THE third angel [Rev. xiv, 9-12] utters a solemn and dreadful message of warning, and threatened wrath. His message closes as follows: "Here are they that keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus." These, of course, are the true worshipers of God. The warning of this angel is against false worship—the worship of the "beast and his image." The two classes, and the two kinds of worship, are apparent. One class worship God. They keep his commandments and the faith of his Son. The other class worship the beast. They observe at least one of the beast's institutions, which stands in opposition to some commandment and institution of the God of heaven. And we believe the Sabbath to be the very institution.
God rested on the seventh day, then sanctified and blessed the day in which he had rested, and thus "made the Sabbath for man." The fourth commandment guards and enforces the day of Jehovah's rest, and points us back to creation for the reason of the existence of the institution. Christ intimates no change in this precept of the law of God, but says, "Think not that I am come to destroy the law," and affirms that, "Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass" from it. The apostles intimated no change of the Sabbath, but observed it, [Acts xiii, 42-44; xvi, 13; xviii, 4, 11; xxviii, 17, 30, 31.] and taught the law and commandments of God. So far as the Bible speaks of a weekly Sabbath, it knows none but the seventh day. But we find a very large majority of the professed Christian world observing the first day of the week instead of the Sabbath of the Bible. Where is their authority for so doing? It is not in the Bible. Where then shall we look for it? It can be found only in the history of the "beast"—Papacy. Then as those who keep God's commandments, (and no man can do this and break the Sabbath of the fourth,) are the worshipers of God, are not those who observe the institutions of the beast, (one of which is the observance of First-day in the place of the Sabbath of the Lord our God,) the worshipers of the beast?
As fundamental errors, we might class with this counterfeit sabbath other errors which Protestants have brought away from the Catholic church, such as sprinkling for baptism, the trinity, the consciousness of the dead and eternal life in misery. The mass who have held these fundamental errors, have doubtless done it ignorantly; but can it be supposed that the church of Christ will carry along with her these errors till the judgment scenes burst upon the world? We think not. "Here are they [in the period of a message given just before the Son of man takes his place upon the white cloud, Rev. xiv, 14] that keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus." This class, who live just prior to the second advent, will not be keeping the traditions of men, neither will they be holding fundamental errors relative to the plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. And as the true light shines out upon these subjects, and is rejected by the mass, then condemnation will come upon them. When the true Sabbath is set before men, and the claims of the fourth commandment are urged upon them, and they reject this holy institution of the God of heaven, and choose in its place an institution of the beast, it can then be said, in the fullest sense, that such worship the beast. The warning message of the third angel is given in reference to that period, when the mark of the beast will be received, instead of the seal of the living God. Solemn, dreadful, swiftly-approaching hour!
"And the dragon [the devil] was wroth with the woman, [the church,] and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, [true Christians in the last generation, just prior to the second advent,] which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ." Rev. xii, 17. The commandments of God mean the ten precepts which God commanded, [Ex. xx.] and not nine of them only. The testimony of Jesus Christ means what Christ taught, and also the teaching of his inspired apostles. Mark the distinction between the two. Those who assert that the commandments of God here mentioned mean the declarations of Christ and the apostles, confound together what inspiration has left separate and distinct. It looks to us like downright infidelity to quibble on this point, as some do, to get rid of the fourth commandment. The conclusion is perfectly natural and irresistible that the "remnant" are Sabbath-keepers.
And what is it that stirs the ire of the dragon, if it is not the Sabbath? Nine of the commandments are universally acknowledged to be binding, and are professedly kept. The dragon is as quiet as a lamb with those who acknowledge and professedly observe nine-tenths of the "commandments of God." Who has war made on them for observing the first, second, third, (pass over the fourth,) fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth commandments? But it will be acknowledged that there is a universal antipathy to keeping the Sabbath of the fourth commandment. This feeling exists, and yet who dare say that the fourth is not one of the commandments of God? All, who have any knowledge of the Bible, know that it is; yet the mass, either ignorantly or wickedly, frown upon the Christian who has sufficient conscientiousness and moral courage to keep the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, which the all-wise Law-giver has placed in the very bosom of the Decalogue.
