Earlier text: ON KEEPING THE HEART. No. 11.REVELATION TWELVE.
By James White
This chapter gives a brief outline of the perils of the church through the entire christian age. In this chapter we have first presented the birth and ascension of Christ in the period of the Pagan dragon; second, the woman, or church of Christ, in the wilderness during the 1260 years of the Papal beast. This brings us within fifty-nine years of the present time. What next? The chapter closes with the prophecy of the wrath of the lamb-dragon, because the remnant keep the Commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. Here the scene closes with the last persecution to be endured by the church of Jesus Christ. Who are the remnant? To what portion of the christian age shall we look for that body of christians called [Rev. xii, 17,] the remnant? This people, and the period in which they flourish, may be definitely ascertained as follows: 1. The place which the prophecy concerning the remnant holds in the prophetic chain. The prophecy concerning the remnant, and the war made on them, has its fulfillment after the 1260 years of Papal persecution. It is the last link of the prophetic chain of Rev. xii. 2. The figurative word, remnant, must represent the latest members of the church of Jesus Christ, living just before his second coming. This figure is wisely chosen, and is forcible. The seller of dry goods, after taking garment after garment from the piece of cloth, often has a remnant left. This remnant is not only a small piece, but is the last of the web. This must represent the living church who are waiting for Christ's return from the wedding, to which he says, "Fear not little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." 3. By what they do. They keep the Commandments of God. The fact that those who are looking for the speedy second advent are turning to keep all ten of the Commandments of God, must be regarded by the careful observer and student of the Scriptures as a wonderful fulfillment of prophecy. It is said of the people of God under the Third Angel's Message, (which just precedes the coming of the Son of man,) "Here are they that keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus." We see the Commandments of God classed with the Faith of Jesus in Rev. xiv, 12, and with the Testimony of Jesus Christ in chap. xii, 19, as something distinct from either. As the Faith or Testimony of Jesus embraces the entire doctrines of the New Testament, with all its gifts and promised blessings, we are shut up to the faith that these Commandments of God are nothing more nor less than the ten unchangeable precepts spoken from Sinai, and written in the tables of stone by the finger of God. Hence the remnant who keep the Commandments of God will be found engaged in the Sabbath reform. What is it? Let the angel at whose feet John fell to worship [Rev. xxi, 10] testify: "The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." If the church had ever followed Jesus Christ instead of uniting with the world, they would have kept the Commandments of God. They would also have ever had the Testimony of Jesus Christ, or what is the same thing, the spirit of prophecy. Says Paul, "And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that, miracles, then gifts of healing, helps, governments, diversities of tongues." 1 Cor. xii, 28. Can it be shown that God has taken these out of the church? No, it cannot. The same apostle testifies, "But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man; for I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ." Gal. i, 11, 12. Paul received the gospel in open vision with Jesus Christ. Again he says, "And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of revelations there was given me a thorn in the flesh," &c. 2 Cor. xii, 7. But in the last days the work of restoring the Commandments of God, and the Testimony of Jesus Christ to the church will be seen, according to the word and promise of God. "Here are they that keep the Commandments of God," under the Third Angel's Message, will then be a fact. The dragon's war on the remnant which keep the Commandments of God and have the Testimony of Jesus Christ, will then be no longer a prophecy only, but a fact. Joel's prophecy of the last days will then be a fact also, in all its fullness. "And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: and also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my Spirit. And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and terrible day of the Lord come. And it shall come to pass that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered; for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant whom the Lord shall call." Joel ii, 28-32. Here is seen, and will soon be realized, the Testimony of Jesus Christ, to the "remnant whom the Lord shall call." This chapter gives an outline of the perils of the true church from the sixth century down to the close of the christian age. In this chapter we have first presented the Papal beast, its acts, and time of its supremacy, from 538 to 1798. Next the