I WAS the invited guest of one whose home resembled a palace. Wealth, beauty, and magnificence were displayed in every department. Passing up the long, shady avenue, trees, plants, and flowers, arrayed with artistic skill met my gaze. There thought I are the beautiful gifts of God, here trained to adorn and please. The door of the reception room stood open to receive me, and as I passed in I was nearly bewildered by the splendor that surrounded me. I looked upon my plain garb and thought how unfitted am I to appear in such a place as this. Why am I here? For a moment I almost regretted that my dress was plain, but instantly the words of that man of God came to my relief, "Let not your adorning be outward adorning" and I prayed, Lead me not into temptation. So busied was I with these reflections I did not observe the presence of another, until the mistress of so much splendor approached and extended her hand coldly, while her eye meaningfully scanned my plain attire. I felt the crimson tide rushing to my cheeks, my sensitive feelings were deeply pained by her cold and critical manner. Again the temptation arose, and yet thought I, "Is the servant greater than his master?" "He was despised and rejected of men." After the lapse of a few moments I was ushered into the spacious parlour and presented with freezing dignity to the other guests, and vainly did I look for one true smile of welcome. The formality and worldliness of the conversation soon wearied me. I felt I had no part nor lot in the matter.95Presently a little child came bounding into the room. She seemed full of joy and love, and went
freely about seeming to delight in the beauty of her home. Soon she glided up to her mother and said "Anna wants to hear the music." As the other guests, went to the music room, I went out into the verandah and seated myself in an obscure corner to listen unobserved to the sweet strains of music. Anna missing me, returned to the parlor, and soon discovered my retreat. Putting her little hand in mine she said "Come and hear the music, don't you love music?" Yes darling, I replied but I can hear it better here. "So you can," she answered, "and then you can see the flowers, and trees too. Oh, I am so happy." Why are you happy I asked, "Because this is my home, and I shall always live here with the birds, and flowers, and hear the music." Her innocent words stirred a deep fountain in my soul, as I thought, this world is beautiful. It contains many mansions adorned with everything mortals can desire, yet with joy I can say, it is not my home. In my Father's house are many mansions, and Christ has gone to prepare a place for me. The beauty of that place, it has never entered the heart of man to conceive. The streets are pure gold, as it were transparent glass. The twelve gates are twelve pearls. It hath no need of the sun, nor of the moon to lighten it, for the Lamb is the light thereof. There shall be no night there, and God our Father shall wipe away all tears from our eyes. We shall stand upon the sea of glass with the harps of God in our hand, and sing the song of Moses and the Lamb. God shall lead us to fountains of living waters. O! the beauty and grandeur of that home, who can even faintly describe it? Oh! the music, the soul-ravishing music of heaven. What will it be when the great multitude of people whom no man can number, of all nations, kindred and tongues, who have come up out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb, shall join their voices in that soul-thrilling song of victory? What will that song be? Its surpassing harmony will fill the arches of heaven. Methinks angels will listen with rapture to its glorious, and lofty strains. Not one that overcometh will remain silent. Our voices will be tuned by the great Author of harmony.
How these thoughts thrill my heart. How earth and earthly beauty sink in comparison. How earthly fame, honor, and glory, dwindle into insignificance and are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us. All that is evil in us will be forever cast out; and we shall be like the blessed Son of God. Come, then, sorrow, pain, persecution. Come derision and shame. I welcome you all, and am willing to have my name cast out as evil, and to become a pilgrim and a stranger; for these things endure but for a moment, but our Father's house of many mansions abideth forever.
M. F. MAXSON.
Adams Centre, N. Y.
Perilous Times.
THE present time is productive of strange and surprising events. It is prolific of revolutions. Our country is resounding with war and alarm, and a million of Northern and Southern men are engaged in a deadly conflict. Meanwhile all Europe is threatened with one tremendous revolution, growing out of our own, which will shake thrones to their foundations. In Russia, China, Italy, and other kingdoms of the East, the hand of revolution is also busy.
