, but they are not the only ones at fault. The sick themselves, if they would be patient, diet, and suffer a little, and give nature time to rally, would recover much sooner without the use of any medicine. Nature alone possesses curative powers. Medicines have no power to cure, but generally hinder nature in her efforts. She, after all, must do the work of restoring. The sick are in a hurry to get well, and their friends are impatient. They will have medicine; and if they do not feel the powerful influence upon their systems that their erroneous views lead them to think they should feel, they impatiently send for another physician. The change often increases the evil. They go through a course of medicine equally as dangerous as the first, and more fatal, because the two treatments do not agree, and the system is poisoned beyond remedy.

But many have never experienced the beneficial effects of water, and are afraid to use one of Heaven's greatest blessings. Water has been refused to persons suffering with burning fevers, through fear that it would injure them. If, in their fevered state, water had been given them to drink freely, and applications had also been made externally, long days and nights of suffering would have been saved, and many precious lives spared. But thousands have died with raging fevers consuming them, until the fuel which fed the fever was burned up, and the vitals consumed; they have died in the greatest agony, without being permitted to have water to allay their burning thirst. Water, which is allowed a senseless building to put out the raging elements, is not allowed human beings to put out the fire that is consuming the vitals.

Multitudes remain in inexcusable ignorance in regard to the laws of their being. They wonder why the race is so feeble, and why so many die prematurely. Is there not a cause? Physicians, who profess to understand the human organism, prescribe for their patients, and even for their own dear children, and their companions, slow poisons to break up disease, or to cure some slight indisposition. Surely they can not realize the evil of these things, or they would not do thus. The effects of the poison may not be immediately perceived, but it is doing its work in the system, undermining the constitution, and crippling nature in her efforts. They are seeking to correct an evil, but produce a far greater one, which is often incurable. Those who are thus dealt with are constantly sick, and constantly dosing. And yet, if you listen to their conversation, you will often hear them praising the drugs they have been using, and recommending their use to others, because, they say, they have been benefited by their use. It would seem that to such as can reason from cause to effect, the sallow countenance, the continual complaints of ailments, and the general prostration of those who claim to be benefited, would be sufficient proofs of the health-destroying influence of drugs. Yet many are so blinded that they do not see that all the drugs they have taken have not cured them, but made them worse. The drug invalid numbers one in the world, but is generally peevish, irritable, always sick, lingering out a miserable existence, and seems to live only to call into constant exercise the patience of others. Poisonous drugs have not killed him outright, for nature is loath to give up her hold on life; she is unwilling to cease her struggles. Yet drug-takers are never well.

The endless variety of medicines in the market, the numerous advertisements of new drugs and mixtures, all of which, they say, result in wonderful cures, kill hundreds where they benefit one. Those who are sick are not patient. They will take the various medicines, some of which are very powerful, although they know nothing of the nature of the mixtures. All the medicines they take only make their recovery more hopeless. Yet they keep dosing, and continue to grow worse until they die. Some will have medicine at all events. Then let them take these hurtful mixtures, and the various deadly poisons, upon their own responsibility. God's servants should not administer medicines, which they know will leave behind injurious effects upon the system, even if they do relieve present suffering. -

Give Unto the Lord the Glory due Unto His Name [Concluded]

God calls upon us to work for him in a world of sin, where men are given to idolatry. They have no thought of their obligations to their Creator. They act as if they had created themselves and their blessings. God bestows his bounties upon the evil and upon the good. To all he gives sunshine and showers of rain. He carefully watches the seed put into the soil, that from it may spring the living germ. But very few have any realization of the blessings bestowed on them from day to day. Still less do they realize the greatness of the gift of God's only begotten Son. If they only comprehended the sacrifice made in order that our world might be blessed with the light of truth, how many conversions would be made in a day! How many would rally around the standard of the Redeemer!

Are we, as members of the Lord's family, striving to be among the number who shall walk with him in white, because he finds in them true obedience? The testimony of the one who strives earnestly for the crown of life may be, I study for eternity. His steady purpose will not only aid himself, but will help others to practise industry. The Lord will co-operate with the worker who puts his heart into the work, who walks in all humility of mind. Such a worker will work in the love and fear of God. A sense of the gratitude due to God will lead him to improve every opportunity for expressing thanksgiving, which will be accepted as a testimony of loyalty. Faithfulness toward God in the performance of good works will bring God's blessing. As we show ourselves faithful in fulfilling our trust, our influence leads others to do likewise. They are filled with thanksgiving and praise to God as the one to whom praise is due. Those who are not with us in the faith are given a practical evidence of the power of the truth to sanctify the naturally selfish heart.

By earnest, faithful work the gospel is to be carried to regions beyond, to cities and towns, into the highways and byways; and as souls are converted, let all glory be given to God. "He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth." Earnest efforts should be made to present before men and women the example that Christ has left them in his life of sacrifice. He laid aside his royal robe and kingly crown, and yielding up his high position as Commander of the heavenly host, he clothed his divinity with humanity, and for our sake became poor, that we through his poverty might come into possession of eternal riches.

Paul writes to Timothy, "Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness." Who will take these words into the inmost soul, and for Christ's sake, for their soul's sake, awake to the perils that are threatening all who fail to find refuge in Christ?

The apostle continues, "I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; that thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: which in his times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honor and power everlasting. Amen. Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 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 against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life."

Christ declares, "He that will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." Those who have on the wedding garment, the robe of Christ's righteousness, will not question whether they should lift the cross, and follow in the footsteps of the Saviour. Willingly and cheerfully they will obey his commands. Souls are perishing out of Christ. How inconsistent, then, is all striving after position and wealth. How feeble are the motives which Satan may present, which selfishness and ambition can furnish, in comparison with the lessons which Christ has given in his word! How worthless the reward the world offers beside that offered by our Heavenly Father!

John writes, "After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; and cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshiped God, saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might, be unto our God forever and ever. Amen. And one of the elders answered, saying to me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes."

"Unto the angel of the church in Sardis write: These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars: I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. 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 overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. . . .

"Unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write: These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God: I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eye-salve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. 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. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches."

These words are being fulfilled to-day. Read and understand the revealed truth of God. A heavenly Watcher marks our words and deportment, and reads the motives that prompt us to action. We have no time now to be idle and indifferent. We must strive to develop a Christian character. Our spiritual understanding must be cleansed, purified, sanctified, and ennobled. All are now taking sides. It is ours now to choose a blessing or a curse. Now is the time for us to purify our minds by obeying the truth.

Christ is to be our example in all things. He alone has the power to reclaim truth from the rubbish under which it had been buried, causing it to shine forth in its original loveliness. In his parables, in order that he might awaken interest and sympathy, he drew his illustrations from the things of nature. Plucking a lily in its glowing beauty, he said, "Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: and yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these." In all his teaching, Christ sought to impress his hearers with the fact that all true knowledge leads heavenward, that all nature's lessons, rightly understood and interpreted, are the lessons of the Creator.

The ministers of Christ are, in a special sense, stewards of the mysteries of God. There is a great work to be done in our world, and Christian educators are needed, men and women who are partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. These can enter cities and towns, and there plant the standard of truth, glorifying God by humility and faith, by a faithful performance of every duty. In the work to be done in the Lord's vineyard discouragements will come, but these may prove instructive to the worker, teaching him to wait patiently, and endure trial nobly. Those who keep God's glory in view will not fail nor be discouraged.

The Lord needs men who are true, who will not seek for promotion, whose course of action is marked by self-sacrifice. The nature of our trust demands that self be lost in Christ; that in the daily life we seek to imitate in the very best way possible the Christ-life. All sin, from the least to the greatest, may be overcome by the Holy Spirit's power. God desires us to lift up the Saviour as one who has been crucified among us. We are to think and talk of Christ, praising and magnifying his name. As servants of God we need to put away all self-importance, and abide in Christ, taking not one jot or tittle of credit to ourselves. If we are abiding in Christ, we shall reveal him in character. Thus we become channels through which God can communicate light. We are made workers together with God. -

Christianity in the Marriage Relation

Those professing to be Christians should not enter the marriage relation until the matter has been carefully and prayerfully considered from an elevated standpoint, to see if God can be glorified by the union. Then they should duly consider the result of every privilege of the marriage relation, and sanctified principle should be the basis of every action.

Before increasing their family, they should take into consideration whether God would be glorified or dishonored by their bringing children into the world. During every year of their married life, they should seek to glorify God by their union. They should calmly consider what provision can be made for their children. They have no right to bring children into the world to be a burden to others. Have they a business that they can rely upon to sustain a family, so that they need not become a burden to others? If they have not, they commit sin in bringing children into the world to suffer for want of proper care, food, and clothing.

In this fast, corrupt age, these things are not considered. Lustful passion bears sway, and will not submit to control, although feebleness, misery, and death are the result of its reign. Women are forced to a life of hardship, pain, and suffering, because of the uncontrollable passions of men who bear the name of husband--more rightly could they be called brutes. Mothers drag out a miserable existence, with children in their arms nearly all the time, managing every way to put bread into their mouths, and clothes upon their backs. Such accumulated misery fills the world.

There is but little real, genuine, devoted, pure love. This precious article is very rare. Passion is termed love. Many a woman has had her fine and tender sensibilities outraged, because the marriage relation allowed him whom she called husband to be brutal in his treatment of her. His love she found to be of so base a quality that she became disgusted.

Very many families are living in a most unhappy state, because the husband and father allows the animal in his nature to predominate over the intellectual and moral. The result is that a sense of languor and depression is frequently felt, but the cause is seldom divined as being the result of their own improper course of action. We are under solemn obligations to God to keep the spirit pure and the body healthy, that we may be a benefit to humanity, and render to God perfect service. The apostle utters these words of warning: "Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof." He urges us onward by telling us that "every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things." He exhorts all who call themselves Christians to present their "bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God." He says, "I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway."

The Lord has given me a view of some of the corruptions everywhere existing. Wickedness, crime, and sensuality exist even in high places. Even in the churches professing to keep God's commandments there are sinners and hypocrites. It is sin, not trial and suffering, which separates God from his people, and renders the soul incapable of enjoying and glorifying him. It is sin that is destroying souls. Sin and vice exist in Sabbath-keeping families. Moral pollution has done more than every other evil to cause the race to degenerate. It is practised to an alarming extent, and brings on disease of almost every description.

