Earlier text: The New War Cloud in Eastern EuropeIn Review, Vol. xxvii, No. 13, we spoke as follows of the present truth: “The present truth is a nicely-adjusted and harmonious system; and we cannot remove a plank or draw a bolt, without precipitating the whole structure to ruins.” Some, we learn, whose delight just now is to oppose present truth, are putting upon this a construction as follows: “that we regard the present truth as a frail structure, standing upon a sandy foundation, unable to endure the slightest shock, and liable to fall in at the first attack of opposition, or tumble into a shapeless mass.” Such altogether mistake our meaning. Who has brought out this harmonious system? Who has adjusted together all its parts in their present comely proportions? It is not the work of man. Human wisdom has not done it. But God is its author; and it is his word which sustains it. The remark above quoted was made in reference to one who seemed ready to give up any point upon which any little difficulty might occur to his mind, without considering its bearing upon, or connection with, other portions of the truth. And the idea we intended to convey was, that the whole system was to stand or fall together, that all the parts were locked and interlocked with each other; or, to use another figure, that each point in relation to every other point, becomes in turn both a citadel of interior strength, and an outpost of defence; and a person, before he can give up one point, must be able to overturn the whole. For instance, one thinks there is some difficulty in the view that the 1335 days end in the past, and hence proposes to give that up, and place their termination in the future. Ask him if he is satisfied with other main points of the truth, and perhaps he will answer, Yes. Is the great period of 2300 days shown by evidence that cannot be shaken, to have ended in the past? Yes. Are the messages of Rev. xiv, rightly located, and established with satisfactory evidence? Yes. Is the subject of the sanctuary, and its present cleansing, one of the clearest and most beautiful subjects in all the Bible? Yes. Yet he proposes to give up the view that the 1335 days have ended, and terminate them in the future. Let us see how this will affect the points named. There is brought to view in Rev. x, a mighty angel who swears to the close of all the prophetic periods. The 1335 days being a prophetic period, if they have not yet terminated, the time has not yet come for the message of Rev. x. But this angel can be shown by the clearest characteristics to be identical with the first of the three angels of Rev. xiv. Hence if the angel of Rev. x, has not yet sworn to the close of prophetic time, we have not yet had the first message of Rev. xiv. And if this first message has not yet been given, we are not, of course, now having the third. But the third message synchronizes with the closing work in the sanctuary in Heaven, and is founded upon that work; and if we are not now having the third message, we have not reached the period in which the sanctuary is being cleansed. But if the sanctuary is not now being cleansed, the 2300 years which bring us to that event have not yet terminated. So we might go on, till, from simply giving up the termination of the 1335 days in the past, we should be obliged to give up nearly all the points of faith which compose that system which we denominate present truth. It then follows, in the instance we are considering, that every argument which shows that the third angel’s message is now being given, or that the 2300 days have ended, or that the sanctuary is being cleansed, is so much proof, indirectly, that the 1335 days are ended; and a person cannot consistently give up this point without being able to meet and answer the mighty array of evidence by which these other points are sustained. Another thinks it is a little more consistent to put five of the seven last plagues of Rev. xvi, in the past, and consider that we are now living under the sixth; hence he proposes to take that position. What follows? It follows that the two-horned beast existed, and made the image, and caused men to worship it, ages in the past, for the very first plague is poured out upon the men who worshiped his image. It follows further that the third message was fulfilled at the same time; for that message is a warning against beast and image worship. This would throw interminable confusion into the sanctuary subject, and the prophetic periods, or prove that all was accomplished ages in the past. So every argument which would show that the two-horned beast is now coming upon the stage of action, or that the three messages belong to this generation, or that the prophetic periods have expired, or that the sanctuary is now being cleansed, is so much evidence that the seven last plagues are yet future; and we cannot take the ground that any of them are past without changing our position on all these points. Another thinks that the two-horned beast cannot be a symbol of this government, but must have its application in the past. This view, equally with the two already noticed, necessitates a change of our views upon almost every other point of present truth. And we