Review and Herald, Vol. 23, No. 2.
Origin of the Doctrine of the Immortality of the Soul and Eternal MiseryPage 1
Earlier text: Origin of the Doctrine of the Immortality of the Soul and Eternal Misery"I Would not Have You to be ignorant."
By Uriah Smith
THERE are two subjects upon which Paul says he would not have us to be ignorant, and two subjects, consequently, upon which he has given us such instruction that we need not be ignorant. First, he writes to the Thessalonian brethren thus: "But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not even as others which have no hope." I Thess. iv, 13. Here Paul takes up the great subjects of the state of the dead, and the hope of the righteous beyond the grave, and expresses his anxiety that the church should be thoroughly instructed, and their minds fully enlightened on these important points: I would not have you to be ignorant concerning them. Now there are certain inferences, to us no stronger expression, which we may draw concerning any subject of which Paul uses such language as this. Thus we may conclude that it is one of especial importance, else the apostle would not be so solicitous that they should entertain correct ideas concerning it. We may conclude that it is one on which the enemy of all truth would endeavor to found some artful and specious deception, to mislead the unwary in their theory of truth, and through that to affect their religious life, and so work out pernicious and deplorable results. Against this the apostle would guard us. We may also conclude that, on whatever subject Paul has said that he would not have us ignorant, he has given us full and sufficient instruction to dispel our ignorance. It would certainly be inconsistent for him to say he would not have us ignorant on a certain subject, and then not give us the requisite information and instruction on the point, to remove that ignorance. We may therefore go forth into the writings of Paul, mortally certain that we shall find every subject on which he would not have us ignorant, faithfully and fully explained. Taking the subject already referred to, I Thess. iv, 13, we find these evident conclusions all borne out in fact. Concerning the state of the dead, the apostle has given us instruction, in quantity, sufficient; in plainness, unmistakable; in places and times, many and oft-repeated. His testimony may be condensed into that one expression which he uses when saying that he would not have us ignorant concerning them; and that is, that they are asleep. Yes, they are asleep; that is, spoken of under that figure, because they are resting in the grave as unconscious of all things, as he who is wrapt in the profoundest slumber. Well, is not this infidelity? Does not infidelity teach that death is a sleep? Yes; but it adds, An eternal sleep; and this bald-headed idiocy finds no refuge in the teachings of Paul; for he at once points us to the bow of promise that encircles the lowly resting-place of the saint, inscribed all over in living characters of light with such words as these: "For the Lord himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first." Need we anything plainer? And this is but one of his many utterances, all showing that in the hands of our immortal Redeemer repose the precious lives of all his saints, to be restored to them again in the resurrection, at the last day, when he shall descend with the glory of his Father, with the holy angels, and all the paraphernalia of so mighty a triumph, to rescue his people from the captivity of the grave, and the power of death—all showing that though the tomb is a place of unconsciousness and inactivity, it is not their eternal abode; it has another door besides its entrance; and that opens forth upon a long and shining path of glory and immortality. Thus we need not be ignorant on this subject. Paul would not have us so; and he has given us such instruction that we need not be so. Has he been equally explicit on that other subject in reference to which he uses the same language? It is not difficult to determine. Five years after writing, as above quoted, to the Thessalonians, Paul wrote to his Corinthian brethren as follows: "Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant." 1 Cor. xii, 1. What! is it spiritual gifts, says one, to which Paul applies the same language that he does to the life and death question? We know there are multitudes by whom this subject is lightly esteemed, and not a few of those, even, who see light and beauty in the other subject, to whom this is all darkness. We can only remind such that Paul, by this language, ranks them side by side in importance. If he would not have us ignorant concerning the one, neither would he concerning the other; if in his writings he has made the one clear to the comprehension of all, no less so has he made the other; and every inference which may be drawn from his language concerning the first, may be drawn also concerning the last. According, therefore, to his expressed wish, or perhaps command, that we should not be ignorant on this subject, he proceeds in the same chapter to state what gifts are placed in the church. The diversities of operations of the same Spirit he states as follows: 1. The word of wisdom. 