The priesthood of Christ began when he presented himself before the Father at his ascension as our Advocate. It cannot terminate till he has secured the acquittal of his people, and the blotting out of their sins in the investigative Judgment. Then his enemies, at his request, will be given him to destroy. His Father shall crown him king upon his own throne, saying to him, “Rule thou in the midst of thine enemies.” Ps. cx, 1, 2; Dan. vii, 9–14; Ps. ii, 6–9; Acts iii, 19–21; Isa. xliv, 22, 23. His entrance upon the priesthood was marked by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. John xvi, 7; Acts i, 4; ii, 1–4, 16–18. The blotting out of sins, which terminates his priesthood, brings the people of God to the refreshing, from the presence of the Father, which precedes his act of sending his Son from Heaven. Acts iii, 19–21.
As a priest our Lord presents the merits of his blood in behalf of all who come to God through him. Heb. vii, 25. Even the cases of the people of God who lived during the period of the Old Testament, have to be acted upon by Christ as priest. Heb. ix, 15. They can only have redemption through his blood; and the blotting out of their sins can only be effected through his priestly work. Heb. ix and x.
The whole multitude of the redeemed appear before the throne in raiment that has been washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb. Rev. vii, 13, 14. The work of our High Priest in behalf of his people involves an immense number of individual cases. He has not only borne the sin of all these, but he makes intercession for them, and finally obtains the blotting out of their sins on showing from the record that they have completed the work of overcoming. Our Lord does not continue in his priestly office to all eternity. When he comes again it is without sin unto salvation. But he does not leave his labor unfinished. He brings every part of this immense work to a conclusion before he lays it down. The following proposition is both reasonable and scriptural:
There is a period of time at the close of this dispensation devoted to the finishing of the work of human probation, i. e., to the completion of Christ’s work as priest, and of his gospel as the means of salvation.
Rev. x, 7: “But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.”
The mystery of God is defined in the following passages:
Eph. iii, 3–6: “How that by revelation he made known unto me THE MYSTERY, as I wrote afore in few words; whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in THE MYSTERY OF CHRIST, which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; that the Gentiles should be fellow-heirs, and of the same body, and PARTAKERS OF HIS PROMISE IN CHRIST BY THE GOSPEL.”
Col. i, 26–28: “Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of THE MYSTERY among the Gentiles: WHICH IS CHRIST IN YOU THE HOPE OF GLORY: whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.”
The mystery of God is therefore seen to be the work of salvation for fallen man through the gospel of Christ. It is that which unites Jews and Gentiles in one body as fellow-heirs, having Christ in them the hope of glory. The finishing of the mystery of God is the accomplishment of the work of the gospel. This must have a two-fold bearing. 1. Upon the priesthood of our Lord, to bring it to a close by completing all its immense work. 2. Upon the preaching of the gospel to the inhabitants of the earth, in causing the proclamation of its final closing messages of warning.
This work is not closed instantaneously, for a space of time is devoted to its completion. And the finishing of this work pertains both to Heaven and to earth; to the priesthood of Christ, and to the proclamation of his gospel to men. But the priesthood of Christ, as we have seen, is finished at the time when the Ancient of Days sits in Judgment; and it is while that Judgment is in session that the latest messages of warning are addressed to men. Rev. xiv, 6–14. We do therefore understand that the period of time devoted to the finishing of the mystery of God is precisely that space occupied by the Father in the work of the investigative Judgment.
It is not stated that the mystery of God shall be finished when the seventh angel begins to sound; for this would denote instantaneous completion. But it is said, “IN THE DAYS OF THE VOICE OF the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound,” etc. This shows beyond dispute that a period of time is devoted to this work. The days of this prophecy are prophetic days, i. e., years, as are those of the fifth and sixth angels. Rev. ix. These years which are devoted to this finishing of human probation begin with the sounding of the seventh angel. They are the earliest years of his voice. The sounding of the seventh angel begins, therefore, with the opening of that investigative Judgment that finishes human probation, that determines the blotting out of the sins of the overcomers, that accounts them worthy of the world to come, that terminates the priesthood of Christ, and that witnesses the completion of the preaching of the gospel of the grace of God.
