THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE
T. Fanning and W. Lipscomb, Editors
VOL. VII
NASHVILLE, AUGUST, 1861
NO. 8
FOOTSTEPS
The ear of the Christian is sensitive. The simplest things to him will become instructive, and the faintest sounds will not be unheeded. The world is a great road, along which many millions travel, and we hear the sounds which accompany their journeyings from the helpless cradle to the absorbing grave. Footsteps, how varied they are! How gentle, loud, weak, and strong! How instructive and suggestive! How softly and quietly fall the footsteps of time, as they proceed in the march of the ages.
Not a voice is uttered—not a sigh is breathed—not a warning given, nor a wish expressed. It is the solemn silence of God, which is conducting us all to eternity. How wonderful is the soul! It thinks of the past, and reads many of the treasured archives of the universe. It pierces the gloomiest recesses—enters the darkest dungeons—revels in the beautiful—frowns upon error, and glories in the truth.
What a sublime thing it is to exist—to see the light—to hear the sweetest sounds—to love the flowers—to cull the fruit—to behold the clouds—to walk amidst the verdant valleys—to listen to the rejoicing hills—to ponder the works of God—to gaze upon the stars—to feel the solemnity and beauty of the night, and to welcome the glory of the coming day—to think of Nature—of her wonderful harmonies—of her deep mysteries and immutable laws. But it is far more sublime to have a conscience void of offense, so that the soul…
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Being sanctified by the power of the truth, may not only feel its relationship to nature, but rejoice in its union with God.
Why are we here?
What is our mission?
How limited is our knowledge! What guides my hand to write? How healthfully the heart beats, and how regular is the pulse. How infinitely beyond all human reason are the functions of the involuntary powers! When we sleep, how the heart and lungs perform the work which God has assigned to them. How very wonderful is the process of the circulation of the blood. What strange and conflicting thoughts pass through the soul! Earth—heaven—time—eternity—demons—angels—Jesus—God—the Holy Spirit—and immortality—are all set before us, and through the merits of the Crucified One alone can the soul hope for eternal life. We are poor frail mortals, tremblingly existing between two eternities, in a world where we are pilgrims, as all our fathers were.
We hear the footsteps of the past. What great events have transpired. When created, how pure and holy was man. But how soon he fell! And then his footsteps were turned away from Eden, and he was burdened with the knowledge of sin. Dissensions arise, Abel is dead, Cain is a murderer, and all succeeding generations have felt the bitter effects of the estrangement of our first parents from the truth and from God.
Afterward came the desolating and world-drowning flood, when only Noah and his family were saved. That changes since then have transpired. How empires have arisen in glory and grandeur, and then decayed, crumbling into dust. The footsteps of the past have trodden down the glory of the Temple, the splendor of Jerusalem, the pride of Nineveh, and the magnificence of Babylon. They have trampled into oblivion the robes of the pompous and the regalia of kings—they have passed over the men of might, and left them in the midst of the dead.
We can hear them echoing the intelligence of the burning of Carthage, the doom of Nineveh, the siege of Troy, and the devastation made by the pestilence and the plague. We hear their voice in the cholera which wasted at midday, and which pursues its malignant course round the world, making the nations tremble and the people sad.
We hear the footsteps of the past in the tremulous motions of the earth, and more distinctly in the terrific earthquakes by which thousands have suddenly become entombed, and in the awful volcanoes which have disgorged themselves of their destructive element, and helpless multitudes have found a fiery grave. The tempests of the world utter the deep voice of God. The sea roars and the waves thereof are troubled, and the men of strength…
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become the subjects of fear. But the Lord Jehovah “bends the heavens and comes down: He looks upon the earth, and it trembles: He touches the hills, and they smoke; for His way is in the sea, His path is in the great waters, and His footsteps are not known. Heaven is His throne, the earth His footstool, and Jerusalem is the city of the Great King.” Most holy Jehovah, thy ways are past finding out—Thou dost walk the circuit of the heavens—Thou art enthroned in light and glory: the earth is thine and the fullness thereof—Thou callest the stars by their names; and though millions of brilliant suns are suspended from thy throne, thou art so merciful and so loving, as to enable us, through the dear Redeemer, to call thee our Father, and thou art ever ready to guide our footsteps into the way of peace.
We hear the footsteps of Jesus by the seaside, in the town, in the city, in the garden, and on the hill of Calvary, and we know he bore the cross for us. And though he is now exalted at the right hand of his Father, we can hear him walking in the midst of the symbolic candlesticks which are in the church of God. His presence is with us when we assemble together; and though perhaps an earthly potentate might treat us with indifference, we have the presence of the King of kings and the Lord of lords. How cold would the worship be if Christ were not there.
In his presence there is fullness of joy. His smile fills the church with the good love, and reveals the prospect of the coming glory. We have heard his footsteps in the Jordan, and have followed him. We have heard his footsteps in the upper room which was made ready for the Passover—we have followed him, and while we take the memorials of his body and his blood, we can hear him say, “Do this in remembrance of me.” The only way to heaven is to follow the footsteps of Jesus.
We have heard the footsteps of our children, and at the sound of them what father’s heart has not leaped with joy. Have they not contributed to the music of home? See that fond mother—how her eyes glisten with gladness, as she sees her little one perform its first journey in life. How she guards the little traveler, lest he should fall; and the father, how widely he throws open the arms of his love to receive him, to love him, and to bless him.
When our footsteps are directed towards the closet or toward Zion, God hears them, and comes down with his holy presence to guide, receive, comfort, and bless. How quickly the race of the dear child will be run. It will only take a few footsteps in the world—the angel reapers will come and gather it up for the Lord of the harvest: its little feet are cold, its bright eyes are closed.
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and its spirit has flown away. How light were the footsteps of the hopeful and confiding daughter! She anticipated many happy years; but, oh! how uncertain is life, for before the time of the singing of birds had come, she was numbered with the dead. When our footsteps are directed to the house of the Lord, we go that we may meet him who is our life. He has invited us to come, and he is ever ready to bless.
Let us see to it that when the gates of Zion are opened, we are prepared to enter them with the song of joy and thanksgiving.
We have heard the footsteps in the church. The young brother, earnest and hopeful, enters the place of meeting; health is in his cheek, and the love of God warms his heart. He has known but little sorrow, the truth has made him free, and he rejoices in the name of the Lord. His footsteps tell us of his youth and strength, and with his whole soul he joins in the praises of the sanctuary. Let such young brethren remember that the youthful period quickly passes away—that the moments are very precious now—that this is the morning of life, and it generally indicates what the day and the closing scene will be. What a blessing it is, to be enabled to remember the Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come, or the years draw nigh, when you shall say, there is no pleasure in them. The writer remembers the days of his youth. Now they appear but a moment, and so it will be with you. Make much of your present opportunities. Never let one pass away unimproved. Be in your place on the Lord’s day; let there be no earthly attraction to wean you from the house of God. Be there to feast upon the fat things of Zion—be there to meet your Lord, and to hold communion with his saints. Give unto the Lord your health, your youth, your strength; and show with the Psalmist of old, that you are glad when they say unto you, let us go up to the house of the Lord. Then your feet will be set upon a rock, and in all your ways you will acknowledge Him.
We hear the steady footsteps, and we know them to be those of a beloved and afflicted sister. The face is pale, the eye languid, the gait faltering, the voice low. But she has come up to the house of the Lord; she loves her Savior, and has come to worship him, for the Star of Bethlehem has shone into her soul. She loves to think of the body and the blood, and though her earthly prospects are fast passing away, she has a good hope that she shall soon be forever with the Lord. There will be no faltering footsteps in the streets of the Heavenly City—no trembling hands nor downcast eyes—no lowered voice, parting with friends, no prospect of death. Thy body is frail, but thy faith is…
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strong, and you can do all things through him who hath loved you. Be patient, beloved sister, God will deal kindly with you. “As thy days is, so shall thy strength be.” Ah, that fond maternal tear—how it tells of a mother’s love! Leave thy child in the hands of God, and he will be faithful to his promise. Thou art going to a land where no tears are shed. Ever trust in him who has died. Thy life is in the hands of thy Father; he will sustain thee, and when the time of thy departure may come, ministering angels shall attend thee, and escort thy spirit to their God and to thy God, for precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saint.
