Advent Review, and Sabbath Herald, vol. 10
September 3, 1857
RH VOL. X. - BATTLE CREEK, MICH., FIFTH-DAY, - NO. 18
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. X. - BATTLE CREEK, MICH., FIFTH-DAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1857. - NO. 18.
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 September 3, 1857, page 137.1
HEAVEN
TUNE — “Do they miss me at home” ARSH September 3, 1857, page 137.2
O tell me of heaven, sweet heaven,
The home of the pure and the blest,
Where sorrow and sin cannot enter,
Where the weary forever shall rest.
Let me hear of that heavenly city,
Where all is immortal and fair;
And I’ll flee from all earthly enchantments,
And earnestly strive to be there.
ARSH September 3, 1857, page 137.3
Let others seek earthly possessions,
And lay up their treasures below;
I have heard of a land that is better,
And to seek it with ardor I’ll go.
I have heard of a world robed in glory,
And freed from temptation and care,
Where sickness and death may not enter,
And I long, O I long to be there.
ARSH September 3, 1857, page 137.4
Ambition may spread her bright phantoms,
And whisper of honor, and fame,
She may lure on her thousands to labor,
To win an illustrious name;
Be this my ambition to follow,
The path my Redeemer has trod;
Be an heir of his heavenly kingdom,
And dwell in the city of God.
ARSH September 3, 1857, page 137.5
Though the way of the wicked may prosper,
And be sprinkled with flowers so gay.
Though wide be the path that they travel,
And pleasant and easy the way;
Though no troubles their path may encompass,
And triumphant through life they may go,
I’ll envy them not for their journey
Ends only in sorrow and woe.
ARSH September 3, 1857, page 137.6
Let me enter the gate that is narrow,
The way that with dangers is spread,
And though rugged and dark be my pathway
One bright ray is over it shed;
For I hear the sweet voice of my Saviour,
Saying, “Fear not for I am thy God,
I know thy temptations and trials,
For I the rough pathway have trod,“
ARSH September 3, 1857, page 137.7
Dear Saviour, thy promise is precious,
Thy guidance I evermore crave;
O help me to walk in thy footsteps,
And trust in thy power to save.
O give me a place in thy kingdom,
When life with its turmoil is o’er,
Let me dwell with the King in his beauty,
And I ask, O I ask for no more.
SARAH M. SWAN.
Orwell, Ohio, July 30th, 1857.
ARSH September 3, 1857, page 137.8
THE SEVENTH MONTH MOVEMENT
(Continued) ARSH September 3, 1857, page 137.9
THE TIME IN OUR YEAR OF THE TRUE SEVENTH MONTH
As it was believed that the types predicted the Advent of the Lord on the tenth day of the seventh month of the Jewish sacred year, it was necessary to harmonize the Jewish time with our present calendar, to ascertain what day, according to our reckoning, would synchronize with that day of the Jewish year. According to the Rabbinical reckoning, it fell this year on the 23rd of our September; and many of the religious editors and their correspondents have made themselves quite merry that the Adventists should have supposed it synchronized with the 22nd of October, - “not one of the Adventists,” as these learned men say, “having discovered the mistake.” From a full and careful review and examination of the question, we are still convinced that the true Jewish seventh month could only synchronize with our October, - commencing with the first appearance of the new moon on the 13th of that month, and ending with the appearance of the new moon on the 11th of November. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 137.10
According to the Levitical law, the Jewish year began with the month “Abib,” which signifieth “green-ears.” All the Oriental nations, from the Chinese in the East, to the Latins in the West, with the exception of the Egyptians, commenced their year at about the vernal equinox. 1 From this fact Dr. Hales argues that it was the anniversary of the commencement of the primitive year. 2 The Egyptians began their year near the Autumnal equinox, when the waters of the Nile, in their annual flood, were at their greatest height. While the Israelites were in Egypt, they conformed to the Egyptian mode of computing time; but on their departure, the original year in their reckoning was retrieved. The month in which they left the land of their captivity, was thenceforth to be reckoned their first month. In Exodus 12:2, we read that God spake unto Moses, saying, “This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you.” And this month, we learn by Exodus 9:31, 32, was about the time when the barley was in the ear, and the flax was bolled,” but “the wheat and the rye were not grown up.” In the tenth of this month, the children of Israel were commanded to take a lamb of the first year without blemish, and to keep it until the fourteenth day of the same month, when the whole assembly of the congregation were to kill it in the evening - (margin) “between the two evenings,” which was, as we read in Deuteronomy 16:6, “at even, at the going down of the sun.” 3 In that memorable night, they were to leave the land of Egypt, out of which God brought them, in accordance with his word. In commemoration of that event, they were commanded annually, in the fourteenth day of the first month at even, to eat the Lord’s passover. And on the fifteenth day of the same month, was to be the feast of unleavened bread, which was to be eaten for seven days. On the morrow after the Sabbath during this feast, a sheaf of the first fruits of the barley harvest, was to be waved before the Lord.” Leviticus 23:9-14. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 137.11
As the Jews were obligated to conform to this requirement, they could never observe the passover until the barley harvest was ripe; nor could they defer it much after its ripening, as they could not eat of the harvest until the “wave-sheaf” had been offered by the priest. The Jews, we are told, commenced their months with the first appearance of the moon, which, in that climate, was usually the second evening after the change. And they commenced their year with the appearance of the new moon nearest the ripening of the barley harvest. Their years consisted sometimes of twelve and sometimes of thirteen moons, an intercalary moon being added about once in three years. If, on the appearance of the moon at the end of Adar, the 12th moon of the preceding year, there was a probability that the barley would be ripe by the fourteenth day of the month, they made that moon the first month of their year; but if the barley would not probably be ripe till after the fourteenth day, they added the whole of that moon to the old year, calling it Ve-Adar, or the second Adar. If, therefore, we can ascertain the time in the year of the ripening of the barley harvest in Judea, we may know very nearly the commencement of the Jewish sacred year. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 137.12
The following items respecting the seasons in Palestine, are taken from an “Economical Calendar” of that country, by Johan Gotlieb Buhle, Fellow of the Philologic Seminary, at Brunswick, 1785. The Calendar was compiled from the researches of travelers of acknowledged authenticity, at the request of the Directors of the royal college at Gottingen, and may be found in full in “Calmet’s Dictionary.” ARSH September 3, 1857, page 137.13
Feb. According to this Calendar, the snows and colds of Winter begin to cease about the last of February, which month is remarkable for its excessive rains. In this month, the fields, which are only here and there green in January, are covered on every side with verdure. Barley is sometimes sown as late as the middle of this month. The peach and apple blossom, and peas and beans. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 137.14
March. The cold seldom continues till March, except on the tops of mountains. In this month, the weather is mostly warm and temperate, so that the heat of the sun is often inconvenient for travelers. The inundation of the river Jordan, caused by the melting of the snow on the mountains, is about the end of this month, at which time, barley is often ripe at Jericho, when it is about fourteen days earlier than at Jerusalem. In this month, every tree is in full leaf. The fig blossoms about the middle, and the Jericho plume, toward the end of it. The latter rains commence in this month and continue into April; after which, none are observed until Summer. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 137.15
Apr. In April, the heat begins to be extreme. The harvest falls out entirely according to the rainy season. After the rains cease, the corn soon arrives at maturity; but it usually remains in the fields a long time after it is ripe. Barley is ripe in the beginning of April, in the plain of Jericho, according to Mariti 50:100. In all other parts of Palestine, it is in ear at this time, and the ears turn yellow about the middle of this month. (Shaw l.c.) Egmont and Korte inform us, that it is for the most part cut down this month. Almonds and oranges also ripen; and the grass begins to be very high. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 137.16
May. In the month of May, the Summer season commences, when the excessive heat of the sun renders the earth barren. Wheat is cut down in May, in Galilee, but it is often not all gathered till the first of June. Frequently, barley is not all cut down until this month commences. Early apples are gathered this month. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 138.1
At the present time, the Rabbinical Jews commence their year with the new moon nearest the vernal equinox, irrespective of the barley harvest; so that their first month synchronizes with our March, and their seventh, with our September; but it is evident that as they disregard the ordinances of Moses, and substitute for them their traditions, they are therefore of no authority as to the true time for the commencement of the Jewish year. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 138.2
According to the Caraite Jews, the true year cannot commence until the appearance of the new moon in April. They are strict observers of the Mosaic law. Rees, in his Encyclopedia, says of them:- ARSH September 3, 1857, page 138.3
“Upon the whole, the Caraites are universally reckoned men of the first learning, of the greatest piety, and of the purest morals of the whole nation.” ARSH September 3, 1857, page 138.4
Calmet thus writes:- ARSH September 3, 1857, page 138.5
“Caraites, a sect of the Jews, implying persons consummate in the study of the Scriptures, and adhering closely to the letter of it. This distinguishes the Caraites from the Rabbins, who admit traditions. The Caraites pass for the most learned of the Jewish doctors.” ARSH September 3, 1857, page 138.6
Of the Caraites, and Rabbinical Jews, Dr. Hales says:- ARSH September 3, 1857, page 138.7
“The Rabbinites held to oral tradition, and supposed that God dictated many things by word of mouth, to Moses on Mount Sinai, which were propagated in the traditions of the elders, and long after, were put in writing, lest they should be forgot. Hence, those maxims of their schools, ‘the words of the Scribes are lovelier than the words of the law, the words of the elders are weightier than the words of the prophets.’ They were reproved by our Saviour for teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 138.8
