QUESTION. Explain who the four angels are, spoken of in Rev. ix, 14, as being loosed out of the great river Euphrates.
ANSWER. It will be noticed that the event here brought to view takes place under the sixth trumpet. A full exposition of all the trumpets of Rev. viii, and ix, is given in the little book entitled, the "Sounding of the Seven Trumpets." See list of Publications.
QUESTION. Can you tell who the four and twenty elders are, spoken of in Rev. iv, 10?
ANSWER. These elders are brought to view in chap. v, in a manner which, I think, throws some light on the question as to who they are. This chapter gives a record of the events that introduced the opening of the seven seals; and the part which these elders acted in those scenes, settles some important facts concerning them. By the seven seals, the same as by the seven trumpets, is undoubtedly brought to view a series of events, transpiring in consecutive order, and covering the whole gospel dispensation. The first of these seals, according to general interpretation, was opened, and the events brought to view under it, transpired, near the commencement of this dispensation. With this fact vividly in mind, that the opening of the first of these seals is far in the past, let it be noticed that it is before the opening of any of the seals that these elders are seen acting a part in heaven. When the challenge was issued through heaven and earth [verse 2], Who is worthy to open the book and to loose the seals thereof? and while John was weeping much because no one was found worthy to open and read the book [verse 4], one of the elders said unto him, "Weep not: behold the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof." Again, when the Lamb had taken the book from the hand of Him that sat on the throne, previous to his opening the seals thereof, the elders break forth into a new song, saying, "Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof; for thou wast slain and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation." Verses 8, 9. This testimony shows unmistakably that those elders were in heaven, personally acting their part previous to the opening of any of the seals. The expression, "Thou wast slain," locates the time of this song subsequent to the crucifixion of Christ; it was sung therefore at some point between that event and the opening of the first seal. The transaction which called forth this song of honor to the Lamb, was his taking the book preparatory to opening its seven seals. The events of these seals all transpire previous to the redemption of the church. The church therefore will never sing such a song as this. They will never ascribe honor to him because he is worthy to do (an expression which looks into the future) something which already had been done and finished more than eighteen centuries previous to that time. The conclusion is therefore unavoidable that these elders are not introduced here merely as representatives of other persons, representing the church, for instance, and singing the song which the redeemed will sing; but that they were literally and personally present in heaven, at the time when brought to view, that the song they sung, was called forth by their own personal feelings on that occasion, and that the facts they state were true of themselves individually and then. And what was one of the facts which they stated? It was this: "Thou hast redeemed us to God by thy blood." The twenty-four elders were therefore some who had been redeemed from the earth at that time.
Thus far the conclusions arrived at seem to be necessary and scriptural. The twenty-four elders are persons who have at some time been redeemed from the earth. Perhaps this is a sufficient answer. But there are two other queries that may arise on this subject, which can be readily answered by at least plausible conjecture. 1. Where have we any intimation that any persons have ever been redeemed from the earth; and 2. If these are twenty-four persons who have been so redeemed how can they say, that they were redeemed from every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation?
In reference to the first of these queries it may be said that there is more than an intimation that a number of saints have already been redeemed. It is said that at the resurrection of Christ many of the saints that slept arose and came out of their graves. Matt. xxvii, 50-58. And when he ascended up on high we are told that he led captivity captive, or as the margin reads, a multitude of captives. To identify the twenty-four elders with a portion of this company is the most natural and probable disposition of the matter.
In reference to the second query, these persons may have been selected from different ages since the creation of the world, those most eminent in piety and the service of God being taken from each age. In this way they could be said to be redeemed out of every kindred, people, and nation. It may be proper to add that this exposition of the twenty-four elders is an individual opinion, for which the writer holds no one responsible but himself.
QUESTION. Are there any remaining on the earth after the first resurrection? If not, who are the nations on the four quarters of the earth that Satan goes out to deceive? Rev. xx, 7-9.
