Earlier text: ON KEEPING THE HEART. No. 1.THE SANCTUARY OF THE NEW COVENANT.
THAT the building which we have been contemplating in the "History of the Worldly Sanctuary," did solely constitute the Sanctuary of the first covenant, cannot possibly be doubted by any one who professes faith in the inspiration of the Bible; and if there are any who deny it, we have only to remark that to such we have nothing to say; since it is our design in this article to treat with Bible believers only. That Sanctuary we have followed to its end; we have traced it in its institution and its history; we have had before our mind its various offerings and sacrifices, and the institutions of its priesthood; and we are now prepared to inquire in the language of Bro. J. N. Andrews, "Why did God ordain this extraordinary arrangement? The sacrifices offered in the building could never take away sins. Why then were they instituted? The priests which there ministered were so imperfect that they had to offer for themselves. Why then was such a priesthood ordained? The building itself was but an imperfect, temporary structure, though finished to the perfection of human art. Why then was such a structure erected? Surely God does nothing in vain, and all this is full of meaning. Nor will the student of the Bible be at a loss to answer these questions." When Paul speaks of a first covenant, [Heb. ix.] he necessarily implies a second; and when he connects with that covenant a Sanctuary and ordinances of divine service, he as clearly implies that the second will have a Sanctuary, with divine service also. But more than this, what was shown the prophet Daniel, decides definitely that the new covenant has its Sanctuary, and that with that Sanctuary is connected a priestly ministration. Only 400 years of that period of 2300 which was opened before Daniel belonged to the first covenant, the earthly Sanctuary, and the Jewish church. At the end of that time he was given to understand that the Saviour would have accomplished his ministry on earth, and would have confirmed the new covenant with his people. From that point he is then carried forward eighteen hundred and ten years, and told that then the Sanctuary should be cleansed. Dan. viii, ix. What is the Sanctuary here brought to view is the question we wish to decide; for this of course must be the one to which the earthly Sanctuary gave place when its services were finished—when the old covenant was succeeded by the new. As we enter the field to search for truth on this point, four prominent views rise up before us. It is claimed by some that the land of Canaan is now the Sanctuary. Others of more enlarged views, claim that it comprises the whole earth. Still others there are, who take the word in a more spiritual, but no less unauthenticated, sense, and say that it means the Church. While the fourth view, which draws largest on our imagination and marvelousness, makes out this rolling earth to be only the first apartment of the new covenant Sanctuary, and all heaven the second. In seeking for correct views on this question, there is one thing which we must keep constantly before us, and that is, the relation which the Sanctuaries of the two covenants sustain to each other; namely, that of type and antitype. By keeping our eye steadfastly fixed upon this, it will be almost as hard to arrive at wrong conclusions, as it would be easy, were we to lose sight of it. We notice then, first, the numerous instances in which we are informed that the worldly Sanctuary was erected according to a pattern which God furnished. Mark his instructions to Moses: "Let them make me a Sanctuary . . . according to all that I show thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it." Ex. xxv, 8, 9. "And look that thou make them after their pattern which was showed thee in the mount." Verse 40. See chap. xxvi, 30; Acts vii, 44. Every one will agree with us in the conclusion, that, wherever we may find this pattern, we shall find in it the antitype of the earthly Sanctuary; or in other words, that the pattern from which was erected the Sanctuary of the old covenant, is itself the Sanctuary of the better covenant under which we now live. To this view, then, we will subject the theories which have been introduced. You who believe that the land of Palestine is now the Sanctuary, can you suppose that that land was shown Moses for a pattern? We should gather from Deut. xxxiv, 1-4 that he never saw the land but once, and that was from the top of Pisgah. But, if this was the case, Moses could not have followed his pattern very accurately; for no one can claim much of a resemblance between the land of Canaan and the building which Moses erected, thirty cubits long and ten broad. And if the land of Canaan is the antitypical Sanctuary, we inquire further, What in the antitype answers to the two apartments of Moses' building? and what to the golden candlestick? and what to the altar of incense? and what to the ark of the covenant? and what to the earthly priesthood, and their continual service? We here see that one of two positions must be immediately surrendered, and we must admit: (1.) that the pattern from which Moses built the typical Sanctuary, has no connection with the antitype; or, (2.) that the land of Canaan is not that antitype. Which shall we yield? We unhesitatingly reply, The