Earlier text: REVIEW OF A. N. SEYMOURTHOUGHTS ON THE REVELATION.
By Uriah Smith
Verse 1. After this I looked, and behold, a door was opened in heaven; and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will show thee things which must be hereafter. In the first three chapters we have the vision of the Son of man. John gives a description of his person, and writes the words he heard from him. But this chapter opens with a new scene which has reference to the heavenly sanctuary. A door is opened in heaven, and John hears a trumpet-voice saying, Come up hither, and I will show thee things which must be hereafter. Compare with chap. i, 1. The presentation of future events is the great object of the book of Revelation. Verses 2-5. And immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone; and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. And round about the throne were four and twenty seats; and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold. And out of the throne proceeded lightnings, and thunderings, and voices; and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. In chap. i, 10, John says, I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day. He was in vision on that day. Again he says, chap. iv, 2, And immediately I was in the Spirit. Hence we conclude that chap. iv commences a second vision. The illuminating influence of the Holy Spirit came upon John gradually. He first sees a door opened in heaven, then hears a trumpet voice, then immediately, in close connection, is lost to all earthly things, being wrapped in a vision of things in heaven. He entered the first apartment of the heavenly sanctuary, and saw the throne of God, and describes the appearance of him that sat upon it. Before the throne of God were seven burning lamps of fire. The candlestick, with its seven burning lamps, was in the first apartment of the earthly sanctuary. Ex. xxv, 31, 32; xxvi, 35; xxxvii, 17-23; xl, 24; Lev. xxiv, 4; Num. iv, 9; viii, 2; 1 Chron. xxviii, 15; 2 Chron. iv, 20; xiii, 11. These burning lamps in the earthly and in the heavenly sanctuaries, during both dispensations, represent the Holy Spirit in all its operations, here called the seven Spirits of God. The four and twenty elders, we conclude, were selected from the multitude of captives, of the good and holy of past ages held captives by death, but raised from the dead at the resurrection of Christ, Matt. xxvii, 52, 53, and taken up to heaven at his ascension. Eph. iv, 8, margin. This multitude were raised for some wise purpose, and they doubtless have an important part to act. And the fact that the four and twenty elders are represented in chap. v, 8, as every one of them having golden vials full of odors, which are the prayers of saints, may justify the conclusion that they are assistants in the priesthood of Jesus Christ. Wesley, speaking of the four and twenty elders, says: "Clothed in white raiment] This, and their golden crowns, show that they had already finished their course, and taken their places among the citizens of heaven. They are never termed souls, and hence it is probable that they had glorified bodies already. Compare Matt. xxvii, 52." Verses 6-11. And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle. And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth forever and ever, the four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. In reference to the word beasts, A. Barnes says: "This is a very unhappy translation, as the word beasts by no means conveys a correct idea of the original word. The Greek word—ζώον—means properly a living thing; and it is thus indeed applied to animals, or to the living creation; but the notion of their being living things, or living creatures, should be retained in the translation. Prof. Stewart renders it living creatures."—Barnes' Notes. Scott, in the Comprehensive Commentary, says: "It is indisputably manifest that the four living creatures join in, or rather lead, the worship of the Lamb, as having redeemed them to God; and this proves beyond controversy, that part of the redeemed church is meant by this emblem; and not angels, whose worship is next described, but in language evidently different." The four living creatures, with the four and twenty elders, probably embrace all those who rose with Christ, and ascended up to heaven with him. These resurrected saints were upon the sea of glass. And we see no reason why the sea of glass should not be as literal and tangible as the redeemed beings upon it. This may be the very foundation of the Sanctuary and City, and may even extend as a border round about the City. It is here called a sea of glass like unto crystal. Chap. xv, 2. And I saw a sea of glass mingled with fire. Chap. xxi, 21. And the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass. These are the beautiful figures which represent the foundation of the Sanctuary and the City, where beings redeemed from the grave stand, and where the overcomers of chap. xv, 2, will soon stand, having the harps of God. REPORT FROM BRO. WAGGONER.