cannot take such a view without being able to meet the evidence which shows that the seven last plagues must be experienced by the last generation of men, that the third angel’s message is now going forth, that the prophetic periods have ended, that the seventh angel has begun to sound, that the mystery of God is being finished, the sanctuary being cleansed, &c. And arguments upon any of these points, traced out in all their bearings, add to the weight of evidence which shows that the two-horned beast is the power with which the last generation of saints will chiefly have to do. In attempting an explanation of the symbol of the two-horned beast, arguments on any of these points would therefore be in order. These we do not design here, however, to present, but only refer to this general relation of these subjects to each other, to show to those who may feel satisfied with the system of truth which we advocate, as a whole, that it is not composed of a number of isolated positions, any one of which may be changed or set aside without affecting the rest; but that all are component parts of one great whole, and no single point can be given up without encountering the whole array of evidence that supports the entire system. This is what we mean by calling the present truth a nicely-adjusted and harmonious system. Are we understood? A fresh agitation of the subject of the two-horned beast, has of late sprung up. The attention of different classes of Adventists seems to be called to the subject; and those who have departed from the faith in Iowa, make this one of the chief points of difference between themselves and S. D. Adventists. In March last, we received a letter from H. E. Carver, stating some objections to our application of the symbol of the two-horned beast. In Review, Vol. xxvii, No. 14, in notices to correspondents, we stated that we could not publish the article, as it was merely of a negative character, and that we could not give up our positive view, unless we could have an equally positive and better view. A few weeks afterward an article was received from him setting forth his views in brief on the subject. We had matters on hand which prevented our noticing it then; and learning soon after that he was about to publish his views more in full, we concluded to wait till we could have the benefit of all he had to say on the subject, before examining his position, promising him, meanwhile, that the readers of the Review should in due time be informed in regard to the views he held. This pledge we purpose now to redeem. From the dust and noise which some kind of a beast has apparently made while tearing over the prairies of Iowa, we supposed we should find in it an antagonist, which would be in no small degree formidable, a beast with as many at least as two horns, and those perhaps not altogether as harmless as a lamb’s. We confess therefore to some degree of disappointment to find, on approaching to reconnoiter, that it is a creature merely of imagination, appearing formidable only at a distance, but vanishing even to hide and hair on closer inspection. To drop the figure, what was our surprise, on looking over the articles of H. E. C., which have appeared in the Hope of Israel, preparatory to reviewing them, to find them but a rehash of the views of Bishop Newton and Dr. Clarke; views reflecting so dimly the present light that shines on these prophetic questions, that no Adventist of whom we are aware, previous to H. E. C., has considered them of any weight whatever. We will try however to give them an impartial examination, and see how they will compare with the views we have thus far held on this question. The people of Michigan, being to a great degree of New-England origin, have, with true New-England instinct, given good attention to the educational interests of the State. Facilities for the acquisition of knowledge are put within the reach of all. Common schools abound; while the villages and cities are furnished with a system of Union Schools, which afford all the advantages of Eastern academies. There are three of these in this city, and a large building for a fourth going up this season. The effects of this liberal educational system are of course everywhere visible among the people. And it is among the intelligent, industrial population of this State that the truth has taken so strong a hold. In addition to this general system, Michigan can now boast of the most flourishing university in the United States. Dr. Hedge, in a recent address to the alumni of Harvard College, pays the following fine tribute to the University of Michigan:—