“There was a sect of the Scribes called Caraites or Scriptarians, who rejected the cabalistic or allegorical interpretations of Scripture, and contended for the literal sense. And if the literal was inadmissible, they endeavored to discover the figurative meaning by careful comparison of Scripture with itself, in parallel places.” New Anal. Chro. Vol.II, p. 788. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 138.9
The Caraite Jews maintain that the Rabbins have changed the calendar, so that to present the first fruits of the barley harvest on the sixteenth of Nisan, as the law directs, would be impossible, if the time is reckoned according to the Rabbinical calculation; for barley is not in the ear, at Jerusalem, until a month later. The accounts of many travelers confirm the position of the Caraites. Mr. E. S. Colman, a converted Jews, who has been employed as a missionary to the Jews, in Palestine, in an article published in the American Biblical Repository, for April, 1840, says:- ARSH September 3, 1857, page 138.10
“At present the Jews in the holy land have not the least regard to this season appointed and identified by Jehovah, but follow the rules prescribed in the oral law, viz., by adding a month to every second or third year, and thus making the lunar year correspond with the solar. And when the fifteenth day of Nisan, according to this connotation, arrives, they begin to celebrate the above-mentioned feast although the chedesh haabib may have passed or not yet come. In general, the proper season after they have celebrated it, is a whole month, which is just reversing the command in the law. Nothing like ears of green corn have I seen around Jerusalem at the celebration of this festival. The Caraite Jews observe it later than the Rabbinical, for they are guided by Abib, and they charge the latter with eating unleavened bread during that feast. I think, myself, that the charge is well founded. If this feast of unleavened bread is not celebrated in its season, every successive festival is dislocated from its appropriate period, since the month Abib is laid down in the law of God, as the epoch from which every other is to follow.” ARSH September 3, 1857, page 138.11
Jahn, in his Archaeology, says, pp.111,112, that ARSH September 3, 1857, page 138.12
Moses “obligated the priests to present at the altar on the second day of the passover, or in the sixteenth day after the first new moon in April, a ripe sheaf. For if they saw on the last month of the year that the grain would not be ripe, as expected, they were compelled to make an intercalation, which commonly happened on the third year.” ARSH September 3, 1857, page 138.13
“The Jewish Rabbins say, that March and Sept., instead of April and October, were the initial months of these two years. That they were so at a late period is admitted, but the change was probably owing to the example of the Romans, who began their year with the month of March. The Jews being pleased with their example in this respect, or overruled by their authority, adopted the same practice. That this is the most probable statement, is evident from the fact, that the position of the Rabbins is opposed not only by Josephus, but by the usage of the Syriac and Arabic languages; from the fact also, that the prescribed observances of the three great festival days will not agree with the months of March and September, as has been shown by Michaelis: see Commentat, de Meusibus Hebracorum in Soc, Reg. Goett - 1763 - 1768, p. 10, et. seq.” ARSH September 3, 1857, page 138.14
Archbishop Usher even makes their year still later. In his Annals of the World, London ed. 1658, p. 26, he says:- ARSH September 3, 1857, page 138.15
“Upon the fourteenth day of the first month, (the fourth of May being our Tuesday,) in the evening, the Israelites celebrated their fist passover, in the land of Canaan. Joshua 5:10. Next day after the passover, (May fifth being on Wednesday,) they ate of the fruit of land of Canaan, unleavened bread and parched corn, and manna ceased the very day they began to live on the fruits of the land. Joshua 5:11, 12.” ARSH September 3, 1857, page 138.16
Again he says, page 40. “The eighth day of the seventh month, (to wit, 30th of our October being Friday,) was the first of the seven days of the dedication. The tenth day, (with us Nov.1st, upon a Saturday,) was the fast of expiation or atonement held, whereupon (according to the Levitical law, chapter 25:9,) the jubilee was proclaimed by the sound of a trumpet. The 15th day (our November 6th, being Friday,) was the feast of tabernacles. The 22nd, (our Nov.13th, being also Friday,) was the last of the feast of tabernacles, which was also very solemnly kept. 2 Chronicles 8:9; with Leviticus 23:36; and John 7:37.” ARSH September 3, 1857, page 138.17
It is therefore very evident from the foregoing testimony, that the Rabbinical Jews are incorrect in their time for their commencement of the Mosaic year; so that, according to the Caraite reckoning and the ripening of the barley in Judea, the new moon of April is the proper commencement of the Jewish year. Consequently, this Jewish year began with the appearance of the moon on the 18th of April, bringing the passover on the 1st of May - an entire moon later than the Rabbinical passover. Reckoning from this moon, the seventh Jewish month commenced with the appearance of the moon on the 13th of October; so that the tenth day of the seventh month synchronized with the 22nd of that month. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 138.18
A reference to the climate in Judea and the time of ingathering, shows that October is the true seventh month. Josephus, after speaking of the “seventh month” and the “fast” on the “tenth day,” says:- ARSH September 3, 1857, page 138.19
“Upon the fifteenth day of the same month, when the season of the year is changing for Winter, the law enjoins us to pitch tabernacles in every one of our houses, so that we preserve ourselves from the cold of that season of the year.” Ant. B. 3, chap. 10. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 138.20
By the “Economical Calendar” before referred to, we learn that the climate during the Autumn, is as follows:- ARSH September 3, 1857, page 138.21
Sept. In September, the rainy season usually commences from the 18th to the 25th. The second clusters of the vine, which blossom in April, are ripe in this month; and cotton is also gathered. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 138.22
Oct. The rainy season in some years, does not commence in Palestine until October. Wheat, barley, millet, etc., are sown in this month; and the third clusters of the grapes are gathered. The October rains, called early or former rains, follow about twenty or thirty days after the September rains. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 138.23
Nov. November is reckoned among the rainy months. The trees retain their leaves, until about the middle of it. The nights are cold and uncomfortable. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 138.24
Dec. December is the first winter month. The coldest weather is usually from the 12th of December, until the 20th of January. Snow seldom remains all day on the ground, and ice seldom forms sufficiently to bear a man. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 138.25
The apostle Paul, in giving the history of his voyage to Rome, (Acts 27:5,) says, “when sailing was now dangerous because the fast 1 was already past,” he admonished them that the voyage would be of much hurt to the lading of the ship and to their lives. And in a very few weeks they were shipwrecked on the island of Malta, (Melita) where they remained three months through the Winter, Acts 28:11. As they would not be able to depart until about the middle of February, they must have arrived at Malta about the middle of November, a few weeks after the fast. The following extract of a letter dated on board the U. S. Frigate Cumberland, Port Mahon, Oct. 25th, 1844, which we copy from the Mercantile Journal of Dec. 10th, is further evidence that the sailing in those seas becomes dangerous the last of October. The writer says:- ARSH September 3, 1857, page 138.26
“We arrived here last night, after a tedious, boisterous passage of nine days from Malta. We had a succession of head winds, squalls, and rains, which were felt, in their full discomfort, after the series of pleasant weather we had experienced during our Summer’s cruise. The passage from Malta to this port is, perhaps, the worst in this sea; the approximation of Sicily and Africa, and the sprinkling of rocks and reefs in the Strait, make it one of anxiety for the navigator - while the constant prevalence of storms off the south point of Sardinia, has earned for it the name of the Cape Horn of the Mediterranean.” ARSH September 3, 1857, page 138.27
It is therefore evident that the seventh month must have commenced with the new moon in October; and that the tenth day of the seventh month of the Jewish sacred year, in A. D. 1844, could only synchronize with the 22nd of that month. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 138.28
As that time drew nigh, the meetings of the respective Advent bands were marked by a deep solemnity of feeling, an all-prevailing sense of the presence of God’s Holy Spirit, and a realizing expectancy of the Saviour’s appearing, at the time specified. For a short time before the 22nd, secular business was in most cases laid aside, and Adventists every where gave themselves to the work of preparation for his coming, as they would prepare themselves were they on their bed of death, expecting soon to close their eyes forever on all earthly scenes. There were some cases of extravagance, as has been in all great movements; and it would be strange if there had not been; these were greatly exaggerated, and were thus circulated in connection with hundreds of reports which had no foundation in fact; but the general effect on the minds and hearts of those who embraced that view, was salutary and permanent. The Advent bands were thus prepared for any contingency, and for any disappointment. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 138.29
At length the day arrived, the long wished-for day, the day of hope and ardent expectation, the day that thousands looked to as the day that would release them from their earthly pilgrimage, and usher them into a state of endless joy. But it passed away. The sun arose and set, again arose, and disappeared again, until all hope that that was the appointed time which God would honor by Christ’s appearing, expired in every breast. The expectation was proved to be premature. At first, the friends were sad, but still hoped on, believing a few days more would close the scene. The enemy came in like a flood; and dark and dreary was the prospect, unless the Lord should speedily come to save. But time continued on. The truth still shone forth from the sacred page. The slanders of the wicked were hurled back upon them, and the enemy fell back abashed. The Adventists were therefore cheered anew, their desponding hearts were reinvigorated, they saw this disappointment did not destroy their hopes that Christ will soon appear, and that the evidence of the Advent at the door, was unaffected by it. Consequently, they have renewed their strength, and are still toiling on, laboring in the cause, which they believe the cause of God, praying to be perfected in His love, and that they may with patience wait his Son from heaven; believing he may now at any moment come, and that his coming cannot be long delayed.
(To be Continued.)
