"Who shall stand when he appeareth? Who shall abide the day of his coming?"
In these days of scepticism, there is so much barren, speculative faith, that floats on the surface of popular opinion and superstition, that the simple, childlike faith of the scriptures, the whole-souled trust, that lays hold like an anchor on the substance and evidence of things not seen, is rarely understood by the term, faith—yet this alone is the saving faith of the gospel, faith in God's word, in every word which he hath spoken. Here the believers in the second advent rest, and rejoice that God is true, that heaven and earth may pass away, but that his word can never fail.—The Lord Jesus has promised to come again, and we believe that promise. He has also said that when we see certain things come to pass, we may know that our redemption draweth nigh. These things are now daily fulfilling before our eyes—we therefore know that he is near, even at the doors.
Having this glorious assurance and hope within us, we rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory, and our constant desire is to purify ourselves, even as he is pure, that when he appeareth, we may be like him. The Apostle exhorts us to "cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." If the humble followers of Jesus ever needed the cleansing and holiness here enjoined, surely the despised band, who are now waiting for his appearing, more imperatively need its fullest power. Infinite mercy has opened our hearts to understand his sure word of prophecy, and inclined us to receive the truth of its teachings, that "the end of all things is at hand." Seeing these things are so, we anxiously ask what manner of persons we should be in all holy conversation and godliness. We dare not measure ourselves among ourselves, nor look back to the standard of piety in the church, in this or past centuries, but refer alone to the law and the testimony.
We see our calling, that not many wise, or mighty, or noble are called, and we rejoice that though we are foolish, and weak, and despised, yet God hath chosen us, in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification and redemption. Here we perceive that we may not glory or trust in flesh, but in the Lord, by whom alone we are cleansed and perfected in holiness. It is through faith in Jesus' name that we are fully saved from our sins. According to our faith, it will be done unto us. If we reckon ourselves dead indeed unto sin, (and continue to believe) from that hour we are alive unto God, and free indeed. Faithful is he who hath called us, who also will do it. This is the privilege of every Christian. How earnestly then should every believer in the immediate appearing of the Master, seek that entire consecration and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.
The Seventy Weeks.
In 1656, a dispute occurred in Poland between some distinguished Jewish Rabbins and the Catholics, respecting the 70 weeks.
The Rabbins were so hard pushed by this argument, that proved Jesus to be the Messiah, the time of his sufferings being at the end of the 70 weeks, that they broke up the discussion.
The Rabbins then held a meeting, and pronounced a curse upon any Jew who should attempt to ascertain the chronology of this prophetic period. Their anathema was this: "May his bones and his memory rot who shall attempt to number the 70 weeks."
There are plenty of such Rabbins in the Christian Church at the present day. Meetings are being held in some of the sectarian organizations, to determine what course to pursue with those members who attempt to number the 2300 days. Their anathemas have gone forth, and are growing louder and louder; but Jesus rides above the storm, and see that his word is faithfully fulfilled.—Midnight Cry.
THE BAPTISM OF JOHN.
Whence was it, from Heaven or of men? Matt. xxi, 23-32. From Heaven, because, 1. He bore the Divine credentials. He came to them in 'the way of righteousness;' sought not his own glory. John vii, 18.
2. The fruits of his labors were, as far as they could extend, most beneficent; bad men became good.—Matt. vii, 20.
3. There was in Jehovah's revealed purpose a harbinger of Messiah, 'a voice crying in the wilderness, prepare ye the way of the Lord.' Isa. xl; Mal. iii.
4. The time had come for Messiah to be manifested, consequently there could be no occasion to doubt that his precursor had appeared. The certainty that there could not be a counterfeit 'voice in the wilderness,' or deceitful messenger going before Messiah, at the right time, bearing the Divine credentials, was as absolute as that there was a God, whose providence governs the world. The scribes and priests were noncommittal; they found it convenient not to know—to lie, rather than be cornered in argument. They were reputed wise and devout, yet their case was more hopeless than that of 'publicans and harlots.' They having rejected John and his ministry, could not now believe till they had repented of that sin. Having thus disobeyed God, they could not obey without repenting. But as repentance is the result of conviction, as conviction of guilt is produced by admission of the truth, and as they would lie rather than admit the truth essential to conviction, there was no hope for them.—They could not receive Messiah till they had believed in John's baptism, because, in God's revealed plan, that 'voice' was to introduce Messiah. They were shut up to repentance ere they could advance one step toward the kingdom. This applies to all who assume a wrong position. It is common sense; it is Scripture. From our point of observation, we see that John's Baptism was from Heaven; but to us the admission involves no cross. It is now no test. Then it was a test; though the truth was clear to the eye of faith, it was rejected by nearly all the reputed pious of that age. Thus they were lost, while the repenting publicans were saved. The light beaming from prophecy fulfilled, does not compel assent; never did, however clear it may now seem to us. John's Baptism was regarded about as has been the Second Advent movement; but public expectation not being realized, it was doubted, given up, and finally John himself doubted. Matt. xi, 3. Being disappointed, he doubted.
