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Review and Herald, Vol. XXX, No. 17

The Sermon.
Earlier text: ALL IS VANITY.

THOMAS CARLYLE'S MILLENNIUM VIEWS.

By MARY W. HOWARD

Few there are who would thread through the mazes of Thomas Carlyle, even for the gems of rich thought he is reputed to evolve. But below is given an extract worthy to be noted as the opinion, resulting from his observation of men and manners,—the opinion of one, of whom those who differ from him admit, “Want of discernment is not one of his misfortunes; no man is quicker to see facts.”
“All the millenniums I ever heard of heretofore, were to be preceded by the chaining of the Devil a thousand years;—laying him, tied neck and heels, and put beyond stirring, as the preliminary. Preliminary steps have been taken, with more or less ardor for the last thirty years; but they all seem to be in the opposite direction; a cutting asunder of straps and ties wherever found; pretty indiscriminate of choice in the matter. . . . So that now hardly any limb of the Devil has any thrum or tether of rope or leather left upon it. In fact, he is likely to become an emancipated gentleman; lithe of limb, as in Adam and Eve's time, and scarcely a toe or finger of him tied any more. And you my friends are certainly getting into a millennium such as hardly entered into the dreams of Bedlam.”
The above, scathing as it is, cannot be called a caricature, but rather a fitting commentary upon those Scripture words, “The Devil has come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.” And pitiable as it is that there should be occasion for the following, it must nevertheless be admitted that there are indications of its fulfillment.
“In a limited time, say fifty years hence, the church, all churches and so-called religions—the Christian religion itself, shall have deliquesced into—Liberty of Conscience, Progress of Opinion, Progress of Intellect, Philanthropic Movement, and other aqueous residuums of a vapid, badly-scented character—and shall, like water spilt upon the ground, trouble nobody considerably thenceforth, but evaporate at its leisure.”
Very grateful may Adventists be that they have a sure word of prophecy, begetting a better hope for the future of our world than that eliminated by the progress of man. Yea, they may rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory, that Jesus Christ “hath begotten us to a lively hope through his resurrection from the dead.” Rejoice that Jesus spoke those prophetic words, “If I be lifted up I will draw all men unto me.” A strange way it did seem to draw all men unto him, when they saw him lifted upon the cross, even unto death. No wonder they sorrowfully said, “We trusted that it had been he that should redeem Israel.” And so it was. But as yet they had not learned the comprehensive view of those prophecies which spoke glorious things of Christ's coming kingdom. Alas! that to this day the words of Jesus, “Oh fools and slow of heart to believe the prophecies,” are so applicable to such a majority of mankind, who blindly shut their eyes, and steel their hearts to the literal kingdom to which Christ shall redeem his Israel; and persistently follow a myth they cannot define.
In proof of this inability to define, a little incident may appropriately be given here. Gathered around an evening table were a group, among whom were two intelligent, well-educated young ladies. In the conversation the remark was incidentally made by one of them, “When the millennium comes.” Yea, replied I, if you can tell what you mean by the millennium. “Why” said she, “that good time to the church, of which the Bible tells.” I wish you would point some of the passages out to me, I asked. A “Scripture Manual” was conveniently at hand. She turned to the heading “Millennium,” hastily conned over the passages and looked up in blank astonishment. Isa. lxvi, 8, was turned to and read. It had been quoted by each in turn, and even by myself, not quite correctly. “Are you sure,” she asked, “that is the only passage that speaks of a nation being born in a day?” Quite sure that is the nearest to it of any passage in the Bible, I replied. Utterly confounded, but not in the least angered she rose from the table, playfully saying, “Now Mrs. H., next time you battle for that point do you do it stronger, for the passage does not come so near affirming that, as you yourself admitted.
MARY W. HOWARD.

A HAPPY CHANGE.