We hear the footsteps of age. Faltering and trembling they are. Welcome, aged brother, thou hast passed the age of threescore years and ten; thou hast had a long and deep experience in the things pertaining to the kingdom, for thou hast long been a traveller in the ways of the Lord. And all the way along thou hast found him faithful and true; yea, when thou didst doubt he did not leave thee, and when sorrows came in upon thee like a flood, he did not permit them to overwhelm thee. Thou didst love him in thy youth, and he will comfort thee now thou art old.
With thy slow and trembling footsteps thou art once more come up this morning in the evening of thy days, to memorialize the dying love of Him in whom alone thou canst put thy trust. The bent body, thy wrinkled brow and faltering footsteps, all tell us of a weakness which will terminate in death; but through Jesus thou wilt rise again; and though thy poor mortal body may be sown in weakness, it shall be raised a spiritual body, and death will be swallowed up in victory.
Eternal ages shall write no wrinkle or mark of age or sign of decay upon the foreheads of the redeemed in heaven. Be of good cheer, then, dear aged brethren, for though we must be separated here, we are through grace the subjects of that good hope which assures us that we shall meet again, not in a house which crumbles and decays, but in a holy mansion which our life-giving and death-vanquishing Savior has prepared for us in his Father’s house.
We hear the late footsteps. The song of praise has been sung, the opening prayer has been presented, and some are not there. While the word of God is being read, the church is often disturbed by those who come too late. A young sister is not in time—a young brother follows her example: those who have no families, and those who have, appear to act in concert in being too late. Are there not some brethren who are almost always too late? With such it is a habit, and we add, it is also a disgrace. One pleads distance as an excuse; but those who…
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Live beyond him are there at the time. When Peter and John went up to the temple to pray, it was at the hour of prayer; and when that time of mercy and privilege arrives, see to it, my brother, that nothing be permitted to steal away one precious moment. The late footsteps are disturbing footsteps; they sound most discordantly upon the ears of the church—they generally indicate an improper state of mind. At the time appointed for the church to meet, if only two or three are present, “the Minister is there, and he calleth for thee.” Is the worship of God pleasant and profitable, then the late footsteps speak of a loss, and the multiplication of such losses must bring leanness into the soul. The late footsteps are often disgraceful footsteps, and their echoes proclaim the carelessness and indifference of those who prefer to love the Lord and the ordinances of his house.
In the world we hear the footsteps of death. How horrid and discordant are the sounds! How unlike the harmonies of Zion! Each footstep has the sound of death; their feet are swift to shed blood, and the way of peace have they not known. “There is no peace, saith my God, unto the wicked.” Can a man love God and kill his brother? What a relief it is to turn towards Zion, for there we can behold those whose faces are illumined with the light of heaven, whose feet or footsteps are beautiful upon the mountains, and who bringeth glad tidings of peace and salvation. Their theme is the glory of the Savior—their object the conversion of man. In their march of mercy the hills rejoice, and the valleys sing for joy. The spirits who were in prison hear the glad tidings, and those who were dead in trespasses and sins are quickened into a new life by the power of the truth, and “become kings and priests unto God.”
Terrible Footsteps
What a world of sin and woe it is! There sits the poor drunkard’s wife, surrounded by her more than half-starved children. It is Saturday night, and they have no bread. The wretched husband is sitting in the scorner’s seat, heaping up to himself wrath against the day of wrath. The poor children ask when will father come home, and the mother gives no reply. Quickly and his boisterous voice is heard, and his staggering footsteps tell of the power of the drunkard’s drink. He enters that wretched home to curse and swear at starving innocence, and to inflict upon her and the children cruel and cowardly blows. My brethren, do all you can to turn his footsteps from the house of death to the house of the Lord, that he may become a man and a brother, and be a traveler with us along the glorious highway which leads to the home of the angels and the city of God.
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We hear the footsteps of death.
Our neighbor is dead; he is now being borne to his long home. Slow and solemn are the footsteps of the mourners. How quick are the footsteps of the man of business; how lightsome are those of the young and the happy; how strong and decisive are those of the dealer and the merchant; but how slow are those which are following in the wake of death! We see our pastors and brethren entombed; we meet at our prayer meetings for the last time, and we know not how soon we shall be borne hence and be no more.
May it be our happiness to know that our footsteps are ordered aright in the Lord, and then may our prayer ever be, “Hold thou us up, that we may not fall;” and then our feet will be placed upon the Rock of Ages, from which we shall never be moved. If we are faithful to the truth as it is in Jesus, there are no footsteps beneath the heaven which can cause us to fear.
Though the fig tree should not blossom, and there be no herd in the stall, yet we shall rejoice in the Lord. Though the tempest rage, and the footsteps of war, and the pestilence which walketh in darkness, are heard, we need not fear; for this is not our resting place. Our hope is in heaven, and though the footsteps of death should be heard in our habitation, and the cold hand of the foe be laid upon our hearts, we know that when this earthly house of our tabernacle shall dissolve, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
Whilst we are travelers here, may it ever be our delight to follow in the footsteps of Him who went about doing good; for if we suffer with him we shall reign with him, and death will only be the opening of the portals which shall reveal to us the heavenly glory, where we shall see him as he is.
THE CHRISTIAN—WHO IS HE?
It is well in this world often to stop and look at ourselves—to calmly ask ourselves a few simple questions. No duty is more necessary or important to the Christian than frequent self-examination. The spirit of this world—the many excitements that sway the multitude to and fro, and deprive them of their reason, have so powerful an influence upon Christians, that the most calm and prudent are hardly able to stand serene, whilst hundreds and thousands of the less stable are borne headlong to the very wildest wave of passion, utterly forgetful of their…
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High and holy position and responsibilities. It cannot then be regarded as an impertinent question, to ask solemnly, Who is the Christian, and what is the meaning, in its true character of the Christian religion? Has it any permanent and abiding force, or is it a mere convenience, to be put aside with all its obligations whenever the spirit of the world and a conformity thereto demand it?
We have been wont to regard the Christian religion as a subject of higher authority than any obligation that this earth can impose—as infinitely above in its pure, peaceful and heavenly spirit, every influence or concern of this North. We have been disposed to regard it not as a matter to be turned, shaped and adjusted to the prejudices or passions of any party or period, but as standing forth in bold, heaven-beaming and independent power—a sure and unswerving standard for the testing of every act and the whole spirit and philosophy of man’s life, and destined to live in light and influence, when all the factious strifes and vain schemes of man’s malice, folly and ambition shall have perished, and are almost forgotten.
Such a view of the Christian religion may be regarded out of place in the midst of the excitement that surrounds us, when forces upon our attention matters that seem to be worthy of so much consideration. It may seem old-fashioned in times like these, to talk about the lessons taught us by the life and words of our Savior. It may be right in times like these to forget the lessons of peace and love, to ignore all that we have professed to love so much from the sacred volume. It may be right for Christian men and women to become insane in the mad rage of the hour, to cultivate hatred instead of love—to abuse and belittle all that does not belong to “our side”—to turn the “sacred desk” into a rostrum of denunciation and impious raillery; to convert the religious press into a vehicle for every sort of exciting diatribe and partisanship to deduce and blood. Such an order undoubtedly will accord with the spirit of the hour. But I am far indeed from believing that they have the slightest sanction in the oracles of God.
We know but one source of light on this subject. We have no other means of learning the character and spirit of the Christian religion, but from the plain and simple lessons given by our blessed Savior and his Apostles. The world may have other sources of knowledge on this important subject. The politico-religious parties of the day may have other light from which they receive knowledge in reference to the meaning and purpose of submission to the authority of the Prince of Peace. However as the gospel looks read to us, it has the character of teaching wholly distinct and peculiar.