2. The word of knowledge. 3. Faith. 4. The gifts of healing. 5. The working of miracles. 6. Prophecy. 7. Discerning of spirits. 8. Divers kinds of tongues. 9. Interpretation of tongues. He states further that God has expressly set in his church, 1. Apostles. 2. Prophets. 3. Teachers. 4. Miracles. 5. Gifts of healing. 6. Helps. 7. Governments. 8. Diversities of tongues. These are all the operations of the one Spirit; and to deny them is to deny the Spirit itself; for where the Spirit of God is, it will work in its appointed channels. That these gifts were placed in the church, that they did there exist for a certain time in lively exercise, some can deny. Two more questions will comprehend the whole subject: 1. For what purpose were these gifts placed in the church? and 2. How long were they to continue? Paul would not have us ignorant here, and so gives us a ready answer to the first question in this language: "For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ;" Eph. iv, 12; and his answer to the second question immediately follows: "Till we all come into the unity of the faith," &c. Thus the object of these gifts is shown to be, not merely to establish the Christian church at its beginning, as some contend, but to aid the ministry, edify, unite, and perfect, the church all through her pilgrimage; and to continue as long as the church needs comforting, edifying, and perfecting, and until the unity of the faith shall be attained. Paul tells us again, that they shall continue until the future perfect state is brought in. 1 Cor. xiii. And accordingly we find, in a prophecy applying to the closing scenes of this dispensation, that the dragon is wroth with the remnant of the church which has the testimony of Jesus, which is the spirit of prophecy—one of the very gifts committed to the church as its sacred treasure, over 1800 years ago. Rev. xii, 17; xix, 10; 1 Cor. xii, 10. The great enemy of all truth and spiritual life would fain keep the people careless or ignorant on this point. By doing this on the life and death question, so leading mankind to believe in the immortality of the soul, and the consciousness of the dead, he has just prepared the way for his last great deception—Spiritualism. By doing the same thing on spiritual gifts, he would sap the church of its very life-blood, and reduce it to a lifeless corpse. There is much said at the present day about the health reform, the proper management of our physical organism. This is important. There is also a spiritual life that demands attention; and this subject of spiritual gifts, is the hygiene of that spiritual life. It teaches us how to cherish and preserve it, and bring out all its powers in their highest degree of manifestation. Without the Spirit of God, we sicken, starve, and perish; with it, we flourish, prosper, and grow up into our Living Head. Study, then, the apostle's teaching on this important subject. Fulfill his earnest wish, and be not ignorant concerning it.
U. S. The Eastern Mission.
By John Norton Loughborough
SINCE my last report, which was made at Haverhill,13 Mass., I have held meetings as follows: I spent Sabbath and first-day, Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, at Haverhill. Here I found nine sisters keeping the Sabbath, some of them among the first that embraced the present truth. I preached to them once on the Sabbath, and by request of the Adventists of the place preached to them twice on Sunday in their hall. Good interest was manifested in the word spoken. We attended also two of their prayer-meetings while in the place. There are a few souls here that are determined to have eternal life. They showed their kindness to me, not only in freely opening their hall, but they urged upon me upwards of $3 to help me on my way, and requested that they might soon have a full course of lectures on the Sabbath and present truth. I expect Bro. Cornell is now holding meetings there. The sisters at Haverhill seemed much encouraged by our visit there. Spent from Sabbath, Nov. 7, to Sunday, Nov. 15, with the church at Dartmouth, Mass. Here I found some sixteen Sabbath-keepers, most of them old soldiers. Within the bounds of this church our venerable father Bates formerly resided, also Brn. Gurney and Gifford, now at Jackson, Mich. About the time these brethren moved West, Bro. Collins, who had taken the lead in this church, died, which was a heavy blow upon them. Since then, not having order established among them, and having had but very little preaching, they had sunk under much discouragement. They had not seen a Seventh-day Adventist preacher for over three years. Our visit seemed to cheer them. As there was no public place in the neighborhood to be obtained for meetings, they were held in private houses, but were well attended. We preached eleven times, and held two business meetings, in which a church was organized with sixteen members. Systematic benevolence was organized, amounting to about $30 per year. We also organized a Sabbath School and Bible Class, and left them encouraged to press on. Sabbath and first-day, Nov. 21 and 22, in company with