Earlier text: The Beauty of HolinessThoughts on the Revelation.
VERSE 1. And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will show unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters: 2. With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication. 3. So he carried me away in the Spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet-colored beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. 4. And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet color, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication. 5. And upon her forehead was a name written, Mystery, Babylon the great, the mother of harlots and abominations of the earth. In verse 19 of the preceding chapter, we were informed that "great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath." The apostle now takes up more particularly the subject of this great Babylon; and in order to a full presentation of it, goes back and gives some of the facts of her past history. That this apostate woman is a symbol of the Roman Catholic church, all Protestant commentators are agreed. Between this church and the kings of the earth there have been illicit connections, and with the wine of her fornication, or her false doctrines, the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk. This prophecy is more definite than others applicable to the Roman power, in that it distinguishes between church and state. We here have the woman the church, seated upon a scarlet-colored beast, the civil power, by which it is upheld, and which it controls and guides, as a rider does a horse, to her own ends. The vesture and decorations of this woman, as brought to view in verse 4, are in striking harmony with the application made of this symbol, purple and scarlet being the chief colors in the robes of popes and cardinals, and among the myriads of precious stones which adorn her service, according to an eye-witness, silver being scarcely known, and gold itself looking but poorly. And from the golden cup in her hand, symbol of purity of doctrine and profession, from which should have come forth only that which is pure, upright, and in accordance with truth, there came forth only abominations, and wine of her fornication, fit symbol of her abominable doctrines, and still more abominable practices. This woman is explicitly called Babylon. Is then Rome Babylon to the exclusion of all other religious bodies? No; from the fact that she is called the mother of harlots, which shows that there are other independent religious organizations, which constitute the apostate daughters, and belong to the same great family. Verse 6. And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration. 7. And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns. Why should John wonder with great astonishment when he saw the woman drunken with the blood of saints? Was persecution of the people of God any strange thing in his day? Had he not seen Rome launch its most fiery persecutions against the church, being himself in banishment at the time he wrote, under its cruel power? Why then should he be astonished as he looked forward and saw Rome still persecuting the saints? The secret of his wonder was just here: All the persecution he had witnessed had been from pagan Rome, the open enemy of Christ. It was not strange that pagans should persecute his followers. But when he looked forward and saw a church professedly Christian, persecuting the followers of the Lamb, and drunken with their blood, well might he wonder with great amazement. Verse 8. The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is. 9. And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth. 10. And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space. 11. And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition. The beast of which the angel here speaks is evidently the scarlet beast. A wild beast like the one here introduced, is the symbol of an oppressive and persecuting power; and while the Roman power as a nation has had an uninterrupted existence, it has passed through certain phases, during which this symbol would be inapplicable to it, and during which time, consequently, the beast, in such prophecies as the present, might be said not to be, or not to exist. Thus, Rome in its pagan form was a persecuting power to the people of God, during which time it constituted the beast that was. But the empire was nominally converted to Christianity. There was a transition from paganism to the religion of Christ, during which time it lost its ferocious and persecuting character, and then it could be said of the beast, that it was not. Time passed on, and it degenerated into popery, and again assumed its bloodthirsty and oppressive character, and then constituted the beast that "yet is," or in John's day was to be. The seven heads are explained to be, first, seven mountains, and then seven kings or forms of government; for the expression in verse 10, "and there are seven kings," should read, and there are seven kings. Five are fallen, says the angel, or passed away; one is; the sixth was then reigning; another was to come, and continue a short space; and when the beast reappeared in its bloody and persecuting character, it was to be under the eighth form of government which was to continue till the beast went into perdition. The seven forms of government that have existed in the Roman empire are usually enumerated as follows: 1. Kings. 2. Consuls. 3. Decemvirs. 4. Dictators. 5. Triumvirs. 