latter; for, whereas this has nothing to support it, the former has nothing to oppose it. These remarks will apply equally well to either of the other views mentioned, whether we take the first, that would make out the whole earth to be the Sanctuary, or the second, which would make it the Church, or the third, which would take in both heaven and earth together; and to subject either of these views to the questions above proposed, would lead us to the same result. We will now turn to the Revelation of St. John; and while we continually bear in mind that he is looking, not to any spot on earth, or to the Church, but into heaven, we will mark some of the objects which he there beholds. First, he beholds seven golden candlesticks [Rev. i, 12] or seven lamps of fire burning before the throne; [chap. iv, 5;] second, he sees an angel with a golden censer, offering incense upon the golden altar which was before the throne; [viii, 3, 4;] and third, he witnesses the temple of God opened and beholds therein the ark of his testament; [xi, 19;] but we know nothing concerning the golden candlestick, the golden censer, the altar of incense, and the ark of the testament, only as they are connected with the Sanctuary. What then shall we conclude? that the true Sanctuary is in heaven? that John was here beholding the instruments of that Sanctuary? and that these were the patterns of the earthly vessels? Yes; for so Paul directly tells us, whose testimony we will now notice. After discoursing upon the new covenant and the superiority of Christ's priesthood over that of Aaron, in the first seven chapters of Hebrews, Paul opens in the eighth as follows: "Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest who is set on the right hand of the throne of the majesty in the heavens; a minister of the Sanctuary and of the true tabernacle which the Lord pitched and not man." He declares plainly in chap. ix, 23, 24, that the holy places made with hands were "figures of the true," and that the earthly tabernacle and its sacred vessels, were "patterns of things in the heavens." He furthermore states concerning the priests on earth, that they served "unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle; for, see, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern showed to thee in the mount." Chap. viii, 5. From this we not only learn that the earthly Sanctuary was a figure, or type, of the Sanctuary in heaven, but also that the service of the priests here, was typical of the ministry of Christ above. And there is another important fact which will be universally conceded; and that is, that all the sacrifices offered in connection with the worldly Sanctuary, pointed to the great sacrifice of Christ when he offered up himself on Calvary. That the heavenly Sanctuary, like the earthly, has two holy places, is very evident, from the fact that the latter was a correct copy of the former; and not only this, but Paul distinctly speaks of it thus. "The holy places made with hands which are the figures (plural) of the true," holy places. And the word rendered "holiest of all," and "holy place," in Heb. ix, 5, 12; x, 19, is plural in the original, and by Macknight is rendered in these texts, "holy places," and by the Douay Bible, "the holies." Thus are we established in the fact, that Christ when he ascended commenced his ministry in the first apartment; for otherwise there would have been no need of that apartment in the heavenly Sanctuary, and his ministry would not have been a correct antitype of the worldly service, which was performed throughout the entire year, except upon the day of atonement, in the holy place. And hence we see how wide of the truth that view comes, which will have it that all heaven is the most holy place, and that Christ has now been employed more than eighteen hundred years upon that short and closing work, the cleansing of the Sanctuary, which, according to the type, was the only service to be performed in this apartment. And as this view includes the earth also as the holy place or first apartment, we would here remark, that the fallacy of any view which would connect the earth with the Sanctuary, is sufficiently shown by the following facts: 1. Christ is the minister of the Sanctuary; but, 2. No part of his ministry is performed on the earth; for "if he were on earth he should not be a priest," as there were priests chosen from among men to perform the services of the Sanctuary as long as they remained on earth. Heb. viii, 4. Therefore it is utterly futile to talk of the earth's being the Sanctuary, as a whole, or in any of its divisions. Thus have we found satisfactory answers to each of those inquiries which led us forth in the commencement of this article. We have found that the earthly tabernacle was but a "figure of the true," a pattern of the Sanctuary in heaven. The priests which there ministered, served unto the "example and shadow of heavenly things;" and the sacrifices there offered continually pointed forward to the great sacrifice that should be made for the sin of man. The way into the heavenly holy places, says Paul, "was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing." Heb. ix, 8. That is, God did not during the typical dispensation, lay open the true tabernacle, but gave to the people a figure or pattern of it. But when the time came that the services of the