ANSWER. It will be seen from the preceding portion of the chapter that the going out of Satan to deceive the nations, is placed after the 1000 years; consequently it is after the second resurrection. The resurrected wicked are therefore the ones whom he goes out to deceive.
QUESTION. Who was it that John was about to worship in Rev. xxii, 9, if it was not a departed spirit?
ANSWER. For an exposition of this text see Hope of the Gospel, page 154, and Which? Mortal or Immortal? p. 75. Both published at this Office.
QUESTION. What time is spoken of in Heb. xii, 23? What is the mount Zion spoken of? and who are the spirits of just men made perfect?
ANSWER. For an exposition of this scripture, see Which? Mortal or Immortal? pp. 67-70.
GOOD TESTIMONY FROM A HIGH SOURCE ON THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES.
By Benjamin F. Snook
At the second session of the Iowa Synod of the United Presbyterian Church, which convened at Keo-205kuk, Aug. 21, 1861, a committee was appointed to consider the proclamation of the President of the United States calling the people to a day of fasting and prayer. The committee made the following
REPORT.
"It is a call by our Chief Magistrate to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God, and confess and deplore our sins and transgressions. The terrible judgments of God are upon us. The blood-red cloud of war hangs over us, and already is discharging its fiery bolts. From one end of the land to the other is heard the sullen mutterings of the coming storm. Everywhere all hearts are looking with intense anxiety to the stupendous hosts that are gathering to the battle, and to every indication that would throw one ray of light into the future, or enable us to understand the nature and extent of those 'things that are coming upon the earth.' The indignation of the Lord seems to be upon our nation, and his fury upon our armies. We anxiously inquire, How long, Lord? and anxiously look for an encouraging answer. But he hides the future from us. A dark cloud hovers over it, and all hearts are filled with perplexity.
ECCLESIASTICAL AND NATIONAL SINS.
We have sinned grievously against our God—have turned to and worshiped ourselves. Our sins are many. The Lord Jesus Christ, notwithstanding he is King of kings, and Governor among the nations, we have ignored and done despite to the Spirit of his grace. We have profaned his name, profaned his holy Sabbath-days, profaned his sanctuaries by mutilating and desecrating the teachings of his solemn word, mingling the heavenly fires that burn upon their altars with the fitful and flashing glare of the pit, and in many instances making them, instead of temples of spiritual worshipers, 'dens of thieves;' in consequence of which infidelity in our land is increasing like a flood. Like the Jews of old, we have made gold our God, and for the possession of earthly riches, power, and splendor, we have waged unrighteous wars, conquered and annexed provinces, overreached the poor, untutored Indian, oppressed the African, and prosecuted recklessly, without reference to righteous and honorable rules, the merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner of vessels of ivory, and all manner of vessels of most precious wood, and brass, and iron, and marble, and cinnamon, and odors, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and bodies and souls of men, until in common with all nations we have become implicated in the sorceries of mystic 'Babylon, the mother of harlots and abominations of the earth.'"
The above we clipped from the Washington Press, and submit to publication for general benefit.
B. F. SNOOK.
REPORT FROM BRO. SNOOK.
By B. F. Snook
I LEFT the meeting at Batavia in the care of Bro. Shortridge, and started home, Sept. 21. The interest and prospects were very good. But the season growing late, and being some distance from home with my family, it was duty to return. I spent the following Sabbath and Sunday with the brethren in Richmond. Preached four times, and baptized three. We had a good, warm-hearted meeting. God was there. His Son was there. The holy Spirit was there, and all together we had a soul-refreshing time. We feasted on the heavenly manna to the joy and rejoicing of our hearts. May God be with these dear brethren and sisters.
On Friday, the 8th inst., by request I went to Lisbon to hold meetings with the church over Sabbath and first-day. The meetings on the Sabbath were interesting. All seemed to enjoy the good Spirit which pervaded the meetings.