Let me change the form of inquiry. The Advent Movement, is it from Heaven or of men?
With all the assurance of my soul, I answer, from Heaven.
1. Because the Second Advent is the crowning doctrine of Revelation. Those who announced it, bore the Divine credentials. John vii, 17, 18.
2. They produced by it all the phenomena of piety, all the effects of truth. It separated us from the world.
4. The time having come to expect the Lord, it is the exact time for this movement. It did not occur before '43, therefore it must have come to pass since. It is as impossible that such a movement should be counterfeited, at the right time, as that John's Baptism should have been. John came at the crisis of the first, as this has at the crisis of the Second Advent.—It is incredible that the Bible doctrine of Providence be true, and yet such a movement be counterfeited.
Come now, don't be afraid, tell us whether the writing out of the vision, the annunciation of the Judgment, the going out of the most spiritual minded, the tarrying, the midnight cry, the dispersion of the virgin band, and the clamor about the door, is of Heaven, or not? It is not an isolated event, but a series of events, in the exact order of succession represented in Scripture. Don't say that you cannot tell; but be honest.
If it be from Heaven, then the Judgment is right on us. If so, then none of those who have refused faith and obedience can believe till they repent. The prospect of this is less than that of the Jewish priests, by so much as their guilt is greater, it being against greater light.—Advent Testimony.
The Third Angel’s Message and God’s Law
By Hiram Bingham
From Bro. Bingham.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I feel to praise the Lord for his tender mercy to me, in following me by the influence of his Holy Spirit, and keeping my mind open to the teachings of his blessed Word; so that I was prepared to hear the angels of warning, sent in mercy to fit the mind of the honest truth-seeker to walk out upon the claims of the Royal Law. And thus repair the Papal breach, and strive to honor God's holy law (as well as his Son, by keeping his sayings which we felt called to do before the Temple in Heaven was open, and the commandments seen to shine out,) and thus call our attention to the claims presented in the third and last angel's note of warning, given to bring us to the primitive state of holiness, faith and practice. That when our dear Redeemer returns, he may find his church speaking the same saving truth, and being of one mind, and that mind submissive to the will of our Lord's rule of discipline, instead of being led by the discipline of the Image Power.
O, praise the Lord, his children are being brought into that state of oneness that Christ prayed for.—And when this is done the rage of the Image Beast will be experienced but a short time by us before the sign of the Son of man (the white cloud) will be seen. And then their time of sorrow, and prayer for rocks to fall on them and hide them from a Saviour which they have set at naught, will come.
O may the Lord in tender mercy grant the influence of his Spirit, to hold our minds to the last sealing truth, that we may have no will of our own, but be subject to the will of our heavenly Father. That we may be kept by his power through faith unto salvation, and, finally, by the blood of the Lamb, and the word of our testimony, be found worthy to be changed, is the prayer of your unworthy brother, HIRAM BINGHAM.
Morristown, Vt., Nov. 28th, 1852.
THE REVIEW AND HERALD.
By Editor
As we have before said, so we now say, that the REVIEW AND HERALD should be sustained by all of its readers doing a little for its support. Those who have had it sent to them without requesting it, and have not yet embraced the views it advocates, will please receive it gratis, till they are fully persuaded in their own minds as to our views. If they receive the present truth into their hearts, they will not long delay to help in the work of sending it out to bless others also. If they decide that the REVIEW AND HERALD does not publish the truth, and they do not feel justified in helping to sustain it, they will do us a favor to return one paper with their address, and we will discontinue it.
The worthy poor shall have it without pay. That there are such we are fully aware. We, however, wish to state that we do not consider those who have been able to spend from five to ten dollars a year for tobacco and tea, the worthy poor—but it is a fact that many have wasted their money, besides injuring their health, in the use of these things, and at the same time have been too poor to cast a mite into the treasury of the Lord. The account of the widow casting in her two mites, should be read and well pondered by such. It might inspire in them a zeal to do something for the cause of truth, that they might have the satisfaction of knowing that they had done a little for the Lord. The Lord can put the right estimation on small offerings. The poor widow, said our Lord, gave more than those who cast of their abundance into the treasury.