The whole world is more or less filled with apprehension and commotion. There is an unsettled state of things among the nations of earth. Revolutions spring up in a day; and there is a great waking up among many, that the great day of God, and the great battle of the Last Day are at hand. Among a certain class there is a great looking for those things which are coming on the earth. "Behold, he cometh with clouds, and every eye shall see him." There are no signs of a good time coming this side of the everlasting kingdom of God. But there are signs of the distress of nations with perplexity, a general time of trouble, such as was not since the world began. For all the tribes of the earth shall mourn when the sign of the Son of man appears in heaven, and they shall see him "coming with power and great glory." Then the rich men, kings, and mighty men, who have been wanton, who have nourished their hearts as in the day of slaughter, will cry for rocks and mountains to fall upon them, to hide them from the "face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb."
We are rapidly approaching an awful and grand crisis in human affairs. We can look with safety for the more full development of the signs—the distress of nations, the gluttony of the present generation, their gratification of pleasures, their hoarding up of the treasures of this world, the oppressing of the poor;—when they have done every evil thing that the Devil puts into their hearts, and have fulfilled the word of God, then will appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven. Then all the tribes of the earth will see him coming in the clouds. The dead will be raised, the righteous living will be changed to immortality, and the whole Church of God with their divine Lord be forever safe.
In the midst of these last days of revolution, and distress of nations, and perils on every hand, let us, brethren, look to a higher source than man for help and grace to be kept from the spirit of the world, the flesh and the Devil; that we may be preserved blameless unto the day of the Lord Jesus. To drink into the spirit of this age, and to go with the world now, is like approaching the cataract; though the waters glide smoothly and noiselessly above the fall, yet just ahead, a little in the distance, is an awful gulf, down, down into the deep and fathomless abyss beneath, from whence there is no return. The whirlpool of this world is drawing thousands and millions down to perdition. Therefore let us mind the injunction of the Saviour—"What I say unto you, I say unto you all, WATCH!"—Crisis, California.
The Body-guard of Angels
Selected for the Review.
The Body-guard of Angels.
A KING'S court is his body-guard of honor, his soldiers a body-guard of service and defense. While these guards denote the rank of majesty, majesty distinguishes them with peculiar honor. In the entire realm, no person is of more importance than the king, therefore he must be protected at all points: his person from all accidents, his life from all plots and assassinations.
His person is sacred, therefore no one may approach him to touch him or even to speak to him without the grace and the honor of a special condescension of the king. His crown is too glittering a jewel; his throne, his kingdom, his power, all prizes too vast and precious to be periled by unguarded exposure to ambition's fiery and clutching greed. History is too much a record of fearful tragedies of crowned heads, not to raise the warning cry of danger, danger, to them all.
According to the Bible, Christians are kings. Their kingdom is not of this world, it is true—theirs is the heavenly—their crowns are not corruptible, but eternal—their inheritance undefiled, and that fadeth not away. In this world the Christian is passing onward to that glorious possession. Every step of his progress is surrounded with dangers, ruinous and fatal—he is liable to surprises and temptations—to injuries, losses, and great tribulations.
Enemies, powerful, subtle, and unceasingly vigilant, throng about his path to beat him back, and spoil him of his heavenly honors. Could he but for one day see the full extent, or for one hour realize the stupendous forces that are marshaled against him, not only to hinder his full attainment, but to compass his complete perdition, he would quail, turn and fly, unless held onward by an Omnipotent power.
But in this perilous journey—this momentous conflict—this struggle for an immortality in the blessedness of the eternal glory, the Christian is not left unaided and alone. No, not for one moment is he left to himself. Even when asleep, when overborne by toil, long watching, earnest battling, he lies down to rest to rise again with fresh zeal and fervor to carry onward the great purpose of salvation, angels are compassed about him. A great host—a body-guard of sleepless seraphim with swords of fire, close around to defend and preserve the heir of God—the joint-heir with Christ. The Christian has not happened by mere good adventure to reach a country, a city, a dwelling-place of angels, which, passing on to-morrow, he must leave, and also his "hosts," behind; but they are appointed to wait upon them to the last end. Where he sojourns, they encamp; where he dwells, they tarry round about; they build no palace for themselves, they found no cities for their homes, they have no more attachment to any place on the footstool than the army marching across the desert in a great campaign would think of staying or building in that desert—the camp of angels is a camp in motion—on the wing—going always with the soul destined to the kingdom of eternal life.