“As an illustration of what may be done by public patronage, when States are in earnest with their universities, and as strangely contrasting the sluggish fortunes of our own Alma, look at the State University of Michigan. Here is an institution but twenty-five years old, already numbering thirty-two professors, and over twelve hundred students, having public buildings equal in extent to those which two centuries have given to Cambridge, and all the apparatus of a well-constituted, thoroughly-furnished University. All this within twenty-five years! The State itself which has generated this wonderful growth had no place in the Union until after Harvard had celebrated her two hundredth birthday. In twenty-five years,149 in a country five hundred miles from the seaboard—a country which fifty years ago was known only to the fur trade—a University has sprung up, to which students flock from all parts of the land, and which offers to thousands, free of expense, the best education this continent affords. Such is the difference between public and private patronage, between individual effort and the action of a State.” “A proof of the broad intent and ecumenical consciousness of this infant College appears in the fact that its Medical Department, which alone numbers ten professors and five hundred students, allows the option of one of four languages in the thesis required for the medical degree. It is the only seminary in the country whose liberal scope and cosmopolitan outlook satisfy the idea of a great university. Compare with this, our other Colleges are all provincial; and unless the State of Massachusetts shall see fit to adopt us, and to foster our interest with something of the zeal and liberality which the State of Michigan bestows on her academic masterpiece, Harvard cannot hope to compete with this precocious child of the West.” The Michigan students are less than one-third of the entire number. Upwards of one hundred are from New York State; sixty are from foreign countries. Twenty-eight States and Provinces are represented by pupils at Ann Arbor. Thus is it shown that the North-west can boast of THE NATIONAL UNIVERSITY of the Republic. Dr. Patton and the Sabbath.
THE reader will recollect the extract we gave from Dr. Patton, on the Sabbath question, in Review No. 16, present volume. In relation to the same extract, a writer, A. H. L., in the Sabbath Recorder of Sept. 27, 1866, says:— “I am glad Dr. Patton has written what he has. It is worth much to the cause of truth. Dr. Prime, of the N. Y. Observer, has written similar things from Switzerland, which we shall notice next week. These tell that God’s time to awaken the people, and vindicate his long-neglected law, hastens. In that awakening, God’s Sabbath, the Seventh Day, the despised Saturday, will take its rightful place. Honest and God-fearing men everywhere will accept it and obey. The world will not. Formal and world-loving professors will not. Proud and prejudiced “great ones of earth” will not. But God’s chosen ones will. Our time, as a people, has come, in which we are to work upward for higher attainments in holiness, and outward to herald God’s truth and vindicate his law in the world. Men will be careless. Men will scoff. Men will oppose. The work is God’s. France will go deeper down. Germany will stray further from God. America will hasten toward the same end. Out of all this God will bring his people and his law, fully vindicated and obeyed. “Fly swiftly round, ye wheels of time,
And bring the welcome day.” Many of our friends have frequent and fervent words of commendation to offer in behalf of the Review. We should feel much more diffident about making these public, could we personally take the credit for all the excellences of the paper. As it is, the paper being the property of the church, and all, or many, contributing to its interest and usefulness, all must be gratified to learn that it is appreciated and esteemed. Still we have sometimes been at a loss to decide how far it is proper or profitable to insert articles of this nature. Bro. Clarke, of Ohio, however, indulges in a degree of enthusiasm which it would be cruel to restrain. He says:— THE REVIEW! How we hail its weekly visits! How we admire its devotion to truth! How we love its warm testimonies! How we love to add our mite to its weekly offerings! Sometimes one is hindered in a very busy time from writing; but one can always find time to read such a paper as this. Do you desire a friend, a counsellor? Do you wish to find the people of God? Do you wish to find one who cares for your soul? Do you ardently desire to find the evangelist who will point you to the Lamb of God who taketh away the sin of the world? Do you wish a true exponent of Christianity? Do you long for a true interpretation of scripture, including its principles, and its powers, its history, and its prophecies? All these has my soul longed for from my youth; and it has found them. In the Review, we have realized all we could ask in a world like this. Since we first became acquainted with the Review, life has taken on brighter hues, and the future wears an aspect, intelligible, tangible, real. Error no more binds one in her heavy chains; but, set at liberty, we can now take life as it is, and contemplate the future as it will be. Dear reader, do you think we elevate the Review above the Bible? No; it is because the Review gives a true explanation of Scripture, that we speak thus. Our love for truth is a love that does not change like the moon, from full to new, and from new to full, but steadily increases; and we say, God speed it on its mission of love to man; and as it enlarges its size, and its circulation, and usefulness, collecting its weekly treasures, we know these preparations denote the nearness of the Saviour’s Advent. Report from Ohio.