By H. A. St. John

I SAW a beautiful flower fade upon the stalk, and its green leaves were scattered upon the cold ground. I looked again, it had come forth in more than former glory, and shed its beauties round.
I saw the glorious sun sink beneath the western wave, and the sable curtain of night was dropped upon the earth and pinned with a star. I looked again, and the same sun, in all its resplendent beauty, emerged from the horizon, rejoicing in the brightness of its course.
I saw a worm, cold and motionless, enclosed in its narrow cell, with every sign of life extinguished. Again I looked, and behold! it spread its gorgeous wings, and floated in the balmy air, apparently rejoicing in its new being.
I have seen the children of God, in youth, in middle age, in gray hairs, cut down by the relentless hand of death, and laid away in the cold, silent, and cheerless grave. By faith, strengthened by the unfailing word of God, I can behold them with glorified, immortal bodies, basking in the lambent flame of God's glory, and roaming amid the amaranthine bowers of Paradise restored.
Praise God for this blessed hope, soon to be realized! Reader will you be there?
H. A. ST. JOHN.

THE HOUR OF PRAYER.

Dear Lord is any hour so sweet, From blush of morn to evening star, As that which calls me to thy feet— The hour of prayer?
Blest be that tranquil hour of morn, And blest that solemn hour of eve, When, on the wings of prayer upborne, The world I leave!
For then a day-spring shines on me, Brighter than morn’s ethereal glow; And richer dews descend from thee Than earth can know.
Then is my strength by thee renewed; Then are my sins by thee forgiven; Then dost thou cheer my solitude With hopes of Heaven.
Words cannot tell what sweet relief Here for every want I find— What strength for warfare, balm for grief, What peace of mind.
Hushed is each doubt, gone every fear; My spirit seems in Heaven to stay, And even the penitential tear Is wiped away.

THE COMING STORM.

By JOHN CLARKE

The world has passed its halcyon days—its pleasant times. Dark days of heavy trouble are coming. The political horizon is already overcast with dark clouds, and the distant roar of the awful storm is heard and heeded only by those who are watching. Are God's people awake, and noting the occasional, lurid flash of the coming storm? Are we “cutting loose from the world,” and getting ready? Do we realize that time is short? that the day of trouble hastens? Yea, greatly; all unobserved, both by the world and worldly professors? Soon the lightnings will flash. Soon the roar of the storm will be upon us; and during the lulls of this storm of wrath (self-brought upon a guilty world) will be heard the wails of anguish and groans of despair from those who are unprepared. This time is coming. Let us not be found sleeping. Brethren, awake.
JOHN CLARKE.

TOO LATE.

By ADOLPHUS SMITH

The steamboat was to leave in half an hour. I had so delayed my business that it became necessary to do the work of an hour in only a few minutes. Hence it was imperfectly done, and only in time to arrive at the wharf and find that the boat had crossed the river where it paused a moment to take in freight before proceeding on its way down the stream. I hailed it. The reply came. “We cannot go over for you.” Alas, too late!
Moral. The last message of mercy is being proclaimed to fallen man. Some heed the warning and “lay hold of the hope set before them in the gospel;” but many even of these delay the work of preparing to meet the Son of God at his appearing and kingdom. While their brethren advance they hold back, “having a form of godliness,” but practically denying the power thereof. Such will awake to their danger only in time to discover their irreparable loss. Then they may wander to and fro, seeking the word of the Lord in vain. Then they may engage with ardor in the work they have so long delayed; but like Esau, they will find no place of repentance even though sought earnestly and with tears. Then their cry to the sealed ones can only meet with the response, “We cannot go over to you.” “There’s a great gulf between us and you.”
Sinner, flee from the wrath to come. Laggard Christian, quicken thy pace.
“Hasten sinner to be wise, Stay not for the morrow’s sun. Wisdom if you still despise, Harder is it to be won.”
ADOLPHUS SMITH.
Ottawa Co., Mich.

HOW CAME IT TO PASS?