6. Imperial; and 7. Papal. Kings, Consuls, Decemvirs, Dictators, and Triumvirs, had passed away in John's day. He was living under the Imperial form. Two more were to arise after his time. One was only to continue a short space, and hence is not usually reckoned among the heads; while the last, which is usually denominated the seventh, is in reality the eighth. The head which was to succeed the imperial and continue a short space could not be the papal; for that has continued longer than all the rest put together. We understand therefore that the papal head is the eighth, and that a head of short continuance intervened between the imperial and papal. What head was that? Ans. After the imperial form had been abolished, there was a ruler who for the space of about 60 years governed Rome under the title of the "Exarchate of Ravenna." Thus we have the connecting link between the imperial and papal heads. The third phase of the beast that was, and is not, and yet is, is the Roman power under the rule of the papacy; and in this form ascends out of the bottomless pit, or bases its power on pretensions which have no foundation but error and paganism. Verse 12. And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet, but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. 13. These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast. 14. These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful. On the subject of the ten horns, there is no controversy. All agree that they symbolize the ten kingdoms that arose out of the Roman empire, namely, the Huns, Ostrogoths, Visigoths, Franks, Vandals, Suevi, Burgundians, Heruli, Anglo-Saxons, and Lombards. They receive power one hour [Gr. mia hora] an indefinite space of time, with the beast; that is, they reign a length of time cotemporaneously with the beast, during which time they give to it their power and strength. This must refer to the past when the kingdoms of Europe were unanimous in giving their support to the papacy, and upholding it in all its pretensions. It cannot apply to the future; for after the commencement of the time of the end, they were to take away its power, and consume and destroy it to the end; Dan. vii, 26; and the treatment which these kingdoms are finally to bestow upon it, is expressed in verse 16, where it is said that they shall hate the harlot, make her desolate and naked, eat her flesh and burn her with fire. These make war with the Lamb, verse 14. Here we are carried into the future to the time of the great and final battle; for at this time the Lamb has assumed the title of King of kings and Lord of lords, which he does not do till his second coming. See chap. xix, 11-16. Verse 15. And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. 16. And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. 17. For God hath put in their hearts to fulfill his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled. 18. And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth. In verse 15, we have simply a definition of the scripture symbol of waters: they denote peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues. The angel told John while calling his attention to this subject that he would show him the judgment of the great harlot. In verse 16, that judgment is specified. This chapter has, we think, more especial reference to the old mother, or Catholic Babylon. In the next chapter, if we mistake not, we have brought to view the fate of the other great branch of Babylon, namely, the harlot daughters. We have just returned from a tour of four weeks in Northern Michigan. Mrs. W. and Bro. Hull accompanied us. At Monterey nineteen were baptized; fifteen of the number were Sabbath-school scholars who professed faith in Christ as their Saviour during our brief labors with that church. The work with this dear people seemed deep and powerful, and we trust will be lasting. We have since been pained to learn that sister Lay, who was present at the meetings, is for a while torn from her family, and from the church, by death. God bless and sustain the stricken family. At Wright we had excellent meetings. Here we baptized eleven, eight of whom were Sabbath-school scholars, and professed faith during our brief labors with that church. It is always encouraging to labor with this church, because they are ever anxious to be helped. At Greenville Brn. Byington and Loughborough joined us. There was a general gathering of the brethren in that region. Things had not been set in order by proper organization, hence we could not expect to see so good and great a work among the youth. It was harder preaching and praying; but before we parted with Brn. Loughborough and Byington, two churches were formed, one at West Plains, and one at Eureka and Fair Plains. We, after, organized a third church at Orleans. Our fourth Sabbath was spent at Orleans with more freedom. At this meeting several manifested a desire for salvation. A good work is begun. The meeting closed on first-day with a most powerful discourse from Bro. Hull on the mark of the beast and the seal of God. On our way home we held meetings with the little church at Orange. Here some in bondage found relief, and the youth were much affected. It seems that where the churches are in order, the youth and children are all ready to seek the Lord. We are looking for a general gathering of these lambs to the fold where the brethren are in a position to labor for them and lead them along. We look back upon this tour with great pleasure, and hope the time is not far distant when discordant notes among us will cease, and order and sweet harmony will prevail, and the Lord work among our people everywhere. Appropriateness in Prayer.