Parents do not generally suspect that their children understand anything about this vice. In very many cases the parents are the real sinners. They have abused their marriage privileges, and by indulgence have strengthened their animal passions. And as these have strengthened, the moral and intellectual faculties have become weak. The spiritual has been overborne by the brutish. Children are born with the animal propensities largely developed, the parents' own stamp of character having been given to them. The unnatural action of the sensitive organs produces irritation. They are easily excited, and momentary relief is experienced in exercising them. But the evil constantly increases. The drain upon the system is sensibly felt. The brain force is weakened, and memory becomes deficient. Children born to these parents will almost invariably take naturally to the disgusting habits of secret vice. The marriage covenant is sacred; but what an amount of lust and crime it covers! Those who feel at liberty, because married, to degrade their bodies by beastly indulgence of the animal passions, will have their degraded course perpetuated in their children. The sins of the parents will be visited upon their children, because the parents have given them the stamp of their own lustful propensities.

Many parents do not obtain the knowledge that they should in the married life. They are not guarded lest Satan take advantage of them, and control their minds and their lives. They do not see that God requires them to control their married lives from all excesses. But very few feel it to be a religious duty to govern their passions. They have united themselves in marriage to the object of their choice, and therefore reason that marriage sanctifies the indulgence of the baser passions. Even men and women professing godliness give loose rein to their lustful passions, and have no thought that God holds them accountable for the expenditure of vital energy, which weakens their hold on life, and enervates the entire system.

The marriage covenant covers sins of the darkest hue. Men and women professing godliness debase their own bodies through the indulgence of the corrupt passions, and thus lower themselves beneath the brute creation. They abuse the powers that God has given them to be preserved in sanctification and honor. Health and life are sacrificed upon the altar of base passion. The higher, nobler powers are brought into subjection to the animal propensities. Those who thus sin are not acquainted with the result of their course. Could all see the amount of suffering that they bring upon themselves by their own sinful indulgence, they would be alarmed; and some, at least, would shun the course of sin that brings such dreaded wages. So miserable an existence is entailed upon a large class that death would be preferable to life; and many do die prematurely, their lives sacrificed in the inglorious work of excessive indulgence of the animal passions. Yet because they are married, they think they commit no sin.

Men and women, you will one day learn what is lust, and the result of its gratification. Passion of just as base a quality may be found in the marriage relation as outside of it. The apostle Paul exhorts husbands to love their wives "even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it." "So ought men to love their wives as their bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church." It is not pure love that actuates a man to make his wife an instrument to minister to his lust: it is the animal passions, which clamor for indulgence. How few men show their love in the manner specified by the apostle: "Even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; that he might [not pollute it, but] sanctify and cleanse it," "that it should be holy and without blemish." In the marriage relation, this is the quality of love that God recognizes as holy. Love is a pure and holy principle; but lustful passion will not admit of restraint, and will not be dictated to or controlled by reason. It is blind to consequences; it will not reason from cause to effect. Many women are suffering from great debility and settled disease because the laws of their being have been disregarded; nature's laws have been trampled upon. The brain nerve power is squandered by men and women, being called into unnatural action to gratify base passions; and this hideous monster -- base, low passion -- assumes the delicate name of love. -

The Parable of the Sower

By parables Christ revealed the mysteries of redemption. His hearers were familiar with the things of nature, and these he used to represent the spiritual truths he wished to communicate. All had an opportunity to hear his appeals as they were made in sympathy for men. In the synagogue, by the wayside, and in the boat thrust out a little from the land, he spoke to the people, feeding their famished souls with the bread of life. Christ presented his truths in parables, in the form of a story. The Pharisees would not listen to direct truth; but parable teaching was popular, and commanded the respect and attention not only of the Jews, but also of the people of other nations.

Christ knew there were many who would keep these lessons in mind until their hidden meaning should be discerned, but that others would never reach to their deep meaning. The disciples would come to the Great Teacher to inquire, and he instructed them. Christ gladly taught all who had interest enough to say, Explain to us the meaning of your words.

These lessons of Christ were to be repeated by his disciples. When Peter, Andrew, James, and John were called by Christ to forsake their nets and follow him, the promise was given them, "I will make you fishers of men." Those uneducated peasants of Galilee were to fulfil the divine commission. Through them Christ's lessons were to be carried to all peoples, nations, and tongues.

In his zeal Christ was indifferent to his need of food and repose, and on one occasion his mother and brothers sought to draw him from his work. They thought if they could speak with him, they could draw him away from the multitude. But they could not reach him for the press, and they sent word to him that they were without, desiring to see him. But Christ was absorbed in the solemn and awful warnings he was giving to the people. He desired that his words should find a lodgment in some hearts. He could not be interrupted; his relatives could not draw him away. Under such circumstances, his duty to them was secondary. He did not rebuke them, but he seized upon this incident to convey a lesson that would be of great benefit to his mother, his disciples, and the concourse of people before him.

In answer to the message, he said, "Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?" Christ never manifested any lack of respect for his mother or his brothers; but this was a point where he could fix the attention of the people, and answer the question, which was agitating many minds, as to what they should do if they received Christ. He knew that some present would accept his words, and that this course would bring to them determined opposition from fathers and mothers and relatives. We read the hearts before him; and stretching forth his hands to his disciples, he earnestly said, "Behold my mother and my brethren. For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother."

This is the assurance given to all who follow the teachings of Christ that they shall become members of the heavenly family. Says Christ, Obedience to my Father in heaven is filial obedience. This is the bond of union between me and all who shall become members of the heavenly family. All who accept the word of truth will enter the hallowed circle that binds to me every believer as brother or sister or mother.

On the shore a company has gathered to see and hear Jesus,--an eager, expectant throng. The sick are there, lying on their rugs, waiting to present their cases before him. It is Christ's God-given right to heal the woes of a sinful race, and he now rebukes disease, and diffuses around him life and peace and health.

But the crowd continues to increase. They press close about Christ until there is no room to receive them. Then, speaking a word to the men in their fishing-boats, he steps into the boat that is waiting to take him across the lake, and bidding them push off a little from the land, he speaks to the people as they stand upon the shore.

"And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; and when he sowed, some seed fell by the wayside, and the fowls came and devoured them up: some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprang up, because they had no deepness of earth: and when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up, and choked them: but other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixty-fold, some thirtyfold. . . .

"And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive."

Did Christ blind the eyes so that the people could not discern? He gave them great light, and from time to time added to the light by the exposition of prophecy. What, then, eclipsed the light?--The answer is given: "For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them."

In heaven it was said, by the ministering angels, The ministry we were commissioned to perform, we have done. We pressed back the army of evil angels. We sent brightness and light into the souls of men, quickening their memory of the love of God expressed in Jesus. He attracted their eyes to the cross of Calvary. Their souls were deeply moved by the sense of the sin that crucified the Son of God. They were convicted. They saw the steps to be taken in conversion; they felt the power of the gospel; their hearts were made tender as they saw the sweetness of the love of God. In all this they heard the Father's call, but it was in vain. Their hearts were given to covetousness; they loved the associations of the world more than they loved their God.

Christ tells the disciples the meaning of the parable. It is the kingdom of God that is represented. His word is the seed. "Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower," says he. "When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the wayside. But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful."

Christ is the sower of the seed. He came to sow the world with truth. Not one tiny seed of error does he cast into the ground. He sees that the precious seeds of truth do not have a fair opportunity when seeds of a perverted character have taken deep root. The plowshare of truth is needed, not merely to cut off the tops of the thorns, but to take them out by the roots. Therefore he makes the doctrines of his kingdom so plain that the truth appears in contrast with error; for truth, if planted and cherished in the heart, will uproot error. And all who have the privilege of hearing the Word, and who receive it not, must render an account for their rejection of the instruction and warnings given. They are represented as those who, "seeing see not, and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand."

Some who heard the parables of Christ came to him privately, and asked for an explanation. This was the desire that Christ wished to arouse, that he might give them more definite instruction. Those who study his word, with hearts open to receive the impressions made by the Holy Spirit, will not complain that they can not see clearly the meaning of his word. All who come to Christ and inquire for a clearer knowledge of truth, will receive it. He will unfold to them the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven; and these mysteries will be understood by the heart that longs to know the truth. A heavenly light will shine into the soul temple, and will be revealed to others as the bright shining of a candle on a dark path. -

Christianity in the Marriage Relation [Concluded]

Many professed Christians who passed before me, seemed destitute of moral restraint. They were more animal than divine. In fact, they were about all animal. Men of this type degrade the wife whom they have promised to nourish and cherish. She is made an instrument to minister to the gratification of low, lustful propensities. And very many women submit to become slaves to lustful passion; they do not possess their bodies in sanctification and honor. The wife does not retain the dignity and self-respect which she possessed previous to marriage. This holy institution should have preserved and increased her womanly respect and holy dignity; but her chaste, dignified, godlike womanhood has been consumed upon the altar of base passion; it has been sacrificed to please her husband. She soon loses respect for the husband, who does not regard the laws to which the brute creation yield obedience. The married life becomes a galling yoke; for love dies out, and frequently distrust, jealousy, and hate take its place.

No man can truly love his wife when she will patiently submit to become his slave, and minister to his depraved passions. In her passive submission, she loses the value she once possessed in his eyes. He sees her dragged down from everything elevating, to a low level; and soon he suspects that she will as tamely submit to be degraded by another as by himself. He doubts her constancy and purity, tires of her, and seeks new objects to arouse and intensify his hellish passions. The law of God is not regarded. These men are worse than brutes; they are demons in human form. They are unacquainted with the elevating, ennobling principles of true, sanctified love.

The wife also becomes jealous of the husband, and suspects that if opportunity should offer, he would just as readily pay his addresses to another as to her. She sees that he is not controlled by conscience or the fear of God; all these sanctified barriers are broken down by lustful passions; all that is godlike in the husband is made the servant of low, brutish lust.

The world is filled with men and women of this order; and neat, tasty, yea, expensive, houses contain a hell within. Imagine, if you can, what must be the offspring of such parents. Will not the children sink still lower in the scale? The parents give the stamp of character to their children. Therefore children that are born of these parents inherit from them qualities of mind which are of a low, base order. And Satan nourishes anything tending to corruption. The matter now to be settled is, Shall the wife feel bound to yield implicitly to the demands of her husband, when she sees that nothing but base passions control him, and when her reason and judgment are convinced that she does it to the injury of her body, which God has enjoined upon her to possess in sanctification and honor, to preserve as a living sacrifice to God?