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The announcement of this order of things, given by the Host of Heaven, proclaims something of its character. “Glory to God in the Highest, on earth peace, good will to men.” This was a heralding entirely unlike anything the world has ever known. The establishment of the thrones and realms of this world had always been attended with carnage, vengeance, and war. Even the Jews, God’s peculiar people, had been from their very origin, a nation of war; but here was a kingdom destined to break in pieces and consume all other kingdoms, and to stand forever, whose watchword was, “peace and good will to men.”
Traced through all the teachings of our Savior, from the sermon on the Mount, down to his admonition, “they that take the sword, shall perish with the sword.” Yes, down to the last recorded word of the beloved John, there is not a discordant note; not a word that does not breathe the same unearth-like spirit. There is that in the whole of it, that left to its proper and legitimate influence, raises man above himself, fills him with thoughts, aspirations, and impulses different from all of this earth.
There are therein lessons of love, forbearance, forgiveness, which no man or woman can receive, and still be carried away with the spirit of this world. We are either to hear and regard these pure lessons, or we must look upon them as the flimsy cobwebs of rhetoric, to be wiped away by the first fit of excitement. We are compelled to respect the plain commands and precepts of our Savior, as the only authorized rule of moral conduct, and as binding upon us, controlling, guiding, and directing and sustaining us in every position and relationship of life, or we must reject it all as the dream of an enthusiast or the cheat of an impostor. It is worse than idle to talk about being the children of God, servants and followers of the meek and lowly Nazarene, and yet claim the right from any pretext of passion, or interest to set aside every peculiar and distinctive feature of his government, in a word, to reject and trample upon the very basis principle upon which the whole system rests.
If the Christian religion is not a religion of love, peace, good will, forbearance, and forgiveness, even to enemies, utterly opposed in its whole spirit and teaching, to all violence and wrong, we humbly and frankly confess we know nothing whatever of its character. If the Christian is not a creature filled with the purest, holiest, and most Christ-like spirit, enduring wrong and harm, and yet always ready to do kind and merciful deeds, to those who injure him—if his life is not a life of the most exalted charity, with the tender, uncomplaining, lowly Jesus, as its pattern, we confess that we have learned little from the lives and…
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Teaching of the holy and pure, who are presented as examples to us. Men, I know will say that all may be so. The life, example and teachings of the Savior, are all clearly against all violence and harm, but say they, must we suffer this, that and other indignity, and not revenge the wrongs done. Ah! man’s infidelity and want of trust in God, is the great barrier to the influence of the truth. God never yet had a people on this earth of whom he did not require severe trials. The idea that as Christians, we are to float along with the current in this world, entirely free from all trouble, care or sacrifice, knowing no self-denial, and fearing no hardships for the sake of our profession, is one that finds no place in the heart of the earnest servant of God.
The high and glorious rewards of the Christian profession are to be reached only by faithful, unserving, well-tried effort on our part in the face of any dangers, rebukes, scoffings and insults that may meet us. He who is unwilling to buckle on the armor of a soldier of the faith, and do valiant and unfaltering service under our Captain, has no right to claim any of the honors that are to crown the victors in this warfare or peace and joy. Sectarianism with its political schemes and efficiency may find it convenient to court the favor and cater to the prejudices of the excited world, and ride on to power and position by such means, but genuine Christianity looks out to such help. It lives and flourishes, if at all, by the faithful, self-sacrificing lives of its subjects, following strictly the rare teachings of their Great Priest and Lawgiver.
It knows no mere sectional influence to state lines as the compass of its philanthropy, but looks abroad nobly upon the whole of Adam’s race, with an eye of tender compassion. Like its author, it knows rebels from loyal men, only by the standard and rule of submission to our Savior, and by this, draws a line of marked distinction between disciples of Satan and the disciples of Christ. The Christian’s position is all exalted and his influence, if rightly used, is the greatest power and significance. He stands in this world as the conservator of the best interests of humanity.
To his care are entrusted the living exemplification and exhibition of that pure, heaven-descended wisdom for the guidance of man. To him as a faithful and obedient servant of his gentle and suffering Lord, belongs the duty of displaying the power of his Word of Truth on the heart and life of rebellious and God-forgetting mortals.
We may take some low and mean conceptions of the Christian life as to degrade it to the level of the fleeting and perishing concerns of this earth, and rob it of all the high and God-like power that invests it.
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Weak, shortsighted, fearful infidelity, see no power in it more than belong to the ordinary systems and associations of man’s invention. We may in our cold, spiritless, distant indifference, and lifelessness, fail to feel and realize that the power of God is in His Institutions, and that they who trust Him are helped and sustained by His Almighty arm.
We may not realize that there is a heroism in doing faithfully the commands of our Master, infinitely higher, nobler and more truly honoring than any and all the achievements of valor ever known on this earth. As Christians, brethren and sisters, we have a noble birthright, one incalculably more valuable than all the wealth, glory and honor of earth, a birthright purchased for us by the richest gift of the Universe, and secured to us by the blood-sealed testament of the Son of God, a birthright ensuring to us the transcendentally glorious, imperishable and immortal crowns that are promised to the saints of the Most High.
The simple question with us now as at all times is, shall we in fear, reverence and faithful obedience to the commands of our Master, enduring the trials and hardships which His service demands, strive to be worthy of this promised heritage of life and honor? Shall we, in the face of reproaches, evil-surmising, dangers and persecutions, still endeavor faithfully to maintain the pure, peaceful and God-fearing walk of the Christian, constantly growing more determined and resolute, as the trials become greater? Shall we cling more closely to the teachings and spirit of our Master, striving continually to make more manifest the power of the Christian profession in our lives?
Shall we, as the elements of strife rage around us, labor more constantly to realize what it is to be a disciple of the Prince of Peace, and how great are the responsibilities that are resting upon us? In doing so we may have sorrows and afflictions, but our trust is not in an arm of flesh, and even though sufferings be brought upon us, possessed with the spirit of our Master, we can rejoice that we are counted worthy to suffer for our Savior.
We can do this, or we in an evil hour, can lose all. We can, as Esau, trifle away our birthright for a “mess” of the honor, the approval or applause of men. Is it better to obey God than man?
W. L.
SUPPORT OF THE PREACHERS
Notwithstanding the very common employment of the phrase, “the support of the ministry,” it is not so much as once recorded in the Bible. We have often been struck also by the use of the style “my salary,” and yet, salary is not found in the Holy oracles. With all, or
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very many denominational preachers, and a large portion of the ministers amongst the disciples, it seems impossible to think of one’s devoting himself to the ministry of the word, without the idea of bargain, – “How much can I get?” “How much will you give,” etc., and still this subject seemed not to trouble the Apostles and early preachers.
Why the difference of style and modes of thought and conversation in ancient and modern times?
I have long been satisfied that modern religious habits have departed very far from ancient purity. We have now societies—Freemasons, Odd Fellows, Missionary, Temperance, etc., to carry out various forms of religion, such as decently burying the dead, caring for the orphan and fatherless, encouraging temperance, which in primitive and healthful days of Christianity, were merely incidental. What would have been thought of James forming an association especially to “visit the fatherless and widows in their afflictions;” or to keep the saints “unspotted from the world?” We suspect, Paul or Peter would have written him a letter, telling him that he was gone mad, or deliberately renounced the kingdom of heaven! No such bodies were thought of by the early teachers. The work to be done, was all but departments of religion, the legitimate work of the church, and any special organization to accomplish any good work, would have proved fatal to the cause of the King.
In their intercourse with young preachers, and such as were preparing to adopt preaching as a profession, as well as with men of age less than the salary, we have found in their mode of thought, and conversation the one prevailing theme—”the wages,” “the bargain” and we repeat, the style is modern.
We did not commence these remarks, however, for the purpose of excusing a false system, further than might be necessary to prepare the mind for examining the matter of living those who preach the Gospel, or as was said under a former dispensation “they who minister about holy things, live of the things of the temple, and they who wait at the altar are partakers of the altar.” 1 Cor. 9, 13.