two-horned beast, or lamb-dragon. The acts of this beast close the scene of peril and persecution of the church. How much of the prophecy relating the two-horned beast remains to be fulfilled? It has arisen with its lamb-like horns. Its dragon voice has been heard speaking forth sentiments of oppression, the reverse of its lamb-like profession of freedom and equal rights among all men. We believe his voice is yet to be heard denying the true christian his right of conscience in the service of God. His wonders and miracles, to a great extent at least, are in the past. There remains therefore only those oppressive acts to be put forth against the people of God, for keeping the Commandments of God and having the testimony of Jesus Christ. And the dragon was wroth with the woman and went to make war with the remnant of her seed which keep the Commandments of God, and have the Testimony of Jesus Christ. Rev. xii, 17. This text mentions a cause and effect. The cause is the keeping of the Commandments of God and having the Testimony of Jesus. The effect is the wrath of the dragon, and his war on the saints. Some have reversed this order, and have placed the effect before the cause. That is, they have been looking out upon the world for some movement there to give rise to the great work of the Third Message. They have supposed that we must wait to witness the dragon's ire before we could see the Message move off with power. That persecution would cut the saints loose from the world, and lead them out to give the loud cry. What a mistake! How evident that the dragon would be quiet as long as the saints might remain lukewarm, waiting for the loud cry to come along! It is evident that the loud cry moves the wrath of the dragon, and that nothing remains to be done before the great movement of the Message shall commence, only for the present lukewarm church to be zealous, and repent; to buy gold tried in the fire, white raiment and eye-salve. And, thank the Lord, this work will not be pressed onward by human energy alone. No, no. Jesus stands at the door knocking for admission. If the Laodicean church will let him in, he will go before them to battle. Glory to his dear name! He will sup with us and we with him. Here strength will be obtained in holding communion with Christ to go forth in the last great work of salvation. Some have put the coming of the Lord far in the future, supposing that it would take several years to fulfill the prophecy of the two-horned beast, and are now drowning themselves in perdition with the cares of this life. But we have already seen that all the specifications in the prophecy of the two-horned beast are already fulfilled, or are fulfilling, except those oppressive acts to be put forth against the saints for keeping the Commandments of God, and having the Testimony of Jesus Christ. Then what comes next in God's order? Answer. The loud cry of the Message, as the cause, and the wrath and oppressive acts of the lamb-dragon as the effect. Next comes glory, honor, immortality, eternal life. Amen. But very little is revealed to us of the patriarch Enoch, if we look at the words, in which it is expressed, but a great deal if we consider the meaning which they convey. In what is recorded of him, we find a whole christian life in miniature. His godliness and translation are thus revealed: "And Enoch walked with God; and he was not; for God took him." Gen. v, 24. His faith is set before us as follows: "By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death, and was not found; because God had translated him; for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God." Heb. xi, 5. His prophecy is thus recorded by Jude: "And Enoch, also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these saying, Behold the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, to execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him." Verses 14, 15. In these brief references we find enough to practice upon. In Enoch's life we find a precedent for our own: he walked with God. In the result of his life we find a sure pledge of the result of ours, if we so walk; namely, a glorious translation: not to be taken up, and let down upon "some mountain," but to be taken to those mansions which Christ has gone to prepare for us, where the Father dwells who is "in heaven." But before Enoch's translation he had the testimony, that he pleased God. So we, who in these last days are cherishing the hope of translation, must also walk with God, and have the testimony that we please him. But how are we to obtain this testimony, (or witness: the word in other places being usually translated witness?) Ans. By faith; for the Apostle after testifying that Enoch pleased God, adds, "But without faith it is impossible to please him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." Then being "compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin (want of faith, or unbelief) that doth so easily beset us," striving like Enoch of old, to walk with God, and to obtain the testimony that our ways please him. THE "ISRAELITE" AND THE ISRAELITES.