By J. H. Waggoner
AFTER a tiresome ride on the cars I arrived at Eddyville, Iowa, on Thursday, the 5th. Here I was met by Bro. Whitney, and the remaining thirty-five miles of my journey were made with a lumber wagon, heavily loaded over a very hilly road. This did not promise well for the interest of the coming meeting; but I was much refreshed and encouraged by meeting Bro. Snook at Knoxville. I was informed at Eddyville that Bro. Luke would be at the meeting; therefore I did not go to see him, as it was about five miles out of the way. But, to my great disappointment, he did not come. I learned that he was owing some, and had taken a school to raise means. I fear Bro. L. erred in not attending this meeting. The brethren are anxious to have him try his gift in the field, and would be glad to aid him if he proved his calling of God; but they do not now feel any duty to bestow means where they have no assurance that it will be for the glory of God. All of our efficient preachers have, through deprivation and hard labor, struggled into the work. I pray the Lord to guide in this matter. I had almost determined, in coming to Iowa, to devote myself entirely to the tent, and have nothing to do with the churches, leaving them to the care of the local laborers. My reason for this was, that I had seen a disposition to throw off the testimony given them, and I judged it prudent to leave that work to those who were here to sustain their testimony by their presence. But when I arrived at Knoxville I found Bro. Brinkerhoof almost crushed under the trials of the church. There was great wrong in the church and some, whom I had almost esteemed as pillars, sympathized with the wrong-doers, and were even busy to destroy Bro. B.'s influence, impugning his motives, and talking constantly about his "prejudice." Had not the wrongs been flagrant, and many of them open, there might have been some excuse for their course; but as it is, I do not think our labors and testimonies have produced the full effect desired. I shall have no hope that the blessing of God will return to such till they make full amends by hearty confessions to Bro. Brinkerhoof, and to the church. After laboring hard to free the church from sin and prevailing darkness, we went to Rusau to assist them. On Tuesday morning eight were baptized, six of them from Knoxville. By invitation we had left an appointment at Knoxville to assist them in perfecting their organization, they having commenced the work. But from the commencement of the meeting we saw that we had to labor against a mountain of prejudice. We judged that there were not over half a dozen who realized that they needed any assistance, after all the labors of the meetings. This was discouraging. So we adjourned, satisfied that it is useless to labor against the feelings of a church, and leave them to complain of us, and undo all that we have done. We count our time and strength too precious to be spent so uselessly. When the churches of Southern Iowa put away the spirit of jealousy and causeless murmuring, and realize and acknowledge that God has the charge of this work, and will bless the means and instruments of his own choosing, then may the servants of the Lord hope to effect something in their behalf. Of one thing they may feel assured: that God will not lay upon them the burden of the management of the Review Office, or of Bro. White's duties, till they prove that they have the willingness and ability to manage their own affairs with discretion, and to occupy their own places in their own churches. A consideration of this important fact might relieve the minds of some of a great deal of unnecessary care and trouble. Bro. Snook having come to co-operate with us, it was considered proper to hold one meeting in this section, and then move east and north. The brethren about Indianola have had the promise of a tent-meeting here; and we concluded to commence here, as we should have lost another week of tent labor to have commenced at a more remote point. Our meeting is now in progress, with fair congregations, though it is impossible to judge of the prospect yet.
J. H. WAGGONER.
Indianola, Iowa, June 16, 1862. I. D. VAN HORN
By I. D. Van Horn
BRO. WHITE: We are still here in Charlotte, striving to do our duty. We are all well, and our courage good. The people are becoming more and more interested as the truth is presented to them from evening to evening. Brn. Loughborough and Hull have given sixteen discourses, which have set the people to searching their Bibles, and investigating the subjects that have been presented. Last evening, though the weather was quite cold, almost uncomfortable, the tent was29literally filled with hearers, who very attentively listened to Bro. Hull while he presented to them the subject of the mark of the beast and seal of God. There were as many as nine hundred present. A few have already determined to keep the Sabbath of the Lord. The ministers of the several denominations in the place are hurrying to and fro, watching their members for fear they will lose them. Some of the members of the M. E. church have already commenced keeping the Sabbath. May the Lord speed on the work, that there may be a company raised up here that will keep all his commandments and the faith of Jesus. Charlotte, Eaton Co., Mich. TENT MEETING IN WAKEMAN, HURON CO., OHIO.
