We read, “The day of the Lord cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it.” Isa. xiii, 9.
The prophet points us forward to the great and terrible day of the Lord, when all faces shall gather blackness, and the hearts of the children of men shall fall for fear. Now, how is this day to dawn upon the earth? Shall none know of it; none be aware of its approach? The Saviour says in his testimony that that day shall come as a thief in the night. But he exhorts us to watchfulness. But for what shall we watch? I think I hear some one say, “The signs of its approach.” Well, we will see if there are any. The apostle informs us that that day shall not come upon us as a thief; then, if it does not, it will be because we have had some sign that it is near, and as the prophet says, hasteth greatly.
One prominent sign of its near approach is the calm security of the world at large, who are being lulled by the soft voices of their watchmen singing the siren song of peace. But the prophets tell us, too, that this shall be when there is no peace. So in this delusion, the world remains peacefully slumbering, and that day comes, even as a thief in the night, and they know it not until awakened from their delusive dream of peace to find that dreadful day upon them. And when we see this state of things existing around us, we may know that it is near, and hastening. And as we see these things come to pass, let us examine ourselves. Shall I be able to stand in that day, when the Lord shall be like a refiner’s fire, and shall try us? Oh! what shall be the portion of the saints while the vials of the wrath of God are poured out?
Listen to the voice of the prophet. “Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord’s anger.” Then we who are looking for his coming, and for the day of wrath upon the wicked, have a work to do. If that day comes upon us, and finds us in violation of God’s law, and haughty; our minds full of avarice and pride; if one spot be upon our character and life, we cannot expect to be hid. Then, when we see our duty, and do it not, we have the greater condemnation. Oh! let us seek righteousness, by keeping all God’s precepts; and meekness, by following all the testimonies of Christ, that the Lord may shield us in the day of wrath. If we are found among the little, blood-washed company when the decree goes forth, “He which is filthy, let him be filthy still;” “he that is holy, let him be holy still,” we shall be safe. The holy angels will encompass the saints; while upon the wicked, the glory of the Lord is a consuming fire; and they shall perish by the brightness of his coming, but he will receive the saints to himself, and return with them to the beautiful City, and bid them partake of the marriage supper of the Lamb. Who would not wish to be one of that favored company when the glorious King himself will come forth to serve them?
But let us cast our eyes back to earth—the earth now desolate, and void of inhabitant. The atmosphere, or heaven, having passed away, causes the clouds which had floated above, upon it, to settle down upon the earth, even as they were before the atmosphere was created “and darkness was upon the face of the deep,” thus fulfilling the prophecy of Joel ii, 2: “A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness.” The earth in this state is the abode of Satan for one thousand years. The plan of redemption will soon be completed. He knows his fate is sealed, and I think none will envy him his reflections, as he looks abroad and beholds the heaviness of the curse which he has brought upon the once beauteous earth, then waxed old as a garment. But the thousand years having expired, Jesus descends to this earth, “and his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east, and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley, and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south.” Zech. xiv, 4.
Then the heavenly city, New Jerusalem, cometh down from God out of Heaven, see Rev. xxi, 2-10, and rests upon this mighty plain. Then the wicked dead receive their call to rise; but they come forth to hear the sentence of death pronounced upon them. Jesus and his people enter the beautiful city, and Satan goes forth trying to deceive those who came up last, and make them think they are able, because of their great multitude, to take the city. He assembles the generals; they advance to their posts, and with Satan at their head, move forward, flattering themselves that they can take the city. They march up on the breadth of the earth, an exceeding great multitude, as the sand of the sea in number, but as they encompass the camp of the saints, Jesus and his people ascend to the top of the wall of the city. Then every eye beholds him, even those wicked Jews who caused him to be crucified, and those who pierced him shall look on Him whom they pierced.
“Not crowned with thorns and gory,
But crowned with glory now.”