By Editor
THE Israelite is the name of a paper published at Cincinnati, Ohio, by the descendants of Jacob, edited by Isaac M. Wise and others. Since we have been brought to acknowledge the claims of God's holy covenant, our minds have been especially turned to the position occupied by this people, and the reasons why they occupy it. Their national prejudices and opposition to the truths of Christianity are necessarily strengthened by two classes of professed christian teachers; viz., those who teach that the Saviour made void the law of God, or changed his immutable precepts; and those who subvert the faith and teach Judaism for Christianity. It is by no means surprising to us to see the Israelite take exceptions to our objections to the Age to Come, as our objections strike at the very root of this species of Judaism. Under the head of "Absurdities," the Israelite says:— "The Advent Review advocates the doctrine that the Israelites, having violated the covenant of the Lord, lost their claim to the land of their fathers, this being given to them on condition of observing the covenant. This is not said in any one biblical passage; on the contrary, Moses and the prophets predicted in distinct terms that the seed of Israel would inherit again the land of their fathers in some future day. We refer the Editor to the following passages: Lev. xxvi, 41, 46; there he must not forget to read especially the words: The covenant of the first, when I brought them out of the land of Egypt, &c. Next Deut. xxx, 1–10; xxxii, 39, 43, and many other passages in the prophets; but the above being so clear on the subject, no further quotations are necessary." We know not how much of the commonly received English version of the scriptures the Editor of the Israelite receives as biblical; but on the testimony of "Moses and the prophets" we are willing to rest our cause, and if he has presented any Bible argument against our views we fail to see it. By reading the first quotation, [Lev. xxvi.,] commencing at verse 40, we find that this is also a conditional promise—"If they shall confess their iniquity"—"if then their uncircumcised hearts be humbled," &c. Also in Deut. xxx, the 10th verse states the condition on which the promises of verses 1–9 would be fulfilled. But if there was no condition stated in these passages, the position of the Israelite would still be untenable on the authority of the passage to which he calls especial attention; viz., Lev. xxvi, 45, in which the Lord says he will "remember the covenant of their ancestors whom I brought forth out of the land of Egypt." This covenant was made at Horeb, and was conditional as recorded in Ex. xix. The Lord said to them, "If ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people, for all the earth is mine; and ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests and an holy nation." Verses 5, 6. The people covenanted to obey his voice. Verse 8. Yet within forty days they broke their covenant, and worshiped a golden calf. Ex. xxxii. Before the death of Moses he testified that while he lived with them they were stiffnecked and rebellious against the Lord, and would be much more so after his death. Deut. xxxi, 27. The prophets speak in the same terms, and the time would fail us to point out the instances. Isaiah said of them, that the Lord had nourished children, and they rebelled against him. Chap. i, 2. In chap. v, they are compared to a well-attended vineyard that brought forth wild grapes; and the Lord said he would break down the wall, and cause it to be trodden down, and command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it. Again he said by Jeremiah, "Because they have forsaken my law which I set before them, and have not obeyed my voice, . . . I will scatter them among the heathen, whom neither they nor their fathers have known; and I will send a sword after them till I have consumed them." Jer. ix, 13, 16. And the promise of the New Covenant also declares that the covenant made with their fathers was broken by them. Chap. xxxi, 31–33. In view of such declarations as these from "Moses and the prophets," we are at a loss to see how the Israelite could make such a declaration as that quoted above. The quotation from Deut. xxxii, 43, in the song of Moses, will serve him no better purpose, unless he can show that God always refers exclusively to the descendants of Jacob, in his promises of future good to his people. But the prophets stand opposed to such a view. Amos teaches that his name is named on the Gentiles, chap. ix, 12. By Hosea the Lord says; "I will have mercy upon her that had not obtained mercy, and I will say to them which were not my people, Thou art my people, and they shall say, Thou art my God." Chap. ii, 23. And to this agree the words of Isaiah: "Mine house shall be called a house of prayer for all people. The Lord God which gathereth the outcasts of Israel saith, Yet will I gather others to him beside those that are gathered unto him," Chap. lvi, 7, 8. And again; "For the Lord God shall slay thee (the rebellious people) and call his servants by another name." Chap. lxv, 15. See also verses 1, 2. We would say to the Editor of the Israelite that we have unbounded confidence in the writings of Moses and the prophets, and are happy to meet him on that ground. Yet our happiness would be increased could we come to an understanding on those points wherein we now differ. We believe alike the promises and the facts in the word of God. To appreciate our position in regard to the future of Israel, it is necessary to understand the terms and conditions of the new covenant, spoken of in Jer. xxxi, 31, as well as of the old covenant in Ex. xix. And to understand these it is necessary to recognize the difference in the ministration of the two covenants; and to lead directly to the consideration of these points we would respectfully request the Editor of the Israelite, to answer the following questions:- Who was that Prophet refered to by Moses in Deut. xviii, 15?
- To whom does Isaiah refer in chap. liii, who poured out his soul unto death, whose soul was also made an offering for sin?
- Who was that spoken of by Daniel the Prophet who should confirm the covenant, and he cut off but not for himself? Dan. ix, 26, 27.
- What was the design of the sacrifices and offerings in the Levitical or Mosaic law?