By M. E. Cornell
This meeting held over two Sabbaths, the interest remaining to the close. Many acknowledged the truth and a few resolved to obey it. Several were eager for the books, and are reading with interest. The result of this effort might have been more permanent, had not my voice failed. I found that I was not able to do all the preaching in the open air, necessary for a full course of lectures. Many of the scattered Sabbath keepers in this part of the State came to this meeting, and were much revived. An intelligent young man came up from Oberlin on the last day of the meeting, and heard three discourses. He had been keeping the Sabbath a short time, but never heard any preaching on the subject before. He had been to Cleveland to get some books of Bro. Stewart, and read them by night when others were asleep. It was truly encouraging to us all, to see how rejoiced this brother was to hear preaching on the present truth. He reports that there is some interest to read among the students at Oberlin, and we fitted him out with some tracts, books, and double numbers of the Review to scatter among those interested. I regret the necessity of laying by the Ohio tent, but I find it is not possible for me to endure the labor alone. I trust the friends in Ohio will be free to excuse me under the circumstances. I can see no other light now but to join with Bro. Andrews in N. Y. The Ohio tent funds now in my hands, I will soon return to the treasurer. After much prayer, I feel very clear about going to N. Y. The field is the world, and the cause is one, and we should rejoice in its prosperity anywhere. THE CAUSE IN WESTERN N. Y.
By J. M. Aldrich
Bro. White: It affords me much pleasure to report for the encouragement of the brethren at large, that there are omens of good for the cause in Western N. Y. It seems evident that the Lord is about to do a great work for his people here. That such is to be the case, I think all must believe who attended our last monthly meeting at Bro. Buckland's on the 13th-15th inst. At this meeting it was plainly manifest that there was an unusual earnestness on the part of the church to come up to the help of the Lord. The Lord was pleased to meet with his people and pour out his blessing upon them at the very commencement of the meeting on Sabbath evening. Prayers were fervent, and testimonies prompt and pointed. On Sabbath morning the Lord again met with us in the social meeting, and gave his blessing in still greater measure. He suffered a chord to be touched that seemed to vibrate to the very heart of the church. The children of the remnant were the burden of this meeting. Request after request was made for the prayer of faith in behalf of the children. The flame caught from heart to heart, until there seemed to be a unanimous determination that the children should be borne along to the kingdom; that not one of them should be left behind. Christ gives assurance that where only two are agreed as touching anything they shall ask, their requests shall be granted. Then surely, there being so many heartily agreed as touching this one thing, viz., the salvation of the children of the remnant, may we not have reason to expect that the Lord will do a work here for them? The Lord grant it. Three sermons preached on the Sabbath by Bro. Cottrell were interesting and profitable; but the best meeting of all was on first-day morning, when we met to ask the Lord for a parting blessing. This indeed was a "one accord" meeting. Acts ii, 1. The meeting continued full four hours, and the time was well occupied. The cups ran over. 'Twas sung, "There are angels hov'ring round." No one doubted it. We expect to have another such meeting at Lyndonville, the second Sabbath in July. GENERAL CONFERENCES.
By Ellet Joseph Waggoner
BRO. WHITE :—I wish to agitate a subject that has been much on my mind, especially for a few months past. I refer to General Conferences. This subject was introduced in the conference address of 1861, (spring conference,) which was endorsed by the Brn. generally, but this part of it has been suffered to pass out of notice. I do not believe that we shall ever fully realize the benefits of organization till this matter is acted upon. The necessity of such action has been very apparent in making arrangements for this season. Let me give my own experience in the matter. Last spring I received urgent calls from Ohio and Iowa. I could give no reply to Ohio, as Bro. Cornell had received calls from Ohio and New York. He had given a conditional promise to Ohio, which left me in suspense. The action of the Northern Iowa Conference did not commend itself, and the management of Southern Iowa was left, to a great extent, in inexperienced hands. I could see no probability of two tents running in Iowa. It was evident to my mind that other arrangements, such as have recently been made, would have to be made, but that which should have been deliberately effected two months ago, is now hastily done after the tent season has properly commenced. Every one can see at a glance that such a state of things greatly cripples us, and if a remedy can be applied, it should be done immediately. The remedy is in co-operation. If every conference or State had its own laborers, the case would be somewhat different; but while there exists the necessity for one State or conference to call upon another for laborers, steps must be taken to shut out this confusion. Without urging the matter further, I propose the following plan: That a General Conference be appointed to convene at or near the time of the annual meeting of the Publishing Association. That every conference of Seventh-day Adventists send a delegate or delegates to the General Conference; and that a General Conference Committee be appointed, with whom the State conferences may correspond, and through whom they shall present their requests for laborers. This may answer to begin with. If any have better suggestions to make I shall cheerfully co-incide with them. Who feels interested in this matter? CONGREGATIONAL SINGING