We say in advance that we entertain not the feeblest hope that the churches of Jesus Christ can, or will set or practice the truth, with reference to any subject whatever, till they abandon all expedients, human, or mixed, and rely alone upon the authority of the word for light and guidance. Nothing is taught in the scriptures with more force and perspicuity than the honor of feeding the ox that treadeth out the corn; but all that is taught is merely incidental, as part of the divine performance. The doctrine of the Bible is, “If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it
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It is a great thing if we shall reap you carnal things. But suppose men have not, now, spiritual things, have they any claims on the brethren for carnal things, or even the promise of them? The doctrine of truth is, “the ox that will not work, shall not eat,” and the “ox that has not trampled the wheat,” has no right to look even for the straw, husk, or any other portion. But we find all classes of preachers complaining for want of support, and it is a fact beyond all dispute that there is the greatest difficulty, and that there are serious embarrassments in the way of supporting ministers.
We seldom, if ever, knew a salaried preacher that was paid his salary, that left those who hired him satisfied, or that was satisfied himself. We saw Bro. T. the other day from Miss., and one of the first points he made was, the brethren did not pay his salary—the war come after the bargain was struck, one of the largest subscribers died, and he wished to go where he could do better.
While in Wisc., long since, we heard a preacher try almost a sufficient length of time for an ordinary sermon, to tell his brethren the sad reason he was going to leave them, and yet he concluded without more than faintly shadowing forth the only reason. He spoke about the war, his hard heart, the hardness of the times, his wife’s relatives in another State, his due prospects for doing good in his circuit, his deep sorrow at what seemed to be a necessity, but all would not answer.
He had not yet touched the delicate point, but toward the close he hurriedly intimated that he had not been “paid up,” and “did not know” that they wanted him any longer, as no arrangement had been made—a bargain, or trade as to salary, and pastoral labor; but finally, intimated that he had an “offer” in another State.
We think no one can appreciate the good and the right way. He was the victim of a false plan, and he never can feel or understand the full light of reason.
Here is another picture. An excellent preacher writes that he has labored successfully almost a year, there have been many additions, the brethren have grown in grace and the knowledge of the truth, his family has plenty to eat, but the brethren do not furnish him with money to buy his children’s clothing; and yet he will not act under a subscription paper or the salary system.
Where is the fault now? In the plan? the times? or the preacher? Who will answer? There is something radically deficient somewhere. Perhaps we cannot give direct answers to these questions, but we may approximate correct solutions.
Religious generally, have been so long in thick smoke of Babylon—Rome and her daughters, that while the full glimmering…
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Rays of light that have fallen upon their vision make them feel that they are in the full Gospel blaze; they see men as trees walking; everything is confused, and considerable time will be required to see the whole matter of religion as it really exists. In consequence of preachers not understanding or teaching the whole truth, we fail to show the brethren practically their duty, and therefore, they fail to do their duty.
We are fastidious, afraid that some will think that we are money-hunters, and therefore, our want of candor, our ignorance of our timidity, has starved us, and our families, and been the cause of the members’ loss of reward in a very important department of the Christian institution.
We feel guilty on account of our own failures in teaching the whole truth. We have frequently traveled at our own expense, and borrowed the money to do so, paid our hotel bills while preaching, sometimes paid rent for a house, and often swept it or hired others to do so in the midst of rich men who called us brother. But whether we or they were most to blame, we are not certain. We wish to deal plainly with our brethren.
The preachers, in the first place, must teach us emphatically that he that believes and is baptized shall be saved and he that believes not shall be damned; that those who labor in the Gospel field are as truly entitled to a part of each brother and sister’s income, or profits of labor, as the man who works in the field is entitled to the reward of his labor of his own lands.
Let this doctrine be inculcated, without any selfish feeling lurking in the heart, and impress the brethren with the great truth that, if they willfully refuse a fair division with their preachers, and will the needy in the church, they can have no inheritance above, and we will hear of but few more complaints.
The senior members in every congregation are required to have the wants of all the afflicted, helpless, and needy persons under the protection of the church, including all preachers, resident or visiting, and to see that they lack for nothing. Of course, they are not expected to furnish all out of their own means.
If there is one who labors for the cause, these others must know his wants as minutely as their own, and have them supplied. These wants cannot be learned without the aid of the Evangelist.
It is not difficult for him to tell from week to week what he needs for the table, rent, wardrobe, education of his children, traveling and incidental expenses; and the members of the church are as solemnly bound to make a fair division with such preacher as with the members of their own families.
Politicians are often wiser in their ways than the children of light. Our rulers must satisfy the people that if they do not fight for their…
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Homes and fire sides, their property will be confiscated, and they and their children will become the mere vassals of a foreign power; and the moment conviction is pronounced, all the property is at the command of the country, and patriots should their muskets with a determination to sacrifice even life, rather than be robbed of the labor of years, and at last be subjugated.
As thoroughly satisfy the members of the church of duty, and it will be performed to the letter. Christians will consider all they have, the Lord’s, and men who labor in word and doctrine will never think of the trickery of contracts regarding the support of their families. Their confidence is that, should the church be prevented from performing their whole duty.
Heaven blesses, these matters must be better understood, before our preachers can labor in any confidence.
T. F.
SACRED MUSIC
There is not a more positive requirement of the New Testament, than for Christians to “teach and admonish one another in psalms, and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with gratitude in their hearts to God.” Music is not only regarded as the oldest of the fine arts, but by many, as the immediate work of nature.
There is not, indeed, a wild animal of the woods, or a domestic creature, which is not more or less under the influence of music. Not only are the horse and dog susceptible of musical influences, but man in his lowest state, may be more easily moved by music than any other power.
Prisoners doomed to death have proved calumnies to the most earnest efforts, prayers and entreaties, but few if any have been able to resist the soul stirring strains of music. In the most ancient nations, both vocal and instrumental music were cultivated to great advantage.
Indeed, a descendant of Cain, was “father of all such as handled the harp and organ.” Gen. 4, 21, and historians report that the Persians and Arabians called musicians, and particularly singers, the descendants of Cain.
There have from the beginning, been at least two valuable purposes subserved by music. First, it has been employed to give vent to feelings of sadness, and by the exercise, the heart has always grown better; and secondly, the glory has never failed to give scope to their emotions of praise in songs.
Unact’, when the children of Israel escaped from the murderous Egyptians across the Red Sea, the
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Heaven inspiring song, “I will sing unto the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously,” to which the women led by Miriam the Prophetess and sister of Aaron, responded, “Sing ye to the Lord for he has triumphed gloriously; The horse and the rider are thrown into the sea.” But there is abundant evidence in the Old Testament that the whole army of Israel, both in peace and war, was much devoted to music. Job, David, and the Prophets wrote in poetic strains, and much of their composition, particularly that of David, “Israel’s sweetest singer,” was employed in the synagogue worship.
When the Israelites were in their deepest distress on the rivers of Babylon, they could not hang their harps upon the willows, while they sat weeping; still in their captivity they clung tenaciously to their harps.
Jesus and his Apostles solemnly enjoined upon the servants of the Most High the practical necessity of singing. All were commanded to “sing in the Spirit, and in the understanding” of what they sang.
We might refer to the fact that, whether in peace or war, music exerts an influence over the human heart and human life, perfectly unaccountable. Never, before the present year, did we hear such loud notes of the war trumpet, and the effect even upon our cold blood was beyond all our calculations. In defiance of our most solemn convictions that we were only allowed to put on our spiritual armor, we found ourselves almost ready to buckle on some of the old swords we had received as trophies from friends in the Mexican and other wars.
But our chief purpose is to say a few plain words to our brethren in the Lord. May we intimate, dear brethren, that music has performed an important part in all the great achievements of the world. The great reformation of the sixteenth century would have proved a futile affair, if not a total failure, had not that great-souled old man, Martin Luther, got the boys and girls of Germany, as well as the old people, to singing.
