p. 40 | Review and Herald, Vol. 35, No. 5. (1/25/1870)

Earlier text: The Order of Events in the Judgment

The Triumphing of the Wicked Is Short

By Amelia A. Stebbins

From Sr. Stebbins.

“LORD, how long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked triumph? How LONG shall they utter and speak hard things? and all the workers of iniquity boast themselves?” Ps. 94: 3, 4. These words have been the meditation of my heart for a time in the past in consequence of the deep trial which we, as a people, are passing through. But I look in the word of God, knowing that therein are found words of comfort and consolation to the desponding; and I cast my eye upon these words, which seem to impart new hope and courage to my mind. The triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment. Job 20: 5.

We know, according to the word of God, that the triumphing of the wicked is short. We meet the evidences daily. We see the Scripture fulfilling before our eyes. Yes, truly, we are living in perilous times—a time when Satan, the adversary, is going about, seeking whom he may devour; and, if it were possible, deceiving the very elect. He is very angry, knowing that his time is short. When he is defeated in one place, he will rush to another post. He rejoices if he succeeds in destroying one soul. But when trials and afflictions come, we have One upon whom we can lean. His help is sure. He will stand by us if we will but trust in him. Our Saviour did not leave his disciples without first imparting words of comfort to them. And we, down here in the end of time, can lift up our heads and rejoice, knowing that our redemption draweth nigh. Soon, if faithful, we shall receive the promised reward. Yes, soon, very soon, we shall drink of the ‘fountain of life,’ behold the ‘Lamb’ that was slain for us, and remain with him forever, even forever and ever; free from the toils and afflictions to which we are subject in this life; free from the temptation of the great adversary, with which we now have to contend. Is not this enough to inspire new hope and courage within us? We expect to pass through trials deep, and afflictions sore, before the close of time. We expect it; we are looking for it. If I am permitted to remain, I expect to behold it. But oh! shall I be able to stand? We feel that even now we are passing through severe trials, and indeed we are; but it is nothing in comparison to what is before us. A feeling of sadness, and deep mourning, has come over us. The Lord keep us, that we may profit by our afflictions, and come out as gold tried by the fire. Oh! that we may ever be enabled to walk honestly before the Lord, that if we are persecuted, it may be for righteousness’ sake. The Lord will have a pure people fitted up for his coming and kingdom.

I feel truly that we are living in the sifting time. Oh, solemn thought! I fear and tremble lest I, too, may be sifted out. I feel to plead with the Lord more earnestly for more grace, strength, and courage, that I may be able to stand, and have a shield and shelter in the day of his great wrath upon the ungodly. The language of my heart to-day is, ‘Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.’ Ps. 51: 10. I want to be cleansed and purified, my garments made white in the blood of the Lamb. And while I pray to be purified, I would not forget to ask for strength sufficient to endure the purifying process. I want to be at peace with my Lord when the solemn decree shall go forth: ‘He that is holy, let him be holy still; and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still.’ I feel that that time is very near at hand, much nearer than we realize. Dear brethren and sisters, let us take new courage, and begin now to serve the Lord with all our heart, might, mind, and strength. ‘Our help is in the name of the Lord who made heaven and earth.’ Ps. 124: 8. Truly, it will be but few that will be saved. The Lord help me, that I may be one of the few that shall overcome, and go through to the end.

Your unworthy sister, striving to enter through the gates of the New Jerusalem and partake of the ‘tree of life.’

AMELIA A. STEBBINS. Potter Co., Pa.

S. O. JAMES

By S. O. James

From Bro. James.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: Allow me to say a few words through our good paper by way of encouragement. I often think of the lonely ones that are scattered abroad and wish that I could sometimes take them by the hand and speak a few words of encouragement to cheer them on their way. How discouraged and downhearted we get sometimes when sore trials press upon us, and how apt to forget that we might have Jesus for a friend and comforter.

How willing he is to soothe our troubled feelings if we only lean upon his loving arm. Oh! let us prepare to meet our dear Saviour. Let us often ask ourselves, Am I prepared to meet him with joy? Oh! the unspeakable bliss that meeting will afford to the overcomer. Blessed reality! to lay down the cross and take up the crown. Dear brethren and sisters, let us strive together for that happy inheritance, and not lose sight of “the blessed hope.”