By Nevins

That three thousand were converted on the day of Pentecost—how came it to pass? The truth as it is in Jesus was preached, and the power of God accompanied and made the truth effectual. But had not the meeting for prayer, of which mention is made in Acts 1, 14, a close and influential connection with the glorious results of that day and that discourse? Undoubtedly it had. But what was there in that meeting of the hundred and twenty disciples to exert an influence to the conversion of three thousand individuals? Whence had it that power? I answer, it was a prayer-meeting—professedly and mainly a prayer-meeting. If it had been a meeting for preaching, it would not have exerted the influence it did, even though prayer had preceded and followed the sermon. It was a prayer-meeting—a meeting of Christians to express their dependence on God; unitedly to call on him for his blessing; to plead the promise, and to wait for the fulfillment of it. Those are the efficient meetings in which Christians meet and agree to ask of God. I wonder they do not value them more. To the prayer-meeting Christians come, to exercise the high privilege of intercession for others—to do good and to communicate—to act the “more blessed” part; whereas, to meetings of another kind, they go for the less benevolent purpose of receiving good. Yet Christians value no meetings so little as the prayer-meetings! For the church, I blush that it should be so.
But the influence of that meeting of a hundred and twenty was not owing entirely to its being a prayer-meeting. Many meetings for prayer are held, and no such effects follow. There must have been something peculiar about that prayer-meeting, to account for its efficacy. There was much by which it was distinguished from ordinary prayer-meetings. The mention of some of these peculiarities may be of service. It may provoke imitation in some churches.
1. All the church attended that prayer-meeting. “These all continued,” &c. There were but a hundred and twenty disciples, and they were all present. Not a member of the church was absent, unless providentially detained. How different is it now! Now, if so many as a hundred and twenty can be collected in a prayer-meeting, yet they represent perhaps a church of five or six hundred communicants, and all the rest are with one accord absent. They who meet may agree among themselves to ask for an outpouring of the Spirit, but it is, after all, but the agreement of a minority of the church. The majority, by their absence, dissent from the request.
2. As all attended, of course the men attended as well as the women. Yes, every male member of the church was present; and I suppose the males were more than one half of the whole number. They did not leave it to the women to sustain the prayer-meetings. That prayer-meeting had not the aspect of many a modern prayer-meeting, in which almost all are of the weaker sex.
3. The most distinguished members of the church attended, as well as the most obscure. There were all the apostles, and “Mary the mother of Jesus,” and “his brethren.” None of them felt above being at a prayer-meeting. How is it now? Let that question answer itself.
4. They were all agreed—“of one accord,” as it is said. Not merely agreed as touching what they should ask, viz., the fulfillment of “the promise of the Father,” but of one mind generally—aye, and of one heart. They thought and felt alike. They all loved one another. They observed the new commandment. Such cordial union among Christians has great power with God. It does not always exist in our prayer-meetings.
5. They persevered in prayer. “These all continued in prayer.” First they stirred themselves up to take hold on God, and then they said, “We will not let thee go, except thou bless us.” They met often for prayer, and all met, and they lingered long at the throne of grace. There were not some who came to the meeting once for a wonder, or only occasionally. No; “these all continued,” &c. It is not so now. But how long did they continue asking? Until they obtained; and then they did but pass from the note of prayer to that of praise. They sought the Lord until he came. It is time we all should do it. They were together—holding meeting—when the Spirit descended.
I think if all our church members would habitually attend the prayer-meetings, men as well as women, rich as well as poor, and “be of one accord” in heart, as well as in judgment, and would continue in prayer, they would not wait in vain for “the promise of the Father.” Oh, for such prayer-meetings! But now they are despised by many. How often we hear it said, It is nothing but a prayer-meeting! Nothing but! I should like, for my part, to know what surpasses a prayer-meeting. And often on what unworthy conditions do those called Christians suspend their attendance. They must know who is to conduct the meeting, who will probably lead in prayer, and from whom a word of exhortation may be expected; and if the meeting is not likely to be to their mind, they will not attend it. This thing ought not so to be.—Nevins.

From Sister Hale.