ARSH September 3, 1857, page 138.30
The Saviour’s Prediction
“AND when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. Then let them which are in Judea flee to the mountains, and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto; for these be the days of vengeance. And Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles till the times of the Gentiles shall be fulfilled.” Luke 21:20-24. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 138.31
Observe, first, the time the Redeemer fixed and left on record for his followers and children to depart from that devoted city, was the time when it must seem to them that they could not get out of her. How were they to escape after the invaders had surrounded them? The church in Jerusalem had increased sometimes as fast as several thousand in a day. How were these families to depart, when Jerusalem was compassed with armies? The sign named by their Saviour as the token of their flight was of itself an impassible barrier in the way of their travel. The incident which dictated their hasty journey, must necessarily hedge up their way. If the reader wishes a particular recital of many striking incidents, let him turn to the contemporary historian, Josephus, who was himself an actor in the military occurrences of the time. This much admired and much respected writer does not seem to have known or to have remembered that the Saviour had said anything of the Roman eagle standing where it ought not, or of Jerusalem being compassed with armies. When this siege did occur, he relates the circumstances truthfully, although it is evident he did not know they were appointed of heaven. The banner which the soldiers worshiped, and which the prophet called the “abomination which maketh desolate” moved before the temple gates. Josephus relates accurately the movements of the Roman general, Cestius, on that occasion. He informs us, that when he might have taken the city speedily, and with comparative ease, thus terminating the war at once, he led his army away. He retired “without any just occasion in the world.” Josephus seems to want words to express his wonder at the conduct of this commander. Perhaps Cestius scarcely knew himself why he thus acted so much to the astonishment of beholders; but had we been there, knowing what we now know, we could have told all spectators and historians the reason why he withdrew. God’s people were in that city. His little flock - little in comparison with the multitude of the ungodly - never noticed by the haughty of this world unless to deride or calumniate, are never forgotten by Him. They were to seek safety in the mountains; they were to have an opportunity to retire. To afford this the Roman legions must be taken to a proper distance. They were, thus conducted, and the followers of the Saviour with their families, did retire. The young reader is here again reminded that we are not giving merely the Christian account of these things. He may gather these facts from the pens of ancient and modern unbelievers, if he prefers their history. When those who had vociferated, “Crucify him, crucify him; his blood be upon us and our children,” were crucified themselves, with their children, around the walls of their blazing city, nailed many on the same cross, until there was no more space on which to plant a cross, and no more wood of which to make one; when famine, gnawing, unparalleled famine, was doing a work along those crowded streets, the bare recital of which would cause the stupid, the callous, or the cruel to faint with sickening horror, there were no Christians there. They had gone to Pella. They had watched for the Redeemer’s token, and obeyed the signal. The words spoken by the Man of Calvary, unheeded by the world then, unnoticed by after generations, and that scoffers of the present age scarcely know are in the Bible, were the means of their salvation. - Nelson. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 139.1
Ancient Records
[THE two following curious documents have been sent us for publication. It is the opinion of some that records of this nature had their origin in the dark ages, as the inventions of unscrupulous popish monks. But while we should not surrender ourselves to groundless credulity, we need not condemn without evidence. We see nothing here which conflicts with those records of our Saviour and his ministry on earth, in which we have implicit confidence; and it is not impossible nor even improbable that such records might have been made, and preserved like many other things which have come down to us from that age. - ED.] ARSH September 3, 1857, page 139.2
DESCRIPTION OF CHRIST. A description of Jesus Christ, as it was found in an ancient manuscript, sent by Publius Lentulus, President of Judea, to the Senate of Rome: ARSH September 3, 1857, page 139.3
“There lives at this time in Judea a man of singular character, whose name is Jesus Christ. The barbarians esteem him a prophet, but his followers adore him as the immediate offspring of the immortal God. He is endowed with unparalleled virtue, as to call back the dead from their graves, and to heal every kind of disease with a word or touch. His person is tall and elegantly shaped - his aspect amiable and reverend. His hair flows in those beautiful shades, which no united colors can match - falling into graceful curls below his ears, agreeably crouching on his shoulders, and parting on the crown of the head, like the head-dress of the rest of the Nazarites. His forehead is smooth and large; the cheek without spot, save that of a lovely red; his nose and mouth are formed with exquisite symmetry; his beard is thick and suitable to the hair on his head, reaching a little below his chin and parting in the middle like a fork. His eyes are bright, clear and serene. He rebukes with majesty, counsels with mildness, and invites with the most tender and persuasive language. His whole address, whether in word or deed, being elegant, grave, and strictly characteristic of so great a being. No man has seen him laugh, but the whole world behold him weep frequently; and so persuasive are his tears, that the multitude cannot withhold theirs, from joining in sympathy with him. He is moderate, temperate and wise. In short, whatever this phenomenon may turn out in the end, he seems at present a man of excellent beauty and divine perfections, every way surpassing the children of men.” ARSH September 3, 1857, page 139.4
Translated from the “Courier des Etats Unis” ARSH September 3, 1857, page 139.5
DEATH WARRANT OF CHRIST. Chance has just put into our hands the most imposing and interesting judicial document to all Christians, that ever has been recorded in human annals: that is, the identical death warrant of our Lord Jesus Christ. We transcribe the document as it has been handed to us:- ARSH September 3, 1857, page 139.6
Sentence rendered by Pontius Pilate, acting Governor of lower Galilee, stating that Jesus of Nazareth shall suffer death on the cross. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 139.7
“In the year seventeen of the Empire Tiberius Caesar, and the 25th day of March, the city of holy Jerusalem, Anna and Caiaphas being priests, sacrificators of the people of God, Pontius Pilate, Governor of Lower Galilee, sitting on the presidential chair of the praetory, condemns Jesus of Nazareth, to die on the cross between two thieves - the great and notorious evidence of the people saying - ARSH September 3, 1857, page 139.8
1. Jesus is a seducer.
2. He is seditious.
3. He is an enemy of the law.
4. He calls himself falsely the Son of God.
5. He calls himself falsely the King of Israel.
6. He entered into the Temple, followed by a multitude, bearing palm branches in their hands.
ARSH September 3, 1857, page 139.9
Order the first centurion, Quillus Cornelius, to lead him to the place of execution. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 139.10
Forbid to any person whomsoever, either poor or rich, to oppose the death of Jesus. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 139.11
The witnesses that signed the condemnation of Jesus, are, viz: - 1. Daniel Robini, a Pharisee; 2. Joannes Rorobable; 3. Raphdel Robani; 4. Capet, a citizen. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 139.12
Jesus shall go out of the city of Jerusalem by the gate of Struenus.” ARSH September 3, 1857, page 139.13
The above sentence is engraved on a copper plate, on one side are written these words: - A similar plate is sent to each tribe.” It was found in an antique vase of white marble, while excavating in the ancient city of Aquilla, in the kingdom of Naples, in the year 1820, and was discovered by the Commissariats of Arts, attached to the French armies. At the expedition of Naples, it was found enclosed in a box of ebony, in the sacristy of the Chartram. The vase in the Chapel of Casserta. The French translation was made by the members of the Commission of Arts. The original is in the Hebrew language. The Chartram requested earnestly that the plate might not be taken away from them. The request was granted as a reward for the sacrifice they had made for the army. M. Denon, one of the savans, caused a plate to be made of the same model, on which he had engraved the above sentence. At the sale of his collection of antiquities it was bought by lord Howard for his museum. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 139.14
SPIRITUAL WARFARE
Christian, nerve thee for the fight;
Gird thine armour on;
Fearlessly maintain the right,
‘Till the battle’s won:
Victory shall crown thy way -
End in everlasting day.
ARSH September 3, 1857, page 139.15
There, in yon celestial bowers,
All life’s perils o’er,
Thou shalt pluck immortal flowers;
Life forever more:
Then, the toil of battle past,
Thou shalt rest in Heaven at last.
[Gen. Evangelist.
ARSH September 3, 1857, page 139.16
“Receipt for making Tattlers.”
“TAKE a handful of the vine called Runabout, the same quantity of root called Nimbletongue, a sprig of the herb, called Backbite, (either before or after the dogdays,) a table-spoonful of don’t you tell it, six drachmas of Malice, a few drops of Envy, which can be purchased in any quantity, at the shops of Miss Tabitha Tea table, and Miss Nancy Night-walk. Stir them well together, and simmer for half an hour, over the fire of discontent, kindled with a little jealousy; then strain it through the rag of misconstruction, cork it up in a bottle of malevolence, hang it upon a skein of street yarn, shake it occasionally for a few days, and it will be fit for use. Let a few drops be taken just before walking out, and the patient will be enabled to speak all manner of evil, and that continually.” ARSH September 3, 1857, page 139.17
Human Elevation
“I KNOW,” says Channing, “but one elevation of a human being, and that is the elevation of the soul. Without this, it matters not where a man stands, or what he possesses; and with it, he towers - he is one of God’s nobility, no matter what place he holds in the social scale. There are not different kinds of dignity for different orders of men, but one and the same to all. The only elevation of the human being consists in the exercise, growth, and energy of the higher principles and powers of his soul. A bird may be shot upwards to the skies by a foreign force, but it rises in the true sense of the word only when it spreads its own wings, and soars by its own living power. So a man may be thrust upwards in a conspicuous place by outward accidents, but he rises only so far as he exerts himself and expands his best faculties, and he ascends up, by a free effort, to a noble region of thought and action.” ARSH September 3, 1857, page 139.18
Joy and Sorrow
As the most luxuriant plants thrive best with an equal mixture of sunshine and shade, showery and dry weather, and in a soil composed of sand, as well as richer materials, mingled in due proportion together, - so the human mind is a plant, which thrives best with a just proportion of prosperity and adversity, joy and sorrow. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 139.19
NOBLE SENTIMENT. - Condemn no man for not thinking as you think. Let every one enjoy the full and free liberty of thinking for himself. Let every man use his own judgment, since every man must give an account of himself to God. Abhor every approach, in any kind or degree, to the spirit of persecution. If you cannot reason, or persuade a man into the truth, never attempt to force him into it. If love will not compel him to come, leave him to God, the Judge of all - John Wesley. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 139.20
THE REVIEW AND HERALD
“Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth.”
BATTLE CREEK, MICH. SEPT. 3, 1857.
ISRAEL
SINCE it has become a point of some importance, in view of the theories entertained by some upon this subject, to determine whether or not ten tribes have been lost, as is claimed or whether they were recognized as existing in the Land of Palestine, from their first settlement there, till the days of Christ, we wish to offer the following considerations bearing upon the point: ARSH September 3, 1857, page 140.1
1. The ten tribes which revolted from Rehoboam, and were carried away captive in the days of Hoshea, were not after their removal “out of the sight of the Lord,” recognized as Israel. 2 Kings 17:1, 23. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 140.2
2. After these ten tribes, as many of them as still persisted in their revolt, were carried away, the twelve tribes still existed in the land of Judah; for all such as set their hearts to seek after the Lord God of Israel, out of all the tribes of Israel, disgusted with the idolatry of Jeroboam, came to Jerusalem to sacrifice unto the God of their fathers. 2 Chronicles 11:13-16. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 140.3
3. At the end of the seventy years’ captivity, when Cyrus made proclamation for the restoration of the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, he gave liberty to all the people of Israel throughout his realm, who were so minded, to return to their native land. Ezra 1:2, 3. And this favor was granted throughout all Media where the ten tribes were in captivity, as well as in Chaldea and Assyria where the Jews were in captivity. Prideaux’s Con., Vol. i, Book iii. Many of those who belonged to the ten tribes availed themselves of this decree; and hence we read in 1 Chronicles 9:1, 3, that there dwelt in Jerusalem, not only the children of Benjamin and Judah, but also of Ephraim and Manasseh; and we find again still later, [Nehemiah 7:73,] that all Israel (an expression never applied to any other than the twelve tribes) dwelt in their cities. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 140.4
4. We learn from the history above quoted, p.160, that according to the authority of Jewish writers, the “Urim and Thummim” was established “to ask counsel only about that which belonged to the common interest of all Israel; and therefore, wherever the high priest asked counsel of God in this way, it was with the names of all the tribes of Israel upon his breast to denote that what was asked was for the common interest of all of them.” Let us apply this fact to the question under consideration. In the ministrations of the Sanctuary, this side the captivity, did not the high priest on the day of atonement, bear into the most holy place upon his breast the breast-plate of judgment which contained the names of the twelve tribes of Israel? Of course; as much as he did before. Then was not the ministration then performed, for the common interest of all Israel? Certainly. Every tribe whose name was on the breast-plate of judgment, had an interest in the services therewith performed; and had there been but two tribes recognized as existing about Jerusalem at that time, it would have been proper that they only should be represented on the breast-plate. But as we find no notice of any thing of this kind, we conclude that each tribe retained its name upon the breast-plate of judgment, and maintained its existence in the land, and that those only were recognized as Israel, who still persevered in adhering to the worship of the true God, as ordained for that dispensation. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 140.5
From these few considerations alone, regardless of many others which might be offered, it is sufficiently evident, that the twelve tribes maintained an uninterrupted existence in the land of Canaan, except perhaps during the seventy years’ captivity, till the days of Christ, since which time, he is an Israelite indeed who is one at heart, and not outwardly. And the view therefore, which claims that there are ten tribes of literal Israel somewhere existing, who must at some time in the future be restored, in order that great and gracious promises which are supposed to concern them, may be fulfilled, is a dangerous fallacy, unworthy our serious belief. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 140.6
“THE MORNING COMETH.”