On first-day I preached on the subject of the new birth, after which we repaired to the water, where one sister was buried with her Lord in baptism, and we trust arose to walk in newness of life. We then met for organization. Now came a trying time, in view of which we almost feared and trembled. We began and proceeded according to the conference address. I had studied over the subject as therein presented, but could not appreciate its force till it was tried. We tried to make thorough work, and I believe we succeeded. The church was made one.
Our second step was to ordain and set apart the officers, which was a truly solemn season. After this, communion and feet washing were attended to in the good Spirit of Christ. The windows of heaven seemed to be opened, and the blessing of God's Spirit filled the house. We felt that it was none other than the dwelling place of the Most High.
I believe the work thus effected is what we need, and is the beginning of better days for us. God has promised that he will return to us if we will return to him. O, brethren, let us return to him with all the heart. I fear that many will be sifted out, but if they are it will be their fault and not ours. The standard must be exalted, and we must come up to it. We must be united in faith, feeling and action, or God will not be with us. May God give us strength to overcome and go through safely, is our prayer. Amen.
B. F. Snook.
THE REVIEW AND HERALD.
By Editor
THIS number closes the eighteenth volume of the REVIEW AND HERALD. When we commenced the publication of this paper in 1850, we had no expectations that it would be needed so long. The outlines of the future are laid out before us in the prophetic word; but the filling up of the varied picture of christian experience under the providence of God is wisely hid from us. Hence every day has its new trials, and victories to gain, its new joys, and causes for rejoicing. Then let every trusting soul toil on, suffer on, hope on, rejoice on, until the picture is full, the battles are fought, the war over, the great victory won, and the noble and brave victors all gathered home, Amen.
The Review and Herald has passed through a varied scene of prosperity and adversity. It has had its warm friends and bitter enemies, its adversity and prosperity, its clouds and sunshine, its loyal men and its traitors; but all the while God has looked upon it with a care to protect, and in the end, all the efforts of its foes to tear it down have built it up. We commence the next volume in the new Office building under the most favorable circumstances.
The trials of the past should learn us a lesson of profit for the future. Our greatest trials, and which have had the worst influence on the Review and Herald, have arisen from putting too much confidence in those not fully proved. Here we design to be more guarded. If we recommend men of little experience and humility to fill important positions in the cause, we hurt both the cause and the men.
We design also to be more select in furnishing matter for the paper. Some may not see the necessity of this, and may be in danger of being displeased. We hope all will have confidence in us, however, that we intend to do that which will best advance the cause. Let this serve as a notice to save from disappointment. We refer particularly to local and personal matters, such as lengthy reports of the finances of one State, or a portion of it; or statements concerning the wants of individuals, or resolutions in their praise. If it be necessary to publish such matters, let them be prepared with the greatest caution for an extra leaf, or circular, and sent to those only whom the matter concerns. Then all can be served, all pleased, and the Review be not encumbered with local matters.
We would say to our many readers in the language of the apostle, "Brethren, pray for us." We need your prayers. And may God give us wisdom to guide in the careful and faithful performance of our duty.
TESTIMONY TO THE CHURCH.
By Ellen G. White
When at Roosevelt, N. Y., Aug. 3, 1861, the condition of God's people was presented before me. Many failed in coming up to the standard set up by our Saviour. They are in an alarming condition, not careful to examine the foundation of their hope, but are indifferent to their state, and self-deceived. Some, I saw, had departed from God, and were united with the spirit of the world. As different fashions are introduced, one after another have fallen back from their steadfastness, and have lost their peculiarity. It is crossing to come out from the world and be separate. As soon as individuals cease warring against the spirit of the world they are Satan's easy prey. Our efforts are too feeble to resist an influence which leads us from God, and which brings us in union with the world.