J. H. W. ARE WE IN LAODICEA?
By R. F. Cottrell
If there is sufficient evidence to prove that the seven churches in Asia, are used symbolically to represent seven states of the church during the gospel dispensation, there can be no doubt, I think, in the minds of believers in the Third Message, that we are in the seventh and last state—the Laodicean. The only question in regard to the matter, seems to be, are the churches used symbolically? If they are, it is high time to look for the seventh in the fulfillment. But if this view is incorrect, and this portion of the book of Revelation is not prophetic, still I cannot deny that the church professing faith in the Third Message, are in the very condition described in this portion of Scripture. And yet our mouths need not be stopped, in the advocacy of the truth, as some suggest, but while we acknowledge the mortifying truth as it is, we can say to all, in the language of inspiration, if the righteous scarcely be saved, where will the ungodly and the sinner appear? If this is the state of those whom God acknowledges as his people, because they are trying to keep his commandments, what will become of those whom his word and providence has designated as fallen Babylon? All will do well to remember, that while God rebukes and chastens his own people whom he loves, he calls upon all that have ears, to hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches. All who hope for salvation have an interest in it. We have nothing to boast of, though God has enriched us with the present truth. We have no occasion to say that we are rich and increased in goods, and have need of nothing; but in view of our lack of zeal corresponding to the solemn and awful truths we profess, and our destitution of the gifts and graces of the Spirit, it becomes us to humble ourselves before God, confess our lukewarmness, and begin anew to be zealous in the cause of truth. It will do us no harm to crucify the old man by confessing the truth in regard to our present condition. And when he is so dead that no living remnant of pride lingers about us, it will not be a hard thing to acknowledge that we are poor, and miserable, and wretched, and blind, and naked. This, it seems to me, is our true condition, and will be till we feel it, and get in a place where God can bestow upon us the gifts of the Spirit, and grants that signs and wonders may again be done in the name of Jesus. Those who were early in the message can witness that the Lord has, in these last days, stretched out his hand to heal; and greater and more glorious things are for the faithful in the future. The work is the Lord's; and it will terminate gloriously. Let us be workers together with God, and, having overcome, we shall be seated with Christ in his throne. THE WEDDING GARMENT.
By R. F. C.
Since the True Witness is counseling us to buy of him white raiment that we may be clothed, have we not reason to believe, that the point in the parable of Matt. xxii, where the king is represented as coming in to see the guests, is on the very eve of its fulfillment. It needs no labored argument to prove that this parable must all have its fulfillment before the coming of the Lord. For the saints will be changed to immortality in a moment, and caught up to meet him in the air. No one will be found in that company without a wedding garment, and as a consequence, be cast out. Seeing that it must have its fulfillment here in this mortal state, some have thought that, with the Third Message, the king came in to see the guests. But an examination of this parable, and a comparison with that of Luke xiv, will show that the Third Message, which is to the highways and hedges, gathers 'bad and good' before the king comes in to see the guests. The idea that the final message which God sends to sever out his people from the world, should gather 'both bad and good,' has been somewhat perplexing. But is it not fully explained by the threatening to the Laodiceans of being cast out of the Lord's mouth unless they buy of him 'white raiment,' that they may be clothed. This is not a message to the world, but to the church—to the guests which have been gathered in by the Third Message. Who of us will be found without a wedding garment? This is a solemn inquiry. Lord, send us the anointing that we may see. The Delay of Repentance Dangerous.
There be many to-morrow Christians, that set their day with God; at such a day they will repent, and not before; as if they had the lordship of time, and the monopoly of grace; whereas time and grace are only at God's disposing. God hath promised pardon to the penitent, but he hath not promised to-morrow to the negligent. He that gives pardon to the penitent, doth not always give repentance to the sinner. If I put God off to-day, he may put me off to-morrow; if I put off this hour of grace, I may never have another gracious hour; to-day if I put by his hands of mercy, to-morrow he may stretch out his hands of justice. It is true, would I have time I may come in; but it is also true, when I would come in, I may not have time. This is certain, when I repent, I shall have mercy; but this is as certain, when I would have mercy, I may not find repentance. O Lord thou hast given me this hour of grace to repent in, give me grace in this hour to repent with.—Sel. COMMUNICATIONS.
