Earlier text: The Bible Doctrine of the Weekly SabbathA CORRESPONDENT writes: Rev. xv, 1, reads: “For in them [the seven last plagues] is filled up the wrath of God.” Question: Do those on whom the plagues fall, and the wrath of God is filled up, come up in the second resurrection with the rest of the dead? We answer yes; for it is not possible that the cessation of this present life at any time, or in any manner, should pay the penalty for personal transgression on the part of any of the human race, since the fall of Adam and the introduction of the plan of salvation. The cessation of this life, or the first death, comes upon all alike, the righteous and wicked, as the result of the original Adamic sin, not as the penalty for personal transgressions since that time. True there have been such aggravated cases of crime and rebellion against God that he has found it necessary to his honor to arrest the criminals in their guilty career, and bring upon them the Adamic penalty sooner than they would otherwise have experienced it; but this, as it only brought them to a condition to which, in a few years, they would have come in the natural course of events, could in no sense meet the demands of justice against them as transgressors of the law of God. But when the wrath of God is “filled up” in the destruction of any individuals, can there be in their cases a manifestation of further wrath, or a resurrection to a second death? Why not? What is meant by the expression, “filled up?” The plagues are represented under the figure of vials filled to the brim with some deadly fluid. Verse 7 of Rev. xv, says, “Seven golden vials full of the wrath of God.” If the vessel was not full of that mixture which is taken to represent wrath, it would imply that there was room for some other ingredient; in other words that with the wrath there might be mingled mercy. The vials being full to the brim shows that there is in them wrath, and wrath only. Chapter xiv, 10, brings to view the same thing, when it speaks of the “wrath of God poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation.” These expressions then signify that no mercy mingles with these manifestations of God’s wrath against the sinner. But could not God more than once manifest wrath without mercy against the incorrigible? We see no reason why he could not cause them to drink again and again from a cup filled to overflowing with his indignation. There is another expression which all will doubtless be ready to acknowledge is the full equivalent of those we have been considering. We refer to the language of the apostle where he speaks of wrath to the uttermost coming upon certain ones. “Wrath to the uttermost” must denote the fullest extent of wrath that it is possible to inflict upon man in his present state. But upon whom has wrath been inflicted to the uttermost? Paul writes to the Thessalonians, “For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judea are in Christ Jesus; for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews; who both killed the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men; forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins always; for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.” 1 Thess. ii, 14–16. This is spoken in reference to the Jews, in anticipation of the dreadful calamities that were soon to dispossess them of their land, and destroy them as a nation. How signally was it fulfilled when at the destruction of Jerusalem hundreds of thousands of them miserably perished by famine, sword, and flame, when they who had cried in reference to the Son of God, “His blood be on us and our children,” felt the full signification of that fearful imprecation, when they saw crosses erected all around Jerusalem till, as Josephus says, room was wanting for the crosses, and crosses wanting for the bodies which were devoted to the dreadful torture. And now, since “wrath to the uttermost,” an unmixed cup, thus came upon them, have they any further account to settle at the bar of God? We are expressly told that they have. Those who had the unsurpassed benefit of Christ’s personal ministry, and yet refused to repent, were told that they should one day see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of God, and they themselves thrust out. Luke xiii, 28. Paul, in the passage quoted from Thessalonians, speaks of those who had killed the Lord Jesus; and the Lord told the priests and council, who condemned him, that they should yet see him sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. Matt. xxvi, 63, 64; and John saw that when he should thus appear, they also who pierced him, should behold him, and join with those who, unprepared for his coming, shall wail because of him. Hence, these persons, though they have once suffered “wrath to the uttermost,” shall meet again their Lord and their sins in the day of Judgment; and so, too, those who drink of the unmingled vials of God’s wrath in the seven last plagues, shall arise to be judged out of the things written in the book, Rev. xx, 12, and receive the full complement of their reward in the second death. NEW HISTORY OF THE SABBATH.