But is not the last trumpet of John’s series of seven the same as Paul’s last trump? The reasons which forbid their identity are perfectly conclusive. The seventh trumpet is the last of a series, no one of which is literally heard by the inhabitants of the earth. It is the accomplishment of certain events that indicates the transition from one of the seven angels to another. The seventh is like each of the preceding six in that it is the trumpet of an angel, and in that it is a symbolic and not a literal trumpet. Rev. viii; ix; x; xi. But the trumpet which awakens the dead, is not blown by an angel, but by the Son of God himself. It is not a symbolic trumpet, for it is literally heard by the inhabitants of the earth. Matt. xxiv, 31; Zech. ix, 14–16; 1 Thess. iv, 14–17. It is called the last trump because that when the Almighty descended upon mount Sinai, in glory and majesty like our Lord’s second advent (Ex. xix, 16–19; Heb. xii, 18–27; Matt. xvi, 27; 2 Thess. i, 7, 8), the trump of God was heard as it will be once more when the dead are resurrected. 1 Cor. xv, 51, 52; Ex. xix, 16–19.
The commencement of the seventh angel’s voice, as we have seen, is the signal for the opening of the investigative Judgment; and human probation continues for a term of days, i. e., years, after that voice begins. But the trump of God is not sounded till after that investigative Judgment has determined the cases of all the righteous; for when it is heard, every one that has been accounted worthy of a part in the resurrection to immortality, is, in an instant, made immortal. We conclude, therefore, that the seventh angel begins to sound before the advent of Christ, and that the first years of his sounding are devoted to the finishing of the work of human probation.
The events under the sounding of the seventh angel, though not given in chronological order, are, from their nature, not difficult to be arranged in the order of their occurrence.
1. In the days, i. e., years, of the beginning of the voice of the seventh angel, the work of human probation is finished. Rev. x, 7. This, as we have seen, involves the closing up of the immense work of our High Priest. It also requires the proclamation of the final warnings to mankind.
2. The most holy place of the temple in Heaven is opened. Rev. xi, 19. This is the place where our Lord’s priesthood is finished, and, as we shall hereafter see, is the place where the Ancient of Days sits in judgment.
3. While Christ is finishing his priesthood at the tribunal of his Father in the holiest of the heavenly temple, the judgment of the righteous dead takes place. Rev. xi, 18.
4. The coronation of Christ is announced by the great voices in Heaven, and by the words of the twenty-four elders. Rev. xi, 15–17. This succeeds the close of his priesthood. When Christ begins his reign, he is invested by the Father with that power which Satan usurped from Adam the first. The reign of the second Adam is the re-establishment of the empire of God in this revolted province. Christ does not take his own throne to rule his enemies with a rod of iron till he has closed up his priestly office at his Father’s right hand.
5. The wrath of God comes upon the wicked when Christ begins to rule them with the iron scepter of his justice. It comes in the seven last plagues. Rev. xi, 18, 19; xiv, 9–11, 18–20; xv; xvi; xix, 11–21.
6. The anger of the nations comes in consequence of the work of the unclean spirits under the sixth plague, who incite them to the battle of the great day of God Almighty. Rev. xi, 18; xvi, 13, 14; xix, 19–21.
8. The final destruction of them that corrupt the earth is at the end of the 1000 years in the second death. Rev. xi, 18; xx, 7–9.
The events of the seventh trumpet do therefore extend over the whole period of the great day of Judgment. The mighty proclamation which ushers in the seventh angel and the investigative Judgment, and the work in the second apartment of the heavenly temple for the completion of our Lord’s priestly office, will be considered next.
WHAT IS IT TO BE A SPIRITUALIST?
THIS question admits of a definite answer. A Spiritualist is one who cherishes the principles of Spiritualism, and who acts in accordance with those principles. The leading tenet of Spiritualism is the doctrine that the dead may be called up to converse with the living. That practice which distinguishes the Spiritualists from all others, is the invocation of the dead. Other things indeed hardly second to these as distinctive features of Spiritualism, should be named. Thus they deny the inspiration of the Scriptures, the existence of sin, the need of salvation through Christ, the forgiveness of sin, the future Judgment, the personal advent of Christ, and the resurrection of mankind. Even the God of the Bible, according to their teaching, is only a deified dead man.