David, as he went, felt borne up in their hands, lest his foot should be dashed against a stone. Elisha saw them with his very eyes riding in chariots of fire, out-numbering the hosts of the enemy around him by a great multitude—they were there to protect him, and were really around him, and in as great numbers when the natural eye did not perceive them as when it did. Daniel among the lions was surrounded with them, and the lions touched him not, but crouched only at his feet in their presence. The three in the furnace of fire stood upright with the Prince of angels himself, and he defended them so that the natural fire could not strike its flames against them, to crisp even one hair of their heads. Peter, Paul, Silas, and others, placed in inner dungeons, fastened to stocks and racks, found angels around them too. These ministering spirits—O with what love did they take the fetters off, with what joy did they throw wide open the barred and bolted gates, and as they trod the pavement, how the earth quaked beneath their feet. Voyaging on the deep, dashed and driven on and off by billow and storm, the angels never left Paul to a shipwreck's fate. Patmos was the camping place of angels so long as John was an exile there. And so, in all events, in all places, in all times and ages, the angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him. "They are ministering spirits," sent to minister unto all them who shall be heirs of salvation, to protect, defend, and uphold those whom Christ hath made kings and priests unto God.
Monthly Meeting in N. Y.
Bro. White: We had the privilege of attending the last monthly meeting at Roosevelt. Bro. Arnold gave us an interesting rehearsal of the past Advent history, and pointed out what was before us, and the preparation necessary to meet it. After this we repaired to a small lake, where three were baptized by Bro. Edson, the elder of the church. The meeting closed by attending to the ordinances. I trust it was a profitable meeting to all present.
It was then voted that the next monthly meeting for Central N. Y. be held at Kirkville, Onondaga Co., N. Y., Sept. 5.
In behalf of the church. H. Gardner.
Testimony from Durand
Bro. Jno. Leland writes from Durand, Ills. I embraced the present truth under the preaching of Bro. Loughborough, at the tent near Harrison Ills. in 1861. I greatly rejoice in the light which has shone around my path since. I love the Review, and especially the letters from the scattered ones They are a feast to me. I love all God's people. I have not the privilege at present of meeting with any of them, but would bear my testimony to them through the Review. I feel very unworthy of a place with them. But Jesus is worthy, and I am striving to overcome through his blood and the word of my testimony. I am thankful to God for sending Brn. Loughborough and Sanborn so near me that I could hear the truth on those subjects upon which I so much desired light. May God bless them abundantly, and grant that we may all share in the saints' inheritance is my prayer.
Cultivating the Beautiful
By cultivating the beautiful, we scatter the seeds of heavenly flowers: by doing good, we foster those already belonging to humanity.—Sel.
The Fountain of Life
CHRISTIANS are often employed in digging wells to find comfort, and the deeper they go the darker they get; the Fountain of life, salvation, and comfort, is above; call upon thy God, and look up, and the light of his love will soon cheer thee.
Appointments.
Eld. Isaac Sanborn will begin meetings in Knoxville, Iowa, Aug. 21st, at 7 o'clock P. M. and remain over Sabbath and first day. We hope the brethren will have all arrangements made for a good meeting.
B. F. SNOOK,
D. WEAVER,
D. ANDRE,
Conf. Com.
Bro. Byington's appointment at Woodhull or Locke, is Aug. 29, instead of Aug. 22.
Eld. Sanborn will hold meetings with the brethren near Eddyville, Iowa, beginning on Thursday evening, Sept. 3, at early candle light. Also will begin meetings in Washington on Friday evening, Sept. 11, at early candle light. It is hoped that the brethren and friends of the cause will make earnest efforts to prepare for, and attend, the above meetings.
Iowa Con. Com.
Business Department.
RECEIPTS.
For Review and Herald.
Annexed to each receipt in the following list, is the Volume and Number of the REVIEW & 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.