By S. W. Rhodes
"Then they that feared the Lord spake often one toanother." BRO. SMITH: I would say to the church, I confess my wrong in keeping silent as long as I have. I have become weak by neglecting to do my duty in speaking often to the scattered saints. The pride of my heart has hindered me from using my one talent as I should. I have often purposed to speak a few words through the Review to let my brethren know of the dealings of the Lord toward me. I have shrunk on account of my poor abilities and have felt condemnation follow. It has been in my heart to obey God, and to lift up my voice like a trumpet, to cry aloud and spare not, but I have failed in all my attempts to glorify God. I have been waiting to find something to say that would be more encouraging to my brethren, and favorable to the cause of my Master. But I am satisfied it will not do for me to remain silent any longer, if I shall be compelled (by circumstances) to speak to the mortification of self and the flesh. I am sensible that I have been an unprofitable servant for years that are past. Slow to see my faults, and receive discipline, slow to confess wrongs, and too great a lack of zeal in my efforts to reform. Notwithstanding my imperfections, the Lord has graciously borne with, and wrought for me, that my inmost soul might be converted to him. I give thanks and praise to God for the sure evidences I have that he still loves and works for his unworthy servant. Though I have been too far upon the background, I have not ceased to labor in his vineyard with fasting and tears. I have not been, neither am I now, satisfied with my past feeble efforts in the cause of God. I mourn when I look at the little fruit resulting from my faint efforts to do good. I am resolved in Jesus' name to arise and put on strength and gird myself anew with the whole armor of God to fight in this glorious conflict till the battle shall be pushed to the gate. For over two years I have been slowly improving in health, and strength of spirit. I praise the Lord again for his long-suffering and patience toward me. I would here acknowledge with a grateful heart the compassion of the Lord toward me last Spring at the Battle Creek Conference in comforting and greatly encouraging my soul to hope in him to go forward in his cause and service. From that time a good work commenced among the saints in Oswego Co., and has progressed to the present, and will, no doubt, continue so long as we humbly serve God, and afflict our souls with fasting. Our progress has been slow, for we still find ourselves lukewarm, but resolved by God's grace to arise and come into the clear sunshine of the glory of the angel of the Lord. Rev. xviii, 1. I have but a few weeks since returned from a tour of ten or twelve weeks, through Northern N. Y. and Vt., and am well satisfied with good evidence that the Lord approbates the journey. The Lord signally wrought for his people in Vt. by his Spirit that accompanied the plain testimonies of his servants. The conference in Wolcott, Eden, and Johnson continued five days under the influence of the peaceable Spirit of Christ. All hearts were touched by the Spirit and much broken. "The accuser of our brethren" found no place in our midst. All appeared to be anxious to know and confess their individual faults, that their sins might go to judgment beforehand, and not appear against us when Christ shall cease to be an Intercessor. My heart was made to rejoice in seeing and hearing from those way-worn pilgrims whom I had not seen for several years. I trust I shall not soon forget the great things the Lord did for us during the meeting. All manifested a willingness and strong desire to follow the Third Angel and to suffer with the people of God. The meetings in Northern N. Y. on our return (Bro. Sperry and self) were crowned with good results. The Lord gave us many broken hearted seasons while praying and confessing, and resolving to buy gold, &c. All (one excepted) were anxious still to travel on toward the Holy Land. Evidently the Lord is stirring his people to seek meekness and righteousness, that they may be hid in the day of his fierce anger. May the Lord save us from again settling upon our lees. I have scarcely heard a dissenting voice to the testimony which shows the Laodicean Sabbath keepers to be in a lukewarm state. The burden of my soul to the church is, be zealous and repent, (reform). I am sure that if we would receive the rich treasure offered to the Laodiceans [Rev. iii, 18,] we must reform in our works which alone can make our faith acceptable to God. Evidently, our former prayers, sacrifices, labors, and manner of life, &c, have not been pleasing to God, else we should not have become lukewarm and our salvation so greatly endangered. I would join with all my brethren and sisters in praying more and more ardently than we have, and in doubling our sacrifices to God, in fasting often in labors more abundant, in observing the Sabbath more holy and keeping all the commandments more strictly, and in reproving, rebuking and exhorting one another, and so much the more as we see the day approaching. May love, and peace, and joy, be multiplied to all the saints that are in Christ Jesus. The Laodicean Testimony and Consecration
By George W. Holt