We are now relieved from our embarrassments. But who are they that have so promptly assisted? It is true, quite a number of our readers have done something; but the means receipted in this number, are mostly from a few faithful friends who have been, and still are, ready to help. It is very unpleasant for us to conduct the Paper sustained mostly by these faithful friends. We should be much happier were it otherwise. We have no desire that our brethren who have means should hold on to it, and keep the amount good. This they will not do, if they believe what they profess to believe. Neither should they rashly dispose of their Lord's money. They should lay all on the altar, then let the sacrifice consume as the cause of truth demands.
But there are many calls for their means, besides to publish the REVIEW AND HERALD. This is but a small item. Other publications have been, and must be circulated. Several hundred dollars' worth of tracts have been circulated gratuitously, and many of them have fallen into the hands of our readers, and have proved a blessing to them. Others should be blest in this way, and it will require means to accomplish the work.
And above all, the dear servants of the Lord who go out to teach the unpopular truths of God's word, especially applicable to this present time, must be sustained.
We have very recently received a letter from the West, stating that a worthy preacher who has an article in this number, headed "Gospel Benefits," traveled on foot ninety miles to attend a Conference. These chosen vessels of the Lord, should be, and doubtless are, willing to suffer in the precious cause of their Master. But the church should take them in their arms and bear them out as they go into a hardened world to preach the truth, and feed the scattered sheep. If the Church is satisfied that God has called and qualified them for this work, they should make it their first object to help them.
The great difficulty with us all is, we are not in the work as we should be. The called and chosen servant of the Lord, one that is baptized into the sufferings of Christ, will love to go out trusting in God. He will love to suffer in the cause of truth. Brethren, we need a little more faith. God help us to believe. We must have faith, FAITH, FAITH, and still a little more faith, or the Devil will overcome us, and hinder us from working for God.
It is painful to witness the careless state of many who profess to believe that the period for the last warning message has arrived. But very few have learned to live out their faith. Many are making their calculations as though the Lord was never coming. O, may God wake them up to their duty, and show them what real faith is, that faith is to be perfected by corresponding works.
These servants of the Lord must go on their errand of mercy, and as they go, they must, and will be sustained. And it pains our heart to receive large donations from individuals to sustain the Paper, that should be placed in their hands, to bear their expenses from place to place, and support their families, if they have families, at home. This should not, and must not be so. We repeat it again, let the REVIEW AND HERALD be sustained by all of its readers, who can cast in a mite.
We think that the plan acted upon by some of our brethren in Vermont, is well calculated to advance the interests of the Paper, and do much towards interesting all to bear a part in its support. Brethren should be chosen in different parts of the wide field, as a Committee, or Agents, whose duty it shall be to forward the names and address of all who should receive the REVIEW AND HERALD, and give notice of such papers as should be discontinued, also, collect what each may have to contribute, and forward the same to the Office.
We also suggest that a list of those Agents be published in the REVIEW AND HERALD, that they, and their duty, may be distinctly known. And we hope that Agents will be chosen, and their names and residence furnished us, that we may be able to publish them soon.
Embracing the True Sabbath
By G. Taylor
From Bro. Taylor.
Dear Bro. White:—I greet you in the name of our Lord Jesus, a greater appellation I could not quote. Now to the point; what shall I render to the Lord for all his mercies to me. Dark has been my path, but that darkness has diminished, and light beams in upon my soul.
I was taken sick, and at that time I fell under the notice of one who administered to my wants, and, likewise, instructed me in the truths of the Sacred Scriptures. And happy am I in telling you, I embraced it. But I could not yield at first, I was stubborn; but by the patience manifested towards me, my eyes became opened. Therefore, honor to whom honor is due, and give God the glory. I now see the true Sabbath—not the Pope's, but the Sabbath of our Lord, and likewise enjoy our meetings on the Sabbath with the children of God. In a meek and humble spirit, we have the precept in our Lord's ministry. I could not see it in the churches I have attended. Aristocracy and pride robs God of his holy and righteous glory.
Yours in the Lord, G. Taylor.
Boston, Mass., Dec. 6th, 1852.
TRACTS.
By Editor
WE design publishing Tracts for distribution, containing the most important matter relative to our present position as Sabbath-keepers, looking for the soon coming of our Lord.