Bro. Cornell, visited Manchester, N. H., again. Found some halting, others undecided, and a half-dozen or more still firm in the truth. The testimonies presented in these meetings seemed to establish the wavering ones, and encourage the hearts of all. Several of the Advent brethren are anxious to hear the Sabbath question discussed before taking their stand upon it. We left Bro. Cornell to labor another week at Manchester, while we came on to fill other appointments at Peterboro, N. H. The meetings here in Peterboro have just closed. Here is an organized church of twenty-three members living very much scattered. Many of them have been long in the way. Others have more recently started. Several came out in the series of meetings held here last winter by Brn. Hutchins and Bourdeau. I spoke here four times on Sabbath and first-day, Nov. 28 and 29, and held three business meetings. Six of the above members were received at these meetings. Systematic benevolence was re-organized, amounting to over $40 per year. On Sabbath my mind was drawn out for the young. At the close of the meeting five arose in response to the request for those who wanted to start in the service of the Lord to arise. The Lord gave liberty in praying for them. I hope they may be strengthened to persevere, and that the parents may carry out their vows to labor more for the salvation of their children. Brethren, pray for us in our mission East. Peterboro, N. H., Dec. 1, 1863. In our last report we stated that we had decided to stay in Brookfield, New York, over another Sabbath and first-day. This we did with even better success than we anticipated. During the week we had an excellent opportunity at Bro. Abbey's to rest and do much writing. The gathering the second Sabbath was larger than on the first, and more of the young from Sabbath-keeping families. We were happy to meet at this meeting Elder J. N. Andrews and wife, and Bro. and sister Gardner. Sabbath we spoke on the law and baptism, showing the relation they sustain to each other in the Christian system, principally from the book of Romans. There seemed to be but one mind on the subject throughout the entire meeting. Evening after Sabbath we had a meeting of labor for those who seemed waiting at the cross, and several made important decisions. There seemed much to be done, and time was limited, as most of the friends must leave first-day noon, so we appointed meeting first-day morning at sun-rise. Breakfast was eaten by candlelight, and the rising sun saw us gathering to the old Christian chapel. This meeting held till 10 A. M., when we went to the water where eighteen were buried with their Lord in baptism. Of these were eleven young converts, and seven who had been baptized before, but now seeing more clearly the "form of doctrine" delivered to the Christian church in which the law of God sustains a close relation to baptism, saw their duty clear to be immersed also. We were very happy in baptizing Bro. and sister Andrews of this number. Our interview with Bro. Andrews was most pleasant and cheering. His health is good. The Lord has done a great work for this dear brother. The church at Brookfield has its numbers increased from twenty-five to forty. May it increase in faith and good works as it increases in numbers. Numbers, especially of the young, always increase the labor and responsibility of the church. Bro. Andrews' thorough labor in organizing churches in the State of New York, has laid a good foundation upon which to build up the cause in the State. We shall be happy to labor in the State as we have opportunity; for we now have confidence that our labors will be followed up by a good influence. Monday morning before daylight Bro. Abbey took us into his carriage, and we rode with him to Utica where we took the cars for Boston, and for Maine. During this five weeks' tour we have preached much, written considerable, and sold books, charts, and collected on the Review and Instructor to the amount of one thousand dollars. Mrs. W. has labored excessively hard, especially in writing. At Adams' Center she wrote early and late, and between meeting. And first-day afternoon she wrote six pages of testimony while Bro. Andrews was preaching, which she afterwards read with other matter before the State Conference. She sat within four feet of the pulpit and used her Bible for a writing desk. When asked what she thought of Bro. Andrews as a speaker, she replied that she could not say, as it had been so long since she had heard him. When the sermon was finished she arose and addressed the congregation twenty minutes. The labor of this tour has been too hard, especially at this season when exposed to severe colds. We reached fort Howland worn, so far fatigued and wearied in mind that for several nights could sleep but little, and in this situation have taken severe colds which will delay our writing about one week. We hope in God. We choose to wear rather than rust. The readers of the Review shall hear more from us, and we shall take a few weeks to rest and write. Topsham, Me., Dec. 1, 1863. Follow the Lord, and the directions of his word, wherever they may lead you. Report from Bro. Sanborn.