But there is not only a general antipathy to the Sabbath, but, in communities where the subject is presented, there is generally a spirit of bitter opposition immediately raised. Perhaps the minister of the place preaches on the subject, and feels called upon to strike as heavy a blow as possible; so he not only opposes God's holy commandment, and calls the Sabbath of the Lord "the Jewish Sabbath," "the old law," "Sabbath of the Jews," &c.; but in his zeal, brands all Sabbath-keepers with heresy, Judaism, as falling from grace, &c., and represents those who present the claims of the fourth commandment as fanatical, wicked and dangerous men, and perhaps charges the people not to go and hear them. This calls the carnal mind which "is not subject to the law of God," and all classes of opposers, from the haughty professor to the openly vicious, feel wonderfully comforted. We would not say that all ministers take this course. There are many exceptions: those "who search the Scriptures," like the noble Bereans, to see what they say on this question. But we do say that it is generally the case that ministers lead off in the opposition to the true Sabbath, which results in hatred to the Sabbath and Sabbath-keepers, and wrath which is evidently inspired by the dragon. Now if we should present the claims of nine precepts of the Decalogue, and say nothing of the fourth, would these ministers be troubled? Would they oppose us? Certainly they would not; neither would the people harbor feelings of antipathy against us. It is evident that the wrath of the dragon, and the war on the remnant, is in consequence of the Sabbath.
We have made up our mind for a battle. War is inevitable. We have never expected that the message of the third angel would produce "the temporal millennium." Commandment-keepers at the most are to be only a "remnant," and they are to be brought into extreme perils, where they will need the consolations of the words of the Master: "Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." Luke xii, 32. "The time of trouble such as never was" is just before the little flock. But the duty of the remnant should here be considered. We can mention but a few things at this time.
1. Let the "war" be all on the side of the dragon. It is said, "And the dragon was wroth," and "went to make war with the remnant," while it is also said, "Here is the patience of the saints." But, thank Heaven, the Christian is not without an armor.
"Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand, therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breast-plate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Eph. vi, 11-17.
"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds.)" 2 Cor. x, 3, 4.
2. Those who have the truth, should be active in presenting it to others in the best possible manner, and in every way by which men may be reached. What if it costs much labor to accomplish but little? One soul aroused from the death-like slumber that has come over the world and the church, and instructed in the way of truth and finally saved, is worth a thousand lives of toil. Who can estimate its value? It is inestimable. But God has opened the way for us to do much in his cause. Many are anxious to hear and read the reasons of our faith; but the dragon is even now doing all in his power to hinder the spread of truth.
There is a lack of patience and perseverance with many. They become discouraged too easily. Just make up your minds for war, for battle, battle all the way to the kingdom, and do not be raised to high with a very fair prospect of success, neither be cast down when the cause of truth moves slowly. A great work is yet to be accomplished, and it will require spirited efforts on the part of the friends of truth.
But what are we doing as a people? We talk of living in the period of the last message of mercy to man, but are our acts in accordance with our profession? A few, very few, feel deeply, and act promptly; but it is to be feared that many who profess the present truth are too worldly, and are careless and stupid as to their own salvation, and that of those around them.
What are we as a people sacrificing in this cause? Many talk of having all on the altar, a sacrifice to the Lord, while at the same time they do not use to37advance the cause, one tenth part of the yearly increase of their property. This is the case with many, while a few are even adding house to house and land to land, and are heaping up their interest-money for the last days. Such should blush to talk of having "all upon the altar," a sacrifice to the Lord. Does a sacrifice hold good, and increase? "Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days." James v, 1-3.