W. Gleason 2,00,xxiii,1. L. M. Haven 1,00,xxiv,10. S. L. Judd 2,00,xxiv,11. E. Metcalf 1,00,xxiii,11. G. Parsons 1,00,xxiv,11. I. Warner 1,00,xxiii,11. E. Stone 2,00,xxiv,5. M. E. Lockwood for E. C. Bush 1,50,xxiv,1. S. Simonds 1,50,xxiv,1. J. Andrews 2,00,xxiii,1. J. H. Mallory 1,00,xxiii,1. W. W. Wellman 1,00,xxiv,9. F. Rosseau 1,00,xxiii,17. S. Conery 1,00,xxiii,11. A. Hurlburt 2,00,xxiii,1. E. A. Poole 2,00,xxiv,13. J. Howlett 1,00,xxiii,1. J. E. Titus 1,00,xxiii,1. W. S. Urquhart 2,00,xxiv,13. Mrs. M. M. Nelson 2,00,xxiv,5. W. James for A. S. Wright 0,50,xxiii,11. H. Salsbury 1,00,xxiv,2. Mrs. E.M. Mansfield 1,00,xxiv,11. W.J. Wilson 2,00,xxiii,17. Victor Weed 3,00,xxiii,10. W. F. Arnold 2,00,xx,1. E. M. Kimball 3,00,xxiv,1. S. T. Chamberlain 2,00,xxiii,14. Mary Palmer 1,00,xxiii,1. A. W. Snyder 3,50,xxiii,14. J. Edson 2,00,xxiv,1. Miss A. C. Hudson 0,50,xxiii,1. E. M. Kilgore 2,00,xxiv,5. Sarah Axtell 2,00,xxiii,5. S. N. Walsworth 2,00,xxiv,11. S. G. Corey for G. J. Palmiter 1,00,xxiii,11. F. F. Lamoreaux 1,00,xxiv,1. John Teman 1,00,xxiii,5. B. Simonton 2,00,xxiv,14. Eliza Wood 1,00,xxiv,12. A. R. Austin 2,00,xxiii,21. L. Gould 1,00,xxv,1. Mrs. John Avery 1,00,xxiv,11. W.H. Ball 2,00,xxiv,7. Edwin Cutts 0,50,xxiii,11. Mrs. C. A. Hawes 1,00,xxiv,1. S. B. McLaughlin 1,00,xxiii,6. J. Young 1,00,xxiii,12. E. Bartlett 1,00,xxiii,11. J. H. Rogers 1,00,xxii,8. S. Babcock 5,00,xxiv,1. A. W. Chaffee 1,00,xx,1. C. H. Barrows 1,00,xxiii,1. L. Hacket 1,00,xxiii,7. J. H. Heggie 2,00,xxiii,19. J. G. Sanders 1,00,xxiii,18. G. Kimball 2,00,xxiii,1. S. D. Barr 1,00,xxiii,1. W. W. Lockwood 1,00,xxiii,1.
For Shares in Publishing Association.
S. Babcock $10. Mrs. S. J. Babcock $10.
Cash Received on Account.
Ohio tent committee $10. Ch. at Tyrone $8,77. W. W. Lockwood $3,70. B. F. Snook $12. Joseph Clarke $5. W. H. Brinkerhoff $5. Emma Decker 20c. N. Fuller $15.
For New Charts.
W. E. Caviness $3. J. N. Loughborough $10. C. P. Buckland $10. W. G. Buckland $5.
General Conference Missionary Fund.
Ch. at Princeville, Ills., $10. A. Hurlbutt $5. E. P. Osgood $2. B. M. Osgood $1,53. M. J. Chapman S. B., 50c. Ch. at Washington, N. H., $32.
For Bro. Snook.
J. Spangler $10. Ellen Chamberlain $3. A. W. Snyder $5. D. S. E. $10. C. C. Aldrich, S. B., $5.—Due $206 on the $400.
Books Sent By Mail.
Leonard Marsh 65c. S. McIntosh 25c. B. M. Osgood $1,22. Mary Osgood 25c. C. E. Hahn 75c. L. Johnson $1. C. Pennoyer 50c. J. E. Titus $1,31. E. O. Edson 95c. W. E. Caviness 20c. J. L. Kilgore $1. Mrs. C. E. Austin $1,60. L. H. Roberts 50c. A. W. Smith $1. W. Caviness 15c. S. Zinn $1. Amos Cross $2,50.
Books Sent By Express.