worldly Sanctuary ended, when the great Sacrifice was offered up on Calvary; when the dying Saviour cried with a loud voice, It is finished, and darkness overspread all the land, and the earth quaked, and the rocks burst, and the vail of the temple was rent in twain from top to bottom, (which was of itself evidence enough that its work had for ever ceased,) then the way of the temple of God in heaven was laid open. The true Church has had since that time neither Sanctuary nor priesthood in ancient Jerusalem but it has had both in heaven.173 With this view of the subject there is a divine harmony apparent throughout the entire plan; the means devised for our salvation are laid open before us, as could in no other way be done; and we behold a force and beauty in those forms and ceremonies, which would otherwise appear useless and without meaning. We have not spoken, nor did we in this article design to speak, particularly of the ministrations of the Sanctuary. We have here only aimed to offer a few reasons why we believe that there is a literal Sanctuary in heaven, the antitype of the earthly building. In the work of our great High Priest, as connected with this Sanctuary, is found a rich and ample field for the Bible student or any who feel an interest in the plan of salvation. With the scripture testimony on this point, doubtless our readers are mostly familiar. Let us then remember that as the worldly Sanctuary was the great center of worship in the typical dispensation, so is now the heavenly Sanctuary above; that as the ark with the mercy-seat, was the "root, heart and marrow" of the whole temple, even so is it now. Within the ark were the tables of the covenant, the law of God; and as by faith we behold the ark in the temple in heaven, we are reminded of the same holy law. There it rests securely beneath the eye of Jehovah, and the man of sin may think in vain to change it. Before it Christ pleads his blood for those who seek pardon for its transgression. Let us see to it then that all our sins go beforehand to judgment, [1 Tim. v, 24] realizing that now is the time to do this work, and remembering that the services of the heavenly Sanctuary are accomplished once for all. They are not oft-repeated as was the case in the earthly building, but when its ministration has once closed, the last soul that would avail itself of the means of redemption, will have made its salvation sure. What are the Duties of Church Officers?
By Roswell F. Cottrell
Order in the Church of God has been vindicated by different writers in the REVIEW, and has been established to a considerable extent by the ordination of officers in the churches. But perhaps the duties of those officers have not been made sufficiently clear. At least I have heard some inquiry in respect to their duties and have been requested to give my views concerning them in the REVIEW. It seems by the reading of the Scriptures that elders were appointed in every church. Titus i. 5: For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee. An elder and a bishop are the same, as will be seen by reading verse 7. For a bishop must be blameless, &c. An elder or a bishop is an overseer of the church. Acts xx, 28: Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God. An overseer is a ruler. 1 Tim. v, 17: Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine. This text shows that a person may be an elder and not be a preacher; but as elders are exhorted to "feed the flock of God" [1 Pet. v, 2], doubtlessly referring to spiritual food, it would seem reasonable to expect in an elder a gift of teaching and exhortation. Heb. xiii, 7: Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God. I shall not disagree with the generally received opinion, that the difference between an elder and a deacon is, that the former serve more especially in a spiritual, and the latter in a temporal sense. Both are not only leaders and rulers, but servants of the church. As servants they should do such duties in behalf of the church as are not common to each member individually. All moral duties are common to all; but in attending to the ordinances of the gospel, some one must act as a servant of all to administer. I believe that each church should have the power and means within itself to walk in all the ordinances of the house of God, and to admit others who may be brought into the truth to all the privileges of membership with them. A traveling elder or evangelist is not always at hand to administer in those duties that frequently devolve upon a church. A Timothy or a Titus whose duty it is to travel from place to place and "ordain elders in every city," cannot be expected to be present to administer the ordinances in every church on every occasion; but when he has performed his duty—has "set in order" the church by ordaining proper officers, they should be prepared to keep the faith of Jesus, to celebrate his death, to shine as the light of the world, and thus bring others into the fold of Christ, to administer baptism, receive to membership, and be the pillar and support of the truth; while those who labor in the field are going into new places to raise the standard of truth, gathering churches, and setting them in order. Thus the churches would be sending out the truth to others, while they were living it out at home. Michigan Tent Operations Closed.