There are those among us who, when they belonged to a sectarian church gave liberally to build meeting-houses and support ministers, who do not now give a tenth part as much to support the present truth. Does not this show that sectarianism had ten-fold more influence over them than Bible truth now has? Surely this is tapering the wrong way. We give it as our conviction, that the ten-fold should be the other way. At least, they should do much more now than they did then, or such should cease talking about the third angel's message, and having all on the altar. Read Luke xii, 32-36, and tell us when it applies, if not to the present time. "Fear not little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell that ye have, and give alms: provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that, when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately." Luke xii, 32-36.
We would have none take the extreme view of this text; but it does appear to us like strange delusion to claim to be of the little flock here addressed, and to claim to keep the "faith of Jesus" as well as the commandments of God, and at the same time be buried up in the cares of this world, seeking to amass wealth, and giving very little to advance the cause of truth.
3. Those who give of their means, should do it understandingly. There are those who, at least, occasionally labor among you in word and doctrine, in whom you and all the churches of God's remnant people, have confidence. They suffer many deprivations, and are wearing themselves out in their labors of love. Do you esteem them as you should? See 1 Thess. v, 12, 13. Do you inquire of their wants, and supply them? You can relieve, strengthen, and cheer them in their toils by your means, prayers and tokens of love for them. In this way you may hold up their hands.
Again, the greatest care has been taken to prepare publications for you to circulate; such as you need not hesitate to recommend to your friends. We are satisfied that much of the work in the wide field must be done by circulating publications. We have more than one thousand dollars' worth of Tracts on hand, which we have prepared for you, and can sell (one dollars' worth or more) 2000 pages for one dollar. At this price there is no real profit, yet we have run the risk to borrow the means expended in publishing them, confidently expecting you would want them to circulate, either to sell, give to your friends, or to lend. Every Sabbath-keeper should have at least, a full library to lend to his neighbors.
Champlain and Plattsburg Tent Meetings.
By Frederick Wheeler, Josiah Hart
As our brethren may feel anxious to hear of our success with the tent, we will give a brief account of our meetings. The meeting at Champlain was very interesting. The congregation on First-day was quite large, and the reasons of our faith as they were presented, were listened to with deep interest; and many seemed anxious to know the truth, and several have already decided to keep the Sabbath of the Lord. We trust much good will result from that meeting.
At Plattsburg, the congregations were not so large; yet a goodly number of respectable citizens were present to hear. There were two quarterly meetings held in the neighborhood at the same time, which doubtless prevented some from attending the meeting that otherwise would. As we were closing our third discourse two Wesleyan Methodist ministers with a goodly number of their congregation from their quarterly meeting came in. They wished to hear concerning our faith, and desired another discourse; accordingly a fourth discourse was immediately given from the stand, to which they gave good attention. Thus our public exercises commenced at quarter past ten o'clock A. M., and continued with only thirty minutes intermission until half past six P. M., and yet the large part of the audience appeared to remain quiet, and with interest to the close, not regarding their hard plank seats.
The little church here have been strengthened and encouraged, and a good impression has been made by the truth on many minds. We feel encouraged to move forward in the work, feeling assured that God is well pleased with the efforts of his people in this public manner to hold forth the light of the third angel's message. As God's blessing has attended the meetings thus far, we confidently expect the angel of his presence to go with us in the future.
We feel it no time to abate our efforts in this work now, because other views are being proclaimed; but on the contrary, while the believers in the New-Time theory are making every effort to spread their views on definite time, the truth should be kept more prominently before their minds. Let us, dear brethren, come up to this work trusting in the strength of Israel's God, and the power of his truth, knowing that the truth is mighty and must prevail. Gird on the armor anew, ye saints of the Most High! soon the victory will be won, and the promise of our Lord be realized, that "Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."
FREDERICK WHEELER.
JOSIAH HART.
Plattsburg, N. Y., Sept. 5th, 1854.
THE HYMN BOOK.
By Editor
THE new hymn book has not been commenced for several reasons:—
1. We have been from the Office much of the time since we mentioned its publication. The calls for labor in different parts have been urgent, and we have acted under a sense of duty in complying with a few of these calls.
2. There has been sickness in our family, and with some of the hands in the Office, so that the REVIEW, INSTRUCTOR, and other book work has been as much as could be managed.