These are the distinguishing features of the system of Spiritualism, if we understand its advocates aright. Of course, at the foundation of the system lies the doctrine that man has an immortal nature, and that no being is lord over him. A spirit medium is one who not only cherishes these ideas, but converses with familiar spirits that profess to be the spirits of the dead.
Such being the truth in respect to the people called Spiritualists, and the doctrines which they cherish, what shall we say of those persons who charge Sr. White with being a spirit medium? Her writings have been before the public for many years. She has spoken in the most explicit manner on all these points. No person has borne a more pointed testimony touching all the doctrines and practices of Spiritualism than herself. Indeed, every feature of the system, from foundation to top-stone, and every principle of conduct peculiar to that people has many times received her most sweeping condemnation.
What then is there to justify the charge that Sr. White is a spirit medium? Simply this: that she believes what Joel has said relative to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the last days, and that it is possible for visions to be given, by the Spirit of God. And thus sometimes when God is sought in deep abasement of soul his hand suddenly rests upon her. Are those Spiritualists who receive the blessings promised in Joel ii, 28, 29? Were the daughters of Philip Spiritualists? Acts xxi, 9. Do not spiritual gifts belong in the church till the end? 1 Cor. xii, Eph. iv, 8-13. Does not the spirit of prophecy pertain to the church205in the last days as they vindicate the commandments of God, long trodden down by the papal power? Rev. ii, 17; xiv, 12; xix, 10. Because the spirits of devils are to work miracles and to teach doctrines of devils, is there no room left for the Holy Spirit to exercise its own prerogative in speaking to men?
R. F. COTTERELL
By R. F. COTTERELL
THE CLOSING MESSAGES.—NO. 19.
The closing scene of earth's drama, as noted and described in the prophetic programme, will be awfully grand and terrible. God will deliver his loyal people from the iron furnace of oppression with a high hand, and an out-stretched arm, and fury poured forth upon their enemies, in the seven last plagues. Rev. xvi. And as Israel, under Moses, celebrated in song their deliverance from the Egyptians on the bank of the Red Sea, so these, with harps of God, will sing the song of Moses, and of the Lamb, on the sea of glass; because they have “gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name.” Rev. xv, 2-4. God's “judgments are made manifest” against those who had decreed their death, because they would not worship the beast, and receive his mark, (chap. xiii, 15-17,) and they are delivered, and safely stand upon the sea of glass which is “before the throne” of God, where they celebrate their triumph, ascribing the praise to God and the Lamb. What prepared them for this final deliverance? Heeding the third angel's message, which warned them before the final conflict came, not to worship the beast or receive his mark.
This deliverance of the saints of God from the last persecution, at the second advent of our Lord Jesus Christ, is the grand sequel to the great consecutive line of prophecies of earthly governments, recorded by Daniel and John. And the third angel's message furnishes the only particular practical instruction how to be prepared for the final crisis, to escape the coming wrath, and share in the deliverance. Saints of former times could be comforted in persecution by these prophecies, which assured them of an end of these woes and a final deliverance of all God's people; but to the last generation, all the rays of this prophetic light are converged to a practical focus in the third angel's message. Without this message the theory can be learned that the advent of Christ and the kingdom of God is at hand, but without the truths inculcated in it no soul can be prepared for the event. This message points out duty and shows us what to do to escape the wrath of God and be saved alive at the advent. Had it not been necessary, it would not have been prepared in prophecy. The apostasy, iniquity, errors, and deceptive teachings of the last days, it was foreseen, would make it absolutely necessary in order to prepare people for translation. Without the light and warning voice of this message, the Reformation from papal errors would be incomplete, and honest Christians would be found unwittingly following the traditions of the beast and yielding to the dictates of his image, instead of standing complete in the will of God, and “without fault before the throne.”