By M. E. Cornell
Our last effort was at Hudson under very unfavorable circumstances. The cold weather, hard winds and political excitement, in addition to the general spirit of opposition to the present truth, very much hindered the work. Bro. Bates assisted in the effort at Hudson. Bro. Waggoner was with us over one Sabbath and First-day. On the second Sabbath and First-day several of the brethren and sisters were present from Hillsdale, and three more were baptized. We learned that five or six had decided to keep the Sabbath, and several others were investigating. We have concluded to leave the cities and villages until the political excitement is over, and as in the country we can occupy school-houses, we think, considering the uncertainty of the weather, we can do more good without the tent than with it. In looking over the field of our labors with the tent this season, we can see that the Lord has truly been with us, and the truth has prevailed. The effort with the tent has brought into the truth about 130 souls, and 69 of them have been baptized. Many more are investigating, and we hope for more fruit, perhaps after many days. The standard of truth is now raised in the southern part of the State, and many books are scattered, and the way is open for a good work the coming Winter. Since last May 149 believers have been baptized in Michigan. The interest to hear the truth is certainly increasing, and many things are calculated to encourage us, so that we shall enter upon the work this Fall and Winter with new zeal and courage. Our prayer is that the Lord will prepare all the dear friends who have embraced the truth the past Summer, for the trials that await them, and still speed on the work gloriously. M. E. CORNELL. THE following sad picture of the part which nominal religion is acting in our days, is presented by the Presbyterian Herald. "There seems never to have been a time in the history of our country when questions of religious and political science were so mingled together as at the present. When we open a paper it is often hard to tell at the first glance whether it is a political or religious journal. In all parts of our land, but especially in the northern portions, the platform and the stump give excited utterance to theological dogmas while the pulpit thunders forth political harangues. To what all this will grow we have not the prophetic ken by which we might foretell. But in the midst of all the commotion and confusion we can see one lamentable reversal of the order of matters and the order of truth. Christians, supposing they are carrying their religion into the sphere of their earthly interests, are in fact bringing their politics and worldly matters into the serene and elevated sphere of their religion. This is a course as unnatural and irrational as it is disastrous to the best interests of humanity. "Religion is a pure, heaven-born maid, of noble mien and serene countenance. She stands upon a lofty elevation of truth and goodness and love; and thence she surveys with tender interest the scenes of turmoil and strife, of sin, and woe which human affairs present to her pitying gaze. From her height, whence she beholds at one glance the whole of the confused and troubled sea, she interposes with gentleness and love, she reaches forth her hand to soothe and calm, to restrain and guide. She brings order out of confusion, turns wrath and strife to peace and love, and sheds a benign and heavenly influence over the raging and tossing sea of human passions. "In her closest mingling with the world and its conflicts, she still maintains her own elevation, and keeps her garments all unspotted from the contact. She is in the world, yet not of it. She lives and moves and works a mighty work of love in the very midst of the world's commotion. Yet is she above the world with all her aspirations toward heaven and eternity. "Such is the position of religion, and such her relation to politics and all other earthly things. But of late we have seen her descend into the heated arena, lose herself in the surging and tossing crowd, and when next she emerges, or rather, when her position is again occupied, 'tis no longer herself, but a drunken drab, wild with excitement, raves and retches and belches forth words of strife and scorn, bloodshed and bitterness, adding fuel to the flames of hatred and envy, and mocking heaven with daring blasphemy—essaying even to wield the thunders of Jehovah. When such a scene meets our troubled vision, we cry, Surely religion has been trodden in the streets, truth and righteousness lie bleeding in the dust. Alas alas! has she perished forever? Shall we never more behold her beauty and feel her sweet attractions? Yes, she shall yet come forth. Religion is of heavenly birth; she is immortal as the days of Jehovah. God, her author, lives and reigns, and this is our comfort in these days of darkness, that the Lord reigneth. The earth may therefore rejoice, and the multitudes of the isles be glad thereof." Infidel Reformers.
By N. Y. Evangelist
To the shame of the church it must be confessed that the foremost men in all our philanthropic movements, in the interpretation of the spirit of the age, in the practical application of genuine Christianity; in the reformation of abuses in high and low places; in the vindication of the right of man; and in practically redeeming his wrongs, in the moral and intellectual regeneration of the race, are the so called infidels (?) in our land. The church has pusillanimously left not only the working oar, but the very reins of salutary reform, in the hands of men she denounces inimical to Christianity, and who are practically doing with all their might for humanity's sake, that which the church ought to be doing for Christ's sake; and if they succeed, as succeed they will, in abolishing slavery, banishing rum, restraining licentiousness, reforming abuses and elevating the masses, then the recoil upon Christianity will be disastrous in the extreme. Woe, woe, woe to Christianity, when INFIDELS (?) by force of nature or the tendency of the age, get ahead of the church in morals, and in the practical work of Christianity; in some instances, they are already far in advance, in the vindication of truth, righteousness and liberty, they are the pioneers, beckoning to a sluggish church to follow.—N. Y. Evangelist. Self-Correction and the Fear of Sin
By John Owen
Whatever you dislike in another, take care to correct in yourself. Wherever the sentiment of right comes in, it takes precedence of everything else. He that hath slight thoughts of sin, never had great thoughts of God.—Owen. COMMUNICATIONS.