“THE morning - a beautiful metaphor of oriental origin - is the sacred symbol of the prosperity and triumphant joy, secured by promise to the people of God. Weeping may endure for a night but joy cometh in the morning; The night is far spent, not yet gone, the morning is at hand. The bereaved and afflicted, the infirm and the suffering, the poor and desolate, the church and the world, all are waiting for the morning.” ARSH September 3, 1857, page 140.7
Under this beautiful symbol, the watchman are commissioned to give comfort to God’s people. “Watchman what of the night,” is the cry from Seir. The true watchman replieth, The morning cometh. Who cannot feel the force of the figure? Who has not felt oppressed by the shadows of the night, and the weariness of watching, as the long dark hours wore heavily away? Who has not felt at such times, how welcome was the sound. The morning cometh! and how gladly was hailed the first faint glimmering light that betokened its approach. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 140.8
So it is in the night of time. Man by sin has eclipsed the sun of life, and brought up the dark and heavy glooms of suffering and death, which have wrapped the earth in deepest night. But amid the darkness into which he has fallen, God has not left him without a lamp to his feet, a chart and compass for his journey. This like a star of hope, has ever revived his drooping spirits by pointing forward to a morning. It tells us that the night shall not always last; there is a morning coming, a glorious morning without clouds, the bright portal of an eternal day. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 140.9
But we are told (and it must be that such love darkness rather than light) that the morning is not soon coming; that we know nothing about its approach; that the world is yet in its infancy and the night but just commenced. But we have a surer word than this; and we proclaim to you on divine authority that the morning cometh. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 140.10
Plainly the night-watches are marked off to us in the word of God. Plainly the night scenes of this world are drawn out before us. The wild beasts of the night visions [Daniel 7,] prowlers of the night, fit symbols of the wicked governments of earth in the night of time, amid the darkness of ages past, have fulfilled their savage career. The fourth and last now waits to perform his last struggles, and flee before the rising beams of the coming morning. Again: we were told that the kingdoms of earth amid the darkness of time should assume the proportions of a huge image dreadful and terrible, at the completion of which, it should be broken to shivers, the Sun of righteousness arise, and a kingdom, then, glorious and eternal be established in its stead. Slowly from age to age it has been developed, until now like an image of colossal dimensions it stands forth complete before us. Trumpet after trumpet [Revelation 8, 9,] has sounded forth as the night hours have passed away. Seal after seal [Revelation 6] has been broken from events that were to be fulfilled ere the morning dawned. Messengers from heaven [Revelation 14,] forerunners of the Sun of righteousness, have come forth upon their mission. Mighty revolutions, and sublime events, such as are fitting to usher in the glorious dispensation before us, seem crowding upon us; and though all the multitudes of dreamers who would fain hide themselves under the shadows of the night, and unbelievers, who will not open their eyes that they may see, and scoffers who were to come in the last days, should still continue to love darkness rather than light, and still persist in denying that the night is wearing away - nevertheless the morning cometh! its first gray dawnings are already upon us! ARSH September 3, 1857, page 140.11
We would proclaim it upon the house-top, and in the closet, in the city and in the country, on the sea and on the land, to the high and to the low, to the rich and to the poor, to the bond and to the free - the morning cometh! ARSH September 3, 1857, page 140.12
There have been watchmen who in time past proclaimed that the day was drawing near, who stood ready with the lamp of prophecy to show the traveler where he stood in the night of time. What is now their response as the inquiry comes up, “Watchman what of the night?” “We do not know,” they answer. “We once thought we knew, but ‘tis a mystery we cannot solve. We were mistaken and cannot mend the matter.” Does darkness like this ever overshadow the path of the just, so that they lose themselves and mislead their followers? Never; for it is as the shining light that groweth brighter and brighter unto the perfect day; and if this declaration has ever been applicable to the course of any people, has it not been thus far to ours, my brethren? The past is clear. What was seemingly crooked, has been made straight; and what was dark made light. Our disappointment is all explained, and we see, as we never saw before that the morning indeed cometh. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 140.13
Anxious inquirer, we proclaim to you that the morning cometh. Weary watcher, the morning cometh; and when that glorious day that shall succeed that morrow, shall be ushered in, there’ll be no suffering couch for you to watch by then. The inhabitants of that land shall no more say, I am sick; for the long train of evils that held their revels through the night of time, fed and fostered by the curse, shall flee away with the darkness, and be found no more at all. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 140.14
Bereaved mourner, the morning cometh; a morning whose light shall pierce the dark prison house of the tomb, where Death for long ages has been gathering in his trophies; and the prisoners of hope shall be released, and the loved forms torn from your embrace brought back again from the land of the enemy. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 140.15
The morning cometh to remove from every soul bowed down, its weight of woe. There is no wrong but shall then be righted; there is no shadow but shall then be chased away. All the ills that have thronged the pathway of human life, all cruelty and oppression, all forms of sorrow pain and death that have cast their dark shadows over the world, are all engulfed, and forever lost in that one grand and glorious promise - THE MORNING COMETH! ARSH September 3, 1857, page 140.16
Hail glorious morn
That ushers in a cloudless, endless day,
Morning whose holy light shall sweep the shades
Of sin and death away; and with them flee
Their noisome brood that in the darkness lurk:
The glorious restitution morn that brings
The weary saints all home from pilgrimage
To rest in lovely bowers of peace and joy.”
ARSH September 3, 1857, page 140.17
Reader, are you ready for this morning? Will the great crisis before us be to you an event of rejoicing or sorrow? for there is a night scene to the picture, as well as a bright one. The watchman says not only that the morning cometh, but he adds, “and also the night.” This is not only the night of time, but also the gospel day; and the next dispensation will not only usher in the day of life but the night of death. Then the night also cometh. A night to sin and sinners. It is at night that the master shall reckon with his servants; and what rewards shall the righteous receive! and what woe shall be the portion of the careless, the unfaithful, the rebellious! ARSH September 3, 1857, page 140.18
But we are glad that amid the darkness and desolations of earth, we can yet declare that the morning cometh. Prepare for the morning. It may be to us each a morning of joy. It is our hope, our consolation, our guiding star, our welcome music. Not more sweetly fell the cry of, “Land,” upon the ears of Columbus’ crew, as they neared the shores of Guanahani, than falls the sound that the morning cometh, upon the ears of the way-worn pilgrim. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 140.19
A morn will dawn on this dark night of woe;
A sunny calm succeed the midnight storm,
To those who joyfully endure below
And faithful to their trust his will perform.
ARSH September 3, 1857, page 140.20
A few more conflicts on this stormy shore,
A few more trials in this vale below,
And we shall shout our toils and sufferings o’er,
Where everlasting pleasures we shall know.
ARSH September 3, 1857, page 140.21
Then fainting pilgrim on the thorny way,
O look not back nor let thy labor cease;
For soon the rich reward will thee repay,
When Jesus comes to bring a sweet release.”