God has seen fit, in his wisdom, to prepare a test for the people whom he designs to honor with translation without death into the presence of Jesus and all the holy angels. But two individuals in the past have received this distinguishing honor; one of whom was remarkable as one who “walked with God,” the other was distinguished for his zeal in the defense and restoration of the commandments of God, when Israel had almost wholly apostatized from God, and were worshiping Baal. 1 Kings xviii, 18. Those who “are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord,” must bear the distinguishing characteristics of those ancient servants of God. For this purpose, and to vindicate his holy law and the righteousness of those judgments he is about to execute upon the world of the ungodly, he has prepared a testing message which, in its result, will exhibit before men, such a people as the world has not seen since the dark ages of papal apostasy and usurpation. Those who bear the test, purifying themselves, and honoring God by keeping his commandments and the faith of Jesus, he will honor with translation, while those who reject the increasing light, and voluntarily prefer the worship of the beast—the Baal of the present dispensation—will richly deserve the unprecedented wrath which will be revealed from Heaven against the incorrigible, in the great day of the wrath of God and the despised, rejected, and insulted Lamb.
And this will be right. The great white throne will remain unspotted; and the messengers of God who bear the avenging vials to earth will be “clothed in pure and white linen,” an emblem of the justice of those judgments they are commissioned to execute. God has given us the Bible in our own language; we may know our duty, if we will. And in his prophetic word he has prepared a merciful warning message to be heralded to the last generation of earth to save them from impending doom. What more can he do? Shall its fulfillment transpire unheeded?
R. F. COTTERELL
THE DISCUSSION
BETWEEN Elders Grant and Cornell, held at Chelsea, Mass., Nov., 1869, is published in a pamphlet of 126 pp., put up in first-class style, and indorsed by the debaters thus:
“This is to certify that the following report, as taken by Eld. J. H. Waggoner, is impartial and honorable. It does not profess to be a verbatim report, but the points and ideas are well expressed and satisfactory. MILES GRANT.”
“Having examined the report of the Chelsea discussion, as prepared by Eld. Waggoner, I cordially indorse it as a faithful and impartial presentation of the arguments. M. E. CORNELL.”
Those who wish to learn the facts in the case, relative to that discussion, have only to obtain the book. Price, 20c. Postage, 2c. Bro. Crandall, of Mass., writes, Dec. 13, 1869:
“Allow me to ask, Why do we not hear from Eld. Cornell, at Chelsea? Report says that the Crisis publishes that in the discussion with Eld. Grant he gave up the third angel’s message and the Sabbath question so far as its importance is concerned. I do not, of course, believe it, but I would like to hear the truth in the matter. The ‘no-law’ people make something of a handle of it.”
“God bless you, laborers, and give grace and wisdom to meet all the opposition, and cavil of unbelievers. Be not discouraged. The truth is spreading. The light is increasing, and converts are multiplying, even though it is slowly. God be praised that he will save any. Yours in the truth.”
Let the book be circulated, that it may correct false impressions. We first met Bro. C. at the New England Camp-meeting in September last, conversed with him, and gave him his arms full of tracts and books. He there committed himself on the Sabbath. We are exceedingly glad to be cheered on in the work by one who has so recently engaged in the battle. God bless this brother.
SYSTEMATIC BLANK BOOKS.
By Editor
We have just prepared a much-improved edition of S. B. blank books for the use of all our churches. This has been attended with extra expense, and we are obliged to set the price, postpaid, at 50 cents a copy. We hope all our churches will send in season to have this book ready to commence with the new year.
THE ADVENT KEEPSAKE.
By Editor
This is a neat little book in muslin, of 136 pp., containing a text for each day of the year, on the subjects of Christ's Second Coming, the Resurrection, the New Earth, and promises for the Time of Trouble. The design of this little work is that the youth and children should commit to memory one text each day; so that at the close of the year the owner of the book will possess the inestimable treasure of being able to repeat from memory three hundred and sixty-five texts of sacred Scripture upon the important themes named above.