By J. Clarke
How beautiful is appropriateness; to suit one's remarks, whether at home or abroad, to the occasion, and the company; not to change one's religion and opinions with every breeze that blows, like some political men we know of, or like "Mr. By-Ends," of whom John Bunyan wrote; but a straight-forward, honest, out-spoken, but pleasant, appropriateness, that considers the circumstances and the time. Words fitly spoken are powerful for good, and it must be a real, live soul, that always uses such words. One must be alive, awake, ready; his heart must be in the work, in order to speak appropriately to the occasion. In exhortation, how edifying, when the ideas flow out from a full heart, one that comprehends the wants and trials of the church, and its present needs. In prayer, one may well consider the time and circumstances, when, how, where, &c. Some have the same formula to go through with, whether it is early or late, in a Sabbath-school or in a State conference, whether people are tired or fresh, whether the meeting is opening or about to close, whether in the family or among strangers; they do not seem to enter into the spirit of the occasion at all, but always seem to move in the same old beaten track. I had thought to dwell upon this theme a little, but it is of no use. The fact is, if a man has not got appropriateness in his head, you can't put it there. You might as easily start a north-west breeze in a sultry day, while Sirius rages, as to get the dullness from the mind that is naturally dull. But if God's good Spirit only gets full possession of the mind, it soon wakes from its dullness, and these humdrum forms are exchanged for life and appropriateness. So that it must after all be left with the good taste of each individual, under the sanctifying influences of the Spirit, to be always appropriate and timely. It is not great talent one wants to be useful, but good common sense, always in the fullest exercise on every occasion, ready at the best influence of the good Spirit to furl or spread the sail, and with steady, firm step, to go forward. Study the best method of doing the best deeds, at the best time, with the best motive. "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver." Prov. xxv, 11. J. CLARKE. Speak Often One to Another.
By Lucretia B. Abbey
"THEN they that feared the Lord spake often one to another, and the Lord hearkened and heard it; and a book of remembrance was written before him, for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name." A book of remembrance was written. Do we realize it? It appears to me that we are not half awake, or we should be speaking to each other more frequently than we do, of the goodness and mercy of God toward us, and the prospect of so soon entering upon those joys which are laid up for all who endure unto the end of the race, of which Paul speaks and says, All run, but all do not obtain the crown. O, my brethren and sisters, let us be of that number who so run that they may obtain. I have ever found, and still find, that it needs great watchfulness to be always found doing right in every place, and at all times. How very needful the admonition of the Saviour, "What I say unto you I say unto all, Watch." "Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ unto the glory and praise of God." Filled with the fruits of righteousness. How important! Do right in everything, never say a wrong word. I am so apt to say or do somethink that I have to repent of, and beg pardon for, that I think sometimes I never shall make my way into the celestial city. I wish to express myself just as though I was talking to my Father's children. How is it with you, my dear brethren and sisters? Are you ever on the watch, and guarded against every wrong word and act? Does every step you take tell toward the city which hath foundations? O, I am hungering and thirsting after righteousness, hoping and trusting that the promise will be verified to me, so that every act and word will tell that Jesus has taken up his abode in my heart, and my life show to all around that I am all absorbed in the one great subject of being in readiness to meet the blessed Saviour when he shall appear to the joy of all those who are watching and waiting for his return. The enemy has thrust sore at me that I might fall, but the Lord helped me. The Lord is my strength and song, and has become my salvation. Thanks and praise to his adorable name. O, my brethren and sisters, let us ever be careful to maintain good works, and separate ourselves from the enemies of Christ, giving diligent heed to the apostle's admonition, "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing, and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Is it not plain to be understood what is contained in the above? And yet how many there are who still cling to this filthiness of the flesh and spirit. Their clothes are covered with filth, and it is truly nauseating to come so near as to take their breath; all in consequence of using the filthy weed, tobacco. I am sure this is not well pleasing in the sight of a holy God. Furthermore, I wish to say, I have no fellowship with those who reject the gifts which are already in the church. Their influence tends to darkness and death. They have none of the loving Spirit of Jesus, meek and lowly in heart and life. I know I have been formerly drawn under this wrong influence. It is strong. It is binding; but now in the fear of God I will forever declare myself free from it. LUCRETIA B. ABBEY.
Hubbardsville, N. Y. It is said that Sophrosius, a wise teacher of the people, did not allow his sons and daughters, even when they were grown up, to associate with persons whose lives were not moral and pure. "Father," said the gentle Eulalia one day, when he refused to permit her to go, in company with her brother, to visit the frivolous Lucinda, "you must think that we are very weak and childish since you are afraid that it would be dangerous to us to visit Lucinda." Without saying a word the father took a coal from the hearth, and handed it to his daughter. "It will not burn you, my child," he said, "only take it." Eulalia took the coal and behold her tender white hand was black; and without thinking she touched her white dress, and it was blackened. "See," said14 Eulalia, somewhat displeased as she looked at her hands and dress, "one can not be careful enough when handling coal." "Yes, truly," said her father, "you see, my child, that the coal, even though it did not burn you has nevertheless blackened you. So is the company of immoral persons."-Sel. The Cause in Wisconsin.