Two, and but two, efficient agencies accomplished the stupendous work. First, he gave his countrymen a new and living rendering of the word of God, and secondly, the people did their own singing. Who that ever attended an old-fashioned camp-meeting, or a genuine roll and tumble revival meeting, can doubt the effect of the agency?
We blame not the Methodists; by their songs, vehement exhortations, altars of straw, and mourning benches, they have well-nigh overshadowed, overwhelmed, and swallowed all the Protestant denominations of the country. What party would dare attempt a revival without Wesley and Whitefield’s thunder? Politicians have made several Presidents by their wild songs, in our once happy country.
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We not improve, brethren, by what others have done? The world should not be suffered to steal all our fire. The songs of Zion, not only elevate and purify the heart of the singer, but they put us all in the frame of mind to worship God more acceptably, and they often disarm the staunchest sinner in his battling against our King.
It is of no avail with us for church people to say they have no voice, know no tunes or songs, and therefore cannot sing; God commands it and we must obey. Without effort, we cannot think, talk or succeed in any of the business avocations of life, and few, indeed, of good health, could fail to sing sweetly and delightfully if they would try, and keep trying. Faith and perseverance can turn mountains, and if a homely stammering Demosthenes could remove the kinks, knots and gyrations from his tongue, by wearing pebbles under it, what may not the most difficult duty of God, do, by assiduously laboring to praise God in song!
We are much in favor of the members of a church in town or country, spending several hours together every week, in communicating out: anthems, hymns and spiritual songs. We repeat, that not only are we made better, by sacred music, but it is a source of very high enjoyment, and the world cannot fail to be greatly influenced by the songs of the people of God. But what is more discouraging, than to meet a congregation of professed disciples of the Lord devoid of the power of praise in songs to the Most High? But, we repeat, nothing valuable can be achieved without humble and persevering effort.
Why may not each family spend a portion of the day in prayer, singing and exhortation, and we certainly think it is not only becoming and profitable for the disciples to spend a part of each Lord’s Day in these gracious exercises, but without them, the loss, in means of improvement, is incalculable.
T. F.
THE PRAYER MEETING
What can be more improving to the saints than meeting often to “pray with and for each other”? To enumerate the many beneficial results, would be tedious beyond all endurance, but our chief purpose, present, is to impress upon the brethren the importance of the obligation that rests upon us to pray for each other and pray always. Even the Savior, after declaring that he did not pray for the world, said, “but I pray for them”—for his servants, “that they may be one, that they may be…”
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“may he kept in my name and preserved from the evil.” These are still suitable forms of prayer in the assemblies of the saints. We should pray also in the words of David, to be kept “back from presumptuous sins.” “that they may not have dominion over us.” All are mortal; all fallible and all liable every day, to be tempted, to be led into excesses—into many foolish and hurtful lusts, and hence, the frequent and very earnest exhortations of the early teachers of religion, for Christians to keep themselves pure. Will the brethren pray in their families, in secret, and especially in the congregations of the Lord’s people.
As to the matter of the prayers, we suggest, we are to pray for the world, as the world, and not as we pray for Christians. We may pray that God may overrule their councils for good, that the rulers of the earth may be discreet, in order that we may be permitted to live quietly. We may also pray that all who believe through the Apostles’ word may be one with us, that they may believe in the Savior. But we cannot pray the Lord to pardon men in rebellion, that they may enjoy the blessings of Christians while in disobedience, or that they may enjoy the rest which remaineth for the people of God. We think all the prayers of the wicked are profane, and we are inclined to the view that the mock prayers of the semi-religious, such as Henry Ward Beecher and others North, who are praying for the destruction of the people South, are unpardonable and offensive to Heaven. Neither do we justify many of the foolish prayers South, as was heard some time since on the presentation of a flag in the Southern Confederacy. Said the belligerent clergyman, as represented to us, “Oh Lord, may every man fight bravely under this flag, and may a Yankee fall at every shot.”
It is enough for Christians to pray with reference to such matters, “Thy will, oh! Lord, be done, may truth and the right prevail, and may those in the wrong receive the just reward of their doings.” To mix up the civil strifes of the world with devotional exercises we think highly unbecoming. We may safely pray to God our Maker: “Look over the follies and wickedness of the world-powers to his honor, that the innocent may be preserved, the incorrigible punished, and that peace may abound in an unhappy world.”
We offer these thoughts more by way of suggestions as to the proper frame of mind to cultivate, than as detailed lessons for anyone to follow. We trust, however, that the beloved brethren become more and more disposed to study the importance of “praying always, lifting up holy hands, without wrath or doubting.”
T. F.
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FINAL EXPOSE OF J. R. COLLINGWORTH’S UNCHRISTIAN LIFE
The seniors of the congregation at Lewisburg have imposed upon us a very unpleasant labor. They have sent us a pamphlet of 81 pages setting forth in a plain manner much improper conduct of our old friend J. R. Collinsworth, before his apostasy, and since his expulsion from the church.
We have sincerely hoped it would never become necessary to write his name again on our pages, but from the fact that men of fair position have been more or less influenced by his unrighteous course, good men have felt it their duty to expose a part of his history to the world. A very hurried perusal of the pamphlet has filled our heart with deep sorrow.
Although from a personal interview with Mr. Collinsworth, anterior to the withdrawal of the church from him, we were fully satisfied he cultivated no fixed confidence in the institutions of the Lord, and after his expulsion in publishing the fact, we intimated that we might expect the opposition of a “very mean enemy,” his conduct exhibits shades of character so much darker than we then anticipated, that we are not only moved with pity towards him, but seriously regret the apparent necessity for the publication of the expose or of another reference to the matter in our paper.
His apostasy from the truth places him beyond the reach of the servants of God; his conduct in professing to have lost money collected for the brothers Yowell, stains his character as to truth and honesty while he lives. And his efforts to destroy the fair fame of Dr. Brents, as set forth in a letter to Mr. Meadows, places him beyond even the respect of all high-toned gentlemen of the world, who examine the facts.
Toward Mr. Collinsworth, however, we entertain not an unkind emotion. He has spent his force, not against men, but against the cause of God—has become powerless with thinking men, possesses neither the talent, learning nor goodness to sustain himself anywhere, and we would very respectfully suggest the propriety of not permitting his name or the names of other apostates who long since sold their birthright for less than a mess of pottage, even to be mentioned by the saints in any religious connection.
We regret their loss, but as they have rejected the only divine authority on earth, we have no remedy to offer. Still, we should cultivate the Christian spirit towards even the most unfortunate—hope for the best—and ever pray to Heaven not only to save his erring children from unreasonable and wicked men, but to keep them in the straight and narrow road that leads to a sinless and happy clime.
We can entertain no hope for…
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any one who rejects the Gospel of the Son of God, for the empty speculations of the sectarian establishments of the age. “God is not mocked,” and we must either be saved through the “one body of Christ”—in following the dictates of the Spirit as set forth in the New Testament, or be forever lost. We should treat the worst enemies of our King kindly, remembering that “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.”
T. F.
“TAKING UP THE CROSS”
In the early ages of the church, whenever one ventured to make an open profession of faith in Christ, was certain to lose the respect of the world; his property was subject to confiscation and his life was in perpetual danger. Hence, the taking up the cross was performed after the most deliberate consideration, and with all the startling dangers staring one fully in the face. The professor of the faith renounced “principalities,” abandoned all confidence in men as safe governors, took no interest in the world’s affairs further than to make proper efforts to secure the necessities of life, but vowed allegiance to the King in Zion as superior to all other rulers. Christians walked with their lives in their hands for three centuries.
Even the proconsul Pliny the Younger, after having many of the Lord’s servants put to death merely for professing the name of Jesus, wrote to Trajan the emperor stating “that as far as he had learned, they did nothing wicked or contrary to law, except that they rose with the morning star and sang a hymn to Christ as to a god.” The emperor replied that the Christians were not to be sought after, but if they were regularly accused and convicted, and yet refused to return to the religion of their fathers, they were to be put to death as being bad citizens.