By R. J. LAWRENCE
Bro. White: As Bro. Van Horn has made a report of our meetings from time to time, I will not recapitulate. The interest at Fredericktown was very much retarded on account of continual wet weather. There has not been a week since we pitched the tent, without rain, more or less; and some weeks it rained every day. We took down the tent, Sept. 23, one week later than we intended, on account of the equinoctial storm. Bro. Van Horn left, one week ago to-day, for the N. Y. Conference, and I remain to follow up our work here a few weeks. There are a few here who have decided to obey the truth. But there is a strong opposing influence against the truth. Many are convinced, but do not obey; and unless the work is closely followed up here, there will be much labor lost. Ten or twelve here keep the Sabbath. The Lord has helped his servants to faithfully declare his truth, and give the warning. Some have gone away offended. Others have acknowledged that it was the truth, but it was inconvenient to obey it. I go to Bellville and spend this week in visiting and encouraging the friends there, and hold meetings over Sabbath and first-day. Then I intend to return to this place and spend next week, then to Wood Co., and spend the Sabbath, and then home about the 23d inst. Pray for the cause in Ohio. Such declarations as the following concerning the intended usurpation of the President, from such public men as Mr. Washburne, are significant. We quote from the N. Y. Tribune. Under the heading of “Which Congress?” it says:— “The Hon. E. B. Washburne, in Illinois, having been invited to meet his Johnsonite competitor, Mr. Thomas J. Turner, in a public discussion, opens battle at once with a bomb-shell. Mr. Turner advises his opponent that he has been nominated by ‘a National Union Convention,’ whereupon Mr. Washburne exacts the following capital test: “Before accepting your invitation, I wish to know from you what Congress you are a candidate for? If you are a candidate for the Congress to be composed of Northern Copperheads and Southern Rebels, which it is semi-officially proclaimed that President Johnson is to recognize, to the exclusion of the constitutional Congress of the United States, then I desire to say that I am not a candidate for any such Congress, and that I do not propose entering into a canvass for any office for which I am not a candidate. “If, on the other hand, you will certify to the people of this district that you are a candidate for the legal and constitutional Congress of the United States, and for a member of that House of Representatives for the Fortieth Congress, which shall be called to order, according to the established precedent, by the clerk of the present House, and to which no member shall be admitted without taking the ‘iron clad’ oath of loyalty, and that you will repudiate the illegal and revolutionary Congress which President Johnson proposes to recognize, then I have to state, I will accept your invitation with great pleasure.” “Mr. Washburne’s test might be generally applied throughout the canvass. The people will not fail to see, either by the silence or open commission of the President’s friends, how far they approve his programme of usurpation as officially threatened and foreshadowed. Which Congress? Choose!” Brief Trial—Eternal Consequences.
By Roswell Fenner Cottrell
We have a little space in which to choose, a short time to work, a little while to suffer and endure; but eternal consequences are to be the result. If we suffer with Christ a short time, if we endure to the end, an eternal weight of glory will be ours. If we deny him and continue in sin the brief period of this mortal life, all is lost—life and happiness—and forever lost. My soul! how vast the consequences which hang upon a moment? Choose at once, and forever, to give this little moment without reserve to God. Be in earnest, be zealous; make an entire consecration, a complete submission to God. Oh, serve him faithfully; give time, talents, and all the energies of mind and body, to the interests of his cause—the salvation of souls. Weary traveler, hold onward a little while; the end of toil, and sweet, sweet home, are near. Sufferer, take courage; the end of pain, bodily and mental, is near. Mourner, look up! your days of mourning will soon and forever be past. “Weeping endureth for a night,
Joy cometh with the morning light.” Those who sleep in Jesus will soon and forever be restored to our embrace. We shall be caught up together, and so be forever with the Lord. Oh, yes, the lovely Jesus will be with us forever, and all tears will be wiped away. Report from Bro. Ingraham.