By John Nevins Andrews
Having determined, in accordance with the judgment of others, as well as from my own convictions of duty, to devote some time to the preparation of a new edition of the History of the Sabbath, the present edition being exhausted, I expect to spend a portion of the winter chiefly in this business. I therefore invite the attention of all who may be interested in this subject, whether they be Sabbath-keepers, or opposed to its observance, or whatever may be their position concerning the fourth commandment. I request those who have any criticisms to offer concerning the work to send them to me, directed to 313 Main Street, Rochester, N. Y. Any suggestions whereby the work may be improved, any criticisms or reviews of the existing work pointing out faults, real or supposed, will be gratefully received, and each shall be considered. Much patient labor has been bestowed upon the preparation of this work. There is still much labor requisite to do justice to this important subject. I ask the assistance of those who are friends to the Sabbath cause, and I make the same request of those who are its decided opponents. I desire to promote the cause of truth without mingling with that effort one particle of party spirit. The truth will stand on its own merits. Whoever has truth can afford to be candid, or rather he cannot afford to be uncandid. Truth itself is omnipotent. Falsehood often seems to outstrip truth, but truth, in the end, always wins the race. If God's law is the truth it will surely be maintained by its Author. If the fourth commandment has been put down, not by divine authority, but by the great apostasy, predicted by Daniel, Paul, and John, one thing is very certain, it will not always be trampled in the dust. Even if the leaven of apostasy began to work before the close of the apostolic age, it is not thereby rendered any the more acceptable to God, or any the less pernicious to men. See 2 Thess. ii. The Papal power was to think to change times and laws. It claims to have changed the Sabbath. The Sabbath has been changed by some power. Who did it, Christ or Antichrist? Christ, according to prophecy, was to magnify the law and make it honorable. Antichrist was to exalt himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped, and to think to change times and laws. Which of these personages changed the Sabbath? Not Christ, certainly; for the New Testament gives the record of his holy teaching. He never changed the Sabbath of his Father. Who has done this work? The history of Antichrist must furnish the answer. J. N. ANDREWS. Deut. xxv, 13–16: “Thou shalt not have in thy bag divers weights, a great and a small; thou shalt not have in thine house divers measures, a great and a small; but thou shalt have a perfect and just weight, a perfect and just measure shalt thou have; that thy days may be lengthened in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. For all that do such things, and all that do unrighteously, are an abomination unto the Lord thy God.” Prov. xx, 10: “Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the Lord.” 1. The crime here reprobated is that of having a large measure with which to buy, and a small one to use in selling. 2. Many who would loudly condemn this particular act do nevertheless commit this very sin. Taking advantage of the necessities or the ignorance of others to buy things for less than their value, and to sell them for more than their real worth, is precisely what those do who buy with a large measure, and sell with a small one. How many houses are there in which divers weights and measures are not found as an important part of the things in daily use? 3. If the angel of God is present to weigh our acts, and to record our conduct for the inspection of the day of Judgment, does it not become us to be circumspect in all our ways? 4. Strict honesty is so precious in the sight of God, that it has the promise of long life. The Lord will lengthen our days! Even this life has some tokens by which he bears testimony to the character of his servants. But shall this promise be verified when he shall give them eternal life? PRAISING OURSELVES.
By John Nevins Andrews
Paul, under the pressure of urgent necessity, spoke at considerable length in his own praise. If any had whereof to glory, surely he had far more. Yet no sooner had he in modest language recounted the greatness of his labors, and his sufferings, than he exclaims, “I am become a fool in glorying.” 2 Cor. xi, 16–33; xii, 1–12. Paul hid behind Christ. He preached Christ; he did not preach himself. He gloried not in himself, but in the cross of Christ, whereby he was crucified to253 the world, and the world to him. 1 Cor. ii; 2 Cor. iv, 5; Gal. vi, 14. Certainly it illy becomes us to make self our theme; or to make our own glory the object of our solicitude. There is better business for us. Let it be our business to have our work wrought in God. No matter how secret our acts of self-denial, or cross-bearing, if indeed they really be such. The angel of God, though unseen by us, is ever present, and he is making a faithful record of all our conduct, that it may be examined and made public at the last day. “Then shall every man [who deserves it] have praise of God.” 1 Cor. iv, 5. Can we not afford to wait till then? “The good works of some are manifest beforehand; [i. e. before the great day] and they that are otherwise cannot be hid;” i. e. they, whose good works are, up to that time, known only to God, shall then find them proclaimed before all mankind. 1 Tim. v, 25. Let us forever cease seeking glory one of another. Let us, in place of this, bestow our utmost care upon our conduct, that it may bear the inspection and meet the approval of the Judge of all the earth. LOVE rules his kingdom without a sword. PRACTICAL THOUGHTS ON SCRIPTURE SUBJECTS.