It is not pure, holy love which leads the wife to gratify the animal propensities of her husband at the expense of her health and life. If she possesses true love and wisdom, she will seek to divert his mind from the gratification of lustful passions to high and spiritual themes by dwelling upon interesting spiritual subjects. It may be necessary humbly and affectionately to urge, even at the risk of his displeasure, that she can not debase her body by yielding to sexual excess. She should, in a tender, kind manner, remind him that God has the first and highest claim upon her entire being, and that she can not disregard this claim, for she will be held accountable in the great day of God. "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? for ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." "Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servant's of men."

If she will elevate her affections, and in sanctification and honor preserve her refined, womanly dignity, woman can do much by her judicious influence to sanctify her husband, and thus fulfil her high mission. In so doing, she can save both her husband and herself, thus performing a double work. In this matter, so delicate and so difficult to manage, much wisdom and patience are necessary, as well as moral courage and fortitude. Strength and grace can be found in prayer. Sincere love is to be the ruling principle of the heart. Love to God and love to the husband can alone be the right ground of action.

Let the wife decide that it is the husband's prerogative to have full control of her body, and to mold her mind to suit his in every respect, to run in the same channel as his own, and she yields her individuality; her identity is lost, merged in that of her husband. She is a mere machine for his will to move and control, a creature of his pleasure. He thinks for her, decides for her, and acts for her. She dishonors God in occupying this passive position. She has a responsibility before God, which it is her duty to preserve.

When the wife yields her body and mind to the control of her husband, being passive to his will in all things, sacrificing her conscience, her dignity, and even her identity, she loses the opportunity of exerting that mighty influence for good which she should possess, to elevate her husband. She could soften his stern nature, and her sanctifying influence could be exerted in a manner to refine and purify, leading him to strive earnestly to govern his passions, and be more spiritually minded, that they might be partakers together of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. The power of influence can be great to lead the mind to high and noble themes, above the low, sensual indulgences for which the heart unrenewed by grace naturally seeks. If the wife feels that in order to please her husband she must come down to his standard, when animal passion is the principal basis of his love, and controls his actions, she displeases God; for she fails to exert a sanctifying influence upon her husband. If she feels that she must submit to his animal passions without a word of remonstrance, she does not understand her duty to him nor to her God. Sexual excess will effectually destroy a love for devotional exercises, will take from the brain the substance needed to nourish the system, and will most effectually exhaust the vitality. No woman should aid her husband in this work of self-destruction. She will not do it if she is enlightened, and has true love for him.

The more the animal passions are indulged, the stronger do they become, and the more violent will be their clamors for indulgence. Let God-fearing men and women awake to their duty. Many professed Christians are suffering with paralysis of nerve and brain because of their intemperance in this direction. Rottenness is the bones and marrow of many who are regarded as good men, who pray and weep, and who stand in high places, but whose polluted carcasses will never pass the portals of the heavenly city.

Oh that I could make all understand their obligation to God to preserve the mental and physical organism in the best condition to render perfect service to their Maker! Let the Christian wife refrain, both in word and act, from exciting the animal passions of her husband. Many have no strength at all to waste in this direction. From their youth up they have weakened the brain and sapped the constitution by the gratification of animal passions. Self-denial and temperance should be the watchword in their married life; then the children born to them will not be so liable to have the moral and intellectual organs weak, and the animal strong. Vice in children is almost universal. Is there not a cause? Who have given them the stamp of character? May the Lord open the eyes of all to see that they are standing in slippery places!

From the picture that has been presented before me of the corruption of men and women professing godliness, I have feared that I should altogether lose confidence in humanity. I have seen that a fearful stupor is upon nearly all. It is almost impossible to arouse the very ones who should be awakened, so as to have any just sense of the power which Satan holds over minds. They are not aware of the corruption teeming all around them. Satan has blinded their minds, and lulled them to carnal security. The failures in our efforts to bring others up to understand the great dangers that beset souls, have sometimes led me to fear that my ideas of the depravity of the human heart were exaggerated. But when facts are brought to us showing the sad deformity of one who has dared to minister in sacred things while corrupt at heart, one whose sin-stained hands have profaned the vessels of the Lord, I am sure that I have not drawn the picture any too strong. -

The Parable of the Sower [Concluded]

"And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up, and choked them." "He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful."

Here is represented the controversy between satanic agencies and the Prince of Life. Which will obtain the supremacy? Which will become possessor of the soul? If the truth impressed upon human hearts is carefully cherished, and the weeds are uprooted, there will be a precious crop of grain. But the gospel seed often drops among thorns and noxious weeds; and if there is not a moral transformation in the human heart; if old habits and practises and the former life of sin are not left behind; if the attributes of Satan are not expelled from the soul, the wheat crop will be stunted. The tares will come to be the crop, and will kill out the wheat. If the heart is not kept under the control of God, the weeds and thorns of the character will be revealed in the life. The natural traits that are evil must be overcome; for grace can thrive only in the heart that is being constantly prepared for the precious seeds of truth. The thorns of sin will grow in any soil. They need no cultivation. But grace must be carefully cultivated. The love of the world in the heart leaves no room for Christ. Those whose hearts are divided claim to believe the truth, but do it not. They wish the crown, but refuse the cross.

"But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty."

The mass of tradition that has been accumulating for ages, and that was taught by the priests and rulers, was regarded as truth by the disciples. But Christ said to the Pharisees, Ye teach for doctrine the commandments of men; and again. Ye make void the law of God through your tradition. In the last instruction given to his disciples, Christ said, "I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye can not bear them now." The divine Teacher desired to bring all the rays of prophetic light to bear upon the lesson that he was the truth-bearer to the world. He came to make known redemption by making men intelligent in regard to its conditions. In his human life he was to reveal the gospel, and set an example of perfect obedience to the law of God. He desired to impress all with the necessity of that excellence of character that God requires of men.

Through the Holy Spirit's guidance the disciples would remember the lessons Christ had given them; and in their future work, their language would express the divine thought of God. Thus the truth would come down through pure channels, commending itself to the hearts of the receivers. Christ's followers are to plant their feet, not on the word of pope or prelate, not on the word of the clergy, who mystify everything that is plain, and confuse the minds of the ignorant; they must place their feet upon the sure foundation. God has given them a platform on which to stand, even the eternal word of truth, and there their feet will stand on the Rock of Ages.

Christ is no longer seen in human flesh as the Great Teacher, going about doing good, healing the diseases of the body, and saying, to the sin-sick soul, "Thy sins be forgiven thee." But because he has come and suffered for sin, because he died as our sacrifice on Calvary's cross, his voice is now heard through the ambassadors whom he has sent to proclaim a crucified and risen Saviour, an Advocate who has ascended to the throne of God. This additional power and efficiency Christ's disciples have in lifting up a crucified Redeemer before a fallen race, and pointing them to heaven to declare him at the right hand of God. These are the greater things upon which the mind lays hold, the mystery hidden from eternal ages.

In his human wisdom, man may employ arguments that are wholly without truth; for God declares, "The world by wisdom knew not God." "The seed is the Word." We are to take our position in the school of Christ as humble learners. He speaks as one having authority, and he affirms that all that is written in the law and the prophets is the word of the living God. It is the inspiration of One infallible, the divine communication to holy men of old, who spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

All the speculative opinions, which, through the devising of Satan, have been brought into religious controversy, are to be separated from the truth. This was the work of the Redeemer in coming to the world. The opinions and speculations of men had become abundant; they occupied the ground with a multitude of errors, which made truth hard to be distinguished from error. But the time has now come when we are to know the truth, and the truth is to make us free. All who receive Christ in truth will believe in him. They will see the necessity of having Christ abiding in the heart by faith. They will escape from the control of their hereditary and cultivated tendencies to evil,--their pride, vanity, self-esteem, worldliness, and every sin,--and will reveal Christ in their lives. If God's word is eaten as the bread of life, they will become thoroughly aroused to work out their own salvation with fear and trembling, knowing that it is God who works in them both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Men must co-operate with God. They must reveal their respect for his word by obedience to his laws.

All the lessons of the natural world reveal the providences of God. He who has had this lesson-book opened before him, and becomes a student thereof, will find himself looking into a fountain that deepens and broadens beneath his gaze. In the Old Testament Scriptures he will find a storehouse of the most precious instruction, the gospel being the key. The teachings of Christ contain the most precious seed of the gospel, and the heart is to be its receptacle. But if the heart is not cleansed from sin, Christ can not dwell there. The one or the other must be the controlling element.

In the heart that receives the good word of life a decided change takes place. In the words of the apostle Peter we may see what may be the result to one in whose heart the good seed is sown: "Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. . . . Be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing."

"According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust."

The grace of God never stirs in vain the heart of the truly contrite. He will go on from strength to strength. Each lesson received from Christ will prepare him to receive still more instruction, carrying him forward and upward. He who is imbued with the Spirit of God finds a warfare constantly before him. He is to fight the good fight of faith; for God is calling him to higher, nobler achievements, up toward the mark for the prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus.

All who strive to reach this standard will be marked by the sanctification of the spirit through the truth. The work of sanctification is the work of a lifetime. The true Christian must be unresting in his endeavors. He is ever climbing, never content with that to which he has attained. The more he seeks a knowledge of God, and of Jesus Christ, whom he has sent, the more he desires to reflect the divine image. Every gift imparted to him by God is used to draw others in the same line, to hunger and thirst after righteousness. The longer he walks in the path of self-denial and self-sacrifice, the more willing he is to hide himself in Christ, and sacrifice all for him. -

This Do, and Thou Shalt Live

"And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" The Pharisees had suggested this question to the lawyer, in the hope that they might entrap Christ in his words, and the lawyer asked the question as if it were one of serious import. Priests and rulers listened with bated breath for Christ's answer. Christ read the heart of the lawyer, and he turned the question over to him for answer.