By Wm. S. Ingraham
BRO. WHITE: Since my last note in the Review, I have attended two Quarterly Meetings, one at Deerfield, and one at Bass Lake. I expected to meet Bro. Pierce at Deerfield, but for some cause he was not there. I did not think of being at this meeting until just before I started. I felt particularly impressed to go. I found brethren present, from Faribault, Cleveland, and Mantorville. I had good liberty in preaching the word. Three joined the church. Our communion was excellent. Our brethren said it was the best Quarterly Meeting they had enjoyed for a long time. Two of the committee being present, they decided to have me attend the Quarterly Meeting at Bass Lake and Brush Creek. By traveling one day and a half, through sloughs, mud and rain, I reached the place of our first meeting. I was quite unfortunate in getting to the place, the roads were so bad. I got fast in a bad slough, but having served an apprenticeship at the business, I found my way out, by getting my horse out first, and then taking boards and barks to run out my buggy. Our meeting at Bass Lake was quite interesting. We had five meetings. On Sunday, we went about three miles to the lake, in a hard rain, built two tents out of blankets in the woods, on the lake shore, where we could change our clothes (for there was no dwelling near) and in this beautiful lake I baptized ten. In the evening, a church was organized of eighteen members, and S. B. fund established of $129.34. I am now at Brush Creek, at the house of Bro. Hackett. Our meeting begins Sabbath evening. What Can I Do?
By Alida Brown
How many times I have asked myself that question without being able to find an answer. While viewing God’s goodness to me, and his loving kindness to us as a people, the language of my heart is, What shall I render unto the Lord for all his goodness? I would gladly make some kind returns for the mercies and blessings I receive from his bountiful hand. I believe none of us are so weak but we can do a little, and since Jesus has condescended to accept so little, I am encouraged to try. When here upon earth he accepted the widow’s mite, and said if we give a cup of cold water to one of his disciples we shall not lose our reward. And again, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of these my little ones ye have done it unto me. Oh how kind, how condescending! Then let us not be weary in well-doing; for in due season we shall reap if we faint not. God’s people are arousing to renewed activity in his cause. I wish to share the work with them, and do the little work assigned me, in meekness, that when the good Master shall come, I too may hear him say, “Well done.”
ALIDA BROWN.
Peoria Co., Ill. Napoleon’s Mexican Invasion
LOUIS NAPOLEON'S invasion of Mexico was undertaken to collect a private debt, owing to one Jecker, amounting to five millions of dollars, bonds for which were given by the revolutionary usurper, Miramon, while he was in illegal possession of the Mexican capital. To do this he has already spent nearly three hundred millions, which the people of France will have to pay. An Incident with a Moral.
An English journalist says that the rationale of Blondin's performance is this: He has perfect confidence in his own sense of touch and balance, and he never looks beneath him. That being so, fifty and five hundred feet are the same to him. He looks in a fixed manner, and always above; he is guided by his feet. When he is blindfolded, therefore, he is deprived of a sense which is of no use to him—which may, indeed, prove a source of danger. When the drop of the rope at Niagara was forty feet, and he was at the bottom of the curve, he could scarcely avoid seeing the ends of the rope, and that was a source of danger to him. If he were to look down once, we know what would happen to him; but we may guess that he would find a place where he would never rise to perform any more antics. If, in life, you would succeed, you must look up. The stars are serene, and stay forever in their spheres; the torrent at your feet whirls and roars, and any look at its turbid waters may plunge you into instant destruction.—Principia. Testing Spiritual Impulses
By John Wesley
IMPULSES.—Give no place to a heated imagination. Do not hastily ascribe things to God. Do not easily suppose dreams, voices, impressions, visions, or revelations, to be from God. They may be from him. They may be from nature. They may be from the devil. Therefore, “believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they be of God.” Try all things by the written word, and let all bow down before151 it. You are in danger of enthusiasm every hour, if you depart ever so little from Scripture; yea, or from the plain, literal meaning of any text, taken in connection with the context. And so you are, if you despise or lightly esteem reason, knowledge, or human learning; every one of which is an excellent gift of God, and may serve the noblest purpose.—John Wesley. Letter by Joseph Alleine.