Brethren, this work should be in the hands of all your children. Let each child have one. Young men and women, you should put it into the hands of all your young friends. What a valuable little New Year's present for cousins, nephews, nieces, and schoolmates.206I know of no book half so good to impress the minds of the young with the sublime theme of the second coming of the Son of God, as this little volume.
We have printed editions, neatly and plainly bound, for 25 cents a copy, postage 2 cents. Gift, 40 cents.
LOVE FOR THE APPEARING OF JESUS.
THE true people of God are distinguished by the fact that they love the appearing of Jesus. To them the revelation of the Son of God in the clouds of heaven is the fulfillment of the blessed hope. For this they pray, and watch, and wait. The people of God love the appearing of Jesus, because they love him who is to appear. For this very reason it is impossible but that they should love his appearing. We cannot love Jesus himself and not love his glorious advent. Our hearts cannot hold sweet communion with him and not rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory to learn that he is soon to come again to our earth.
The people of God can never forget how cruelly he was treated when he was here before. They never can be satisfied till he shall come back in his infinite glory, and the man of Calvary appear before his enemies as the King in his beauty.
Besides this, they have every interest identified with the work he is then to perform. With the key of death and hades, he is to open the prison where the sleeping saints are held in captivity. The chains of death shall be dissolved, the gates of their prison shall be opened, and they shall come forth in triumph. His reward is with him. And what a reward it truly is. In one moment all the family of the redeemed shall be changed to immortality. And they shall no longer remain at a distance from him. Faith shall be changed to sight. Hope shall be realized beyond all that the mind ever conceived. Sorrow shall never again come nigh them. Shame shall be succeeded by honor that is infinite. The cross shall give place to the palm branch of victory, and the crown of life. Prayer shall be turned to praise. The anguish of separation shall be changed to exultant joy, when those separated by cruel death, shall meet never to fear separation any more. Not one element of holy triumph shall be lacking. Not one cause of grief remain in existence. The sorrows of earth shall be healed by the joys of heavenly blessedness. Temptation shall never be feared any more. The danger of backsliding will be past. No tempting adversary shall longer lie in wait to deceive. The tears shall be wiped from every eye. The saints shall be ever with the Lord.
This is the blessed hope. For this the suffering people of God wait in lowliness, sorrow, and pain. They never can be satisfied till he shall appear who can slay death, and him who had the power of it, and that can restore to earth our long lost paradise.
They fondly cherish this blessed hope. They wait for his appearing whom they love, in the tenderness of their hearts, and they ever pray, Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
The Unasked Good
THE UNASKED GOOD.—The prayer which Socrates taught his disciple Alcibiades, deserves a place in the daily devotion of every Christian: “That he should beseech the supreme God to give him what was good for him, though he should not ask it, and to withhold from him whatever would be hurtful, though he should be so foolish as to pray for it,”
Hidden Religion
A HIDDEN light soon becomes dim, and if it be entirely covered up, will expire for want of air. So it is with hidden religion. It must go out. There cannot be a Christian whose light in some aspects does not shine.
TESTIMONY TO THE CHURCH, NO. 18.
By Editor
This is a pamphlet of 208 pp. It treats upon subjects of great importance to the people of God at this time. Those who wish the particulars, can obtain them by reading the book. Send for it; price, 25 cents, postage 2 cents. We will send five copies by mail, for $1, postage, 10 cents, by express, 25 cents, one-fourth discount.
We have Nos. 17 and 18 bound in muslin, 400 pp., which we will send, postpaid, for $1.
Obituary Notices.
Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.
Died, in Leavenworth, Kansas, Nov. 15, Mary A. Kimball, wife of Bro. E. M. Kimball (deaf and dumb), aged 54 years. Sister K. embraced the truth in this place (Anamosa, Iowa), under the labors of Bro. M. E. Cornell, in 1860. We learn from Bro. K. that the truth sustained her until the last, and she earnestly entreated her children to meet her in the first resurrection. Wm. V. Field.
Died, of consumption, Dec. 15, 1869, at the house of her uncle, David Bonton, in Penfield, Mich., Betsey J. Benedict, in the 25th year of her age. She was baptized in Battle Creek, where she, with her parents, was then living, about twelve years since. From that time till her death, she remained steadfast in the faith, and was an ornament to the cause wherever her lot was cast. She excelled as a teacher, in which occupation, by over-exertion, she induced the disease which has thus early terminated her useful labors.
