Advent Review, and Sabbath Herald, vol. 11
April 29, 1858
RH VOL. XI. - BATTLE CREEK, MICH., FIFTH-DAY, - NO. 24
Uriah Smith
ADVENT REVIEW,
AND SABBATH HERALD
“Here is the Patience of the Saints; Here are they that keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus.”
VOL. XI. - BATTLE CREEK, MICH., FIFTH-DAY, APRIL 29, 1858. - NO. 24.
THE REVIEW AND HERALD
IS PUBLISHED WEEKLY
AT BATTLE CREEK, MICH.
BY J. P. KELLOGG, CYRENIUS SMITH AND D. R. PALMER, Publishing Committee.
URIAH SMITH, Resident Editor.
J. N. ANDREWS, JAMES WHITE, J. H. WAGGONER, R. F. COTTRELL, and STEPHEN PIERCE, Corresponding Editors.
Terms.-ONE DOLLAR IN ADVANCE FOR A VOLUME OF 26 NOS. All communications, orders and remittances for the REVIEW AND HERALD should be addressed to URIAH SMITH, Battle Creek, Mich. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 185.1
ANGELIC GUARDS
Fear not; for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. 2 Kings 6:8-23. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 185.2
THE Syrian host at midnight hour
Came softly o’er the field,
And round the city placed their power,
Of chariot, horse and shield;
And silently the cohort waits,
Till morning dawns, before the gates.
ARSH April 29, 1858, page 185.3
And why has Syria’s monarch sent
His chosen army down,
At midnight hour to spread the tent
Before a peaceful town?
That martial host their way have trod,
To bind in chains one man of God.
ARSH April 29, 1858, page 185.4
A wall of spears, in thick array,
Around the town arose;
The citizens unguarded lay,
In innocent repose,
Nor knew till morn dispelled the gloom
And shone on helm, and shield and plume.
ARSH April 29, 1858, page 185.5
Myriads of lances in that hour,
Gleamed in the prophet’s eye;
That eye beheld a greater power,
An army in the sky.
Elisha stood the approaching shock,
Firm and unmoved as Zion’s Rock.
ARSH April 29, 1858, page 185.6
Not so that morn the youthful saint,
That stood before the seer;
His faith was weak, his heart was faint,
His soul was filled with fear;
“O, who, my master, can withstand
The might of this surrounding band!”
ARSH April 29, 1858, page 185.7
To us a stronger power is given
Than Syria’s monarch boasts;
Our troop is marshaled in the heaven,
Our head the Lord of hosts.
Unseal, O God, the servant’s eye,
To see our heavenly panoply.”
ARSH April 29, 1858, page 185.8
Chariots and horses rushing came,
And filled the mountain’s brow.
The youth beheld the host of flame,
And trusts and triumphs now;
“O, who may brave Jehovah’s ire,
Who comes with horse and wheels of fire!”
ARSH April 29, 1858, page 185.9
The Syrian spears, like forest wood,
The prophet of the Lord
Inclose. Serene Elisha stood,
And conquered with a word;
“With darkness, Lord, the people smite;”
And all that host were lost in night.
ARSH April 29, 1858, page 185.10
He led them like a feeble flock,
Within Samaria’s walls;
And there to Israel’s God and Rock,
Again the prophet calls;
“Unseal their eyes;” and all that band
Beheld their power in Israel’s hand.
ARSH April 29, 1858, page 185.11
Dismissed in peace, the Syrian king
Laid spear and helmet down,
And owned that ‘neath Jehovah’s wing
Was sheltered Israel’s crown;
And knew that horse, and shield, and sword,
Were things of nought before the Lord.
ARSH April 29, 1858, page 185.12
The hosts of earth, the gates of hell,
Mount Zion’s peace oppose;
Celestial armies, marshaled well,
The church of God inclose;
And earth and hell are feeble things,
In presence of the King of kings.
[Chris. Intel.
ARSH April 29, 1858, page 185.13
Outward Influence, and Inward Desire
Outward Influence. Where are you going? ARSH April 29, 1858, page 185.14
Inward Desire. I’m going home. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 185.15
O. I. What home, and where? ARSH April 29, 1858, page 185.16
I. D. To the holy city in the heavens. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 185.17
O. I. Are you not fanciful? ARSH April 29, 1858, page 185.18
I. D. Not in the least. In my Father’s house are many mansions. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 185.19
O. I. But look around upon the fields and forests, the hills and valleys, the towns and cities, and villages, pleasant cottages, rural scenes, orchards and gardens, and stores of produce. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 185.20
I. D. I see them all. They are light as air compared with the city in the skies. Thither I tend. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 185.21
O. I. But here are homes, look how neat. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 185.22
I. D. No matter; I’m going home. These homes you speak of are full of sorrow, mine is free from pain, from tears. O, I’ll go home. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 185.23
O. I. But you will come to poverty in this way. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 185.24
I. D. I cannot be poor with such an inheritance in the skies, such a Father. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 185.25
O. I. Home? How do you know it is your home? ARSH April 29, 1858, page 185.26
I. D. I see it by faith; I travel to it; I long for it; I cannot doubt it; God is my Father; I’m a fellow heir with Christ. O, I must go home. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 185.27
O. I. You will be a stranger there. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 185.28
I. D. O no, for Christ is my friend. He will befriend me there, he will wipe away my tears, he will make me feel at home there. I must go. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 185.29
O. I. But you will not be of any consequence there, you will not be noticed among so many. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 185.30
I. D. Yes, Christ cares for the sparrows, and will care for me. There is no depressing caste there, no pride. Christ is not proud, there at home. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 185.31
O. I. But the distance is great, and the dangers many; you may fail after all, and lose your labor. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 185.32
I. D. If I fail it will be in a good cause. I cannot despair, I will hope on, travel on towards my home. To him that knocketh it shall be opened. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 185.33
O. I. Well, at any rate, don’t say so much about it. What will the world think? I should be ashamed. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 185.34
I. D. Christ will be ashamed of me if I am ashamed of him; and how can I be ashamed of Christ, and his home in the skies, all glorious like the sun? Are you ashamed of noon? Do you blush when the day dawns? Away with false shame! Be ashamed of sin! No! nothing shall stay me from going home. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 185.35
O. I. But then they will be strangers to you there. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 185.36
I. D. O no, no. There will be the prophets and apostles, the saints and martyrs, from Abel down to the end; and the lovely Saviour will be there to introduce me, if necessary; but we shall know as we are known. There are no formal, unmeaning rites in the city, my home. O Saviour, admit me to that glorious home. Do not disappoint me. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 185.37
O. I. See now, your faith is not very strong after all; you have doubts. What is the use of going on? ARSH April 29, 1858, page 185.38
I. D. He that putteth his hand to the plough and looketh back, is not fit for the kingdom of heaven. I must persevere, must endure to the end. O I must go home, must conquer or die. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 185.39
O. I. See your neighbors laying up wealth for old age, while you trifle away your time and money for religious objects, for something out of sight. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 185.40
I. D. Not out of sight. O, no. Faith grasps it all; reaches forward to my home in the skies. Do not trouble me. Begone, trifler. Thy company is unprofitable. Thy influence only impedes my progress. I am bound for the city, my home. J. CLARKE. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 185.41
“Blessed is he that waiteth
And cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days.” Daniel 12:12. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 185.42
“Blessed is he that waiteth.” Why? Because of the light, and truth, and grace then made manifest: because of the unsealing of the books of prophecy, so long hidden to the eye of faith, and the light thus thrown around the sacred text, causing the book to shine forth in divine splendor: because then the course of events would unravel the hidden meaning, until it should shine forth so clearly, that he who runs may read. Blessed, because then in the time of the end, a people should arise to honor God’s holy word, by strict conformity to the law of God, and the faith of Jesus: a people fearing God and eschewing evil, holding not only the form but the power of godliness. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 185.43
Oh blessed day! Oh day of awful import! grand and fearful day! The day of the Lord at hand! Almost we hear the rolling of his chariot wheels. Get ready! get ready! get ready! ye guests invited to the marriage supper. You have waited and come to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days. You have come to the time of the end. Blessed are ye, thrice blessed if ye have on the wedding garment. Oh listen to the echo from eternity: Get ready!!! ARSH April 29, 1858, page 185.44
Blessed, why? Because of the blessings, the gifts then to be restored to the church, the latter rain. Then shall the church shine forth as the sun, being divorced from earth and earthly things, separate from the world, a pure and holy people. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 185.45
Blessed, because at that period the call would go forth to the people of God to come out of Babylon, from their long captivity and iron bondage to despotic and blasphemous Rome. Then their bondage ends: the time appointed for their captivity wholly expires and they are free: free from the galling yoke of the oppressor. Blessed freedom. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 185.46
Blessed day! No more shall the enemy triumph: no more shall the dying groan of the faithful martyr be heard wafted upon the winds: no more shall Satan wage successful war upon the saints: no more shall they groan long years in damp dungeons and gloomy cells; no more expire upon the rack or in the flames. No, no, victory will now be their cry, even though keen trials may overtake them, and fierce threats may fall from enemies’ lips, and dangers may impend; and victory will crown their struggle, for the word of the Lord is sure. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 185.47
“Blessed is he that waiteth:” because no enemy shall triumph over them any more. No, Satan’s last effort shall not prosper. Victory, victory over the beast and over his image: this shall be their song. No fears shall move them, no trials overthrow them, for strong is the Lord who has redeemed them. They shall stand upon the sea of glass, having harps in their hands. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 185.48
“Blessed is he that waiteth:” because they shall be alive and remain at the coming of the Lord: they will rise to meet the Lord, be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye: no death, no worm shall feast upon them, for they shall be as Elijah, as Enoch, translated from the earth. Death, the monster, shall be disappointed of his accustomed prey. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 185.49
Who then will stay in Babylon, the city of confusion, where God’s law is ignored, his name blasphemed, where his saints have suffered persecution, and his Sabbath been trampled under foot, where the cry is “Depart from us for we desire not the knowledge of thy law: where the precept of men is put above the word of God? Come out of her ye saints, ye people of God, for Babylon is fallen never to rise again. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 186.1
In vain her painted walls: within is pollution. Come out of her, people of God, lest ye be partakers of her plagues. Flee, flee from the city of confusion. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 186.2
JOSEPH CLARKE.