ARSH September 3, 1857, page 140.22
Circulate the Review. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 140.23
BUT little effort has been made to increase the circulation of the REVIEW since the Office has been at Battle Creek, and all the printing has been done on a hand press, yet there has been a very valuable increase of subscribers. But the way is now prepared to make a special effort. The Power Press is doing the work, in regard to neatness and rapidity, beyond our expectations. No. 17 was printed in four hours, which usually required three days of the hardest kind of work on the hand press. More than twice the amount of the present circulation of the REVIEW could be printed in one day on the Power Press. Let it have a wide circulation and carry the truth abroad. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 140.24
We say, Circulate the REVIEW. Special efforts will now be made to make the REVIEW interesting, spiritual and instructive. Brethren, send it into dark places. Let its light shine everywhere, where men and women will read it. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 140.25
Let the worthy poor understand that it is sent to them for only one dollar a year, or, if they cannot pay the one dollar, they can have it free. In either case they must let their circumstances and wishes be known, that we may mark them on the books, half price, or free, as the case may be. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 140.26
Let it be understood, that when you wish to send the REVIEW to others, and pay for it, that it will be sent for half price, or for one dollar a year. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 140.27
Most of the readers of the REVIEW have some half dozen friends who should read the REVIEW. It may convert them. But what if it should not bring them all to embrace the present truth? You will have done your duty, and scores of cases might be referred to where the REVIEW alone, or a tract, has brought candid men and women to the truth. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 140.28
Again we say, Circulate the REVIEW. The providence of God has prepared the way to publish the truth. Let the silent messengers go everywhere shedding light. Don’t hide your light under a bushel. By circulating the REVIEW, you can do your duty, enlighten many, and help sustain the paper. Consecrate a portion of your substance to this good object, and send in a list of names. And may the Lord add his blessing. J. W. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 141.1
SABBATH-KEEPERS’ CHILDREN
(Concluded.) ARSH September 3, 1857, page 141.2
It is a fact that most young Sabbath-keepers are being drowned in the spirit of this world, instead of being imbued with God’s holy Spirit. Their course is generally downward. In many, this backsliding is so gradual that it is hardly perceptible. But if you compare their present condition and course with their position when they first sought the Lord, then you can see a wide difference, a sad declension. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 141.3
The things of this life occupy most of their time and thoughts. And we inquire, What can be done to stop this tide of backsliding? What can save young Sabbath-keepers from perdition? What can wean their affections from the things of this life, and lead them to live in reference to Eternal Life in the kingdom of God? And we must here confess that our only hope for most of the children of Sabbath-keepers, is for their parents to first get this world out of their affections, consecrate themselves and their substance to the Lord, and live and use their means as though they believed the message of the Third Angel. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 141.4
Is it any marvel that children are worldly, when they see their parents living for this world? If parents labor to increase wealth, will not their children see it, and pattern after them? If parents bury themselves up in the cares and interests of this life, will not the children drink in the spirit of this world? If parents lead off in these things will not children follow? They will. They will. A speedy reform must take place with young Sabbath-keepers generally. We admit a very few exceptions, while we would faithfully point out their sad condition. Yes, a reform must take place. This will be admitted. But let those who engage in this reform commence at the right place. Let them begin with their worldly, and world-loving parents. That there are some consecrated parents, who set good examples before their children, yet fail to see them advance in the divine life, we admit; but we speak of them generally, and can safely say that most parents lead their children into the spirit of this world. They are so imbued with the spirit and love of this world, that they do not see the influence they have on their children. Some, shall we say, blindly stand in the gate of heaven to keep their children out. Hope for the youth among us, and our children, can be cherished only on the ground that the parents and older members of the church set them an example of sacrifice, consecration, devotion and zeal in the things of the Spirit of God. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 141.5
Parents lay plans for future years, and the children understand the whole story, and secretly inquire, Where is father’s and mother’s faith in the soon coming of Christ? The father gives his son a young colt, or a fine pair of calves; they are his, and as he pets them, he looks over long years in the future when they will be of service. These things are customs at this day which inspire in boys the spirit of this world, and cause them to love it at an early age. And many grow up selfish and covetous, loving this present world. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 141.6
But if parents wish to see their children consecrated to God, let them first consecrate themselves to the Lord. Do they wish to see their children placing their affections on things above, then let them cut loose from this world, and show by their acts that their interest in the kingdom of God is far greater than in the things of this world. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 141.7
Some parents spend their energies and time, precious time to be employed in forming characters for the kingdom of God, in laying up treasures in this world. They desire to have their children saved. They wish them to profess religion. They urge the servants of God to come and labor with them, hoping that their children will profess religion. Time and labor is bestowed on them, and, perhaps the object is gained. The children put on a profession. But the parents push on in the interests of this life, and their nominal professing children follow. What is gained? Verily nothing, only more young, worldly, hypocritical professors, destitute of the vitality of that religion they profess. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 141.8
Servants of God, commence your work at the right point. Convert these worldly professing parents. Get the standard raised high with them, then will the children be easily moved to come up to the same high standard. Then will something lasting be accomplished. But your labor is more than lost on these children while their parents fail to come up to a saving standard. We repeat it. Some parents stand in the very gate of heaven to keep their children out. And our only hope for the young is a thorough reform in the whole lukewarm church. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 141.9
O, ye Laodiceans, our mouth is open unto you. We as a people are almost powerless in consequence of the love of this world in the heart which keeps Jesus out. He still stands and knocks at the door of our hearts. He calls to us. He tarries still. Be not deaf to his calls. Steel not your heart against his entreaties. Well may it be said by this generation, that the Jews deserved wrath for rejecting Jesus. But our sin in slighting his testimony will be as much greater as we reject greater light. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 141.10
“I will come in” he says, “and will sup with you.” This is as strong a figure as can be used to illustrate communion with Jesus. He offers to come in, but is shut out. The heart is filled with the love of this world. The door is shut against him. There is no room for Christ in many Sabbath-keepers’ hearts. It is the world, the world, the world with them morning, noon and at evening. When they rise up and when they sit down, when they go out and when they come in. It is the object of their affections. It is the deity to which they fall down and worship. Christ is neglected, slighted, shut out. Hark! hear his voice in tones of pity and matchless love, as he calls to those who have long neglected him. “Behold I stand at the door and knock, if any man hear my voice, and open the door I will come in.” Are you so deaf that you cannot hear his lovely voice? Is your mind so blinded by the god of this world that you cannot see that you have shut Jesus out? Is your heart so unfeeling that it will not yield and melt in view of this call to you from the soon expected Saviour? If so, woeful indeed is your condition. Christ will not long stand at the door of thy heart and knock. Not much longer! His locks are wet with the dews of night. He spilled his blood for you. He wants to wash you clean. He desires to come in and live in you. He will make you free, pure and happy. He will abide with you if you will turn out and keep out of your heart the love of this world. He will manifest his love and glory, to old and young, parents and children, if they will prepare the way of the Lord in their hearts and let him in. O, dear reader, Let him in! let him in! ARSH September 3, 1857, page 141.11
We solemnly believe that obedience to this message is the only hope of the church. A crisis is coming. A portion of the church - and God grant that it may be the largest portion - will rend their hearts and prepare them to receive Jesus Christ; while a portion will be spued out of his mouth. The true testimony from the word of God will show who will be wholly the Lord’s. It will manifest the heart. And are there any reasons why it should be withheld? There are none. A delay when an alarm should be given, may prove fatal to some, While there is hope, then, let the servants of God, in the language of the prophet, “Cry aloud and spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgressions, and the house of Jacob their sins” Isaiah 58:1. Do the watchman see the sword coming upon a lukewarm church? Then let them give the alarm, and clear their own souls; And if souls still sleep on, then will their blood be upon their own heads. J. W. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 141.12
COUNSEL TO THE LAODICEANS
SAYS the faithful and true Witness, “I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich, and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eye-salve, that thou mayest see. Revelation 3:18.” ARSH September 3, 1857, page 141.13
When the light first shone out on this subject, it was set home most powerfully by the Spirit of God, to the hearts of those who acknowledged and received its proper application. We felt indeed that we were wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind and naked, and that there must be a speedy reform, a deep and hearty consecration to God. Many were zealous in the work of repentance. The sweet blessing of heaven rested upon the writer and the reader, the speaker and hearer as this subject was contemplated. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 141.14
Confessions were made around the fireside and in the church, attended with deep and solemn feeling. Parents confessed to their children, and children to their parents: brethren confessed their wrongs to each other, wrongs were made right, and wounds were healed. God smiled upon this course, and the cause received a new impetus and moved on gloriously. Praise God! How inexpressibly sweet were those meetings with the dear brethren and sisters who felt the force of the injunction (Joel 2:12, 13,) “Therefore also now, saith the Lord, Turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God.” Our assemblies were indeed “solemn” assemblies. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 141.15
But for a time past I have been led to ask the question, what has become of the counsel to the Laodiceans? Why is there so little said on this subject? and why no more feeling? We ask why? What means the stupor, the calm that has come over the people of God? Brethren and sisters are you getting discouraged? It seems to me some are. O, awake and arouse to action; eternal life is just before the overcomer. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 141.16
Says Jesus, “Behold I stand at the door and knock; if any man hear my voice, and open the door I will come in to him and will sup with him and he with me. To him that overcometh, will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame and am set down with my Father in his throne.” Are there not promises of the most encouraging nature here for you, who believe the promises of God? Arise therefore and be doing, and the Lord be with thee. “Be ye strong therefore and let not your hands be weak; for your work shall be rewarded.” ARSH September 3, 1857, page 141.17
But some have never half heeded this counsel. Like one partially awakened from his sleep, they were in a measure aroused by its stirring notes of warning; but soon their slumbers seized them again! Such are yet “wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind and naked.” And what greatly augments their deplorable situation is, they know it not. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 141.18
Reader, are you of this class? do you not fear lest you will yet be spued out of the mouth of the faithful and true Witness? O, awake and arise, and stand at your post. Now while standing upon the last crumbling sands of time, is the period when you must secure the crown of life. By your means, your prayers and testimonies, you can help spread the light and the truth. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 141.19
But in a little while it will be too late. The famine will be upon the sinner and ungodly. The last opportunity for presenting and urging the claims of truth upon the unconverted will have passed, forever passed. “Behold the days come, saith the Lord that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord: And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the North even to the East, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord and shall not find it.” Amos 8:11, 12. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 141.20
Men care but little about the word of the Lord now; it must be urged upon them, or they will not have eternal life. Upon the remnant rests the responsibility of bearing the last solemn message of mercy to perishing souls. And how can we expect that others will feel the importance of this work if we do not ourselves? And how can we feel its importance if we reject the very message given in mercy to prepare us for the coming struggle, and for final victory? O may the Lord help us to open the door of our heart and give the Saviour a place there.
A. S. HUTCHINS.
Round Grove, Ills., Aug, 28th, 1857.
ARSH September 3, 1857, page 141.21
OUR Charts are all sold. Those who have Charts and wish to dispose of them for their value, can send them to the REVIEW OFFICE. A larger Chart must be published soon. Who has $500 to spare without usury, till a good Chart can be published, and partly sold? J. W. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 141.22
TO-DAY AND TO-MORROW
DON’T tell me of to-morrow!
Give me the man who’ll say,
That when a good deed’s to be done
Let’s do the deed to-day.
We may all command the present
If we act and never wait;
But repentance is the phantom
Of the past, that comes too late.
ARSH September 3, 1857, page 142.1
Don’t tell me of to-morrow! There is much to do to-day That can never be accomplished If we throw the hours away. Every moment has its duty - Who the future can foretell? Then why put off till to-morrow What to-day can do as well? ARSH September 3, 1857, page 142.2
Don’t tell me of to-morrow!
If we look upon the past,
How much that we have left to do
We cannot do at last?
To-day! it is the only time
For all on this frail earth;
It takes an age to form a life,
A moment gives it birth. - Sel.