Sinful acts leave every time lasting stains upon our hands. These stains will not wear off. They are indelible and will not wash out. Every sin leaves a stain peculiar to itself. Could our eyes be enlightened by the Spirit of God how awful the sight of our hands. There is no skill of ours that can take out the deep dye that sin has colored and stained in our flesh. Excusing or justifying our conduct will not make our hands white. Shall we come up to the Judgment and have not merely the books of God’s record to stand against us, but even our own hands to bear witness to our every crime? I said these stains will not wash out. They will if the “fuller’s soap” is used. This is nothing else than the blood of Christ. Even this soap cannot do it unless rightly used. It must be applied with genuine repentance. This is always made up of confession, repentance, and entire change of conduct caused by this godly sorrow for sin which the Holy Spirit works in us. We can well afford to wait if, 1, That for which we wait shall actually arrive, provided we wait long enough; 2, If the event waited for is worthy of such pains; 3, If waiting for it aright shall secure to us the blessing which it brings. No one can fairly dispute this statement. Then how it should inspire us to patiently wait the return of Jesus. The world may deride those who wait for his glorious advent, but the time will come when their reproach shall be taken away from off all the earth, “And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us; this is the Lord; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.” Isa. xxv, 9. MEETINGS IN INDIANA.
By Joseph Bates
AFTER closing my meetings at Burr Oak, Mich., as by last report, I came to Orland, Ind. Bro. Hendry conveyed me some four miles to his home; thence, Bro. J. L. Locke's team, ten miles further to Salem Center. Our meetings on Sabbath and first-day, Oct. 17 and 18, were moved to Turkey Creek, Steuben Co., to accommodate the sick. Those who came long distances, came before the Sabbath. Sr. Mock came some fifteen miles. Bro. P. McLocklin who received treatment at the Health Institute, at Battle Creek, a few months since, and was helped, says he was a room-mate with Eld. A. S. Hutchins, of Vt.; heard Bro. and Sr. White preach; and Bro. J. N. Loughborough give his farewell sermon before leaving for California. After further examination and study he became fully convinced that the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ is at hand, and commenced keeping the Sabbath of the Lord our God, and walked some twelve miles to attend our meetings, where he and Sr. Mock were both baptized and much blessed of the Lord, and united with the church. Another sister, who came about the same distance in another team, desired very much to be baptized also, but her husband, who was not a believer, was unwilling that she should go forward at present. The meetings were encouraging, and blessed of the Lord, and the lonely ones felt glad to meet and mingle their voices together, and celebrate the death and sufferings of their coming Lord. Oct. 19, Bro. J. L. Locke conveyed me some fourteen miles to the railroad, and I passed on to South Bend, Ind., where I held two meetings. But very few attended, some having moved to too great a distance from the city. Those that came, were glad to learn more respecting our present position. Bro. James Harvey came fourteen miles for me, and conveyed me to his quiet, peaceful home in North Liberty. Here, from Oct. 22-26, I visited from house to house, held six meetings, and celebrated the ordinances. The brethren and sisters were strengthened in their faith, and anxious to have their meetings interesting, not only for their own benefit, but for some of their friends who manifested some anxiety to hear our position. Their new meeting-house is now finished, and furnished to accommodate some three hundred persons, and all are very anxious to have Bro. and Sr. White come and hold a series of meetings in it. The churches in Southern Michigan and Northern Indiana have been glad to hear and read the stirring reports from our camp-meetings, and fully believe with their brethren, that our loins should be girded about, and our lights burning, and we be like unto men that wait for their Lord when he will return from the wedding, “lest coming suddenly, he find us sleeping.” Let us all be awake and watching. At the Allegan Monthly Meeting in Allegan, Sabbath, Nov. 7, a number of loads of brethren and sisters from Monterey and Otsego were present. The meeting was so free and interesting that the brethren decided by a unanimous vote that the next Monthly Meeting, which will be in Monterey, the first Sabbath in December, should be a two days' meeting, to hold over Sabbath and first-day. The Lord add his blessing, is our prayer. Brn. Sterling, of Watson, and W. Littlejohn, of Allegan, were present, and added much to the interest of the meeting. The former spoke of going west toward the lake shore to hold meetings. The latter has been holding interesting meetings every first-day for254 some weeks past, at the White school-house, some two miles northwesterly from Allegan. Yesterday a number of the church were going to accompany him. THE SEVEN PLAGUES PRECEDE THE COMING OF CHRIST.