"What is written is the law?" he asked. "How readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself." "Thou hast answered right," Christ said; "this do, and thou shalt live." Christ knew that no one present could keep the law in his own strength. He desired to lead the lawyer to clearer and more critical research, that he might find the truth. Only by accepting the virtue and grace of Christ can the law be kept. Belief in the propitiation for sin enables fallen man to love God with his whole heart, and his neighbor as himself.

The lawyer knew that he kept neither the first four nor the last six commandments; but in the hope of justifying himself, he asked, "And who is my neighbor?" Christ then related an incident that had lately taken place, the memory of which was fresh in the minds of all. "A certain man," he said, "went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance there came down a certain priest that way." He saw the man lying wounded and bruised, weltering in his own blood, but he left him without rendering any assistance. He passed by on the other side.

"Likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him." He saw his great need, but he, too, "passed by on the other side.

"But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, and went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him, and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee."

In giving this lesson, Christ presented the principles of the law of God in a direct, forcible way, showing his hearers that they had neglected to carry out these principles. His words were so definite and pointed that the listeners found no opportunity to cavil or raise objections. The lawyer found nothing in the lesson that he could criticize. His prejudice in regard to Christ was removed. But he had not overcome his national dislike sufficiently to give credit to the Samaritan by name. When Christ asked, "Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbor unto him that fell among thieves?" he answered, "He that showed mercy on him."

"Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise." Show the same tender kindness to those in need. Thus you will give evidence that you keep the whole law.

Those who study this lesson aright will see that in order to keep the law it is necessary to have a knowledge of God; for the law is the transcript of his character, and his character is love. Moses prayed, "I beseech thee, show me thy glory. And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before thee." "And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth."

The Jewish ceremonial law has passed away. The temple is in ruins. Jerusalem was given up to be destroyed. But the law of the ten commandments lives, and will live through the eternal ages. The need for the service of sacrifices and offerings ceased when type met anti-type in the death of Christ. In him the shadow reached the substance. The Lamb of God was a complete and perfect offering. Types and shadows, offerings and sacrifices, had no virtue after Christ's death on the cross; but God's law was not crucified with the Saviour. Had it been, Satan would have gained all that he attempted to gain in heaven. For this attempt he was expelled from the heavenly courts, and to-day he is deceiving human beings in regard to the law of God. But this law will maintain its exalted character as long as the throne of Jehovah endures. Christ came to live this law, and he declared, "I have kept my Father's commandments."

The lawyer asked, "Who is my neighbor?" In answer Christ related an actual occurrence, of which his hearers knew. The man who had been robbed was a Jew, one who in every sense should have awakened the sympathy and regard of those of his own nation. The priest and Levite, professedly acknowledging the law of God as their guide, should have been the first to minister with tender compassion to their suffering brother. But they passed by on the other side. It is not those who make the highest profession of righteousness who love God supremely and their neighbor as themselves.

The great difference between the Jews and the Samaritans was a difference of religious belief, a question as to what constituted true worship. The Pharisees would say nothing good of the Samaritans, but poured their bitterest curses upon them. So strong was the antipathy between the Jews and the Samaritans that it seemed a strange thing to the Samaritan woman that Christ should ask her for a drink. "How is it," she said, "that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for," adds the evangelist, "the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans." And when the Jews were so filled with murderous hatred against Christ that they rose up in the temple to stone him, they could find no better words by which to express their hatred than, "Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?" Yet the Jews neglected the very work the Lord had enjoined on them, leaving a hated and despised Samaritan to minister to one of their own countrymen.

Many bitter sneers were hurled at the Samaritans by the Jews. The one of whom Christ told, took his revenge by acting as Jesus would have acted. He fulfilled the command, "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself," thus showing that he was more righteous than those by whom he was denounced. Risking his own life, he treated the wounded man as his brother. This Samaritan represents Christ. Jesus laid aside his royal robe and kingly crown to assume the garb of humanity. He stooped from the position of commander in the heavenly courts to become a servant. He clothed his divinity with humanity, that humanity might touch humanity. He was the Majesty of heaven, the King of glory, yet he humbled himself. His whole life was one of poverty and self-denial. For our sake he became poor, that we through his poverty might be made rich. He did not live to please himself. His life is the mystery of godliness.

Jesus was the foundation of the Jewish economy, the author of all their laws, statutes, and requirements. How his soul was pained and his heart filled with grief as he saw those who claimed to be the depositaries of truth, mercy, and compassion, so destitute of the love of God. The Saviour is guiding. He has hold of man and of the throne of divinity. In the providence of God, the priest and Levite were brought in contact with a suffering fellow creature, that they might minister to him. Christ is constantly weaving the web of human events. He placed this suffering man where one who had sympathy and compassion would give attention to his needs. The Lord permits suffering and calamity to come upon men and women to call us out of our selfishness, to awaken in us the attributes of his character,--compassion, tenderness, and love. -

This Do, and Thou Shalt Live [Concluded]

The Lord would have every one holy, even as he is holy. Those who love him will be merciful, true, kind, and forgiving. Christ is seeking to uplift all who will be lifted to companionship with himself, that they may be one with him as he is one with the Father. If you are not thus, you are in companionship with the enemy of all good. God is waiting to impart his richest blessings to all who will receive them, that all may reveal Christ's spirit, by helping those who are suffering for the temporal and spiritual necessities of life. Christians who are Christians in truth, and not in name only, who are meek and lowly followers of the Master, will act as did this Samaritan. They will live his life of service. Christ has made all one. In him there is neither Jew nor Greek, bond nor free. The Bible declares that all human beings are to be respected as God's property. Divine love makes its most touching appeals when it calls upon us to manifest the same tender compassion that Christ manifested. He was a Man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief. In all our afflictions he is afflicted. He created man, and died to save him. He loves men and women as the purchase of his own blood, and he says to us, "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another."

There are men professing to serve God who act the part of the priest and the Levite. All around them they see want and suffering, but with heartless indifference they pass by on the other side. Our churches need a reconversion. The Holy Spirit of God must come into our hearts. We must submit to its molding and fashioning, or we shall lose our title to the immortal inheritance. The Lord will not tolerate the actions of many. There are hard, stony, unsympathetic hearts, which must be softened and subdued by grace.

Time is a precious gift. The probation granted us by God is to be appreciated as an opportunity to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. The Laodicean message applies to all who profess to keep the law of God, and yet are not doers of it. We are not to be selfish in anything. Every phase of the Christian life is to be a representation of the life of Christ. If it is not, we shall hear the terrible words, "I know you not." We need far more disinterested benevolence. Often we shall be called upon to sacrifice in order to help those who are in need, and we should do this cheerfully, glad for the privilege to follow the Master.

Whatever the difference in religious belief, a call for suffering humanity must be heard and answered. In cases where there is bitterness of feeling because of a difference in religion, much may be done by personal service. As we reveal the attributes of true goodness by loving ministry, we break down prejudice, and win souls to Christ. By doing good to those who are at enmity with us, we manifest the virtues of Christ. We are to regard every human being, of whatever caste or nationality, whether he is white or black, high or low, as our neighbor. The arm of compassion must reach to any depth to save perishing souls. Thus we give evidence to the world that we have the mind of Christ. Without this evidence we show that we know him not.

Obedience to the precious word of God brings the beauty of holiness. That word, whether in the New Testament or in the Old, can not be changed to meet man in his fallen condition. It ever maintains its high and holy standard, saying, "This do, and thou shalt live." All human beings need a standard, and this standard is plainly revealed in God's word, which is the expression of his will. This word reveals to man his defects of character, and the hopelessness of his condition unless he returns to his loyalty. Through faith in Christ all excellence may be reached. The word of God requires obedience to his law, presenting the character of Christ in contrast to the character of men.

Christ comes to us with an invitation of mercy, holding before us the mirror of God's law, and presenting its claims. "Come unto me," he says, "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 is light." Walk with me, and I will fill your path with light. Christ humbled himself that he might encircle the human race with his long human arm, while with his divine arm he lays hold of the throne of God. He came to show how man should treat his fellow man. He came to uplift the sufferer and comfort the oppressed. To Moses he proclaimed himself, "The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin." But God can not let sin, unrepented of, go unpunished. He could not welcome any sinner into the courts of heaven. This would introduce woe and misery there. He will by no means clear the guilty. He visits the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generations.

Sin perpetuates itself. How cruel then it is for those who claim to have a knowledge of God to show that they are not doers of his word. They indulge in evil thinking, criticizing, and accusing, and in this way they misrepresent Christ's character. They are false witnesses, just as were the Jews. I pray that the vision of the soul may be sanctified, that the sin of accusing and criticizing may be put away, as a sin that crucifies afresh the Son of God, and puts him to an open shame. The Holy Spirit must work in our hearts. Let no false pride, no pharisaism, be cherished. Rather let us seek for the spirit of a little child. If we knew, if we only knew, how the Lord regards those who indulge so freely in evil surmising, we would fear to manifest such, a spirit. These surmisings are a repast from the enemy, a banquet of his own preparing. Those who give place to them have an experience in accordance with them; for the mind is built up from the food given it.

"Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbor, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbor. In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoreth them that fear the Lord. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not. He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved."

The Lord can do very little for us while we live in transgression, breaking the first four and the last six commandments. All who love God supremely will love their neighbor as themselves. The keeping of the new commandment is to the believer a step heavenward. The one thing that will give God's people the supremacy is obedience to the command, "These things I command you, that ye love one another." "Neither pray I for these alone," Christ said, "but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me."

Christ's words should be appreciated and obeyed, and they will be when his professed followers have that repentance which needeth not to be repented of. "As the Father hath loved me," he declares, "so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. . . . These things I command you, that ye love one another."

The greatest cause of weakness among those who are looking for the Lord's second coming is lack of love and confidence. This causes suspicion. There is a lack of frankness; the way is hedged up by supposition. Some one discovers a supposed defect in a brother or sister, and he acts on this supposition, as if it were true. When criticism and faultfinding, and a desire for the highest place enter the church, the serpent, disguised, enters with them, leaving a trail of evil wherever he goes. The leaven works, and the men God has appointed to do a certain work are regarded with suspicion and distrust, although there may not be the slightest cause for this. Unless this evil is uprooted, unless the Holy Spirit works to cast out the enemy, the life God designs to be a success will be a failure. Satan will make the mind a depository for his insinuations, and the man will lose the battle, when he might have gone forward to victory.