SELECTIONS
DUTY TO OBEY ONLY RIGHTEOUS LAWS
Disobedience to the laws of men, becomes duty when they require anything contrary to the Laws of God. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 186.3
BIBLE TESTIMONY. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 186.4
“We ought to obey God rather than men.” Acts 5:29; Exodus 1:15-20; 14:44, 45; 22:17; Esther 3:1-3; 5:9; Daniel 3:15-18; 6:7-10; Acts 4:18-20. Obedience to civil rulers in such cases is sinful. Proof. 2 Kings 17:7, 8, 19; 1 Kings 12:28-30. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 186.5
TESTIMONY OF MEN. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 186.6
MILTON says: ARSH April 29, 1858, page 186.7
“Since, therefore the law is chiefly right reason if we are bound to obey a magistrate as a minister of God, by the very same reason and the very same law, we ought to resist a tyrant, and minister of the Devil.” ARSH April 29, 1858, page 186.8
BLACKSTONE says: ARSH April 29, 1858, page 186.9
“If any human law shall allow or require to commit crime, we are bound to transgress that human law, or else we must offend both the natural and divine.” ARSH April 29, 1858, page 186.10
COKE says: ARSH April 29, 1858, page 186.11
“What the Parliament doth shall be holden for naught, whenever it shall enact that which is contrary to the rights of nature.” ARSH April 29, 1858, page 186.12
LUTHER says: ARSH April 29, 1858, page 186.13
“Unjust violence is, by no means the ordinance of God, and therefore can bind no one in conscience and right, to obey, whether the command comes from Pope, Emperor, king or master.” ARSH April 29, 1858, page 186.14
HAMPDEN says: ARSH April 29, 1858, page 186.15
“The essence of all law is justice. What is not justice is not law; and what is not law, ought not to be obeyed.” ARSH April 29, 1858, page 186.16
CICERO says: ARSH April 29, 1858, page 186.17
“Those who have made pernicious and unjust decrees, have made anything rather than laws.” ARSH April 29, 1858, page 186.18
When the Waldenses were commanded to obey the church of Rome, they replied that: ARSH April 29, 1858, page 186.19
“In what regarded their religious worship they could obey no commands which interfered with the Laws of God.” ARSH April 29, 1858, page 186.20
The Congressional Committee of 1830 Report: ARSH April 29, 1858, page 186.21
“The framers of the constitution recognized the eternal principle, that man’s relation to his God is above human legislation, and his right of conscience inalienable. Reasoning was not necessary to establish this truth: we are conscious of it in our own bosoms. It is this consciousness which, in defiance of human laws, has sustained so many martyrs in tortures and flames. They felt that their duty to God was superior to human enactments, and that man could exercise no authority over their consciences. It is an inborn principle which nothing can eradicate.” ARSH April 29, 1858, page 186.22
The Constitution of Pennsylvania is equally explicit it says: ARSH April 29, 1858, page 186.23
“No human authority can, in any case whatever, control or interfere with the rights of conscience.” ARSH April 29, 1858, page 186.24
LORENZO Dow says: ARSH April 29, 1858, page 186.25
“Human governments, have no right to interfere by assuming a power to tolerate man to pay his devotion to his God. For before any human government existed in the world, there was a compact between man and his Maker, which cannot be altered by any human laws. Therefore, all laws ought to be made in conformity to this preexisting compact; otherwise they do mischief by making encroachments upon the rights of conscience, and cause confusion in society by creating broils and animosities, consequently all denominations of religion should be protected in the peaceable enjoyment of their rights. And universal rights of conscience ought to be established in every land, agreeable to the Creator’s Law, primarily established by Him. Moral duties are the result of ‘moral Law,’ which is the divine prerogative alone; and man hath no right to invade the moral duty of another, for this is the right of the divine government. No man, therefore nor set of men, have a right to infringe upon or bind the conscience of another.” - Dow’s Journal, pp. 423,467. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 186.26
DR. ADAM CLARKE says: ARSH April 29, 1858, page 186.27
“‘Render to Caesar the things which are Caesar’s’ is a maxim of Jesus Christ; but when Caesar arrogates to himself the things that are the Lord’s, then, and in such cases, his authority is to be resisted.” - Comment on Daniel 3:17. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 186.28
IS THE SOUL IMMORTAL? BIBLE TESTIMONY
“The blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of Lords; who ONLY HATH IMMORTALITY.” 1 Timothy 4:16. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 186.29
“To them who by patient continuance in well-doing, SEEK for glory, honor and IMMORTALITY.” Romans 2:7. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 186.30
“And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man BECAME a living soul.” Genesis 2:7. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 186.31
The soul can be cut off, die and go into the grave; hence it CANNOT BE IMMORTAL. Proof. Genesis 12:12, 13; 17:14; Numbers 15:30, 31; Joshua 10:28-31; 11:11; Job 7:15; 33:18-22, 28, 30; Psalm 7:1, 2; 30:3; 33:19; 49:12-15; 78:50; 89:48; 116:8; 119:25; Isaiah 10:17, 18; Jeremiah 18:20; Ezekiel 13:19; 18:4, 20, 27; Revelation 16:3. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 186.32
From the Review and Herald we take the following: ARSH April 29, 1858, page 186.33
“The word ‘soul,’ or rather the Hebrew and Greek from which it is translated, occurs in the word of God eight hundred and seventy-three times - seven hundred and sixty-eight times in the Old Testament, and one hundred and five times in the New. Also the word rendered ‘spirit,’ occurs in both Testaments eight hundred and twenty-seven times - four hundred and forty-two in the Old Testament, and three hundred and eighty-five in the New. Their aggregate use is seventeen hundred times. But notwithstanding the Bible speaks to us eight hundred and seventy-three times of the soul, it never once calls it an ‘immortal soul;’ and though it tells us eight hundred and twenty-seven times of the spirit, it never once tells us of a ‘deathless spirit.’” ARSH April 29, 1858, page 186.34
TESTIMONY OF THE APOCRYPHA. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 186.35
“Now therefore, why disquietest thou thyself, seeing thou art but a corruptible man? and why art thou moved, whereas thou art but mortal?” 2Esdras vii,15. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 186.36
“For God created man to be immortal, and made him to be an image of his own eternity; nevertheless through envy of the devil came death into the world; and they that do hold of his side do find it.” Wisdom of Solomon ii,23. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 186.37
“Who shall praise the most high in the grave, instead of them that live and give thanks? Thanksgiving perisheth from the dead, as from one that is not; the living and sound in heart shall praise the Lord. For all things cannot be in men, because the son of man is not immortal.” Sirach 17:27-30. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 186.38
TESTIMONY OF MEN. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 186.39
The following extracts are made from what are supposed to be the only genuine writings of those termed “Apostolic Fathers,“ ARSH April 29, 1858, page 186.40
CLEMENT, A. D. 96. “But what can mortal man do? Or what strength is there in him that is made out of dust?” Ep. chap 17. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 186.41
IGNATIUS, A. D. 107. “Breaking one and the same bread, which is the medicine of immortality; our antidote that we should not die, but live forever in Christ Jesus.” Ep. to Ephesias, chap. 4. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 186.42
POLYCARP, A. D. 108. “I bless thee that thou hast thought me worthy of the present day and hour, to have a share in the number of the martyrs, and in the cup of Christ, unto the resurrection of eternal life, both of SOUL and BODY,” etc. See Eusebius’ History. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 186.43
IRENIEUS. “LIFE is not from ourselves, nor from our nature, but it is given or bestowed according to the grace of God; and therefore he who preserves this gift of life, and returns thanks to him who bestows it, he shall receive length of days forever and ever. But he who rejects it, and proves unthankful to his Maker for creating him, and will not know him who bestows it, he deprives himself of the gift of duration to all eternity.” ARSH April 29, 1858, page 186.44
JUSTIN MARTYR, who was born A. D. 89, and suffered death for Christ A. D. 163, says: ARSH April 29, 1858, page 186.45
“Should you happen upon some who are called Christians indeed, and yet are far from holding these sentiments, but even dare to assail the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob with blasphemy, and say, THERE IS NO RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD: BUT INSTANTLY WHEN THEY DIE, ARE RECEIVED UP INTO HEAVEN, DO NOT COUNT THESE AMONG CHRISTIANS. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 186.46
EUSEBIUS, in his Ecclesiastical History, speaks of a class of people existing in the third century, in Arabia, that denied the natural immortality of the soul.” ARSH April 29, 1858, page 186.47
“These, writes Eusebius, ‘asserted that the human soul as long as the present state of the world existed, perished at death, and died with the body, but that it would be raised again with the body at the time of the resurrection.” ARSH April 29, 1858, page 186.48
WILLIAM TYNDALE, the translator, writing to More, says: ARSH April 29, 1858, page 186.49
“In putting departed souls in heaven, hell and purgatory, you destroy the arguments wherewith Christ and Paul prove the resurrection. What God doth with them, that shall we know when we come to them. The true faith putteth the resurrection, which we be warned to look for every hour. The heathen philosophers denying that, did put that the souls did ever live. And the Pope joineth the spiritual doctrine of Christ, and the fleshly doctrine of philosophers, together - things so contrary that they cannot agree.... And because the fleshly-minded Pope consenteth unto heathen doctrine, therefore he corrupteth the scriptures to establish it.... If the souls be in heaven, tell me why they be not in as good case as the angels be? And then what cause is there of the resurrection?” ARSH April 29, 1858, page 186.50
Sir THOMAS MORE asked: ARSH April 29, 1858, page 186.51
“What shall he care, how long he live in sin that believeth Luther, that he shall after this life feel neither good nor evil in body nor soul, until the day of doom?” ARSH April 29, 1858, page 186.52
To which TYNDALE replied: ARSH April 29, 1858, page 186.53
“Christ and his apostles taught no other, but warned to look for Christ’s coming again every hour, which coming again, because ye believe will never be, therefore have ye feigned that other merchandise.” ARSH April 29, 1858, page 186.54
PRIDEAUX states that Pythagoras went from Egypt to Babylon, where he remained twelve years, and learned many important things. Of his return Prideaux says: ARSH April 29, 1858, page 186.55
“But the most important doctrine which he brought home from thence, was that of the immortality of the soul; for it is generally agreed among the ancients, that he was the first of all the Greeks that taught it. And this, I take it for certain, he had from Zoroastres; for, as I have before shown, it was his doctrine, and he is the ancientest of any whom we have upon record of all the heathen nations that taught it.” Prideaux’s Connection, Vol.i,p. 205. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 186.56
DR. CAMPBELL says: ARSH April 29, 1858, page 186.57
“Before the Captivity, and the Macedonian and Roman conquests, the Jews observed the most profound silence upon the state of the dead, as to their happiness or misery. They spoke of it simply as a state of silence, darkness and inactivity. But after the Hebrews mingled with the Greeks and Romans, they insensibly slided into their use of terms, and adopted some of their ideas on such subjects as those on which their oracles were silent.” ARSH April 29, 1858, page 186.58
MILMAN says: ARSH April 29, 1858, page 186.59
“Even the religious Pausanias speaks of the immortality of the soul as a foreign doctrine, introduced by the Chaldeans and the Magi, and embraced by some of the Greeks, particularly by Plato,” and adds that Pliny in his Natural History “devotes a separate chapter to a contemptuous exposure of the idle notion of the immortality of the soul, as a vision of human pride, etc.” History of Christianity, p. 34. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 186.60
NEANDER says: ARSH April 29, 1858, page 187.1