As the wicked now behold Jesus and the saints in all the unspeakable glory that surrounds them, and hear the soul-enraptured song of the redeemed, they will realize what happiness and joy they have lost. Fire from heaven consumes them. They are punished according to their deeds. The same fire which destroys the wicked purifies the earth; and what a scene of awful grandeur will then be presented to view! The earth one great lake of fire. The fire will eventually destroy every vestige of the curse, and the earth, purified and renewed, will soon bloom again in all the beauty of its primeval state, when fresh from the hand of its Maker, and everything was pronounced “very good.” When all effects of the curse are removed, against which the wrath of God was kindled, and the day of wrath ended, and nothing left to mar the beauty of the renewed earth, the saints will realize that for which their souls so often longed. They will dwell in the presence of their King, and “God himself will be with them and be their God.” No tears there, no sorrow. Of the beauties of that land it hath not entered the heart of man to conceive. The most vivid imagination cannot picture the height of its beauty and its glory.
Dear reader, which will you do? Will you go on, surfeiting, feasting and careless, and allow that dreadful day to come upon you as a thief? Or will you be watchful, sober, temperate, girding on the whole armor of God, preparing to stand in the battle on the Lord’s side, and receive the blessing of God, the gift of eternal life, and a home in the earth made new?
SARAH J. WAKELING.
Memphis, Mich.
KIND WORDS.
By C. M. Willis
Why is it not as easy
To speak in accents mild,
If one should need reproving,
Companion, friend, or child?
If you request a favor,
'Tis not a heavy task,
In pleasant words and cheerful,
Your needed wants to ask.
You'll find it much more pleasant
To ask in accents kind,
'Twill be more freely granted,
And leave no sting behind.
Go out into the forest,
And speak in angry tone,
If echo gives sharp answers,
The fault is all your own.
The love of brute creation
By love alone is gained,
The same with human beings,
If treated just the same.
All men are human beings,
With feelings tender, true,
So speak to others as you would
Have others speak to you.
C. M. WILLIS.
Charlotte, Mich.
Obituary Notices.
By S. B. Whitney; C. H. Rogers; L. W. Hastings
Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.
Rev. xiv, 13.
DIED, at Perry's Mills, N. Y., Jan. 13, 1867, Thomas Whipple, in the 95th year of his age.
Bro. W. was the oldest inhabitant of this place, and one of its earliest settlers, having lived here nearly sixty years.
Strictly moral in his principles and conduct, and always entertaining great regard for Christianity and its adherents, he however made no public profession of religion till awakened by the preaching of the advent doctrine in 1842, or about that time, when he joined the Wesleyan Methodist church, but withdrew from it under the proclamation of the second angel's message.
He commenced keeping the Sabbath in 1852, and embraced the truths of the third message as fully as could be expected of one of his advanced age and limited experience. His religious sympathy was with this people, joining the church soon after its organization.
Always cheerful and happy, he met the monster Death without fear; and we hope to meet him in the morning of blessed re-union.
S. B. WHITNEY.
DIED in the town of Red Cedar, Dunn Co., Wis., Feb. 4, 1867, of typhoid fever, Orpha E. Wood, aged 12 years 5 months and 10 days.
Also, at the same place, of typhus fever, Feb. 10, 1867, Samuel A. Wood. These were children of J. P. and Catherine Wood. Words of comfort by the writer from Jer. xxxi, 15–17.
C. H. ROGERS.
DIED, in Rindge, N. H., Feb. 15, 1867, at the house of her son, Bro. Samuel Martin, sister Rebecca Martin, aged 87 years. She had been a Christian for many years, was in the advent faith in 1843, and among the first to embrace the third angel's message. She lived an exemplary life, beloved by her children and grandchildren, as also by all the church, and fell asleep in full expectation of soon awakening to immortality and eternal life when Jesus comes.
L. W. HASTINGS.
Letters from Wisconsin Readers
Bro. P. Martin writes from Dane, Dane Co., Wis.: As I received the truth in 1844, so I wish to walk in it. When I look back and see the wide difference between then and now, I am astonished at myself, and others. Do we believe that our great High Priest is now judging his people? Then may the Lord help us to realize it, and act accordingly. The Lord I believe will soon come to gather his elect from the four winds.