Till Constantine, the simple avowal that Jesus was the Savior placed all who ventured to make it as enemies of the State, and consequently the taking of the cross was not only treason, but Christians renounced all confidence in earthly institutions, and looked for their reward in another state. Still, Christianity was then helpful, pure, and invigorating and the children of God rejoiced that “they were counted worthy to suffer shame for the…
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The Name of Jesus
It is scarcely possible at this great distance from these late and joyful days of the people of the Most High, to fully realize the meaning of denying ourselves, taking up the cross of the Savior and following Him through evil as well as good report.
When the civil authorities in three hundred and twenty-five took charge of the church, “the offense of the cross ceased,” the pure in heart and life, withdrew from the public gaze, went into the wilderness, still keeping their banner unfurled to the breeze, but have been ever since regarded as the offscouring of all things. There is no cross in religions regulated, and acknowledged by “world-powers,” and the honor of bearing the cross can be appreciated by none who considers not the authority of his King as the supreme government. We freely grant that men through ignorance and stubbornness, may seek opposition, in order to glory in their persecutions; but genuine Christians study to be “wise as serpents and harmless as doves”—they necessarily offend neither Jew nor Greek, but labor at all things to glorify God in their bodies and spirits which are His. There is a continual tendency to lay down the cross in order to be “like other people” and unless we keep our eye upon the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus, and struggle hard against the outward pressures, our minds and affections will become so engrossed by “the cares of the world” as to influence us to lose all taste for spiritual matters.
In conclusion, we would be glad to know if there is any cross bearing by the denominations and professors that act merely in conformity with the popular influences of the age? What party in all the land has any cross to bear? Who, in all the region about are now meekly bearing the cross of the crucified, and yet exalted Savior?
—T. F.
LIGHT AMONG THE EGYPTIANS
Heraclitus and Anaxagoras assert that the Egyptians taught from the remotest antiquity, that the world had a beginning, and of course, they admitted substantially, the account given by Moses. Diogenes asserted that they maintained the eternity of the Earth and the immortality of the soul. It might be proper to state however, that the style “immortality of the soul” was never employed by the Egyptians or others until after the appearance of Christ, as according to Paul, “He brought life and immortality to light in the Gospel.” The error has been committed by the translators of Egyptian history.
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Translators of Socrates and Plato put the word immortality into their mouths, when it is evident the idea never entered their hearts. It is, however, possible—perhaps certain—the Egyptians, and many of the ancient philosophers, had a strong impression, made doubtless by the writings of the prophets, that men would exist after death; but mere existence in a future state expresses not the idea of immortality. All human beings will exist in eternity, and the wise of antiquity generally were impressed with this idea, but to a personal perfection with which the good are to be clothed at the resurrection. It would be well for Christian teachers of the present age to carefully study this matter.
“This mortal,” says the Apostle, “shall put on immortality” and then, “Death”—mortality—”shall be swallowed up of life.” Then will the righteous sing, “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory.”
T. F.
PUNISHMENT FOR ATTEMPTING TO BECOME WISE
Justin Martyr, who lived in the second century, said, “Those persons before the Christian era, who endeavored by the strength of human understanding to investigate, and ascertain the nature of things, were brought into the courts of Justice as impious and over serious.” Even Anaxagoras was accused of impiety, because he contended that the sun was a mass of ignited stone, thereby degrading that luminary from the order of gods; and when Aristophanes, some years afterwards, endeavored to fix the popular odium on Socrates, he represented him as a minute philosopher, prying into the secrets of nature. The name applied to this class of men is “sophistes”—sophist, and in process of time, such men were called “lovers of wisdom.”
Doubtless it was by envy Socrates lost his life, and it was for putting the wise men of the Roman Empire to shame for their ignorance, that the Apostles lost their lives. The ignorant always strive to pull the enlightened down to their level; still Christians should struggle for light, remembering that the sin of ignorance, in this age, is most heinous. The beauty of moral light, however, is the fact that as a general rule, men become good in exact ratio as they become wise; and the wisest in the church of Christ regret only that all the servants of God are not more enlightened than themselves. Hence Christianity operates in direct opposition to philosophy, to human nature, and all the institutions of men. Christians become wise and rich, by making others wise and rich.
T. F.
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GOOD SUGGESTIONS TO SISTERS
Brethren: I have often been very much surprised, and have been quite at a loss, to know why the sisters exercise so much backwardness in writing for our religious periodicals. Certainly, we have nothing to fear, if we discharge with discretion, the duties incumbent upon us as Christians. It is manifestly true, that we have much more to do than many of us imagine, in order that we may live strictly in accordance with the commands of our Savior.
God has given us the power of thinking and understanding—has richly endowed us with the reasoning faculties, by which we are enabled to comprehend His teachings, and even solve problems of the most difficult nature; and yet, how often do we see sisters, who have neglected the reading of their Bible; the only source from which we can expect to acquire a knowledge of God, until they seem to have lost all confidence in their own judgments. In this condition they do not wish to know anything except as their preachers tell them—once a month. In fact, some of us are very little farther advanced in a knowledge of our Christian duties, and of the Bible, than the little girl, who, when asked to what church she belonged, replied, “to the same church my father does.”
What church does your father belong to?
“To the same church I do.”
Well, to what church do you both belong?
“We both belong to the same church.”
Sisters, let us not imagine that it is enough for us to simply know that we belong to the church, but we should read the Scriptures daily and thus be enabled to give a reason for the hope that is within us. God, certainly, would not have given us the power of thinking, realizing, and comprehending His wise plan of redemption, had He not intended that we should exercise those faculties, and that too, to the promotion of His glorious cause, and to the good of our fellow beings. Therefore, let us exercise those powers which God has so mercifully bestowed upon us.
Let us correspond to our Christian papers, exercise an active part in establishing, and keeping up Bible Societies, prayer meetings, etc. When our husbands are from home, let us read our Testaments; and pray in our families, be active in every good work; for nothing short of this will insure to us eternal happiness in the future. The Gospel requires us to be sincere, and everything we do. Let all be done to the glory of God, who sitteth upon the throne.
The Lord has such peculiar regard for the upright; for those who are honest, candid, and sincere, that their prayers are not only accepted, but are a delight to Him. We should all know our danger; for we are ever liable to be led astray by the wicked one. We
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Lizzie Armstrong
Should remember that there is no growth in grace, but by the knowledge of our Savior, and that knowledge can be obtained from no other source than the Bible.
Why may not the sisters give advice quite as useful and more so than the brethren? If the doctrine is true that good husbands are made by good wives, we see no sound reason why sisters should not prove the very best teachers in the kingdom. Indeed, Paul has told the senior women to teach the younger in matters, in reference to which no other persons are so competent to speak.
T. F.
Precepts of Aesop
We cannot account for the wisdom of Aesop but upon the ground that he had been taught of God through Moses. Will our readers study carefully a few of his simple precepts? To his adopted Son Ennius, he said:
- Worship God, with care, with reverence and with sincerity of heart, void of hypocrisy or ostentation; for know He is omnipotent as He is true.
- Have a care of your most private thoughts and actions, for God always sees you, and against you, your conscience is always ready to bear witness.
- Where you cannot be beneficial, be not ruinous to any one.
- With signify actions and thoughts, there must be no impurity in either.
- Be still and learn as long as anything is left unknown to you, and value wisdom before money.
- The human mind requires cultivation as the plants of the field; the improvement of our reason assimilates us to angels; the neglect of it changes us into beasts.
- Wisdom and virtue are the only permanent and invisible good; but the study of them without the practice is nothing.
- Think not however that asperity of aspect makes us wise, for wisdom makes us serious but not severe.
- Keep thy faith with all men.
- Measure your words, for great talkers have not respect for honesty or truth.
- Frequent the society of good men for the sake of their manners, as well as their virtues.
- Intend honestly and leave the event to God.
- Despair not in adversity and exult not in prosperity, for everything is changeable.
There are three things of which you will never repent:
- Having early and industrious at your business.
- Learning good things.
- Obliging good men.