By Isaac Sanborn
As it may be interesting to the brethren to know something about the prosperity of the cause in Wisconsin, I take this opportunity to say that the Lord is still bringing up his people. Our meetings at Hundred Mile Grove were good and refreshing to all. At Marquette our meetings were timely, cutting off an injudicious fear from some who had taken an extreme view of the Wisconsin fanaticism, which was to think that if a brother or sister became engaged, or earnest in prayer and exhortation, they were fanatics. This was all corrected, with some other things; so we left them in quite a prosperous condition. Those who have rebelled against the visions are literally dying out of the way of the truth,—even giving up the Sabbath. At Mackford we found the church laboring under some difficulty growing out of extreme views taken of the fanaticism by some, which we believe was thoroughly corrected. Here we baptized four on the Sabbath. We had excellent meetings. This church has purchased timber to build a meeting-house 26 x 40. From there we went to Mauston and found things in a confused condition, but with the help of God we labored faithfully till we organized a church of twenty-seven members, and others are trying to fit themselves by the word of God that they may unite with the church. We baptized two last first-day. I certainly never saw brethren manifest a greater determination to get right. Some who had been opposed to the visions and organization, after they heard us preach on those subjects, gave up their opposition and are now united with the church. They have adopted the plan of systematic benevolence, which amounts to nearly $100 a year. Bro. Steward is preparing to go out into new fields to labor. He is much encouraged with the prospect in the Mauston church; and I do hope they will stay up his hands and encourage him that he may go out free. Bro. J. R. Goodenough parted with us at this meeting. He is improving fast, in many respects; and I trust the Lord will make an efficient laborer of him. We attended the ordinances this evening, and had a melting time. Many were made to feel their need of a Saviour; and we trust will get ready and unite with the church. I shall hold this meeting in lasting remembrance. The church kindly looked after my wants and helped me on the way after a godly sort, for which I believe God will bless them abundantly, and I trust will keep them faithful unto his everlasting kingdom. Mauston, Wis., Dec. 4, 1862. Early Influence.
By M. W. H.
MANY years have passed with their record to eternity, since I spent several of the youthful months of my life with relatives in the city of B. ; or rather in one of the suburban cities adjacent. Within the time two noted evangelists were laboring in the city. One I had often heard ; for he had been invited to the church where I with my friends attended. And the sermons I heard him preach, and the vestry meetings he conducted, remain among the bright and sunny spots of my religious privileges. One day myself and cousin, impelled by curiosity, perhaps, sallied forth and threaded our way to a distant street to hear the far-famed Baptist evangelist. When we reached the church it was during the interval of pulpit exercises. But the church was well filled, and as we passed in, half way up the middle aisle to a seat, there was in progress a social exercise, not unlike a Methodist love-feast, except the bread and water. A lady was speaking as we entered. Soon another arose, and my cousin, who had been educated in all the conservatism attributed to Paul when he wrote, "Let your women keep silence in the churches ; for it is not permitted unto them to speak," turned her wide-opened eyes upon me, with all the consternation she felt, depicted in her expressive countenance. And when another arose to speak, she laid her hand upon my lap with the whispered exclamation, "Why ! it is perfectly ridiculous ! I wonder they allow it ?" I simply answered, "It does not strike me so," and again turned my attention to the exercises ; for I had early imbibed the other Bible sentiment, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there are neither bond nor free, neither male nor female, but they are all one in Christ Jesus." The bell soon rang out its call, and the church directly was packed with an attentive audience for the pulpit exercises. I expected that in our walk home we should have an earnest talk on what we had heard and seen. But my companion, whose sense of propriety had been so shocked, did not allude to it, and as I was several years her junior, and she a city-bred lady, and withal the wife of a minister who was as conservative as herself, I did not choose, uncalled for, to express more than I had done. How much more than most are aware this phase of conservatism acts as a restraint. This friend of whom I have spoken was afterward urged till she wept, ere she could burst the bands of her early influences sufficiently to pray in a female prayer-meeting. And who has not witnessed, if not themselves felt, the almost petrifying influence of this wrong early training, in social religious meetings, where there should be instead, freedom in speaking of the abounding grace of God, and in exhorting and admonishing one another, and "so much the more as ye see the day approaching." M. W. H. LETTERS:
By Julia A. Dayton
“Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another.” Bro. White: My cup of blessings has become so full, I want to embrace another opportunity of saying a few words through the Review in honor of His name who is doing great things for us here. O when I think of the jewels scattered here and there, the lonely ones who help make up his remnant people, I long to communicate to them the joy of my own heart though it be but the widow's mite toward dispelling the shades of gloom which I know so often shroud their pathway. We have just been enjoying with the church at St. Charles, one of those glorious privileges such as those only who seldom have broken to them the word of life can fully appreciate—our first quarterly meeting. And if I never before realized the benefit resulting from organization and systematic labor, I think I felt it then. The Lord was with us; and I know the heart of every saint rejoicing in the light of the third angel's message can tell what that means. We were blest for two days with the labors of Brn. Byington and Loughborough, and truly it was the word in due season. Just before their coming the Lord helped us anoint our eyes so that we were able to discern that our armor was not in the condition it should be to do battle with our enemy in these days of peril, and when it was made so plain to us that he was come down with great wrath, we were glad enough to avail ourselves of help to mend our armor; and, praise the Lord! before the close of the meeting we began to feel that some of the weak spots in it were made strong enough for Satan to see that we know with whom we have to do. And when in answer to earnest prayer, showers of rich grace descended to water our thirsty souls, we knew that Israel's God was still near, the same yesterday, to-day, and forever. Praise the Lord for the clear light that shines upon our pathway. Praise him all ye his saints, and you who are alone. Praise him for you are not alone. What though the fiery trial is coming? Don't you want to be one of the tried ones? Don't you want to share in the chastening which afterward yieldeth the peaceable fruits of righteousness? Don't you rejoice when you see the signs thickening around us, and we are counted as the offscouring of the earth? I do. Praise God it's only a little while. We are almost there! Brother, sister, are you almost ready? Is your eye on the prize? and are you awake to the power of the enemy? Yes! power is the watchcry now; but we trust in One more powerful than the hosts of Satan. Don't get weary—what though the huge billows go over us? hear the cheering cry of the faithful watchman, The land ahead! hold fast your faith and thank God. They don't forget to warn us of breakers. Think of the prayers, the earnest cries that go up unceasingly in your behalf. His ear is attentive! He marks each sigh! The Lord will comfort Zion. There are only a few of us here but he is adding to our number. Four more have just been buried with our Lord in baptism, my companion among the number. We are pressing closer, and striving to raise the standard higher, and our motto is,—“Only a little while,” then I hope to greet you, and with shouts that will ring through Heaven's mighty arches, enter with you the city of our God. Yours in the blessed hope, FRED. KUNDERT
By Fred. Kundert
BRO. WHITE: I feel very thankful to the Lord for the light of the present truth, and often rejoice in the Lord that the truth looks so plain and clear to me. Reading the Review, I feel every time encouraged by the cheering testimonies from the brethren and sisters scattered abroad. I believe the day of the Lord hasteth greatly, and the world is coming to an end. Jesus soon will come forth on the white cloud with his sharp sickle to reap the harvest of the earth, which is nearly ripe. The saying of our dear Saviour will soon be fulfilled: "Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom." The history of this earth will soon be finished. But, brethren and sisters, I understand also that the people of God have a great work to do yet before they can escape all these things that are coming on the earth. I believe that the loud cry of the third angel's message is soon to go forth, and that before the people of God can be entrusted with this work, they must come to perfect union of faith, sentiment, and spirit. God's people must press together, cast aside all their little difficulties, and humble themselves before the Lord God. May the God of patience and consolation grant us to be like-minded one toward another, after the example of Christ Jesus, that we with one mind and one mouth may glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ; and may we all be one, as Jesus Christ and the Father are one. How merciful, dear brethren and sisters, has our heavenly Father been in showing us his precious truth, and in warning us before of the coming perils of the last days. O let us now hasten to do all that God requires us to do, while the time to seek salvation lasts. May the Lord assist us with his grace. Yours striving for eternal life. S. N. HASKELL
By S. N. Haskell