J. N. Loughborough, Newport, N. H., $31,88.
PUBLICATIONS.
The law requires the pre-payment of postage on Bound Books, four cents for the first four ounces, or fractional part thereof, and an additional four cents for the next four ounces, or fractional part thereof, and so on. On pamphlets and tracts, two cents for each four ounces, or fractional part thereof. Orders, to secure attention, must be accompanied with the cash. Address ELDER JAMES WHITE, Battle Creek, Michigan.
History of the Sabbath, (in paper covers), . . . 40 10
The Bible from Heaven, . . . 25 5
The Three Angels of Rev. xiv, 6 12, particularly the Third Angel's Message, and the Two-horned Beast, . . . 15 4
Sabbath Tracts, numbers one, two, three, and four, . . . 15 4
Hope of the Gospel, or Immortality the gift of God, . . . 15 4
Which? Mortal or Immortal? or an inquiry into the present constitution and future condition of man, . . . 15 4
Modern Spiritualism; its Nature and Tendency, . . . 15 4
The Kingdom of God; a Refutation of the doctrine called, Age to Come, . . . 15 4
Miraculous Powers, . . . 15 4
Pauline Theology, or the Christian Doctrine of Future Punishment as taught in the epistles of Paul, . . . 15 4
Review of Seymour. His Fifty Questions Answered, . . . 10 3
Prophecy of Daniel: The Four Universal Kingdoms the Sanctuary and Twenty-three Hundred Days, . . . 10 3
The Saints' Inheritance. The Immortal Kingdom located on the New Earth, . . . 10 3
Signs of the Times, showing that the Second Coming of Christ is at the door, . . . 10 3
Law of God. The testimony of both Testaments, showing its origin and perpetuity, . . . 10 3
Vindication of the true Sabbath, by J. W. Morton, late Missionary to Hayti, . . . 10 3
Review of Springer on the Sabbath, Law of God, and first day of the week, . . . 10 3
Facts for the Times. Extracts from the writings of eminent authors, Ancient and Modern, . . . 10 3
Miscellany. Seven Tracts in one book on the Second Advent and the Sabbath, . . . 10 3
Christian Baptism. Its Nature, Subjects, and Design, . . . 10 3
The Seven Trumpets. The Sounding of the seven Trumpets of Revelation viii and ix, . . . 10 2
The Fate of the Transgressor, or a short argument on the First and Second Deaths, . . . 5 2
Matthew xxiv. A Brief Exposition of the Chapter, . . . 5 2
Assistant. The Bible Student's Assistant, or a Compend of Scripture references, . . . 5 1
Truth Found. A short argument for the Sabbath, with an Appendix, "The Sabbath not a Type," . . . 5 1
The Two Laws and Two Covenants, . . . 5 1
An Appeal for the restoration of the Bible Sabbath in an address to the Baptists, . . . 5 1
Review of Crozier on the Institution, Design, and Abolition of the Seventh-day Sabbath, . . . 5 1
Review of Fillio. A reply to a series of discourses delivered by him in Battle Creek on the Sabbath question, . . . 5 1
Milton on the State of the Dead, . . . 5 1
Brown's Experience. Consecration--Second Advent, . . . 5 1
Report of General Conference held in Battle Creek, June, 1859, Address on Systematic Benevolence, &c., . . . 5 1
Sabbath Poem. False Theories Exposed, . . . 5 1
Illustrated Review. A Double Number of the REVIEW AND HERALD Illustrated, . . . 5 1
Nature and Obligation of the Sabbath of the Fourth Commandment. Apostasy and perils of the last days,
In German, . . . 5 1
" Holland, . . . 5 1
French. A Pamphlet on the Sabbath, . . . 5 1
" " " " Dan. ii, and vii, . . . 5 1
ONE CENT TRACTS. The Seven Seals—The Two Laws—Reasons for Sunday-keeping Examined—Personality of God—Wesley on the Law—Judson on Dress—Appeal on Immortality.
TWO CENT TRACTS. Institution of the Sabbath—Sabbath by Elihu—Infidelity and Spiritualism—War and Sealing—Who Changed the Sabbath—Preach the Word—Death and Burial—Much in Little.