“We must however, still mention that among Christians in Arabia at that time, a party had caused a controversy, by maintaining that the souls died with the body, and that they would be raised again only at the general resurrection, at the same time with the bodies. It was an old Jewish notion that immortality was not founded upon the nature of the soul, but a peculiar gift of Divine grace: a representation which had been transferred from Judaism to Christianity, traces of which we find in the theory of the Gnostics about the nature of the Psychichi, in the doctrine of the Clementine, and in the opinions of Justin and Tatian. Perhaps also in this district the position of which placed it in close connection with Jews, it was no new doctrine, but the predominant one from ancient times; and perhaps the influence of Origen (in whose system the doctrine of the immortality of the soul necessarily obtained a place) first effected the change, that this latter should obtain universal acceptance among the church teachers of that district; and that the small party, which still maintained the old opinion, should appear heretical, although the predominant opinion had previously really pronounced itself against it, [the new opinion.] Hence we may understand how the convocation of a Great Synod was considered necessary in order to allay these controversies. When they were unable to agree, Origen was invited by the Synod, and his influence prevailed upon the opposers of the doctrine of the natural immortality of the soul, to acknowledge their error, and renounce it.” Neander’s Hist. p. 444. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 187.2
Bishop LAW, speaking of Cicero, says: ARSH April 29, 1858, page 187.3
“Notwithstanding all the fine things which he had said about the immortality of the soul, or, which to him amounted to the same thing, a future state, in which point he seemed the most sanguine and positive, yet in his epistles, where he speaks his real thoughts, we find him giving it all up.” etc. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 187.4
DR. GOOD says: ARSH April 29, 1858, page 187.5
“If we turn from Persia, - Egypt and Hindoostan, to Arabia, to the fragrant groves and learned shades of Dedan and Teman, from which it is certain that Persia, and highly probable that Hindoostan, derived its first polite literature, we shall find the entire subject” (of the immortality of the soul,) “left in as blank and barren a silence, as the deserts by which they are surrounded; or if touched upon, only touched upon, to betray doubt, and sometimes disbelief. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 187.6
“The tradition, indeed, of a future state of retributive justice seems to have reached the schools of this part of the world, and to have been generally, though perhaps not universally, accredited; BUT THE FUTURE EXISTENCE IT ALLUDES TO, IS THAT OF A RESURRECTION OF THE BODY, AND NOT OF A SURVIVAL OF THE SOUL AFTER THE BODY’S DISSOLUTION!” ARSH April 29, 1858, page 187.7
LELAND says: ARSH April 29, 1858, page 187.8
“What that great man Cicero says of the philosophers of his time is remarkable. In that celebrated treatise where he sets himself to prove the immortality of the soul, he represents the contrary as the prevailing opinion; that there were crowds of opponents not the Epicureans only, but, which he could not account for, those that were the most learned persons had that doctrine in contempt.” ARSH April 29, 1858, page 187.9
Patrick Henry
IT appears, that soon after Henry’s noted case of “Tobacco and Preserves,” as it was sometimes called, he heard of a case of oppression for conscience sake. The English church having been established by law in Virginia, became, as all such establishments are wont to do, exceedingly intolerant towards other sects. In prosecution of this system of conversion, three Baptist clergymen had been indicted at Fredericksburg, for preaching the gospel of the Son of God contrary to the statute. Henry, hearing of this, rode some fifty miles to volunteer his services in defence of the oppressed. He entered the court, being unknown to all present save the bench and the bar, while the indictment was being read by the clerk. He sat within the bar until the reading was finished, and the king’s attorney concluded some remarks in the defence of the prosecution, when he arose, reached out his hand for the paper, and without more ceremony, proceeded with the following speech: ARSH April 29, 1858, page 187.10
“May it please your worships: I think I heard read by the prosecutor, as I entered this house, the paper I now hold in my hand. If I have rightly understood, the king’s attorney of the colony has framed an indictment for the purpose of arraigning and punishing by imprisonment, three inoffensive persons before the bar of this court, for a crime of great magnitude - as disturbers of the peace. May it please the court, what did I hear read? Did I hear distinctly, or was it a mistake of my own? Did I hear an expression, as if a crime, that these men, whom your worships are about to try for misdemeanor are charged with - what?” and, continuing in a slow, solemn, heavy tone, “preaching the gospel of God! Pausing amidst the profound silence and breathless astonishment, he slowly waved the paper three times around his head, lifting his hands and eyes to heaven, with a peculiar and impressive energy, he exclaimed, “Great God!” The exclamation - the burst of feeling from the audience - were all overpowering. Mr. Henry resumed: ARSH April 29, 1858, page 187.11
“May it please your worships: in a day like this - when truth is about to burst her fetters - when mankind are about to be aroused to claim their natural and inalienable rights - when the yoke of oppression, that has reached the wilderness of America, and the unnatural alliance of ecclesiastical and civil power, are about to be disserved - at such a period, when liberty - liberty of conscience - is about to awake from her slumberings, and inquire into the reason of such charges as I find exhibited here to-day in this indictment!” Another fearful pause, while the speaker alternately cast his sharp, piercing eyes on the court and the prisoners, and resumed: If I am not deceived, according to the contents of the paper I now hold in my hand, these men are accused of preaching the gospel of the Son of God!” Another long pause, while he again waved the indictment around his head; while a deeper impression was made on the auditory. Resuming his speech: May it please your worships: there are periods in the history of man, when corruption and depravity have so long debased the human character, that man sinks under the weight of the oppressor’s hand - becomes his servile, his abject slave; he licks the hand that smites him; he bows in passive obedience to the mandates of the despot; and, in this state of servility, he receives his fetters of perpetual bondage. But, may it please your worships, such a day has passed away! From that period when our fathers left the land of their nativity, for settlements in these American wilds - for liberty - for civil and religious liberty - for liberty of conscience to worship their Creator according to their own conceptions of heaven’s revealed will - from the moment they placed their feet upon the American continent, and, in the deeply embedded forests, sought an asylum from persecution and tyranny - from that moment despotism was crushed - the fetters of darkness were broken, and heaven decreed that man should be free - free to worship God according to the Bible. Were it not for this, in vain were all their sufferings to subjugate this New World, if we, their offspring, must still be oppressed and persecuted. But, may it please your worships, permit me to inquire once more, for what are these men to be tried? This paper says, for preaching the gospel of the Saviour to Adam’s fallen race. And in tones of thunder he exclaimed: What law have they violated? While the third time, in a slow, dignified manner, he lifted his eyes to heaven, and waved the indictment around his head. The court and audience were now wrought up to the most intense pitch of excitement. The face of the prosecuting attorney was pallid and ghastly, and he appeared unconscious that his whole frame was agitated with alarm; while the judge, in a tremulous voice, put an end to the scene, now becoming excessively painful, by the authoritative declaration, ‘Sheriff, discharge those men.’” ARSH April 29, 1858, page 187.12
The Bible
A NATION would, indeed, be truly blessed, if it were governed by no other laws than those of this blessed book. It is so complete a system that nothing can be added to it, or taken from it; it contains everything needful to be known or done; it affords a copy for a king, and a rule for a subject; it gives instruction and counsel to the senate, authority and direction for a magistrate; it cautions a witness, requires an impartial verdict of a jury, and furnishes the judge with his sentence. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 187.13
It sets the husband as lord of the household, and the wife as mistress of the table - tells him how to rule, and how to manage. It entails honor to parents, and enjoins obedience to children. It prescribes and limits the sway of the sovereign, the rule of the ruler, and the authority of the master, commands the subjects to honor, and the servants to obey; and promises the blessing and protection of the Almighty to all that walk by its rules. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 187.14
It gives directions for weddings and for burials. It promises food and raiment, and limits the use of both. It points out a faithful and eternal guardian to the departing husband and father - tells him with whom to leave his fatherless children, and in whom his widow is to trust; and promises a father to the former, and husband to the latter. It is the first book, the best book, and the oldest book in the world. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 187.15
It contains the choicest matter, gives the best instruction, affords the greatest pleasure and satisfaction, that ever was enjoyed. It contains the best laws and the most profound mysteries that ever was penned; it brings the best tidings and affords the best of comfort to the inquiring and disconsolate. It exhibits life and immortality and shows the way to glory. It is a brief recital of all that is past, and a certain prediction of all that is to come. It settles all matter in debate, resolves all doubts, and eases the mind and conscience of all their scruples. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 187.16
It reveals the only living and true God, and shows the way to him; and sets aside all other gods, and describes the vanity of them, and of all that trust in such; in short, it is a book of laws, to show right and wrong; a book of wisdom, that condemns all folly, and makes the foolish wise; a book of truth, that detects all lies and confutes all error; and a book of life, that shows the way from everlasting death. It is the most compendious book in the world, the most authentic, and the most entertaining history that ever was published. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 187.17
It contains the most venerable antiquities, strange events, wonderful occurrences, heroic deeds, unparalleled wars; it describes the celestial, terrestrial, and infernal worlds, and the origin of the angelic myriads, human tribes, and devilish legions. It will instruct the accomplished mechanic, and the most profound artist. It teaches the best rhetorician, and exercises every power of the most skillful arithmetician; puzzles the wisest anatomist, and exercises the nicest critic. It corrects the vain philosopher, and confutes the unwise astronomer. It exposes the subtle sophist, and makes diviners mad. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 187.18
It is a complete code of laws a perfect body of divinity, an unequaled narrative, a book of lives, a book of travels, and a book of voyages. It is the best covenant that ever was agreed on, the best deed that ever was sealed, the best evidence that ever was produced, the best will that ever was made, and the best testament that ever was sealed. To understand it, is to be wise indeed; to be ignorant of it, is to be destitute of wisdom. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 187.19
It is the king’s best copy, the magistrate’s best rule, the housewife’s best guide, the servant’s best directory, and the young man’s best companion; it is the school-boy’s spelling-book, and the learned man’s masterpiece. It contains a choice grammar for the novice, and a profound mystery for the sage. It is the ignorant man’s dictionary, and the wise man’s directory. It affords knowledge of witty inventions for the humorous, and dark sayings for the grave; and it is its own interpreter. It encourages the wise, the warrior, the swift, and the overcomer; and promises an eternal reward to the excellent, the conqueror, the winner, and the prevailer. And that which crowns all, is that the Author is without partiality, and without hypocrisy. “In whom is no variableness or shadow of turning.” ARSH April 29, 1858, page 187.20
If the Lord lead you in a rough way, it is to keep your heart humble before him. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 187.21
THE REVIEW AND HERALD
“Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth.”