By John Matteson
It appears that the seven last plagues will all precede the second coming of our Saviour; in proof of which I would offer the following considerations: In Rev. xvi, 12–16, we read of the pouring out of the sixth vial. In connection with this the proclamation is made: “Behold, I come as a thief.” It is certain that up to this time the Saviour has not come; and it is not stated that he does then appear; but, “Behold, I come,” in other words, I am coming, or about to come. It is, evidently, the same announcement which is recorded in Rev. xxii, 12: “And, behold, I come quickly;” for in verse 11, the time of the plagues is introduced, and the fact stated that repentance is past and probation closed. During the seventh plague “there came a great voice out of the temple of Heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done.” Chap. xvi, 17. This is the voice of the Father who sits on the throne in Heaven. Rev. iv, 1–3; v, 1. This is the voice which shakes heaven and earth. Heb. xii, 26. It causes the lightning to flash more vividly, and the thunder to roar more terribly, than men have ever seen or heard; and the earth quakes mightily. The towers of proud Babylon fall. The cities become a heap of ruins. The islands flee, and the mountains fall. Rev. xvi, 18–20. Then the kings of the earth, and the rich and poor, free and bond, try to hide themselves from the face of Him that sitteth on the throne. Chap. vi, 14–17. The appearance of the brightness and exceeding glory of the countenance of Jesus is so terrifying to those who are not his people, that they would rather be crushed by the mountains and rocks, which are falling on every side, than endure his presence. This proves that Jesus appears at the closing scenes of the seventh plague. The same is also evident from the order of events in other places. The great hailstones are mentioned in connection with the thunderings and earthquake, in Rev. xi, 19. It is, no doubt, synchronic with the falling of the cities and mountains. “The Lord also shall roar out of Zion and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake.” Joel iii, 16. “The powers of the heavens shall be shaken; and then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven; and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” Matt. xxiv, 29, 30. During the last plague the atmosphere will be heavily charged with electricity. The thunderclouds will be darker and heavier until the earth be perfectly enveloped and darkened thereby. The lightning glares fearfully in this outer darkness, and every flash reveals scenes of increasing terrors. The earth heaves like surging billows. The sea boils and waves roar. Islands are swallowed up, and cities crumble into ruins. Rocks fall in every direction. Mountains are carried through the air and scattered over the country. The fearful hail falls, tormenting the wretched victims. The brief intervals between the roarings of the thunder are filled up with the frantic shrieks and blaspheming cries of the ungodly. O my soul! who shall be there? The vain laugh has ceased. The silly conversation is past. The sleeping, drowsy time is over. The alluring dreams of Heaven, by those who would not watch, have ceased. No more sleeping now; no more pretended godliness; no hypocrisy; but all reality, dreadful reality! Alas! alas! for the day is at hand. “Who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings? He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly,” &c. Isa. xxxiii. But you who obey not the gospel, if you do not quickly repent, your lot is cast; your eternal fate is decided; you will be a partaker in that fearful scene. Hark! hear the wailing. Oh! that I had known the day of my visitation. Oh! that I had forsaken every sin. Oh! that I had listened to the counsel of the faithful Witness. But now it is too late. Cursed be the day in which I was born; cursed my folly and sloth. It is too late, too late! The eyes of the unfaithful servants are consuming away in their holes, and their tongues in their mouths. Zech. xiv, 12. In the midst of all this terror and mourning of the tribes of the earth, the glory of the heavenly clouds penetrates the darkness. The scene is changed from one extreme to another. The glory of ten thousand bright angels and the brightness of the appearing Son of God are still more terrible to the doomed sinner than the falling of rocks and mountains. Dear reader, will you now secure a shelter for that day? Will you repent and be zealous? For such only as have the Father's name in their foreheads and no guile in their mouths, can then be redeemed from among men. Rev. xiv. Three heavens are spoken of in the Scriptures; the atmospheric heavens, the sun, moon, and stars, or starry heaven, and the place of God's throne. The two first are visible, the last invisible. The two first will be shaken during the last plague, with the earth; but the third cannot be shaken. This signifies the removing of the things that are shaken, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Heb. xii. The New Jerusalem in the third Heaven, or Paradise of God, has foundations that stand secure. Brethren, come! It is high time for us to stop trusting in the uncertain riches. Let us long with all our heart, and look with both eyes, for the city of God, to secure a mansion in our Father's house. The things which we see, are soon to be removed. “Wherefore, we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably, with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire.” REPORT FROM BRO. VAN HORN.