Bro. Smith: I rejoice to learn by the correspondence of the Review that our brethren generally receive the testimony to the Laodiceans, as a true and striking application of the present condition of the church. It is also heart-cheering to hear from different parts of the field, that the work of repentance and consecration to God is going on among the remnant. Our greatest fear has been that the hurt would be too slightly healed, and the door would not be opened sufficient for the Lord Jesus to come in. We still fear that some will not realize their wretched and miserable condition. Some have drunk so deep into the spirit of the world, it will take at least fasting and prayer, with much zeal and repentance to deliver them from that spirit which twines around their heart and binds them so fast to this world. Our prayer is that every cord may be cut that binds to earth, and a cheerful sacrifice of all they possess be smoking on the altar. I think some who have professedly laid all on the altar, have been watching it, not to keep the fowls away, but to prevent the fires from consuming it; and the pile is much larger now than it was when first laid there. Brethren, are you not afraid the altar will crush beneath its burden? If it should, you would not have sufficient time to remove the stuff and rebuild the altar. O let it go to carry the last message of mercy to perishing souls. Dear brethren, the light on the fulfillment of prophecy applying to the present condition of the church, which will give a new impetus to the work, and prepare the way for the loud cry of the third message, has come. Are we ready to participate in the work? Let us be in earnest in this matter. The prophetic pencil has marked the way of the remnant so plain that no one need mistake their duty nor miss their road. How clear the light that shines on the church of God now. It is similar to the cloud by day, and the pillar of fire by night, which went before the children of Israel in the wilderness. Brethren, the trumpet is giving a certain sound. The cloud is risen up from off the tabernacle, as a signal for removing, and to take our journey from this enchanted ground. Be zealous and repent. Repentance Among Vermont Saints
By E. L. Barr
BRO. SMITH: One year has elapsed since I last mingled in the society of the afflicted people of God scattered among the mountains and valleys of Vermont. The changes of the past year have made this world more dark and dreary and caused me to sigh for and desire more ardently the better land. Here I find many vacant places caused by the dear saints' removing to the far West to scatter light and truth, or to be overcharged with the cares of this life and so that day come upon them unawares. Others have been laid away in the silent grave, free from the cares and sorrows of earth. God is infinitely good to the remnant that remain. The message to the Laodiceans has deeply affected the hearts of many of the saints who are zealously repenting of their past lukewarm life, and are striving for the eye-salve, the tried gold and white raiment. God has graciously blessed their efforts and has wrought for the salvation of the children. Sabbath, Dec. 13th, we met with the saints at Johnson, Vt., who assembled there for the worship of the living God, and enjoyed one of the most deep, heart-searching, fault-confessing seasons that we ever witnessed. To God be all the praise for that truth that has power to affect the hearts of the lukewarm and cause them to arise and work while the day lasts. The petition, "Spare thy people, O Lord, and give not thy heritage to reproach," has been heard by the Lord of the harvest and is now being answered. It is evident that those that profess the present truth and are not awakened and aroused now, never will be until it is too late. Many have said, "I do not know what to do;" but the true light has now come, "Be zealous and repent." This testimony of the true and faithful Witness is preparing the way for the final triumph of the last message of mercy to poor fallen man. Lord speed the work till thy servants are sealed, is my prayer. E. L. BARR. HELEN C. LEWIS
By Helen C. Lewis
BRO. SMITH: "It is now about five years since, by reading a small tract on the Sabbath, which I found stowed away in a cupboard of a nominal Christian, I was then working for, which convinced me that if I would do every known duty and avoid the mark of the beast, I must keep the Sabbath. I was in great distress of mind for about a week. Parents, brothers, cousins, and other relatives, to say nothing of the world, to oppose me; young, timid and inexperienced, how could I stand so much opposition. I at last thought I would avoid breaking the next Sabbath by going to see a family about a mile and a half distant. I had heard that the woman of the house kept the seventh day, and that her husband did not. I thought that I should hear both sides of the subject, and if the man could have shown me any thing in the Bible that favored Sunday, I should have caught at it as drowning men would catch at a straw. But I found they were both in favor of the seventh-day Sabbath; and I made up my mind that if there was only one any where near that kept the Sabbath, I would also keep it, and I have been trying to do so ever since. The Bible has become a new book to me. I would say to the brethren and sisters, Take courage.79 Your presence even may encourage some halting one to do their duty; and I can testify that stronger are they that are for us than they that are against us. I have borrowed much trouble from the future, been too cold, lukewarm, and too much like the world. But I do not mean to be so distrustful of Providence, but to live in such a way that I can claim the protection of Heaven. BEGONE vain world, from me begone;
Let my religious hours alone;
I have no pleasure in your toys,
I never found your promised joys,
Your honors I'll no more pursue,
A better world I have in view;
Your riches are no more to me
Than bubbles rising on the sea. Oh! had I wings how would I fly,
I'd soar above earth's vanity,
I'd leave this world with all its cares,
Which takes me often in its snares;
Sometimes by faith I soar aloft,
And view this world as nothing worth:
But oh! again ere I'm aware,
I am surrounded with its care. Arise, my soul, be not cast down,
The name of Jesus, that sweet sound,
That precious name doth me revive,
I shall yet praise him, I believe.