ARSH September 3, 1857, page 142.3
The First Commandment
THOU shalt have no other gods before me. Exodus 20:3. These are the words uttered on mount Sinai by Him who saith, I am the Lord thy God. When these words were spoken the whole mount quaked greatly: God himself had descended upon it to give his statutes to man. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 142.4
His first command is, Thou shalt have no other gods before me. It is not my purpose in this article to enumerate all the gods that we can have beside the true one; for there are lords many and gods many, but I would call the attention of the remnant to some that may take possession of our hearts almost unawares. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 142.5
Perchance Bro. A. has a fine farm. It is pleasantly situated, and really a good one. He thinks much of it and says it is his own. But brother, thou art mistaken. The earth is the Lord’s. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 142.6
Bro. B. has a few thousands, or hundreds, at least, in cash or other property. This says he, is mine. I got it by my honest toil and savings of many years. But you too are God’s steward. To him you must give an account; for not only is the earth the Lord’s, but the fullness thereof. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 142.7
Bro. C. has a good house. It is not only good, but fine, fashionable, even stylish. We fail to find in the finish and furnish of this dwelling evidence that the builder expected that in a few days all these things were to be tried by fire. But dear brother, if the Bible taught you thus to build, thus to furnish and finish in these last days; if in all this your eye was single to the glory of God; if in it the lust of the eyes and the pride of life had no share; in short, if you have ever had the approving of God’s Spirit, let others think or say what they will, go on in this painful duty, (for it must be a painful one to the true Adventist,) I say go on, be sure you are making a right use of your Lord’s money, and with the good steward you will receive your reward. On the contrary, if you feel that it is God’s Spirit that approves of what his word disapproves, remember that the many spirits which have gone out into the world are to be tried and tested by that word. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 142.8
Bro. D. has a great gift. He can exhort and pray better than his brethren. He is aware of all this. There is danger of his being exalted. But who maketh thee to differ from another? What has thou that thou didst not receive? Now if thou didst receive it why glory as if thou didst not receive it 1 Corinthians 4:7. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 142.9
Some brother or sister may be tenacious with regard to some point of belief; for instance, have great faith. Do not be too sure you are right unless you are fully sustained by God’s word, (and then you cannot be,) and should any one dare to differ from you then is a good time to shew forth the sweet Spirit of Jesus by your forbearance, patience, love and charity; by your willingness to have your life and doctrine tested by God’s word. Charity will lead to all this, and without it St. Paul, though he were on earth speaking with the tongue of angels and with faith to remove mountains, would be nothing. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 142.10
I might go on to illustrate hundreds of ways that our hearts may be drawn from the true God, but a word to the wise is sufficient. O may it never be forgotten that just so far as our hearts are placed upon the perishable things of this world, (beyond what they should be,) whether it be property, honor, our own notions, goodness or gifts, just so far we have other gods besides the one we should worship. These are our gods in the same sense that covetousness is idolatry. And while we are consistently keeping the fourth commandment, let us not fail to also keep the first and last. I mean the new one that Jesus gave; [John 13:34;] and in all that we do have an eye single to the glory of God, and ever strive to imitate the dear Saviour, our true Pattern. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 142.11
H. S. BOYD.
Lyme, N. H., July 27th, 1857.
LETTERS
“Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another.”
From Bro. Seaman
BRO. SMITH: I have received a letter recently, the object of which is to convince me of my error of keeping the fourth commandment. The writer, T. Wheeler, a stranger to me, styles himself a ‘43 Adventist, by way of introduction. He was moved to write me in consequence of reading an article previously written by me on the two laws. His article as summed up by himself contains fourteen declarations. As this is a sample of the position assumed by many who wish to evade the claims of the Sabbath commandment, I will give his declarations, verbatim, and reply. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 142.12
1. “There is but one law, and this law includes the decalogue.” ARSH September 3, 1857, page 142.13
In reply I would state that the Scriptures of divine truth have made a clear and marked distinction between the book of the law written by the hand of Moses, and the ten commandments written by the finger of God on the tables of stone and spoken with an audible voice from mount Sinai amid the cloud, the fire and thick darkness. The one in a private manner, the other in the most solemn and public manner, to show its superiority. The ten commandments, as I proved, were deposited in the ark, [Deuteronomy 10:5,] while the book of the law was placed by the side of the ark; therefore, when the ceremonial dispensation has passed, no mention is made of it by Paul in connection with the ark when he enumerates what it now contains. Hebrews 9:4. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 142.14
2. “The law was given to a specific class of individuals, for a specific object and time.” ARSH September 3, 1857, page 142.15
I have only to set over against this declaration the positive declaration of the Saviour himself, The Sabbath was made for man. Mark 2:27. And we are informed that when a noun is used without an article it stands for or includes all the class specified; therefore the Sabbath was made for all mankind, from the days of Adam to the close of this dispensation; and more than this, will be kept in the new earth. Isaiah 66:23. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 142.16
3. “It ceased by limitation.” ARSH September 3, 1857, page 142.17
I answer in the language of the wise man, “I know that whatsoever God doeth it shall be forever. Nothing can be put to it, nor anything taken from it, and God doeth it that men may fear before him.” Did God write the ten commandments with his own finger? He did. Will they stand forever? Let David answer. Psalm 110. The works of his hand are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure. They stand fast for a limited period. No! says David, You don’t quote me right! They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness. Well then, let us believe David, and adopt his language as recorded in Psalm 119:115. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 142.18
4. “We are not under the law, but under grace.” ARSH September 3, 1857, page 142.19
What a stone of stumbling this is for some. We inquire, Who are under the law? If I should take my neighbor’s horse without his knowledge, and dispose of it to the third person, my neighbor becomes informed of it, the grand jury find a bill against me for horse stealing, I am remanded to prison; then I am to all intents and purposes “under the law.” I have violated the eighth precept, that says, Thou shalt not steal. But suppose some good friend, considering my circumstances, pities and believes I may reform. He comes forward and procures a pardon and release. Has the law any more claim on me? Certainly not. I am now under grace or favor of that good friend, and at liberty to go where I please. So with every precept of the decalogue. The law was not made for the righteous. The good friend, it will be perceived, becomes the end of the law for me, for righteousness; thus does Christ our good and merciful High Priest become the end of the law to all that will obey the law and accept the blessed atonement; and those only can be said to be under the law that break it. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 142.20
If I should go to stealing horses again after I had been redeemed, or brought out of prison, every one would see that I was again under the law. So I conceive it to be with those that have kept the Sabbath once and given it up. They are under the law and fallen from grace, vainly expecting to make void the law through faith. I think it would be a poor plea for me to make the second time I stole, that I was under grace. If any do not, let them try it. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 142.21
5. “There is but one Sabbath binding, in the Bible, (Saturday,) and that only from the exode to the cross.” ARSH September 3, 1857, page 142.22
6. “I,” says T. W., “observe a worshiping day, but not a Sabbath; neither do you nor any other man.” ARSH September 3, 1857, page 142.23
7. “Man’s first day corresponds with God’s seventh day.” ARSH September 3, 1857, page 142.24
I have put these three declarations together that their serpentine contradictions might be clearly seen. T. W. admits that what we call Saturday was the original Sabbath, then claims that man’s first day is the same day as the original seventh which is our so-called Sunday which I suppose T. W. observes as a worshiping day. How this supernatural change came about he does not inform us; nor can he, nor any other man, as the records of all nations, which all agree, show us the fact that what is called Saturday is the seventh day, as originally kept by the peculiar people of God. Jews, Mahomedans, Christians, and Catholics all unite, so that there need be no doubt on the point in the mind of any. If no one keeps the Sabbath, or can keep it, then our position as a people is a sad one. While we are trying to repair the breach as commanded us by God through his inspired prophet Isaiah, and seal the law among the disciples, it is in vain that we try to turn our feet into all his testimonies, and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable, by not finding our own pleasure or speaking our own words. This is a grave charge, but no less so than that laid to our divine Lord. He was called a Sabbath-breaker, notwithstanding he had said, “I have kept my Father’s commandments,” and if they call the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more they of his household? ARSH September 3, 1857, page 142.25
8. “The law of the ten commandments was faulty.” ARSH September 3, 1857, page 142.26
9. “There can be no law but what is positive, penal, and has temporal rewards and punishments.” ARSH September 3, 1857, page 142.27
10. “Law is arbitrary and pre-supposes stubbornness.” ARSH September 3, 1857, page 142.28
11. “From creation to Sinai, no law.” ARSH September 3, 1857, page 142.29
12. “From the cross to the end of this age, no law.” ARSH September 3, 1857, page 142.30
13. “The gospel says, do, in the sense of an invitation, the law in the sense of a command.” ARSH September 3, 1857, page 142.31
14. “To be under the law is to be under the rod.” ARSH September 3, 1857, page 142.32
In the eighth declaration reference is made to Hebrews 8; but on reading it closely it will be seen that God never found fault with his ten commandments, but the eighth verse reads thus, For finding fault with them, i. e., the people that did not keep God’s covenant. No fault found with the law, by any means. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 142.33
In answer to the ninth declaration I would say, that the ten commandments have no penalties attached to them, but in the ministration of the law we find the penalties specified. “He that killeth a beast shall make it good,” [Leviticus 24:18,] that is, give another in the place of it. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 142.34
To the tenth I reply, “The law is holy, just and good;” “great peace have they that keep thy law, and nothing shall offend them.” ARSH September 3, 1857, page 142.35
The eleventh is as erroneous as the rest, for God says that Abraham kept his charge, his commandments, and his laws. Genesis 26:5. He could not have done it very well if there had been none to keep; therefore the law did exist. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 142.36
To the twelfth it is not necessary to bring much testimony. If there is no law now, then sin cannot be imputed, and the world at large stand acquitted, for where there is no law there is no transgression; and sin is defined to be the transgression of the law. Then there are no sinners, no need of Christ’s mediation for poor suppliants; but I conclude that T. W. is in darkness on this point, as nearly all the apostles have recognized the law, and spoken of it many years after the crucifixion. Not only so, but James says if any offend in one point he is guilty of all; that is, of breaking all the commandments. Then the Revelator in his benediction says, “Blessed are they that do his commandments, for they shall have right to the tree of life and enter in through the gates into the City.” While the gospel invites us to come, I would exhort T. W. to take his place with the commandment-keepers before the wine of the wrath of God is poured out on all the wicked. Here are they that keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. This could not be said if the fact did not exist. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 142.37
With the last declaration of T. W. I must agree; and sore indeed will be the rod on those that are found at last under the law, violating any of its divine precepts. They will mourn at the last when their flesh and bodies are consumed and cry, How have I hated instruction, and despised reproof. Theirs will be the sad lamentation, “The harvest is passed, the summer is ended, and I am not saved.” E. R. SEAMAN. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 142.38
Christ is able to help you, and as willing as he is able: prove him in every trial, put him to the test in your present distress. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 142.39
From Bro. Hall
BRO. SMITH: I have long felt a desire to communicate a few words to the dear saints scattered abroad, to let them know that I am still trying to hold on to the truth by keeping the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus. It is but little more than two years since I first heard the Third Angel’s Message, and commenced to keep the Sabbath of the Lord. Praise the Lord for that first time. Although I was young, and met with opposition on every hand, yet by strength from the God of Israel, and my sword in hand, which is the Word, I have been enabled to fight my way through, and now rejoice in hope of a glorious immortality at the appearing of Jesus. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 143.1
Dear brethren and sisters, what a glorious prospect there is before us. In a little from this we shall see Jesus coming with ten thousand bright angels to raise the sleeping saints, and change these vile bodies of ours, that they may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, and be caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the air, and so be forever with the Lord. We shall soon receive the never-fading crowns of glory from the hand of our blessed Saviour, and with harps of gold, sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, “Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.” Soon the faithful will pass through the pearly gates of the City whose streets are paved with gold, and there have right to the tree of life, whose leaves are for the healing of the nations, and drink of the water of the river of life, which flows from the midst of the Paradise of God. “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things are passed away.” All this for keeping the commandments of God. Praise the Lord, it is enough. I will try to keep his commandments, for they are holy, just and good. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 143.2
Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God is, that we all may be enabled to buy the gold tried in the fire that we may be rich, the white raiment, which is the righteousness of saints, that we may be clothed, and anoint our eyes with eye-salve that we may see. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 143.3
In hope.