Bro. White spoke at the funeral in our house of worship in Battle Creek, to a large congregation, from 1 Cor. xv, 26. This was a very interesting occasion. Bro. W. enjoyed good liberty in dwelling upon the future prospects of one, apparently so sure of a part in the first resurrection.
U. S.
Died, in Battle Creek, Nov. 30, 1869, Delmer Eugene, son of Asa A., and Martha S. Lockwood, aged 8 months and five days.
J. H. W.
"THE SPIRIT OF SACRIFICE."
By George I. Butler
The article in a late REVIEW, with the above heading, from the pen of Bro. White, has, to my notion, the true ring. It should be read and re-read, and deeply pondered. To the special classes referred to by him, it becomes me to say nothing. But I desire to express my hearty concurrence in the general scope of the article. The spirit of sacrifice is what we need, and what we must have if we ever fulfill the mission God has given us. Never has there existed a people from whom greater sacrifices should be expected. Noah sacrificed, no doubt, a very large fortune. The ark must have cost an immense sum. He put it all in cheerfully. Yet he might expect to save some things esteemed precious, to use after the flood abated. The children of Israel were required to sacrifice by the law, vastly more than people can think now of giving to the Lord. Three times a year were all the males to appear before the Lord in Jerusalem; and they were not to appear empty-handed. One-tenth part of every thing they raised was to be given to the Lord. Their offerings and sacrifices were much more. They were not permitted to take interest of their brethren. Dr. Clarke, after making an estimate of these and other requirements of the law, thinks they must have had the special blessing of Providence, to have been able to give so much and support their families. But that blessing was freely promised. No doubt those who feared God among that people joyfully followed the directions God had given. But they might plead many excuses for not sacrificing, which we cannot plead. They would naturally desire to provide well for old age, for their children, and for various future contingencies.
The apostles left all. Some of them seem to have been well acquainted with the fishing business, having nets, boats, &c., with which to carry on their business. Others had good positions in the world, being tax-gatherers, which people nowadays think a very lucrative situation. These at the word of Jesus "forsook all" and followed him. Their first experience as ministers was to be sent out to preach, with not a cent of money—no bag to carry provisions, and only clothing sufficient for present purposes. This would seem rather trying to faith.
So it was with the leaders at the first advent. They gave not only property, but life itself. They fully realized the example set them by the Master who, though possessed of all things, had given it for the sake of saving them. The rank and file learned to sacrifice. They sold their property, and laid it at the apostles' feet, determined that the infant cause should not fall for want of means. This was carried so far that the example affected hypocrites. They felt constrained to appear to do the same thing. Thus was the great gospel movement started, which has been stirring the world for eighteen hundred years. The principle of sacrifice for God and for others is all that has given it force; whenever that has been missing it has been paralyzed.
Was there any greater reason why the early disciples should cherish such a spirit than that we should? Not as much. Where are we? Just at the close of earthly things; near the revelation of Christ. In a few short years at most, this earth is to be destitute of inhabitants. Every one of us either to be in the Jerusalem above, or dead upon the earth, destroyed by God's wrath. All our property utterly devoured. Either this is so, or we are the worst deceived people living. If any of us don't believe it we better withdraw at once from this body. Why a person believing thus can desire to lay up property for the indefinite future, I cannot understand. It is a problem I wish some of our wealthy brethren would figure on and give us the true result. It seems to me every one who truly believes this, would desire to have all the property he had, above what he needs for the comfort of himself and family, and a moderate capital for future wants, where it would be doing good in the cause of God. And above all, how important for ministers, from whom an example is expected, who are preaching this solemn truth, to be entirely above a money-making spirit. The words of Elisha to Gehazi are suggestive. 2 Kings v, 26. Naaman the leper was healed by following Elisha’s directions. He was wealthy, the minister of a king. He felt grateful, and offered valuable presents to Elisha. But Elisha would not receive them. But Gehazi thought differently. He ran after the man and received valuable gifts. When he came before Elisha he said to him, "Went not my heart with thee when the man turned again from his chariot to meet thee? Is it a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and olive yards, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and men-servants, and maid-servants? The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee and unto thy seed forever. And he went out from his presence a leper as white as snow." Elisha thought there would be a special impropriety in his receiving gifts at this time. God's judgments were about to descend upon Israel for their covetousness and injustice. The prophet of God was warning them of these things. How inappropriate that he or his should be made rich by this Syrian at such a time! and what a terrible judgment upon Gehazi, a "leper as white as snow." And I would ask, "Is it a time" for men who are preaching the most solemn message ever announced to the world, involving the depopulation of the earth, and the destruction of all its property; to desire these things, or to manifest love for them, while the fact is patent to us all, that for the love of these things the millions of the world, and I fear thousands of our own people, are going to eternal perdition, and so soon? Oh! for the spirit of sacrifice through all the branches of this work. We, as a people, are fearfully lacking in it. We measure ourselves by those around us, and sometimes we even come short of them.