3. Want of means is a most obstinate difficulty. Those interested in the cause of Bible truth have deeply felt the want of publications covering the entire ground of our faith and hope. Several brethren have placed means in our hands (not requiring interest) amounting to from five hundred to one thousand dollars, which we have expended in the publication of Tracts and Pamphlets, noticed in our list of publications.
Now if our friends will pay for the REVIEW in advance, and order publications, and send the pay with the order, we can still go on with the publication of new and important works, and immediately commence the publication of the hymn book. But unless they do, we cannot.
Brethren, this matter is left with you to decide. We have no anxiety in regard to it only to do the will of the Lord. Hitherto you have freely sustained us in our work, and for the future we design to go forward with the publication of those unpopular truths, so dear to us, as fast as the way opens before us.
Should we commence now, it would probably be four or five months before the hymn book would be completed. We have on hand a few copies of "Advent and Sabbath Hymns" which we can furnish to those who wish, as long as they last. We shall publish the new hymn book as soon as possible. The delay will give ample time for those interested in it, to furnish hymns, original or select.
Communication from Bro. Curry.
By Manning Curry
BRO. WHITE:—The light on the Sabbath, to me has been a source of unspeakable glory. When I see the deep-rooted hatred that is manifested by the church and world against the Sabbath, and those who keep it, I can but think that God is sending them strong delusions that they may believe a lie and be damned. I cannot express my gratitude to my heavenly Father that I have been permitted to see that I stood in slippery places, led on by many surrounding circumstances to oppose the holy Sabbath.
I feel as a bird that has escaped the fowler's snare. I sometimes think that I owe my salvation to the sanctifying influence of the holy Sabbath.
Bless God! the Sabbath is to me "a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable;" and so it always has been to the people whose God has been the Lord, if they saw its obligation. I felt quite contented on my new place in the woods, if I preached once in two weeks; but now I feel as though I cannot content myself: my little cup is full and I long to speak that I may be delivered. I am now making arrangements to go to work for the Lord. I want to carry the light to others; for I have no doubt but that it is the seal of God, and the present truth to sanctify and call out all honest souls from the confused multitude. If I can be the means of one dear soul's seeing the truth, and its having the same effect on them that it had on many that I might name, I shall be fully compensated for my labor of love.
I should like to see all my brethren, who with me have stood rejecting the Sabbath. I mailed a short epistle to be published in the Prophetic Expositor, at the same time I wrote to the Review, relative to my receiving the Sabbath truth, in which I stated that, as I had penned two or three articles, which had been published in the Harbinger against the Sabbath, I should like to speak again; also I stated that I would, by the permission of the Editor, give a reason of my hope in a Bible argument, &c. I saw the receipt of the letter, but have not heard anything else pro nor con; also the paper is discontinued to me, I am inclined to think, as I have not received the last six or seven numbers. I will here state, that I entertain the most friendly feelings towards Bro. Marsh, and to his paper, and all my brethren.
Never in my life since I embraced religion, which has been some fifteen years, have I felt half the love to God, his people, and the truth, that I now feel. Never have I seen the day when I possessed such an ardent desire for truth, and holy living, as at the present time. Dear Brethren, one and all, let us have on the whole armor of God, as we are approaching the world's crisis.
Bro. White, there are many, undoubtedly, who would like to know how I stand relative to the whole message. I will just say that I am done taking things for granted. I believe that God has revealed38all necessary truth. I took it for granted that we were not under the Sabbath-law, and was sadly mistaken. I design hereafter, by the grace of God, to test everything by the Bible alone.
I am at present unable to devote much time to study. I read J. N. Andrews' pamphlet on the Sanctuary some twelve months ago, and decided in my mind that it was truth. I have just read a smaller tract on the 2300 days and Sanctuary. I am inclined, and have been, to take the position that the 2300 days ended in 1844; yet I am not fully decided; but it is one thing to say that "unto 2300 days, then shall the Sanctuary be cleansed," and quite another thing to say, "Then shall Christ come and cleanse the earth." I apprehend this is a point over which many have and are falling into darkness.