BATTLE CREEK FIFTH-DAY, APR. 29, 1858
SYNOPSIS OF THE PRESENT TRUTH, No. 24 THE TEN VIRGINS
WE are now prepared for the application of the parable of the ten virgins of Matthew 25. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 188.1
“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 to us. But he answered and said, Verily, I say unto you, I know you not.” Verses 1-12. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 188.2
In the light of the facts already established, and the points already proved by our investigation thus far, the application of this portion of Scripture will not be difficult. The phrase, kingdom of heaven, is used in different places to signify different things. We believe all are agreed in the present instance in its application to the church. There are then certain events to take place in the church’s history, which may be likened to some of the events of an eastern marriage. The adverb, then, by which the parable is introduced, shows that it is at a particular and definite time that this comparison is to be instituted. When is it? We answer, it must be after the events themselves have taken place. No comparison of course can be drawn between the ceremonies of an eastern marriage, and certain events in the history of the church, before those events come to pass. The church therefore must have come down this side of all transactions specified in the parable before the language can have its application, “Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened,” etc. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 188.3
Many have condoled their ignorance of the ceremonies and proceedings of an eastern marriage. If we only knew the history of an eastern marriage, they have said, we should then know how to make the application; and so they have hesitated to make the application; and so they have hesitated to make any, on account of some imaginary knowledge which they did not possess. But there is no necessity for this. Our Lord has given all necessary particulars. He does not say, “Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened to an eastern marriage,” and leave us to search up the history of that ancient ceremony, and make the application for ourselves; but he specifies all the particulars to which the history of the church would bear resemblance. They are, the going forth of the virgins; the taking of oil by the wise, and the lack of it with the foolish; the tarrying of the bridegroom, and the slumbering and sleeping of the virgins; the cry at midnight; the arising of the virgins; the departure of the foolish to buy oil; the coming of the bridegroom, and the entrance of those who are ready with him to the marriage; and finally the return of the foolish virgins too late for admittance. Now it would be of no advantage to us, if we had a minute and accurate history of a thousand eastern weddings. The above are all the main particulars to which the experience of the church is to bear a resemblance; and these are all given. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 188.4
We believe these particulars are now all worked out in our history, and that the time has come for the application. If we mistake not, it is as follows: ARSH April 29, 1858, page 188.5
The virgins took their lamps. Thy word, says the Psalmist, is a lamp unto my feet, But a lamp is useless without oil. So the word of God would be but darkness to our path, unless we had faith in the same. The wise virgins took both their lamps and oil in their vessels with their lamps. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 188.6
They went out to meet the bridegroom. Roused by the increasing light on the prophecies which showed the end of all things at hand, the people of God in 1843 and previous, went forth to proclaim and prepare for the coming of the Lord from heaven. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 188.7
While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. After 1843 passed, there was a seeming tarry. That year, according to Bible reckoning, extended to the spring of 1844. Before that time passed it was confidently believed that the Lord would come. The cause of that mistake we have already explained, and need not repeat. As the time went by, darkness settled upon the prophecies, and drowsiness upon the people. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 188.8
And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh. Midway between this and the tenth day of the seventh month, light came which showed the ending of the 2300 days in the autumn of 1844, instead of the year 1843. Then indeed there was a cry made, as had never been heard before, Behold, the bridegroom cometh. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 188.9
Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. No better description could be given of the movement that then took place in the Advent body. All who were so fortunate as to have a personal experience in that work can testify to this. They can also bear witness to the course of the foolish virgins while the cry was going forth. Perhaps the terms, provident and careless, would better express the force of the original words in this instance, than wise and foolish. The provident took oil in their vessels with their lamps; the careless neglected this. Their faith in the word of God was weak, and their understanding darkened as to its fulfillment; and they sought of their brethren such assistance as it was not their province to confer. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 188.10
And while they went to buy the bridegroom came, and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage. The proclamation was, that on the tenth day of the seventh month, the Lord would come. The day came. The 2300 days ended; and what then? The Lord did not appear in the clouds of heaven as was expected; but he did change his position in the Sanctuary from the holy to the most holy place. Did this move answer to the coming of the bridegroom in the parable? We answer, Yes; for mark, it is not the coming of the Lord to the earth that is referred to, but only his going in to the marriage; and it has already been shown that the marriage takes place before the Lord comes. It is at the change of his ministration in the Sanctuary that one like the Son of man is brought by his angelic attendants near before the Ancient of Days, as seen by Daniel. He appears there to receive a kingdom, power and glory; and this reception of the kingdom, constitutes, as already shown, the marriage of the Lamb. At the appointed time therefore the Bridegroom went in to the marriage; and the cry, Behold the Bridegroom cometh, referring as it did only to this event, was no false alarm. No other event can be pointed to, as the going in of the Bridegroom to the marriage, except the change of ministration in the heavenly Sanctuary. Let this be remembered. Then he who takes the position that Christ has not yet gone in to the marriage, must admit that he has not yet changed his position in the heavenly Sanctuary; and that consequently its cleansing is not now going on. But to admit this, is to demolish the main and central pillar of present truth, and precipitate the whole structure to irrecoverable ruin. Being satisfied that there is no other place for Christ to go in to the marriage, except when he changed his ministration at the end of the 2300 days, we are to remember in connection with this, another fact, namely, that it is when the Bridegroom goes in to the marriage, and not a score or so of years afterwards, that ARSH April 29, 1858, page 188.11
The door is shut. What event can be pointed out by this language? This we must determine in the light of the facts already established. What the marriage of the Lamb is, we know; what the going in of the Bridegroom to the marriage is, we know; and when this took place, we also know. But when he goes in, the door is shut. What is this? Says Christ to the Philadelphia church, [Revelation 3:7,] speaking of himself, “These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth and no man shutteth, and shutteth and no man openeth.” He then tells them in the next verse, that he has set before them an open door. But he shutteth as well as openeth. And from the significant connection of this transaction with the phrase. “He that hath the key of David,” that is, the power to take the throne and government of David, we conclude that it has some connection with that event. The assumption of David’s throne is the marriage of the Lamb. He that hath the key of David openeth and no man shutteth, and shutteth and no man openeth. When the bridegroom went in to the marriage, the door was shut. At the same time says he to the church of Philadelphia, I have set before thee an open door. From this it is evident that when the door, or when one door, is shut, another is opened. Now if the door that is shut, is, as some have called it, the door of mercy; that is, if there is no more mercy for the human race after it is closed, what is that door which is opened? We understand that by the open and shut doors is simply brought to view the change of ministration in the Sanctuary. The ministration in the first apartment was finished and closed: Christ entered within the vail and the ministration of the most holy opened. But how does this affect the condition of the human race? Much every way; for a consistent faith in Christ involves the necessity of an understanding of his position and of his work; here therefore a restriction must be made. Light enough has been given us in the Word to trace our Saviour through all his characters as Prophet, Priest and King, and we must keep our eye fixed upon him. He says, “I am the way, the truth and the life;” and unless we heed the light which reveals to us his position and work, he witnesses against us when he says, “Ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.” To come to him therefore at the present time, and to exercise an effective faith in him, we must have an understanding of his present position. We come to him therefore as our great High Priest, performing his last and special work, pleading his blood before the mercy-seat, beneath which reposes God’s righteous law, a violation of which has made his sacrifice and mediation necessary; and as the scene is thus presented before us, we see the necessity of keeping that law in all its requirements. Those who therefore, with the present light on this subject, shall attempt to find in Christ a Saviour, while living in violation of that holy law, or shall seek him as minister in the first apartment of the Sanctuary, will find that he has withdrawn himself from them, and knows them not. That door is shut. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 189.1
But while Christ exercises the office of Priest, he is a mediator between God and man, and those who will come unto him may avail themselves of his mediation. He is Priest in the second apartment as well as the first. If we confess our sins, he is yet “faithful and just to forgive us our sins.” But as surely as Babylon is fallen, and evil men and seducers are waxing worse and worse, and all are being drawn into the absorbing whirlpool of spiritualism, so surely his Spirit and sympathy is withdrawn from them as a body. Some may here call us bigoted and exclusive; but they may as well say the same of the whole plan of salvation, because it contains prescribed conditions with which men must comply, or they can never be saved. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 189.2
It has been claimed by some that the doors of both apartments of the heavenly Sanctuary are now open. This is simply to adopt the absurdity that a ministration is carried on in both apartments at the same time; for the expressions, open, and shut door, as applied to either apartment of the heavenly Sanctuary, must mean simply that the ministration of that apartment is either going on or is finished. The going in of the Bridegroom to the marriage, can be located nowhere else but at the change of the ministration in the Sanctuary; and the door that was shut when he went in to the marriage, can only be the door of the first apartment, the ministration of which then and there closed. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 189.3
Again, some have inquired, Can any of those who have been wise virgins be lost? Can any of the foolish be saved? and what of those who were once included in neither class? The only difficulty that can arise here is from allowing the virgins to represent individuals instead of a class. Representing, as we think they do, the latter, we see that an individual may, without difficulty, though belonging at one time to one class, at another, help compose the other. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 189.4
Let us, brethren, who have by faith followed the Bridegroom in to the marriage, see to it that our loins are girt about, and our light burning, and that we are like unto men who wait for their lord when he will return from the wedding. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 189.5
(To be Continued.)
A WISE STEWARD
BROTHER - keeps a few hundred dollars by him in gold, or where he can get it to use, when it is needed. He has many applications to let it out for large interest, but will not let it. Since the “hard times” not a few, and some of them brethren, have tried their best to hire this brother’s means to help them out of worldly embarrassments; but they have failed. Steady to his purpose, this brother has kept on the Lord’s altar that which he devoutly placed thereon. He has, therefore, had his fives, and tens, ready to hand to the messengers who have called at his door, and besides, having placed about seven hundred dollars in the Office, building, and presses, and type, he has been ready during the “hard times” to lend to the Office five hundred more. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 189.6
Now there are scores of brethren among us who hold more property than this brother, who have placed their means in lands, or have put it out at interest. They cannot sell to advantage these times, neither can they call in their money. Preachers labor with them, but they cannot even pay their traveling expenses, to say nothing of their clothes, and their family expenses at home. Satan has arranged matters for these unfaithful servants to suit him, and now exults as the cause of Christ bleeds. It is our solemn conviction that no brother, who is worth two or three thousand dollars, should suffer himself in a position where he cannot put his hand on one or two hundred dollars at any time. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 189.7