Those who separate from God and lose their spirituality, do not fall back all at once into a state which the true Witness calls lukewarm. They conform to the world little by little. As its influence steals upon them, they fail to resist it and maintain the warfare. After the first step is taken to have friendship with the world, darkness follows and they are prepared for the next. At every step they take in the downward course darkness gathers about them, until they are enshrouded. As they conform to the world they lose the transforming influence of the Spirit of God. They do not realize their distance from God. They think themselves in good case because they profess to believe the truth. They grow weaker and weaker, until the Spirit of God is withdrawn, and God bids his angels, Let them alone! Jesus spues them out of his mouth. He has borne their names to the Father; he has interceded for them, but he ceases his pleadings. Their names are dropped, and they are left with the world. They realize no change. Their profession is the same. There has not been so glaring a departure from the appearance of right. They had become so assimilated to the world that when heaven's light was withdrawn they did not miss it.
Truths have been committed to our trust more sacred than were ever imparted to mortals upon earth, yet we have not as a people been faithful to our trust. Unfaithful Sabbath-keepers are the worst enemies the truth can have. If those who profess the truth would live it out, then the Lord would magnify his name among them, and make them a powerful people.
The inhabitants of the earth are given to idolatry. They are filling the cup of their iniquity. Fashion is a tyrant, and nearly all are slaves to it. Travel in the cars, steamboats, or where you will, and you will see the human frame covered with extravagant decorations, and deformed with hoops. Modesty is rare; it seems to have departed from this enlightened age. Sodom and Gomorrah will rise up in the judgment and condemn this generation, for if they had been privileged with the light which now shines upon the inhabitants of the earth, they would have repented long ago.
God will have a separate and peculiar people. Their faith is peculiar. Their prospects are peculiar and glorious, and if they do not consider the heavenly inducement offered them of sufficient value to lead them to renounce the fashions of the world, when God rises up to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity, they must perish with them. Please read Isa. xxvi, 21; James iv, 4. "Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." 1 John ii, 15. "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." We are called upon in these perilous times to elevate the standard. It has been left to trail in the dust. The fashions of the world hold God's people in bondage.
Those who have really chosen God and heaven as their portion will be peculiar. The sanctifying influence of the truth has separated them from the world, and they will have moral courage to carry out their faith, and by their simple plainness of dress and holy living condemn the idolatry and extravagance of this age. Professed Sabbath-keepers who would advocate the wearing of hoops and useless ornaments, no matter how high their profession, the truth has not had its sanctifying influence upon the heart. They are not dead to the world. When the tree dies the leaves fall off. There is just as wide a difference between the follower of Jesus Christ and the worldling, as there is between a tree clothed with its green foliage and a dead and leafless tree. The truth accomplishes a work for the receivers. It causes them to die to the world, and live unto God. Such can receive no satisfaction in adorning their heads with flowers, while they have a true sense of the sufferings of their Redeemer on account of their sins. His sacred brow was encircled with cruel thorns, which bruised his holy temples. This thought should be enough to cause every true follower of Jesus to discard any useless ornaments to decorate their bodies.
Some Sabbath-keepers so earnestly desire to have friendship with the world, that they mangle their feelings and make wretched work of following Christ. They desire the approval of God and the friendship of the world too. Such, I saw, would certainly lose heaven. They do not enjoy this world, therefore they lose both. In these hours of probation all can choose life if they will. Their fruits will show their choice. For a life of humble obedience here, God will grant the rich reward hereafter. He will accept of nothing206but entire consecration. A dreadful deception is upon many minds, even of Sabbath-keepers. They have neglected to cherish and follow the light God has given them, and have been left completely deceived. Please read Matt. vii, 21-23. "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you; depart from me, ye that work iniquity."
Souls will come up to the day of God's visitation under a perfect deception. They had marked out a course for themselves. They did not let the Bible place the bounds for them. They did not heed the exhortation . "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean; and I will receive you."
I was shown that God is not slack concerning his promises, if his people will obey his requirements. He is faithful who hath promised. The condition of our being received of God is, to separate ourselves from the world. The followers of Jesus and the world can not unite. Please read John xvii, 14. "I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world." John xv, 18, 19. "If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own; but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you."