Sister C. M. Tenny writes from Dell Prairie, Feb. 13, 1867: I design to continue the Review, although I may have to make sacrifice of some other comforts to secure that. My family, as well as myself, look forward to its weekly visits with anticipations of a spiritual feast, and have not been once disappointed. I esteem it as one of the best means of grace which we as a people enjoy. It fills the vacancy where we have no preaching; for it certainly fulfills the charge given to Timothy, by preaching the word, being instant in season and out of season, reproving, rebuking, and exhorting with all long-suffering and doctrine. My prayer is, that all who read it may give heed to its reproofs, be encouraged and strengthened by its exhortations, leave error and embrace right doctrine, and thus be enabled to grow in grace and the knowledge of the truth, and be prepared to stand amid the perils of the last days, and to meet the Saviour at his appearing.
Sister E. M. Crandall writes from Utica: How my heart has been cheered in reading the communications from the brethren and sisters in the paper! How could we get along without this means of conversing with each other; especially those of us who live so far away from our brethren as not to be able to meet with them without considerable sacrifice! I live about ten miles from the church to which I belong, and cannot, therefore, meet with them very often. But I love my Saviour, and I love God's remnant people, and I feel to praise his holy name that he has in his providence led us into the present truth. What glorious truths have been given to us as a people through the Testimonies! How carefully and humbly we ought to walk before the Lord, for all his loving-kindness to us in restoring the gifts to the church.
I am alone, but not lonely. I feel the sweet and soothing Spirit of my Saviour who has said, “I will not leave thee nor forsake thee.” I hope you will all pray for me that I may prove faithful till Jesus comes, that we may all be gathered into his heavenly kingdom.
The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association was incorporated in Battle Creek, Mich., May 8, 1861. Its object is to issue “periodicals, books, tracts, documents, and other publications, calculated to impart instruction on Bible truth, especially the fulfillment of prophecy, the commandments of God, and the teachings of Jesus Christ.” Its capital stock is raised by shares at $10 each; and every shareholder is entitled to one vote in all the deliberations of the Association, for every share that he or she may hold. All lovers of truth, who “keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus,” are still invited to take shares in the Association, and have a voice in all its deliberations.
The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald
Is a twelve-page religious family paper, issued weekly by the S. D. A. Publishing Association, and devoted to an earnest investigation of all Bible questions. It is designed to be an exponent of momentous and solemn truths pertaining to the present time, some of which are set forth by no other periodical in the land. The fulfillment of prophecy, the second personal advent of the Saviour as an event now near at hand, immortality through Christ alone, a change of heart through the operation of the Holy Spirit, the observance of the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, the divinity and mediatorial work of Christ, and the development of a holy character by obedience to the perfect and holy law of God, as embodied in the decalogue, are among its special themes. And while it will endeavor to present impartially both sides of all important questions, it has a definite theory to teach, and hence will not devote its space to an indiscriminate and aimless mass of conflicting sentiments and views.
Regular price, $2.50 per year, or $1.25 for a volume of 26 numbers. On trial for six months $1.00. No subscriptions taken for less than six months. To the worthy poor, free, by their reporting themselves and requesting its continuance, once in six months. The friends of the Review are invited to earnest and unceasing efforts to extend its circulation.
The Youth’s Instructor
Is a monthly sheet, published as above, and designed to be to the youth and children what the Review and Herald is to those of riper years. You who wish to see your children instructed in the great truths which so interest you, will here find a sheet in which these things are set forth in a plain and interesting manner, free from the popular fables and errors of the age. It should not only visit regularly every youth and child who professes to be a follower of Jesus, but should be taken and read in every Sabbath-keeping family. Don’t forget the children. See that they have the Instructor. Terms, 25 cts. per year in advance.
The Health Reformer.
This is the title of a monthly health journal, “devoted to an exposition of the laws of our being, and the application of those laws in the preservation of health and the treatment of disease.” It is an earnest advocate of the true philosophy of life, the only rational method of treating disease, and the best means of preserving health. Practical instructions will be given from month to month relative to water, air, light, food, sleep, rest, recreation, &c. Health, its recovery and preservation, is a subject of world-wide interest, whatever may be a person’s tenets in other respects; and to this the Reformer will be exclusively devoted. Edited by H. S. Lay, M. D., Managing Physician of the Western Health-Reform Institute. Terms $1.00 in advance for a volume of twelve numbers. Address Dr. H. S. Lay, Battle Creek, Mich.