Bro. White: The solemnity of the time in which we live has been on my mind much of late; and O, I long for the time when there will be such a complete state of organization that every gift in the church will stand in its proper place, and its influence be felt in favor of the truth. It does seem to me that God is waiting to clothe the message with more power. Dear brethren, if we wish to see the message go with power, souls coming into the truth, and the loud cry be given, we should stand in the place where God can work through us. We must away with doubts and fears in relation to organization, and the gifts that we already have, and press together, if we ever expect to see prosperity. Did we more highly appreciate the gift of prophecy which is, and has been, in the church, we see and feel more the necessity of pressing together, uniting our efforts, our prayers, our means, and our sympathies; the means of accomplishing which has been shown by the gift of prophecy, as well as otherwise, we should find ourselves much stronger, feel more the force and power of the truth in keeping us out of darkness which Satan would throw over us to discourage us; and we should save ourselves from being clogs to those whom God is using to bring up this people. If any are cast down because of the straitness of the way, let them go to work. We can enter into the systematic benevolence operation, if we are entirely alone. We can lay by on the first day of the week. We can unite our hearts in prayer that God will speed forward the work of organization and unity. We can give our entire sympathy and aid, by our prayers, to those on whom God has laid the burden of the work. We can lend our publications to our friends and neighbors, and thus be preparing the way for the message. Do not let us stop to doubt and query about the way and means of God in leading out this people. It is altogether too late. If we stop to dally here we shall find ourselves ill prepared to gain victories which are between us and the kingdom. The conflict will be more and more severe. The way grows straighter and straighter. The tests will be closer and closer. We shall need all the strength that can be derived from the performance of every duty. We must have our sympathies so wrapped up with the people of God, that when they are encouraged and strengthened by light and glory from the Sanctuary, it will affect us. May God give us, here in the East, a spirit to search our own hearts, and throw our entire being into the work, that when the final victory is won, and the countenances of God's people are lighted up with his15 glory, we can exclaim, "Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us." Nor on me, Lord, not on me—
I am all iniquity;
Look upon that Holy One,
Who, before thy glorious throne,
On his breast bears my poor name,
And my load of sin and shame—
Look on him—my Surety. Look on thine anointed Son;
Only in his name I come;
Only for his sake I dare
Breathe to thee my suppliant prayer;
While I to his garment cling,
While I hide beneath his wing,
Look on him—my Surety. I have often broke thy laws,
Oft proved traitor to thy cause;
He that broken law hath kept,
He o'er my transgressions wept;
He, upon the cross for me,
Bore the dread death-penalty,
Look on him—my Surety. Now he pleadeth thee before,
And I kneel, Lord, to adore,
For the pardon thou hast given,
For the death-chains he has riven;
Even when I sue for grace,
Look thou on his pitying face;
Look on him—my Surety. Confession.
By A. M. GRAVVEL
Bro. WHITE: I wish to say through the Review, in regard to Mr. Spooner's publication, I much regret the course I have taken with it. I thought I was doing right, but I now see that it was all wrong. I am sorry that I have brought a wound upon so good a cause. I hope you, and all others who have been injured by it, will forgive me, and I pray God to forgive me also. I humbly ask my brethren and sisters to forgive me for all I have said and done that was wrong. I have thought that my brethren were wrong, and I was right; but I see now that I was wrong all the time. May God forgive me, and help me to get right; for I want to get rid of all my wrongs, so that when Jesus comes I may be found worthy to have part in the first resurrection. Will you and sister White forgive me and pray for me? From your unworthy brother. J. W. LANDES
By J. W. Landes
BRO. WHITE: I would say through the Review that I am still striving to overcome. Myself and companion are all the Sabbath-keepers in this vicinity. We are deprived of the privilege of meetings; but lonely as it is, when we bow ourselves at the family altar, the Lord is ever near. I feel to praise the Lord for the blessings he has bestowed upon me, and for sparing my life to hear the last message of mercy. It is something over two years since I embraced the truth, and I have never as yet felt like turning back. No, I feel more like rejoicing and praising the Lord for the light, and by the assisting grace of God I intend to live out these truths, so as to meet the approbation of the Lord. Sometimes I fear I shall not get through to the kingdom; but I know the Lord is ever ready and willing to hear prayer. This is what buoys me up. I know that if I live near to God, he will be near to me. I intend to spend the balance of my days in serving my God and in preparing to meet my blessed Lord at his coming. O may we all be prepared to stand in that day, which I believe is not far of, but nearer than a great many of us realize. The Lord's children must be a perfect unit before they are prepared for translation. May the Lord help us all to come up to the work, and be perfectly united. May the Lord bless you and strengthen you in your labors. Pray for me that I may live faithful and at last meet you on mount Zion, where we can ever praise the Lord. Your brother striving for the kingdom.