By Isaac Sanborn
Bro. White: Pursuant to appointment I met with the brethren at Rockton, Oct. 30th and 31st, and found them in a distracted condition. But the blessing of God, attending the word spoken, things were set in order among them, and I trust that through the things which they have suffered in the past, they have learned wisdom, that will benefit them in the future, and I hope that with the blessing of God they may grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth. From here we went to Hundred Mile Grove, to attend the quarterly meeting there. We had an interesting meeting. One was baptized and some who have been falling back for a year, took courage and started anew for the kingdom. Though this church has had many severe trials to encounter, they are still going on becoming stronger and more determined to go through. They have commenced to build a meeting-house, which they need very much, and I trust God will bless them in the enterprise. From this place we went to Lynxville, which is situated among the bluffs of the Mississippi, where we found a few brethren and sisters desiring to go to Mt. Zion. They had been thrown into trouble and confusion, by some church meetings held among them by inexperienced men, who I trust have learned better now. Here I organized a church of sixteen members, and baptized three, while there seemed to be quite an interest awakened in the minds of others to obey the truth. I trust that the Lord will help those living the truth, to let their light so shine before those interested that they may obey the Lord at once, that they, too, may be saved when Jesus comes. At this meeting we met a number of our brethren from Waukon, Iowa, who came fifty miles to have me go to Waukon, to help them out of trouble into which they were thrown by some urging re-baptism. I think our brethren in some places have injured the cause by injudiciously urging persons to be re-baptized, when the persons urged had not yet seen it their duty. My rule has always been to present the subject as clear as I could, and if they did not then see it their duty, I tell them to read and study their Bibles, and they will see it in due time. There is danger of urging persons so that they will be baptized on the faith of another, or before they are decided, but this does not trouble any at Waukon, now. I commenced preaching there the 18th and preached eight times in their new meeting-house. During these meetings wrongs were confessed, and union restored. Father Butler, by permission of the church, resigned his office of eldership on account of his age and feebleness, and George I. Butler, his son, was ordained in his place, and Bro. Wm. Andrews was ordained deacon. I believe it was a profitable meeting to all. Here I was glad to meet some from West Union, who are still pressing forward for the kingdom. I trust our brethren and sisters in Waukon, and other places, will heed the testimony of Jesus and press together. Press together, saith the Lord; and be perfectly joined together, says the apostle. I am now on my way to Wis., feeling much encouraged by the meetings at Waukon. McGregor's Landing, Iowa, Nov. 23d, 1863. Meetings in Vermont.