J. W.
QUESTIONS
A SERIES of questions has been proposed by Bro. Bishop, of Corning, N. Y., for our consideration, to which Bro. Pierce, of Vt., has replied. We present this week the two following on ARSH April 29, 1858, page 189.8
DAVID’S THRONE, AND THE DESOLATION OF THE EARTH
BRO. SMITH: I wish to submit a few questions for yourself or some of the numerous writers of the Review to answer. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 189.9
1. If David’s throne is in heaven, where is the passage in either the Old or the New Testament that gives us the information? ARSH April 29, 1858, page 189.10
2. If the earth will be void or desolate 1000 years, from the first resurrection to the second, what nations would be deceived, should the Devil not be bound, shut up, and sealed? J. B. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 189.11
REPLY. 1. This information is not obtained from any one passage of Scripture alone, but from several taken together. We learn from Acts 2:29, 30, that God had sworn with an oath to David, that of the fruit of his loins according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; i.e., David’s throne. And as Jesus himself says, My kingdom is not of this world, we conclude his throne would not be where his kingdom is not. But the most reasonable conclusion is, it will be where his native, present and ultimate residence is. And as the first man Adam is of the earth earthy, and as the second man Adam is the Lord from heaven, [1 Corinthians 15:47, compared with verses 21, 22.] we must reasonably conclude his kingdom will be where his residence is, and his throne in the capital of his kingdom, which will be the New Jerusalem. Revelation 21:1-3, compared with Zechariah 14:8-11. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 189.12
2. All the nations of the earth would doubtless be deceived by Satan if he were not bound. It has been our opinion for years that the chain with which Satan is to be bound will not be a literal one; because if the earth be desolate there will be no need of it. The circumstances of the case, if there be no living inhabitants, will be as effectual a chain to prevent Satan from deceiving the nations, as if he were bound by a real or literal chain. And that the earth will be desolate is evident from many scriptures. Isaiah 13:9. “Behold the day of the Lord cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate, and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it.” Isaiah 6:11. “Then said I, Lord, how long? And he answered, Until the cities be wasted without inhabitant; and the houses without man; and the land be utterly desolate.” Isaiah 24:1. “Behold the Lord maketh the earth empty, and maketh it waste, and turneth it upside down.” Verse 3. “The land shall be utterly emptied, and utterly spoiled, for the Lord hath spoken this word.” Verse 22. “And they shall be gathered together as prisoners are gathered in the pit; (margin, dungeon;) and shall be shut up in the prison and after many days they shall be visited. (Margin, or found wanting.) This pit, or as the margin has it, dungeon, or prison, in which they are shut up, we have every reason to believe, is the grave. And the time they will be visited, or found wanting, is the second resurrection. For those who attain to the first resurrection will not be wanting, but complete and perfect, wanting nothing. And the many days are the 1000 years between the two resurrections. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 189.13
As more positive, clear and explicit evidence, Zephaniah 1:2, 3 is introduced. “I will utterly consume all things from off the land, saith the Lord; I will consume man and beast. I will consume the fowls of heaven, and the fishes of the sea, and the stumbling blocks with the wicked. And I will cut off man from off the land, saith the Lord. Again, the last clause of verse 18, “But the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy; for he shall make even a speedy riddance of all that dwell in the land.” The destruction of the fishes in verse 3 corresponds with the consequence of the second of the seven last plagues. “Every living soul died in the sea.” Revelation 16:3. And as a consequence of this fact, the whole class of water-fowls must necessarily perish; as their means of sustenance is gone. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 189.14
Jeremiah 25:32-33, is also strong testimony on this point, though less definite. “Thus saith the Lord of hosts, behold evil shall go forth from nation to nation, and a great whirlwind shall be raised up from the coasts of the earth. And the slain of the Lord shall be at that day from one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth: they shall not be lamented, neither gathered nor buried, they shall be dung upon the ground.” We can conceive of no good reason why these are not lamented, gathered, or buried, unless it is because there are none left alive to perform these kind offices. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 189.15
Again, chap. 4:23-27, gives us a more particular description of things as they will appear after man is utterly destroyed, “I beheld the earth, and lo, it was without form, and void; and the heavens, and they had no light. I beheld the mountains, and lo, they trembled, and all the hills moved lightly..... I beheld, and lo, the fruitful place was a wilderness, and all the cities thereof were broken down at the presence of the Lord, and by his fierce anger. For thus hath the Lord said, The whole land shall be desolate; yet will I not make a full end.” ARSH April 29, 1858, page 189.16
It is not claimed, that the above scriptures prove that every species of living creatures will be utterly destroyed from the whole earth; this is not necessary to our purpose. But it is claimed that they prove the utter destruction of man; and by comparing the above with Isaiah 34, we think it is easy to determine very nearly what species of animals at that time will remain alive. The expression, man and beast, in scripture, generally applies to man in the broadest sense, and to such beasts as are domesticated, or useful to man. For instance, as in Jeremiah 36:29. Why hast thou written therein, saying, The king of Babylon shall certainly come and destroy this land and cause to cease from thence man and beast. We do not expect it is possible for an invading army to cut off every species of wild beasts and reptiles, nor the fowls of heaven, but man and such beasts as are usually considered to be spoils to an army of conquest. Again, also as in Ezekiel 29:8, Therefore, thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I will bring a sword upon thee, and cut off man and beast out of thee. We understand the same classes or kinds of beasts are cut off in this case as in the other. By an examination of Isaiah 34:11-15, and chap 13:21, 22, we learn there will be left alive but the most ferocious, dolesome, revolting and horrible kinds of beasts, birds and reptiles. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 189.17
It is not difficult to know when earth’s desolation will be brought about, as the destruction of man and beast, when applied to the whole earth, is usually in immediate connection with such expressions as the following: The day of the Lord. Isaiah 13:9. The indignation of the Lord upon all nations. Chap. 34:2. The day of the Lord’s vengeance, and the year of recompenses for the controversy of Zion. Verse 8. The cities thereof were broken down at the presence of the Lord, and by his fierce anger. Jeremiah 4:26. The great day of the Lord. Zephaniah 1:14. A day of wrath, a day of trouble, a day of wasteness and desolation. Zephaniah 1:15. Although it must of necessity be a day of wrath as soon as Jesus has done pleading for man, for two reasons; first, because man has no longer an Intercessor, and, second, because all mankind will, at that time, be the most extremely wicked; all but christians being either possessed with familiar spirits, or their adherents; [Revelation 16:14;] still the result of man’s destruction, at that time, must be a matter of distinguished benevolence on the part of God as taken in connection with the idea of succeeding generations, when we consider without this there must naturally be a race of mortals doomed forever to a hopeless fatality, without any Mediator, without any chance for successful probation, or reasonable hope of eternal life. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 189.18
We learn from the above there will be a chain of events to bring about the destruction of the human race, the most of which are recorded and more definitely described in Revelation 16, which will effectually prevent Satan from deceiving the nations till the 1000 years are fulfilled. After having the weight of the sins of all God’s people put upon his devoted head, by the Son of God at the close of his ministration; and after having taken a vigorous part in exterminating the living wicked, and there being then no more that he can do to injure the fallen race, he must necessarily be not only shut up, but sealed up from any more of his former active employ, of deceiving the nations, to a continuous series of dismal reflections upon his past course and present condition; as well as the most gloomy anticipations of the fearful doom that awaits him, and also every other dreadful conclusion of which the imagination can conceive. To one so watchful in doing all the possible harm he can to the human race, as he has always done, we should suppose it would be the most irksome bondage and imprisonment, by the condition of things to be shut up for 1000 years from the possibility of doing any more harm to that race upon which he had preyed during the ages of the world with such dreadful success. But now the saints being all in heaven, and the wicked all in their graves, effectually prevents any further prosecution of this deception until the cause of this bondage and imprisonment shall be removed by the second resurrection. S. P. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 189.19
When carnal politics creep in, spirituality soon runs out; a violent politician and a spiritual christian are opposite characters. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 189.20
THE LORD’S PRAYER BEAUTIFULLY PARAPHRASED INTO AN ACROSTIC
OUR Lord and King, who reign’st enthroned on high,
FATHER of light! mysterious Deity!
WHO art the great I AM, the last, the first,
ART righteous, holy, merciful and just,
IN realms of glory, scenes where angels sing.
HEAVEN is the dwelling place of God our King,
HALLOWED thy name, which dost all names transcend,
BE thou adored, our great Almighty Friend,
THY glory shines beyond creation’s space,
NAMED in the book of justice and of grace.
THY kingdom towers beyond the starry skies;
KINGDOM satanic falls, but thine shall rise.
COME let thine empire, O thou Holy One,
THY great and everlasting will be done!
WILL God make known his will, his power display?
BE it the work of mortals to obey.
DONE is the great, the wondrous work of love,
ON Calvary’s cross he died, but reigns above,
EARTH bears the record in thy holy word.
As heaven adores thy love, let earth, O Lord;
IT shines transcendent in th’ eternal skies,
Is praised in heaven - for man the Saviour dies.
IN songs immortal angels laud his name
HEAVEN shouts with joy, and saints his love proclaim,
GIVE us, O Lord, our food, nor cease to give
US that food upon which our souls may live!
THIS be our boon to-day, and days to come,
DAY without end in our eternal home:
OUR needy souls supply from day to day.
DAILY assist and aid us when we pray.
BREAD though we ask, yet Lord thy blessing lend,
AND make us grateful when thy gifts descend,
FORGIVE our sins, which in destruction place
US the vile rebels of a rebel race;
OUR follies, faults and trespasses forgive,
DEBTS which we ne’er can pay, or thou receive;
As we, O Lord, our neighbor’s faults o’erlook,
WE beg thou’dst blot ours from thy memory’s book.
FORGIVE our enemies, extend thy grace
OUR souls to save, e’en Adam’s guilty race.
DEBTORS to thee in gratitude and love,
AND in that duty paid by saints above,
LEAD us from sin and in thy mercy raise
US from the tempter and his hellish ways.
NOT in our own, but in His name who bled,
INTO thine ear we pour our every need.
TEMPTATION’S fatal charms help us to shun,
BUT may we conquer through thy conquering Son!
DELIVER us from all which can annoy
US in this world, and may our souls destroy.
FROM all calamities which men betide,
EVIL and death, O turn our feet aside;
FOR we are mortal worms, and cleave to clay;
THINE ‘tis to rule, and mortals’ to obey.
IS not thy mercy, Lord forever free?
THE whole creation knows no God but thee.
KINGDOM and empire in thy presence fall!
THE King eternal reigns the King of all.
POWER is with thee - to thee be glory given,
AND be thy name adored by earth and heaven,
THE praise of saints and angels is thine own;
GLORY to thee, the everlasting One,
FOREVER be thy hallowed name adored;
AMEN! Hosannah! blessed be the Lord! - Sel.