Rejoice not over me, my foe,
For I shall rise again, I know;
Methinks I hear my Saviour say,
Strength shall be equal to your day. It is enough: why should I fear,
Or doubt my dear Redeemer's care?
Though I am weak and much despised,
His ears are open to my cries:
He is my Rock, my fortress he,
My comfort in distress he'll be,
My refuge and my righteousness,
My safeguard through this wilderness. The Testimony to the Laodiceans
By A. J. Richmond
TO THE BRETHREN AND SISTERS SCATTERED ABROAD: I feel to thank the Lord that he has a care for his people, notwithstanding they have wandered far from him. I have felt for a long time that the church was not right in the sight of God. Although they have the truth on most points, there seems to be something lacking. The Commandments of God are kept, but the Faith of Jesus has not been observed. Many have been drinking into the spirit of the world almost unawares. While they profess to believe that Jesus is soon coming, in works they deny it. They seem more anxious about their worldly possessions, than they do to lay up a treasure in heaven. It has seemed to me that the church wanted something to cut them loose from the world, and the things of the world. Some special message that should show them their danger, and give them a spirit of sacrifice. Thank the Lord, it has come. The testimony to the Laodiceans certainly is present truth. It describes the present state of the church correctly. Who among us have not felt to say (after having received the present light on the Scriptures and the Third Angel's Message) that we were rich and increased with goods and had need of nothing, and knew not that we were wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked? Brethren, ought we not to be very thankful that the Lord has not left us in this sad condition, but has shown us how we may buy gold, and white raiment, and eye-salve, that we may be rich, and clothed, and may see. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. How many will give heed to this testimony, and be "zealous and repent," time alone will determine. One thing is certain: we have arrived at a point where we have got to decide. It will avail us nothing to make great professions, talk long and loud in favor of present truth, and still join hands with the world, and take part in elections, (as some have,) and be one among them. When we see those who have professed for years to believe the truth living in this way, is it any wonder that the Lord should spue them out of his mouth unless they shall be "zealous and repent?" If the Lord be God, serve him; if Baal, then serve him. Let us remember that this testimony comes from that Prophet, [Deut. xviii, 18, 19,] whom if we will not hear we shall be destroyed from among the people. Time hastens on. Probation is almost ended. Let us therefore while mercy yet lingers, heed the voice of the faithful and true Witness, open and let Jesus into our hearts, that we may sup with him and he with us. Brethren and sisters, what say you to these things? Will you still cling to the things of earth, and thus bar Jesus from the heart, or will you give up the world for the sake of Christ and a seat in glory. Yours striving for the kingdom.
A. J. RICHMOND.
Green Bush, Clin. Co., Mich. BRO. E. M. L. Cory writes from Meridian, Ing. Co., Mich.: "I believe that pure and undefiled religion does not entirely consist in that ecstasy of joy so frequently expressed by young converts in times of religious excitement, though, doubtless, it is the privilege of saints to feel joyous and happy, at times; but I conceive religion to be something to do as well as something to have. We are to do the will of God. 'For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.' Rom. ii, 13. 'But whosoever shall do and teach them, (the commandments,) the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.' Matt. v, 19. 'Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.' James i, 27. See also verse 26. Faith and works are requisite in order to the possession of true religion. For one I feel determined to 'do his commandments, that I may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.' Rev. xxii, 14. "We are in want of preaching. We trust that if present truth should be proclaimed here in our vicinity, some honest souls would receive, and be benefited by it. We are but a feeble band, either in point of numbers, or pecuniary means; but I have no doubt that if some one or two of the messengers should come and give us a course of lectures, much good might be the result, and that they would be sustained. We desire it, both on our own account and that of our neighbors. May the Lord send by whom he will."