By A. S. Hutchins
Bro. White: I returned home last week, after an absence of seven weeks. After the quarterly meeting at Roxbury, it was decided that Bro. Pierce and myself should hold some meetings in Vernon, Vt. Agreeably to arrangement, I left for Vernon, expecting he would there join me the next week. But before the time arrived for him to leave home, the appointment for the Conference at Enosburgh, appeared, so he did not meet me. This appointment I did not see till I reached Vernon. Our brethren had engaged the Advent meeting-house and circulated the appointment for a course of lectures. At this point it was not an easy matter to determine with certainty what my duty was. I had a desire to attend the Conference, but must leave the next week if I did, as I was some two hundred miles from Enosburgh. All things considered, I decided to remain longer; in this, probably I erred. At the highest point of interest in our meetings, the colored preacher, a professed Adventist, residing in Vernon, returned home, and after listening to a discourse on the three calls, Luke xiv, violently opposed our views on the third angel's message and the Sabbath. He also objected to our having the meeting-house, agreeably to the arrangement made with the committee, who seemed to be peace-men. Our meetings were therefore moved to a dwelling-house. This circumstance was rather an unfavorable one, though we had a chance to speak to some new hearers. In all we preached over twenty discourses, besides attending several prayer meetings and other meetings for the church. One Adventist took a bold stand for the Sabbath and made a good start with commandment-keepers. He supplied himself with our books and subscribed for the Review. One wanderer heartily confessed his backslidings and stated his wish and purpose to go with the people of God hereafter. Another who had no hope in God, spoke with tearful eyes in these meetings, and expressed an earnest desire to become a Christian. The church unanimously voted to organize, and did so. Eleven united in church fellowship. Others expect to unite hereafter. Several of the brethren and sisters had never heard but a few lectures on present truth before. But few of them had before been present where the ordinances of the Lord's house were attended. All felt encouraged and strengthened to move on in their heavenly pilgrimage. May union, peace and prosperity, grow and abound in their midst. Our meeting with the dear afflicted brethren and sisters in Jamaica, was a good one. We enjoyed a refreshing season while following the humble example, and commemorating the dying love, of the blessed Saviour. Our brethren in this part of the State have a desire to move with the body. The plan of S. B. is carried out. I never have seen any, more ready and earnest on this point than some here. I also heartily concur in the doings of the recent Conference in Vt. I am thankful that Vermont, and Canada East, are to be considered as a portion of the Eastern missionary field. This looks like the order of the Lord. And may the Great Head of the church give increase to the word which may be spoken by men sent out to labor for the advancement of the cause, both in the East and West. May the union and perfection of the church be hastened and the time speedily come when the ransomed of the Lord shall be gathered to Mount Zion, is my ardent prayer. In hope. "Prepare War."
By G. W. A.
THESE are the eventful days, when, as if in fulfillment of the prophetic word, nations are beating their "plowshares into swords," and their "pruninghooks into spears." The "mighty men are waking up," and those who figure as artists and inventors are by no means in the rear. The following description of a new war vessel gives an idea of the terrible craft which will soon sail on American waters. G. W. A. The launch of the iron clad Dictator at New York, which had been previously announced to take place on Saturday, did not come off, owing to the fact that the tide became too low during the process of striking away the blocks. A powerful hydraulic pusher of 425 tons power, and a swinging ram handled by fifty men were applied to the bows and launch-ways without producing the least effect. A strong Manilla hawser was next made fast to the stern, and run out to a couple of steam-tugs on the river, but the team of steamers could not budge the iron ship. A third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth were fastened to the tow-line, and they pulled and puffed, and strained and jerked, but all to no purpose. The launch was accordingly postponed till the next full day tide, when a second attempt was made with no better results. Under these circumstances it was again postponed until means are adopted to insure the floating of the vessel. The iron-clad Dictator, based upon the principles of the first Monitor, is different so far as relates to capacity, speed, seaworthiness and impenetrability to any armored vessel ever built in our country. Her extreme length, over all, is 314 feet. The armor itself extends outside of the hull four feet on each side, and is prodigiously strong. The outside is covered with six one-inch plates of iron fastened in the most substantial manner, and inside of this are three feet of oak timber, and an armor lining formed of 4½ inch bars, extending all around. The