ARSH April 29, 1858, page 190.1
CONDITIONS OF SALVATION. No. 5
BY M. E. S
THE question now arises. After having been brought back to an intelligent observance of the entire law of God, does man stand acquitted? Can he take that law, and presenting himself before his Judge, prove his justification from present obedience? Suppose he should never transgress it again, would he be justified in such a case? Do our civil laws acquit on this principle? Suppose one were brought before a magistrate with the charge of murder, and he should show he had killed no one for years, and was at present a peaceable citizen; yet it were clearly proved he had committed murder at some former time; would his present or future obedience release him from the penalty of that law which he had previously broken? ARSH April 29, 1858, page 190.2
It certainly would not. Again, suppose a person, after buying articles for a long time on trust, should read the admonition of Paul, “Owe no man anything,” and should begin to pay as he purchased, would present promptness cancel past indebtedness? Do you think any creditor would be satisfied with such a course? and “shall mortal man be more just than God?” No. Jehovah does not permit one to break his law for a part of his life, and then justify him for keeping it the remainder; but he requires perfect obedience through the entire life. “The soul that sinneth (though it be but once) it shall die.” A law once broken can never in itself justify any individual. Perfect obedience being required every moment, one could not by becoming obedient atone for any past transgression. We have already seen that “all have sinned,” and “therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight.” Romans. Thus the law becomes powerless to save, since it pronounces on all, condemnation; “and the commandment which was ordained to life, (had man kept it,) he now finds to be unto death.” The law, being perfect, [Ps.] must be immutable; and God at the same time being just, the penalty of the law must be inflicted. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 190.3
Where then is hope for man! There was none, but God in his infinite wisdom devised a plan whereby the sinner might yet hope for salvation. Yes. “God commendeth his love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8. The Judge accepted a substitute in our behalf. The penalty for our transgressions Christ came and suffered, and now the Father can “be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” Chap. 3:26. Wondrous condescension! that would yield a darling, well-beloved Son, the highest of all his creatures, to give eternal life to a race which had recklessly forfeited it by sin and rebellion. And O, the inconceivable love of him who left the bliss and glory of heaven to become “a man of sorrow and acquainted with grief,” and voluntarily “humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” ARSH April 29, 1858, page 190.4
“Oh, for this love, let rocks and hills Their lasting silence break!” ARSH April 29, 1858, page 190.5
Give me, Father, grace, more grace to walk in the foot-steps of that suffering life, to possess more of the sweet Spirit of him who was “meek and lowly in heart!” ARSH April 29, 1858, page 190.6
We would now ask, Are the merits of his atoning blood to be applied to the whole human family unconditionally? Paul did not say that God might justify all, but only “him which believeth in Jesus.” The commission, [Mark 16:16,] says, “He that believeth not shall be damned.” We have seen also that Jesus says, [Luke 13,] “Except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish;” hence the death of Jesus cannot be imputed to all indiscriminately. We have seen that repentance cannot remit sins. Does faith secure pardon? If so, all who possess it must be free from sin. But James 2:19, says, “the devils believe and tremble,” and [verse 20,] “faith without works (works result from repentance) is dead.” ARSH April 29, 1858, page 190.7
A thing that is dead can accomplish nothing, and works cannot now help faith since as we have noticed man is past being justified by the deeds of the law. What then can effect the forgiveness of sin? Paul tells us, [Hebrews 9:22,] “Without shedding of blood there is no remission.” Not “the blood of bulls and goats,” however, which he declares should not take away sins; but we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 10:10. Since man has nothing to offer for past transgressions, it becomes necessary that the death of Christ should be imputed before he can be acquitted. And now the Apostle further teaches, [Romans 8:1.] “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit,” (i.e., those who are in and continue in him.) How do we get into Christ? Are we any where taught that we believe or repent into him? We find no such expressions, but says Galatians 3:27, “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” Also 1 Corinthians 12:13. “For by one Spirit we are all baptized into one body.” If then we get into Christ through baptism we could not have been in him previously, (and hence must have been under condemnation, taking the converse of Romans 8:1, which would read, There is therefore condemnation to all which are not in Christ Jesus.) Can we see consistency in this arrangement? Why does baptism instead of faith or repentance make us Christ’s? Says Paul, [Romans 6:3-6,] “Know ye not that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ, were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.” ARSH April 29, 1858, page 190.8
We here learn that by being baptized into the likeness of the death and burial of Christ,” his death is imputed to us. While he suffered the reality of death, we are only required to pass through its likeness, or figure. Oh, what an easy way to die, to suffer the penalty for transgression. We have only its emblem, while Jesus drank the bitterness of the cup. “Bleeding Jesus! Blessed Saviour!” (Paul uses the terms, buried, and planted, instead of baptized, which sufficiently explains the mode of that ordinance. Nothing is buried or planted without being immersed or entirely covered up.) ARSH April 29, 1858, page 190.9
We can now understand why baptism is the third condition of salvation, the last step in the plan of God which can bring us back to favor with him. This brings us into Christ when he can impute his righteousness to us, and take our unrighteousness upon himself. Remember Christ lived a sinless life, as we have before remarked, he kept all his Father’s commandments. Had he not, he could not have a perfect righteousness to impute to us; and the plan of redemption would have proved a failure. He must not only take our sins upon himself and make a sacrifice for them which he did when he bled upon the tree; but he must have a perfectly obedient life to impute to us. Glory to his name! we’ve a Saviour that is all-sufficient, that “is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him.” ARSH April 29, 1858, page 190.10
“Be Diligent
THAT ye may be found of him in peace, without spot and blameless.” 2 Peter 3:14. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 190.11
The importance of the moments in which we live, should certainly lead us to a faithful improvement of them all. We have a great work to do, and the sun of our probation will quickly set. The harvest will pass, and the summer end, and with these the last mercy-drops for the sinner. Unless we are diligent, we shall be found not having our work done, and consequently unprepared to stand. Where is there one that would be willing to be thus found when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels? Who, without a preparation, can bear the burning glory of that day? Can such stand beneath the gaze of him whose eyes are as a flame of fire, which will search his children through and through? O, brethren and sisters, what a preparation we need for this solemn event! Nothing, save clean hands and a pure heart, will make us secure in that day. We must be “without spot and blameless.” But how are we to attain to this? Certainly not by making a slight effort now and then, and at other times resting inactive and unconcerned. But we must put forth a mighty effort, and that continually. We must be “diligent.” Every nerve should be strung to action, and we should take hold of this work as though our all depended upon our course; for indeed it does. Eternal life is at stake. By diligence, we may obtain it, but if we slacken our hands, lay down our watch, and cease to strive, all is lost! ARSH April 29, 1858, page 190.12
I feel intensely while I think on this subject. I know the people of God have been often warned. Repeated testimony from heaven has been given, and yet by many, it is passed wholly unheeded. Such remain stupid and careless, and do not seem at all in earnest to put away sin, and perfect holiness in the fear of God. And the thought that they may not be found of Christ in peace, appears to move them but little. How long will it be thus? O that such would feel, and be led to action while the Saviour’s bowels of compassion are moved for them. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 190.13
Can we expect to realize the hope of the christian, to be made welcome to the tree of life, and partakers of the joy of heaven, and to sit with Jesus on his throne, if we are unwilling to comply with the requirements of the word of God? What! sit down on the throne with Jesus, who humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross, without suffering any for his sake? Can those who are unwilling to give all, yea, honor, wealth, friends, self, and all, expect a reward so rich? Rather it seems to me, when all is laid upon the altar, our life with the rest, that it is indeed a wonder of mercy for God to accept so poor an offering. Yet for the sake of his dear Son, he will. Praise his holy name. Yea, my heart says praise the Lord. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 190.14
“The soul of the diligent shall be made fat.” Proverbs 13:4. We cannot expect much of the grace of God while indolent, careless and unfaithful. God calls for laborers (not idlers) in his vineyard. Especially now in the close of the day of probation, while we are “looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God,” should we “give diligence” to make our “calling and election sure.” The Lord cannot verify his promises unto us, and give us the help that we must have to overcome, unless we are faithful to fulfill on our part. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 190.15
The truth we prize so highly has been brought to us at a sacrifice. It can be carried to others in no other way. A covenant must be made with God by sacrifice. But will it be done grudgingly, or of necessity? Certainly not by those whose hearts are in the work, for “God loveth a cheerful giver.” Such will not only give cheerfully, but liberally. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 190.16
Can it be that any of the love that dwelt in the bosom of the Father when he gave his Son, or of the Son when he laid down his life for sinners, dwells in the hearts of his professed people, who refuse to give of their substance to forward the truth to perishing souls? Will a christian grasp unyieldingly his possession, or count it a great sacrifice to give a few dollars made of the shining dust of the earth, to save souls? Let those who feel thus, stop a moment and reflect on the sacrifice of the Son of God, who left the bosom of the Father, and the glory of heaven and came here and led a life of suffering, then yielded it up on the cross for us! Should not the cheek of such an one mantle with shame, as we draw this contrast? Is it too much, brethren and sisters, to give all for Jesus’ sake? Can you not make a transfer of your means to heaven, where it will be safe? Do you not want to provide for yourselves bags that wax not old, a treasure in the heavens which faileth not? O be diligent in this respect, lest you be found wanting, having no inheritance in the “land whither thou goest up to possess it.” Get “the earnest” of the kingdom which is about to open, and its beauties unfold before the people of God, and this earth will cease to attract you as it now does. Buy the “gold tried in the fire,” and the treasures of the world will look, compared with that, like the veriest dross. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 190.17
Many of us live and talk the truth as though it was fiction, and not a reality. This not does affect sinners and lead them to tremble. In the world, fiction is presented as truth, and it takes a deep hold. Its effects may be seen. If we would get the truth deep in our hearts, then live it, (which we must do if we go to mount Zion) and show our faith by our works. It would tell powerfully for the cause of God. O, then let us go about this work, and begin now. The faithful and true Witness has declared because we are lukewarm he will spue us out of his mouth. Before we are aware, perhaps, this may be done. We know not how long God will bear with his people, who do not heed the injunction, “be zealous and repent.” But one thing is certain, we cannot begin too soon, nor be too much in earnest. In view of this, is it not needful for us to be “diligent,” that we may be found of him in peace. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 191.1
E. M. HUTCHINS.
LETTERS
“Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another.”
From Bro. Hardy
BRO. SMITH: Through the instrumentality of Bro. Frisbie, last Summer, I was led to see a beauty in what is termed present truth, especially the commandments of God. After being connected with the Free Will Baptists a number of years, I was led to cast my lot with the Sabbath-keepers in Caledonia; and I have never regretted that step. Last Sabbath we enjoyed the sweet, melting Spirit of the Lord. Our hearts were made glad; and we were enabled to “read our title clear to mansions in the skies.” ARSH April 29, 1858, page 191.2
In conversation with my former pastor, he takes the ground that there might have been a change in the Sabbath at the resurrection, as there are two sabbaths in the original Greek, together. He says, Matthew 28:1, reads in the Greek Testament, “In the end of the Sabbaton as it began to dawn towards the first of the Sabbaton, came Mary, etc.,” day being put in by the translators, and Sabbaton taking the place of week. He says it is the same in all the gospels, and John 20:19. Information on this subject is my apology for intruding this on a stranger, yet made near by the blood of Christ. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 191.3
Yours in hopes of the kingdom. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 191.4
WM. J. HARDY.
Cuba, Kent Co., Mich.