S. O. JAMES

Warren Co., Iowa.

C. A. SANFORD

By C. A. Sanford

From C. A. Sanford.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I am trying to overcome my besetments and get ready for the coming of my blessed Saviour. I am trying to take hold of this work in earnest. I want to make sure work for eternal life. I realize that I am a poor, sinful creature; prone to wander from God, unless guided by the Holy Spirit continually. I have done many things that were wrong, but I believe I have sincerely repented of all my wrong doings, and I feel that God has forgiven me. I humbly ask all whom I have in any way wronged or grieved, to forgive me as they hope to be forgiven. I am determined by the grace of God to try to overcome and go through to the kingdom.

Cannot some of our preachers make it convenient to come and give a course of lectures in this place? I believe good might be done here.

C. A. SANFORD

Will Co., Ill.

Watch and Pray in the Last Days

By Samuel W. Pack

From Bro. Pack.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I feel it as much a duty to speak through the REVIEW as to speak in meeting. I am deeply impressed with the truth of the near coming of Christ. I think the time is very short and we have no time to lose in making our calling and election sure. We are near the sealing time, and it is a very solemn time; for the seven last plagues will follow, and then our destiny is forever fixed. We have then no mediator between God and us. How necessary then for us to be every day prepared. Let Christ’s words ring in our ears, “What I say unto you, I say unto all, Watch.” “Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation.” Let us also remember that the last days are to be perilous days. While the wicked are drinking of the cup of unmingled wrath of God, the saints are drinking of the cup of suffering that our Saviour drank, and are being baptized with his baptism. But if we suffer with him we shall also reign with him. Oh! what consolation is in these words. Let us pray for each other that when the storm of wrath descends, and the floods of persecution arise, we may stand steadfast.

Yours in hope of eternal life, SAMUEL W. PACK.

Holding On in the Good Cause

By WM. E. PRICE.

From Bro. Price.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I take my pen in hand to tell you that I am not discouraged in the good cause of the Lord. I feel like holding on in the service of my God. Though my lot is that of the lonely ones, yet I feel that I am not alone, that God is ever near me and has not forsaken me. And while I am trying to do his commandments, he gives me strength to walk in the way that pleases him. God be praised for his goodness to poor me! When I was wandering away from him, trampling his mercies beneath my feet, he called to me by his ministers and told me what to do that I might please him. I do feel truly grateful to God that my ears ever heard the sound of the third angel's message, and that my heart was soft enough to try to obey. I do feel like doubling my diligence in serving my God; for he has been very good and kind to me in reproving me of my wrongs. When I have wandered from the way or done that which was not pleasing to him and my brethren, and made confession from the heart, he has ever been ready to strengthen me and give me of his Holy Spirit. It is eleven years last July since Bro. Cornell was at Decatur City, Iowa, where I heard the precious truth. The truth is indeed precious to God's humble people; and as the light is increasing on the truth, God grant that his people may see it and have strength to live it out.

Yours in hope, WM. E. PRICE.

The Closet and Piety

The closet is a nursery for piety; and wherever there is a declension in its duties, there will be a declension of religion in the heart.

Encouragement from Camp-Meeting Blessings

By Lydia Jane Shaw

From Sr. Shaw.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I feel it a privilege as well as a duty to speak to you through the REVIEW; to acknowledge the benefit I have received in attending the camp-meeting, and other privileges I have enjoyed. I have been encouraged and strengthened, and have experienced in some degree the love of God in my heart, and have realized his blessings, and feel that I do in a measure realize the time in which we live, and what we must be to receive eternal life. I have a desire and a determination to follow on to know the Lord, whom to know aright is life; for he is the way, the truth, and the life. Never did the truth look so precious to me as now; and I hope to be sanctified through it, that I may be found a perfect overcomer. But I often fear; for I feel and realize how frail is human nature, how deceitful and desperately wicked the heart is, so prone to do evil, that I often say in my heart, Lord, who shall be saved? who shall escape the unmixed wrath of God which is soon to be poured out upon a guilty world, and stand acquitted before God? This is for us to decide; then let us be up and doing, forsake the world with its lust and pleasure, and choose that better part which cannot be taken away. We can secure a heavenly inheritance if we perseveringly try. Is it not worth striving for? My prayer is that I may have the Holy Spirit to guide me into all truth, protect me from every evil, and help me to overcome temptation, and bear the trials and cares of this world. I want to press forward with my heart fixed on Christ, and be found worthy of a place among the redeemed of the Lord. Yours in hope, LYDIA JANE SHAW. Wyoming Co., N. Y.