There is a disposition among some Sabbath-keepers to rejoice that they have truths that can be sustained by the word of God, and that the unbeliever can not gainsay, and they rest satisfied. They make no advancement in the divine life; their faith is not made perfect by works; they do not feel their lack of spirituality, but boast that they have the truth, and they sometimes advocate it in an unbecoming manner. They feel rich and increased with goods, and have need of nothing, and know not that they are wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked. What stronger delusion can deceive the human mind than that which makes us believe we are on the right foundation, and God accepts our works, when we are not conforming to his will, and when we mistake the form of godliness for the spirit and power thereof, supposing we need nothing when we need all things. Please read James i, 27. "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world."
What a work is before us! Self-denial and the cross were shown me as standing all along in the way of life. Can we persevere in such a warfare as this? Grace is against nature, and the whole strength of self is opposed to the victory. Can we take up the cross and bear it after Jesus, and consent to be like him who was tempted in all points like as we are, yet without sin? When the pleasures of the world come before us, we must renounce them instantly, and prefer before these the favor of God and the cross of Christ. And in this self-denying course we shall obtain victories, and in the end win eternal glory. The unbelieving world were shown me, unwilling to submit to the claims and order of God's government. They refuse obedience to his will; they are at variance with their Maker, and their words and works are opposed to the principles and laws of his government. Therefore we can not enjoy, and be in harmony with, the friendship of the world, and not become estranged from God.
Amos ix, 9, 10, was presented before me. "For, lo, I will command, and I will sift the house of Israel among all nations, like as corn is sifted in a sieve, yet shall not the least grain fall upon the earth. All the sinners of my people shall die by the sword, which say, The evil shall not overtake nor prevent us."
God's people will be tested and proved. The plain and pointed testimony must act a prominent part in this work. In these days of darkness and peril who is able to stand and speak the whole truth? Multitudes of teachers prophesy smooth things. They see no special cause of alarm in the present condition of the professed people of God. The people are asleep, and the teachers are asleep. They cry, Peace, peace, and the multitude that hear believe their report and are at ease. This makes the necessity greater for faithful teachers to bear the pointed, faithful testimony. The present is a time of scouring and purifying, a time of warfare and trial. The house of Israel is being sifted, even as corn is sifted in a sieve. The chaff must be removed, and it will require close work to separate the chaff from the kernels of grain. God's discerning eye will detect the smallest particle of chaff, and yet he will not cause to fall upon the ground the least kernel of grain. ELLEN G. WHITE.
ORDER AND ORGANIZATION.
By S. Myers
ThE subject of organizing the brethren into churches, and establishing order and system in those churches, and taking a name, has been a matter of considerable interest to the brethren of late, and our little church has had its thoughts on the subject as well as others, if it has not said much about it. We were at first startled by the proposition of a legal organization, and until we plainly saw its necessity, we looked upon the subject with suspicion and dread. But after it was set before us, its object and necessity clearly set forth, we dropped our objections, and came to look upon the subject with favor, and as a necessary movement for the advancement of the truth. We have seen enough of no-law, no-order, and no-responsibility.
We know that the children of this world are wiser than the children of light; but that does not prove that the children of light should be as foolish as possible, or that they should never improve or grow in knowledge. In things of this world no man can expect to prosper who has no order or system about his business, and the better order he adopts, and the more systematic he is about his business, the more prosperity we expect to see him enjoy. The subject is capable of clear illustration. The fact is that system and order is just the opposite of confusion and Babylon. "God is not the author of confusion." S. MYERS.
REPORT OF MEETINGS AT KNOXVILLE, IOWA.
By J. H. Sparks; R. S. Patterson
BRO. WHITE: We have just closed a meeting which was protracted over four days, held by Bro. Shortridge. He preached seven discourses to an attentive congregation. They were well chosen, and we trust have made a good impression, reviving the brethren very much. At the close of the meeting on first-day, four came forward and asked to walk with us in the observance of the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and immediately obeyed by observing the ordinance of baptism.