NOTE. In reference to the Greek of Matthew 28:1, we append the following remarks from an article we had occasion to write on this subject in Review No. 21 Vol.viii: ARSH April 29, 1858, page 191.5
Robinson in his Greek Lexicon of the New Testament gives the following as a second definition of sabbaton: “2. Meton, a sabbath, put for the interval from sabbath to sabbath; hence a se’nnight a week.” One of the definitions which Greenfield also gives to this word, is “a period of seven days; a week,” whether in the singular or plural. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 191.6
An instance of its use in this sense is found in Luke 18:12, where the proud Pharisee, in his self-righteousness, exclaimed, “I fast twice in the week.” (neesteuso dis tou sabbatou) will any one say that sabbatou here means one day only, and that the old Pharisee fasted twice on the Sabbath? ARSH April 29, 1858, page 191.7
The word in this sense, according to Robinson, occurs elsewhere “only after numerals marking the days of the week;” and in proof of this, he cites us to those very texts which some have of late been using in trying to make people believe that the term, Sabbath, is applied by Scripture to the first day of the week; namely, Matthew 18:1; Mark 16:2, 9; Luke 24:1; John 20:1, 19; Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 191.8
In view of these facts let us look more particularly at Matthew 28:1. Opse de sabbatoon, but in the end of the Sabbath (or week, the seventh-day, or Sabbath, being the last day of the week,) tee epiphooskousee, as it began to dawn, eis, towards, mian the first, (the numeral, marking the day of the week, according to Robinson,) sabbatoon, of the week. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 191.9
Concerning the numeral mian, we would remark that it cannot agree with sabbaton understood, as would necessarily be the case if it meant one (Sabbath) of a new series of Sabbaths then introduced as the writer above quoted contends; for mian is of the feminine gender, and sabbaton is neuter. There is no word with which, in this case, it can agree, except heemeran, day, understood, as is given in the margin of the Greek Testament. With mian, therefore, agreeing with day understood, and sabbatoon denoting the week, the case clearly stands thus: “As it began to dawn towards the first (day) of the week.” Hence any one can see that it is not possible, without doing violence to the sacred text, to give to such passages as Matthew 28:1, a rendering essentially different from that of the common version. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 191.10
From Bro. Corey
BRO. SMITH: I wish to say that the church here in Caledonia is rising above the little trials we have had. There has been a spirit of confession, and a breaking down before the Lord. I feel that the Lord is with us of a truth. We are trying to keep all his commandments, and to heed the message to the Laodiceans. Praise the Lord that Bro. Frisbie was ever directed to come this way, and that I ever heard the Third Angel’s Message. My heart burns within me when I think of the glorious truths that now are shining forth from the sacred pages. O, precious Bible! thou art mine. I am thankful that I have learned the time that we are living in. I am waiting for the appearing of my blessed Saviour. The day of his coming hasteth greatly. I want to be ready for it and have an inheritance in the land that was promised to Abraham. May the Lord grant that this may be. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 191.11
Yours striving to overcome. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 191.12
ANDREW J. COREY.
Gaines, Mich., Apr. 16th, 1858.
Extracts from Letters
Sr. M. Capin writes from Clarkson, N. Y., Apr. 11, 1858: “I have felt that it was good to be afflicted, and can say with the Psalmist, ‘He knoweth our frame: he remembereth that we are dust. As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field so he flourisheth; but the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him. To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.’” ARSH April 29, 1858, page 191.13
Bro. D. W. Johnson writes from Gaines, Mich., Apr., 1858: “I feel to rejoice in the Third Angel’s Message. Once I could not understand the Bible: now it is a plain book to me.” ARSH April 29, 1858, page 191.14
Bro. & Sr. Brown write from Berryton, Ills., Apr. 11th, 1858: We have had no cheering word of encouragement for nearly two years, excepting through the Review. There are none here that keep the Sabbath besides ourselves, and it is very lonely. We wish that some of the messengers would find their way to us. The people here are mostly professors, but very ignorant of the Bible. They seem to think a farm is all that is needful.” ARSH April 29, 1858, page 191.15
Bro. T. Hale writes from Hubbardston, Mass., April 17th, 1858: “I feel thankful that I was ever permitted to hear the truth as it is in the Third Angel’s Message, and O that it may work deliverance for me, that when the latter rain shall come, I may share its blessing. I feel that it is sweet work to believe and love. It heals, delights and strengthens. May God help me to overcome, and be gathered with the righteous.” ARSH April 29, 1858, page 191.16
SELECTIONS
“The Lord and I were there.”
A FEW years since, in one of the towns of our old Puritan New England, there was established “a morning prayer-meeting,” with particular reference to a revival of religion. For some time, the meeting was well sustained; however, a few months brought a sad change, without witnessing any special interest among sinners, on the most important of all subjects, that of the salvation of the soul. If professors had in any measure their hearts warmed by meeting together, they were willing to relapse again to selfish worldliness, for every succeeding week witnessed such a falling off and gradual declension, that no doubt it was given up in the minds of many and entirely forgotten. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 191.17
Not so with “one steadfast follower of our Lord;” he continued to meet in that place of prayer, and like Jacob wrestle with God, and it was indeed a Bethel to him, and he might well say, “he met God face to face.” ARSH April 29, 1858, page 191.18
One morning returning from this consecrated spot, he was met by one of the brethren of the church, who said. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 191.19
“Where now, brother, so early in the morning?” ARSH April 29, 1858, page 191.20
“From the prayer-meeting,” was the reply. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 191.21
“From the prayer-meeting? I thought that was given up long ago. Why, who was there, do tell me, friend?” ARSH April 29, 1858, page 191.22
“Well, I’ll tell you, brother. The Lord and I were there, and are there every morning, and most precious seasons we are enjoying; we have sustained it for a long time, and it has been well sustained, and has never been given up.” ARSH April 29, 1858, page 191.23
The answer was so forcibly brought home to the conscience, that the next morning found this brother at his post, and from that time other members of the church followed his example, and in a few weeks that room was filled to overflowing, and the most powerful revival followed ever witnessed in that church, and also in adjoining towns. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 191.24
Is it not safe always to trust God and rely upon his promises, believing he will accomplish all his pleasure in his own good time? ARSH April 29, 1858, page 191.25
The Beauty of Cheerfulness
A MERRY and cheerful countenance is one of the things which Jeremy Taylor said his enemies could not take away from him, and Professor Dewey remarks that there are some persons who spend their lives in this world, as they would spend them shut up in a dungeon. Everything is made gloomy and forbidding. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 191.26
They go complaining from day to day, that they have so little, and are constantly anxious lest what they have should escape out of their hands. They always look upon the dark side, and can never enjoy the good. That is not religion. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 191.27
Religion makes the heart cheerful, and when its large and benevolent principles are exercised, man will be happy in spite of himself. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 191.28
The industrious bee does not complain that there are so many poisonous flowers and thorny branches on his road, but buzzes on, selecting his honey where he can find it, and passing quietly by the place where it is not. There is enough in this world to complain about, and find fault with, if men have the disposition to do so. We often travel on a hard and uneven road; but with a cheerful spirit, and a heart to praise God for his mercies, we may walk therein with comfort, and come to the end of our journey with peace. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 191.29
Fine Preaching
THE curse of the age is fine preaching; it is morbid and pestilential. The want of the age is plain, intelligent preaching; preaching suggestive and illustrative; preaching absorbing all that eloquence can offer, but eloquence adapting itself (without which it ceases to be eloquence) to the wants and states of the people; availing itself of the lights of history for illustration; or of science for confirmation; or of philology for elucidation, and holding also aloft that they may reflect their ways upon the genius of christianity, and develop its superior lustre, adaptability, and power. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 191.30
The attempt to say fine things in the pulpit is a solemn sin; and fine sermons (like all other finery) are very evanescent in their influence. Let the fine sermon system die out as fast as possible, useless as it is to God and man. It devolves upon a few men to show to those not gifted with so much moral courage, that there is everything to gain and nothing to lose by the adoption of a more honest system of instruction. Intelligence will ever hide away to the man able to teach. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 191.31
Where Art Thou?
HAS there never been a time, when, if God had spoken in a voice of thunder to your soul, and asked, “Where art thou?” you would have trembled at the sound, and shrunk from the appalling inquiry? If there has, thank God, that in that forbidden act, in that guilty hour, you were not cut off and taken away forever; thank God, from the bottom of your hearts, that there was One who then said, “Let it alone this time also,” One who interceded for you, and we trust successfully, that you might yet be spared, to live, to repent, to believe, to the saving of your soul. - Sel. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 191.32
ANGER. - It is the great duty of Christians to put off anger. It unfits for duty. A little jogging puts a clock out of frame; so a little passion the heart. A man cannot wrestle with God and wrangle with his neighbor at the same time. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 191.33
“Dying comforts are for dying moments.” ARSH April 29, 1858, page 191.34
THE REVIEW AND HERALD
BATTLE CREEK, MICH. APR. 29, 1858
The Winds Held. Revelation 7:1
To every observer of the political events of the present day, it must be evident that there is an overruling providence, or a restraining influence, which is preserving so general a quiet among the nations of the earth. It is well known that the peace of Europe depends at this moment on the life of Napoleon III, of France. An attempt was recently made upon his life: it failed. The chief conspirator, Orsini, was arrested, and executed in Paris, March 20th. From a brief memoir of his life we learn that under his auspices was consummated that organization which spread the elements of revolution throughout Italy and Europe, in the great outbreaking of 1848 - a movement which we have reason to believe would have resulted in a time of trouble such as never was, had it not been, as every one admits, as strangely and mysteriously quelled, as it had been set on foot. He has not been idle since that time. But his schemes have failed, and involved him in the loss of his own life also. In him the revolutionists have lost a busy head and active arm; but the principles are still working; the masses are still chafing under the iron heel of their oppressors; discord is still fermenting; and when those objects are accomplished for which they have thus been held in check, then they will take at the Lord’s hand the cup of his fury, and be moved and be mad, and drink and “be drunken, and spue, and fall, and rise no more, because of the sword which he will send among them.” Jeremiah 25. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 192.1
We will refer to one event in our own land. The Lecompton bill, entailing slavery upon Kansas has been defeated. But suppose it had not been defeated; suppose it had passed both houses of Congress, and Kansas been admitted as a slave State; civil war in Kansas, and perhaps not alone in Kansas, is the result which was everywhere predicted to hang upon that contingency. But this bill, upon which was suspended such important results, could not have been carried by the Republicans alone. Says the N. Y. Tribune, “But for six votes from the slave States the bill must have passed.” ARSH April 29, 1858, page 192.2
A quieting hand seems thus to be laid on the discordant elements now working in the world, which shows us that not quite yet, has the time come for the angels to loose the winds, and discord rage in fury over the earth. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 192.3
What Spiritualists expect to reap from the Revivals
FROM a writer in the Spiritual Age of Apr. 10th, we take the following, which shows that Spiritualists are expecting, as the result of the great revival movement, a tremendous reaction in their favor. He says: ARSH April 29, 1858, page 192.4