By J. Russ
"Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another." From Bro. Russ.
BRO. SMITH:—A few words to the brethren and sisters that are patiently waiting for their dear Lord. Jesus has gone to heaven to prepare a place for those who love him; and he has promised, saying, I will come again and receive you unto myself. Jesus has once been on earth. God sent his messenger, John, before him to prepare the way and tell the people to get ready. Who heeded it? O, a few despised, poor people. They got ready and received him when he came. Were these all that looked for the Saviour? No: the popular, the rich, the rulers, looked for him. How did they look? They looked for him to come a great, popular king, to give them peace and plenty of this world. He came poor, despised by the proud, to give peace and plenty of heavenly things to those who receive him; to comfort the humble, the poor, the distressed, the despised for his sake. So those that rejected him mocked and spit upon him and murdered him on the cross. Dear brethren and sisters, Jesus is soon coming the second time as he promised. He has sent out his messengers to tell us to get ready. Who will heed it? O, a few poor, despised people who are willing to keep all his Commandments, and be despised for his sake. Jesus says, If they persecuted me they will also persecute you. John xv, 20. How few are trying to get ready and waiting and watching for Jesus. Are these few all that are looking for Jesus? No: there are many looking for him a great way off. Poor souls! they are without the ark and in the dark. And many are looking for him to come and reign with them a thousand years, and have peace and safety, and convert everybody; but when they cry, Peace and safety, sudden destruction cometh. Many say that the Commandments of God are done away; but he that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar and the truth is not in him. 1 John ii, 4. Dear brethren and sisters, that are scattered over this wilderness world, Jesus is soon coming to gather all that are faithful home. O be patient, be humble, love each other, help each other on. True religion is love; it brings us all down humble, on a level together. If any sister has a companion that does not go with her and keep the Sabbath and all the Commandments, I would say to her, Do not give up the Saviour. It may be very trying to you to endure; but to go back is death, to struggle on is life eternal. Think what Jesus has done for you. The more trials and afflictions you endure for your Saviour, the greater your reward. Never give over. Brother, if you have companions that do not serve their Lord, pray for them. Point them to life eternal. Finally, brethren and sisters, be all of one mind, having compassion one of another. Love as brethren and sisters. Be pitiful, be courteous. Soon you will be gathered all in one fold.
J. RUSS.
Monterey, Mich. The Work in Kimball’s Community
By Asa Kimball
Bro. Smith:—I have thought for some time past you might like to hear from the brethren in this part of the vineyard. I would say that the little band here are standing firm in the present truth. Instead of losing any of our members by the distracting influences which are abroad in the land, in these perilous times, we are favored of the Lord by having members added to the church. Our Sabbath meetings are very interesting, and are blessed of the Lord. Of late we have seen the aged and the middle-aged come forward, the penitential tear coursing its way down their furrowed cheeks, saying, Pray for us: we are sinners, and request your prayer. We have seen them rise and state that God for Christ's sake had removed their burden of sin, and had given them a blessing and they are now on their way rejoicing, determined to go with the remnant in the present truth. Glory to God for the light, the truth, and the convicting power there is in the Third Angel's Message and Sabbath. Brn. Barr and Hutchins have been laboring with us with the tent, we hope and trust with success. We fully believe they have faithfully cleared the skirts of their garments. We believe this work to be the gleaning of the vintage—the last work of the true church, and the last call of mercy to a fallen world. True, we are living in perilous times. Here in my own native town, are young men, members of the Congregational Church, making speedy preparations to go forth with carnal weapons to battle, claiming that God has called them to go and fight for the cause of Freedom and Liberty. How contrary to the precept and examples of our blessed Saviour who said, If a man smite thee upon one cheek turn the other also. These so-called Christian Fighters claim that the opposite party are trespassing upon their rights. What must be done? Hear our Saviour, [Matt. v, 44.] But I say unto you, Love your enemies; [not shoot them;] bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, &c. Also Luke vi, 27-36. I think we cannot mistake our duty, dear brethren, in this trying hour. The wicked shall do wickedly and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand. I have had the pleasure of late of visiting some of the saints in other parts of this State and Mass., where an acquaintance was formed which will last, I trust, through all eternity. I can say of a truth, I love the brethren. Yours for the truth and light.