Worship.

ONE of those elements which must always enter into acceptable worship, is submission to God. He can never accept an offering at our hands while we ourselves refuse to bow before him with our own hearts. Obedience to God's revealed will is another element of true worship. That is not worship which consists in the performance of acts which God never commanded. Nor can our acts of outward obedience be the acceptable worship of God, unless our hearts rightly enter into them. The honor of God must be the highest object in view. And men cannot seek the honor of God alone unless they do truly love him. The love of God must be shed abroad in their hearts by the Holy Spirit. Then they can offer hallowed fire before the Lord. How little of pure worship is offered from our dark world! How few are guided in their worship by the truth of God! And not even all of these are deeply imbued with the sanctifying influence of the Spirit of Christ. All who enter the city of God will be the worshipers of God. But this great lesson is to be learned in this present life.

An Interesting Letter.

By Editor

The readers of the Review will be interested in the letter from Switzerland, published this week. The spirit of fervent piety, and sincere love of the truth, manifested in this letter, indicate that the third angel's message has taken deep hold of their hearts. One of the most interesting points in the matter is the fact that this letter was translated from the French by Bro. Ertzenberger, who could not speak a sentence in English on his arrival here last June. We have abundant reasons to thank God in the behalf of the church in Switzerland, for we cannot fail to see his hand in this movement. The “Swiss Mission” has become an important part of our work, and we expect to see it cheerfully sustained by those who have the interest of this cause in their hearts.

The Atonement

By Editor

The excellent work of Bro. Waggoner entitled The Atonement, is worthy of the most extensive circulation. It is a work of deep reasoning, and of clear convincing argument. Though the subject is one that requires thought and attention on the part of the reader, it is so treated that every one who takes delight in the important themes of the Bible, will be greatly interested in the perusal of this work. It sheds great light on the relation between the law and the gospel; and it explains with clearness the principles upon which forgiveness is extended to penitent sinners. We would be glad to place this book in the hands of every candid, thoughtful, no-sabbath man in our country. We do not see how any such person can arise from its perusal with other than a deep conviction that the moral law, i. e., the code contained in the ark beneath the mercy-seat, was shown by the death of Christ to be immutable in its nature, and universal in its obligation. We earnestly recommend to our friends that they make a general effort to place this work in the hands of all that class of no-law people who are really candid, and who are withal persons of studious disposition. Send us lists of the names of such persons, with the post office address of each, and 20 cents for every name, and we will send the work post-paid to all the names thus sent. Will not our friends take an interest in this matter?

“Our Faith and Hope”

By James White

Is deferred this week in consequence of a severe cold, and press of matters in general. In its place is given this week some off-hand remarks reported by Bro. Waggoner. I knew nothing of the reporting until the written report was handed me the following day. Thanks to the reporter for gathering up these crumbs. JAMES WHITE.

Lawrence Reports Progress in Kansas

Bro. Lawrence writes from Palermo, Kansas, under the date of Dec. 28, as follows: “I have given eight discourses here. There is a good interest on the part of some, and a strong prejudice on the part of others. The interest has increased from the commencement, and prejudice is giving way. I have had no books to offer until this evening.” Also under date of Jan. 4, he says: “A few have decided to keep the Sabbath, and others are convinced. The work moves slowly in Missouri and Kansas. The people are slow to act. I am doing the best I can. My prayer is, that the will of the Lord may be done, and that his blessing may attend the word. Pray for me.”

Appointments.

And as ye go, preach, saying, “The kingdom of Heaven is at hand.”

The next Quarterly Meeting of the Seventh-day Adventists of Greenbush, Mich., will be held at the usual place of meeting, at the house of Bro. David Sevy, Sabbath and first-day, Feb. 5 and 6.