The Sabbath Question
Is becoming a theme of wide-spread and absorbing interest. To those who wish to give the subject a thorough investigation, we recommend the History of the Sabbath. As a work setting forth a connected Bible view of the Sabbath question, its history since the Christian era, and the different steps by which the human institution of the first day of the week has usurped the place of the Bible institution of the seventh day, it is unsurpassed by any publication extant. Between two and three hundred quotations from history are given, to each of which is appended a full reference to the authority from which it is taken. It is replete with facts and arguments which challenge denial or refutation. Other works on this subject, from the penny tract to the largest size pamphlet, will be found noticed in our book list. There is no other Bible subject upon which a more extensive misunderstanding exists, than upon the Sabbath question. Circulate the books, and spread abroad the light on this subject.
The Second Advent.
The works upon this important subject to which we would call especial attention, are, The Prophecy of Daniel, The Sanctuary and 2300 Days, and The Three Messages of Rev. xiv. The first gives an exposition of the plain and thrilling prophecies of Daniel ii, vii, and viii, showing from the course of empire that the God of Heaven is about to set up his kingdom. The Sanctuary question is the great central subject of the plan of salvation, and yet there are but few, comparatively, who have any acquaintance with it. It gives a new interest to a great part of the Bible, leads to an intelligent view of the position and work of Christ as our great High Priest in Heaven, completely explains the past Advent movement, and shows clearly our position in prophecy and the world’s history. The three messages bring to view present duty, and future peril. All should read these books, and ponder well their teaching.
Our Book List.
1. THE HISTORY OF THE SABBATH, and First Day of the Week, showing the Bible Record of the Sabbath, and the manner in which it has been supplanted by the Heathen Festival of the Sun. pp. 342. Cloth, 80c., weight, 12 oz.
2. FUTURE PUNISHMENT, by H. H. Dobney, a Baptist Minister of England. An elaborate argument on the destiny of the wicked; with an Appendix containing “The State of the Dead,” by John Milton. Cloth, 75c., 16 oz.
3. SPIRITUAL GIFTS, VOL. I; or, the Great Controversy between the forces of Christ and Satan, as shown in Vision. pp. 219. Cloth, 50c., 8 oz.
4. SPIRITUAL GIFTS, VOL. II; or the Experience and Views of E. G. White, with Incidents that have occurred in connection with the Third Angel’s Message. pp. 300. Cloth, 60c., 8 oz. Volumes I & II bound in one book, $1.00, 12 oz.
5. SPIRITUAL GIFTS, VOL. III; or, Facts of Faith in connection with the history of holy Men of Old, as shown in Vision. pp. 304. Cloth, 60c., 8 oz.
6. SPIRITUAL GIFTS, VOL. IV; or Facts of Faith continued, and Testimonies for the Church. pp. 220. Cloth, 60c., 8 oz.
7. SABBATH READINGS; or, Moral and Religious Stories for the Young, from which the popular errors of the age are carefully excluded. pp. 400. In one volume, cloth, 60c., 8 oz. In five pamphlets, 50c., 8 oz. In twenty-five tracts, 40c., 8 oz.
8. HOW TO LIVE, treating on Disease and its Causes, and all subjects connected with healthful living. An important work. pp. 400. Cloth $1.00, 12 oz. In pamphlet form, 75c., 10 oz.
9. APPEAL TO THE YOUTH: The Sickness and Death of H. N. White; with his Mother’s Letters. Excellent instructions for both youth and parents. Cloth, 40c., 8 oz. Paper, 20c., 2 oz. Without likeness, 10c., 2 oz.
10. THE BIBLE FROM HEAVEN; or, a Dissertation on the Evidences of Christianity. 30c., 5 oz.
11. BOTH SIDES: A series of articles from T. M. Preble, on the Sabbath and Law, Reviewed. 20c., 4 oz.
12. SANCTIFICATION, or Living Holiness. Many common mistakes on this important subject, corrected. One of the best works ever published on this subject. 15c., 4 oz.