By Anna H. Hale

Dear Brethren and Sisters: Being one of the lonely ones, it has often been suggested that I should communicate with my brethren and sisters through the medium of our paper, as a portion of its pages is set apart for the purpose, that we may have the opportunity of speaking one to another. I have enjoyed reading the letters from the members of the scattered family of God's children, and if I could speak some cheering word that would encourage some lonely traveler on his journey Zion-ward, I should be happy indeed.
It seems to me that we have every thing to encourage us in this good way; there is light ahead, and it will shine brighter and brighter unto the perfect day.
Then we have a strong arm to lean upon. Are there any hard and seemingly dangerous passes to go through? His rod and His staff they comfort us; He is our strength; of whom shall we be afraid? Our enemies may harass us along the way, seeking some chance to give us a deadly blow, but our armor is strong, only we must be sure to have it all on securely; and the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty; and angels are ever around us to minister to us who are heirs of salvation. Then shall we not dare to do right though all the world oppose?
How sweet it is to be allowed to do little services for Jesus, who has done and suffered so much for us. Gladly we'll take the cup of suffering if he gives it, for he has drunk of it before. Are there any duties for us to perform? How cheerfully we can do them, rejoicing to be the honored instruments of doing His will.
How blessed it is to have such a mighty friend; who is interested in all that concerns us; to whom we can carry all our cares and perplexities; our joys and sorrows; and feel that he never wearies, but is always willing to listen to his children. Clouds and darkness gather over our way at times, and human wisdom would lead us to think that we were hedged in on every side; still we may trust, and walk right on in the path of obedience—the only safe path—and no good thing will be withheld from those who walk uprightly.
Then let us be cheerful and joyful. There is no reason why we should not, for “light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.” “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God.”
ANNA H. HALE.
Millbury, Mass., Sept. 22, 1867.
A TEST OF UNIVERSALISM.—“A Christian gentleman, one Col. Richardson, was in a boat along with two Universalists, on the river, some distance above the Falls of Niagara. The Universalists began to rally the Col. on his belief of future punishment, and expressed their astonishment that a man of his powers of mind should be so far misled as to believe the horrid dogma. The Colonel defended his opinions, and the result was a controversy, which was carried on so long and earnestly that when they, after some time, looked round, they found that the boat was hurrying, with great rapidity, toward the Falls! The Universalists at once dropped the oars, and began to cry to God to have mercy on them. Richardson laid hold of the oars, exerted all his strength, and, by God’s mercy, pulled ashore. When they had landed, he addressed his companions: ‘Gentlemen, it is not long since you were railing at me for believing in future punishment. Your opinion is that when a man dies the first thing of which he is conscious is being in Heaven; now, I want to know why you were so terribly frightened when you thought that in five minutes more you would be over the Falls and up in glory?’ The Universalists were silent for some time; at length, one of them, scratching his head, said: ‘I’ll tell you what, Col. Richardson, Universalism does very well in smooth water, but it will never do to go over the Falls of Niagara!’”

From Bro. Brown.