The brethren again assembled for the transaction of local business, Bro. J. H. Sparks was chosen moderator, and R. S. Patterson secretary. Bro. Shortridge addressed the meeting at some length, in which he suggested the importance of a more thorough church organization, and called on us to prayerfully consider the matter. On motion this matter was referred to a committee composed of Brn. Shortridge, Patterson, and Wilber, who, after deliberation, reported as follows:
Inasmuch as we wish in all things to move in harmony with the more experienced and tried veterans in this cause, which we believe to be the Lord's cause, therefore,
Resolved, That we accept the report of the committee chosen at Battle Creek and published in Review and Herald No. 20, Vol. xviii, as our basis, and agree to carry it out as near as practicable, believing it to be the Bible plan of church organization.
Resolved, That we adopt the following as our church covenant. We the undersigned associate ourselves together as a church, taking the name of Seventh-day Adventists of Knoxville, Iowa, covenanting to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Unanimously adopted.
The committee then asked to report the following, which was adopted:
Resolved, That we call upon the several churches in Iowa to consider the propriety of, and do recommend the formation of a State Conference, to be composed of ministers and delegates from churches.
Resolved, That the first session of the Iowa State Conference of Seventh-day Adventists be held at ——— on the ——— day of ——— 1862, and that Brn. E. W. Shortridge, B. F. Snook, and W. H. Brinkenhoof, be requested to confer with the different churches in this State, and if this proposition is accepted, to fill the above blanks, and make such suggestions as may seem necessary, and give timely notice through the Review.
Resolved, That said first conference be composed of two delegates from each church, and that it be the duty of this conference to adopt a uniform system of representation.
Resolved, That we recommend to the several churches in Iowa to co-operate with us in entering immediately, yet cautiously and prayerfully, into a thorough church organization, as suggested by Bro. White in Review, Vol. xviii, No. 25, and may God bless us in the undertaking.
J. H. SPARKS, Chairman.
R. S. PATTERSON, Secretary.
OLD TESTAMENT GOSPEL.
ISRAEL, in ancient days,
Not only had a view
Of Sinai in a blaze,
But learned the gospel too;
The types and figures were a glass,
In which they saw a Saviour's face.
The paschal sacrifice,
And blood be-sprinkled door,
Seen with enlightened eyes,
And one applied with power,
Would teach the need of other blood
To reconcile us unto God.
The lamb, the dove, set forth,
His perfect innocence,
Whose blood, of matchless worth,
Should be the soul's defense;
For he who can for sin atone,
Must have no failings of his own.
Dipp'd in his fellow's blood,
The living bird went free.
The types well understood,
Expressed the sinner's plea;
Described a guilty soul enlarged,
And by a Saviour's death discharged.
JESUS, I love to trace,
Throughout the sacred page,
The footsteps of thy grace,
The same in every age.
O, grant that I may faithful be
To clearer light vouchsafed to me.
[Mine Explored, pp. 349, 350.
England's National Debt
ENGLAND'S NATIONAL DEBT.—The foundation of the immense debt of England was laid in the reign of Charles II, two hundred years ago. In 1763, it had risen to £139,000,000. At the close of the French Revolution in 1802, it was £571,000,000. In the twelve years of the wars of Napoleon it increased to £865,000,000, which was its maximum. From this point it rapidly decreased for thirty years, having been reduced in 1845 to £768,789,241. At the close of the Russian war in 1856, it had increased to £800,000,000; and in consequence of the Indian mutiny, the Chinese war, and the distrust of France, can hardly have diminished since. The interest on the present debt, at the rate of 3½ per cent., is $134,400,000 per year, or $368,000 a day, $15,333 an hour, $255 a minute, or $4.24 a second.—Chris. Almanac.
Smoking and Intellectual Ability
EFFECT OF SMOKING ON THE INTELLECT.—In the September number of the London Pharmaceutic Journal for 1860, it is stated that on dividing the pupils of the Polytechnic school in Paris into smokers and non-smokers, it is shown that the smokers have proved themselves, in the various competitive examinations, far inferior to the others. Not only in the examinations on entering the school are the smokers in a lower rank, but in the various ordeals they have to pass through in a year, the average rank of the smokers had constantly fallen, and not inconsiderably, when the men who did not smoke enjoyed a cerebral atmosphere of the clearest kind.—Chris. Almanac.