THREE CENT TRACTS. Dobney on the Law—Milton on the State of the Dead—Scripture References.
Bound Books.
The figures set to the following Bound Books include both the price of the Book and the postage.
The Hymn Book, 464 pages, and 122 pieces of music, . . . 80 "
" " " with Sabbath Lute, . . . $1,00
" " " Calf Binding, . . . 1,00
" " " " with Lute, . . . 1,30
History of the Sabbath, in one volume, bound Part I, Bible History Part II, Secular History, . . . 80 "
Spiritual Gifts Vol. I, or the Great Controversy between Christ and his angels, and Satan and his angels, . . . 50 "
Spiritual Gifts Vol. II. Experience, Views and Incidents in connection with the Third Message, . . . 50 "
Scripture Doctrine of Future Punishment. By H. H. Dobney, Baptist Minister of England, . . . 75 "
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.
The Chart. A Pictorial Illustration of the Visions of Daniel and John, 20 by 25 inches. Price 15 cents. On rollers, post-paid, 75 cts.
Note from Bro. Cornell.
By M. E. Cornell
BRO. WHITE : The interest of this meeting is still good, though the people are slow to decide fully. Only fourteen have been baptized. About as many more we expect will go forward. We have decided to stay yet another seven days, for the following reasons:
1. Their spring wheat and oat harvest is now on hand. 2. There are many that are yet undecided. 3. There are several that want to be baptized, but could not be yesterday on account of a death in the neighborhood. Bro. McConnell's daughter died suddenly. He and his wife had been Methodists, but the minister and part of the trustees refused their house for the funeral. The Congregationalists opened their house, so I had many new hearers. Prejudice gave away anew. The course of the Methodists in refusing their house has disgusted the people much, and is deciding the course for many of their numbers.
We now expect to go to Hadley next, twelve miles south-west of Lapeer. Bro. Sanborn has moved there, and wants the people to hear the truth. I was at Lapeer, found them in a low state, gave four discourses, had two meetings for social benefit.
There is a great call for Bibles. I got eight from the depository at Lapeer, and they did not last here three minutes. We shall send for twenty-five more this week. Our Discipline takes well.
In haste and love.
M. E. CORNELL.
Memphis, Mich., Aug. 10, 1863.
Appointment Withdrawn.
By Henry Gardner
BRO. WHITE: Since sending the appointment for the monthly meeting at Kirkville the 5th of September, we have seen some of the brethren from Roosevelt, and it is thought best to withdraw the appointment, as a considerable number of the brethren wish to attend the Port Byron tent-meeting. It should be understood that all who attend the Port Byron meeting will have to take care of themselves, as there can be no provision made for them.
HENRY GARDNER.
Now Ready.
By Uriah Smith
THE "VINDICATION OF THE BUSINESS CAREER OF ELDER JAMES WHITE:" Being the report of the committee, appointed by the church in Battle Creek, March 29, 1863, and by the General Conference May 20, following, to inquire into the complaints and reports in circulation against Elder Jas. White. The committee have reported, according to their instructions in this matter. None of Bro. White's accusers have chosen, for some reason, to undertake a defense of their slanders against him. While all with whom he has had transactions to any great extent, have borne a hearty and unequivocal testimony in his favor; the substance of which testimonies are presented in this report. We consider it the duty of every one who knows of an honest man or woman in danger of being deceived by the false reports concerning Bro. W. to send for this work. Let it be immediately and extensively circulated, that the tongue of slander may be palsied before the stern testimony of facts. A merely nominal price is put upon the work to cover the cost of its publication, and the postage. It will be sent by mail post-paid at 5 cts. per copy. U. S.
Freight Charges on Publications
THAT the publications of the Association may cost the same as near as practicable in all parts of the field, those who receive them by Rail Road as common freight will receive credit for the amount of freight on receipt at this Office of the bill of freight.
Those who order by express will pay their own bills.
Bound Religious Works for Sale
By Editor
We have the works entitled The Bible from Heaven, Fate of the Transgressor and Infidelity and Spiritualism, all by Eld. Moses Hull, bound in Morocco, which we will send by mail, post paid, for 65 cts. Also the same with Spiritualism by Eld. J. H. Waggoner added, post paid, for 80 cents.