BURT HALL.
Shelby, Mich., Aug. 16th, 1857.
ARSH September 3, 1857, page 143.4
From Sister Cryderman
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: Our little church all feel to rejoice that we ever heard the Third Angel’s Message, and for the religion that makes us feel such love to God and our brethren and sisters. We all praise God for the glorious work that he has done in this place. There was a great interest during Bro. Frisbie’s course of lectures, and there is still a great interest here. When Bro. Frisbie left, there were forty-four that were keeping the Sabbath, and there have three more embraced it since, which makes forty-seven believers in the present truth. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 143.5
For my own part I know that this is the work of the Lord; for God owns and blesses his dear children in receiving the message. I feel that in my soul which the world can neither give nor take away. Our weekly prayer-meeting last Tuesday evening was such as I never before attended. It seemed that the whole room was filled with the presence of God. Never did I feel so much of the love of God shed abroad in my heart as at this meeting. All praised God aloud. Brethren pray for us, that the faith we now have fail not. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 143.6
Yours striving for the kingdom.
CHARLOTTE CRYDERMAN.
North Brownville, Mich., Aug. 10th, 1857.
ARSH September 3, 1857, page 143.7
From Sister Rogers
BRO. SMITH: I am a stranger to you in person, but I trust not in spirit, for I do love the principles you advocate in the Review. Although I have been a reader of its pages but a short time, I can truly say its weekly visits are very welcome indeed. I feel encouraged and strengthened while reading the cheering communications from those of like precious faith, scattered up and down through the land. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 143.8
I desire to add my mite and to testify to the goodness of God to me. My companion and myself have for several years past kept aloof from sectarianism. We found nothing in the religion of the popular churches of the day to feed the hungry soul, and at last left them entirely. There was such confusion among them, one sect spiritualizing the Bible one way, and another sect another way, that they formed a perfect Babel. They made the Bible contradict itself, so that we laid it aside almost entirely. God forgive me, for I scarcely perused its sacred pages from one month to another. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 143.9
When the first loud cry went forth, “Fear God and give glory to him, for the hour of his judgment is come,” I heeded the cry, and rejoiced in a coming Saviour until the time went by. Then I suffered the cares of this world to draw me from God and heavenly things. When Spiritualism came up in this vicinity I encouraged it. It came into my family; two of my children were mediums. I had dear friends that were dead, beloved parents, and dear children, who pretended to converse with me. I was honest and sincere, hoping I had found something to guide me through this unfriendly world and arouse me from the lethargy into which I had fallen. Having laid aside my Bible, the only sure guide, I did not know they were the spirits of devils; but after a while we began to detect them in various ways, and bade them depart. My dear husband and myself were like a storm-tossed vessel, without chart or compass to guide us over the sea of life, when God in his infinite mercy sent a dear brother this way to open to us the Scriptures. Yes, blessed be God, Bro. Stewart came here last Winter, and his preaching was meat in due season to us. His labors were abundantly blessed in this place. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 143.10
With shame and deep contrition of heart would I confess my lukewarmness and backsliding from God. I do bless his great name that I have hope in his mercy. Yes, blessed be my Rock, and let the God of my salvation be praised, he has healed all my backslidings. I have taken my neglected Bible from the shelf, and cannot open it without seeing a beautiful harmony running through the whole of it. I can truly say, the darkness is passed, and the true light now shineth. O I praise God that I have heard the Third Angel’s Message. I do desire to buy gold tried in the fire, that I may be rich; white raiment, that I may be clothed; and eye-salve that I may see. O! Jesus has appeared to me of late the chiefest among ten thousand, the one altogether lovely. I long for the time to come when I shall see the King in his beauty. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 143.11
Dear brethren and sisters, shall we be able to stand in that great day, when Jesus comes with ten thousand of his saints to take vengeance on the ungodly? O let us put on the whole armor of God, that we may be able to stand. O let us earnestly seek the needed preparation, humble ourselves before God, seek to be clothed with the righteousness of Christ, that we may be hid in the day of his fierce anger. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 143.12
Yours in hope of a glorious immortality.
FANNY ROGERS.
Lendina, Wis, Aug. 19th, 1857.
ARSH September 3, 1857, page 143.13
Extracts from Letters
BRO. E. D. Place writes from La Porte, Ind., July 19th, 1857, BRO. SMITH: - Though our numbers are small, yet we are trying to keep God’s Law. We want some one to come here and preach to us. I think that much good might be done here if there should a way open for one to come, for like Simon the tanner, we want the truth. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 143.14
SISTER S. Geroull writes from North Brownville, Mich., Aug. 12th, 1857: “I have been keeping the Sabbath of the Lord about two months, and can truly say that from the time I commenced I have enjoyed much of the love of God in my heart. I feel as if I had but a short time to get ready to meet the Saviour in peace. We still continue our prayer-meetings, and in so doing gain new vigor to act in obedience to God’s commands. I feel as if I needed a great deal of strength in these days of trouble. God is separating his people from the world that they may get ready for the seal.” ARSH September 3, 1857, page 143.15
Sister H. Bryant writes from North Brownville, Mich., Aug. 12th, 1857: “I enjoy my mind well, and feel thankful that I ever heard the blessed truths of the Third Angel’s Message. It seems that God is with us to own and bless whenever we meet to worship him. Thank God for what he has done for me and my family. O pray for me that I may ever be found faithful.” ARSH September 3, 1857, page 143.16
Afflictions may press me, they cannot destroy,
One glimpse of his love turns them all into joy;
And bitterest tears, if he smile but on them,
Like dew in the sunshine, grow diamond and gem.
ARSH September 3, 1857, page 143.17
Let doubt, then, and danger, my progress oppose,
They only make heaven more sweet at its close;
Come joy or come sorrow, whate’er may befall,
An hour with my God will make up for them all.”
ARSH September 3, 1857, page 143.18
BRO. B. F. Colvin writes from Bingham, Pa., Aug. 1857: - “I am still striving for the kingdom. I am still trying to honor the Lord by keeping all his Commandments; and trying to be ready to meet Jesus by having all his faith and testimonies. I have not heard any preaching by Sabbath-keepers in a long time. I have of late applied the admonitions to the Laodicean church to myself. I am striving by the grace of God to repent and be zealous to obtain the eyesalve that I may see, the gold that I may be rich, and the white raiment that I may be clothed.” ARSH September 3, 1857, page 143.19
SELECTIONS
Thoughts Connected with the Practical Duties of Religious Life
THE hidden life, which God imparts to his accepted people, may flourish in solitudes and deserts; far from the societies of men and the din and disturbance of cities. From the cave of the hermit, from the cell of the solitary recluse, the fervent prayer has often arisen, which has been acceptable in the sight of God. But it would be a strange and fatal misconception, that religion, even in its most pure and triumphant exaltations, can flourish no where else. The home of holiness is in the heart, irrespective of outward situations and alliances; and therefore we may expect to find it, if there are hearts adapted to its reception and growth, in the haunts of business as well as in the silence of retirement; in the palaces of Rome as well as in the deserts of the Thebais. It is a fatal mistake to suppose that we cannot be holy except on the condition of a situation and circumstances in life such as shall suit ourselves. It is one of the first principles of holiness to leave our times and our places, our going out and our coming in, our wasted and our goodly heritage, entirely with the Lord. Here, O Lord, thou hast placed us, and we will glorify thee here. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 143.20
In the agitations of the present life, beset and perplexed as we are with troubles, how natural it is to seek earnestly some place of rest. And hence it is that we so often reveal our cares and perplexities to our fellow-men, and seek comfort and support from that source. But the sanctified soul, having experienced the uncertainty of all human aids, turns instinctively to the great God. And hiding itself in the presence and protection of the divine existence, it reposes there, as in a strong tower which no enemies can conquer, and as an everlasting rock which no floods can wash away. It knows the instructive import of that sublime exclamation of the Psalmist, (Psalm 62:5,) “My soul, wait thou ONLY upon God; for my expectation is from him.” ARSH September 3, 1857, page 143.21
The Life of Faith
THE life of faith is the noblest, richest, most contented, easiest, truest life of all. It is the noblest life; for it takes the soul out of the house of Adam and carries it into the household of God: it makes the soul forget its father’s house, and unites it to the King of Glory. And then it is the pleasantest, the choicest excellency, and highest felicity; it is often wrapt up in the third heaven, to take its repast in inexpressible glory; it walks in the paths of pleasantness, and under all the heats of troubles and afflictions, it shades itself under the arbor of paradise. And then it is the richest life; if our desires be according to our wants, it is impossible we should want above what we desire. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 143.22
Grace only shall Enter Heaven
GRACES are the very courtiers of heaven, those who wait upon Christ in his privy chamber. Honor, riches, credit, and the like may do below; you may keep out your betters here, but in the palace of the King of Glory, you must stand by for ever. It is only faith, love, humility and the like, that shall have admittance into his presence. All are not qualified for such a presence. You may stand and wait at the gates, but I can tell you, there is a special command gone forth, that none but grace and holiness shall enter into the kingdom of heaven: therefore you may receive your answer if you please. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 143.23
Wakefield’s Translation
“THAT ye may be blameless and uncorrupt, spotless children of God, amidst a crooked and twisted race.” Philippians 2:15. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 143.24
“Let your reasonableness be known unto all men.” Philippians 4:5. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 143.25
“Be ambitious of peace, and to mind your own business.” 1 Thessalonians 4:11. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 143.26
Verse 18. “Encourage each other with these doctrines.” ARSH September 3, 1857, page 143.27
You cannot trust man too little, nor God too much. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 143.28
Every trial says, Go to Jesus: go now. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 143.29
Every danger makes way for a new salvation; and every salvation is a new proof of God’s faithfulness, kindness and care. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 143.30
THE REVIEW AND HERALD
BATTLE CREEK, FIFTH-DAY, SEPT. 3, 1857.