With all my heart would I second Bro. White's article by word and action. GEO. I. BUTLER.
Brighton, Iowa.
A Lonely Sabbath Keeper’s Appeal
By P. Lightner
From Sr. Lightner.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I am one of the lonely ones; and as I am so often comforted while reading the communications from others, I thought I would write a few words for the encouragement of some lonely brother or sister. I am determined to put forth a stronger effort to overcome than ever before. I am the only Sabbath-keeper that I know of in this county. But I do love to keep the commandments; and I can say of a truth that the Sabbath is a delight to me. I have strong opposition, and many trials, but thank God, they have not moved me as yet. Pray for me, brethren, that I may, through the mercies of my heavenly Father, stand with you on Mount Zion; and that I may enter in through the gates into the city.
I do want to be a Christian in deed and in truth. I want to wash my robe and make it white in the blood of the Lamb.
I want to send for tracts as soon as I can; I think they would do good here. I have circulated my papers to some extent, and the people seem to like to read them. They know nothing of present truth here.
If any of the friends should come this way, I hope they will call on us. P. LIGHTNER.
Lake Co., Ind.
EUROPEAN MISSION.
By Editor
We have sent $2000 to relieve the cause in Europe from embarrassment, and to forward the work there, in confident expectation that the friends of the cause would immediately respond to our call, and help bear this burden. Up to this time we have received only the following sums. We shall expect the sum we have advanced made up at once as we are in pressing need of the money to help on in other branches of the cause.
J. P. Kellogg and wife,........................$100.00
Ira Abbey and wife,............................100.00
H. W. Kellogg and wife,........................100.00
James White and wife,..........................100.00
Hiram Hunter,...................................100.00
Samuel I. Abbey,................................50.00
James Ertzenberger,.............................50.00
J. N. Andrews,...................................50.00
Leaving still due $1350.00.
Smaller sums have been receipted in the REVIEW under the head of foreign missions.
LUCY MOTT
By Lucy Mott
From Sr. Mott.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I love present truth, and I love the people who are trying to live up to the third angel's message. I thank the Lord for the light that shines upon my pathway, and for the hope that I have, if I prove faithful to the end. But how much depends upon these words, “If I prove faithful.” I want to train up my children in the fear of the Lord; my prayer is, that I may have wisdom from on high. Dear sisters, let us, that are striving to live out the truth alone in our families, double our diligence, and follow on to know the Lord. Pray for me, that I may have grace to overcome all of my faults, and meet with you where parting shall be no more.
“Sing on your heavenly way,
Ye ransomed sinners sing,
Sing on, rejoicing every day
In Christ th’ eternal King.
Soon shall we hear him say,
Ye blessed children come;
Soon will he call us hence away,
And take his wanderers home.”
LUCY MOTT
Tuscola Co., Mich.