Please read the twelfth and thirteenth chapters of 1 Corinthians. "And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity." Let us wash our robe of character. Let us no longer bite and devour one another. Let those who claim to be Christians practise Christ's words. "Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men. . . . Let all your things be done with charity."

Our Example

Christ's life on earth was meek and lowly. He did not take his place upon a throne as commander of the earth. He attached to his name no high titles, to make his position understood. He took not on him the nature of angels. For our sake he stepped down from his royal throne, and clothed his divinity with humanity. He laid aside his royal robe, his kingly crown, that he might be one with us. He resigned his position as commander in the heavenly courts, and for our sakes became poor, that we through his poverty might be made rich. He did his glory under the guise of humanity, that his divine, transforming power might touch humanity.

While on earth, Christ lived in the home of a peasant. He wore the best garments his parents could provide, but they were the humble garments of the peasants. He walked the rough paths of Nazareth, and climbed the steeps of its hillsides and mountains. In his home he was a constant worker, and left on record a life filled with useful deeds. Had Christ passed his life among the grand and the rich, the world of toilers would have been deprived of the inspiration that the Lord intended they should have. But Christ knew that his work must begin in consecrating the humble trade of the craftsmen who toil for their daily bread. He learned the trade of a carpenter, that he might stamp honest labor as honorable and ennobling to all who work with an eye single to the glory of God. And angels were his attendants; for Christ was just as truly doing his Father's business when toiling at the carpenter's bench, as when working miracles for the multitude. He held his commission and authority from the highest power, the Sovereign of heaven.

Christ descended to poverty that he might teach how closely in our daily life we may walk with God. He took human nature that he might be able to sympathize with all hearts. He was capable of sympathizing with all. He could engage in toil, bear his part in sustaining the family in their necessity, become accustomed to weariness, and yet show no impatience. His spirit was never so full of worldly cares as to leave no time nor thought for heavenly things. He often held communion with heaven in song. The men of Nazareth often heard his voice raised in prayer and thanksgiving to God; and those who associated with him, who often complained of their weariness, were cheered by the sweet melody that fell from his lips.

Christ knew that it required much patience and spirituality to bring Bible religion into the home life, into the workshop, to bear all the strain of practical life, and yet keep the eye single to the glory of God; and this is where he was a helper. In elevated song he would speak his parables, and carry the minds of his hearers with him. A fragrant influence was diffused to those around him, and they were blessed. His praises seemed to drive away the evil angels, and fill the place with sweet fragrance. He carried the minds of his hearers away from their earthly exile to their future, eternal home.

All this has its lesson for us. We also may commune with God in words of holy song. Our house of worship may be very humble, but it is none the less acknowledged by God. If we worship in spirit, and in truth, and in the beauty of holiness, it will be to us the very gate of heaven. As lessons of the wondrous works of God are repeated, and as the heart's gratitude is expressed in prayer and song, angels from heaven take up the strain, and unite in praise and thanksgiving to God. These exercises drive back the power of Satan. They expel murmurings and complainings, and Satan loses ground.

God teaches us that we should assemble in his house to cultivate the attributes of perfect love. This will fit the dwellers of earth for the mansions Christ has gone to prepare for those who love him, where, form Sabbath to Sabbath, from one new moon to another, they will assemble in the sanctuary to unite in loftier strains of song, in thanksgiving and praise to him that sitteth upon the throne and to the Lamb forever and ever.

Christ would have us realize that our interests are one. A divine Saviour died for all, that all might find in him their divine source. In Christ Jesus we are one. By the utterance of one name, "Our Father," we are lifted to the same rank. We become members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King. His principles of truth bind heart to heart, be they rich or poor, high or low.

When the Holy Spirit moves upon human minds, all petty complaints and accusations between man and his fellow man will be put away. The bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness will shine into the chambers of the mind and heart. In our worship of God there will be no distinction between rich and poor, white and black. All prejudice will be melted away. When we approach God, it will be as one brotherhood. We are pilgrims and strangers, bound for a better country, even a heavenly. There all pride, all accusation, all self-deception, will forever have an end. Every mask will be laid aside, and we shall "see him as he is." There our songs will catch the inspiring theme, and praise and thanksgiving will go up to God.

The Gospels give us little information in regard to the youth and early manhood of Christ, and because of this it is claimed by some that there is nothing to relate. True, Christ lived the life of a common laborer, but there is much that could be said of that pure, undefiled life. His was a character among characters, which placed in strong contrast holiness and obedience, and unholiness and disobedience. Although he did not enter upon his public ministry until he was nearly thirty years old, he was always doing good. His life was in conformity to the life and character of God. His childhood and manhood ennobled and sanctified every phase of practical life.

Christ and the heavenly universe saw that the power of Satan was taking the world captive, that nearly all mankind was under his deceiving power. The gold and silver and precious things of earth possessed a charm for men. To them riches meant power and honor, and they would do any injustice or violence in order to obtain that which they coveted. The fear of the Lord was fast departing from the earth. And the Son of the Highest came to the earth. "Lo, I come," he said, "to do thy will, O God." His arm brought salvation. He began his mission in the lowly walks of life, placing himself where the family of which he was a member required his service. He did not shirk responsibilities, but carried into his labor cheerfulness and tact. He restored every department of human industry as if it were a part of his commission from God. The Commander of heaven became subject to command, but in it all he manifested heartiness and devotion. He was a perfect pattern in every place.

Christ passed through all the experiences of his childhood, youth, and manhood without the observance of ceremonial temple worship. He held no office, he assumed no rank. He passed through the experience of infancy, childhood, and manhood without a stain upon his character. He consecrated himself to God that he might benefit and bless others, to show that in every period of life the human agent can do the Master's will.

Christ was a physician of the body as well as of the soul. He was minister and missionary and physician. From his childhood he was interested in every phase of human suffering that came under his notice. He could truly say, I came not to be ministered unto, but to minister. In every case of woe he brought relief, his kind words having a healing balm. None could say he had worked a miracle, yet he imparted his virtue to those he saw in suffering and in need. Through the whole thirty years of his private life he was humble, meek, and lowly. He had a living connection with God; for the Spirit of God was upon him, and he gave evidence to all who were acquainted with him that he lived to please, honor, and glorify his Father in the common things of life.

Jesus came to the world to live the life which it is for the interest of every being on earth to live,--that of humble obedience. To all, Christ has given a probation, in which to form characters for the mansions he has gone to prepare, and he calls upon all to follow his example. Those who are indeed learners in the school of Christ will not exalt themselves because they are possessors of houses and lands, because the Lord has in his providence lent them his goods to trade upon. There are many who are called prosperous and happy; but let calamity come to them, let them become bankrupt, and what do they do?--They are driven to desperation. They become wild because they have lost their idol, their object of worship; and instead of turning to the true God, they take their own lives.

If men are in connection with Christ, they will feel it a very serious responsibility to be in possession of a large revenue. If they have the converting power of God upon their hearts, their earnest inquiry will be, How can I wisely use my Lord's goods?

If all would follow Christ in connection with humanity, if they would be faithful in good works, in noble, elevating deeds of kindness and thoughtfulness; if all would follow his example in all the walks of life, binding their life up with the life of Christ, there would be no neglected duties. All men would be clothed with the same importance with which Christ regarded them, and would receive the same attention. Loyalty to an earthly sovereign may leave men poor and debased; but allegiance to the King of heaven will enable them to form characters after the divine similitude. When kingly crowns and honors shall crumble in the dust, to the loyal will be given the crown of life that will never fade away. -

The Parable of the Ten Virgins

"Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.

"Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh."

When the ten virgins went forth to meet the bridegroom, their lamps were trimmed and burning. Apparently there was no difference between the five who were wise and the five who were foolish. To outward appearance all were prepared, robed in white, and carrying their lighted lamps. But only five of these virgins were wise. These anticipated delay, and filled their flagons with oil, ready for any emergency. Five of the number had not this foresight; they made no provision for disappointment or delay.

All the virgins are watching for the bridegroom. Hour after hour passes, and they are still anxiously looking for his appearing. But at last the weary, watching ones fall asleep. And at midnight, the very darkest hour, when their lamps are most needed, the cry is heard, "Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him."

At the call, the sleeping eyes are opened, and every one is aroused. They see the procession they are to join moving on, bright with torches and glad with music. They hear the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride. The five wise virgins trim their lamps, and go forth to meet the bridegroom.

The foolish virgins made no provision for their lamps; and when aroused from their slumbers, they found that their lights were going out. They now see the consequences of their carelessness, and plead with their companions for a supply of oil: "Give us of your oil," they say; "for our lamps are going out." But the waiting five, with their freshly trimmed lamps, have emptied their vessels. They have no oil to spare, and they answer: "Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you. But go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves." But while they went to buy, the procession moved on, and left them behind. The bridal train entered the house, and the door was shut. When the foolish virgins reached the banqueting hall, they received an unexpected denial. They were left outside in the blackness of the night.

This parable is not a representation of open sinners, but of those who profess Christ. The bride is the church who is waiting for the second appearing of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. In the proclamation of the first and second angels of Revelation 14, a special message has come to our world. Speaking of these messages, John says: "I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication."

The first and second angels' messages are united and made complete in the third. -John says: "And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb."

Under the proclamation of these messages the cry was made, "Behold, the bridegroom cometh." The believers in these messages were compelled to go out from the churches because they preached the second appearing of Christ in the clouds of heaven. The whole world was to hear the message, "Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him." Many who heard these messages thought they would live to see Christ come; but there was a delay in the coming of the Bridegroom, in order that all might have an opportunity to hear the last message of mercy to a fallen world.

Had those who claimed to believe the truth acted their part as wise virgins, the message would ere this have been given to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. But five were foolish. The truth should have been proclaimed by the ten virgins, but only five had made the provision essential to join the company that walked in the light given to them.

The first, second, and third angels' messages are to be repeated. The call is to be given to the church: "Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. . . . 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 hath remembered her iniquities."

Many who went forth to meet the Bridegroom under the messages of the first and second angels, refused the third, the last testing message to be given to the world, and a similar position will be taken when the last call is made.