I rejoice that those precious souls that helped compose my little flock are taking hold of the Sabbath truth. May God's special favor rest upon the little church of Sabbath-keepers here. Notwithstanding we have been gathered from the conflicting elements of the babel church, yet we need no human law to hold us together. We number twelve at present, and others are nearly decided we think.
Your brother in hope. MANNING CURRY.
Delhi, Ingham Co., Mich.
Meeting at Norfolk N. Y.
By A. S. Hutchins
Our meeting held in this place on the 1st, 2d and 3d inst., we trust will prove greatly advantageous to the cause of truth. In consequence of wet and rainy weather, we did not hold our meetings in the Grove as we designed. On First-day we met in the Town Hall. A goodly number of friends were present to hear the word spoken; some of whom manifested a desire to know the truth.
New fields for labor are opening in Northern New York, and the brethren generally are anxious to let their light shine, that others may be gathered by the last message of mercy.
We were happy to meet Bro. Ingraham in time to assist in presenting the truth in this meeting.
A. S. HUTCHINS.
Norfolk, N. Y., Sept. 4th, 1854.
NAHUM'S PROPHECY.
By Joseph Bates
MORE than 2560 years ago, Nahum, the prophet, was shown two wonderful signs that would be known among men, in the day of the preparation of the Lord; or just before his second advent.
The first in order, is as follows, viz., "The chariots shall be with flaming torches in the day of his preparation, and the fir-trees shall be terribly shaken. The chariots shall rage in the streets, they shall jostle one against another in the broad ways, they shall seem like torches, they shall run like the lightnings." Chap. ii, 3, 4.
Neither scripture nor history describes any such traveling vehicle until we reach the nineteenth century. Here the steam engines are continually showing their fiery torches; rolling their chariots, freighted with passengers and goods through the land. Within the last fifteen years they are known in the four quarters of the globe. Many of them are now called the lightning trains, speeding their course over the rail track at the rate of 40 or 50 miles per hour; hence, as the prophet says, they do "run like the lightnings." Surely no one will doubt this sign.
Second. "And the fir-trees shall be terribly shaken." There is one species of trees, which have been so terribly shaken, that hardly any fruit has been found upon them since 1842. These are called button-wood; some call them sycamore trees. The following is Noah Webster's view of fir:—
"Fir, The name of several species of the genus Abies, allied to the pines, and valued for their timber; as the Scotch fir, silver fir," &c. Again, "Fir, a tree or its wood."
The fir-tree and myrtle-tree will come up in the new earth, "and it shall be to the Lord for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off." Isa. lv, 13. "The glory of Lebanon shall come unto thee, the fir-tree, the pine-tree, and the box together, to beautify the place of my Sanctuary; and I will make the place of my feet glorious." Isa. lx, 10, 13. As the fir-tree was one of the materials in constructing the earthly sanctuary, so it is to have an everlasting abiding place by the heavenly, in the new earth.
Sycamore-tree. Says the illustrated concordance, (founded on) Cruden and Butterworth, The sycamore is a tree, called the Egyptian fig-tree; its name is composed of sycos, a fig-tree, and moros, a mulberry tree. It partakes of the nature of each of these trees; of the mulberry tree in its leaves, and of the fig-tree in its fruit. [The plane-tree is like our button-wood.]
From the foregoing testimony it is evident that the sycamore, or wild fig-tree of Asia, is not the very same as the sycamore in America, though it bears a resemblance as shown above. Neither can the fir-tree of Asia be a species of the pine-tree in America, as is also stated; because the scriptures show the fir-tree, and the pine-tree to be two distinct species, both in the desert, and for ornamental trees to beautify the place of the heavenly Sanctuary in the new earth. Isa. xli, 19; lx, 11-13. Hence we conclude that the name of the fir-tree has undergone some change since Nahum's prophecy of twenty-five centuries. 1. Because we have no tree in America bearing the one specific name of fir-tree. 2. Because the prophecy speaks of the fir-trees being terribly shaken at the time of, and in connection with, the fiery torches, in the day of the Lord's preparation. 3. Because we have a tree that bears all the distinctive marks of the prophecy, being called by two names interchangeably; viz., button-wood and sycamore.