By Joseph Alleine
LET US be wholly swallowed up in the concerns of religion, and know no other interest but Jesus Christ. I cannot say I have already attained; but this is that my heart is set to learn, that in all I do, whether sacred or civil actions, still I may be doing but one work, and driving on one design, that God may be pleased by me, and glorified in me; that not only my praying, preaching, alms, etc., may be found upon my account, but even my eating, drinking, sleeping, visits, discourses, because they are all done as unto God. Too often do I take a wrong aim, and miss my mark; but I will tell you what be the rules I set myself, and do strictly impose upon myself from day to day: Never to lie down but in the name of God; not barely for natural refreshment, but that a weary servant of Christ may be recruited, and fitted to serve him better the next day. Never to rise up but with this resolution. Well, I will go forth this day in the name of God, and make religion my business, and spend the day for eternity. Never to enter upon my calling, but first thinking, I will do these as unto God, because he requireth these things at my hands in the place and station he has put me into. Never to sit down to the table, but resolving, I will not eat merely to please my appetite, but to strengthen myself for my Master's work. Never to make a visit, but upon some holy design, resolving to leave something of God where I go; and in every company to leave some good savor behind. This is that which I have been for some time learning, and am pressing hard after; and if I strive not to walk by these rules, let this paper be a witness against me. Walking with God.
By Advocate
NOAH walked with God. Enoch walked with God, and was translated to the realm of glory. So now, myriads are walking with God; hence enjoying his smiles and protecting care. We are walking with God when we bow the knee in prayer and praise, and supplicate the favor of Heaven. We are walking with God when we keep his commandments, and are arrayed in the beauty of holiness. We are walking with God when we continually feel the assurance of acceptance, and the witness of his Holy Spirit. 'Tis good to walk with him, for his arm shields us from the wiles of Satan. He "leadeth us in green pastures, and beside still waters." He smooths and lights the rugged, gloomy, path of life, imbues our souls with the dews of his grace, and causes us to feel the happy thrills of joy and bliss. And oh, how sweet, should we come to the dark valley of death, to walk through its shadowy vale leaning upon the arm of God! His presence can light the darkest recess, his love can warm the coldest clime. Let us then walk with God, and we shall taste the sweets of his love. Let us then walk with God, —"And e'en the tomb,
No fearful shade shall wear." "Oh, for a closer walk with God,—
A calm and heavenly frame;
A light to shine upon the road
That leads me to the Lamb." In God is My Trust.
By Almon D. Farrar
When storms around me lower,
And threaten to o'erwhelm,
I know God's mighty power,
In mercy guides the helm.
His form I cannot see,
Because I am but dust,
Yet know he cares for me,
And in him put my trust. Should those I trusted most,
But traitors to me prove,
I know the angelic host,
Watch over me in love,
To ward the fatal dart,
In fiendish malice thrust,
To pierce a breaking heart;
And still in God I trust. Though fortune, fickle elf,
To me she should seem unkind,
And bring upon myself,
Things contrary to my mind,
I'll strive to be content,
Forsake all earthly lust,
Be zealous and repent,
And still make God my trust. Though weak and frail my frame,
And burdened is my mind,
In that prevailing Name,
I'll consolation find.