We have been satisfied for some time, that the cause of truth suffers for want of a thorough explanation of such subjects as the Sanctuary, 2,300 days, the Seven Churches, open and shut door, the Angels of Revelation xiv, &c. And it may be expected that considerable space in the Review and Herald will be occupied in the future, with these important subjects.
Let those who have difficulties in their minds on points of doctrine connected with our position, state them by letter, that those who write, may know better how to meet the wants of the brethren in this respect. And let us all search the Scriptures more diligently, and seek unto God with earnest prayer, that truth may shine out clearly, and be felt more powerfully.
Then we design publishing a series of Tracts, containing the same matter, for distribution. We have divided some of the donations receipted in this number, and have put down a part for this purpose. If any are not satisfied with the way we appropriate their means, we will make any alterations they may propose. We would suggest that these Tracts be sold at the lowest prices, to those who choose to buy, and the amount be receipted with the donations.
We also design publishing a work of about 400 pages, to contain the reasons of our position as Sabbath-keepers, waiting for our Lord's immediate return from the wedding. This work will be for sale.
Brethren have placed in our hands, about $300, which we have already paid out for paper for this object, which we are to return to them when the book shall be sold.
To the Readers of the Review and Herald.
By M. E. Cornell
DEAR BRETHREN AND FRIENDS:—Permit me to say a few words, and stir up your minds by way of remembrance. You doubtless have noticed, for some time, that the receipts for the Review and Herald have been falling off. Many have wondered why the Paper did not make its appearance as usual. I will tell you why. It is for want of means. Bro. White has stated that he is behind $150, which he must have, besides the $58 for each number. There must be a withholding some where.
My dear Brother, or Sister who has taken the Review and Herald, and have not yet thrown in your mite for its support, let me say, it is your privilege to share in this glorious work. A few faithful brethren have laid all upon the altar, and have handed out from time to time, (as the cause demanded,) until the sacrifice is nearly consumed. But had they withheld this, you and I would have been in darkness even till now. But we now rejoice in the true light. Let us remember that many others are yet perishing for the want of present truth. Time is short. What is done for the cause of truth, must be done quickly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
Your unworthy brother in hope,
M. E. CORNELL.
Jackson, Mich., Nov. 23d, 1852.
Appointments.
By Horace Lawrence
Providence permitting I will meet with the Brethren as follows: Lorain, N. Y., Sabbath and First-day, Dec. 11th and 12th; Canton, the 18th and 19th; Chateaugay, the 25th and 26th.
HORACE LAWRENCE.
Receipts.
By Editor
D. Hewitt, S. Babcock, T. Angel, A. Culross, J. Benson, W. Dolley, E. Mugford, M. Ross, W. Treadwell, L. R. Chapel M. C. Wyllys, E. Russell, M. J. Kellogg, J. MeClennan, C. Swan, S. Porter, S. Armstrong, E. D. Armstrong, S. Gurney, J. Striker, S. Duncklee, M. Kellogg, J. Kellogg, J. Morill, E. Lothrop, W. Thayer, S. A. Aldrich, S. M. Bauder, N. T. Preston, [through mistake, this was not receipted in our last,] L. Flint, D. Harvey, P. M. Breed, M. A. D—, D. Phillips, S. A. Bragg, L. J. Hall, A. J. Bartlett, T. Harlow, G. Ferry, G. Sheldon, L. R. Lockwood, R. Lockwood, J. Kendall, W. Ferren, W. P. Drown, H. Palmer, R. H. Peck, T. L. Brown, C. V. Peck, B. Brown, T. Wilkins, A. Friend, S. Ross, M. Cramer, A. Steere, N. N. Lunt, S. H. Peck, each $1.
N. Mead, C. E. Harris, I. Alden, W. Harris, A. B. Pearsall, A. Palmer, L. Smith, M. S. Smith, B. Marks, H. M. Ayers, J. W. Burdlebow, E. W. Waters, C. Paine, H. Blinn, M. E. Gleason, M. D. Bailey, L. S. Thrasher, M. A. Thayer, A. Burwell, G. Cobb, M. M. Truesdell, G. Smith, H. Bingham, R. S. Johnson, each $2.
H. Childs, S. Swan, P. Swan, H. E. Spencer, each $3.
H. A. Churchill, S. Benson, W. Chapman, J. Hart, each $4.
A. Friend, J. Below, Lathrop Drew, M. L. Bauder, R. S. Johnson, A. R. Morse, each $5.
E. S. Maltby, W. Baldwin, H. S. Wells, each 75 cents.
T. Pennoyer, J. H. Lockwood, J. W. Raymond, O. A. Wheeler, S. Martin, L. Martin, J. Whitmore, H. Page, C. Bourn, each 50 cts.