Every specification of this parable should be carefully studied. We are represented either by the wise or by the foolish virgins. There are many who will not remain at the feet of Jesus, and learn of him. They have not a knowledge of his ways; they are not prepared for his coming. They have made a pretense of waiting for their Lord. They have not watched and prayed with that faith which works by love and purifies the soul. They have lived a life of carelessness. They have heard and assented to the truth, but they have never brought it into their practical life. The oil of grace is not feeding their lamps, and they are not prepared to enter into the marriage supper of the Lamb. The oil is the holy grace that is sent from heaven; and there must be an inward adorning with that grace, if we would stand when he appears.

The men of the world do not wish the light of truth, and they are one in spirit with those who, while professing to be children of God, do not let their light shine in words of truth and deeds of holiness. Unconverted men who claim to be Christians only encourage the sinner to continue in his sin. In the place of seeking to save the souls that are ready to perish, they live for self. Their vessels are empty, and therefore they can not keep their lamps replenished. To these Christ says, I know you not. You have not taken me as your counselor. You have not walked in the light of my word. You have not come under my yoke. Your light is darkness, because you have walked in the sparks of the fire of your own kindling. Depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

We are not to rest in the idea that because we are church-members we are saved, while we give no evidence that we are conformed to the image of Christ, while we cling to our old habits, and weave our fabric with the threads of worldly ideas and customs. Christ declares: "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. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."

This representation should call forth our earnest study in order that we may know what preparation to make that we may enter in and partake of the marriage supper of the Lamb. "Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."

The ten virgins are watching in the evening of this earth's history. All claim to be Christians. All have a call, a name, a lamp, and all claim to be doing God service. All apparently watch for his appearing. But five are wanting. Five will be found surprised, dismayed, outside the banquet hall. There are many who cry, Peace, peace, when there is no peace. This is the most perilous belief that the human soul can entertain. Christ calls upon all who bear his name, who claim to be his followers, to eat his flesh and drink his blood, or they can have no part with him.

Be not like the foolish virgins, who take for granted that the promises of God are theirs, while they do not follow the injunctions of Christ. Christ teaches us that profession is nothing. "If any man will come after me," he says, "let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." "Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven."

When we stand the test of God in the refining, purifying process; when the furnace fire consumes the dross, and the true gold of a purified character appears, we may still say, with Paul, "Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after. . . . This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." -

Jewish Hatred

"Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall."

The Roman governor was called from his bedchamber in haste, and he determined to do his work as quickly as possible. He was prepared to deal with the prisoner with magisterial severity. Assuming his severest expression, he turned to see what kind of man he had to deal with, that he had been called from his repose at so early an hour. He knew that it must be some one whom the Jewish authorities were anxious to have tried and punished with haste.

Pilate looked at the men who had Jesus in charge, and then his gaze rested searchingly upon Jesus. He continued to look at him; for he could not do otherwise. He had had to deal with all kinds of criminals; but the countenance of the man before him bore the signature of heaven, not of a criminal. Never before had one bearing such marks of goodness and nobility been brought before him. On his face Pilate saw no signs of guilt, no expression of fear, no boldness nor defiance. He saw a man of calm and dignified bearing, who heard the bitter accusations made against him without speaking a word to vindicate himself.

Christ's appearance made a favorable impression upon Pilate. His better nature was roused. He had heard of Jesus and his works. His wife had told him something of the wonderful deeds performed by the Galilean prophet, who cured the sick and raised the dead. Now this revived as a dream in Pilate's mind. He recalled rumors that had reached him from several sources, even from his own relatives. He resolved that he would ask the Jews for their charges against the prisoner.

Who is this man, and wherefore have ye brought him? he asked. What accusation bring ye against him? The Jews were disconcerted. knowing that they could not substantiate their charges against Christ, they did not desire a public examination. They answered that he was a deceiver called Jesus of Nazareth.

Again Pilate asked, "What accusation bring ye against this man?" The priests did not answer this question; but in words that showed their irritation, they said, "If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee." When those composing the Sanhedrin, the first men of the nation, bring to you a man they deem worthy of death, is there need to ask for an accusation against him? They hoped to impress Pilate with a sense of their dignity and importance, and thus lead him to accede to their request without going through many preliminaries. They were eager to have their sentence ratified; for they knew that the people who had witnessed Christ's marvelous works could tell a story very different from the fabrication they were now rehearsing.

The priests thought that with the weak and vacillating Pilate they could carry their plan through without any trouble. A pure, right-principled judge will never sign a death-warrant hastily, nor condemn a man merely because he is accused. To those who do this, the same will be done. But the Jews knew that this Pilate had previously signed the death-warrant hastily, condemning to death men whom they knew were not worthy of death. They hoped that he would now inflict the death penalty on Jesus without even giving him a hearing. This they asked as a favor on the occasion of their great national festival.

But there was something in the prisoner that held Pilate back from this. He dared not do it. He read the purpose of the priests. He remembered how, not long before, Jesus had raised Lazarus, a man that had been dead four days; and he determined to know, before signing the warrant of condemnation, what the charges were against him, and whether they could be proved.

If your judgment is sufficient, he said, why bring him to me? "Take ye him, and judge him according to your law." Thus pressed, the priests said that they had already passed sentence on him, but they must have Pilate's sentence to render their condemnation valid. What is your sentence? Pilate asked. The death sentence, they answered; but it is not lawful for us to put any man to death. This privilege had been taken from the Jews by the Romans. The sentence against Christ could not be carried out without ratification, and the rulers now asked Pilate to take their word as to Christ's guilt, and enforce their sentence. They would take the responsibility of the result.

Pilate was not a just nor a conscientious judge, but, weak though he was, he refused to grant the request of the Jewish rulers. Memories of the reports he had heard concerning this man's work revived in his mind. He refused to condemn Jesus until a charge had been brought against him.

The priests were in dilemma. They had tried to make Pilate believe that their request was a reasonable one, but he had refused to comply with it blindly. They were much disappointed that he had not given them the power to do with Jesus as they would. They had condemned him for blasphemy. But in Roman law the death sentence was not inflicted for this offense. The priests saw that they must cloak their hypocrisy under the thickest concealment. They must not allow it to appear that Christ had been arrested on religious grounds. Were this put forward as a reason, their proceedings would have no weight with Pilate. They must make it appear that Jesus was working against the common law; then he could be punished as a political offender.

They were forced to bring another charge against Christ; and in order to do this they resorted to a lie. Some time before this they had formed a plot whereby they hoped to lead Christ to condemn himself before the Romans who were present. They sent to him men professing to be just men, in search of truth, who, after using words of flattery, asked him questions regarding the payment of tribute. But Christ had unveiled their hypocrisy, and the Romans saw only the utter failure of the plotters and their discomfiture at Christ's answer. "Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?" the spies asked. "Show me a penny," Christ said. "Whose image and superscription hath it?" They answered, "Caesar." "Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar," Christ said, "and unto God the things which be God's."

Now the priests thought to make it appear that on this occasion Christ had taught what they hoped he would. But they knew that while the course they had pursued as religionists had rendered them objectionable in the eyes of the Romans, nothing could in truth be brought against Christ as a creator of sedition. He had avoided everything that looked like condemning or resisting the policy of the government. When one came to him, asking him to decide a question regarding the division of property, he answered, "Who made me a judge or a divider over you?"

As a nation, the Jews questioned Caesar right to tax them. They regarded the Roman emperor as a usurper. If they had dared, they would have broken the Roman yoke. They were ready to imperil their lives in an effort to regain their national liberty. Forty years afterward they attempted this, and history bears record to the destruction of themselves and their city.

The Jewish rulers had given ample evidence of their hatred toward the Roman authority, and yet they now brought a charge of treason against Christ. Having failed several times to make him commit himself, or to wrest from him some expression that could be used against him, they were obliged to make a false charge. In their extremity they called false witnesses to their aid. "And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow [the only begotten Son of God] perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ, a King." Three charges, each without foundation. The priests knew this, but they were willing to commit perjury could they but secure their end.

Pilate saw through their purpose. He did not believe that the prisoner had plotted against the government. His meek and humble appearance was altogether out of harmony with the charge. Pilate was convinced that Jesus was innocent, and he tried to release him. Had he acted decidedly, he would have done what was right. But he allowed other interests to take possession of his mind. The Jews cried out, saying, "If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar friend;" and Pilate allowed himself to be intimidated by these words. He was afraid of the representation that would be carried to Rome if he released Jesus. He proved false to his own convictions, and false to the message sent from heaven to his wife. "When he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified."

So God's people will always be persecuted when religious bigotry is allowed to rule. In his zeal, Paul thought that in persecuting the church of God, and leading Christ's followers bound to Jerusalem to be thrust into prison and killed, he was doing God a service.

Let those who would trust to human nature to act mercifully and compassionately when men are brought into strait place, read Old and New Testament history, especially the record of the trial, condemnation, and crucifixion of Christ. Let them learn from this whether human beings may be trusted to act mercifully when their false theories and religious customs or traditions are interfered with.

It makes every difference whose side we are on in the contest. Unless sinners come to Christ, seeking him with the whole heart, and asking for his grace, they will make no attempt to oppose the enemy of God, but to the end of their days will remain his willing captives. Every man who transgresses the law of God places himself on the wrong side. His nature changes, and he becomes evil. All such will assuredly oppress their fellow men. God's people will suffer persecution from those who, if they had the Spirit of the Master, would manifest the same pitying love. But they are moved by a power from beneath, and they teach for doctrine the commandments of men. They do battle against God in the person of his saints; but God would have us remember that we are not to retaliate under provocation.

There is no enmity between Satan and evil men. Those who do Satan's work are not at enmity with him. He inspires the inventions which bring pain to those who are determined to worship God in accordance with his word. Satan is God's enemy, and he seeks to deprive God's people of the right to follow the convictions of the Holy Spirit. He has formed an alliance with men against heaven's decrees. Fallen men and fallen angels are sure to join in a desperate companionship. Through apostasy both are evil, and, wherever evil exists, will league against good.

Right principles may be acted out, righteous deeds may be done, by those who are persecuted. So it was with Christ. Touched by all human woe, the divine Healer never turned a suppliant away. Wherever he went, blessings attended his footsteps. Suffering humanity received his attention. For all diseases he had a balm. He went about doing good, relieving the oppressed, and comforting the afflicted. All who came to him received his blessing. He brought to men the richest gifts that heaven could bestow. To those who received him he gave blessings as free and abundant as the light of the sun; for he is the light of the world. He came to break down every wall of partition between man and his fellow man. But he was despised and rejected by the very ones he came to bless and save. He came to his own, and his own received him not.