By W. N. Brown

BRO. SMITH: I thank God with all my heart that I ever heard the sound of the third angel's message. It brought me out from the Methodist church about four years ago. But I must confess I have not been trying to live it out in all its bearings until within the present year. But I thank God that I have made up my mind, with the grace of God to help, to keep all the commandments of the Lord blameless. I would say for the encouragement of others that reform is just what we as a people need to fit us to stand in the great time of trial that is just a little in the future. I can say too that I heartily endorse the dress reform. It is just what the sisters need to distinguish them from the world. My wife has adopted it and feels she has received a great blessing by so doing. We are both trying to live out present truth, and hope by so doing that we shall gain eternal life and be saved when Jesus comes.
W. N. BROWN.
Portland, Me.
SISTER S. F. GRAY writes from Faribault Co., Minn.: Permit me to say to the dear brethren and sisters in Minnesota, that in the town of Jo Davis there is a small number who are striving for victory over the world, the flesh and the Devil. Two years ago there were but two Sabbath-keepers here; at present there are fifteen who are striving to obey God in all things.
Sabbath, Sept. 21, was a good day for us. Bro. Demick, from Bass Lake, was with us, and by request spoke upon the subject of the Sanctuary. The Lord gave freedom, and our hearts were made to rejoice. In the evening we had a prayer and conference meeting. The Lord was with us by his Spirit, and we had the pleasure of hearing six of our friends decide to keep the commandments of God and go with us to the kingdom. Pray for us, dear brethren and sisters, that we may continue faithful by the grace given us, that when Jesus comes we may with you enter the heavenly kingdom.
SMALL BUT POWERFUL.—The moths have succeeded in shutting up one of our most fashionable churches for the season. It seems that these troublesome little creatures have been multiplying in the new and elegant meeting-house on Boylston street (Dr. Gannet's) until it has become necessary to close the house and strip it of all its upholstery, in order to save it from utter ruin, to say nothing of the clothing of the attendants. May not this fact be taken as a living illustration of the Scriptural injunction, that it is better to lay up treasures in Heaven, "where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt" than to put them in palatial and fashionable churches which rather tend to exclude the meek and lowly?—Wide World.

NOTES BY THE WAY.

By J. M. A.

Thursday morning, Sept. 26, left Washington, Iowa, in company with Bro. Smith and brethren from that place, for the Convocation Meeting at Pilot Grove. After a most pleasant ride of ten miles over the prairie, we arrived at the Grove. Here a cordial reception was given us by the good brethren of Iowa, who were assembled from all parts of the State to attend this great meeting. Of this good meeting I will not speak in detail. Particulars will be given in the Editorial Correspondence.
Suffice it to say: The Lord met with his people on this occasion, and we were permitted to enjoy a most excellent season together. There were probably over 300 Sabbath-keepers in attendance. And such a turnout of people as were assembled on first-day, is seldom witnessed at a religious meeting in a country place like this. It was estimated that there were from 1500 to 1800 persons present.
Bro. and sister White were blessed with health and strength, and enjoyed freedom in the Lord during the entire meeting, and their testimony was gratefully received.
We are happy to say that the waves of opposition have spent their force in Iowa, and peace and tranquility are again restored among the brethren in that State.
Our hearts were made glad to find the cause so prosperous there, and to see the brethren all so united and determined to press the battle. The Lord continue with them.
We are glad of our visit to Iowa. Now that we have seen the dear brethren there face to face, and formed a personal acquaintance with them, and mingled our prayers and our testimonies with theirs, we shall feel that our hearts are more closely knit together than before. Our work is one. May we be one in the bonds of love and fellowship of Christ.
Pilot Grove, the place of our meeting, is a native grove, containing, as I was informed, about three hundred acres, and stands out on the vast prairie like an oasis on the great desert. The timber is mostly oak and hickory. Years ago, when this country was new and uninhabited, when for many miles around not a tree nor shrub was to be seen, nor any familiar object to greet the eye, but all a vast ocean plain, this grove is said to have served as a faithful pilot to guide the adventurous traveler on his course. Hence the name which it now retains.
The church in this place numbers about fifty members. Like this noted grove which served formerly to guide the traveler over these boundless plains, so may this church stand out as a way-mark to the world around them, and serve as a faithful pilot to guide the life-bound traveler over the broad plains of sin.
On Monday morning, took leave of Bro. and sister White, Bro. Smith, and other good brethren at Pilot Grove, and with Bro. Olmsted of Michigan, accepted the kind invitation of Bro. J. Hare to take us to Mt. Pleasant, where he resides, a distance of about forty miles. Such a long wagon ride would ordinarily have been tiresome and tedious, but on this occasion it was a rare treat, such as I never before enjoyed. A pleasant day, splendid roads, good company, and a continual stretch of such beautiful prairie to feast the eyes upon, all combined to make the trip most delightful, and one to be remembered hereafter with great satisfaction.
Our short stay at Mt. Pleasant we enjoyed much. Here we found some excellent brethren and sisters who gave us a cordial greeting, and spared no pains to make our visit pleasant. We shall not forget their kindness. We love these brethren.
Mt. Pleasant is indeed a pleasant place,—rightly named. It has upward of 5000 inhabitants, and is a thrifty, enterprising city. One of the chief features of interest in this place is the “Iowa Hospital for the Insane.” Through the introduction of Bro. A. A. Fairfield to Mr. Ashbury, the Supervisor of the Hospital,—a very courteous and obliging gentleman,—we were shown through the entire buildings, and specially favored in the way of details, explanations, &c. This institution is said to excel any thing of the kind in the Union. It certainly speaks well for Iowa. The appropriations at the present time are about $600,000. Its entire arrangement and management are of the first order. There are now in attendance 340 patients. How sad the sight to see so many beings created in the image of God, with their reason dethroned!
I was willing to turn from the sickening scene, and look out from the high tower of the main building upon the more cheering and beautiful scenery outside. Never did my eyes fall on a more charming view than was presented from this elevated place. As far as the eye could penetrate the depths of space, one vast delightful plain, beautiful both by nature and art, was spread out before us in magnificent display.
If old earth, thought I, with all the curse upon it, be clothed in such splendor, and present so tempting a view, what sympathizing beauty and charms must be presented when the curse shall be removed! Welcome, glad day! There will then be no need of hospitals for the sick or insane. Sickness and insanity, sorrow and death, will have passed away, to be known and felt no more. Give me then our earth restored, instead of a mystical heaven “beyond the bounds of time and space.”
Wednesday, Oct. 2, 4 o’clock, A. M., now at Mt. Pleasant depot waiting for the cars to journey eastward. I go to Burlington, thence into central Illinois to visit kindred in the flesh.
As I am now waiting for the cars, so may I be waiting when Jesus comes. J. M. A.