BRO. J. N. Loughborough makes a request in which we heartily concur. Will the brethren note it and act upon it. It is as follows: “I wish the brethren would take hold and write more for the Review. I think it would make the paper more interesting.” ARSH September 3, 1857, page 144.1
THE manuscript for the continuation of Bro. Waggoner’s Review of Sabbath Lectures, was received just too late for this number. An article from Bro. Loughborough, entitled, “Circumstantial Evidence. Who Changed the Sabbath?” will appear soon. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 144.2
FROM a private letter from Bro. R. F. Cottrell we take the liberty to make the following extract: “How disgusting the pride we meet with everywhere. And those that profess the truth are not free. Where are the imitators of Jesus? What would be too dear to sacrifice, could I but find them! But here I am, and I long for home. All things will be right there. I will hope in God that his saints will soon be delivered from this body of sin and death. But what am I doing? When I can live no longer without it, I will write for the paper again on pride.” ARSH September 3, 1857, page 144.3
BE careful, brethren, that you do not get on the Babylonish garment, instead of the wedding one. The former need not be mistaken for the latter, and be assured it will not answer as a substitute. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 144.4
Meetings at Monterey
SABBATH and First-day, Aug. 22nd and 23rd, we were with the church in Monterey. Brn. came in from a few towns around, and filled their new house of worship full. We spoke twice both days, in much weakness, however, in consequence of being much exhausted with labor and care before leaving home. But the Lord manifested himself powerfully both days. At the close of the last meeting most of the congregation wept freely. We then went to the water where nine were baptized. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 144.5
Our hearts are strongly united with God’s dear people in that vicinity. While we have tried to minister to them in spiritual things, they have freely ministered to us in carnal things. May the Lord help us and them so to strive together in the gospel, that a reward may finally be gained in the kingdom of God. J. W. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 144.6
Choice Gems
The following beautiful thoughts have been selected and sent in to us by various correspondents, for which they have our thanks. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 144.7
THE worst load is a heavy heart. The worst enemy is sin; and the worst evil is the anger of God. The best book is the Bible; the best home is heaven, and the very best news that ever came into the world is that Jesus Christ came to save sinners. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 144.8
THE burdens and trials of life should be borne with patience, firmness, composure, humility, with faith and prayer. We should labor with zeal, but without emulation, with constancy and perseverance, but without obstinacy. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 144.9
VALUABLE thoughts are like flocks of birds, that fly away unless you make sure of them. So spread your net for them, or they will escape you. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 144.10
OUR manner of presenting the truth should be as in teaching the youth, winning, agreeable, loving, condescending, free from ostentation or vanity, free from banter or defiance, but still ardent and zealous. Teach and instruct, understandingly, wisely, with clearness. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 144.11
WHEN certain persons abuse us, let us ask ourselves what description of character it is that they admire. We shall often find this a very consolatory question. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 144.12
HE that has energy enough in his constitution to root out a vice, should go a little farther, and try to plant in a virtue in its place; otherwise he will have his labor to renew. A strong soil that has produced weeds, may be made to produce wheat with far less difficulty than it would cost to make it produce nothing. - C. C. Cotton. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 144.13
“And Forgive us our Debts as We Forgive our Debtors.” Matthew 6:12. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 144.14
“I CAN forgive, but cannot easily forget,” says one, who hopes in the Saviour, “it is so hard to forget an injury, especially when intended, and so aggravated as this. To be so treated by my friend, one in whom I confided, and just the person I had chosen as more true than most of the selfish crowd. Alas! alas! how can I forget. I think of it and brood over it, and how can I help it?” Such feelings are often expressed, and oftener felt. Such is the language of the carnal (fleshly) mind, of which the believer must be purged. “I cannot forget,” or in other words, “I do not forgive.” O, how dangerous is such a state of heart. Dare any one ask Jehovah to forgive thus? Would we have God to brood in silence over our ungrateful disobedience? Would heaven be a Paradise, if God beheld his saints with all our offences still in view casting a fearful shadow backward to a world of woe? Could the New Jerusalem be a happy place, even with its pearly gates, its rapturous music, its golden pavement, transparent with light from the throne of God? No, truly, a place of sorrow would it be if all our sins are to be remembered. Not thus does God forgive. His pardon is full and free, no reproach, nor upbraiding, but reconciliation and love. The pardoned rebel is placed upon the same ground as though he had never sinned. A new robe, white and clean, is put upon him, even the righteousness of Christ. He is admitted to see the beauties of the scheme of redemption in the word of God, while the works of creation and providence are unfolded in the clear light of the renewed mind. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 144.15
Shall I forgive my enemy, who under the cloak of candor hides the deadly weapon of slander? ARSH September 3, 1857, page 144.16
As Christ prayed for his enemies who nailed him to the wood, and as Stephen prayed for his cruel murderers, “Father, forgive them,” so let us daily nourish patience, forbearance, compassion and love; and as trials encompass us around, strength and grace will be granted. Then we triumphant over self, banishing malice and pride, love being the ruling principle of the heart, will love our enemies, and from the heart will pray, “Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.” ARSH September 3, 1857, page 144.17
J. CLARKE.
Portage, Wood Co., Ohio.
Holy
WEBSTER’S definition of this word is, “Perfectly pure, and complete in moral character, as God.” No one will dispute the correctness of this definition. Now read 1 Corinthians 16:20. “Greet ye one another with a holy kiss.” Here comes two Brn. perhaps, one a chewer, and the other a smoker of tobacco, both otherwise fair, it may be. They keep the Sabbath, but alas, the greeting. Ugh! I ask, can such comply with Paul’s exhortation? What have we come to! an age of tobacco! tobacco! TOBACCO! in the mouth, in the nose, on the lips, on the beard, its taint in the breath, and the blood, in the air, borne on the winds; the store, the shop, the kitchen, the parlor, rendolent with its fumes, and to cap the climax, the breath of the saints. Can it be? No, surely. Again I ask, must it be? can it be?
J. CLARKE.
Portage, Wood Co., Ohio.
ARSH September 3, 1857, page 144.18
Remedy for Moths
“LAY not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.” ARSH September 3, 1857, page 144.19
NEARER
ONE sweetly solemn thought
Comes to me o’er and o’er:
I’m nearer my home to-day
Than ever I’ve been before;
Nearer my Father’s house,
Where the many mansions be;
Nearer the great white throne,
Nearer the jasper sea;
Nearer that bound of life
Where we lay our burdens down;
Nearer leaving my cross,
Nearer wearing my crown. - Sel.
ARSH September 3, 1857, page 144.20
Business Items
Hannah Curtis: - We continue your paper. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 144.21
M. Borden: - You are credited on book for Vol. V, of the INSTRUCTOR. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 144.22
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 September 3, 1857, page 144.23
L. Crosby 2,00,xii,1. R. Allen 1,00,xi,1. C. S. Glover (50 cts. each for G. Sheldon and Wm. Summer) 1,00, each to xi,18. J. Kimble 1,00,xii,1. H. Curtis 1,00,xi,1. Jas. W. Cole 1,00,xi,1. Jas. Nichols 2,00,xi,1. Thos. T. Brown 1,00,x,18. Wm. Mills 1,00,x,1. H. Barr 1,00,xi,1. E. B. Hibbard 1,00,x,1. M. Johnson 1,00,xii,1. D. Hall 1,00,xiii,1. A. Preston 1,00,xi,10. Wm. Gleason 0,50,xi,1. A. Gilbert 1,00,xi,18. M. Borden 0,25,xi,1. M. Lamberton 1,00,xi,18. J. W. Learned 2,00,xii,1. L. D. Weaver 1,00,x,12. Wm. Hafer 1,00,xi,19. M. A. Walters 1,00,xi,14. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 144.24
FOR REVIEW TO POOR. - Jas. Cramer $1,34. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 144.25
FOR MICH. TENT. - E. A. Morse $1. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 144.26
FOR POWER PRESS. - J. D. Morton (pd.) $50. H. Gardner (pd.) $25. S. Rumery $25. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 144.27
Books for Sale at this Office. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 144.28
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 September 3, 1857, page 144.29
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 September 3, 1857, page 144.30
Sabbath Tracts, Nos. 1, 2, 3 & 4. This work presents a condensed view of the entire Sabbath question. - 184 pages. Price 15 cents. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 144.31
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 September 3, 1857, page 144.32
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 September 3, 1857, page 144.33
A Brief Exposition of Daniel 2, 7, 8, 9, also the 2300 Days and the Sanctuary. - This is the title of a Work just published, it being our old Work on the Four Universal Monarchies of Daniel, etc., somewhat improved. Price, post-paid, 10 cts. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 144.34
The Two-horned Beast of Revelation 13, a Symbol of the United States. - Price 10 cts. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 144.35
The Sanctuary and 2300 days by J. N. A. - Price 12 1/2 cents. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 144.36
A Refutation of the claims of Sunday-keeping to Divine Authority; also, the History of the Sabbath. - Price, 6 cents. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 144.37
The Atonement. This work opens a wide field of Bible truth, and will be found a valuable assistant in the study of the great theme on which it treats. - 196 pp. - 18 cents. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 144.38
Man not Immortal: the only Shield against the Seductions of Modern Spiritualism. We commend this work on the Immortality question, as an able discussion of the subject. - 148 pp. - 12 1/2 cents. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 144.39
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 September 3, 1857, page 144.40
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 September 3, 1857, page 144.41
The Bible Class. This work contains 52 Lessons on the Law of God and the Faith of Jesus, with questions. It is peculiarly adapted to the wants of those of every age who are unacquainted with our views of these subjects, especially the young. - Bound 25 cents. Paper covers, 18 cents. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 144.42
The 2300 Days and Sanctuary by “U. S.” - Price 5 cents. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 144.43
Why Don’t you Keep the Sabbath? Extracts from Catholic works. - Price 5 cents. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 144.44
History of the Sabbath. - Price 5 cents. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 144.45
The Celestial Railroad. - Price 5 cents. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 144.46
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 September 3, 1857, page 144.47
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 September 3, 1857, page 144.48
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 September 3, 1857, page 144.49
The Bible Sabbath, or a careful selection from the publications of the American Sabbath Tract Society, including their History of the Sabbath. Price 10 cts. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 144.50
Perpetuity of the Royal Law. - Price 5 cents. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 144.51
Christian Experience and Views, - Price 6 cents. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 144.52
Last Work of the True Church. - Price 7 cents. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 144.53
Supplement to Experience and Views. - Price 6 cents. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 144.54
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 September 3, 1857, page 144.55
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 September 3, 1857, page 144.56
A Word for the Sabbath. - Price 5 cts. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 144.57
The above named books will be sent by Mail post-paid, at their respective prices. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 144.58
When not sent by mail, liberal discount on packages of not less than $5 worth. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 144.59
All orders, to insure attention, must be accompanied with the cash except they be from Agents or traveling preachers. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 144.60
Address URIAH SMITH, Battle Creek, Mich. ARSH September 3, 1857, page 144.61