The experience of those who are loyal to God will be in accordance with Christ's words: "If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me." "They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me." -

Importance of the Canvassing Work

The very messages we have been giving to the world are to be made prominent. The books containing the light God has given must be brought before the people.

Canvassers should have the fact impressed upon them that the canvassing work is the very work the Lord would have them do. The work of the canvasser is to bring before the world as fast as possible the light that God has given. The publications will do a far greater work than can be accomplished even by the ministry of the word, because the canvassers reach a class that ministers who teach in word and doctrine can not reach. From the light given me, I know that where there is one canvasser in the field there should be one hundred. Persons should be encouraged to take hold of the work, not to handle the little story books, but to bring before the world the books so essential at this time.

Watchmen. The Lord will be with steadfast, consecrated workers. The time has come when a large work should be done by the canvassers. As watchmen they are ringing the warning bell to awake the sleepers to a sense of their danger. The work to be done is great; the world is asleep, and the churches know not the time of their visitation. How can they best learn the truth?--Through the efforts of the canvasser. Thus the reading is brought before those who otherwise would never hear the truth. Those who go forth in the name of the Lord are his messengers to give to the world the glad tidings of salvation through Christ in obeying the law of God.

To Every Man His Work. The multitudes are in darkness, in error, and the Lord would have the light of truth shine forth to the world. To every man is given his work. Here is a work that man can lay hold of and do. All who will consecrate themselves to God to work as canvassers are giving the last message of warning to the world. They will be drawn out to speak the truth, and will have opportunities to explain the Word of God. In doing this itinerant work they are flashing rays of light upon the pathway of those who are in the darkness of error.

Preparation for the Ministry. Those who are fitting for the ministry can engage in no other work which will give them so large an experience as will the canvassing work. All who want an opportunity for true ministry, and who will give themselves unreservedly to the Lord, will find in the canvassing work opportunities to speak upon many things that pertain to the future immortal life.

Copy the Pattern. Doctrinal points should not be forced upon the people by the canvassers; but if the people lead out by asking questions, give them "a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear." What fear? Fear lest your words should savor of self-importance, lest unadvised words should be spoken. The words and the manners are to be after Christ's likeness.

Angels Co-Operate. Pray and work. More will be accomplished by the Christlike humble prayer than by many words without prayer. Work in simplicity, and the Lord will work with the canvasser. The Holy Spirit will impress minds just as he impresses the minds of those who listen to the words of God's delegated ministers, who preach his word. The same ministry of holy angels attends the one who gives himself to canvassing for books for the educating of the people as to what is truth.

No Time to Lose. Men and women can work in lines effectually if they feel in their hearts that they are doing the work of the Lord in ministering to the souls who know not the truth for this time. They are sounding the note of warning in the byways and highways to prepare a people for the great day of God which is about to break upon the world. We have no time to lose. We must encourage this work. Who will go forth now with our publications? Let them read the sixth chapter of Isaiah, and take its lesson home to their hearts.

"Here am I; Send Me." "Then said I, Woe is mine! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts. Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar; and he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips: and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged. Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying. Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me."

Messages of Peace and Comfort. This representation will be acted over and over again if the canvassers are pressing close to the side of Christ, wearing his yoke, and daily learning of him how to carry messages of peace and comfort to the sorrowing, disappointed ones, the sad and brokenhearted. By imbuing them with his own Spirit, Christ the great teacher is fitting them to do a good and important work.

Revival of the Spirit of Former Days Needed. This work has not of late had the spirit and the life infused into it by the leading agents that once made it a specialty. Painstaking effort is required; instruction must be given; a sense of the importance of the work must be kept before the workers; all must cherish the spirit of self-denial and self-sacrifice that has been exemplified in the life of our Redeemer.

The Unseen Helper. The Lord Jesus, standing by the side of the canvassers, walking with them, is the chief worker. The Holy Guest by their side makes impressions in just the lines needed, if the worker recognizes Christ as the one who is with him to prepare the way. Thus the worker can move forward representing the sacred truth he is handling, in the books he is finding a home for in families.

Just as the truth presented in the books becomes woven into his own experience and developed in his character, will be his strength, his courage, his life. The experience gained will be of more benefit to him than all the advantages he might otherwise obtain in fitting for the work of the ministry. It is the accompaniment of the Holy Spirit of God that prepares the workers, both men and women, to become pastors unto the flock of God. As they cherish the thought that Christ is their companion, a holy awe, a sacred joy will be felt by them amid all their trying experiences and all their tests. They will learn how to pray as they work. They will be educated in patience, kindness, affability, helpfulness, wherever they may be. They will practice true Christian courtesy, bearing in mind that Christ their companion will not approve of any harsh, unkind words, or feelings. Their words need to be purified. The power of speech should be regarded as a precious talent, granted them to do a high, a holy work. The human agent is to represent the divine companion with whom he is associated. To that unseen, holy companion he is to show respect and reverence, because he is wearing the yoke of Christ, and is learning his pure, holy ways and manners.

Those who have faith and confidence in this divine attendant will develop. They will be gifted with power to clothe the message of truth with a divine, sacred beauty. In all the self-denial and self-sacrifice required, amid all the unpleasant things that occur, they are ever to consider that they are yoked with Christ, partakers with him of his spirit of patience, forbearance, kindness, self-denial, and self-sacrifice. This spirit will make them a place and give them success in the work, because Christ is their recommendation to the families. They will not be easily repulsed, for they know that the household needs the instruction these books contain.

Mission of the Silent Messengers. Some will lay them on the parlor table, and seldom look into them, until some sorrow comes. Perhaps sickness enters their home. Then they will look for those books, and the stricken ones will find peace and rest, and fall asleep in Jesus, resting in his love because he has forgiven their sins and is precious to their souls. This has been the testimony of many. The Lord co-operates with the self-denying human workers. His own mind, his own Spirit, is communicated to them.

Who Will Respond? God has his workmen in every age. The call of the hour is answered by the human agencies. Thus it will be when the divine voice cries, "Whom shall I send? and who will go for us?" The response will come, "Here am I; send me." The Lord imparts a fitness for the work to every man and woman who will co-operate with divine power. A great work is to be done in our world, and human agencies will surely respond to the demand. And all the requisite talent, courage, perseverance, faith, and tact will come as they put the armor on. The world must hear the warning. When the call comes, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" send back the answers clear and distinct, "Here am I; send me."-- Mrs. E. G. White, in the Bible Echo. -

A Call for Help

We are God's stewards, and it rests with us to say how much the Lord can trust us with. We have a sacred, holy trust. Just as much responsibility will be given us as we can carry intelligently and whole-heartedly. On us has shone the light of present truth, and every man, woman, and child who knows the truth is to seek to be sanctified by the truth. Every spiritual gift, every talent, is to be used to advance the work of God. Selfishness must not be allowed to enter. Then we shall be channels of light.

The Lord has a message for his stewards in Australia, in America, in Africa, and wherever they may be. He calls upon his people to make faithful returns to him, that there may be meat in his house. He blesses those who faithfully return to him all that he calls for in tithes and offerings.

Let us, as stewards, do as Christ would do were he in our place. He did not spend money to please his fancy. From the least to the greatest, we are God's stewards. What are we doing with his goods? A blessing will come to those who use their God-given means to accomplish good, instead of spending it in self-gratification. Christmas will soon be here,--a season of the year when much money is spent in buying presents. Let us practise self-denial and self-sacrifice. Money is greatly needed to place our sanitarium in running order. Let us work intelligently and earnestly, and spend in self-gratification nothing that is needed in the work of saving souls. Buy books upon present truth for those who need them. It is not ministers alone who are entrusted with talents and the work of ministering. Every child of God is pledged to do his utmost by self-denial to save the pence, the shillings, and the pounds. Put your money into the Lord's treasury, that it may be invested in special lines of missionary work. We are to serve God with heart, and mind, and soul, and strength. Every capability is to be put into active exercise. Our talents are to be used to please God, not to glorify self.

When, as a people, our appreciation for the souls for whom Christ died is proportionate to the value of the reward we hope to gain,--eternal life,--we shall make more earnest efforts to do Christian work. We shall appreciate the sacrifice made by the Son of God to save souls from destruction. Let us teach the truth by practising it. Let us deny self that we may have money to give to the Lord's work. The Lord will greatly bless those who work in faith.

There is altogether too much self-indulgence among us. Money is spent for that which is not bread. Let those who would please the Master listen to his words, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." Let us willingly practise these words, and we shall be blessed. If all that has been invested in self-gratification were counted up, the amount would astonish every church in the land.

Let those who believe the solemn truth for this time make this Christmas a season of giving to missions. The Lord is not pleased that the work has been so concentrated among those who already know the truth. God's people should be wide-awake, earnest in their efforts to enlighten others. But the Lord sees that his people are not ready for his appearing. The work that those in Battle Creek might have done in other places has not been done. Instead of carrying the bread of life to perishing souls, the people in Battle Creek sit under the ministry of the Word, content to be hearers only. Their neighbors need the attentions they might give; but so engrossed are they in the unimportant matters represented in God's word as wood, hay, and stubble, that they have no burden for souls. The experience they ought to gain by helping others to look to Jesus they do not gain; for they do not behold him themselves.

Display is not religion nor sanctification. There is nothing more offensive in God's sight than a display of instrumental music when those taking part are not consecrated, are not making melody in their hearts to the Lord. The offering most sweet and acceptable in God's sight is a heart made humble by self-denial, by lifting the cross and following Jesus.

We have no time now to spend in seeking those things that only please the senses. Close heart-searching is needed. With tears and heart-broken confession we need to draw nigh to God that he may draw nigh to us. The hearts of God's professed people are so thoroughly selfish and depraved, so passionate and self-indulgent, that he can not work through them.