By I. D. Van Horn
I closed my meetings in Blendon, for the present, on Sunday, Nov. 15. The present result of my six weeks' stay here is very good for a new country school district. Twelve have embraced the truth, and they are showing signs of their sincerity by leaving off some of their bad habits. Tobacco is being laid aside by some who thought they could not live without it. They need a good deal of reform in this direction. May they have help from the Lord to overcome. There was no open opposition, and but little from any source. We had several Sabbath meetings which were well attended, and were interesting to all. The Lord helped us in this work. There is an organized church at Blendon Landing, consisting now of ten members. There are two more that will join by letter as soon as they can get them. These, with the twelve who have recently started to live the truth in their vicinity, will make a company who, I trust, will be blest of the Lord, and be an honor to his cause. Bro. Smith, who is the elder of the church, is a man devoted to the cause of his Master, and I think his life and example will have a saving influence on all about him. The last week of our stay was a good time for us all. We spent it in fasting, self-examination, and prayer, which resulted in our getting nearer the Lord, and receiving of his rich blessing. I am now at home making some preparations for winter. I shall be ready to go out to my work again in the course of three or four weeks. I shall then visit these friends again, and do what I can for their advancement in the truth. May the blessing of the Lord remain with them, and may the good work move on. My faith is strong in the present truth, and my courage is good to go on in the path of duty. I mean, by the grace of God, to make up wherein I have lacked in the past, and throw my whole soul and strength into the work. May the Lord help. Battle Creek, Nov. 20, 1868 THE CHRISTIAN LIFE.
By Jos. Clarke
The gradual unfolding and development of Christian character is a sight far more interesting to good men than any other this world can afford. With great delight the man of science traces the paths of the planets, or follows the track of the blazing comet, as it hastens away from our system; or he peers, with more intense interest, into the region beyond, where Orion shines with brilliancy and splendor; but with deeper, more anxious solicitude does the experienced Christian watch the development of Christian character and moral worth. The decisions and resolutions of the mind, the practical, the daily walk and life, the control of the moral over the material; this is what calls the attention of the good man; this interests angels; and this is, too, the greatest theme of discourse in the book of God to man. The Christian life is not one of dreary, treadmill round, prompted by fear of the lash, or love of gain; but is one of the highest, holiest aspirations, and of the noblest character; in short, the convert just turning to God from the world, realizes, for the first time, that he is the workmanship of God, and as such, owes to him his best service, which he gives more cheerfully than words can describe. But so deceitful is the influence of this world upon him who starts out with the design of forming a character such as God approves, that he is often drawn aside from his purpose, and losing sight of the glory and excellence of obtaining such a character as will furnish him a passport to the regions where God manifests himself to perfect and holy beings, we say, losing sight of these things, he is drawn aside, and too often never returns. Sad thought, that so many commence this work only to fail of accomplishing it. It is idle to say that the path of the Christian is always a pleasant one. It is an error to say that it is not a difficult one. We may say, it is easy to him who, loving it, lives so near to God that he is constantly in the light; but right here lies the difficulty, in keeping in the light, and in walking constantly with God; and it is this constant effort to keep in the path, and walk with God, as did Enoch of old, which causes and continually prompts to the formation of a Christian character. Man was originally a noble being, and Christianity proposes to restore him in the end to his first estate; under and it is the prospect of such an object which nerves the soul for the noblest work in which it can engage; and the hope of such a future often fills the heart with joy unspeakable, and full of glory. In contemplation of this noble theme, the mind of man rises still higher than this, and leaving the theme of his own salvation, he is led to think of the character of God, the Creator, and in the admiration he feels for the attributes of Jehovah, he is led to love him with all his powers of mind; and he so connects the honor of God with his own salvation, that the more he desires the eternal life, the more does he admire and love God, and seek his glory. Thus he rises from one eminence of faith to another, pressing on to higher attainments; and as he grasps the heavenly blessing, he lets go of the world, and leaves it behind, and so rivets his attention to heavenly things, confessing his sins, he finds mercy, and grace to do the will of God. INIQUITY ABOUNDS.