Asa Kimball.
Hampton, Ct., Sept. 14th, 1856. Extracts from Letters.
By Editor
SISTER Maryette M. Steere, of E. McDonough, N. Y., sends a remittance to the INSTRUCTOR with the following remarks:—"I have been a reader of that paper since its first publication, but have never given anything to sustain it, for the following reasons: In the first place, we live in very reduced circumstances, and have ever struggled hard with poverty; therefore our means are quite limited; but this is not all. My Father is a bitter opposer to the truth, as presented by the Review and Instructor, and has hitherto forbidden us to pay for the Instructor, although the papers come in his name. It is owing to these circumstances that we have never paid for that paper. But the kind friends have hitherto sent them to us175 gratis. We dearly love, and prize the precious truths it contains, but it is with the greatest opposition and persecution that we endeavor to keep all the Commandments; but we often feel doubly repaid for all our pains, and sorrows, with the rich blessings we enjoy, while striving to discharge our duty. "My mother, my elder brother, and myself, have tried, through many discouragements and trials, to keep the true Sabbath, for more than four years. We feel that we have come far short of our duty, oftentimes, but still we are determined to press on towards the mark of the prize of the high-calling of God in Christ Jesus. "We feel to praise the Lord that he has raised up friends of the truth in this place: one year ago last Spring a cousin of mine began to investigate the truths of the Third Angel's Message, and soon became convinced it was her duty to keep the Sabbath according to the commandment. Her parents became interested in the truth, and soon decided to keep the Sabbath with her, and, I trust, are made to rejoice in the hope of soon seeing Jesus. "Precious, indeed, are the seasons we are permitted to enjoy together, and we hope they will prove a source of mutual benefit, and encouragement. It has been a long time since we have seen any of the laborers in the moral vineyard; and we have no meetings that we feel at liberty to attend. Cannot some lecturing brother come this way? I think good might be done in the name of Israel's God. "I feel it is high time we were awake to the momentous concerns of these last days, and that we realized the importance of having our daily walk and conversation just what it should be, and our lamps trimmed and burning; for time is short. We have but a little while longer to stay in this dark, unfriendly world; and then, if faithful, what a glorious eternity opens before us! O let this nerve us for the conflict, make us more watchful, more prayerful, and more faithful. O pray for us, that we may faithfully discharge every duty, fight valiantly, and at last come off more than conquerors through him that hath loved us." Sister Eliza A. Cooper writes from Bath, N. Y., Sept. 14th, 1856:—"I am still trying to keep the Commandments, and mean through the grace of God to endure to the end, that I may be saved. The paper comes to me indeed a welcome messenger. My sympathies are with those that have borne the burden and heat of the day, and those that are striving to serve that God who is no respecter of persons, but will accept all that work righteousness. "Truly we belong to the despised class of people; but, glory be to God, if we are faithful, Jesus will own us before his heavenly Father's face; and more than all this, he will appoint us a place in the New Jerusalem. Men can despise us here, but they cannot follow us into the kingdom. "I am not satisfied to know what is truth, only, but I want the truth to practice by. I want it as fire shut up in my bones. I want the love of it in my very being." Sister Almira M. Preston writes from Fitz Henry, Ill.:—"I feel thankful that I ever heard the sound of the Third Angel's Message. I am striving to keep all the Commandments, though all alone. My prayer to God is that I may be kept from the snare and love of the world, while time lasts. People are filling up the measure of their iniquity very fast. We hear of wars and rumors of wars; and slavery is increasing in our own land. Those things lead me to cry, O Lord, prepare me for that awful day that is just before us. Sometimes I am in darkness, living here alone, having no one to meet with on the Sabbath; but I praise the Lord that he is able to keep me, and wants me to stand alone and not trust in an arm of flesh. "I rejoice that I can have the Review to read. It comes filled with precious truths. It rejoices my heart to read about the tent-meetings, and that souls are being converted to the knowledge of the truth. I feel more encouraged of late. The Lord has given me one to go with me; at least, one who is investigating the subject of the Sabbath, and says that there is no weekly Sabbath taught between the lids of the Bible, but the seventh day. She has commenced to keep the Sabbath. If some brother should preach here, I think that she and her companion would both keep the Commandments." WHO ARE THE BLESSED OF THE EARTH?