By Jos. Clarke
Seems to be most in accordance with the worship of God, and a few hints here may not be out of place, as to its practice. How glorious, how elevating, to hear the full melody of hundreds of voices, all tuned aright, all consecrated, ascending to heaven! But to bring the voices of many into harmony, is not the work of a day; and one discordant voice may mar the harmony of the sweetest song, though it may seem to be drowned in the full swell of many well-tuned voices. The blind person cannot entertain us with fine reading; the deaf cannot entertain us with song; so the uncultivated ear may well stand in doubt of its own perceptions, just as the blind stands in fear of stumbling. But it is a sad accompaniment of incapacity, that, as in the moral world, people are often confident of life, and future peace, and present purity, so here the mistake is sometimes made of self-confidence, without sufficient grounds. What shall be done then? Shall we say that a part may not sing? certainly not. But how shall large collections of people manage to sing in harmony? For instance, a familiar tune is chosen, here is a cluster of people who have sung it at home, rather slowly; those of another locality are accustomed to a quicker motion; and others have learned the tune with some variations from the usual mode of singing it. Now what course shall each pursue? Simply this: Let every ear be on the watch for the voices of those nearest the leader, and let every word and sound and enunciation be distinct and clear, marking especially the time of the leader, or those nearest him, always noticing the voices of the most correct, rather than one's own; avoiding any attempt to make prominent one's own voice, (unless it be those who are certain of correctness, for the sake of calling in the straggling voices,) then, rather seek to blend your voice with the general harmony, as the different hues of the rainbow blend themselves. Uncultivated voices and ears, and those afflicted with deafness, may well use great care, always keeping the voice where it will not sway or mangle the correct chords, as it often happens that good lungs, and uncultivated ears go together. But let no one who can see, and hear, and speak, say, I will let others do the singing. No, all can improve, and with due taste, caution and care, the music may be much amended. THERE IS REST FOR THE WEARY.
By L. E. Millne
"Come unto me, all ye that are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Ye weary, sorrowing ones, hear the cheering words of our blessed Saviour, who in all our afflictions is afflicted with us, and knows how to comfort his weary children. O, hear the sweet invitation, Come unto me; come with all your griefs and cares. Though you feel ever so unworthy, Jesus' arms are stretched out waiting to receive you. O, think of the great love manifested to us poor sinners. Jesus left the realms of glory, came down to earth and freely shed his precious blood to save to the uttermost all that will come unto God30through him. Come then to the great Physician of souls, who has a balm for every wounded heart. Does earth look dark and drear? Have loved ones been torn from our fond embrace? Have fondly-cherished hopes been suddenly blasted by the stormy wind and tempest? Hear the blessed promise, "Blessed are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted." Come to Jesus and he will comfort your mourning heart. He can give "the oil of joy for mourning, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness." He will enable us to rejoice even in the midst of affliction, and to bless God for trials; for we shall be made perfect through suffering. Our blessed Saviour while here upon earth was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief, and had not where to lay his head; and shall the servant be above his Master? Come to the dear Saviour and he will give you rest. O, bless the Lord, there is rest, blessed rest, for the weary. What a cheering thought as we journey through this vale of tears, that there remaineth a rest for the people of God, and that even here while tabernacling in the flesh, we may have a foretaste of that heavenly rest. Let not unbelief hinder us from coming to Jesus the fountain of life and true happiness. Let us say as did the psalmist, "Why art thou cast down, O my soul, and why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God; for I shall yet praise him who is the health of my countenance, and my God." Ye lonely, sorrowing ones, lean on the strong arm of the Lord. Cast all your cares and burdens upon him and he will sustain. He will give you grace according to your day. He has promised to be a present help in every time of trouble, yea, the shadow of a great rock in a weary land. Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal. "Breast the wave, Christian, when it is strongest,
Watch for day, Christian, when the night's longest,
Onward and upward still be thine endeavor,