By E. E. Sturges
THE mystery of iniquity doth yet abound, the earth still increases in wickedness, the great mass of men are ambitious of themselves, full of pride, idolatry, intemperance, and every abomination in the sight of God. I observe men professing godliness, who boast of reading their Bibles much, and laud the truths it teaches, dishonoring God by making void his holy law. I see them heaping up treasures, adding to their earthly possessions by grinding the faces of the poor and needy. Others for political office will make use of any dishonest means possible to attain that object. Intemperance and debauchery have become so common among all classes of both sexes, that it has ceased to be noticed. Vice in its most hideous form is called God's blessing to sustain and preserve life. Members of the same family are in continual strife one with another. Being devoid of natural affection, they seek only to magnify little disturbances till domestic peace is destroyed. Then come trouble, hatred, and separation. These are but few of the occurrences that come under our special notice. How true it is that “the heart of man is set to do evil continually.” “Judgment is turned backward, and justice standeth afar off; for truth is fallen in our streets, and equity cannot enter. Yea, truth faileth, and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey, and the Lord saw it, and it displeased him that there was no judgment.” God is warning the world to flee from the wrath to come. While there is great preparation going on in Heaven for that great event, the setting up of Christ's everlasting kingdom, the little remnant of God's Israel are preparing to enter in. We are warned of plagues, famine, tribulation, and such distress as was never before known. God in mercy bids us be ready, and in these evils be as “pilgrims on the earth.” We are bidden to beware of Satan, who with his evil angels uses the most artful devices to overcome the faithful. “Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall,” through the influence of ungodly men, or the workers of iniquity. If our hearts are fully set to the work of overcoming, our God will not suffer us to be dismayed, nor confounded. He promises to stand by us. Says the Lord, “Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, in whose heart is my law. Fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings.” Isa. li, 7. Amid all the signs of approaching destruction, signs that none ever saw before, who is not willing to forsake all and strive for a home in the kingdom to come, which is never to be destroyed? What joy to be among the ransomed of the Lord when God shall bring again Zion. To these Christ says, “I will give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” These will know his voice when he says, “Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.”
E. E. STURGES.
Fairfield, Conn. The following pertinent thoughts on “Secret Prayer” were published some years since, in the Review, and, by special request, are now inserted again. May a blessing attend these thoughts to the reader. “There is, perhaps, no better test of the religious state of the individual than the frequency and delight with which he engages in secret prayer. If we have a dear and confiding earthly friend, our communion with him is sweet, and we seek his society often. We do this the more proportionally as our attachment to him is increased. Our relations to God are regulated by the same law as to our friends. The true child of God will be on terms of the greatest intimacy with his Heavenly Father, and will ever delight to seek counsel and direction of him, while he who has never been255 adopted into his family, cannot share his presence. “Secret prayer is not only a test of Christian character, but it is also an effectual means of grace. To continue the figure which we have already introduced, frequent intercourse is often conducive to strong and lasting friendship. It is a common remark, “One only need become acquainted with that man to love him.” This is emphatically true of Christ. The closet is one of the best of places in which to become acquainted with him, and have our attachment to him strengthened. It will be well for us if we are often found there. We should enter it, not only to pour out the secrets of our hearts, but burdened for the welfare of souls, remembering that ‘the effectual, fervent prayer of the righteous man availeth much.’” “Were there more earnest wrestling with God in secret, we should witness corresponding results. There would be greater attachments to Christ, a higher type of piety, more earnest and extensive Christian efforts, and a larger ingathering of souls into the Redeemer’s fold. Let none forget the injunction, ‘Enter into thy closet.’—Morning Star.” HAVING RESPECT TO THE RECOMPENSE OF REWARD.—
TUNE.—Star Spangled Banner.
Oh, say, can you see, from the light of God's word,
A mansion prepared, and in Heaven reserved,
To which you have a title, blest, clear, and bright,
That you will be there, and so dwell in his sight?
Oh, say, can you see over Jordan's dark wave,
The land of the free, and the home of the saved? Oh! yes; I can say through his mercy and love,
I am sav'd by his grace, and am born from above;
I feel his bright presence, while traveling on,
And soon I shall reach that most glorious home.
Oh! yes; I can see over Jordan's dark wave,
The land of the free, and the home of the saved. Oh, the ecstacies there—the glory and praise,
That the saved shall enjoy, throughout endless days,
For when once we have reached that glorified shore,
We'll see Jesus forever, and go out no more.