NOT IN WORD, BUT IN DEED AND IN TRUTH.

By G. W. A.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: Quite recently, at our General and State Conferences, and on some other occasions, we have passed resolutions in regard to humility, consecration, &c., &c., all of which were well. But let us be careful that our humility and good works do not exist only in “resolutions.” It would be full as well to never take such action, if we do nothing further. It is indeed a solemn thing to enter into covenant with God, as we do in passing resolutions and in making vows to do better; but if we fail to carry out our covenant, how great is the responsibility that rests upon us. It is no light matter to vote on a resolution where eternal interests are concerned, and our subsequent lives should ever attest that we regard it in that light. We are now merging into times that will try men’s souls, and it becomes us all to have a daily experience in the things of God. Oh, that each of us, as members of the great body of Christ, might seek to draw nourishment from the true and living Vine, that God’s great salvation might be with us, and all our works stand the test of the judgment, which is right upon us. Again I say, let us be careful that the resolutions which we pass to get nearer to God, do not prove a dead letter, and mere acts of formality. We may forget them, but be assured God never does. Finally, let us be doers of the work, as well as hearers of the word, and not love in tongue and word, BUT IN DEED AND IN TRUTH. G. W. A.

THE CAUSE IN ATHENS, ME.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

The weather has compelled us to close our meetings here. The interest was good to the last. Without the tent we had no suitable place for meetings; so we called a meeting to see what should be done. It was immediately resolved to have a meeting-house in which to continue the meetings. Money, labor, materials, &c., were subscribed, and now we have the timber on the ground, the foundation laid, and the carpenters at work erecting a house 32x40. We hope for the blessing of God upon this work. It was positively demanded here. God has raised up friends to the cause there who are willing to sacrifice for it. We expect to stay here some time yet and follow up the work. Pray for us. D. M. CANRIGHT.

THE RELIGION OF SPIRITUALISM.

By W. C. G.