Before 1842, this tree of two names was among the most flourishing trees of the forest, or door-yard. Their fruit was a small round ball about the size of a small peach; when matured the outer part was like down, or fir, easily blown from the stone by the wind. The shaking of these trees was simultaneous throughout the land. The public journals of that day pronounced the work a very singular phenomenon, and endeavored to account for it in various ways. I will mention two that were relied upon as the most reasonable and conclusive. 1. The frost had destroyed them. 2. The worms had taken their roots. That both of these were unfounded is evident, because they still live. Many of them are still living in the rivers, and in standing ponds of water, where neither frost nor worms could harm them; and they show the effects of the same terrible shaking, as those that stand in the thick forest and among the barren rocks, or dry soil.
It was generally supposed that button-woods were all dead. If that had been the case, they would not have answered to the prophecy. Nahum saw that a tree, terribly shaken, would be without fruit. Chap. iii, 12. Compare this with Rev. vi, 13.
What Nahum calls the fir-tree, then, will be found without fruit. Since 1842 I have examined many thousands of the button-wood-tree to satisfy myself with respect to this prophecy. In all situations, either by the water courses, or on the most elevated soil, it was a very rare thing to find anything like fruit on them. Up to 1851, I do not remember to have seen over six or eight that bore fruit; and this was stunted, showing but little more than half its former size; since which time I perceive that quite a number of these trees are improving in their foliage, and I have seen some half dozen more having fruit, or balls on them.
They are now the last trees in putting forth their leaves, and about the first to die and fall. About the last of Aug. almost every tree shows more or less dead leaves; while all others around them are flourishing. The large ones can be readily recognized over half a mile distant because of their spotted brown and light color, and dead limbs. Those that were large and flourishing out of the forest, show long horizontal limbs. Since 1842 they have ceased to grow that way, and have turned their stunted twigs heavenward, significant of their helpless, barren state, yet still living to point their owner, and the traveler, to the Holy One above, who more than 2560 years ago, said by the mouth of one of his holy prophets, "The chariots shall be with flaming torches in the day of his preparation, and the fir-trees shall be terribly shaken."
I would here observe that these trees are among the largest. A few months since as I was passing by Eagle Creek, Hancock, Co., Ohio, I saw the one so often noted by travelers. This one was so terribly shaken that a part of it had separated from the main branch, within ten years. It measured 38 feet in circumference, some five feet from its base. If hollowed out, it would make a comfortable dwelling for a small family.
It is a well-known fact, that for the last fourteen years, North America has been the principal field of labor in sounding the first, second and third angelic messages of Rev. xiv, showing the preparation work for the second coming of the Lord, in close connection with Nahum's prophecy of the flaming chariots, and terribly-shaken fir-trees. As the first sign of this prophecy is so readily admitted by all, seeing it is an undeniable fact, will not the second sign be fulfilled in connection with it? We answer, Yes, and think we have shown the proof.
The reader may say we have no tree separately and distinctly called the fir-tree in America, that answers to the prophecy. We answer, that we have a tree here that exactly answers to the prophecy of the fir-tree, differing only in the name. We have already shown that this tree having two names, proves that there has been a change from the original, hence we believe that the fir-tree in the prophecy is what we call the button-wood-tree in North America.
If the reader is still in doubt, let him turn again to the prophecy and read, "And the fir-trees shall be terribly shaken." When? Ans. When the railroad trains will be seen running like the lightnings. What else? Ans. Messengers and people being conveyed in them; teaching, and listening to, the solemn proclamation of the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ from heaven. Will this sign and proclamation of the coming one, be so clear that men of common sense dare not deny it, and yet no sign of the terribly-shaken fir-trees that is spoken of so positively in connection with them be seen, or even heard of in the world? You answer, No; because a part of the prophecy would fail, and doubts would immediately arise respecting the application of the first sign. Then the one we have described must be the true sign; for it answers both in time and place.