For he regards our frame,
He knows we are but dust;
And praise his holy name,
In God we still can trust. There is on record the case of a very wicked and hardened man, whose feelings were so touched by the soft notes of a dove, that he was by the Divine Spirit led to Christ and to a Christian life. In the incident below, the prattling of a babe was blessed to the same result. During a revival in a town in Ohio, a man who had been very worldly-minded was awakened, but for some time concealed his feelings even from his wife, who was a praying woman. She left him one evening in charge of his little girl, three years of age. After her departure, his anxiety of mind became so great that he could not rest, and he began to walk the room in his agony. The little girl soon noticed his agitation of mind, and inquired, “What ails you, Pa?” He replied, “Nothing!” and endeavored to re-quiet his feelings, and divert his mind from the subject. But all in vain. Conscience would not hush up at his bidding. He could not calm the troubled deep of his sin-polluted heart. After sitting a short time, he rose again, and commenced walking to and fro as before. Soon the attention of his little daughter was again arrested, and wondering, doubtless, at her father’s uneasiness, and ignorant of its cause, she looked up sympathizingly in his face, and inquired with all the artlessness and simplicity of childhood, “Pa, if you were dry, wouldn’t you go and get a drink of water?” The father started, as if a voice from Heaven had fallen on his ear! He thought of his thirsty soul, famishing for the waters of life. He thought of that living fountain, opened in the gospel, and he heard the voice of Jesus saying, “If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink!” “Ho! every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters.” “He longed to drink that crystal stream
That flows the trees of life between—
That its pure waters in his soul
Might rise eternally to roll!” He believed! and straightway fell at the Saviour’s feet, exclaiming in heart if not in words: “Just as I am thou wilt receive;
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
Because thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!” From that hour he dates the dawning of a new light, and the beginning of a new life. Rebellion Renewed in Texas
THE rebellion has been renewed in Texas, and no one can be surprised who has watched the lawlessness of that State, and seen the hatred of the Union shown in its lowest form by the persecution of loyal whites and blacks, and in its highest by contempt of the test oath, and the election of Rebels to Congress. It recalls 1861, when we read of United States troops attacked by Texas State militia. The matter has importance other than an indication of the spirit of the Rebels, and Gen. Sheridan has gone to the relief of our troops. OUR DEAD AND WOUNDED WARRIORS.—
The official returns in the U. S. War Department show that the whole number of deaths reported in the army since the war broke out will aggregate 325,000. These are the dead on one side only. If we assume the mortality on the rebel side at 175,000, which is certainly inside the mark, we have a total of 500,000 who have perished in the war. There are, in addition, at least half a million on both sides who are permanently disabled by wounds or sickness, making the number of victims over a million of human beings who have been sacrificed to intemperance, ignorance, fanaticism, ambition, and treason. The religion that is always searching for “A HOPE” is a hopeless religion. THEY are dumb, when? Not when nonsense is introduced, something funny to laugh at—something of a worldly nature, about farms or merchandise, the latest novel—the religious festival, the pic nic, the donation party, or the New Year's calls, where feasting, wine-bibbing, joking and jesting are the order of the day. No tongues are tied now; no one is dumb here, nor where marrying and giving in marriage, the latest cut in things for the ward-robe, are subjects for discussion, mouths are open wider in this direction, tongues fly, move glibly, fluently. But introduce the subject of prayer, praise, the reading of God's word, visiting the sick, the oppressed—speak of Heaven and heavenly things, the glory of the upper world, the joys of salvation—the peace of God in the soul, flowing like a river, the happiness resulting from well-doing, from emulating Jesus—what now? any response? All is silent as the grave! lips are closed, tongues are tied. Quote a passage of scripture, repeat a verse or two from the pen of inspiration, more precious than gold—any one to reply? Not one; not a word, or look of smiling approbation is manifested, all is hushed as the tomb; every one is dumb! dumb! struck dumb. This alluding to things spiritual and eternal, talking often one to another of the Lord's mercies and judgments, for him to hearken and hear, that a book of remembrance may be written before him of them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name—is not to be tolerated in this refined age, and in refined circles. This referring to the Bible for subjects of interest and conversation, or declaring, like David, what great things God hath done for our souls, is out of place, out of time, out of date. “Away with sombre looks, things grave, serious, eternal—away with the Bible, its doctrines and precepts, its holy inculcations; give us something mirthful, that will tickle the fancy, a spice of wit, that will provoke laughter.” “Let us eat, drink, and be merry, for to-morrow we die.” Is not this picture a true one of the present, every day piety? Friends, what are we coming to?