A Lonely Pilgrim in Illinois
By Sr. Yager
SR. YAGER writes from Pike Co., Ill.: Dear brethren and sisters, although I am a stranger to you, I would write you a few lines through the REVIEW. I trust that we are traveling the same road which leads to Heaven. I am a lonely pilgrim here. It is now one year since I moved from Waterloo, Wis., where I am a member of the Seventh-day Adventist church. I am the only one that keeps the Sabbath in this place. You may be assured that I have met with many a trial and difficulty on my way; but I will press on. I will trust in that God who delivered Daniel in the lion's den. By the grace of God I will try to keep his holy commandments that I may have right to the tree of life.
My prayer is, that God will send some of his servants to preach the third angel's message in this place. Oh, how I long to go to our prayer and social meetings, and hear the brethren and sisters tell of the goodness of God, and their prospects of Heaven! But if I meet no more with them on earth, I hope I may meet with them in Heaven.
The Gathering of the People
GEN. xix, 10: “The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.” The question is, Whom will the people be gathered unto?
Shiloh, here undoubtedly refers to Christ; therefore unto him (Christ) shall the people be gathered. See Matt. xxiv, 31; 2 Thess. ii, 1.
Complaints of Wrongs
COMPLAINTS of wrongs received should cease when those who are alleged to have done the wrong do heartily, and earnestly, set themselves to ascertain the existence, and extent of the wrong, and to put that away in a just and proper manner. Those who will not present their grievances at such a time to have them removed, show that they are more pleased to have an occasion of fault finding, than to have the wrong put away in a manner that shall be pleasing to God.
The Advent-Christian Quarterly.
We have received from its editor, W. L. Himes, the second number of this new Quarterly. The following is its list of articles: “The Comforting Hope,” by O. R. Fassett; “First Thing and First Thoughts on Awaking;” “Evening by Evening,” poetry, by Bonar; “The Trinity,” by E. Royce; “Has he come?” by Geo. Thompson; “Missionary Theology,” by Edward White; “The Second Advent;” and brief editorial notes. We have only found time to glance over its articles, but we judge them to be interesting and instructive. If this number is a fair specimen of the proposed Quarterly, we wish it success. Its subscription price is $1.00 per year. Address J. V. Himes, Buchanan, Mich.
To Correspondents.
By Editor
ARTICLES frequently come to us written with pencil, on both sides of the sheet. Articles for print should never be written with pencil. Such MS. is always looked upon unfavorably in any office. We intend to do the best we can under our circumstances, and hope those who write will try to feel their responsibility.
Notice This!
By Editor
A BROTHER writes: “Bro. B. is poor, rather out of health, needs the paper. His address is” &c., &c.
We have many times offered to let the Association share in the interest of such cases by sending the paper at half price. This is all we think the Association should be asked or expected to do. When friends send half the price of the paper for their friends, or for poor brethren in their neighborhoods, we consider it pretty good evidence that there is a real interest in the work, and we shall be happy to unite with them in bearing the burden.
Questions.
Is it consistent with the faith of Seventh-day Adventists to unite with popular societies bearing the name of Religious Associations, contributing means to buy tracts published by the American Tract Society, to distribute for the furtherance of the gospel, and at the same time ignore the peculiarities of their own faith? T. E. MOREY.
We think there are many valuable works published by the American Tract Society, and would not discourage their distribution; but instead of uniting with popular societies for that purpose, think it would be better to make our own selections. By so doing, we should avoid giving sanction to those works that contain doctrines contrary to our belief, such as the temporal millennium, first-day Sabbath, &c.
Sabbath Labor for Sold Property
Would it be a violation of the Sabbath command for a Sabbath-keeper to allow his neighbors to come on to the land he has the care of, on the Sabbath, with their teams to get timber, stone, sand, or any kind of property that he had sold to his neighbor, before the Sabbath commenced, his neighbor doing all the work? ***
We think it would be a direct violation of the commandment.
The Gift of God
EPH. ii, 8: “For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.”
What is the gift of God?
This question is answered by the Greek text; for in the Greek every pronoun must agree with its antecedent in gender. The pronoun “that,” in this text, is in the neuter gender, therefore it cannot agree with grace or faith, for they are both in the feminine, it must therefore refer to the general fact stated in the text, viz., the salvation of God.