“I think the spiritual waters are making a very decided movement, the result of which will be seen with much astonishment ere many months have passed. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 192.5
“The great so-called revival in the churches everywhere, is but a great step, under spiritual influence, in the direction of that great end. Formerly, churches were particular to receive none within their pale but those who would give conclusive evidence of a radical and unmistakable change; but now that ceases to be a prerequisite. Let the individual only express “a desire to be religious,” and they say, “Come in, and we will trust to God for your conversion afterwards.” Formerly, none were admitted till they were of age sufficiently mature to at least in some degree appreciate their obligations; now, the merest children are received, and the largest portion of those admitted, so far as I have been able to learn, throughout the West, are between the ages of seven and twelve years, and many have been inducted into church-membership at a yet earlier age. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 192.6
Now this is a very significant fact. It is a desperate struggle to save a sinking vessel; but in doing so is it not plainly to be seen that they are running directly upon the rocks they desire to avoid? The lack of wisdom they have shown in thus throwing open without restriction the doors of church-fellowship, will necessarily engender a lack of respect for and confidence in the churches themselves. Those who have lightly entered will lightly withdraw; and in one short year, I much question if three per cent will remain. And this is not all. Those who have been members for many years are realizing a feeling of disgust for such proceedings, and many will, under that feeling, disentangle themselves. And what then? The more spiritual minded must look round for a home; and since all churches are nearly in the same position, they will be drawn to examine the claims of Spiritualism upon their confidence; and finding an unexpected and inestimable treasure, they will gladly embrace it. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 192.7
To Correspondents
B. Darling: Is not the name, The Sanctuary, applicable alike to the Sanctuary of both covenants, the old and the new? And when any declaration is made concerning the Sanctuary, which can only be fulfilled in this dispensation, must it not refer to the Sanctuary of this dispensation? We should judge your difficulty arose from taking every expression concerning the Sanctuary, as applicable to the type only and not to the antitype. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 192.8
WILL Eld. M. E. Cornell spend a few days in North Liberty, on his way home. J. N. L. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 192.9
APPOINTMENTS
General Conference
PROVIDENCE permitting, there will be a General Conference at Battle Creek, to commence May 21st, at 2 o’clock P. M. This meeting is designed for a general gathering of those who have an interest in the cause, and who wish to come to worship God, and learn their duty at this solemn crisis. We shall be happy to see brethren from other States at this Conference. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 192.10
In behalf of the Church at Battle Creek ARSH April 29, 1858, page 192.11
| JAMES WHITE, | ] | |
| J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH, | ] | Conference |
| J. B. FRISBIE, | ] | Committee. |
Business Items
B. Darling: We rectify. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 192.12
J. Dudley: We mark your paper free. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 192.13
A. J. Corey: Your subscription commenced with No. 10, Vol. x. Your present remittance carries you to No. 10, Vol.xii. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 192.14
J. C. Parker: Thank you for the correction. We will continue your paper free. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 192.15
C. Fox: We mark your paper free. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 192.16
D. Baker: We mark your paper paid to xiii,1. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 192.17
H. L. Richmond: H. E. Drake’s paper was stopped at xii,6. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 192.18
S. M. Goodwin: Where is your paper sent? ARSH April 29, 1858, page 192.19
Lewis Gray: We change the credit on book. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 192.20
D. E. Edmunds: The INSTRUCTOR is sent, but not the REVIEW. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 192.21
Eld. J. G. Post: We send REVIEW and INSTRUCTOR free. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 192.22
Receipts
Annexed to each receipt in the following list, is the Volume and Number of the “Review and Herald” TO which the money receipted pays. If money for the paper is not in due time acknowledged, immediate notice of the omission should then be given. FOR REVIEW AND HERALD. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 192.23
Mrs. E. D. Scott 3,00,xiv,10. Aaron Spencer 1,00,xii,1. R. Holland (for R. A. Coun) 0,50,xii,23. C. Rice 2,00,xv,17. C. Amy 1,00,xi,14. J. Lewis 1,00,xii,1. A. J. Corey 1,00,xii,10. L. Eggleston 2,00,xii,1. I. Ring 2,50,xv,14. I. Ring (for P. Churchil) 1,00,xiii,23. D. Robins 1,00,xii,1. Wm. H. Brigham 1,00,xii,1. G. W. Eggleston 1,00,xii,16. I. C. Vaughan 2,00,xiv,14. J. L. Baker 1,00,xii,1. H. Hopkins 2,00,xii,1. S. Dunklee 2,00,xv,1. J. H. Wick 1,00,xii,16. Jno. Andrews 1,00,xii,1. M. M. Knox 1,00,xii,1. N. Mack 1,00,xii,23. S. Burlingham 1,00,xii,1. M. and L. Dickinson 1,00,xii,1. S. Benson 2,00 (2 copies) xiii,14. J. Barrows 1,00,xiii,1. J. Bodly 2,00,xiii,1. Geo. Wells 1,00,xii,23. J. D. Hough 1,00,xii,23. E. Wick 2,00,xiii,17. D. Hildreth 1,00,xiii,1. N. Hiddleson 2,00,xiii,1. L. J. Hall 1,00,x,7. M. Hall (for C. Gale) 2,00,xiv,1. A. M. Antisdale 1,00,xii,23. J. A. Wilcox 1,00,xiii,1. J. Crump 1,00,xii,1. D. Baker 2,00,xiii,1. Thos. Hale 1,00,xv,1. H. L. Richmond 1,00,xiii,1. J. G. Briggs 1,00,xi,1. S. W. Flanders 1,00,xii,14. A. Barns 1,00,xii,1. Jno. Newton 2,00,xiv,1. O. M. Patten 1,00,xv,1. H. Morgan 2,00,xiii,13. A. Magee 1,00,xi,1. E. Willden 5,00,xiii,14. L. P. Miller 4,00,xiii,1. S. I. Twing 3,25,xiii,14. S. I. Twing (for H. A. Brooks) 0,50,xiii,1. E. S. Kellogg (for Eld. Errat) 0,50,xii,22. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 192.24
FOR REVIEW TO POOR. Mrs E. D. Scott, $2. C. Rice $1. A Friend, $1. Another Friend, $1. M. and L. Dickinson $1. A Sister, $1. L. Lathrop, $1. Thos. Hale, $4. H. Place, $1. Wm. Harris $1. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 192.25
FOR POWER PRESS. Mrs E. D. Scott $2. S. Benson $50. J. Barrows $10. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 192.26
FOR MICH. TENT. The proceeds of a portion of the jewelry from friends in Hillsdale, $5. M. S. Kellogg, $4,50. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 192.27
FOR FRENCH TRACT. J. Barrows $5. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 192.28
FOR GERMAN TRACT. J. Barrows $5. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 192.29
Books for Sale at this Office
HYMNS for those who keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus. This Book contains 352 Pages, 430 Hymns, and 76 pieces of Music. Price, 60 cents. - In Morocco, 65 cents. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 192.30
Bible Tracts Bound in Two Volumes. These Volumes are of about 400 pages each, and embrace nearly all of our published Tracts. We are happy to offer to our friends the main grounds of our faith in a style so acceptable. - Price 50 cents each. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 192.31
Sabbath Tracts, Nos. 1, 2, 3 & 4. This work presents a condensed view of the entire Sabbath question. - 184 pages. Price 15 cents. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 192.32
The Three Angels of Revelation 14:6-12, particularly the Third Angel’s Message, and the Two-horned Beast. This work maintains the fulfillment of Prophecy in the past Advent movement, and is of great importance in these times of apostasy and peril. - 148 pages. - Price 12 1/2 cents. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 192.33
Bible Student’s Assistant. This is the title of a work of 36 pp. It has been prepared with much care, and considerable expense, and can be had at this Office for 4,00 per 100, or if sent by mail, post paid, 6 cents a copy. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 192.34
A Brief Exposition of Daniel 2, 7, 8, 9, also the 2300 Days and the Sanctuary. Price, post paid, 10 cts. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 192.35
Brief exposition of Matthew 24. Price 6 cents. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 192.36
Review of a Series of Discourses, delivered by N. Fillio, in Battle Creek, Mich., March 31st, to April 4th, 1857, on the Sabbath question. By J. H. Waggoner. Price 6 cents. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 192.37
The Nature and Obligation of the Sabbath of the Fourth Commandment, with remarks on the Great Apostasy and Perils of the Last Days. Price 6 cents. The same in German, 10 cents. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 192.38
The Nature and Tendency of Modern Spiritualism - an able exposure of that heresy. 84 pp. 8 cents. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 192.39
The Two-horned Beast of Revelation 13, a Symbol of the United States. Price 10 cents. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 192.40
The Sanctuary and 2300 days by J. N. A. Price 12 1/2 cents. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 192.41
A Refutation of the claims of Sunday-keeping to Divine Authority; also, the History of the Sabbath, Price, 6 cents. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 192.42
The Atonement. 196 pp. 18 cents. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 192.43
Man not Immortal: the only Shield against the Seductions of Modern Spiritualism. 148 pp, 12 1/2 cents. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 192.44
An Examination of the Scripture Testimony concerning Man’s present condition, and his future Reward or Punishment. In this work we consider all objections to the mortality of man and the death of the wicked fairly and fully met. Price 18 cents. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 192.45
Review of Crozier. This work is a faithful review of the No-Sabbath doctrine as set forth in the Advent Harbinger by O. R. L. Crozier. It should be placed in the hands of those who are exposed to that heresy. - Price 6 cents. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 192.46
The Bible Class. This work contains 52 Lessons on the Law of God and the Faith of Jesus, with questions. It is peculiarly adopted to the wants of those of every age who are unacquainted with our views of these subjects, especially the young. Bound, 25 cents. Paper covers, 18 cents. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 192.47
The 2300 Days and Sanctuary by “U. S.” Price 5 cents. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 192.48
Why Don’t you Keep the Sabbath? Extracts from Catholic works. Price 5 cents. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 192.49
The Celestial Railroad. Price 5 cents. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 192.50
The Sabbath. Containing valuable articles on 2 Corinthians 3, Colossians 2:14-17. Who is our Lawgiver? The two tills of Matthew 5:18, Consistency, etc. Price 5 cents. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 192.51
The Law of God. In this excellent work the testimony of both Testaments relative to the law of God - its knowledge from Creation, its nature and perpetuity - is presented. Price 12 1/2 cents. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 192.52
The Bible Sabbath, or a careful selection from the publications of the American Sabbath Tract Society, including their History of the Sabbath. Price 10 cents. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 192.53
Perpetuity of the Royal Law. - Price 5 cents. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 192.54
Christian Experience and Views, - Price 6 cents. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 192.55
Last Work of the True Church. - Price 7 cents. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 192.56
Sabbath and Advent Miscellany. This work is composed of seven small tracts on the Sabbath, Second Advent, etc, and presents a choice variety for those who commence to seek for Bible truth. Price 10 cents. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 192.57
POEMS
Home Here and Home in Heaven, with other poems. This work embraces all those sweet and Scriptural poems written by Annie R. Smith, from the time she embraced the third message till she fell asleep in Jesus. - Price 25 cents. In paper covers, 20 cents. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 192.58
Time and Prophecy. This work is a poetic comparison of the events of time with the sure word of Prophecy. - Price 20 cents. In paper covers, 12 1/2 cents. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 192.59
Word for the Sabbath. - Price 5 cts. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 192.60
The above named books will be sent by Mail post-paid, at their respective prices. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 192.61
When not sent by mail, liberal discount on packages of not less than $5 worth. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 192.62
All orders, to insure attention, must be accompanied with the cash except they be from Agents or traveling preachers. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 192.63
Address URIAH SMITH, Battle Creek, Mich. ARSH April 29, 1858, page 192.64