—Sel. Sister D. Chamberlain writes from Steele Co., Minn.: It is now about seven years since I started alone in my family to live out the third message. Many have been my trials and struggles through the mazes of sin. But I can say to the glory of God, that his grace and mercy have been sufficient for me so far; and I am determined by his assisting grace, as promised in his word, to struggle on and trust him for the future, hoping I shall not always have to go alone. Pray for me that I may come off conqueror, yea, more than conqueror, through Him who shall shortly come to set up his kingdom and reign King of kings, and Lord of lords. How often I have been cheered by the weekly visits of the Review, and the letters written by the dear brethren and sisters. Sister E. F. Hunter, Belvidere, Ill., writes: We are striving to be overcomers and gain the kingdom. We mean to overcome all evil, God being our helper. We realize, in a measure, that we are living in a solemn time, and that we are near, very near, the closing scene of all things. We are firm believers in the visions. We see nothing in them contradictory to the word of God; but rather, his word teaches that they are right. They seem to unite God's people, when if they were from an evil source they would only divide. The resolutions on dress adopted by the church are good. God's people are a peculiar people, unlike the world in almost every respect. They will be a tried people. When I look upon my own heart wanderings, I fear and tremble lest I may fail. May I be able to stand and meet you all, and those dear ones we have laid in the silent grave, where parting will be no more. Sister P. Smith, Hillsdale Co., Mich., writes: I have been trying to keep all the commandments, and the faith of Jesus, ever since Bro. Waggoner was here last fall. I was unable to attend the lectures, and only heard one; but kept hearing that he preached the truth, and understood the Bible. I began to search for myself, and I thank God for the light he has given me, and earnestly pray for more light on the Scriptures. I am one of the little number that have been waiting since May for the coming of a messenger this way that we might be buried with Christ in baptism. The time has seemed long, but I have tried to be patient. I have never belonged to a church, for, since I have arrived to years of understanding, I could not find a church that I could call Christ's true church; and I did not wish to join any other. When I became acquainted with Advent doctrine, I made up my mind that if an opportunity offered, this was the people for me to join. I do not attend meetings as often as I would like to, on account of ill-health. But I am not tired of the way, or weary of well-doing. I want to overcome and be found among that number who are worthy to enter the holy city, and partake of the tree of life, and to drink of the waters of life freely. I crave the prayers of the brethren and sisters. Bro. E. G. Stevenson, Battle Creek, Mich., writes: I would like to say to the readers of the Review that I still love the truths of the third angel's message, and all its connections, especially the light that is being revealed on the health reform. I fully believe this to be in the order of the Lord, and designed to go with the third and last message of mercy. Then we must all take hold of the health reform, for we cannot accept one portion of God's truth and not another, when they are in connection with each other. I am glad that light is being given to us in this direction, and shall try to profit thereby. Let us take hold with all our hearts, and try to live out this new development of truth, that we may have the blessing of God to rest upon us. I would say to the little company in Chicago, with whom I have met so often at the house appointed for prayer, and with whom I have enjoyed so many precious seasons in the name of Jesus, that I am not tired of the good way. It was not with any feelings of pleasure that I left that place; but though absent from you in body, I am present in spirit. And if we never meet again in this life, may we be an unbroken company in the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, which is soon to be set up. When I look at my unworthiness, I am led to ask in wonder and amazement, Shall I be there in that blessed kingdom? I can say that by the grace and help of God, I intend to be there. Do we all realize the great work of preparation that lies before us? I fear we do not. Oh, let us awake out of this deep sleep, and put forth a greater effort to do the will of our Master, that his name may be honored and glorified in us.