Blessed ye, who now, though poor,
Seek no fading treasures here;
Ye who seek that treasure sure,
In a glorious, changeless sphere—
Yours the kingdom soon shall be,
Yours, through all eternity. Blessed ye, who weep and mourn,
Traveling through a world of woe,
Seeking not from misery's urn,
Joy and pleasure as ye go—
Comforted ye soon shall be
Through a long eternity. Blessed ye, who meekly bear
All the wrongs oppression brings,
Grasping not a troublous share
Of this world's decaying things—
Yours the earth shall shortly be,
In its primal purity. Blessed ye, who hour by hour,
Hunger still for righteousness,
Thirsting for the Spirit's power,
Resting not till God shall bless—
Filled your waiting souls shall be,
Is the promise, sure and free. Blessed ye, whose tender hearts
Mercy holds in willing sway;
And the tear of pity starts
For the ills that cloud our way—
As ye freely mercy give,
Mercy shall ye thus receive. Blessed ye who guard secure
Every fount of thought within,
From each motive dark, impure,
Springing soon to open sin—
Ye shall soon your Maker see,
In his holy majesty. Blessed ye, who strive to win
Severed hearts to love again,
Lest a breach be made for sin
And the demon, Discord, reign—
This shall be your title given:
Children of the God of heaven. Blessed ye, when o'er your way,
Storms of persecution rise,
As ye seek from day to day,
Through the cross, to win the prize—
'Tis no hazard race ye run;
And the prize will soon be won. Blessed ye, when men revile,
Slander, persecute, despise,
Muttering forth their curses vile,
And a host of hell-born lies—
List ye then the Saviour's voice,
Bidding you in him rejoice. Embracing the Present Truth
By Eloy Hough
Bro Smith:—It is now two years since myself and companion embraced the present truth, and we are still trying to keep all the Commandments of God. The Review is a welcome messenger to us. Brethren and sisters, I feel thankful to God that he has shown me my error; that I have been willing to come out from the world. I feel that it is high time that we should come up to higher ground. We should be dead to the world and alive to God; for now is the time—the accepted time. May we call on him while he is near. It is a solemn time with us now. O that our lamps may be trimmed and burning, and we be ready to enter in to the marriage supper of the Lamb. Eloy Hough. Rochester, Mich., Sept 16th, 1856. CORNELIA RICE
By Cornelia Rice
BRO. SMITH:—My heart is often made glad by reading communications from dear brethren and sisters, in the Review, and indeed it seems the only way that many of the scattered ones have of speaking one to another. For me to meet with one of like precious faith seems truly like an angel's visit. Such has been my privilege to-day, and my heart feels strengthened in the truth of the Bible and our position. The doctrines held forth in the Review seem to me much more like Bible doctrine than the preaching I hear from the desk. For instance, the 144,000 I have heard by one minister applied to the children slain at our Saviour's birth; by another of the same order, to the saints raised at his death. But the watchmen will see eye to eye when the Lord brings again Zion. My prayer is that the time may be hastened. But I am accused of embracing Infidelity, because I do not believe I have an immortal soul; but I must believe the record of God, that he hath given to us eternal life, and that life is in his Son; and when he who is our life shall appear, then shall we also appear with him in glory. I often feel it my duty to stir up the people in regard to these truths; and I think some are stirred up to see there are inconsistencies in their creed; and I often think if some one mighty in the Scriptures and clothed with the Spirit should come this way, something might be done. May the Lord send such an one to convince the gainsayers and put the enemy to silence. But the most effectual preaching is the daily living. If our faith and works agree we shall convince the world that we are not infidels. When, the other day, a good old Baptist brother charged this upon my views, and thanked God he had an immortal soul! I replied, I could lay claim to no such inherent principle; that my hope, my life, was in Christ, and immortality was to be had only by seeking for it. He acknowledged I had the hands of him in argument as he had not investigated the subject; and like others he seemed unwilling to investigate it. Let us pray that the Spirit of God may press the truth upon their minds. Yours waiting for the kingdom of God.