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FOR WHAT DO WE LIVE?
ESSAY OF MISS SUSAN A. ANTHONY, AT THE ANNUAL COMMENCEMENT, FRANKLIN COLLEGE, 1861.
To responsible beings there can be no question of higher importance than that which now claims our attention. We have been taught to believe that nothing has been created in vain—that every being of the vast creation of God has some work to accomplish in carrying out the great purpose of life.
When the Maker of all had finished his work we read, that “God saw every thing that he had made; and behold it was very good.” Short-sighted and doubting man may not see harmony and design in all that has been made, but when the eye that sees the end from the beginning, and scans time and eternity at a single glance, and pronounces the entire work of his hand perfect, how can frail and finite beings, such as we are, array our own weak judgments against his?
To us, as the last, best, and noblest work of our Maker, bearing the impress of his image upon us, and honored by his beloved Son for our redemption, enlightenment, and exaltation, it becomes a matter of most solemn interest to consider well for what we were created, and what ought to be the great end of our lives in this world. It is a consideration that influences the whole conduct of our lives, and the aims which we should constantly keep before us.
To know how to act according to our position, to think, and act properly in reference to our relations to each other, is the only way to enjoy life and the blessings connected with it. But this is the something that is difficult to attain—it is something that involves a knowledge of ourselves and of the duties and responsibilities of life, which many are too indolent to strive after, and thus lead profitless and wretched lives without any aim in view. If all could fully realize their responsibilities and relations to each other, and if they were governed by high and noble principles, and if it were the sincere desire of all to live pure and peaceful lives—to do good, to exert a sweet and peaceful influence on society, and to endeavor to elevate and enlighten humanity, rather than to gratify their own personal desires—to seek their own pleasure, how happy all would be! How free from the cares and evils which now surround us; all would be peace and love to each other.
But how sad to see so many rushing headlong through life without a single desire but to gratify their own base and wicked wills. How we ever ask ourselves;
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For what do we live; for what we were placed in this world?
Is the approbation of God our greatest desire? And do we avoid what is evil because it unfits us to approach him? Are we endeavoring to accomplish the purpose of our being? Do we realize that we exert an influence upon all with whom we associate? And how cautious it becomes us to be not to exert an influence for evil upon any.
We know that we are all the time influencing those around us, and we too are influenced by those with whom we are continually in contact; and it should be our constant effort to keep out of the way of corrupting influences and yield ourselves to the moulding of good. To keep in mind that we are forming characters for eternity. All impressions made upon the character should be such as we desire to be permanent and abiding; for if we allow wrong impressions to be made upon our forming character, death may meet us with his stern mandate and fix them forever.
If we lay the foundation of our character in the love and fear of God, it will rise higher in excellence, beauty and holiness, but if it is laid in selfishness and sin, and built accordingly, it will sink lower and deeper in degradation and wretchedness.
It should be our great desire to live to do good—to benefit the world, to increase its happiness and diminish its misery. Living thus will increase our own pleasure and elevate our enjoyment, by calling into action generous motives and disinterested principles.
Therefore, we should bind upon ourselves the work of being good, of being so as to benefit the world. He who came to “seek that which was lost,” will be to us a sustaining and cheering example in every dark and trying hour. The wise and good will be our companions. It should be our determination that we will not live exclusively to ourselves.
We should take a view of the ground we occupy. Look around on all with whom we are associated, and see if there are any unhappy whom we might console, or whom we could instruct. Let us make acquaintance with the poor; see their needs and their sorrows.
We are told that the instructions given by Louis the sixteenth to the tutor of his children reflect more honor upon him than the circumstance of his royal birth. He says:
“Take them to the cottages of the peasantry. I will have them see and taste the black bread which they eat. Insist upon their handling the straw that serves the poorest for a bed. Let them weep—teach them to weep, for the prince who has never shed tears for the woes of others, can never make a good king.”
The modes of doing good are exceedingly numerous. It is in the power of all to do some good. We should ask ourselves each day; what can we do that will be useful.
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Can we exert good influence on any of our companions? Are there any sorrowful with whom we may sympathize? Are there any who feel unkindly to us, and if so, is it not in our power to render them friendly again? Can we not strive to return good for evil? Are there not feelings in our own hearts of which we should be ashamed? If we are self-willed and stubborn, we are apt to let harsh and angry words proceed from our lips, can we not strive to put such evils from us and endeavor to follow that which is good?
To fulfill and dignify Christian life, there will never be lack of opportunities for the most active life of doing good. The world is yet a scene of sorrow, misfortune, and death. The mighty curse, saying you shall die, still hangs over us, and though robbed of its terrors, and made captive by the triumph of our Redeemer, we must still pay the sad penalty of certainty. Even in our little circle we have heard the wail of sorrow for a loved one gone to his final home.
Afflictions come day after day, and the bereavement attests the frequency of the visitors to the resting place of the departed. To the Christian woman especially, the world is full of the most exacting employment. When we call to mind what has been done for us by the peaceful and purifying influence of the Christian religion, surely we cannot treat lightly or indifferently the obligations which it imposes upon us.
The history of the world contains many exemplifications of earnest self-forgetting elevation manifested by those of our sex under the guidance of the heavenly teaching, and examples of the New Testament. Of those who gathered around the Son of Man when personally on this earth, there were more faithfully attached to him than the women who were last at the cross and earliest at the grave. Each age might furnish us with a number of some devoted, God-fearing women who felt ready to give up all for the cause of our blessed Christianity. Their character stands upon the world’s history not stained with blood and decked in the crimson honors of the battle-field, but elevated in the quiet, gentle, and holy graces of purity, modesty, and spiritual dignity.
These stand before us as bright patterns of that excellence which adorns the female character, and serve to encourage us to strive continually for noble aims. Would we then be worthy of the honorable position which we hold in this world, the way is open and plain. It is in faithfully living to benefit those with whom we associate, and to feel and speak at all times that it may be said that the world has been made better and…
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not worse by out having lived in it. So live that it may be said of each of us:
“Her soft hand put aside the assaults of wrath,
And simply broke in twain
The fiery shafts of pain,
And rent the net of passion from her path.
By her victorious hand despair was slain,
With love she vanquished hate and overcame
Evil with good in her Great Master’s name.”
Franklin College, June 5, 1861.
COLUMBIA AND OTHER CHURCHES
We came to Columbia last December, found a small number of Christians worshiping each Lord’s day. We visited around and stirred up the cold members until we had a very good number. During the year we have had the labors of several preachers, and have added twelve by immersion and several by letter. The brethren meet as directed by the Master.
Nearly all the brethren are firm in the faith. The most serious difficulty among the brethren is their poverty, and consequently, their inability to relieve the necessity of the Evangelist. They have been taught how to do all these matters, but lack the means. Columbia is a good location for a preacher, being surrounded by a fine country and plenty of sinners—all the preacher needs is that his wants be relieved and much good can be done.
Will the brethren assist the Christians in Columbia in sending the Gospel to sinners? This is an important field in many respects and is likely to become much more so. We have also visited some seventeen other churches in this and adjoining counties.
All the congregations, some Leeper’s Fork meet each first day; (Leeper’s we think have three parties in the house, and we were wrong.) In some congregations there have been difficulties growing out of the carnality of the members. We found some hearty fellows, and many pious Christians. We spoke to the brethren upon many matters pertaining to the kingdom—we found no church worth any very considerable treasury—an inclination to let the saints shift for themselves and provide for the wicked world, is a besetting sin of a majority of the brethren, but many yet love the good cause. We found in some of the churches a disposition to fault-find their brethren in things they had no right, also a disposition to proscribe brethren for…
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Opinion sake in worldly matters, this to some considerable extent has crippled the efforts of some of the good brethren. We have all the time insisted on the brethren being quiet, and for each to allow the other to differ from him in worldly matters and yet to respect each other as Christians. We have refrained from taking sides with brethren further than was necessary to defend the truth of God. Politics we have ignored and yet wicked men have tried to extort from us sentiments heretical.