The latest edition of “Hayward’s Book of all Religions,” recognizes the “Religion of Spiritualism.” The article is written by one A. E. Newton, who is endorsed by the Banner of Light as capable of setting forth the faith of the true believer. From his definition we make the following extract:
“There is no distinct system now before the public which can with propriety be called Spiritualism, or the Spiritual Philosophy, and for which Spiritualists, as such, can be held responsible. Modern Spiritualism, more specifically, may be defined as that belief or conviction which is peculiar to, and universally held by, the people now called Spiritualists. This may be stated in the single proposition—
“That disembodied human spirits sometimes manifest themselves, or make known their presence and power, to persons in the earthly body, and hold realized communication with them.
“Whoever believes this one fact, whatever else he may believe or disbelieve in Theology, Philosophy, or Morals, is a Spiritualist, according to the modern use of the term.”
If the above definition is correct, and we are not disposed to question it, the estimate of their numbers, placed at eleven millions in the same issue of the Banner, certainly is not too high, for if we were to try the so-called orthodox churches by this standard, the vast majority would answer to the description. While comparatively few will acknowledge the title of Spiritualist, their corrupt theology relative to man’s immortality is paving the way for their rapid descent into that infidel pit, which will sooner or later drown them in perdition. W. C. G.

A MISSTATEMENT CORRECTED.

By John Nevins Andrews

I HAVE learned from Bro. T. M. Steward, that certain Advent ministers in Wisconsin are making the statement that in sister White's earlier visions she saw that the dead are in a conscious state; and that she even brought back messages from the departed to their friends still living. I have had a personal acquaintance with sister White for more than twenty-two years, and have had an accurate knowledge of nearly every vision. This is especially true of her earlier visions. I am therefore prepared to bear testimony in this case, and I do hereby state most explicitly and unqualifiedly that the above assertion put forth against sister White, is without the slightest foundation in truth. Some of the earliest visions did, on the contrary expressly assert the fact that the saints who have fallen in death, are now asleep.
I would also add that to the best of my knowledge and belief, sister White was a believer in the doctrine of the sleep of the dead for a considerable period of time before her first vision was given. This doctrine was generally believed by the Adventists of Portland in 1844, of which city she was then a resident.
J. N. ANDREWS.
Berkshire, Vt., Sept. 19, 1867.

REPORT FROM BRO. CORNELL.

By Merritt E. Cornell

Since I started out this time I have been laboring moderately, yet with some success. Held six meetings at St. Charles, and trust some good was done. I found the church there quite on the background, but they appeared glad to hear and manifested a desire to be helped.
I spent one Sabbath in Midland City, but found the way hedged up for public meetings. I am now holding meetings forty-four miles north-west of Saginaw city; have baptized three and organized a church of ten members. There are several others here who keep the Sabbath, but as yet hold back about uniting with the church.
I shall now turn aside to rest awhile till the meeting-house is ready at Tittabawassee. The friends there have done nobly, and they now have a very commodious and neatly-finished house of worship, nearly ready for dedication. May they all rejoice when it shall be said, “Come, let us go up to the house of the Lord together.” M. E. CORNELL. Jerome, Michigan, Sept. 20.

PALESTINE AND THE JEWS.