By faith we can see over Jordan's dark wave,
The land of the free, and the home of the saved. Then, brethren, come on, and our journey pursue,
The Saviour has promised to bring us safe through;
The victory's ours, and with Christ on our side
We shall soon reach the home where the ransomed reside;
Even now we can see over Jordan's dark wave,
The land of the free, and the home of the saved. Oh! come then, poor sinner, receive the glad word,
Repent, and believe on your crucified Lord,
Have part in this matter,—Oh! taste his sweet love,
And travel with us to the city above,
To the land we can see over Jordan's dark wave,
The land of the free, and the home of the saved. —J. Archer, in Advent Herald. ADDITIONAL TESTIMONY.
By M. W. HOWARD.
In reading a child's book, written by a minister, I found the following. I was glad to find the fact handed down by his authority, yet sorry that he could not see that it was a fulfillment of prophecy, and set it forth as such: “Many years ago, when I was a small boy, a most wonderful event was seen, which no one could explain. On the morning of the 13th of November, 1833, it seemed as if the stars of heaven were shooting from their places, and many of them falling upon the earth. “Looking up at a place in the south, and nearly overhead, it seemed that the stars in that part of the heavens were suddenly shooting away from each other, so that the clear sky seemed marked with many lines of light. They moved so rapidly that they seemed to leave a line of light behind them, just as is often seen when what we call a shooting star is seen. But they were in great numbers then. One person said that for two hours—from four to six in the morning—more than a thousand a minute might have been counted. They seemed as thick as snow-flakes in a snow-storm. It was a most sublime, brilliant spectacle. “Many persons were greatly alarmed, thinking the day of Judgment had come; and that it was the time foretold in the Bible, when the stars should fall to the earth. I remember my father tried to quiet our fears, by pointing to the larger stars, and the planets, showing us that they still kept their places, and so long as this was the case we need not fear. I remember, too, that in my boyish fancy I thought I saw one fall in the yard near our house, and that I spent a long time in trying to find it.” I said I was glad of this added testimony, even though he attempted to explain it by saying that it is supposed by many that a vast, dark substance is floating in the region above our atmosphere; and in some way this substance became disturbed, and so came rushing through our atmosphere, reflecting the light of our sun, as does the moon. But in that case is it less the fulfillment of prophecy? And on the same principle, the “Bolide at Warsaw” is not less one of the signs in the heavens, of which our Saviour speaks. ‘For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.’ Christ is the end of the law to one class, believers; of course he is not the end of the law to the opposite class, unbelievers. If end means object or design, we can understand it. The object or design of the law was “righteousness,” or right doing, and if it had not been transgressed it would have developed a righteous character and given life. It was “ordained to life,” but by transgression it was “made death” to us. Since we have sinned, future obedience of the law cannot attain this object or end, namely, righteousness, for it cannot take away our past sins. But Christ offers us pardon for the past, and strength to obey in the future, and thus the original design of the law, righteousness and life, is attained through him. This is a good end, accomplished for the believer only. But if end means abolition, the believer may commit murder, or break any one of the commandments, for to him they are abolished. But woe to the unbeliever, if he does the same thing. Christ is not the end (abolition) of the law to him. The penalty still hangs over his head, unless he abolish the law by believing. Reader, which class would you choose to dwell among? believers or unbelievers? If both classes do their duty according to this law-abolishing creed, the unbelievers are altogether the better men. E. F. C. Corruption in New York City
Corruption in New York City.—Mr. Beecher, in a sermon delivered last Sunday evening, spoke very plainly of the wickedness of New York, as seen in the corruption of her judges and magistrates, and in the prevalence and toleration of gambling, fraud, lewdness, &c. The city, he said, had nearly as many churches as dens of infamy; yet the pulpits of that city allowed all kinds of corruption to grow within its borders, until it is second only to Sodom and Gomorrah. Business men, who stand high in the church, set examples before their clerks that ought to make every honest man abhor them from the bottom of his heart. Ministers are supposed to be the mouthpieces of God; yet they grow fat in the service of the Devil by keeping silent when they should lift up their voices and expose the wickedness of corrupt men in high places. Justice is bought and sold, or knocked down to the highest bidder. The very word “judge” stinks; and, could some of these ministers of so-called justice be placed under parental rule once more, to have the scenes of their childhood renewed, it would be a blessing to them and to their country. Were all the villainies of men in high places brought to light, they would include all the crimes known to Sing Sing and Auburn. The people must rise up and shew the abhorrence of these wicked men. Until the church and its members do this we are at the mercy of swindlers and thieves.—Independent, Nov. 19, 1868.