Those who will obey the words of Inspiration, "Go work to-day in my vineyard," who will study how they can co-operate with Christ in causing the light of truth to shine to those nigh and to those afar off in the darkness of error, will receive special aid from God. But this work can not be done without self-denial and self-sacrifice. Seek to promote the happiness of all with whom you come in contact. Take the truth to the neglected, educating the ignorant, encouraging the despondent, comforting the bereaved, and relieving the needy. Through you God will help the afflicted. This is the fruit God calls upon his people to bear. The members of his church are to be laborers together with him; and as they work for others, God will impress minds and hearts. Let both men and women engage with their whole hearts in this missionary work, and holiness to God will be the result. All who will train themselves for the Master's service may obtain a rich, golden experience.

My brethren and sisters, what shall we do in this matter of self-denial? If in this field we had the facilities you have in America, we could enter many new places with the truth. The Lord calls upon his people to arise and shine because his light has come, and his glory has risen upon them. We call upon those in America, in Battle Creek, and in all our churches, to help us. Under the present circumstances we can advance but slowly. The work of the sanitarium at Summer Hill has been carried on in a private dwelling-house, and recently another large house has been rented to accommodate the patients. But these houses are unfit to give treatment in. We need a building of our own, but we can not erect this till we have funds. Count up the sanitariums you have in America, count up the schools you have; and remember that in this wide harvest-field we have not one sanitarium; and our school buildings are not completed, but they must do for the present. The Avondale Health Retreat, a modest building of fifteen rooms, has been erected, but this is not completed. At our last Union Conference our brethren pledged nine hundred pounds for the Sydney Sanitarium. This was a large amount, considering the ability of those present. All our churches will be visited and solicited to swell the amount. But help from abroad will be required. I now appeal to our brethren in America to help us in erecting a sanitarium.

The Lord has instructed me that the first work of the Battle Creek Sanitarium is to help sister institutions in new missionary fields. I was directed to present the situation to our people in America, and to call upon them to help us as years ago I called for help in establishing the work in Battle Creek, and as I called for help to start the work in California. To establish the work in California, we made every sacrifice it was possible for us to make, and our efforts were successful. All alone, and in feeble health, I left California to attend the camp-meetings to be held in the Eastern States, that I might lay before the people the needs of the work there; and I expect that now my brethren in California will respond to my call for aid.

The Lord has given me light that the institutions in America, which are now so liberally furnished with facilities, should cease adding building to building, and help to establish the work in Australasia. A plant should be made here before any money is invested in additional buildings in America. A sanitarium must be erected somewhere in New South Wales, and another in the great city of Melbourne. It costs twice as much to build here as in America, but build we must, and at once; and we call for contributions from our people in America.

I am instructed that there are those who can help us, and that they would be greatly blessed in helping the work here just as the work in America was once helped. I tell you in the name of the Lord that in this field we have need of your assistance. In the work we are doing we are not trying to colonize and leave the Lord's vineyard unworked. We want to do the Lord's work at once; for we know not how soon the work will close up. We want to plant the standard of truth in new places each year. We wish to add new churches to our Conference. We have been spreading our strength and energies as far as we could. I have used every penny that I could spare from my royalties to push the work forward and organize churches. We must leave workers to strengthen the things that need strengthening, while we push the triumphs of the cross in new territories. Wherever the truth is introduced, and new companies of Sabbath-keepers raised up, meeting-houses must be built, in which they can worship God. This is necessary to spiritual life and prosperity.

We have received some help from America. At the General Conference a liberal sum was pledged by those present for the work in Australasia. And about thirty-five hundred dollars has been sent to us. This has been thankfully received, and used with holy rejoicing to advance the work. The work begun at the General Conference should have been carried forward in all the churches. This was the intention of our brethren at the meeting, and this may still be done. One thousand dollars was sent by Dr. Kellogg, which we will accept as a loan. I did not call upon him personally, but upon the institutions in Battle Creek, to help us.

The light I now have is that many are losing faith in selling what they have to help the cause of God in missionary fields; but the Lord would have those in America send us help in our emergency.

Let This Mind Be in You, Which Was Also in Christ Jesus

As ministers of the gospel of Christ, we need to study the example of Christ. In taking humanity, Christ united himself to the human race by inseparable cords. By his life of self-denying ministry, by his suffering on the cross, in which he tasted death for every man, he bound himself to the heart of every member of the human family. "In all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered, being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted." "For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the Captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings." Touched with the feeling of their infirmities, Christ wept with those that wept; and with those who rejoiced, he could rejoice. Such a character as his can not be without its influence upon the characters of his followers. Those who educate their minds to dwell on the perfections of Christ will represent him to the world.

We are to learn a lesson from the goodness and mercy and self-sacrificing life of the Father. We are to study how to give our sympathy and love to others. As we have received this priceless gift, so we are to impart it. We are to learn how to rule by love and kindness, rather than by severity and censure. When an erring person becomes conscious of his wrong, do not deal with him in a manner that will take away all his self-respect. Do not seek to tear to pieces, but to bind up and heal. You may see the errors of a brother. Yet he may not be able to discern his wrong; and it may be difficult to know how to act. But never pursue a course that will give him the impression that you regard yourself as his superior. You may think that your feelings, your pursuits, your organization, are superior to his, but do not seek to make this apparent; for such a course is altogether out of harmony with true refinement, true nobility of character. We are not to bruise the souls of the erring, but to go to them armed with humility and prayer. When the gospel minister, with his heart subdued by the love and grace of Christ, comes in touch with human minds, he can reveal his superior qualifications, not by destroying hope and courage, but by inspiring faith in the faithless, by lifting up the hands that hang down, and confirming the feeble knees.

The action will always testify to the texture of the character. The counsel of one who has a keen sense of right will always be valuable. He will work as Christ worked, seeking to lift up from the depths of woe and wretchedness the unhappy beings who will surely perish unless a loving, sympathizing hand is extended to them.

We are all sinners, and should seek for true elevation of character through Christ. We are not to exalt ourselves, and then expect the sinner to climb to us. God calls upon us to do as the world's Redeemer did. He was commander in the heavenly courts, but he stripped himself of his glory, and clothed his divinity with humanity. He was rich, but for our sake he became poor, that we through his poverty might be made rich. He came to this world all seared and marred by the curse, that he might come close to man in his woe and affliction. With his long human arm he encircled the race, while with his divine arm he grasped the throne of the Infinite, bringing to fallen man divine power to co-operate with his human effort. As we seek to follow Christ's example, we shall stand on a high level, imbued with keen sympathy, an abundant love, and tender compassion. We shall stand where the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness can shine upon us, and this will fill us with the sympathy and tenderness and pity of Christ for the helpless. Divine power will be given us to combine with our human capabilities.

Unless the gospel minister brings himself in touch with souls, he is not following the example of Christ. The mind of Christ is to be the mind of every child of God. How pitiful and courteous Jesus was! How tenderly he entered into the feelings of others! He desires to awaken in every heart an anxious longing to seek and save that which is lost. His servants are not to display their own superiority. They are to make no special reference to their own qualifications; for by this act they testify that they do not have the endowments they think they possess. If their eyes were fixed on Jesus, if they were contemplating his purity and excellence, they could not regard themselves as holy. They would see their weakness and poverty and defects as they are. They would see themselves lost and hopeless, clad in garments of self-righteousness, like every other sinner. If we are saved, it will not be because of our superior intellect or our refinement, but because of the grace of God. We have no garment of our own that will give us a position of honor at the marriage supper of the Lamb. Christ's robe alone, the garment woven in the loom of heaven, will give to the guests a worthiness to sit down at the marriage feast. Each must accept this robe, and it is offered to the lowliest who will believe in Christ as his personal Saviour.

The world is polluted under the inhabitants thereof; Satan has left his fearful mark upon men and women. But God has not placed upon any the burden of the sins of the world. We must have serious thoughts as we see the prevalence of iniquity in the world; but the fact that imperfection reigns everywhere should not cause us to look upon the unpleasant side of life. We are children of a King, pilgrims and strangers who seek a better country, even a heavenly. As we see the exciting pleasures of the world, we must guard against a sour, hard, censorious spirit. Let us look away from the sin and the evil of the world to Jesus, who is the embodiment of purity. His love reigns supreme toward his enemies, and all who follow him will keep themselves in subjection to the laws of his kingdom.

Those who feel it their prerogative to criticize their fellow men are doing the work of the enemy. The Lord has set none to correct the supposed errors of others; for by beholding these imperfections they themselves become harsh and self-centered. They compare themselves with themselves, and measure themselves among themselves. There are jealous and sensitive souls who foster their pride until, like an inflamed wound, it can not bear the slightest touch. They fancy that they have been slighted, when no slight exists, until they create in themselves the very evils they imagine in others. No man is to regard himself as appointed by God to dwell upon these objectionable features. Christ has given none the grace to do this work, and those who attempt it will make serious mistakes. Neither ministers nor people must educate themselves to think evil of their brethren, to watch for any slight or misconception of their own importance; for Satan is waiting to follow up any advantage gained.

Christ has given instruction in these lines. "Judge not, that ye be not judged," he says; "for with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye." Let us heed the instruction. We may dwell upon the love of God with all safety. Let us open the door of the heart to this sweet influence; for it will expand the soul, and give it something upon which to feed. It will create a new capacity; he who loves God will love his brother also.

"Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you." Thus Jesus reasoned with the Jews; and should not his words have weight with us? The wonderful facilities, the precious revealings of the love and grace of Christ, constantly abounding to believers and unbelievers, if not appreciated and improved, will lose their value to the soul. It is possible for every man to become a Christian; but if man will not accept the light, the darkness of unbelief will prevail in his soul. He will lose his faith; he will move away from God. While he thus sets aside the counsel, the warnings, the reproofs, the mercy of God, and fails to co-operate with divine agencies, his light steadily diminishes.

As a people, we must have more love. Our hearts must grow soft in contemplating Christ. Oh that we might see our need of sympathy and wisdom and grace! When we are Christlike, we shall acknowledge no walls of partition. Christ died for all, and all who will believe may be cleansed from sin. It is the privilege of all to reach the perfection of Christian character. The true Christian educates himself to look away from self to Christ; and as he beholds his matchless mercy, his inexpressible love, every barrier between him and his brethren is broken down. The harshness of his nature is melted. He is refined and purified by the furnace fires, and can present an offering to God in righteousness. The law of kindness is upon his lips as the expression of the soul. Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of his faith, he is changed into the same image.

"The Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: to the end he may stablish your hearts unblamable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints." -

Ellen White

Advent Review and Sabbath Herald-2

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