The rest that remaineth will be forever." Let us be encouraged by the many precious promises in his holy word, and sorrow not as those without hope; for our dead loved ones shall come again from the land of the enemy. Jesus will burst the bands of death, and his saints shall come forth in newness of life. "Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions. If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you, and if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself, that where I am ye may be also." Let us go forward, ever remembering that only a little while longer shall we "these many woes endure." Jesus will come and will not tarry. Let us gird up the loins of our mind, and press forward toward the prize. The glories of that better land will richly repay us for all we are called to suffer here, though we come up out of great tribulation. O, let us keep the glorious prize in view, and we shall never be discouraged in the narrow pathway that leads to glory, honor, and immortality. Although Satan is working with great power in these last days because his time is short, and endeavoring to make our trials appear very great, so as to enshroud our minds in darkness, yet if we look to the Lord continually for help, he will drive back the power of darkness. He will cause light from the heavenly sanctuary to shine into our minds, and enable us to rejoice and be exceeding glad that we are counted worthy to suffer with him that we may also reign with him in glory. O, to be an heir of heaven, a joint-heir with Christ to that purchased possession, that glorious inheritance! The thoughts of such amazing bliss should stimulate us to great zeal and activity in the cause of Christ. Let us not linger to weep and mourn over the fading and transitory joys of this poor world. We should take joyfully the spoiling of our treasures here, and count it gain if we but win Christ. O, there will be no more sorrow and sighing, no more grief and tears, no more bleeding, broken hearts, no more Rachels weeping for their children, and the inhabitants of the land shall no more say, I am sick. These vile bodies shall be changed into his most glorious image. O, happy change to leave this dark earth to enter into that glorious "city which hath no need of the sun, for the glory of God doth lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof." We shall drink of that river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of our God, and we shall partake of the fruits of life's fair tree, and dwell with the King in his beauty forever. "Pilgrims, on! there's rest in heaven,
Rest from every anxious care,
Rest in Jesus' smiles, forgiven,
Peaceful and eternal there.
O, 'twere sweet to toil in sadness,
O, 'twere well the cross to bear,
If at last in joy and gladness
We may rest forever there."
L. E. Millne.
Chesaning, Mich. “Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another,” BRO. WHITE: I have not lost my hope, but am strong in the third angel's message. The signs of the times fully indicate the time near when all the dear saints will meet in a better clime than this. My heart beats in union with all the dear saints, and in love to God that he ever showed me the last message of mercy ever to be given to the world. O how thankful I am that the Lord sent Bro. Bates to Canada to show us the truth of the third angel's message, that teaches the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Dear brethren and sisters, my desire is that I may live near to God, and be a perfect overcomer through the blood of Christ. I feel lonely, there being no one here of like precious faith; but I praise God for his truth that unites the hearts of God's people together as the heart of one man, waiting the coming of his Son. Yours truly, waiting for redemption through the blood of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. BRO. WHITE: Believing it to be very important in confessing faults to have the confession as extensive as the faults, I would ask for a place in the Review in order to reach some that I could not otherwise. In the first place I wish to say to the saints East that as my former confessions may not have reached all, I refer to some of them again. I confess with deep regret the time and means I so unwisely spent in my hasty travels from place to place, much of which was worse than lost. I also confess my error in judgment, and lack of heavenly wisdom in my efforts to right the wrongs that have existed in the church, having thereby failed of accomplishing the desired object, leaving some in a worse condition than before. I deeply regret that I lived in these perilous days so much in the dark as to receive impressions as from the Lord when they were not, and more especially do I grieve for having countenanced the same in others. And I have to confess to the saints wherever I have been, that occasionally I have made remarks in public that were not sanctioned by the Spirit of God, and in private have failed greatly of having my words seasoned with grace at all times, so as to keep uppermost in the mind the solemn time in which we live. And now, brethren, while for a long time I have sorrowed over the errors of my past life that have injured my own influence and that of others, I still feel determined to learn obedience and be wiser by the things I have suffered, and if possible work out my own salvation with fear and trembling, trusting wholly in that God who gives mercy to those that confess and forsake their sins. Forgive me as he for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. P. S. I wish also to avow my perfect confidence in the gifts of the Spirit, and the testimonies given thereby, and likewise the present arrangement made by those to whom God has given charge of the