armor itself therefore consists of 10¾ inches in thickness of iron, and three feet of timber, and between the metal and timber is interspersed a thick layer of felting. No gun yet fabricated can project a shot that will pierce this armor jacket. Two engines, each having a cylinder of 100 inches in diameter and four feet stroke, will be employed to drive the screw, which is four bladed, 22½ feet in diameter and 34 feet pitch. Steam, which is the moving force, will be supplied from six large boilers capable of furnishing 5,000 horse power to the engines, and it is reasonably expected that the Dictator will have14 a high speed. The boilers have 56 furnaces, and the vessel will require at the least 175 tons of coal per day of 24 hours' steaming at full speed. The vessel is to be provided with one revolving turret for carrying two of the most formidable guns with which it can be furnished, and it will be as imprenetrable to shot of the most powerful guns as the solid rock of Gibraltar. The inside diameter of the turret is 24 feet in the clear; a turret directly inclosing this will be formed of six thicknesses of inch plate, riveted together; and over and outside of this will be another turret, forming a sleeve, consisting of seven thicknesses of inch plates riveted together, and between these two circular shields solid hoops or bars, five inches in thickness, will be packed and fastened securely; the whole forming one great revolving iron tower eighteen inches in thickness, 27 feet in diameter, and weighing 200 tons. Every effort is being made to advance the finishing stroke as rapidly as possible, and the vessel will soon be reported to the Navy Department ready for service. But America is not the only nation where these naval improvements are being effected. England, and France, and Russia, and some of the European powers of lesser note, are all preparing for war on a gigantic scale. Russia, hitherto not famous on the water, has lately issued a ukase for the construction of a whole iron-clad fleet. We clip the following from an exchange: The Russian government has lately given orders for the building of two hundred iron-clad gunboats, on a new model, especially intended for the defense of Cronstadt. Their construction has been confined to six different dockyards. Thirty-five are to be built at the Octu yard, on the right bank of the Nerva, at St. Petersburg; twenty at the New Admiralty; forty at the Isle of Galleys, near the mouth of the Nerva; sixty at Cronstadt; twenty-five at Abo, and twenty at Bjornbord. Each boat is to carry only one gun of very large caliber, placed in the center of the deck. The Admiralty some time since offered a prize for the best method of protecting this gun, and a Lieutenant of the Russian navy has invented a system which is considered by the Russians far superior to anything that has been tried in England or America. The Conference at Adams' Center, N. Y.
By Mary F. Maxson
Dear Brethren and Sisters: Our conference here has just closed, and you must bear with me while I try to tell you of the precious season we have enjoyed. Meetings commenced with the Sabbath, and Bro. Fuller gave a discourse from 1 John iii, 1-3. It was indeed meat in due season. Our thirsty souls drank from the fount of life, and we went away with a stronger determination to struggle up nearer to God, to live in such a manner that we could daily say, "Now are we the sons of God," than we had ever before felt. Sabbath morning we had a social meeting. The Spirit of the Lord was with us, and we felt greatly encouraged while listening to the cheering testimonies from our dear brethren and sisters. Some of them were in deep affliction, as they had just laid their loved ones in the cold, silent grave. But while we wept with them in their sorrow, we rejoiced to see with what faith they looked forward to the time when the great Life-giver shall come to break the fetters of the tomb, and bring again their dear ones from the land of the enemy. After the social meeting had closed, Bro. White gave a discourse from Matt. v, 16. He commented upon the preceding verses of the chapter, and as he talked, our hearts burned within us. We felt that the good Shepherd was there, feeding his flock with the bread of life. At the close of the sermon, sister White gave her testimony, greatly to the edification and comfort of believers. In the afternoon Bro. White discoursed upon the subject of the seven seals, showing clearly that we are living in the last days. Sister White again bore her testimony, and oh, how the immortal inheritance was enhanced in our estimation as we listened to her words. And while we went away rejoicing in the thought of soon meeting our blessed Lord, others were scoffing, saying, "Where is the promise of his coming?" Poor, deluded souls! They are crying, Peace and safety, and soon sudden destruction will come on them. Oh, may God pity them. Bro. Andrews gave two deep, earnest discourses on Sunday. One was upon the subject of the Sabbath, and I think we all resolved, after hearing it, to try more earnestly to keep it as it should be kept. It is indeed the holy of the Lord, honorable, and let us strive, dear brethren and sisters, to keep it holy unto him. Not in doing our own ways, finding our own pleasure, and speaking our own words; but according to the commandment. Remember