Hoops Condemned in Isaiah
Our lady readers will find, by turning to the third chapter of the book of Isaiah, and reading the 18th verse, that not only were hoops worn in those days by the daughters of Zion, but they were also an abomination in the sight of the Lord. To save them the trouble, however, of hunting it up, here is the verse: "In that day the Lord will take away the bravery of their tinkling ornaments about their feet, and their cauls, and their round tires like the moon."—Ad. Herald.
Ten Ways to Commit Suicide
TEN WAYS TO COMMIT SUICIDE.—Wearing thin shoes and stockings and insufficient clothing in rainy weather. Leading a lazy, excited, theatre-going, dancing life. Sleeping on feathers in a close room. Eating hot stimulating food too fast and at improper times. Beginning with tea and coffee in childhood, and ending in tobacco and liquors. Marrying in haste, and living in continual ferment afterward. Following unhealthy occupations to make money. Taking bitters and confectionery. Giving way to passion, or keeping in a perpetual worry. Going to bed at midnight, getting up at noon, and eating when you please.—Chris. Almanac.
Discord and Strife in Kentucky
THE Journal of Commerce publishes a private letter from Kentucky, from which we extract the following impressive statements:
"Discord, strife, and enmity pervade all ranks of society. They have entered the counting-room, the social circle, the family circle, the school-house, and the church; and where friendship and concord once existed, they have arrayed husband against wife, father against son, brother against brother, friend against friend. So universally is this the case throughout this State at present that the circle where disaffection does not exist forms an exception to the general rule. What will be the result of all this? Where or when it will end, God only knows. Truly, truly, we have fallen upon evil times."
How to Prolong Life
How to PROLONG LIFE.—The difference between rising in the morning at 6 o'clock and at 8, for forty years, amounts to 29,200 hours; or ten years, reckoning eight working hours to a day. Thus by gaining two hours a day from unnecessary sleep, or from idle and misspent time, ten years of active life may be added to a life of forty years.—Chris. Almanac.
HOLD ON---HOLD IN---HOLD OUT.
Hold on, my heart, in thy believing;
The steadfast only win the crown.
He who, when stormy waves are heaving,
Parts with his anchor, shall go down;
But he whom Jesus holds through all,
Shall stand, though heaven and earth should fall.
Hold in thy murmurs, heaven arraigning!
The patient see God's loving face.
Who bear their burdens uncomplaining,
'Tis they that win the Father's grace.
He wounds himself who braves the rod,
And sets himself to fight with God.
Hold out. There comes an end to sorrow,
Hope from the dust shall conquering rise;
The storm foretells a summer morrow;
The cross points on to Paradise.
The Father reigneth; cease all doubt;
Hold on, my heart, hold in, hold out.
[Chris. Almanac.
LETTERS.
“Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another.”
From Sister Wilcox.
DEAR BRO. WHITE: As I read the testimonies of the dear saints scattered abroad, I have a desire to add mine to the number. I feel that we are living in the last days; that soon he who shall come will come, and will not tarry. I praise the name of the Lord that I ever was permitted to see the light of God's truth. One short year ago the truth found me a professor of religion, following the world in all its forms and fashions. It is a wonder to me that God did not cast me off. Truly he is long-suffering and kind to usward, that we might repent of all our sins, and confess and forsake them while mercy lingers in the sanctuary.
The truth struck the axe at the root of the tree of my pride, and praised be the Lord, the leaves have all fallen off. O, I want to be found keeping the commandments of God, and shout victory over the beast, his image, his mark, and number of his name. It will be a glorious time for the saints when Jesus appears on the white cloud with his retinue of angels, to take his waiting people home. I want to be one of that number. Pray for me that I may strive daily to overcome, and at last stand with you on mount Zion.