work of righting up his church, and leading out his people for translation. BRO. WHITE: I am quite anxious that the brethren in this section of the country, Rhode Island and Massachusetts, meet in general conference at some place where the brethren may appoint, that is, where there is a church of Seventh-day Adventists, or where there are a number of brethren. Will the brethren of the above-named States come up to the help of the Lord against the mighty? The cause of our dear Redeemer demands our faithful and mutual co-operation. Let him who despises the day of small things, so considered by the world, consider for a moment the words of Jehovah: "Fear not, little flock, it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." Come then, dear brethren, let us arouse and come up and meet together, and exhort one another, and so much the more as we see the day approaching. You who feel interested in this, please address me, or make an appointment through the Review and Herald, as soon as convenient. Let us in the name of the Lord attend to it. BRO. WHITE: I would say to the dear brethren and sisters scattered abroad, that I am striving to live out the glorious truths of the third angel's message. It is necessary for us to obey this message if we would be prepared to stand in that holy throng who have the Father's name written in their foreheads. I love to hear from the messengers of truth from time to time, and the success of the message, and also from the dear saints scattered abroad, and I want my heart to be all engaged in the work, that I may bear some humble part here, and when Jesus comes be found among the translated ones. Dear brethren and sisters, the exhortation is to us to prove faithful; for yet a little while and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Heb. x, 36, 37. BRO. WHITE: The Lord is blessing his people here in Mannsville. One reason is, we are advancing in the work of organization, which is according to Bible and reason. A company is being brought together, firmly united in all the truth, and love abounds. One great reason of the lack of union here for two years past, has been a difference of views with regard to the visions. For one I did not understand their exalted position with this people, hence I was left to oppose those that placed them where they belonged in the church. Therefore my influence, as far as I had any in the church, tended to hinder the work of the Lord. For this I am heartily sorry. In the providence of the Lord I attended the conference at Roosevelt. After hearing Bro. Cornell go through with the subject of the gifts, the scales fell from my eyes. I now see that the testimony of Jesus, which is the spirit of prophecy, is to be held forth just as prominent as any part of the third message. The supper is ready, the table is spread, and upon it are the rich bounties of the third angel. I do see and feel that if ever I go through to the kingdom it will be by partaking of the truth as brought to us by the third angel. It is the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus. But as to the testimony, for two years in the past I have taken what I supposed to be middle, or neutral, ground. I wish to say now that there is no such ground to take. We are either for or against. More has been accomplished since the conference to effect union and brotherly love than for two years past. The work is truly of the Lord. The testimony of Jesus is being confirmed. The gloom and darkness that have long enshrouded God's people begin to pass away like the dew before the rising sun. To the Lord be all the praise. Sister E. A. Nutting writes from Clermont, Iowa: "I think I know how to appreciate the Review. I love to read the letters. It is cheering to know there are some who are trying to be prepared for the coming of our blessed Saviour. I desire to be one of that little company. May we be faithful, and receive the crown which he will give to all that love his appearing. I want to come out from the world and be separate, and follow my Saviour through evil as well as good report. I think it is a great thing to be a Christian. As such we should be a peculiar people, zealous of good works, and holy in our conversation; and our adorning should be a meek and quiet spirit, which in the sight of God is of great price. I want on the Christian armor, that I may be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked." Sister H. M. Caslar writes from Delta, Ohio: "I feel very thankful for the light of present truth. Whereas I was blind I now see. What a privilege it is to understand the third angel's message! It is two years next July since I first heard the proclamation of present truth. The Ohio tent was pitched in our little village. It was a great mystery to me what kind of people they could possibly be, connected with it. At all events I thought I would go and hear one lecture. I went, and never before in my life heard so much solemn truth in one discourse. I attended every lecture but one, embraced the truth, and feel determined by the grace of God to go through to the kingdom. These indeed are perilous times. Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly, and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand. Dan. xii, 10. O for a thorough furnishing unto all good works." Bro. A. G. Carter writes from Rubicon, Dodge Co., Wis.: "While the people of this vicinity are very much interested in the war news of our nation, believing it will result in christianizing the nation, and will also result in great peace and prosperity, I am very much interested in the war news from the Lord's army, whose 'weapons of warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds, casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing31into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ,' &c. 2 Cor. x, 4, 5; Eph. vi, 12-17. Our heavenly Father says, 'If his (Christ's) children forsake my law, and walk not in my judgments: if they break my statutes, and keep not my commandments, then will I visit their transgressions with a rod, and their iniquity with stripes.' Ps. lxxxix, 30-32. We should not only heed the Testimony for the Church, to escape the rod, but because it is for our best interest, as it will help us to repent and become right in the sight of God." Bro. J. Larock writes from Ely, C. E.: "I love to hear from the dear brethren, although I have seen but few of them. I rejoice that the time is soon coming when we shall all meet, if faithful, where parting will be no more. I love to know how the cause is advancing. I feel thankful to the Lord for the light of present truth, and that he gave me a disposition to try to obey it." Bro. H. C. S. Carus writes from Walled Lake, Mich.: "I feel that I cannot well do without the little messenger, the Review, as it is laden with golden treasures that cannot be obtained elsewhere. I am yet, notwithstanding many conflicts, trying to live a Christian and keep all the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. He has cared for me heretofore, and done all things well. Therefore I am resolved to trust him for what is to come. I ask the prayers of God's people that I may live right, and do right, and have at last a right to the tree of life." Bro. O. Chipman writes from Richmond, Iowa: "My heart beats in union with the Seventh-day Adventist church. We feel strengthened in the truth and the near advent of our blessed Lord. We love the truth. I hope and pray that those truths may ever find a resting place in our hearts. I would also say to the dear brethren abroad, that I am striving to keep all of the commandments of God, and I am sure that they are not grievous, and the burden (if it can be called such) is light. I hope to meet all the dear brethren and sisters in the kingdom. O let us be diligent, sober, watching unto prayer, ever pressing onward and upward, growing in grace daily, making sure work for the kingdom, is the prayer of your unworthy brother." VAIN WORLD.
By E. W. Darling
The more I view this boasted earth,
The more its emptiness I know;
What seemed so fair in early youth,
Hath proved but vain, deceitful show. Distance alone its joys enhance,
And pleasures are not what they seem,
They dim and fade as we advance,
And mock us like a fitful dream. Here sorrow blends with every joy,
Some blight the fairest fruit may spoil;
The purest gold conceals alloy,
And evil springs from every soil. Vain world, whose only use can be
To prove and purify the heart,
I hasten to be done with thee,
And yet desire to bear my part. The Just made perfect by his pain,
His hardships and his sufferings here;
Shall I, his servant, then, complain,
My burden with my Lord to share? The bitter mingled with the sweet,
My cup a wholesome draught will prove,
And when my trials are complete
I'll know that all was dealt in love. THE HOUR OF HIS JUDGMENT.
By Susan Elmer
GRAND and awful thought! Momentous time! when every act is to pass in quick succession before our Judge. Decisive hour! And shall we be careless and unconcerned? When the Saviour has said that for every idle word we must give account, shall we join in idle or unprofitable conversation? When we are told that by our words we shall be condemned, and by our words be justified, can we insult the Majesty of heaven in trifling away our last moments in foolish and inconsiderate language! While we are told that by patient continuance in well doing we shall receive glory, honor, eternal life, shall we by murmurings, or disputings, or the neglect of duty, forfeit all right to heaven? Rather let us arise and renew our covenant with God, heed the faithful admonitions given, get in the place where we are continually approved of our heavenly Father, live by faith on the Son of God, and thus be prepared for the refreshing which is so soon to fall upon God's waiting people, pass through the time of trouble and see the King in his beauty, and finally, with all the redeemed, inherit the kingdom prepared for them from the foundation of the world. How It Is Done.—We yesterday visited a Chinese tea-dealer's establishment, where they were engaged in finishing up green teas for the market, and drying and re-dressing black tea which had been wet by the flood at Sacramento. The black teas were simply dried rapidly over a charcoal fire upon broad circular trays with bottoms of finely split and braided cane. While drying, it was re-curled by hand, and was then ready for repacking. The green teas were dried in the same way, and then finished up with a preparation of Prussian blue and Glenfield starch, giving it a beautiful pearly-green color. A substance was also added, the name of which we could not learn, to give it the fine "bou-quet" or aroma so valued by tea fanciers. We took up some of the fine compound, and said to John, who stood politely at our elbow: "Do you know that this is poison?" "Oh, yes!" was his reply, "me know him poison, but Melican man want him zis color!" And such is the fact. There is poison enough in a single ounce of this green tea to kill a man, if taken at once. "Tea tasters employed in Custom Houses soon sink into the grave from the effects of this slow poison." San Francisco Morning Call.