that the eyes of the world are upon us. All our words and actions upon that sacred day are watched and weighed, and if our influence tells against the holy Sabbath, how, oh, how shall we escape! In the afternoon sister White again gave her testimony. Deep silence pervaded the assembly while she was speaking. Her words were enough to melt a heart of stone. Oh, how vividly were the sufferings of our dear Saviour, and the sacrifice which he has made for us, portrayed. We felt ashamed to think we had ever thought our trials and sacrifices great. Oh, how small our light afflictions, which are but for a moment, seemed, when compared with the far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, that is soon to be ours. We thought of you, dear lonely, scattered ones, who are deprived of these precious privileges, and our prayers ascended to God in your behalf. Do not be discouraged though you are deprived of the privilege of occasionally hearing the words of life from God's messengers. Jesus is near you, and if you listen you will hear his sweet voice whispering words far more cheering than those that ever fell from mortal lips. We have had a sweet, refreshing season from the hand of the Lord, and to his dear name be all the praise. We trust the meeting has been one of great profit to the cause in New York, and hope hereafter we shall all labor more earnestly to advance the glorious truth. Our spiritual strength has been greatly renewed, and we feel determined to press onward until our feet shall be planted upon the crystal sea. May God bless Bro. and sister White, and all the rest of the dear brethren and sisters. It was hard to part with them; and as we stood, with sad hearts, watching the train that was bearing them from us, a brother remarked, "Well, when we start for the kingdom we shall all take the same train—all go together." What a thrill of rapture those words sent through my heart, as I thought of the train that would soon be sent for us. It will be a glorious train, consisting of Christ and his holy angels. We shall be conducted in triumph to the heavenly mansions of the New Jerusalem, there to receive "spotless robes and crowns of glory from a Saviour's loving hand." Oh, rapturous thought! Dear brethren and sisters, let us keep our eyes upon the prize, and perseveringly tread the narrow path that leads to eternal life. Sorrows and trials we must have. We are appointed thereunto. But let us bear them with meekness and patience, remembering that the blessed Saviour sits as a refiner of silver over his children, and when he shall see his image reflected in us, then, and not till then, will he say, It is enough. We are indeed lonely pilgrims here, wandering far from our fatherland; but "the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads." And oh, may God grant that we may be among the number that shall obtain joy and gladness, and that shall rest forever where sorrow and sighing shall flee away. Your sister,
MARY F. MAXSON. Preach the Word.
By A. P. Lawton
THE Bible is the word of God, a lamp, a pilot, a safe harbor, a solid rock, a beacon, a hammer, a fire, a dry land in the midst of Jordan, a fountain of living waters, a heat, a shade, a covert, a shield, a helmet, a sword, the bread of heaven, a safe harbor, a robe, a crown, a palm, a diadem. There is enough in the simple word, without running out into a dry theory, a heartless, hair-splitting theology. What is the chaff to the wheat? Paul tells Timothy to preach the word. He says also of himself, I determined to know nothing among you save Jesus Christ and him crucified, forgetting self in that all-absorbing theme. Self! oh how it comes in for a share in everything! By this we may know if we are dead to the world, if its flatteries and frowns do not move us from this one purpose—Christ and him crucified. Why much of the preaching is ineffectual, is because it is but a pompous display of words. The words may be good, but they have no appreciable weight. They are the shadow without the substance, salt without the savor, and less acceptable to God than children's play. God is not honored, nor does he dwell in their assemblies. Plain, practical preaching, that a child can understand, is more pleasing to God than all the fine, hair-splitting theories that have ever issued from pulpit, pen, or press. One soul saved is of more value than a thousand pleased. But shall we not preach doctrine? Most certainly. Paul tells Timothy to take heed to the doctrine. We are far from believing that it makes no difference what we believe, if the heart is right. The more truth, the nearer the heart will be right. Let every nail driven be fastened by the hammer of God's word. Those who profess to have their hearts right while they are willing to go round God's word in its plain and common-sense meaning, are deceived, and must be brought back and hewed by it. Every thing that will not stand this test is hay, wood, and stubble, and must share the fate of chaff that the wind will carry away. Paul tells Timothy to preach the word, be instant in season, out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers having itching ears, and they shall turn from the truth, and be turned unto fables. What is truth? Thy word, O God, is truth. Facts Concerning Our Country.
ALIEN PASSENGERS TO THE UNITED STATES BY SEA.