13. THE THREE MESSAGES of Rev. xiv, especially the Third Angel’s Message, and Two-horned Beast. 15c., 4 oz.
14. THE HOPE OF THE GOSPEL; or, Immortality the Gift of God, and the State of Man in Death. 15c., 4 oz.
15. WHICH? MORTAL, OR IMMORTAL? or, An Inquiry into the Present Constitution and Future Condition of Man. Third Edition 15c., 4 oz.
16. MODERN SPIRITUALISM: Its Nature and Tendency. The Heresy condemned from the mouths of its own advocates. Third edition, revised and enlarged. 20c., 5 oz.
17. THE KINGDOM OF GOD: The Time and Manner of its Establishment. A Refutation of the doctrine called, Age to Come. 15c., 4 oz.
18. MIRACULOUS POWERS. The Scripture testimony on the Perpetuity of Spiritual Gifts, illustrated by Narratives of Incidents that have transpired all through the Gospel Dispensation. 15c., 4 oz.
19. APPEAL TO MOTHERS, on the Great Cause of the physical, mental, and moral, ruin of many of the Children of our time. 10c., 2 oz.
20. REVIEW OF SEYMOUR. His fifty “Unanswerable Questions” on the Sabbath Question, Answered. 10c., 3 oz.
21. THE PROPHECY OF DANIEL. An Exposition of the Prophecy of the Four Kingdoms, the Sanctuary and the 2300 Days, Dan. ii, vii, & viii. 10c., 3 oz.
22. THE SAINTS’ INHERITANCE, shown to be the kingdom under the whole heaven, in the Earth made New. 10c., 3 oz.
23. SIGNS OF THE TIMES, in the Moral, Physical, and Political Worlds, showing that the Coming of Christ is at the Door. 10c., 3 oz.
24. THE LAW OF GOD, its Observance from Creation, its Immutability and Perpetuity, proved from the testimony of the Old and New Testaments. 10c., 3 oz.
25. VINDICATION OF THE TRUE SABBATH, by J. W. Morton, late Missionary of the Reformed Presbyterian Church to Hayti; with a Narrative of the Author’s Personal Experience, of thrilling interest. 10c., 3 oz.
26. REVIEW OF SPRINGER, on the Sabbath and Law. 10c., 3 oz.
27. BAPTISM, Its Nature, Subjects, & Design. 10c., 3 oz.
28. THE COMMANDMENT to Restore and Build Jerusalem. A conclusive argument that it is to be dated from the 7th year of Artaxerxes, B. C. 457. Just the book for these days of wild conjecture on the prophetic periods. 10c., 2 oz.
29. THE SEVEN TRUMPETS: An Exposition of Rev. viii and ix. A New Edition, thoroughly revised and enlarged. 10c., 2 oz.
30. KEY TO THE CHART. An Explanation of all the symbols illustrated upon the Prophetic Chart. 10c., 2 oz.
31. THE SANCTUARY, and 2300 Days of Daniel viii, 14; its Cleansing and the time of its accomplishment. 10c., 2 oz.
32. THE CELESTIAL RAILROAD, a most happy exposure of the inconsistencies of popular religion. A new edition revised, and adapted to the present time. 4c., 1 oz.
33. THE SABBATH OF THE LORD: A Discourse by J. M. Aldrich. 5c., 2 oz.
34. THE END OF THE WICKED. 5c., 1 oz.
35. MATTHEW XXIV: A Brief Exposition of the Chapter, showing that Christ is at the Door. 5c., 2 oz.
36. MARK OF THE BEAST, and Seal of the Living God; showing how we may avoid the one, and secure the other. 5c., 1 oz.
37. THE SABBATIC INSTITUTION, and Two Laws; showing when the Sabbath was instituted, and the plain distinction between the Moral and Ceremonial Laws. 5c., 1 oz.