If any doubt yet remains with respect to this sign, then examine it for yourselves. It has been a permanent standing sign, distinguished from all other trees of the field and forest since 1842.
Again you say this tree is dead, or dying. Then they have been a long while about it. Let an examination be made even this month, and most all that are pronounced dead will show some live sprouts. Of the many thousands which I have seen, I do not remember to have found over ten that was really dead. The prophet does not say the fir-trees shall die; but they "shall be terribly shaken."
Thousands have been cut down by their proprietors from where they once stood, as their most desirable ornamental tree. It would seem as though their terrible, deathlike, unaccountable appearance, so alarmed them, or hope of their recovery was so doubtful, that they cut them down as "cumbers of the ground," and to their astonishment they found their timber sound, exhibiting still the principles of life. The truth of their story was, they were only "terribly shaken."
Then if all the suggestions, examinations and philosophical researches of our wisest men have failed to account for this wonderful phenomena, sign, or if you please miracle, during the space of twelve years in the past, shall we not acknowledge that the Most High God who ruleth over all men, has simply fulfilled his word also in this particular, and we are now witnessing the very sign in the terribly-shaken trees, of which he spake by the mouth of his holy prophet 2560 years ago; viz., "The chariots shall be with flaming torches in the day of his preparation, and the fir-trees shall be terribly shaken."
JOSEPH BATES.
Arkwright, Chaut. Co., N. Y., Sept 2d, 1854.
The True Christian.
By The General Evangelical
He endeavors continually to walk with God, and to have his conversation in heaven; so that in the midst of company, and in his converse among men, he often lifts up his mind in holy ejaculations to heaven. Phil. iii, 20.
He walks in a lively sense of God's omniscience and omnipresence, and prefers the will and favor of God before that of men. Ps. cxxxix.
He endeavors that his prayers be as frequent as his wants, and his thanksgiving as his blessings. 1 Tim. iv, 4, 5.39As his love is wholly fixed upon God, which is an infinite good, so his hatred has no other object but sin, which is an infinite evil. Ps. xiv, 7.
The virtuous and wise are his only guests, which makes him a companion of those that love God, and his delight is among the saints. Ps. cxix, 63.
He strives more to be grave and modest, than to have the reputation of being accounted witty. Eph. v, 15.
He is not only careful of his time, but of his company too; and is more anxious to know himself than to know others. 1 Cor. v, 11.
He abhors the thought of undermining his neighbor, or cheating the ignorant; and is ever striving to be a stranger to envy and malice. 1 Cor. xiv, 20.
He follows not the opinion or example of the worst, but of the best of Christians. Phil. iii, 17.—The Gen. Evan.
Secret Prayer.
By Henry Venn
Whosoever desires to persevere and increase in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, to live and die in hope that maketh not ashamed, must be diligent in secret prayer; must constantly read God's word, begging him to explain it, and give faith in it; and must walk with those who walk conscientiously before God, who are always aspiring to what they have not obtained; in whose manners, spirit, and discourse, there is what reaches the heart, and tends to humble, quicken, and comfort the soul. In all my reading and acquaintance for forty years with religious people, I never saw an instance of one decaying and coming to nothing, who observed these rules—never saw one who presumed, on any consideration, to give up attention to them, who did not fall away. Let us, then, notwithstanding all obstructions, use these means. Whatever our frames or our complaints, our sins or fears may be, diligence in secret prayer, and cries for knowledge of God's word while we read it, and society with his children, will in due time heal all, sanctify all, till we are taken out of this evil world, and join the armies of the saved, to testify, as we shall each of us do forever, that God—our covenant God—was faithful, and would not suffer us to be tempted above what we were enabled to bear, to the glory of his name, and the honor of our holy profession.