Feb. 4, we purpose to devote to fasting and prayer; that the Lord may revive his work in our hearts, as individuals, and as a church, that we may be prepared to withstand the perils of the last days. Let all who know their names to be on the church book, be present, or report. This church is determined to rise. All are invited. Will Bro. King and Olmstead be present, or some other preacher? O. B. SEVY, Church Clerk.

The next Monthly Meeting for Western New York, will be held at Lancaster, the second Sabbath in February. W. H. EGGLESTON, Clerk.

The Abolition of the Papal Government in 1798.

THIS was not the work of Napoleon Bonaparte, as sometimes represented. It was effected by General Berthier, acting in the name of the French Republic. France was at that time under the control of what was called “the Directory,” a body of five men, of whom Bonaparte was not one. The Directory was overthrown by him, Nov. 9 (18th Brumaire), 1799.

Here is what the Encyclopædia Americana says of the capture of Rome, and the overthrow of the papal government, by Berthier:

“In January, 1798, he received the chief command of the army of Italy, and was ordered by the Directory to march against the dominions of the pope. In the beginning of February, he made his entrance into Rome, abolished the papal government, and established a consular one.” Vol. 2, p. 81, article, Berthier.

Correspondents, please remember that it was Berthier, and not Bonaparte, who did this work; and that Berthier was not the general of Bonaparte at that time.

Patient Continuance in Well-doing.

THIS one sentence reveals the secret of the overcomer's success. Steady, constant, persistent effort in right-doing is sure to win. The acts we are able to perform may be humble; but if every one of them is right in the sight of God, they will tell wonderfully upon the final result. In fact, simple adherence to this one grand idea, “Patient continuance in well-doing,” will certainly secure to us a place with Christ upon his throne. When we can do an important work for the cause of God, let us be sure to do it at any sacrifice to ourselves. But let us never stand idle, waiting for such a kind of work as seems to us one of magnitude and importance. If we cannot do some great thing for the Lord, we can always find something of smaller consequence. Because the only act that we can perform is a very humble, lowly deed, so small that it seems of comparatively little importance, let us never stand idle, waiting for work of greater consequence. Little do we know the results that may flow from our acts of obedience to God. Nor is this our business. “Go work in my vineyard,” is the mandate of the great Master. The providence of God indicates our work. Our own nature would crave some great thing to do. But cheerful, active obedience to the humblest duties of the religion of Christ may be in the sight of God the most acceptable work that we can perform. Certain it is that when self-advancement and self-dignity are out of the account, and the honor of God and the well-being of men are sought by us, and that with singleness of heart, our acts are always acceptable unto God. Let us be active in the vineyard of the Lord. Our time is passing with great velocity. Soon it will be gone forever. Let us not waste an hour waiting for some great thing to do for the honor of God. The secret of all such conduct is the honor of self. If Providence calls us to small and humble acts, and calls others to things of great consequence and importance, what is that to us? Our business is to do the work assigned us by the Lord. Those whose lives are filled up with patient continuance in well-doing, shall certainly have it said to them at the last day, “Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”

The Commission to the Twelve

Question.

WHAT do you understand by, “Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel till the Son of Man be come”? Matt. 10: 23. Was not the commission given in the first part of the chapter, after the resurrection of our Lord? Had they power to cast out devils, to heal the sick, and to raise the dead, before his resurrection? P. W. B.

1. In Luke 10: 1, we learn that our Lord sent out the seventy, two and two, into every city where he designed to come. From this we infer that the twelve were sent out in like manner, and that they would not complete their mission till he should overtake and join them in their labors.

2. Our Lord had not been crucified when he sent out the twelve; for in his conversation with them in Luke 22: 35, which was just prior to his crucifixion, he asks them if they lacked anything when he sent them out without purse and scrip. This was at the expiration of the first commission, for he there revokes it.

3. That they had power to heal all manner of diseases is evident from the commission itself as given in the first verse of the tenth chapter of Matthew; also from Luke 10: 17, which states the fact that even the devils were subject to them through the name of Christ.

Business Department.

Not Slothful in Business. Rom. xii, 11.

RECEIPTS.

For Review and Herald.