In the ten years previous to June 1, 1840, 552,000. In the ten years previous to June 1, 1850, 1,558,300. In the ten years previous to June 1, 1860, 2,707,624. TOTAL VALUE OF REAL ESTATE IN THE UNITED STATES.
By the Seventh Census, 1850, $7,135,780,228. By the Eighth Census, 1860, $16,159,616,068. Increase, $8,925,481,011; or 126.45 per cent. WEALTH OF THE UNITED STATES IN 1860.
An approximate estimate, made with care for Hunt's Merchant's Magazine, sums up as follows: $16,588,356,338. NATIONAL INCOME IN 1800, $86,303,282. NATIONAL INCOME IN 1860, $1,969,088,610.
It thus appears that in the first sixty years of this century there has been an increase of national income from 86 millions to nearly 2,000 millions; the power of production having been rapidly increased by the various uses of steam in manufacture and transportation, and by the invention of labor-saving machines. Among the important public measures passed by the Thirty-seventh Congress, whose session was one of the most eventful in history, was the free homestead act, offering the public lands in quarter sections to those who will settle and cultivate them at the cost of survey and transfer; the Pacific Railroad act, authorizing the construction of a railroad connecting the Atlantic and Pacific coasts; financial measures appropriating $2,277,000,000 for the suppression of the rebellion; a National Militia bill, putting the whole military strength of the loyal states at the command of the President; a Letter of Marque bill, enabling the President to cover every sea with privateers; and a bill of indemnity, relieving the President from any legal consequences arising from false arrest or imprisonment, and authorizing him to suspend the right of habeas corpus at his pleasure in every state of the Union. The total population of the United States by the eighth census was 31,445,080; an increase of 35½ per cent. from the census of 1850. The number of slaves was 3,953,760. There were 15,077 deaf and dumb persons; 12,635 blind; 23,999 insane;15 18,865 idiotic. Thus far in the history of the country, no state has declined in population. The increase in some of the states has been small. That of Vermont for the last ten years was but one third of one per cent.; New Hampshire, 2½ per cent.; South Carolina, 5½ per cent.; Maine 7½ per cent.; Tennessee, 10⅔ per cent.; Virginia, 12¼ per cent. Illinois presents the most wonderful example of great, continuous, and healthful increase. In 1830, its population was 157,445; in 1840, 476,183; in 1850, 851,470; in 1860, 1,711,951; a gain for the last ten years of over 101 per cent. The fifteen slave states contain 12,240,000 inhabitants, of whom 8,039,000 are whites, 251,000 free blacks, and 3,950,000 slaves. The gain of the whole population of these states, from 1850 to 1860, was 2,627,000, or 27⅓ per cent. The increase of slaves was 749,931, or 23½ per cent. The nineteen free states and seven territories, with the District of Columbia, contain 19,201,456 inhabitants, of whom 18,936,579 were whites, and 237,218 free colored. The increase was 5,598,603, or 41¼ per cent. "Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another." This department of the paper is designed for the brethren and sisters to freely and fully communicate with each other respecting their hopes and determinations, conflicts and victories, attainments and desires, in the heavenly journey. Then they, says the prophet, that feared the Lord spake often one to another. We believe emphatically that we are living in that time. Therefore seek first a living experience and then record it, carefully and prayerfully, for the comfort and encouragement of the other members of the household of faith. Let this department be well filled with lively testimonies of the goodness of God, and the value of his truth. Bro. WHITE: Thinking that the readers of the Review would like to know how we are getting along in Southern Iowa, I would say that since Bro. Sanborn visited the churches, the cause is moving onward and upward. It was thought by some that our quarterly meeting at Knoxville was the most profitable meeting that was ever held at that place. We saw hearts united in the bonds of Christian love that had not been for more than one year. Bless the Lord for a truth that will unite his people. Others that had taken no part in our meetings for a long time, rose up and renewed their covenant, pledging themselves to go with God's people to mount Zion. I think I can say with David, It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I might learn thy statutes. Before I was afflicted I went astray; but now have I kept thy word. I want to go with the body. I do not want to go too fast, neither do I want to go too slow.