We have not doubted the political right of any of our countrymen, we are politically with them, but seriously object to carnal warfare. (If it can be avoided. T. F.) There have been at the various churches some thirty additions. Bro. R. B. Trimble was with us at the majority of the places and did good work for the good cause.
J. K. SPEER.
Suggestions
Our very highly esteemed Bro. Speer, will pardon us no doubt, for a suggestive thought or two. Although the church has existed 1800 years, it is in many places in its infancy yet, and owing to the influences of the world around, and especially the influences of the politico-ecclesiastical establishments of the age, it is most difficult to get ourselves or the congregations in Gospel order.
Whilst we see the deleterious influences of the “begging and salary systems,” we have failed and still fail to teach the saints the practical meaning of supporting the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and still more, have we failed to impress them with their whole duty to their faithful Evangelists.
We as preachers lack frankness, independence, and perseverance in setting in order and keeping in order the things wanting in the churches. The fact is, that the swarms of hungry, mercenary preachers, who peddle their sermons for the richest bid of bread and butter, that have infested our world and especially the southern states of America—no one goes north hunting money—have thrown almost insuperable barriers in the way of faithful teachers of religion.
But brethren, a better day is coming. Let us be faithful to our colors, the day will yet favor truth.
T. F.
Bro. F. J. Nanning
Gloom and sadness have entered our little fold, and keenly do the bereaved family of our lamented Bro. John M. Moodey feel his loss. After a protracted illness of more than a year’s duration, his earthly taper dimmed for a moment to catch a spiritual fluid to blaze more brightly, forever, in the world where afflictions no more disturb the praises the Christian offers to his God.
The afternoon of July 31st, was the date of his mournful demise fixing the time of his…
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mortal existence at 46 years. When wife, children and servants gave vent to bursting hearts, he thus with failing breath exhorts, “Hush, hush, God will take care of you if you will serve Him.” To his weeping wife, who with him had to hand since January, 1841, marched through varied scenes, adorning the Christian profession, he said, Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Jesus is my friend, in His arms we stem the gulf of death without a pang. All the noble traits of a Christian, father, husband, master and neighbor are accorded to him, but his hope is now reality and his prayer is praise.
Moulton, Ala. 1861.
J. H. McDONALD.
The bereaved family of our beloved brother and the sorrowing brethren of Moulton and vicinity have our sincere sympathy. Life is uncertain at best while God is just in calling his children home.
T. F.
OBITUARY
Died on the 9th of August, 1861, at the residence of our Bro. Joseph Harlan, in Sumner Co., Tenn., after 10 long and painful illness, our Bro. F. M. Carmack, in the 39th year of his age. This announcement, although not unexpected, must cause a feeling of sadness to pervade the hearts of his numerous brethren and friends. Bro. Carmack was raised in Tishomingo Co., Miss., was educated at Franklin College. While in College as a student, his manly and noble bearing, his kind and affectionate disposition, his goodness of heart, his attentive, studious habits and orderly walk, rendered him a universal favorite with both Faculty and students. He graduated with distinction to himself in the year 1851 in the twentieth year of his age. He devoted himself to teaching, in which vocation he continued until declining health brought him to cease. He occupied for several years the chair of Ancient Languages in Franklin College, was a close and critical thinker and a thorough scholar.
Our Bro. was raised by Methodist parents, and being naturally of a devoted cast of mind, grew up within the membership of that church. While a student of Franklin College, he was convinced of the truth of the Gospel and at once, without consulting flesh and blood, promptly obeyed Heaven’s requirements and identified himself with the children of God. He forsook his kindred and people for the cause of Christ and no earthly tie or pecuniary consideration could ever afterwards induce him to separate himself from the association and worship of a Christian congregation. From the commencement of
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his Christian life he took an active interest in the worship of the congregation, by which he soon grew up to the full stature of an efficient teacher in the church and an earnest Evangelist in the field of the world. He connected the evangelical labors with the profession of teaching. His earnest, devotional and simple hearted piety, his kindness of heart extending to the lowliest creatures possessed of life—his gentle and unaffected mien—together with a clear and full comprehension of the truths of the Bible and a happy and impressive delivery justly caused him at once to be held in high esteem by his brethren and to be respected and beloved by all who knew him. A rare and happy combination of qualities—the most complete mental and moral independence, a perfect freedom of expression in the face of all opposition—together with the habitual kindness and respect with which he treated others—exhibited to his acquaintances the contour of a character as nearly complete and perfect, as we often find in this world.
Although he condemned freely and oftentimes severely the vices of those by whom he was surrounded, we have yet to hear of the first intimation of ill will or dislike expressed towards him by a fellow student, a pupil or an acquaintance in the more extended spheres of life. His perfect candor, his frankness, and the unselfishness that characterized his every act or expression, always disarmed opposition of personal ill will or bitterness of feeling. His qualities of head and heart seem to have pre-eminently fitted him for a long life of usefulness to others and happiness to himself. Alas! that one so well fitted for a career honorable to himself and his kind, should so early fall! That a life so full of promise should so prematurely end!!
He had scarce reached the maturity of manhood ere the evidences of early decay began to manifest themselves. An affection of the throat and bronchial organs several years ago began to annoy him—which spreading involved his lungs and presented a case of fully developed consumption. Over a year ago he was compelled to give up teaching and become an invalid. He preached occasionally as late as Christmas. He spent the winter in the south, vainly hoping to find relief in a warmer temperature. Early in April he returned to Tennessee, weakened and debilitated by his trip to and for a few months of wearisome suffering, a kind home in the family of our Bro. Harlan. and then a long rest and respite from all his sufferings in the grave. Notwithstanding he received from the family of Bro. Harlan—the brethren and neighbors every attention which kind Christian hearts and skillful hands could bestow, his decline was constant and rapid until…
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The 9th of August
When almost without a struggle he breathed his life away. We have seldom seen one so patient and uncomplaining in sickness as was he—so fearful of needlessly troubling others. We have never seen one who could so placidly, calmly, and cheerfully look death in the face. The only sombre-headed shadow the grave seemed to present to him was that it separated him from his family, who needed his care and assistance. Otherwise, as he expressed his feelings to the writer, “he could joyfully welcome death as a kind delivering angel,” delivering him from his sufferings and life wearings. His last words in response to his companion, (herself sick and brought into the room just as he was dying,) asking him if he could not speak to her, was—”yes, but only to say, meet me in Heaven.” Thus has passed away from earth in the prime of his early manhood, one endowed with so many manly and noble qualities, and so fully imbued with the spirit of our holy religion. Thus has been delivered from sorrow and suffering here, a spirit so well fitted for the enjoyment of Heaven. Our brother has left a bereaved companion and three small children to sadly mourn his loss. He committed in dying, his family to the kindly care of his Father and Brethren, the church he loved so well. That they may be kindly cared for in life, live holily and righteously, and be reunited with the husband and father in Heaven is my prayer.
DAVID LIPSCOMB
It will be a source of deep regret to many readers of the Advocate to learn of the death of our aged and highly esteemed sister, Rachel Marshall.
Some twenty years ago, in the State of Mississippi, when she first heard the ever-blessed gospel preached in its original beauty, simplicity, and power, she had the moral courage to most heartily respond to the kind invitation of our God to become his daughter, and to acknowledge the meek and lowly Jesus as her Prince Messiah. From the time she solemnly declared herself the friend and follower of Jesus to the hour of her departure, she ever exhibited the gentle, meek, quiet, and Christian spirit, inculcated in the oracles of divine truth. Thus she lived for the glory of her God, the good of the Redeemer’s cause, and died a peaceful and triumphant death, on the 3rd day of May, after spending near three score years and ten on the earth. Farewell! Mother Marshall, angel spirits escort this have wafted thy spirit to the bright and beautiful home above the skies. Friends, relatives, and all who devoutly love God, let us follow after peace, righteousness, and holiness, that we may receive the crown of eternal life and imperishable honors in “the bright and beautiful Heaven.”
Brenton, June 1, 1861.
BETHLE B. F.