Sr. S. Smith, M. Leadbeater, A. Curtis, S. Howland, E. A. Poole, each $1,50.
A. E. Gridley, $4,70; S. Lockwood, 12 cents; R. G. Lockwood, $1,88; T. Finch, 56 cents; A. Ross, $1,44; M. Slayton, J. Wilder, 25 cents.
For Printing Materials.
By Editor
G. Cobb, M. M. Truesdell, G. Smith, R. S. Johnson, each, $3. D. Lyon, A. E. Gridley, each $5. Sr. S. Smith, M. Leadbeater, A. Curtis, E. A. Poole, each $1. Sr. Platt, 50 cts. D. Myers, $4; G. Taylor, $2.
For the Review of O. R. L. Crozier, in Pamphlet Form, By J. N. Andrews, and other Works.
J. Y. Wilcox, J. Hart, H. Bingham, W. M. Smith, L. Kellogg, Sr. E. P. Below, A. R. Morse, each $5. D. Lyon, $4,50; E. Everts, $8; J. C. Bowles, $3. S. W. Flanders, S. Chase, each $2. H. S. Gurney, D. Orton, each 75 cts. A. J. Bartlett, $1; A. Westcott, 50 cts.
Letters received since Nov. 17th.
By Editor
S. W. Rhodes 5, S. Smith, P. M. Bates, J. N. Andrews 3, S. P. Burgess, M. Leadbeater, I. Wyman, R. F. Cottrell 2, M. S. Thompson, O. Nichols 2, E. L. H. Chamberlain, F. H. Howland, S. M. Swan, H. S. Case 2, S. W. Flanders, J. R. Towle, H. Lyon, I. T. Day, P. Holcomb, J. Bates, J. Kellogg, J. Crandal, M. E. Cornell, A. Miles, C. Davis, A. R. Smith 3, A. S. Hutchings, J. S. Nicholson, N. T. Preston, A. E. Scoville, H. W. Moore, C. Bacheller, G. W. Stocking.
VERMONT
By Hiram Bingham
From Bro. Bingham.
DEAR BRD. WHITE :—At a Conference held at Stowe, Vt., the subject of the support of the Review and Herald was taken into consideration, and the brethren present, unanimously appointed that those brethren herein named, should hereafter act as a committee, in their respective churches, to receive and forward to you, any sum, or sums their brethren of each respective church, may hereafter feel to give in support of publishing the present truth.
VERMONT.
R. Loveland, Johnson.
Hiram Bingham, Morristown.
S. H. Peek, Wolcott.
Lewis Bean, Hardwick.
H. A. Churchill, Stowe.
E. P. Butler, Waterbury.
Josiah Hart, Northfield.
W. R. Lockwood, Waitsfield.
W. Morse, East Bethel.
They also appointed me to give this notice to you by letter, and also suggested that this committee use their best endeavors to raise means for the immediate relief of the paper.
HIRAM BINGHAM.
Nov. 21st, 1852.
P. S. We have seldom had such an opportunity to sow the seed to truth as now appears. Bro. Edwin Churchill's house is crowded, and good attention has thus far been given. Some have confessed the Sabbath, and have started for the kingdom. May God set his seal to the submissive mind.
Bro. Bates has been with us during two Sabbaths, and is very clear in his expositions, and the ears of many seem to be opened to hear.
H. B.
Printing Materials.
By Editor
We have stated that the entire cost of Printing Materials had been promptly met. Yet some, not noticing it, have sent means for this object. And we have ascertained, that in order to conduct our business to advantage, we need $50 worth more of type. We have put down some of the means, that has been sent us to use for the cause, for this object. Let it be understood, that the Materials of the REVIEW AND HERALD Office, which cost about $700, are all paid for.
Labors in Rochester and Vicinity
By Editor
The faithful labors of Bro. Wm. S. Ingraham, who has spent two Sabbaths with us, have proved a blessing to the little church in Rochester. May the blessing of God attend his future labors.
Bro. Horace Lawrence has also visited the brethren in several places in this vicinity, and has preached the word to them. We hope that our dear Bro. Lawrence will very soon be able to give himself wholly to the work.
Canada Subscribers’ Unpaid Postage
By Editor
We have to pre-pay all Papers sent to Canada. And many of our Canada Subscribers have not so much as paid their postage. We shall erase from our list the names of several, unless they furnish the means to pay their postage, soon.