Annexed to each receipt in the following list, is the Volume and Number of the REVIEW & HERALD to which the money received pays,—which should correspond with the Numbers on the Papers. If money for the paper is not in due time acknowledged, immediate notice of the omission should then be given.

$1.00 each. Mrs Mary West 37-1, H S Lee 36-1, John Harron 37-1, H Goodrich 37-1, J A Ives 37-1, L Veits 37-1, Sarah Boynton 37-1, Martha M Hissen 37-1, D J Burroughs 36-1, Mrs Isaac Priestley 37-1, Susan F Wells 37-1, Mrs M Chapman 36-1, Ikena Ballou 37-1, O S Siet 37-5, Eld Porter Case 37-1, R O Ashley 32-1, H E Beebe 35-16, O A Heath 36-2, B C Newell 37-1, L G Whitford 37-1, M W Speere 36-1, O M Nichols 35-1, S N Mead 36-1, G Allen 34-1, J V Perkins 37-1, W J Hardy 36-1.

$2.00 each. Wm James 37-1, H M Zenar 36-1, A Nellia 37-1, Peter Mott 37-4, H H Bramhall 37-1, C A Washburn 36-23, A Wilbur (two copies) 36-9, S Hastings 36-12, E A Woodruff 37-1, J Curry 36-9, J Stanhope 37-1, L Harr 37-1, A S Osborn 37-1, A Remley 37-1, O R McKume 37-1, A M Pillsbury 36-1, J B T Nichols 36-19, Mary Hall 36-7.

Miscellaneous. C Smith $4.00 36-1, E Smith 2.60 35-1, J A Hoyt 50c 35-13, Mrs N Carter 50c 36-1, Harriet White 1.74 36-20, Wm Waters 6.00 37-1, Mr Day Knight 50c 35-21.

Cash Received on Account.

J W Raymond 39c, A W Smith $5.50.

Books Sent by Mail.

A A Bradford $3.00, Margaret Langdon 25c, John Hanson 65c, Wm L Jaycox 25c, J Hackett 50c, S A Phillips 25c, J Hadley 25c, H M Zenar 25c, H W Lawrence 55c, J M Green 25c, J N Valentine 1.00, W James 1.00, S Hastings 1.00, Mrs C S Mott 56c, C K Farnsworth 88c, Mrs C Eldred 22c, Mrs S McGeock 22c, L Veits 22c, Jos Edwards 22c, Mrs M Hillebrand 22c, S Hastings 2.00, Sarah E Elder 5c, Eld Lewis 25c, H L Crandall 1.12, James E McCard 4.50, J G Sterling 53c, H G Buxton 6.05, W M Elwell 25c, N V Hall 1.00, C K Barrows 25c, John Lindsay 25c, A C Warren 50c, Anna Vroman 25c, Geo Atkins 10c, Mrs M Fisher 35c, Wm Carpenter 3.25, J I Spalding 25c, J A Driver 45c, J N Robacker 45c, Wilson L Driver 45c, Mrs Kinsley 60c, J B T Nichols 8c, J N Loughborough 6.90, W D Williams 25c, F C Castle 22c, H H Hilliard 44c, H F Phelps 50c, M W Steere 25c, G W Strickland 25c, A DeCray 3.25, J Carter 27c, Miss E Phillips 25c, A A Hutchins 50c, J W Raymond 3.50, A W Smith 2.50, H C Wilkinson 25c, J Du Bois 50c, Mrs A M Beniman 50c, Mrs B Wright 75c, E F Hutter 1.12, H F Phelps 50c, M A Berry 75c, Geo Shyrock 25c, M J Bartholf 40c, W W Wilson 25c, G Castle 78c, A E Stutzman 60c, A Frost 10c, O W Comings 2.24, Harriet White 86c, Mrs H W Kellogg 1.12.

Owosso Camp-meeting Expenses.

Ira Andrews $5.00.

Received on Book and Tract Fund.

Electa Richmond $2.50, M J Chapman 3.00, Susan E Tuttle 3.00, O W Comings and wife 7.00.

Foreign Missionary Fund.

Joseph Clarke $5.00, S Vincent 5.00, Mrs S Vincent 5.00.

Michigan Conference Fund.

Church at Gaines $34.00, Jackson $3.00.