38. BIBLE STUDENT’S ASSISTANT: A compend of Scripture References on Important Subjects. 5c., 1 oz.
39. AN APPEAL for the Restoration of the Sabbath: An Address from the Seventh-day to the First-day Baptists. 5c., 1 oz.
40. REVIEW OF FILLIO, on the Sabbath Question. 5c., 1 oz.
41. MILTON on the State of the Dead. 5c., 1 oz.
42. EXPERIENCE of F. G. Brown on Second Advent. 5c., 1 oz.
43. SYSTEMATIC BENEVOLENCE, An Address, &c. 5c., 1 oz.
44. THE SECOND ADVENT: Sixteen Short Answers to Sixteen Common Objections. 4c., 1 oz.
Tracts in Other Languages.
45. THE SABBATH, Its Nature and Obligation, in German. 10c., 2 oz. The Sabbath, in Holland. 5c., 1 oz. In French, 5c., 1 oz. In Danish 10c., 1 oz.
46. AN EXPOSITION of Dan. ii and vii, in French. 5c., 1 oz.
48. THE TWO LAWS. The Distinction shown between them.
49. PERSONALITY OF GOD. A popular error disproved.
50. THE LAW of God, the Ten Commandments by John Wesley.
51. APPEAL to Men of Reason on Immortality.
52. THOUGHTS for the Candid on the Nature of Man.
53. STATE OF THE DEAD, Brief Thoughts. Author unknown.
54. TIME LOST; or Old and New Style Explained.
Two-Cent Tracts.
55. SUNDAY-KEEPING. The reasons for it examined and refuted.
56. THE SABBATH: The time of its Institution.
57. THE SABBATH: A stirring Argument by Elihu.
58. INFIDELITY and Spiritualism, shown to be of like character.
59. WAR and the Sealing, an Exposition of Rev. vii.
60. WHO CHANGED the Sabbath? Roman Catholic Testimony.
61. PREACH THE WORD: An Argument for the Sabbath.
62. DEATH AND BURIAL; or, Scriptural Baptism.
63. MUCH IN LITTLE: A Collection of Choice Extracts.
64. TRUTH.
65. POSITIVE INSTITUTIONS; their Nature and Claims.
Three-Cent Tracts.
66. THE LAW of God, By H. H. DOBNEY, England.
67. JUDSON’S LETTER ON DRESS: An appeal to the female members of the Christian churches of the United States.
68. SCRIPTURE REFERENCES. Same as B. S. Assistant without cover.
69. MARK of the Beast, and Seal of the Living God.
70. SPIRITUAL GIFTS: An Argument to show that the Gifts set in the Church, 1 Cor. xii, Eph. iv, &c., were to continue to the end of time. 5c., 1 oz.
71. THE WICKED DEAD: A thorough and Scriptural Exposition of the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus.
Charts.
72. THE LAW OF GOD on a Chart of a size to be used by Preachers, varnished and mounted, $2.00.
73. THE PROPHECIES of Daniel and John, illustrated upon a Chart, to be used by Preachers, varnished and mounted, $2.00. The two Charts with Key, $4.00. The two printed on cloth, with Key, $3.00. The two on cloth without rollers, by mail, postpaid, $2.75.
74. SMALL CHART. A Pictorial Illustration of the Visions of Daniel and John, on paper 20 by 25 inches. Price 15c. by mail, postpaid.
Postage.
The law requires the prepayment of postage on books as follows: Bound Books, four cents for each four ounces or fractional part thereof; Pamphlets and Tracts, two cents for each four ounces or fractional part thereof. In the foregoing list, the weight of each book is given in connection with the price; and all who order books can estimate the amount of postage required, which should invariably be sent with the order, in addition to the price of the books. Thus, two 2 oz. books can be sent for the same postage as one; or four 1 oz. books for the same postage as one, two or three of the same kind; and so on.
Address.
All communications in reference to the Publishing Association, the Review, Instructor, and any of the foregoing books, should be addressed to Eld. James White, Battle Creek, Mich. All business pertaining to the Western Health Reform Institute, or Health Reformer, should be addressed to Dr. H. S. Lay, Battle Creek, Mich.