By James White

The Age-to-Come teachers have been increasing in their efforts to prove the “Return of the Jews” from the Scripture promises; and they have also many times asserted that the prospect was very favorable for their speedy return to Palestine. Their arguments from the prophecies having been abundantly refuted, I wish to call attention to the present actual prospect of their soon or even ever possessing Jerusalem.
So sanguine have been some that the Lord was opening the way for the settlement and possession of the “land of promise,” and believing that great blessings were in store for those who would go up to possess it, that, from time to time, efforts have been made to colonize “the faithful” there. The last, and which of course, should have been the most successful as the time of the promise draws near, was made by a party from New England, who went there in 1866. Mr. H. H. Jessup, a well-known American Missionary, wrote from Beirut, Sept. 3, 1866, as follows:
“We were distressed at the news of the coming of a colony of Americans from Maine to settle at Jaffa. The Consul at Jerusalem has written to Mr. Seward, to dissuade the deluded people from such an insane undertaking; but they will not be dissuaded. Nothing less than the “sacred” soil will satisfy them. They will find the Turkish Government suspicious, and opposed to them at every step. Once outside of Jaffa gardens, the plain is frequented by the Bedouin, and they will find the Holy Land too hot for them in more senses than one. It seems sad that sober reason could not have reached them. I have noticed advertisements of the scheme in the papers from time to time, but regarded it as a hoax. We now hear they are coming. May the Lord have mercy on them.”
“An accurate history of the visionaries who have made similar raids on the Holy Land during this century, either as individuals or in companies, would be one of the most astonishing books ever written. But this ‘down east’ attempt to get further east bids fair to cap the climax.”
But they would not be dissuaded; they went, and I have read the account of their experience there. It may be briefly summed up in the words of Ezekiel: “lamentation, and mourning, and woe.” They did not find the climate as favorable as they expected, nor the land productive, as had been represented to them. Sick and dying; destitute of provisions and other necessaries of life; with cunning, and most cruel enemies on every side, the worst fears of Mr. Jessup seemed more than realized. And those who urged them into this fanatical step, take but little notice of their disappointment and sufferings, lest, perhaps, their own blindness and folly should thereby be exposed and rebuked.
So much for present efforts and prospects. Let us look for a moment at the future. The Western Christian Advocate of Sept. 11, 1867, in a leading article entitled “Can Jerusalem be sold?” presents some facts of deep interest on this subject. It says the low state of Turkish finances gives rise to some such talk, but a sale is considered impossible. In that event it says—
“A new crusade might break out against the successful purchaser, or against any purchaser. The very thing that Christians, above all things else, desired for half a millennium, they would now as anxiously dread. The possession of Jerusalem by any single body of the Church is impossible. France will never allow Russia to own it, nor Russia, France; nor will either or both of them allow the treasure to pass into England’s hands; nor will she and Prussia allow any other party undisputed ownership. Nor can the Rothschilds be permitted to buy it for their people; for the Christian powers will not grant the Jews such a privilege lest their own rights be disturbed by the possible fanaticism of reviving Judaism. So jealous are these powers, that to-day each Christian clan holds semi-fortified posts in or near the Holy City. Russia has built an enormous convent near the Damascus gate, professedly for its Church, actually to control the city. It has the solidity and proportions of a fortress, and is admirably situated for military purposes. The church built by England and Prussia on Mount Zion, had political and military, as well as ecclesiastical ends in its location; and France received as a gift from the Sultan a site on Bezetha, the north-east tower of the city, not far from the tower of Antonia—the Latin race where it was in the days of Pilate—as finely adapted to the same idea, as are England’s and Russia’s. The Jews have hospital grounds with fine stone buildings, opposite the Joppa gate. So that four powers surround the Holy Sepulchre to-day, armed as the legions of Pilate, Herod, and Calaphas in that solemn midnight centuries ago. In the north-east of it stands the Roman Catholic, on the north-west the Greek Church, on the south the Protestants, on the south-west the Jews.”
“Jerusalem can never be sold to either party. An attempt to thus dispose of it would create greater commotion than the offer of Constantinople to England, Greece, or Russia.”
Instead of “assured peace” there is no other spot on the globe so completely fitted for a scene of contention and war. No one of the powers interested will let these false “visions of peace” be fulfilled if it is to be possessed by any rival. Though of no special value in itself, perhaps to either nation, it is yet a treasure which all covet, and none can possess in security. Its future is not hard to mark out. The Ottoman power is declining and must soon sink. Then the jealousy of the nations over Jerusalem will come to its crisis. Then will that “great river Euphrates” be “dried up,” and “the way of the Kings of the east be prepared.” Then will the Lord “begin to bring evil upon the city which is called by his name,” and “all the kingdoms of the world which are upon the face of the earth,” “shall fall and rise no more” in the mighty conflict—the “battle of the great day.” See Rev. xvi, and Jer. xxv. The “peace and safety” cry is the great delusion of the day. Lord, spare thy people! J. H. W.
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